ice skating

Abstract

An ice skate for skating on ice, the ice skate comprising: an upper chassis portion (10) having a first contact surface (15) with a front end (15a) and a rear end (15b), a lower chassis portion (30) having a second contact surface (35) with a front end (35a) and a rear end (35b), and a coupling device including spring-back means (50, 60, 70, 80) configured to mechanically couple the upper chassis portion (10) and the lower chassis portion (30). At least one of the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35) is curved. The coupling device is configured to allow the upper chassis portion (10) to pivot relative to the lower chassis portion (30) by rolling contact movement between the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35) such that the momentary contact regions (CR) of the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35) move back and forth between the forward ends (15a, 35a) and the rear ends (15b, 35b) of the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35). The springback means (50, 60, 70, 80) are configured to bias the momentary contact regions (CR) to a neutral position located at the forward ends (15a, 35a) of the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35). The springback means (50, 60, 70, 80) are entirely disposed forward of the forward ends (15a, 35a) of the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of ice skates for skating on ice. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to ice skates having an upper chassis portion configured to pivot relative to a lower chassis portion with a rolling contact motion. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional ice skate comprises a boot that receives the user's foot and a skate blade that is immobile and fixed to the boot. The blade exhibits a particular profile or rocker, meaning that the lower ice-contacting edge is curved with a particular radius of curvature along the length of the blade. This curvature allows the user to determine which part of the blade will be in instantaneous contact with the ice. By shifting the angle at which force is transmitted from the user's leg to the blade, the user can move the part that will be in instantaneous contact with the ice back and forth along the curved ice-contacting surface.

[0003] Because a longer instantaneous ice contact area results in greater speed on the ice, speed skates typically exhibit blade profiles with a larger radius of curvature. Indeed, in speed skates, the entire ice contact area, or at least a large portion of it, may be straight and have no curvature at all. On the other hand, a shorter instantaneous ice contact area improves maneuverability and facilitates tight turns, quick starts and stops, and backward skating. For this reason, ice skates used in other sports, such as ice hockey, bandy, and figure skating, typically exhibit blade profiles with a smaller radius of curvature. The blade curvature may vary along the ice contact area, such that the profile includes several sections with different radii along the blade. Blades for ice hockey skates, for example, may exhibit a front section with a smaller radius used for acceleration, a middle section with a larger radius for gliding and high-speed skating, and a rear section with a smaller radius for quick stops and crossover skating.

[0004] In speed skating, there are various types of so-called clap bindings for attaching boots to blades. These clap bindings allow the boot to pivot relative to the blade about a fixed axis of rotation. This allows the skater to extend the stroke of each leg while keeping a relatively long section of the blade in contact with the ice, thereby increasing speed.

[0005] Recently, a more advanced type of ice skate has been introduced. In this type, the boot is capable of pivoting by a longitudinal rolling contact motion against the blade. Patent Document 1 discloses such an ice skate. The ice skate includes a binding having an upper chassis portion with a first contact surface and a lower chassis portion with a second contact surface. At least one of the contact surfaces is curved. A connecting means is configured to engage the upper and lower chassis portions so that the upper and lower chassis portions can pivot relative to each other in the longitudinal direction, and during the pivoting movement, the first and second contact surfaces are in rolling contact without a fixed point of rotation. A springback means is configured to bias the relative pivot position between the first and second contact surfaces toward a neutral position. This ice skate, intended for use in ice hockey, bandy, figure skating, and the like, allows the user to shift their center of gravity along the length of their foot while maintaining uniform pressure on the blade. This significantly improves handling, performance and comfort. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2696949 Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of the present disclosure is to provide an enhanced ice skate of the type that allows the upper chassis portion to pivot relative to the lower chassis portion with a rolling contact motion without a fixed point of rotation.

[0008] Another object is to provide an ice skate that allows for precise adjustment of the springback force that urges or biases the relative pivoting rolling motion toward a neutral position. A further object is to provide an ice skate that is simple in construction and reliable.

[0009] Yet another object is to provide an ice skate having reduced weight and size. Another object is to provide an ice skate that is stable and sturdy. Yet another object is to provide an ice skate that allows for easy blade replacement.

