Patent Publication Number: US-7896363-B2

Title: Ice skate

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure provides an ice skate. More particularly, the present disclosure provides an ice skate including a casing with a cantilevered sole plate. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Ice skates for figure skating, also known as figure skates, are well-known. As shown in  FIG. 1 , prior art figure skate  10  includes boot  12  and attached blade  14 . Boot  12  is formed of leather upper  15  with laces  16  to tighten upper  15  with a tongue (not shown) about a user&#39;s foot (not shown). Boot  12  further includes sole  17  with 1½″ heel  18  therebelow at the rear end. Heel  18  allows skate  10  to have pitch angle δ between top surface S of sole  17  at heel  18  and horizontal plane H parallel to the ground/ice of between about 5 degrees to about 9 degrees. 
     Blade  14  is formed of metal and includes toe pick  20 , three stanchions  22 , toe plate  24 , and heel plate  26 . Stanchions  22  extend from toe plate  24  and heel plate  26 , which each include apertures (not shown) for receiving up to twelve screws (not shown). Thus, blade  14  is removably connected to sole  17  of boot  12  in the toe/ball area and the heel area. Arch support is provided by a separate foot bed insert (not shown). 
     Beginning skaters experience various problems due to the configuration of conventional skates. For advanced or elite skaters, with the increased demands of jumping, these problems are multiplied. Jumps require greater ankle support as a result; advanced skaters wear prior art skates with several layers of leather and padding around the ankle between these layers. This increases stiffness of the skates and increases their weight. The stiffness provides ankle support, but decreases forward bendability and shock absorption. Upon landing jumps, prior art figure skates do not have any shock absorption qualities other than cushioning on the inside of the boot. 
     Heel  18  on boot  12  can cause retrocalcaneal bursitis (also known as “pump bumps” or Haglund&#39;s deformity), shin splints, bunions, hammer toes, ankle and lower calf tendonitis, back and hip pain, instances of enlarged navicular bone in the arch potentially leading to collapsed arches, knee tracking problems, and arthritis. 
     In addition, the prior art skates are heavy, weighing up to six pounds each. Thus, these skates require skaters to have the endurance and strength to jump lifting this additional weight. Prior art blades weigh from about 4.5 ounces to about 7 ounces. Furthermore, since leather absorbs water, the weight of the skates increases with wear. If the weight is more than 5% of the skater&#39;s weight, it could potentially increase the skater&#39;s risk of injury. 
     Rust and leather rot are also common with conventional figure skates. These conditions lead to disintegration of the blade and boot, which decreases the life of both. 
     A lot of maintenance is necessary to maintain these skates in good working order. For example, these skates must be dried thoroughly inside and out after each use, stored in a place with good air circulation, the leather soles must be waxed, and the uppers must be waxed or polished. In addition, the soles must be frequently inspected for rot, screws must be replaced, hole damage repaired, and the blades must be sharpened. It is desirable to reduce the amount of maintenance necessary to keep skates in good working order. 
     The stress imparted on the blade and boot connection loosens over time and may shorten boot and blade life. If the blade and boot connection fails, the boot can be damaged. As a result, frequent inspections of this connection are routine. 
     Since each skater has different needs and preferences, advanced skates have handmade boots. The handmade nature of the boots causes nearly 20% of them to be defective, which may lead to substandard skate performance and foot damage. Furthermore, since blades and boots are not sold as a unit, advanced skaters must purchase their blades and boots separately. Then, an expert has to mount the blades to the boots. This requires added time and money. 
     One drawback of these prior art skates is that the leather upper must be broken in. This is when the leather is stretched by a user wearing the boot until it conforms to the shape of the skater&#39;s foot and ankle. Breaking in skates can be time consuming and painful. If boots are not broken in properly, they can crease in the wrong places causing pain and improper support of the foot and ankle. Even when boots are broken in properly, the leather upper is stiff and somewhat uncomfortable. 
     The industry standard for boot replacement depends on how much a skate is used. For advanced or elite skaters, who use their skates more, replacement is recommended every 6 to 12 months. For beginner skaters, who use their skates less, replacement is recommended every 12-18 months. Wearing a boot beyond these recommended time frames may cause “lace bite” and other health issues. “Lace bite” is the name for calluses and bursitis on the top of the foot caused by tongue breakdown. 
     Therefore a need exists for improving the comfort and performance of ice skates. More particularly, a need exists for ice skates that support foot, ankle, knee, hip and back health. In addition, a need exits for a skate that lasts longer, requires less maintenance, and can have more automation in the manufacturing process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one example the present ice skate comprises a casing and a blade. The casing includes an upper portion and a sole plate defining a casing chamber for receiving a skater&#39;s foot. The sole plate has abutting toe, arch and heel areas. The casing further includes a blade holder. The sole plate is supported by the blade holder at the toe area and the sole plate is unsupported by the blade holder at the heel area. The blade is removably connected to the blade holder. 
