US20090146386A1

US20090146386A1 - In-line skates, frame assemblies and assemblies for modifying in-line skates

Info

Publication number: US20090146386A1
Application number: US12/088,155
Authority: US
Inventors: Kevin Oliver Raser; Scott William Raser
Original assignee: Renault SAS
Current assignee: Renault SAS
Priority date: 2005-09-26
Filing date: 2006-09-26
Publication date: 2009-06-11
Also published as: WO2007038493A2; WO2007038493A3

Abstract

In-line skates, frame assemblies and assemblies for modifying in-line skates are provided. A representative assembly for modifying an in-line skate includes a grinding member configured for removable attachment to an in-line skate frame. The grinding member has a grinding sidewall and a grinding base, with the grinding base extending outwardly from the grinding sidewall. When the grinding member is attached to the frame, the grinding sidewall is positioned in an overlying relationship with respect to the first sidewall of the frame and the grinding base spans between the first and second sidewalls along the bottom of the frame.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisional application entitled, “Functional Frame Concept for Use on In-Line Skate Frame,” having Ser. No. 60/720,656, filed Sep. 26, 2005, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure generally relates to the field of in-line skating.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Over the past several decades, in-line skating has virtually replaced roller skating in popularity. Recently, an offshoot of in-line skating, known as aggressive in-line skating, has developed. Aggressive in-line skating involves, as the term implies, aggressive skating moves that tend to apply relatively high forces to the in-line skates. By way of example, it is commonplace in aggressive in-line skating to perform jumps and other maneuvers, such as “grinding.” Grinding causes the skate to scrape against a surface. For instance, a typical grinding move can involve sliding the skate along a surface, such as a horizontally oriented pole. Notably, the exterior surface of the skate, e.g., the exterior of the frame that is used to attach the wheels to the boot of the skate, typically becomes abraded due to grinding. Eventually, activities such as grinding tend to cause failure, e.g., cracking, of the skate frame.
In this regard, a conventional skate frame is a one-piece structure formed of a material that is selected either for providing high strength or improved grinding performance. Unfortunately, those materials that are capable of providing high strength typically do not provide adequate grinding performance and vice versa. Therefore, skaters have been forced to choose between a frame that is either strong enough to last, while providing poor grinding performance, or a frame that is generally weaker but provides better grinding performance.

SUMMARY

In this regard, in-line skates, frame assemblies and assemblies for modifying in-line skates are provided. An exemplary embodiment of such an in-line skate comprises a boot, a frame, axles, wheels and a grinding member. The boot has a bottom portion. The frame is attached to the bottom portion of the boot, with the frame having first and second sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom. The first and second sidewalls are spaced from each other, with the top wall extending between the sidewalls. The top wall is attached to the boot. The axles extend between the first and second sidewalls and the wheels are rotatably mounted to the axles such that at least a portion of each of the wheels is located between the first and second sidewalls. The grinding member is removably attached to the frame, with the grinding member having a grinding sidewall, a grinding base and mounting holes. The grinding base extends from the grinding sidewall, with the mounting holes being located in the grinding sidewall and being positioned such that the grinding member is attached to the frame by mounts that are inserted through the mounting holes and which support the axles. When the grinding member is attached to the frame, the grinding sidewall is positioned in an overlying relationship with respect to the first sidewall of the frame and the grinding base spans between the first and second sidewalls along the bottom of the frame.
An embodiment of a frame assembly for use with an in-line skate comprises a frame and a grinding member. The frame is configured for attachment to a bottom portion of the boot, with the frame having first and second sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom. The first and second sidewalls are spaced from each other, with the top wall extending between the sidewalls. The grinding member is removably attached to the frame, with the grinding member having a grinding sidewall and a grinding base. The grinding base extends outwardly from the grinding sidewall. When the grinding member is attached to the frame, the grinding sidewall is positioned in an overlying relationship with respect to the first sidewall of the frame and the grinding base spans between the first and second sidewalls along the bottom of the frame.
Another embodiment of a frame assembly comprises a frame and a removable reinforcing member. The frame is configured for attachment to the bottom portion of the boot, with the frame having first and second sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom. The first and second sidewalls are spaced from each other. The top wall extends between the sidewalls and has frame mounting holes extending from an outside surface of the top wall to an inner surface of the top wall, the frame mounting holes being sized and shaped to receive bolts for securing the boot to the frame. The removable reinforcing member has a bolt mounting hole formed therethrough and is located on the inner surface of the top wall such that, when a bolt is inserted through the bolt mounting hole and one of the frame mounting holes of the top wall, the bolt mounting hole is aligned with the one of the frame mounting holes.
An embodiment of an assembly for modifying an in-line skate comprises a grinding member configured for removable attachment to an in-line skate frame. The grinding member has a grinding sidewall and a grinding base, with the grinding base extending outwardly from the grinding sidewall. When the grinding member is attached to the frame, the grinding sidewall is positioned in an overlying relationship with respect to the first sidewall of the frame and the grinding base spans between the first and second sidewalls along the bottom of the frame.
Other systems, methods, features and/or advantages will be or may become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and/or advantages be included within this description and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an in-line skate, with the boot being shown in phantom lines.

