ICE SKATE BLADE RETENTION SYSTEM OF ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR FOR ICE SKATING

Abstract

A skate blade retention system comprising a trigger including a user interface and a rotor positioned adjacent to the trigger. The rotor comprises a rotor rotating portion rotatable about a central axis and comprising a rigid protrusion, a rotor mounting portion, and at least one biasing element coupled to the rotor mounting portion. The at least one biasing element is biased to cause rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in a first rotational direction. A first translation of the trigger towards the rotor causes a first rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The at least one biasing element causes (i) a second rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in the first rotational direction, and (ii) a second translation of the trigger away from the rotor.

Claims

1. A skate blade retention system comprising: a trigger comprising a user interface: and a rotor positioned adjacent to the trigger, the rotor comprising: a rotor rotating portion rotatable about a central axis and comprising a rigid protrusion, a rotor mounting portion, and at least one biasing element coupled to the rotor mounting portion, wherein the at least one biasing element is biased to cause rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in a first rotational direction, wherein a first translation of the trigger towards the rotor causes a first rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, and wherein the at least one biasing element causes (i) a second rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in the first rotational direction, and (ii) a second translation of the trigger away from the rotor.

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. The skate blade retention system of claim 1, wherein the trigger further comprises (a) a contact comprising an angled planar face disposed opposite the user interface, and (b) a first wall and a second wall extending from the user interface and defining a recess therebetween, and wherein the contact is disposed (i) between the first and second walls and (ii) within the recess.

5. (canceled)

6. The skate blade retention system of claim 4, wherein the first wall comprises a first recessed rail and the second wall comprises a second recessed rail, and wherein the first and second recessed rails are configured to retain at least a portion of the rotor.

7. (canceled)

8. The skate blade retention system of claim 1, wherein the rotor is positioned at least partially within a recess defined by the trigger, and wherein the rotor rotating portion is configured to engage with a portion of a skate blade.

9. (canceled)

10. The skate blade retention system of claim 1, wherein the rotor rotating portion further comprises a bell comprising first and second bell walls defining a cavity therebetween bound by an inner surface of the bell, and wherein a shape defined by the inner surface of the bell is complementary to a portion of a skate blade.

11. The skate blade retention system of claim 10, wherein (i) the cavity is configured to receive the portion of the skate blade, and (ii) the inner surface comprises the rigid protrusion, the rigid protrusion being configured to retain a bottom surface of the portion of the skate blade to retain the portion of the skate blade within the cavity of the bell.

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. The skate blade retention system of claim 1, wherein the rotor rotating portion further comprises a joint defining at least one of an opening or a recess. wherein the rotor further comprises a knuckle extending from the rotor mounting portion towards the joint and positioned within the at least one of the opening or the recess, and wherein (i) the knuckle defines the central axis as extending through a center of the knuckle and (ii) the rotor rotating portion is rotatable about the central axis via the knuckle.

15. (canceled)

16. The skate blade retention system of claim 14, wherein the joint defines the recess and further comprises a pin, wherein the knuckle defines an opening, and wherein the opening of the knuckle receives the pin of the joint.

17. The skate blade retention system of claim 1, wherein the at least one biasing element further comprises at least a first biasing element configured to resist compression in the second rotational direction and a second biasing element configured to resist extension in the second rotational direction, wherein the rotor rotating portion further comprises (i) a first arm for contacting the trigger and (ii) a bell, wherein the first biasing element is coupled to a first end of the rotor mounting portion and the first arm, and wherein the second biasing means is coupled to a second end of the rotor mounting portion and the bell.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. The skate blade retention system of claim 1, wherein the first translation of the trigger towards the rotor causes deformation of the at least one biasing element.

21. The skate blade retention system of claim 1, wherein the second rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in the first rotational direction causes at least a portion of the rotor rotating portion to (i) contact at least a portion of the trigger and (ii) cause the second translation of the trigger away from the rotor.

22. A skate blade assembly comprising: a skate blade comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end, an ice-contacting surface, and an upper edge opposite the ice-contacting surface, the upper edge comprising first and second hooks projecting upwardly and disposed proximate to one of the first and second ends respectively: a blade holder having first and second pedestals and a bridge portion connecting the first and second pedestals, the blade holder further comprising a bottom surface defining a longitudinal groove extending along a length thereof for receiving the upper edge of the skate blade, wherein (i) the bottom surface defines a first opening to the longitudinal groove for receiving the first hook of the skate blade, (ii) the bottom surface defines a second opening in the longitudinal groove for receiving the second hook of the skate blade, and (iii) the second pedestal comprises an inner surface defining a cavity in communication with the second opening: and a retention system for removably coupling the skate blade to the blade holder, the retention system being at least partially mounted within the cavity of the second pedestal and comprising: a trigger configured to engage an appendage of a user from an exterior of the blade holder; and a rotor comprising a rigid protrusion for retaining the second hook of the skate blade, the rigid protrusion being rotatable about a central axis between (i) a locked position in which the rigid protrusion engages the second hook of the skate blade to retain the skate blade in the longitudinal groove of the blade holder, and (ii) an unlocked position in which the rigid protrusion disengages the second hook of the skate blade to release the skate blade from the blade holder, wherein the trigger is movable in response to the appendage of the user acting on the trigger for imparting translational movement of the trigger to cause rotation of the rigid protrusion from the locked position to the unlocked position.

23. The skate blade assembly of claim 22, wherein the first hook extends towards the first end of the blade holder, and wherein the second hook extends towards the first end of the blade holder.

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. The skate blade assembly of claim 22, wherein a top surface of the second hook is shaped to cause rotation of the rigid protrusion from the locked position to the unlocked position based on insertion of the second hook into the second opening.

27. The skate blade assembly of claim 22, wherein the upper edge of the skate blade further comprises a ridge projecting upwardly between the first hook and the second hook, and wherein the bottom surface of the blade holder defines a recess in the longitudinal groove for receiving the ridge of the skate blade.

28. (canceled)

29. The skate blade assembly of claim 22, wherein the bottom surface further comprises first and second bottom walls within the longitudinal groove defining the second opening.

30. The skate blade assembly of claim 29, wherein the rigid protrusion of the rotor biases (i) the second hook away from the first bottom wall and towards the second bottom wall, and (ii) a rear surface of the second hook to contact the second bottom wall.

31. (canceled)

32. The skate blade assembly of claim 22, wherein the inner surface of the second pedestal further defines the cavity with a third opening that opens to a front portion of the second pedestal, wherein the trigger further comprises a user interface protruding from the cavity through the third opening to the exterior of the blade holder.

33. The skate blade assembly of claim 22, wherein the inner surface further comprises a mounting portion configured to retain a portion of the rotor.

34. The skate blade assembly of claim 22, wherein the first pedestal further comprises a second inner surface defining a second cavity, wherein the first opening opens to the second cavity of the first pedestal, and wherein the rigid protrusion is configured to hook a bottom surface of the second hook to retain the second hook within the cavity of the second pedestal.

35. (canceled)

36. (canceled)

37. A skate blade retention system comprising: a trigger comprising: a user interface configured to engage with an appendage of a user, the user interface comprising a leading edge: at least one retainer comprising a seating surface configured to engage with a skate blade holder, wherein the at least one retainer extends from the user interface; a contact comprising an angled planar face disposed opposite the leading edge: a first wall and a second wall extending from the user interface and defining a recess therebetween: and a rotor configured to engage with a portion of a skate blade, and sized and configured to be positioned at least partially within the recess defined by the trigger, the rotor comprising: a rotor rotating portion configured to rotate about a central axis and comprising: a bell comprising first and second bell walls defining a cavity therebetween bound by an inner surface of the bell, wherein (i) the cavity is configured to receive the portion of the skate blade, and (ii) the inner surface comprises a rigid protrusion configured to engage with the portion of the skate blade: a joint coupled to the bell and configured to rotate the bell about the central axis; and a first arm coupled to the bell and configured to contact the angled planar face of the trigger: a mounting portion configured to couple to the skate blade holder and comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end: a knuckle extending from the mounting portion towards the joint, wherein (i) the joint is configured to receive the knuckle, (ii) the knuckle defines the central axis, and (iii) the rotor rotating portion is configured to rotate about the central axis via the knuckle: a biasing element coupled to the first end of the mounting portion and the first arm, wherein the biasing element is biased to cause rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in a first direction, wherein a first translation of the trigger towards the rotor causes rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in a second direction opposite the first direction, and wherein the biasing clement causes (i) rotation of the rotor rotating portion about the central axis in the first direction, and (ii) a second translation of the trigger away from the rotor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of embodiments of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an ice skate blade assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2A is a side view of a trigger of a retention system for an ice skate blade assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the trigger of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2C is a first rear perspective view of the trigger of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2D is a front view of the trigger of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2E is a rear view of the trigger of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 2F is a top view of the trigger of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 2G is a bottom view of the trigger of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 2H is a second rear perspective view of the trigger of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 2I is a side view of the trigger of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 3A is a side view of a rotor of a retention system for an ice skate blade assembly, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of the rotor of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 3C is a rear perspective view of the rotor of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 3D is a front view of the rotor of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 3E is a rear view of the rotor of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 3F is a top view of the rotor of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 3G is a bottom view of the rotor of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 3H is cross sectional view of the rotor of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 3I is a side view of a rotor of a retention system for an ice skate blade assembly in an unmounted configuration, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 3J is a side view of the rotor of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 4A is a side view of retention system for an ice skate blade assembly in a locked position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of the retention system of FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 4C is a rear perspective view of the retention system of FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 4D is a cross sectional view of the retention system of FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 5A is a side view a retention system for an ice skate blade assembly in an unlocked position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of the retention system of FIG. 5A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 5C is a rear perspective view of the retention system of FIG. 5A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 5D is a cross sectional view of the retention system of FIG. 5A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] FIGS. 6A is a side view of an ice skate blade, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] FIGS. 6B is a side view of the ice skate blade of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] FIGS. 6C is a front view of the ice skate blade of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 7A is a side view of a skate blade holder, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 7B is a front view of the skate blade holder of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 7C is a cross sectional view of the skate blade holder of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 7D is a top view of the skate blade holder of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 7E is a side view of the skate blade holder of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 8A is a cross sectional view of the ice skate blade assembly of FIG. 1 in a locked position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 8B is a cross sectional view of the ice skate blade assembly of FIG. 1 in an unlocked position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 8C is a top view of the ice skate blade assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the ice skate blade assembly of FIG. 1 in a partially assembled position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 10A is a side view of an insert for an ice skate, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 10B is a first front perspective view of the insert of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 10C is a first back perspective view of the insert of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 10D is a second front perspective view of the insert of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 10E is a second back perspective view of the insert of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 10F is a cross sectional of the insert of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 11A is a side view of an ice skate, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 11B is a cross sectional view of the ice skate of FIG. 11A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0064] FIG. 11C is a rear perspective view of the ice skate of FIG. 11A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 11D is a front perspective view of the ice skate of FIG. 11A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 12A is a side view of a rotor of a retention system for an ice skate blade assembly in an unmounted configuration, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 12B is a side view of the rotor of FIG. 12A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 13A is a right side view of an embodiment of a skate blade holder, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0069] FIG. 13B is a left side view of the embodiment of the skate blade holder of FIG. 13A;