     In another example, the ice skate further includes the sole plate being supported by the blade holder at the arch area. In such exemplary skate, blade holder may include first and second supports joined by a neck portion. The sole plate being supported by the first support at the toe area and the sole plate being supported by the second support at the arch area. Furthermore in such exemplary skate, the first support of the blade holder includes a front wall, and when the blade is connected to the blade holder the front wall extends over a leading edge of the blade. 
     In yet another example, the blade holder further defines a slot and the blade is selectively disposable within the slot. Additionally, an exemplary ice skate further includes a fastener for removably connecting the blade to the blade holder. 
     In one example, the upper portion, the sole plate, and the blade holder are integrally formed. In such example, the upper portion, the sole plate, and the blade holder may be formed of plastic material. Furthermore in such example, the upper portion may include a heel counter and a toe box. The toe box includes a top wall and a joined front wall. The heel counter and top wall are formed of a first plastic material. The front wall, the sole plate and the blade holder are formed of a second plastic material different from the first plastic material. The upper portion may further include a strap between the heel counter and the toe box, the strap defining spaced apart openings. 
     The ice skate further includes a boot separate from the casing, the boot defining a boot chamber for receiving the skater&#39;s foot and being received in the casing chamber. In such a skate the boot may includes an outer layer formed of a first boot material, an inner layer formed of a second boot material and an intermediate layer between the outer and inner layers formed of a third boot material. The third boot material has stiffness greater than the first and second boot materials. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, the ice skate comprises a boot defining a boot chamber for receiving a skater&#39;s foot, a casing, and a blade. The casing includes an upper portion and a sole plate defining a casing chamber for receiving the boot. The sole plate has abutting toe, arch and heel areas. The casing further includes a blade holder, and the sole plate has a cantilevered connection to the blade holder such that the heel area is unsupported by the blade holder. The blade being removably connected to said blade holder. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the blade further includes a toe pick. 
     The present exemplary ice skates have numerous advantages over the prior art skates. Firstly, removal of leather boot, heel, and steel plates allow exemplary skates to weigh less than 5 pounds and more preferably about 1.5 pounds each. Weight reduction reduces skater fatigue and may allow for increased jump height. 
     Boot materials, plastic casing and dual lace design allow a closer, more comfortable fit than prior art ice skates. In addition, the elimination of leather from the boot increases product life by eliminating leather rot and reduces maintenance. Furthermore, elimination of leather boot reduces or eliminates the need to break in the boot. 
     Since there are fewer fastener holes, the likelihood of rust is also reduced, which also increases product life. Skate maintenance is reduced, due to materials used, direct connection between blade and fastener (no connection of fastener into sole plate), and the reduction in the number of fasteners. In addition reduction of mechanical fasteners and metal decreases the chances of a malfunction. The blade/blade holder connection also makes blades easily replaced or interchanged. The present design also allows the skate to come preassembled with the blade already connected to the casing. 
     Health benefits anticipated are due to, for example, elimination of heel, elimination of leather boot, and cantilevered shock-absorbing sole plate. Health benefits anticipated include reducing the following: ankle bursitis, calluses, nerve trauma associated with laces, “lace bite”, “pump bumps”, enlarged navicular bone in arch, bunions, hammer toes, ankle or lower calf tendonitis, back and/or hip pain, knee tracking problems, arthritis, shin splints. 
     Performance benefits of the present skate include the following: reduced skater fatigue related to reduced weight of skate and/or reduced friction using heat conduit, reduced cardiovascular effort, may increase in jump height due to weight reduction, elimination of heel may increase jump height by allowing full calf extension, and increased plantar flexion may allow for higher jumps and softer landings. 
     The sculptural beauty of present skate allows it to be more aesthetically pleasing than the prior art skate. The present skate allows for uninterrupted or clean lines and the visual transition from blade to foot minimizes impact of skate so that audience can focus more on skater. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a prior art figure skate; 
         FIG. 2  is a front, perspective view of a first example of a pair of ice skates; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded, front, perspective view of the right ice skate of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the boot of  FIG. 3  along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front, perspective view of first and second portions of the boot of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a lateral side view of the boot of  FIG. 3  where a lace cinched slit is in an open state; 
         FIG. 5B  is a front, perspective view of alternative first and second portions of the boot of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a lateral side view of right skate along arrow  6  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a medial side view of right skate along arrow  7  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of right skate of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an explode, medial view of skate of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a medial, perspective, view of the right skate of  FIG. 7  showing a heat conduit assembly; 
         FIG. 9B  is a top view of the heat conduit assembly of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIGS. 9C-D  are medial side views of the skate of  FIG. 9  showing the heat conduit assembly in use; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of casing, blade and fastener of  FIG. 7  with blade in an uninstalled state; 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view of casing, modified blade and alternative fastener in an uninstalled state; 
         FIG. 10B  is an end view of alternative fastener and cap; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom view of blade of  FIG. 3  along arrow  11 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of fastener of  FIG. 3  in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of fastener of  FIG. 12  in a locked position; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of casing, blade, and fastener of  FIG. 10  with blade in a partially installed state; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of casing, blade, and fastener of  FIG. 10  with blade in a fully installed state; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of casing and fastener of  FIG. 10  with an alternative blade in a fully installed state; 
         FIG. 17  is a medial side view of the skate of  FIG. 7  showing the skate in use; 
         FIG. 18  is a front, perspective view of a second example of a pair of ice skates; 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded, front, perspective view of the right ice skate of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a medial side view of a third example of a right ice skate; 
         FIG. 21  is a lateral side view of skate of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of the casing of the skate of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded, medial side view of the skate of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a medial side view of a fourth example of a right ice skate; 
         FIG. 25  is a lateral side view of right ice skate of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a medial side view of a fifth example of a right ice skate; 
         FIG. 27  is a lateral side view of right ice skate of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a medial side view of a sixth example of a right ice skate; 
         FIG. 29  is a lateral side view of right ice skate of  FIG. 28   
         FIG. 30  is a medial side view of a seventh example of a right ice skate; 
         FIG. 31  is a lateral side view of right ice skate of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a medial side view of a eighth example of a right ice skate; and 
         FIG. 33  is a lateral side view of right ice skate of  FIG. 32 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , first example of pair of ice skates  30  is shown. Pair of skates  30  includes right ice skate  32  for skater&#39;s right foot and leg  34   a,b  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 4 ) and left ice skate  36  for a skater&#39;s left foot and leg (not shown). Pair of skates  30  is usable by a wearer to glide and perform various maneuvers on ice. The components for left skate  36  are mirror images of the components for right skate  32 , as discussed below. 
