Blade holder for an ice skate and locking mechanism for an ice skate blade

Abstract

A blade holder for an ice skate includes a body comprising one or more posts. At least one of the one or more posts comprises a mounting surface positioned at a top of the post and for attaching the post to a boot of the ice skate. The blade holder further includes a groove formed in the body and configured to receive a blade of the ice skate, and a locking device configured, when the blade is received in the groove, to selectively lock or release the blade from the blade holder. The body includes a metal.

Description

BLADE HOLDER FORAN ICE SKATE AND LOCKING MECHANISM FOR AN ICE SKATEBLADETechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to ice skating and in particular to a blade holder for an ice skate and a locking mechanism for an ice skate blade.Background

[0002] Modern ice skates, such as hockey skates, typically comprise of an ice skate boot for receiving a foot of a user, a blade holder attached to the ice skate boot for receiving a blade and the blade itself. Commonly, the blade is removably attachable to the blade holder to allow for replacement of the blade without also replacing the ice skate boot and / or blade holder. Figure 1 is a schematic depiction of a prior art ice skate 1 comprising an ice skate boot 3, a blade holder 5 and a blade 7.

[0003] Many locking mechanisms have been proposed for releasably attaching blades to the blade holders. However, such locking mechanisms are overly complicated (e.g., require many parts), are not durable, are heavy, are not user-friendly, do not provide sufficient rigidity between the blade holder and blade and / or require tools to remove or attach the blade.

[0004] There is a general desire for locking mechanisms for ice skate blades and blade holders that are simple (e.g., require few parts), are durable, are light, are user-friendly, provide a rigid connection between the blade holder and blade and can be operated without tools.

[0005] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.Summary

[0006] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a blade holder for an ice skate, comprising: a body comprising one or more posts, at least one of the one or more posts comprising a mounting surface positioned at a top of the post and for attaching the post to a boot of the ice skate; a groove formed in the body and configured to receive a blade of the ice skate; and a locking device configured, when the blade is received in the groove, to selectively lock or release the blade from the blade holder, wherein the body comprises a metal.

[0007] The at least one post may further comprise one or more outer sidewalls connected to the mounting surface and at least partially surrounding a cavity internal to the post.

[0008] The one or more posts may include a front post and a rear post, and the body may further comprise a mid-beam connecting the front post and the rear post.

[0009] The at least one post may further comprise one or more outer sidewalls connected to the mounting surface and at least partially surrounding a cavity internal to the post. The cavity may extend from the top of the post, toward a bottom of the post, and below at least a portion of the mid-beam.

[0010] Each of the front post and the rear post may comprise: a mounting surface positioned at a top of the post and for attaching the post to the boot; and one or more outer sidewalls connected to the mounting surface and at least partially surrounding a cavity internal to the post.

[0011] The at least one post may further comprise a channel connecting the cavity to the groove.

[0012] The body may define a longitudinal axis of the blade holder, and the one or more outer sidewalls may include one or more portions positioned laterally relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0013] The cavity may be generally V-shaped.

[0014] The blade holder may consist entirely of one or more metals.

[0015] The metal may be aluminum.

[0016] The metal may be an aluminum alloy.

[0017] The at least one post may further comprise one or more recessed portions extending along at least one of the one or more outer sidewalls and for increasing a strength of the post.

[0018] Each recessed portion may extend from the top of the post and toward the groove.

[0019] The at least one post may comprise multiple recessed portions extending along the at least one outer sidewall and for increasing a strength of the post.

[0020] A width of each recessed portion may be greatest near the top of the post.

[0021] The body may be manufactured by computer numerical control (CNC) machining.

[0022] A surface of the body may comprise grooves extending therealong and indicative that the body was manufactured by computer numerical control (CNC) machining.

[0023] The groove may have a width of [0.115, 0.130] inches.

[0024] The groove may have a width of [0.120, 0.125] inches.

[0025] The at least one post may comprise a channel connecting the cavity to the groove, and the locking device may comprise: a latch located at least partially within the cavity, the latch comprising: a connector fixed to the body; and a hook. The hook may be integrally connected to the connector by a flex region such that the hook can be pivoted between a locked position and an unlocked position by deformation of the flex region.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a blade holder assembly comprising: a blade holder according to any of the above-described embodiments; and the blade of the ice skate for inserting into the groove.

[0027] The blade may have a thickness of [0.112, 0.129] inches.

[0028] The blade may have a thickness of [0.119, 0.124] inches.

[0029] The blade and the groove may be configured such that the blade may be inserted into the groove up to a depth of [0.195, 0.205] inches.

[0030] The blade and the groove may be configured such that the blade may be inserted into the groove up to a depth of [0.199, 0.201] inches.

[0031] When the blade is received in the groove, a spacing between the blade and a side of the groove may be [0.002, 0.003] inches.

[0032] The blade and the groove may be configured such that, when the blade is received in the groove, a deflection of the blade during use of the ice skate is about 0.015 inches under 300 pounds of load applied at a 45-degree angle to an edge of the blade.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a blade holder assembly consisting of only three integrally formed components: a blade holder comprising: a body comprising a metal and one or more posts, at least one of the one or more posts comprising a mounting surface positioned at a top of the post and for attaching the post to a boot of an ice skate; and a groove formed in the body; a blade for inserting into the groove of the blade holder; and a locking device configured to be press fit into the blade holder and for selectively locking or releasing the blade from the blade holder.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a blade holder assembly for an ice skate, comprising: a body comprising one or more posts, at least one of the one or more posts comprising a mounting surface positioned at a top of the post and for attaching thepost to a boot of the ice skate; a groove formed in the body and configured to receive a blade of the ice skate; and a locking device for securing to the body and configured, when the blade is received in the groove, to selectively lock or release the blade from the blade holder, wherein the body comprises a metal.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an ice skate comprising: a boot portion for receiving a foot of a user; and a blade holder portion integrally formed with the boot portion and comprising: one or more posts, at least one of the one or more posts having one or more outer sidewalls integrally formed with the boot portion; and a groove configured to receive a blade of the ice skate, wherein the blade holder portion comprises a metal.

[0036] The boot portion may comprise carbon fiber.

[0037] The blade holder portion may further comprise carbon fiber and the metal may be in contact with the carbon fiber of the blade holder portion to provide structural support to the carbon fiber of the blade holder portion.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an ice skate blade holder comprising: a body comprising: an upper surface attachable to an ice skate boot; a first post, the first post defining a first cavity; a second post spaced apart from the first post, the second post defining a second cavity; a mid-beam connecting the first post to the second post; a lower surface, the lower surface defining: a groove for receiving an ice skate blade; a first opening leading into the first cavity from within the groove; and a second opening leading into the second cavity from within the groove; and a latch located at least partially within the second cavity, the latch comprising a connector fixed to the body and a hook wherein the connector is integrally connected to the connector by a flex region such that the hook can be pivoted between a locked position and an unlocked position by deformation of the flex region.

[0039] At least a portion of the connector may be press fit into a recess defined by the body.

[0040] The press fit may be an interference fit.

[0041] The press fit may be a clearance fit.

[0042] The at least a portion of the connector may comprise a protrusion.

[0043] The protrusion may have a different cross-sectional shape than a cross-sectional shape of the recess.

[0044] A depth of the recess may be greater than a length of the protrusion.

[0045] The protrusion may extend from a neck of the connector and an upper surface of the neck of the connector may be flush with the upper surface of the body.

[0046] The ice skate boot may be attached to the upper surface of the body, and abutment of the neck of the connector with the ice skate boot may prevent removal of the protrusion from the recess.

[0047] The latch may comprise a button pressable to deform the flex region and the second post may define a button aperture for accessing the button from outside of the second cavity. The latch may comprise a button pressable to deform the flex region and an outward-facing surface of the second post may define a button aperture for accessing the button from outside of the second cavity.

[0048] The latch may comprise a button pressable to deform the flex region and an inwardfacing surface of the second post may define a button aperture for accessing the button from outside of the second cavity.

