Improvements in Skates.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Mar., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 3rd Dec., 1891-Accepted, 9th Jan., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Skates.
A communication from abroad by UBEL WIERDA, of Winsum, in the Province of
Groningen, in the Kingdom of Holland, Gentleman.
1, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 323, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
follows:-
as
The object of this invention is a (duplex) skate having a blade which is easily
detached, is ground on both its upper and lower edges, and which can be auto-
matically fitted into the shoc, and thus serves to combine, in one pair of skates,
two or more sorts of skates for various purposes, such, for instance, as straight
forward, fancy skating, long distance or racing skating, on hard or soft ice.
No skate has been hitherto produced which could, at will, be conveniently used
for various kinds of skating. As is well known, the blades of skates for long
distance travelling or racing are thinner than and differently ground to those used for
ornamental and figure skating. Further, the racing skater requires the blades to
be of various thicknesses and to be ground differently for hard or soft ice; and, in
order to be ready for all emergencies, he must always carry with him a number
of different kinds of skates.
This invention removes all these inconveniences, as the actual blade is removably
attached to the foot piece or foot iron, and is ground differently on both
edges, so that it can be used either for long distance, ornamental or figure
skating.
There is thus obtained, with one pair of blades, skates serving for two different
purposes, which can be easily taken to pieces to be cleaned, and the blades re-ground.
All the blades can be made to fit one foot plate and can be used for various purposes
and on various kinds of ice.
The invention includes the use of such blades, the foot irons or foot plates belong-
ing thereto, and the mode of fastening the blades to the foot iron or foot plate on the
one hand, and the foot plate to the boot on the other hand, together with the various
parts producing this fastening.
One form of skate blade employed is ground on its under side to a longitudinal
curve, and is of a broad section, at the upper edge however, it is almost straight
and of narrow section, the blade being tapered; in order to render the blade as light
as possible elongated holes may be cut in them.
The under edge of this blade is suitable for ornamental and figure skating, and the
upper edge for speed skating. The foot plate consists of iron plates, bent up at
the sides on which the shoe rests at the sole and heel. These iron plates are con-
nected by means of a longitudinal rib. This rib has, beneath the plates, a pin or
a screwed pin with a head. The skate blade is secured to the foot plate either by
means of the screwed pin or a pin with a wedge.
For this purpose, the blade has round holes with side cross cuts corresponding
to the distance of the two screw pins in the foot plate, through which the screw
heads with projections can only pass when in a horizontal position; by tightening
the screw, the skate blade is drawn firmly to the foot plate by the proiection being
at right angles to the cross cuts. The other side of the screw pin is provided with
a cross pin, which, by means of lugs on the foot plates, limits the movement of the
screw pin, and, further, prevents, any turning out of the same; a ratchet and pawl
may be also fixed on the screw pin on this side, so that the same cannot turn back
of itself.
L

page_text: The head of the screw pin has a groove of the same width as the skate blade, so
that it can be screwed up or unscrewed by means of the blade.
The holes in the skate blade are not placed in the middle of its height, in
order that, for speed skating, the skate can be made lower than for fancy or figure
skating.
When a wedge fastening is used; the skate blade is inade with round holes only;
A pin is rigidly attached to the foot plate, the said pin having a slot formed
in it. In the foot plates, elongated holes are also formed, exactly over the
slot in the pins to allow of the insertion of a wedge, which engages both holes
and presses the skate blade firmly against the foot piece. When the skate is put
on the foot, the boot rests with sole and heel on these wedges, so that they cannot
become loose.
A snap spring prevents the wedge becoming loose and falling when the skate is
not in use.
The sole and heel plates are formed to correspond with the shape of a boot; the
side pieces of the foot plates, being bent inwards, fit close into the boot and thereby
hold it fast.
The heel of the boot can be shaped in such a way that it also rests on the bent
in sides of the heel plate, so that, even when the heel is somewhat worn, the boot
still has a firm and secure hold at the same height. In this manner, any vertical or
sideway movement of the boot on the foot plate is prevented.
In order to prevent any slipping backwards or forwards, a pin is fixed in the
heel close beneath one of the sides or claws of the heel plate on the inner side of
the boot which rests against the said claw and thereby renders any movement
impossible.
