Double klap flex base boot with heel linkage Number:7,419,187 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent A skate includes a midskate hinge in the shoe to preferentially flex the shoe base at the metatarsal area, a forward hinge to allow the rear of the shoe to be raised in relation to the rear of the skate frame, and a third hinge to laterally stabilize the rear of the shoe as the shoe base is flexed.<H linkage, Double, Double, klap, fle, 7419187.html, Patent, pto, 7419187

Title: Double klap flex base boot with heel linkage

Abstract: A skate includes a midskate hinge in the shoe to preferentially flex the shoe base at the metatarsal area, a forward hinge to allow the rear of the shoe to be raised in relation to the rear of the skate frame, and a third hinge to laterally stabilize the rear of the shoe as the shoe base is flexed.

Patent Number: 7,419,187 Issued on 09/02/2008 to Haugen, et al.

Inventors: Haugen; Darrin J (Seattle, WA), Svensson; John E (Vashon, WA)
Assignee: K-2 Corporation (Seattle, WA)

Appl. No.: 11/084,178

Filed: March 17, 2005

Related U.S. Patent Documents


Application Number	Filing Date	Patent Number	Issue Date
10743428	Dec., 2003	6921093
10188737	Jul., 2002	6666463
09632453	Aug., 2000
09094425	Jun., 1998	6120040
08957436	Oct., 1997	6082744

Current U.S. Class: 280/841 ; 280/11.224; 280/11.27

Current International Class: A63C 1/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 280/11.231-233,11.221,11.224,11.19,11.14,11.15,841,11.27,11.28

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Primary Examiner: Ellis; Christopher
Assistant Examiner: Coolman; Vaughn T
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Christensen O'Connor Johnson Kindness PLLC

Parent Case Text

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/743,428, filed Dec. 22, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/188,737, filed Jul. 2, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/632,453, filed Aug. 4, 2000, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/094,425, filed Jun. 9, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,040, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/957,436, filed Oct. 24, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,744. All the above applications are incorporated herein expressly by reference.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A skate, comprising: (a) a shoe having a shoe base defining a front and back shoe base portion; (b) a binding member defining a front and back portion, wherein the front portion of the shoe base is connected to the front portion of the binding member; (c) a frame defining a front and back frame portion, wherein the frame supports gliding means, and the front portion of the frame is connected to the front portion of the binding member; (d) a first hinge between the front shoe base portion and the back shoe base portion to permit the back of the shoe to be raised in relation to the back of the binding member; (e) a second hinge between the front of the binding member and the front of the frame to permit the back of the binding member to be raised in relation to the back of the frame; and (f) a third hinge located between the back of the shoe base and the back of the binding member to stabilize the back of the shoe as the back of the shoe is raised in relation to the back of the binding member.

2. The skate of claim 1, wherein the skate comprises a front and rear shoe base portion connected to one another via a midskate hinge.

3. The skate of claim 1, wherein the skate comprises a shoe base that preferentially flexes at the metatarsal area.

4. The skate of claim 1, wherein the skate comprises a shoe base having a transverse elongated aperture at about the metatarsal area to preferentially flex the shoe base at the metatarsal area.

5. The skate of claim 1, wherein the skate comprises a shoe base having a unitary base with a reduced thickness at about the metatarsal area to preferentially flex the shoe base at the metatarsal area.

6. The skate of claim 1, wherein the skate comprises a shoe base having an elongated transversely positioned aperture at about the metatarsal area to preferentially flex the shoe base at the metatarsal area.

7. The skate of claim 1, wherein the skate comprises a shoe base having an elastomeric or composite bellows-type joint at about the metatarsal area to preferentially flex the shoe base at the metatarsal area.

8. The skate of claim 1, wherein the gliding means comprise a plurality of in-line wheels or a blade.

9. The skate of claim 1, wherein the third hinge comprises a first and second arm, wherein one arm connects to the back of the binding member, one arm connects to the back of the shoe base, and the first and second arms are connected to each other.

10. A klap skate, comprising: a frame having one or more gliding means for traversing across a surface; a shoe with a shoe base attached to the frame via a klap frame member; the shoe base preferentially flexes at about the metatarsal area so that the shoe base flexes to create a first separation distance between the klap frame member and the shoe base, wherein the rear of the shoe base is connected to the rear of the klap frame member; and the klap frame member extending generally the length of the shoe base and pivotably attached to the front of the frame so that the klap frame member pivots to create a second separation distance between the frame and the klap frame member, wherein the separation of the rear of the shoe base with the frame is the combined first and second separation distances.

