U.S. patent application number 13/872700 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-31 for skate suspension system and method of assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is David A. Blois. Invention is credited to David A. Blois.
Application Number | 20130285338 13/872700 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49476605 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130285338 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blois; David A. |
October 31, 2013 |
SKATE SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A skate includes a boot and a housing having a top portion
coupled with a sole of the boot. A ground engagement apparatus is
displaceably coupled with a bottom portion of the housing. A
suspension assembly is coupled between the ground engagement
apparatus and the housing. The suspension assembly includes an
aperture extending down from the top portion of the housing. The
suspension assembly also includes a spring disposed within the
aperture, such that a lower portion of the spring engages the
ground engagement apparatus. A retention member spans over the
aperture and couples with the top portion of the housing, whereby
an upper portion of the spring engages the retention member for
retaining the spring within the aperture and biasing the ground
engagement apparatus downward.
Inventors: |
Blois; David A.; (Toronto,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Blois; David A. |
Toronto |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
49476605 |
Appl. No.: |
13/872700 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61640213 |
Apr 30, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/11.14 ;
29/446 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49863 20150115;
A63C 1/42 20130101; A63C 1/30 20130101; A63C 1/303 20130101; A63C
2203/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/11.14 ;
29/446 |
International
Class: |
A63C 1/30 20060101
A63C001/30; A63C 1/42 20060101 A63C001/42 |
Claims
1. A skate, comprising: a boot having a sole; a housing having a
top portion coupled with the sole; a ground engagement apparatus
displaceably coupled with a bottom portion of the housing; and a
suspension assembly coupled between the ground engagement apparatus
and the housing, comprising: an aperture extending down from the
top portion of the housing; a spring disposed within the aperture
and having a lower portion engaging the ground engagement
apparatus; and a retention member spanning over the aperture and
coupled with the top portion of the housing, wherein an upper
portion of the spring engages the retention member for retaining
the spring within the aperture and biasing the ground engagement
apparatus downward.
2. The skate of claim 1, wherein the ground engagement apparatus is
displaceable vertically with respect to the housing between a first
position and a second position, and wherein the spring compresses
when the ground engagement apparatus moves upward from the first
position to the second position.
3. The skate of claim 1, wherein the ground engagement apparatus
comprises a metal blade extending longitudinally on the housing and
adapted to interface with an ice surface.
4. The skate of claim 3, further comprising: a channel extending
longitudinally on the bottom portion of the housing for slidably
receiving the metal blade and preventing the metal blade from
lateral and longitudinal movement relative to the housing.
5. The skate of claim 1, further comprising: a projection extending
upward from the ground engagement apparatus within the housing and
having a slide stop for preventing the ground engagement apparatus
from disengaging from the housing.
6. The skate of claim 5, wherein the slide stop abuts the housing
when the ground engagement apparatus moves down to a bottom
position, and wherein the slide stop is vertically adjustable
relative to the projection for altering the bottom position.
7. The skate of claim 1, further comprising: a channel extending
longitudinally on the bottom portion of the housing, wherein the
ground engagement apparatus includes a metal blade slidably coupled
with the channel; a vertical post projecting upward from the metal
blade and having a threaded end; and a slide stop threadably
coupled with the threaded end of the vertical post, wherein the
slide stop extends laterally beyond a width of the channel for
preventing the metal blade from disengaging from the channel.
8. The skate of claim 1, further comprising: a spacer positioned
between the retention member and the upper portion of the spring
for compressing the spring and increasing a force needed to move
the ground engagement apparatus upward relative to the housing.
9. The skate of claim 8, wherein the spacer is vertically
adjustable down from the retention member to further compress the
spring and increase the force needed to move the ground engagement
apparatus upward relative to the housing.
10. A base assembly for a skate boot, comprising: a housing adapted
to removably engage the skate boot and comprising: an aperture
extending down from a top portion of the housing; a channel
extending up from a bottom portion of the housing; a ground
engagement apparatus displaceably coupled within the channel and
movable between upper and lower positions therein; a retention
member coupled over the aperture; and a spring disposed within the
aperture and compressed between the retention member and the ground
engagement apparatus to bias the ground engagement apparatus
downward in the lower position.
