SKATE SUSPENSION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A skate includes a boot and a housing having a top portion coupled with a sole of the boot. A ground engagement apparatus is displaceably coupled with a bottom portion of the housing. A suspension assembly is coupled between the ground engagement apparatus and the housing. The suspension assembly includes an aperture extending down from the top portion of the housing. The suspension assembly also includes a spring disposed within the aperture, such that a lower portion of the spring engages the ground engagement apparatus. A retention member spans over the aperture and couples with the top portion of the housing, whereby an upper portion of the spring engages the retention member for retaining the spring within the aperture and biasing the ground engagement apparatus downward.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of provisional application Ser. No. 61/640,213, filed Apr. 30, 2012, entitled SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR AN ICE SKATE BLADE the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to skates with vertical suspension and more particularly relates to ice skates that have a suspension system for the blade that is enclosed within the blade housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ice skates are typically rigid in construction with respect to the connection between the skate boot and the blade. Accordingly, emphasis in innovation has generally been focused on optimizing flexure characteristics and reducing weight in the skate boot to provide improved power transfer of a skater's stride. An ice skate with a novel concept of providing a suspension system between the skate boot and the blade to further improve power transfer is generally disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 2,324,724 to David A. Blois. However, the previously disclosed general concept fails to contemplate the manufacturing and quality issues associated with spring compression and containment within the blade housing. Further, the general concept fails to contemplate a desire for adjustable and variable suspension settings that provide a skater with alternative suspension characteristics.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a skate includes a boot having a sole and a housing having a top portion coupled with the sole. A ground engagement apparatus is displaceably coupled with a bottom portion of the housing. A suspension assembly is coupled between the ground engagement apparatus and the housing. An aperture extends down from the top portion of the housing. The suspension assembly also includes a spring disposed within the aperture, such that a lower portion of the spring engages the ground engagement apparatus. A retention member spans over the aperture and couples with the top portion of the housing. An upper portion of the spring engages the retention member for retaining the spring within the aperture and biasing the ground engagement apparatus downward.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a base assembly for a skate boot includes a housing adapted to removably engage the skate boot. The housing includes an aperture extending down from a top portion of the housing and a channel extending up from a bottom portion of the housing. A ground engagement apparatus is displaceably coupled within the channel and movable between upper and lower positions therein. A retention member is coupled over the aperture. A spring is disposed within the aperture and compressed between the retention member and the ground engagement apparatus to bias the ground engagement apparatus downward in the lower position.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention a method for assembling a skate with a suspension assembly includes providing a housing that includes an upper portion having an aperture extending downward into the housing. A ground engagement apparatus is coupled with a lower portion of the housing in a vertically displaceable arrangement. A spring is inserted into the aperture, engaging a bottom portion of the spring with the ground engagement apparatus. The spring is compressed in the aperture between the retainer plate and the ground engagement apparatus. A retention member is coupled with the upper portion of the housing to span over the aperture and to secure the spring within the aperture in a compressed state. The top portion of the housing is then coupled with a boot of the skate.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an ice skate with an enclosed suspension system includes a blade assembly and a boot with a bottom sole surface having a heel portion, an intermediate portion, and a toe portion. The blade assembly is coupled with the sole surface and includes a blade housing, which has a cup-shaped rear support, a cup-shaped front support, and a blade holder. The front and rear supports each have a lower section, an interior cavity surface, and an upper flange. Also, the front and rear supports are coupled, respectively, with the toe portion and the heel portion of the boot. The blade holder spans between the lower sections of the rear support and the front support. An elongated groove extends longitudinally along the bottom surface of the blade holder, having a depth that does not extend into the interior cavity surface. A slot extends beyond the depth of the elongated groove and beyond the interior cavity surface within each of the rear support and front support. A spring well is positioned within the interior cavity surface of each of the rear and front supports. The spring wells have a top surface and cylindrical boring extending down from the top surface to a position within the slot. A metal blade is engaged with the elongated groove and has at least two integral guide tabs vertically positioned at a forward end and a rearward end of the metal blade and at least one post coupled with each the guide tab. The guide tabs are engaged with the slots and the posts are generally coaxially aligned within the cylindrical borings. The posts have a slide stop engaged with a distal portion thereof to prevent the metal blade from disengaging from the elongated groove. A suspension assembly includes a pair of springs positioned coaxially within the cylindrical borings. A retainer plate is coupled with the top surface of the spring wells to enclose the cylindrical boring. As such, a top end of the spring abuts the retainer plate and a bottom end of the spring abuts the guide tabs, compressing the spring within the cylindrical boring before the blade assembly is coupled with the bottom sole surface of the boot.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for assembling an ice skate with a suspension system includes providing a blade housing that has an elongated groove extending along a bottom surface of a blade holder. A metal blade is inserted from the bottom of the blade housing through the elongated groove. The metal blade has at least two guide tabs vertically positioned at a forward and a rearward end thereof and a post coupled with each guide tab, allowing each post to vertically extend into and coaxially align with a cylindrical boring formed in a spring well within each of a front support and a rear support of the blade housing. A slide stop is threaded onto a distal portion of the posts to prevent the metal blade from disengaging from the elongated groove. A spring is inserted into each cylindrical boring, coaxially aligning the springs therein and allowing a bottom end of the spring to abut the guide tabs on the metal blade. The springs are compressed in the cylindrical borings and a retainer plate is coupled with a top surface of the spring wells, thereby enclosing the cylindrical borings and forcing the top end of the spring to abut the retainer plate.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a blade assembly for an ice skate has a retainer plate coupled with a top surface of a blade housing to provide a means for compressing and retaining a spring within the blade housing without attaching a skate boot. The retainer plate may also be adapted to include a spacer between the spring and the retainer plate to alter the compression characteristics of the suspension system. Further, the spacer may be adjustable to compress or decompress the spring for easily customizing the suspension system characteristics for a user's desired suspension performance.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a skate with a suspension system in a compressed state;

FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of a base assembly of the skate shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of a support housing of the base assembly, showing a pair of spring wells and portions of an elongated groove;

FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of an additional embodiment of a support housing, showing an alternative pair of spring wells;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a metal blade and a suspension assembly of the base assembly;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an additional embodiment of a retention member of the suspension assembly;

FIG. 6A is a side elevational view of the retention member illustrated in FIG. 6, showing a spring and a spacer;

FIG. 6B is a bottom plan view of the retention member illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an additional embodiment of a retention member and an adjustable spacer;

FIG. 7A is a side elevational view of the retention member illustrated in FIG. 7, showing a spring engaging the adjustable spacer; and

FIG. 7B is a bottom plan view of the retention member illustrated in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-7B, reference numeral 10 generally designates a skate with a suspension system. The skate 10 includes a boot 20 and a base assembly 30 having a top portion 12 coupled with a sole surface 22 of the boot 20. The base assembly 30 has a housing 32 that includes a front support 36, a rear support 34, and a blade holder 38 spanning between lower sections 42 of the front and rear supports 36, 34. An elongated groove 50 extends longitudinally along a bottom portion 52 of the blade holder 38. A ground engagement apparatus, shown as a metal blade 70 in the illustrated embodiment, is displaceably coupled with the bottom portion 52 of the blade holder 38. A suspension assembly 86 is coupled between the ground engagement apparatus 70 and the housing 32. An aperture, shown as a cylindrical boring 64, extends down from the top portion 12 of the housing 32. The suspension assembly 86 includes a spring 90 disposed within the aperture 64, such that a lower portion 94 of the spring 90 engages the ground engagement apparatus 70. The suspension assembly 86 also includes a retention member 88 that spans over the aperture 64 and couples with the top portion 12 of the housing 32. An upper portion 93 of the spring 90 engages the retention member 88 for retaining the spring 90 within the aperture 64 and biasing the ground engagement apparatus 70 downward.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, spring wells 60 are positioned within an upward facing cavity 40 of the rear support 34 and the front support 36. The apertures 64 extend within the spring wells 60 to define a cylindrical shape that may be molded in the housing 32 or formed by boring the apertures in the spring wells 60. It is also conceivable that the apertures 64 may employ various alternative shapes from those illustrated. The suspension assembly 86 is coupled with the ground engagement apparatus 70, positioning a spring 90 coaxially within each aperture 64 and coupling the retention member 88 with a top surface 62 of the spring wells 60. The retention member 88 has a rigid plate shape that allows the spring 90 to be compressed and retained within the aperture 64, without attaching the boot 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the boot 20 has a bottom sole surface 22 that includes a heel portion 24, an intermediate portion 26, and a toe portion 28. The boot 20 is generally configured to conform to a user's foot and ankle region, whereas a lace portion 29, generally above the intermediate portion 26, can be tightened to secure the boot 20 to the user's foot and ankle region. The boot 20 generally conforms to a user's foot wherein the user's heel is positioned proximate the heel portion 24, the user's arch is positioned proximate the intermediate portion 26, and the user's toes are positioned proximate the toe portion 28. The bottom sole surface 22 of the boot 20 is generally smooth and planar and the heel portion 24 of the bottom sole surface 22 typically has a higher elevation than the toe portion 28 of the bottom sole surface 22.