11. The skate of claim 10, wherein the skate comprises a front and rear shoe base portion connected to one another via a midskate hinge.

12. The skate of claim 10, wherein the shoe base flexes before the klap frame member pivots.

13. The skate of claim 10, wherein the shoe base includes a transverse elongated aperture at about the metatarsal area to preferentially flex the shoe base at the metatarsal area.

14. The skate of claim 10, wherein the shoe base comprises a unitary base with a reduced thickness at about the metatarsal area to preferentially flex the shoe base at the metatarsal area.

15. The skate of claim 10, wherein the shoe base includes an elongated transversely positioned aperture at about the metatarsal area to preferentially flex the shoe base at the metatarsal area.

16. The skate of claim 10, wherein the shoe base comprises an clastomcric or composite bellows-type joint at about the metatarsal area to preferentially flex the shoe base at the metatarsal area.

17. The skate of claim 10, wherein the gliding means comprise a plurality of in-line wheels or a blade.

18. The skate of claim 10, further comprising a hinge having a first and second arm, wherein one arm connects to the back of the klap frame member, one arm connects to the back of the shoe base, and the first and second arms are connected to each other.

19. An ice skate, comprising: (a) a shoe that preferentially flexes at about the metatarsal area; (b) a frame that supports a blade; (c) a pivoting member that is connected to the front of the frame, and wherein the front of the shoe is connected to the front of the pivoting member; and (d) a linkage that connects the back of the shoe to the back of the pivoting member.

20. A skate, comprising: (a) a shoe having a shoe base defining a front and back shoe base portion; (b) a binding member defining a front and back portion, wherein the front portion of the shoe base is connected to the front portion of the binding member; (c) a frame defining a front and back frame portion, wherein the frame supports gliding means, and the front portion of the frame is connected to the front portion of the binding member; (d) a first hinge between the front shoe base portion and the back shoe base portion to permit the back of the shoe to be raised in relation to the back of the binding member; (e) a second hinge between the front of the binding member and the front of the frame to permit the back of the binding member to be raised in relation to the back of the frame; and (f) wherein the first hinge is configured to preferentially flex a predetermined amount before substantial flexing of second hinge occurs.

21. The skate of claim 13, wherein the back of the shoe base and the back of the klap frame member are connected to each other.

22. A method for sequencing the operation of a double-hinged skate having a midskate hinge that allows flexing of the shoe base at the metatarsal region, and a forward hinge that allows pivoting of a binding plate on which the shoe rests, the method comprising connecting the rear of the shoe base to the binding plate to limit the amount of flex at the shoe base metatarsal region to allow raising the rear of the shoe base from a resting position to a raised position in relation to the rear of the binding plate before allowing pivoting of the binding plate from a resting position to a raised position.

23. The skate of claim 1, wherein the skate is configured to flex at the first hinge before the second hinge.

24. The skate of claim 10, wherein the skate is configured to flex at the metatarsal area before pivoting of the klap frame member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to klap skates and, more particularly, to klap skates with flexible shoe bases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, in-line roller skates and ice skates generally include an upper shoe portion secured by a base to a frame supporting wheels or an ice blade. The upper shoe portion provides the support for the skater's foot, while the frame rigidly attaches the wheels or blade to the shoe. When skating on traditional skates, particularly during thrusting, difficulties are encountered in efficiently transferring the thrust from the skater to the ground. The inefficiencies are due in part, to the frame being rigidly attached to the base of the skate, which decreases the effectiveness of the thrust, as well as the comfort for the skater.

Efficiently imparting thrust to the skate during the skating stroke is especially important to speed skaters. Because of the rigid attachment of the frame to the base, speed skaters are coached not to plantarflex their ankle during the push-off phase of the stroke. The term "plantarflex" is commonly used in the art to describe the rotation of the foot relative to the leg, where the fore foot moves distally from the leg. No plantarflexion at the ankle keeps the blade flat on the ice and prevents the tip of the blade from digging into the ice, thereby causing an increase in friction and reducing the skater's speed. If, however, the skater is permitted to plantarflex his or her ankles during the skate stroke, the fore foot will be able to move distally and allow the calf muscles to generate more power during the skate stroke when compared to a stroke where plantarflexion is prevented or discouraged. Thus, a skate that permits ankle plantarflex should allow a skater to generate more power and speed, in addition to reducing the risk of digging the blade's tip into the surface the skater is traversing.

