U.S. patent application number 10/828544 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-30 for klop skate having pushing and pulling capabilities.
This patent application is currently assigned to K2 Corporation. Invention is credited to Krah, Drew.
Application Number | 20040262861 10/828544 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24725321 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040262861 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krah, Drew |
December 30, 2004 |
Klop skate having pushing and pulling capabilities
Abstract
The present invention pertains to a klop skate with pushing and
pulling capabilities. In one alternate, the skate includes a glide
member (110) for traversing a surface. The skate includes a shoe
portion (112) for receiving a skater's foot. The skate has a base
secured to the shoe portion (112) and underlying the received foot.
The skate has a base lever (114) secured to the shoe portion base.
The base lever (114) has a forward end portion and a forward base
attachment structure (124) defined by the forward end portion. The
base lever (114) has a longitudinal base lever axis aligned with a
longitudinal axis of the received foot. The skate also includes an
elongate frame (116) for mounting the glide member (110). The frame
has a longitudinal axis, a forward end portion, and a forward frame
attachment structure (136). The skate has a canted hinge (126) for
connecting the forward end portion of the base lever (114) to the
forward end portion of the frame (116). Upon pivoting of the base
lever (114) with respect to the frame (116), a plane passing
through the longitudinal axis of the base lever (114) defines an
angle of canting with respect to a frame plane that extends
vertically upward through the longitudinal frame axis. In another
alternate, the skate includes a flexible connector (422) coupled to
a cuff (420) and the forward end of the frame (406). The cuff (420)
is attached to the lower leg of the skate wearer and the forward
end attachment point is forward of the frame pivoting axis (410).
Tensioning the connector (422) by flexing the foot distally causes
the frame (406) to open relative to the base (402) which allows the
skate-wearer to selectively hold the frame (406) in the open
position. In another alternate, the skate includes a base (502)
having a forefoot region (504) with an integral spring having a
flex region (520) of zero bias strength, which allows the
skate-wearer to hold the skate frame (508) open. In another
alternate, the skate can include a biasing device 612 to bias the
frame 604 away from the base 602.
Inventors: |
Krah, Drew; (Vashon,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTENSEN, O'CONNOR, JOHNSON, KINDNESS, PLLC
1420 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 2800
SEATTLE
WA
98101-2347
US
|
Assignee: |
K2 Corporation
|
Family ID: |
24725321 |
Appl. No.: |
10/828544 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10828544 |
Apr 20, 2004 |
|
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09679035 |
Oct 4, 2000 |
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6736412 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/11.224 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 1/28 20130101; A63C
17/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/011.224 |
International
Class: |
A63C 017/02 |
Claims
1-28. (Canceled)
29. A skate including a glide member for traversing a surface,
comprising: a shoe portion for receiving a skater's foot and
including a base underlying the received foot; and an elongate
frame for mounting the glide member, the frame pivotably secured to
an underside of the base, wherein the frame is balanced to prevent
substantial biasing of the frame towards the base.
30. A skate including a glide member for traversing a surface,
comprising: a shoe portion for receiving a skater's foot and
including a base underlying the received foot; an elongate frame
for mounting the glide member, the frame operably coupled to the
base, allowing the frame to move in an arc motion away from the
base; and a biasing device operably mounted on the frame, for
biasing the frame away from the base.
31. The skate of claim 30, wherein the base further comprises a
heel region and forefoot region, the base being adapted to flex at
a metatarsal region at the forefoot region during skating and
wherein the frame is secured to an underside of the forefoot region
of the base.
32. The skate of claim 31, further comprising a guide secured to
the frame for slidably engaging a follower, wherein the follower is
secured to the heel portion of the base.
33. The skate of claim 32, further comprising a controller to
adjust the amount of biasing.
34. The skate of claim 33, wherein the biasing device is a coil
spring mounted on the guide and the controller is a slidable collar
mounted on the guide with a thumbscrew fastener.
35. A skate including a glide member for traversing a surface,
comprising: a shoe portion for receiving a skater's foot and
including a flexible base underlying the received foot; and an
elongate frame for mounting the glide member, the frame operably
coupled to the base, wherein the base is neutrally biased.
36. (Canceled)
37. The skate of claim 35, wherein the flexible base has about zero
flex strength.
38. The skate of claim 35, wherein the flexible base is made from a
resilient base material with little spring force.
39. The skate of claim 35, wherein the flexible base is made from
leather.
40. The skate of claim 35, wherein the flexible base has an area of
reduced thickness at the point of flexion.
41. The skate of claim 35, wherein the flexible base is made from a
thermoplastic material that has a transverse groove on the
underside of the base.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
09/679,035, filed Oct. 4, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. ______.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to skates, and more
particularly to klop skates having pushing and pulling
capabilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In competitive sports where a fraction of a second could
mean the difference between winning gold and being out of the race
for a medal, highly sophisticated sports equipment is a must for
gaining an advantage over the competition. Ice speed skating
records have recently been set by Olympic competitors competing
with a new type of skate commonly referred to as a klop skate. A
klop skate is a skate having a hinge which connects the frame,
carrying the ice blade or wheels, with the shoe. The shoe generally
sits on a rigid base. In some skates, it is the base that is
pivotably connected to the frame at the hinge. A klop skate gets
its name because of the "clapping" sound it makes when the lower
frame portion and the base portion return forcibly to the closed
position.
[0004] Before the introduction of klop skates, skater technique was
highly emphasized in order to decrease a skater's time over a given
distance. For example, a technique frequently used prior to the
introduction of klop skates was to refrain from plantar flexing at
the ankle. Plantar flexion is the term used to describe rotation of
the ankle distally from the leg. A common example of plantar
flexion is when a person pushes on a car accelerator. Skaters were
coached to dorsiflex (opposite of plantar flex) the ankle when
extending their leg during the power generating push stroke. In a
normal person, as the leg is being pushed away from the body, the
tendency is to plantar flex. However, plantar flexion for speed
skaters is detrimental. Plantar flexion causes the ice skating
blade or wheels to lose contact with the surface and the tip of the
skate to point downward, potentially causing the tip to drag on the
surface, thus slowing the skater. It has also been shown that the
longer the skate glide member is in contact with the surface, the
faster a skater is likely to go. Generally, by dorsiflexing, the
skater can maintain longer contact between the skate and the ground
as the power generating push stroke is effectively lengthened.
[0005] However, avoiding plantar flexion also means that the skater
is prevented from using his or her calf muscles to assist in
pushing. A skater using this technique does not realize the full
potential of all of his or her muscle groups. Therefore, the klop
skate, allowing the skater to plantar flex, was developed to aid
the speed skater in achieving the goals of lengthening contact time
between the skate with the surface, and utilizing the calf muscles
during the pushing stroke.
