Patent Abstract:
A blade for a skate includes a holder, a runner, and an attachment device. The holder includes a front section and a rear section where at least one of the front section and the rear section includes at least two, separate hollow regions and an aperture. The aperture extends through the holder between the at least two, separate hollow regions. The attachment device extends through a substantially solid portion of the holder between the two, separate hollow regions into the aperture and secures the runner to the holder. At least a portion of the attachment device used to secure the runner to the holder is accessible in the aperture.

Full Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/541,293 filed Feb. 3, 2004 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to ice skates and, more particularly, to a skate with an accessible runner securing system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A variety of different techniques have been used to secure a runner to a holder. For example, with one prior technique an upper portion of the runner is seated in a longitudinal groove in the base of the holder. A plurality of threaded openings are formed to extend horizontally through the upper portion of the runner and a base portion of the holder. A screw is secured in each of the horizontal openings to attach the runner to the holder. With these horizontally extending screws, the runner can be attached or removed from the skate holder by screwing or unscrewing the screws from the openings. Unfortunately, pressure on the runner from use of the skate can cause one or more of the screws to loosen which can loosen the connection of the runner to the holder and degrade skating performance. 
     With another prior technique, an upper portion of the runner is again seated in a longitudinal groove in the base of the holder. Threaded posts are secured to an upper portion of the runner and extend up into the front and rear cup portions of the holder. A nut is secured on the end of each of these threaded posts to secure the runner to the holder. With these threaded posts, the runner is more securely fastened to the holder. Unfortunately, the holder is attached to the boot in a manner which prevents access to the nut used to secured the runner to the holder in the front and rear cups. As a result, once the runner is attached, the runner cannot be replaced, except by removing the holder from the boot or by cutting a hole through the sole of the boot. 
     Another problem with these prior designs is with the durability and weight of the ice skate. To make these prior designs more durable, typically the holder is a manufactured as solid, one piece unit. Unfortunately, this solid design for the holder adds to the overall weight of the skate. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A blade for a skate in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention includes a holder, a runner, and an attachment device. The holder includes a front section and a rear section where at least one of the front section and the rear section includes at least two, separate hollow regions and an aperture. The aperture extends through the holder between the at least two, separate hollow regions. The attachment device extends through a substantially solid portion of the holder between the two, separate hollow regions into the aperture and secures the runner to the holder. At least a portion of the attachment device used to secure the runner to the holder is accessible in the aperture. 
     A method for securing a runner to a holder in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention includes providing a holder comprising a front section and a rear section where at least one of the front section and the rear section comprises at least two, separate hollow regions and an aperture. The aperture extends through the holder between the at least two, separate hollow regions. An edge of a runner is positioned against a portion of the holder. An attachment device is extended through a substantially solid portion of the holder between the at least two, separate hollow regions into the aperture and secures the runner to the holder. At least a portion of the attachment device used to secure the runner to the holder is accessible in the aperture. 
     A skate in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention includes a boot, a holder, a runner, and an attachment device. The holder is secured to a base of the boot and includes a front section and a rear section where at least one of the front section and the rear section includes at least two, separate hollow regions and an aperture. The aperture extends through the holder between the at least two, separate hollow regions. The attachment device extends through a substantially solid portion of the holder between the at least two, separate hollow regions into the aperture and secures the runner to the holder. At least a portion of the attachment device used to secure the runner to the holder is accessible in the aperture. 
     A method for securing a runner to a skate in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention includes providing a holder with a front section and a rear section where at least one of the front section and the rear section comprises at least two, separate hollow regions and an aperture. The aperture extends through the holder between the at least two, separate hollow regions, the holder is secured to a boot. An edge of a runner is positioned against a portion of the holder. An attachment device is extended through a substantially solid portion of the holder between the at least two, separate hollow regions into the aperture. The attachment device secures the runner to the holder. At least a portion of the attachment device used to secure the runner to the holder is accessible in the aperture. 