Prior attempts at allowing ankle plantarflexion have resulted in complicated linkage mechanisms that move the instantaneous point of rotation between the boot and blade forward as the heel lifts. Such a linkage mechanism often results in a skate that is too heavy because of the multiple links. Other attempts at permitting ankle plantarflexion have used a single-hinge joint between the blade and boot, thereby hingedly connecting the blade to the boot. The hinge is located below the boot, between the metatarsal head and toe end of the boot. While a single-hinge point attachment system is lighter, current models fail to prevent medial to lateral motion of the blade relative to the boot when the heel is lifted because of a narrow hinge, thus resulting in an unstable skating stroke.

Also, when the heel is lifted, the force from the boot to the blade is transferred through the hinge point. Thus, the skater cannot change the location of the center of pressure on the blade. This produces an unstable platform from which the skater can apply thrust through the blade.

An additional drawback to skates having a single hinge joint stems from the shoe portion of the skate. As briefly noted above, skates traditionally have a boot or shoe portion that has a rigid or semi-rigid base that impedes the foot from flexing at the ball of the foot during the skating motion, thereby restricting the natural movement in the foot, which occurs during locomotion, and preventing a skater from generating the maximum power from the skate stroke.

Thus, there exists a need for a skate that would permit ankle plantarflexion during a skating stroke, that is also lightweight, stable, and a boot that can allow flexion at the ball of the foot. U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,744 to Allinger et al. addresses these issues to overcome the limitations currently encountered by providing a skate that has a first hinge member defined in the metatarsal head region to provide flexing of the shoe base and a second hinge member that is located substantially at the toe end of the boot to allow plantar flexion of the ankle. The second hinge permits the shoe, as a whole, to pivot in relation to the horizontal surface. However, Allinger et al. failed to address the problem of lateral or sideways stability of the shoe in relation to the frame when the skater plantar flexes the ankle. During the skating stroke involving plantar flexing, the heel of the shoe is moved up and away from the frame with the only attachment being at the front of the shoe, making the heel prone to lateral movement. Furthermore, some skaters may desire to have control over which hinge should flex first. The double-hinged skate as described in the '744 patent has the ability to flex both at the shoe base and to flex the shoe, as a whole, with respect to the frame. However, the construction of the skate described in the '744 patent makes it difficult to have control over which hinge flexes first. Some skaters may desire to flex the metatarsal region of the shoe base prior to plantar flexing the entire shoe in order to provide a more natural movement. The present invention provides a flexing shoe base, double hinged skate, capable of plantar flexing with a stabilizing rear heel hinge. Furthermore, the skate in accordance with the present invention, makes it possible for a skater to substantially flex the metatarsal region of the shoe base first, followed by flexing the shoe, as a whole, with respect to the frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a skate, either an ice skate or an inline skate having a shoe base defining a front and back shoe base portion, a binding member defining a front and back portion, wherein the front portion of the shoe base is connected to the front portion of the binding member, and a frame defining a front and back frame portion, wherein the frame supports gliding means, and the front portion of the frame is connected to the front portion of the binding member. The skate includes first, second, and third hinge members. A first hinge is between the front shoe base portion and the back shoe base portion to permit the back of the shoe to be raised in relation to the back of the binding member. The second hinge is between the front of the binding member and the front of the frame to permit the back of the binding member to be raised in relation to the back of the frame. The third hinge is located between the back of the shoe base and the back of the binding member to stabilize the back of the shoe as the back of the shoe is raised in relation to the back of the binding member. The gliding means can include inline wheels or an ice skating blade.

The present invention relates to a skate boot that is hingedly attached to an elongated bearing member capable of traversing a surface. The boot has an upper shoe portion adapted to receive a foot and a sole defining a heel end, a metatarsal portion having a metatarsal head area, and a toe end. The boot further includes a first hinge member defined in the metatarsal portion thereof to permit the boot to flex in the metatarsal region while the toe end remains substantially parallel with a horizontal plane defined by the bearing member. The boot also includes a second hinge member attached to the sole of the boot, near the toe end, that hingedly attaches the boot to the bearing member. The second hinge member defines a second pivot point, such that as the boot hinges at the second hinge member and about a lateral axis defined relative to the longitudinal direction of the bearing member, the skater is able to push-off from the second hinge member. The boot also includes an elongate frame that is disposed between and attaches the sole of the boot to the bearing member. The skate further includes a third hinge member that connects the rear of the sole of the boot to the rear of the bearing member. The third heel hinge provides lateral stability to the rear of the boot.