11. The base assembly of claim 10, further comprising: at least one
spacer disposed between the retention member and the spring for
further compressing the spring and increasing a force needed to
move the ground engagement apparatus to the upper position.
12. The base assembly of claim 10, further comprising: a spacer
disposed between the retention member and the spring and adjustable
vertically between a first position and a second position lower
than the first position, wherein the second position compresses the
spring more than the first position.
13. The base assembly of claim 12, further comprising: a threaded
shaft extending between the spacer and the retention member,
wherein rotation of the threaded shaft moves the spacer between the
first and second positions.
14. The base assembly of claim 13, wherein the threaded shaft
includes a body portion that is threadably coupled with the spacer
and a head portion that is rotatably coupled with the retention
member.
15. The base assembly of claim 10, wherein the aperture includes a
cylindrical shape and the spring includes a helical shape that is
coaxially aligned within the aperture, and wherein the retention
member includes a plate shape spanning over the aperture and
coupled with the top portion of the housing.
16. The base assembly of claim 10, wherein the upper portion of the
housing includes a cavity extending down into the housing and a
flange bordering the cavity for engaging the skate boot, wherein
the retention member spans over the aperture and couples within the
cavity.
17. The base assembly of claim 10, wherein the ground engagement
apparatus includes a metal blade adapted to interface with an ice
surface, and wherein the channel includes opposing parallel
sidewalls extending longitudinally on the lower portion of the
housing for slidably receiving the metal blade.
18. A method for assembling a skate with a suspension assembly,
comprising providing a housing that includes an upper portion
having an aperture extending downward into the housing; coupling a
ground engagement apparatus with a lower portion of the housing in
a vertically displaceable arrangement; inserting a spring into the
aperture, wherein a bottom portion of the spring engages the ground
engagement apparatus; compressing the spring in the aperture
between the retainer plate and the ground engagement apparatus;
coupling a retention member with the upper portion of the housing
to span over the aperture and to secure the spring within the
aperture in a compressed state; and coupling the top portion of the
housing with a boot of the skate.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the lower portion of the
housing includes a longitudinal groove, and wherein the ground
engagement apparatus includes a metal blade that displaceably
coupled within the longitudinal groove for moving between an upper
position and a lower position.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: inserting at least
one spacer between the retention member and the spring before
compressing the spring for increasing a compression force needed to
move the metal blade upward against the spring to the upper
position; and rotating the at least one spacer disposed between to
adjustably move the at least one spacer vertically from a first
position to a second position lower than the first position,
wherein the compression force is increased when the at least one
spacer is moved from the first position to the second position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 USC .sctn.119(e) of
provisional application Ser. No. 61/640,213, filed Apr. 30, 2012,
entitled SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR AN ICE SKATE BLADE the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to skates with
vertical suspension and more particularly relates to ice skates
that have a suspension system for the blade that is enclosed within
the blade housing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Ice skates are typically rigid in construction with respect
to the connection between the skate boot and the blade.
Accordingly, emphasis in innovation has generally been focused on
optimizing flexure characteristics and reducing weight in the skate
boot to provide improved power transfer of a skater's stride. An
ice skate with a novel concept of providing a suspension system
between the skate boot and the blade to further improve power
transfer is generally disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 2,324,724 to
David A. Blois. However, the previously disclosed general concept
fails to contemplate the manufacturing and quality issues
associated with spring compression and containment within the blade
housing. Further, the general concept fails to contemplate a desire
for adjustable and variable suspension settings that provide a
skater with alternative suspension characteristics.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a skate
includes a boot having a sole and a housing having a top portion
coupled with the sole. A ground engagement apparatus is
displaceably coupled with a bottom portion of the housing. A
suspension assembly is coupled between the ground engagement
apparatus and the housing. An aperture extends down from the top
portion of the housing. The suspension assembly also includes a
spring disposed within the aperture, such that a lower portion of
the spring engages the ground engagement apparatus. A retention
member spans over the aperture and couples with the top portion of
the housing. An upper portion of the spring engages the retention
member for retaining the spring within the aperture and biasing the
ground engagement apparatus downward.
