Importance

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Abstract

A rigid reinforcement member extends longitudinally along the neck portion of the skate blade holder, to reduce stress and improve force transfer. The blade holder has a longitudinal slot running along the bottom thereof to receive a blade or runner, which is secured in the slot. At least one rigid reinforcement member runs along at last the neck portion, within the slot and above the runner, the slot being enlarged at the location of the reinforcement member(s) in order to accommodate the member(s). Preferably, the reinforcement member is in one piece, including an upper web portion and an integral channel with a cross section in the form of inverted U-shape beneath the upper web portion. The arms of U-shape run alongside the runner, one on either side of the runner, and the base of the U-shape lies against the top of the runner and follows the shape thereof. Preferably, the rigid reinforcement member is of a reinforced plastic composite material, although a metal could also be used. The increased rigidity of the blade holder permits the use of a lighter runner, which may be provided by using a runner with a number of cut-out areas. The cutouts are arranged in a central area between a solid upper area of the runner and a solid lower area of the runner, in such a fashion that the remaining metal in the central area leaves a truss-like structure between the upper and lower areas, the truss-like structure serving to retain most of the rigidity of the runner.

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First Claim