ICE SKATE BLADE BENDING APPARATUS

Abstract

A skate blade bending apparatus (35) may feature a unitary body (1) with a securement structure (10, 15) which holds a skate blade on its side, parallel to the ground, and a means for exerting downward force (8) on the side of the skate blade. The securement structure may feature movable anvils 15 which will change the imparted radius of curvature imparted upon the blade. Indicia (29) may be utilized to position said anvils (15) to ensure the process is repeatable on different blades. A handle (14) used with the means for exerting downward force (8) may be adjustable. The means for exerting downward force (8) and anvils (15) may be interchangeable with other shapes of similar structures for greater versatility.

Claims

1. A bending apparatus for bending a skate blade, where the skate blade comprises a lengthened rail-type support and a blade runner component, said bending apparatus is comprised of: a one-piece main body structure having top, bottom, front, and back with an upper ridge in the back of the main body structure; a variably positionable securement structure along the front of the main body structure to selectively attach the skate blade to the main body structure such that a longitudinal axis of the skate blade runs substantially parallel to the ground, the securement structure being repeatably locatable relative to the main body structure; and a means for exerting downward force, attached to the main body structure so as to exert bending pressure on the skate blade in a force direction that is generally perpendicular to the blade's longitudinal axis at a predetermined location wherein, the ridge provides a structure for providing tactile user feedback on the bending pressure generated by the force exerting means during single-handed operation and also a handle for convenient transport of the apparatus.

2. The bending apparatus of claim 1, the means for exerting downward force being a lever with a presser assembly, the presser assembly also serving as at least a part of the securement structure.

3. The bending apparatus of claim 2, the lever assembly being adjustable for the optimization of mechanical advantage.

4. The bending apparatus of claim 1, the main body structure further comprising a generally concave area horizontally adjacent to the means for exerting downward force and the securement structure to prevent contact and damage to the skate blade.

5. The bending apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securement structure comprises a pair of restraining anvils which can be positioned at a user defined location, and at a user defined width apart, under the means for exerting downward force and along the longitudinal axis of the said skate blade.

6. The bending apparatus of claim 5, wherein the pair of anvils and the means for exerting downward force are easily interchangeable with optimally conforming shaped component parts to provide adaptability for differently shaped blades.

7. The bending apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a positioning scale wherein the anvils are capable of being precisely positioned at repeatable locations along the blade's longitudinal axis.

8. The bending apparatus of claim 5, wherein the securing means are attached to the main body structure by an easy to operate means of insertion and removal into the main body structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of a short track speed skate.

[0021] FIG. 2A is a side view of a long track speed skate illustrating the hinged clap arm mechanism which is affixed to the forefoot area of the boot.

[0022] FIG. 2B is a side view of a long track speed skate illustrating the movement of the hinged clap arm mechanism.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front of a fully assembled skate blade bending apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of a skate blade bending apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a view of the front of a fully assembled skate blade bending apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 6 is an alternate perspective view of the front of a fully assembled skate blade bending apparatus with the lever arm raised in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 7 is an alternate perspective view of the front of a fully assembled skate blade bending apparatus detailing a potential method of adjustment of the variable length lever arm in accordance with an embodiment of the invention

[0028] FIG. 8 is a back-perspective view of a fully assembled skate blade bending apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a view of the back of a fully assembled skate blade bending apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 10 is an alternate perspective view of the back of a fully assembled skate blade bending apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a top view of a fully assembled skate blade bending apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a side view of a fully assembled skate blade bending apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 13 is an alternate side view of a fully assembled skate blade bending apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view with sections removed, illustrates a skate blade being bent by some of the components of the skate blade bending apparatus shown throughout the FIGS.