[0010] A further object is to provide an ice skate that allows for easy modification of the rolling contact geometry. These and other objects are achieved by the ice skate of amended claim 1. An ice skate for skating on ice includes an upper chassis portion including a first contact surface having a front end and a rear end, a lower chassis portion including a second contact surface having a front end and a rear end, and a coupling device including a springback means configured to mechanically couple the upper and lower chassis portions. At least one of the first and second contact surfaces is curved. The coupling device is configured to allow the upper chassis portion to pivot relative to the lower chassis portion by rolling contact movement between the first and second contact surfaces such that an instantaneous contact area of ​​the first and second contact surfaces moves back and forth between the front and rear ends of the first and second contact surfaces. The springback means is configured to bias the instantaneous contact area to a neutral position located at the front ends of the first and second contact surfaces. The springback means is positioned entirely forward of the front ends of the first and second contact surfaces.

[0011] By utilizing and further developing the ice skate disclosed in Patent Document 1, it was discovered that particularly advantageous properties are achieved when the springback means is configured to bias the instantaneous contact area toward a neutral position located at the front end of the two contact surfaces. Therefore, certain advantages are achieved when the ice skate is configured so that the user can only roll backward from the neutral position (toward which the springback means biases the instantaneous contact area). This allows the user to apply force from the legs directly to the front of the blade without intermediate elasticity or play. This allows power applied to the front of the blade during the skate's push-off phase to be transferred to the ice without substantial loss, for example, increasing power efficiency during acceleration. Naturally, this provides significant advantages, since increased power efficiency allows for higher skating speeds and / or reduced skater fatigue. Furthermore, the direct, inelastic transfer of force to the front of the blade improves the skater's control and precision of the skate, especially during acceleration.

[0012] Furthermore, by locating the entire springback means forward of the contact surface, the length of the lever by which the springback means biases the instantaneous contact area toward the neutral position is increased. This increases the active biasing force and allows the springback means to remain relatively weak. This, in turn, reduces the overall weight of the ice skate, which is highly advantageous in many applications, such as ice hockey skates. In addition, the increased lever length allows the active biasing force to be precisely fine-tuned to meet the specific needs and desires of different skaters.

[0013] Furthermore, by locating the springback means forward of the contact surface, the springback means can be located within an existing cavity in the front blade support member or front post, which cavity is located in the toe area of ​​typical modern ice skates for securing and supporting the blade. This allows for the advantageous rearward rolling function to be integrated into the skate without substantially departing from the typical dimensions and shapes of modern ice skates. Specifically, the springback means can be incorporated into skates of conventional appearance without increasing the overall dimensions or changing the overall shape. Furthermore, by locating the springback means forward, the springback means can be formed into many different shapes, particularly simplified shapes that are easy to manufacture.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the spring back means is configured to engage with a first upwardly projecting engagement member of the lower chassis portion. The upper chassis portion includes at least one first stop surface, and the lower chassis portion includes at least one second stop surface, which, when in contact with each other, are configured to prevent the instantaneous contact area from passing forward in front of the front ends of the first and second contact surfaces. When the instantaneous contact area reaches its forward-most position, these cooperating first and second stop surfaces eliminate elasticity from the springback means, preventing the transmission of force from the skater to the blade. Thus, the skater can apply force firmly to the toe portion of the blade, for example, during push-off, which increases acceleration and improves skating precision and feel.

[0015] The first and second stop surfaces may preferably be arranged forward of the front ends of the first and second contact surfaces, whereby the stiffness to be applied in the forward most rolling position can be achieved in a simple, space-saving and reliable manner.

[0016] The upper chassis portion may include a plurality of first stop surfaces and the lower chassis portion includes a corresponding number of second stop surfaces, such cooperating multiple stop surfaces providing additional stiffness in the forward most rolling position.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the upper chassis portion includes at least one third stop surface and the lower chassis portion includes at least one fourth stop surface, which are configured to prevent the rear of the lower chassis portion from separating from the upper chassis portion when they contact each other.

[0018] The fourth stop surface may be located on an upwardly protruding second engagement member of the lower chassis portion, the second engagement member being receivable within a cavity in the upper chassis portion, and the third stop surface being located within that cavity.

[0019] The spring back means may comprise an injection moulded spring made from a polymeric material, which allows the spring back means to be easily given the desired spring characteristics and dimensions and to be manufactured at low cost.

[0020] The spring back means may be pivotally secured to the upper chassis portion. The springback means may be configured to deform when the instantaneous contact area moves from a neutral position, and the upper chassis portion includes springback limiting means configured to limit the maximum deformation of the springback means, thereby easily preventing the springback means from breaking or being damaged if the upper and lower chassis portions are unintentionally separated from one another.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the spring-back means is secured to the upper chassis portion and is configured to selectively engage with the lower chassis portion to bias the instantaneous contact area to a neutral position and to disengage from the lower chassis portion to allow the lower chassis portion to be removed from the upper chassis portion. The spring-back means thereby provides the ice skate with an additional quick-release feature that can be used to release the lower chassis portion carrying the blade to allow for quick and easy blade replacement, such as during an ice hockey game.

