Abstract: A protective padding system is provided in which a padding member has one or more cavities formed therein. The padding member preferentially flexes at the cavities. An insert is adapted to selectively engage and fit into the cavity. When engaged, the insert reinforces the padding member at the cavity, and thus reduces or eliminates the flexibility of the padding member at that location. By selectively engaging or disengaging an insert, a user may customize the flexibility characteristics of the padding member in a reversible manner.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention contemplated herein describe a contoured skate boot having contour seams formed therein for introducing preferential biases in the boot material. By strategically creating notches in the boot upper material and subsequently rejoining the edges of each notch, the boot upper may be biased to conform to the complex contours of a skater's foot and ankle. Moreover, by introducing boot contours such that the boot is able to closer approximate the natural contours of a skater's foot, fewer stiffeners and less padding is required to result in a comfortable fit while providing increased control of the boot. Additionally, by reducing the quantity of stiffeners and volume of padding, a lighter boot is provided, thus resulting in a more efficient energy transfer from the skater through the skate.

Abstract: An ice skate chassis is configured so that a user can adjust the pitch of the skate chassis between a plurality of discrete pitch positions. The pitch is adjusted by locking the ice blade at a desired angle relative to a bladeholder of the chassis. The blade can be positively locked at a plurality of discrete, repeatable angle positions so that the angle will not slip or creep during skating.

Abstract: A protective glove system is disclosed wherein each glove has an articulated thumb skeleton disposed in the thumb member. The thumb skeleton comprises a plurality of sections pivotably joined together to enable the thumb to articulate between open and closed positions. At least one pivot axis is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second section of the skeleton. A locking mechanism is provided for preventing the thumb skeleton sections from bending backwards, thereby preventing hyperextension of the wearer's thumb.

Abstract: A hockey stick comprises a shaft and a blade. The blade is configured to impact and exert energy on a hockey puck. The blade comprises a core that is generally enclosed within an outer layer. The core comprises a foam-filled cell structure having cell walls that define foam-filled cells. The cell walls of the core structure extend in a direction generally from the front face toward the rear face of the hockey stick blade.

Abstract: A protective glove system is disclosed wherein each glove has an articulated thumb skeleton disposed in the thumb member. The thumb skeleton comprises a plurality of sections pivotably joined together to enable the thumb to articulate between open and closed positions. A locking mechanism is provided for preventing the thumb skeleton sections from bending backwards, thereby preventing hyperextension of the wearer's thumb.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention contemplated herein describe a contoured skate boot having contour seams formed therein for introducing preferential biases in the boot material. By strategically creating notches in the boot upper material and subsequently rejoining the edges of each notch, the boot upper may be biased to conform to the complex contours of a skater's foot and ankle. Moreover, by introducing boot contours such that the boot is able to closer approximate the natural contours of a skater's foot, fewer stiffeners and less padding is required to result in a comfortable fit while providing increased control of the boot. Additionally, by reducing the quantity of stiffeners and volume of padding, a lighter boot is provided, thus resulting in a more efficient energy transfer from the skater through the skate.

Abstract: A hockey stick comprises a shaft and a blade. The blade is configured to impact and exert energy on a hockey puck. The blade comprises a core that is generally enclosed within an outer layer. The core comprises a foam-filled cell structure having cell walls that define foam-filled cells. The cell walls of the core structure extend in a direction generally from the front face toward the rear face of the hockey stick blade.