The base assembly 30, as shown in FIG. 1, is coupled with the bottom sole surface 22 of the boot 20. More specifically, the housing 32 of the base assembly 30 is coupled with the bottom sole surface 22. The housing 32 has a cup-shaped rear support 34, a cup-shaped front support 36, and a blade holder 38. The rear support 34 and the front support 36 have an upwardly facing cavity 40 having an interior cavity surface 41. The upwardly facing cavity 40 extends down from an upper flange 44 on each of the front and rear supports 36, 34 to a lower section 42 on the front and rear supports 36, 34. The cavity 40 generally extends down more in the rear support 34 than the front support 36, and more specifically extends down in the illustrated embodiment approximately 1.5 inches in the front support 36 and 1.75 inches in the rear support 34. It is contemplated that the cavity 40 may generally extend down between 1-3 inches (25.4-76.2 mm), depending upon the size of the suspension assembly 86 to be adapted to the base assembly 30, which may be dependent upon the size of the boot 20 and the weight of a user. Also, it is conceivable that the cavity 40 may alternatively extend down equally in the front and rear supports 36, 34 or further down in the front support 36 than the rear support 34.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the upper flange 44 generally surrounds the cavity 40 and has an oval shape with a substantially planar top face 46. The interior cavity surface 41 has a cup-shape, generally proportionate to the corresponding support, wherein a sidewall 43 is defined between the interior cavity surface 41 and the exterior surface of the corresponding support. A horizontal cross section of the interior cavity surface 41 about the upper flange 44 has a generally oval shape, which narrows to a relatively smaller oval shape as the cross sectional of the interior cavity surface 41 is taken closer to the lower section 42. The upper flange 44 has a series of fastener holes 48 positioned at generally equal spaced positions around the upper flange 44 and extending through a top face 46 of the upper flange 44 for receiving a fastener or other means of attaching the base assembly 30 with the boot 20. The fastener holes 48 are typically also positioned along side portions of the top face 46. The rear support 34 generally has fewer fastener holes 48 than the front support 36, as the upper flange 44 of the front support 36 has a generally longer top face 46 than the rear support 34.

The blade holder 38 of the housing 32 spans between the lower sections 42 of the rear support 34 and the front support 36. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the height of the blade holder 38 is approximately 0.75 inches to accommodate approximately 0.25 inches of travel in the suspension assembly 86. As such, the height of the blade holder 38 is typically greater than the travel of the suspension assembly 86. However, the height of the blade holder 38 may vary as it spans between the rear support 34 and the front support 36. An elongated groove 50 extends longitudinally along a bottom surface 52 of the blade holder 38. The elongated groove 50 has a depth defined between the bottom surface 52 of the blade holder 38 and an abutment surface 54, typically located below the interior cavity surface of the rear support 34 and front support 36. It is conceivable, however, that the elongated groove 50 may extend through the blade holder 38 below the intermediate portion 26 of the boot 20. The elongated groove 50 forms a substantially rectangular channel with parallel sides in the blade holder, adapted to receive an ice skate blade. A slot 56 extends beyond the depth of the groove 50 within each of the rear support 34 and the front support 36. The slots 56 are typically formed with a substantially equivalent width as the elongated groove 50 and extend as vertical extensions relative to a longitudinal extent of the elongated groove 50.

The housing 32, including the rear support 34, front support 36, and blade holder 38, is generally constructed of a strong injected molded plastic, such as (ZYTEL), or other similar polymers used in common ice skate housings. Similarly, other rigid materials, such as certain composites, metal materials or combinations thereof may be utilized in manufacturing the housing 32. Additionally, the rear support 34, the front support 36, and the blade holder 38 may be integrally formed in such an injection molding process or other manufacturing process, as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the spring wells 60 are coupled with the interior cavity surface 41 of the front and rear supports 36, 34. The spring wells 60 have a top surface 62 and the cylindrical aperture 64 that extends down from the top surface 62 to a position within the slots 56. The cylindrical aperture 64 may extend beyond the slot 56, but they may not extend to or beyond the bottom surface 52 of the blade holder 38, without additional variation in structure to contain the springs 90. The spring wells 60 are typically constructed to reduce the amount of plastic material in the housing 32, while maintaining the necessary rigid construction and strength to enclose the spring 90 in a compressed state, as shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the spring wells 60 occupy a portion of the cavities 40 of the front and rear supports 36, 34. However, as illustrated in FIG. 4, it is conceivable that the spring wells 60 may occupy a larger portion of the cavity 40 to increase rigidity and strength.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60 typically have bolt holes 66 positioned around the cylindrical boring; although alternative means for coupling the retention member 88 to the spring wells 60 are contemplated. As shown, four bolt holes 66 are positioned at generally rectangular corner positions on the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60; however, it is contemplated that fewer or more bolt holes 66 may be formed on each spring well 60. As shown in FIG. 1, the top surfaces 62 of the spring wells 60 of the front 34 and rear 36 supports have a generally equal elevational height despite the varying elevational heights of the top face 46 of the upper flanges 44. As such, the top surface 62 of the front support 36 nearly touches the bottom sole surface 22 of the boot 20, whereas the top surface 62 of the rear support 34 has a relatively larger spacing between the bottom sole surface 22 of the boot 20. The substantially equivalent elevational height of the top surfaces 62 allows for use of springs in the suspension assembly having a substantially identical length and other similar characteristics, allowing for fewer variations in parts necessary in the manufacturing process of the present invention and allowing for balanced compression at the front 36 and rear 34 supports. Similar to other portions of the housing 32, the spring wells 60 may be integrally formed with the base housing, or portions thereof, as part of an injection molding process or otherwise. Further, it is conceivable that the elevational heights of the spring wells 60 within the front and rear supports 36, 34 may vary from each other to accommodate different sized springs or other varied arrangements.