In a first embodiment, the upper surface of the frame defines an upwardly projecting mid-boot mount adapted to support the boot at a predetermined location near the metatarsal head area of the sole. The embodiment includes an elongate support plate having a forward end hingedly connected to the frame and a rearward end that extends at least to behind the metatarsal head area of the sole. The mid-boot mount engages the support plate near the metatarsal head area, thereby providing stable support for the support plate. In the embodiment, the mid-boot mount engages the support plate behind the metatarsal head area.

In another aspect of the present invention, the first hinge member includes a heel shell and a fore foot shell. The heel shell is attached to the sole of the boot and defines a forward end and a rearward end. The toe shell is attached to the sole of the boot and defines a rearward end that is hingedly attached to the forward end of the heel shell to permit the boot to flex in the metatarsal head region of the foot, while the toe end of the boot remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.

In a second embodiment, the first hinge member includes a base plate that is attached to the sole of the boot and extends between the toe and heel ends of the boot. The base plate has a natural flexing member defined therein and corresponds to the metatarsal head area of the boot. The natural flexing member permits the boot to flex in the metatarsal portion, while the toe end of the boot remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.

The skate of the present invention provides several advantages over currently available skates. The skate of the present invention provides a first hinge member defined in the metatarsal head area of the upper shoe portion and a second hinge member that pivotally attaches the skate to the skate frame. The first and second hinge members permit the skate to flex in both the metatarsal head area and the toe area of the boot. The skate of the present invention also has the added advantage of permitting the ankle to plantarflex and the fore foot to flex during the skate stroke, thereby permitting a skater to generate more power and, thus, speed. Additionally, plantarflexion prevents the tip of the blade from digging into the ice during the skate stroke. The skate of the present invention is also lighter in weight than those currently available. These advantages combine to define a skate having a double-hinge attachment design to permit skaters to plantarflex their ankle and to flex and extend their toes to generate more power and speed without the tip of the blade digging into the ice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 provides a side view of a skate constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, having a flexing base and split frame, with the skate illustrated in the nonflexed and nonloaded configuration;

FIG. 2 provides a side view of the skate of FIG. 1 with the skate in the flexed configuration;

FIG. 3 provides an exploded pictorial view of the skate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 provides a top plan view of the base of the skate of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 provides a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the base suitable for incorporation into the skate of FIG. 1, with interchangeable spring elements;

FIG. 6 provides a side view of a skate constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, having a rigid frame and flexing base, with the heel end of the base being free of the frame, shown in the unflexed configuration;

FIG. 7 provides a side view of the skate of FIG. 6 in the flexed configuration;

FIG. 8 provides a side view of alternate configuration of the skate of FIG. 6 including a brake element mounted on the base of the skate, in the unflexed configuration;

FIG. 9 provides a detailed, partial cross-sectional side elevation view of the skate of FIG. 8 in the flexed configuration, with the guide member shown in phantom;

FIG. 10 provides a side view of a skate constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention shown in an unflexed configuration;

FIG. 11 provides a side view of the skate of FIG. 10, with the skate in the flexed configuration;

FIG. 12 provides an exploded pictorial view of the skate of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 provides an isometric view of the forward and rearward frame segments of the skate of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 provides a side view of a skate constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, shown in an unflexed configuration;

FIG. 15 provides a side view of the skate of FIG. 14 with the skate in the flexed configuration;

FIG. 16 provides an exploded pictorial view of the skate of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 provides an isometric view of the forward and rearward frame segments of the skate of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a double-hinged skate of the present invention attached to an ice blade, having a first hinge defined in the metatarsal portion of the boot and a second hinge defined substantially in the toe end of the boot;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the double-hinged skate of FIG. 18 with the boot flexed around the first hinge member defined in the metatarsal portion of the boot to lift the heel end of the boot from the frame of the ice blade and the foot balancing on the forward portion of the foot from the metatarsal heads forward;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the double-hinged skate of FIG. 18 with the boot pivoting about the second hinge member defined substantially in the toe end of the boot, with the metatarsal head portion of the boot and first hinge member straightening out, thereby allowing maximum extension of the leg;