[0022] The spring back means is then pivotable between an engaged position in which the spring back means engages the lower chassis portion and a released position in which the spring back means disengages from the lower chassis portion.

[0023] The spring back means may include a linkage including a first link arm pivotally connected to the upper chassis portion, a second link arm pivotally connected to the first pivot arm, and a spring configured to bias the free ends of the first and second pivot arms toward each other, which provides a reliable, durable, and space-saving means for achieving a force to bias the instantaneous contact area toward the neutral position.

[0024] The first contact surface may be disposed on a replaceable insert that is removably secured to the upper chassis portion, thereby allowing the curvature of the first contact surface to be easily and quickly adapted to meet the personal preferences of individual users.

[0025] And, the ice skate may further comprise an insert retention means configured to releasably retain the insert in the upper chassis portion when the lower chassis portion is removed, thereby preventing unintentional removal of the insert when the lower chassis portion is released, e.g., when changing blades.

[0026] Such insert retention means may include press-fit, snap-fit, or threaded screw means for removably retaining the insert in the upper chassis portion.

[0027] The curvature of the first and / or second contact surfaces may exhibit a constant radius over their entire length. Alternatively, in some applications it may be desirable for the curvature of the first and / or second contact surfaces to vary over their length.

[0028] At least a portion of the first and / or second contact surface may present a constant curvature having a radius of more than 1 m, preferably between 1 and 10 m, more preferably between 2 and 8 m, most preferably between 3 and 7 m.

[0029] At least a portion of the first and / or second contact surfaces may exhibit a curvature and length configured such that the maximum pivot angle when the contact area moves between the leading and trailing ends of the first and second contact surfaces is between 0.5 and 5°, preferably between 1 and 3°, and most preferably about 2°.

[0030] Such curvatures and pivot angles have proven particularly suitable for ice skates used in ice hockey and bandy, and are believed to be equally applicable to ice skates used in figure skating.

[0031] The upper chassis portion is preferably secured to a boot for receiving a user's foot, and the lower chassis portion preferably comprises a skate blade. The upper chassis portion is preferably injection molded from a polymeric material.

[0032] In general, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art, unless expressly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the" element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc. should be interpreted broadly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless expressly defined otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of upper and lower chassis portions of an ice skate according to one embodiment. [Figure 2a] 2A to 2C are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the ice skate shown in FIG. 1, illustrating various states of the springback means. [Figure 2b] 2A to 2C are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the ice skate shown in FIG. 1, illustrating various states of the springback means. [Figure 2c] 2A to 2C are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the ice skate shown in FIG. 1, illustrating various states of the springback means. [Figure 3] FIG. 2b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2a, showing another embodiment. [Figure 4] 2a and 3, showing a further embodiment; FIG. [Figure 5a] 2a to 2c, showing a further embodiment; [Figure 5b] 2a to 2c, showing a further embodiment; [Figure 5c] 2a to 2c, showing a further embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 5B is an enlarged perspective view of the components shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Aspects of the present disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which specific embodiments of the invention are shown. However, these aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of all aspects of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates an upper chassis portion 10 and a lower chassis portion 30 of an ice skate according to one embodiment of the present invention. The ice skate is intended for use in ice hockey. The upper chassis portion 10 is configured to be secured to a boot (not shown) for receiving a user's foot. The upper chassis portion 10 forms a blade holder and is integrally formed by injection molding of a polymeric material such as polyamide. The upper chassis portion is generally hollow and includes a rear strut 11, a front strut 12, and a lower channel portion 13 connecting the rear strut 11 and the front strut 12. The channel portion 13 includes two vertical channel walls 13a, 13b extending longitudinally from the front end to the rear end of the upper chassis portion 10. The channel walls 13a, 13b define a longitudinally extending channel for receiving the upper portion of the lower chassis portion 30. The upper chassis portion 10 further comprises a reinforcement portion 14 comprising several beams interconnecting the rear support pillar 11, the front support pillar 12, and the channel portion 13. The rear support pillar 11 and the front support pillar 12 each have upper flange portions 11a, 12a which protrude laterally and are provided with through holes 11b, 12b for supporting and fastening the boots.

[0036] Lower chassis portion 30 is made of steel and includes a blade portion 31 having a lower ice-contacting end 32. Blade portion 31 can be ground to impart any desired profile or rocker to suit each user's individual needs and preferences. Correspondingly, end 32 can be sharpened to any cross-sectional shape to suit the ice and other conditions at hand and the user's personal preferences.