     Skate  32  includes forward or toe end  38  and spaced rearward or heel end  40 . Skate  32  generally includes medial side M and lateral side L for reference. Skate  32  further has transverse axis T and longitudinal axis L. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-3 , skate  32  includes boot  42 , casing  44 , blade  46 , and fastener  48 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , boot  42  defines boot chamber  50  for receiving right foot and leg  34   a,b  (shown in phantom). Boot  42  includes outer layer  52 , inner layer  54 , and intermediate layer  56   a,b  therebetween. Outer, intermediate and inner layers  52 ,  56   a,b  and  54  are preferably bonded together by glue, as known by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  5 A, and  6 - 7 , outer and inner layers  52 ,  54  include vertically extending medial, lace-cinched slit  58   a  (best seen in  FIG. 5A ) and lateral, lace-cinched slit  58   b  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Lace cinched slits  58   a,b  include lace  59   a , guides  59   b , and lock  59   c . Lace  59   a  threads through guides  59   b  to connect both sides of slit  58   a  together. Lock  59   c  can be operated to hold lace  59   a  so that slits  58   a,b  are in an open or closed state. In an open state (as shown in  FIG. 5A ), there is slack in lace  59   a  to allow upper portion or neck of boot  42  to be selectively enlarged to receive or release skater&#39;s foot  34   a  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). In a closed state (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), lace  59   a  (See  FIG. 5A ) has been tightened so that upper portion or neck of boot  42  is contracted and lock  59   c  is secured so that skater&#39;s leg  34   b  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) is securely surrounded by boot  42 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-5 , intermediate layer  56   a,b  sandwiched between outer and inner layers  52 ,  54  is formed of two separate, spaced first and second portions  56   a  and  56   b . First or heel cup portion  56   a  has bottom wall  60  and two side walls  62 ,  63  joined by curved rear wall  64  (shown in phantom). Bottom wall  60  provides cushioning beneath user&#39;s foot  34   a . Bottom wall  60  includes semicircular cutout  66 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-5 , medial side wall  62  includes keyhole opening  68  formed by interconnected notch  70 , generally circular aperture  72 , and slot  74 . The configuration of opening  68  allows upper portion of boot  42  to enlarge and contract. In addition, aperture  72  receives a bony protuberance (not shown) on medial side of a user&#39;s ankle, at the lower end of the tibia bone (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-5 , lateral side wall  63  includes keyhole opening  76  formed by interconnected generally circular aperture  78  and slot  80 . The configuration of opening  76  allows upper portion of boot  42  to enlarge and contract. In addition, aperture  78  receives a bony protuberance (not shown) on lateral side of user&#39;s ankle, at the lower end of the fibula bone (not shown). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-5 , curved rear wall  76  includes generally upwardly opening cutout  82  (shown in phantom) and semicircular cutout  84  (shown in phantom). Cutout  82  provides supportive cushioning on either side of the user&#39;s Achilles tendon (not shown) and prevents irritation of the Achilles tendon. Semicircular cutout  84  mates with semicircular cutout  66  to define an opening for receiving a portion of user&#39;s heel bone HB. Heel cup side and rear walls  62 ,  63 , and  64  encircle, support, and cushion user&#39;s foot and leg  34   a,b  and prevent the user&#39;s ankle from rolling. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5B , alternative intermediate layer first portion  56   a ′ is shown. First portion  56   a ′ includes medial sidewall  62 ′ defining opening  68 ′ formed by generally circular aperture  72 ′ and slot  74 ′. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-5 , second or arch portion  56   b  includes bottom wall  86  and integral generally U-shape top wall  88 . Thus, arch portion  56   b  loops about user&#39;s foot  34   a  with bottom wall  86  there below and top wall  88  there above. Bottom wall  86  of arch portion  56   b  is located adjacent the proximal end of user&#39;s arch A (shown in phantom) and distal end of user&#39;s metatarsal bones MB (shown in phantom). Top wall  88  is located adjacent user&#39;s metatarsal bones MB and tarsal bones TB. Arch portion  56   b  provides stability around user&#39;s metatarsal bones M. Arch portion  56   b  can be formed of a single piece of material or multiple pieces of material. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , outer layer  52  is formed of first boot material. Inner layer  54  is formed of second boot material. Intermediate layer  56   a,b  is formed of third boot material. In the present exemplary boot  42 , first, second, and third boot materials have different properties. Third boot material preferably has stiffness greater than the stiffness of first and second boot materials. 