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the embodiment of the frame assembly depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the frame assembly depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIGS. 1-3 shown in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the frame depicted in FIGS. 1-4, showing the other side.

FIGS. 6-8 depict various views of the embodiment of the grinding member of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable sidewall.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a frame assembly.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, showing the underside.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, showing the other side.

FIG. 13-18 depict alternative embodiments of a grinding member.

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a frame assembly.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one of the removable sidewalls of the embodiment of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is an underside perspective view of another embodiment of a frame assembly.

FIG. 22 is an underside perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 22, with the reinforcing members removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As will be described in detail with reference to several exemplary embodiments, in-line skates, frame assemblies and assembly for modifying in-line skates are provided that may be able to accommodate the desire for a high strength frame while providing improved grinding performance. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by providing replaceable components that exhibit desired material characteristics. By way of example, in some embodiments, reinforcing components (referred to herein as “removable sidewalls”) that are formed of metal can be attached to the sidewalls of a frame in order to strengthen the frame. Additionally or alternatively some embodiments incorporate a grinding member that is attached to a frame for providing a preferred plastic surface for grinding.
Referring now in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an in-line skate 100 that incorporates a boot 102, the bottom portion of which is attached to a frame assembly 104. In this regard, the various sub-components of the frame assembly are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2-5.
As shown most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame assembly includes a frame member 106 that supports the wheels, e.g., wheel 108, and that attaches the frame assembly to the boot. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-5 also includes first and second removable sidewalls 110, 112 and a grinding member 114.
In general, the frame includes first and second sidewalls 116, 118, and a top wall 120 that extends between the first and second sidewalls so that the sidewalls are spaced from each other. Access holes, e.g., access hole 122, are located in the sidewalls of the frame. A corresponding pair of mounting holes, i.e., one of the holes of the first sidewall and an opposing holes of the second sidewall, can receive a mount and axle assembly for supporting a wheel. Notably, the frame can be formed of various materials.
The first and second removable sidewalls 110, 112 are configured to attach to the first and second sidewalls of the frame, 116, 118, respectively. Preferably, the first and second removable sidewalls are formed of metal so that these components increase the overall strength and durability of the frame assembly. Notably, however, metal is typically not considered a suitable material for facilitating grinding. That is, the hard metal surface does not provide suitable frictional engagement with an object that metal surface contacts, e.g., a metal rail, thereby tending to give a user of the in-line skate an awkward feel during grinding. Additionally, such a metal surface also tends to damage the object that the metal surface engages during grinding.
In this regard, the grinding member 114, which is attached outboard of the first removable sidewall, tends to cover a substantial portion of the metal of the first removable sidewall and provides a highly desirable surface upon which grinding can be performed. Specifically, the grinding member incorporates a grinding sidewall 130 and a grinding base 132, which extends between the first and second sidewalls of the frame along the bottom of the frame. As such, the grinding base is located between at least two of the wheels of the in-line skate and provides an intermediate lower surface upon which grinding can be performed. Also note that, in this embodiment, the grinding base incorporates a lip 134 along its distal end that engages the second removable sidewall. Thus, at least a portion of the side of the frame assembly that opposes the grinding sidewall has an appropriately configured grinding surface, i.e., the lip.
As shown in more detail in FIG. 3, the frame includes various recesses that are sized and shaped to receive various corresponding features of the first and second removable sidewalls. In particular, the first and second sidewalls of the frame include a recesses 140, 142, each of which is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a corresponding removable sidewall. Additionally, the top of the frame includes recesses 144, 146 that are configured to receive corresponding upper extensions 147, 148 of the removable sidewalls. Notably, since the first and second sidewalls typically are formed of metal, each the upper extension not only tends to strengthen its respective sidewall but also tends to provide additional structural support for the frame.
Sidewalls of the frame include the aforementioned pairs of access holes that are adapted to receive wheel spacers, e.g., wheel spacer 150. The wheel spacers are located on inner surfaces of the removable sidewalls. In this embodiment, the wheel spacers include a generally cylindrical base and a conical portion that terminates in a flattened end.