[0070] FIG. 13C is a top view of the embodiment of the skate blade holder of FIG. 13A;

[0071] FIG. 13D is a bottom view of the embodiment of the skate blade holder of FIG. 13A;

[0072] FIG. 13E is a front view of the embodiment of the skate blade holder of FIG. 13A;

[0073] FIG. 13F is a rear view of the embodiment of the skate blade holder of FIG. 13A; and

[0074] FIG. 13G is a top perspective view from the left side of the embodiment of the skate blade holder of FIG. 13A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Ice Skate Blade Assembly

[0075] Referring to FIG. 1, an ice skate blade assembly 100, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, can include an ice skate blade 110 and a skate blade holder 130. The ice skate blade 110 can be made of a metallic material, e.g., stainless steel that is durable and can be sharpened to maintain an edge, e.g., for contacting an ice skating surface. In some variations, the ice skate blade 110 can be made of metal (e.g., alloy metals), composite material, plastic, or combinations thereof in one or more distinct regions of the ice skate blade 110. In some variations, for weight reduction, the ice skate blade 110 can include one or more apertures. The blade holder 130 can be made of injectable plastics (e.g., polyurethane (PU), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.), polyamide (PA) (e.g., PA11, PA12, PA16, etc.), polyether block amide (PEBA), temperature and impact modified plastic (e.g., Zytel ST801 produced by DUPONT), or a combination thereof. In some variations, the blade holder 130 can include a number of fiber reinforcements, such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, polyester fibers, natural fibers (e.g., hemp fibers, flax fibers, etc.), or a combination thereof. The fiber reinforcements may have a length between 0.01 millimeters (mm) and 10 mm. In some variations, the blade holder 130 can be manufactured using injection molding and/or three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques.

[0076] In some embodiments, the ice skate blade assembly 100 can include a retention system. The retention system can include a trigger having a user interface 202 and a rotor disposed within the blade holder 130, with the retention system being configured to retain a portion of the ice skate blade 110. The retention system can be sized and positioned within the blade holder 103 as part of an ice skate blade assembly to retain a portion of the ice skate blade 110.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, a trigger 200 of a retention system for the ice skate blade assembly 100 can include the user interface 202 configured to engage with an appendage (e.g., finger, such as an index finger) of a user of the ice skate blade assembly 100. The user interface 202 can include a leading edge 204 configured to contact the user's appendage, with the leading edge 204 being sized and shaped to receive the user's appendage during contact. In some variations, the user interface 202 can include a first sidewall 206 and a second sidewall 208 that are each adjacent and connected to the leading edge 204. The first sidewall 206 may be positioned opposite the second sidewall 208. In some variations, the first sidewall 206 and the second sidewall 208 are oriented in parallel to each other.

[0078] In some embodiments, the trigger 200 can include at least one retainer. The retainer can include a seating surface configured to engage with the blade holder 130. For example, the retainer of the trigger 200 can include a first retainer 210a and a second retainer 210b including a first seating surface 212a and a second seating surface 212b, respectively, for contacting an interior of the blade holder 130. In some variations, each of the retainers 210 can extend from a center portion of the user interface 202.

[0079] Referring also to FIG. 2E, in some embodiments, the trigger 200 can further include a contact 214 having an angled planar face. The contact 214 can be disposed opposite the leading edge 204 of the user interface 202.

[0080] Referring also to FIGS. 2F and 2G, the trigger 200 can further include a first wall 220 and a second wall 222, with each of the first and second walls extending from the user interface 202. The first wall 220 and the second wall 222 can define a recess 226 therebetween. The contact 214 may be disposed between the first wall 220 and second wall 222 and within the recess 226. In some variations, the first wall 220 and the second wall 222 can be oriented in parallel to each other.

[0081] Referring also to FIG. 2D, the first wall 220 and the second wall 222 can each include a seating surface 224 configured to engage with the blade holder 130. The first wall 220 and the second wall 222 can include a first seating surface 224a and a second seating surface 224b, respectively, for contacting an interior of the blade holder 130. In some variations, the seating surfaces 224a, 224b can extend from the respective walls 220, 222. Referring also to FIG. 2G, in some variations, the first wall 220 and the second wall 222 can each include a recessed rail, e.g., a first recessed rail 228a and a second recessed rail 228b, respectively. The recessed rails 228a, 228b of the first wall 220 and the second wall 222 may be configured to receive and engage with, e.g., constrain, a portion of a rotor 300. For example, the recessed rails 228a, 228b of the first wall 220 and the second wall 222 can be sized and shaped to receive and engage with, e.g., constrain, a portion of a rotor 300. In some embodiments, the trigger 200 may include a single recessed rail.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2C, and 2H, in some embodiments, the first wall 220 and the second wall 222 can each include a hook defining a gap. For example, the first wall 220 can include a front hook 230a defining a gap 232a and the second wall 222 can include a second hook 230b defining a gap 232b. The gaps 232a, 232b of the first wall 220 and the second wall 222 may be configured to receive a portion of a rotor 300. For example, the gaps 232a, 232b of the first wall 220 and the second wall 222 can be sized and shaped to receive a portion of a rotor 300.

[0083] In some embodiments, the trigger 200 may be manufactured using injection molding and/or 3D printing techniques. The trigger 200 may be formed from one or more materials, such as PU, POM, polyethylene (PE), PA (e.g., PA11, PA12, PA16, etc.), PEBA, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the trigger 200 may be formed from a copolymer of PU and POM. In some variations, the trigger 200 may include one or more fiber reinforcements, such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, polyester fibers, natural fibers (e.g., hemp fibers, flax fibers, etc.), or a combination thereof. The fiber reinforcements may have a length between 0.01 mm and 10 mm. In some variations, at least a portion of the trigger 200 may include or consist essentially of a metallic material such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, an amorphous metal (e.g., metallic glass), or combination thereof. Advantageously, a metallic material may be used on high-wear (e.g., high-contact and/or high-friction) areas of the trigger 200, thereby providing enhanced durability for the high-wear areas. In some variations, the trigger 200 can be manufactured to have unitary construction.

[0084] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 2D and 2I, the trigger 200 may have a length 1200 of 40 mm, a height h.sub.200 between 60 mm and 65 mm, and a thickness t.sub.200 between 10 mm and 16 mm, e.g., 13 mm.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C and 3G, an embodiment of a rotor 300 of a retention system for the ice skate blade assembly can include a rotating portion 302 (also referred to as a rotor rotating portion) configured to rotate about a central axis 350. The rotating portion 302 can be rotatable about the central axis 350 in first and second rotational directions. In some cases, rotation of the rotating portion 302 in the first rotational direction can refer to rotation of the rotating portion 302 toward a locked position. In some cases, rotation of the rotating portion 302 in the second rotational direction can refer to rotation of the rotating portion 302 toward an unlocked position. The rotating portion 302 can include a bell 304, a joint 316, and an arm 320. The bell 304 can include a bottom bell wall 305. In some variations, the bell 304 can include a first bell wall 306 and a second bell wall 308 defining a cavity 310 therebetween. Referring also to FIG. 3H, the cavity 310 can be bound by an inner surface 312 of the bell 304. In some variations, the inner surface 312 can include a rigid protrusion 314. The rigid protrusion 314 can be configured to hook and/or retain a portion of an ice skate blade. The bottom bell wall 305 may be adjacent to the cavity 310. In some embodiments, the bottom bell wall 305 may be configured to engage with a portion of the skate blade to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 about the central axis 350 in a second rotational direction. For example, the rotor 300 may be disposed within the skate blade holder as part of an ice skate blade assembly for the bottom bell wall 305 to contact a portion of the skate blade to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 about the central axis 350 in a second rotational direction toward an unlocked position.

