US20130285338A1 - Skate suspension system and method of assembly - Google Patents
Skate suspension system and method of assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130285338A1 US20130285338A1 US13/872,700 US201313872700A US2013285338A1 US 20130285338 A1 US20130285338 A1 US 20130285338A1 US 201313872700 A US201313872700 A US 201313872700A US 2013285338 A1 US2013285338 A1 US 2013285338A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- spring
- ground engagement
- aperture
- engagement apparatus
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C1/00—Skates
- A63C1/30—Skates with special blades
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C1/00—Skates
- A63C1/42—Manufacture of skates
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C1/00—Skates
- A63C1/30—Skates with special blades
- A63C1/303—Skates with special blades removably fastened to the blade holder
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/20—Shock or vibration absorbing
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
- Y10T29/49863—Assembling or joining with prestressing of part
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to skates with vertical suspension and more particularly relates to ice skates that have a suspension system for the blade that is enclosed within the blade housing.
- Ice skates are typically rigid in construction with respect to the connection between the skate boot and the blade. Accordingly, emphasis in innovation has generally been focused on optimizing flexure characteristics and reducing weight in the skate boot to provide improved power transfer of a skater's stride.
- An ice skate with a novel concept of providing a suspension system between the skate boot and the blade to further improve power transfer is generally disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 2,324,724 to David A. Blois.
- the previously disclosed general concept fails to contemplate the manufacturing and quality issues associated with spring compression and containment within the blade housing. Further, the general concept fails to contemplate a desire for adjustable and variable suspension settings that provide a skater with alternative suspension characteristics.
- a skate includes a boot having a sole and a housing having a top portion coupled with the sole.
- a ground engagement apparatus is displaceably coupled with a bottom portion of the housing.
- a suspension assembly is coupled between the ground engagement apparatus and the housing.
- An aperture extends down from the top portion of the housing.
- the suspension assembly also includes a spring disposed within the aperture, such that a lower portion of the spring engages the ground engagement apparatus.
- a retention member spans over the aperture and couples with the top portion of the housing. An upper portion of the spring engages the retention member for retaining the spring within the aperture and biasing the ground engagement apparatus downward.
- a base assembly for a skate boot includes a housing adapted to removably engage the skate boot.
- the housing includes an aperture extending down from a top portion of the housing and a channel extending up from a bottom portion of the housing.
- a ground engagement apparatus is displaceably coupled within the channel and movable between upper and lower positions therein.
- a retention member is coupled over the aperture.
- a spring is disposed within the aperture and compressed between the retention member and the ground engagement apparatus to bias the ground engagement apparatus downward in the lower position.
- a method for assembling a skate with a suspension assembly includes providing a housing that includes an upper portion having an aperture extending downward into the housing.
- a ground engagement apparatus is coupled with a lower portion of the housing in a vertically displaceable arrangement.
- a spring is inserted into the aperture, engaging a bottom portion of the spring with the ground engagement apparatus. The spring is compressed in the aperture between the retainer plate and the ground engagement apparatus.
- a retention member is coupled with the upper portion of the housing to span over the aperture and to secure the spring within the aperture in a compressed state. The top portion of the housing is then coupled with a boot of the skate.
- an ice skate with an enclosed suspension system includes a blade assembly and a boot with a bottom sole surface having a heel portion, an intermediate portion, and a toe portion.
- the blade assembly is coupled with the sole surface and includes a blade housing, which has a cup-shaped rear support, a cup-shaped front support, and a blade holder.
- the front and rear supports each have a lower section, an interior cavity surface, and an upper flange.
- the front and rear supports are coupled, respectively, with the toe portion and the heel portion of the boot.
- the blade holder spans between the lower sections of the rear support and the front support.
- An elongated groove extends longitudinally along the bottom surface of the blade holder, having a depth that does not extend into the interior cavity surface.
- a slot extends beyond the depth of the elongated groove and beyond the interior cavity surface within each of the rear support and front support.
- a spring well is positioned within the interior cavity surface of each of the rear and front supports. The spring wells have a top surface and cylindrical boring extending down from the top surface to a position within the slot.
- a metal blade is engaged with the elongated groove and has at least two integral guide tabs vertically positioned at a forward end and a rearward end of the metal blade and at least one post coupled with each the guide tab. The guide tabs are engaged with the slots and the posts are generally coaxially aligned within the cylindrical borings.
- a suspension assembly includes a pair of springs positioned coaxially within the cylindrical borings.
- a retainer plate is coupled with the top surface of the spring wells to enclose the cylindrical boring. As such, a top end of the spring abuts the retainer plate and a bottom end of the spring abuts the guide tabs, compressing the spring within the cylindrical boring before the blade assembly is coupled with the bottom sole surface of the boot.
- a method for assembling an ice skate with a suspension system includes providing a blade housing that has an elongated groove extending along a bottom surface of a blade holder.
- a metal blade is inserted from the bottom of the blade housing through the elongated groove.
- the metal blade has at least two guide tabs vertically positioned at a forward and a rearward end thereof and a post coupled with each guide tab, allowing each post to vertically extend into and coaxially align with a cylindrical boring formed in a spring well within each of a front support and a rear support of the blade housing.
- a slide stop is threaded onto a distal portion of the posts to prevent the metal blade from disengaging from the elongated groove.
- a spring is inserted into each cylindrical boring, coaxially aligning the springs therein and allowing a bottom end of the spring to abut the guide tabs on the metal blade.
- the springs are compressed in the cylindrical borings and a retainer plate is coupled with a top surface of the spring wells, thereby enclosing the cylindrical borings and forcing the top end of the spring to abut the retainer plate.
- a blade assembly for an ice skate has a retainer plate coupled with a top surface of a blade housing to provide a means for compressing and retaining a spring within the blade housing without attaching a skate boot.
- the retainer plate may also be adapted to include a spacer between the spring and the retainer plate to alter the compression characteristics of the suspension system. Further, the spacer may be adjustable to compress or decompress the spring for easily customizing the suspension system characteristics for a user's desired suspension performance.
- FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a skate with a suspension system in a compressed state
- FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of a base assembly of the skate shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of a support housing of the base assembly, showing a pair of spring wells and portions of an elongated groove;
- FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of an additional embodiment of a support housing, showing an alternative pair of spring wells;
- FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a metal blade and a suspension assembly of the base assembly
- FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an additional embodiment of a retention member of the suspension assembly
- FIG. 6A is a side elevational view of the retention member illustrated in FIG. 6 , showing a spring and a spacer;
- FIG. 6B is a bottom plan view of the retention member illustrated in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an additional embodiment of a retention member and an adjustable spacer
- FIG. 7A is a side elevational view of the retention member illustrated in FIG. 7 , showing a spring engaging the adjustable spacer;
- FIG. 7B is a bottom plan view of the retention member illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 .
- the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
- the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
- reference numeral 10 generally designates a skate with a suspension system.
- the skate 10 includes a boot 20 and a base assembly 30 having a top portion 12 coupled with a sole surface 22 of the boot 20 .
- the base assembly 30 has a housing 32 that includes a front support 36 , a rear support 34 , and a blade holder 38 spanning between lower sections 42 of the front and rear supports 36 , 34 .
- An elongated groove 50 extends longitudinally along a bottom portion 52 of the blade holder 38 .