When mounted to the frame, the wheel spacers extend into the access holes (and any corresponding holes in the grinding member) and protrude into the interior of the frame so that the flattened end contacts the wheel. This tends to center the wheels between the sidewalls of the frame and prevents the wheels from contacting the inner surfaces of the sidewalls of the frame.
A frame assembly is depicted in an assembled configuration in FIG. 4, in which it is clearly shown that, in this embodiment, the recesses in the top of the frame enable the upper extensions to be flush mounted. Also note that the number of parts required to maintain the frame assembly in this configuration are minimized, as the components required for mounting the wheels to the frame also are used to secure the removable sidewalls and the grinding member to the frame.
FIG. 5 also depicts the frame assembly in an assembled configuration. However, this view shows the lip of the grinding base engaging the second sidewall of the frame. Note also that, in this embodiment, the second removable sidewall is flush mounted with respect to the second sidewall of the frame.
FIGS. 6-8 depict the embodiment of the grinding member shown in FIGS. 1-5 in more detail. In particular, FIGS. 6-8 depict the grinding sidewall and the grinding base extending therefrom. In this embodiment, the grinding sidewall incorporates various cut-outs, e.g., cut-out 152, that can be incorporated for reducing overall weight of the grinding member. Additionally, the grinding member includes mounting holes through which the components that are used to mount the grinding member to the frame are inserted. In this regard, component usage can be minimized, as the components used to attach the grinding member to the frame can be the same components that are used to support the wheels. Specifically, these components can include a bearing and an axle into which a mounting bolt is inserted. If such an assembly is used, the head of the mounting bolt can be used to engage an exterior surface of the grinding sidewall in order to attach the grinding sidewall to the frame.
As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the grinding base 132 is configured as a generally h-shaped component that has a lip 134 located at its distal end. The grinding base extends generally perpendicular to the grinding sidewall 130 and the lip extends outwardly from the base in a direction generally parallel to the grinding sidewall. In this manner, the lip provides an additional surface located on an inside of the in-line skate upon which grinding can be performed.
FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of a removable sidewall. In this regard, removable sidewall 160 includes an upper extension 162 that extends outwardly from the substantially planar portion 164. Note that, in contrast to the previous embodiment, the lower edge 166 incorporates an extended arch 168. Thus, various shapes of removable sidewalls can be used.
Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, an embodiment of a frame assembly is depicted that incorporates a frame 200 and a grinding member 202 but excludes use of first and second removable sidewalls. Notably, in such an embodiment, the frame may be formed of a suitably strong material such that reinforcement by the use of removable sidewalls is not necessary. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the grinding member typically is made of a material, such as plastic, that is considered suitable for grinding. In this regard, when the grinding member has abrade substantially and/or has otherwise degraded in shape and/or performance, the grinding member can be removed and replaced with another grinding member.
As shown in FIG. 11, the grinding member 202 incorporates a grinding base 204 that extends between the first and second sidewalls 206, 208 of the frame along the bottom of the frame. Notably, the grinding portion incorporates lateral extensions 203, 205 that extend along the sidewall 208. Specifically, each of the lateral extensions surrounds at least of the holes through which an axle is mounted for attaching a wheel (not shown). In this embodiment, each of the lateral extensions surrounds one such hole, thereby providing structural reinforcement for mounting the axle and/or securing the grinding base to the sidewall. Each of the lateral extensions in this embodiment also is received within a corresponding recess 207, 209 so that the extensions are flush mounted with respect to the inner surface of the sidewall.
In FIG. 12, the grinding base is shown terminating in a lip 210 that engages the second sidewall, thereby providing a grinding surface on an inside of the in-line skate.
As shown in FIG. 13, another embodiment of a grinding member is depicted. In particular, grinding member 220 incorporates a generally h-shaped grinding base 222 that has an intermediate portion 224 with a raised inner section 226. As shown in FIG. 13, the intermediate portion extends between a proximal end portion 228 and a distal end portion 230. The proximal end portion extends beyond the side edges 232, 234 of the intermediate portion. The distal end portion includes a lip for engaging a second sidewall of a frame member. Notably, the distal end portion in this embodiment extends beyond the side edges of the intermediate portion. Note also that the grinding sidewall 236 does not incorporate any cut-outs.