A spring fastening lever is attached in front by a pivot to the claw, and
is provided with a hole, and the said lever is placed between a strip, which
is firmly attached to the claw, and the latter, in order to keep it in position:
The lever is made thicker at one end and forms a spring, and the hole in the lever
engages the pin placed at this point when the skate is put on, thus preventing it
from slipping backwards.
•
The lever is made somewhat broader at the back to allow of its being
grasped more easily by the hand, and, in its normal position, rests under the
heel.
In order to put on the skate, the lever is brought into the lowest position,
and the boot is then pushed between the claws of the sole and heel iron plates, until
the pin comes in contact with the claw on the heel plate.
The spring lever is then turned upwards by hand and slides over the pin until the
latter rests in the hole in the lever. The skate is then firmly attached to the boot.
In order to take the skate off, the lever must be simply pressed by hand or foot a
little sideways, and at the same time downwards till it is clear of the pin; the skate
is then in a position to be pushed off.
The skate can be easily put on, even when the lever is in its normal position, the
pin, in this case, is brought into the hole by means of a horizontal slot on the inner
side of the lever.
The skate can thus be put on or fitted to the foot without using the hands.
Another method of fastening the heel to the foot plate will
described
-
now be
A second pin is placed beside the aforementioned piu in the heel. This pin,
however, does not project beyond the heel. A hollow wing screw is placed in the
heel claw. When the latter pin comes in contact with the claw, the pin that
projects comes exactly opposite the opening in the hollow screw. The latter
is then screwed over the pin, and fastens the skate to the boot. The leather
at the heel is sufficiently cut away round the projecting pin to give room
for the screw.
The sole is not, fixed to the longitudinal rib at a right angle,
but in a slanting direction. The outer claw is made adjustable, by means of a
clamp screw,

page_text: For skaters preferring to fasten the skate by means of straps, a suitable foot
plate can be used. Instead of the bent up iron plates for sole and heel, plates are
fastened on the edge of the longitudinal rib, said plates are formed to correspond
with the shape of the sole and heel. Slots are made on each side of the plates for
fastening the toe and heel straps, and projections are fixed on the sole plate to
prevent any slipping of the foot on the skate; the heel plates can also be roughened.
The wedge or screw fastening of the skate blade to the foot plate can, in this case,
be a matter of choice. When it is desired to use a racing skate for long distances,
a skate, having thin and broad edges to the blades, is preferred. In this case, the
wedge method is preferable for fastening the blade to the foot plate; and, for
securing the heel, the end wing screw method of fastening.
In order to prevent any bending of the long thin front part of the skate blade, two
stays are attached, pivotted at one end to the skate blade, and secured at the other
to vertical pins on the foot plate.
The situation of these pins is arranged in such a way that the stays fit when
either side of the blade is used.
The sole of the boot, resting on the foot plate, prevents the stays from becoming
loose. The round front part of the skate blade is pivotted near the end, so that the
same can be used when either side of the skate blade is in use.
Another form of skate blade, which, by having four holes for screw fastening,
two of which can be alternately used, renders an attachment to the foot plate in
eight different places possible, and which, in order to perform the "Pirouette,"
can be used with the point lying either to the front or back. The curve of the
upper edge has a shorter radius than the lower edge, thus serving for curve or
artistic skating.
When a racing skate blade for short courses, or a long distance skate blade
for hard and soft ice is used, the cutting edges of the blade are of various
breadths.
A simple skate blade for ladies' and children's figure skating, which can only be
used on one side and with the above described foot plate, is made as follows:-
The blade itself is very broad in section and is very low. A slot is cut at the
heel end, in order, if required, that a strap may be buckled round the foot. The
skate blade can be made of various shapes to suit the formation of the ice and for
various purposes.
The advantages of the above described skate are:-
The simple construction and extremely easy taking to pieces of the same, which
renders it possible to alter the skate according to requirements in the shortest
possible time, to dry the same easily and conveniently, and thus protect against
rust, as well as to have the skate blade easily ground. Further, it can be quickly
put on or taken off without the aid of any instrument such as screwdrivers,
keys, etcetera, merely by using the point of the other skate, and, even when
standing up, it can be quickly and easily taken off, and it is suitable both for the
best artistic skating and for beginners,
Also, it is possible, with one pair of foot plates, and various suitable blades, to
make up various sorts of skates for various purposes and for any existing ice
formation.