- a ground engagement apparatus shown as a metal blade 70 in the illustrated embodiment, is displaceably coupled with the bottom portion 52 of the blade holder 38 .
- a suspension assembly 86 is coupled between the ground engagement apparatus 70 and the housing 32 .
- the suspension assembly 86 includes a spring 90 disposed within the aperture 64 , such that a lower portion 94 of the spring 90 engages the ground engagement apparatus 70 .
- the suspension assembly 86 also includes a retention member 88 that spans over the aperture 64 and couples with the top portion 12 of the housing 32 .
- An upper portion 93 of the spring 90 engages the retention member 88 for retaining the spring 90 within the aperture 64 and biasing the ground engagement apparatus 70 downward.
- spring wells 60 are positioned within an upward facing cavity 40 of the rear support 34 and the front support 36 .
- the apertures 64 extend within the spring wells 60 to define a cylindrical shape that may be molded in the housing 32 or formed by boring the apertures in the spring wells 60 . It is also conceivable that the apertures 64 may employ various alternative shapes from those illustrated.
- the suspension assembly 86 is coupled with the ground engagement apparatus 70 , positioning a spring 90 coaxially within each aperture 64 and coupling the retention member 88 with a top surface 62 of the spring wells 60 .
- the retention member 88 has a rigid plate shape that allows the spring 90 to be compressed and retained within the aperture 64 , without attaching the boot 20 .
- the boot 20 has a bottom sole surface 22 that includes a heel portion 24 , an intermediate portion 26 , and a toe portion 28 .
- the boot 20 is generally configured to conform to a user's foot and ankle region, whereas a lace portion 29 , generally above the intermediate portion 26 , can be tightened to secure the boot 20 to the user's foot and ankle region.
- the boot 20 generally conforms to a user's foot wherein the user's heel is positioned proximate the heel portion 24 , the user's arch is positioned proximate the intermediate portion 26 , and the user's toes are positioned proximate the toe portion 28 .
- the bottom sole surface 22 of the boot 20 is generally smooth and planar and the heel portion 24 of the bottom sole surface 22 typically has a higher elevation than the toe portion 28 of the bottom sole surface 22 .
- the base assembly 30 is coupled with the bottom sole surface 22 of the boot 20 . More specifically, the housing 32 of the base assembly 30 is coupled with the bottom sole surface 22 .
- the housing 32 has a cup-shaped rear support 34 , a cup-shaped front support 36 , and a blade holder 38 .
- the rear support 34 and the front support 36 have an upwardly facing cavity 40 having an interior cavity surface 41 .
- the upwardly facing cavity 40 extends down from an upper flange 44 on each of the front and rear supports 36 , 34 to a lower section 42 on the front and rear supports 36 , 34 .
- the cavity 40 generally extends down more in the rear support 34 than the front support 36 , and more specifically extends down in the illustrated embodiment approximately 1.5 inches in the front support 36 and 1.75 inches in the rear support 34 . It is contemplated that the cavity 40 may generally extend down between 1-3 inches (25.4-76.2 mm), depending upon the size of the suspension assembly 86 to be adapted to the base assembly 30 , which may be dependent upon the size of the boot 20 and the weight of a user. Also, it is conceivable that the cavity 40 may alternatively extend down equally in the front and rear supports 36 , 34 or further down in the front support 36 than the rear support 34 .
- the upper flange 44 generally surrounds the cavity 40 and has an oval shape with a substantially planar top face 46 .
- the interior cavity surface 41 has a cup-shape, generally proportionate to the corresponding support, wherein a sidewall 43 is defined between the interior cavity surface 41 and the exterior surface of the corresponding support.
- a horizontal cross section of the interior cavity surface 41 about the upper flange 44 has a generally oval shape, which narrows to a relatively smaller oval shape as the cross sectional of the interior cavity surface 41 is taken closer to the lower section 42 .
- the upper flange 44 has a series of fastener holes 48 positioned at generally equal spaced positions around the upper flange 44 and extending through a top face 46 of the upper flange 44 for receiving a fastener or other means of attaching the base assembly 30 with the boot 20 .
- the fastener holes 48 are typically also positioned along side portions of the top face 46 .
- the rear support 34 generally has fewer fastener holes 48 than the front support 36 , as the upper flange 44 of the front support 36 has a generally longer top face 46 than the rear support 34 .
- the blade holder 38 of the housing 32 spans between the lower sections 42 of the rear support 34 and the front support 36 . As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 , the height of the blade holder 38 is approximately 0.75 inches to accommodate approximately 0.25 inches of travel in the suspension assembly 86 . As such, the height of the blade holder 38 is typically greater than the travel of the suspension assembly 86 . However, the height of the blade holder 38 may vary as it spans between the rear support 34 and the front support 36 .
- An elongated groove 50 extends longitudinally along a bottom surface 52 of the blade holder 38 .
- the elongated groove 50 has a depth defined between the bottom surface 52 of the blade holder 38 and an abutment surface 54 , typically located below the interior cavity surface of the rear support 34 and front support 36 . It is conceivable, however, that the elongated groove 50 may extend through the blade holder 38 below the intermediate portion 26 of the boot 20 .
- the elongated groove 50 forms a substantially rectangular channel with parallel sides in the blade holder, adapted to receive an ice skate blade.
- a slot 56 extends beyond the depth of the groove 50 within each of the rear support 34 and the front support 36 .
- the slots 56 are typically formed with a substantially equivalent width as the elongated groove 50 and extend as vertical extensions relative to a longitudinal extent of the elongated groove 50 .
- the housing 32 including the rear support 34 , front support 36 , and blade holder 38 , is generally constructed of a strong injected molded plastic, such as (ZYTEL), or other similar polymers used in common ice skate housings. Similarly, other rigid materials, such as certain composites, metal materials or combinations thereof may be utilized in manufacturing the housing 32 . Additionally, the rear support 34 , the front support 36 , and the blade holder 38 may be integrally formed in such an injection molding process or other manufacturing process, as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.
- ZYTEL strong injected molded plastic
- other rigid materials such as certain composites, metal materials or combinations thereof may be utilized in manufacturing the housing 32 .
- the rear support 34 , the front support 36 , and the blade holder 38 may be integrally formed in such an injection molding process or other manufacturing process, as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.
- the spring wells 60 are coupled with the interior cavity surface 41 of the front and rear supports 36 , 34 .
- the spring wells 60 have a top surface 62 and the cylindrical aperture 64 that extends down from the top surface 62 to a position within the slots 56 .
- the cylindrical aperture 64 may extend beyond the slot 56 , but they may not extend to or beyond the bottom surface 52 of the blade holder 38 , without additional variation in structure to contain the springs 90 .
- the spring wells 60 are typically constructed to reduce the amount of plastic material in the housing 32 , while maintaining the necessary rigid construction and strength to enclose the spring 90 in a compressed state, as shown in FIG. 1 . As illustrated in FIG.
- the spring wells 60 occupy a portion of the cavities 40 of the front and rear supports 36 , 34 .
- the spring wells 60 may occupy a larger portion of the cavity 40 to increase rigidity and strength.
- the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60 typically have bolt holes 66 positioned around the cylindrical boring; although alternative means for coupling the retention member 88 to the spring wells 60 are contemplated. As shown, four bolt holes 66 are positioned at generally rectangular corner positions on the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60 ; however, it is contemplated that fewer or more bolt holes 66 may be formed on each spring well 60 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the top surfaces 62 of the spring wells 60 of the front 34 and rear 36 supports have a generally equal elevational height despite the varying elevational heights of the top face 46 of the upper flanges 44 .