[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a base
assembly for a skate boot includes a housing adapted to removably
engage the skate boot. The housing includes an aperture extending
down from a top portion of the housing and a channel extending up
from a bottom portion of the housing. A ground engagement apparatus
is displaceably coupled within the channel and movable between
upper and lower positions therein. A retention member is coupled
over the aperture. A spring is disposed within the aperture and
compressed between the retention member and the ground engagement
apparatus to bias the ground engagement apparatus downward in the
lower position.
[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present invention a
method for assembling a skate with a suspension assembly includes
providing a housing that includes an upper portion having an
aperture extending downward into the housing. A ground engagement
apparatus is coupled with a lower portion of the housing in a
vertically displaceable arrangement. A spring is inserted into the
aperture, engaging a bottom portion of the spring with the ground
engagement apparatus. The spring is compressed in the aperture
between the retainer plate and the ground engagement apparatus. A
retention member is coupled with the upper portion of the housing
to span over the aperture and to secure the spring within the
aperture in a compressed state. The top portion of the housing is
then coupled with a boot of the skate.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, an ice
skate with an enclosed suspension system includes a blade assembly
and a boot with a bottom sole surface having a heel portion, an
intermediate portion, and a toe portion. The blade assembly is
coupled with the sole surface and includes a blade housing, which
has a cup-shaped rear support, a cup-shaped front support, and a
blade holder. The front and rear supports each have a lower
section, an interior cavity surface, and an upper flange. Also, the
front and rear supports are coupled, respectively, with the toe
portion and the heel portion of the boot. The blade holder spans
between the lower sections of the rear support and the front
support. An elongated groove extends longitudinally along the
bottom surface of the blade holder, having a depth that does not
extend into the interior cavity surface. A slot extends beyond the
depth of the elongated groove and beyond the interior cavity
surface within each of the rear support and front support. A spring
well is positioned within the interior cavity surface of each of
the rear and front supports. The spring wells have a top surface
and cylindrical boring extending down from the top surface to a
position within the slot. A metal blade is engaged with the
elongated groove and has at least two integral guide tabs
vertically positioned at a forward end and a rearward end of the
metal blade and at least one post coupled with each the guide tab.
The guide tabs are engaged with the slots and the posts are
generally coaxially aligned within the cylindrical borings. The
posts have a slide stop engaged with a distal portion thereof to
prevent the metal blade from disengaging from the elongated groove.
A suspension assembly includes a pair of springs positioned
coaxially within the cylindrical borings. A retainer plate is
coupled with the top surface of the spring wells to enclose the
cylindrical boring. As such, a top end of the spring abuts the
retainer plate and a bottom end of the spring abuts the guide tabs,
compressing the spring within the cylindrical boring before the
blade assembly is coupled with the bottom sole surface of the
boot.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method for assembling an ice skate with a suspension system
includes providing a blade housing that has an elongated groove
extending along a bottom surface of a blade holder. A metal blade
is inserted from the bottom of the blade housing through the
elongated groove. The metal blade has at least two guide tabs
vertically positioned at a forward and a rearward end thereof and a
post coupled with each guide tab, allowing each post to vertically
extend into and coaxially align with a cylindrical boring formed in
a spring well within each of a front support and a rear support of
the blade housing. A slide stop is threaded onto a distal portion
of the posts to prevent the metal blade from disengaging from the
elongated groove. A spring is inserted into each cylindrical
boring, coaxially aligning the springs therein and allowing a
bottom end of the spring to abut the guide tabs on the metal blade.
The springs are compressed in the cylindrical borings and a
retainer plate is coupled with a top surface of the spring wells,
thereby enclosing the cylindrical borings and forcing the top end
of the spring to abut the retainer plate.