     The present invention provides a lightweight and strong holder from which a runner easily can be attached to or removed from. As a result, the runner can easily be switched to a runner that is appropriate for the particular ice conditions and/or for the particular type of skating to be performed, e.g. speed skating, figure skating, hockey, or recreational. Additionally, the ice skate is more comfortable to use and is more durable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a skate with an accessible runner securing system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the skate shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side, cross-sectional view of the skate shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded, view of the skate shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side, cross-sectional view of a skate with an accessible runner securing system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded, view of the skate shown in  FIG. 5 ; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a lug used in the accessible runner securing system shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A skate  10  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . The skate  10  includes a boot  12 , a skate holder  14 ( 1 ), and a runner  16 ( 1 ), although the skate  10  can comprise other numbers and types of components in other configurations. The present invention provides an ice skate  10  in which the runner  16 ( 1 ) of the ice skate can be easily attached to or removed from a skate holder  14 ( 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the boot  12  includes a shell  18  shaped to receive a foot and a sole  20  connected to the shell  18 , although the boot  12  can comprise other numbers and types of components in other configurations. By way of example, a boot and method for making a boot for a skate are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,295,679, which is herein incorporated by reference. Since boots for skates are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, they will not be described in further detail here. 
     The holder  14 ( 1 ) includes a front section  22 ( 1 ), a bridge section  24 ( 1 ), and a rear section  26 ( 1 ), although the holder can comprise other numbers and types of components in other configurations and other types of holders can be used, such as  14 ( 2 ) shown in  FIGS. 5-6 . Referring back to  FIGS. 1-4 , the bridge section  24 ( 1 ) couples the front and rear sections  22 ( 1 ) and  26 ( 1 ) together and in this embodiment the front, bridge, and rear sections  22 ( 1 ),  24 ( 1 ), and  26 ( 1 ) are integrally formed, although other configurations could be used. An upper portion  28  of the front section  22 ( 1 ) is secured to a front portion of the sole  20  with rivets through openings  29  in portion  28  and an upper portion  30  of the rear section  26 ( 1 ) is secured to a rear portion of the sole  20  with rivets through openings  31  in portion  30 , although other attachment configurations and other devices to secure the holder  14 ( 1 ) to the sole  20  can be used. A longitudinally extending groove  32  is formed along a lower portion of the front, bridge and rear sections  22 ( 1 ),  24 ( 1 ), and  26 ( 1 ) of the holder  14 ( 1 ) and is shaped to receive an upper portion of the runner  16 ( 1 ). 
     The front section  22 ( 1 ) a pair of separated, hollow regions  21 ( 1 )- 21 ( 2 ) and an opening  42  positioned between the hollow regions  21 ( 1 )- 21 ( 2 ), although other configurations could be used, such as multiple hollow regions or openings or having an opening which only extends partially through the holder  14 ( 1 ). Similarly, the rear section  26 ( 1 ) includes pair of separated, hollow regions  27 ( 1 )- 27 ( 2 ) and an opening  44  positioned between the hollow regions  27 ( 1 )- 27 ( 2 ), although other configurations could be used, such as multiple hollow regions or openings or having an opening which only extends partially through the holder  14 ( 1 ). The hollow regions  21 ( 1 ),  21 ( 2 ),  27 ( 1 ), and  27 ( 2 ) in the holder  14 ( 1 ) help to reduce the weight of the skate without negatively effecting the structural integrity and strength of the holder  14 ( 1 ). As a result, with this skate holder  14 ( 1 ) the skate  10  is noticeably lighter while still being durable. 
     The openings  42  and  44  in the front and rear sections  22 ( 1 ) and  26 ( 1 ) provide access to nuts  46 ( 1 ) and  48 ( 1 ) which are used to secure the runner  16 ( 1 ) to the holder  14 ( 1 ) so that an individual can easily attach or remove and replace a runner  16 ( 1 ) on a skate  10 . The openings  42  and  44  are sized so that an individual can easily access the access the nuts  46 ( 1 ) and  48 ( 1 ) secured on the threaded attachment devices  36 ( 1 ) and  40 ( 1 ) with the individual&#39;s fingers or a tool. Accordingly, with the present invention, an individual wearing the skate  10  can easily secure or remove a runner  16 ( 1 ) from holder  14 ( 1 ), without having to remove the holder  14 ( 1 ) from the boot  12  and without having to use the prior horizontal technique for securing a runner to a holder. 
     The front section  22 ( 1 ) has a passage  34 ( 1 ) that extends through a wall  19 ( 1 ) of the holder  14 ( 1 ) which is positioned between the hollow regions  21 ( 1 )- 21 ( 2 ) and which is sized to receive one end of a threaded attachment device  36 ( 1 ), such as a bolt. The rear section  26 ( 1 ) has a passage  38 ( 1 ) that extends through a wall  33 ( 1 ) of the holder  14 ( 1 ) between the hollow regions  27 ( 1 )- 27 ( 2 ) and which is sized to receive one end of another threaded attachment device  40 ( 1 ). The passages  34 ( 1 ) and  38 ( 1 ) extend in a substantially vertical direction, although other directions and configurations for the passages  34 ( 1 ) and  38 ( 1 ) can be used, such as having the passages extend at an angle. 