- the top surface 62 of the front support 36 nearly touches the bottom sole surface 22 of the boot 20
- the top surface 62 of the rear support 34 has a relatively larger spacing between the bottom sole surface 22 of the boot 20 .
- the substantially equivalent elevational height of the top surfaces 62 allows for use of springs in the suspension assembly having a substantially identical length and other similar characteristics, allowing for fewer variations in parts necessary in the manufacturing process of the present invention and allowing for balanced compression at the front 36 and rear 34 supports.
- the spring wells 60 may be integrally formed with the base housing, or portions thereof, as part of an injection molding process or otherwise. Further, it is conceivable that the elevational heights of the spring wells 60 within the front and rear supports 36 , 34 may vary from each other to accommodate different sized springs or other varied arrangements.
- the cylindrical apertures 64 within the spring wells 60 have a generally circular cross section with substantially equivalent diameters throughout their length. At the lower section 42 of the front or rear support, the cylindrical apertures 64 extends into the pair of slots 56 exposing the slots 56 along the sides of the cylindrical apertures 64 near a base portion 68 of the cylindrical apertures 64 . Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1 , the slots 56 extend horizontally equal to or beyond the general diameter of the cylindrical boring 64 to allow the guide tabs 74 on the blade 70 to engage the springs 90 . The width of the slots 56 are sized to receive the guide tabs 74 and posts 80 , as discussed in more detail below.
- the ground engagement apparatus 70 couples directly with the suspension assembly 86 .
- the metal blade 70 has a length 72 substantially equal, but slightly less than, the length of the elongated groove 50 in the housing 32 , allowing for vertically displaceable sliding movement of the blade 70 within the groove 50 .
- the metal blade 70 also has a width substantially equal, but slightly less than, the width of the elongated groove 50 . Accordingly, the elongated groove 50 engages the blade 70 about its length and width and slidably positions the blade 70 vertically within the elongated groove 50 , preventing the blade from lateral and longitudinal movement.
- the metal blade 70 also has two projections formed with the blade 70 and vertically and orthogonally extending at a forward end 76 and a rearward end 78 of the blade 70 , corresponding to the front 36 and rear 34 supports.
- the projections each include a guide tab 74 and a post 80 ( FIG. 2 ) coupled with each guide tab 74 .
- the posts 80 extend vertically and in alignment with the guide tabs 74 and the blade 70 , in the illustrated embodiment. As such, upon engaging the metal blade 70 with the elongated groove 50 , the guide tabs 74 engage the pair of slots 56 and the posts 80 align generally coaxially within the cylindrical apertures 64 .
- the springs 90 are in a compressed state, such that the blade 70 that is engaged within the elongated groove 50 is in an upper position that places the guide tabs 74 in abutting contact with an upper surface 57 of the slots 56 .
- the metal blade 70 may also abut the abutment surface 54 of the elongated groove 50 .
- the posts 80 may extend near or in abutting contact with a planar extent of the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60 .
- a slide stop 82 FIG.
- the slide stop 82 may be, for example, a lock nut threaded about the post or a locking pin positioned through a hole formed horizontally in the post 80 , or another similar arrangement. Typically, a lock nut arrangement is used to allow for adjusting the vertical travel of the blade by rotating the nut about the post 80 .
- the ground engagement apparatus 70 may be integrally formed with the guide tabs 74 and the posts 80 .
- the posts 80 may be welded to or integrally formed with the guide tabs 74 to increase the stability of the blade 70 and to decrease manufacturing assembly steps and complications.
- the metal blade 70 is typically made from steel. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5 , the blade 70 may also include apertures 71 about its length to reduce the amount of blade material used.
- the suspension assembly 86 has the plate shaped retention member 88 coupled with the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60 , enclosing an upper end 65 ( FIG. 1 ) of the cylindrical aperture 64 .
- the retention member 88 is typically fastened, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , by bolts 92 extending through the four corners of the rectangular retention member 88 and securing into the bolt holes 66 ( FIG. 3 ) formed in the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60 . More, fewer, or other types of fasteners or coupling arrangements may be used to attach the retention member 88 to the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60 .
- the retention member 88 is formed of a rigid material, typically a metal, such as, aluminum or stainless steel.
- the springs 90 of the suspension assembly 86 are positioned coaxially within the cylindrical aperture 64 .
- the springs 90 have a top end 93 in abutting engagement with the retention member 88 and a bottom end 94 in abutting engagement with the guide tabs 74 of the metal blade 70 .
- the springs 90 have helical shape and a general diameter slightly less than the cylindrical aperture 64 to prevent lateral movement of the springs 90 .
- a spring 90 in the illustrated embodiment would have the following characteristics: a free length of 31.8 mm, a wire with a 0.110 ⁇ 0.126 mm wire, an 8.7 mm rod ID, a 15.9 mm hole OD, and a 25% deflection at 146.9 pounds.
- the springs with such characteristics are distributed by DIECO®, product number XHP-22A, although other springs may be employed, such as product number XHP-22.
- the spring characteristics may accordingly be adjusted to accommodate a user's desired performance characteristics or a user's increased or decreased weight.
- an alternative type of spring such as a leaf spring arrangement, may be utilized in place of the coil spring 90 .
- an additional embodiment of the suspension assembly 86 has a retention member 88 with a downward cylindrical extension 96 having an outside diameter 98 generally equal to the diameter of the cylindrical aperture 64 .
- spacers 100 may be inserted to adjust the spring 90 compression within the cylindrical aperture 64 . For example, adding a spacer 100 will decrease the spring compression distance, thereby increasing the force needed to compress the spring 90 and increasing the general rigidity of the suspension of the blade assembly 32 . Likewise, for example, removing a spacer 100 will increase the spring compression distance, thereby decreasing the force needed to compress the spring 90 and decreasing the rigidity of the suspension of the blade assembly 32 .
- an additional embodiment of the suspension assembly 86 as described above has a spacer 100 that is vertically adjustable.
- the spacer 100 is defined by a tubular screw 102 having a head 104 of the screw positioned in a recessed portion 106 of the retainer plate 88 and a threaded body portion 108 of the tubular screw 102 extending coaxially within the cylindrical extension 96 of the retention member 88 .
- channels 110 are formed vertically along the interior surface 112 of the cylindrical extension 96 to guide the spacer 100 that traverses about the threaded body portion 108 of the tubular screw 102 .
- the spacer 100 has a generally circular shape with an outside diameter 114 generally equal to the inside diameter 97 of the cylindrical extension 96 of the retention member 88 , at least one receptor channel 111 to engage the channels 110 , and a threaded aperture 116 coaxially formed with a diameter generally equivalent to the diameter of the threaded body portion 108 of the tubular screw 102 , allowing the tubular screw to engage the threaded aperture 116 .
- the threaded body 108 of the tubular screw 102 has an inside area 118 to allow for vertical travel of the posts 80 therein.
- the head 104 of the tubular screw 102 may be rotated counterclockwise 120 to lower the spacer 100 within the cylindrical extension 96 and to increase the compression of the spring 90 .
- tubular screw 102 may be rotated clockwise 122 to raise the spacer within the cylindrical extension 96 and to decrease the compression of the spring 90 .
