Abstract: An environment control apparatus having a shell adapted to be placed adjacent to a portable device and a heating element positioned to heat the shell and the adjacently positioned portable device. The heating element includes structure for receiving power from a power source and is selected to maintain the portable device at a temperature above a predetermined minimum temperature.

Abstract: A skating/walking support which includes a base, a first roller assembly, a first securing mechanism and a second securing mechanism. The base includes a support surface, a ground contact surface, and a first pivot element. The first roller assembly is pivotally connected to the first pivot element and is moveable relative to the base between first and second positions to effect a skating state and a walking state of the support, respectively. The first securing mechanism releasably secures the first roller assembly in the first position and the second securing mechanism releasably secures the first roller assembly in the second position.

Abstract: The multi-state support provides the use of pressurized fluid to cause expansion of an expandable volume positioned above a roller assembly which, in turn, places the support in either a rolling or non-rolling state. In a first embodiment, the roller assembly is fixed relative to a support surface. Expansion of the volume results in contact between a wall of the expandable volume and the rollers of the roller assembly. This contact prevents rotation of the rollers and defines the non-rolling state. In a second embodiment, the roller assembly is moveable relative to the support surface. Expansion of the volume results in the contact between a wall of the expandable volume and the roller support without interfering with the ability of the rollers to rotate relative to the roller support. Expansion of the volume causes the extension of the rollers of the roller assembly from within the sole. The extension of the rollers from the sole defines the rolling state.