     With this configuration for the attachment devices  36 ( 1 ) and  40 ( 1 ) through the passages  34 ( 1 ) and  38 ( 1 ), the runner  16 ( 1 ) is pulled up into the holder  14 ( 1 ) so that pressure on the edges of the runner  16 ( 1 ) during skating will not loosen the connection of the runner  16 ( 1 ) to the holder  14 ( 1 ). Additionally, with this configuration the strength of the holder  14 ( 1 ) is maintained because attachment devices  36 ( 1 ) and  40 ( 1 ) extend through the walls  19 ( 1 ) and  33 ( 1 ) and not into and/or through any of the hollow regions  21 ( 1 ),  21 ( 2 ),  27 ( 1 ), or  27 ( 2 ). As a result, the strength of the hollow regions  21 ( 1 ),  21 ( 2 ),  27 ( 1 ), or  27 ( 2 ) and thus of the holder  14 ( 1 ) is not compromised by the attachment of the runner  16 ( 1 ) to the holder  14 ( 1 ). 
     The holder  14 ( 1 ) also includes the bridge section  24 ( 1 ) which has a plurality of openings  50  extend. The openings  50  in the bridge section  24 ( 1 ) also help to reduce the overall weight of the skate  10 . 
     The runner  16 ( 1 ) includes an upper, elongated edge  52  which is dimensioned to fit within the groove  32  in the front, bridge, and rear sections  22 ( 1 ),  24 ( 1 ), and  26 ( 1 ) of the holder  14 ( 1 ) and a lower, elongated edge  54  which forms the skating edge for the skate  10 . A pair of cavities  56  and  58  are formed in the upper elongated edge  52 , although other numbers and types of mechanisms for securing one end of the attachment devices  36 ( 1 ) and  40 ( 1 ) to the runner  16 ( 1 ) could be used, such as integrally forming the attachment devices with the runner  16 ( 1 ). The cavity  56  is shaped to mate with one end of the threaded attachment device  36 ( 1 ) and the cavity  58  is shaped to mate with one end of the threaded attachment device  40 ( 1 ). Although one type of runner  16 ( 1 ) is shown, other types of runners can be used. 
     The threaded attachment devices  36 ( 1 ) and  40 ( 1 ) extend out away from the edge  52  of the runner  16 ( 1 ). The threaded attachment device  36 ( 1 ) has another threaded end that extends up through the passage  34 ( 1 ) in the front section  22 ( 1 ) to the opening  42 . The threaded attachment device  40 ( 1 ) has another threaded end that extends up through the passage  38 ( 1 ) in the rear section  26 ( 1 ) to the opening  44 . A threaded nut  46 ( 1 ) is rotationally seated on the thread end of the attachment device  36 ( 1 ) and another nut  48 ( 1 ) is seated on the threaded end of the attachment device  40 ( 1 ). The nuts  46 ( 1 ) and  48 ( 1 ) are rotated on the threaded attachment devices  36 ( 1 ) and  40 ( 1 ) to secure the runner  16 ( 1 ) to the holder  14 ( 1 ) or to release the threaded attachment devices  36 ( 1 ) and  40 ( 1 ) so the runner  16 ( 1 ) can be replaced. 
     A method for securing a runner  16 ( 1 ) to the holder  14 ( 1 ) will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . One end of threaded attachment device is mated with the cavity  56  and one end of threaded attachment device  40 ( 1 ) is mated with the cavity  58 . Next, the threaded attachment device  36 ( 1 ) is passed through passage  34 ( 1 ) and extends into the opening  42  in the front section  22 ( 1 ) and threaded attachment device  40 ( 1 ) is passed through passage  38 ( 1 ) and extends into the opening  44  in the rear section  26 ( 1 ). An upper edge  52  of the runner  16 ( 1 ) is seated in the groove  32  in the front, bridge, and rear sections  22 ( 1 ),  24 ( 1 ), and  26 ( 1 ) of the holder  14 ( 1 ). A nut  46 ( 1 ) is threaded on the threaded attachment device  36 ( 1 ) and another nut  48 ( 1 ) is threaded on the threaded attachment device  40 ( 1 ), The nuts  46 ( 1 ) and  48 ( 1 ) are tightened on the threaded attachment devices  36 ( 1 ) and  40 ( 1 ) until the runner  16 ( 1 ) is secure in the holder  14 ( 1 ). To replace the runner  16 ( 1 ), the nuts  46 ( 1 ) and  48 ( 1 ) are simply unscrewed from the threaded attachment devices  36 ( 1 ) and  40 ( 1 ) and the runner  16 ( 1 ) is removed from the holder  14 ( 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , an alternative embodiment for the holder  14 ( 2 ) for the skate  10  is illustrated. Elements in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5-7  which are like those in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-4  will have like reference numerals and will not be described again. For ease of illustration the boot  12  is not illustrated in this embodiment. 