- a spacer bumper 124 may protrude radially inward from the bottom portion of the cylindrical extension 96 of the retention member 88 to restrict the vertical movement of the spacer 100 within the cylindrical extension 96 .
- a method for assembling a skate 10 with an enclosed suspension assembly 86 includes providing a housing 32 that has an elongated groove 50 extending along a bottom surface 52 of the housing 32 .
- a slide stop 82 is threaded onto a distal portion of each post 80 to prevent the metal blade 70 from disengaging from the elongated groove 50 .
- a spring 90 is inserted into each cylindrical boring 64 , coaxially aligning the springs 90 therein and allowing a bottom end of the spring 90 to abut the guide tabs 74 on the metal blade 70 .
- the springs 90 are compressed in the cylindrical aperture 64 and a retention member 88 is coupled with a top surface 62 of the spring wells 60 , thereby enclosing the cylindrical aperture 64 and forcing the top end of the spring 90 to abut the retention member 88 .
- the retention member 88 may be place in abutting contact with the top end of the springs 90 prior to compressing the springs 90 , allowing a clamp (not shown) to compress the springs 90 by applying a downward force to the retention member 88 , thereby allowing for easy installation of fasteners 92 in the bolt holes 66 to couple the retention member 88 .
- the term “coupled” in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc. generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
- elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied.
- the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
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- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A skate includes a boot and a housing having a top portion coupled with a sole of the boot. A ground engagement apparatus is displaceably coupled with a bottom portion of the housing. A suspension assembly is coupled between the ground engagement apparatus and the housing. The suspension assembly includes an aperture extending down from the top portion of the housing. The suspension assembly also includes a spring disposed within the aperture, such that a lower portion of the spring engages the ground engagement apparatus. A retention member spans over the aperture and couples with the top portion of the housing, whereby an upper portion of the spring engages the retention member for retaining the spring within the aperture and biasing the ground engagement apparatus downward.
Description
- This application claims benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of provisional application Ser. No. 61/640,213, filed Apr. 30, 2012, entitled SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR AN ICE SKATE BLADE the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention generally relates to skates with vertical suspension and more particularly relates to ice skates that have a suspension system for the blade that is enclosed within the blade housing.
- Ice skates are typically rigid in construction with respect to the connection between the skate boot and the blade. Accordingly, emphasis in innovation has generally been focused on optimizing flexure characteristics and reducing weight in the skate boot to provide improved power transfer of a skater's stride. An ice skate with a novel concept of providing a suspension system between the skate boot and the blade to further improve power transfer is generally disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 2,324,724 to David A. Blois. However, the previously disclosed general concept fails to contemplate the manufacturing and quality issues associated with spring compression and containment within the blade housing. Further, the general concept fails to contemplate a desire for adjustable and variable suspension settings that provide a skater with alternative suspension characteristics.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, a skate includes a boot having a sole and a housing having a top portion coupled with the sole. A ground engagement apparatus is displaceably coupled with a bottom portion of the housing. A suspension assembly is coupled between the ground engagement apparatus and the housing. An aperture extends down from the top portion of the housing. The suspension assembly also includes a spring disposed within the aperture, such that a lower portion of the spring engages the ground engagement apparatus. A retention member spans over the aperture and couples with the top portion of the housing. An upper portion of the spring engages the retention member for retaining the spring within the aperture and biasing the ground engagement apparatus downward.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a base assembly for a skate boot includes a housing adapted to removably engage the skate boot. The housing includes an aperture extending down from a top portion of the housing and a channel extending up from a bottom portion of the housing. A ground engagement apparatus is displaceably coupled within the channel and movable between upper and lower positions therein. A retention member is coupled over the aperture. A spring is disposed within the aperture and compressed between the retention member and the ground engagement apparatus to bias the ground engagement apparatus downward in the lower position.
- According to yet another aspect of the present invention a method for assembling a skate with a suspension assembly includes providing a housing that includes an upper portion having an aperture extending downward into the housing. A ground engagement apparatus is coupled with a lower portion of the housing in a vertically displaceable arrangement. A spring is inserted into the aperture, engaging a bottom portion of the spring with the ground engagement apparatus. The spring is compressed in the aperture between the retainer plate and the ground engagement apparatus. A retention member is coupled with the upper portion of the housing to span over the aperture and to secure the spring within the aperture in a compressed state. The top portion of the housing is then coupled with a boot of the skate.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, an ice skate with an enclosed suspension system includes a blade assembly and a boot with a bottom sole surface having a heel portion, an intermediate portion, and a toe portion. The blade assembly is coupled with the sole surface and includes a blade housing, which has a cup-shaped rear support, a cup-shaped front support, and a blade holder. The front and rear supports each have a lower section, an interior cavity surface, and an upper flange. Also, the front and rear supports are coupled, respectively, with the toe portion and the heel portion of the boot. The blade holder spans between the lower sections of the rear support and the front support. An elongated groove extends longitudinally along the bottom surface of the blade holder, having a depth that does not extend into the interior cavity surface. A slot extends beyond the depth of the elongated groove and beyond the interior cavity surface within each of the rear support and front support. A spring well is positioned within the interior cavity surface of each of the rear and front supports. The spring wells have a top surface and cylindrical boring extending down from the top surface to a position within the slot. A metal blade is engaged with the elongated groove and has at least two integral guide tabs vertically positioned at a forward end and a rearward end of the metal blade and at least one post coupled with each the guide tab. The guide tabs are engaged with the slots and the posts are generally coaxially aligned within the cylindrical borings. The posts have a slide stop engaged with a distal portion thereof to prevent the metal blade from disengaging from the elongated groove. A suspension assembly includes a pair of springs positioned coaxially within the cylindrical borings. A retainer plate is coupled with the top surface of the spring wells to enclose the cylindrical boring. As such, a top end of the spring abuts the retainer plate and a bottom end of the spring abuts the guide tabs, compressing the spring within the cylindrical boring before the blade assembly is coupled with the bottom sole surface of the boot.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling an ice skate with a suspension system includes providing a blade housing that has an elongated groove extending along a bottom surface of a blade holder. A metal blade is inserted from the bottom of the blade housing through the elongated groove. The metal blade has at least two guide tabs vertically positioned at a forward and a rearward end thereof and a post coupled with each guide tab, allowing each post to vertically extend into and coaxially align with a cylindrical boring formed in a spring well within each of a front support and a rear support of the blade housing. A slide stop is threaded onto a distal portion of the posts to prevent the metal blade from disengaging from the elongated groove. A spring is inserted into each cylindrical boring, coaxially aligning the springs therein and allowing a bottom end of the spring to abut the guide tabs on the metal blade. The springs are compressed in the cylindrical borings and a retainer plate is coupled with a top surface of the spring wells, thereby enclosing the cylindrical borings and forcing the top end of the spring to abut the retainer plate.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a blade assembly for an ice skate has a retainer plate coupled with a top surface of a blade housing to provide a means for compressing and retaining a spring within the blade housing without attaching a skate boot. The retainer plate may also be adapted to include a spacer between the spring and the retainer plate to alter the compression characteristics of the suspension system. Further, the spacer may be adjustable to compress or decompress the spring for easily customizing the suspension system characteristics for a user's desired suspension performance.