Deted this 2nd day of March 1801
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Skates.
A communication from abroad by UBEL WIERDA, of Winsum, in the Province
of Groningen, in the Kingdom of Holland, Gentleman.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement:-
The object of this invention is a (duplex) skate having a blade which is easily
detached, is ground on both its upper and lower edges, and which can be
automatically fitted into the shoe, and thus serves to combine, in one pair of
skates, two or more sorts of skates for various purposes, such, for instance, as
straight forward, fancy skating, long distance or racing skating, on hard or
soft ice.
No skate has been hitherto produced which could, at will, be conveniently used
for various kinds of skating. As is well known, the blades of skates for long
distance travelling or racing are thinner than and differently ground to those used
for ornamental and figure skating. Further, the racing skater requires the blades
to be of various thicknesses and to be ground differently for hard or soft ice; and,
in order to be ready for all emergencies, he must always carry with him a number
of different kinds of skates.
This invention removes all these inconveniences, as the actual blade is removably
attached to the foot piece or foot iron, and is ground differently on both edges, so
that it can be used either for long distance, ornamental or figure skating.
There is thus obtained, with one pair of blades, skates serving for two different
purposes, which can be easily taken to pieces to be cleaned, and the blades re-ground.
All the blades can be made to fit one foot plate and can be used for various purposes
and on various kinds of ice.
The invention includes the use of such blades, the foot irous or foot plates
belonging thereto and the mode of fastening the blades to the foot iron or foot plate
on the one hand and the foot plate to the boot on the other hand, together with the
various parts producing this fastening.
On the annexed drawings,
Figure 1 is a side view of a skate made according to this invention attached to
a boot.
Figure JA
a rear view of Figure 1.
Figure 2, a plan.
Figure 24 a front view, whilst
Figures 2B and 2" are vertical sections all of the heel plate showing two different
methods of attaching the blade thereto, and also the foot plate to the boot.
Figures 3 and 34 are a plan view and a vertical section respectively of the foot
plate suitable for being fastened to the boot by means of straps.
Figures 4 and 44 are a side view and a plan view respectively of a racing skate
made according to this invention.
Figures 5, 6, 64, 7 and 74 are various skate blades with the various cross sections
of the same which can all be used in conjunction with one foot plate.
Figures 8 and 84 are enlarged views of the wedge for preventing the boot working
loose or falling from the foot plate.
The skate blade A, Figures 1 and 1^, is ground on its under side to a longitudinal
curve, and is of a broad section; at the upper edge, however, it is almost straight
and of narrow section, the blade being tapered as shown further in order to render
the blade as light as possible, elongated holes a may be cut in them.
The under edge of this blade is suitable for ornamental and figure skating, and

page_text: the upper edge for speed skating and therefore this skate can be appropriately called
a duplex skate. The foot plate B consists of iron plates CD, Figure 2, bent up at
the sides on which the shoe rests at the sole and heel. These iron plates C D are
connected by means of a longitudinal rib B, Figure 2. This rib has, beneath the
plates, a round pin c, Figure 24, or screwed pin d with a head d', Figure 2B,
The skate blade A is secured to the foot plate either by means of the screwed
pin d or by means of a pine with a wedge e.
For the purpose of fastening the screws, the blade is provided with round holes
having side cross cuts, Figure 1, at the same distance apart as the two screw
pins are in the foot plate and through these cuts f screw heads d¹ with pro-
jections can only pass when in a horizontal position; by tightening the screw,
the skate blade is drawn firmly to the foot plate by the projection being set
sideways to the cross cuts. The other side of the screw pin d is provided with a
cross pin g, Figure 2B, which, by means of lugs or projections on the foot plates,
limits the movement of the screw pin, and, further, prevents any turning out of the
same, a ratchet and pawl may be also applied to the screw pin on this side of the
plate, so that the same cannot turn back of itself.
The head of the screw pin has a groove of the same width as the skate blade,
so that it can be screwed up or unscrewed by means of the blade.
The holes in the skate blade are not placed in the middle of its longitudinal
height, in order that, for speed skating, the skate can be made lower than for fancy
or figure skating.