[0086] Referring also to FIG. 3I, the joint 316 of the rotating portion 302 can be coupled to the bell 304. The joint 316 can define an opening 318 configured to allow the rotation of the bell 304 about the central axis 350. For example, the opening 318 can be shaped and sized to enable the rotation of the bell 304 about the central axis 350. The central axis 350 may extend through a center of the opening 318. In some variations, the arm 320 of the rotating portion 302 can be coupled to the bell 304 and the joint 316. The arm 320 can be configured to contact the angled planar face of the contact 214 of the trigger 200. (See also, e.g., FIGS. 4D and 5D). For example, the arm 320 can be disposed within the skate blade holder as part of an ice skate blade assembly to contact the angled planar face of the contact 214 of the trigger 200. The arm 320 can extend away from the bell 304. The joint 316 can be positioned at least partially between the bell 304 and the arm 320. In some variations, referring also to FIG. 3D, the arm 320 can include at an end thereof a rounded portion 322 having a cylindrical structure. The rounded portion 322 can be configured to contact the angled planar face of the contact 214 of the trigger 200. For example, the rounded portion 322 can be disposed within the skate blade holder as part of an ice skate blade assembly to contact the angled planar face of the contact 214 of the trigger 200. In some variations, opposing sides of the rounded portion 322 may be configured to engage with the trigger 200. For example, the recessed rails 228a, 228b of the first wall 220 and the second wall 222 of the trigger 200 may be shaped and sized to receive opposing sides of the rounded portion 322, such that the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 is retained and constrained within the recessed rails 228a, 228b.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D and 3F, the rotor 300 can include a mounting portion 324 (also referred to as a rotor mounting portion) configured to couple the rotor 300 to the skate blade holder. For example, the mounting portion 324 can be disposed within the skate blade holder as part of an ice skate blade assembly to mount the rotor to the skate blade holder. In some variations, the mounting portion 324 can include a mounting post 326 including a first end 328 and a second end 330 opposite the first end 328. The mounting post 326 may be mounted to a portion of the skate blade holder, thereby coupling the rotor 300 to the skate blade holder.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3E, the rotor 300 can include at least one biasing element. In the example of FIGS. 3A-3E, the rotor can include two biasing elements including a first biasing element 334 and a second biasing element 338. The first biasing element 334 may be connected to each of the first end 328 of the mounting post 326 and the arm 320. The first biasing element 334 may be disposed between the first end 328 of the mounting post 326 and the arm 320, thereby connecting the first end 328 of the mounting post 326 to the arm 320. The first biasing clement 334 may be a spring (e.g., a compressive spring, a tensile spring, etc.), an elastomeric block (e.g., a compressive elastomeric block, a tensile elastomeric block, etc.), one or more magnets, or a combination thereof. The first biasing element 334 may be biased and structured to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 in a first rotational direction about the central axis 350 opposite the second rotational direction. For example, compression of the first biasing element 334 may cause the first biasing element 334 to be biased and structured to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 in the first rotational direction about the central axis 350. The first biasing clement 334 may be biased and structured to resist compression in the second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, such that rotation of the rotating portion 302 in the second rotational direction causes deformation, e.g., compression, of the first biasing element 334. In some variations, the second biasing element 338 may be connected to each of the second end 330 of the mounting post 326 and the bell 304. The second biasing element 338 may be disposed between the second end 330 of the mounting post 326 and the bell 304, thereby connecting the second end 330 of the mounting post 326 and the bell 304. The second biasing element 338 may be a spring. The second biasing element 338 may be biased and structured to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 in the first rotational direction about the central axis 350. For example, extension of the second biasing element 338 may cause the second biasing element 338 to be biased and structured to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 in the first rotational direction about the central axis 350. The second biasing clement 338 may be biased and structured to resist extension in the second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, such that rotation of the rotating portion 302 in the second rotational direction causes deformation, e.g., extension, of the second biasing element 338. In some embodiments, the rotor 300 may include a single biasing element. In some variations, a thickness and/or stiffness of each of the first biasing element 334 and the second biasing element 338 may be selected based on a desired torque, e.g., about the central axis 350, provided by the first biasing element 334 and the second biasing clement 338. In some variations, each of the first and second biasing elements 334, 338 may physically deform (e.g., bend, extend, and/or compress) and may be physically elastic to withstand such deformation.

[0089] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, application of a sufficient force to the arm 320 can cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 about the central axis 350 in the second rotational direction. For example, application of a sufficient force to the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 can cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 about the central axis 350 in the second rotational direction. In some variations, to rotate the rotating portion 302 about the central axis 350 in the second rotational direction, a sufficient torque applied to the arm 320 relative to the central axis 350 to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 about the central axis 350 in the second rotational direction can be required to exceed an opposite torque provided by the combination of the first biasing element 334 and the second biasing element 338.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3E, the rotor 300 can include a knuckle 342 extending from the mounting portion 324 towards the joint 316. The knuckle 342 can include a rounded portion having a cylindrical structure. In some variations, the knuckle 342 can be connected to the mounting portion 324 by a second arm 346. The second arm 346 may be disposed between the knuckle 342 and the mounting portion 324, thereby connecting the knuckle 342 and the mounting portion 324. Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3I, the opening 318 of the joint 316 is configured to receive the knuckle 342, such that the knuckle 342 is mounted within the opening 318 defined by the joint 316. FIG. 3I depicts an embodiment of the rotor 300 having an unmounted configuration prior to mounting the knuckle 342 within the opening 318 of the joint 316. In some variations, the knuckle 342 defines the central axis 350 about which the rotating portion 302 can rotate in the first rotational direction and the second rotational direction. For example, the knuckle 342 can define the central axis 350 as extending through a center of the knuckle 342, with the rotating portion 302 being rotatable in the first rotational direction and the second rotational direction about the central axis 350 when the knuckle is mounted within the opening 318 defined by the joint 316. The rotating portion 302 can rotate about the central axis 350 in the first and second rotational directions when the knuckle 342 is mounted within the opening 318 of the joint 316. Based on a configuration of the knuckle 342 mounted within the opening 318 of the joint 316, the rotating portion 302 may rotate about the central axis 350 defined by the knuckle 342, with a maximum angular rotation between 0.17 radians and 1.8 radians (i.e., between 10 degrees and 100 degrees). The rotating portion 302 may rotate about the central axis 350 between a first position, a second position, and a number of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position. For example, the rotating portion 302 may rotate about the central axis 350 between the first position and the second position with a maximum angular rotation between 0.17 radians and 1.8 radians.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 3B-3D, 3F, and 3G, the second arm 346 connecting the knuckle 342 to the mounting portion 324 can include a first edge 348a and a second edge 348b extending from a central wall of the second arm 346. The first edge 348a and the second edge 348b may be configured to engage with the first and second walls of the trigger. For example, the first edge 348a and the second edge 348b may be disposed within the skate blade holder as part of an ice skate blade assembly to engage with and contact the first gap 232a defined by the first wall 220 and the second gap 232b defined by the second wall 222, respectively, of the trigger 200.

[0092] In some embodiments, the rotor 300 may be manufactured using injection molding and/or 3D printing techniques. The rotor 300 may be formed from one or more materials, such as PU, POM, PE, PA (e.g., PA11, PA12, PA16, etc.), PEBA, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the rotor 300 may be formed from a copolymer of PU and POM. In some variations, the rotor 300 may include one or more fiber reinforcements, such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, polyester fibers, natural fibers (e.g., hemp fibers, flax fibers, etc.), or a combination thereof. The fiber reinforcements may have a length between 0.01 mm and 10 mm. In some variations, at least a portion of the rotor 300 may include or consist essentially of a metallic material such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, an amorphous metal (e.g., metallic glass), or combination thereof. Advantageously, a metallic material may be used on high-wear (e.g., high-contact and/or high-friction) areas of the rotor 300, thereby providing enhanced durability for the high-wear areas. In some variations, the rotor 300 can be manufactured to have unitary construction. In some cases, embodiments of the rotor 300 can include one or more features of a rotor (e.g., rotor 1200) as described herein.

[0093] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 3D and 3J, the rotor 300 may have a length 1300 between 50 mm and 70 mm, e.g., 60 mm, a height h.sub.300 between 55 mm and 75 mm, e.g., 65 mm, and a thickness t.sub.300 between 7 mm and 13 mm, e.g., 10 mm.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first biasing element 334 may have a thickness between 1.5 mm and 3 mm, e.g., 2.45 mm. The second biasing element 338 may have a thickness between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, e.g., 1.45 mm. The rotor may have a height between 50 mm and 60 mm, e.g., 55 mm. The opening 318 defined by the joint 316 may have a diameter between 4 mm and 8 mm, e.g., 6 mm. The knuckle 342 may have a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the opening 318 and between 4 mm and 8 mm, e.g., 5.8 mm. The difference between the diameter of the opening 318 and the diameter of the knuckle 342 may be between 0 mm and 0.5 mm, e.g., 0.2 mm. A thickness of the second arm 346 may be between 4 mm and 10 mm.

[0095] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, the ice skate blade assembly 100 can include a retention system 400. The retention system 400 can include the trigger 200 and the rotor 300 with the retention system 400 being configured to retain a portion of an ice skate blade. For example, the retention system 400 can be disposed within the skate blade holder as part of the ice skate blade assembly 100 to retain a portion of an ice skate blade. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the retention system 400 can have a locked position (also referred to as a closed position) with the trigger 200 and the rotor 300 each being positioned for the retention system 400 to retain a portion of an ice skate blade. Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, in the locked position, the rotor 300 is configured to be positioned adjacent to the trigger 200, such as positioned at least partially within the recess 226 of the trigger 200. For example, the rotor 300 is sized and shaped to be positioned at least partially within the recess 226 of the trigger 200, with the joint 316, the arm 320, and the knuckle 342 positioned within the recess 226 defined by the first wall 220 and the second wall 222. When the retention system 400 is in the locked position, the first biasing clement 334 and the second biasing element 338 are decompressed and contracted, respectively, such that the bell 304 is positioned to retain a portion of the ice skate blade via the rigid protrusion 314 on the inner surface 312 of the bell 304. For example, the rigid protrusion 314 may be configured to hook and retain a portion of the ice skate blade by having a shape complementary to the portion of the ice skate blade. Referring also to FIG. 4D, in the locked position, the recessed rails 228a, 228b of the first wall 220 and the second wall 222 receive and engage opposing sides of the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320, such that the recessed rails 228a, 228b retain and constrain the rounded portion 322 therein. In some variations, as shown in FIG. 4D, the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 contacts the angled planar face of the contact 214 of the trigger 200 when the retention system 400 is in the locked position. By the retention of the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 within the recessed rails 228a, 228b of the trigger 200, the trigger 200 may be and remain coupled to the rotor 300. The rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 may translate and rotate while engaging with the recessed rails 228a, 228b of the trigger 200 during translation (e.g., linear translation) of the trigger 200 and rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300. For example, the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 may slide along and within the recessed rails 228a, 228b during translation of the trigger 200 and rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300.

