BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: Conventional blade skates are used on smooth surfaces such as ice. They typically include a shoe having a blade attachment component secured thereto for attaching a longitudinal blade made of steel or other suitable material. The skate blade allows the user to glide on the smooth surface.

Skate blades are typically configured according to the specific activities in which they are to be used. Hence, typically, the cross sectional configuration of the bottom or ice contacting surface of the blade can vary depending on whether the blade is to be used for speed skating, figure skating or playing hockey.

Typically, speed skaters use skate blades having generally flat bottom surfaces that minimize friction with the ice and therefore improve speed. Figure skaters, on the other hand, require a greater degree of maneuverability and, hence, typically prefer skate blades having a generally concave cross sectional configuration. The concave cross sectional configuration of the blades defines relatively sharp cutting edges that penetrate the ice surface to enhance the ability of the skaters to maneuver.

The shape of skate blades, as seen in a side view, is also typically different depending on the intended use for the skate blade. For example, skate blades used for playing hockey are typically provided with a generally convex profile when seen in side view. In the longitudinally central portion of the skate blade, this convexity is comparatively slight. At the longitudinal ends, the curvatures are typically sharper especially at the toe. This profile is designed to maximize the performance of the skate during different stages of play requiring high speed and/or good maneuverability.

The requirements for speed skates are somewhat different from those for conventional hockey or figure skating skates. For example, the typical trajectory of a speed skater is somewhat more predictable than that of a hockey player or a figure skater.

Some speed skating venues are held at ice rinks having predetermined configurations such as ice rinks provided with one or more curved sections. For example, one conventional type of speed skating rink includes two straight sections interconnected by two curved sections. The longitudinal sections are typically of the same length and placed symmetrically with respect to each other. The length of the straight sections and the radius of curvature of the curved sections is typically standardized for given standard events.

Speed skaters often travel on speed skating ice rinks at relatively fast speeds. In part because of the speed involved, the transition from the rectilinear path to the curved path is often considered a relatively hard and technical transition.

During this transition, the skate blade may form an angle with the surface of the ice that is too severe taking into consideration the speed going into the turn, the mass of the skater and the position of the skater's center of gravity. If the coefficient of lateral sliding friction between the skate blade and the ice is insufficient to maintain the skater erect, the skate may slip sideways on the ice and send the skater sprawling.

Speed skate racing is sometimes performed with turns only in one direction, typically in the counter clockwise direction. In an effort to maximize stability and reduce friction during speed skating competitions, the skate boots and blades, are sometimes adjusted to take advantage of the uni-directional turns. Indeed, blades are sometimes mounted on the boot with an offset to the left and some blades are positioned to the left in their support structure. Also, the skate blade radius or rocker, that is the convex curvature along the bottom of the blade, sometimes varies over the length of the blade. Typically, the rocker is more curved adjacent the toe and heel. The rocker in the middle of the blade usually is more curved than the turn radius of the racing track.

It is also known to take advantage of the uni-directional turns by providing the skate blade with a sidewardly oriented longitudinal bent. In other words, it is known to bend skate blades so that they form a generally curved configuration when seen in a bottom view. For speed skate races turning in the counter clockwise direction it is known for skaters to longitudinally bend their blades to the left.

Sometimes, the toe region of the blade may be bend so that the blade turns more sharply when a skater's weight moves forward. Also, the heel of the blade may be bend so the blade turns more sharply when the skater's weight moves back. Furthermore, the whole blade may be bend in a smooth arc for increased ice contact and stability.

Some advantages associated with longitudinal side bending of the speed skating blades are disclosed in U. S. Patent #5, 320,368, issued January 14,1994 and naming Edmund W. Ling as inventor. In U. S. Patent #5, 320,368 combinations of radius and bent for speed skating blades are disclosed.