Another embodiment of a grinding member is depicted in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, grinding member 240 incorporates a grinding sidewall 242 from which a grinding base 244 extends. In this embodiment, the lower grinding surface 246 of the grinding base incorporates a raised inner section 248 that is surrounded by chamfered edges, e.g., edge 250. A distal end portion 252 extends from the intermediate portion and generally parallel to the grinding sidewall. Much like the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, this distal end portion incorporates a lip 254, with opposing side edges 256, 258 of the distal end portion extending beyond the opposing side edges 260, 262 of the intermediate portion. In contrast, the grinding member 270 of FIG. 15 does not incorporate a lip or a distal end portion that extends beyond the periphery of the intermediate portion 272.
In the embodiment of FIG. 16, grinding member 280 incorporates a grinding base 282 that generally extends along a substantial portion of the length of grinding sidewall 284. In this regard, the intermediate portion 286 of the grinding base incorporates a generally curved shape, whereas the flanking portions 288, 290 are generally flattened and parallel to a lower edge 292 of the grinding sidewall.
In contrast, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 17 incorporates raised inner portions 294, 296 of the flanking portions 298, 300. These raised inner portions are surrounded by chamfered edges, e.g., edge 302. As another point of contrast, the embodiment of FIG. 18 incorporates a grinding base 320 that has a simple curved surface 322 for a grinding surface and does not incorporate a lip.
FIG. 19 depicts another embodiment of a frame assembly. In particular, frame assembly 340 incorporates a frame 342 that includes opposing first and second sidewalls 344, 346. The sidewalls of the frame are spaced from each other by a top wall (not shown) and which are interconnected at a bottom of the frame by a grinding wall 348. Thus, in this embodiment, the frame itself incorporates a lower grinding surface.
As mentioned before some frames may be suitable for grinding but may lack the strength and resilience necessary for enduring aggressive skating techniques. In this regard, the embodiment of FIG. 19 incorporates removable sidewalls 350, 352. Note that two additional removable sidewalls are located on the side of the frame not depicted in FIG. 19.
In this embodiment, more than one removable sidewall can be attached to a single sidewall of the frame—in this case, two attached to each of the sidewalls of the frame. Preferably, each of the removable sidewalls spans and is, therefore, mounted to two or more access holes (e.g., access holes 354, 356) that are used for mounting wheel assemblies. As these removable sidewalls tend to be formed of material, e.g., metal, that is stronger than the material used for forming the frame, attaching these removable sidewalls to the frame tends to improve the overall strength of the frame.
FIG. 20 depicts an inside surface 360 of removable sidewall 350. In this regard, the inner surface of the removable sidewall includes wheel spacers 362, 364 that are configured to extend into the access holes of the frame. These wheel spacers tend to prevent the wheels from contacting the inner surface of the sidewalls of the frame and tend to provide added structural support to the wheel assembly itself.
FIG. 21 depicts an underside of another embodiment of a frame assembly. As shown in FIG. 21, the frame assembly 360 incorporates a top wall 362 that extends between sidewalls 364 and 366. The top wall includes frame mounting holes 370, 372, which can be seen more clearly in FIG. 22. Removable reinforcing members 374, 376 also are provided that are located at the inner surface of the top wall. The reinforcing members 374, 376 typically are formed of metal or other materials that can strengthen the locations where the boot attaches to the frame.
In this regard, the reinforcing members include bolt mounting holes 380, 382. Note that when a bolt (not shown) is inserted through a bolt mounting hole and a corresponding one of the frame mounting holes, the bolt mounting hole is aligned with the frame mounting hole.
The embodiment of FIG. 21 also incorporates beveled surfaces for defining at least a portion of each of the bolt mounting holes. This is one of several configurations that can be used to ensure flush mounting of the head of a bolt that is used to attach a boot to the frame.
In FIG. 22, it can be seen that the frame mounting holes are larger in diameter than the bolt mounting holes of the reinforcing members. This configuration creates a recess on the outer surface of the top wall that can receive a corresponding protrusion on the bottom portion of a boot that is to be mounted to the frame.
Additional recesses 384, 386 are located on the inner surface of the top wall. These recesses enable flush mounting of the reinforcing members with the inner surface of the top wall.
It should be noted that use of en embodiment such as that depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22 can enable the wheels to be located on the frame in virtual disregard of the position of the bolts that are used to mount the frame to the boot. This is because the head of the bolt can be flush mounted with respect to the inner surface of the top wall and therefore, should not interfere with the wheels.
The various components for forming an in-line skate, such as the embodiments described herein, can be provided as aftermarket components for replacement and/or modification of corresponding components on other skates. As such, consumer costs can be reduced by enabling such a consumer to replace those parts that wear out instead of having to purchase an entire skate. Additionally or alternatively, various ones or combinations of such components can be provided as sets, e.g., frame assemblies and complete skates.
It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments and that all elements recited in the claims are optional. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. An in-line skate comprising:

a boot having a bottom portion;

a frame attached to the bottom portion of the boot, the frame having first and second sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom, the first and second sidewalls being spaced from each other, the top wall extending between the sidewalls, the top wall being attached to the boot;

axles extending between the first and second sidewalls;

wheels rotatably mounted to the axles such that at least a portion of each of the wheels is located between the first and second sidewalls;

a grinding member removably attached to the frame, the grinding member having a grinding sidewall, a grinding base and mounting holes, the grinding base extending from the grinding sidewall, the mounting holes being located in the grinding sidewall and being positioned such that the grinding member is attached to the frame by axles, the axles being inserted through the mounting holes and supporting the wheels;

wherein, when the grinding member is attached to the frame, the grinding sidewall is positioned in an overlying relationship with respect to the first sidewall of the frame and the grinding base spans between the first and second sidewalls along the bottom of the frame.

2. The skate of claim 1, further comprising a first removable sidewall located between the first sidewall of the frame and the grinding sidewall.

3. The skate of claim 2, wherein the first removable sidewall is formed of metal and the grinding member is formed of plastic.

4. The skate of claim 2, further comprising a second removable sidewall attached to the frame adjacent the second sidewall of the frame such that the frame is positioned between the a first removable sidewall and the second removable sidewall.

5. The skate of claim 2, wherein:

the first sidewall of the frame has access holes through which the axles are inserted to support the wheels; and

the first removable sidewall has an inner surface and wheel spacers, the inner surface being oriented toward the frame, the wheel spacers extending outwardly from the inner surface and being sized and shaped to extend through the access holes such that the wheel spacers prevent the wheels from contacting the frame.