[0096] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, the retention system 400 can have an unlocked position (also referred to as an open position) with the trigger 200 and the rotor 300 of the retention system 400 each being positioned to release a portion of an ice skate blade. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, in the unlocked position, the rotor 300 is configured to be positioned adjacent to the trigger 200, such as positioned at least partially within the recess 226 of the trigger 200. For example, the rotor 300 is sized and shaped to be positioned at least partially within the recess 226 of the trigger 200, with the joint 316, arm 320, and knuckle 342 positioned within the recess 226 defined by the first wall 220 and the second wall 222. When the retention system 400 is in the unlocked position, the first biasing element 334 and the second biasing element 338 are compressed and extended, respectively, such that the bell 304 is positioned to release a portion of an ice skate blade. In some variations, when the retention system 400 is in the unlocked position, the first edge 348a and the second edge 348b extending from the second arm 346 engage with the first gap 232a and the second gap 232b, respectively, of the trigger 200. For example, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first gap 232a and the second gap 232b of the trigger 200 receive the first edge 348a and the second edge 348b, respectively, of the second arm 346. Advantageously, the first edge 348a and the second edge 348b of the second arm 346 can function as a guide for the trigger 200 when engaged with the first gap 232a and the second gap 232b, respectively. In some variations, engagement between the first and second edges 348a, 348b and the first and second gaps 232a, 232b can prevent rotation of the trigger 200 relative to the rotor 300 and prevent deflection of the second arm 346 about a point at which the second arm extends from the mounting portion 324. For example, engagement and contact of the first and second edges 348a, 348b within the first and second gaps 232a, 232b can prevent deflection of the second arm 346 and the rotating portion 302 connected to the second arm 346 via the knuckle 342 about the point at which the second arm 346 extends from the mounting portion 324.

[0097] Referring also to FIG. 5D, in the locked position, the recessed rails 228a, 228b of the first wall 220 and the second wall 222 receive and engage opposing sides of the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320, such that the recessed rails 228a, 228b retain the rounded portion 322 therein. In some variations, as shown in FIG. 5D, the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 contacts the angled planar face of the contact 214 of the trigger 200 when the retention system 400 is in the unlocked position. For example, the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 pushes against the angled planar face of the contact 214 of the trigger 200 when the retention system 400 is in the unlocked position.

[0098] In some embodiments, the trigger 200 has a first, e.g., locked, position and a second, e.g., unlocked, position. Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D and 5A-5D, the trigger 200 is in the first position when the retention system 400 is in the locked position and the trigger 200 is in the second position when the retention system 400 is in the unlocked position. In some variations, the trigger 200 may be movable (e.g., in response to an appendage acting on the trigger 200), such that the trigger 200 may translate between the first position and the second position. For example, the trigger 200 may linearly translate between the first position and the second position. The trigger 200 may translate to a number of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position. Referring to FIG. 4D, when the trigger 200 is in the first position, the trigger 200 may translate in a first translational direction 442 (e.g., towards the rotor 300) to the second position. Referring to FIG. 5D, when the trigger 200 has the second position, the trigger 200 may translate in a second translational direction 444 (e.g., away from the rotor 300) to the first position. In some variations, the trigger 200 may be restrained and/or constrained to translational motion in the first and second translational directions 442, 444. For example, based on being disposed within the skate blade holder as part of the ice skate blade assembly, the trigger 200 may be restrained and/or constrained to (e.g., only) translational motion (e.g., linear translational motion) toward the rotor 300 and away from the rotor 300.

[0099] In some embodiments, the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 has a first, e.g., locked, position and a second, e.g., unlocked, position. Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D and 5A-5D, the rotating portion 302 is in the first position when the retention system 400 is in the locked position and the rotating portion 302 is in the second position when the retention system 400 is in the unlocked position. In some variations, the rotating portion 302 may rotate about the central axis defined by the knuckle 342 between the first position to the second position. The rotating portion 302 may rotate about the central axis to a number of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position. Referring to FIG. 4D, when the rotating portion 302 is in the first position or an intermediate position between the first position and the second position, the rotating portion 302 may rotate about the central axis in a second rotational direction 446 to the second position. For example, when the rotating portion 302 is in the first position or an intermediate position between the first position and the second position, the rotating portion 302 may rotate about the central axis in a second rotational direction 446 to the second position. Referring to FIG. 5D, when the rotating portion 302 is in the second position or an intermediate position between the first position and the second position, the rotating portion 302 may rotate about the central axis in a first rotational direction 448 to the first position. In some variations, based on being disposed within the skate blade holder as part of the ice skate blade assembly, the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 may be restrained and/or constrained to (e.g., only) rotational motion about the central axis in the first and second rotational directions 448, 446. The mounting portion 324, the second arm 346, and/or the knuckle 342 may remain fixed in place within the skate blade holder during rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300.

[0100] In some embodiments, when the retention system 400 is in the locked position and referring to FIGS. 4D and 5D, a sufficient force can be applied to the user interface 202 of the trigger 200 of the ice skate blade assembly 100 at least partially toward the first translational direction 442, thereby causing translation of the trigger 200 in the first translational direction 442 from the locked position to the unlocked position. For example, an appendage (e.g., finger) of a user may contact, e.g., push, and apply a sufficient force to the user interface 202 of the trigger 200 of the ice skate blade assembly 100, thereby causing translation of the trigger 200 in the first translational direction 442 from the locked position to the unlocked position. In some variations, the translation of the trigger 200 in the first translational direction 442 causes rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 from the locked position in the second rotational direction 446 to the unlocked position, such that the retention system 400 is in the unlocked position based on translation of the trigger 200 to the unlocked position. For example, the translation of the trigger 200 in the first translational direction 442 causes the angled planar face of the contact 214 of the trigger 200 to contact, e.g., push, and apply a sufficient force to the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 away from the locked position in the second rotational direction 446 toward the unlocked position. Thus, the translational motion of the trigger 200, e.g., in the first translational direction 442, can cause rotational actuation of the rotating portion of the rotor 300, e.g., in the second rotational direction 446. During rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 away from the locked position in the second rotational direction 446 toward the unlocked position, the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 is constrained within the recessed rails 228a, 228b of the trigger and the rounded portion 322 slides within the recessed rails 228a, 228b. The rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 away from the locked position in the second rotational direction 446 toward the unlocked position thereby causes deformation of each of the first and second biasing elements 334, 338. In some variations, application of a sufficient force to the user interface 202 of the trigger 200 to maintain the unlocked position for the trigger 200 is required to maintain the unlocked position for the retention system 400. For example, to maintain the unlocked position of the retention system 400, the appendage can be required to contact and apply sufficient force to the user interface 202 of the trigger 200 to maintain the unlocked position for the trigger 200 and maintain the unlocked position for the retention system 400, such that the appendage holds the retention system 400 in the unlocked position. When a user applies a sufficient force to the user interface 202 of the trigger 200, the force applied to the user interface 202 can be transferred to the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 by engagement of the contact 214 of the trigger 200 and the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 of the rotor 300, thereby overcoming at least the biasing forces provided by each of the first and second biasing element 334, 338 to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 4D and 5D, in some embodiments, when the retention system 400 is in the unlocked position, an appendage (e.g., finger) of a user may contact and apply sufficient force to the user interface 202 of the trigger 200 to maintain the unlocked position and hold the retention system 400 in the unlocked position. When the appendage of the user is removed from the user interface 202 of the trigger 200, less than the sufficient force can be applied to the trigger 200 to maintain the unlocked position, and the first and second biasing elements 334, 338 can act on the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 from the unlocked position in the first rotational direction 448 to the locked position. During rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 away from the unlocked position in the first rotational direction 448 to the locked position, the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 is constrained within the recessed rails 228a, 228b and the rounded portion 322 slides within the recessed rails 228a, 228b. In some variations, the rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 from the unlocked position in the first rotational direction 448 to the locked position causes translation of the trigger 200 in the second translational direction 444 from the unlocked position to the locked position, such that the retention system 400 is in the locked position based on translation of the trigger 200 to the locked position. For example, the rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 in the first rotational direction 448 causes the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 to contact, e.g., push, and apply a sufficient force to the angled planar face of the contact 214 of the trigger 200. The force from the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 applied to the angled planar face of the contact 214 then causes translation of the trigger 200 in the second translational direction 444 away from the unlocked position toward the locked position. Thus, the rotational motion of the rotating portion of the rotor 300, e.g., in the first rotational direction 448, can cause translational (e.g., linear translational) actuation of the trigger 200, e.g., in the second translational direction 444. The rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 away from the unlocked position in the first rotational direction 448 toward the locked position thereby causes relaxation of each of the first and second biasing elements 334, 338. In some variations, the first and second biasing elements 334, 338 may maintain the locked position for the retention system 400 in the absence of a sufficient applied force to the user interface 202 of the trigger 200.

[0102] Advantageously, the retention system 400 converts translational motion, e.g., in the first translational direction 442, of the trigger 200 to rotational motion, e.g., in a second rotational direction 446, of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 to change the retention system from the locked position to the unlocked position. Such a retention system 400 thereby provides both of an intuitive user interface 202 and robust, secure mechanism for retaining an ice skate blade in an skate blade holder based on the low likelihood of the rotating portion 302 being rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position from any force other than pressing on the trigger 200 or insertion of the ice skate blade into the cavity 310 of the rotor 300. As an example, during use, it is unlikely for the ice skate blade assembly to experience an external impact that would cause translation of the trigger 200 in the first translational direction 442 by exceeding the biasing forces of the first and second biasing elements 334, 338. As another example, during use, it is unlikely for the ice skate blade assembly to experience an external impact that would cause the rotating portion 302 to rotate in the second rotational direction 446 toward the unlocked position by exceeding the biasing forces of the first and second biasing elements 334, 338.