[0006] Although the klop skate was a substantial achievement in the
skating sport, the conventional klop skates do not address another
problem typically regarded as inherent to skating. That is, a
skater generally only utilizes one half of the potentially
available power strokes which are possible. Normally, when a speed
skater has completed the push stroke, and when the power leg is
being returned to its resting position for the next push stroke
with the opposite leg, the skater is merely gliding on the opposite
leg. Therefore, nearly half of the time is spent gliding rather
than positively generating a driving force. In order to overcome
this problem, as with refraining from plantar flexion, skaters have
been coached to assume a wholly unnatural body position by rotating
the foot slightly about the ankle to an inward pointing alignment
enabling the skater to maintain contact between the skate and the
surface as the skater drew the leg inward in a pulling rather than
pushing stroke. An inwardly aligned skate enables the skater to
maintain contact between the glide member and the surface and
return the foot to a position beneath the skater's body, while
pulling himself forward. However, a skater may soon tire of this
awkward position. In view of the shortcomings of the prior art,
there exists a need for a klop skate which will allow a skater to
utilize both a pushing and a pulling stroke.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention pertains to klop skates which enable
the skater to be able to plantar flex at the ankle. The skate boot
is able to flex or pivot relative to the skate frame. The skates of
the present invention permit a skater to utilize a pushing and
pulling stroke. Push/pull skates facilitate propulsion through not
only pushing during a stroke, but also through an inward pulling
motion at the completion of a stroke by including either a canted
hinge connecting the skate frame to the shoe or by including
devices that do not automatically bias the frame towards the shoe
base. The latter is accomplished by either physically coupling a
control device to the skater that counteracts biasing of the frame
or by providing a shoe base that is constructed having a
substantially neutral flexing base or a balanced frame, neither of
which forcibly "klaps" the frame or allows it to swing freely.
[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a skate includes
a glide member for traversing a surface. The skate includes a shoe
portion for receiving a skater's foot. The skate has a base secured
to the shoe portion and underlying the received foot. The skate
includes a base lever attached to the shoe portion base. The base
lever has a forward end portion and a forward base lever attachment
structure defined by the forward end portion. The base lever has a
longitudinal base lever axis aligned and underlying a longitudinal
axis of the received foot. The base lever defines a base lever
plane, passing through the longitudinal base lever axis and
perpendicular to the lower surface of the base. The skate also
includes an elongate frame for mounting the glide member. The frame
has a longitudinal axis, a forward end portion, and a forward frame
attachment structure. The frame defines a frame plane passing
through the frame longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the ground
when the skate frame is fully upright. The skate includes a hinge
that pivotally connects the forward end portion of the base lever
to the forward end portion of the frame. The hinge is arranged such
that upon pivoting of the base lever away from the frame, the base
lever plane defines an angle of canting with respect to the frame
plane. Stated another way, the longitudinal axis of the base lever,
projected onto a horizontal plane (as defined with the skate frame
in a fully upright position) passing through the longitudinal axis
of the frame, defines the angle of canting with respect to the
longitudinal frame axis.
[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the base lever
forward attachment structure is pivotably connected to the frame
forward attachment structure. The hinge used to secure both
structures is canted vertically, such that the pivot axis of the
hinge forms an angle with respect to a horizontal plane passing
through the longitudinal axis of the frame.
[0010] In another embodiment, the vertically canted hinge is
adjustable, such that the angle of canting may be varied
vertically.
[0011] In another embodiment, the base lever forward attachment
structure is pivotably connected to the frame forward attachment
structure. The hinge used to connect both structures is
horizontally canted, such that the pivot axis of the hinge forms an
angle with respect to a vertical plane extending perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of the frame.
[0012] In another embodiment, the horizontally canted hinge is
adjustable, such that the angle of canting may be varied
horizontally.
[0013] In another embodiment, the hinge may be horizontally and
vertically canted, such that the hinge is adjustable both
vertically and horizontally.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the frame forward attachment
structure is formed from the forward end portion of the frame, the
frame defining medial and lateral sides. The inner surfaces of the
medial and lateral sides create a space for placement of the base
lever forward attachment structure. The respective inner surfaces
of the medial side and the lateral side of the frame forward
attachment structure are at an angle with respect to a vertical
plane (as defined by the skate frame in a fully upright position)
passing through the longitudinal axis of the frame. The medial side
and the lateral side each define a transverse aperture for
receiving a hinge pin. The base lever forward attachment structure
has a forward end portion having correspondingly angled side
surfaces to mount in the space created by the medial side and the
lateral side of the frame forward attachment structure. The base
lever forward attachment structure defines a transverse passage
through which the hinge pin is received, with the ends of the pin
projecting from either side of the passage into the frame
apertures. When the pin is mounted on the frame, the ends of the
pin are at differing elevations relative to the ground. When the
base lever forward attachment structure is mounted to the frame
forward attachment structure by the hinge, the frame tends to
assume a toe-in configuration, with the heel of the frame offset to
the side upon pivoting of the base lever with respect to the frame.
The glide member has a plurality of wheels, having their axis of
rotation perpendicular to the frame. The wheels are attached to a
lower portion of the frame substantially in an in-line fashion.
Alternately, an ice skating blade may be employed.
[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the frame forward
attachment structure has a tab projecting substantially vertically
upward from a point proximate to the forward end of the frame. The
tab is offset either medially or laterally with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the frame. The tab is inclined on a central
tab plane that creates an angle with respect to a vertical plane
(as defined by the skate frame in a fully upright position) passing
through the longitudinal axis of the frame. The tab has a
transverse passage for mounting a hinge pin therein. The base lever
forward attachment structure has two ears projecting substantially
vertically downward, mounted proximate to the forward end portion
of the base on lateral and medial sides thereof. The frame tab is
received between the ears. Each of the two ears defines an aperture
for mounting the hinge pin therein. The hinge pin extends through
the aligned tab and ears. When the base lever forward attachment
structure is mounted to the frame forward attachment structure by
the hinge, the frame tends to assume a toe-in configuration, and
the heel of the frame projects to the side upon pivoting of the
base lever with respect to the frame. An ice skating blade is
mounted on a lower portion of the frame. Alternately, skate wheels
may be employed.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the frame forward
attachment structure has a mounting member that is rotatably
attached proximate to the forward portion of the frame. The
rotating mounting member has a medial side and a lateral side. A
hinge pin mounting passage is formed through the mounting member,
extending from the lateral to the medial side. The planar shaped
rotating member lies substantially horizontal on the frame. The
rotating member is rotatably secured to the frame by at least one
fastener. The fastener may be loosened to rotatably adjust the
mounting member, or snugged to anti-rotatably secure the mounting
member in place. The base lever forward attachment structure has
two planar shaped ears projecting substantially vertically
downward. The mounting member is received between the base lever
ears. Each of the ears defines an aperture for mounting a hinge
pin. The hinge pins pass through the base ears and are threadably
engaged in the mounting member passage with their ends being
received in the aperture of the ears. The glide member may be an
ice skating blade or a plurality of skate wheels.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the klop skate of the
present invention includes a shoe portion with a base, a base lever
underlying the shoe base and a frame. The frame and the base lever
are connected to each other at the forward end of the skate by a
hinge, such that the frame can pivot about the hinge and swing
open. The frame is biased closed by a spring. A force transmission
linkage such as a cable attached to the skate-wearer at runs from a
cuff fastened to the leg of the wearer to the forward end of the
frame. Tensioning the cable by flexing at the ankle, produces an
opposing force to the spring which allows the frame to swing open
or to maintain an already open position. In an alternative, the
cuff is pivotally attached to the shoe portion of the skate.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the klop skate of the
present invention includes a shoe portion with a base, and a frame
secured to the underside of the base forefoot region. The base has
a forefoot region and a heel region. The forefoot region of the
base is adapted to flex during skating, such that the frame can
pivot and open. The base flex region is neutrally biased against
urging the frame to the closed position. If the skate-wearer flexes
at the metatarsal or phalangeal joint, the frame is directed
downward and the frame is considered open.
