Abstract: A novel tracking system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a long-range tracking device is incorporated into a removable footwear insole and a short-range tracking device is incorporated into another removable footwear insole. The long-range tracking device includes a location determining device, a wireless communication device, and a power source. In a more particular embodiment, the location determining device is a GPS receiver, and the communication device is a cellular modem.

Abstract: A method for operating with reconfigurable personal articles to enable targeted distributed mobile advertising is disclosed. A web server is provided for product registration. The web server receives identifying personal data from a mobile subscriber and stores the personal data in a database. Non-identifying demographic data is received from the mobile subscriber and stored in the database. A unique serial number associated with a reconfigurable article purchased by the mobile subscriber and is received and stored in the database, in association with the mobile subscriber. A portal accessible via the world wide web is created for the mobile subscriber. A patch having an advertisement thereon is sent to said mobile subscriber for display on the reconfigurable article, and advertisers are provided with electronic access to the non-identifying demographic data. A personal article with a reconfigurable surface substantially covering each exposed exterior surface is disclosed.

Abstract: A novel tracking system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a long-range tracking device is incorporated into a removable footwear insole and a short-range tracking device is incorporated into another removable footwear insole. The long-range tracking device includes a location determining device, a wireless communication device, and a power source. In a more particular embodiment, the location determining device is a GPS receiver, and the communication device is a cellular modem.

Abstract: A method and system for charging high voltage battery packs includes connecting a charger to a power source, connecting the charger to a battery pack, connecting a computer to a battery energy control module of the battery pack and charging the battery pack from the power source through the charger by running a software program on the computer and a system for conducting the method.

Abstract: A skate shoe apparatus may be used with a skate (e.g., an ice skate, a traditional roller skate or an inline skate) to provide a walking surface for a skater resembling that of a shoe or boot. The skate shoe apparatus includes a channel to receive a lower travel surface of a skate and support members to provide support (e.g., lateral support) for the skate and distribute lateral forces produced by the skate across the skate shoe apparatus. Additionally, the skate shoe apparatus prevents damage to the travel surface of a skate and increased safety when a skater wearing the skate walks on non-skating surfaces (e.g., walking in ice skates from a dressing area to the ice or across a parking lot to an arena or walking in traditional roller skates or inline skates in a store or restaurant).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a length adjustable skate blade guard. The blade guard includes a first guard surrounding at least portion of a lower surface of a skate blade and a front end of the skate blade. A second guard surrounds a remaining portion of the lower surface of the skate blade and a rear end of the skate blade. At least one extension block is coupled between the first guard and the second guard, and extends a length of the guard to correspond to a length of the skate blade. At least one elastic body is secured at opposite ends thereof to the first guard and the second guard, respectively, the elastic body elastically putting the facing first and second guards in close contact with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a skate guard having an elongated body piece with a longitudinal channel for receiving a skate blade, and an end piece adapted to pivot relative to the body piece. The end piece, which is adapted to receive an end portion of a skate blade, may be pivotally and detachably secured in a closed position whereby a skate blade is held within the guard. In a preferred embodiment, a biased latch member is provided in the end piece to further secure a blade within the guard and to enable a user to install the guard by a step-in process. The end piece is preferably connected to the body piece though an adapter piece that enables the guard to be configured for a variety of skate lengths and shapes. The skate guard preferably includes lateral stabilizing ball and heel segments for added stability when walking and installing the guard.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aesthetic and functional skating boot for roller skates, ice skates or inline skates having a lace-less cowboy boot outward appearance. From the exterior, the skate boot resembles a slip-on cowboy boot, comprising a continuous vamp region connecting to a quarter region that provides stability for the user's ankles or alternatively shrouds an internal lacing structure. A skate wheel or blade frame is affixed to the boot outsole and heel lift, connecting to at least two regions of the boot for support of the frame. Interior ankle support within the boot quarter comprises either increased ankle padding or alternatively an internal tongue and lacing structure, similar to a standard pair of laceable skates. Further disclosed is a rear brake or wheelie bar mounted to the boot in the style of a boot spur. The boot provides a fashionable exterior with adequate ankle support, preserving their functional performance.