- These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
- In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a skate with a suspension system in a compressed state; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of a base assembly of the skate shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of a support housing of the base assembly, showing a pair of spring wells and portions of an elongated groove; -
FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of an additional embodiment of a support housing, showing an alternative pair of spring wells; -
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a metal blade and a suspension assembly of the base assembly; -
FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an additional embodiment of a retention member of the suspension assembly; -
FIG. 6A is a side elevational view of the retention member illustrated inFIG. 6 , showing a spring and a spacer; -
FIG. 6B is a bottom plan view of the retention member illustrated inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an additional embodiment of a retention member and an adjustable spacer; -
FIG. 7A is a side elevational view of the retention member illustrated inFIG. 7 , showing a spring engaging the adjustable spacer; and -
FIG. 7B is a bottom plan view of the retention member illustrated inFIG. 7 . - For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 1-7B ,reference numeral 10 generally designates a skate with a suspension system. Theskate 10 includes aboot 20 and abase assembly 30 having atop portion 12 coupled with asole surface 22 of theboot 20. Thebase assembly 30 has ahousing 32 that includes afront support 36, arear support 34, and ablade holder 38 spanning betweenlower sections 42 of the front andrear supports elongated groove 50 extends longitudinally along abottom portion 52 of theblade holder 38. A ground engagement apparatus, shown as ametal blade 70 in the illustrated embodiment, is displaceably coupled with thebottom portion 52 of theblade holder 38. Asuspension assembly 86 is coupled between theground engagement apparatus 70 and thehousing 32. An aperture, shown as acylindrical boring 64, extends down from thetop portion 12 of thehousing 32. Thesuspension assembly 86 includes aspring 90 disposed within theaperture 64, such that alower portion 94 of thespring 90 engages theground engagement apparatus 70. Thesuspension assembly 86 also includes aretention member 88 that spans over theaperture 64 and couples with thetop portion 12 of thehousing 32. Anupper portion 93 of thespring 90 engages theretention member 88 for retaining thespring 90 within theaperture 64 and biasing theground engagement apparatus 70 downward. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1-2 ,spring wells 60 are positioned within an upward facingcavity 40 of therear support 34 and thefront support 36. Theapertures 64 extend within thespring wells 60 to define a cylindrical shape that may be molded in thehousing 32 or formed by boring the apertures in thespring wells 60. It is also conceivable that theapertures 64 may employ various alternative shapes from those illustrated. Thesuspension assembly 86 is coupled with theground engagement apparatus 70, positioning aspring 90 coaxially within eachaperture 64 and coupling theretention member 88 with atop surface 62 of thespring wells 60. Theretention member 88 has a rigid plate shape that allows thespring 90 to be compressed and retained within theaperture 64, without attaching theboot 20. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theboot 20 has a bottomsole surface 22 that includes aheel portion 24, anintermediate portion 26, and atoe portion 28. Theboot 20 is generally configured to conform to a user's foot and ankle region, whereas alace portion 29, generally above theintermediate portion 26, can be tightened to secure theboot 20 to the user's foot and ankle region. Theboot 20 generally conforms to a user's foot wherein the user's heel is positioned proximate theheel portion 24, the user's arch is positioned proximate theintermediate portion 26, and the user's toes are positioned proximate thetoe portion 28. The bottomsole surface 22 of theboot 20 is generally smooth and planar and theheel portion 24 of the bottomsole surface 22 typically has a higher elevation than thetoe portion 28 of the bottomsole surface 22. - The
base assembly 30, as shown inFIG. 1 , is coupled with the bottomsole surface 22 of theboot 20. More specifically, thehousing 32 of thebase assembly 30 is coupled with the bottomsole surface 22. Thehousing 32 has a cup-shapedrear support 34, a cup-shapedfront support 36, and ablade holder 38. Therear support 34 and thefront support 36 have an upwardly facingcavity 40 having aninterior cavity surface 41. The upwardly facingcavity 40 extends down from anupper flange 44 on each of the front andrear supports lower section 42 on the front andrear supports cavity 40 generally extends down more in therear support 34 than thefront support 36, and more specifically extends down in the illustrated embodiment approximately 1.5 inches in thefront support 36 and 1.75 inches in therear support 34. It is contemplated that thecavity 40 may generally extend down between 1-3 inches (25.4-76.2 mm), depending upon the size of thesuspension assembly 86 to be adapted to thebase assembly 30, which may be dependent upon the size of theboot 20 and the weight of a user. Also, it is conceivable that thecavity 40 may alternatively extend down equally in the front andrear supports front support 36 than therear support 34. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , theupper flange 44 generally surrounds thecavity 40 and has an oval shape with a substantially planartop face 46. Theinterior cavity surface 41 has a cup-shape, generally proportionate to the corresponding support, wherein asidewall 43 is defined between theinterior cavity surface 41 and the exterior surface of the corresponding support. A horizontal cross section of theinterior cavity surface 41 about theupper flange 44 has a generally oval shape, which narrows to a relatively smaller oval shape as the cross sectional of theinterior cavity surface 41 is taken closer to thelower section 42. Theupper flange 44 has a series of fastener holes 48 positioned at generally equal spaced positions around theupper flange 44 and extending through atop face 46 of theupper flange 44 for receiving a fastener or other means of attaching thebase assembly 30 with theboot 20. The fastener holes 48 are typically also positioned along side portions of thetop face 46. Therear support 34 generally has fewer fastener holes 48 than thefront support 36, as theupper flange 44 of thefront support 36 has a generally longertop face 46 than therear support 34. - The
blade holder 38 of thehousing 32 spans between thelower sections 42 of therear support 34 and thefront support 36. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-2 , the height of theblade holder 38 is approximately 0.75 inches to accommodate approximately 0.25 inches of travel in thesuspension assembly 86. As such, the height of theblade holder 38 is typically greater than the travel of thesuspension assembly 86. However, the height of theblade holder 38 may vary as it spans between therear support 34 and thefront support 36. Anelongated groove 50 extends longitudinally along abottom surface 52 of theblade holder 38. Theelongated groove 50 has a depth defined between thebottom surface 52 of theblade holder 38 and anabutment surface 54, typically located below the interior cavity surface of therear support 34 andfront support 36. It is conceivable, however, that theelongated groove 50 may extend through theblade holder 38 below theintermediate portion 26 of theboot 20. Theelongated groove 50 forms a substantially rectangular channel with parallel sides in the blade holder, adapted to receive an ice skate blade. Aslot 56 extends beyond the depth of thegroove 50 within each of therear support 34 and thefront support 36. Theslots 56 are typically formed with a substantially equivalent width as theelongated groove 50 and extend as vertical extensions relative to a longitudinal extent of theelongated groove 50. - The
housing 32, including therear support 34,front support 36, andblade holder 38, is generally constructed of a strong injected molded plastic, such as (ZYTEL), or other similar polymers used in common ice skate housings. Similarly, other rigid materials, such as certain composites, metal materials or combinations thereof may be utilized in manufacturing thehousing 32. Additionally, therear support 34, thefront support 36, and theblade holder 38 may be integrally formed in such an injection molding process or other manufacturing process, as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. - As shown in