Heretofore, longitudinal side bending of skate blades has typically been achieved using a mallet or other similar tool in a somewhat crafty fashion with sometimes unpredictable results. Typically, the operator performing the bending operation uses a "feel or look approach"instead of a more rigorous approach that would lead to a more predictable operation a more and precisely bent blade.

As a result, some skaters have been reluctant to using the somewhat unprecisely and unpredictably bent blades and have notbeen able to appreciate the advantages such as increased stability provided by suitably bent skating blades. Accordingly, there exists a need for a skate blade curving device.

Summary of the invention: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a bending device for bending a skate blade, the skate blade having a generally elongated configuration, the skate blade defining a blade contacting section for contacting a gliding surface and a blade attachment section for attaching to a skate boot, the skate blade also defining a blade longitudinal axis, a blade first side surface and a blade second side surface, the bending device comprising: a frame; a pressure exerting means attached to the frame for exerting a bending pressure on the skate blade in a pressure direction generally perpendicular to the blade longitudinal axis at a predetermined pressure location; a blade securing means attached to the frame for locally securing the skate blade so as to allow the bending pressure exerted by the pressure exerting means to bend the skate blade about the pressure location.

Typically, the blade securing means is configured, sized and positioned so as to be able to contact the skate blade generally opposite the pressure location when the pressure exerting means exerts the bending pressure on the pressure location, the securing means being able to locally restrain movement of the skate blade in a direction generally parallel to the pressure direction so that the combined action of the pressure exerting means and the blade securing means allows for bending of the skate blade.

Conveniently, the securing means is configured, sized and positioned so as to be able to contact the skate blade at a pair of restraining locations when the pressure exerting means exerts the bending pressure on the pressure location, the restraining locations being longitudinally positioned on each side of the pressure location generally opposite the latter so that the bending pressure is exerted generally between the restraining locations.

Preferably, the securing means allows movement of the skate blade relative to the pressure exerting means in a direction generally along the blade longitudinal axis so that the bending pressure may be selectively exerted at selected pressure locations along the blade longitudinal axis while the skate blade remains secured by the securing means.

Typically, the securing means is configured, sized and positioned so as to be able to be in rolling contact with the blade second side surface when the pressure exerting means exerts the bending pressure on the pressure location.

Conveniently, the bending device further comprises a pressure monitoring means attached to the frame for monitoring the intensity of the pressure exerted by the pressure exerting means.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for bending a skate blade. Advantages of the present invention include that the proposed skate blade bending device allows for bending of a skate blade to a longitudinally side bending radius, as seen from a top or bottom view of the blade.

The proposed device allows for bending of the skate blade through a set of simple and ergonomic steps without requiring manual dexterity. Also, the proposed device allows for precise bending even in situations wherein the radius of curvature of the bent is relatively small. Furthermore, the proposed device allows for precise control and monitoring of the bent.

Still further, the proposed device allows for bending of the skate blade through a set of relatively quick steps so that the bend can be produced rapidly. Furthermore, the proposed device allows for bending of the skate blade with reduced risks of damaging or otherwise altering the skate blade.

Still furthermore, the proposed device is designed so as to be manufacturable using conventional forms of manufacturing so as to provide a skate blade bending device that will be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS : An embodiment of the present invention will now be disclosed, by way of example, in reference to the following drawings in which: FIGURE 1: in a perspective view, illustrates a skate blade bending device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 2: in a perspective view, illustrates a conventional speed skating blade; FIGURE 3: in a transversal cross sectional view taken along arrows 111-111 of FIG. 2, illustrates the cross sectional configuration of the speed skating blade shown in FIG. 2; FIGURE 4: in a partial perspective view with sections taken out, illustrates some of the components of the skate blade bending device shown in FIG. 1; FIGURE 5 : in a side elevational view, illustrates some of the components of the skate blade bending device shown in FIG. 1; FIGURE 6: in a cross sectional view taken along arrows VI-VI of FIG. 5, illustrates some of the components of the skate blade bending device shown in FIG. 5; FIGURE 7: in a cross sectional view taken along arrows VII-VII of FIG. 6, illustrates some of the components of the skate blade bending device shown in FIG. 6; FIGURE 8: in a partial cross sectional view with sections taken out, illustrates a skating blade being bent by some of the components of the skate blade bending device shown throughout the FIGS; FIGURE 9: in a partial front view with sections taken out, illustrates a skate blade being squeezed between roller components, part of the skate blade bending device shown throughout the FIGS.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION: Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a bending device (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The bending device (10) is intended to be used for bending a skate blade (12) exemplified in FIGS. 2 and 3. The skate blade (12) typically has a generally elongated configuration. The skate blade (12) typically defines a blade contacting section (14) for contacting a gliding surface, such as ice, and a blade attachment section (16) for attaching the blade contacting section (14) to a skate boot (not shown). The blade contacting section (14) has a contacting surface (18) defines a pair of longitudinal contacting edges (20).