[0049] Abutment of at least a portion of the latch with an inner surface of the second cavity may limit an amount of deformation of the flex region to thereby prevent plastic deformation of the flex region.

[0050] Abutment of at least a portion of the latch with opposing inner surfaces of the second cavity may limit an amount of deformation of the flex region to thereby prevent plastic deformation of the flex region.

[0051] Abutment of at least a portion of the latch with an inner surface of a channel within the second cavity may limit an amount of deformation of the flex region to thereby prevent plastic deformation of the flex region.

[0052] The channel may be adjacent the second opening.

[0053] The at least a portion of the latch may comprise the hook.

[0054] In the locked position, abutment of at least a portion of the latch with an inner surface of the second cavity may maintain the latch in a deformed state such that restorative deformation forces bias the latch against the inner surface of the second cavity.

[0055] Restorative deformation forces may bias the latch into the locked position.

[0056] The latch may comprise spring steel.

[0057] The latch may comprise a titanium alloy.

[0058] The latch may be one piece.

[0059] The hook may comprise a beveled outer surface.

[0060] Upon insertion of a connector of an ice skate blade through the second opening, abutment of the connector of the ice skate blade against the beveled outer surface may caus deformation of the flex region to thereby pivot the hook from the locked position to the unlocked position thereby allowing for a connection between the connector of the ice skate blade and the hook of the latch.

[0061] A transverse direction thickness of the flex region may be less than a transverse direction thickness of any other part of the latch along its length.

[0062] A ratio of a longitudinal length to the average transverse direction dimension of the flex region may be greater than any other portion of the latch.

[0063] The hook of the latch may define a hook concavity for receiving a connector of an ice skate blade.

[0064] The hook of the latch may define an acute hook concavity for receiving a connector of an ice skate blade.

[0065] The first cavity may extend from the first opening in a direction at least partially away from the first post.

[0066] The first cavity may extend from the first opening in a direction at least partially toward the first post.

[0067] The upper surface of the body may define one or more apertures for receiving fasteners to attach the body to the ice skate boot.

[0068] The connector may be fixed to the body by a fastener.

[0069] The fastener may be a screw.

[0070] The body may define a third cavity and the lower surface of the body may define a third opening into the third cavity from within the ice-skate blade receiving groove.

[0071] The first post may be a toe post and the second post may be a heel post.

[0072] The first post may be a heel post and the second post may be a toe post.

[0073] The beveled outer surface may extend at an angle of between approximately 25° and 65° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blade holder.

[0074] The beveled outer surface may extend at an angle of approximately 46° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blade holder.

[0075] An inner surface of the hook may extend at an angle of between approximately 5° and 30° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blade holder.

[0076] An inner surface of the hook may extends at an angle of approximately 9° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blade holder.

[0077] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an ice skate blade assembly comprising: an ice skate blade comprising a skating edge and an opposing connecting edge, wherein first and second connectors protrude from the connecting edge; and an ice skate blade holder comprising: a body, the body comprising: an upper surface attachable to an ice skate boot; a first post, the first post defining a first cavity; a second post spaced apart from the first post, the second post defining a second cavity; a midbeam connecting the first post to the second post; a lower surface, the lower surface defining: a groove for receiving the connecting edge of the ice skate blade; a first opening leading into the first cavity from within the groove; and a second opening leading into the second cavity from within the groove; and a latch comprising a connector fixed to the body and a hook located within the second cavity wherein the connector is integrally connected to the connector by a flex region such that the hook can be pivoted between a locked position and an unlocked position by deformation of the flex region.

[0078] Tips of each of the first and second connectors may extend at least partially in opposite directions.

[0079] Tips of each of the first and second connectors may extend at least partially in the same direction.

[0080] The first connector may define a first connector hook concavity.

[0081] The first connector hook concavity may be acute.

[0082] The second connector may define a second connector hook concavity.

[0083] The second connector may comprise a stem extending away from the connecting edge and a hook extending from the stem.

[0084] Inner surfaces of the stem and hook may define a second connector hook concavity.

[0085] The second connector hook concavity may be acute.

[0086] An outer surface of the hook of the second connector may be beveled.

[0087] The connecting edge may be curved along its length.

[0088] The connecting edge may be concave along its length.

[0089] At least a portion of the connector may be press fit into a recess defined by the body.

[0090] The press fit may be an interference fit.

[0091] The press fit may be a clearance fit.

[0092] The at least a portion of the connector may comprise a protrusion.

[0093] The protrusion may have a different cross-sectional shape than a cross-sectional shape of the recess.

[0094] A depth of the recess may be greater than a length of the protrusion.

[0095] The protrusion may extend from a neck of the connector and an upper surface of the neck of the connector may be flush with the upper surface of the body.

[0096] The ice skate boot may be attached to the upper surface of the body, and abutment of at the neck of the connector with the ice skate boot may prevent removal of the protrusion from the recess.

[0097] The latch may comprise a button pressable to deform the flex region and the second post may define a button aperture for accessing the button from outside of the second cavity.

[0098] The latch may comprise a button pressable to deform the flex region and an outwardfacing surface of the second post may define a button aperture for accessing the button from outside of the second cavity.

[0099] The latch may comprise a button pressable to deform the flex region and an inwardfacing surface of the second post may define a button aperture for accessing the button from outside of the second cavity.

[0100] Abutment of at least a portion of the latch with an inner surface of the second cavity may limit an amount of deformation of the flex region to thereby prevent plastic deformation of the flex region.

[0101] Abutment of at least a portion of the latch with opposing inner surfaces of the second cavity may limit an amount of deformation of the flex region to thereby prevent plastic deformation of the flex region.

[0102] Abutment of at least a portion of the latch with an inner surface of a channel within the second cavity may limit an amount of deformation of the flex region to thereby prevent plastic deformation of the flex region.

[0103] The channel may be adjacent the second opening.

[0104] The at least a portion of the latch may comprise the hook.

[0105] In the locked position, abutment of at least a portion of the latch with an inner surface of the second cavity may maintain the latch in a deformed state such that restorative deformation forces bias the latch against the inner surface of the second cavity.

[0106] Restorative deformation forces may bias the latch into the locked position.

[0107] The latch may comprise spring steel.

[0108] The latch may comprise a titanium alloy.

[0109] The latch may be one piece.

[0110] The hook may comprise a beveled outer surface.

[0111] Upon insertion of the second connector of the ice skate blade through the second opening, abutment of the second connector of the ice skate blade against the beveled outer surface may cause deformation of the flex region to thereby pivot the hook from the locked position to the unlocked position thereby allowing for a connection between the second connector of the ice skate blade and the hook of the latch.

[0112] A ratio of a longitudinal length to the average transverse direction dimension of the flex region may be greater than any other portion of the latch.

[0113] A smallest transverse direction thickness of the flex region of the latch may be closer to the hook than the connector.

[0114] The hook of the latch may define a hook concavity for receiving a tip of the second connector of the ice skate blade.

[0115] The hook of the latch may define an acute hook concavity for receiving a tip of the second connector of the ice skate blade.

[0116] The first cavity may extend from the first opening in a direction at least partially away from the first post.

[0117] The first cavity may extend from the first opening in a direction at least partially toward the first post.

[0118] The upper surface of the body may define one or more apertures for receiving fasteners to attach the body to the ice skate boot.

[0119] The connector may be fixed to the body by a fastener.

[0120] The fastener may be a screw.

[0121] The body may define a third cavity and the lower surface of the body may define a third opening into the third cavity from within the ice-skate blade receiving groove.

[0122] The first post may be a toe post and the second post may be a heel post.

[0123] The first post may be a heel post and the second post may be a toe post.

[0124] The beveled outer surface of the second connector may extend at an angle of between approximately 25° and 65° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blade.

[0125] The beveled outer surface of the second connector may extend at an angle of approximately 46° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blade.

[0126] The beveled outer surface may extend at an angle of between approximately 25° and 65° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blade.

[0127] The beveled outer surface may extend at an angle of approximately 46° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blade.