[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the klop skate of the
present invention includes a flexing base with a heel guide. The
heel guide includes a biasing device which directs the frame away
from the base to the open position. The heel guide also includes a
controller to adjust the amount of biasing.
[0020] A skate constructed in the manners just described is meant
to enable a push/pull skate which allows a skate-wearer to maintain
the klop skate in an open position while lifting the gliding member
off the surface and redirecting the skate to an inward
direction.
[0021] The present invention thus provides push/pull skates which
includes a skate with a hinge that provides an inward purchasing,
i.e., an inwardly configured glide member and a user controllable
skate which selectively holds the skate frame open to prevent
digging the forward tip of the frame into the surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
become better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of one preferred
embodiment of the present invention, with the shoe portion being
shown in phantom;
[0024] FIG. 2 provides an exploded perspective view of the skate of
FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 provides a front plan view of the skate of FIG. 1,
with the shoe portion shown in phantom;
[0026] FIG. 4 provides a back plan view of the skate of FIG. 1,
with the shoe portion shown in phantom and the base lever pivoted
with respect to the frame;
[0027] FIG. 5 provides a top plan view of the skate of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 6 provides a top plan view of the skate of FIG. 1, with
the base lever pivoting with respect to the frame;
[0029] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a second preferred
embodiment with the shoe portion shown in phantom;
[0030] FIG. 8 provides a top plan view of the skate of FIG. 7;
and
[0031] FIG. 9 provides a front plan view of a third preferred
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 10 provides a side plan view of a fourth preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 11 provides a side plan view of a fifth preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 12 provides a side plan view of a sixth embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0035] FIG. 13 provides a side plan view of a seventh preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] A preferred embodiment of a canted klop skate in accordance
with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. As show in
FIG. 1, the skate includes a glide member 110 for traversing across
a surface, a shoe portion 112 suitably including a rigid base
(shown in phantom) for receiving the skater's foot, a base lever
114 secured longitudinally to the underside of the base of the shoe
portion 112, a frame 116, on which the base lever 114 and the glide
member 110 are mounted, and a hinge 126 for connecting the base
lever 114 to the frame 116. The base lever 114 supports and carries
the shoe portion 112. The shoe portion 112 is attached to the base
lever 114 by fasteners, such as screws, bolts or rivets.
[0037] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 includes apertures
found in the base lever 114 for receiving the fasteners that secure
the base lever 114 to this base. The base lever 114 includes an
aperture 118 defined in a forward end portion of the base lever 114
for mounting one of the fasteners for attachment to a forward end
of the shoe portion 112, preferably proximate to the forefoot or
toe region. The base lever 114 may also include one or a plurality
of apertures defined in the rear end portion of the base lever 114,
such as an elliptical aperture 120 to accommodate shoe portions of
varying sizes. The fastener can accordingly be slid forward or
backward in the elliptically shaped aperture 120 before being
snugged to the shoe portion 112. Still another aperture 122 may be
provided proximate to the elliptically shaped aperture 120 for an
additional fastener. While a shoe portion having a base secured to
a separate base lever 114 has been described, it should be
apparent, based on the disclosure contained herein, that the base
lever 114 can be integrally incorporated into the shoe portion.
This may be accomplished, for example, by providing a sufficiently
rigid base, by molding a rib on the base, or by adhesive bonding.
Likewise, the base and the shoe portion 114 may be separate or
integrally formed.
[0038] The above described aperture 122 is suitably used for
fastening to the shoe portion 112, but it may alternately be used
to fasten a pedestal (not shown) or a pedestal stop (not shown), or
a spring return mechanism (not shown) as part of a klopping
mechanism.
[0039] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the base lever 114 is an
elongate shaped member defining a longitudinal axis, and generally
having a planar uppermost surface to match the contours of the
underside of the shoe portion 112. A slight elevation from the
forward end portion of the base to the rear end portion is provided
to match the shoe portion's lower contours. The base lever 114 has
cutouts 123 or may otherwise provide weight-minimizing features to
save on the overall weight of the shoe and skate combination. The
base lever 114 includes a base lever forward attachment structure
124 located proximate to the forward end portion of the base lever
114. The base lever forward attachment structure 124 of this
embodiment will be described in greater detail below, but first,
the remaining structure of the skate frame 116 will, be outlined to
provide the background to intelligently speak of it. The base lever
114 is held to the frame 116 by a hinge 126, disposed traversely
across the frame 116 and the base lever forward attachment
structure 124. The hinge 126 is formed as a pin, as shall also be
described below in conjunction when speaking of the base lever
forward attachment structure 124.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, the elongate frame 116 has a lateral
side wall 128 and a parallel medial side wall 130. As used
hereinafter, lateral refers to the side of the person's foot which
is on the outside, and medial refers to the side of the person's
foot which is on the inside. The lateral side wall 128 and the
medial side wall 130 are joined by a plurality of horizontal braces
132. The braces 132 are designed to provide sufficient strength,
yet minimize the weight of the skate. At least one of the braces
132 positioned in the rear portion of the frame also serves the
purpose of a pedestal for supporting the base lever 114 in the
resting (non-pivoted) position. The elongate frame 116 defines a
longitudinal axis running the length of the frame and has a forward
end portion 134 for defining the frame forward attachment structure
136. The forward frame attachment structure will be described in
greater detail below. By now it should be apparent that the base
lever attachment structure, the frame attachment structure and the
hinge are in cooperation with one another to provide a canted
hinge. The frame 116 further includes a lower portion 138 for
mounting the glide member 110. In this embodiment, the glide member
110 includes a plurality of wheels 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, and
110E, arranged in line. However, other glide members for traversing
across a surface may be used, such as an ice skating blade. In this
embodiment, the glide member includes five wheels, however, the
drawing should not be taken to be limiting, as a person of ordinary
skill in the art may readily modify the frame of this embodiment to
carry more or less wheels than shown. The wheels 110A-110E are
journaled on axles between the lateral side 128 and medial side 130
of the frame 116, the rotational axis of each wheel being
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame,
and arranged in an in-line fashion.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, a more detailed description of the
frame forward attachment structure 136 may now be undertaken. As
mentioned above, the frame forward attachment structure 136 in this
embodiment is formed from the forward end portion 134 of the frame
116. Preferably, the frame forward attachment structure 136 is
fabricated from the same stock material as the frame, though it
need not be so, and it is possible for a person of ordinary skill
to fabricate it from a different stock and weld or otherwise attach
it to the forward end portion 134 of the frame 116. The frame
forward attachment structure 136 in this embodiment includes the
formation of two angled planar surfaces 140 and 142. The planar
surfaces 140 and 142 are defined on the medial side wall 130 and
the lateral side wall 128, respectively, of the frame 116. The
first of the two planar surfaces 142 creates an angle 143 with
respect to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis
of the frame. To form an angled planar surface from the frame side
wall, a portion of the lateral side wall 128 of the frame 116 has a
wider thickness at the top of wall 128 and a narrower thickness
toward the bottom area of the angled surface 142. On the
opposite-facing planar surface 140, on the medial side 130 of the
frame 116, the converse is true. In order to create an angled
surface 140 having substantially the same, but opposite, angle as
the lateral planar surface 142, the top thickness of medial wall
130 of the frame 116 is narrower than a corresponding bottom
thickness of planar surface 140, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0042] While one alternate frame forward attachment structure has
been described, other possibilities may exist for providing the
same function. For example, instead of shaping the frame side
walls, it is possible to introduce wedge-shaped pieces between the
frame and the base lever to achieve the same canting effect. The
frame forward attachment structure 136 of this embodiment will
generally have a pair of parallel surfaces defining angles canted
from the frame vertical plane. The amount and direction of canting
will depend on numerous considerations, including whether the skate
is for the left or the right foot and on the individual skating
stroke of the wearer.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, apertures 144 and 146 are provided in
the lateral side wall 128 and the medial side wall 130,
respectively, of the frame 116, and more particularly in the frame
forward attachment structure 136, for the purpose of mounting a
hinge pin 126. The frame forward attachment structure 136, has a
space between the lateral side surface 142 and the medial side
surface 140 in the inner region of the frame 116 between the
lateral side wall 128 and the medial side wall 130 for mounting the
base lever 114.