The blade attachment section (16) typically includes an attachment section body (22) having a generally cylindrical configuration with attachment flanges (24) extending therefrom for securing the blade contacting section (14) thereto. The blade attachment section (16) also typically includes attachment tongues (26) extending from the cylindrical body (22) in a direction generally opposite the attachment flanges (24) for attachment to the skate boot (not shown). It should be understood that the skate blade (12) shown throughout the FIGS. exemplifies one possible embodiment of a skate blade bendable with the bending device (10). Various other types of skate blades, including blades of various configurations, may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, blade contacting sections (14) without associated blade attachment sections (16) or blade attachment sections (16) without associated blade contacting sections (14) could also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The skate blade (12) defines a blade longitudinal axis (28), a blade first side surface (30) and an opposed blade second side surface (32). Again, it should be understood that the blade first side surface (30) is shown arbitrarily as being on the top side of the blade shown in FIG. 3 while the blade second side surface (32) is shown as being on the lower side of the blade shown in FIG. 3 although the blade first and second side surfaces (30), (32) could be defined on opposite sides of the blade (12) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The bending device (10) includes a frame (34). The bending device (10) also includes a pressure exerting means (36) attached to the frame (34) for exerting a bending pressure on the skate blade (12) in a pressure direction indicated by arrow 38 in FIG. 8.

The pressure direction (38) is typically generally perpendicular to the blade longitudinal axis (28) and is imparted on the skate blade (12) at a predetermined pressure location (40) along the longitudinal axis (28). It should be understood that since the blade (12) is intended to be bent sidewardly, the longitudinal axis (28) is defined as the average or intersecting direction of the skate blade (12) or the longitudinal axis (28) when the latter has a generally rectilinear configuration prior to the skate blade (12) being bent.

The bending device (10) further includes a securing means (42) attached to the frame (44) for securing the skate blade (12) so as to allow the bending pressure exerted by the pressure exerting means (36) to bend the skate blade (12) about the pressure location (40).

The securing means (42) is typically configured, sized and positioned so as to be able to contact the skate blade (12) generally opposite the pressure location (40) when the pressure exerting means (36) exerts the bending pressure on the pressure location (40).

The securing means (42) is intended to be able to locally restrain movement of the skate blade (12) in a direction generally parallel to the pressure direction (38) so that the combined action of the pressure exerting means (36) and the blade securing means (42) allows for bending of the skate blade (12).

As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 8, the securing means (42) is typically configured, sized and positioned so as to be able to contact the skate blade (12) at a pair of securing locations (44) when the pressure exerting means (36) exerts the bending pressure on the pressure location (40). The securing locations (44) are typically longitudinally positioned on each side of the pressure location (38) generally opposite the latter so that the bending pressure is exerted between the securing locations (44). In other words, the bending pressure is typically applied in a bending direction (38) on either the first or second blade side surfaces (30), (32) while restraining pressures are exerted by the securing means (42) at securing locations (44) in generally opposite direction to the bending direction (38) and on the opposed surface to the first or second blade side surfaces (30), (32) on which the bending pressure is applied. Furthermore, the bending location (40) is typically located generally intermediate the securing locations. Again it should be understood that the terms bending and securing are chosen arbitrarily since both the bending and securing pressures contribute to the bending of the skate blade (12).