[0037] As best shown in Figures 1 and 2a-2c, lower chassis portion 30 is formed as a unitary molded component. It may be formed, for example, by stamping, cutting, or milling a metal blank. Preferably, lower chassis portion 30 has a constant cross-sectional width, which may typically be 2-5 mm, and is usually about 3 mm.

[0038] The upper portion of the blade portion 31 of the lower chassis section 30 is received in a channel formed between the channel walls 13a, 13b. For reliable and stable guiding and lateral fixation of the lower chassis section 30, the lateral distance between the channel walls 13a, 13b is essentially equal to the cross-sectional width of the lower chassis section 30. The lower chassis section 30 further comprises a plurality of protrusions extending upward from the blade portion 31 towards the upper chassis section 10. These protrusions include a first engagement member in the form of a first hook member 33 that extends upward from the blade portion 31 and is received in a cavity 12c of the front strut 12. A second engagement member in the form of a second hook member 34 extends upward from the rear end of the blade portion 31 and is received in a cavity 11c of the rear strut 11.

[0039] The upper chassis portion 10 includes a first curved contact surface 15 having a forward end 15a and a rearward end 15b. In the illustrated example, the first contact surface 15 is configured as the lower end of a replaceable insert 16, which is removably received in a downwardly opening insert cavity 17 of the upper chassis portion 10. In an alternative example not shown, the second contact surface may be configured as a downwardly facing end surface integrally formed with the upper chassis portion. The lower chassis portion 30 exhibits a corresponding second contact surface 35 extending along the upper end of the blade portion 31 between a longitudinal central region and a rearward region of the lower chassis portion 30. The second contact surface 35 has a forward end 35a vertically aligned with the forward end 15a of the first contact surface 15 and a rearward end 35b vertically aligned with the rearward end 15a of the first contact surface 15. The front ends 15a, 35a are disposed approximately in the longitudinal center of the lower chassis portion 30, and the rear ends 15b, 35b are disposed adjacent to the rear end of the lower chassis portion 30. Typically, the lengths of the first and second contact surfaces 15, 35, i.e., the distance between the front ends 15a, 35a and the rear ends 15b, 35b, may constitute approximately half the overall length of the lower chassis portion 30. For example, in an ice skate whose overall length of the lower chassis portion is 300 mm, the ice-contacting end of the blade portion may be 200 mm, and the lengths of the first and second contact surfaces may be approximately 120 mm.

[0040] The first contact surface 15 is curved in the longitudinal direction. In the illustrated example, the curvature is constant and has a radius of approximately 4 m. However, the radius of curvature can be selected depending on, for example, the type of ice skating and the user's preferences. In addition, the curvature need not be constant but may vary over the length of the contact surface.

[0041] By locating first contact surface 15 on replaceable insert 16 removably secured to upper chassis portion 10, the ice skate can be easily adapted to the prevailing environment and user desires by simply changing the insert.

[0042] In the illustrated example, the second contact surface 35 is flat along its entire length. However, the second contact surface may also be curved. In a further alternative embodiment not shown, the lower second contact surface may be curved and the upper first contact surface may be flat.

[0043] In any case, the first contact surface 15 and the second contact surface 35, at least one of which is curved, allow the upper chassis portion 10 to pivot relative to the lower chassis portion 30 through a rolling contact motion without a fixed point of rotation. During such relative pivoting motion, the instantaneous contact area CR between the first contact surface 15 and the second contact surface 35 moves back and forth between the front ends 15 a, 16 a and the rear ends 15 b, 16 b of the first contact surface 15 and the second contact surface 35. In FIG. 2 a, the upper chassis portion 10 has been pivoted forward to its forward-most position, whereby the instantaneous contact area CR is located at the front ends 15 a, 35 a of the first contact surface 15 and the second contact surface 35. Correspondingly, in FIG. 2 b, the upper chassis portion 10 has been pivoted rearward to its rearward-most position, whereby the instantaneous contact area CR is located at the rear ends 15 b, 35 b of the first contact surface 15 and the second contact surface 35.

[0044] The ice skate further includes a coupling device that couples the upper chassis portion 10 and the lower chassis portion 30 while allowing the relative pivotal movement. The coupling device includes a springback means 50 configured to resiliently bias the forward relative pivotal movement to a neutral position in which the instantaneous contact area CR is located at the front ends 15a, 35a of the first and second contact surfaces 15, 35. This neutral position is shown in FIG. 2a. By applying a force to the upper chassis portion 10 behind the front ends 15a, 35a of the contact surfaces 15, 35, the upper chassis portion 30 can be momentarily pivoted rearward, causing the instantaneous contact area CR to move rearward toward the rear ends 15b, 35b, as shown in FIG. 2b. As soon as such external force is released, the springback means 50 biases the relative movement back to the neutral position shown in FIG. 2a.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a-2c, the spring-back means 50 comprises a spring member 51 received within a cavity 12c of the front support column 12 of the upper chassis portion 10. The spring member 51 is pivotally secured to the front support column 12 and comprises a generally U-shaped resilient arm. A first end 51a of the arm has a circular through-hole that receives a circular stem 12d that extends laterally through the cavity 12c of the front support column between opposing side walls of the front support column 12. A second end 51b of the arm comprises a cylindrical portion having an outer first engagement surface 51c that is removably received in an engagement seat that forms the second engagement surface 33a of the first hook member 33 of the lower chassis portion 30. The cylindrical portion of the second end 51b further includes a lateral recess or through-opening 52 for receiving a tool (not shown), as described further below.

[0046] In the position shown in FIG. 2a, the spring member 51 is pivotally secured to the stem 12d and is initially pretensioned by being engaged with the second engagement portion 33a of the engagement seat, so that the spring member 51 biases relative pivotal movement between the upper chassis portion 10 and the lower chassis portion 30 toward a neutral forward-most pivot position. Application of a relative force between the upper chassis portion 10 and the lower chassis portion 30 behind the forward ends 15a, 25a of the contact surfaces 15, 35 deforms and further tensions the spring member, thereby allowing rearward pivotal movement to the position shown in FIG. 2b. When the force is released, the energy stored in the spring member 51 during the further tensioning causes a reverse pivotal movement back to the neutral position shown in FIG. 2a.

[0047] The upper chassis portion 10 further includes a first stop surface 17 formed on a lower, laterally extending wall 19 connecting the side walls of the front strut 12. The lower chassis portion 30 has a corresponding second stop surface 37 located at the upper end of the blade portion 31 in a forward region thereof. The first and second stop surfaces 17, 37 are positioned to contact each other when the instantaneous contact area CR reaches the forward ends 15a, 35a of the contact surfaces 15, 35, thereby effectively preventing further forward pivotal movement past the neutral position. The cooperating positioning of the first and second stop surfaces 17, 37 allows any force applied to the upper chassis portion 10 forward of the contact surfaces 15, 35 in the neutral position to be directly and inelastically transmitted to the blade portion 31 without loss of speed.

[0048] The lower lateral wall 19 of the front support column 12 also provides a restraint for the spring member 51. For example, if the front of the lower chassis portion 30 becomes caught or caught on a surrounding object, posing a risk of the front portion being separated from the upper chassis portion 10, the spring member 51 will contact the lower lateral wall 19, thereby preventing further pivoting and extension of the spring member 51. This causes the first engagement surface 51c of the second end 51b of the spring member 51 to remain engaged with the second engagement surface 33a of the engagement seat of the first hook member 33 of the lower chassis portion 30, thereby preventing the front of the lower chassis portion 30 from being unintentionally separated from the upper chassis portion 10. The lower lateral wall 19 also prevents the spring member 51 from being excessively deformed or tensioned during such unintentional movement of the front of the lower chassis portion, thereby reducing the risk of fatigue failure of the spring member 51.

[0049] In the rear support 11, the upper chassis portion 10 has an upwardly facing third contact surface 18 located on a lower wall portion 20 extending laterally through the rear support cavity 11c between the opposing side walls and the rear wall of the rear support 11. A downwardly facing fourth stop surface 38 is located on the second hook member 34 of the lower chassis portion. The third stop surface 18 and the fourth stop surface 38 are positioned such that when the first stop surface 17 and the second stop surface 37 are in contact with each other and thus in a neutral position for relative pivotal movement, a small distance exists between the third stop surface 18 and the fourth stop surface 38. Thus, the third stop surface 18 and the fourth stop surface 38 do not contribute to defining the forward-most neutral position for relative pivotal movement. Instead, the third stop surface 18 and the fourth stop surface 38 are positioned for safety purposes to prevent the rear of the lower chassis portion 30 from unintentionally separating from the upper chassis portion 10 if the rear blade portion becomes caught or caught on any surrounding object.

[0050] A downwardly facing fifth contact surface 21 is located on the underside of the lower wall portion 20 of the rear strut 11, and a sixth stop surface 41 is located on the upper edge of the blade portion 31, behind the second hook member 34. The fifth stop surface 21 and the sixth stop surface 41 come into contact with each other during rearward pivoting when the instantaneous contact area CR reaches the rear ends 15b, 35b of the first and second contact surfaces 15, 35, so that the pivoting movement is limited to the rearmost pivot position shown in Figure 2b where the instantaneous contact area is located at the rear ends 15b, 35b of the contact surfaces 15, 35.

[0051] 2a and 2c, the ice skate is further configured to allow for easy removal and replacement of the lower chassis portion 30. Such replacement of the lower chassis portion can be very advantageous, for example, in an ice hockey game, allowing for the quick replacement of a worn blade with a sharp blade. To this end, the coupling device is provided with a release means, as described below.

[0052] At least one or both of the opposing lateral sidewalls of the front support column 11 is provided with a generally V-shaped through-slot 22. The slot 22 allows insertion of a pointed tool (not shown) into a recess or through-opening 52 located at the second end 51b of the spring member 50. In the neutral position shown in FIG. 2a, the tool can be inserted into the recess or through-opening 52 and then pulled forward along the V-shaped slot 22 to disengage the first engagement surface 51c of the spring member 51 from the second engagement surface 33a of the first hook member 33. FIG. 2c shows the second end 51b of the spring member 51 thus pulled forward to an intermediate position under counterclockwise pivoting of the spring member 51 about the stem 12d. In this intermediate position, the spring member 51 is released from the first hook member 33, thereby allowing the front of the lower chassis section 10 to be pulled out of the channel portion 13 of the upper chassis section 10. Thereafter, continuing removal of the front of the lower chassis portion 30 disengages the second hook member 34 from the lower wall portion 20 of the rear support column 12, thereby allowing the lower chassis portion 30 to be completely separated from the upper chassis portion 10.

[0053] To attach the same or another lower chassis section, the second hook member 34 is first inserted into the channel portion 13 to engage the lower wall portion 20 of the rear support column 11. The front of the lower chassis section 30 is then pivoted into the front of the channel portion 13 so that the first hook member 33 is inserted into the front support column 12. During this insertion, the spring member 51 can be pivoted counterclockwise so that its second end 51b does not interfere with the insertion of the first hook member 33. Once the lower chassis section 30 is inserted into the channel portion 13 of the upper chassis section 10, a tool can be inserted through the front of the V-shaped slot 22 to engage the recess or through-opening 52 in the second end 51b of the spring member 51. To complete the fastening of the lower chassis section, the tool is then used to engage the first engagement surface 51c of the second end 51b with the second engagement surface 33a of the first hook member 33. During this engagement operation, the spring member 51 is pivoted clockwise and pretensioned to ensure that the instantaneous contact area CR is positively biased towards the neutral position as described above.

[0054] When the lower chassis portion 30 is removed from the upper chassis portion 10, the replaceable insert 16 can be easily removed from the insert cavity 17. However, to prevent the insert 16 from being unintentionally removed from the insert cavity, for example, if it is desired to replace only the lower chassis portion 30, the insert 16 and / or the insert cavity 17 may include retention means for holding the insert 16 from falling out of the cavity 17. In the illustrated example, such releasable retention is achieved by lightly press-fitting the insert 16 into the insert cavity 17. To remove the insert 16, a pointed tool (not shown), such as a screwdriver, may be inserted between the insert 16 and the cavity wall and used to bend the insert out of its press-fit engagement with the cavity 17. In alternative examples not shown, the retention means may include snap-fit ​​means, threaded screw means, or the like.

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of an ice skate. In this embodiment, the upper chassis portion 10 and the lower chassis portion 30 are essentially identical to the upper and lower chassis portions described above and shown in FIGS. 1-2c. Therefore, these components will not be described again here. However, in this embodiment, the springback means differs from the spring member 51 described above. Here, the springback means includes a torsion spring 60 made of spring steel wire and having a central coil 61. Extending from the central coil 61 are a first leg 62 having a first end 62a and a second leg 63 having a second end 63a. The first end 61a has a circular through-hole that receives the transverse stem 12d of the front support post 12 of the upper chassis portion 10, such that the torsion spring 60 is pivotally secured to the front support post 12 and received within the front support post cavity 12c. This pivotally secures the torsion spring 60 to the front support 12 of the upper chassis portion 10. The second end 63 a includes an annular loop having a first engagement surface 63 c that can be received in the second engagement surface 33 a of the engagement seat of the first hook member 33 of the lower chassis portion 30. The annular loop also defines an inner through-hole that can receive a tool (not shown) for moving the second end along the V-shaped slot 22 of the front support 12 to move the first engagement surface 63 c out of and into engagement with the second engagement surface 33 a of the first hook member to release or attach the lower chassis portion 30 to the upper chassis portion 10.