[0044] Still referring to FIG. 2, the base lever 114 has a forward
end portion 148 defining the base lever forward attachment
structure 124. The base lever forward attachment structure 124 is
preferably fabricated from the same stock material as the base
lever 114, however, it is possible for a person of ordinary skill
in the art to fabricate it from a different stock and weld or
otherwise connect it to the forward end portion 148 of the base
lever 114. The base lever forward attachment structure 124 has a
lateral side surface 150 and a medial side surface 152. The base
lever forward attachment structure lateral and medial side surfaces
150 and 152 are angled to substantially correspond to the angled
planar surfaces 142 and 140 defined by the frame forward attachment
structure 136. The base lever forward attachment structure 124 is
inserted between the lateral side wall 128 and medial side wall 130
at the frame forward attachment structure 136, and attached
therebetween with a hinge pin 126.
[0045] Low friction wear members (not shown) may be juxtaposed
between the lateral and medial side surfaces 150 and 152 of the
base lever forward attachment structure 124 and the lateral and
medial planar surfaces 142 and 140 of the frame forward attachment
structure 136 for reducing the wear between the base lever 114 and
the frame 116. The low friction wear members prevent the surfaces
of the base lever forward attachment structure 124 and the frame
forward attachment structure 136 from rubbing or otherwise wearing
away. The low friction wear members assist in prolonging the usable
life of the skate. Preferably, the low friction wear members are
replaceable and may suitably be constructed as roller bearings,
polyamides or other low friction material bearings. In addition to
low friction wear members, the base lever forward attachment
structure 124 and the frame forward attachment structure 136 may
include spacers, washers, nuts, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2,
the base lever forward attachment structure 124 has a passage 154
defined on a lower region of the base lever forward attachment
structure 124 traversing from the lateral side surface 150 to the
medial side surface 152. The hinge pin 126 securely and pivotally
fastens the base lever 114 to the frame 116.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the hinge 126 suitably includes a bolt,
screw or pin, having an elongate body and defining a longitudinal
axis along the length of the body. In this embodiment, the hinge
126 is inserted through the lateral side wall aperture 144 and
threadably connected in the medial side wall aperture 146. The
hinge 126 will generally have a flattened head 156 to prevent the
hinge 126 from sliding through lateral sidewall aperture 144
created in the frame forward attachment structure 136. The opposite
end of the hinge has threads 158 to hold the hinge securely on the
frame 116, thereby also securely holding the base lever 114 to the
frame 116. The hinge 126 is mounted traversely on the lateral side
aperture 144 and the medial side aperture 146 of the frame 116. The
lateral side aperture 144 is at a higher vertical elevation with
respect to the ground than the medial side aperture 146, such that
when the hinge is mounted therebetween, the longitudinal axis
(i.e., pivot) of the hinge 126 defines a discrete vertical angle of
canting 160 with respect to a horizontal plane passing through the
longitudinal axis of the frame 116 as shown in FIG. 3. The hinge
126 traverses the passage 154 defined on the base lever forward
attachment structure 124 to hold the forward end portion of the
base lever securely to the forward end portion of the frame
116.
[0047] Although one alternate for a hinge has been described, other
alternates for a hinge may project through the medial side wall 130
of the frame 116 and be fastened with a nut, or both ends of the
hinge may have threads, which may be either threaded to the frame
or project through the frame sidewalls and then be fastened with
nuts. Still other alternates may integrally combine the hinge with
either the frame forward attachment structure or the base lever
forward attachment structure. In these alternates, the hinge may
appear on either structure as two pegs or balls on respective
lateral and medial sides of the structure. The pegs would be
inserted into corresponding sockets on the remaining respective
structure. The hinge 126 may also include spacers, washers, nuts
and the like.
[0048] In addition to the structures recited thus far, this
embodiment may, as may the alternate embodiments of this invention,
include a biasing device (not shown) for biasing the base lever 114
to the closed position with the frame 116. A biasing device may
suitably be configured as a coil spring extending between the frame
and the base lever.
[0049] A further embodiment will now be described with reference to
FIG. 7. This embodiment is similar in operation to the previous
embodiment, meaning that the skate of this embodiment will have a
canted klopping hinge to cant the base lever as the klop skate
opens. As with the earlier embodiment, the skate of FIG. 7,
includes a glide member 210 for traversing across a surface, a shoe
portion 212 including a rigid base (shown in phantom) for receiving
the skater's foot, a base lever 214 secured longitudinally to the
underside of the shoe portion base 212, a frame 216 on which the
base lever 214 and the glide member 210 are mounted, and a hinge
226 for connecting the base lever 214 to the frame 216. The base
lever 214 supports and carries the shoe portion 212. The shoe
portion 212 is attached to the base lever 214 by fasteners, such as
screws, bolts or rivets.
[0050] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a plurality of
apertures found in the base lever 214 for receiving the
fasteners.
[0051] The base lever 214 includes a biasing device, such as a pair
of springs, wherein one end of a spring 217 is attached to a rear
portion of the base lever 214 and the other end of the spring 217
is attached to forward portion of the frame 216 to keep base lever
214 in the closed position relative to the frame 216. In this
embodiment, a second spring (not shown) is similar in construction
and operation as the first spring 217, but is located on the
opposite side of frame 216 and base lever 214. A person of ordinary
skill in the art may readily appreciate that any number of
alternates for the biasing device may exist, such as elastomeric
materials, which are suitable replacements for the spring biasing
device 217. Depending on the biasing device chosen, the hardware to
mount the biasing device would accordingly be revised. In this
embodiment, the base lever 214 may include bolts, pins, screws, and
accessories for attaching the spring biasing device 217.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, the base lever 214 may also include
pedestals (not shown) for resting the base lever 214 on the frame
216. The shoe portion 212 is attached to the base lever 214 by
fasteners, such as screws, bolts or rivets. In this embodiment, two
elliptical apertures 218 and 220 are provided for fastening shoe
portion 212 to base lever 214. Apertures 218 and 220 may be made
elliptical to accommodate shoe portions of varying sizes or to
place the shoe portion 212 at varying locations on the base lever
214. A fastener would accordingly slide forward or backward in the
elliptically-shaped apertures 218, 220 before being tightened to
the shoe portion 212. A person of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the number of apertures defined on the base lever
214 may vary without detracting from the invention.