[0128] An inner surface of the hook of the latch may extend at an angle of between approximately 5° and 30° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blade holder.

[0129] An inner surface of the hook of the latch may extend at an angle of approximately 9° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blade holder.

[0130] An inner surface of a hook of the second connector may extend at an angle of between approximately 5° and 30° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blade holder.

[0131] An inner surface of a hook of the second connector may extend at an angle of approximately 9° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the blade holder.

[0132] Further aspects of the disclosure are directed at methods comprising any features, combinations of features and / or sub-combinations of features described herein or inferable therefrom.

[0133] Further aspects of the disclosure are directed at apparatus comprising any features, combinations of features and / or sub-combinations of features described herein or inferable therefrom.

[0134] Further aspects of the disclosure are directed at kits comprising any features, combinations of features and / or sub-combinations of features described herein or inferable therefrom.

[0135] This summary does not necessarily describe the entire scope of all aspects. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0136] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0137] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art ice skate.

[0138] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an ice skate blade assembly according to an example embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 2B is a top plan view of the ice skate blade assembly of Figure 2A.

[0139] Figure 3A is a side view of the ice skate blade of the ice skate blade assembly of Figure 2A. Figure 3B is an enlarged view of a portion of the ice skate blade of Figure 3A. Figure 3C is an enlarged view of another portion of the ice skate blade of Figure 3A.

[0140] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the blade holder of the ice skate blade assembly of Figure 2A.

[0141] Figure 5 is a side view of the latch of the ice skate blade assembly of Figure 2A.

[0142] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the ice skate blade assembly of Figure 2A.

[0143] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the attachment of a latch to a blade holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0144] Figure 8 is a side view of an ice skate blade according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0145] Figures 9A is a cross-sectional side view of the ice skate blade assembly of Figure 2A as the blade is being connected to the blade holder. Figures 9B is another cross-sectional side view of the ice skate blade assembly of Figure 2A as the blade is being connected to the blade holder. Figures 9C is another cross-sectional side view of the ice skate blade assembly of Figure 2A as the blade is being connected to the blade holder. Figures 9D is a cross-sectional side view of the ice skate blade assembly of Figure 2A when the blade is connected to the blade holder.

[0146] Figure 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the ice skate blade assembly of Figure 2A. Figure 10B is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the ice skate blade assembly of Figure 2A.

[0147] Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of an ice skate blade assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0148] Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of an ice skate blade assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0149] Figure 13 is another cross-sectional side view of the blade holder of the ice skate blade assembly of Figure 2A.

[0150] Figure 14 is a perspective view a blade holder for an ice skate, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0151] Figure 15 is a side-on view of the blade holder of Figure 14.

[0152] Figure 16 is a top-down view of the blade holder of Figure 14.

[0153] Figure 17 is a bottom-up view of the blade holder of Figure 14.

[0154] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of an ice skate comprising a boot integrally formed with a blade holder, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.Detailed Description

[0155] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

[0156] One aspect of the disclosure provides a blade assembly comprising of a blade holder and a blade for an ice skate. The blade holder may be attachable to an ice skate boot of an ice skate. The blade may be releasably attachable to the blade holder by a locking mechanism.

[0157] The blade holder and blade may be sold as part of a complete ice skate (i.e., together with an ice skate boot) but this is not mandatory. In some embodiments, the blade holder and blade are sold together as a kit (i.e., without the ice skate boot of an ice skate). In some embodiments, the blade may be sold individually. In some embodiments, the blade holder may be sold individually.

[0158] Figure 2A and Figure 2B depict an exemplary ice skate blade assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Blade assembly 10 comprises an ice skate blade holder 20 and an ice skate blade 40. Blade holder 20 may be attachable to an ice skate boot (e.g., ice skate boot 3). Blade 40 may be releasably attachable to blade holder 20 by a locking mechanism 12.

[0159] For convenience, blade holder 20 and blade 40 are described herein with reference to a single XYZ coordinate system where both blade holder 20 and blade 40 extend longitudinally in the X-direction. For example, blade holder 20 and blade 40 are depicted such that a longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40 (see Figure 13) extends in the X-direction. However, it should be understood that when blade 40 is detached from blade holder 20, the positional relationship of blade holder 20 and blade 40 may change such that they extend longitudinally in non-parallel directions.

[0160] Figure 3A depicts a blade 40 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Blade 40 may comprise a generally longitudinally extending (e.g., X-direction extending) skating edge 42 which contacts the ice when blade 40 during skating and a longitudinally extending (e.g., X-direction extending) opposing connecting edge 44 which is releasably attachable to blade holder 20. Skating edge 42 and / or connecting edge 44 may be curved (e.g., in the XZ- plane), as shown in Figure 3A. For example, skating edge 42 may be convex and / or connecting edge 42 may be concave (e.g., in the XZ-plane).

[0161] Figure 3B depicts an enlarged view of a first end 40A of blade 40. Likewise, Figure 3C depicts an enlarged view of a second end 40B of blade 40. In some embodiments, first end 40A corresponds to a “toe” of blade 40 while second end 40B corresponds to a “heel” of blade 40, but this is not mandatory and it should be understood that first end 40A could correspond to the “heel” of blade 40 and second end 40B could correspond to the “toe” of blade 40.

[0162] Blade 40 may comprise one or more connectors protruding at least partially in the Z- direction away from connecting edge 44 of blade 40. For example, in the Figure 3A embodiment, blade 40 comprises a first connector 46 protruding from connecting edge 44 near first end 40A of blade 40 and a second connector 38 protruding from connecting edge 44 near second end 40B of blade 40.

[0163] First connector 46 may protrude generally away from connecting edge 44 and at least partially in the X-direction. In some embodiments, first connector 46 protrudes at least partially in the positive X-direction (e.g., outwardly away from blade 40, as shown in Figure 3A). In some embodiments, first connector 46 protrudes at least partially in the negative X-direction (e.g., inwardly toward a center of blade 40, as shown in Figure 8). A hook concavity 46A is defined between an inner surface 46B of first connector 46 and connecting edge 44 of blade 40. Hook concavity 46A may comprise an acute hook concavity wherein an acute angle (e.g., an angle of less than 90°) is defined between inner surface 46B of first connector 46 and connecting edge 44 of blade 40.

[0164] Second connector 48 may comprise a stem portion 48A and a hook 48B extending from stem portion 48A. Stem portion 48A may protrude generally away from connecting edge 44. Hook 48B may extend generally in the X-direction away from stem portion 48A. In some embodiments, hook 48B extends away from stem portion 48A in the positive X-direction (e.g., toward a longitudinal center of blade 40), as shown in Figure 2A. In some embodiments, hook 48B extends from stem portion 48A in the negative X-direction (e.g., outwardly away from blade 40). In some embodiments, a distal end of hook 48B (e.g., tip 48E) may extend at least partially in the Z-direction back toward connecting edge 44. A hook concavity 48C is defined between an inner surface 48F of hook 48B and an inner surface 48G of stem portion 48A. Hook concavity 48C may comprise an acute hook concavity wherein an acute angle (e.g., an angle of less than 90°) is defined between inner surface 48F of hook 48B and inner surface 48G of stem portion 48A.

[0165] Inner surface 48F of hook 48B may extend at an angle, p, with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40 as shown in Figure 13. Inner surface 48F of hook 48B may extend at an angle, p, of between approximately 5° and 30° with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40. In some embodiments, surface 48F of hook 48B extends at an angle p, of approximately 9° with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40.

[0166] In some embodiments, a tip 46C of first connector 46 and tip 48E of second connector extend in the same direction as shown, for example, in Figure 3A. This is not mandatory. In other embodiments, tip 46C and tip 48E extend toward each other (as shown in Figure 9) or away from one another.

