Abstract: A collapsible container has a top frame and bottom frame with folding walls having predetermined fold lines therein. The container has a closed position which is a flat platform configuration. In this configuration the walls are folded within the platform which may be used as a pallet for piece goods. The container has an open position where the top frame is raised and the container can be integral with a wheeled vehicle and used as a bulk carrier. Thus the container can be used for one shipment as a pallet for piece goods and for a next shipment as a bulk carrier.

Abstract: A ski shoe for use with a cross-country ski, comprising a sole extending in a longitudinal direction and having a region accommodating the ball of the foot of a wearer of the ski shoe, the sole including transverse strips of a rigid but thin sheet material arranged solely in said region and being spaced from each other in said direction.

Abstract: A cross-country ski boot comprises a sole of synthetic resin and including a heel portion defining a recess of V-shaped cross section and upwardly projecting lateral edges forwardly of the heel portion.

Abstract: A device for pushing a forwardly extending portion of a ski shoe sole into a cross-country ski binding mounted on a ski surface closer to the point of the ski than the device and having a sliding surface obliquely descending towards the surface of the ski in the direction of the point of the ski. The sliding surface extends over a length of the ski surface corresponding to the length of the path required for the forwardly extending ski shoe sole portion to be pushed into the binding for engagement therewith. The sliding surface is adapted for gliding engagement with a corresponding surface of the shoe sole whereby the gliding engagement of the surfaces pushes the shoe forwardly into the binding.

Abstract: A cross-country ski binding for use with a ski shoe having a recessed sole area has a guiding plate affixed to the ski, a bearing plate and a heel part arranged on the bearing plate. The guiding plate has an upper surface defining a plurality of transverse depressions. The bearing plate is of elastic material and is longitudinally slidably mounted on the guiding plate. It includes a projection matching the depressions for selectively engaging a respective depression for retaining the bearing plate in a selected longitudinal position relative to the guiding plate and an extension projecting longitudinally beyond the bearing plate and having an underside rising from the upper surface of the guiding plate. The heel part has a raised portion matching the recessed sole area for engagement therewith.

Abstract: A binding for use with a cross-country ski and holding in position a forwardly extending portion of a ski shoe sole, having a front jaw adapted to be affixed to the ski, the front jaw including a stirrup shaped to receive the forwardly extending sole portion which is elastically deformed in an end position of the sole portion received in the stirrup, and the forwardly extending sole portion including an anchoring part engaging the stirrup in the end position. The sole is of synthetic resin and includes upwardly projecting lateral edges forwardly of the heel.

Abstract: A building, such as a hall, has a preferably vaulted ceiling comprised of spaced webs defining air spaces therebetween and an air stream is produced in at least one of the spaces for cooling or heating the building chamber.

Abstract: A swimming pool is formed of a plurality of interconnected and contiguous wall and bottom plates some of which are formed with ducts adapted to conduct water into the pool. These plates are formed at the ducts with a plurality of nozzles which direct a flow of water generally upwardly and toward the center of the pool for most efficient water exchange. The ducts are formed as channels between the edges of the contiguous plates and are capped with long cover elements having flanges engaged in grooves in the confronting inside flanks of the channels. The plates are joined together in the duct-forming channels at inwardly bent lips that are bolted together to either side of a resilient seal.