FIG. 21 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the double-hinged skate of the present invention, showing the first hinge member as an integral flexing member to permit the metatarsal head area of the boot to freely flex; and

FIG. 22 is a side view of the double-hinged skate of the present invention with the boot pivoting at a first and second hinge, and additionally at a third heel hinge to provide lateral stability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A first preferred embodiment of a flexing base skate 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The skate 10 includes an upper shoe portion 12 that receives and surrounds a skater's foot and ankle, and which is mounted on and secured to a base 14 that is flexible at least at one point along its length. The base 14 underlies and supports the user's foot. The base 14 is in turn secured to a split frame assembly 16 extending longitudinally beneath the base 14. A plurality of wheels 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d are journaled between first and second opposing longitudinal sidewalls of the frame assembly 16.

The base 14 includes a forefoot region 20 that underlies and supports the ball and toes of the user's foot. The forefoot region 20 of the base includes a metatarsal head portion 22 that underlies the zone corresponding to the metatarsal head of a skater's foot. The base 14 extends rearwardly, terminating in a heel region 24 underlying the skater's heel. The frame assembly 16 includes a forward frame segment 26 secured to the forefoot region 20 of the base 14, and a rearward frame segment 28 that is secured to the heel region 24 of the base 14. As used herein throughout, "forward" refers to the direction of the forefoot region 20 of the skate, while the term "rearward" refers to the opposing direction of the heel region 24 of the skate.

The inclusion of a forward frame segment 26 and a rearward frame segment 28, and the formation of the base 14 to permit flexure intermediate of the forward and rearward ends of the base 14, permit the skater's foot and the upper shoe portion 12 to flex during the skating stroke. The base 14 and upper shoe portion 12 flex from a lower position, illustrated in FIG. 1, in which the front and rear frame segments 26, 28 are longitudinally aligned, and a flexed, upper position illustrated in FIG. 2, in which the heel region 24 of the base 14 and rearward frame segment 28 pivot upwardly relative to the forefoot region 20 of the base 14 and forward frame segment 26. Each of the components of the skate 10 will now be described in greater detail.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper shoe portion 12 is of conventional construction, surrounding the toes, sides, heels, and ankle of a user's foot. The upper shoe portion 12 includes a vamp 29, a tongue, and a closure, such as a lace system. The upper shoe portion 12 illustrated is supported by a rigid or semirigid internal heel cup and ankle cuff (not shown), which helps vertically stabilize the skate. Other conventional upper shoe portion constructions are also within the scope of the present invention, including flexible uppers reinforced by external ankle cuffs and heel cups. The upper shoe portion 12 is constructed at least partially from flexible materials so that the upper shoe portion 12 will flex together with the base 14.

The base 14 is best viewed in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. The base 14 has an upper surface 30 (FIG. 4) that receives and supports the undersides of the upper shoe portion 12. The base 14 is secured to the upper shoe portion 12 by any conventional method, including bolting, riveting, stitching, and adhesive lasting. While the base 14 is illustrated as separate from the upper shoe portion 12, it should also be understood that the base 14 could be integrally formed with the upper shoe portion 12, so long as the upper shoe portion 12 and base 14 accommodate flexing in the manner to be described further herein. The upper surface 30 of the base 14 is bordered by a raised lip surrounding the perimeter of the base 14. The lip extends upwardly at the rear and forward ends to partially surround the lower edges of the toes and heels of the user.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the base 14 includes a lower surface 39 that is supported by longitudinally oriented ribs 41 extending along the inner and outer longitudinal sides of the lower surface 39 of the base 14. The ribs 41, formed as increased thickness sections of the base 14, serve to rigidize the heel region 24 and a forward portion of the forefoot region 20 of the base 14. However, the ribs 41 do not extend longitudinally below the metatarsal head portion 22 of the forefoot region 20 of the base. Thus, the effective thickness of the metatarsal portion 22 of the base 14 is reduced relative to the thickness of the surrounding regions of the base 14. This reduced thickness enables the base 14 to flex at the metatarsal head portion 22 and, more specifically, focuses the flexure of the base 14 at the metatarsal head portion 22, in a gradual arc along the length of the metatarsal head portion, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The ability of the metatarsal head portion 22 to flex is further enhanced by the formation of a transverse, elongate aperture 42 through the metatarsal head portion 22. The aperture 42 extends transversally and centrally across approximately half of the width of the metatarsal head portion 22, and also extends forwardly and rearwardly across the majority of the length of the metatarsal head portion 22. This aperture 42 serves to further concentrate the stress of flexure on the metatarsal head portion 22. Moreover, the aperture 42 is formed with a transverse elongate ovoid configuration, serving to further focus the flexure along the centerline of the metatarsal head portion 22. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the base 14 and upper shoe portion 12 flex at the anatomically preferred position just below the metatarsal head, following the natural contour of the metatarsal head as it flexes.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 3 to describe the construction of the split frame assembly 16. Each of the forward frame segment 26 and the rearward frame segment 28 has an independent torsion box construction. The forward frame segment 26 has a top wall 31 extending rearwardly from immediately below a forward toe portion of the forefoot region 20 of the base 14, to just forwardly of the metatarsal head portion 22.

