Abstract: A skate boot comprising an outer shell with a heel portion for receiving the heel of the foot; an ankle portion for receiving the ankle, the ankle portion comprising a rear portion for facing at least partially the lower part of the Achilles tendon; and medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot respectively. The skate boot also comprises a tendon guard extending upwardly from the ankle portion of the outer shell for facing at least partially the upper part of the Achilles tendon, the tendon guard comprising a recess for receiving an insert. The tendon guard has a first flexion mode when no insert is received in the recess and a second flexion mode when the insert is received in the recess. The second flexion mode is different from the first flexion mode.

Abstract: Adjustable and/or dual-suspension boot levers for hardshell boots, having upper parts and lower parts that rotate relative to one another, are disclosed. Adjustable boot levers disclosed herein are adjustable along a continuum or at one of a plurality of preset positions on a lever to provide a forward-lean angle customizable to a user's preferences. Dual-suspension boot levers provide fore-aft dampening and are also customizable by selection of appropriate elastic materials and properties for use in the forward-lean and backward-lean suspension devices. In some embodiments, adjustability and dual-suspension are combined in a boot lever design.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. The sensor system also includes a port that is configured to receive a module to place the module in communication with the sensors. The port includes a housing with a chamber configured to receive the module and an interface engaged with the housing and having at least one electrical contact exposed to the chamber. Additional retaining structure and interface structure may be included.

Abstract: An article of footwear with adjustable stiffness is provided. The article of footwear in the form of a snowboard boot is provided with adjustable tensioning systems that are disposed on either side of an inner liner of the snowboard boot. The adjustable tensioning system includes a comb body structure having flex portions made of a plurality of extending fingers with a flexibility that can be controlled by the adjustable tensioning system. Depending on the level of tension applied by the tensioning system, or lack thereof, a range of flex profiles having varying amounts of stiffness are available to the wearer to adjust the overall stiffness of the snowboard boot.

Abstract: A skate (e.g., an ice skate) for a user (e.g., a hockey player). The skate comprises a skate boot for receiving a foot of the user and a skating device (e.g., a blade and a blade holder) disposed beneath the skate boot to engage a skating surface. The skate boot may be constructed by molding (e.g., injection molding) so as to have useful performance and/or characteristics (e.g., reduced weight; enhanced fit, comfort and range of motion; enhanced appearance; etc.) while being cost-effectively manufactured.

Abstract: A ski boot comprising a lower part or shell, suitable for enclosing the user's foot and an upper part or cuff, suitable for enclosing the lower part of the skier's leg, wherein the cuff is hinged to the shell so as to rotate relative to the shell around hinges defining a rotation axis, forward, toward a tip of the boot, and backwards toward a heel of the boot, wherein the boot comprises fastening means suitable for selectively locking and/or unlocking the rotation of the cuff with respect to the shell depending on whether the user wants to switch from a skiing configuration to a walking configuration, respectively.

Abstract: An adjustable shoe includes an outsole having a middle portion hingedly attached to a forefoot portion and a heel portion. A segmented driveshaft spans from the forefoot portion of the outsole to the heel portion. Rotation of a front segment of the driveshaft causes the forefoot portion of the outsole to rotate about a hinge axis thereby adjusting a forefoot angle. A first motor is connected to the driveshaft and operable to rotate the driveshaft. A processor is in communication with the first motor and programmed to operate the first motor to provide adjustment to the shoe. A method of adjusting a shoe includes receiving a signal representing a measured force on a portion of an outsole of the shoe. If the measured force exceeds a pre-determined threshold, a motor is activated to change an angle of a forefoot portion of the outsole relative to a middle portion.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter shown and described is directed to an item of footwear with a tensioning system, comprising: a shell for enclosing a foot and at least a portion of a lower leg; a pair of opposing edges generally aligned along the top of foot portion of the shell and/or a front lower leg portion, the edges generally aligning with a longitudinal axis of the foot and/or lower leg, the opposing edges defining opposite sides of the shell; a foot retraction system comprising a tension path and at least two anchor points disposed along the path on the opposite sides of the shell and supporting at least one tensionable cable section disposed along the path, at least one anchor point comprising a tensioning mechanism, the tensioning mechanism allowing for adjustable tensioning of the cable section, the anchor points being arranged on opposite sides of the shell that support the edges, at least one being on a lateral or medial side of a boot and not on the top of the foot and front of the lower leg, so tha

