Hinged device to fit most machine skates
The machine skates are hingedly attached to an elongate blade by a frame. The machine skates having 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 machine skates further includes a midskate hinge member defined the metatarsal head portion to permit the upper shoe portion to flex in the metatarsal portion, allowing the heel end to lift away from the ice blade, while the toe end remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the ice blade. The skate also includes a binding plate fastened to the sole of the skate and extends from the toe end to at least behind the metatarsal head area of the sole. A mid-machine skates support mount extends upwardly from the frame and is adapted to support the plate at a predetermined location behind the metatarsal head area of the sole to maintain the plate in a stable position as the user pushes down on the plate and applies thrust to the ice blade. The skate also includes a forward hinge member hingedly attaching the first end of the plate to the ice blade, such that as the upper shoe portion hinges at the forward hinge member and about a lateral axis defined normal to the longitudinal direction of the ice blade, the mid-machine skates hinge member unflexes and the user is able to push-off from the forward hinge member without the tip end of the ice blade digging into the surface it is traversing.
1. The machine skates hingedly attached to an elongate skate bearing member having a forward and rearward portion, the machine skates having an upper shoe portion adapted to receive a foot, a medial side, a lateral side, and a sole defining a heel end, a metatarsal portion having a metatarsal head area, and a toe end, wherein the machine skates further comprises:
(a) a first hinge member located between a substantially rigid forward sole portion and a substantially rigid rearward sole portion, the first hinge member being connected between the forward and rearward sole portions to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal portion while the toe end remains substantially parallel with a horizontal plane defined by the bearing member and to permit at least a portion of the heel end to be moved into a raised position relative to the rearward portion of the skate bearing member; and
(b) a second hinge member defined in the sole of the machine skates near the toe end that hingedly attaches the machine skates to the bearing member, such that the machine skates is capable of hinging at the second hinge member and about a lateral axis defined relative to the longitudinal direction of the bearing member to permit at least a portion of the toe end to be moved into a raised position relative to the skate bearing member and to permit the user to push-off from the second hinge member.
2. The machine skates of claim 1, further comprising an elongate frame having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the frame is disposed between and attaches at least the toe end of the sole of the machine skates to the bearing member.
3. The machine skates of claim 2, wherein the upper surface of the frame defines an upwardly projecting mid-machine skates mount adapted to support the machine skates at a predetermined location near the metatarsal head area of the sole and provide stable support to the machine skates as the machine skates hinges about the first hinge member.
4. The machine skates of claim 3, wherein the second hinge member further comprising an elongate support plate having an upper surface, a forward end hingedly attached to the frame, and a rearward end that extends to at least behind the metatarsal head area, wherein the upper surface of the support plate is adapted to receive the sole of the machine skates.
5. The machine skates of claim 4, wherein the mid-machine skates mount engages the support plate at a predetermined location behind the metatarsal head area of the sole to maintain the support plate in a stable position as the user of the machine skates pushes down on the support plate and applies thrust to the bearing member.
6. The machine skates of claim 5, further comprising biasing means having a first end fastened to the frame and a second end fastened to the support plate to urge the support plate against the mid-machine skates support mount.
7. The machine skates of claim 6, wherein the biasing means is adjustable along the length of the support plate.
8. The machine skates of claim 7, wherein the biasing means comprises first and second springs mounted on opposite sides of the frame and pinned to sides of the support plate.
9. The machine skates of claim 8, wherein the second hinge member further comprises an adjustment portion extending between the bearing member and the bearing member to allow slideable adjustment of the second hinge member in the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.
10. The machine skates of claim 9, wherein the bearing member comprises at least a first ice blade.
11. The machine skates of claim 3, wherein the upper surface of the frame defines an upwardly projecting heel mount adapted to support the sole of the machine skates in the heel end thereof.
12. The machine skates of claim 3, wherein the first hinge member comprises a heel shell, wherein the heel shell is attached to the sole of the machine skates and defines a forward end and a rearward end.