The cylindrical apertures 64 within the spring wells 60 have a generally circular cross section with substantially equivalent diameters throughout their length. At the lower section 42 of the front or rear support, the cylindrical apertures 64 extends into the pair of slots 56 exposing the slots 56 along the sides of the cylindrical apertures 64 near a base portion 68 of the cylindrical apertures 64. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1, the slots 56 extend horizontally equal to or beyond the general diameter of the cylindrical boring 64 to allow the guide tabs 74 on the blade 70 to engage the springs 90. The width of the slots 56 are sized to receive the guide tabs 74 and posts 80, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the ground engagement apparatus 70, the metal blade, couples directly with the suspension assembly 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the metal blade 70 has a length 72 substantially equal, but slightly less than, the length of the elongated groove 50 in the housing 32, allowing for vertically displaceable sliding movement of the blade 70 within the groove 50. For similar purposes, the metal blade 70 also has a width substantially equal, but slightly less than, the width of the elongated groove 50. Accordingly, the elongated groove 50 engages the blade 70 about its length and width and slidably positions the blade 70 vertically within the elongated groove 50, preventing the blade from lateral and longitudinal movement. The metal blade 70 also has two projections formed with the blade 70 and vertically and orthogonally extending at a forward end 76 and a rearward end 78 of the blade 70, corresponding to the front 36 and rear 34 supports. The projections each include a guide tab 74 and a post 80 (FIG. 2) coupled with each guide tab 74. The posts 80 extend vertically and in alignment with the guide tabs 74 and the blade 70, in the illustrated embodiment. As such, upon engaging the metal blade 70 with the elongated groove 50, the guide tabs 74 engage the pair of slots 56 and the posts 80 align generally coaxially within the cylindrical apertures 64.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the springs 90 are in a compressed state, such that the blade 70 that is engaged within the elongated groove 50 is in an upper position that places the guide tabs 74 in abutting contact with an upper surface 57 of the slots 56. In the compressed state, the metal blade 70 may also abut the abutment surface 54 of the elongated groove 50. Additionally in the compressed state and upper position, the posts 80 may extend near or in abutting contact with a planar extent of the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60. To prevent the metal blade 70 from disengaging from the elongated groove 50, a slide stop 82 (FIG. 2) is engaged with the post 80 at a position thereon to calibrate the vertical travel of the blade 70. The slide stop 82 may be, for example, a lock nut threaded about the post or a locking pin positioned through a hole formed horizontally in the post 80, or another similar arrangement. Typically, a lock nut arrangement is used to allow for adjusting the vertical travel of the blade by rotating the nut about the post 80. When a user lifts the skate 10 from a ground surface or otherwise reduces upward force on the blade 70, the post 80 traverses down within the cylindrical aperture 64 and the slide stop 82 abuts the base portion 68 of the cylindrical boring 64 adjacent the slot 56, positioning the blade in a lower position relative to the upper position. Specifically, the post 80 engages the slot 56 formed in the base portion 68 of the cylindrical boring 64 and the diameter of slide stop 82 extends beyond the width of the slot 56, effectively retaining the blade 70 with the housing 32.

The ground engagement apparatus 70 may be integrally formed with the guide tabs 74 and the posts 80. In addition, the posts 80 may be welded to or integrally formed with the guide tabs 74 to increase the stability of the blade 70 and to decrease manufacturing assembly steps and complications. The metal blade 70 is typically made from steel. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the blade 70 may also include apertures 71 about its length to reduce the amount of blade material used.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the suspension assembly 86, has the plate shaped retention member 88 coupled with the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60, enclosing an upper end 65 (FIG. 1) of the cylindrical aperture 64. The retention member 88 is typically fastened, as illustrated in FIG. 2, by bolts 92 extending through the four corners of the rectangular retention member 88 and securing into the bolt holes 66 (FIG. 3) formed in the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60. More, fewer, or other types of fasteners or coupling arrangements may be used to attach the retention member 88 to the top surface 62 of the spring wells 60. The retention member 88 is formed of a rigid material, typically a metal, such as, aluminum or stainless steel.