Abstract: A front jaw for a touring ski binding, includes a base and at least one recess or transit opening in the base. Lateral sole retainers lie opposite each other in relation to a longitudinal axis of the front jaw each include a boot retainer pin and, in a pivoted-in state, co-operate with bearings formed on a ski boot, defining a pivoting axis for the boot extending substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the front jaw, and are adjustable between the pivoted-in state, where the bearings of the boot engage the boot retainer pins, and a pivoted-away state where the bearings of the boot are not engaged with the boot retainer pins; spring elements for tensioning the lateral sole retainers; a tensioning lever for moving the sole retainers from the pivoted-in state to the pivoted-away state to release the ski boot from a downhill skiing position or a walking position.

Abstract: A skate (e.g., an ice skate) for a user (e.g., a hockey player). The skate comprises a skate boot for receiving a foot of the user and a skating device (e.g., a blade and a blade holder) disposed beneath the skate boot to engage a skating surface. The skate boot may be constructed by molding (e.g., injection molding) so as to have useful performance and/or characteristics (e.g., reduced weight; enhanced fit, comfort and range of motion; enhanced appearance; etc.) while being cost-effectively manufactured.

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: Various features for improving the performance of prosthetic sport feet are provided. A fairing for a prosthetic sport foot can include foam components that are coupled to the foot and an elastane cover. The fairing is configured to alter the cross-sectional profile of the foot to produce a more aerodynamic shape. A prosthetic sport foot can include a hollow foot member that can be lighter weight and provide improved performance. A prosthetic sport foot can include an adjustable tension strap extending between and coupled to two portions of the foot member. A prosthetic sport foot, such as a prosthetic running foot or prosthetic cycling foot, can include an aerodynamic fairing and a cover. A prosthetic sport foot can have a varying-width profile such that a mid-section of the foot is narrower and a toe portion flares outward.

Abstract: A hybrid underlayment, includes a thermoplastic making up between 92.0% by volume to 95.5% by volume of the hybrid underlayment. A plurality of expanded microspheres is dispersed through the thermoplastic. The microspheres are expanded to a volume in a range of between 180 square micrometers and 1450 square micrometers. The microspheres makeup between 1.0% by volume to 7.5% by volume of the hybrid underlayment. The hybrid underlayment is extruded into a flat sheet having a thickness of between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm and a density from 7 pcf to 25 pcf. A metalized thermoplastic film is laminated to the top surface of the thermoplastic sheet. A pre-stretched laminated oriented mesh fabric is fused to the metalized thermoplastic film.

Abstract: A hybrid underlayment, includes a thermoplastic making up between 92.0% by volume to 95.5% by volume of the hybrid underlayment. A plurality of expanded microspheres is dispersed through the thermoplastic. The microspheres are expanded to a cross-sectional area in a range of between 180 square micrometers and 1450 square micrometers. The microspheres makeup between 1.0% by volume to 7.5% by volume of the hybrid underlayment. The hybrid underlayment is extruded into a flat sheet having a thickness of between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm and a density from 7 pcf to 25 pcf. A metalized thermoplastic film is laminated to the top surface of the thermoplastic sheet.

Abstract: A ski boot comprising a rigid shell made of plastic or composite material, which is shaped so as to accommodate the foot of the user, and at least a first and a second removable front sole which, alternatively to each other, are adapted to be fixed in a rigid and stable although easily removable manner to the lower wall of the shell substantially at the tarsal-phalangeal area of the foot; the shell being provided with a first transversal stiffening plate made of metal material which is embedded within the lower wall of the shell, close to the tip of the shell, and is structured/shaped so as to partially emerge/crop out on the outer surface of the lower wall of the shell substantially at the metatarsal-phalangeal area of the foot; the first and second removable front soles comprising: an upper plate-shaped socle which has the upper face shaped so as to be removably coupled to the lower wall of the shell substantially at the tarsal-phalangeal area of the foot, and a second transversal stiffening plate made of m

Abstract: An example sport boot includes at least one terminator provided in a cavity formed in a base of the sport boot. A first cable having a first end terminating in a first receptacle of the at least one terminator extends out of a first side of the base of the sport boot, around a foot portion of the sport boot and into a second side of the base of the sport boot. A second end of the first cable terminates in a second receptacle of the at least one terminator. A second cable having a first end terminating in a third receptacle of the at least one terminator extends out of a rear side of the base of the sport boot and is attached to a handle mounted on the rear (cuff) portion of the sport boot.

