Abstract:
A double-edged skate blade assembly for an ice skate comprising a double-edged blade and a pair of blade supports, each of which is individually replaceable. The assembly includes mechanisms to mate the blade supports about the blade, to connect the blade supports to each other, to interlock the blade and support assembly into a blade holder on the skate and to fasten the blade assembly to the blade holder. The entire blade assembly is easily removable, reversible and replaceable in a skate with little or no requirement for tools. The invention also comprises a holder to securely support the skate blade assembly on the boot of the ice skate.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a double-edged skate blade assembly that is easily removable and replaceable in an ice skate, as well as the holder to support the skate blade assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Ice hockey skates today generally comprise a sharpened metal blade or runner fastened to a holder, which is in turn fastened to a skate boot. Figure skates generally comprise a sharpened metal blade brazed to a holder portion that is then fastened to a skate boot. When the blade of a skate becomes dull, the surface of the blade that contacts the ice surface is re-sharpened to provide a hollow between a set of opposed inner and outer edges. This configuration allows a skater to move and manoeuvre on the ice. Each time the blade is sharpened, metal is physically removed from the blade; each time metal is removed from the blade during a sharpening, the balance and feel of the skate may change, because the separation between the bottom edge of the holder and the ice (which is simply determined by the amount of blade that is still exposed at the bottom of the holder) is different than it was before the blade was sharpened. Over time the skate will eventually run out of blade, necessitating replacement of the blade holder or, more often, the entire skate. 
     Occasionally a blade will break, for example under the impact of a puck or contact with another object on the blade, which also necessitates replacement of the blade. If the skate boot is in otherwise good condition, a new blade may be provided for the same boot, but because the blade is generally not intended to be separated from its holder, it is necessary to replace the entire holder as well as the blade. 
     Current methods of skate sharpening also generally require that the skate be removed from a wearer&#39;s foot. If a skater notices that a blade has become dull while he or she is on the ice, it is generally necessary to remove the skate, take it to a skate sharpening machine, sharpen the blade, and replace the skate on the skater&#39;s foot before returning to the ice. During a hockey game or a figure skating competition, for example, this may be an unacceptable amount of time to be away from the ice. If there is no skate sharpener readily available, the time away from the ice is necessarily increased. The alternative is to skate on dull blades, which adversely affects the skater&#39;s mobility and ability to perform necessary manoeuvres. 
     In some circumstances, a skater may simply wish to use a blade with different characteristics, for example to respond to different ice conditions. It is often easier to manoeuvre on softer ice using a blade with a particular hollow radius, while a deeper hollow would perform best on harder ice. However, the ice conditions may not be known until the skater has put on the skates and taken a few moments to skate around the ice. Occasionally, the ice conditions vary during the course of a game; for example, temperature changes because of the presence of spectators can change the ice temperature and condition over time. In this situation, even if a different pair of skates is available, it is often inconvenient to return to the dressing room to change into that other pair of skates. 
     It is therefore preferable to be able to replace a dull blade or to simply replace an unsatisfactory blade without having to remove the skate boot from a skater&#39;s foot. There exist several examples of removable blade systems, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,241 to Chenevert and U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,033 to Nicoletti et al, which disclose a skate blade that may be removed from a skate by removal of one or more threaded fasteners, and replaced with a new blade that is then secured with those fasteners. 
     It is noted that such systems require the user to carry one or more replacement blades, and possibly the proper tools to effect a blade change. In such cases, it is necessary either to carry the replacement blade(s) and the tools, if needed, to the ice, or to return to the dressing room to access the necessary blade and equipment. It is therefore also preferable to minimize the number of replacement blades that a skater has to carry at one time, as well as to increase the accessibility of the blades to a skater while he is on the ice. One way to accomplish the former is to provide a single skate blade that is reversible; that is a single blade that has two opposed ice-contacting surfaces, either of which may be used to skate on. Such reversible blades are shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 1,591,778 to Radus and U.S. Pat. No.2,242,870 to Prosey. These two patents disclose similar I-shaped double-edged blades having longitudinal grooves between the ice contacting surfaces of the blades. The longitudinal grooves are the means by which the blades are clasped between opposed arms depending from the blade holder, and fastened thereto. 