     First and second boot materials are preferably flexible. First, second and third boot materials are also selected for their comfort, light weight, and able to withstand exposure to moisture. Since first and second boot materials are flexible, and intermediate layer is formed of separate spaced portions  54   a , 56   b , boot  42  allows maximum plantar flexion or extension of user&#39;s foot  34   a . Plantar flexion or extension occurs when angle Δ between dorsal or upper surface of foot  34   a  and anterior surface of leg  34   b  increases. 
     First boot material is also selected to be durable, water-repelling, and impact resistant against blade nicks and scratches. For example, synthetic rubber, nylon, polyethylene, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or polyurethane can be used for first boot material. 
     Second boot material is also selected to be comfortable on contact with a user&#39;s skin, soft, breathable, anti-bacterial and moisture absorbing. For example, a suede fabric can be used for second boot material. 
     Third boot material is selected to be durable, rigid and cushioning so that boot  42  is a structural support for skate  32 . An exemplary third boot material is high density foam, such as Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, polyether foam, or polyurethane foam. First, second, and third boot materials are not limited to the materials disclosed above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , casing  44  includes upper portion  90 , sole plate  92  (shown in phantom), and blade holder  94 . Casing  44  can have various configurations, as discussed in detail below, for aesthetic appeal. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , upper portion  90  and sole plate  92  form casing chamber  96  for receiving boot  42 . Referring to FIGS.  3  and  6 - 7 , upper portion  90  includes toe box  98 , spaced apart heel counter  100 , and strap  102 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , toe box  98  overlies and surrounds toes of user&#39;s foot  34   a  (shown in phantom) to protect them and assist in transmitting forces to blade  46 . Toe box  98  includes front wall  98   a  (shown in phantom), top wall  98   b  (shown in phantom), and lateral side wall  98   c , and medial sidewall  98   d.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , heel counter  100  encircles heel of user&#39;s foot  34   a  (shown in phantom) and provides support to user&#39;s ankle preventing movement in transverse direction T. With further reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , heel counter  100  is a solid wall extending from top edge  100   a  to sole plate  92  (shown in phantom). Heel counter  100  further includes decorative strap  101  that extends from medial to lateral edge of sole plate  92  around heel counter  100 . Strap  101  is optional. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , strap  102  extends generally transversely across upper portion  90  from medial side M to lateral side L. Opening  103  is defined between heel counter  100  and strap  102  and opening  104  is defined between strap  102  and toe box  98 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , sole plate  92  (shown in phantom) underlies user&#39;s foot  34   a  (shown in phantom) and includes abutting toe, arch and heel areas  92   a - 92   c , respectively. Sole plate  92  is configured to have a cantilevered connection to blade holder  94 . In a cantilevered connection, one end of sole plate  92  is fixed and another end of sole plate  92  is not fixed. Sole plate  92  is fixed to blade holder  94  and supported thereby at toe and arch areas  92   a  and  92   b . Sole plate  92  is detached from blade holder  94  and unsupported thereby in heel area  92   c . As a result, sole plate  92  at heel end  40  is free to flex vertically allowing heel of user&#39;s foot  34   a  to move vertically during use of skate  32 , as discussed in detail below. 
     Sole plate  92  has a gradual S-shape from toe end  38  to heel end  40 . Referring to  FIG. 9 , S-shaped curve allows skate  32  to have pitch angle θ between top surface S of sole plate  92  and a horizontal plane H parallel to the ground/ice of between about 2 degrees to about 7 degrees. Moreover, sole plate achieves pitch angle θ without conventional heel  18  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to FIGS.  9  and  9 A- 9 B, sole plate  92  further includes heat conduit assembly  105 . Heat conduit assembly  105  includes foot bed  106   a  electrically connected to wires  106   b  and sheet  106   c . In the present example, foot bed  106   a  is formed on top of sole plate  92 . Alternatively, foot bed  106   a  can be incorporated into a separate insole or woven into inner layer  54  (See  FIG. 4 ) of boot  42 . 