[0053] While a shoe portion having a base secured to a separate
base lever 214 has been described, it should be apparent, based on
the disclosure contained herein, that the base lever 214 can be
integrally incorporated into the shoe portion 212. This may be
accomplished, for example, by molding or adhesive bonding.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 8, the base lever 214 is an elongate
shaped member defining a longitudinal axis, generally having a
planar uppermost surface to match the contours of the underside of
the shoe portion 212. The base lever 214 includes a forward
attachment structure 224 located proximate to the forward end
portion of the base lever 214. The base lever forward attachment
structure 224 of this embodiment will be described in greater
detail below. The base lever 214 is mounted to the frame 216 of the
skate by a hinge 226, disposed on the frame 216 and traversing
portions of the base lever forward attachment structure 224. The
hinge 226 includes a lateral side hinge pin 262, and a medial side
hinge pin 264. Each of the hinge pins 262, 264 is disposed
traversely on one side of the frame forward attachment structure
236 to hold respective sides of the base lever forward attachment
structure 224.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 8, the frame 216 is an elongate member
defining a longitudinal axis running the length of the frame 216.
The frame 216 has a frame forward attachment structure 236, which
will be described in greater detail below. The frame 216 is
generally constructed to resemble a tubular metal member. The
hollow interior of the frame 216, reduces the weight of the overall
shoe and skate combination. The frame 216 may include any number of
pedestals or pedestal stops for resting the base lever 214 on the
frame 216. A lower portion 238 of the tubular frame 216 defines a
longitudinal slot for mounting the glide member 210. In this
embodiment, the glide member includes an ice skating blade 210
mounted in the longitudinal slot. However, other glide members for
traversing across a surface may be used with this embodiment, such
as the in-line skate wheels of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The
frame forward attachment structure 236 is constructed on the
forward end portion of the frame 216. The frame forward attachment
structure 236 serves to connect the base lever 214 to the frame
216.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 8, the frame forward attachment structure
236 of this embodiment has several components. The frame forward
attachment structure 236, has a front bracket 266 and a rear
bracket 268, mounted on the upperside of the frame 216, such that
the front bracket 266 and the rear bracket 268 bracket a mounting
member 270. The front bracket 266 and the rear bracket 268 of the
frame forward attachment structure 236 are fabricated from the same
stock material as the frame 216. However, a person of ordinary
skill in the art, may readily fabricate front and rear brackets
266, 268 out of different stock material and weld or otherwise
attach them to the frame 216. The mounting member 270 is part of
the frame forward attachment structure 236.
[0057] The mounting member 270 is unique in its design, and its
purpose is provide a structure on which the base lever 214 may
pivot vertically, and the mounting member 270 further rotates about
a center axis to adjust the horizontal angle of canting. The
adjustable horizontally canting feature will be described in more
detail below. The mounting member 270 resembles a sector of a
sphere. When viewed from above, the outline is of a circular member
that has right and left sectors removed, the sectors being defined
by two parallel chords and their arcs. The chords are equidistant
and parallel to a diameter of the circular outline; the diameter
being substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the base
lever 214. The mounting member 270 has a lateral side surface 276
and a medial side surface 278 where the sectors have been removed.
Likewise, if viewed from the side, the outline of the mounting
member 270 is of a circular member having its top and bottom
sectors removed. The mounting member 270 has a top and bottom side
surface where these sectors are removed. The front portion of the
mounting member 280, thus is a sector of a sphere and the rear
portion of the mounting member 270 is likewise similar in shape to
the forward end portion and is a spherical sector. Front bracket
266 and rear bracket 268 surround front and rear potions of
mounting member 270 and define substantially the negative of the
spherical sectors, so as to accommodate the mounting member 270
between the space separating the front bracket 266 from the rear
bracket 268. The front bracket 266 includes a first fastener 272
for securing mounting member 270. The fastener 272 is aligned along
the longitudinal axis of the frame 216. Fastener 272 has threads
throughout its entire length. Fastener 272 traverses a threaded
passage of the front bracket 266, thus is able to butt against
front portion of mounting member 270. Fastener 272 is provided with
an Allen socket at the front end to enable turning of fastener 272
in the threaded passage. As fastener 272 turns, the rear end of
fastener 272 snugs against the front end of mounting member 270,
thus holding mounting member 270 at the desired horizontal angle. A
second fastener 274 is provided for securing the mounting member
270 to the frame 216. The fastener 272 traverses mounting member
270 at its center, thus providing the axis for rotation. Fastener
274 may be any fastener suitable in such applications, such as a
pin, screw, bolt, and the like. In cooperation with fastener 272,
fastener 274 may also be snugged against mounting member 270 to
hold mounting member 270 at its desired position. To adjust the
horizontal angle 260, fasteners 272 and 274 are loosened, mounting
member 270 is thus free to rotate about the center axis. Once
horizontal angle 260 is fixed, fasteners 272 and 274 are snugged
once more.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 8, the mounting member 270 has a
transverse passage defined from the lateral side 276 to the medial
side 278 of mounting member 270. Alternatively, mounting member 270
may have a first and second aperture on the lateral side and the
medial side, respectively, not extending the entire length of
mounting member.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 8, the base lever forward attachment
structure 224 is defined on the forward end portion of the base
lever 214. The base lever forward attachment structure 224 is
machined from the same stock material as the base lever 214, though
it need not be so. A person of ordinary skill will readily
appreciate that a base lever forward attachment structure 224 may
be fabricated separately and then welded or otherwise attached to
the forward end portion of the base lever 214. The base lever
forward attachment structure 224 has two planar shaped ears 282 and
284 projecting substantially vertically downward (shown more
clearly projecting downward and laterally of mounting member 270 in
FIG. 7). A first ear 282 is disposed laterally with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the base lever 214, while the second ear 284
is disposed opposite the lateral ear 282 and medially of the
longitudinal axis of the base lever 214. The lateral ear 282 and
the medial ear 284 are separated to form a space, such that the
mounting member 270 may be received within the space between the
inner surface of the lateral ear 282 and the inner surface of the
medial ear 284. Apertures are defined on each of the respective
ears for mounting a hinge pin 262, 264. The lateral ear 282 and the
medial ear 284 are placed respectively on the lateral side surface
276 and the medial side surface 278 of the mounting member 270 such
that base lever ear apertures 294 and 296 are aligned with the
mounting member passage, enabling the hinge pins 262 and 264 to
threadably engage the mounting member passage 295 from either the
lateral and medial ears, respectively. Low friction bearings 286
and 288 are located on the outer surface of the lateral ear 282 and
the outer surface of the medial ear 284, respectively. Spacers 290
and 292 are located on the inner surface of the lateral ear 282 and
the inner surface of the medial ear 284, respectively.
Alternatively, low friction bearings 286, 288 may be located on the
inner surfaces of the respective base lever ears 282, 284, or on
the mounting member 270. Low friction bearings may be roller
bearings or made of a durable low friction material. The base lever
forward attachment structure 224 and the frame forward attachment
structure 236 can be securely fastened to one another by a hinge
226.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 8, the hinge 226 includes two elongated
fasteners, such as pins, bolts, screws or the like, each defining a
longitudinal axis. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the hinge 226 has
two pins 262 and 264. The first pin 262, extends through the
lateral ear aperture 294 and secures to the lateral side surface
276 of the mounting member 270 at the mounting member passage 295.
The second pin 264 extends through the medial ear aperture 296 and
secures to the medial side surface 278 of the mounting member 270
at the mounting member passage 295. Low friction bearings 286, 288
may be disposed between the hinge heads, i.e., the large diameter
portion of the pin that snugs against the base lever forward
attachment structure 224, and each of the respective lateral and
medial ears 282 and 284 as described above. Although in this
embodiment, two pins have been used to secure the base lever
forward attachment structure 224 to the frame forward attachment
structure 236, a single fastener may be used which extends
completely through the mounting member passage 295. In one such
embodiment, the fastener would traverse either the lateral or
medial ear to be threadably engaged on the opposite ear.
