Abstract: The present invention relates to a support system for use in relation to an articulation region of a boot. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a boot with a dorsal metatarsal articulation region that allows for articulation in the sagittal plane such as a telemark ski boot. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a telemark ski boot, including a shell, an articulation region, and an articulation support system. The articulation support system includes at least one tensile rigid region extending transversely between the proximal and distal sides of the articulation region. The tensile rigid region impedes rotation of the rear portion of the shell about the toe portion in a frontal plane. This form of rotation is often referred to as torsional rotation. The articulation support system may include one or more of a cable, an integrated shell portion, a material mesh, and/or other tensile rigid components which maintain bending flexibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telemark ski boot system configured to enable efficient releasable rotatable coupling to a ski binding at a pivot location corresponding to the metatarsal region. One embodiment of the present invention related to a telemark ski boot system including a shell, a sole, and a binding interface system. The sole is coupled anatomically below the shell and includes a bottom sole surface defining the bottom most portion of the boot. The binding interface system is contained between the shell and bottom of the bottom sole surface and horizontally below the metatarsal region of the boot. In addition, the binding interface system is contained within the two dimensional footprint of the boot. Alternatively or in addition, the binding interface system is contained within the three dimensional space of the shell and sole. The binding interface system may be a rigid cleat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telemark ski boot system configured to enable efficient releasable rotatable coupling to a ski binding at a pivot location corresponding to the metatarsal region. One embodiment of the present invention related to a telemark ski boot system including a shell, a sole, and a binding interface system. The sole is coupled anatomically below the shell and includes a bottom sole surface defining the bottom most portion of the boot. The binding interface system is contained between the shell and bottom of the bottom sole surface and horizontally below the metatarsal region of the boot. In addition, the binding interface system is contained within the two dimensional footprint of the boot. Alternatively or in addition, the binding interface system is contained within the three dimensional space of the shell and sole. The binding interface system may be a rigid cleat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a ski boot system including a shell and an elongated hollow region disposed substantially sagitally within the base or bottom of the shell. The elongated hollow region is rigidly coupled at the proximal and distal ends to a secondary support structure of the shell that extends dorsally on at least one side of the boot, thereby forming a lateral triangular rigid coupling. The lateral triangular rigid coupling increases the torsional support of a user's foot and lower leg disposed within the shell. An optional second lateral triangular coupling may extend dorsally on the opposite side of the ski boot so as to balance medial and lateral torsional support. The elongated hollow region may be formed internally within the base or created by rigidly coupling a rigid member to a lengthwise U-shaped region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable ski skin attachment device that can be used to efficiently attach a skin to a ski or snowboard. In accordance with the present invention, an adjustable ski skin attachment device includes two threaded members, a coupler, and a cover. The two threaded members are threaded in reverse directions from one another. The coupler includes two receiving portions with reverse threaded receiving portions such that when the threaded members are inserted into the two receiving portions and the coupler is rotated in one direction, the two threaded members move closer together. And when the coupler is rotated in the opposite direction, the two threaded members move away from one another. The cover is positioned over the two threaded members opposite the coupler. Unlike conventional skin attachment devices, the adjustable ski skin attachment device in accordance with the present invention can be adjusted to fit over a wide variety of widths and tip shapes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual stem active camming device including a plurality of compression springs independently coupled to a plurality of cam lobes. The compression springs are positioned between the trigger and the clip-in point of the cam to protect the springs from damage and allow the trigger to compress the springs upon retraction. A flexible stem tube is positioned over the portion of the dual stem between the trigger and the cable terminals. The flexible stem tube shields the trigger wires from debris and abrasion. A rigid yoke is also positioned over the dual stem between the stem tube and cable terminals. The rigid yoke prevents uneven lateral bending on the head of the camming device that may otherwise cause the device to pull out of a placement. The cable terminals are positioned between the outer cam lobes and on either side of the inner cam lobe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carrying systems including packs and bags. One embodiment of the present invention is directed at a carrying system that includes a snow breathing apparatus. The system includes a carrying cavity, an attachment system, and a snow breathing apparatus. The carrying cavity is a partially enclosed region that is capable of storing items for transportation. The carrying cavity may further include a shell, a lid, a sealing system, a compression system, etc. The attachment system is coupled to an external surface of the carrying cavity to facilitate a removable coupling between the carrying cavity and a user. The attachment system may include two arm straps, a shoulder strap, a hip belt, a belt receiver, etc. The snow breathing apparatus is a device that enables breathing in a snow encapsulated breathing space in which breathing may otherwise be restricted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radius surface for use on a ski binding resistance mechanism cartridge. The radius surface of the present invention enables a cable coupled to the resistance mechanism cartridge to bend directly adjacent to the cartridge. Since the cable is able to bend adjacent to the cartridge, the overall functionality of a binding is improved. In addition, the radius surface can be adjusted to specifically dictate the exit bend radius allowed on the cable coupled to the resistance mechanism cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable snow shovel that includes a unique collapsible mechanism. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a shovel that includes both an expanded and collapsed state. The shovel includes a blade member and an elongated shaft member. The elongated shaft member is slidably engaged to the blade member through a recess that extends through the blade member. The elongated shaft member is able to translate with respect to the blade member between the extended and collapsed states. The collapsed state relates to a configuration in which the elongated shaft member is extended through the recess and over the blade member a particular amount. The extended state relates to a configuration in which the elongated shaft member is extended through the recess and away from the blade member a particular amount. An optional locking mechanism may be utilized to releasably lock the elongated shaft member with respect to the blade member in the two states.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ski binding that retains a boot to a ski in at least two independent operational states. One embodiment of a ski binding includes a toe receiving member and a releasable system. The toe receiving member is configured to engage the toe portion of the boot. The releasable system is configured to couple the toe receiving member to the ski in at least two independent operational states. A first state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is allowed to freely rotate with respect to the ski. The first state is particularly useful in minimizing the necessary energy output for uphill travel. A second state corresponds to a state in which the toe receiving member is locked with respect to the ski. The second state is particularly useful in high performance downhill travel. The releasable system further includes an engagement mechanism and a switching mechanism.