     Wires  106   b  extend through sole plate  92  and blade holder  94  (as best seen in  FIG. 9A ). Sheet  106   c  is draped over sides and top of blade  46  (as best seen in  FIG. 9A ) to allow more heat dispersion. Foot bed  106   a , wires  106   b  and sheet  106   c  are formed of lightweight material with a higher thermal conductivity than steel, such as copper. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9C and 9D , heat H 1  from user&#39;s foot  34   a , which is generated during skating, is rapidly transferred to blade  46  from foot bed  106   a  along wires  106   b  to sheet  106   c  and then blade  46 , as illustrated by heat arrows H 2 . As a result, heat built up in foot  34   a  is dispersed to blade  46 , melting the ice, and reducing stroking friction. Since blade has pitch angle θ (shown in  FIG. 9 ), skater is balanced on the front of blade  46  most of the time and heat H 2  is concentrated generally in forward portion P (See  FIG. 9D ) of blade  46 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 3 and 9 , blade holder  94  includes first and second supports  107 ,  108  joined by neck portion  109 . Opening  110  is defined between first and second supports  107 ,  108 , sole plate  92  and neck portion  109 . First support  107  is fixedly connected to toe area  92   a  of sole plate  92  and second support  108  is fixedly connected to arch area  92   b  of sole plate  92 . First support  107  includes front wall  112 . First and second supports  107 ,  108  and neck portion  109  define downwardly opening slot  114 . Slot  114  extends along longitudinal axis L along length of blade holder  94 . When heat conduit assembly  105  is assembled into casing  44 , sheet  106   c  runs along generally the front half of slot  114 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , slot  114  includes forward slot recess  116 , rearward slot recess  118 , and bore  120 . Forward slot recess  116  is toward toe end  38  of casing  44  and is an enlarged area of slot  114 . Rearward slot recess  118  is adjacent arch A and is an enlarged area of slot  114 . Bore  120  extends from rearward slot recess  118  to exterior surface  122  of blade holder  94 . Blade holder  94  further includes pin  124  in forward slot recess  116  that extends transversely (along axis T shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , upper portion  90  except for front wall  98   a  of toe box  98  is formed of first plastic material. Consequently, top wall  98   b , sidewalls  98   c,d  (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ), strap  101  (See  FIGS. 6-7 ), strap  102 , and heel counter  100  are formed of first plastic material. Front wall  98   a , sole plate  92 , and blade holder  94  are formed of second plastic material different from first plastic material. Thus, casing  44  is formed of plastic. 
     In the present example, first plastic material and second plastic material have different properties. In the present example, first plastic material is more flexible than second plastic material, as a result the majority of upper portion  90  is more flexible than sole plate  92  and blade holder  94 . Flexibility of first plastic material allows casing  44  to receive boot and expand and contract when a user inserts or removes his or her foot  34   a  (shown in phantom). In another example, first and second plastic materials can have other different properties such as color or level of transparency or opacity. 
     In the present example, first plastic material is a durable, semi flexible material and second plastic material is a more durable than first plastic material, has a higher strength than first plastic material, is more rigid or less flexible than first plastic material, and non-moisture absorbing material. Exemplary first plastic materials include silicone-type materials, polyethylene, polypropylene, or EVA. Exemplary second plastic materials include EVA-type plastic, polypropylene, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or PTFE. First and second plastic materials are not limited to these materials. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , casing  44  is integrally formed so that upper portion  90 , sole plate  92 , and blade holder  94  are co-molded of first and second plastic materials. The co-molding process includes injecting first plastic material into a mold and then second plastic material is injected into the same mold, as known by those of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, casing  44  is formed by reaction injection molding, compression molding, or other conventional means known in the plastics industry and prior art. This results in one integral part rather than forming upper portion  90 , sole plate  92  and blade holder  94  of separate parts and fastening them together, such as by mechanical fasteners. In another example, upper portion  90  may be glued or otherwise fastened to sole plate  92  and blade holder  94 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 10 , blade  46  is a figure skate blade. Blade  46  includes upper edge  126 , leading edge  128 , and lower edge  130 . 
     Upper edge  126  includes forward hook  132  defining recess  134 . Upper edge  126  further includes rearward lug  136  defining rearward stepped slot  138 . Stepped slot  138  includes enlarged portion  138   a  and narrowed portion  138   b . Narrowed portion  138   b  has width W. 
     Forward slot recess  116  of blade holder  94  and forward hook  132  and recess  134  are configured and dimensioned so that slot recess  116  receives hook  132  and pin  124  fits within recess  134 . Rearward slot recess  118  and bore  120  of blade holder  94  and rearward blade lug  136  and slot  138  are configured and dimensioned so that rearward slot recess  118  receives blade lug  136  and upon such reception, stepped blade slot  138  is aligned with bore  120  of blade holder  94 . 
     Shape of hook  132  and lug  136  can be modified so long as they create a tight, secure fit of blade  46  within blade holder  94  that does not loosen under the forces present when skating. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , leading edge  128  includes toe pick  140  with one or more protruding teeth members. When a skater is performing various skate maneuvers that require lift or take off, toe pick  140  is a first point of engagement between skate blade  46  and the ice surface. These maneuvers include certain actions while air-borne, such as rotating or spinning. Examples of such maneuvers include jumps, toe loops, flips, and lutzes (commonly referred to as the toe loop, the flip and the lutz, of the double, triple and quadruple variety). Toe pick  140  is shown with an exemplary pattern, as known by those of ordinary skill in the art, blade  46  is not limited to the pattern shown on toe pick  140  and any other pattern can be used, as known by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , lower edge  130  of blade  46  contacts an icy surface (not shown) so that skate  32  glides there over. Lower edge  130  is configured to be curved with a conventional radius of curvature. For example, blade  46  can be sharpened to have a 7-foot radius on lower edge  130  that flattens out a little towards heel end  40  for stability. This provides a pivot point (See  FIG. 11 ) under the ball of the foot at rocker apex R (See  FIG. 11 ) at the lowest point of the radius of lower edge  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , blade  46  further includes an optional parabolic width, where the blade width varies along the length. Width of blade  46  at toe end  38  is W 1 . Width of blade  46  under the ball of the foot is W 2 . Width of blade  46  at heel end  40  is W 3 . In the present example, widths W 1  and W 3  are greater than width W 2 . Blade  46  narrows from width W 1  to width W 2  and blade  46  narrows from width W 3  to width W 2 . In the present example, narrowest width W 2  of blade  46  occurs in a front portion of the blade, which is spaced from toe end  38  of the blade beneath the ball of a user&#39;s foot and spaced from center C of blade  46  toward toe end  38  of blade  46 . In the present example, narrowest width W 2  occurs at the same point as rocker apex R to amplify placement of pivot point forward of blade center C. 
     Width of blade  46  can gradually taper in a linear manner from widths W 1  and W 3  towards width W 2 . Alternately, width of blade  46  can taper gradually in a non-linear manner from widths W 1  and W 3  towards width W 2  to form an arcuate or curved configuration. Further, width of blade  46  can be asymmetrical, that is, average blade width from width W 1  to W 2  can be different from the average blade width from width W 2  to W 3 . 
     The parabolic blade width allows more maneuverability where blade  46  most frequently contacts the ice, rocker apex R of lower edge  130 , just below the ball of the foot. This is beneficial for certain movements, such as spinning, quickly changing direction, and movements called “footwork.” Having widths W 1  and W 3  at toe and heel ends  38  and  40 , respectively, greater than width W 2  keeps the skater stable in other movements, such as landing jumps, gliding, and stroking. Alternatively, blade  46  may have a constant width along the length. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , blade  46  and slot  114  are configured and dimensioned so that slot  114  is fractionally larger than width of blade  46  as a result there is a frictional fit between blade  46  and blade holder  94 . If blade  46  has a parabolic width, then slot  114  has a matching parabolic width profile to receive blade  46  is a mating arrangement. If blade  46  has a constant width, then slot  114  has a constant width to receive blade  46 . 
     Blade  46  can be made of metal such as steel, stainless steel, titanium, carbon steel. Alternatively, blade  46  can be made of ceramic. In addition, blade  46  can be formed of plated materials, such as steel plated with chrome. Blade  46  is not limited to these materials and other conventional blade materials, as known by those of ordinary skill in the art may also be used. 
     Blade  46  made of metal can be formed by cutting sheet stock of metal material, cutting with the use of electric, gas, plasma, water, or laser cutting equipment, die stamping or forging metal material under heat and pressure, casting, die casting, or employing other conventional means known in the metal working industry and prior art. Ceramic blades can be formed using conventional means as known by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Since blade  46  (See  FIG. 3 ) lacks steel toe and heel plates  24 ,  26  and steel stanchions  22  of prior art blade  14  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), blade  46  is lightweight and easily replaceable. Blade  46  weighs about 2.5 ounces to about 4.5 ounces. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , in the present example, blade holder  94  terminates spaced from heel end  40  of blade  46 . Alternatively, blade holder  94  may extend the entire length of blade  46 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 12 , fastener  48  is shown. Fastener  48  is integrally formed of metal and includes head  142 , shaft  144  and boss  146 . Head  142  includes at least one groove  142   a  (shown in phantom) useful with a Phillips or flat head screwdriver, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 10 , in unlocked or installation/removal position boss  146  has thickness T B  less than width W of narrowed portion  138   b  of stepped slot  138  (as shown in  FIG. 10 ). Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 10 , in locked position boss  146  has width W B  greater than width W of narrowed portion  138   b  of stepped slot  138 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10A-B , alternatively slot  120 ′ may open through a side surface of holder  94 ′ and fastener  48 ′ may be hardened bolt  48   a′  with lock nut  48   b′  that are received into alternative slot  120 ′ in a transverse direction T. Blade  46 ′ has lug  136 ′ with stepped slot  138 ′ for receiving bolt  48   a′ . In addition, alternative fastener  48   a′  may be used with plastic cap  49 ′ that is received within slot  138 ′ and rests flush with the side surface of holder  94 ′ to hide fastener  48   a′  for aesthetic reasons. Fasteners  48  and  48 ′ and blade holder  94  and  94 ′ are configured to cooperate and hold blade  46  and  46 ′ to holder  94  and  94 ′ respectively. Skate  32  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is not limited to fastener  48  and blade holder  94  disclosed. 
     Installation of blade  46  will now be discussed with reference to FIGS.  10  and  14 - 15 . To connect blade  46  to blade holder  94 , user inserts forward hook  132  of blade  46  into forward slot recess  116  of blade holder  94 , so that blade recess  134  mates with pin  124  (as shown in  FIG. 14 ). User also moves blade rearward lug  136  into rearward slot recess  118 . Thus, aligning stepped blade bore  138  with bore  120  (as shown in  FIG. 15 ). As a result, blade  46  is received in blade holder slot  114  and nested therein. 
     With fastener  48  in unlocked position, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , a user guides fastener  48  into blade stepped slot  138 . Since boss thickness T B  is less than width W of narrowed portion  138   b  of stepped slot  138 , fastener  48  can be installed. A user then rotates fastener  48  forty-five degrees to locked position (as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 15 ) using screwdriver (not shown) and groove  142   a  (shown in phantom). In locked position, width W B  is greater than width W of narrowed portion  138   b  of stepped slot  138 . As a result, fastener  48  cannot be removed from stepped slot  138  without rotation to unlocked position, and blade  46  is removably connected to blade holder  94  of casing  44 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , blade  46  hooks in front and is tightened to blade holder  94  in the rear. The front of blade  46  is secured from forward movement by front wall  112  extending over leading edge  128  of blade  46 . Front wall  112  and leading edge  128  are particularly configured and dimensioned to withstand forward forces during jump take off and landing. Toe pick  140  is uncovered by front wall  112  in installed position. Front of blade  46  is also secured from rearward movement by engagement with pin  124 . 
     The rear of blade  46  is secured from forward movement by fastener  48 . The rear of blade  46  is secured from rearward movement by engagement of lug  138  with blade holder  94 . As a result, blade  46  is removably locked to blade holder  94 . 
     To remove blade  46 , user rotates fastener  48  forty-five degrees to unlocked position (shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 ) and removes fastener  48  from bore  138 . Then, blade  46  can easily be lowered from slot  114 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  15  and  16 , the actual dimensions of skate  32  may vary depending upon the size of skate  32 . In exemplary skate  32 , which is a women&#39;s size 7, blade  46  has conventional length L 1  of 12 inches. Alternatively, skate  32  can be used with blade  46 ′, which has conventional length L 2  of 11.25 inches. Thus, blades  46  and  46 ′ are interchangeable. Skate  32  can be purchased pre-assembled with blade  46  or blade  46 ′ already installed or purchased without blades  46 ,  46 ′. 
     Skate  32  is shown in use in  FIG. 17 . In use, boot  42 , user&#39;s heel H, and rear end of casing  44  are vertically movable due to sole plate  92  vertically flexing. 
     Sole plate  92  is shown in initial position P 1 . Second plastic material and cantilevered configuration of sole plate  92  allow a predetermined amount of vertical flex. Flex must be limited so that sole plate  92  provides ample support to user&#39;s foot  34   a  and leg  34   b  (shown in phantom). Sole plate  92  is configured and dimensioned and made of a material so that sole plate  92  only flexes with extreme forces, such as jump landings. 
     Sole plate  92  is shown in downward position P 2 , which is exemplary of performance during a landing. This allows for shock absorption of some of landing forces. In position P 2 , sole plate  92  is closer to blade  46  than in initial position P 1 . Sole plate  92  is shown in elevated position P 3 , which is exemplary of performance during take off. In position P 3 , sole plate  92  is farther to blade  46  than in initial position P 1 . During stopping actions, intense lateral forces are imparted on skate  32  that casing  44  and blade holder  94  must withstand. 
     Maintenance of skate  32  includes checking tightness of fastener  48 , sharpening blade  46 , and drying internal and external moisture on boot  42  and blade  46 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18-19 , second exemplary pair of skates  1032  is shown. Skates  1032  are similar to skates  32  of  FIG. 2  except casings  1044  of skates  1032  lack decorative strap  101  (See FIGS.  2  and  6 - 7 ). Skates  1032  include boot  1042 , casing  1044 , blade  1046  and fastener  1048 , as previously discussed with respect to skate  32  of  FIGS. 2-17 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20-23 , a third example of skate  2032  is shown similar to skates  32  and  1032 . Skate  2032  includes boot  2042 , casing  2044 , blade  2046  and fastener  2048 . Boot  2042 , blade  2046 , and fastener  2048  are similar to boot  42 , blade  46  and fastener  48 , respectively, previously discussed with respect to skate  32  of  FIGS. 2-17 . 
     Casing  2044  has been modified for aesthetic purposes to be more open than casing  44 . Casing  2042  has a more open upper portion  2090  while sole plate  2092  and blade holder  2094  are similar to sole plate  92  and blade holder  94 , previously discussed. 