Abstract: An ice skate strip-blade holder that provides a means to remove, replace, tension, and maintain tension in a strip-blade fastened and tensioned on the holder. In a preferred embodiment, the strip-blade holder assembly includes a front segment fixed to the skate plastic superstructure; a latched, pivoting rear segment arranged to apply and maintain tension in the strip-blade. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot and latch are positioned such that the pivot carries the majority of the tensile load maintained in the strip-blade and the latch carries a minor component of this tensile load. This arrangement provides for easy latch release. The latch provides release of the rear segment for subsequent pivoting and unhooking of the strip-blade for replacement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a skate guard for receiving a blade of an ice skate, the skate guard comprising a pouch and a corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: An ice skate comprising a blade and a chassis, the chassis being associated with the blade along one side of it, to support and apply the blade to the sole of a shoe for ice skates, wherein the chassis has a box structure, substantially a shell, made by at least one layer of prefixed material and including the blade at said one side, with a hard clamping of the blade between the sides of the shell structure so as to substantially realize a keel for the blade.

Abstract: An ice skate assembly for attachment to a boot has a skate blade and a blade heating arrangement mounted within a blade support. The blade is heated by resistive heating wire attached along a groove on each side of the blade. The blade is mounted in the support by an over-molded plastic strip which engages into a slot in the support as a wedged fit. A control circuit board is encapsulated on the top edge of the blade and connects to a battery pack is carried in the rear tower of the support. The blade is attached to the support by a screw for pulling the blade longitudinally of the blade and to draw an inclined wedge member formed by the over-molding into its receptacle.

Abstract: A covering for a skate incorporates a downwardly-directed LED illumination system. The covering is configured to wrap around and/or cover at least the lower portion of the shoe of the skate and may be formed of a flexible material such as cloth, or may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as a plastic or the like. The LED illumination system includes a first mount situated on a bottom side of the covering so as to be essentially parallel with a skating surface when the covering is situated on the skate and a second mount situated on another bottom side of the covering so as to be essentially parallel with the skating surface when the covering is situated on the skate. Each mount carries a plurality of LEDs so that the LEDs direct emanating light downward onto the skating surface. Circuitry, including a battery, switch and operating components/circuitry/logic, are carried on the inside of the covering and controls the lighting and/or lighting effects of the LEDs.

Abstract: An electronic music device for skaters is boot mounted and includes a sensor sensing skate states capturing forward backward direction of motion and inside outside lean. A sensory signal conditioning and calibration circuit converts mapped signals into audible tones. An audio amplifier powers wired or wireless headphones. The skater plays music with skates like a musician plays music on a musical instrument. The device tuned as different musical instruments, in a synchronized precision skating team allows musical composition performance. The skaters play the music with their skates creating musical and choreographic dance.

Abstract: Quick and reliable attachment of a goalie leg pad to a goalie skate is achieved by providing a fastener semi-permanently attached to the pad and releasably secured to an attachment point on the goalie skate. The fastener is suitable for use by goalies of all ages and abilities.

Abstract: The present invention is a retrofit appliqué kit for use with a sport skate and which includes a plurality of reinforcing articles, each exhibiting the features of flexibility and rigidity, and which are secured to exterior locations associated with the sport skate in order to provide localized protection and impact resistance. In one embodiment, the reinforced appliqués each exhibit an upper flexible rubber layer and a second rigid metal or aramid fiber based composite exhibiting a carbon backbone. In a further embodiment, a plurality of Keviar impregnated mat constructed reinforcing attachments are secured along the sides and rear of each hockey skate. A Kevlar mat tongue is securely fastened in place over a laced skate, by looping the straps around the underside of the skate boot through an aperture configured between the boot and the blade portion.

Abstract: A frame protector may include a first protective sidewall and a second protective sidewall, with at least one of these protective sidewalls sized so as to extend essentially from proximate the first end to proximate the second end of an underlying frame sidewall, as well as downward to a point proximate the lower edge of an underlying frame sidewall. The frame-protector sidewalls may be connected together via a frame-protector bottom wall. And if desired, the sidewalls and bottom wall may be formed so as to include a downwardly-facing arcuate surface.

Abstract: A toy car, boat, tank, truck, airplane and the like is made with two inter-connecting parts. The parts fit over a standard skate boot (roller-skate, in-line skate, etc.). Thus a toy is shown having an interconnecting front and rear module, which slips over a standard skate boot. Battery powered lights are shown.

Abstract: An exercise weight for a skate comprising a pair of similar elongated weight pieces. The skate comprises a boot, an elongated blade holder having spaced posts and a runner. The blade holder is secured to an underside of the boot and the runner is secured to blade holder. The weight is configured to be cooperatively releasably attached to the blade holder in a manner such that the weight pieces mateably conform to and engage with opposed side portions of the spaced posts below the boot and above the runner.