Alternatively, the fastener may traverse both ears entirely and be
fastened with a nut on the outside of one ear.
[0061] Having provided the structures described above, the base
lever 214 is mounted squarely on lateral and medial sides of
mounting member 270 such that the longitudinal axis of base lever
214 forms right angles with hinge pivot axis 226. Horizontal
canting angle 260 is adjusted by swiveling the mounting member
about the center axis point 274, such that hinge pivot axis can
move away from a perpendicular line drawn with respect to the frame
longitudinal axis. Angle 260 further translates into angle 298
which is defined by a frame plane drawn through the longitudinal
axis of the frame 216 when the frame is in the upright position and
by a base plane drawn through the longitudinal axis of the base
lever 214. As the base lever 214 opens during normal use, such as
when a skater plantar flexes the ankle, the angle 298 defined by
these two planes remains constant so that upon completion of the
pushing stroke, alignment of the foot axis to the normal forward
pointing position will cause a skate to be angled slightly inward.
As can be seen in FIG. 8, if the base lever 214 were aligned in a
straight forward pointing position, the toe of the frame 216 would
point in and the heel would point out. This allows a skater to more
readily use a pulling stroke without unnaturally over-rotating at
the ankle.
[0062] A further embodiment will now be described with reference to
FIG. 9. This embodiment is similar in operation to the previous
embodiments, meaning that the skate of this embodiment will have a
canted klopping hinge to cant the base lever as the klop skate
opens. As with the earlier embodiments, the skate of FIG. 9,
includes a glide member 310 for traversing across a surface, a shoe
portion and base (not shown), a base lever 314, a frame 316 on
which the base lever 314 and the glide member 310 are mounted, and
a hinge 326 for connecting the base lever 314 to the frame 316. The
base lever 314 is intended to carry the shoe portion. Accordingly,
the base lever 314 may include any number of fasteners or apertures
in order to secure the shoe portion on the base lever 314. It
should also be apparent based on the disclosure contained herein
that the base lever can be integrally incorporated into the shoe
portion. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the base lever 314 is an
elongate shaped member defining a longitudinal axis, and generally
having a planar uppermost surface to match the contours of the
underside of the shoe portion.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 9, the frame 316 is generally constructed
of a tubular metal member. The hollow interior of the frame 316
reduces the weight of the overall base lever and frame combination.
A lower portion 338 of the tubular frame 316 defines a longitudinal
slot for mounting the glide member 310. As with the previous
embodiments, the frame 316 is generally elongate, defining a
longitudinal axis and having a forward end portion. The frame
forward attachment structure 336 is located on the forward end
portion of the frame 316. The frame forward attachment structure
336 is preferably made from the same stock material as the frame
316, however, a person of ordinary skill will readily appreciate
that the frame forward attachment structure 336 may be fabricated
separately and welded or otherwise attached to the frame 316. The
frame forward attachment structure 336 includes a planar shaped tab
361 projecting substantially vertically upward from proximate the
forward end of the frame. The tab 361 is mounted either laterally
or medially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the frame 316.
In this embodiment, the tab 361 is mounted laterally, however, this
should not be construed as limiting, since the other skate in a
pair would have the tab mounted medially with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the frame. The tab 361 is offset either
medially or laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the
frame 316. The tab 361 is inclined on a central tab plane that
creates an angle 380 with respect to a vertical plane (as defined
by the skate frame in a fully upright position) passing through the
longitudinal axis of the frame 316. The tab 361 has a passage 363
extending from the tab lateral surface 365 to the tab medial
surface 367. The passage 363 is suitably constructed so as to
accept hinge 326 at an angle. As with the previous embodiments, the
frame forward attachment structure 336 is suitably adapted to
receive the base lever forward attachment structure 324.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 9, the base lever 314 is generally an
elongate member, having a longitudinal axis, with a forward end
portion defining the base lever forward attachment structure 324.
The uppermost surface of the base lever 314 is generally planar,
and may be adapted for the contours of the corresponding shoe
portion. Apertures are defined on the base lever 314 extending
through to the base lever surface for receiving fasteners to
securely hold the shoe portion to the base lever 314. The base
lever forward attachment structure 324 defined on the forward end
portion of the base lever 314 is fabricated from the same stock
material as the base lever 314. However, it need not be so, and it
is possible for a person of ordinary skill to fabricate the base
lever forward attachment structure 326 from different stock
material and weld or otherwise connect it to the forward end
portion of the base lever 314. The forward end portion of the base
lever 314 has two planar shaped ears 369 and 371, projecting
substantially vertically downward. A first ear 369 is mounted
laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base lever
314, and the second ear 371 is mounted opposite with respect to the
first ear 369 and medially with respect to the longitudinal axis of
the base lever 314, such that the two ears are separated by a space
for receiving tab 361 therein. A first aperture 373 extends through
the lateral ear 369, and a second aperture 375 defined on the
medial ear 371 also extends through the medial ear 371. Apertures
373, 375 are suitably formed at an angle to receive the hinge 326
at a vertical angle. The base lever forward attachment structure
324 and the frame forward attachment structure 336 substantially as
described above can be secured to one another by the hinge 326 to
allow for pivoting of the base lever 314 with respect to the frame
316.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 9, the hinge 326 is generally an elongate
member, defining a longitudinal axis. The hinge 326 can be a
fastener, such as a pin, screw, bolt or the like, capable of
securing the base lever forward attachment structure 324 to the
frame forward attachment structure 336. In this embodiment, the
hinge 326 is a bolt having a flattened head 377 on one end and
threads 379 on the opposite end. The bolt 326 extends through the
lateral ear 369 and the tab passage 363 such that the threads 379
of the bolt 326 engage the medial ear 371. Alternatively, if the
medial ear does not provide a threaded passage, the hinge may
traverse the medial ear, in which case, the hinge would be fastened
by a nut on the outside of the medial ear 371. When the hinge 326
is constructed in accordance with the present invention, the
longitudinal axis of the hinge 326 will define a discrete vertical
angle of canting 360 with respect to a horizontal plane. The hinge
326 and the base lever forward attachment structure 324 and the
frame forward attachment structure 336 may include anti-friction
devices such as roller bearings and the like. Additionally, any
number of spacers, washers, nuts, and the like may also be
included.
[0066] With respect to the embodiment represented by FIGS. 1-6, and
the embodiment represented by FIG. 9, having the discrete or
predetermined vertical canting aspect of the invention, a
particular feature in common will now be described. Both of these
embodiments have a base lever forward attachment structure
pivotally connected to the frame forward attachment structure,
wherein the hinge is vertically canted so that the pivot axis of
the hinge defines a discrete vertical angle of canting with respect
to a horizontal plane. This feature is shown as elements 160 and
360 in FIGS. 3 and 9, for each of the respective embodiments. In
the closed position, these embodiments assume a neutral angle of
canting as shown in FIG. 5. When the base lever starts to open, the
angle of canting 699 enlarges from substantially 0 degrees to the
discrete vertical angle represented by angle 160 (FIG. 3), shown in
FIG. 6 as element 699. As a theoretical limit, the hinge vertical
angle of canting may not exceed 90 degrees. More practical however,
the vertical angle should be in the range of about 0 degrees to
about 60 degrees. Additionally, the frame may heel to the side,
shown as element 491 of FIG. 4, and twist, shown as element 493 of
FIG. 4. This is due to the mechanical translation of the vertical
angle imparted by the canted hinge to the adjoining structures as
the base lever pivots about the canted hinge.