     The holder  14 ( 2 ) is the same as the holder  14 ( 1 ), except as described and illustrated herein. The holder  14 ( 2 ) includes a front section  22 ( 2 ), a bridge section  24 ( 2 ), and a rear section  26 ( 2 ) which couples the front and rear sections  22 ( 2 ) and  26 ( 2 ) together, although the holder can comprise other numbers and types of components in other configurations. The front section  22 ( 2 ) includes a passage  34 ( 2 ) that extends through a wall  19 ( 2 ) of the holder  14 ( 2 ) which is positioned between the hollow regions  21 ( 1 )- 21 ( 2 ) and which is sized to receive one end of an attachment device  36 ( 2 ), such as a nail head. Similarly, the rear section  26 ( 2 ) includes a passage  38 ( 2 ) that extends through a wall  33 ( 2 ) of the holder  14 ( 2 ) which is positioned between the hollow regions  27 ( 1 )- 27 ( 2 ) and which is sized to receive one end of another attachment device  40 ( 2 ), such as a nail head. The passages  34 ( 2 ) and  38 ( 2 ) extend in a substantially vertical direction, although other configurations for the passages  34 ( 2 ) and  38 ( 2 ) can be used. 
     With the vertical configuration for the attachment devices  36 ( 2 ) and  40 ( 2 ) through the passages  34 ( 2 ) and  38 ( 2 ), pressure on the edges of the runner  16 ( 2 ) will not loosen the connection of the runner  16 ( 2 ) to the holder  14 ( 2 ). Additionally, with this configuration the strength of the holder  14 ( 2 ) is maintained because attachment devices  36 ( 2 ) and  40 ( 2 ) extend through the walls  19 ( 2 ) and  33 ( 2 ) and not into and/or through any of the hollow regions  21 ( 1 ),  21 ( 2 ),  27 ( 1 ), or  27 ( 2 ) of the holder  14 ( 2 ). As a result, the strength of the hollow regions  21 ( 1 ),  21 ( 2 ),  27 ( 1 ), or  27 ( 2 ) and thus of the holder  14 ( 2 ) is not compromised by the attachment of the runner  16 ( 2 ) to the holder  14 ( 2 ). 
     The front section  22 ( 2 ) also includes a lug nut housing  23  positioned in the opening  42  for the lug nut  46 ( 2 ) and the rear section  26 ( 2 ) includes a lug nut housing  25  positioned in the opening  44  for the lug nut  46 ( 2 ). The lug nut housing  23  has an opening to the passage  34 ( 2 ) which is sized to receive the attachment device  36 ( 2 ) and the lug nut housing  25  has an opening which is sized to receive the attachment device  40 ( 2 ). 
     The runner  16 ( 2 ) is the same as the runner  16 ( 1 ), except as described and illustrated herein. A pair of attachment devices  36 ( 2 ) and  40 ( 2 ) are secured to the upper edge  52  of the runner  16 ( 2 ) with welds, although other manners for securing the attachment devices  36 ( 2 ) and  40 ( 2 ) to the runner  16 ( 2 ) could be used. 
