Abstract: An article is prepared by injection molding, wherein the article is formed from a hydrophilic thermoplastic polyurethane composition, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane composition comprises the reaction product of a hydroxyl terminated polyol intermediate component, an aliphatic isocyanate component, and, optionally, a chain extender component. For injection molding, the hydrophilic thermoplastic polyurethane has a crystallization temperature measured by dynamic scanning calorimetry of at least 75° C.

Abstract: A binding for skis and/or splitboard and/or roller skis and/or snowshoes permitting free lifting of the heel, which permits to lift the front part of the foot. The object of the present solution is also an adapter for standard bindings, a method of binding shoes for skis and/or splitboard and/or roller skis and/or snowshoes, and also a shoe for riding skis and/or splitboard and/or roller skis intended for use in bindings permitting free lifting of the heel.

Abstract: A performance footwear, apparel or medical accessory product for hot, cold, and all-weather conditions, the performance footwear, apparel or medical accessory product comprised of a series of material layers having: a first layer of a breathable, moisture transfer, antimicrobial inner lining, fabric or nonwoven material or a combination of fabric or nonwoven material; a second layer comprising a breathable, moisture transfer, absorbent, antimicrobial, mechanically bonded, antimicrobial, nonwoven material comprised of shaped, channeled, grooved and lobed synthetic polymer fibers, antimicrobial silver polymer fibers and natural and synthetic, thermal and cooling fibers wherein the fiber combinations naturally provide adjustable thermal regulation; and a third exterior layer comprised of a breathable, antimicrobial woven fabric, knitted fabric, spacer fabric, nonwoven material, leather material or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A ski boot, comprising a ski boot shell and a ski boot sole, wherein the ski boot sole comprises a front end of the ski boot sole, a rear end of the ski boot sole, a lower side of the sole and a free upper side of the sole via which the ski boot sole protrudes forwards, backwards and/or laterally beyond the ski boot shell, wherein the lower side of the sole comprises a first bearing region for placing upright on a bearing plate of a ski binding, and a second bearing region for walking without skis, wherein a width of the ski boot sole in the second bearing region is larger than a width of the ski boot sole in the first bearing region.

Abstract: The inventive skate consists of an upper that is designed to accept the foot of the user. Other portions of the upper are preferably constructed using a semi-rigid material, such as fiberglass, nylon, plastic, etc. These semi-rigid portions of the upper decrease the flexibility of the upper in certain sections, thus increasing performance. The inventive skate also includes a blade chassis. The chassis includes a lower portion that is adapted to hold the skate's blade and an upper portion that is adapted to cover a portion of the upper. The inventive skate is configured so that the center of gravity of the skater is disposed generally centrally along the length of the skate chassis. This skate configuration is generally referred to as neutral pitch.

Abstract: Ski-boot includes 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 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 millimeters, 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: 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: The invention is a boot (1; 100) comprising a shaped shell (2; 101) including a rear portion (3; 102) that surrounds the heel (T) of the user's foot (P) and a front portion (4; 103) that develops mainly along a longitudinal axis (X) and surrounds the distal region (D) and the top (S) of the foot (P) and is 5 telescopically associated with the rear portion (3; 102) to which it is connected through fixing means (5). One of the front (4; 103) and rear portions (3; 102) is provided with a plurality of first through holes (6; 104) defining longitudinal axes (Z1; Z?1) that are parallel to each other and separated by a predefined distance (L1; L?1) and are selectively arranged coaxially to second through 10 holes (7; 105) made in the other one of the rear (3; 102) and front portions (4; 103), where they house the fixing means (5), in such a way as to vary the length of the shaped shell (2; 101) by discrete values.

Abstract: A toe tap for a tap shoe is characterized by a blunt forward edge which defines a platform for a dance to utilize during dance steps, particularly when the dancer elevates to an elongated pointe position with supported by the tips of the toes. The tap includes a base which has a rear edge extending toward the ball area of the dance shoe and side edges which extend between the front and rear edges. The tap further includes constant perimeter around the side and front portions and a lip extending upwardly from the base at the constant perimeter to enable the dance to execute shuffle and other dance movements with the medial and lateral portions of the foot. A projection further extends from the lip at the front edge. The projection has a flat surface co-planar with the blunt front edge of the base to define a larger platform for supporting the toe tips of the dancer's foot.