[0167] An outer surface 48D of second connector 48 may be beveled at an angle, y, with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40, as shown in Figure 13. The bevel of outer surface 48D of second connector 48 may facilitate engaging hook 34C with second connector 48, as discussed further herein. Outer surface 48D of second connector 48 may be beveled at an angle, y, of between approximately 25° and 65° with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40. In some embodiments, outer surface 48D of second connector 48 is beveled at an angle, y, of approximately 46° with respect to the longitudinal axis of blade 40.

[0168] Blade 40 may optionally comprise a third connector 49 protruding away from connecting edge 44 as shown, for example, in Figure 8. Third connector 49 may be located between first connector 46 and second connector 48. Third connector 49 may protrude generally in the Z- direction away from connecting edge 44. Where third connector 49 is present, first connector 46 may extend at least partially in the negative X-direction (e.g., inwardly toward a center of blade 40) as shown, for example, in Figure 8 but this is not mandatory.

[0169] Blade 40 may have any suitable Y-direction thickness as is common for ice skate blades. For example, a Y-direction thickness of blade 40 may be between approximately 2mm and 5mm. A Y-direction thickness of blade 40 may be generally uniform across blade 40. Alternatively, a Y- direction thickness of blade 40 may taper in the X-direction and / or the Z-direction. In some embodiments, a surface of skating edge 42 is concave in the YZ-plane.

[0170] Blade 40 may comprise any suitable material. In some embodiments, blade 40 comprises a steel alloy and / or a titanium alloy. In some embodiments, blade 40 is made primarily of a first material (e.g., a steel alloy) and coated in a second material (e.g., a titanium alloy, diamond-like carbon, etc.). In some embodiments, blade 40 undergoes one or more hardening processes (e.g., heat treatment) during manufacturing of blade 40 to increase a hardness of at least a portion of blade 40 (e.g., skating edge 42).

[0171] Figure 4 depicts an XZ-plane cross-sectional view of blade holder 20. Blade holder 20 comprises a body 22. Body 22 may be fabricated as a single piece, but this is not mandatory. A lower surface 22A of body 22 defines a groove 24 for receiving connecting edge 44 of blade 40. A Y-direction dimension of groove 24 may be complementary to the Y-direction thickness ofblade 40 to prevent undesired Y-direction movement of blade 40 relative to blade holder 20 when blade 40 is received by blade holder 20. An upper surface 22B of body 22 may define one or more mounting features for attaching blade holder 20 to an ice skate boot. For example, upper surface 22B may define one or more apertures 26 for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws or rivets) to allow blade holder 20 to be removably attachable to an ice skate boot. Apertures 26 may be spaced apart and located in a conventional manner to allow blade holder 20 to be attached to pre-existing ice skate boots of various manufacturers. In other embodiments, blade holder 20 may be integrated into an ice skate boot or permanently attached to an ice skate boot (e.g., by manufacturing blade holder 20 and the ice skate boot as a single piece, or by using adhesive or the like).

[0172] Body 22 comprises a first post 28A and a second post 28B. First post 28A may be spaced apart from second post 28B in the X-direction. First post 28A may comprise a toe post and second post 28B may comprise a heel post, but this is not mandatory. First post 28A may be connected to second post 28B by a midbeam 28C. Midbeam 28C may define one or more apertures 28D, but this is not mandatory.

[0173] A first cavity 30 is defined inside first post 28A. First cavity 30 may have a first opening 30A defined by lower surface 22A and an optional second opening 30B defined by upper surface 22B. First opening 30A may open into groove 24. In this way first opening 30A of first cavity 30 is accessible through groove 24. First cavity 30 may comprise a first channel 30C near to opening 30A such that opening 30A opens into first channel 30C of first cavity 30. As blade 40 is inserted into groove 24, first connector 46 may be caused to protrude into first channel 30C of first cavity 30 through first opening 30A. A Y-direction dimension of first channel 30C may be complementary to the Y-direction thickness of blade 40 (or at least the Y-direction thickness of first connector 46) to prevent undesired Y-direction movement of blade 40 relative to blade holder 20 when blade 40 is received by blade holder 20.

[0174] A second cavity 32 is defined inside second post 28B. Second cavity 32 may have a first opening 32A defined by lower surface 22A, an optional second opening 32B defined by upper surface 22B and a button aperture 32C. First opening 32A may open into groove 24. In this way second cavity 32 is accessible through groove 24. Second cavity 32 may comprise a second channel 32D near to opening 32A such that opening 32A opens into second channel 32D of second cavity 32. As blade 40 is inserted into groove 24, second connector 48 may be caused to protrude into second channel 32D of second cavity 32 through second opening 32A. A Y- direction dimension of second channel 32D may be complementary to the Y-direction thicknessof blade 40 (or at least the Y-direction thickness of second connector 48) to prevent undesired Y-direction movement of blade 40 relative to blade holder 20 when blade 40 is received by blade holder 20.

[0175] Body 22 of blade holder 20 may comprise any suitable material. In some embodiments, body 22 of blade holder is made of polymer (e.g., nylon), metal (e.g., aluminum alloy, steel or titanium alloy), composite or the like. Blade holder 20 may be manufactured using any suitable technique. In some embodiments, blade holder 20 is molded. In some embodiments, blade holder 20 is machined (e.g., CNC machined).

[0176] Blade holder 20 may comprise a locking mechanism 12. Locking mechanism 12 may comprise a latch 34. Figure 5 depicts an enlarged view of latch 34. Latch 34 may extend generally in a longitudinal direction 14. Latch 34 may comprise a connector 34A, a flex region 34B, a hook 34C and a button 34D.

[0177] Latch 34 comprises a connector 34A. Latch 34 may be attached to body 22 of blade holder 20 by connector 34A. Connector 34A may be fixed to body 22 by, for example, adhesive, one or more fasteners, press fitting, etc.

[0178] In some embodiments, connector 34A comprises a protrusion 34E. Protrusion 34E may extend generally in longitudinal direction 14. To attach connector 34A to body 22, protrusion 34E may be press fit into a corresponding recess 22D of body 22. The press fit between protrusion 34E and recess 22D may be an interference fit, a transition fit or a clearance fit. In some embodiments, a transverse cross-section (e.g., orthogonal to longitudinal direction 14) of protrusion 34E is larger than a transverse cross-section of recess 22D such that one or both of protrusion 34E and recess 22D are deformed as protrusion 34E is pressed into recess 22D thereby ensuring a tight fit between protrusion 34E and recess 22D. In some embodiments, a transverse cross-sectional shape of protrusion 34E is different than a transverse cross-sectional shape of recess 22D such that one or both of protrusion 34E and recess 22D are deformed as protrusion 34E is pressed into recess 22D thereby ensuring a tight fit between protrusion 34E and recess 22D. For example, in some embodiments, protrusion 34E is generally rectangular (e.g., square) in transverse cross-section while recess 22D is generally round (e.g., circular) in transverse cross-section. In some embodiments, a material of latch 34 is harder than a material of body 22 such that predominantly body 22 (e.g., around recess 22D) is deformed when protrusion 34E is inserted into recess 22D. In some embodiments, recess 22D is deeper thanprotrusion 34E is long to provide additional space for material deformed or moved by the fit between protrusion 34E and recess 22D.

[0179] In some embodiments, recess 22D is located and latch 34 is shaped such that when protrusion 34E is inserted in recess 22D, one or more parts of connector 34A are substantially flush with upper surface 22B of body 22. In this way, when blade holder 20 is attached to an ice skate boot, abutment of the ice skate boot and the one or more parts of connector 34A further serve to prevent undesirable removal of protrusion 34E from recess 22D. For example, in some embodiments, protrusion 34E extends from a neck 34F of connector 34A. Neck 34F may extend generally in transverse direction 34F. When protrusion 34E is inserted in recess 22D, at least a portion of neck 34F is substantially flush with upper surface 22B of body 22, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 6, such that abutment of the ice skate boot and neck 34F further serves to prevent undesirable removal of protrusion 34E from recess 22D.