     However, the presence of a substantially thinned area along the central length of the blade may tend to destabilize the blade under the lateral torque forces typically created during the skating stride and when performing other manoeuvres. It is therefore preferable to provide a blade having a substantially uniform thickness between the two ice-contacting surfaces. U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2008/0290619 to Leo discloses a reversible blade having a figure skate configuration on one edge and a hockey skate blade configuration on the opposite edge. U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,924 to Dahlo et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,835 to Lyden disclose nearly elliptical blades without longitudinal grooves. Fastener openings are provided to secure the blade within the blade holder. Where necessary, the blade may be made lighter, without sacrificing stability, by providing one or more apertures through the blade. 
     As noted above, a second purpose of using replaceable, reversible skate blades is to minimize the need for tools to actually make the replacement. Each of the previously mentioned patents uses threaded screws or bolts that may be finger-tightened, but would likely preferably require a screwdriver or similar tool to provide sufficient assurance that the blade is securely attached to the blade holder. 
     Some examples of patents disclosing replaceable skate blades which do not require the use of tools include U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,664 to DeMars and U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,169 to Bekessy. However, the systems disclosed in these patents are relatively complex and contain a number of moving parts embedded within the blade holder. In addition to adding undesirable weight to the skate, these assemblies may be susceptible to damage, for example under a blow to the blade holder from a puck or simply from being dropped on the ground. U.S. Pat. No. 2,988,369 to Rebicek discloses a relatively simple replaceable blade, but given that the blade is secured only at the toe end, this arrangement may not have the same ability to secure the blade as other systems. 
     Another consideration when changing skates blades is that the holder (generally made of polymeric material) and the blade (generally metallic) will have different thermal expansion properties, such that temperature fluctuations may cause a blade that fits securely to the holder in one orientation to not fit properly or at all after the blade is removed from the holder in preparation for reversal. Using metallic fasteners can also cause problems; even if the fasteners are securely attached to the blade and holder while the skater is off the ice attaching the blade (and the blade and blade holder are warm), the blade may become loose once the skater returns to the ice and the temperature of the entire assembly decreases. 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide double-edged blade assembly for a skate that overcomes the foregoing deficiencies. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a holder for a double-edged skate blade skate blade assembly that is strong, secure and supportive. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a holder for a double-edged skate blade skate blade assembly that allows the skate blade to be quickly and easily removed, reversed and/or replaced. 
     It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a double-edged skate blade assembly having replaceable supports on either side of a skate blade to allow fast and secure removal and installation of the blade without having to remove the skate from the foot. 
     These and other objects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the summary of the invention and to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment that follow. It will be noted that not all objects of the invention are necessarily realized in all possible embodiments of the invention as defined by each claim. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a double-edged skate blade assembly including a blade and one or more support pieces to secure the blade assembly within a blade holder, as well as a blade holder to mate with the assembly. 
     In one aspect, the invention comprises a blade assembly for an ice skate, including an elongated skate blade having a pair of opposed ice-contacting edges, and a plurality of apertures through the blade between the opposed ice-contacting surfaces; and a plurality of elongated blade supports, each having an inner surface bearing at least one alignment means adapted to align with at least one of the apertures and to removably mate the blade supports with the blade. The blade may have one or more inset sections to accommodate the blade supports. The alignment means may comprise one or more projections on the inner surface, each of the projections being adapted to mate with one of the apertures. In a further aspect, the alignment means may comprise connecting means to connect the blade supports to each other, which may be studs on one of the blade supports and corresponding cavities on another of the blade supports. 
     In a further aspect, the blade assembly may comprise means to removably interlock the skate blade to a blade holder of the skate. Such means may comprise teeth on at least one of the blade supports to correspond to teeth on the blade holder. 
     In yet a further aspect, the blade assembly may comprise a locking means to fasten the blade assembly to a blade holder of the skate. The locking means may comprise at least one fastener adapted to pass through a set of coaxial passageways in the blade, the blade supports and the holder, and may further include at least one expandable sleeve insertable in the passageways to accommodate the fastener. 