     The lug nuts  46 ( 2 ) and  48 ( 2 ) each include a pair of outer rims  60 ( 1 ) and  60 ( 2 ) which are joined by a center section  62 , although lug nuts  46 ( 2 ) and  48 ( 2 ) may each comprise other sections in other configurations. Since lug nut  48 ( 2 ) is the same as lug nut  46 ( 2 ), only lug nut  46 ( 2 ) is described herein and shown in  FIG. 7 . The center section  62  of each of the lug nuts  46 ( 2 ) and  48 ( 2 ) includes a passage  64  which is sized to fit over the nail head end of attachment devices  36 ( 2 ) and  40 ( 2 ). A channel  66  is formed in the center section  62  of each of the lug nuts  46 ( 2 ) and  48 ( 2 ) and extends partially around the center section. The edges  68 ( 1 ) and  68 ( 2 ) of the center section  62  about the channel  66  in each of the lug nuts  46 ( 2 ) and  48 ( 2 ) are tapered and gradually increase in thickness towards the end of the channel  66 . The end of the center section  62  after the end of the channel  66  in each of the lug nuts  46 ( 2 ) and  48 ( 2 ) has a substantially flat portion  70 . Each of the lug nuts  46 ( 2 ) and  48 ( 2 ) includes a slot  72  to receive the head of a flat head screw driver or other tool to rotate the lug nuts  46 ( 2 ) and  48 ( 2 ), although other numbers and configurations for the slot as well as other manners for rotating the lug nuts  46 ( 2 ) and  48 ( 2 ) can be used. 
     The lug nut  46 ( 2 ) is designed to mate with one end of the attachment device  36 ( 2 ) through the opening  64  and the lug nut  48 ( 2 ) is designed to mate with one end of the attachment device  40 ( 2 ) through the opening  64 . If the lug nut  46 ( 2 ) is rotated, the head of the attachment device  36 ( 2 ) is sized to rest and ride on the edges  68 ( 1 ) and  68 ( 2 ) of center section  62  of lug nut  46 ( 2 ). Similarly, if the lug nut  48 ( 2 ) is rotated, the head of the attachment device  40 ( 2 ) is sized to rest and ride on the edges  68 ( 1 ) and  68 ( 2 ) of center section  62  of lug nut  48 ( 2 ). Although two attachment devices  36 ( 2 ) and  40 ( 2 ) are shown with lug nuts  46 ( 2 ) and  48 ( 2 ), other numbers and types of attachment devices and lug nuts can be used. 
     A method for securing a runner  16 ( 2 ) to the holder  14 ( 2 ) shown in  FIGS. 5-6  is the same as the method for securing the runner  16 ( 2 ) to the holder  14 ( 1 ) shown in  FIGS. 1-4  except as described below. One end of the attachment device  36 ( 2 ) is passed through passage  34 ( 2 ) and through the opening  64  in the lug nut  46 ( 2 ) into the lug nut housing  23  in opening  42  in the front section  22 ( 1 ). One end of the attachment device  40 ( 2 ) is passed through passage  38 ( 2 ) and through the opening  64  in the lug nut  48 ( 2 ) into the lug nut housing  23  in opening  44  in the rear section  26 ( 1 ). An upper edge  52  of the runner  16 ( 2 ) is seated in the groove  32  in the front, bridge, and rear sections  22 ( 2 ),  24 ( 2 ), and  26 ( 2 ) of the holder  14 ( 2 ). A flat head screw driver or other tool is seated in the slot  72  of the lug nut  46 ( 2 ) and is rotated. Rotating the lug nut  46 ( 2 ) seats the head of the attachment device  36 ( 2 ) on the edges  68 ( 1 ) and  68 ( 2 ) of the lug nut  46 ( 2 ). Continued rotation of the lug nut  46 ( 2 ) causes the head of the attachment device  36 ( 2 ) to ride up the edges  68 ( 1 ) and  68 ( 2 ) which pulls the runner  16 ( 2 ) further up into the slot  32  to secure one end of the runner  16 ( 2 ) against the holder  14 ( 2 ). Similarly, a flat head screw driver or other tool is seated in the slot  72  of the lug nut  48 ( 2 ) and is rotated. Rotating the lug nut  48 ( 2 ) seats the head of the attachment device  40 ( 2 ) on the edges  68 ( 1 ) and  68 ( 2 ) of the lug nut  48 ( 2 ). Continued rotation of the lug nut  48 ( 2 ) causes the head of the attachment device  40 ( 2 ) to ride up the edges  68 ( 1 ) and  68 ( 2 ) which pulls the runner  16 ( 2 ) further up into the slot  32  to secure another end of the runner  16 ( 2 ) against the holder  14 ( 2 ). To replace the runner  16 ( 2 ), the process described above is just reversed. 
     Having thus described the basic concept of the invention, it will be rather apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed disclosure is intended to be presented by way of example only, and is not limiting. Various alterations, improvements, and modifications will occur and are intended to those skilled in the art, though not expressly stated herein. These alterations, improvements, and modifications are intended to be suggested hereby, and are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the recited order of processing elements or sequences, or the use of numbers, letters, or other designations therefore, is not intended to limit the claimed processes to any order except as may be specified in the claims. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereto.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0