[0180] In some embodiments, one or more fasteners are additionally or alternatively employed to attach connector 34A to body 22. For example, Figure 7 depicts an embodiment where a fastener 35 is employed to attach connector 34A to body 22. In the Figure 7 embodiment, fastener 35 passes through an aperture 35A defined by connector 34A and is threaded into recess 22D to secure connector 34A (and in turn latch 34) to body 22 of blade holder 20. While protrusion 34E is not present in the Figure 7 embodiment, it should be understood that fastener 35 may be employed in addition to protrusion 34E.

[0181] Latch 34 comprises a flex region 34B. Flex region 34B of latch 34 may extend from connector 34A of latch 34. Flex region 34B may be integrally formed with connector 34A. When connector 34A is attached to body 22, hook 34C of latch 34 may be caused to effectively pivot between a locked positon (e.g., as shown in Figures 9A and 9D) and an unlocked position (e.g., as shown in Figure 9C) by deformation of flex region 34B of latch 34. Such deformation of flex region 34B may be caused by a user pushing on button 34D of latch 34 or by abutment of hook 34C with second connector 48 of blade 40, as discussed further herein.

[0182] Latch 34 may be shaped to encourage flex region 34B to deform instead of (or more than) other portions of latch 34 when force is applied to button 34D or hook 34C. In some embodiments, to encourage flex region 34B to deform instead of (or more than) other portions of latch 34, a transverse dimension, t, of at least a portion of flex region 34B (e.g., a dimension of flex region 34B in transverse direction 16) may be smaller than the transverse dimension of other portions of latch 34. In some embodiments, a ratio of its longitudinal direction 14 dimensionto its average transverse direction 16 dimension of flex region 34B may be greater than the ratio of the longitudinal direction 14 dimension to the transvers direction 16 dimension of any other portion of latch 34.

[0183] In some embodiments, deformation of flex region 34B can be controlled to achieve desired pivotal movement of hook 34C between the locked and unlocked positions under force applied to button 34D or hook 34. In some embodiments, an XZ-plane shape of flex region 34B is chosen so as to bias deformation of flex region 34B to a specific part of flex region 34B to achieve a desired pivoting of hook 34C, as discussed further herein. For example, transverse dimension, t, of flex region 34B may be variable along longitudinal direction 14. In some embodiments, a smallest transverse dimension, t, of flex region 34B may be located in the lower half of the longitudinal direction 14 length of latch 34 to achieve a desired pivoting of hook 34C upon force being applied to button 34B or outer surface 34J. In some embodiments, a smallest transverse dimension, t, of flex region 34B may be located in the lower third of the longitudinal direction 14 length of latch 34 to achieve a desired pivoting of hook 34C upon force being applied to button 34B or outer surface 34J.

[0184] To prevent or mitigate undesirable plastic deformation of flex region 34B, deformation of flex region 34B may be limited. In some embodiments, a possible amount of deformation of flex region 34B is mechanically limited. For example, as best seen in Figure 10A and Figure 10B, deformation of flex region 34B may be limited in a generally inward transverse direction 16 (e.g., toward a center of blade holder 20) by abutment of at least a portion of latch 34 (e.g., hook 34C) with an inner surface of second cavity 32 (e.g., inner surface 32E of channel 32D of second cavity 32). Similarly, deformation of flex region 34B may be limited in a generally outward transverse direction 16 (e.g., away from blade holder 20) by abutment of at least a portion of latch 34 (e.g., tab 34K) with an opposing inner surface (e.g., inner surface 32F) of first cavity 30.

[0185] In some embodiments, deformation of flex region 34B may be limited in a generally inward transverse direction 16 (e.g., toward a center of blade holder 20) by abutment of hook 34C with an inner surface of optional third connector 49 of blade 40 when blade 40 is fitted in groove 24 as shown, for example, in Figure 11.

[0186] Latch 34 may comprise a button 34D. At least a portion of button 34D may be integrally formed with connector 34A and flex region 34B. In some embodiments, an entirety of button 34D is integrally formed with connector 34A and flex region 34B such that latch 34 is formed of a single piece of material.

[0187] At least a portion of button 34D may be accessible to a user through a button aperture 32C to allow a user to apply force to button 34D. Button aperture 32C may open from an outer surface of first post 28A into second cavity 32. An opening of button aperture 32C may be beveled.

[0188] In some embodiments, button 34D comprises a first portion 34D-1 integrally formed with connector 34A and flex region 34B and a button cover 34D-2 attachable to the first portion 34D- 1 of button 34D. Button cover 34D-2 may be allowed to translate relative to first portion 34D-1 of button 34D. In some embodiments, the button cover 34D-2 is biased away from first portion 34D-1 of button 34D (e.g., by a spring 34D-3) so as to cause an outer surface 34D-4 of button cover 34D-2 to sit flush with an outer surface of body 22, as shown in Figure 12.

[0189] Latch 34 comprises a hook 34C. Hook 34C may be shaped and sized to engage second connector 48 of blade 40 when blade 40 is inserted into groove 24. Hook 34C may comprise a stem 34K and a prong 34L. Stem 34K may extend at least partially in longitudinal direction 14 from button 34D and / or flex region 34B. Prong 34L may extend at least partially in transverse direction 16 from stem 34K. An inner surface 34H of stem 34K and an inner surface 34M of prong 34L together define a hook concavity 34I. Hook concavity 34I may comprise an acute hook concavity since an acute angle (e.g., an angle of less than 90°) may be defined between inner surface 34H of stem 34K and an inner surface 34M of prong 34L. When latch 34 is fixed to body 22, a tip 34G of prong 34L may extend at least partially in the Z-direction away from blade 40.

[0190] When blade 40 is installed in blade holder 20, inner surface 34M of prong 34L may extend at an angle, p, with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40 as shown in Figure 13. In some embodiments, when blade 40 is installed in blade holder 20, inner surface 34M of prong 34L extends at a similar angle with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40 as inner surface 48F of hook 48B with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40. When blade 40 is installed in blade holder 20, inner surface 34M of prong 34L may extend at an angle, p, of between approximately 5° and 30° with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40. In some embodiments, when blade 40 is installed in blade holder 20, inner surface 34M of prong 34L extends at an angle p, of approximately 9° with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40.

[0191] An outer surface 34J of hook 34C may be beveled at an angle, a, with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40, as shown in Figure 13. The bevel of outer surface 34J of hook 34C may facilitate engaging hook 34C with second connector 48, as discussed further herein.In some embodiments, when blade 40 is installed in blade holder 20, outer surface 34J of hook 34C is beveled at a similar angle with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40 as outer surface 48D is beveled with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40. When blade 40 is installed in blade holder 20, outer surface 34J of hook 34C may be beveled at an angle, a, of between approximately 25° and 65° with respect to longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40. In some embodiments, when blade 40 is installed in blade holder 20, outer surface 34J of hook 34C is beveled at an angle, a, of approximately 46° with respect to the longitudinal axis 3 of blade 40.

[0192] In some embodiments, latch 34 has a constant Y-direction thickness. For example, a Y- direction thickness of latch 34 may be the same or less than the Y-direction thickness blade 40 such that latch 34 may extend at least partially into second channel 32D without undesirably increasing the Y-direction dimension of channel 32D. In other embodiments, where one or more portions of latch 34 have a Y-direction thickness greater than the Y-direction thickness of blade 40, a Y-direction thickness of hook 34C may be reduced as compared to a Y-direction thickness of other portions of latch 34 to allow hook 34C to fit within second channel 32D without increasing the Y-direction dimension of channel 32D undesirably.

[0193] Latch 34 may comprise any suitable material. In some embodiments, latch 34 comprises a metal alloy (e.g., steel, spring steel, titanium alloy, etc.), a polymer material, a composite material or the like. Latch 34 may be formed of a single piece of material. In some embodiments, latch 34 may be formed by cutting (e.g., laser cutting, water jet cutting, plasma cutting, etc.), molding, stamping or forging. Since latch 34 is a single piece and may be manufactured using common techniques, manufacturing of latch 34 may be inexpensive. Further, where latch 34 has a constant Y-direction thickness, this may further simplify manufacturing thereby reducing the costs of blade holder 20 (and in turn reducing the costs of blade holder assembly 40).

[0194] In practice, to lock blade 40 to blade holder 20, a user first brings connecting edge 44 of blade 40 toward groove 24 of blade holder 20 and partially inserts first connector 46 through groove 24 into opening 30A of cavity 30. Inserting connector 46 into cavity 30 may entail aligning blade 40 with blade holder 20 such that their longitudinal axes are oriented non-parallel to one another.

[0195] Once first connector 46 is partially inserted into cavity 30, the user may begin to pivot connecting edge 44 of blade 40 into groove 24 of blade holder 20. As blade 40 is pivoted relative to blade holder 20, outer surface 48D of second connector 48 may contact outer surface 34J of hook 34C as shown, for example, in Figure 9A.

[0196] Under continued application of force by a user, abutment of outer surface 48D against outer surface 34J causes deformation of flex region 34B thereby effectively pivoting hook 34C about flex region 34B toward a center of blade holder 20, as shown in Figure 9B. As force is continued to be applied by the user, hook 34C continues to pivot and outer surface 48D slides against outer surface 34J until hook 34C is moved into the unlocked position in which a tip 48E of first connector 48 is allowed past tip 34G of hook 34C, as shown in Figure 90.

[0197] Restorative deformation forces (e.g., elastic forces which tend to return flex region 34B to, or closer to, its original, non-deformed, shape) may then cause hook 34C to return toward the locked position by pivoting about flex region generally outwardly such that tip 34G of hook 34C protrudes into hooked concavity 48C of first connector 48 and tip 48E of first connector 48 extends into hooked concavity 34I of hook 34C, as shown in Figure 9D. A locked connection may thus be formed between blade 40 and blade holder 20.

[0198] In some embodiments, latch 34 is shaped such that at least some restorative forces associated with the deformation of flex region 34B are maintained when latch 34 is in the locked position after the formation of the locked connection between blade 40 and blade holder 20. In other words, after the formation of the locked connection between blade 40 and blade holder 20, flex region 34B is not restored all the way to its original non-deformed shape, resulting in the existence of restorative deformation forces after the formation of connection between blade 40 and blade holder 20. Such restorative deformation forces may tend to cause tip 34G of hook 34C to remain in hooked concavity 48C of first connector 48 and tip 48E of first connector 48 to remain in hooked concavity 34I of hook 34C to thereby lock blade 40 to blade holder 20.

[0199] When blade 40 is locked to blade holder 20, abutment of first connector 46 with inner surface 30C of first cavity 30 and abutment of second connector 48 against an inner surface 32F of second cavity 32 may prevent or reduce undesirable movement (e.g., X-direction movement) of blade 40 relative to blade holder 20. Likewise, abutment of first connector 46 with inner surface 30C and the latching of latch 34 with second connector 48 may prevent or reduce undesirable movement (e.g., Z-direction movement) of blade 40 relative to blade holder 20. Finally, abutment of the broad faces of blade 40 with the inner surface of groove 24 (and inner surfaces of first and second cavities 30, 32) may prevent or reduce undesired movement (e.g., Y-direction movement) of blade 40 relative to blade holder 20.

[0200] Blade 40 may be unlocked from blade holder 20 by a user applying force to button 34D. Force applied to button 34D causes deformation of flex region 34B thereby effectively pivotinghook 34C about flex region 34B toward a center of blade holder 20. As force is continued to be applied by the user, hook 34C continues to pivot and inner surface 48F slides against inner surface 34H until hook 34C returns to the unlocked position in which a tip 48E of first connector 48 is allowed past tip 34G of hook 34C. At this point, the user can pull on blade 40 thereby separating it from blade holder 20 or the user may rely on gravity to allow blade 40 to drop. Restorative deformation forces (e.g., elastic forces which tend to return flex region 34B to, or closer to, its original, non-deformed, shape) may then cause hook 34C to return toward the locked position.

[0201] In some embodiments, at least some restorative forces associated with the deformation of flex region 34B even in the locked position without blade 40, as shown in Figure 9A. For example, abutment of inner wall 32F of second cavity 32 and at least a portion of latch 34 (e.g., tab 34K) may deform latch 34F and prevent latch 34F from returning entirely to its non-deformed shape, thereby preloading latch 34B. This preload may increase the security of the locked connection between blade 40 and blade holder 20 when that locked connection is formed.

[0202] While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and subcombinations thereof. For example, while latch 34 of locking mechanism 12 is arranged with the hook concavity 34I facing generally outwardly in the X-direction and the button 34D being accessed from the outside side of first post 28A, this is not mandatory. For example, latch 34 may be arranged with the hook concavity 34I facing generally inwardly in the X-direction and the button 34D being accessed from an inside side of first post 28A (e.g., near midbeam 28C). To accommodate this, second connector 48 of blade 40 could likewise be modified such that hook concavity 48C faces outwardly in the X-direction.

[0203] According to some embodiments of the disclosure, there is provided a blade holder for an ice skate comprising a body and a groove formed in the body and configured to receive a blade of the ice skate. The body comprises one or more posts, and at least one of the one or more posts comprises a mounting surface positioned at a top of the post and for attaching the post to a boot of the ice skate. The at least one post may comprise one or more outer sidewalls connected to the mounting surface and at least partially surrounding a cavity internal to the post. The body comprises a metal. The blade holder further includes a locking device configured, when the blade is received in the groove, to selectively lock or release the blade from the blade holder.

[0204] Advantageously, by forming the body of the blade holder out of metal, the blade holder may benefit from improved torsional rigidity when compared, for example, to a plastic blade holder. Improved torsional rigidity may increase the relative amount of energy that is imparted to the ice skate when in use, by reducing the amount of energy that would otherwise bend or flex the blade holder. In other words, a metal blade holder may improve energy transfer, stability, and may increase the user’s feeling that they are “connected” to the ice.

[0205] Furthermore, a metal blade holder may increase the rigidity of the blade that is inserted into the blade holder’s groove. When a blade sits in the groove / channel of a plastic blade holder, and when that blade encounters a load, the blade deflects. In contrast, a metal blade holder offers a stronger clamping force on the blade, reducing its deflection during use. Again, this may improve energy transfer from the user to the ice.

[0206] Still further, a metal blade holder is generally more resilient than a plastic blade holder and is less likely to require replacing after repeated blows / impacts to the holder.

[0207] According to some embodiments, the metal may be aluminum or an aluminum alloy, such as 6061-T6 Aluminum. The body may consist partially of metal and partially of one or more non-metal materials, or the body may consist of a mix of multiple different metals. According to some embodiments, the body may consist entirely of a single metal. For example, the body may be formed entirely of aluminum.

[0208] Referring now to Figure 14, there is shown a blade holder 100 according to such an embodiment of the disclosure. Blade holder 100 shown Figure 14 is similar to ice skate blade holder 20 described above, and therefore, in what follows, some features in common with blade holder 100 and blade holder 20 are not described since they have already been described in the context of blade holder 20. Furthermore, any of the features described in connection with blade holder 20 may be used with blader holder 100, and vice versa.

[0209] As can be seen in Figure 14, blade holder 100 includes a body 102 having a front post 104a, a rear post 104b, and a mid-beam 106 connecting front post 104a and rear post 104b. Each post 104a, 104b comprises a respective mounting surface 108a, 108b positioned at the top of the post and for attaching the post to a boot of the ice skate (not shown). In particular, mounting surfaces 108a and 108b include apertures 110 for receiving fasteners that are used to attach blade holder 100 to the boot.

[0210] According to some embodiments, it is possible for body 102 to comprise only a single post. For example, the post may extend all the way from the front of blade holder 100 to the rear of blade holder 100, and in such a case there may be no need for a mid-beam.