FIGS. 2-4 , thespring wells 60 are coupled with theinterior cavity surface 41 of the front andrear supports spring wells 60 have atop surface 62 and thecylindrical aperture 64 that extends down from thetop surface 62 to a position within theslots 56. Thecylindrical aperture 64 may extend beyond theslot 56, but they may not extend to or beyond thebottom surface 52 of theblade holder 38, without additional variation in structure to contain thesprings 90. Thespring wells 60 are typically constructed to reduce the amount of plastic material in thehousing 32, while maintaining the necessary rigid construction and strength to enclose thespring 90 in a compressed state, as shown inFIG. 1 . As illustrated inFIG. 3 , thespring wells 60 occupy a portion of thecavities 40 of the front andrear supports FIG. 4 , it is conceivable that thespring wells 60 may occupy a larger portion of thecavity 40 to increase rigidity and strength. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 3-4 , thetop surface 62 of thespring wells 60 typically havebolt holes 66 positioned around the cylindrical boring; although alternative means for coupling theretention member 88 to thespring wells 60 are contemplated. As shown, fourbolt holes 66 are positioned at generally rectangular corner positions on thetop surface 62 of thespring wells 60; however, it is contemplated that fewer or more bolt holes 66 may be formed on each spring well 60. As shown inFIG. 1 , thetop surfaces 62 of thespring wells 60 of the front 34 and rear 36 supports have a generally equal elevational height despite the varying elevational heights of thetop face 46 of theupper flanges 44. As such, thetop surface 62 of thefront support 36 nearly touches the bottomsole surface 22 of theboot 20, whereas thetop surface 62 of therear support 34 has a relatively larger spacing between the bottomsole surface 22 of theboot 20. The substantially equivalent elevational height of thetop surfaces 62 allows for use of springs in the suspension assembly having a substantially identical length and other similar characteristics, allowing for fewer variations in parts necessary in the manufacturing process of the present invention and allowing for balanced compression at the front 36 and rear 34 supports. Similar to other portions of thehousing 32, thespring wells 60 may be integrally formed with the base housing, or portions thereof, as part of an injection molding process or otherwise. Further, it is conceivable that the elevational heights of thespring wells 60 within the front andrear supports - The
cylindrical apertures 64 within thespring wells 60 have a generally circular cross section with substantially equivalent diameters throughout their length. At thelower section 42 of the front or rear support, thecylindrical apertures 64 extends into the pair ofslots 56 exposing theslots 56 along the sides of thecylindrical apertures 64 near abase portion 68 of thecylindrical apertures 64. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 1 , theslots 56 extend horizontally equal to or beyond the general diameter of thecylindrical boring 64 to allow theguide tabs 74 on theblade 70 to engage thesprings 90. The width of theslots 56 are sized to receive theguide tabs 74 andposts 80, as discussed in more detail below. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , theground engagement apparatus 70, the metal blade, couples directly with thesuspension assembly 86. In the illustrated embodiment, themetal blade 70 has alength 72 substantially equal, but slightly less than, the length of theelongated groove 50 in thehousing 32, allowing for vertically displaceable sliding movement of theblade 70 within thegroove 50. For similar purposes, themetal blade 70 also has a width substantially equal, but slightly less than, the width of theelongated groove 50. Accordingly, theelongated groove 50 engages theblade 70 about its length and width and slidably positions theblade 70 vertically within theelongated groove 50, preventing the blade from lateral and longitudinal movement. Themetal blade 70 also has two projections formed with theblade 70 and vertically and orthogonally extending at a forward end 76 and a rearward end 78 of theblade 70, corresponding to the front 36 and rear 34 supports. The projections each include aguide tab 74 and a post 80 (FIG. 2 ) coupled with eachguide tab 74. Theposts 80 extend vertically and in alignment with theguide tabs 74 and theblade 70, in the illustrated embodiment. As such, upon engaging themetal blade 70 with theelongated groove 50, theguide tabs 74 engage the pair ofslots 56 and theposts 80 align generally coaxially within thecylindrical apertures 64. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 , thesprings 90 are in a compressed state, such that theblade 70 that is engaged within theelongated groove 50 is in an upper position that places theguide tabs 74 in abutting contact with anupper surface 57 of theslots 56. In the compressed state, themetal blade 70 may also abut theabutment surface 54 of theelongated groove 50. Additionally in the compressed state and upper position, theposts 80 may extend near or in abutting contact with a planar extent of thetop surface 62 of thespring wells 60. To prevent themetal blade 70 from disengaging from theelongated groove 50, a slide stop 82 (FIG. 2 ) is engaged with thepost 80 at a position thereon to calibrate the vertical travel of theblade 70. Theslide stop 82 may be, for example, a lock nut threaded about the post or a locking pin positioned through a hole formed horizontally in thepost 80, or another similar arrangement. Typically, a lock nut arrangement is used to allow for adjusting the vertical travel of the blade by rotating the nut about thepost 80. When a user lifts theskate 10 from a ground surface or otherwise reduces upward force on theblade 70, thepost 80 traverses down within thecylindrical aperture 64 and theslide stop 82 abuts thebase portion 68 of thecylindrical boring 64 adjacent theslot 56, positioning the blade in a lower position relative to the upper position. Specifically, thepost 80 engages theslot 56 formed in thebase portion 68 of thecylindrical boring 64 and the diameter ofslide stop 82 extends beyond the width of theslot 56, effectively retaining theblade 70 with thehousing 32. - The
ground engagement apparatus 70 may be integrally formed with theguide tabs 74 and theposts 80. In addition, theposts 80 may be welded to or integrally formed with theguide tabs 74 to increase the stability of theblade 70 and to decrease manufacturing assembly steps and complications. Themetal blade 70 is typically made from steel. As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 5 , theblade 70 may also includeapertures 71 about its length to reduce the amount of blade material used. - Referring again to
FIG. 2 , thesuspension assembly 86, has the plate shapedretention member 88 coupled with thetop surface 62 of thespring wells 60, enclosing an upper end 65 (FIG. 1 ) of thecylindrical aperture 64. Theretention member 88 is typically fastened, as illustrated inFIG. 2 , bybolts 92 extending through the four corners of therectangular retention member 88 and securing into the bolt holes 66 (FIG. 3 ) formed in thetop surface 62 of thespring wells 60. More, fewer, or other types of fasteners or coupling arrangements may be used to attach theretention member 88 to thetop surface 62 of thespring wells 60. Theretention member 88 is formed of a rigid material, typically a metal, such as, aluminum or stainless steel. - The
springs 90 of thesuspension assembly 86 are positioned coaxially within thecylindrical aperture 64. Thesprings 90 have atop end 93 in abutting engagement with theretention member 88 and abottom end 94 in abutting engagement with theguide tabs 74 of themetal blade 70. Thesprings 90 have helical shape and a general diameter slightly less than thecylindrical aperture 64 to prevent lateral movement of thesprings 90. Generally, to accommodate a user weighing approximately 170-200 pounds, aspring 90 in the illustrated embodiment would have the following characteristics: a free length of 31.8 mm, a wire with a 0.110×0.126 mm wire, an 8.7 mm rod ID, a 15.9 mm hole OD, and a 25% deflection at 146.9 pounds. The springs with such characteristics are distributed by DIECO®, product number XHP-22A, although other springs may be employed, such as product number XHP-22. The spring characteristics may accordingly be adjusted to accommodate a user's desired performance characteristics or a user's increased or decreased weight. In addition, it is contemplated that an alternative type of spring, such as a leaf spring arrangement, may be utilized in place of thecoil spring 90. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 6-6B , an additional embodiment of thesuspension assembly 86 has aretention member 88 with a downwardcylindrical extension 96 having anoutside diameter 98 generally equal to the diameter of thecylindrical aperture 64. Within thecylindrical extension 96,spacers 100 may be inserted to adjust thespring 90 compression within thecylindrical aperture 64. For example, adding aspacer 100 will decrease the spring compression distance, thereby increasing the force needed to compress thespring 90 and increasing the general rigidity of the suspension of theblade assembly 32. Likewise, for example, removing aspacer 100 will increase the spring compression distance, thereby decreasing the force needed to compress thespring 90 and decreasing the rigidity of the suspension of theblade assembly 32. - As further illustrated in