[0035] FIG. 15 is a partial front view with sections removed, illustrates a skate blade being squeezed between presser and anvil components, part of the skate blade bending apparatus shown throughout the FIGS.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the front of an alternate configuration of the anvil component of a skate blade bending apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the front of an alternate configuration of the anvil component of a skate blade bending apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the front of a further alternate configuration of the anvil component of a skate blade bending apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] The various embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover some possible alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DRAWINGSLIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0040] The following reference numerals are employed in the figures to indicate the associated elements of the embodiments depicted:

[0041] 1 Main Body

[0042] 2 Main Body Bearing (Rear)

[0043] 3 Main Assembly Pin

[0044] 4 Main Body Bearing (Front)

[0045] 5 Lever Arm Mount Washer

[0046] 6 Lever Arm Mount

[0047] 7 Dowel Pin

[0048] 8 Presser Wheel

[0049] 9 Presser Wheel Bearing

[0050] 10 Presser Wheel Assembly

[0051] 11 Presser Wheel Assembly Pin

[0052] 12 Lever Arm

[0053] 13 Lever Arm Handle

[0054] 14 Lever Arm Assembly

[0055] 15 Anvil

[0056] 15a Alternate Anvil

[0057] 15b Second Alternate Anvil

[0058] 16 Main body Foot

[0059] 17 Dowel Pin Hole

[0060] 18 Main Assembly Pin Hole

[0061] 19 Presser Wheel Assembly Pin Hole

[0062] 20 Lever Arm Hole

[0063] 21 Main Assembly Pin Alignment Slot

[0064] 22 Anvil Retention Pin

[0065] 23 Anvil Track

[0066] 24 Anvil Retention Slot

[0067] 25 Anvil Install Relief Point

[0068] 26 Presser Wheel Assembly Pin Tool Hole

[0069] 27 Recessed Area

[0070] 28 Hand Grip Rail

[0071] 29 Graduation Marks

[0072] 30 Tool Fitting Area

[0073] 31 Short Track Skate Blade

[0074] 32 Long Track Skate Blade

[0075] 33 Blade Rail Support (Tube)

[0076] 34 Clap Skate Hinge Arm

[0077] 35 Blade Bending Apparatus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0078] With reference now to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the skate bending apparatus is herein described. It should be noted that the articles a, an, and the, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0079] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a preferred but exemplary embodiment of a blade bending apparatus is shown. The depicted bending apparatus can be used for bending a short track skate blade (31) or a long track skate blade (32), examples of which are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A. The skate blades (31) and (32) are generally configured with an elongated rail-type support (33), which is typically a cylindrical tube shape with appendages to facilitate mounting of a blade runner component and mounting points for affixing boots, commonly referred to as a blade tube. The blade tube generally has a slot adapted to hold and retain the upper portion of the blade or runner on one side of the blade tube, and mounting platform(s) referred to as cups or arms attached on the opposite side of the blade tube for attaching the blade assembly to boots. The short track blade (31) and long track blade (32) shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A exemplify one possible embodiment of each type of skate blade bendable with the blade bending apparatus. Various other types of skate blades, including blades of various configurations, may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, blade attachment sections with and without the associated runner or attachment components installed can also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0080] The skate blade bending apparatus is shown in an exploded view in FIG. 4. A main body bearing (rear) (2) and a main body bearing (front) (4) are inserted into a main body (1). A main assembly pin (3) is inserted into the main body (1). A lever arm mount washer (5) is placed onto the main assembly pin (3). A dowel pin (7) is inserted into dowel pin hole (17) in a lever arm mount (6). A lever arm (12) is installed into a lever arm handle (13) to form an adjustable lever arm assembly (14). The lever arm mount (6) is installed onto the main assembly pin (3) such that lever arm hole (20) is aligned with main assembly pin alignment slot (21). The adjustable lever arm assembly (14) is installed into the lever arm mount (6) at lever arm hole (20) until it is tightened against main assembly pin alignment slot (21). A presser wheel bearing (9) is installed into a presser wheel (8) to form a presser wheel assembly (10). Attach the presser wheel assembly (10) to the lever arm mount (6) by inserting a presser wheel assembly pin (11) through the presser wheel bearing (9) and into presser wheel assembly pin hole (19). Install one main body foot (16) on the bottom of each corner of the main body (1). Install two anvils (15) onto the main body (1) by inserting an anvil retention pin (22) of each anvil (15) into the anvil retention slots (24) of the anvil track (23) at the anvil install relief point (25). A line of graduation marks (29) is placed adjacent to anvil track (23) to assist with placement and use of the anvils (15). A recessed area (27) on the face of the main body aids in preventing contact between the skate blade runner surface and the main body (1).

[0081] We presently contemplate that the main body (1) of this embodiment be made of aluminum and Computerized Numerical Control machined from a solid block of material, but other materials and methods are also suitable including, but not limited, to alloys, plastics, composites such as carbon fiber, etc.

[0082] We presently contemplate that the bearings (2), (4), and (9) be made of bronze and solid in design, but other materials are suitable as are other types of bearings including ball, needle, etc.

[0083] We presently contemplate that the lever arm (12), the lever arm mount (6), the dowel pin (7), the presser wheel assembly pin (11), and the main assembly pin (3) be made of steel, but other materials also suitable.

[0084] We presently contemplate that the lever arm handle (13) be made of plastic, but other materials are also suitable.

[0085] We presently contemplate that lever arm assembly (14) can be adjusted to increase or decrease the effective length of the lever arm by using threaded component parts (12) and (13), but other mechanisms such as set screws, spring loaded detent assemblies, servo motors, etc. are also possible.

[0086] We presently contemplate that the presser wheel assembly (10) be operated manually with the lever arm assembly (14), but other mechanically controlled means of delivering force through the presser wheel assembly (10) would also be suitable, including but not limited to, pneumatic, hydraulic, and screw driven mechanisms.

[0087] We presently contemplate that the anvil(s) (15, 15a, 15b) be made of heat-treated steel, but other materials are also suitable.

[0088] We presently contemplate that the main body feet (16) be made of rubber and affixed with threaded fasteners, but other materials and fastening mechanisms are suitable.

[0089] We presently contemplate that the recessed area (27) include a thin protective rubber coating to further protect against damage to the blade runner surface, but other materials such as PTFE, urethane, silicone, etc. are also suitable. Further, the addition of this coating can be considered optional but beneficial.

[0090] We presently contemplate that the graduation marks (29) be etched into the aluminum surface of main body (1), but these marks can also be included by CNC machining, screen printing, surface labeling, etc., or other suitable means. Further, the graduation marks are purely for making the procedure a repeatable process and they can be designated by letters, numerals, or other symbols as appropriate.

[0091] The blade bending apparatus achieves its results in the following ways (FIGS. 3, 14-16):

[0092] The user first locates two positionable anvils (15) along the anvil rail track (23) with each anvil (15) placed on opposing sides of the centerline of presser wheel (8). Graduation marks (29), are used to choose repeatable positions for placement of the anvils (15) to achieve the user's desired result. After positioning the anvils (15), a skate blade can be inserted between the anvils (15) and the presser wheel (8) orientated so that the blade runner is facing recessed area (27), and the blade tube (33) is positioned atop the anvils (15) with the area of the blade to be bent centered under the presser wheel (8).

[0093] The user of the blade bending apparatus applies a bending force to a skate blade tube in a horizontal plane by the user applying pressure to the adjustable lever arm assembly (14), which in turn presses the presser wheel assembly (10) against the skate blade tube (33) in the user specified area. The two positionable anvils (15), are placed on opposite sides of the center line of the presser wheel (8) in user determined locations. The two positionable anvils (15) support the underside of the skate blade tube (33) as well as preventing horizontal movement during the application of pressure. The further apart the two positionable anvils (15) are placed, the broader the area of the skate blade tube is bent. The closer together the two positionable anvils (15) are placed, the narrower an area of the skate blade tube is bent.

[0094] In the preferred embodiment, the user can increase or decrease the adjustable lever arm assembly (14) length to adjust the amount of force generated by the lever arm. The adjustable lever arm assembly (14) length is adjusted by placing a suitable tool on tool fitting area (30) on the lever arm (12), and then turning lever handle (13). Turning lever handle (13) clockwise will decrease the length of the assembly. Turning lever handle (13) counter-clockwise will increase the length of the assembly (FIG. 7).

