Abstract: A releasable lock assembly for use with a collapsible pole assembly having a first shaft section slidably secured to a second shaft section includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the first and second shaft sections in an extended position. The releasable lock assembly further includes a stop assembly having an elongated member having first and second ends, wherein the first end is secured to one of the first and second shaft sections and the second end secured to the other of the first and second shaft sections. The stop assembly further comprises a stop assembly biasing member configured to urge the first and second shaft sections into a collapsed position.

Abstract: A base is provided for a ski boot comprising a sole and an outsole element that is positioned in a predetermined position relative to a longitudinal axis (L). The outsole element is positioned on the sole by using two projections that are carried by one or other of the sole and the outsole element and that locate in holes or cavities defined by the other. Preferably, the projections are carried by the outsole element and locate in holes or cavities defined by the sole. The projections may be integrally formed with the outsole element or the sole. Alternatively, they may be formed by injected pins, rivets, fasteners, t-nuts, or screws.

Abstract: A base (1) is provided for a ski boot (2) and comprises a one-piece sole (4) defining heel and toe portions (6, 7) that is adapted to be secured to one or more outsole elements (8, 9, 10). Preferably, toe and heel outsole elements (8, 9) are bonded to the toe and heel portions (6, 7) respectively to form a base (1) with a unitary construction. The sole (4) also has a fiber-reinforced composite structure wherein a majority of the fibers in at least a mid-section (7) of the sole (4) between the heel and toe portions (6, 7) are angled at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the sole (4).

Abstract: A base (1) is provided for a ski boot (2) and comprises a sole (4) and an outsole element (8, 9) that is positioned in a predetermined position relative to a longitudinal axis (L). The outsole element (8, 9) is positioned on the sole (4) by using two projections (25, 26) that are carried by one or other of the sole (4) and the outsole element (8, 9) and that locate in holes or cavities (22, 23) defined by the other. Preferably, the projections (25, 26) are carried by the outsole element (8, 9) and locate in holes or cavities (22, 23) defined by the sole (4). The projections (25, 26) may be integrally formed with the outsole element (8, 9) or the sole (4). Alternatively, they may be formed by injected pins, rivets, fasteners, t-nuts, or screws.

Abstract: A stiffness mechanism for a boot having a shell with a flexibility slot and a cuff pivotally secured to the shell includes a buckle assembly selectively engageable with a portion of the shell for selectively securing the cuff to the shell. A blocking assembly is selectively disposable within the flexibility slot for selectively increasing the stiffness of the shell. A lever assembly is pivotally disposed between the buckle assembly and the blocking assembly. When the lever assembly is moved into a first position, the cuff is secured to the shell and a portion of the blocking assembly is disposed within the flexibility slot to increase the stiffness of the shell. When the lever assembly is moved into a second position, the cuff is pivotal with respect to the shell and the blocking assembly is at least partially disengaged from the flexibility slot to increase the flexibility of the shell.

Abstract: A single-reel zonal lacing system comprises a reel mechanism fixed to the upper, for example, the cuff or the tongue, and a separate cable for each zone. In a two-zone embodiment, a first cable engages the reel and extends across the elongate opening at least twice, and engages a multi-position retainer at an intermediate location. A second cable engages the reel and also extends across the elongate opening in at least two places. The cables are configured to be tensioned by the reel mechanism, and the effective length of the first cable is determined in part by the selected engagement position on the multi-position retainer, such that the relative tension in two zones may be adjusted. In one embodiment, only one end of the cables engage the reel mechanism, and the opposite end is anchored to the upper. In another embodiment, both ends of the cables engage the reel mechanism.

Abstract: A retaining system includes a receiver comprising: a holder with a first side and an opposite second side and an eccentric aperture extends from the first side to the second side of the holder; a column comprising a central axis, a first axial side, and a second opposite axial side; and a flange attached normal to the column at the second side, wherein the column and flange are engaged with the holder, wherein the flange has an outer shape that fits within the eccentric aperture, and the column passes within the eccentric aperture from the first side to the second side of the holder, wherein the flange and column are rotatable around the central axis, and the column resists rotating without some resilient deformation of either the column, the flange, or the holder. The retaining system may be used to hold straps, such as from goggles, next to the side of a helmet.

Abstract: A sports boot includes a sole fixed to an upper having an ankle portion and a forefoot portion. Lateral and medial articulating cable or lace guides are provided in the upper generally between the ankle portion and the forefoot portion. Each of the cable guides define a flexible and elongate arcuate channel for guiding the cable, preferably having fluted ends. Installation panels are provided adjacent each end of the flexible channels. An intermediate installation panel extends outwardly from the arcuate channel and does not significantly interfere with flexure of the arcuate channel. Therefore, the portion of the flexible channel away from the installation panels forms a natural hinge. The channel may be configured to flex such that the spacing between the ends of the channel may vary by more than three centimeters. The upper may be provided with deep U-shaped cutouts that generally co-extend with the U-shaped cable guide.

