A skate for receiving a foot of a skater includes a frame holding in-line wheels. A rigid base is securely attached to the frame. An external heel counter extends upwardly from the base around the heel portion of the skate. An upper having an outer shell of substantially soft pliable material...http://www.google.co.uk/patents/US6168172?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6168172 - In-line roller skate