Typically, as shown in FIG. 8, the securing means (42) allows movement of the skate blade (12) relative to the pressure exerting means (36) in a direction indicated by arrows (46) generally parallel to the blade longitudinal axis (28). The securing means (42) hence allows the bending pressure to be selectively exerted at selected pressure locations (40) along the blade longitudinal axis as the skate blade (12) moves in the direction of arrows (46) and while the skate blade (12) remains secured by the securing means (42). Typically, the securing means (42) is configured, sized and positioned so as to be in rolling contact with either the blade first or second side surface (30), (32) when the pressure exerting means (36) exerts the bending pressure on the pressure location (40) located on the opposite blade side surface.

The securing means (42) typically includes at least one and preferably a pair of securing wheels (48). As shown more specifically in FIG. 9, at least one and preferably both securing wheels (48) define a securing surface (50) having a securing surface cross section, configured and sized for being in rolling contact with at least a portion of the blade attachment section (16) when the pressure exerting means (36) exerts the bending pressure on the pressure location (40). Alternatively, in an embodiment of the invention not shown, the securing surface (50) may have a securing surface cross section configured and sized for being in rolling contact with the blade contacting section (14) when the pressure exerting means (36) exerts the bending pressure on the pressure location (40).

In situations such as shown in FIG. 9, wherein the attachment section body (22) has a generally annular cross sectional configuration, the cross section of the securing surface (50) is generally concave so as to generally match the contour of the attachment section body (22). Also, typically, although by no means exclusively, the securing surface (50) defines a pair of securing flanges (52) for maintaining the attachment section body (22) generally centered within the concave portion of the securing surface (50).

Typically, the configuration of the securing surface (50) is also configured and sized so as to prevent direct contact with the blade contacting section (14). The flanges (52) further allow for contacting the attachment section flanges (24) during the bending operation.

Similarly, the pressure exerting means (36) is typically configured, sized and positioned so as to be able to be in rolling contact with the blade attachment section (16) when the pressure exerting means (36) exerts the bending pressure on the pressure location (40). The pressure exerting means (36) typically includes a pressure exerting wheel (54). The pressure exerting wheel (54) defines a corresponding pressure exerting surface (56) having a pressure exerting surface cross section, configured and sized for being in rolling contact with the blade attachment section (16) when the pressure exerting means (36) exerts the bending pressure on the pressure location (40).

Alternatively, in an embodiment of the invention not shown, the pressure exerting surface cross section could be configured and sized for being in rolling contact with the blade contacting section (14) when the pressure exerting means (36) exerts the bending pressure on the pressure location (40). In other words, both the bending pressure and retaining pressures could be exerted on either or both the blade attachment section (16) and/or blade contacting section (14) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9, the pressure exerting surface (56) has a generally concave cross sectional configuration. The pressure exerting surface (56) typically also defines lateral flanges (58). The generally concave cross sectional configuration of the pressure exerting surface (56) is intended to generally follow the contour of the generally annular shaped attachment section body (22) while at least one of the flanges (58) is adapted to rollably contact one of the attachment flanges (24) when the pressure exerting means (36) exerts the bending pressure on the pressure location (40).

The pressure exerting wheel (54) and the securing wheels (48) are spaced relative to each other so as to define a securing-to-exerting wheel spacing (60) therebetween. The bending device (10) typically includes a spacing adjustment means mechanically coupled to either the pressure exerting wheel (54) and/or the securing wheels (48) for allowing adjustment of the size of the securing-to-exerting wheel spacing (60). Although any suitable reference location can be used for determining the securing-to-exerting wheel spacing, in FIG. 9, the securing-to-exerting wheel spacing (60) is illustrated as being the spacing between the pressure exerting location (40) and the securing locations (44).

