Ice Skate Rack with Buffer Structure and Torsion Control

The problem

Traditional ice skate racks often suffer from rigidity issues. When a skater performs turns, jumps, or lands on the ice, the lack of flexible elements in the rack can transmit excessive shock directly to the boot and foot. Additionally, standard designs may not provide enough transverse torsion, making it difficult for the skater to control the angle of the blade relative to the ice surface during complex maneuvers. This results in reduced comfort and potentially less precise movement control.

The solution

The patent describes an ice skate rack that addresses these issues by integrating elastic buffer structures into the shoe supporting seats. The rack body is constructed from carbon fiber, providing a lightweight yet strong foundation. At each end of the rack, there is a shoe supporting seat. These seats contain a hollow-out part and a specific slot where an elastic body is placed.

The core innovation lies in the interaction between the elastic body and the seat structure. For instance, if an elastic sphere is used, it sits in arc-shaped grooves at the upper and lower ends of the slot. This allows the sphere to rotate transversely, enhancing the torsional flexibility of the rack. Simultaneously, the elasticity of the material provides longitudinal buffering, absorbing impacts when the skater lands or changes direction. The use of carbon fiber ensures that even with these mechanical compromises for flexibility, the overall structural integrity remains high.

Who it is for

• Ice Skate Manufacturers: Brands looking to differentiate their products with enhanced comfort and control features for competitive or recreational skaters.
• Sports Equipment Retailers: Stores specializing in winter sports gear that want practical display and storage items for skaters.
• Custom Boot Makers: Artisans who create custom ice skates and require advanced rack components that offer better fit and feel adjustments.
• OEM Suppliers: Companies producing parts for major sporting goods brands seeking patented solutions for shock absorption in footwear frames.

How it works

The main parts

Operating Steps

1. Installation: The elastic body (3) is placed into the slot (23) of the supporting seat (2). If using a sphere, it fits into the arc-shaped grooves (24).
2. Securing: Positioning protrusions (31) on the elastic body engage with the positioning grooves (25) to keep the buffer centered and secure.
3. Usage - Transverse Motion: When the skater twists or turns, the elastic sphere rotates within the arc-shaped grooves, allowing the rack to twist laterally without breaking.
4. Usage - Longitudinal Impact: During jumps or hard stops, the elastic body compresses or flexes, absorbing shock along the length of the rack before it reaches the skater’s foot.

Applications

Competitive Figure Skating

Figure skaters perform rapid spins and intricate footwork. The increased transverse torsion provided by the rotating elastic sphere allows for more natural blade angles during spins, reducing strain on the ankle and improving balance.

Ice Hockey Training

Hockey players experience frequent stops, starts, and collisions. The longitudinal buffering helps absorb the impact of sudden stops and falls, protecting the player’s feet and ankles from shock transmitted through the rigid rack structure.

Recreational Skating

Casual skaters often struggle with fatigue from prolonged standing on ice. The softer ride offered by the elastic buffers reduces vibration and impact, making longer sessions on the rink more comfortable for beginners and leisure skaters.

Junior Skates

Children learning to skate benefit from forgiving equipment. The added flexibility and shock absorption help them maintain stability while they develop proper technique, reducing the risk of injury from awkward falls or stiff boot interactions.

Where it is less suitable

• Extreme Heavy-Duty Industrial Use: While carbon fiber is strong, this design prioritizes flexibility and comfort over maximum load-bearing capacity for non-skating industrial applications.
• Static Display Racks: If the rack is never subjected to motion or impact, the complex buffer mechanism adds unnecessary cost and maintenance compared to simple fixed supports.