In the world of ice sports, maintaining the perfect edge on a skate blade is crucial for performance and safety. A recently approved patent, US Patent No. 12673252, introduces an incredible solution to this ongoing challenge. The invention, titled “Skate blade protectors,” was developed by Donovan Scott and patented by Sharp Step, Inc., a company based in Hamburg, New York. This revolutionary accessory aims to change how hockey players and figure skaters care for their equipment.
What makes this invention so innovative is its dual purpose design that seamlessly integrates protection with active maintenance. Traditional skate guards only shield the blade from physical damage while walking off the ice. However, this newly patented protector features an outer shell and a specialized inner shell equipped with a built-in magnet and a sharpening agent. When the guard is placed over the skate, the inner shell receives the blade and the sharpening agent makes direct contact along the majority of its length. This means the blade is actively honed and maintained while simply being stored or transported, completely eliminating the need for constant manual sharpening.
New York State Patent of the Month: August 2026
Due to its profound impact on both amateur and professional athletics, this invention was rightfully awarded the New York State Patent of the Month for August 2026. Originating from a local New York enterprise, Sharp Step, Inc. showcases regional ingenuity and highlights the state’s growing hub for sports technology. The award committee recognized the brilliant simplicity of utilizing a magnetic inner shell to apply consistent pressure to a sharpening agent. This design not only prolongs the lifespan of expensive skate blades but also democratizes access to professional level blade care for everyday skaters.
Eligibility for the R&D Tax Credit in the USA
The practical applications of this patent present a textbook case for Research and Development (R&D) tax credit eligibility in the United States. To qualify for the R&D tax credit, a company must demonstrate that their activities eliminate technical uncertainty through a rigorous process of experimentation based on hard sciences. For Sharp Step, Inc., the development of this active sharpening guard would have required extensive engineering to determine the optimal magnetic strength needed to secure the blade without making it too difficult to remove. Additionally, testing various abrasive materials for the sharpening agent to find the perfect balance between honing the edge and avoiding excessive wear constitutes iterative technical experimentation. The costs associated with designing the dual shell housing, prototyping, and material testing are directly tied to creating a new and improved product. Therefore, the salaries, supplies, and contracted research involved in translating this patent from a conceptual design into a manufactured reality perfectly align with the criteria for lucrative federal and state R&D tax incentives.