[0067] In a further alternate embodiment with respect to those
embodiments already possessing discrete vertical canting as
represented in FIGS. 1-6 and 9, there is the possibility of
adjusting the vertical angle of canting by raising or lowering
either one or both ends of the hinge. This may be accomplished by
providing elliptically shaped passages on the base lever forward
attachment structure or on the frame forward attachment structure
or both. The base lever forward attachment structure may also be
constructed as to allow up and down movement of the hinge through
varying degrees of canting. The skate of this embodiment will thus
be aptly suited to accommodate different skaters having different
skating strokes by the simple mechanical expedient of adjusting the
hinge vertically upward or downward.
[0068] With respect to the embodiment represented by FIGS. 7 and 8,
which possesses adjustable horizontal canting, other embodiments
may be so constructed as to eliminate the adjustable horizontal
canting feature, providing only discrete horizontal canting. This
will be desirable when the skate is specifically tailored to a
single individual. Elimination of the adjustability feature will
save on weight, so as to reduce skater fatigue. These embodiments
will generally have a base lever forward attachment structure
pivotably connected to the frame forward attachment structure so
that the hinge is discretely horizontally canted. The pivot axis of
the hinge will thus define a horizontal angle with respect to a
vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
frame.
[0069] In addition, other embodiments are possible and within the
scope of this invention. For example, a skate having discrete
vertical canting in combination with discrete horizontal canting or
a skate having both adjustable vertical and adjustable horizontal
canting, or a skate with adjustable vertical canting and discrete
horizontal canting or a skate having discrete vertical canting and
adjustable horizontal canting. A person of ordinary skill in the
art can readily modify the embodiments herein described to arrive
at the various combinations.
[0070] The operation of the different embodiments will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. Although it is with
reference to one embodiment, other embodiments constructed in
accordance with the present invention possess the same generic
feature. As described above, the preferred embodiments include a
glide member for traversing a surface, a shoe portion with a base
for receiving a skater's foot, a base lever secured to the shoe
portion base, the base lever defining a longitudinal base lever
axis aligned with a longitudinal axis of the received foot. The
base lever defines a base lever plane, passing through the
longitudinal base lever axis and perpendicular to the lower surface
of the base. The skate also includes an elongate frame for mounting
the glide member, the frame defining a longitudinal frame axis. The
frame defines a frame plane passing through the frame longitudinal
axis and perpendicular to the ground when the skate frame is fully
upright. A hinge, defining a pivot axis, pivotably connects the
forward end portion of the base lever to the forward end portion of
the frame joining the base lever attachment structure to the frame
attachment structure so that upon pivoting of the base lever away
from the frame, the base lever plane defines an angle of canting
with respect to the frame plane. Stated another way, the
longitudinal axis of the base lever projected onto the horizontal
plane (as defined with the skate frame in a fully upright position)
passing through the longitudinal axis of the frame defines the
angle of canting. FIG. 5 shows a particular embodiment using
vertical canting. The base lever 114 is in the closed position
relative to the frame 116. The base lever 114 suitably rests on a
pedestal secured to the frame 116. When in a closed position, the
longitudinal axis 597 of the base lever is coincident with the
longitudinal axis 595 of the frame. Upon opening of the klop skate,
as for example when the skater plantar flexes at the ankle, so as
to maintain the glide member in contact with the surface, the base
lever plane passing through the longitudinal axis 597 of the base
lever 114 defines an angle of canting 699 with respect to a frame
plane that extends vertically upward through the longitudinal frame
axis 595, as shown in FIG. 6. This is true of embodiments which use
vertically or horizontally canted hinges. In this instance, this
angle of canting is created by the translation of the vertically
canted hinge to the adjoining base lever and frame structures.
Embodiments utilizing horizontally canted hinges, will generally
begin with an angle of canting predetermined at the start.
[0071] The angle of canting is roughly determined for an individual
skater by measuring the angle created by the foot when the foot is
at its furthermost position during the pushing stroke, the angle
being defined by the longitudinal axis of the foot, and the line
indicating forward direction of motion. This angle roughly
corresponds to the needed angle of cant to allow the skater to, at
stroke end, point his foot forward thus, redirecting the frame from
toe out to toe in, allowing the pull motion. FIG. 8, shows that the
angle of canting 298 for a particular embodiment using adjustable
horizontal canting may be greater than zero when the base lever is
in the closed position. During skating, as the skater completes the
push stroke and the skater has extended the pushing leg as far as
it will go, the skater may realign his foot to a naturally
comfortable forward-pointing position. When the skater's foot is
aligned straightforward and the base lever is open, a skate having
the structures as substantially described above, will inwardly
self-align itself. In other words, the tip of the skate will point
inward, thus allowing the skater to maintain contact with the
surface while inwardly drawing the leg. The canting of the skate in
the manner described facilitates use of a pulling stroke. By having
the skate cant at an angle, the skater does not need to over-rotate
at the ankle, thus preventing skater fatigue and gaining a decided
advantage over competitors having merely conventional klop
skates.
[0072] With vertically canted base levers, the skate frame may
additionally heel to one side as well as be inwardly aligned. The
heeling action is a result of the mechanical structure having a
vertically canted hinge. For example, this heeling action is
illustrated in FIG. 4, where the skate, in addition to being canted
vertically, likewise produces a canting or twist of the upper
surface of the base lever with respect to the upper surface of the
frame. When the skater's foot is realigned to a straightforward
position, angle 491 will define the angle of canting or the inward
purchase, and angle 493 will define the angle of heel with respect
to a naturally straightforward foot. The heeling action likewise
produces a positive benefit in assisting the skater to use an
inward pulling stroke to propel himself forward. The benefits
achieved by the embodiments of the present invention will enable
the skater to use pulling as well as pushing strokes, effectively
doubling the length of his stroke.
[0073] The foregoing discussion details a mechanical solution to
the push/pull problem. Mechanically altered hinges are preferred
for skates employed where not much ground is covered in a single
push or pull stroke or as individual preference dictates. As a
skater glides longer distances in a single stroke, the skate must
be redirected inwardly at smaller and smaller angles. This is
because the sideways distance covered by a skate from the end of
the push stroke to the beginning of the next push stroke is
generally constant. But, the distance covered during the same time
period could be substantially longer in some sports, such as speed
ice-skating. At some point, due to individual style or type of
sport, a mechanically altered hinge becomes less efficient over a
user-controllable push/pull skate. In a user controllable push/pull
skate, the user controls whether the skate "klops", i.e., returns
to the closed position. Push/pull skating is enabled by a klop
skate with user-controllable klopping because maintaining the frame
in an open position avoids digging the forward tip of the skate
into the surface when the skate klops, such as when going around a
turn, when the skater must cross one skate in front of the
other.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 10, another preferred embodiment of the
present invention is illustrated. FIG. 10 shows a klop skate with a
shoe portion 400 having a base 402; a base lever 404 on the
underside of the base 402; a base lever 404 on the underside of the
base 402; and an elongate frame 406 for mounting the glide member
408. While an ice-skating blade is illustrated; alternates, such as
a plurality of in-line wheels, can be used as the glide member. The
frame 406 is pivotally attached to the base lever 404 at the
forward end of the skate. A hinge 410, defining a pivot axis,
operably couples the frame 406 to the base lever 404 to allow the
frame 406 to swing about the pivot axis circumscribing an arc. A
coil spring 412 biases the frame 406 to the base lever 404.