Typically, the bending device (10) further includes a wheel spacing monitoring means (62) coupled to the bending device (10) for allowing the monitoring of the size of the securing-to-exerting wheel spacing (60).

Typically, the pressure exerting wheel (54) is mounted on a pressure wheel axle (64) rotatably attached to the frame (34). Similarly, each of the securing wheels (48) is typically mounted on a corresponding retaining wheel axle (66) also rotatably attached to the frame (34). The spacing adjustment means (60) typically includes an axle moving means for moving the pressure wheel axle (64) relative to the securing wheel axles (66).

In the embodiment of the invention shown throughout the FIGS. , the axle moving means is intended to move the pressure wheel axle (64) relative to the frame (34). In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the axle moving means could move either the securing wheel axles (66) relative to the frame (34) or both the pressure wheel axle (64) and the securing wheel axles (66) relative to the frame (34).

Typically, the bending device (10) further includes a blade moving means attached to the frame (34) for moving the skate blade (12) relative to the pressure exerting means (36) in a moving direction (46) generally parallel to the blade longitudinal axis <BR> <BR> (28). In the embodiment shown throughout the FIGS. , the blade moving means includes the frictional contact between the retaining wheels (48) and the skate blade (12). It should be understood that other blade moving means such as an actuation member (not shown) pulling or pushing on the skate blade (12) could be used without departing from scope of the present invention.

As illustrated more specifically in FIGS. 1 and 4, the frame member (34) typically includes a pair of side walls (68), (70) maintained in a generally parallel and spaced relationship relative to each other by a pair of end walls (72). Typically, each side wall (70) defines a generally rectangular side wall base section (74) and a generally frustro-triangular side wall protruding section (76) protruding upwardly from a corresponding side wall base section (74) and from the adjacent frame end walls (72).

The side wall protruding sections (76) thus define a clearance section between the upper peripheral edges (78) thereof and the upper peripheral edges (80) of the end wall (72) for allowing movement of the skate blade (12) across the frame (34). The side wall base sections (74) are typically attached to the corresponding sections of the end wall (72) using conventional fastening means such as screws (82) or any other suitable fastening means. It should be understood that the overall construction and configuration of the frame (34) could easily vary without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As illustrated more specifically in FIGS. 4 and 6, the securing wheel axles (66) typically extend across the frame (34) between the side walls (68), (70). As shown in FIG. 6, both longitudinal ends of the securing wheel axles (66) are typically rotatably supported and preferably journaled into the side walls (70).

The securing wheel axles (66) are mechanically coupled to a securing wheel rotating mechanism (84) for rotating the securing wheels (48). Typically, the securing wheel rotating mechanism (84) includes a driven gear (86), coupled to at least one of the securing wheel axles (66) and a driving gear (88) rotatably attached to a corresponding frame side wall (70).

The driving gear (88) is mechanically coupled to the driven gear (86) and to an actuation component such as a crank handle (90). It should be understood that the securing wheel rotating mechanism (84) including the actuation member could take any suitable form without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the actuation member could take the form of a mechanized component such as a motor.

The securing wheel axles (66) are typically mechanically coupled together using a belt, chain or strap (92) wrapped around corresponding linking pulleys (94) extending from the securing wheel axles (66). Typically, both the linking pulleys (94) and the strap (92) are located adjacent the outer surface of one of the frame side walls (70) and are protectively enclosed within a protective cover (96). The coupling between the securing wheel axles (66) allows the rotation of the crank handle (90) to simultaneously rotate both securing wheels (48) at substantially the same rotational speed.

The longitudinal ends of the pressure wheel axle (64) are typically journaled into corresponding axle mounting blocks (98), (100) for rotational movement relative thereto.

The axle mounting blocks (98), (100) are, in turn, slidably mounted within corresponding block receiving slots (102), (104) formed in the protruding section (76) of the side walls (70).