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 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: An article of sports footwear (10) comprises an upper part or casing (11) to partly surround the user's foot, and a sole (12), associated with the casing (11). The sole (12) comprises an internal insole (13) having, during use, an upper surface (13a) attached to the casing (11) and a lower surface (13b) to which at least an anti-slip support element (14), made of an at least partly soft material, is attached. The insole (13) has a plurality of stiffening elements (15) made of a harder material than that of the anti-slip element (14), and disposed in correspondence with the position of the sole (12) where the front bindings (19) and/or back bindings (20) of the skis act.

Abstract: A ski boot, comprising: a hull, a shaped plate belonging to the hull, a sole adapted to be removed from the hull and interchangeable; the sole comprises a front portion and a back portion that are separated from each other and constrained to the hull through fixing elements, wherein the sole is adapted for a specific skiing discipline and is compatible with ski bindings provided with a plurality of pins integral with the ski that are fitted into corresponding shaped recesses belonging to the hull; the shaped recesses are positioned on the sides of the plate, which is fixedly constrained to the ski boot.

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: An improved ski boot comprising a shell (2) provided with a fastening device and internally housing an inshoe of soft material and at least two sets (5,6; 7,8) of front jaw/heel fixing unit portions removably securable to the sole (16) of the boot, characterized in that the first set (5,6) is of a form satisfying the regulations for alpine skiing and the second set (7,8) is of a form satisfying the regulations for ski mountaineering, the front jaw (7) of the second set laterally comprising holes (18) for engagement by a fork of a dynafit binding and the heel fixing unit comprising at its rear a seat (20) for engaging the heel fixing unit of the dynafit binding.

Abstract: Series, combination of series and method to produce sports shoes of different size, in which each sports shoe of different size comprises a casing substantially rigid and defining an internal compartment for containing the user's foot, a sole associated below the casing and an inner boot disposed in the internal compartment, in order to make putting the foot into the casing more comfortable. The sole has always the same length for all the sports shoes, and the casing has a different size to each other so as to define, on each occasion, an internal compartment with a different volume for each of the sports shoes of different size, so as to cover a plurality of foot sizes, within a determinate range, keeping the length of the sole always the same.

Abstract: The present invention is a transparent thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) comprising structural units of: a.) a diisocyanate; b.1) a polyester diol and b.2) a specific polyether diol and c.) a chain extender. The TPU has good combinations of light transmission and clarity, tensile strength, low temperature flexibility, and high moisture vapor transition rates compared to other commercial or known TPUs. A preferred example composition is a TPU that is based on MDI as the diisocyanate monomer, polycaprolactone as a polyester diol, an EO capped EO/PO polyether diol containing less than 20% EO, and butanediol as chain extender. These composition have good combinations of clarity, tensile strength, hydrolytic stability and processability compared to TPUs prepared using either polyester or polyether diols alone or the combination with a higher EO polyether diol.

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: A sports shoe which comprises a rigid sole from which a shell protrudes, starting from a forefoot region and up to a heel region, a quarter being rotatably associated with the shell. An insole is slidingly associated within the shell, at a bottom thereof, is provided with a tip and interacts with elements for adjusting and guiding its axial position with respect to the shell.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system with a modular binding interface. The system includes a shell encasing a user's foot and lower leg. A first and second block are interchangeably coupled to the shell below the base to effectuate alternative binding interfaces. The first and second blocks include a binding interface surface and a sole surface. The positioning and shape of the blocks with respect to the shell results in the binding interface surface extending distally from the toe region of the shell and the sole surface being the lowest surface on the boot system. The binding interface surfaces for each block are positioned at different sagittal heights with respect to the shell to facilitate the interconnection with alternative binding coupling systems. The sole surfaces for each block are positioned at substantially identical sagittal heights with respect to the shell to maintain optimum and consistent performance characteristics among different bindings.

Abstract: The stability and balance offered by an article of footwear is improved by including a rigid layer in an outsole assembly of the article of footwear. The rigid layer may include a material of at least a predefined rigidity. For example, an outsole may be fitted with a carbon fiber plate that maintains the shape and a flatness of the outsole assembly. The rigid layer may be attached to one or more other layers that may be configured for impact force attenuation and comfort. In one or more arrangements, the rigid layer may be sandwiched between two other layers. Alternatively, the rigid layer may be insertable into a layer of the outsole. A channel may cut into a layer of the outsole to distribute weight to an outside portion of the outsole. This distribution of weight to the outside portion of the outsole may improve stability and balance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe (1), in particular an alpine ski shoe (2), with an adjusting means (3) for varying the stiffness of the sole system (4) as and when necessary. This adjusting means (3) comprises at least one profiled tension element (19) which remains essentially dimensionally stable when forces act on it and which is connected at its oppositely lying end portions to a front sole platform (10) on the one hand and to a rear sole platform (11) of the sole system (4) on the other hand, its middle portion extending freely between the front and the rear sole platform (10, 11). The tension element (19) is mounted so as to be relatively displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the sole system (4) in order to apply adjustable positioning forces relative to at least one sole platform (10, 11), and an individually adjustable tensing force can be expended between the front and the rear sole platform (10, 11) via the tension element (19).