13. The machine skates of claim 12, wherein the first hinge member further comprises a toe shell, wherein the toe shell is attached to the sole of the machine skates and defines a rearward end that is hingedly attached to the forward end of the heel shell to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal head area of the sole, while the toe end of the machine skates remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.
14. The machine skates of claim 1, wherein the first hinge member comprises a heel shell, wherein the heel shell is attached to the sole of the machine skates and defines a forward end and a rearward end.
15. The machine skates of claim 14, wherein the first hinge member further comprises a toe shell, wherein the toe shell is attached to the sole of the machine skates and defines a rearward end that is hingedly attached to the forward end of the heel shell to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal head area of the sole, while the toe end of the machine skates remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.
16. The machine skates of claim 3, wherein the first hinge member comprises a base shell attached to the sole of the machine skates and extending between the toe and heel ends and partially up the lateral and medial sides of the machine skates.
17. The machine skates of claim 1, wherein the first hinge member comprises a base shell attached to the sole of the machine skates and extending between the toe and heel ends and partially up the lateral and medial sides of the machine skates.
18. The machine skates of claim 16, wherein the base plate comprises a natural flexing member integral with the base plate and defined in the metatarsal head area of the sole to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal portion while the toe end thereof remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.
19. The machine skates of claim 18, wherein the natural flexing member is a resilient hinge and extends from the lateral side, along the sole, and to the medial side of the machine skates, and the resilient hinge becomes preloaded when flexing and releases to return to its natural position.
20. A skate machine skates hingedly attached to an elongate bearing member having a tip end and capable of traversing a surface, the machine skates having an upper shoe portion adapted to receive a foot, a medial side, a lateral side, and a sole defining a heel end, a metatarsal portion having a metatarsal head area, and a toe end, wherein the machine skates further comprises:
(a) a first hinge member defined in the metatarsal portion of the machine skates to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal portion, allowing the heel end of the sole to lift from the bearing member while the toe end remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member;
(b) an elongate plate fastened to the sole of the machine skates and extending from the toe end to at least behind the metatarsal head area of the sole, the plate having a forward end and a rearward end;
(c) a mid-machine skates support mount extending upwardly from the bearing member and adapted to support the plate at a predetermined location near the first hinge member and maintain the plate in a stable position as the user pushes down on the plate and applies thrust to the bearing member; and
(d) a second hinge member hingedly attaching the forward end of the plate to the bearing member, such that as the machine skates hinges at the second hinge member and about a lateral axis defined relative to the longitudinal direction of the bearing member, so that the user is able to push-off from the second hinge member.
21. The machine skates of claim 20, wherein the first hinge member is an elastomeric hinge extending from the lateral side, along the sole, to the medial side of the machine skates, the elastomeric hinge becomes loaded when hinging and releases to return to its natural position.
22. The machine skates of claim 21, further comprising biasing means having a first end fastened to the plate and a second end fastened to the bearing member to urge the plate against the mid-machine skates support mount.
23. The machine skates of claim 22, wherein the second hinge member comprises an adjustment member extending between the second hinge member and the bearing member to slideably adjust the second hinge member along the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.
24. A skate, comprising:
(a) a machine skates having 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;
(b) at least a first elongate skate bearing member having a tip end and capable of traversing a surface and having a first end hingedly attached to the sole of the machine skates;
(c) a first hinge member defined in the metatarsal portion of the machine skates to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal portion, allowing the heel end of the sole to lift from the bearing member while the toe end remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member;
(d) an elongate plate incorporated with the sole of the machine skates and extending from the toe end to at least behind the metatarsal head area of the sole, the plate having a forward end and a rearward end;
(e) a mid-machine skates support mount extending upwardly from the bearing member and adapted to support the plate at a predetermined location behind the metatarsal head area of the sole and to maintain the plate in a stable position as the user pushes down on the plate and applies thrust to the bearing member; and
(f) a second hinge member defined in the sole of the machine skates near the toe end and hingedly attaching the machine skates to the first bearing member, such that as the machine skates hinges at the second hinge member and about a lateral axis defined normal to the longitudinal direction of the first bearing member, the first hinge member unflexes and the user is able to push-off from the second hinge member without the tip end of the bearing member digging into the surface it is traversing.