     In yet a further aspect, at least one of the blade supports may further comprise at least one impact distribution surface on an outer surface of the blade support. The impact distribution surface may comprise a ridge parallel to a longitudinal centreline of the blade support. 
     In another aspect, the invention comprises a blade support for a double-edged skate blade, comprising an inner surface bearing at least one alignment means adapted to align with at least one aperture on the blade; and connecting means on the inner surface to connect the blade support to an other blade support about the blade. The alignment means may comprise one or more projections on the inner surface, each of the projections being adapted to mate with one of the apertures. The connecting means may comprise one or more studs adapted to connect to corresponding cavities on the other blade support. 
     In a further aspect, the blade support may comprise means to removably interlock the blade support to a blade holder of an ice skate. These means may comprise teeth on an outer surface of the blade support to correspond to teeth on the blade holder. 
     In yet a further aspect, the blade support may comprise at least one passageway to accommodate locking means to fasten the blade support to a blade holder of a skate. 
     In yet a further aspect, the blade support may comprise at least one impact distribution surface on an outer surface of the blade support. The impact distribution surface may comprise a ridge parallel to a longitudinal centreline of the blade support. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention comprises a skate blade holder for a double-edged skate blade assembly for an ice skate, comprising an upper platform to be attached to the ice skate; opposed sidewalls depending from the upper platform and terminating in a lower edge; a groove between the opposed sidewalls at the lower edge to accommodate the removable double edged skate blade assembly; and at least one interlocking means within the groove adapted to interlock with a corresponding interlocking means on the blade assembly. The interlocking means may comprise at least one set of teeth corresponding to a set of teeth on the blade assembly. The holder may further comprise a locking means to fasten the blade assembly to the blade holder; the locking means may comprise at least one fastener adapted to pass through a set of coaxial passageways in the blade assembly and the holder, and may further comprise at least one expandable sleeve insertable in the passageways to accommodate the fastener. 
     In yet another aspect, the invention comprises an ice skate with a double-edged skate blade assembly, comprising an elongated skate blade having a pair of opposed ice-contacting edges, and a plurality of apertures through the blade between the opposed ice-contacting surfaces; a plurality of elongated blade supports, each having an inner surface bearing at least one alignment means adapted to align with at least one of the apertures and to removably mate the blade supports with the blade; and a holder to removably secure the blade and blade supports to the ice skate. The holder may further comprise an upper platform to be attached to the ice skate; opposed sidewalls depending from the upper platform and terminating in a lower edge; a groove between the opposed sidewalls at the lower edge to accommodate the double edged skate blade assembly; and at least one interlocking means within the groove adapted to interlock with a corresponding interlocking means on the blade assembly. 
     The foregoing was intended as a broad summary only and of only some of the aspects of the invention. It was not intended to define the limits or requirements of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and to the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiment of the invention will be described by reference to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of the double-edged skate blade assembly and holder; 
         FIG. 2 a    is an exploded side view of the double-edged skate blade assembly and holder; 
         FIG. 2 b    is an exploded perspective view of the double-edged skate blade assembly and holder; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the front end of the double-edged skate blade assembly and holder; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the underside of the holder; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the holder; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the holder; 
         FIGS. 7 a  and 7 b    are side views of two embodiments of the double-edged skate blade; 
         FIGS. 7 c  and 7 d    are bottom views of two embodiments of the double-edged skate blade; 
         FIGS. 7 e  and 7 f    are side and end views of another embodiment of the double-edged skate blade; 
         FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b    are views of the inside surfaces of blade supports for the double-edged skate blade assembly; 
         FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    are sectional views of a first locking mechanism, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b    are sectional views of a second locking mechanism, taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of another embodiment of the double-edged skate blade. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , a blade holder  10 , intended to be attached to the boot (not shown) of an ice skate, accommodates a skate blade or runner  12  within a groove  14  formed between opposed sidewalls  16 ,  18  at the lower edge  20  of the blade holder  10  (“lower” being understood to mean the portion of the holder  10  that is closest to the ice when the skate is in use, and/or that is remote from where the boot of an ice skate would be when the holder  10  is in place on the skate, and “upper” being understood to mean the portion of the holder  10  that is proximate where the boot would be). The lower edge  20  of the blade holder  10  is preferably substantially flat along the length of the lower edge  20 . The upper platform  22  of the blade holder  10  preferably underlies substantially the entire sole of the boot of the ice skate, providing torsional rigidity to the skate and to the blade holder  10 . The front or toe end  24  of the holder  10  is preferably slightly curved between the lower edge  20  and the platform  22 , while the back or heel end  26  of the holder  10  is also preferably slightly curved between the lower edge  20  and the platform  22 . 