6. A frame assembly for use with an in-line skate, the in-line skate having a boot and axle-mounted wheels, said frame assembly comprising:

a frame configured for attachment to a bottom portion of the boot, the frame having first and second sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom, the first and second sidewalls being spaced from each other, the top wall extending between the sidewalls; and

a grinding member removably attached to the frame, the grinding member having a grinding sidewall and a grinding base, the grinding base extending outwardly from the grinding sidewall;

7. The frame assembly of claim 6, wherein the grinding sidewall overlies at least 50% of the first sidewall of the frame.

8. The frame assembly of claim 6, further comprising a first removable sidewall located between the first sidewall of the frame and the grinding sidewall.

9. The frame assembly of claim 8, wherein the first removable sidewall is formed of metal and the grinding member is formed of plastic.

10. The frame assembly of claim 8, wherein the first sidewall of the frame has a recess sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the first removable sidewall.

11. The frame assembly of claim 8, wherein the first removable sidewall has an upper extension protruding therefrom, the upper extension being configured to engage the top of the frame.

12. The frame assembly of claim 11, wherein the top of the frame has a recess that is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the upper extension.

13. The frame assembly of claim 8, further comprising a second removable sidewall attached to the frame adjacent the second sidewall of the frame such that the frame is positioned between the first removable sidewall and the second removable sidewall.

14. The frame assembly of claim 6, further comprising mounting holes located in the grinding sidewall and being positioned such that the grinding member is attached to the frame by axles that are inserted through the mounting holes and which provide support to the wheels.

15. The frame assembly of claim 14, wherein:

the first sidewall of the frame has access holes through which the mounts are inserted; and

the first removable sidewall has an inner surface and wheel spacers, the inner surface being oriented toward the frame, the wheel spacers extending outwardly from the inner surface and being sized and shaped to extend through the access holes of the frame such that the wheel spacers prevent the wheels from contacting the frame.

16. The frame assembly of claim 14, further comprising means for preventing the wheels from contacting the frame.

17. An assembly for modifying an in-line skate, the in-line skate having a frame, a boot and wheels, both of which are mounted to the frame, the frame having first and second sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom, the first and second sidewalls being spaced from each other, the top wall extending between the sidewalls and being attached to the boot, said assembly comprising:

a grinding member configured for removable attachment to the frame, the grinding member having a grinding sidewall and a grinding base, the grinding base extending outwardly from the grinding sidewall;

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the grinding sidewall has mounting holes positioned such that the grinding member is attached to the frame by axles that are inserted through the mounting holes and which provide support to the wheels.

19. The assembly of claim 17, further comprising a first removable sidewall located between the first sidewall of the frame and the grinding sidewall;

wherein the first removable sidewall is formed of metal and the grinding member is formed of plastic.

20. The assembly of claim 19, further comprising a second removable sidewall attached to the frame adjacent the second sidewall of the frame such that the frame is positioned between the a first removable sidewall and the second removable sidewall;

wherein the second removable sidewall is formed of metal; and

wherein the grinding member, the first removable sidewall and the second removable sidewall are attached to the frame by axles that are inserted through the mounting holes and which provide support to the wheels.

21. A frame assembly for use with an in-line skate, the in-line skate having a boot and axle-mounted wheels, the boot having mounting holes spaced from each other on a bottom portion thereof, said frame assembly comprising:

a frame configured for attachment to the bottom portion of the boot, the frame having first and second sidewalls, a top wall and a bottom;

the first and second sidewalls being spaced from each other;

the top wall extending between the sidewalls and having frame mounting holes extending from an outside surface of the top wall to an inside surface of the top wall, the frame mounting holes being sized and shaped to receive bolts for securing the boot to the frame; and

a removable reinforcing member having a bolt mounting hole formed therethrough, the reinforcing member being located on the inner surface of the top wall such that, when a bolt is inserted through the bolt mounting hole and one of the frame mounting holes of the top wall, the bolt mounting hole is aligned with the one of the frame mounting holes.

22. The frame assembly of claim 21, wherein the bolt mounting hole has a smaller diameter than that of the frame mounting hole.

23. The frame assembly of claim 21, wherein the bolt mounting hole is defined, at least in part, by a beveled surface that is configured to flush mount the bolt.

24. The frame assembly of claim 21, further comprising: