Abstract: A fishing lure with retractable-deployable hooks that deploy when a fish takes the lure into its mouth, and a lure body configured to induce a swimming action with a diving capability. The lure body has nose and tail portions and dorsal, ventral and lateral sides. The tail portion has an airtight cavity therein and is lighter than the nose portion such that the lure tends to dive downward when drawn through water. One or more forward hooks are located on the ventral and/or lateral sides of the lure body, and at least one tail hook is located on the tail portion of the lure body. The hooks each have a deployed position wherein its point is exposed outside the lure body for hooking a fish. Each hook further has a stowed position wherein its point is sufficiently retracted to avoid being snagged as the lure is drawn through water.

Abstract: Ski equipment that provides, preferably in combination, a toe release system for reducing the risk of knee injuries and a steering system for increasing turn performance. In the toe release system, the binding has a toe binding portion secured with a securing element at a forward position relative to a rear binding portion of the binding, and a release element that communicates with the securing element for releasing the toe binding portion in response to the application of pressure to the rear cuff of a boot secured with the binding, permitting movement of the toe binding portion away from the rear binding portion and thereby releasing a toe of the boot. In the steering system, the boot includes a tracking assembly that permits controlled flexing of the front and rear cuffs of the boot by applying forward and lateral pressure to the front cuff.

Abstract: Ski equipment that provides, preferably in combination, a toe release system for reducing the risk of knee injuries and a steering system for increasing turn performance. In the toe release system, the binding has a toe binding portion secured with a securing element at a forward position relative to a rear binding portion of the binding, and a release element that communicates with the securing element for releasing the toe binding portion in response to the application of pressure to the rear cuff of a boot secured with the binding, permitting movement of the toe binding portion away from the rear binding portion and thereby releasing a toe of the boot. In the steering system, the boot includes a tracking assembly that permits controlled flexing of the front and rear cuffs of the boot by applying forward and lateral pressure to the front cuff.

Abstract: A ski boot and a combination of a ski boot and a releasable ski binding which attaches the boot to a ski. The boot includes a forward cuff and a hinged rear cuff, the rear cuff being secured to the forward cuff such that upon predetermined rearwardly-directed load, the rear cuff separates from the forward cuff to permit free movement of the rear cuff. A closure is provided for engaging the rear cuff with the forward cuff. The binding includes a first connecting portion secured to the ski and a second connecting portion secured to the ski boot. The two portions are releasably coupled so that they can be disengaged under predetermined load. A cam arrangement extends from the rear cuff of the boot in order to engage the first connecting portion to cause uncoupling of the first and second connecting portions upon separation of the rear cuff from the forward cuff.

Abstract: A ski boot and a ski boot incorporating a releasable ski binding which attaches the boot to a ski. The boot-binding includes a first connecting portion secured to the ski, a second connecting portion secured to the boot, a plunger combination for releasably coupling the first and second connecting portions so that the boot may release in any direction, and an actuation device engaging the plunger combination for maintaining coupling of the first and second coupling portions. The actuation device has a pivotal lever arm mounted for withdrawing one of the plungers and an arm stay secured to the ski boot for releasably retaining the pivotal lever arm. The ski boot includes a living hinge in the sole to facilitate walking in the boot, and the hinge may be locked to inhibit the hinging function. The boot extends well above the ankle and is stiffened on the inside or outside to securely mount the arm stay.

Abstract: A ski boot and a ski boot incorporating a releasable ski binding which attaches the boot to a ski. The boot-binding includes a first connecting portion secured to the ski, a second connecting portion secured to the boot, a plunger combination for releasably coupling the first and second connecting portions so that the boot may release in any direction, and an actuation device engaging the plunger combination for maintaining coupling of the first and second coupling portions. The actuation device has a pivotal lever arm mounted for withdrawing one of the plungers and an arm stay secured to the ski boot for releasably retaining the pivotal lever arm. The ski boot includes a living hinge in the sole to facilitate walking in the boot, and the hinge may be locked to inhibit the hinging function. The boot extends well above the ankle and is stiffened on the inside or outside to securely mount the arm stay.

Abstract: A combination of a ski boot and a releasable ski binding which attaches the boot to a ski. The binding includes first connecting portion secured to the ski, second connecting means secure to the boot, and a plunger combination for releasably coupling the first and second connecting portions so that the boot may release from the ski in the forward, backward or lateral directions. The coupling combination includes a pair of plungers aligned in a fore-and-aft arrangement which engage respective spaced sockets. A device is provided for temporarily withdrawing one of the plungers from its engaged socket to permit separation of the first and second connecting portions, and therefore separation of the boot from the ski, without load. The ski boot includes a living hinge in the sole to facilitate walking in the boot. The boot may be locked or unlocked to permit pivoting of boot parts about the living hinge.