A method of manufacturing a frame for an ice skate boot, the method including: a) moulding a substantially T-shaped body having a first plate and a second plate extending substantially perpendicularly from the first plate; b) milling the first plate to form a platform intended to be uppermost on the frame, in use, for supporting an ice skate boot, the platform having a first support for supporting a forward portion of an ice skate boot and a second support, separate from the first support, for supporting a rearward portion of an ice skate boot; c) milling the second plate to form an elongate body defining an elongate length of the frame, the elongate body having first and second arms extending from the elongate body, where distal ends of the first and second arms are connected to the first and second supports, respectively; and d) forming a mounting arrangement on the elongate body for mounting a blade runner to the elongate body, wherein step a) includes the step of integrally forming the first and second plates from a composite material.

A method of making a skate boot including manufacturing a rear element including a tendon guard for covering at least a rear portion of the ankle received within the boot, and forming a direct connection at a fixed position between contacting portions of the rear element and of a remainder of the skate boot separately from the quarters, the direct connection being formed such that the rear element is an external element of the boot and such that an upper portion of the rear element is displaceable relative to the quarters in a forward and rearward direction, the upper portion of the rear element being displaceable through flexing of the rear element about the connection.

A method of making a skate boot including manufacturing a rear element including a tendon guard for covering at least a rear portion of the ankle received within the boot, and forming a direct connection at a fixed position between contacting portions of the rear element and of a remainder of the skate boot separately from the quarters, the direct connection being formed such that the rear element is an external element of the boot and such that an upper portion of the rear element is displaceable relative to the quarters in a forward and rearward direction, the upper portion of the rear element being displaceable through flexing of the rear element about the connection.

A skate (e.g., an ice skate) for a skater (e.g., a hockey player). The skate comprises a skate boot for receiving a foot of the skater and a skating device (e.g., a blade and a blade holder) disposed beneath the skate boot to engage a skating surface (e.g., ice). At least part of the skate boot and optionally at least part of one or more other components (e.g., the skating device) may be constructed from one or more materials (e.g., foams) molded by flowing in molding equipment during a molding process (e.g., injection molding or casting). This may allow the skate (or other footwear) to have useful performance characteristics (e.g., reduced weight, proper fit and comfort, etc.) while being more cost-effectively manufactured. Other articles of footwear are also provided.

A skate (e.g., an ice skate) for a skater (e.g., a hockey player). The skate comprises a skate boot for receiving a foot of the skater and a skating device (e.g., a blade and a blade holder) disposed beneath the skate boot to engage a skating surface (e.g., ice). At least part of the skate boot and optionally at least part of one or more other components (e.g., the skating device) may be constructed from one or more materials (e.g., foams) molded by flowing in molding equipment during a molding process (e.g., injection molding or casting). This may allow the skate (or other footwear) to have useful performance characteristics (e.g., reduced weight, proper fit and comfort, etc.) while being more cost-effectively manufactured. Other articles of footwear are also provided.

The present invention relates to a composite skate having an integral skate blade holder and an anatomically designed insole, as well as to an assembly of a skate comprising the composite skate and an inflatable inner boot.

The present invention relates to a composite skate having an integral skate blade holder and an anatomically designed insole, as well as to an assembly of a skate comprising the composite skate and an inflatable inner boot.

An ice skate boot as described herein can include a boot that is generally defined by an outer boot shell that includes a boot sole, a heal region, a toe box, and sidewalls between the toe box and the heal region. The sidewalls extend from the boot sole to a boot collar and tongue gap. Each of the sidewalls generally comprises an impact absorbing layer, a thermo-moldable layer and a foot contact layer, wherein the foot contact layer configured to interface a human foot. The impact absorbing layer is interposed between the outer boot shell and the thermo-moldable layer, the thermo-moldable layer is interposed between the impact absorbing layer and the foot contact layer. The thermo-moldable layer and the impact absorbing layer are incorporated in the heal region and extending at least to the toe box.

A composite skate having an integral skate blade holder and an anatomically designed insole, as well as an assembly for of a skate including the composite skate and an inflatable inner boot.

A composite skate having an integral skate blade holder and an anatomically designed insole, as well as an assembly for of a skate including the composite skate and an inflatable inner boot.