The springs 90 of the suspension assembly 86 are positioned coaxially within the cylindrical aperture 64. The springs 90 have a top end 93 in abutting engagement with the retention member 88 and a bottom end 94 in abutting engagement with the guide tabs 74 of the metal blade 70. The springs 90 have helical shape and a general diameter slightly less than the cylindrical aperture 64 to prevent lateral movement of the springs 90. Generally, to accommodate a user weighing approximately 170-200 pounds, a spring 90 in the illustrated embodiment would have the following characteristics: a free length of 31.8 mm, a wire with a 0.110×0.126 mm wire, an 8.7 mm rod ID, a 15.9 mm hole OD, and a 25% deflection at 146.9 pounds. The springs with such characteristics are distributed by DIECO®, product number XHP-22A, although other springs may be employed, such as product number XHP-22. The spring characteristics may accordingly be adjusted to accommodate a user's desired performance characteristics or a user's increased or decreased weight. In addition, it is contemplated that an alternative type of spring, such as a leaf spring arrangement, may be utilized in place of the coil spring 90.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-6B, an additional embodiment of the suspension assembly 86 has a retention member 88 with a downward cylindrical extension 96 having an outside diameter 98 generally equal to the diameter of the cylindrical aperture 64. Within the cylindrical extension 96, spacers 100 may be inserted to adjust the spring 90 compression within the cylindrical aperture 64. For example, adding a spacer 100 will decrease the spring compression distance, thereby increasing the force needed to compress the spring 90 and increasing the general rigidity of the suspension of the blade assembly 32. Likewise, for example, removing a spacer 100 will increase the spring compression distance, thereby decreasing the force needed to compress the spring 90 and decreasing the rigidity of the suspension of the blade assembly 32.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 7-7B, an additional embodiment of the suspension assembly 86 as described above has a spacer 100 that is vertically adjustable. The spacer 100 is defined by a tubular screw 102 having a head 104 of the screw positioned in a recessed portion 106 of the retainer plate 88 and a threaded body portion 108 of the tubular screw 102 extending coaxially within the cylindrical extension 96 of the retention member 88. In addition, channels 110 are formed vertically along the interior surface 112 of the cylindrical extension 96 to guide the spacer 100 that traverses about the threaded body portion 108 of the tubular screw 102. The spacer 100 has a generally circular shape with an outside diameter 114 generally equal to the inside diameter 97 of the cylindrical extension 96 of the retention member 88, at least one receptor channel 111 to engage the channels 110, and a threaded aperture 116 coaxially formed with a diameter generally equivalent to the diameter of the threaded body portion 108 of the tubular screw 102, allowing the tubular screw to engage the threaded aperture 116. The threaded body 108 of the tubular screw 102 has an inside area 118 to allow for vertical travel of the posts 80 therein. The head 104 of the tubular screw 102 may be rotated counterclockwise 120 to lower the spacer 100 within the cylindrical extension 96 and to increase the compression of the spring 90. Conversely, the tubular screw 102 may be rotated clockwise 122 to raise the spacer within the cylindrical extension 96 and to decrease the compression of the spring 90. A spacer bumper 124 may protrude radially inward from the bottom portion of the cylindrical extension 96 of the retention member 88 to restrict the vertical movement of the spacer 100 within the cylindrical extension 96.

A method for assembling a skate 10 with an enclosed suspension assembly 86 includes providing a housing 32 that has an elongated groove 50 extending along a bottom surface 52 of the housing 32. A metal blade 70 having at least two guide tabs 74 vertically positioned at a forward and a rearward end thereof, and a post 80 coupled with each guide tab 74, is inserted from the bottom surface 52 of the housing 32 through the elongated groove 50, allowing the posts 80 to vertically extend into and coaxially align with the cylindrical apertures 64 formed in the spring wells 60 within the front and rear supports 36, 34 of the blade housing 32. A slide stop 82 is threaded onto a distal portion of each post 80 to prevent the metal blade 70 from disengaging from the elongated groove 50. A spring 90 is inserted into each cylindrical boring 64, coaxially aligning the springs 90 therein and allowing a bottom end of the spring 90 to abut the guide tabs 74 on the metal blade 70. The springs 90 are compressed in the cylindrical aperture 64 and a retention member 88 is coupled with a top surface 62 of the spring wells 60, thereby enclosing the cylindrical aperture 64 and forcing the top end of the spring 90 to abut the retention member 88. The retention member 88 may be place in abutting contact with the top end of the springs 90 prior to compressing the springs 90, allowing a clamp (not shown) to compress the springs 90 by applying a downward force to the retention member 88, thereby allowing for easy installation of fasteners 92 in the bolt holes 66 to couple the retention member 88.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A skate, comprising:

a boot having a sole;

a housing having a top portion coupled with the sole;

a ground engagement apparatus displaceably coupled with a bottom portion of the housing; and

a suspension assembly coupled between the ground engagement apparatus and the housing, comprising: an aperture extending down from the top portion of the housing; a spring disposed within the aperture and having a lower portion engaging the ground engagement apparatus; and a retention member spanning over the aperture and coupled with the top portion of the housing, wherein an upper portion of the spring engages the retention member for retaining the spring within the aperture and biasing the ground engagement apparatus downward.

2. The skate of claim 1, wherein the ground engagement apparatus is displaceable vertically with respect to the housing between a first position and a second position, and wherein the spring compresses when the ground engagement apparatus moves upward from the first position to the second position.

3. The skate of claim 1, wherein the ground engagement apparatus comprises a metal blade extending longitudinally on the housing and adapted to interface with an ice surface.

4. The skate of claim 3, further comprising:

a channel extending longitudinally on the bottom portion of the housing for slidably receiving the metal blade and preventing the metal blade from lateral and longitudinal movement relative to the housing.