When a wedge fastening is used, the skate blade is made with round holes only.
The pin c, Figures 24 and 2, is rigidly attached to the foot plate, the said pin
having a slot formed in it. In the foot plates CD elongated holes e', Figure 2,
are also formed, exactly over the holes in the pins to allow of the insertion of the
wedge e which engages both holes and presses the skate blade firmly against the
foot piece B. When the skate is put on the foot, the boot rests with sole and heel
on these wedges, so that they cannot become loose and slip out.
A snap spring, Figures 2 and 4 prevents the wedge becoming loose of itself
and falling out when the skate is not in use whilst by forcing back the wedge, the
resistance of the snap spring is overcome so that then the skate can be easily taken
to pieces. For this purpose, the wedge may be made somewhat thicker at its
end so that this end may pass through the hole in the pin c but not in the foot
plate, the wedge is thus prevented altogether from falling out of the skate
(Figures 8 and 84). In Figure 2, the screw and wedge fastenings are shown by
dotted lines in a plan view but so that the drawing may be more readily under-
stood the skate blade A is not shown.
The sole and heel plates are formed to correspond with the shape of a boot; the
side pieces C C D₁ D' of the foot plates C D being bent inwards, fit close into
the boot and thereby hold it fast.
The heel, Figure 2, of the boot which may be of leather, hard rubber, or other
suitable material can be shaped in such a way that it also rests on the bent in
sides D1 D2 of the heel plate D, so that, even when the heel is somewhat worn, the
boot still has a firm and secure hold at the same height. In this manner any
vertical or sideway movement of the boot on the foot plate prevented. In order
to prevent any slipping backwards or forwards, a pin k is fixed in the heel close
beneath the side or claw D¹ of the heel plate on the inner side of the boot which
rests against the said claw and thereby renders any forward movement impossible.
A spring fastening lever E is attached in front by a pivot a to the claw D', and
is provided with a hole p, Figure 2, and the said lever is placed between a strip m,
which is firmly attached to the claw D' and the latter is arranged so as to
prevent any dislodgement sideways as well as to limit the lift of the lever E.
The lever E is made thicker behind D¹ and the pink can catch into the hole
which is situated about this point when the skate is put on, thus preventing it from
slipping backwards.
The lever E is made somewhat broader at the back to allow of its being grasped

page_text: more easily by the hand, and, in its normal position, as seen in the drawings, rests
under the heel.
In order to put on the skate, the lever is brought into the lowest position, and'
the boot is then pushed between the claws C C D D of the sole and heel iron
plates C and D until the pin comes in contact with the claw D' on the heel plate.
The lowest position of E is shown in dotted lines in Figure !.
The lever E is then turned upwards by hand whereby the resistance of the spring
fastening is overcome by E and E slips over the pin till this rests in the hole p.
The skate is then firmly attached to the boot. In order to take the skate off, the
lever must be simply pressed by hand or foot a little sideways, and at the same
time downwards till it is clear of the pink; the skate is then in a position to be
pushed off.
The skate can be easily put on, even when the lever is in its normal position, the
pink is, in this case, brought into the hole p by means of a horizontal slot
inner side of the lever E.
7 on thic
The skate can thus be put on or fitted to the foot without using the hands.
In Figures 2° 4 and 44 another method of fastening the heel to the foot plate is
shown.
In this case, a second pin k¹ is placed' beside the aforementioned più k
in the
heel, Figure 2. This pin, however, does not project beyond the heel. A hollow
wing screw T is placed in the heel claw D'. When the pink presses against D'
the pin comes exactly opposite the opening in the hollow screw. The latter is
then screwed over the pin and fastens the skate to the boot. The leather at the
heel is sufficiently cut away round the pin to give room for the screw. The sole
plate C, Figures 4 and 2; is not fixed to the longitudinal rib at a right angle, but
in a slanting direction. The outer claw C2 is made adjustable by means of a clamp:
screw Figures 2 and 2^, to suit different widths of boots.