The forward frame segment 26 further includes left and right opposing sidewalls 32 that are oriented longitudinally relative to the length of the base 14. The rear frame segment 28 correspondingly includes a top wall 34 and longitudinal left and right sidewalls 36. The top wall 34 runs from beneath an arch portion of the heel region 24 of the base 14, to the rear end of the heel region 24. A weight-reducing aperture 38 is cut out from the center of the top wall 34.

The top walls 31 and 34 of the forward and rearward frame segments 26 and 28 are horizontally oriented, with the sidewalls 32 and 36 projecting perpendicularly downward therefrom. Each frame segment 26, 28 is completed by a series of lower horizontal braces 40 spanning between the left and right sidewalls 32 of the forward frame segment 26 and the left and right sidewalls 36 of the rearward frame segment 28. The lower braces are parallel to and spaced downwardly from the top walls 31 and 34, and are oriented between the wheels 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d.

Specifically, the forward frame segment 26 carries a first forward wheel 18a and a second forward wheel 18b journaled between the opposing sidewalls 32. Each wheel includes a center hub and bearing assembly 44 that is mounted rotatably on an axle 45 that is inserted through aligned apertures 46 of the sidewalls 32 and are retained by cap screws 48. In the forward segment 26 of the frame, a single horizontal brace 40 is disposed between the first forward wheel 18a and the second forward wheel 18b. The rearward frame segment 28 similarly carries a first rearward wheel 18c and a second rearward wheel 18d journaled between its sidewalls 36 on axles 45. A first horizontal brace 40 (not shown) is formed between the sidewalls 36 just forwardly of the first rearward wheel 18c, and a second horizontal brace (not shown) is formed between the first and second rearward wheels 18c and 18d. The top walls, sidewalls, and lower horizontal braces of the forward and rearward segments 26, 28 thus complete for each frame segment a stiff, elongate, box-like structure having good torsional rigidity. The torsional rigidity provided by the horizontal braces 40 (not shown) is desirable, but a frame constructed without crossbracing would also be within the scope of the present invention. Likewise, alternate crossbracing, such as diagonal internal crossbracing or external braces extending down from the base 14, could be utilized. The frame segments 26, 28 can be formed from any suitable rigid material, such as aluminum, titanium, other metals and alloys, engineering thermoplastics, and fiber-reinforced thermoplastics or thermosetting polymers.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the forward frame segment 26 includes left and right stabilizing flanges 50 secured to or integrally formed with the sidewalls 32 to form rearward extensions thereof. The stabilizing flanges 50 extend rearwardly of the innermost, i.e., second forward wheel 18b, toward the innermost, i.e., first rearward wheel 18c. The stabilizing flanges 50 can be welded (for metal materials), screwed, adhered, or riveted to the sidewalls 32 of the forward frame segment 26. Alternately, the forward frame segment 26 including the stabilizing flanges 50 can be integrally cast, molded or machined. The stabilizing flanges 50 have an internal spacing separating the two flanges such that they closely and slidably receive the forward ends of the sidewalls 36 of the rearward frame segment 28. In the preferred embodiment, the spacing between the stabilizing flanges 50 of the forward frame segment 26 is greater than the spacing between the remainder of the sidewalls 32 of the forward frame segment 26. Thus the sidewalls effectively expand externally, bending first laterally outward and then rearwardly, to define the stabilizing flanges 50.