Abstract: The guard is formed of moldable, flexible material and has a number of wheel-receiving wells formed in an in-line configuration in its upper wall. The forward and rear edges of each well are located high enough to prevent a wheel from rolling forward or rearward within the well. Laterally extending grooves are formed in the wells to minimize forward and backward movement of the wheels within the wells while the side walls of the wells contact the side walls of the wheels in order to minimize lateral movement.

Abstract: A puck deflecting hockey skate covering includes a covering generally has the shape of a hockey skate and including a toe portion, a pair of side walls, a pair of ankle portions and a back wall. The covering has an open top side and an open bottom side. The covering comprises a substantially rigid material. An outer surface of the covering has a plurality of protrusions thereon. A strap has a first end and a second end wherein the first end is attached to a first of the side walls. A fastener removably fastens the second end of the strap to a second of the side walls such that the strap may selectively traverse the bottom side.

Abstract: A truck with a discrete shield for skateboards and the like is described. A base has at least one truck assembly affixed to the underside thereof that mounts wheels. The truck assembly defines a lower surface between the wheels that is susceptible to damage. A discrete sheet of material has a smooth, low-friction surface and is formed to encircle portions of the truck assembly so as to hold the sheet of material in a fixed position underlying and covering the lower surface of the truck with the smooth, low-friction surface directed downwardly.

Abstract: An attachment or a set for the front end of a ski for multiple of purposes, such as extending upwardly the length of the ski and/or widening the ski end, the attachment may be of one piece or two pieces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antiskid device which covers inline skate wheels and which can be folded onto itself so as to become half as long. In this way, it is much easier to conceal inside a pocket or a pouch.

Abstract: An backslide plate is designed for mating engagement in an opening in the outer side face of an in-line skate boot. The backslide plate has an arcuate outer slide guiding surface for contacting a sliding surface during sliding maneuvers. The plate is releasably secured in the boot opening by a releasable fastener device. In this way, the skater's foot will be in direct engagement with the backslide plate during maneuvers, providing improved control.

Abstract: Skate shields have a resiliently flexible protective shell with an upper portion curved so as to cover a medial side of the boot from near the toe to the instep and at least from the sole plate on the inner (medial) side of the boot over the boot to the outer (lateral) side of the boot. The protective shells are asymmetrically shaped, their continuity being broken in a location away from the medial side. The lower, inner medial edge of the upper shell is curved to contact and follow the medial side edge of the sole plate while a tongue extends transversely under the sole plate to hook the shield along the sole plate medial edge. The front end rests on the reinforced toe of the skate.

Abstract: A detachable roller skate comprises a boot comprising a front cavity, a rear cavity, and an elongate plate interconnected the cavities wherein each cavity has two resilient side protrusions and a rear projection; and a truck comprising a sole plate, an engagement plate threadedly secured to sole plate, a front abutment member on top of engagement plate having a neck and a rear projected member above neck, a rear opening in engagement plate, a front upright projection in rear opening, an internal spring receptacle, a channel extended from rear opening to a rear end of engagement plate, and a push block comprising a front flat, a rear elongated plate, a stop member above flat, two side grooves at stop member, an abutted member on top of stop member, and two side dents at abutted member being perpendicular to and in communication with side grooves. The invention can easily fasten boot and truck or unfasten the same.

Abstract: At least one walking member that may be used in conjunction with an in-line skate to enable the wearer of the in-line skate to walk while wearing the in-line skate.

Abstract: An backslide plate is designed for mating engagement in an opening in the outer side face of an in-line skate boot. The backslide plate has an arcuate outer slide guiding surface for contacting a sliding surface during sliding maneuvers. The plate is releasably secured in the boot opening by a releasable fastener device. In this way, the skater's foot will be in direct engagement with the backslide plate during maneuvers, providing improved control.

Abstract: A gliding device comprising a gliding member (200) and a sports shoe (5) associated to the gliding member. The sports shoe comprises an upper (8) and protection means for protecting the foot and the lower portion of the user's leg against impacts and other accidental events. Such protection means comprises one or more protection elements (12), which are associated at least to the upper.