[0103] Further, based on the positioning of the trigger 200 and the rotor within the skate blade holder, the moments of inertia of each of the trigger 200 and the rotating portion 302 of the rotor are substantially opposite to each other in their primary directions. For example, to unlock the retention system using the trigger 200, the trigger 200 must move in the first translational direction 442, which is opposite to a component of a force in the second translational direction 444 applied by the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 to the trigger 200 when the trigger is moved in the first translational direction 442. Accordingly, an impulse force causing the trigger 200 to move in the first translational direction 442 and/or the rotating portion 302 to rotate in the second rotational direction 446 oppose the moments of inertia of the rotating portion 302 and trigger 200, respectively. Thus, the likelihood of the ice skate blade assembly experiencing an impact that can overcome the moments of inertia of the retention system 400 is significantly reduced. Further, the retention system 400 remedies the deficiencies of conventional retention systems that involve single rotational or linear mechanisms by use of combined translational and rotational retention components (e.g., the trigger 200 and the rotor 300) to change the retention system 400 between the locked and unlocked positions. Such a combined retention system uses a tangential force applied to the arm 320 of the rotor 300 by the trigger 200 to change the position of the retention system, thereby causing the position of the rotating portion 302 to be dependent on an instantaneous position of the trigger 200. Such construction further reduces the likelihood of an impact causing unintentional unlocking of the retention system and release of an ice skate blade, while allowing the retention system to have an ability to retain a portion of the ice skate blade that is not directly coupled with an ability of the first and second biasing elements 334, 338 to resist compression and extension, respectively. As a result, biasing forces applied by the first and second biasing elements 334, 338 to the rotating portion 302 and trigger 200 can be reduced, thereby reducing the sufficient force required to change the retention system 400 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0104] Additionally, the inclusion of both the first and second biasing elements 334, 338 provides the advantages of balancing rotational moments upon application of a sufficient force to the trigger 200 and providing redundancy for maintaining the locked position of the retention system 400. If failure occurs in the first biasing element 334, the second biasing element 338, or an intermediate portion of the rotor (e.g., the knuckle 342 or the second arm 346), a default, natural position of the retention system 400 remains the locked position. As an example, in some variations, only through the intentional interaction with the user interface 202 of the trigger 200 may the retention system 400 change from the locked position to the unlocked position, such that an ice skate blade remains secured to the blade holder in the case of failure of a portion of the retention system 400.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the ice skate blade 110 can include a first, e.g., front, end 112 and a second, e.g., back, end 118 opposite the front end 112. The ice skate blade 110 can further include a contact surface 114 for contacting a skating surface (e.g., an ice surface) and an upper edge 116 opposite the contact surface 114 for contacting the skate blade holder 130. In some variations, the upper edge 116 can include a first, e.g., front, hook 120 projecting upward from the ice skate blade 110 and disposed proximate to the front end 112 of the ice skate blade 110. In some variations, the upper edge 116 can include a second, e.g., back, hook 122 projecting upward from the ice skate blade 110 and disposed proximate to the back end 118 of the ice skate blade 110. In some variations, the back hook 122 can include a first front surface 126a, a top surface 126b, a rear surface 126c, a second front surface 126d, and a bottom surface 126c. In some variations, the top surface 126b of the ice skate blade 110 may be positioned (e.g., pressed) against a rotating portion of the rotor, such that the top surface 126b is configured to cause rotation of a rotating portion of the rotor about the central axis in a second rotational direction. For example, the top surface 126b of the ice skate blade 110 may be pressed against a bottom bell wall of a rotating portion of the rotor, such that the top surface 126b is configured to cause rotation of a rotating portion of the rotor about the central axis in a second rotational direction toward the unlocked position.

[0106] In some embodiments, the upper edge 116 of the ice skate blade 110 can define a void 125 adjacent to the back hook 122. For example, the upper edge 116 can define a void 125 and have a void surface 127 adjacent to the second front surface 126d of the back hook 122. The void 125 may function to provide an area for a user to grip the ice skate blade 110 to remove the ice skate blade from the blade holder 130 when the retention system is in the unlocked position and the back hook 122 is positioned within (e.g., inserted into) the cavity of the bell. For example, a user may grip the ice skate blade 110 along the void surface 127 to remove the ice skate blade from the blade holder 130 when the retention system is in the unlocked position and the back hook 122 is inserted into the cavity of the bell.

[0107] In some embodiments, the upper edge 116 of the ice skate blade 110 can further include a ridge 124 projecting upward from the ice skate blade 110 and positioned between the front hook 120 and the back hook 122. While the embodiment of the ice skate blade 110 shown in FIG. 6A has the ridge 124 positioned closer to the back hook 122 than the front hook 120, one or more ridges 124 may be positioned anywhere between the front hook 120 and the back hook 122 on the upper edge 116 of the ice skate blade 110. For example, the ridge 124 may be positioned (i) closer to the back hook 122 than the front hook 120, (ii) closer to the front hook 120 than the back hook 122, or (iii) directly between the front hook 120 and the back hook 122, such that the ridge 124 is equidistant from the front hook 120 and the back hook 122.

[0108] In some embodiments, the front hook 120 may extend toward the front end 112 of the ice skate blade 110. The back hook 122 may also extend toward the front end 112 of the ice skate blade 110. For example, a portion of the back hook 122 defining the first front surface 126a, the top surface 126b, and the bottom surface 126e may extend toward the front end 112 of the ice skate blade 110.

[0109] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 6B and 6C, the ice skate blade 110 may have a length l.sub.110 between 240 mm and 350 mm, a total height h.sub.110 between 35 mm and 45 mm, a partial height of a middle portion 119 of the blade 110 h.sub.119 between 22 mm and 30 mm, and a thickness t.sub.110 between 2.85 mm and 4.15 mm.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7E, the blade holder 130 can include a first, e.g., front pedestal 140 and a second, e.g., back pedestal 144 at a first, e.g., front, end 151 and a second, e.g., back, end 153 of the blade holder 130, respectively. The front pedestal 140 may include a first, e.g., front, top portion 142 and the back pedestal 144 may include a second, e.g., back, top portion 146. The front top portion 142 and the back top portion 146 may be configured to attach to a bottom sole of a skate boot. For example, the front top portion 142 and the back top portion 146 of the blade holder 130 may be attached to a bottom sole of a skate boot by a number of fasteners (e.g., rivets). In some variations, the blade holder 130 can include a bridge portion 148 extending between and connecting the front pedestal 140 and the back pedestal 144. The bridge portion 148 may provide torsional rigidity to the blade holder 130 and provide stiffness along the longitudinal groove 154 (described below with respect to FIG. 7B), thereby ensuring compliance between the ice skate blade 110 and the blade holder 130 during use of the ice skate blade assembly. The bridge portion 148 may include a number of voids. For example, in the embodiment of the blade holder 130 shown in FIG. 7A, the bridge portion 148 may include a first void 149a, a second void 149b, and a third void 149c for reducing the weight of the blade holder 130.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 7B, the blade holder 130 can include a bottom surface 152. The bottom surface 152 can include first and second laterally spaced walls 157a, 157b. The bottom surface 152 can define a longitudinal groove 154 extending along a length of the blade holder 130. The longitudinal groove 154 can be defined by first and second laterally spaced walls 157a, 157b of the bottom surface 152. The longitudinal groove 154 can be recessed and configured to receive the upper edge 116 of the ice skate blade 110. The longitudinal groove 154 can receive the upper edge 116 of the ice skate blade 110 when the upper edge 116 is inserted into the longitudinal groove 154.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 7C, the bottom surface 152 of the blade holder 130 includes a first, e.g., front, bottom wall 172, a second, e.g., center, bottom wall 174, and a third, e.g., back bottom wall 176. In some variations, the front, center, and back bottom walls 172, 174, 176 can each define a portion of the longitudinal groove 154. For example, the combination of the first and second laterally spaced walls 157a, 157b and the front, center, and back bottom walls 172, 174, 176 can define the longitudinal groove 154. The front bottom wall 172 can be disposed proximate the front pedestal 140. The back bottom wall 176 can be disposed proximate the back pedestal 144. The center bottom wall 174 can be disposed between the front bottom wall 172 and the back bottom wall 176 along the bridge portion 148. In some variations, the front pedestal 140 has an inner surface 156 defining a first cavity 158 and the back pedestal 144 has an inner surface 162 defining a second cavity 164. In some variations, the first bottom wall 172 and the second bottom wall 174 define therebetween a first opening 180 that is in communication with the first cavity 158, such that the first opening 180 connects the first cavity 158 to the longitudinal groove 154. In some variations, the second bottom wall 174 and the third bottom wall 176 define therebetween a second opening 182 in communication with the second cavity 164, such that the second opening 182 connects the second cavity 164 to the longitudinal groove 154. In some variations, the bottom surface 152 can define a recess 184 extending into the second bottom wall 174. The first and second openings 180, 182 may open the first and second cavities 158, 164, respectively, to the longitudinal groove 154.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7C, and 7D, the first opening 180 of the blade holder 130 can be configured to receive a portion of the front hook 120 of the ice skate blade 110. For example, the first opening 180 of the blade holder 130 can receive a portion of the front hook 120 of the ice skate blade 110 when the portion of the front hook 120 is inserted into the first opening 180. The second opening 182 of the blade holder can be configured to receive a portion of the back hook 122. For example, the second opening 182 of the blade holder 130 can receive a portion of the back hook 122 of the ice skate blade 110 when the portion of the back hook 122 is inserted into the second opening 182. In some variations, the recess 184 can be configured to receive the ridge 124 of the ice skate blade 110. For example, the recess 184 of the blade holder 130 can receive the ridge 124 when the ridge 124 is inserted into the recess 184. Such complementary configurations of the ice skate blade 110 and the blade holder 130 assist the retention of the upper edge 116 of the ice skate blade 110 within the longitudinal groove 154 of the blade holder 130.