     Upper portion  2090  has reduced toe box  2098  as compared to toe box  98  (as best seen with reference to  FIGS. 22 and 8 ). Toe box  2098  includes front wall  2098   a  and sidewalls  2098   c,d . Referring to  FIG. 21 , upper portion  2090  has larger opening  2104  as compared to opening  104  of casing  44 . As a result, more of boot  2042  is visible through opening  2104 . 
     Medial and lateral sides of skate  2032  (as shown in  FIGS. 20-21  and  23 ) each include cutout  2107  that mates with opening  2110  formed by sole plate  2092  and neck portion  2109 . As a result, an oval opening is formed on each side of skate  2032  as compared to the partial oval opening  110  formed on skate  32  (as best seen comparing  FIGS. 20 and 7 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , heel counter  2100  of skate  2032  includes an opening  2101  that mates with exterior surface  2122  of blade holder  2094  so that sole plate  2092  is visible and exposed at rear end  40 . Sole plate  2092  is also visible through opening formed by cutout  2107  and opening  2110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 24-25 , a fourth example of skate  3032  is shown similar to skate  2032 . Skate  3032  includes boot  3042 , casing  3044 , blade  3046  and fastener (not shown). Boot  3042 , blade  3046  and fastener (not shown) are similar to boot  42 , blade  46  and fastener  48 , respectively, previously discussed with respect to skate  32  of  FIGS. 2-17 . 
     Casing  3044  has been modified for aesthetic purposes to be more open than casing  44 . Casing  3042  has a more open upper portion  3090  while sole plate  3092  and blade holder  3094  are similar to sole plate  2092  (See  FIG. 23 ) and blade holder  2094 , previously discussed. 
     Upper portion  3090  has reduced toe box  3098  as compared to toe box  98  (as best seen with reference to  FIGS. 24-25  and  8 ). Toe box  3098  includes front wall sidewalls  3098   c,d . Referring to  FIGS. 24-25 , upper portion  3090  has larger opening  3104  as compared to opening  104  of casing  44 . As a result, more of boot  3042  is visible through opening  3104 . In addition, top edge  3090   a  of upper portion  3090  is concave in the ankle area. 
     Medial and lateral sides of skate  3032  (as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 ), includes cutouts  3107  that mate with openings  3110  formed by sole plate  3092  and neck portion  3109 . As a result, an oval opening is formed on medial and lateral sides of skate  3032 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , heel counter  3100  of skate  3032  includes openings  3101   a,b . Opening  3101   a  is disposed between two heel straps  3101   c . Opening  3101   b  mates with exterior surface  3122  of blade holder  3094  so that sole plate  3092  is visible and exposed at rear end  40  (as best seen in  FIG. 25 ). Sole plate  3092  is also visible through opening formed by cutouts  3107  and opening  3110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 26-27 , a fifth example of skate  4032  is shown similar to skate  3032 , except skate  4032  includes medial cutout  4107  mating with opening  4110 , and no lateral cutout similar to lateral cutout  3107  shown in  FIG. 25 . 
     Skate  4032  includes opening  4104  that is larger on the lateral side than on the medial side, as shown comparing  FIGS. 26 and 27 . Skate  4032  has reduced toe box  4098  formed of sidewalls  4098   c,d.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 28-29 , a sixth example of skate  5032  is shown similar to skate  4032 , except skate  5032  includes medial cutout  5107   a  larger than lateral cutout  5107   b . Skate  5032  includes opening  5104  that is larger on the lateral side than on the medial side, as shown comparing  FIGS. 28 and 29 . Skate  5032  has reduced toe box  5098  formed of front wall  5098   a  and sidewalls  5098   c,d . Opening  5101   b  is configured so that heel counter  5100  has straps  5101   c . Sole plate  5092  is visible through opening formed by cutout  5107   a  and opening  5110  and visible through cutout  5107   b  and opening  5110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 30-31 , a seventh example of skate  6032  is shown similar to skate  2032 , except skate  6032  includes alternative blade holder  6094 . Blade holder  6094  is configured to be connected sole plate  6092  in sole plate toe area  6092   a  (shown in phantom) toward toe end  38  of skate  6032 . Thus, cantilever connection is formed by sole plate  6092  being fixed at a single location adjacent the toe area. Sole plate  6092  functions similar to sole plate  92  previously discussed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 32-33 , an eighth example of skate  7032  is shown similar to skate  32 , except skate  7032  includes alternative blade holder  7094 . Blade holder  7094  is configured to be connected sole plate  7092  (shown in phantom) in sole plate arch area  7092   b  (shown in phantom) and heel area  7092   c  (shown in phantom) so that toe end  38  of casing  7044  and boot  7042  are unsupported and toe area  7092   a  (shown in phantom) is free to flex and move vertically. Thus, a cantilever connection is formed by sole plate  7092 . Skate  7032  is configured so that vertical flex at the toe occurs during jump take-offs and landings. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other products. Therefore, the claims are not to be limited to the specific examples depicted herein. For example, the features of one example disclosed above can be used with the features of another example. Thus, the details of these components as set forth in the above-described examples, should not limit the scope of the claims. 
     Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application nor is intended to be limiting on the claims in any way.