FIGS. 7-7B , an additional embodiment of thesuspension assembly 86 as described above has aspacer 100 that is vertically adjustable. Thespacer 100 is defined by atubular screw 102 having ahead 104 of the screw positioned in a recessedportion 106 of theretainer plate 88 and a threadedbody portion 108 of thetubular screw 102 extending coaxially within thecylindrical extension 96 of theretention member 88. In addition,channels 110 are formed vertically along theinterior surface 112 of thecylindrical extension 96 to guide thespacer 100 that traverses about the threadedbody portion 108 of thetubular screw 102. Thespacer 100 has a generally circular shape with anoutside diameter 114 generally equal to theinside diameter 97 of thecylindrical extension 96 of theretention member 88, at least one receptor channel 111 to engage thechannels 110, and a threadedaperture 116 coaxially formed with a diameter generally equivalent to the diameter of the threadedbody portion 108 of thetubular screw 102, allowing the tubular screw to engage the threadedaperture 116. The threadedbody 108 of thetubular screw 102 has aninside area 118 to allow for vertical travel of theposts 80 therein. Thehead 104 of thetubular screw 102 may be rotated counterclockwise 120 to lower thespacer 100 within thecylindrical extension 96 and to increase the compression of thespring 90. Conversely, thetubular screw 102 may be rotated clockwise 122 to raise the spacer within thecylindrical extension 96 and to decrease the compression of thespring 90. Aspacer bumper 124 may protrude radially inward from the bottom portion of thecylindrical extension 96 of theretention member 88 to restrict the vertical movement of thespacer 100 within thecylindrical extension 96. - A method for assembling a
skate 10 with anenclosed suspension assembly 86 includes providing ahousing 32 that has an elongatedgroove 50 extending along abottom surface 52 of thehousing 32. Ametal blade 70 having at least twoguide tabs 74 vertically positioned at a forward and a rearward end thereof, and apost 80 coupled with eachguide tab 74, is inserted from thebottom surface 52 of thehousing 32 through theelongated groove 50, allowing theposts 80 to vertically extend into and coaxially align with thecylindrical apertures 64 formed in thespring wells 60 within the front andrear supports blade housing 32. Aslide stop 82 is threaded onto a distal portion of each post 80 to prevent themetal blade 70 from disengaging from theelongated groove 50. Aspring 90 is inserted into each cylindrical boring 64, coaxially aligning thesprings 90 therein and allowing a bottom end of thespring 90 to abut theguide tabs 74 on themetal blade 70. Thesprings 90 are compressed in thecylindrical aperture 64 and aretention member 88 is coupled with atop surface 62 of thespring wells 60, thereby enclosing thecylindrical aperture 64 and forcing the top end of thespring 90 to abut theretention member 88. Theretention member 88 may be place in abutting contact with the top end of thesprings 90 prior to compressing thesprings 90, allowing a clamp (not shown) to compress thesprings 90 by applying a downward force to theretention member 88, thereby allowing for easy installation offasteners 92 in the bolt holes 66 to couple theretention member 88. - It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
- For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
- It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
- It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.
- It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims (20)
1. A skate, comprising:
a boot having a sole;
a housing having a top portion coupled with the sole;
a ground engagement apparatus displaceably coupled with a bottom portion of the housing; and
a suspension assembly coupled between the ground engagement apparatus and the housing, comprising:
an aperture extending down from the top portion of the housing;
a spring disposed within the aperture and having a lower portion engaging the ground engagement apparatus; and
a retention member spanning over the aperture and coupled with the top portion of the housing, wherein an upper portion of the spring engages the retention member for retaining the spring within the aperture and biasing the ground engagement apparatus downward.
2. The skate of claim 1 , wherein the ground engagement apparatus is displaceable vertically with respect to the housing between a first position and a second position, and wherein the spring compresses when the ground engagement apparatus moves upward from the first position to the second position.
3. The skate of claim 1 , wherein the ground engagement apparatus comprises a metal blade extending longitudinally on the housing and adapted to interface with an ice surface.
4. The skate of claim 3 , further comprising:
a channel extending longitudinally on the bottom portion of the housing for slidably receiving the metal blade and preventing the metal blade from lateral and longitudinal movement relative to the housing.
5. The skate of claim 1 , further comprising:
a projection extending upward from the ground engagement apparatus within the housing and having a slide stop for preventing the ground engagement apparatus from disengaging from the housing.
6. The skate of claim 5 , wherein the slide stop abuts the housing when the ground engagement apparatus moves down to a bottom position, and wherein the slide stop is vertically adjustable relative to the projection for altering the bottom position.
7. The skate of claim 1 , further comprising:
a channel extending longitudinally on the bottom portion of the housing, wherein the ground engagement apparatus includes a metal blade slidably coupled with the channel;
a vertical post projecting upward from the metal blade and having a threaded end; and
a slide stop threadably coupled with the threaded end of the vertical post, wherein the slide stop extends laterally beyond a width of the channel for preventing the metal blade from disengaging from the channel.
8. The skate of claim 1 , further comprising:
a spacer positioned between the retention member and the upper portion of the spring for compressing the spring and increasing a force needed to move the ground engagement apparatus upward relative to the housing.
9. The skate of claim 8 , wherein the spacer is vertically adjustable down from the retention member to further compress the spring and increase the force needed to move the ground engagement apparatus upward relative to the housing.
10. A base assembly for a skate boot, comprising:
a housing adapted to removably engage the skate boot and comprising:
an aperture extending down from a top portion of the housing;
a channel extending up from a bottom portion of the housing;
a ground engagement apparatus displaceably coupled within the channel and movable between upper and lower positions therein;
a retention member coupled over the aperture; and
a spring disposed within the aperture and compressed between the retention member and the ground engagement apparatus to bias the ground engagement apparatus downward in the lower position.
11. The base assembly of claim 10 , further comprising:
at least one spacer disposed between the retention member and the spring for further compressing the spring and increasing a force needed to move the ground engagement apparatus to the upper position.
12. The base assembly of claim 10 , further comprising:
a spacer disposed between the retention member and the spring and adjustable vertically between a first position and a second position lower than the first position, wherein the second position compresses the spring more than the first position.
13. The base assembly of claim 12 , further comprising:
a threaded shaft extending between the spacer and the retention member, wherein rotation of the threaded shaft moves the spacer between the first and second positions.
14. The base assembly of claim 13 , wherein the threaded shaft includes a body portion that is threadably coupled with the spacer and a head portion that is rotatably coupled with the retention member.
15. The base assembly of claim 10 , wherein the aperture includes a cylindrical shape and the spring includes a helical shape that is coaxially aligned within the aperture, and wherein the retention member includes a plate shape spanning over the aperture and coupled with the top portion of the housing.
