Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a portable illumination system having a locked state that minimizes unintended activation. The system includes a first activated state, deactivated state, and locked state. The first activated state generates a first optical output via the optical output device. The deactivated state deactivates the optical output device. The locked state also deactivates the optical output device. The system further includes a switching mechanism configured to receive a first and second physical user input and an algorithm of operation for each of the states. The algorithms of operation for the first activated state and the deactivated state correlate the first and second physical user inputs with a state change between the first activated state, deactivated state, and locked state. The algorithm of operation for the locked state is restricted in that it correlates only the second physical user input with a state change.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery system, including a housing, a negative terminal, a positive terminal, and a third terminal. The negative terminal is electrically coupled to the rechargeable electrical discharge member and may be electrically coupled to the housing. The positive terminal is electrically coupled to the rechargeable electrical discharge member and electrically isolated from the negative terminal. The third terminal is electrically coupled to the negative terminal. The third terminal is also physically isolated from both the positive and negative terminal. A non-conductive sleeve substantially encases the housing and the negative terminal around which the positive, negative, and third terminals are externally exposed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a portable illumination system having a locked state that minimizes unintended activation. The system includes a first activated state, deactivated state, and locked state. The first activated state generates a first optical output via the optical output device. The deactivated state deactivates the optical output device. The locked state also deactivates the optical output device. The system further includes a switching mechanism configured to receive a first and second physical user input and an algorithm of operation for each of the states. The algorithms of operation for the first activated state and the deactivated state correlate the first and second physical user inputs with a state change between the first activated state, deactivated state, and locked state. The algorithm of operation for the locked state is restricted in that it correlates only the second physical user input with a state change.

Abstract: An ice axe device has an adjustable grip. The ice axe includes an elongated shaft with opposite proximal and distal ends. A pick is disposed at the distal end of the elongated shaft, and a grip is disposed at the proximal end of the elongated shaft. A pommel is adjustably securable to the grip,. A spike can be disposed on the proximal end of the grip. At least one spacer can be selectively disposable on the grip to selectively shorten and lengthen the length of the grip.

Abstract: An ice axe device has an adjustable grip. The ice axe includes an elongated shaft with opposite proximal and distal ends. A pick is disposed at the distal end of the elongated shaft, and a grip is disposed at the proximal end of the elongated shaft. A pommel is adjustably securable to the grip,. A spike can be disposed on the proximal end of the grip.

Abstract: An ice axe device has an adjustable grip. The ice axe includes an elongated shaft with opposite proximal and distal ends. A pick is disposed at the distal end of the elongated shaft, and a grip is disposed at the proximal end of the elongated shaft. A pommel is adjustably securable to the grip, and is movable towards and away from the grip to respectively shorten and lengthen a length of the grip.

Abstract: An ice axe device and method has an adjustable grip. The ice axe includes an elongated shaft with opposite proximal and distal ends. A pick is disposed at the distal end of the elongated shaft, and a grip is disposed at the proximal end of the elongated shaft. A pommel is adjustably securable to a proximal end of the grip, and is movable towards and away from the grip to respectively shorten and lengthen a length of the grip.

Abstract: An ice axe device and method has an adjustable grip. The ice axe includes an elongated shaft with opposite proximal and distal ends. A pick is disposed at the distal end of the elongated shaft, and a grip is disposed at the proximal end of the elongated shaft. A pommel is adjustably securable to a proximal end of the grip, and is movable towards and away from the grip to respectively shorten and lengthen a length of the grip.

Abstract: An anti-balling system for a crampon (10) to prevent balling and snow accumulation during snow and ice climbing includes a plate (46, 50) attached to the bottom of the crampon. The plate can be rigid and can have a lower surface (54, 58) formed of a material configured to prevent sticking of snow or ice to the lower surface of the plate. The plate can include at least one loop (62) integrally formed at a front of the plate to receive a front point (38) of the crampon. The plate can have a loop or window (96 or 232) to receive the center strap (22 or 220) of the crampon. The plate can be attached with bail ends (222 and 224) of a bail (214). The lower surface of the plate can include a plurality of protrusions (100) extending therefrom forming a plurality of raised section (104) and a plurality of edges (108) forming a nonskid surface configured to prevent the lower surface of the plate from sliding with respect to another object.

Abstract: An anti-balling system for a crampon (10) to prevent balling and snow accumulation during snow and ice climbing includes a plate (46, 50) attached to the bottom of the crampon. The plate can be rigid and can have a lower surface (54, 58) formed of a material configured to prevent sticking of snow or ice to the lower surface of the plate. The plate can include at least one loop (62) integrally formed at a front of the plate to receive a front point (38) of the crampon. The plate can have a loop or window (96 or 232) to receive the center strap (22 or 220) of the crampon. The plate can be attached with bail ends (222 and 224) of a bail (214). The lower surface of the plate can include a plurality of protrusions (100) extending therefrom forming a plurality of raised section (104) and a plurality of edges (108) forming a nonskid surface configured to prevent the lower surface of the plate from sliding with respect to another object.