[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
blade assembly for an ice skate has a retainer plate coupled with a
top surface of a blade housing to provide a means for compressing
and retaining a spring within the blade housing without attaching a
skate boot. The retainer plate may also be adapted to include a
spacer between the spring and the retainer plate to alter the
compression characteristics of the suspension system. Further, the
spacer may be adjustable to compress or decompress the spring for
easily customizing the suspension system characteristics for a
user's desired suspension performance.
[0010] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present invention will be further understood and appreciated by
those skilled in the art by reference to the following
specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a
skate with a suspension system in a compressed state;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of a base
assembly of the skate shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of a support housing of the
base assembly, showing a pair of spring wells and portions of an
elongated groove;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of an additional embodiment
of a support housing, showing an alternative pair of spring
wells;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a metal blade and a
suspension assembly of the base assembly;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an additional
embodiment of a retention member of the suspension assembly;
[0018] FIG. 6A is a side elevational view of the retention member
illustrated in FIG. 6, showing a spring and a spacer;
[0019] FIG. 6B is a bottom plan view of the retention member
illustrated in FIG. 6;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an additional embodiment
of a retention member and an adjustable spacer;
[0021] FIG. 7A is a side elevational view of the retention member
illustrated in FIG. 7, showing a spring engaging the adjustable
spacer; and
[0022] FIG. 7B is a bottom plan view of the retention member
illustrated in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0024] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7B, reference numeral 10
generally designates a skate with a suspension system. The skate 10
includes a boot 20 and a base assembly 30 having a top portion 12
coupled with a sole surface 22 of the boot 20. The base assembly 30
has a housing 32 that includes a front support 36, a rear support
34, and a blade holder 38 spanning between lower sections 42 of the
front and rear supports 36, 34. An elongated groove 50 extends
longitudinally along a bottom portion 52 of the blade holder 38. A
ground engagement apparatus, shown as a metal blade 70 in the
illustrated embodiment, is displaceably coupled with the bottom
portion 52 of the blade holder 38. A suspension assembly 86 is
coupled between the ground engagement apparatus 70 and the housing
32. An aperture, shown as a cylindrical boring 64, extends down
from the top portion 12 of the housing 32. The suspension assembly
86 includes a spring 90 disposed within the aperture 64, such that
a lower portion 94 of the spring 90 engages the ground engagement
apparatus 70. The suspension assembly 86 also includes a retention
member 88 that spans over the aperture 64 and couples with the top
portion 12 of the housing 32. An upper portion 93 of the spring 90
engages the retention member 88 for retaining the spring 90 within
the aperture 64 and biasing the ground engagement apparatus 70
downward.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, spring wells 60 are positioned
within an upward facing cavity 40 of the rear support 34 and the
front support 36. The apertures 64 extend within the spring wells
60 to define a cylindrical shape that may be molded in the housing
32 or formed by boring the apertures in the spring wells 60. It is
also conceivable that the apertures 64 may employ various
alternative shapes from those illustrated. The suspension assembly
86 is coupled with the ground engagement apparatus 70, positioning
a spring 90 coaxially within each aperture 64 and coupling the
retention member 88 with a top surface 62 of the spring wells 60.
The retention member 88 has a rigid plate shape that allows the
spring 90 to be compressed and retained within the aperture 64,
without attaching the boot 20.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the boot 20 has a bottom sole surface 22
that includes a heel portion 24, an intermediate portion 26, and a
toe portion 28. The boot 20 is generally configured to conform to a
user's foot and ankle region, whereas a lace portion 29, generally
above the intermediate portion 26, can be tightened to secure the
boot 20 to the user's foot and ankle region. The boot 20 generally
conforms to a user's foot wherein the user's heel is positioned
proximate the heel portion 24, the user's arch is positioned
proximate the intermediate portion 26, and the user's toes are
positioned proximate the toe portion 28. The bottom sole surface 22
of the boot 20 is generally smooth and planar and the heel portion
24 of the bottom sole surface 22 typically has a higher elevation
than the toe portion 28 of the bottom sole surface 22.