16. The base assembly of claim 10 , wherein the upper portion of the housing includes a cavity extending down into the housing and a flange bordering the cavity for engaging the skate boot, wherein the retention member spans over the aperture and couples within the cavity.
17. The base assembly of claim 10 , wherein the ground engagement apparatus includes a metal blade adapted to interface with an ice surface, and wherein the channel includes opposing parallel sidewalls extending longitudinally on the lower portion of the housing for slidably receiving the metal blade.
18. A method for assembling a skate with a suspension assembly, comprising
providing a housing that includes an upper portion having an aperture extending downward into the housing;
coupling a ground engagement apparatus with a lower portion of the housing in a vertically displaceable arrangement;
inserting a spring into the aperture, wherein a bottom portion of the spring engages the ground engagement apparatus;
compressing the spring in the aperture between the retainer plate and the ground engagement apparatus;
coupling a retention member with the upper portion of the housing to span over the aperture and to secure the spring within the aperture in a compressed state; and
coupling the top portion of the housing with a boot of the skate.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the lower portion of the housing includes a longitudinal groove, and wherein the ground engagement apparatus includes a metal blade that displaceably coupled within the longitudinal groove for moving between an upper position and a lower position.
20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising:
inserting at least one spacer between the retention member and the spring before compressing the spring for increasing a compression force needed to move the metal blade upward against the spring to the upper position; and
rotating the at least one spacer disposed between to adjustably move the at least one spacer vertically from a first position to a second position lower than the first position, wherein the compression force is increased when the at least one spacer is moved from the first position to the second position.
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US13/872,700 US20130285338A1 (en) | 2012-04-30 | 2013-04-29 | Skate suspension system and method of assembly |
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US201261640213P | 2012-04-30 | 2012-04-30 | |
US13/872,700 US20130285338A1 (en) | 2012-04-30 | 2013-04-29 | Skate suspension system and method of assembly |
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US20130285338A1 true US20130285338A1 (en) | 2013-10-31 |
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US13/872,700 Abandoned US20130285338A1 (en) | 2012-04-30 | 2013-04-29 | Skate suspension system and method of assembly |
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Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2526451A (en) * | 2015-07-30 | 2015-11-25 | Hd Sports Ltd | Ice skate blade arrangement |
US9855487B2 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2018-01-02 | Sport Maska Inc. | Blade holder assembly |
CN107789825A (en) * | 2017-11-22 | 2018-03-13 | 广州市勇源日用品工业有限公司 | A kind of skates shoe rack with buffer structure |
USD835219S1 (en) | 2017-03-16 | 2018-12-04 | Sport Maska Inc. | Runner for ice skate |
WO2019218070A1 (en) * | 2018-05-16 | 2019-11-21 | Sport Maska Inc. | Skate blade holder with blade attachment mechanism |
US11439888B2 (en) * | 2020-01-15 | 2022-09-13 | Edward Lafe Altshuler | Adjustable ice skate blade to boot connector |
US20220314100A1 (en) * | 2021-03-30 | 2022-10-06 | Trigold Manufacture Co., Ltd | Locking device for assembling and disassembling skate |
US11547924B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2023-01-10 | Bauer Hockey, Llc | Ice skate |
US11554310B2 (en) * | 2015-09-20 | 2023-01-17 | Bauer Hockey, Llc | Skate for a hockey goalkeeper |
US11559733B2 (en) * | 2015-01-05 | 2023-01-24 | Bauer Hockey, Llc | Ice skate |
US11826633B2 (en) | 2014-10-22 | 2023-11-28 | Bauer Hockey Llc | Hockey skate including a one-piece frame with integral pedestals |
USD1016199S1 (en) | 2015-12-18 | 2024-02-27 | Bauer Hockey Llc | Cowlingless goalie skate for an ice hockey goalie |
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US852570A (en) * | 1906-09-24 | 1907-05-07 | Cornelius F Miller | Roller-skate truck. |
US1111246A (en) * | 1912-03-12 | 1914-09-22 | William Stewart Button | Ice-skate. |
US1143868A (en) * | 1915-04-19 | 1915-06-22 | Nathan Genetho Tuller | Ice-skate. |
US1616952A (en) * | 1926-02-25 | 1927-02-08 | Dahl John | Roller skate |
US1702316A (en) * | 1927-02-15 | 1929-02-19 | Horace L Ridgers | Skate |
US4139209A (en) * | 1977-12-08 | 1979-02-13 | Humphreys Donald R | Adjustable shoe-skate assembly |
-
2013
- 2013-04-29 US US13/872,700 patent/US20130285338A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US852570A (en) * | 1906-09-24 | 1907-05-07 | Cornelius F Miller | Roller-skate truck. |
US1111246A (en) * | 1912-03-12 | 1914-09-22 | William Stewart Button | Ice-skate. |
US1143868A (en) * | 1915-04-19 | 1915-06-22 | Nathan Genetho Tuller | Ice-skate. |
US1616952A (en) * | 1926-02-25 | 1927-02-08 | Dahl John | Roller skate |
US1702316A (en) * | 1927-02-15 | 1929-02-19 | Horace L Ridgers | Skate |
US4139209A (en) * | 1977-12-08 | 1979-02-13 | Humphreys Donald R | Adjustable shoe-skate assembly |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11547924B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2023-01-10 | Bauer Hockey, Llc | Ice skate |
US11826633B2 (en) | 2014-10-22 | 2023-11-28 | Bauer Hockey Llc | Hockey skate including a one-piece frame with integral pedestals |
US11559733B2 (en) * | 2015-01-05 | 2023-01-24 | Bauer Hockey, Llc | Ice skate |
GB2526451B (en) * | 2015-07-30 | 2016-05-25 | Hd Sports Ltd | Ice skate blade arrangement |
GB2526451A (en) * | 2015-07-30 | 2015-11-25 | Hd Sports Ltd | Ice skate blade arrangement |
US10315096B2 (en) | 2015-07-30 | 2019-06-11 | Hd Sports Limited | Ice skate blade arrangement |
US11554310B2 (en) * | 2015-09-20 | 2023-01-17 | Bauer Hockey, Llc | Skate for a hockey goalkeeper |
USD1016199S1 (en) | 2015-12-18 | 2024-02-27 | Bauer Hockey Llc | Cowlingless goalie skate for an ice hockey goalie |
US9855487B2 (en) * | 2016-03-08 | 2018-01-02 | Sport Maska Inc. | Blade holder assembly |
USD835219S1 (en) | 2017-03-16 | 2018-12-04 | Sport Maska Inc. | Runner for ice skate |
USD835740S1 (en) | 2017-03-16 | 2018-12-11 | Sport Maska Inc. | Runner for ice skate |
CN107789825A (en) * | 2017-11-22 | 2018-03-13 | 广州市勇源日用品工业有限公司 | A kind of skates shoe rack with buffer structure |
WO2019218070A1 (en) * | 2018-05-16 | 2019-11-21 | Sport Maska Inc. | Skate blade holder with blade attachment mechanism |
US11439888B2 (en) * | 2020-01-15 | 2022-09-13 | Edward Lafe Altshuler | Adjustable ice skate blade to boot connector |
US20220314100A1 (en) * | 2021-03-30 | 2022-10-06 | Trigold Manufacture Co., Ltd | Locking device for assembling and disassembling skate |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |