U.S. patent application number 16/301039 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-13 for methods of customizing ice blades and their use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Skatescribe Corporation. Invention is credited to Nathan CHAN, Emidio DI PIETRO, Tony DI PIETRO, Jaime GONZALEZ, Steve MARTIN, Tanya REID.
Application Number | 20190176292 16/301039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57318989 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-13 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190176292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHAN; Nathan ; et
al. |
June 13, 2019 |
Methods Of Customizing Ice Blades And Their Use
Abstract
A method of customizing an ice blade to a user having the steps
of measuring ice blade with, for example, a 3D scanner, to
establish an initial calibration measurement set for the blade, and
having the user use the blade on an ice surface. The blade may then
be re-measured to detect wear patterns. The blade may then be
customized in shape or sharpening based on the measured wear. In
another embodiment the wear is used to provide function feedback to
the user. In another embodiment, the user is biometrically
evaluated, a preferred blade shape is determined based on the
biometric evaluation and the fit of the preferred shape may be
evaluated based on wear created of said blade when in use.
Inventors: |
CHAN; Nathan; (Toronto,
CA) ; MARTIN; Steve; (Toronto, CA) ; GONZALEZ;
Jaime; (Richmond Hill, CA) ; DI PIETRO; Emidio;
(Georgetown, CA) ; DI PIETRO; Tony; (Brampton,
CA) ; REID; Tanya; (Toronto, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Skatescribe Corporation |
Toronto |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
57318989 |
Appl. No.: |
16/301039 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
November 15, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA2016/000282 |
371 Date: |
November 13, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01B 21/20 20130101;
B23Q 17/0909 20130101; B23Q 17/2471 20130101; B23Q 17/20 20130101;
B23Q 11/0046 20130101; A63C 1/32 20130101; B24B 49/02 20130101;
A63C 3/10 20130101; B24B 3/003 20130101; B24B 9/04 20130101; G01B
11/2518 20130101; B24B 49/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B24B 49/02 20060101
B24B049/02; B24B 3/00 20060101 B24B003/00; B24B 49/12 20060101
B24B049/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 12, 2016 |
CA |
2,930,079 |
Claims
1. A method of customizing an ice blade to a user, said method
comprising the steps of: measuring an ice collecting surface of
said ice blade to establish an initial calibration measurement date
set representing a shape of said ice contacting surface of said
ice, blade in an initial unused condition; after said measuring,
having the user use the ice blade on an ice surface, said use
causing said ice contacting .surface of said ice blade to wear;
after the user using said ice blade, re-measuring said ice
contacting surface of said ice blade to establish an ice blade wear
measurement data set representing a shape of said ice contacting
surface of said ice blade in a used condition; after said
re-measuring, measuring said wear of said ice contacting surface of
said ice blade by comparing said ice blade wear measurement data
set to said initial calibration measurement data set; and then
removing material from said ice blade according to said measured
wear to apply a preferred shape to said ice contacting surface of
said ice blade.
2. A method of providing feedback to a user of an ice blade, said
method comprising the steps of: measuring an ice contacting surface
of said ice blade to establish an initial calibration measurement
data set representing a shape of said ice contacting surface of
said ice blade in an initial unused condition; after said
measuring, having the user use the ice blade on an ice surface,
said use causing said ice contacting surface of said ice blade to
wear; after the user using said ice blade, re-measuring said ice
contacting surface of said ice blade to establish an ice blade wear
measurement data set representing a shape of said ice contacting
surface of said ice blade in a used condition; after said
re-measuring, identifying a wear pattern in said ice contacting
surface of said ice blade by comparing said ice blade wear
measurement data set to said initial calibration measurement data
set; and then providing feedback to the user based on said
identified wear pattern.
3. A method of fitting an ice blade to a user, said method
comprising the steps of: measuring at least one biometric parameter
of the user; measuring a wear of an ice contacting surface of said
ice blade caused by the user's use of said ice blade on an ice
surface, by comparing a shape of said ice contacting surface of
said ice blade after the user's use to a shape of said ice
contacting surface of said ice blade before the user's use; and
removing material from said ice contacting surface of said ice
blade according to both of a) said at least one biometric
parameter, and b) said measured wear, to apply a preferred shape to
said ice contacting surface of said ice blade.
4. A method of tilling an ice blade to a user, said method
comprising the steps of: measuring at least one set of biometric
parameters of the user which set of biometric parameters relate to
the users's use of the ice blade on an ice surface; measuring a
wear of an ice contacting surface of said ice blade caused by the
user's use, of said ice blade on said ice surface, by comparing a
shape of said ice contacting surface of said ice blade after the
user's use to a shape of said ice contact inn surface of said ice
blade before the user's use; removing material from said ice
contacting surface of said ice blade to shape said ice contacting
surface according to both of a) said at least one set of said
biometric parameters, and b) said measured wear.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of measuring
said wear of said ice contacting surface of said ice blade after a
subsequent use by the user on said surface, and removing material
from said ice contacting surface of said ice blade to adjust said
shape of said ice contacting surface according to said subsequent
measured wear.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said ice blade is a hockey skate
blade, a figure skate blade, a speed skate blade, a downhill skate
blade, or a sled runner.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of measuring said ice
contacting surface of said ice blade comprises using a non-contact
3D scanner to measure a three-dimensional (3D) shape of said ice
contacting surface of said ice blade.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of measuring said wear
of said ice contacting surface of said ice blade comprises
identifying a wear pattern in said ice contacting surface, and
associating said wear pattern with at least one biomechanical
action of the user, and said preferred ice contacting surface shape
being adapted to improve said at least one biomechanical
action,
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said at least one biomechanical
action comprises one or more of the user's posture, balance,
kinetic awareness, gait, and technique.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of removing material
from said ice blade shapes one or more of a radius of hollow of the
ice contacting surface, at least one edge of the ice contacting
surface, a height of the ice blade, a toe radius of the ice
contacting surface, a heel radius of the ice contacting surface, a
length of flat of the ice contacting surface, a balance point of
the ice contacting surface, a working radius of the ice contacting
surface, and combinations thereof.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of removing material
from said ice blade is further according to at least one biometric
parameter associated with the user.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more static biometric measurements of
the user selected from the group consisting of: gender, age, body
posture, leg length, foot size, ankle rotation, toe rotation, range
of foot flexion, foot pronation, hip alignment, torso length, arm
length, shoulder width, and combinations thereof.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter further comprises a comparison of said one or more static
biometric measurements associated with the left side of the user's
body with respective ones of said one or more static biometric
measurements associated with the right side of the user's body.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more dynamic biometric measurements of
the user selected from the group consisting of: arm swing, hip
angles, knee angles, forward lean, backward lean, leg strength,
stride time, stride length, stride width, lateral motion, lateral
amplitude, weight distribution, and combinations thereof.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter further comprises a comparison of said one or more
dynamic biometric measurements associated with the left side of the
user's body with respective ones of said one or more dynamic
biometric measurements associated with the right side of the user's
body.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises joint and segment angle analysis data.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said joint and segment angle
analysis comprises one or more of the user's trunk extension, trunk
flexion, trunk lateral flexion, trunk rotation, hip extension, hip
flexion, hip internal rotation, hip external rotation, hip
abduction, hip adduction, knee extension, knee flexion, knee
internal rotation, knee external rotation, ankle planter flexion,
ankle dorsiflexion, foot inversion/adduction, and foot
eversion/abduction.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises electromyography data.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises skating transition analysis data.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises skating acceleration and deceleration analysis
data.
21. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more of the user's playing position, the
user's level of experience, the user's preference for lateral
mobility versus top speed, and combinations thereof.
22. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more of a skate manufacturer, a skate
model, a skate size, a skate width, ice blade dimensions, a skate
boot stiffness, a height of the ice contacting surface relative to
a part of a skate, a lie of a skate footbed, a lie of a skate ice
blade holder, a presence of aftermarket insoles, and combinations
thereof.
23. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more dysfunctions of the user selected
from the group consisting of: ankylossing spondilitis, scoliosis,
joint limitations, segment limitations, and arthritis.
24. The method of claim 2, wherein said ice blade is a hockey skate
blade, a figure skate blade, a speed skate blade, a downhill skate
blade, or a sled runner.
25. The method of claim 2, wherein said step of measuring said ice
contacting surface of said ice blade comprises using a non-contact
3D scanner to measure a three-dimensional (3D) shape of said ice
contacting surface of said ice blade.
26. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of
associating said wear pattern with at least one biomechanical
action of the user, and said feedback being adapted to improve said
at least one biomechanical action.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein said at least one biomechanical
action comprises one or more of the user's posture, balance,
kinetic awareness, gait, and technique.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein said feedback comprises a
recommendation for a training technique for the user.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein said training technique relates
to the user's use of the ice blades on the ice surface, or the
user's body.
30. The method of claim 2, wherein said feedback comprises a
recommendation for a preferred shape of said ice blade for the
user.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein said preferred shape of said
ice blade defines one or more of a radius of hollow of the ice
contacting surface, at least one edge of the ice contacting
surface, a height of the ice blade, a toe radius of the ice
contacting surface, a heel radius of the ice contacting surface, a
length of flat of the ice contacting surface, a balance point of
the ice contacting surface, a working radius of the ice contacting
surface, and combinations thereof.
32. The method of claim 2, wherein said step of providing feedback
is further based on at least one biometric parameter associated
with the user.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more static biometric measurements of
the user selected from the group consisting of: gender, age, body
posture, leg length, foot size, ankle rotation, toe rotation, range
of foot flexion, foot pronation, hip alignment, torso length, arm
length, shoulder width, and combinations thereof.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter further comprises a comparison of said one or more static
biometric measurements associated with the left side of the user's
body with respective ones of said one or more static biometric
measurements associated with the right side of the user's body.
35. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more dynamic biometric measurements of
the user selected from the group consisting of: arm swing, hip
angles, knee angles, forward lean, backward lean, leg strength,
stride time, stride length, stride width, lateral motion, lateral
amplitude, weight distribution, and combinations thereof.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter further comprises a comparison of said one or more
dynamic biometric measurements associated with the left side of the
user's body with respective ones of said one or more dynamic
biometric measurements associated with the right side of the user's
body.
37. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises joint and segment angle analysis data.
38. The method of claim 36, wherein said joint and segment angle
analysis comprises one or more of the user's trunk extension, trunk
flexion, trunk lateral flexion, trunk rotation, hip extension, hip
flexion, hip internal rotation, hip external rotation, hip
abduction, hip adduction, knee extension, knee flexion, knee
internal rotation, knee external rotation, ankle planter flexion,
ankle dorsiflexion, foot inversion/adduction, and foot
eversion/abduction.
39. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises electromyography data.
40. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises skating transition analysis data.
41. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises skating acceleration and deceleration analysis
data.
42. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more of the user's playing position, the
user's level of experience, the user's preference for lateral
mobility versus top speed, and combinations thereof.
43. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more of a skate manufacturer, a skate
model, a skate size, a skate width, ice blade dimensions, a skate
boot stiffness, a height of the ice contacting surface relative to
a part of a skate, a lie of a skate footbed, a lie of a skate ice
blade holder, a presence of aftermarket insoles, and combinations
thereof.
44. The method of claim 32, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more dysfunctions of the user selected
from the group consisting of: ankylossing spondilitis, scoliosis,
joint limitations, segment limitations, and arthritis.
45. The method of claim 2, wherein said feedback identifies: a) a
lie angle that is too far back or the identified wear pattern being
closer to a heel radius of said ice blade; or b) a lie angle that
is too far forward or the identified wear pattern being closer to a
toe radius of said ice blade.
46. The method of claim 2, wherein said feedback comprises a
measure of the performance of said ice surface.
47. The method of claim 3, wherein said ice blade is a hockey skate
blade, a figure skate blade, a speed skate blade, a downhill skate
blade, or a sled runner.
48. The method of claim 3, wherein said step of measuring said wear
of said. ice contacting surface of said ice blade comprises using a
non-contact 3D scanner to measure a three-dimensional (3D) shape of
said ice contacting surface of said ice blade.
49. The method of claim 3, wherein said step of measuring said wear
of said ice contacting surface of said ice blade comprises
identifying a wear pattern in said ice contacting surface, and
associating said wear pattern with at least one biomechanical
action of the user, and said preferred ice contacting surface shape
being adapted to improve said at least one biomechanical
action,
50. The method of claim 49, wherein said at least one biomechanical
action comprises one or more of the user's posture, balance,
kinetic awareness, gait, and technique.
51. The method of claim 3, wherein said step of removing material
from said ice blade shapes one or more of a radius of hollow of the
ice contacting surface, at least one edge of the ice contacting
surface, a height of the ice blade, a toe radius of the ice
contacting surface, a heel radius of the ice contacting surface, a
length of flat of the ice contacting surface, a balance point of
the ice contacting surface, a working radius of the ice contacting
surface, and combinations thereof.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more static biometric measurements of
the user selected from the group consisting of: gender, age, body
posture, leg length, foot size, ankle rotation, toe rotation, range
of foot flexion, foot pronation, hip alignment, torso length, arm
length, shoulder width, and combinations thereof.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter further comprises a comparison of said one or more static
biometric measurements associated with the left side of the user's
body with respective ones of said one or more static biometric
measurements associated with the right side of the user's body,
54. The method of claim 51, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more dynamic biometric measurements of
the user selected from the group consisting of arm swing, hip
angles, knee angles, forward lean, backward lean, leg strength,
stride time, stride length, stride width, lateral motion, lateral
amplitude, weight distribution, and combinations thereof.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter further comprises a comparison of said one or more
dynamic biometric measurements associated with the left side of the
user's body with respective ones of said one or more dynamic
biometric measurements associated with the right side of the user's
body.
56. The method of claim 51, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises joint and segment angle analysis data.
57. The method of claim 56, wherein said joint and segment angle
analysis comprises one or more of the user's trunk extension, trunk
flexion, trunk lateral flexion, trunk rotation, hip extension, hip
flexion, hip internal rotation, hip external rotation, hip
abduction, hip adduction, knee extension, knee flexion, knee
internal rotation, knee external rotation, ankle planter flexion,
ankle dorsiflexion, foot inversion/adduction, and foot
eversion/abduction.
58. The method of claim 51, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises electromyography data.
59. The method of claim 51, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises skating transition analysis data.
60. The method of claim 51, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises skating acceleration and deceleration analysis
data.
61. The method of claim 51, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more of the user's playing position, the
user's level of experience, the user's preference for lateral
mobility versus top speed, and combinations thereof.
62. The method of claim 51, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more of a skate manufacturer, a skate
model, a skate size, a skate width, ice blade dimensions, a skate
boot stiffness, a height of the ice contacting surface relative to
a part of a skate, a lie of a skate footbed, a lie of a skate ice
blade holder, a presence of aftermarket insoles, and combinations
thereof.
63. The method of claim 51, wherein said at least one biometric
parameter comprises one or more dysfunctions of the user selected
from the group consisting of: ankylossing spondilitis, scoliosis,
joint limitations, segment limitations, and arthritis.
64. The method of claim 51, further comprising the step of removing
material from said ice contacting surface to apply an initial shape
to said ice contacting surface based on said at least one biometric
parameter, prior to said step of measuring said wear of said ice
contacting surface.
65. The method of claim 51, further comprising the step of
recommending an initial shape of said ice blade, prior to said step
of measuring said wear of said ice contacting surface.
66. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of removing
material from said ice contacting surface of said ice blade to
apply an initial shape to said ice contacting surface based on said
at least one set of biometric parameters, prior to said step of
measuring said wear of said ice contacting surface.
67. The method of claim 4, wherein said ice blade is a hockey skate
blade, a figure skate blade, a speed skate blade, a downhill skate
blade, or a sled runner.
68. The method of claim 4, wherein said step of measuring a wear of
said ice contacting surface of said ice blade comprises using a
non-contact 3D scanner to measure a three-dimensional (3D) shape of
said ice contacting surface of said ice blade.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of ice blades
and more specifically to ice blades used in ice skates, luges,
bobsleds and other winter sports equipment with blades which run
over ice. Most specifically this invention relates to the
relationship between the ice blade shape, the sharpening of the
blade to create a desired performance of the blade on the ice and
the biometrics and biometric performance of an athlete using the
shaped and sharpened blade.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Ice skates have blades which typically may be formed from
metal and which have a specific shape designed to facilitate
skating. In modern ice hockey skates typically a single blade is
located under each foot of the skater. The blades are usually
affixed longitudinally under the skate boot portion and may have a
generally convex curve side profile from front to back as well as a
concave or grooved bottom face. Typically, only a portion of the
skate blade touches the ice at any one time and during skating the
blade is angled from side to side as well as rocked back and forth
by the skater against the ice surface to propel the skater
along.
[0003] According to prevailing theories of the science behind ice
skating, a skater is thus capable of skating on ice because: (a)
the weight of the skater is focused in a narrow area of ice under
the concave portion of the bottom surface of the blade which
creates enough pressure to form a thin film of water under the
blade and a skater Odes on this film of water with a greatly
reduced amount of friction; and (b) ice has a natural "quasi-fluid"
layered region at its surface which creates a naturally slippery
surface, Although ice blades are made from metal and may be harder
than the ice, the ice blades still exhibit wear over time. In
addition, the skate blade profile may become modified over time by
inexact sharpening processes, stepping on other hard surfaces, or
by being bent, dented or damaged in collisions during play or even
nicked when not being used. Such wear or modifications may change
the skate blade edge profile and may result in a loss of
performance. Consequently, there is a constant need for skate
shaping and sharpening.
[0004] Skate blade profiles can vary according to activity, and a
figure skating blade will have a different profile from an ice
hockey blade which will also be different from a speed skating
blade. Further, even within one sport, at present the different
manufacturers of skate blades may provide their own unique factory
or OEM blade profile or shape. Even further, within one sport, and
with equipment from the same manufacturer, skating blade shapes may
be customized by the user to try to optimize performance--for
example, some hockey players prefer the blades to be sharpened and
shaped in a particular way to suit their style of play or even to
suit their specific position.
[0005] Sharpened ice blades are also used in other activities, such
as luge, skeleton and bobsledding all of which may have specific
blade profiles and sharpening requirements, which may vary
according to the athlete, the design of their sleds, or even the
set-up of the track or course.
[0006] Modification of the profile of ice blades, such as OEM
hockey skate blades can be accomplished today using
manually-operating grinding machines or automatic grinding
machines. However, the determination of which profile to apply for
any given skater is unscientific. For hockey players in particular,
there may be recommendations for certain sharpening profiles based
on whether the player plays a forward position, a defensive
position or a goalie position. Further modifications to the profile
may be suggested by the player based on their own experience with
shaping or sharpening and the results provided. Current skate
sharpening systems however have a major shortcoming in that there
is no meaningful feedback to the user of how the blade sharpening
affects their performance. Essentially the user either adapts to
the sharpening profile selected for the blade, or makes a random
change to another profile hoping to find one that feels right.
Profiles are often established using fixed jigs or guides, which
may not be readily customizable.
[0007] In the past, the blade profiles and sharpening techniques
have been developed on a largely trial and error basis. At the
highest levels of professional sports, a final edge for a specific
blade may be put on by a special craftsman, such as a custom
sharpener, who through repeated interactions with a user athlete
gets to know the requirements and what configuration is preferred
by the athlete. However, such custom hand crafted attention is both
expensive and not very precise. Not only is it difficult for the
user to determine if any particular sharpening was effective,
because of the variation in sharpening from one instance to the
next, even if it was effective it can be difficult to reliably
repeat the sharpening results. The only feedback from the athlete
as to whether any change in the profile or sharpening technique has
been positive or negative to their performance is their own
observations, which are impressions only and may be affected by
confirmation bias. The vast majority of ice blade users therefore
rely on a sharpener either a person or an automatic machine with a
fixed guide to deliver a sharpened blade with little control over
the final sharpened configuration. However, as in all sports, a
small improvement can result in the difference between winning and
losing, and an improved approach to customized blade shaping and
sharpening is greatly desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates generally to blades used in
ice related sports, and more specifically to devices and methods to
precisely gauge the effectiveness of the blades and the manner of
use of the blades by the users by providing meaningful feedback to
the users relating to their use of the blades. Such feedback may
preferably take the form of measuring any wear on the blades
following such a use by the user. In one embodiment the wear
measurements of the blades can be used to perfect the blade shape
for the specific application of the blade such as the customization
of an ice blade for a particular use; and in another embodiment the
wear patterns measured on an ice blade may be used as a diagnostic
tool for improved athletic training or performance. For example,
the wear of a skate blade may be used to perform a biomechanical
analysis to determining areas of a skater's strengths or
weaknesses. In a further embodiment the present invention may
provide a method of customizing the ice blade for the user by
measuring at least one biometric parameter of the user and
preferably a set of such biometric parameters and optimizing the
shaping and sharpening of the ice blade according to the measured
set of personal biometric parameters. As another example, as
applied to sports such as bobsledding, luge and skeleton, the
runners of the equipment will be measured for wear after the
athletes have completed a run in their sled and the runners may be
shaped or sharpened in response to such wear in an effort to
improve the performance of sled for the particular course run. An
example of this may be to shape the ice contacting surface of the
blade to change the wear pattern on the ice blade during a run, for
example, to reduce wear on specific parts of the blade during the
run.
[0009] Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention there is
provided a method of customizing an ice blade to a user comprising
the steps of:
[0010] measuring an ice blade to establish an initial calibration
measurement set;
[0011] having the user use the ice blade on an ice surface;
[0012] re-measuring said ice blade to establish an ice blade wear
measurement set;
[0013] comparing said blade wear measurement set against said
initial calibration set; and
[0014] customizing said ice blade for said user in response to said
measured wear.
[0015] According to another aspect of the invention provides a
method of providing feedback to a user of ice blades comprising the
steps of:
[0016] measuring an ice blade to establish an initial calibration
measurement set;
[0017] having the user use the ice blade on an ice surface;
[0018] re-measuring said ice blade to establish an ice blade wear
measurement set;
[0019] comparing said blade wear measurement set against said
initial calibration set to identify a wear pattern; and
[0020] providing feedback to said user based on said wear
pattern.
[0021] According to a still further aspect of the invention there
is provided a method of fitting an ice blade to a user comprising
the steps of:
[0022] measuring at least one biometric parameter of said user;
and
[0023] shaping said ice blade according to said at least one
biometric parameter.
[0024] According to a still further aspect of the present invention
there is provided a method of fitting an ice blade to a user
comprising the steps of:
[0025] measuring at least one set of biometric parameters of said
user which set of biometric parameters relate to their use of the
ice blade; and
[0026] shaping said ice blade according to said at least one set of
said biometric parameters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Reference will now be made by way of example only to
preferred embodiments of the invention by reference to the
following drawings in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is end view of an ice blade which can be measured to
obtain an initial calibration set of measurements;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a side view of the ice blade of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a view of an ice blade being measured according to
the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 4 is an end view of the ice blade of FIG. 1 after it
has been used by a user and which has a measurable wear pattern
which can be measured as compared to the calibration set of
measurements of the ice blade of FIG. 1 before the wear;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a side view of the ice blade of FIG. 2 showing
measurable wear after use;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing how the method of the present
may be performed according to one embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a flow chart according to a second embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0035] FIG. 8 is a drawing of a person using the ice blades and
showing various exemplary biometric measurements that can be
measured on the user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] In this description the following terms shall have the
following meanings. The term ice blade means any blade which may be
used as a runner, glide or other contact point for traversing an
ice surface and without limiting the generality of the foregoing
includes ice skate blades, including speed skating, hockey skate
and figure skating blades, luge, skeleton, and bobsled running
blades, and any other blades which may be used to glide over an ice
or snow surface. More particularly the ice contacting surface is
that part of the ice blade which makes contact with an ice surface
during use. An ice surface includes a natural ice surface, an
artificial ice surface, and a synthetic ice surface (i.e. high
density polyethylene, or the like). As such, an ice surface is any
type of surface on which an ice blade may be used on and glide
over. As well the term biometrics means the measurement of certain
physical and athletic characteristics of a person using the ice
blade on the ice surface.
[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a typical hockey skate blade which is
used a non-limiting example of the type of blade to which the
present invention may be applied. The skate blade of FIG. 1 is a
cross sectional view looking straight down the length of a skate
blade 10, showing a constant hollow (radius of hollow) 12 running
through the length of the ice contacting surface of the ice blade,
which in this case is a bottom surface of the skate blade. The
hollow 12 yields a sharp edge 14, 16 on each side of the skate
blade hollow 12. FIG. 2 is a side view of the blade 10 and shows
three radii of importance for skate blades: the toe radius 18, the
heel radius 20 and the working radius 22. Other ice blades may have
other shapes in side view, but are still comprehended by the
present invention. The toe radius 18 is the radius al the front of
the blade that arcs the blade away from an ice surface in use. The
heel radius 20 is the radius at the back of the blade that arcs the
back of the blade away from the ice when in use. The working radius
22 is the radius between the toe radius and the heel radius.
[0038] When ice skates are purchased new, the skate blade is fairly
standard in profile, within the tolerance limits of the original
equipment manufacturer (OEM). Brand new, skate blades usually come
unsharpened so that the cross section as shown in FIG. 1 has no
functional hollow 12 or sharpened edges 14, 16 and the longitudinal
dimension has a set working radius 22. Although the length of a
skate blade may differ according to the size of the skate,
generally, each skate blade has a pre-set working radius 22
determined by the OEM. For instance, most skates made by Bauer come
with skate blades that have a 9' working radius and those made by
CCM come with an 11' working radius. Unfortunately, such pre-set
skate working radii may only fit a small portion of users
properly.
[0039] Also, the choice of hollow may affect the performance of the
ice blade. A deeper hollow may encourage better stopping and
turning, whereas a shallower hollow may encourage faster skating
speeds.
[0040] Generally speaking, when viewing the skate blade in profile
as in FIG. 2, a smaller working radius 22 allows the skater to be
more agile on the ice as pivots can be achieved more readily. A
larger working radius 22 yields more contact area on the ice and
allows for greater acceleration, but with less lateral mobility.
The present invention can be applied to either new blades as
provided by the OEM, or to already sharpened blades in which the
OEM profile has already been customized by the user by sharpening.
The present invention may provide a means for making a precise
measurement of the physical dimensions of the ice contacting
surface or bottom of the blade 10, pre-use, which is recorded into
a measurement data set. The measurements may be sufficiently
accurate and in sufficient detail to create an accurate three
dimensional numerical representation of the blade. In one
embodiment the invention may include a laser measurement device, as
shown in FIG. 3 as 24 with a scanner beam 26, which is able to read
the blade to within about 20 .mu.m accuracy and most preferably to
within about 1 to 10 .mu.m accuracy. Such a measurer or 3D scanner
which can take measurements across the hollow 12 and all along the
length of the blade 10 is preferred. As will be understood,
preferably the accuracy of the measurement for the data set may be
greater than the dimensional changes created by the user's wear,
for the present invention to provide adequate results.
[0041] The present invention comprehends using a 3D scanner, such
as a laser profile scanner, to create the data set. Suitable
results have been obtained with a laser displacement scanner sold
by Keyence Corporation.
[0042] Most preferably, this active scanner will scan multiple
times to create a number of data sets of the same ice blade which
data sets can then be merged for greater accuracy. Such a 3D
scanner will be able to measure off center issues like bent blades,
damage in the form of nicks and the like, and excessive wear. The
present invention comprehends measuring the ice contacting surface
of the ice blade to measure the wear of such surface during use, as
explained below.
[0043] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the blade of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 after it
has been used by the user. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a measureable wear
pattern at 28 and 30 which are exaggerated for ease of
illustration. A second data set may now be generated for the blade
after use which will measure the amount and location of the wear
which occurred during the use. According to one aspect of the
present invention, an ice skater's posture and performance may
leave specific wear patterns on the ice blade 10. By measuring and
recording such wear patterns this information may be used to, among
other things, identify the skaters posture and functional
performance, which may be useful for identifying skating gait
issues and preventing injury and/or altering or reshaping the blade
10 to improve a skater's posture, skating gait and functional
performance. Thus, according to the present invention specific
examples of skate blade runner wear patterns may be recognized as
arising from certain biomechanical actions, specifically posture
and technique. Thus the measured wear pattern may be used to
provide feedback to the user of the blade on their biomechanical
performance.
[0044] By way of non-limiting examples, the present invention may
be used to identify that: [0045] A lie angle that is too far back
and/or a measurable blade wear pattern closer to the heel radius
may produce slow skating starts, turns and a forward torso lean
possibly associated with expressions of pain in the lower back
region. [0046] A lie angle that is too far forward and/or a
measureable blade wear pattern closer to the toe radius may produce
quicker muscle fatigue, short choppy strides, loss of power with
longer strides, expressions of pain and discomfort at the hip
adductor muscle group, groin region and/or distal attachments of
abdominal muscle group.
[0047] The present invention therefore comprehends identifying
certain blade wear patterns in association with a skater's posture
and skating gait to provide feedback to the user which may help the
user improve their posture and optimize skating performance.
[0048] FIG. 6 shows a method according to one aspect of the present
invention. In the first step 32 a measurement is made of an
existing blade. Then, at 34 a blade measurement data set is created
and stored in memory for future reference. Then at 36 the user uses
the blade on ice in the usual way that such a blade is used by the
user. Then at 38, the used blade is measured to create a used blade
data set, which is also stored in memory at 40. Then in step 42 the
two data sets are compared and the wear pattern identified.
Optionally at this stage an image of the blade with the wear may be
created. Then, the present invention provides that one or both
further steps may be taken. At 44 the blade is sharpened and
reshaped based on the wear pattern information. Alternatively, at
46, a set of training techniques is provided to the user, including
both training techniques for the use of the blades and training
techniques for their own body to address certain body issues which
may have been identified by the wear patterns.
[0049] The sharpening and reshaping step 44 may be carried out
using a grinding system capable of grinding the ice blade to remove
material from the ice blade based on the wear pattern information.
By way of example, the grinding system may be a manually operated
or automated skate sharpening machine configurable to apply the
recommended skate blade shape to the ice blade. However, a
preferred grinding system is one which utilizes a computer
numerical control (CNC) type grinding device capable of performing
a grinding action on the ice blade to a specification of at least
+/-20 microns, and preferably to at least +/-10 microns.
[0050] The preferred grinding system has a holder for holding the
ice blade in a fixed grinding position, a grinding device
operationally positioned relative to the holder, and a processor to
control operation of the grinding device to perform a grinding
action on the ice blade held in the holder, to apply the
recommended ice blade shape to the ice blade. Preferably, the
grinding device is adapted to move in at least two dimensions
relative to the ice blade held in the holder. One of the two
dimensions may be defined by a first axis generally parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the ice blade, and the other dimension may be
defined by a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis
and oriented in a plane parallel to the side surface of the ice
blade. Preferably, the grinding device is adapted to move in three
dimensions, such that the third dimension is perpendicular to both
of the above mentioned first and second axis. Accordingly, the
grinding device may comprise a grinding head attached to a carriage
assembly that is configured to move the grinding head along at
least two dimensions relative to the ice blade held in the holder,
and most preferably along all three dimensions. By way of example,
the carriage assembly may comprise rails oriented to permit the
grinding head to move along each of the two or three dimensions.
The grinding head may comprise a rotary grinding tool (i.e. a
grinding wheel, grinding stone, abrasive point, cutting bit, router
bit, sanding band, and the like), driven by an electric motor.
While either the ice blade can be fixed and the grinding head can
move about the ice blade, or vice versa, the preferred grinding
system is configured such that the grinding device can move
relative to the ice blade held in the holder to bring the rotary
grinding tool into contact with the ice contacting surface of the
ice blade along the length of the ice blade and apply the
recommended ice blade shape to the ice blade.
[0051] In another aspect of the invention a biometric data set can
be made for an individual user, such as a skater. The data set can
consist of one or more measurements of certain biomechanical
properties of the skater. Without limiting which properties are
comprehended these properties may include: [0052] (a) different
static biometrics ("Static Measurements") of each individual,
including body posture, individual physical measurements of a
person such as their leg length, hip alignment, torso length, arm
length, shoulder width, etc., together with differences, if any,
between left and right sides of the body and left and right sides
of the legs; and [0053] (b) different biometrics and biomechanics
of each individual while in motion ("Dynamic Measurements"),
including arm swing, hip angles, knee angles, forward and backward
lean, leg strength, length of skating stride, lateral motion and
amplitude, together with differences, if any, between left and
right sides of the body and left and right sides of the legs.
[0054] More specifically the user measurements may include some or
all of the following: [0055] 1. Static Measurements may include:
[0056] a. Gender [0057] b. Age [0058] c. Height [0059] d. Weight
[0060] e. Lengths of right and left legs [0061] f. Hip angle
(balance) [0062] g. Foot size [0063] h. Ankle or toe rotation
[0064] i. Range of foot flexion (dorsiflexion and plantar flexion)
[0065] j. Foot pronation (neutral pronation, overpronation, and
underpronation or supination) [0066] 2. Dynamic Measurements:
[0067] a. Skaters stride (stride/time) [0068] b. Stride length
[0069] c. Stride width [0070] d. Weight distribution analysis
between right and left during skater gait cycle (pressure sensors
in boots) [0071] e. Leg strength comparison between right and left
during skater gait cycle (long and vertical jump analysis) [0072]
f. Joint and segment angle analysis (including and not limited to
trunk extension, flexion, lateral flexion, rotation; hip extension,
flexion, internal rotation, external rotation, abduction,
adduction; knee extension, flexion, internal rotation, external
rotation; ankle planter flexion, dorsiflexion; foot
inversion/adduction, eversion/abduction) from sagittal, frontal and
dorsal perspectives within skating gait cycle (analysis of phases
and events; stance phase [single and double support] and swing
phase, weight acceptance and propulsion) [0073] g. Electromyography
of skater gait cycle (quantifying magnitude of muscle activity and
patterns of activity; effort, timing, duration) [0074] h. Skating
transition analysis (stop, starting, turns, pivots, forward
direction, backward direction, crossover direction; giving and
receiving contact in the case of ice hockey and downhill) [0075] i.
Acceleration and deceleration skating analysis [0076] 3.
Qualitative/subjective factors: [0077] a. Player position [0078] b.
Experience [0079] c. Preference for lateral mobility, top speed or
combination [0080] 4. Equipment: [0081] a. Skate manufacturer and
model [0082] b. Skate size [0083] c. Skate width [0084] d. Steel
runner measurements (length, width) [0085] e. Boot stiffness [0086]
f. Height of skate from holder to various parts of the skate [0087]
g. Lie of footbed and/or holder [0088] h. Presence of aftermarket
insoles
[0089] According to this aspect of the invention using data such as
the Static Measurements, the Dynamic Measurements, qualitative and
subjective factors can be used to apply a preferred shape to the
skate blade initially, even before the blade is used and the wear
measured. In this case the measured wear on the blade may be used
to confirm the accurate application of the personal biometric
information.
[0090] FIG. 7 shows a method according to a further embodiment of
the invention. In this embodiment the method may start at 48 with
the measurement of one or more Static and Dynamic biometric
measurement of the user themselves. The next step, 50, is to use
these biometric measurements to recommend a preferred skate shape.
Then, at 52 the preferred skate shape can be applied to the user's
blade. Then, at 54, the user uses the blade in their normal way.
Then at 56 the used blades are measured to determine a wear
pattern. Then, at 58 the preferred shape is revised, according to
the measured wear pattern, and the revised preferred shape is
applied to the blade. Then, at 60 the user may be asked to repeat
step 54 and to use the blade again in the normal way. Then, steps
56 and 58 may be repeated until there is a reasonable match between
the recommended shape and the wear pattern. Then the preferred
shape is recorded for that user in memory at 62.
[0091] The process of data collection and measurement may include:
[0092] 1. Asking skaters to complete a questionnaire concerning
quantitative, qualitative and subjective measures; [0093] 2.
Recording the skate manufacturer, model, boot size, boot width and
presence of aftermarket insoles; [0094] 3. Measuring one or more
Static Measurements. [0095] 4. Measuring the skaters' current skate
blade profiles. [0096] 5. Having the skaters complete various
off-ice and on-ice skating drills and movements to obtain Dynamic
Measurements, [0097] 6. Re-measuring the skate blade using advanced
measuring devices to measure wear which may have occurred after
these activities. [0098] 7. Determining a blade profile that may
fit the skater based on the information gathered above.
[0099] A dynamic customization system (DOS) according to one
embodiment of the present invention may be used. This embodiment is
a software program that aggregates and processes at least one of
the biometric measurements and recommends a skate profile based on
such measurements.
[0100] Some benefits of the customization system of the present
invention and method can now be better understood. The other
customization systems focus primarily on qualitative and subjective
measures, such as the position played by the skater, skater
preferences and experience. The technician sharpening the skate
(Professional Skate Profiler or PSP) would provide a skate profile
to a player based on such subject criteria. According to the
present invention, customized blade profiling may optimize the
skater's individual biomechanics, therefore, improving performance
and preventing injury. The present system and method is very
accurate given that it was designed based on definitive, physical
measurements of both the skater and the skater's equipment, and
factored mathematically. Some factoring may be given to qualitative
measures.
[0101] Embodiments of the present invention include DOS that can be
utilized to fit ice skates to anyone. DOS will allow authorized
users to accurately profile skate blades for skaters.
[0102] The system of the present invention can be applied to a
range of skaters from beginners to professional hockey, figure,
speed and downhill skaters. The present invention may be used to
create and recommend customized profiles for individual athletes
which may be fit their personal physical attributes. The results
may then be tested by measuring at least some of the physical
changes to the blades that occur during dynamic movement. The
present invention may permit a degree of customization which allows
a skater to be scientifically fit to a unique skate blade profile.
In one aspect the customization may include calculating an ideal
skate blade profile from radius of hollow, skate blade edge
measurements (whether edges should be equal or unequal), skate
blade height (whether the blade height should be equal for both
skates or unequal because of a skaters physical measurements), toe
radius, heel radius, length of flat, balance point and working
radius, and whether the left skate blade should be identical or
different than the right skate blade, based on at least some unique
biometric information obtained from the user. The proper shaping
and sharpening of the blade may help maintain and improve skater
kinetic awareness, balance and performance. The preferred profile
can be retained and as a result the same shaping and sharpening can
be applied in every instance for that skater. Alternatively, if the
skater changes, for example, grows between seasons, a new biometric
data set can be obtained and a new profile can be recommended.
[0103] FIG. 8 shows a hockey player 64 by way of example with
certain biometric features. For example, the hockey player 64 has
an upper arm length 66 and a lower arm length 68. There is an upper
leg length 70 and a lower leg length 72 which define a knee bend
angle 74. There is an upper body bend 76 and a stride length 78.
Also shown is a hockey stick 80 which will be of a certain length.
The hockey player will also have a height and a weight. FIG. 8
shows by way of example only, certain biometric measurements which
may be used as discussed above, many biometric measurements are
also comprehended.
[0104] The present invention comprehends a precise customization
for each user because every person is different. Leg length,
posture, body tilt, hip bend angles, kneed bend angles, just to
name a few, are dimensions that when combined together create a
unique profile for that individual player. Such a customized skate
profile may more easily accommodate a unique skater's posture and
gait cycle may make skating easier for people with conditions like
Ankylosising Spondilitis (fusion of the spine) or more complicated
spinal conditions like Scoliosis or people with joint and/or
segment limitations and dysfunctions that may include arthritis,
etc. Skaters of all ability levels may benefit from the use of
properly customized ice skates because it may optimize
biomechanics. For example, children learning to skate or beginners
on skates may want to have skates with a larger working radii so as
to provide a more stable foundation. As skaters become more
proficient on the ice or as their balance improves, a smaller
working radii may benefit them more. Skate profiles that poorly
match a person's biomechanics will require the skater to adjust or
compromise to the skate blade which then limits the player's
ability to achieve full performance and can lead to injury due to
faulty postural and gait habits.
[0105] DCS can also be used to measure performance of different
types of surfaces or equipment (e.g. skating treadmills). Using a
skater's wear data from skating on real ice, one could compare the
wear data from the same skater when the skater performs the same
biomechanic movements on the other surface/equipment. By examining
the differences in wear, one can determine whether the surface or
equipment yields differing or similar results to that of real
ice.
[0106] The present invention also comprehends customization for ice
blades of sleds, which may also be called runners. For example, a
particular driver may have certain dimensions, such as weight,
aspect ratio, or the like, which can affect the performance of the
blades on an ice surface. A measurement of ice blade wear, during
one or more training runs, may point to an improperly shaped blade,
poor technique, or both. In some cases, shaping the blade to reduce
wear, or steering the sled to reduce wear may have an impact on
performance of the sled during runs. The present invention provides
a way to measure wear, change shape or steering habits and evaluate
the user. In some cases, reduced wear may equate to reduced
friction which may result in faster times.
[0107] In the foregoing description, certain details are set forth
in conjunction with the described embodiments of the present
invention to provide a sufficient understanding of the invention.
One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the invention
may be practiced without these particular details. Furthermore, one
skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments
described below do not limit the scope of the present invention,
and will also understand that various modifications, equivalents,
and combinations of the disclosed embodiments and components of
such embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
Embodiments including fewer than all the components of any of the
respective described embodiments may also be within the scope of
the present invention although not expressly described in detail.
Finally, the operation of well-known components and/or processes
has not been shown or described in detail below to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Therefore, the
present invention is to be limited only by the appended claims.
* * * * *