[0056] The torsion spring 60 functions in a similar manner to the spring member 51 described above to bias the instantaneous contact areas of the first contact surface 15 and the second contact surface 35 toward the front ends 15a, 35a, enabling the lower chassis portion 30 to be released from or attached to the upper chassis portion 10.

[0057] FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of an ice skate. In this embodiment, the upper chassis portion 10 and the lower chassis portion 30 are essentially identical to the upper and lower chassis portions described above and shown in FIGS. 1-2c. Therefore, these components will not be described again here. In this embodiment, the springback means differs from the spring member 51 described above. Here, the springback means includes a coiled return spring 70 made of spring steel wire and having a central coil 71. A first hook 72 and a second hook 73 extend from each end of the central coil 71. The first hook 72 hooks around the lateral stem 12d of the front strut 12 of the upper chassis portion 10. The second hook 73 has a first engagement surface 73c that engages with the second engagement surface 33a of the first hook member 33a of the lower chassis portion 30.

[0058] The coiled return spring 70 functions in a similar manner to the spring member 51 described above to bias the instantaneous contact areas of the first contact surface 15 and the second contact surface 35 toward the front ends 15a, 35a, enabling the lower chassis portion 30 to be released from or attached to the upper chassis portion 10.

[0059] FIGS. 5a-5b and 6 show yet another embodiment of an ice skate. In this embodiment, the upper chassis portion 10 and the lower chassis portion 30 are essentially identical to those described above and shown in FIGS. 1-4. Therefore, these components will not be described again here. In this embodiment, the spring-back means 80 differs from the spring members 51, 60, and 70 described above. Here, the spring-back means 80 includes a linkage mechanism housed within the front support cavity 12c and including a first link arm 81, a second link arm 82, and a coiled return spring 83. The first link arm 81 has a circular through-opening 84 that receives the stem 12d of the front support 12 of the upper chassis portion, thereby pivotally securing the first link arm 81 to the front support 12 of the upper chassis portion 10.

[0060] The first arm 81 includes a first lever portion 85 extending forward and a second lever portion 86 extending rearward from the through opening 8. A first end 82a of a second link arm 82 is pivotally connected to the free end of the second lever portion 86. A second end 82b of the second link arm 82 includes a rounded portion having a first engagement surface 82c that is releasably received by the second engagement surface 33a of the first hook member 33 of the lower chassis portion 30. The second end 82b further includes a lateral recess or through opening 82d for receiving a tool (not shown). The spring 83 includes a first hook end 83a connected to the first lever portion 85 of the first link arm 81 and a second hook end 83b connected to the second end 82b of the second pivot arm 82. This means that the spring 83 is configured to urge the first lever portion 85 of the first pivot arm and the second end 82 of the second pivot arm 82 toward each other during relative pivotal movement about the pivot connection between the second lever portion 86 of the first pivot arm 81 and the first end 82a of the second pivot arm 82.

[0061] Figure 5a shows the linkage biasing the instantaneous contact area CR to a neutral, forward-most position where the forward end 15a of the first contact surface 15 and the forward end 35a of the second contact surface 35 contact each other. Figure 5b shows an external force being applied to the upper chassis portion 10 behind the forward end 15a of the first contact surface 15, causing the instantaneous contact area CR to move to a rearward-most position where the rear ends 15b, 35b of the first contact surface 15 and the second contact surface 35 contact each other. In this position of the instantaneous contact area CR, and in any intermediate position, the linkage biases, i.e., attempts to return, the instantaneous contact area CR to the neutral, forward-most position shown in Figure 5a. When the linkage is extended to the position shown in FIG. 5b, the second end 82b of the second pivot arm 82 contacts the lower lateral wall 19 of the front strut 12, thereby limiting the movement of the second limiting arm 82 and preventing over-extension of the spring 81.

[0062] FIG. 5c shows how a pointed tool (not shown) is inserted into the through opening 82d of the second arm 82 of the linkage and how the first engagement surface 82c of the second end 82b is disengaged from the second engagement surface 33a of the first hook member 33 of the lower chassis portion 30 by pulling the tool forward. During this operation, the pointed tool is introduced into the front support cavity 12 through a slot (not shown) located in one or two side walls of the front support 12. With the linkage thus disengaged from the lower chassis portion 30, the lower chassis portion 30 can be easily removed and replaced as described above. After inserting a new lower chassis portion into the channel 18, the lower chassis portion 30 is secured to the upper chassis portion by using a pointed tool (not shown) to engage the first engagement surface 82c of the second link arm 82 with the second engagement surface 33a of the first hook member 33 of the lower chassis portion.

