Ice skate blade with pre-applied variable curvature, variable stiffness, and modular boot mounting system

Abstract

A skate blade has a tube (1) featuring a complex radiused slot (5) in which the runner (3) is placed, thereby imparting the complex radius to the runner (3). A uniform quick mounting structure is also provided, whereby a mounting cup (8) attached to the tube (1) is secured to a skate boot by interaction between a retention jib (11) and a mounting plate (10) that is located on the boot. This provides a uniform and repeatable attachment. Other features include harmonic dampening, adhesive retention features, boot alignment features.

1 . A skate blade comprising:
 a runner; and,   a tube having a longitudinal slot having a lateral bend radius;   the runner inserted into the longitudinal slot in the tube, thereby imparting said lateral bend radius to the runner and forming a curved ice contacting surface on said runner.   
     
     
         2 . The skate blade of  claim 1 , the lateral bend radius being a complex radius. 
     
     
         3 . The skate blade of  claim 1 , further comprising a surface coating on the runner. 
     
     
         4 . The skate blade of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a mounting platform that interacts with a mounting platform plate located on a skate boot;   a retention gib; and   a fastener to bias the retention gib against the mounting platform plate, thereby securing the mounting platform to the mounting platform plate.   
     
     
         5 . The skate blade of  claim 1 , the slot being formed by two opposed flanges, one of said flanges having a variable thickness along its length. 
     
     
         6 . A skate boot comprising:
 a boot body further comprising a sole;   a mounting platform plate located on the sole of the skate boot;   a runner and a tube, said runner inserted into a slot in the tube;   a mounting platform attached to the tube, the mounting platform interacting with the mounting platform plate;   a retention gib; and   a fastener to bias the retention gib against the mounting platform plate; thereby securing the mounting platform to the mounting platform plate.   
     
     
         7 .