The axle mounting block (98) is mechanically coupled to a first height adjustment rod (106) extending in a corresponding rod channel formed in the corresponding side wall (70). The axle mounting block (98) is mechanically coupled to the first height adjustment rod (106) so that rotation of the latter about its longitudinal axis causes sliding movement of the axle mounting block (98) along the corresponding slot block receiving (102).

The mechanical coupling between the axle mounting block (98) and the first height adjustment rod (106) may be of the thread-type or any other suitable type. A height adjustment actuation component, such as a height adjustment crank handle (108) is mechanically coupled to the first height adjustment rod (106) for allowing an intended user to rotate the first height adjustment rod (106) and, hence, adjust the height of the axle mounting block (98).

Rotational movement of the first height adjustment rod (106) is transmitted to a second height adjustment rod (110) by a linkage mechanism such as a rod linkage component (112) wrapped around corresponding linkage pulleys (114), (116) extending respectively from the first and second height adjustment rods (106), (110). The linkage component (112) may take any suitable form, such as a belt, a chain or the like.

The second height adjustment rod (110) extends in a corresponding rod channel formed in the corresponding frame side wall (70). The second height adjustment rod (110) is mechanically coupled to the axle mounting block (100) so that rotational movement of the second height adjustment rod (110) about its longitudinal axis causes sliding movement of the axle mounting block (100) within the corresponding block receiving slot (104).

Hence, rotation of the height adjustment crank handle (108) causes movement of both axle mounting blocks (98), (100) along the respective block receiving slots (102), (104). The height adjustment handle (108) and other components mechanically coupled thereto are hence adapted to act as spacing adjustment means for allowing adjustment of the size of the securing-to-exerting wheel spacing (60). It should be understood that other types of spacing adjustment means could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The wheel spacing monitoring means typically includes a monitoring disc (118) coupled to either one of the first or second height adjustment rods (106), (110). The monitoring disc (118) is typically provided with reference indicia (120) marked thereon for allowing an intended user to monitor the angular rotation of the associated height adjustment rods (106) and/or (110). A reference tongue (122) typically extends from the corresponding side wall (70) in a proximal relationship relative to the indicia (120) so as to provide for an indicia reading reference position.

By having a knowledge of ratio between the angular movement of the first and second height adjustment rods (106), (110) and the corresponding slidable movement of the axle mounting blocks (98), (100), an intended user may approximate or monitor the size of the securing-to-exerting wheel spacing (60). Furthermore, since the blade (12) is typically squeezed between the securing wheels (48) and the pressure exerting wheel (54) during use, the monitoring disc (118) may also act as a pressure monitoring means for monitoring the intensity of the pressure exerted by the pressure exerting means (36).

In use, a skate blade (12) is initially inserted in the securing-to-exerting wheel spacing (70) between the securing wheels (48) and the pressure exerting wheel (54). The height adjustment crank handle (108) is then used to lower the pressure exerting wheel (54) so that the skate blade (12) is squeezed between the pressure exerting wheel (54) and the securing wheels (48). The crank handle (90) is then optionally used for moving the skate blade (12) about its longitudinal axis in the moving direction indicated by arrows (46) in FIG. 8.

The skate blade (12) is moved until the pressure exerting wheel (54) is generally in register with a predetermined pressure location (40). The securing-to-exerting wheel spacing (60) is then further reduced using the height adjustment crank handle (108) causing the pressure exerting wheel (54) to exert a bending pressure on the skate blade (12) between the securing wheels (48) allowing for bending of the skate blade (12) about the pressure exerting location (40).

By combining the movement of the moving crank handle (90) and the height adjustment crank handle (108) a continuous or at least one localized bent may be formed in the skate blade (12) through a set of quick and ergonomic steps. Furthermore, monitoring of the securing-to-exerting wheel spacing (60) and, hence of the pressure exerted on the skate blade (12) allows for the application of a generally predictable bending pressures and, hence for generally precise and predictable skate blade bends.