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 sport shoe to be used for sports involving a sliding movement, comprising a rigid shell inside which the foot is inserted; two pressure pieces, i.e. a heel piece and a toe piece, situated on the bottom of the shell and able to fix it to the bindings of sports equipment for performing a sliding movement. At least one pressure piece is movably connected to the shell so as to be able to move towards the shell in response to an external force causing them to move together.

Abstract: A ski-boot assembly with a rigid upper, an incomplete sole of the upper, and a front and/or rear means for cooperation with a removable sole assembly. A first removable sole assembly includes at least one curb part and a bearing plat; and a cooperation means that complements the front and/or rear cooperation means of the incomplete sole to form a boot with a sole whose configuration corresponds to standard ISO 5355 for Alpine ski-boots. A second removable sole assembly has at least one curb part and a sole cooperation means that complements the front and/or rear cooperation means of the incomplete sole to form a boot with a sole whose configuration corresponds substantially to standard ISO 9523 for touring boots. A locking means locks the first or the second removable sole assembly under the incomplete sole of the upper and includes a manual actuating means.

Abstract: A flexible sole for a cross-country ski boot and a cross-country ski boot having such sole. The sole includes at least two members for connecting the boot to a binding device, the connecting members including portions anchored in the sole, the connecting members being fixed to a common anchoring element, the anchoring element being affixed to a predetermined section of the sole, the anchoring element including two anchoring zones, each connecting member being fixed to one of the anchoring zones, and the anchoring element including a central zone extending between the two anchoring zones, such central zone of the anchoring element being sufficiently flexible to enable, during the use of the boot, the bending of the predetermined section of the sole to which the anchoring element is affixed.

Abstract: An article of sports footwear (10) comprises an upper part or casing (11) to partly surround the user's foot, and a sole (12), associated with the casing (11). The sole (12) comprises an internal insole (13) having, during use, an upper surface (13a) attached to the casing (11) and a lower surface (13b) to which at least an anti-slip support element (14), made of an at least partly soft material, is attached. The insole (13) has a plurality of stiffening elements (15) made of a harder material than that of the anti-slip element (14), and disposed in correspondence with the position of the sole (12) where the front bindings (19) and/or back bindings (20) of the skis act.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ski boot comprising a sole and a transverse connector affixed to the sole, the transverse connector being adapted to be retained by a ski binding, the transverse connector being is arranged beneath the sole, and the sole having a clearance that includes an abutment surface beneath the front end of the sole, the abutment surface being adapted to come into abutment against an elastic buffer of the ski binding.

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: An improved ski boot comprising a shell (2) provided with a fastening device and internally housing an inshoe of soft material and at least two sets (5,6; 7,8) of front jaw/heel fixing unit portions removably securable to the sole (16) of the boot, characterized in that the first set (5,6) is of a form satisfying the regulations for alpine skiing and the second set (7,8) is of a form satisfying the regulations for ski mountaineering, the front jaw (7) of the second set laterally comprising holes (18) for engagement by a fork of a dynafit binding and the heel fixing unit comprising at its rear a seat (20) for engaging the heel fixing unit of the dynafit binding.

Abstract: A ski boot comprising a conventional rigid sole from which there protrudes, from the area of the forefoot and approximately up to the area of the arch of the foot, a shell open in the direction of the area of the heel of the sole, thereat and to which there is rearwardly and slideably connectable a buttress element interacting with adjustment and guiding elements of the axial position with respect to the sole and to which a height-adjustable cuff is rotatably connectable.

Abstract: A Multifunctional telemark boot (10) includes a shell (2); a sole (13) which is integral with the shell (2), and which is made up of a heel (4) and a toe (5) which are separated from each other by an insole arch (6). A flexible articulation (7), is part of the shell (2), and is arranged substantially in correspondence with the toe (5) in order to permit a flex of the shell (2). A stiffening device (11) is associated with the sole (13) in order to selectively impede the flex of the shell (2) and to configure the telemark boot (10) itself for different uses other than telemark.