Abstract: A skate (10) includes a base plate (11) pivotally carrying a platform plate (14) which can be the sole of a shoe (16). There is an aperture (18) in the base plate (11) so that when the platform plate (14) is adjacent to the base plate (11), a pad (17) on the platform plate (14) extends through the aperture (18) so that the user may walk on the skate (10). A frame (23) carries a drive shaft (20) which carries drive wheels (19). The drive shaft (20) is journalled in unidirectional bearings (21) and has a gear (32) which engages a threaded motor shaft (31) of a motor (27). A collar (38) has threads (37) which engage the threads (36) of a motor housing (33). When the motor (27) rotates in the one direction permitted by the unidirectional bearings (21), the drive wheels (19) will power the skate (10).

Abstract: At least one walking member is detachably connectable to an in-line skate to enable the wearer of the in-line skate to connect the walking member to the in-line skate, thus enabling the wearer to walk while wearing the in-line skate. Two walking members can be provided on alternative sides of the in-line skate wheels to provide a more stable platform for the wearer of the in-line skate. Since the two walking members are removable, the walking members do not detract from the aerodynamic and functional performance of the in-line skate, and can be manufactured together with the skate or, alternatively, can be added to the skate after purchase.

Abstract: A device for disabling or otherwise allowing the wearer of an in-line skate to walk on the in-line skate without activating the wheels may include a clamping member to clamp the wheels. A switch may be activated which in turn activates or deactivates the clamping member. A walking member may also be provided, the walking member being coupled to the skate and moveable between first and second positions. In the first position the walking member may be secured such that the wearer may walk on the walking member. In the second position, the walking member is positioned such that it will not interfere when skating.

Abstract: An inline roller skate frame assembly for attachment to a boot is provided which facilitates lateral sliding movement over a substrate. The frame assembly including a mounting flange adapted for attachment to the boot and a pair of laterally spaced parallel side rails depending from the mounting flange. The frame assembly has a plurality of wheels each of which is rotatably supported on a corresponding wheel axle. The opposing ends of each wheel axle are received in a respective one of the parallel side rails. At least one slider plate is carried on an external surface of one of the side rails. The slider plate has a beveled lower edge which defines a slide surface engageable with and slidable over a substrate with the wheels not contacting the substrate. The slider plate is arranged and configured to overlie at least a portion of the external surface of the side rail adjacent the toe and heel ends of the side rail.

Abstract: An ankle-pack device is disclosed which allows the user to utilize in-line skates as a means of transportation without the necessity for a shoe carrying device usually attached to the upper portions of the body such as a back pack or belt pack. Shoes can easily be carried directly next to the in-line skate utilizing the disclosed device while in motion as well. Thus, the ankle-pack system or device leaves the upper portions of the body uninhibited during skating. Also, ankle-pack is fitted with an expandable bottom to accommodate the larger in-line skate when they are to be carried after the conclusion of skating. An additional extension strap provides the length needed to carry the ankle-pack on the shoulder.

Abstract: An ice skate guard with a sharpener. The ice skate guard has a housing with a channel and a sharpener. The channel extends along the housing, and receives a skate blade. The sharpener is mounted in the housing and extends into the channel. When a skate blade is drawn through the channel the sharpener engages with the blade and sharpens the blade.

Abstract: A sports boot that includes an upper, an outer sole and at least one fastening member adapted to cooperate with an associated fastening member of a sports article, such as a snowboard, ski, or skate. The upper is provided at its lower end with a continuous peripheral belt, at least semi-rigid, and each fastening member of the boot is fixed on the peripheral belt. The peripheral belt can be arranged on the inside or on the outside of the upper.

Abstract: A thin curved body (1) forming a hook shape which grips the binding of the snowboard. There is a slot (3) or eyelet holes (2) used to mount the body to the users footwear.

Abstract: At least one walking member is detachably connectable to an in-line skate to enable the wearer of the in-line skate to connect the walking member to the in-line skate, thus enabling the wearer to walk while wearing the in-line skate. Two walking members can be provided on alternative sides of the in-line skate wheels to provide a more stable platform for the wearer of the in-line skate. Since the two walking members are removable, the walking members do not detract from the aerodynamic and functional performance of the in-line skate, and can be manufactured together with the skate or, alternatively, can be added to the skate after purchase.

Abstract: A walking sole which enables a person wearing in-line skates to walk freely. The walking sole includes a U-shaped member having a longitudinal trough into which a skate's wheels are inserted, and two slidably adjustable alignment posts which are brought into pressing contact with the outer wheels. Each post is securely fixed to the base of the U-shaped member by interfacing corrugations in its bottom surface with corrugations in the base upper surface before connecting the post and base with a bolt.