5. The skate of claim 1, further comprising:

a projection extending upward from the ground engagement apparatus within the housing and having a slide stop for preventing the ground engagement apparatus from disengaging from the housing.

6. The skate of claim 5, wherein the slide stop abuts the housing when the ground engagement apparatus moves down to a bottom position, and wherein the slide stop is vertically adjustable relative to the projection for altering the bottom position.

7. The skate of claim 1, further comprising:

a channel extending longitudinally on the bottom portion of the housing, wherein the ground engagement apparatus includes a metal blade slidably coupled with the channel;

a vertical post projecting upward from the metal blade and having a threaded end; and

a slide stop threadably coupled with the threaded end of the vertical post, wherein the slide stop extends laterally beyond a width of the channel for preventing the metal blade from disengaging from the channel.

8. The skate of claim 1, further comprising:

a spacer positioned between the retention member and the upper portion of the spring for compressing the spring and increasing a force needed to move the ground engagement apparatus upward relative to the housing.

9. The skate of claim 8, wherein the spacer is vertically adjustable down from the retention member to further compress the spring and increase the force needed to move the ground engagement apparatus upward relative to the housing.

10. A base assembly for a skate boot, comprising:

a housing adapted to removably engage the skate boot and comprising: an aperture extending down from a top portion of the housing; a channel extending up from a bottom portion of the housing;

a ground engagement apparatus displaceably coupled within the channel and movable between upper and lower positions therein;

a retention member coupled over the aperture; and

a spring disposed within the aperture and compressed between the retention member and the ground engagement apparatus to bias the ground engagement apparatus downward in the lower position.

11. The base assembly of claim 10, further comprising:

at least one spacer disposed between the retention member and the spring for further compressing the spring and increasing a force needed to move the ground engagement apparatus to the upper position.

12. The base assembly of claim 10, further comprising:

a spacer disposed between the retention member and the spring and adjustable vertically between a first position and a second position lower than the first position, wherein the second position compresses the spring more than the first position.

13. The base assembly of claim 12, further comprising:

a threaded shaft extending between the spacer and the retention member, wherein rotation of the threaded shaft moves the spacer between the first and second positions.

14. The base assembly of claim 13, wherein the threaded shaft includes a body portion that is threadably coupled with the spacer and a head portion that is rotatably coupled with the retention member.

15. The base assembly of claim 10, wherein the aperture includes a cylindrical shape and the spring includes a helical shape that is coaxially aligned within the aperture, and wherein the retention member includes a plate shape spanning over the aperture and coupled with the top portion of the housing.

16. The base assembly of claim 10, wherein the upper portion of the housing includes a cavity extending down into the housing and a flange bordering the cavity for engaging the skate boot, wherein the retention member spans over the aperture and couples within the cavity.

17. The base assembly of claim 10, wherein the ground engagement apparatus includes a metal blade adapted to interface with an ice surface, and wherein the channel includes opposing parallel sidewalls extending longitudinally on the lower portion of the housing for slidably receiving the metal blade.

18. A method for assembling a skate with a suspension assembly, comprising

providing a housing that includes an upper portion having an aperture extending downward into the housing;

coupling a ground engagement apparatus with a lower portion of the housing in a vertically displaceable arrangement;

inserting a spring into the aperture, wherein a bottom portion of the spring engages the ground engagement apparatus;

compressing the spring in the aperture between the retainer plate and the ground engagement apparatus;

coupling a retention member with the upper portion of the housing to span over the aperture and to secure the spring within the aperture in a compressed state; and

coupling the top portion of the housing with a boot of the skate.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the lower portion of the housing includes a longitudinal groove, and wherein the ground engagement apparatus includes a metal blade that displaceably coupled within the longitudinal groove for moving between an upper position and a lower position.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

inserting at least one spacer between the retention member and the spring before compressing the spring for increasing a compression force needed to move the metal blade upward against the spring to the upper position; and

rotating the at least one spacer disposed between to adjustably move the at least one spacer vertically from a first position to a second position lower than the first position, wherein the compression force is increased when the at least one spacer is moved from the first position to the second position.