     The upper platform  22  may be substantially flat, or may be hollow at one or both of the heel  28  and toe  30  portions, in order to decrease the overall weight of the blade holder  10 . A support post  32  under the hollow toe portion  30  assists in providing strength, integrity, and torsional rigidity to the holder  10 . One or more lateral ribs  34  may be included across the upper platform  22  to further stabilize the blade holder  10 . 
     In order to reduce the weight of the blade holder  10 , one or more apertures  36  may be formed within the holder  10  at any place(s) between lower edge  20  and upper platform  22 . Alternatively or in addition, blade holder  10  may be substantially hollow between sidewalls  16 ,  18  to further decrease the overall weight of the blade holder  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 a -7 f   , the blade  12  comprises a flat elongated piece, having opposed flat sides edged by a pair of opposed long edges  38 , one of which is to be in contact with the ice when the skate is in use, while the other is contained within holder  12  (not shown). Opposed long edges  38  are separated by opposed curved ends  40 , which may or may not have identical curvatures to each other, forming an elongated elliptical shape with one or two axes of symmetry. All or part of the blade  12  may be coated with a material, such as TEFLON® or a ceramic, that improves desirable characteristics of the blade, such as its ability to glide smoothly along ice or to hold a sharp edge. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 7 a  and 7 b   , the blade  12  may comprise one or more apertures  46  through blade  12 , to decrease the overall weight of the blade  12 . The apertures  46  may be of any suitable number, size, shape and distribution along the blade. Apertures  46  are preferably symmetrical about the longitudinal centreline B of blade  12 , in order to assist in maintaining the balance of the blade  12 . The apertures may also be symmetrical about the centerline C of the blade  12 , as shown in  FIG. 7 b   , but are preferably somewhat asymmetrical, as in  FIG. 7 a   , in order to make it easier for the user to quickly determine which end  40  matches to the front and rear of the blade holder. 
     In another aspect, blade  12  may be a substantially uniform thickness throughout its length, as shown in  FIG. 7 c   . In this configuration, it is possible to place the blade  12  within the holder  10  in any one of four different configurations, as either of curved ends  40  may be at the toe end  24  (not shown) of the holder  10 , and either of long edges  38  may be exposed, as long as the blade  12  fits properly into the holder  10  (not shown). This can simplify installment of the blade  12  into the holder  10 , because it is not necessary to be concerned about which curved end  40  is at which end of the holder  10  (not shown). 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 7 d   , the thickness of the blade  12  may taper along its length, such that each long edge  38  is slightly thicker at one curved end  40  than at the opposite curved end  40 . This may improve the gliding characteristics of the blade. However, it is necessary when reversing the blade  12  within holder  10  to ensure that the thick end is always placed at the toe end  24  of the holder  10 ; one way to do so would be to ensure that the apertures  46  are asymmetrical, as in  FIG. 7 a   , such that the blade  12  only fits into holder  10  in the two correct positions. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-6 , the configuration of the blade holder  10  is such that one long edge  38  of skate blade  12  is exposed when blade  12  is inserted into the holder  10 , and will come in contact with the ice surface when the skate is in use. The opposed long edge  38  is enclosed within the holder. The front end  24  and back end  26  of the blade holder  10  preferably extend sufficiently over the curved ends  40  to protect the skater, other skaters and/or surrounding objects. 