Abstract: A support and wear element for an in-line roller skate frame, adapted to be inserted between two lateral flanks of the frame and between two middle adjacent wheels, for practicing a so-called "aggressive" skating and, more specifically, for ensuring the transverse sliding of the skate on a longiline element, wherein the element has an arrangement for attachment on the frame which is constituted by vertical slide bars, facing each other on both sides of the internal surfaces of the flanks and cooperating with corresponding grooves obtained on the two lateral opposing surfaces of the support and wear element, such that its sliding mounting onto the flanks simultaneously ensures, on the one hand, its attachment and, on the other hand, the linkage of the flanks of the frame to one another in the transverse direction without secondary means, to constitute a single and coherent assembly with the frame.

Abstract: A new Cross Walkers for providing an attachment to existing roller blades which allows the user to walk safely without taking the roller blades off. The inventive device includes a front support member having a first slot and a second slot which each receive a wheel from the roller blades, a rear support member having a third slot and a fourth slot which each receive a wheel from the roller blades, and a securing means which adjustably secures the front and rear support members to the roller blade.

Abstract: A in-line skate is converted to all terrain use by attaching mounting brackets which carry large wheels and a suspension system.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate has a replaceable slider at the especially exposed areas of the shoe to protect the shoe from wear. The slider is very inexpensive and can be replaced after it has been worn out, and its replacement can even be carried out by nonprofessionals. The slider is preferably shaped in such a way that the shoe in the sliding area is covered completely by the slider, so that it no longer comes into contact with the ground or railings.

Abstract: A skate assembly that includes a skate and a platform that extends from the skate. The purpose of the platform is to provide a place for a skater to place his/her free foot when skating on one foot. The skate has a boot, a rigid sole disposed at the bottom of the boot and a rail structure that descends from the sole. The sole has a first predetermined width. The rail structure has a second predetermined width that is more narrow than that of the sole. The platform extends rearwardly from the skate. The platform extends beyond the sole of the skate a distance sufficient to provide a surface external of the skate boot that is large enough for a skater's foot to rest. The platform can be made either as an integral part of the skate itself or as an independent unit that can be retroactively added to an existing prior art skate.

Abstract: A device particularly suitable for propelling an in-line skater by harnessing the energy of air currents. More particularly, the invention concerns a device which is particularly effective in harnessing and transmitting air current energy to an in-line skater in a controllable, simple, and intuitive manner. The device is simple to construct, rugged and durable, and safer to use than conventional sail devices. The device is easily disassembled and in the disassembled state assists the skater to return to an upwind starting position.

Abstract: An illumination arrangement for a small moving object of the type which includes a main object arranged to be moved when an outside force is applied to the object and a moving base arranged to permit the main object to move when the outside force is applied to the main object by overcoming a resistance to movement of the main object which would otherwise be present, includes an illumination arrangement mounted between the moving base and the main object. The moving object can for example take the form of a skate, skate board, or a toy such as a toy car.

Abstract: The present invention provides a work vehicle having a frame and an auxiliary axle system having an arm assembly including a pair of arms, an elongate tube extending between the arms and having an end attached to each of the arms, a pair of levers attached to the tube, and cylinder blocks extending between the levers; a cylinder assembly including a first cylinder shaft extending between the cylinder blocks and having an end attached to each of the cylinder blocks, a cylinder cross member attached to the frame, a second cylinder shaft attached to the cylinder cross member, and a hydraulic cylinder having one end attached to the first cylinder shaft and another end attached to the second cylinder shaft; and a rear assembly including a rear cross member attached to the frame, a pair of pivot blocks attached to the rear cross member, and a pivot shaft extending between the pivot blocks and having an end attached to each of the cylinder blocks.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for securing a piece of chalk to a skate. The device includes a chalk holder defining a chalk opening sized for receiving a piece of chalk. The device also includes an arrangement for connecting the chalk holder to the skate such that the chalk is adapted to contact a ground surface when the skate is used by a skater.

Abstract: A roller for a roller skate is made of a light transmitting material. The roller includes an electrical circuit for emitting a light from within the roller. The entire roller is thereby illuminated by the circuit and appears, itself, to be a light source. A flat peripheral edge of the roller is particularly brightly illuminated. The light source or the roller, or both may be colored to produce a color or color combination of choice.