FIG. 1 illustrates the stabilizing flanges 50 overlapping the forward ends of the sidewalls 36 of the rear frame segment 28. The overlap fit of the stabilizing flanges 50 and sidewalls 36 of the rear frame segment 28 is close, with the width from the outer surface of the left sidewall 36 to the outer surface of the right sidewall 36 being just slightly less than the width between the inner surfaces of the stabilizing flanges 50. This close fit is desirable so that the rearward frame segment 28 is substantially prevented from pivoting laterally, i.e., off longitudinal axis, relative to the forward frame segment 26. Thus, the stabilizing flanges 50 serve to torsionally couple the independent frame segments 26 and 28, particularly where the base 14 is unflexed as illustrated in FIG. 1. The frame segments 26 and 28 are coupled only by this overlap, and by virtue of both being secured to the base 14, and are preferably otherwise independent.

This stabilizing overlap continues at least partially during all stages of flexure of the base 14.

To further increase the torsional rigidity of the frame assembly 16, the stabilizing flanges 50 are reinforced by a transverse stabilizing pin 52 inserted through aligned apertures formed through lower edge portions of the flanges 50. The stabilizing pin 52 is retained in place by a head on one end and a cap screw or a flare formed on the other end. The stabilizing pin 52 prevents the stabilizing flanges 50 from undesirably flaring outward or bending away from each other during use, maintaining them in spaced parallel disposition.

The forward ends of the sidewalls 36 of the rearward frame segment 28 each include a notch-like recess 54 that receives and accommodates the stabilizing pin 52 when the frame segments 26 and 28 are longitudinally aligned in the unflexed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. This notch 54 allows the stabilizing pin 52 to be set rearwardly as far as possible for maximum transverse stabilization. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the rearward ends of the stabilizing flanges 50 taper downwardly in vertical width as they extend rearwardly. Conversely, the forward ends of the sidewalls 36 taper forwardly and upwardly in vertical width as they extend forwardly. This construction allows for maximum overlapping of the stabilizing flanges 50 and sidewalls 36. However, other configurations, including blunt ends on both the stabilizing flanges 50 and sidewalls 36, are possible. Further, rather than including distinct stabilizing flanges 50, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the sidewalls 32 of the forward frame segment 26 could simply have a greater width, or a rearward portion of the sidewalls 32 could be bent to define a greater width, to accommodate the rearward frame segment 28--all within the scope of the present invention.

Further, the stabilizing flanges could alternately be mounted on the rearward frame segment 28 and overlap the forward frame segment 26. Additionally, rather than side flanges, differing longitudinal projection(s) could be included on either the forward or rearward frame segment 26 or 28 to be closely and slidably received within a corresponding slot, recess, or space in the other of the forward or rearward frame segments.

Other than the overlapping of the stabilizing flanges 50, the forward and rearward frame segments 26 and 28 are independent of each other. Thus, the forward and rearward segments 26 and 28 are free to pivot and slide relative to each other during flexure of the base 14, without restriction. To further facilitate this sliding pivotal movement of the forward and rearward frame segments 26 and 28, a low friction surface, such as a Teflon.TM. fluoride polymer pad 56, is preferably applied to the exterior of the forward ends of each of the sidewalls 36 of the rearward frame segment 28. Alternately, the low friction pads 56 can be applied to the interior of the stabilizing flanges 50, or to both the stabilizing flanges 50 and the rear frame segment 28, although low friction materials, such as nylon pads, or bearings, could also be utilized. Thus, frictional resistance between movement of the forward and rearward frame segments 26 and 28 is minimized. The flexure of the base 14 is limited only by the skater's foot positioning and activity and the biasing of the base 14 (to be discussed below), rather than by the frame assembly 16.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the frame assembly 16 includes a mechanism for selectively locking the forward frame segment 26 to the rearward frame segment 28, so that the frame assembly 16 becomes rigid along its length. This may be desired, for instance, by beginning skaters who may be more comfortable on a rigid frame. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, a locking pin 58 having a head on one end and spring loaded detent ball on the opposing end, may be inserted if desired through aligned apertures 60 formed in each of the stabilizing flanges 50 and the forward ends of the sidewalls 36 of the rear frame segment 28. When the base 14 is unflexed such that the forward and rearward frame segments are longitudinally aligned, as shown in FIG. 1, the locking pin may be inserted if desired. Removal of the locking pin 58, by pushing of the locking pin 58 with an Allen wrench or other tool from the detent side, restores the skate to the flexing configuration.