[0027] The base assembly 30, as shown in FIG. 1, is coupled with
the bottom sole surface 22 of the boot 20. More specifically, the
housing 32 of the base assembly 30 is coupled with the bottom sole
surface 22. The housing 32 has a cup-shaped rear support 34, a
cup-shaped front support 36, and a blade holder 38. The rear
support 34 and the front support 36 have an upwardly facing cavity
40 having an interior cavity surface 41. The upwardly facing cavity
40 extends down from an upper flange 44 on each of the front and
rear supports 36, 34 to a lower section 42 on the front and rear
supports 36, 34. The cavity 40 generally extends down more in the
rear support 34 than the front support 36, and more specifically
extends down in the illustrated embodiment approximately 1.5 inches
in the front support 36 and 1.75 inches in the rear support 34. It
is contemplated that the cavity 40 may generally extend down
between 1-3 inches (25.4-76.2 mm), depending upon the size of the
suspension assembly 86 to be adapted to the base assembly 30, which
may be dependent upon the size of the boot 20 and the weight of a
user. Also, it is conceivable that the cavity 40 may alternatively
extend down equally in the front and rear supports 36, 34 or
further down in the front support 36 than the rear support 34.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, the upper flange 44 generally
surrounds the cavity 40 and has an oval shape with a substantially
planar top face 46. The interior cavity surface 41 has a cup-shape,
generally proportionate to the corresponding support, wherein a
sidewall 43 is defined between the interior cavity surface 41 and
the exterior surface of the corresponding support. A horizontal
cross section of the interior cavity surface 41 about the upper
flange 44 has a generally oval shape, which narrows to a relatively
smaller oval shape as the cross sectional of the interior cavity
surface 41 is taken closer to the lower section 42. The upper
flange 44 has a series of fastener holes 48 positioned at generally
equal spaced positions around the upper flange 44 and extending
through a top face 46 of the upper flange 44 for receiving a
fastener or other means of attaching the base assembly 30 with the
boot 20. The fastener holes 48 are typically also positioned along
side portions of the top face 46. The rear support 34 generally has
fewer fastener holes 48 than the front support 36, as the upper
flange 44 of the front support 36 has a generally longer top face
46 than the rear support 34.
[0029] The blade holder 38 of the housing 32 spans between the
lower sections 42 of the rear support 34 and the front support 36.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the height of the blade holder 38 is
approximately 0.75 inches to accommodate approximately 0.25 inches
of travel in the suspension assembly 86. As such, the height of the
blade holder 38 is typically greater than the travel of the
suspension assembly 86. However, the height of the blade holder 38
may vary as it spans between the rear support 34 and the front
support 36. An elongated groove 50 extends longitudinally along a
bottom surface 52 of the blade holder 38. The elongated groove 50
has a depth defined between the bottom surface 52 of the blade
holder 38 and an abutment surface 54, typically located below the
interior cavity surface of the rear support 34 and front support
36. It is conceivable, however, that the elongated groove 50 may
extend through the blade holder 38 below the intermediate portion
26 of the boot 20. The elongated groove 50 forms a substantially
rectangular channel with parallel sides in the blade holder,
adapted to receive an ice skate blade. A slot 56 extends beyond the
depth of the groove 50 within each of the rear support 34 and the
front support 36. The slots 56 are typically formed with a
substantially equivalent width as the elongated groove 50 and
extend as vertical extensions relative to a longitudinal extent of
the elongated groove 50.