Abstract: Outsole for a sports shoe, having a rear portion, which has a shoe heel, and a front portion, which is of slightly dish-shaped configuration, the outsole being produced so as to be continuously of relatively hard material, and being provided on the tread side, both in the region of the front portion and in the region of the rear portion, with a tread layer of relatively soft, material.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system with a modular binding interface. The system includes a shell encasing a user's foot and lower leg. A first and second block are interchangeably coupled to the shell below the base to effectuate alternative binding interfaces. The first and second blocks include a binding interface surface and a sole surface. The positioning and shape of the blocks with respect to the shell results in the binding interface surface extending distally from the toe region of the shell and the sole surface being the lowest surface on the boot system. The binding interface surfaces for each block are positioned at different sagittal heights with respect to the shell to facilitate the interconnection with alternative binding coupling systems. The sole surfaces for each block are positioned at substantially identical sagittal heights with respect to the shell to maintain optimum and consistent performance characteristics among different bindings.

Abstract: A configuration contains a ski binding and a ski boot, whereby a sole of the boot is connected to the ski binding by a maintaining element and performs a rolling off movement when the heel is lifted. The maintaining element contains at least three fixed points, whereby at least one fixed point acts as a rotational point in the region of the ski when the ski boot is lifted, at least one second point is connected to the sole of the boot in the ball region, and at least one third point is provided in the region of the tip of the sole in order to couple the ski binding to the ski boot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe (1), in particular an alpine ski shoe (2), with an adjusting means (3) for varying the stiffness of the sole system (4) as and when necessary. This adjusting means (3) comprises at least one profiled tension element (19) which remains essentially dimensionally stable when forces act on it and which is connected at its oppositely lying end portions to a front sole platform (10) on the one hand and to a rear sole platform (11) of the sole system (4) on the other hand, its middle portion extending freely between the front and the rear sole platform (10, 11). The tension element (19) is mounted so as to be relatively displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the sole system (4) in order to apply adjustable positioning forces relative to at least one sole platform (10, 11), and an individually adjustable tensing force can be expended between the front and the rear sole platform (10, 11) via the tension element (19).

Abstract: A device is disclosed that traverses snow and ice covered terrain. The device includes footwear that has the ability to mount directly to a sliding device or snowshoe and pivot without the need of a mounting plate or base plate. The footwear may also be configured for use in snowboard boot retaining bindings. The footwear may have strapless and detachable crampons. Additionally, the crampons may have a coating for repelling snow and ice covering exterior surfaces of the crampon. A configurable crampon may additionally be joined to a rear portion of the footwear. Furthermore, a mounting plate with a toe cleat and heel cleat are disclosed as being removably coupled with the mounting plate able to be attached to sliding or snowshoe devices in a quick-release manner and quick connecting manner. Also disclosed is a movable traction system that may be raised and lowered through a sliding surface.

Abstract: Series, combination of series and method to produce sports shoes of different size, in which each sports shoe of different size comprises a casing substantially rigid and defining an internal compartment for containing the user's foot, a sole associated below the casing and an inner boot disposed in the internal compartment, in order to make putting the foot into the casing more comfortable. The sole has always the same length for all the sports shoes, and the casing has a different size to each other so as to define, on each occasion, an internal compartment with a different volume for each of the sports shoes of different size, so as to cover a plurality of foot sizes, within a determinate range, keeping the length of the sole always the same.

Abstract: An inner boot able to be inserted inside a rigid boot, which comprises a rear zone having a lower portion, or heel zone, comprising a first insert made of flexible and/or elastic material, to allow an at least partial flexion of the inner boot and to facilitate the insertion and/or removal of a user's foot into/from inside the inner boot.

Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for alpine, snowboard and hiking includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material and insulated nonwoven layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh included in a moldable foam, or moldable a spacer material and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine boots, snowboard boots, cross country boots, hiking boots, protective gear, helmets, bouldering shoes, paddling apparel and gear along with appropriate variations for each application are disclosed.