[0211] Each post 104a, 104b further includes outer sidewalls 112a and 112b connected to mounting surfaces 108a and 108b and surrounding respective cavities 114a and 114b internal to posts 104a and 104b. In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, outer sidewalls 112a and 112b completely surround each cavity 114a, 114b. However, according to other embodiments, the outer sidewalls may only partially surround the cavities. As can be seen in Figure 16 which shows a top-down view of blade holder 100, body 102 generally defines a longitudinal axis L extending between the front and rear of blade holder 100. As can also be seen in Figure 16, outer sidewalls 112a and 112b include portions 113a and 113b that are positioned laterally relative to longitudinal axis L.

[0212] Each cavity 114a, 114b is generally V-shaped, meaning that the cross-sectional area of cavities 114a and 114b generally decreases when moving from the top of the cavity to the bottom of the cavity. As can be seen in Figure 15 which shows a side-on view of blade holder 100, each cavity 114a, 114b extends from the top of the post, toward a bottom of the post, and below at least a portion of mid-beam 106. In other words, each cavity 114a, 114b extends from the top of the post to a point below a line M as illustrated in Figure 15, although this is not a requirement and in other embodiments each cavity may not extend past line M. Line M connects points 107 along the upper portion of mid-beam 106 where mid-beam 106 transitions into posts 104a and 104b.

[0213] Returning to Figure 14, the tops of posts 104a and 104b are open, thereby providing access to cavities 114a and 114b. However, this is not required and according to some embodiments the tops of posts 104a and 104b may be partially or fully sealed to prevent access to cavities 114a and 114b.

[0214] Cavities 114a and 114b are formed during the machining of blade holder 100, and serve to reduce the amount of material of which blade holder 100 is composed, reducing the overall weight of blade holder 100.

[0215] Corrugated, or recessed, portions 115a and 115b extend along outer sidewalls 112a and 112b and are designed to increase the strength of posts 104a and 104b. In particular, recessed portions 115a and 115b may add structural integrity to improve resistance to impacts, twisting, deflection, material fatigue, and deformation. Although multiple recessed portions 115a and115b are shown on outer sidewalls 112a and 112b of each post 104a, 104b, each post 104a, 104b may have any number of recessed portions, or none. Generally, each recessed portion 115a, 115b has a width greatest at the top of the post, although according to some embodiments each recessed portion 115a, 115b may have a generally constant width when moving along the recessed portion.

[0216] Turning to Figure 17 which depicts a view of blade holder 100 from beneath, there is shown a groove 117 formed in body 102 and extending longitudinally along body 102. Groove 117 is designed to receive therein an ice skate blade (such as blade 40 shown in Figure 8) which may be locked within groove 117 using any of the above-described locking mechanisms. As can also be seen in Figure 17, each post 104a, 104b includes a channel 111a, 111b connecting cavities 114a and 114b to groove 117. Channels 111a and 111 b may be designed to receive a portion of the ice skate blade (such as second connector 48 of blade 40) for locking the blade within groove 117, as described in connection with any of the locking mechanisms described herein.

[0217] Blade holder 100 may be manufactured using computer numerical control (CNC) machining, although other forms of manufacture may be used. Evidence that a blade holder has been manufactured using CNC machining may lie in the existence of miniature grooves extending along a surface of the blade holder’s body. Such grooves are formed as a result of the toolpath of the CNC machine, where the cutting tool moves along the surface of the blade holder, removing material in a controlled manner. These grooves are typically a byproduct of the machining process, resulting from the tool’s feed rate, spindle speed, and cutter geometry.

[0218] According to some embodiments, groove 117 which receives the ice skate blade may have a width of between 0.115 and 0.130 inches, and more particularly may have a width of between 0.120 and 0.125 inches. In order to minimize the deflection of the ice skate blade during use, the blade may have a thickness of between 0.112 and 0.129 inches, and more particularly may have a thickness of between 0.119 and 0.124 inches. The blade may be made of Martensitic Stainless Steel, Grade 420 (ASTM A240, UNS S42000), hardened to about 55 HRC.

[0219] The blade and the groove may be configured such that the blade may be inserted into the groove up to a depth of between 0.195 and 0.205 inches. More particularly, the blade and the groove may be configured such that the blade may be inserted into the groove up to a depth of between 0.199 and 0.201 inches.

[0220] Generally, the greater the depth to which the blade is inserted in the groove, the less the blade is deflected during use of the ice skate. While less deflection is generally desirable, a trade-off is that a blade that is inserted more deeply into the groove of the holder needs to be taller, adding weight and material cost. To compensate for this added weight, the blade may be made thinner. A trade-off with a thinner blade is less stability. Therefore, advantageously, by using a blade holder formed of a relatively lightweight metal as described above, such as an aluminum blade holder, a relatively thicker blade (i.e., a more rigid blade) and taller blade may be used without materially increasing the overall weight of the ice skate. According to some embodiments, the blade may have a height of from 15 / 16 to 1 inch.

[0221] When the blade is received in the groove, a spacing between the blade and a side of the groove may be between 0.002 and 0.003 inches. As can be seen, this very small tolerance between the blade and the side of the groove allows for a more rigid connection between the blade and blade holder. This tight tolerance may prevent, or may reduce, the amount of side- to-side blade deflection that may occur when skating, especially when compared to a plastic blade holder. For example, according to some embodiments, the blade and the groove may be configured such that, when the blade is received in the groove, a deflection of the blade during use of the ice skate is about 0.015 inches under 300 pounds of load applied at a 45-degree angle to an edge of the blade.

[0222] Blade holder 100 may include any of the locking devices described above in connection with Figures 2A-13, and such a locking device is not described here in further detail.

[0223] Advantageously, an assembly consisting of only three integrally formed components may be used to form a blade holder assembly for an ice skate. In particular, the assembly may consist of only the blade holder (which may be integrally formed of a single piece of metal) as described above, the blade that is received in the blade holder, and the locking device (such as locking mechanism 12) which is received in the blade holder and which may be press fit into position as described above. By using an assembly that consists of only three integrally formed components, the weight and complexity of the blade holder may be reduced.

[0224] According to further embodiments of the disclosure, there is described an ice skate comprising a boot portion for receiving a foot of a user, and a blade holder portion integrally formed with the boot portion. The blade holder portion includes one or more posts, and at least one of the one or more posts has one or more outer sidewalls integrally formed with the boot portion. The blade holder portion further includes a groove configured to receive a blade of theice skate, and comprises a metal. The ice skate may further include a locking device configured, when the blade is received in the groove, to selectively lock or release the blade from the blade holder. The locking device may be any of the locking devices described herein.

[0225] Such a blade holder is similar to blade holder 100, except that instead of the ice skate comprising a blade holder that attaches to the boot via mounting surfaces, the blade holder and boot are integrally formed as a single element. In such embodiments, the boot portion may comprise a strong and light material, such as carbon fiber. Furthermore, the blade holder portion may also comprise carbon fiber, in which case the metal of the blade holder portion may be in contact with the carbon fiber of the blade holder portion to provide structural support to the carbon fiber of the blade holder portion. For example, the metal of the blade holder portion may be formed in the shape of a supportive frame to which is attached or bonded the carbon fiber to the exterior of the blade holder portion. The blade holder portion may therefore resemble blade holder 100 albeit with portions of blade holder 100 removed for weight-saving purposes. Figure 18 illustrates such an example of an integral boot and blade holder. As can be seen in Figure 18, ice skate 200 includes a boot portion 210 integrally formed with a blade holder portion 220, as described above.Interpretation of Terms

[0226] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:• “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”;• “connected”, “coupled”, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof;• “herein”, “above”, “below”, and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification;“or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms. These terms (“a”, “an”, and “the”) mean one or more unless stated otherwise;• “and / or” is used to indicate one or both stated cases may occur, for example A and / or B includes both (A and B) and (A or B);• where a feature is described as being “optional” or “optionally” present or described as being present “in some embodiments” it is intended that the present disclosure encompasses embodiments where that feature is present and other embodiments where that feature is not necessarily present and other embodiments where that feature is excluded. Further, where any combination of features is described in this application this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology such as "solely," "only" and the like in relation to the combination of features as well as the use of "negative" lim itation(s)” to exclude the presence of other features; and• “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or indicating the number of indicated technical features.

[0227] Words that indicate directions such as “vertical”, “transverse”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “backward”, “inward”, “outward”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “under”, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.

[0228] Where a range for a value is stated, the stated range includes all sub-ranges of the range. It is intended that the statement of a range supports the value being at an endpoint of the range as well as at any intervening value to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, as well as any subrange or sets of sub ranges of the range unless the context clearly dictates otherwise or any portion(s) of the stated range is specifically excluded. Where the stated range includes one or both endpoints of the range, ranges excluding either or both of those included endpoints are also included.

[0229] Certain numerical values described herein are preceded by "about" or “approximately”. In this context, "about" or “approximately” provides literal support for the exact numerical value that it precedes, the exact numerical value ±10%, as well as all other numerical values that are near to or approximately equal to that numerical value. Unless otherwise indicated a particular numerical value is included in "about" or “approximately” a specifically recited numerical value where the particular numerical value provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited numerical value in the context in which the specifically recited numerical value is presented. For example, a statement that something has the numerical value of “about 10” is to be interpreted as: the set of statements:• in some embodiments the numerical value is 10;• in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of 9.0 to 11.0; and if from the context the person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that values within a certain range are substantially equivalent to 10 because the values with the range would be understood to provide substantially the same result as the value 10 then “about 10” also includes:• in some embodiments the numerical value is in the range of C to D where C and D are respectively lower and upper endpoints of the range that encompasses all of those values that provide a substantial equivalent to the value 10.

[0230] Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible to the embodiments of this disclosure. The disclosure extends to variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and / or acts with equivalent features, elements and / or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and / or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and / or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and / or acts of other technology; and / or omitting combining features, elements and / or acts from described embodiments.

[0231] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features which may be readily separated from or combined with the features of any other described embodiment(s) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0232] Any aspects described above in reference to apparatus may also apply to methods and vice versa.

[0233] Any recited method can be carried out in the order of events recited or in any other order which is logically possible. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, simultaneously or at different times.

[0234] Various features are described herein as being present in “some embodiments”. Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments. Embodiments of the disclosure may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. All possible combinations of such features are contemplated by this disclosure even where such features are shown in different drawings and / or described in different sections or paragraphs. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that “some embodiments” possess feature A and “some embodiments” possess feature B should be interpreted as an express indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combine features A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features A and B are fundamentally incompatible). This is the case even if features A and B are illustrated in different drawings and / or mentioned in different paragraphs, sections or sentences.

[0235] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

Claims1 . A blade holder for an ice skate, comprising: a body comprising one or more posts, at least one of the one or more posts comprising a mounting surface positioned at a top of the post and for attaching the post to a boot of the ice skate; a groove formed in the body and configured to receive a blade of the ice skate; and a locking device configured, when the blade is received in the groove, to selectively lock or release the blade from the blade holder, wherein the body comprises a metal.

2. The blade holder of claim 1 , wherein the at least one post further comprises one or more outer sidewalls connected to the mounting surface and at least partially surrounding a cavity internal to the post.

3. The blade holder of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the one or more posts include a front post and a rear post; and the body further comprises a mid-beam connecting the front post and the rear post.

4. The blade holder of claim 3, wherein: wherein the at least one post further comprises one or more outer sidewalls connected to the mounting surface and at least partially surrounding a cavity internal to the post; and the cavity extends from the top of the post, toward a bottom of the post, and below at least a portion of the mid-beam.

5. The blade holder of claim 3 or 4, wherein each of the front post and the rear post comprises: a mounting surface positioned at a top of the post and for attaching the post to the boot; and one or more outer sidewalls connected to the mounting surface and at least partially surrounding a cavity internal to the post.

6. The blade holder of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one post further comprises: a channel connecting the cavity to the groove.

7. The blade holder of any one of claims 1-6, wherein: the body defines a longitudinal axis of the blade holder; and the one or more outer sidewalls include one or more portions positioned laterally relative to the longitudinal axis.

8. The blade holder of claim 2, wherein the cavity is generally V-shaped.

9. The blade holder of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the blade holder consists entirely of one or more metals.

10. The blade holder of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the metal is aluminum.

11. The blade holder of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the metal is an aluminum alloy.

12. The blade holder of claim 2, wherein the at least one post further comprises: one or more recessed portions extending along at least one of the one or more outer sidewalls and for increasing a strength of the post.

13. The blade holder of claim 12, wherein each recessed portion extends from the top of the post and toward the groove.

14. The blade holder of claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one post comprises: multiple recessed portions extending along the at least one outer sidewall and for increasing a strength of the post.

15. The blade holder of any one of claims 12-14, wherein a width of each recessed portion is greatest near the top of the post.

16. The blade holder of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the body is manufactured by computer numerical control (CNC) machining.

17. The blade holder of any one of claims 1-16, wherein a surface of the body comprises grooves extending therealong and indicative that the body was manufactured by computer numerical control (CNC) machining.

18. The blade holder of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the groove has a width of [0.115, 0.130] inches.

19. The blade holder of claim 18, wherein the groove has a width of [0.120, 0.125] inches.

20. The blade holder of any one of claims 1-19, wherein:the at least one post comprises a channel connecting the cavity to the groove; and the locking device comprises: a latch located at least partially within the cavity, the latch comprising: a connector fixed to the body; and a hook, wherein the hook is integrally connected to the connector by a flex region such that the hook can be pivoted between a locked position and an unlocked position by deformation of the flex region.

21. A blade holder assembly comprising: a blade holder according to any one of claims 1-20; and the blade of the ice skate for inserting into the groove.

22. The blade holder assembly of claim 21 , wherein the blade has a thickness of [0.112, 0.129] inches.

23. The blade holder assembly of claim 22, wherein the blade has a thickness of [0.119, 0.124] inches.

24. The blade holder assembly of any one of claims 21-23, wherein the blade and the groove are configured such that the blade may be inserted into the groove up to a depth of [0.195, 0.205] inches.

25. The blade holder assembly of claim 24, wherein the blade and the groove are configured such that the blade may be inserted into the groove up to a depth of [0.199, 0.201] inches.

26. The blade holder assembly of any one of claims 21-25, wherein, when the blade is received in the groove, a spacing between the blade and a side of the groove is [0.002, 0.003] inches.

27. The blade holder assembly any one of claims 21-26, wherein the blade and the groove are configured such that, when the blade is received in the groove, a deflection of the blade during use of the ice skate is about 0.015 inches under 300 pounds of load applied at a 45- degree angle to an edge of the blade.

28. A blade holder assembly consisting of only three integrally formed components: a blade holder comprising:a body comprising a metal and one or more posts, at least one of the one or more posts comprising a mounting surface positioned at a top of the post and for attaching the post to a boot of an ice skate; and a groove formed in the body; a blade for inserting into the groove of the blade holder; and a locking device configured to be press fit into the blade holder and for selectively locking or releasing the blade from the blade holder.

29. A blade holder assembly for an ice skate, comprising: a body comprising one or more posts, at least one of the one or more posts comprising a mounting surface positioned at a top of the post and for attaching the post to a boot of the ice skate; a groove formed in the body and configured to receive a blade of the ice skate; and a locking device for securing to the body and configured, when the blade is received in the groove, to selectively lock or release the blade from the blade holder, wherein the body comprises a metal.

30. An ice skate comprising: a boot portion for receiving a foot of a user; and a blade holder portion integrally formed with the boot portion and comprising: one or more posts, at least one of the one or more posts having one or more outer sidewalls integrally formed with the boot portion; and a groove configured to receive a blade of the ice skate, wherein the blade holder portion comprises a metal.

31. The ice skate of claim 30, wherein the boot portion comprises carbon fiber.

32. The ice skate of claim 30 or 31 , wherein the blade holder portion further comprises carbon fiber and the metal is in contact with the carbon fiber of the blade holder portion to provide structural support to the carbon fiber of the blade holder portion.

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