[0030] The housing 32, including the rear support 34, front support
36, and blade holder 38, is generally constructed of a strong
injected molded plastic, such as (ZYTEL), or other similar polymers
used in common ice skate housings. Similarly, other rigid
materials, such as certain composites, metal materials or
combinations thereof may be utilized in manufacturing the housing
32. Additionally, the rear support 34, the front support 36, and
the blade holder 38 may be integrally formed in such an injection
molding process or other manufacturing process, as understood by
one having ordinary skill in the art.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the spring wells 60 are coupled with
the interior cavity surface 41 of the front and rear supports 36,
34. The spring wells 60 have a top surface 62 and the cylindrical
aperture 64 that extends down from the top surface 62 to a position
within the slots 56. The cylindrical aperture 64 may extend beyond
the slot 56, but they may not extend to or beyond the bottom
surface 52 of the blade holder 38, without additional variation in
structure to contain the springs 90. The spring wells 60 are
typically constructed to reduce the amount of plastic material in
the housing 32, while maintaining the necessary rigid construction
and strength to enclose the spring 90 in a compressed state, as
shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the spring wells 60
occupy a portion of the cavities 40 of the front and rear supports
36, 34. However, as illustrated in FIG. 4, it is conceivable that
the spring wells 60 may occupy a larger portion of the cavity 40 to
increase rigidity and strength.
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, the top surface 62 of the
spring wells 60 typically have bolt holes 66 positioned around the
cylindrical boring; although alternative means for coupling the
retention member 88 to the spring wells 60 are contemplated. As
shown, four bolt holes 66 are positioned at generally rectangular
corner positions on the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60;
however, it is contemplated that fewer or more bolt holes 66 may be
formed on each spring well 60. As shown in FIG. 1, the top surfaces
62 of the spring wells 60 of the front 34 and rear 36 supports have
a generally equal elevational height despite the varying
elevational heights of the top face 46 of the upper flanges 44. As
such, the top surface 62 of the front support 36 nearly touches the
bottom sole surface 22 of the boot 20, whereas the top surface 62
of the rear support 34 has a relatively larger spacing between the
bottom sole surface 22 of the boot 20. The substantially equivalent
elevational height of the top surfaces 62 allows for use of springs
in the suspension assembly having a substantially identical length
and other similar characteristics, allowing for fewer variations in
parts necessary in the manufacturing process of the present
invention and allowing for balanced compression at the front 36 and
rear 34 supports. Similar to other portions of the housing 32, the
spring wells 60 may be integrally formed with the base housing, or
portions thereof, as part of an injection molding process or
otherwise. Further, it is conceivable that the elevational heights
of the spring wells 60 within the front and rear supports 36, 34
may vary from each other to accommodate different sized springs or
other varied arrangements.
[0033] The cylindrical apertures 64 within the spring wells 60 have
a generally circular cross section with substantially equivalent
diameters throughout their length. At the lower section 42 of the
front or rear support, the cylindrical apertures 64 extends into
the pair of slots 56 exposing the slots 56 along the sides of the
cylindrical apertures 64 near a base portion 68 of the cylindrical
apertures 64. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1, the slots 56 extend
horizontally equal to or beyond the general diameter of the
cylindrical boring 64 to allow the guide tabs 74 on the blade 70 to
engage the springs 90. The width of the slots 56 are sized to
receive the guide tabs 74 and posts 80, as discussed in more detail
below.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 5, the ground engagement apparatus 70,
the metal blade, couples directly with the suspension assembly 86.
In the illustrated embodiment, the metal blade 70 has a length 72
substantially equal, but slightly less than, the length of the
elongated groove 50 in the housing 32, allowing for vertically
displaceable sliding movement of the blade 70 within the groove 50.
For similar purposes, the metal blade 70 also has a width
substantially equal, but slightly less than, the width of the
elongated groove 50. Accordingly, the elongated groove 50 engages
the blade 70 about its length and width and slidably positions the
blade 70 vertically within the elongated groove 50, preventing the
blade from lateral and longitudinal movement. The metal blade 70
also has two projections formed with the blade 70 and vertically
and orthogonally extending at a forward end 76 and a rearward end
78 of the blade 70, corresponding to the front 36 and rear 34
supports. The projections each include a guide tab 74 and a post 80
(FIG. 2) coupled with each guide tab 74. The posts 80 extend
vertically and in alignment with the guide tabs 74 and the blade
70, in the illustrated embodiment. As such, upon engaging the metal
blade 70 with the elongated groove 50, the guide tabs 74 engage the
pair of slots 56 and the posts 80 align generally coaxially within
the cylindrical apertures 64.
