Runner and method of manufacture

Abstract

An improved runner and method of manufacture are provided. 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.

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; and    a 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 1 , wherein the polymeric material covering at least a portion of each recessed region is contiguous with the recessed surface of each recessed region.  
   
   
       4 . 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.  
   
   
       5 . The runner of  claim 1 , further comprising at least two apertures constructed and arranged to receive a fastener.  
   
   
       6 . The runner of  claim 1 , further comprising means for fastening the runner to a bridge.  
   
   
       7 . The runner of  claim 1 , wherein the opposing sides surfaces are substantially parallel.  
   
   
       8 . 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 {fraction (1/8)} inch.  
   
   
       9 . 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 {fraction (1/4)} inch.  
   
   
       10 . 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 {fraction (3/8)} inch.  
   
   
       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 and a polymeric portion;    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 the 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, wherein the runner is removably attached to the bridge.  
   
   
       33 . A skate blade, comprising: 
 a bridge; and    a runner having substantially parallel opposed surfaces, each surface including a steel portion and a polymeric portion;    wherein at least about {fraction (1/4)} 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.  
   
   
       37 . An ice skate, comprising: 
 a boot;    a bridge; and    a runner having substantially parallel opposed surfaces, each surface including a metal portion and a polymeric portion;    wherein at least about {fraction (1/4)} inch of metal extends from a lower edge of the polymeric material to a skating edge of the runner.    
   
   
       38 . The ice skate of  claim 37 , wherein the ice skate is an ice hockey skate.  
   
   
       39 . The ice skate of  claim 37 , wherein the ice skate is a figure skate.  
   
   
       40 . The ice skate of  claim 37 , wherein the ice skate is a speed skate.