[0063] Aspects of the present disclosure have been described above primarily with reference to certain embodiments and examples thereof. However, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, embodiments other than those disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Ice skates for skating on ice, an upper chassis portion (10) having a first contact surface (15) with a front end (15a) and a rear end (15b); a lower chassis portion (30) including a second contact surface (35) having a front end (35a) and a rear end (35b); a coupling device comprising springback means (50, 60, 70, 80) configured to mechanically couple the upper chassis portion (10) and the lower chassis portion (30); At least one of the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35) is curved; the coupling device is configured to allow the upper chassis portion (10) to pivot relative to the lower chassis portion (30) by rolling contact movement between the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35) such that a region of momentary contact (CR) of the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35) moves back and forth between the front end (15a, 35a) and the rear end (15b, 35b) of the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35); the springback means (50, 60, 70, 80) is configured to bias the instantaneous contact region (CR) to a neutral position located at the front ends (15a, 35a) of the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35); The spring-back means (50, 60, 70, 80) is entirely disposed forward of the front ends (15a, 35a) of the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35).

2. 2. The ice skate of claim 1, wherein the spring back means (50, 60, 70, 80) is configured to engage with a first upwardly projecting engagement member (33) of the lower chassis portion (30).

3. 3. The ice skate of claim 1, wherein the upper chassis portion (10) comprises at least one first stop surface (17) and the lower chassis portion (30) comprises at least one second stop surface (37), which, when in contact with each other, are configured to prevent the instantaneous contact region (CR) from passing forward in front of the front ends (15a, 35a) of the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35).

4. 4. The ice skate of claim 3, wherein the first and second stop surfaces (17, 37) are located forward of the front ends (15a, 35a) of the first and second contact surfaces (15, 35).

5. 5. The ice skate of claim 1, wherein the upper chassis portion (10) includes at least one third stop surface (18) and the lower chassis portion (30) includes at least one fourth stop surface (38), and these stop surfaces are configured to prevent a rear portion of the lower chassis portion (30) from separating from the upper chassis portion (10) when they contact each other.

6. The ice skate of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the spring back means (50, 60, 70, 80) is pivotally fixed to the upper chassis portion (10).

7. The ice skate of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the springback means (50, 60, 70, 80) is configured to deform when the instantaneous contact region (CR) moves from the neutral position, and the upper chassis portion (10) is provided with springback limiting means (19) configured to limit the maximum deformation of the springback means (50, 60, 70, 80).

8. The ice skate of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the spring-back means (50, 60, 70, 80) is fixed to the upper chassis portion (10) and is configured to be selectively engaged with the lower chassis portion (30) to bias the instantaneous contact region (CR) to the neutral position, and to be disengaged from the lower chassis portion (30) to enable the lower chassis portion (30) to be removed from the upper chassis portion (10).

9. 9. The ice skate of claim 8, wherein the springback means (50, 60, 70, 80) pivots between an engaged position in which the springback means (50, 60, 70, 80) engages the lower chassis portion (30) and a released position in which the springback means (50, 60, 70, 80) disengages from the lower chassis portion (30).

10. The ice skate of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the spring-back means (80) comprises a link mechanism including a first link arm (81) pivotally connected to the upper chassis portion (10), a second link arm (82) pivotally connected to the first link arm (81), and a spring (83) configured to bias the free ends of the first and second link arms (81, 82) toward each other.

11. The ice skate according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first contact surface (15) is arranged on a replaceable insert (16) that is removably fixed to the upper chassis portion (10).

12. An ice skate according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the curvature of the first and / or second contact surface (15, 35) presents a constant radius over its entire length.

13. 13. The ice skate according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least a portion of the first and / or second contact surface (15, 35) presents a constant curvature with a radius of more than 1 m, preferably between 1 and 10 m, more preferably between 2 and 8 m, most preferably between 3 and 7 m.

14. 14. An ice skate according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least a portion of the first and / or second contact surfaces (15, 35) exhibits a curvature and length that is set so that the maximum pivot angle when the contact area moves between the front and rear ends of the first and second contact surfaces is between 1 and 10 degrees, preferably between 2 and 5 degrees, and most preferably about 3 degrees.

15. The ice skate of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the upper chassis portion (10) is secured to a boot for receiving a user's foot and the lower chassis portion (30) comprises a skate blade.

Images