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: A boot assembly comprising a rigid upper, of the ski-boot type, provided with an incomplete sole of the upper (1; 21; 21?; 21?) and comprising at the front and/or rear end, in its lower part, a front and/or rear means for cooperation with a removable sole assembly (11; 31; 31?; 31?), which comprises: a first removable sole assembly comprising at least one curb part and a bearing plate and a cooperation means (14; 34; 34?; 34?) that complements the front and/or rear cooperation means of the incomplete sole, capable of completing the incomplete sole of the upper in order to form a boot with a sole whose configuration corresponds to standard ISO 5355 for Alpine ski-boots; a second removable sole assembly comprising at least one curb part and a sole cooperation means (14; 34; 34?; 34?) that complements the front and/or rear cooperation means of the incomplete sole, capable of completing the incomplete sole of the upper in order to form a boot with a sole whose configuration corresponds substantially to standard I

Abstract: A ski boot comprises an essentially stiff outer boot and a soft inner boot or inner lining for receiving the foot of a skier. The sole of the outer boot is made of an essentially rigid material, preferably plastics, comprising an elastic zone in the metatarsal region of the sole. The elastic zone divides the sole into front and rear sole portions. An intermediate upper shell portion is provided between the front and rear shell portions of the outer boot, which is designed such that front and rear shell portions are pivotable with respect to each other. The heel portion and rear sole portion are designed to be in an essentially rigid relationship such that a maximum force can be applied to the elastic zone of the boot. When the skier leans forward the front and rear shell portions pivot relative to each other.

Abstract: An interface adjustment mechanism 100 includes a frame member 102 and fore and aft adjustable spacer holding members 104, 106, and is disposed within the outsole of the snowboard boot 10. The interface adjustment mechanism 100 also includes a plurality of interface adjustment assemblies 160. Each interface adjustment assembly 160 includes a base member 170 having a threaded aperture and an adjustment member or spacer 172 having a threaded portion threadably engageable with the threaded aperture of the base member so that the spacer 172 can be adjustable relative to the base member 170. When incorporated into the snowboard boot 10, the interface adjustment mechanism 100 provides the rider with an adjustable spacer/dampening system that can eliminate slop and provide dampening and shock absorption between the snowboard boot 10 and the snowboard binding 30. Eliminating slop and providing dampening and shock absorption provides the rider with improved control, force transmission, and feel.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a boot, in particular a sports boot, more particularly a cross-country ski boot. The boot reinforcement makes it possible to improve the torsional stiffness, efficiency, durability, lightness, cost, foot protection, and industrial workability. To achieve this goal, the boot reinforcement according to the invention includes a front zone A from the front end up to the beginning of the plantar arch, a median zone B corresponding to the plantar arch, a rear zone C. The reinforcement includes, at least in the zones B and C, at least one “sandwich” structure constituted by at least one core inserted between at least two layers, and, in the zone A, it is flexible in a substantially longitudinal direction and torsionally stiff. The layers of the sandwich structure are made of composite, carbon fibers/polymeric resin, whereas the core of this sandwich structure is made of synthetic foam, wood or honeycomb.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe (1), in particular a ski boot (2), having a shell part (3) made from plastics. A shell base (11) of the shell part (3) forming support surface (12) an inner shoe (10) or foot (9) is provided in the form of an impact- and/or vibration-damping ribbed fitting, consisting of a shell wall and a ribbed lattice formed on a surface thereof remote from the support surface (12). Certain regions of this ribbed fitting are enclosed by a bending- and/or torsion-resistant profiled element (43) extending in a longitudinal direction substantially between a heel- and a ball-bearing region (32, 33) and secured between block elements (29) and the ribbed fitting by means of clamping and fixing means.

Abstract: A snowboard boot includes a sole, an upper and a coupling member coupled to the sole. The sole has a longitudinal axis and a support projection extending downwardly from the sole. The upper includes a foot section fixedly coupled to the sole and an upwardly extending leg section. The support projection is arranged and configured to secure the coupling member against forward and rearward longitudinal movement. Preferably, the sole includes an outer sole and a mid sole constructed of a more rigid material than the outer sole. Preferably, a front coupling member is fixedly coupled to a toe section of the mid sole and a rear coupling member is fixedly coupled to a heel section of the mid sole. Preferably, the heel section has the support projection to secure the rear coupling member against forward and rearward longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A skate is disclosed comprising a skate boot including an outsole and an upper for enclosing and supporting a human foot. The outsole comprises a resilient component insert for reducing shocks and vibrations transferred from the skating surface to the human foot.

Abstract: A boot for a ski or an in-line roller skate has a flexible upper and a sole allowing the foot to flex during walking. Its sole has a rigid part in the rear region of the boot, over about one half of the length of the sole, this rigid part being designed so as to form an interface between the heel and a binding of the ski or in-line roller skate. The interface may be standard, that is to say independent of the boot size.