[0035] Referring again to FIG. 1, the springs 90 are in a
compressed state, such that the blade 70 that is engaged within the
elongated groove 50 is in an upper position that places the guide
tabs 74 in abutting contact with an upper surface 57 of the slots
56. In the compressed state, the metal blade 70 may also abut the
abutment surface 54 of the elongated groove 50. Additionally in the
compressed state and upper position, the posts 80 may extend near
or in abutting contact with a planar extent of the top surface 62
of the spring wells 60. To prevent the metal blade 70 from
disengaging from the elongated groove 50, a slide stop 82 (FIG. 2)
is engaged with the post 80 at a position thereon to calibrate the
vertical travel of the blade 70. The slide stop 82 may be, for
example, a lock nut threaded about the post or a locking pin
positioned through a hole formed horizontally in the post 80, or
another similar arrangement. Typically, a lock nut arrangement is
used to allow for adjusting the vertical travel of the blade by
rotating the nut about the post 80. When a user lifts the skate 10
from a ground surface or otherwise reduces upward force on the
blade 70, the post 80 traverses down within the cylindrical
aperture 64 and the slide stop 82 abuts the base portion 68 of the
cylindrical boring 64 adjacent the slot 56, positioning the blade
in a lower position relative to the upper position. Specifically,
the post 80 engages the slot 56 formed in the base portion 68 of
the cylindrical boring 64 and the diameter of slide stop 82 extends
beyond the width of the slot 56, effectively retaining the blade 70
with the housing 32.
[0036] The ground engagement apparatus 70 may be integrally formed
with the guide tabs 74 and the posts 80. In addition, the posts 80
may be welded to or integrally formed with the guide tabs 74 to
increase the stability of the blade 70 and to decrease
manufacturing assembly steps and complications. The metal blade 70
is typically made from steel. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the
blade 70 may also include apertures 71 about its length to reduce
the amount of blade material used.
[0037] Referring again to FIG. 2, the suspension assembly 86, has
the plate shaped retention member 88 coupled with the top surface
62 of the spring wells 60, enclosing an upper end 65 (FIG. 1) of
the cylindrical aperture 64. The retention member 88 is typically
fastened, as illustrated in FIG. 2, by bolts 92 extending through
the four corners of the rectangular retention member 88 and
securing into the bolt holes 66 (FIG. 3) formed in the top surface
62 of the spring wells 60. More, fewer, or other types of fasteners
or coupling arrangements may be used to attach the retention member
88 to the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60. The retention
member 88 is formed of a rigid material, typically a metal, such
as, aluminum or stainless steel.
[0038] The springs 90 of the suspension assembly 86 are positioned
coaxially within the cylindrical aperture 64. The springs 90 have a
top end 93 in abutting engagement with the retention member 88 and
a bottom end 94 in abutting engagement with the guide tabs 74 of
the metal blade 70. The springs 90 have helical shape and a general
diameter slightly less than the cylindrical aperture 64 to prevent
lateral movement of the springs 90. Generally, to accommodate a
user weighing approximately 170-200 pounds, a spring 90 in the
illustrated embodiment would have the following characteristics: a
free length of 31.8 mm, a wire with a 0.110.times.0.126 mm wire, an
8.7 mm rod ID, a 15.9 mm hole OD, and a 25% deflection at 146.9
pounds. The springs with such characteristics are distributed by
DIECO.RTM., product number XHP-22A, although other springs may be
employed, such as product number XHP-22. The spring characteristics
may accordingly be adjusted to accommodate a user's desired
performance characteristics or a user's increased or decreased
weight. In addition, it is contemplated that an alternative type of
spring, such as a leaf spring arrangement, may be utilized in place
of the coil spring 90.
[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 6-6B, an additional embodiment of
the suspension assembly 86 has a retention member 88 with a
downward cylindrical extension 96 having an outside diameter 98
generally equal to the diameter of the cylindrical aperture 64.
