Abstract: The invention generally relates to a safety flotation buoy system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a buoy system comprising a designation member and a buoyancy structure coupled to the designation member. The designation member may include a cylindrically shaped flexible rubber region and a lengthwise opening. The opening may be oriented substantially normal to the water surface. The lengthwise orientation of the buoyancy structure may be aligned with the opening of the designation member. The buoyancy structure may be configured to be submerged below the designation member and the water surface so as to enable the formation of an air bubble within an internal region of the designation member.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a water ski load distribution system for anatomically distributing tow rope induced forces across a participant. The system includes an abdominal encircling member, a rigid rear support member, a pair of wrist encircling members, and an elongated flexible member. The abdominal encircling member extends around the user's abdomen and may be incorporated within a personal flotation device. The rigid support member extends vertically on the back region between the abdominal encircling member and the user's shoulder region. The elongated flexible member extends between the wrist encircling members and the rigid support member. The length of the elongated flexible member prevents the user from simultaneously extending both arms at the shoulder joint. The wrist encircling members may optionally include load distribution systems that distribute pulling forces directly from a grip induced object to the wrists.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of lower extremity supportive products, including boot, shoes, sandals, leg braces, etc. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for providing a three-dimensionally customized lower extremity product. The method includes measuring and recording data related to a three-dimensional representation of a customer's lower extremities in an activity-specific optimal stance. The three-dimensional representation includes specific anatomical position information including extensions, flexions, rotations, inversions, eversions, etc. The three-dimensional representation also includes surface information including foot shape, ankle shape, sole shape, etc. The measurement and recordation is performed at a convenient location such as in close proximity to the customer's residence or at an airport terminal. The customized lower extremity product is then manufactured at an independent location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lightweight ski systems. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a lightweight ski stability system for improving performance while maintaining lightweight characteristics. The ski stability system includes a ski and one or more weighted members. One weighted member is positioned on the upper surface of the ski within 10 centimeters of the tip contact point. A second optional weighted member is positioned on the upper surface of the ski within 10 centimeters of the tail contact point. The contact points refer to a lengthwise position before the tip or tail laterally curve upward. The weighted members weigh at least 3% of the ski weight. The disposition of these weighted members at one or both of the contact points increases the rotational inertia characteristics of the lightweight ski while minimizing the resulting weight. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of increasing the rotational inertia of a lightweight ski.