초록 ▼

An improved runner and method of manufacture. The runner is formed by insert injection molding a steel insert blade, by which the total weight of the runner may be reduced substantially in comparison to conventional steel runners having similar size and shape. A skate blade and an ice skate includin

An improved runner and method of manufacture. The runner is formed by insert injection molding a steel insert blade, by which the total weight of the runner may be reduced substantially in comparison to conventional steel runners having similar size and shape. A skate blade and an ice skate including the improved runners are also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A runner, comprising:an insert blade having an upper edge extending between a toe end and a heel end, a lower skating edge, and opposed side surfaces;each opposed side surface including a recessed region having a recessed surface, each recessed region being spaced apart from the lower, skating ed

1. A runner, comprising:an insert blade having an upper edge extending between a toe end and a heel end, a lower skating edge, and opposed side surfaces;each opposed side surface including a recessed region having a recessed surface, each recessed region being spaced apart from the lower, skating edge and extending between the toe end and the heel end for a preselected distance; anda polymeric material covering at least a portion of each recessed region. 2. The runner of claim 1, wherein a lower edge of each recessed region is defined by a lip. 3. The runner of claim 2, wherein the distance from the lip of each recessed region to the lower, skating edge of the insert blade is at least about ⅛ inch. 4. The runner of claim 2, wherein the distance from the lip of each recessed region to the lower, skating edge of the insert blade is at least about ¼ inch. 5. The runner of claim 2, wherein the distance from the lip of each recessed region to the lower, skating edge of the insert blade is at least about ⅜ inch. 6. The runner of claim 1, wherein the polymeric material covering at least a portion of each recessed region is contiguous with the recessed surface of each recessed region. 7. The runner of claim 1, further comprising at least one bore disposed transversely to a longitudinal axis of the runner and extending through the recessed regions of the insert blade. 8. The runner of claim 1, further comprising at least two apertures constructed and arranged to receive a fastener. 9. The runner of claim 1, further comprising means for fastening the runner to a bridge. 10. The runner of claim 1, wherein the opposing sides surfaces are substantially parallel. 11. The runner of claim 1, wherein the insert blade comprises less than about 98 percent by weight of the runner and the polymeric portion comprises at least about 2 percent by weight of the runner, based on the total weight of the runner. 12. The runner of claim 1, wherein the insert blade comprises less than about 95 percent by weight of the runner and the polymeric portion comprises at least about 5 percent by weight of the runner, based on the total weight of the runner. 13. The runner of claim 1, wherein the insert blade comprises less than about 90 percent by weight of the runner and the polymeric portion comprises at least about 10 percent by weight of the runner, based on the total weight of the runner. 14. The runner of claim 1, wherein the runner is a figure skating runner. 15. The runner of claim 1, wherein the runner is a speed skating runner. 16. The runner of claim 1, wherein the runner is an ice hockey runner. 17. The runner of claim 16, wherein the runner has a total weight of less than about 125 grams. 18. The runner of claim 16, wherein the runner has a total weight of less than about 100 grams. 19. The runner of claim 16, wherein the runner has a total weight of less than about 75 grams. 20. A runner, comprising:a first surface and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface, each surface including an insert blade portion having an exterior surface and a polymeric portion having an exterior surface, the exterior surface of the insert blade portion and the exterior surface of the polymeric portion being substantially coplanar;wherein the runner is capable of being sharpened and contoured. 21. The runner of claim 20, wherein the insert blade portion includes a recessed region contiguous with the polymeric portion. 22. The runner of claim 21, further comprising at least one bore extending transversely through the recessed region. 23. The runner of claim 22, wherein the polymeric portion extends through the at least one bore. 24. The runner of claim 20, further comprising a fastening aperture disposed on an upper edge of the runner. 25. The runner of claim 20, further comprising means for fastening the runner to a bridge. 26. The runner of claim 20, wherein the runner is an ice hockey runner. 27. The runner of claim 20, wherein th e runner is a figure skating runner. 28. The runner of claim 20, wherein the runner is a speed skating runner. 29. A runner, comprising:an insert blade having substantially parallel opposed side surfaces;a polymeric portion having substantially parallel opposed side surfaces, at least a portion of the polymeric portion in direct contact with the insert blade;wherein the opposed side surfaces of the insert blade are substantially flush with the opposed side surfaces of the polymeric portion. 30. The runner of claim 29, wherein each side surface of the insert blade includes a recessed region having a surface. 31. The runner of claim 30, wherein the polymeric portion is contiguous with the surface of the recessed region. 32. In combination, a bridge and a runner having substantially parallel opposed side surfaces, the runner including an insert blade at least partially encased in a polymeric material, the polymeric material having an exterior surface that is co-planar with an exterior surface of the insert blade, wherein the runner is removably attached to the bridge. 33. A skate blade, comprising:a bridge; anda runner having substantially parallel opposed surfaces, each surface including a steel portion having an exterior surface and a polymeric portion having an exterior surface, the exterior surface of the steel portion being substantially co-planar with the exterior surface of the polymeric portion;wherein at least about ¼ inch of steel extends from a lower edge of the polymeric material to a skating edge of the runner. 34. The runner of claim 33, wherein the runner is an ice hockey runner. 35. The runner of claim 33, wherein the runner is a figure skating runner. 36. The runner of claim 33, wherein the runner is a speed skating runner.