Abstract: Sports footwear, in particular to a ski boot, having an adjustable rear spoiler is provided. The spoiler is connected by respective connecting elements to the side elements attached to or integral with the cuff of the sports footwear and the distance of the connecting elements from each other can be adjusted by acting on a single, common adjusting device. Thus, adjustment of the volume inside the cuff, which receives the ankle and the lower portion of the calf of a user, takes place in an extremely simple and quick manner and without the risk of asymmetries in the adjustment.

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 ski boot includes a shell and a cuff which is hinged on the shell so as to rotate about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the center-plane of the boot. The ski boot is provided with a cuff locking device which includes: a fixing plate which is located on the shell substantially at the heel of the boot and is provided with a projecting pin which protrudes from the shell while remaining coaxial to a third axis which substantially lies on the center-plane of the boot, and is tilted with respect to the vertical by an angle from 60° to 90°; and a connecting arm which, in the area above the heel of the boot, extends astride between the rear part of the cuff and the fixing plate, while remaining on a lying plane substantially perpendicular to said first axis.

Abstract: A sport footwear, such as a ski boot, or similar sport footwear, includes at least a rigid shell (20), which has a front aperture (26), a front toe-box (24), and a front end portion (22) between the front aperture (26) and the toe-box (24) along a longitudinal axis (X) of development of the shell (20). The sport footwear (10) has a weakening notch (27) made through the front end portion (22) of the shell (20) and configured to allow a volumetric variation of the shell (20) at least in correspondence to the front end portion (22).

Abstract: Footwear, such as a sports boot, including a shell or a shell element made of a rigid plastic base material whose softening point is greater than 170° C. and a method of manufacturing such footwear. At least in one local portion of the shell or shell element, the base material of the shell includes an additive having a melting temperature lower than 100° C., in a proportion of between 3% and 45% in a first embodiment and between 10% and 25% in a second embodiment. A heating machine includes a base provided to receive at least one boot along a longitudinal direction defined by the sole and a hot air blower. The heating machine includes at least two air blowing channels facing one another and located on each side of the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a ski boot (12) which comprises an opening (18a, 18b) in each of opposing lateral, front boot portions, the openings (18a, 18b) defining an opening axis (Q) along which bearing bolts (32a, 32b) of a ski binding (14) may be introduced into the openings (18a, 18b), in order to hold the ski boot (12) on the ski binding (14) such that it can pivot about the opening axis (Q), at least one of the openings (18a, 18b) comprising at least one inner bearing portion (42) for bearing against an outer circumferential portion (50) of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b), the bearing portion (42) allowing displacement of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b) in the direction of the opening axis (Q) and a pivoting movement of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b) about the opening axis (Q), but substantially preventing displacement or a pivoting movement of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b) in other directions.

Abstract: The invention provides a ski boot (12) which comprises an opening (18a, 18b) in each of opposing lateral, front boot portions, the openings (18a, 18b) defining an opening axis (Q) along which bearing bolts (32a, 32b) of a ski binding (14) may be introduced into the openings (18a, 18b), in order to hold the ski boot (12) on the ski binding (14) such that it can pivot about the opening axis (Q), at least one of the openings (18a, 18b) comprising at least one inner bearing portion (42) for bearing against an outer circumferential portion (50) of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b), the bearing portion (42) allowing displacement of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b) in the direction of the opening axis (Q) and a pivoting movement of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b) about the opening axis (Q), but substantially preventing displacement or a pivoting movement of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b) in other directions.

Abstract: A boot including an outer sole assembly, the outer sole assembly extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise between a free surface and a connection surface, the outer sole assembly having a longitudinal groove that opens out in the area of the free surface. The longitudinal groove opens out in the area of the free surface, the groove having a length ranging between 30 and 100% of the length of the outer sole assembly, a width ranging between 25 and 45 mm, and a depth greater than or equal to 4 mm, the groove being compatible with one or more guiding ribs.

Abstract: A boot includes a lacing system having an upper zone of action associated with an upper portion of the boot body and a lower zone of action associated with a lower portion of the boot body. The lacing system includes a single bootlace, the first end of which is anchored in the upper zone of action and the second end of which is anchored in the lower zone of action. The boot also includes a common lace-tightening device, having a handpiece, for the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system. The common lace-tightening device cooperates with the bootlace in such a way that, on operation of the handpiece, the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system are acted upon simultaneously in respect of lacing up and opening the boot.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a first member that is coupled to the upper and a second member that is moveably coupled to the first member. The first member moves relative to the second member in response to a first input load directed along a first vector, and the first member engages the second member in response to a second input load directed along a second vector.

Abstract: A binding for a vehicle, such as a skate for skating on ice or a ski. The binding has an upper chassis section and a lower chassis section, which are interconnected by means of coupling means. The upper chassis section and the lower chassis section are arranged to be rollable relative to each other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The binding includes a first and a second contact surface at least one of the first and the second contact surface being curved. Thereby a stepless rolling motion between the upper chassis and the lower chassis is provided for, allowing the chassis to rock both backwards and forwards in relation to each other.

Abstract: Boot (1) intended for the practice of sports involving gliding on snow or walking, characterized in that it includes an outer shell (2, 2?, 20, 26, 26?, 34, 42) made of a rigid material, the shell (2, 2?, 20, 26, 26?, 34, 42) including a rear cradle (22, 28, 28?, 39, 44) provided to hold the heel of the user, the rear cradle (22, 28, 28?, 39, 44) being extended forward by a blade-shaped portion (6) defining a bending zone, the rear cradle (22, 28, 28?, 39, 44) comprising a peripheral wall (5, 31) and a bottom, the bottom of the cradle and the blade-shaped portion partially defining the sole assembly of the boot, and characterized in that it includes an inner liner (20).

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: Ski boots and other cold weather articles are described made from polymer compositions that are exceptionally stable at low temperatures. The polymer composition, for instance, may contain a thermoplastic polymer, a thermoplastic elastomer, an impact modifier and a wear resistant additive. In one embodiment, various polymer components are selected such that they do not undergo a second order transition within a temperature range of from about 50° C. to about ?40° C., and particularly from about 23° C. to about ?40° C. In one embodiment, the polymer compositions are used to mold the outer shell of a snow ski boot.

Abstract: A ski boot with an element in shell form at least partially contains a plastic compound material. The compound material contains a mixture of caprolactam polyamide and ionomers, such that cations and anions of the ionomers form ion bonds. Elastic components of the compound material form a physical network that is soluble between 60° C. and 100° C., and therefore the element in shell form of the ski boot at least partially containing the compound material can undergo thermoforming below 100° C.

Abstract: A snowboard system and methods are disclosed adapted for board stabilization while a user attaches the snowboard binding and boot from a standing position. The system includes an anchoring stake, a retainer and retractable cord, and an anchoring line, or loop. A safety retainer line from the stake may also be provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a shoe that can be adapted to the foot of a wearer, is made of hard, thermoplastic synthetic material and is worn for sports, includes heating a prefabricated shoe at least in sections and adapting the shoe by applying pressure from the outside and by shaping the heated area. The shoe is then cooled, a correction strip, which is made of a hard material and is taken from the foot, is introduced in to the prefabricated shoe and the heated shoe is pressed onto the correction strip by applying pressure. A strip correction and a shoe are also provided.

Abstract: A boot is disclosed having at least two fastening devices, including lacing systems, and a boot body. The boot body has an upper zone for at least partially enclosing a wearer's calf and shin; a lower zone for at least partially enclosing the wearer's forefoot; and a middle zone located between the upper zone and the lower zone, which encloses the wearer's heel and ankle joint. The middle zone can be fastened, by being laced with one of the lacing systems, independently of the upper zone and independently of the lower zone.

Abstract: A boot is disclosed that includes a shell which encloses a user's foot and at least part of his lower leg, a shell tongue attached to the shell, and a sock-like liner having a tongue. The sock-like liner is arranged in the shell and extends over a portion of from 20% to 80% of the height of the shell, such as to approximately half the height of the shell, while the tongue extends over a portion of from 80% to 130% of the height of the shell, such as to approximately 110% of the total height of the shell.

Abstract: A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance.

Abstract: A snowboard boot having two handles which each handle controlling pressure within two tightening zones is disclosed. One handle may be pitched to adjust pressure within upper and lower shin portion tightening zones. A second handle may be pitched to adjust pressure within upper and lower foot portion tightening zones. Once the appropriate amount of pressure is applied to the various tightening zones, locks may be engaged to set the pressures. The pressures are isolated from each other such that the various different pressures within the various different tightening zones do not equalize but remain constant during the snowboarding session. Additionally, the handles may be stored on a tongue of the snowboard boot or a back portion of the snowboard boot.

Abstract: A shoe contains an adjustable space for the foot and several fluidically connected chambers. In order to adjust the space for the foot, the flowability of a magnetorheological fluid can be influenced by one or more devices that generate a magnetic field and thereby adjust the space for the foot resulting in a better fitting of the shoe. The novel system may also be implemented in orthoses (e.g., pronation correction) or in complete shoes with orthotics devices for correcting musculoskeletal abnormalities.

Abstract: A sport boot, such as a snow ski boot, that includes a shell having a rigid foot portion. The foot portion includes a heel pocket and an instep region that is largely immovable relative to the heel pocket due to the rigidity of the foot portion. The boot also includes a highback support region that snugly engages the leg of a user during use. A heel-track is located on the dorsal side of the boot between the highback support region and the heel pocket. The heel-track provides a concave space that receives the user's heel when the user is putting-on and taking-off the boot to counter the relative immovability of the instep region of the boot against the engaging action of the user's foot. The sport boot can also include a special boot liner having an expandable dorsal region, and, optionally, other features that compliment the heel-track of the shell.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ski boot system. In an embodiment, an outer shell has right and left side portions formed by a longitudinal split. A hinged connection is provided between the portions. The open configuration allows placement of an inner liner into the shell. The closed configuration restricts removal of the liner from the shell. A selectively fastenable connector extends between the right and left side portions. The selectively fastenable connector permits selective positioning of the shell between open and closed configurations. The liner of a ski boot includes a wall of material defining inner and outer surfaces. The outer surface defines an exterior having dimensions sized to compressively fit within the shell. The inner surface defines an interior having dimensions sized to receive a foot. A shape memory foam forms at least a portion of the wall of material and is configured to conform to the foot.

Abstract: A reusable, hand-held carrier for transporting and storing a pair of ski boots includes: (a) a handle portion; (b) a shank including two opposite longitudinal first sides, an upper shank end being attached to a base handle section of the handle portion; (c) a hanger portion extending from a lower shank end and including at least two elongate hook elements, each of the hook elements including an open topped channel and a set of corresponding shoulder portions on opposite walls of the channel that form a pinched zone at the top of the channel. The boot carrier preferably also includes at least one carrier pin for holding a sole guard ski boot accessory within a recess in the carrier shank. A carrier wall mount and boot carrier set is also contemplated. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A ski boot with a leg portion hinged to the foot portion so that the leg portion is able to rotate around a rotation axis (X-X) in relation to the foot portion. The ski boot includes a constraint mechanism for selectively blocking and/or unblocking the rotation of the leg portion in relation to the foot portion depending on whether or not the user wishes to pass from a skiing configuration to a walking configuration. The constraint mechanism comprises a rod having a fixed end hinged to the foot portion and a movable end which interfaces with the leg portion, a support attached to the leg portion and a guide connected to the support for guiding the movable end of the rod. The guide is movable in relation to the support and moves with rotation of the rod during movement of the leg portion in relation to the foot portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ski boot shell (10), characterized in that it comprises a notch (11) in the rear upper portion thereof and in that it comprises a rear bearing element (20) movably connected relative to the shell (10), capable of occupying a first position in which it abuts against at least one surface of the shell to at least partially close the notch (11) and favors skiing, and a second position withdrawn backward to allow the leg of a skier to be straightened in a walking phase.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel elevated toe device system that allows the wearer's toes to be elevated to a perpendicular or approaching a perpendicular orientation relative to the line of gravity and undertake activities, such as downhill skiing, with a greater amount of control of the skis and/or snowboard as a result of the elevated toes. The conventional systems do not make use of the natural qualities of the foot. On a downward slope, the device permits the wearer to enjoy the dynamics of the foot and assume a stance that presents less strain on the foot while accentuating maneuverability. The device can be a preset system, in which the wearer can interchange devices of different angular orientations to modify the posture of the toes, or adjustable. In an alternate embodiment, the device can be provided so that the surface under the big toe presents an elevated angular orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe (1) with an outer shell (2) made of injection moulded plastic, in particular a ski shoe with at least one tightening means (12) arranged in the upper end section of the shoe collar (5) running ring-like around the upper end section of the shoe collar (5), and with at least one adjusting means (13) for tightening or limiting the width of the entry opening into the sports shoe (1) as necessary. For this a first and a further tightening element (15, 16) are arranged above one another in vertical direction within a section of the length of the tightening means (12), where the tightening elements (15, 16) run essentially parallel to one another. The first tightening element (15) is designed to bear against the peripheral sections of the comparatively flexible inner shoe (3) or its tongue (17) and the further tightening element (16) is designed to bear against the upper end section of the shoe collar (5) made of a relatively rigid plastic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking device for a buckle. The device comprises a housing, a lever and an arm. The lever has a first strap engaging end and a locking portion. The lever is connected to the housing for movement relative to the housing. The locking portion is cooperable with the housing to be retained in it. The housing is configured to receive a strap. The arm is resiliently connected to the housing and has a second strap engaging end and a lifting end portion. The lifting end portion is disposed towards the first strap engaging end, such that in a locked position, when the locking portion cooperates with the housing, the second strap engaging end is urged into engagement with the strap. The lifting end portion contacts the first strap engaging end to lift it away from the strap.

Abstract: A removable, one-piece sole guard for preventing crevices on a ski boot sole from filling with snow, ice, and debris includes: (a) a head portion including a substantially planar top head surface that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface; (b) a body portion adjacent the head portion, which includes a substantially planar top body surface that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface; (c) at least one pin groove between the head portion and the body portion that opens to the top of the sole guard; (d) two opposite, substantially parallel guard sides; and (e) projections extending down from the bottom surface. A two-pin sole guard for a ski boot with at least two boot sole pins includes a second pin groove that opens to the rear. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: Ski-boot comprising a rigid shell shaped to accommodate the foot, and a rigid cuff which is shaped to surround the ankle and is hinged on the shell so to be rotatable about a transversal reference axis; the shell being inferiorly provided with a front sole and with a substantially duckbill-shaped front appendix which protrudes from the tip of the shell to form an extension of the front sole, and is structured so as to engaged in the front jaw of a specific ski fastening device; the front appendix having, on each lateral side, a respective side groove which starts on the appendix upper face at a distance from the appendix tip ranging between 10 and 20 millimetres, and continues by flanking the shell tip while increasing its depth, so to form a descending slope above which a corresponding prong of the front jaw of the ski fastening device is arranged.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use in sporting activities such as snowboarding is disclosed. The article of footwear can include a flex notch and a coupled lace loop design. The article can further include an internal harness to enhance stability of the foot. The article can also include a threading layer configured to strengthen the upper and a corresponding connecting layer to bond the threading layer to the upper and to provide protection to other areas of the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a boot, adapted to be removably retained on a sports apparatus, the boot including an outer sole assembly, an upper and a fastening element, the latter being adapted to cooperate with a locking mechanism, itself adapted to be affixed to the apparatus. The boot includes a connection mechanism adjustable in position, which adjustably connects the fastening element to the outer sole assembly.