Referring again to FIG. 3, each of the forward and rearward frame segments 26 and 28 is mounted to the base 14 for independent lateral and horizontal adjustment. For this purpose, the base 14 includes a spaced series of four transverse mounting slots 62. Each mounting slot 62 is bordered by a downwardly projecting boss. Each mounting slot 62 is reinforced by a corresponding slotted metal plate molded or adhered within the base 14, midway between the upper surface 30 and the lower surface 39. The reinforcing plates may be suitably formed of a metal such as aluminum, and each defines a lip 63 projecting internally about the perimeter of the corresponding slot 62. The head of a stud 64 is received within each slot from the upper surface of the base 14, and rests on the lip 63 defined by the reinforcing plate. Each stud 64 includes an internally threaded stem that extends downwardly through the slot 62 and lip 63. The studs 64 can be slid laterally from side to side along the length of the slots 62.

The top wall 31 of the forward frame segment 26 includes two longitudinally oriented mounting slots 66. The top wall 34 of the rearward frame segment 28 includes two longitudinally oriented mounting slots 66 as well. The longitudinal mounting slots 66 at the forward frame segment 26 are alignable with the two forwardmost transverse mounting slots 62 formed in the base 14. These forwardmost mounting slots 62 are formed within the forefoot region 20 of the base 14, just below the toes and just forwardly of the metatarsal head portion 22. Mounting bolts 68 are inserted from the underside of the forward frame segment 26, through the longitudinal slots 66 into the corresponding studs 64 to mount the forward frame segment 26 to the forefoot region 20 of the base 14. When the bolts 68 are loosely received in the studs 64, the forward frame segment 26 can be slid forwardly and rearwardly along the length of the slot 66, and can also be slid transversely left or right along the length of the slots 62. When the desired forward and rearward location and side to side location, as well as angulation, is achieved, the bolts 68 are tightened into the studs 64 to retain the forward frame segment in this position.

Similarly, mounting bolts 68 are inserted through the longitudinal slots 66 in the rearward frame segment 28, and into the studs 64 retained in the two rearmost transverse slots 62 of the heel region 24 of the base 14. The two rearmost transverse slots 62 are defined immediately below the heel and below the arch of the base 14. The rearward frame segment 28 can be longitudinally, laterally, and angularly adjusted, just as can the forward frame segment 26. The forward and rearward frame segments 26 and 28 can be adjusted independently of each other.

The adjustable mounting of the forward and rearward frame segments 26 and 28 makes possible the lengthening and shortening of the frame assembly 16 of the skate 10. A longer frame may be desired for increased speed, while a shorter frame may be desired for increased maneuverability. Likewise, the left and right positioning of the frame segments may be desired for individual skating styles to facilitate straight tracking or turning.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the mounting of the forefoot region 20 of the base 14 to the forward frame section 26 provides for a stable platform from which to push off of during the thrust portion of a skating stroke. Specifically, the point of flexure of the base 14, at the metatarsal head portion 22, is disposed either just above or forwardly of the axis of rotation of the innermost forward wheel 18b of the forward frame segment 26. The axis of rotation of the innermost forward wheel 18b is defined by the corresponding axle 45, and corresponds to the point of contact of the innermost forward wheel 18b with the ground. Thus, during flexure of the skate, when the rearward frame segment 28 and rearward wheels 18c and 18d are lifted off of the ground, a stable platform is still provided because the rearwardmost contact point with the ground provided by the wheel 18b is either immediately below or behind the point of flexure at the metatarsal head portion 22. This prevents the forward frame segment 26 from undesirably tipping upward, so that the forwardmost forward wheel 18a would rise off the ground during the thrust portion of the stroke.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the flexing skate 10 of the present invention preferably includes a biasing member to urge the base 14 downwardly to the lower or unflexed configuration of FIG. 1 and away from the upper or flexed configuration of FIG. 2. Preferably, this biasing is provided by a spring incorporated into the base 14 that is coplanar with the base 14. For example, the base 14 can be constructed from a resilient composite material, such as a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer reinforced by fibers. One suitable example of such a resilient composite material is an epoxy reinforced with plies of carbon fibers, woven at 45.degree.-angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the base 14. This construction results in the transverse metatarsal head portion 22 still retaining torsional stiffness, while also resiliently flexing longitudinally.

An alternate method of incorporating a spring into the base 14 is illustrated in FIG. 4. Specifically, a wide elongate recess 70 is formed in the upper surface 30 of the base 14. The recess 70 extends across a majority of the width of the base 14 and from the forward end of the toe region 20 of the base 14, just behind the forwardmost mounting slot 62, to approximately midway along the length of the base 14, just forwardly of the third mounting slot