     Opposed blade supports  48  are provided on either side of the blade  12  to provide additional strength and stability through at least a portion of the length of the blade  12 . One blade support  48   a , which is shown in  FIG. 8 a   , comprises an inner surface  50  containing alignment means to mate it with the side of blade  12 , such as one or more projections  52 , which align with apertures  46 . A second blade support  48   b , which will mate with the opposite side of blade  12 , is shown in  FIG. 8 b   . An alignment means such as one or more projections  52  may also be provided on the inner surface  50  of the second blade support  48   b , to assist in aligning the blade support with corresponding apertures  46  in blade  12 , but it will be understood that any suitable alignment means may be used to correctly align the blade support  48   b  with blade support  48   a  transversely through blade  12 . For example, it is also possible to mate the pieces in the opposite manner, i.e. by providing projections on blade  12  that correspond to apertures on one or both of blade supports  48 . 
     In order to ensure that the blade supports  48   a  and  48   b  hold securely about the blade  12 , connecting means may be provided to allow the opposed blade supports to connect with each other. For example, projections  52  on blade support  48   a  may be provided with studs  54 , which mate with cavities  55  on opposed blade support  48   b  in a manner similar to a toy building block. It will be appreciated that other connecting mechanisms may be used, as well as different embodiments of this connecting mechanism, such as more or fewer numbers of matching studs  54  and cavities  55 , or differently shaped studs  54  and/or cavities  55 . 
     In another embodiment, best shown in  FIGS. 7 e  and 7 f    , blade  12  may be provided with a slightly inset section  80  on either or both sides of the blade  12 . This allows for a more exact alignment between the blade  12  and the blade supports  48 . The addition of blade supports  48  also allows the use of such a blade having a thinner, lighter inset section  80  without sacrificing substantial strength or torsional rigidity of the blade assembly. 
     Blade supports  48  may also provide additional strength against lateral forces. In case of a very strong lateral force, such as a puck striking the side of the blade  12 , particularly near the centre of the blade, the force may be sufficient to deform the blade  12 , rendering it unusable. However, with the addition of opposed blade supports  48 , the blade supports themselves will crack and break first, dissipating the lateral forces before they can irreversibly damage the blade. This can increase the lifetime of a blade  12 . 
     Blade supports  48  may also serve as a means to physically join the blade  12  with the blade holder  10 , by providing the outer surface  58  of one or more of the blade supports  48  with suitable means to interlock the blade assembly  56  and the holder  10 . One example of such interlocking means is best shown in  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b   , in the form of a set of teeth  60  provided at one or more locations along the blade support  48 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , each of sidewalls  16 ,  18  of groove  14  are provided with one or more sets of matching teeth  62  that will mesh with the blade support teeth  60 . When the blade assembly  56 , comprising the blade  12  sandwiched by a pair of blade supports  48 , is inserted into holder  10  such that holder teeth  62  mesh with support teeth  60  at one or more locations, the assembly  56  is securely held with the holder  10 , preventing it from falling out unless enough force is applied to pull the blade assembly  56  out of its engagement with holder  10 . Further, the meshing of the two sets of teeth  60 ,  62  prevents the blade assembly  56  from moving longitudinally within the holder  10 . 
     In addition to or instead of the interlocking means between the holder  10  and the blade supports  48 , blade  12  may be provided with a locking mechanism  64  to secure it within holder  10 . One exemplary locking mechanism  64  is best shown in  FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b   . The passageways  68  in blade  12  are preferably located along the length of the blade  12  between the curved ends  40  (not shown) and either above and below or along the longitudinal centrelines of blade  12  and blade supports  48 . When the blade supports  48  are properly connected about blade  12 , each passageway  68  is aligned with and coaxial with corresponding passageways  69  in blade supports  48 . When the blade assembly  56  is properly inserted within the holder  12 , each set of passageways  68 ,  69  is aligned with and coaxial with a corresponding opening  70  in the holder  10 , such that fasteners  66  may pass through and secure the blade  12 , blade supports  48  and blade holder  10  together. Examples of fasteners  66  include cotter pins, retaining pins, dowels, spring pins, screws, thumbscrews and bolts, but any suitable removable fastening mechanism may be used. Supporting hardware such as nuts  72  and washers  74  may also be used as necessary, although it is preferable to minimize the number of loose parts that may be dislodged and misplaced. Preferably the fasteners are of a type that does not require tools to insert and remove, but such fasteners may be used if necessary. 
