Abstract: Heated insoles are presented in the form of separate packages that will combine into a kit to make a heated insole for footwear. One package contains a heating assembly made of a heating element, a flexible power cable ending in an electrical connector, and (optionally) a power pack that contains a rechargeable battery, a rheostat, and a mating electrical connector. The other package contains a flexible, cushioned insole having a sealable opening and guide channel on the bottom. Once a suitable sized insole is selected, the heating element is inserted into a sealable opening in the insole that is dimensioned to receive the heating element and sealed therein. This kit and manner of construction allows retailers to stock fewer heating elements than insole sizes so as to reduce inventory costs.

Abstract: A ski boot with adjustable flex control includes a substantially rigid cuff portion and a substantially rigid boot portion pivotally coupled to a lower portion of the cuff portion. A groove defined between the cuff and boot portions receives a movable cursor whose movement along the length of the groove varies the flexure characteristics of the boot. The cursor is wholly located within the groove for shielding by the cuff and boot portions from engaging a ski. A detent mechanism within the cursor engages recesses in the groove to lock the cursor selectively in a series of discrete, predetermined positions. The detent mechanism comprises a spring biased bolt member mounted in a bore and movable axially within the cursor such that the bolt mechanism and its movement are wholly located within the groove. The locking and unlocking operations are accomplished by axial movement of the bolt member.

Abstract: A ski boot including a substantially rigid outer shell and a flexible inner boot, the inner boot having a tightening strap wrapped around it for tightening the inner boot's rear, arch, instep and ankle portions against the skier's foot. The inner boot has a guide loop at the rear portion and a first fastening device on the ankle portion. A secondary strap, carrying a guide ring at its end adjacent the instep portion, is connected to the tightening strap or the boot itself. The tightening strap is connected at one end to the arch portion of the boot and, after tightening, is fastened, via a second fastening device, to the first fastening device on the boot. From the connection at the arch portion, the tightening strap extends rearwardly, through the guide loop, forwardly around the ankle portion, through the guide ring and then doubles back rearwardly where the fastening devices are connected.