Within the cylindrical extension 96, spacers 100 may be inserted to
adjust the spring 90 compression within the cylindrical aperture
64. For example, adding a spacer 100 will decrease the spring
compression distance, thereby increasing the force needed to
compress the spring 90 and increasing the general rigidity of the
suspension of the blade assembly 32. Likewise, for example,
removing a spacer 100 will increase the spring compression
distance, thereby decreasing the force needed to compress the
spring 90 and decreasing the rigidity of the suspension of the
blade assembly 32.
[0040] As further illustrated in FIGS. 7-7B, an additional
embodiment of the suspension assembly 86 as described above has a
spacer 100 that is vertically adjustable. The spacer 100 is defined
by a tubular screw 102 having a head 104 of the screw positioned in
a recessed portion 106 of the retainer plate 88 and a threaded body
portion 108 of the tubular screw 102 extending coaxially within the
cylindrical extension 96 of the retention member 88. In addition,
channels 110 are formed vertically along the interior surface 112
of the cylindrical extension 96 to guide the spacer 100 that
traverses about the threaded body portion 108 of the tubular screw
102. The spacer 100 has a generally circular shape with an outside
diameter 114 generally equal to the inside diameter 97 of the
cylindrical extension 96 of the retention member 88, at least one
receptor channel 111 to engage the channels 110, and a threaded
aperture 116 coaxially formed with a diameter generally equivalent
to the diameter of the threaded body portion 108 of the tubular
screw 102, allowing the tubular screw to engage the threaded
aperture 116. The threaded body 108 of the tubular screw 102 has an
inside area 118 to allow for vertical travel of the posts 80
therein. The head 104 of the tubular screw 102 may be rotated
counterclockwise 120 to lower the spacer 100 within the cylindrical
extension 96 and to increase the compression of the spring 90.
Conversely, the tubular screw 102 may be rotated clockwise 122 to
raise the spacer within the cylindrical extension 96 and to
decrease the compression of the spring 90. A spacer bumper 124 may
protrude radially inward from the bottom portion of the cylindrical
extension 96 of the retention member 88 to restrict the vertical
movement of the spacer 100 within the cylindrical extension 96.
[0041] A method for assembling a skate 10 with an enclosed
suspension assembly 86 includes providing a housing 32 that has an
elongated groove 50 extending along a bottom surface 52 of the
housing 32. A metal blade 70 having at least two guide tabs 74
vertically positioned at a forward and a rearward end thereof, and
a post 80 coupled with each guide tab 74, is inserted from the
bottom surface 52 of the housing 32 through the elongated groove
50, allowing the posts 80 to vertically extend into and coaxially
align with the cylindrical apertures 64 formed in the spring wells
60 within the front and rear supports 36, 34 of the blade housing
32. A slide stop 82 is threaded onto a distal portion of each post
80 to prevent the metal blade 70 from disengaging from the
elongated groove 50. A spring 90 is inserted into each cylindrical
boring 64, coaxially aligning the springs 90 therein and allowing a
bottom end of the spring 90 to abut the guide tabs 74 on the metal
blade 70. The springs 90 are compressed in the cylindrical aperture
64 and a retention member 88 is coupled with a top surface 62 of
the spring wells 60, thereby enclosing the cylindrical aperture 64
and forcing the top end of the spring 90 to abut the retention
member 88. The retention member 88 may be place in abutting contact
with the top end of the springs 90 prior to compressing the springs
90, allowing a clamp (not shown) to compress the springs 90 by
applying a downward force to the retention member 88, thereby
allowing for easy installation of fasteners 92 in the bolt holes 66
to couple the retention member 88.
[0042] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described invention and other
components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary
embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a
wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
[0043] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all
of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the
joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or
indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature
or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two
components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may
be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature
unless otherwise stated.
[0044] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the
exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments of the present innovations have been described in
detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or
elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the
operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied,
the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector
or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number
of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be
varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of
the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly,
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary
embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present
innovations.
[0045] It will be understood that any described processes or steps
within described processes may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed
herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as
limiting.
[0046] It is also to be understood that variations and
modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and
methods without departing from the concepts of the present
invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts
are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these
claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
* * * * *