     In another exemplary locking mechanism  64 , shown in  FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b   , passageways  68 ,  69 ,  70  accommodate a conical anchor  76  or similar expandable sleeve, into which a suitable fastener  78  is inserted. As fastener  78  is inserted into conical anchor  76 , the tip of fastener  78  acts as a wedge, pushing the parts of conical anchor  76  away from each other and therefore into tighter contact with one or more of passageways  68 ,  69 ,  70 . This acts to secure the locking mechanism into the passageways, and to securely but removably retain the blade assembly  56  within the holder  10 . 
     Blade support  48  may also be provided with at least one impact distribution surface, shown in one embodiment in  FIGS. 1-2   b  as a ridge  63  along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade support. The interaction of ridge  63  with blade holder  10  is best seen in  FIGS. 9 a  and 10 a   , where it can be seen that ridge  63  fits snugly within groove  14  in lower edge  20  of blade holder  10 . Any downward force applied to the blade holder  10 , such as by a skater jumping on or onto the ice, stepping, or taking strong strides, is distributed along the blade support  48 . In the absence of an impact distribution surface, such forces would tend to concentrate about the fasteners, subjecting them to severe shear forces that could shorten the expected lifespan of the locking mechanism  64 . 
     In use, the blade assembly  56  may be removed from the holder  10  as desired, for example when the exposed blade edge is too dull or is otherwise unsuitable for the ice conditions, or when one or both of the blade supports  48  has been broken. To do so, the user would merely have to release the locking mechanism  64  and pull the blade assembly  56  free from holder  10  The blade assembly  56  may then be disassembled, removing whichever pieces (any or all of blade  12  and blade supports  48 ) are to be replaced, or the entire assembly  56  may be replaced with another suitable assembly  56 . Alternatively, blade assembly  56  may simply be flipped over, such that the opposite blade edge  38  is now exposed and will become the ice-contacting edge. The new or reassembled blade assembly  56  may then be inserted within holder  10  and locked into place. It is contemplated that one or both edges of blade  12  may then be sharpened when it is more convenient to do so. It is also contemplated that one or more pieces of the removed blade assembly  56  (i.e. the blade  12  and/or one or more blade supports  48 ) may be discarded. 
     It is contemplated that the blade  12 , while being of substantially the configuration shown, can be made with variations in blade thickness, profile (radius and rocker) and hollow radius, to suit the needs of different sports, different ice conditions, different skater size, weight, strength and skill levels, and different playing roles. For example, softer ice will require a different blade hollow radius than harder ice. A speed skater will use a thinner blade than a hockey player. A heavier skater will require a different profile than a lighter skater. A hockey player playing in a forward position may prefer a different blade profile to allow for increased maneuverability than a player playing on defense, who may skate backward more frequently than forward. 
     Generally, both of the opposed edges  38  will have similar characteristics, such as being made of the same material, and shaped with the same hollow, profile and/or taper, such that the blade  12  comprises two opposed edges  38  that are truly interchangeable with each other. However, it is contemplated that a blade  12  may be provided with differing characteristics between the two opposed edges  38 , such as being made of different materials, or having different hollow radii and/or different profiles, such that a skater can choose which blade edge will perform best in a particular situation or under specific ice conditions without having to carry around too many replacement blades  12 . 
     It is also contemplated, as shown in  FIG. 11 , that blade  12   a  may be comprised of a plurality of parts, namely an outer section  42  which forms the ice-contacting surfaces of the blade  12 , and an inner composite section  44 , which may reduce the overall weight of the blade. In each case, any suitable material may be used; for example, the outer section  42  may be composed of stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, titanium, ceramic, combinations of these materials, or other suitable material capable of holding an edge, while the inner section  48  may be composed of any suitably strong and lightweight material, such as aluminum, carbon fibre, thermoplastic material, or a similar composite material. 
     In order to protect double-edged blades from damage, or from injuring the skater while not in use on a skate, a sleeve may be provided. The sleeve may also be used as a hand guard, to protect the skater&#39;s hand while removing or inserting a blade from the skate. 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variations to the preferred embodiment described herein may be practised without departing from the scope of the invention, such scope being properly defined by the following claims. The scope of the claims should therefore not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.