Abstract: Viscous, flowable, pressure-compensating fitting materials or compositions having low density, sturdy, glass microbeads distributed therein, which are suitable for a variety of uses and applications, including, but not limited to, fitting pads for footwear, cushioning structures, medical devices, hand grips, or the like.

Abstract: Pressure-compensating fitting pads having, among other things therein, glass microbeads, which pads are adapted for a variety of uses, including, but not limited to, use with or in sports footwear, or, more particularly, boots or ski boots, and, when so used, provide proper and ready fitting, firm support, and comfort to desired portions of the foot of the wearer, namely, selected major portions of front and side regions (including the ankle area), for intended purposes and activites. Sports footwear which includes such pressure-compensating fitting pads as means for effectively providing proper and ready fitting, firm support, and comfort.

Abstract: Methods involving the use of high frequency heating means and temperature-compensating means to expand hollow, thermoplastic resinous microbeads in a controllable manner. The heat-expanded microbeads are suitable for use, for example, in providing viscous, flowable, pressure-compensating fitting materials or compositions.

Abstract: An ankle pad for use in a ski boot having a shell and a flexible liner disposed within said shell, the ankle pad being less dense than the density of the liner material and being adapted to fit in a recess located in the liner in the area where the ankle joint of a wearer contacts the liner.

Abstract: Viscous, flowable, pressure-compensating fitting materials or compositions retained within closures suitable for a variety of uses and applications, including fitting pads for footwear. More particularly, pressure-compensating fitting pads suitable for sports footwear or boots, such as ski boots, which provide proper and ready fitting, firm support, and comfort to desired portions of the foot of the wearer, including, for example, selected portions of side areas of the foot (including the ankle extremities). Footwear which includes such fitting pads as means for effectively providing proper and ready fitting, firm support, and comfort.

Abstract: Ski boot with a semi-rigid shell and flex-adjusting means. A vertical split portion in the shell is provided with apertures on each side of the split spaced along its length. A clip including two spaced parallel legs is inserted from the inside of the boot into a selected pair of apertures to limit the extent of separation of the split in response to pressure on the boot, thus controlling the flex of the boot.

Abstract: An ankle pad insert for use in a boot, which covers the ankle of the wearer, including a ski boot, having a relatively stiff shell and a flexible liner disposed within said shell, the ankle pad insert being less dense than the density of the liner material and being adapted to fit in a recess located in the liner in the area where the ankle joint of a wearer contacts the liner.

Abstract: An improved ski binding which permits lateral release at heel and toe only in a direction toward the inside edge of the ski, while preventing lateral release to the outside edge of the ski. A preferred embodiment provides a plate type of binding biased by an extensible leash against a pair of longitudinally spaced pivot points about either of which the plate can rotate to permit release only toward the inside of the ski.

Abstract: A rear entry ski boot which includes a vertical beam member which, when the boot is in the closed position, provides rigid support for an adjustable and pivotable cuff assembly, which supports the back and sides of the leg of the person wearing the ski boot.

Abstract: A rear-entry ski boot comprising a semi-rigid shell is provided with a two-piece liner system, one section of which covers the forward portion of the user's foot from behind the ankle bones, the second section covering the heel and Achilles' tendon areas, the sections cooperating to cover the entire surface of the wearer's foot within the shell. The liner sections are not interconnected, and at least the second section is readily removable and replaceable. By selection of an appropriate rear section, a custom fit can be more easily achieved, and changes in the wearer's foot size, as in the case of children, can be readily accomodated.