Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for adjusting a forward pitch of an ice skate includes a shim. The shim has a top surface configured to contact a heel portion of a boot and a bottom surface configured to contact a heel plate of a blade holder. The thickness of the shim creates a distance between the heel portion of the boot and the heel plate of the blade holder. The shim thickness increases the steepness of the forward pitch of the ice skate boot. As an example the shim thickness may be between 5 mm and 20 mm. As another example, the shim may include a material such as styrene. As yet another example, the shim has an outer border that substantially matches the outer border of the heel plate.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for a portable electronic device case including: a sheath portion capable of sheathing a portable electronic device, wherein the sheath portion includes at least one window that allows a user to interact with the portable electronic device; and a cord-winding portion capable of being integrated with the sheath portion, the cord-winding portion capable of receiving a cord portion of an accessory for the portable electronic device, wherein the cord-winding portion is capable of maintaining the cord portion in a substantially stable and a substantially tangle-free disposition, and wherein the user may continue interaction with the portable electronic device while the cord portion is stored in the cord-winding portion. Thus, cord storage encasement of the electronic device, and interaction with electronic devices are achieved in a convenient manner, which simplifies rather than complicates portable electronic device operation.