Abstract: Disclosed are techniques to improve power consumption of portable audio devices through the use of a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters can be used to modify and/or enhance the functionality of the portable audio device. The portable audio device can include respective circuitry that is activated in response to detecting that a specific one of the plurality of adapters is coupled to the portable audio device.

Abstract: Power is managed in an electronic tag attached to a golf club. A first wake event from a light sensor in the electronic tag is received. The first wake event is based on detection of light by the light sensor. A processor located inside of the electronic tag is awakened from a first low-power state to an active state in response to the first wake event. A first sensor in the electronic tag is enabled and first information is obtained by the processor from the first sensor in the electronic tag. A first orientation of the golf club is calculated based on the first information from the first sensor, and it is determined that the first orientation of the golf club is outside of a first predetermined range. In response, a second wake event based on detection of motion by the first sensor enabled. The processor is then put into the first low-power state.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques to improve power consumption of portable audio devices through the use of a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters can be used to modify and/or enhance the functionality of the portable audio device. The portable audio device can include respective circuitry that is activated in response to detecting that a specific one of the plurality of adapters is coupled to the portable audio device.

Abstract: A golf course management tool receives location information from devices associated with golfers as they play golf. The location information includes ball-striking locations and periodically determined locations of the golfer. The location information is stored in a database and is linked to the appropriate golf course. A user is presented with a graphical user interface which presents the location information overlaid on an overhead image of the golf course. The location information is presented in various ways under the control of the user. Statistics are also calculated for the holes and rounds played and presented to the user. The location information can also be filtered in a variety of ways under control of the user to alter the graphical presentation and statistical calculations.

Abstract: Disclosures are presented for systems and apparatus for docking a mobile computing device for display and for coupling it with a cable for purposes of charging and/or syncing. Such teachings may allow a user to reel the cable around a spool, couple the mobile computing device with the cable, decouple the mobile computing device, and/or swivel the mobile computer in its stand with relative ease, such as with a single hand, through the use of micro-suction cups. Disclosures are made about how the cable may be threaded through and secured by such systems and apparatus. Additional disclosures teach approaches for standing the mobile computer in its dock and for making accommodating adjustments to such a stand to provide adaptability across a range of mobile computer configurations, among other disclosures.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system with a modular binding interface. The system includes a shell encasing a user's foot and lower leg. A first and second block are interchangeably coupled to the shell below the base to effectuate alternative binding interfaces. The first and second blocks include a binding interface surface and a sole surface. The positioning and shape of the blocks with respect to the shell results in the binding interface surface extending distally from the toe region of the shell and the sole surface being the lowest surface on the boot system. The binding interface surfaces for each block are positioned at different sagittal heights with respect to the shell to facilitate the interconnection with alternative binding coupling systems. The sole surfaces for each block are positioned at substantially identical sagittal heights with respect to the shell to maintain optimum and consistent performance characteristics among different bindings.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatically locking carabiner system including a frame, a gate, a gate biasing system, and a gate locking system. The frame and gate form a continuously enclosed inner region in a closed configuration with respect to the frame. When in an engaged state, the gate locking system is configured to automatically lock the gate in the closed configuration with respect to the frame. The gate locking system may include a trigger coupled to the frame such that the position of the trigger corresponds to the state of the gate locking system. The trigger may be positioned on an opposite side of the frame from the gate with respect to the inner region. The force required to disengage the gate locking system may be substantially opposite that which is required to transition the gate to the open configuration with respect to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support system for use in relation to an articulation region of a boot. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a boot with a dorsal metatarsal articulation region that allows for articulation in the sagittal plane such as a telemark ski boot. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a telemark ski boot, including a shell, an articulation region, and an articulation support system. The articulation support system includes at least one tensile rigid region extending transversely between the proximal and distal sides of the articulation region. The tensile rigid region impedes rotation of the rear portion of the shell about the toe portion in a frontal plane. This form of rotation is often referred to as torsional rotation. The articulation support system may include one or more of a cable, an integrated shell portion, a material mesh, and/or other tensile rigid components which maintain bending flexibility.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system with a modular binding interface. The system includes a shell encasing a user's foot and lower leg. A first and second block are interchangeably coupled to the shell below the base to effectuate alternative binding interfaces. The first and second blocks include a binding interface surface and a sole surface. The positioning and shape of the blocks with respect to the shell results in the binding interface surface extending distally from the toe region of the shell and the sole surface being the lowest surface on the boot system. The binding interface surfaces for each block are positioned at different sagittal heights with respect to the shell to facilitate the interconnection with alternative binding coupling systems. The sole surfaces for each block are positioned at substantially identical sagittal heights with respect to the shell to maintain optimum and consistent performance characteristics among different bindings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support system for use in relation to an articulation region of a boot. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a boot with a dorsal metatarsal articulation region that allows for articulation in the sagittal plane such as a telemark ski boot. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a telemark ski boot, including a shell, an articulation region, and an articulation support system. The articulation support system includes at least one tensile rigid region extending transversely between the proximal and distal sides of the articulation region. The tensile rigid region impedes rotation of the rear portion of the shell about the toe portion in a frontal plane. This form of rotation is often referred to as torsional rotation. The articulation support system may include one or more of a cable, an integrated shell portion, a material mesh, and/or other tensile rigid components which maintain bending flexibility.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatically locking carabiner system including a frame, a gate, a gate biasing system, and a gate locking system. The frame and gate form a continuously enclosed inner region in a closed configuration with respect to the frame. When in an engaged state, the gate locking system is configured to automatically lock the gate in the closed configuration with respect to the frame. The gate locking system may include a trigger coupled to the frame such that the position of the trigger corresponds to the state of the gate locking system. The trigger may be positioned on an opposite side of the frame from the gate with respect to the inner region. The force required to disengage the gate locking system may be substantially opposite that which is required to transition the gate to the open configuration with respect to the frame.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a ski boot system including a shell and an elongated hollow region disposed substantially sagitally within the base or bottom of the shell. The elongated hollow region is rigidly coupled at the proximal and distal ends to a secondary support structure of the shell that extends dorsally on at least one side of the boot, thereby forming a lateral triangular rigid coupling. The lateral triangular rigid coupling increases the torsional support of a user's foot and lower leg disposed within the shell. An optional second lateral triangular coupling may extend dorsally on the opposite side of the ski boot so as to balance medial and lateral torsional support. The elongated hollow region may be formed internally within the base or created by rigidly coupling a rigid member to a lengthwise U-shaped region.