Although, a coil spring is illustrated, other biasing devices, such
as leaf springs or elastomeric materials can be used as alternates.
The frame 406 normally rests on a klop bracket 414 located at the
heel region 416 of the shoe base 402.
[0075] The skate of FIG. 10 includes a control device, generally
denoted by 418. The control device 418 includes several components.
The control device 418 includes a cuff 420 to attach to the
skate-wearer around a lower portion of a leg. The cuff 420 is
connected to a force transmission linkage such as a flexible cable
422. One end of the cable 422 is connected to the forward facing
portion of the cuff while a second end is connected to the forward
end of the frame 406. Connectors may include ball and socket joints
to provide articulation at connection points or the cable may
terminate as a loop or an eye. Other connectors not mentioned but
well known are also intended to be part of this disclosure. The
cable is housed in a cable housing 424. The housing 424 is secured
to the shoe upper 400 at points proximally and distally of the leg,
preferably at the end points by holders 426, 428. The housing is
located along the upper shoe surface. The distal attachment at the
frame 206 is forward of the hinge 410, therefore a levering effect
is created to counter the spring by tensioning the cable 422.
[0076] A skate constructed as described provides a control device
to enable the skate-wearer to selectively control whether the frame
klops closed. The skate-wearer selects whether to maintain the
frame open by applying tension to the cable. As the cable is
tensioned, a force is applied to the frame that opposes the biasing
force due to the spring. Alternatively, a skate-wearer can cause
the frame to pivot by overcoming the resistance offered by the
spring, again by applying a tension on the cable. The skate-wearer
applies tension by distally flexing the foot at the ankle.
[0077] FIG. 11 shows an alternate of the skate of FIG. 10. The
skate of FIG. 11, is meant to be similar in operation to the skate
of FIG. 10, except the cuff 430 of FIG. 11 extends into the shoe
upper 400 and is pivotally secured at suitable locations. The
pivoting cuff 430 has lateral and medial side extensions 432 which
fit over medial and lateral sides of the shoe portion,
respectively, and are secured to the sides with a pivoting
connector 434. A pivotally secured cuff 430 has the added advantage
of being stably secured to the shoe portion. Cable holders 436, and
438, may have to be repositioned or extended to allow for the
changed cuff configuration. Otherwise, the control device 418
operates similarly as the previous skate.
[0078] FIG. 12 shows another preferred embodiment of a skate
constructed in accordance with the present invention. The skate of
FIG. 12 includes a shoe portion, having a base 502, wherein the
base has a forefoot region 504 and a heel region 506. The skate
includes a frame 508 for mounting the glide member 510. The frame
508 is secured to the base 502 by screws or rivets (not shown)
covered by a composite material 512 at the forefoot region. The
forefoot region 504 of the shoe base 502 is adapted to flex during
skating. The construction and advantages of a flexing base are
further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/094,425,
which is herein incorporated by reference. While many advantages
are attained by the previous application, the flexing base of the
present invention is neutrally biased, meaning that the base
flexing region 520 produces little to no upward biasing of the
frame 508 against the base 502. Little to no upward biasing means
that the base is intentionally constructed having about zero flex
strength, or stated another way, bias is substantially reduced by
selection of a resilient base material with little spring force,
such as leather, or that is reduced in thickness at least at the
point of flexion, such as a thermoplastic base that is transversely
grooved on the underside of the base. While it is to be appreciated
that many materials have a natural tendency to resist bending, and
inherently possess an integral biasing force which returns the
material to its original shape; efforts have been expended into the
development of a base having little to no flex strength, other than
what is to be expected of the natural tendency inherent to many
materials to resist bending. Little to no flex strength can also be
gauged by the efforts required to maintain the base in a flexed
state. Preferably, the base of the present invention is constructed
so as to facilitate holding open the frame by the skate-wearer
flexing the base without expending energy to bring about undue
muscular fatigue of the forward foot. While the base exerts little
to no upward force on the frame, the device is constructed to
prevent the frame from flopping downward, as when occurs in a
conventionally hinged skate with no spring. This is to prevent loss
of skate control when a skate-wearer is forced into lifting a skate
off the surface, as when a skater rounds a corner, the skater must
cross one skate in front of the other. Thus, the flexing base
hinge, while not constructed to significantly bias the frame to the
base, is constructed to have sufficient resistance to unrestricted
movement of the frame away from the shoe base to counter the weight
of the frame and to prevent the frame from flopping open.
[0079] The skate of FIG. 12 also includes a guide 514 located on
the rear of the frame 508. A follower 516 is secured on the
underside of the heel portion 506 of the base. The guide projects
upward from the frame and is curved to define the arc of the frame
travel. The follower engages the guide to prevent the shoe portion
from torsionally flexing out of line with the frame. A pad 518 is
located on the lower end of the guide 513 and rests on the frame
508. The pad acts as a cushion between the follower 516 and the
frame 508.
[0080] A further embodiment includes a pivoting frame and base
combination. However, in this alternate embodiment the frame is
balanced on either side of the pivoting axis to provide a
substantially zero or positively biased frame, meaning the frame is
not biased upward against the base. The zero balanced frame can be
accomplished by a pair of opposing springs, one on either side of
the pivoting axis. In a positively balanced frame, the one spring
that biases the frame away from the base is predominant such that
the frame is biased away from the base. The balanced frame can also
be accomplished by a frictional hinge. In the latter, the frame
assumes the position to which it is moved and a slight force to
overcome friction, such as the weight of the skate-wearer, is
required thereafter to move the frame.
[0081] FIG. 13 shows another preferred embodiment of a klop skate.
The skate includes a shoe portion 600, a base 602, and a frame 604
with a glide member 606. The base 602 is a flexing base. Moreover,
in this embodiment, the flexing base 602 need not be neutrally
biased. The embodiment of FIG. 13 has similar features of the skate
of FIG. 12, such as guide 608 and follower 610, however, in this
embodiment, the skate also includes a biasing device 612 to
positively bias the frame 604 away from the shoe base 602. Biasing
device 612 is a coil spring in this embodiment; but, elastomeric
materials which are compressible and have memory to impart
spring-like biasing effects can also be utilized as alternates to
the coil spring. Memory acts to restore the elastomeric material to
its relaxed state. The coil spring 612 is located on the guide 608,
and positioned between a pad 614 and the follower 610. The spring
612 imparts outward rather than inward biasing forces to push the
frame 508 away from the base 602, unlike conventional klop skates
which have inward biasing springs. The amount of biasing is
adjustable by a controller. An adjustable controller is provided in
the form of a collar 616 which slides on the guide 608 to adjust
the amount of travel permitted between the frame 604 and the base
602. The adjustment is implemented by sliding the collar 616 within
the guide 608, determining the suitable biasing effect desired, and
setting the position of the collar 616 by snugging a thumbscrew
fastener 618. However, other alternates of the stop can be used,
such as clamps or pins. The skate of FIG. 13 is intended to perform
in a similar manner as the skate of FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 by
allowing a skater to maintain the frame in an open position. The
skate forward tip will not dig into the ice, thereby facilitating
the skater to cross one foot over the other, as in rounding a
corner. This feature permits the skater to use a pulling as well as
a pushing stroke.
[0082] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various
changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
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