Abstract: A ski boot comprises a sole portion (2) that is attached to one or more separate outsole elements (3, 4, 5) for location between the sole portion (2) and a ski binding. At least one of the outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) prior to a secure fixing of said outsole element (3, 4, 5) to the sole portion (2) by at least one fastener (13) so as to be adjustable in forward, rearward, lateral and medial directions relative to the sole portion (2) and so as to be rotatable clockwise and counter clockwise relative to a centerline of the boot. Preferably, at least one of the outsole elements (5) is adapted for attachment to the ski binding. Advantageously, a plurality of outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is provided that are adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) independently of the other outsole elements.

Abstract: A snowshoe has an improved spring-loaded suspension system that reduces or eliminates snow flip as the user lifts the boot and advances it forward. In a principal embodiment the footbed and front claw of the binding are positioned on a spring-suspended frame in such a way that the footbed/claw can freely rotate relative to the snowshoe deck beyond a certain degree of pitch angle.

Abstract: A splitboard (90) having a first ski (92L) releasably attachable to a second ski (92R) and operable in a snowboard mode and in a ski mode. Corresponding toe brackets (140) are attached to the first and second skis. A pair of forward slider blocks (130) and a pair of rear slider blocks (130) are attached to the first and second skis. Left and right bindings (100L, 100R) include front hook portions (116) configured to releasably engage the corresponding toe brackets. The bindings are configured to slidably engage the forward and rear slider blocks in snowboard mode. Pull loops (120) are pivotable between a lock position, wherein a blocking portion (123) of the pull loop extends through an aperture in the binding to engage the slider block in the lock position. A heel stop (112) extends down from the binding to limit the forward slide of the binding.

Abstract: A ski pole is disclosed. The ski pole includes a ski pole shaft and a ski pole grip. The ski pole includes an inclinometer mounted to the ski pole shaft or grip, wherein the inclinometer is configured to be integral to the shaft or the grip.

Abstract: A stiffness mechanism for a boot having a shell with a flexibility slot and a cuff pivotally secured to the shell includes a buckle assembly selectively engageable with a portion of the shell for selectively securing the cuff to the shell. A blocking assembly is selectively disposable within the flexibility slot for selectively increasing the stiffness of the shell. A lever assembly is pivotally disposed between the buckle assembly and the blocking assembly. When the lever assembly is moved into a first position, the cuff is secured to the shell and a portion of the blocking assembly is disposed within the flexibility slot to increase the stiffness of the shell. When the lever assembly is moved into a second position, the cuff is pivotal with respect to the shell and the blocking assembly is at least partially disengaged from the flexibility slot to increase the flexibility of the shell.

Abstract: A geometry-shifting strap for a binding having a baseplate is disclosed. The geometry-shifting strap is shiftable between a closed position wherein the distal end of the geometry-shifting strap is biased or disposed over the baseplate, and an open position wherein the distal end of the strap is not over the baseplate. The strap includes at least one arcuate element that biases the strap to the closed position when the arcuate element is in a concave configuration, and biases the strap to the open position when the arcuate element is in a convex configuration.

Abstract: A snowshoe with binding suspended by tension straps secured to a frame is assembled from a generally U-shaped nose, and an aft section which can be a midsection and a tail. In one embodiment the nose has sufficient strength to resist inward pulling under tension to suspend the binding resiliently, without significant strength contribution from aft portions of the frame. The aft portion of the snowshoe includes traction elements, i.e. rows of teeth, positioned to engage into snow and ice. An important aspect of the invention is that the nose and aft sections are non-integral and very dissimilar in cross section, in a suspended-binding snowshoe.

Abstract: A molded or plastic composite snowshoe is formed of two assembled sections, in a way that imparts flexibility to the snowshoe, allowing some degree of torsional twisting or warping flexibility so that the snowshoe adapts to uneven terrain. In a principal embodiment the molded snowshoe is divided into forward and aft sections along a line slightly behind the nose area and near the pivot axis in the case of a pitch-pivoting binding. Joints between sections are in narrow rims at left and right, at opposed sides of a large central opening for the crampon/binding and boot. The joints are designed to securely hold the forward and aft molded sections together but to allow a degree of torsion between them when needed. Steel structural traction rails extend across the joints but are constructed and secured to the snowshoe sections in a manner that preserves the desired flexibility.