Abstract: A ski includes an elongate core and a fiber reinforced composite layer disposed over the elongate core. The fiber reinforced composite layer has a first plurality of fibers fixed in a resin and a second plurality of fibers fixed in the resin. The first plurality of fibers extend along a first arcuate path from a left side of the ski to a right side of the ski such that the angle of the first fibers with respect to the centerline increases from the left side to the right side. The second plurality of fibers extend along a second arcuate path from the right side of the ski to the left side of the ski such that the angle of the second fibers with respect to the centerline increases from the right side to the left side. In some embodiments the first and second plurality of fibers are symmetrically positioned in the composite layer.

Abstract: A ski includes an elongate core and a fiber reinforced composite layer disposed over the elongate core. The fiber reinforced composite layer has a first plurality of fibers fixed in a resin and a second plurality of fibers fixed in the resin. The first plurality of fibers extend along a first arcuate path from a left side of the ski to a right side of the ski such that the angle of the first fibers with respect to the centerline increases from the left side to the right side. The second plurality of fibers extend along a second arcuate path from the right side of the ski to the left side of the ski such that the angle of the second fibers with respect to the centerline increases from the right side to the left side. In some embodiments the first and second plurality of fibers are symmetrically positioned in the composite layer.

Abstract: A stiffness mechanism for a boot having a shell with a flexibility slot and a cuff pivotally secured to the shell includes a buckle assembly selectively engageable with a portion of the shell for selectively securing the cuff to the shell. A blocking assembly is selectively disposable within the flexibility slot for selectively increasing the stiffness of the shell. A lever assembly is pivotally disposed between the buckle assembly and the blocking assembly. When the lever assembly is moved into a first position, the cuff is secured to the shell and a portion of the blocking assembly is disposed within the flexibility slot to increase the stiffness of the shell. When the lever assembly is moved into a second position, the cuff is pivotal with respect to the shell and the blocking assembly is at least partially disengaged from the flexibility slot to increase the flexibility of the shell.

Abstract: A stiffness mechanism for a boot having a shell with a flexibility slot and a cuff pivotally secured to the shell includes a buckle assembly selectively engageable with a portion of the shell for selectively securing the cuff to the shell. A blocking assembly is selectively disposable within the flexibility slot for selectively increasing the stiffness of the shell. A lever assembly is pivotally disposed between the buckle assembly and the blocking assembly. When the lever assembly is moved into a first position, the cuff is secured to the shell and a portion of the blocking assembly is disposed within the flexibility slot to increase the stiffness of the shell. When the lever assembly is moved into a second position, the cuff is pivotal with respect to the shell and the blocking assembly is at least partially disengaged from the flexibility slot to increase the flexibility of the shell.

Abstract: A lever and rack-type fastener assembly for sports footwear includes a lever assembly having a hooking member that is movably between an open position and a closed position for securing the footwear about the user's foot or ankle. A conformable segmented rack assembly is configured to engage the hook member. The segmented rack assembly includes a flexible cable, and a plurality of rack segments that is fixedly attached to the cable, wherein the cable provides a hinged joint between adjacent rack segments. Each of the rack segments includes a plurality of teeth. In some embodiments, an attachment plate clamps the rack members to the cable, in other embodiments, the rack members are formed with a crimpable channel for fixing the rack members to the cable.

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.

Abstract: A skate upper (120) of the type having an elongate vamp (122) with lace keepers (123) and a tongue (130) disposed generally in the vamp is provided with an attached lace locker. The lace locker (150) fixedly attached near the top of the upper, preferably to an upper portion of the tongue. A lace (124) is retained by the lace keepers and releasably engaged by the lace locker. A strap assembly (126) is provided below the lace locker. A lace guide (140) is attached to the tongue, below the lace locker and below the strap assembly. The invention positions the lace locker more conveniently above the strap assembly, and permits the user to tighten and loosen the lace with one hand.

Abstract: A skate upper (120) of the type having an elongate vamp (122) with lace keepers (123) and a tongue (130) disposed generally in the vamp is provided with an attached lace locker. The lace locker (150) fixedly attached near the top of the upper, preferably to an upper portion of the tongue. A lace (124) is retained by the lace keepers and releasably engaged by the lace locker. A strap assembly (126) is provided below the lace locker. A lace guide (140) is attached to the tongue, below the lace locker and below the strap assembly. The invention positions the lace locker more conveniently above the strap assembly, and permits the user to tighten and loosen the lace with one hand.