Abstract: A ski may define a body that defines a tip, a tail opposite the tip, a top sheet, a base extending from the tip to the tail and opposite the top sheet, a core layer positioned between the base and the top sheet, and a reinforcement layer positioned between the top sheet and the base. The reinforcement layer defines an aperture extending through the reinforcement layer and positioned within a first third of a length of the ski, the length defined from the tip to the tail.

Abstract: A backpack including an adjustable frame including at least one reinforcement stay having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a longitudinal axis, wherein the reinforcement stay includes an asymmetrical flex material configured such that a flexural modulus of the reinforcement stay in a first direction, in which the reinforcement stay flexes about the longitudinal axis such that the first side becomes concave, is greater than a flexural modulus in a second opposing direction, in which the reinforcement stay flexes about the longitudinal axis such that the second side becomes concave, wherein the backpack is configured such that the reinforcement stay can be selectively oriented in either a first orientation, in which the first side of the reinforcement stay faces toward a wearer of the backpack, or a second orientation, in which the second side of the reinforcement stay faces toward the wearer of the backpack.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a footwear system with tunable flexibility properties and a process of reversibly modifying the flexibility of footwear. In particular, there is described a footwear system comprising at least two items of footwear and at least two footwear flexibility modulators with anisotropic flexibility properties. In use, the footwear system can be reversibly switched from a stiff configuration to a flexible (i.e. less stiff) configuration. Also disclosed is a method of reversibly modulating the flexibility of footwear.

Abstract: An article includes a first garment, a second garment, and a waterproof fastener system configured to join the first garment to the second. The waterproof fastener includes: a first annular gasket, coupled to the first garment, the first annular gasket including a flexible substrate and a continuous groove radially oriented on the first garment such that an engagement direction thereof is oriented 90 degrees relative to a longitudinal direction of the first garment, and a second annular gasket coupled to the second garment, the second annular gasket including a second flexible substrate and a continuous rib radially oriented on the second garment such that an engagement direction thereof is oriented 90 degrees relative to a longitudinal direction of the second garment. The continuous groove is configured to receive the continuous rib to form a waterproof interference fit.

Abstract: An article includes a first garment, a second garment, and a waterproof fastener system configured to join the first garment to the second. The waterproof fastener includes: a first annular gasket, coupled to the first garment, the first annular gasket including a flexible substrate and a continuous groove radially oriented on the first garment such that an engagement direction thereof is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first garment, and a second annular gasket coupled to the second garment, the second annular gasket including a second flexible substrate and a continuous rib radially oriented on the second garment such that an engagement direction thereof is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the second garment. The continuous groove is configured to receive the continuous rib to form a waterproof interference fit.

Abstract: A size-adjustable in-line skate having a base carrying a plurality of wheels thereon. An upper is secured to a top surface of the base and defines a heel portion, a toe portion, and diametrically opposed side wall portions. The upper is supported by a support structure that includes a heel cup and a toe cup. The toe cup is secured to the toe portion of the upper and slideably coupled to the base so that the toe cup can slide longitudinally with respect to the base. An actuator is coupled to the toe cup and travels therewith. When the actuator is translated, engagement members on the actuator disengage with detents on the base to allow the toe cup to freely slide between longitudinal positions to adjust the shoe size of the skate.

Abstract: A skate includes a midskate hinge in the shoe to preferentially flex the shoe base at the metatarsal area, a forward hinge to allow the rear of the shoe to be raised in relation to the rear of the skate frame, and a third hinge to laterally stabilize the rear of the shoe as the shoe base is flexed.