[0114] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 7A, 7C, and 7D, the back pedestal 144 of the skate blade holder 130 can define a third opening 192 to the second cavity 164 at a front portion 155 of the back pedestal 144. A portion of a trigger may extend (e.g., protrude) through the third opening 192, such that a portion of the trigger is accessible from an exterior of the blade holder 130. In some variations, the inner surface 162 can include first and second laterally spaced walls 193a, 193b adjacent to the third opening 192 on opposite sides thereof. The first and second laterally spaced walls 193a, 193b on the inner surface 162 may be configured to engage with first and second seating surfaces of the respective first and second walls of the trigger, thereby retaining the trigger at least partially within the second cavity 164. For example, based on positioning of the trigger within the skate blade holder 130, the first and second laterally spaced walls 193a, 193b on the inner surface 162 may contact first and second seating surfaces of the respective first and second walls of the trigger, thereby retaining the trigger at least partially within the second cavity 164.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 7C, the back pedestal 144 of the skate blade holder 130 can include a mounting portion 186 including a groove defined by the inner surface 162 of the back pedestal 144. The groove of mounting portion 186 may be configured to engage with a mounting post of the rotor, thereby mounting the rotor to the blade holder 130 within the second cavity 164. For example, the groove of mounting portion 186 may be sized and shaped complementary to the mounting post of the rotor, such that the groove receives the mounting post of the rotor to mount the rotor to the blade holder 130.

[0116] In some variations, referring to FIGS. 7C and 7D, the back pedestal 144 of the skate blade holder 130 can include a protrusion 188 that extends from a portion of the inner surface 162 into the second cavity 164. The protrusion 188 may be configured to engage with a seating surface of a retainer of the trigger, thereby retaining the trigger at least partially within the second cavity 164. For example, the protrusion 188 can contact a seating surface of a retainer of the trigger, thereby retaining the trigger at least partially within the second cavity 164. In some variations, the back pedestal 144 can include an indent 189 defined by the inner surface 162. The indent 189 may be configured to engage with a seating surface of a retainer of the trigger, thereby retaining the trigger at least partially within the second cavity 164. For example, the indent 189 may receive a seating surface of a retainer of the trigger, such that the portion of the inner surface 162 defining the indent 189 contacts and retains the trigger at least partially within the second cavity 164. The protrusion 188 and the indent 189 may be adjacent to and at opposite ends of the third opening 192.

[0117] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 7E, the blade holder 130 may have a length 1130 between 238 mm and 352 mm, a height h.sub.130 between 68 mm and 86 mm, a width w.sub.130 at a widest point of between 60 mm and 81 mm.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, the ice skate blade assembly 100, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, can include the ice skate blade 110, the skate blade holder 130, and a retention system including the trigger 200 and the rotor 300. In some variations, the upper edge 116 of the ice skate blade 110 may be inserted into and retained within the longitudinal groove 154 of the blade holder 130, such that the longitudinal groove 154 receives the upper edge 116 of the ice skate blade 110. When the upper edge 116 of the ice skate blade 110 is inserted into the longitudinal groove 154, the front hook 120 may be inserted into the first opening 180, such that the first opening 180 receives the front hook 120 and a portion of the front hook 120 extends through the first opening 180 into the first cavity 158 of the blade holder 130. When the front hook 120 is inserted into the first opening 180, the front hook 120 may extend towards the front end 151 of the blade holder 130. In some variations, when the upper edge 116 of the ice skate blade 110 is inserted into the longitudinal groove 154, the ridge 124 of the skate blade may be inserted into the recess 184, such that the recess 184 receives the ridge 124.

[0119] In some embodiments, when the upper edge 116 of the ice skate blade 110 is inserted into the groove, the back hook 122 may be inserted into the second opening 182, such that the second opening 182 receives the back hook 122 and a portion of the back hook 122 extends through the second opening 182 into the first cavity 158 of the blade holder 130. A portion of the rotor 300 may receive the portion of the back hook 122 as described herein. When the back hook 122 is inserted into the second opening 182, the back hook 122 or a portion thereof may extend towards the front end 151 of the blade holder 130. For example, referring to FIGS. 8A-8B, a portion of the back hook 122 defined by the front surface 126a, the top surface 126b, and the bottom surface 126e may extend towards the front end 151 of the blade holder 130.

[0120] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 8B-8C, the retention system including the trigger 200 and the rotor 300 can be inserted into the second cavity 164 of the blade holder 130, e.g., via an opening to the second cavity 164 defined by the back top portion 146. The second cavity 164 can receive the retention system including the trigger 200 and the rotor 300, with the trigger 200 and the rotor 300 engaging with (e.g., contacting) the inner surface 162 of the back pedestal 144. Based on insertion of the retention system within the second cavity 164, the mounting post 326 of the rotor 300 can engage with, e.g., be received by and contact, the mounting portion 186 of the blade holder 130. Via engagement between the mounting post 326 of the rotor 300 and the mounting portion 186 of the blade holder 130, the retention system can be at least partially mounted and retained within the second cavity 164 of the back pedestal 144. Referring to FIGS. 8B-8C, the entirety of the rotor 300 can be mounted within the second cavity 164 via engagement of the mounting post 326 to the mounting portion 186. Based on insertion of the retention system within the second cavity 164, the mounting post 326 of the rotor 300 can engage with, e.g., be received by and contact, the mounting portion 186 of the blade holder 130.

[0121] In some embodiments, when the retention system is inserted within the second cavity 164 of the blade holder 130, the trigger 200 may be seated within the second cavity 164 such that the user interface 202 of the trigger 200 may extend (e.g., protrude) through the third opening 192. The user interface 202, e.g., leading edge 204, of the trigger 200 may be accessible from an exterior of the blade holder 130 through the third opening 192 at the front portion 155 of the back pedestal 144. For example, a user may place an appendage (e.g., finger) within the third void 149c to translate the trigger 200 by contacting and applying a force (e.g., pressing) to the user interface 202.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8C and also to FIGS. 2B and 3B, in some embodiments, when the retention system is inserted into the second cavity 164 of the blade holder 130, at least one retainer of the trigger 200 can engage with (e.g., contract) the inner surface 162 of the second cavity 164. In some variations, the first retainer 210a, including the first seating surface 212a, can be received by the indent 189 provided by the inner surface 162, thereby contacting the portion of the inner surface 162 defining the indent 189. In some variations, the second retainer 210b including the second seating surface 212b can engage with and contact the protrusion 188 provided by the inner surface 162. Via engagement between the first and second retainers 210a, 210b and the indent 189 and the protrusion 188, respectively, the trigger 200 can be at least partially retained within the second cavity 164 of the blade holder. For example, engagement between the first and second retainers 210a, 210b and the indent 189 and the protrusion 188, respectively, may cause only the user interface 202 of the trigger to extend through the opening 192 of the blade holder to the exterior of the blade holder 130. In some variations, when the retention system is inserted into the second cavity 164 of the blade holder 130, at least one of the first and second seating surfaces 224a, 224b of the trigger 200 can engage with (e.g., contact) the inner surface 162 of the second cavity 164. In some variations, the first and second seating surfaces 224a, 224b can engage with (e.g., contact) the respective first and second laterally spaced walls 193a, 193b included on the inner surface 162 and adjacent to third opening 192. Via engagement between the first and second seating surfaces 224a, 224b and the first and second laterally spaced walls 193a, 193b, respectively, the trigger 200 can be at least partially retained within the second cavity 164 of the blade holder. For example, engagement between the first and second seating surfaces 224a, 224b and the first and second laterally spaced walls 193a, 193b, respectively, may cause only the user interface 202 of the trigger to extend through the third opening 192 of the blade holder 130 to the exterior of the blade holder 130. In some variations, the trigger 200 may not be directly mounted to any portion of the blade holder 130 and may be retained within the second cavity 164 via contact with the inner surface 162 and the rotor 300.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, in some embodiments, when the retention system is inserted into the second cavity 164 of the blade holder 130 and with the trigger 200 positioned adjacent to the rotor 300, at least a portion of the trigger 200 can continuously be in contact with at least a portion of the rotor 300. For example, at least a portion of the trigger 200 can continuously be in contact with at least a portion of the rotor 300 based on the first and second biasing elements biasing the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 to move in the first rotational direction toward the locked position. In some variations, the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 continuously contacts the angled planar face of the contact 214 of the trigger 200 when the retention system is positioned within the blade holder 130.

[0124] In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, the retention system can be seated and aligned within the second cavity 164 of the blade holder 130 along a longitudinal axis of the ice skate blade 110. The retention system may be configured to removably couple the ice skate blade 110 to the blade holder 130 via engagement with and retention of a portion of the ice skate blade 110. When seated within the second cavity 164, the bell 304 of the rotor 300 can be positioned adjacent to the second opening 182 of the blade holder 130, such the cavity 310 of the bell can retain or release at least a portion of the back hook 122 of the ice skate blade 110. When seated within the second cavity, the trigger 200 may translate in first and second translational directions between first and second positions, while the rotating portion 302 may rotate in first and second rotational directions between first and second positions about the central axis 350, thereby unlocking and locking the retention system as described herein. For example, translation of the trigger 200 in first and second translational directions between locked and unlocked positions can cause and/or allow rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 between locked and unlocked positions, respectively. The longitudinal axis of the ice skate blade 110 may be perpendicular to the central axis 350 and may extend from the front end 112 to the back end 118 of the ice skate blade 110 along the length Ino of the ice skate blade 110