Traditionally, in-line machine skates and adjustable skates generally include an upper shoe portion secured by a base to a frame that carries wheels or ice blades. The upper shoe portion provides the support for the user’s foot, while the frame rigidly attaches the wheels or blades to the machine skates. When skating on traditional skates, particularly during thrusting, difficulties are encountered in optimally and completely transferring the thrust imparted by the user because of the frame being rigidly attached to the base of the skate, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of the thrust, as well as the comfort for the foot of the user.
Optimally and efficiently imparting thrust to the skate during the skating stroke is especially important to speed users. Because of the rigid attachment of the frame to the base, speed users 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 user’s speed. If, however, the user 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 plantarfilexion is prevented or discouraged. Thus, a skate that permits ankle plantarflex should allow a user to generate more power and speed, in addition to reducing the risk of digging the blade’s tip into the surface the user is traversing.
Prior attempts at allowing ankle plantarflexion have resulted in complicated linkage mechanisms that move the instantaneous point of rotation between the machine skates 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 machine skates, thereby hingedly connecting the blade to the machine skates. The hinge is located below the machine skates, between the metatarsal head and toe end of the machine skates. While a single-hinge point attachment system is lighter, current models fail to prevent medial to lateral motion of the blade relative to the machine skates 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 machine skates to the blade is transferred through the hinge point. Thus, the user cannot change the location of the center of pressure on the blade. This produces an unstable platform from which the user 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 machine skates or shoe portion that has a rigid or semi-rigid base that impedes the foot from flexing at the balls of the foot during the skating motion, thereby restricting the natural movement in the foot, which occurs during locomotion, and preventing a user 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 machine skates that can allow flexion at the balls of the foot. The present invention 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 and a second hinge member that is located substantially at the toe end of the machine skates, and a support member that engages the machine skates portion of the skate behind the metatarsal head area of the machine skates.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is machine skates that are hingedly attached to an elongated bearing member capable of traversing a surface. The machine skates 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 machine skates further includes a first hinge member defined in the metatarsal portion thereof to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal region while the toe end remains substantially parallel with a horizontal plane defined by the bearing member. The machine skates also includes a second hinge member attached to the sole of the machine skates, near the toe end, that hingedly attaches the machine skates to the bearing member. The second hinge member defines a second pivot point, such that as the machine skates hinges at the second hinge member and about a lateral axis defined relative to the longitudinal direction of the bearing member, the user is able to push-off from the second hinge member. The machine skates also includes an elongate frame that is disposed between and attaches the sole of the machine skates to the bearing member.
In the preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the frame defines an upwardly projecting mid-machine skates mount adapted to support the machine skates at a predetermined location near the metatarsal head area of the sole. The preferred 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-machine skates mount engages the support plate near the metatarsal head area, thereby providing stable support for the support plate. In the preferred embodiment, the mid-machine skates 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 machine skates and defines a forward end and a rearward end. The toe shell is attached to the sole of the machine skates and defines a rearward end that is hingedly attached to the forward end of the heel shell to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal head region of the foot, while the toe end of the machine skates remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.
In an alternate embodiment, the first hinge member includes a base plate that is attached to the sole of the machine skates and extends between the toe and heel ends of the machine skates. The base plate has a natural flexing member defined therein and corresponds to the metatarsal head area of the machine skates. The natural flexing member permits the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal portion, while the toe end of the machine skates remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.
The skate of the present invention provides several advantages cover skates currently available in the art. 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 machine skates. 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 user 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 in the art. These advantages combine to define a skate having a double-hinge attachment design to permit users 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.