[0095] While applying pressure to adjustable lever arm assembly (14), the user can use a hand grip rail (28) on the top back side of main body (1), as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. The hand grip rail allows for additional feedback to the user with respect to the amount of force being applied to the lever arm. The hand grip rail (28) can also be used to carry the blade bender apparatus.

[0096] There are various possibilities regarding the adjustable lever arm concept. Below is a listing of some alternate ways to accomplish an adjustable lever arm:

Lever arm (12) can have a female slot and lever arm handle (13) a matching male ridge and a set-screw, thereby allowing the handle (13) to slide along the lever arm (12) to the desired length and then be locked in place with the set screw.
Lever arm (12) can have a female detent divot and lever arm handle (13) a matching male detent spring and ball mechanism, thereby allowing the handle (13) to be moved to various positions allow the length of lever arm (12) and locked in place by the spring and ball mechanism.
Lever arm (12) and lever arm handle (13) can have a rack and pinion assembly and a battery-operated micro-servo motor to move the handle in and out along the length of lever arm (12) to the desired user location.

[0097] Anvils (15) and presser wheel (8) with a concave profile may be exchanged with profiles that are smooth and flat (15a) as shown in FIG. 16 to allow bending operations on the flat blade runner attachment surface to allow easier bending of the skate blade across the entire length of the blade if desired.

[0098] If a user has blades that do not properly fit in the radius of the anvils (15) and presser wheel (8), these parts can be easily exchanged for alternate components with different radii, half radius, flat shapes, etc. as shown in FIG. 16-18. The examples shown in FIG. 17 (15a) and FIG. 18 (15b) are only a subset of possible shapes and should in no way be viewed as limiting.

[0099] The anvils (15) and presser wheel (8) can be surfaced with a different material, for example, rubber, plastic, etc. so as not to mar or damage the skate blades surface finish. The anvils (15) and the presser wheel (8) can be of diverse sizes and shapes. Varied materials, sizes, and interconnections can be used for all components.

[0100] Accordingly, the reader will see that the blade bending apparatus of the various embodiments can be used to provide an easy, precise, convenient, and repeatable method to bend skate blades of various shapes and configurations, over as much, or as little, of the blades length as the user desires, that does not damage the skate blades, that is easily adjusted for bending operation and user configuration preferences, that is easily transported, that can be easily adapted to new blade designs without requiring replacement of the apparatus, and that has an attractive appearance.

[0101] From the description above, many advantages of some embodiments of our blade bender apparatus become evident:

(a) The one-piece construction of the main body (1) allows for reduced weight and substantially increased strength. There is little possibility of the main body (1) failing with use.
(b) The independently positionable anvils (15) allow for greater breath of adjustment in how bending operations are performed.
(c) The removable and replaceable anvils (15) and presser wheel (8), with different shape possibilities, allow the bender to be used with all current and future skate blade designs without requiring the replacement of the apparatus.
(d) The graduation marks allow for easily repeatable bending operations.
(e) The open design of main body (1) combined with recessed area (27) allows users to work easily and quickly on assembled skates without risk of damage to the blades' runner surface.
(f) The adjustable lever arm assembly (14) allows users to easily adjust the pressure generated by the lever arm to tailor the device to their needs.
(g) The built-in hand grip rail (28) on the main body (1) allows for additional operator feedback during use of lever arm assembly (14) for more precise pressure application.
(h) The built-in hand grip rail (28) on the main body (1) allows for safe and easy one-handed transportation of the bender when it needs to be moved.

[0102] Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of the several embodiments. For example, the main body can have other shapes, such as circular, trapezoidal, triangular, etc.; the lever arm mount and anvils can likewise have other shapes, etc. Thus, the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0103] The present invention may be manufactured and used in industry, with a primary purpose of being used in the ice-skating industry.