For skaters preferring to fasten the skate by means of straps, a suitable foot
plate can be used. Instead of the bent up iron plates CD for sole and heel,
plates M N, are fastened on the edge of the longitudinal rib B, Figure 3, said
plates are formed to correspond with the shape of the sole and heel. Slots OO are
made on each side of the plates for fastening the toe and heel straps and projections R
are fixed on the sole plate to prevent any slipping of the foot on the skate; the
heel plates can also be roughened. The wedge or screw fastening of the skate
blade to the foot plate can, in this case, be a matter of choice. When it is desired
to use a racing skate for long distances, a skate having thin and broad edges to the
blades, is preferred, Figures 4 and 44. In this case, the wedge method is preferable
for fastening the blade A to the foot plate B, and, for securing the heel, the end
wing screw method of fastening.
In order to prevent any bending of the long thin front part of the skate blade,
two stays E E are attached pivoted at one end at o to the skate blade A and
secured at the other to vertical pins r on the foot plate. The situation of these
pins on the foot plate is arranged in such a way that the stays Ę Ę fit when
either side of the blade is used.
The sole of the boot, resting on the foot plate, prevents the stays E E from
becoming loose. The round front part V of the skate blade is pivoted at s near
the end, so that the same can be used when either side of the skate blade is
in use.
Another form of skate blade, is shown in Figure 5 in which, by having four
holes for screw fastening two of which can be alternately used, renders an attach-
ment to the foot plate in eight different places possible, and which, in order to
perform the "Pirouette can be used with the point lying either to the front or
back. The curve of the upper edge has a shorter radius than the lower edge, thus
serving for curve or artistic skating.
22
When a racing skate blade, Figure 6, for short courses, or a long distance,
skate blade for hard and soft ice is used, the cutting edges of the blade are, of
various breadths

page_text: A simple skate blade for ladies and children's figure skating, as shown in
Figures 7 and 74 which can only be used on one side and with the above described
foot plate, is made as follows:-
The blade itself is very broad in section and is very low. A slot Z is cut at the
heel end, in order, if required, that a strap may be buckled round the foot. The
skate blade can be made of various shapes to suit the formation of the ice and for
various purposes.
The advantages of the above described skate are-
The simple construction and extremely easy taking to pieces of the same, which
renders it possible to alter the skate according to requirements in the shortest
possible time, to dry the same easily and conveniently, and thus protect against
rust, as well as to have the skate blade easily ground. Further, it can be quickly
put on or taken off without the aid of any instrument such as screwdrivers, keys,
etcetera, merely by using the point of the other skate, and, even when standing up,
it can be quickly and easily taken off, and it is suitable both for the best artistic
skating and for beginners.
Also, it is possible, with one pair of foot plates and various suitable blades, to
make up various sorts of skates for various purposes and for any existing formation
of ice.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent I declare that what I claim is:-
1. The improvements in skates whereby their blades, as invertible ones, can be
easily fastened to the stocks, and which improvements consist in forming the stock
with a rib (13), connecting the heel and sole plates, provided with holes having
cross cuts, and to which rib the blade is applied and held by means of studs
entering and engaged in the holes of the rib, all arranged substantially as herein-
before described and shown on the accompanying sheet of drawings.
2. In a skate of the kind such as described in Claim 1, the improved means
for retaining the studs in the holes of the rib, and which means consist either
a in forming the shank of the stud with a screw thread (d) and its end with a
pin (g) which respectively take into or engage screw threads and lugs on
the rib of the skate, and with or without the employment of a ratchet and
pawl device; or
in the application of a wedge fastening, the wedge (e) being provided
with a snap spring () and passing through a slit in the heel or sole plate
so that its end may engage the slit in the head of the stud.
3. The improvements in devices for retaining a skate on its boot by means of
a pin in the heel of the boot being engaged by such devices, and which improve-
ments consist―
a in the employment of a spring latch (E), secured to one of the heel lugs
and provided with apertures (p) said latch being confined and operating
substantially as herein before described; or
in the employment of a hollow wing screw (T) secured and operating
substantially as herein before described."
4. The improvements in skates of the kind described with invertible blades,
consisting in stiffening the front part of the blade by means of stays, which are
applied substantially as described, and further in the application to the front of
the blade of the revoluble piece (V), so that both the stays as well as the revoluble
piece may be applied equally well with either one edge or the other of the invertible
blade.
Dated this 2nd day of December 1891.