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8B, the cavity 310 of the bell 304 may receive at least a portion of the back hook 122 and the inner surface 312 of the bell 304 may engage with (e.g., contact) one or more of the surfaces of the back hook 122 to retain the ice skate blade 110 within the blade holder 130. In some variations, as shown in FIG. 8A, a shape defined by the inner surface 312 of the bell 304 may be complementary to the shape of the back hook 122 of the ice skate blade 110. For example, when the retention system is in the locked position as shown in FIG. 8A, the rigid protrusion 314 may be shaped to hook a bottom surface of the back hook 122 to retain the back hook 122 within both the cavity 310 of the bell 304 and the second cavity 164 of the back pedestal 144.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 8A, the retention system including the trigger 200 and the rotor 300 may be in a locked position. In the locked position, when the back hook 122 is positioned within the cavity 310 of the rotor 300, the first and second biasing elements of the rotor 300 can bias the rotating portion 302 of the rotor to rotate in the first rotational direction about the central axis of the rotor, such that the rigid protrusion 314 hooks the back hook 122 and prevents the back hook 122 from exiting the cavity 310. When the retention system is in the locked position, the front bottom wall 172 and the center bottom wall 174 engage (e.g., wedge) the front hook 120 and the rigid protrusion 314 of the bell 304 hooks the back hook 122, thereby locking the ice skate blade 110 into the longitudinal groove 154 of the blade holder 130. In some variations, in the locked position, the first and second biasing elements of the rotor 300 apply a force to the back hook 122 via the bell 304, thereby biasing the back hook 122 away from the second bottom wall 174 and toward the third bottom wall 176 of the blade holder 130. For example, in the locked position, the first and second biasing elements of the rotor 300 apply a force to the back hook 122, thereby causing the rear surface of the back hook 122 to contact and press against the third bottom wall 176 of the blade holder 130. A force applied by the back hook 122 and/or by the trigger 200 to the rotating portion 302, e.g., during use of the ice skate blade assembly 100, can be less than a sufficient force required to overcome the biasing forces of the first and second biasing elements, such that the retention system maintains the locked position or an intermediate position between the locked position and the unlocked position in the absence of a force applied to the trigger 200.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 8B, the retention system including the trigger 200 and the rotor 300 may be in an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, a force applied by the back hook 122 and/or by the trigger 200 to the rotating portion 302 may be greater than a sufficient force required to overcome the biasing forces of the first and second biasing elements, such that the retention system and included trigger 200 and rotor 300 are each in the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, when the back hook 122 is positioned within the cavity 310 of the rotor 300, the bell 304 and the included rigid protrusion 314 may be positioned such that the rigid protrusion 314 disengages the back hook 122 and does not impede the back hook 122 from exiting the cavity 310 and the second cavity 164 when the back hook 122 is moved in an outward direction 810. When the retention system is held in the unlocked position (e.g., by a sufficient force applied to the trigger 200), the back hook 122 may not be locked within the cavity 310 of the bell 304 by the bell, thereby unlocking the back hook 122 from the retention system and allowing the back hook 122 and the ice skate blade 110 to be removed from the longitudinal groove 154 of the blade holder 130 in the outward direction 810. For example, a user may grip ice skate blade 110 along the void surface 127 by an appendage (e.g., his finger) or the user may use a tool to remove the ice skate blade from the blade holder 130 when the retention system is in the unlocked position and the back hook 122 is positioned within (e.g., inserted into) the cavity 310 of the bell 304. In some variations, in the unlocked position, the first and second biasing elements of the rotor 300 may not apply any to force to the back hook 122 via the bell 304, such the bell 304 disengages the back hook 122. Based on the back hook 122 being within the cavity 310 and the retention system being in the unlocked position, the back hook 122 may be removed from the cavity 310 in the outward direction 810, such that the ice skate blade 110 is also removed from the longitudinal groove 154 of the blade holder 130 when the back hook 122 is removed from the cavity 310 in the outward direction 810.

[0128] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 8B, the ice skate blade 110 may be removed from the blade holder 130, e.g., in the outward direction 810, when the retention system is in the unlocked position. The ice skate blade 110 may not be removed from the blade holder 130 when the retention system is in the locked position or a position between the locked position and the unlocked position based on the rigid protrusion 314 retaining and hooking the back hook 122 of the ice skate blade 110, thereby preventing the back hook 122 from moving at least partially in the outward direction 810 and exiting the cavity 310 of the bell 304.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 9 and also to FIGS. 7B and 7C, in some embodiments, the ice skate blade 110 may be inserted into the blade holder 130 and the retention system, e.g., in an inward direction 910, when the retention system is in the unlocked position. The ice skate blade 110 may be inserted into the blade holder 130 and the longitudinal groove 154 may receive the upper edge 116 of the ice skate blade 110 when the retention system is in the unlocked position. For example, when the retention system is in the unlocked position, the ice skate blade 110 may be inserted into the longitudinal groove 154 of the blade holder 130 such that the first opening 180 receives the front hook 120, the recess 184 receives the ridge 124, and both the second opening 182 and the cavity 310 of the bell 304 receive the back hook 122. In some variations, for the ice skate blade 110 to be inserted into the blade holder 130, the second opening 182 and the cavity 310 can be aligned to receive the back hook 122, such that an opening to the cavity 310 is directly available via the second opening 182. When the retention system moves from the unlocked position to the locked position or a position between the unlocked position and the locked position, the front bottom wall 172 and the center bottom wall 174 of the blade holder 130 may engage with (e.g., contact) the front hook 120 and the rigid protrusion 314 of the bell 304 may engage with (e.g., contact) the back hook 122 within the cavity 310, thereby retaining and coupling the ice skate blade 110 to the blade holder 130.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 9 and also to FIGS. 3A-3C, in some embodiments, the top surface 126b of the ice skate blade 110 and the bottom bell wall 305 of the bell 304 may each be configured to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 about the central axis in a second rotational direction based on engagement between the top surface 126b and the bottom bell wall 305. For example, the top surface 126b of the ice skate blade 110 and the bottom bell wall 305 of the bell 304 may each angled to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 about the central axis in a second rotational direction when the top surface 126b presses against the bottom bell wall 305. Advantageously, engagement between the top surface 126b and the bottom bell wall 305 to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 may enable insertion of the ice skate blade 110 into the blade holder 130 when the retention system is in the locked position or a position between the unlocked position and the locked position. Such a mechanism may improve usability of the ice skate blade assembly 100 by eliminating any requirement for the retention system to be in the unlocked position to couple the ice skate blade 110 to the blade holder. For example, to couple the ice skate blade 110 to the blade holder 130, a user may not be required to apply, via an appendage, a force to the trigger 200 to move the retention system to the unlocked position, thereby expediting coupling of the ice skate blade 110 to the blade holder 130. Accordingly, a user may position to the ice skate blade 110 within the longitudinal groove 154 of the blade holder 130 and press the top surface 126b against the bottom bell wall 305 to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 about the central axis in a second rotational direction and insertion of the back hook 122 into the cavity 310 of the bell 304.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 9 and also to FIGS. 3A and 6, the top surface 126b of the ice skate blade 110 may be angled relative to the bottom bell wall 305 of the bell 304. A relative angle between the top surface 126b and the bottom bell wall 305 may be configured to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 when the ice skate blade 110 is inserted into the blade holder 130, e.g., in an inward direction 910, and when the retention system is in the locked position or a position between the unlocked position and the locked position. By inserting the back hook 122 into the second opening 182 in the inward direction 910 when the retention system is in the locked position or a position between the unlocked position and the locked position, the top surface 126b of the back hook 122 may contact (e.g., press against) the bottom bell wall 305 of the bell 304. As the back hook 122 is inserted into the second opening 182 in the inward direction 910 when the top surface 126b is in contact with the bottom bell wall 305, the top surface 126b can apply a sufficient rotational force to the bottom bell wall 305 (e.g., to overcome the biasing forces of the first and second biasing elements), thereby causing rotation of the rotating portion 302 about the central axis in a second rotational direction and sliding the top surface 126b against the bottom bell wall 305. When the rotating portion 302 rotates in the second rotational direction about the central axis, the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 can rotate from the locked position to the unlocked position, such that the retention system is in the unlocked position based on the rotation of the rotating portion by the top surface 126b of the back hook 122. During rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 away from the locked position in the second rotational direction toward the unlocked position, the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 is constrained within the recessed rails 228a, 228b of the trigger and the rounded portion 322 slides within the recessed rails 228a, 228b. When the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 is rotated away from the locked position in the second rotational direction toward the unlocked position, the rounded portion 322 of the arm 320 may contact, e.g., push, and apply a sufficient force to the recessed rails 228a, 228b of the trigger 200, thereby causing translation of the trigger 200 in the first translational direction from the locked position to the unlocked position. Accordingly, the rotating portion 302 may push on the recessed rails 228a, 228b to pull the user interface 202 of the trigger 200 in the first translational direction from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 9 and also to FIGS. 3A-3C and 8B, when the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 is rotated to the unlocked position by the back hook 122 of the ice skate blade 110, the top surface 126b of the back hook 122 may slide and slip past the bottom bell wall 305 into the cavity 310 of the bell 304, such that the cavity 310 receives the back hook 122 of the ice skate blade 110. As the back hook 122 slides into the cavity 310 from the bottom bell wall 305, the top surface 126b of the back hook 122 may be removed from the contact with the bottom bell wall 305, such that the top surface 126b does not apply a rotational force to the bottom bell wall 305. When the back hook 122 is removed from contact with the bottom bell wall 305 and inserted into the cavity 310 in the inward direction 910, less than a sufficient force may be applied to the rotating portion 302 to maintain the unlocked position, and the first and second biasing elements 334, 338 cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 from the unlocked position in a first rotational direction to the locked position as described herein. In some variations, as the back hook 122 is inserted into the cavity 310 in the inward direction 910, a front surface 126a of the back hook 122 can contact and slide past a portion of the rigid protrusion 314. When the front surface 126a of the back hook 122 contacts the rigid protrusion 314 as the back hook 122 is inserted into the cavity 310 in the inward direction 910, the front surface 126a may impede rotation of the rotating portion 302 in the first rotational direction. When the back hook 122 is fully inserted into the cavity 310 of the bell 304 in the inward direction 910, the front surface 126a of the back hook 122 may slide and slip past the rigid protrusion 314 into the cavity 310. As the back hook 122 slides into the cavity 310 past the rigid protrusion 314, the front surface 126a of the back hook 122 may be removed from the contact with the rigid protrusion 314, such that the front surface 126a does not impede rotation of the rotating portion 302 in the first rotational direction, thereby enabling the first and second biasing elements 334, 338 to cause rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 in the first rotational direction to the locked position.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 9, the relative angle between the top surface 126b of the back hook 122 of the ice skate blade 110 and the bottom bell wall 305 of the rotor 300, used for causing rotation of the rotating portion 302 of the rotor 300 when the ice skate blade 110 is inserted into the blade holder 130, e.g., in an inward direction 910, can improve the robustness of the retention mechanism. As an example, enabling insertion of the ice skate blade 110 into the blade holder 130 and the retention system, e.g., in an inward direction 910, when the retention system is not in the unlocked position can eliminate the chance of a user damaging the retention system when inserting the ice skate blade 110 into the blade holder 130, e.g., by failing to move the retention system to the unlocked position. As another example, enabling insertion of ice skate blade 110 into the blade holder 130 and the retention system, e.g., in an inward direction 910, when the retention system is not in the unlocked position can allow for reliable coupling of the ice skate blade 110 to the blade holder 130 upon application of a force to the ice skate blade 110 in the inward direction 910.

Ice Skate Insert

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10F, an insert 1000 for an ice skate can be configured to provide a gap distance in an ice skate based on a height h.sub.1000 (i.e., thickness) of the insert 1000. The insert 1000 may have a unitary construction and can be made of injectable plastics (e.g., PU, POM, PE, HDPE, ABS, PVC, etc.), PA (e.g., PA11, PA12, PA16, etc.), PEBA, temperature and impact modified plastic (e.g., Zytel ST801 produced by DUPONT), or a combination thereof. In some variations, the blade holder insert 1000 can include a number of fiber reinforcements, such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, polyester fibers, natural fibers (e.g., hemp fibers, flax fibers, etc.), or a combination thereof. The fiber reinforcements may have a length between 0.01 millimeters (mm) and 10 mm. In some variations, the insert 1000 can be manufactured using injection molding and/or three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques. In some variations, the insert 1000 can define one or more ventilation openings 1030.

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 11A-11D and also 10F, an ice skate 1100, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, can include the ice skate blade holder 130, a skate boot shell 1120, and the insert 1000 separating the blade holder 130 and the skate boot shell 1120. In some variations, the ice skate 1100 can include the insert 1000 disposed between the second pedestal 144 of the blade holder 130 and a bottom heel sole portion of the skate boot shell 1120. The insert 1000 may be coupled to each of the back top portion 146 of the blade holder 130 and the bottom heel sole portion of the skate boot shell 1120. The insert 1000 may be configured to provide the gap distance between the back top portion 146 of the blade holder 130 and the bottom heel sole portion of the skate boot shell 1120, thereby functioning as a shim and/or spacer to increase the gap distance between a heel of a user's foot and the back top portion 146 of the blade holder. A height h.sub.1000 of the insert 1000 may be between 3 mm and 20 mm, e.g., 8 mm, and selected based on a desired gap distance.

[0136] In some embodiments, the insert 1000 may provide one or more performance characteristics to a user of the ice skate 1100, including stiffness and flexibility based on the materials forming the insert 1000. In some variations, the insert 1000 may be coupled to the back top portion 146 of the blade holder 130 using one or more mating features or reference markings identifying a preferred position of the insert 1000 on the back top portion 146. In some variations, a height h.sub.1000 of the insert 1000 may be uniform or variable across a portion of the heel of the skate boot, thereby controlling a relative pitch between a heel of a user of the ice skate 1100 and a forefoot of the user. Advantageously, the insert 1000 may be structured, e.g., contoured, to mate with the skate boot shell 1120 and the blade holder 130. In some variations, the insert 1000 may be integrated with the back top portion 146 of the blade holder.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 12A-12B, an embodiment of a rotor 1200 of a retention system for the ice skate blade assembly can include a joint 1216. The joint 1216 can define a recess 1218 and include a pin 1260 configured to allow the rotation of a rotating portion 1202 of the rotor 1200 about a central axis. For example, the recess 1218 and the pin 1260 can be shaped and sized to enable the rotation of the rotating portion 1202 about the central axis. The central axis may extend through a center of recess 1218 and/or a center of the pin 1260, with the joint 1216 defining the pin 1260 in a center of the recess 1218.

[0138] In some embodiments, the rotor 1200 can include a knuckle 1242 extending from a mounting portion of the rotor 1200 towards the joint 1216. The knuckle 1242 can include a rounded portion having a cylindrical structure and a center opening 1270. The recess 1218 of the joint 1216 is configured to receive the knuckle 1242, such that the knuckle 1242 is mounted within the recess 1218 defined by the joint 1216. Further, the center opening 1270 of the knuckle 1242 is configured to receive the pin 1260 of the joint 1216, such that at least a portion of the pin extends into the center opening 1270. When the knuckle 1242 is mounted to the joint 1216, both (i) the recess 1218 of the joint 1216 receives the knuckle 1242 and (ii) the center opening 1270 of the knuckle 1242 receives the pin 1260 of the joint 1216, thereby rotationally coupling the joint 1216 and the knuckle 1242.

[0139] FIGS. 12A and 12B depict an embodiment of the rotor 1200 having an unmounted configuration prior to mounting the knuckle 1242 within the recess 1218 of the joint 1216. In some variations, the knuckle 1242 defines the central axis about which the rotating portion 1202 of the rotor 1200 can rotate in the first rotational direction and the second rotational direction. For example, the knuckle 1242 can define the central axis as extending through a center of the knuckle 1242, with the rotating portion 1202 being rotatable in the first rotational direction and the second rotational direction about the central axis when the knuckle is mounted within the recess 1218 defined by the joint 1216. The rotating portion 1202 of the rotor 1200 can rotate about the central axis in the first and second rotational directions when the knuckle 1242 is mounted within the recess 1218 and about the pin 1260 of the joint 1216. Based on a configuration of the knuckle 1242 mounted within the recess 1218 of the joint 1216, the rotating portion 1202 may rotate about the central axis defined by the knuckle 1242, with a maximum angular rotation between 0.17 radians and 1.8 radians (i.e., between 10 degrees and 100 degrees). The rotating portion 1202 may rotate about the central axis between a first position, a second position, and a number of intermediate positions between the first position and the second position. For example, the rotating portion 1202 may rotate about the central axis between the first position and the second position with a maximum angular rotation between 0.17 radians and 1.8 radians.

[0140] In some embodiments, the rotational coupling between the pin 1260 of the joint 1216 with the knuckle 1242 via the central opening of the knuckle 1242 can provide performance advantages including one or more of increased stability of rotation of the rotating portion 1202 about the central axis and increased rigidity of the central axis about which the rotating portion 1202 is configured to rotate. Thus, the coupling between the joint 1216 and the knuckle 1242 using the recess 1218 and the pin 1260 can provide a more robust coupling mechanism between the joint 1216 and the knuckle 1242.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 12A-12E, the rotor 1200 can include only a single biasing element 1234. The biasing element 1234 may be connected to each of a first end of a mounting post of the rotor 1200 and an arm of the rotor 1200. As described herein, the biasing element 1234 may be a spring (e.g., a compressive spring, a tensile spring, etc.), an elastomeric block (e.g., a compressive elastomeric block, a tensile elastomeric block, etc.), one or more magnets, or a combination thereof. The biasing element 1234 may be biased and structured to cause rotation of the rotating portion 1202 in a first rotational direction about the central axis opposite the second rotational direction. For example, compression of the biasing element 1234 may cause the biasing element 1234 to be biased and structured to cause rotation of the rotating portion 1202 in the first rotational direction about the central axis. The biasing element 1234 may be biased and structured to resist compression in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, such that rotation of the rotating portion 1202 in the second rotational direction causes deformation, e.g., compression, of the biasing element 1234. In some variations, a thickness and/or stiffness of the biasing element 1234 may be selected based on a desired torque, e.g., about the central axis, provided by the biasing element 1234. In some variations, the biasing elements 1234 may physically deform (e.g., bend, extend, and/or compress) and may be physically elastic to withstand such deformation.

[0142] In some embodiments, application of a sufficient force to the arm of the rotor 1200 can cause rotation of the rotating portion 1202 about the central axis in the second rotational direction. For example, application of a sufficient force to a rounded portion of the arm can cause rotation of the rotating portion 1202 about the central axis in the second rotational direction. In some variations, to rotate the rotating portion about the central axis in the second rotational direction, a sufficient torque applied to the arm relative to the central axis to cause rotation of the rotating portion about the central axis in the second rotational direction can be required to exceed an opposite torque provided by the biasing element 1234. In some cases, embodiments of the rotor 1200 can include one or more features of a rotor (e.g., rotor 300) as described herein.

[0143] Various views of an embodiment of a skate blade holder 1300 are depicted in FIGS. 13A-13G. FIG. 13A is a right side view of an embodiment of a skate blade holder 1300. FIG. 13B is a left side view of the embodiment of the skate blade holder of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13C is a top view of the embodiment of the skate blade holder of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13D is a bottom view of the embodiment of the skate blade holder of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13E is a front view of the embodiment of the skate blade holder of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13F is a rear view of the embodiment of the skate blade holder of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13G is a top perspective view from the left side of the embodiment of the skate blade holder of FIG. 13A.

[0144] The terms and expressions employed herein are used as terms and expressions of description and not of limitation and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. In addition, having described certain embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concepts disclosed herein may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The structural features and functions of the various embodiments may be arranged in various combinations and permutations, and all are considered to be within the scope of the disclosed embodiments of the invention. Unless otherwise necessitated, recited steps in the various methods may be performed in any order and certain steps may be performed substantially simultaneously. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, the configurations described herein are intended as illustrative and in no way limiting. Similarly, although physical explanations have been provided for explanatory purposes, there is no intent to be bound by any particular theory or mechanism, or to limit the claims in accordance therewith.