Abstract:
Skate boot apparatuses, a skate, and a method are provided. A base including an upper face configured to receive a wearer's foot and a lower face configured to structurally support a skate mechanism is provided. An integral upper support is provided, the integral upper support extending upwardly from the base to a point above an ankle of the wearer, the integral support having a varying rigidity decreasing from a high rigidity near the base to a low rigidity near the point above the ankle of the wearer.
Abstract:
A flexing base skate includes an upper shoe portion mounted on a base. The base includes a forefoot region secured to a forward frame segment carrying forward wheels. A heel region of the base is secured to a rearward frame segment that carries rearward wheels. A second embodiment provides a rigid full length frame and a base mounted at the forefoot region to the frame. The base flexes at a metatarsal portion, and forms an integral spring biasing the base against the frame. The base includes a guide for lateral alignment of the heel region with the frame. Another embodiment provides a forward frame segment carrying forward wheels and a rearward frame segment carrying rearward wheel.
Abstract:
A roller skate includes an upper, including a substantially nonrigid upper portion secured to a base. A frame secured to the base carries a plurality of wheels. The substantially nonrigid upper portion is reinforced by a substantially rigid internal heel counter. An ankle support cuff assembly is pivotally secured to the internal heel counter. The ankle support cuff assembly includes a substantially rigid ankle support cuff that is pivotally secured on lateral and medial sides to the internal heel counter. Ankle pad lines the interior of the ankle support cuff. Ankle support cuff is fastened by a selectively securable fastener about the skater's ankle. The ankle support cuff assembly pivots freely in the forward and aft direction relative to the internal heel counter.