Abstract: A method for forming a shell type body (100) of self-reinforced composite thermoplastic polymer material from a plate-like element (10, 60), with a central region (11) and a peripheral region (12) surrounding said central region (11), comprises: providing a press (1) including a first and a second die portion (3, 4) which can be moved between a forming configuration, wherein they are pressed against one another, and a release configuration (Y), wherein they are spaced apart; at least one from the first and/or the second die portion (3, 4) being provided with ribs (5) on an operating face (3A, 4A) thereof intended to abut the plate-like element (10); arranging the plate-like element (10) on the press so that the central region (11) abuts on the operating face (4a) of the second die portion (4), retaining the plate-like element (10) at the peripheral region (12), moving the first (3) and/or the second die portion (4) towards the forming configuration until the first die portion (3) abuts the plate-like element

Abstract: A process for thermoforming a plate-like element (10) of composite polymer material, in which a central region (11) and a peripheral region (12) are defined, comprising:—providing a mould (1) including a male member (3) and a female member (4) which may be displaced between an operating position in which they are pressed against one another, and a non-operating position in which they are spaced from one another,—disposing said plate-like element(10) on said mould such that its central region (11) is interposed between said male member and said female member and holding it at its peripheral region (12) while said male member (3) and said female member (4) are displaced towards the operating position in order to abut against and deform the plate-like element,—completing the displacement of the male member and the female member into the operating position and maintaining them in that position for a predetermined period of time,—displacing the male member and the female member into the non-operating position in o

Abstract: A insole (1) having puncture-resistant properties for safety footwear, comprising an anterior portion (2) extending from a toe region (3) to a metatarsal region (4) of the insole and a posterior portion (5) extending from the metatarsal region to a heel region (6) longitudinally opposite the toe region. The posterior portion (5) comprises at least one substantially rigid layer (8) made of composite material formed from a fibre-reinforced polymer matrix and the anterior portion (2) is formed of a substantially flexible material comprising at least one layer (7) formed of polymer fibres having enhanced puncture-resistant properties.

Abstract: A toe for safety footwear, including a shell shaped so as to receive the extremity of a foot placed in the footwear, and a lining which is structurally separate from the shell and shaped in such a way as to match its profile. The lining is also bonded to an outer surface of the shell, at least partly covering it.

Abstract: A insole (1) having puncture-resistant properties for safety footwear, comprising an anterior portion (2) extending from a toe region (3) to a metatarsal region (4) of the insole and a posterior portion (5) extending from the metatarsal region to a heel region (6) longitudinally opposite the toe region. The posterior portion (5) comprises at least one substantially rigid layer (8) made of composite material formed from a fibre-reinforced polymer matrix and the anterior portion (2) is formed of a substantially flexible material comprising at least one layer (7) formed of polymer fibres having enhanced puncture-resistant properties.

Abstract: A reinforced toe-cap (1, 100, 200) for safety footwear comprises a body (2) in which a top region (5) and a front toe region (4) are defined; a protuberance (6, 106, 206) is defined on the body in the top region, projecting from the profile of the top region.

Abstract: A method of making a hockey stick blade with a shank and a blade element having a front external surface and a rear external surface, the method comprising: (a)selecting a core made of thermo-expandable foam; (b) forming a preformed blade by wrapping the core with first and second layers of fibers pre-impregnated with resin; (c) selecting front and rear thermoplastic sheets for covering at least partially the second layer of fibers, for forming part of the respective front and rear external surfaces of the blade element and for increasing the impact resistance of the hockey stick blade; (d) placing the front and rear thermoplastic sheets and the preformed blade in a mold such that the preformed blade is between the front and rear thermoplastic sheets; (e) applying heat to the mold; and (f) when said resin is cured, removing the hockey stick blade from the mold.

Abstract: A toe for safety footwear, including a shell shaped so as to receive the extremity of a foot placed in the footwear, and a lining which is structurally separate from the shell and shaped in such a way as to match its profile. The lining is also bonded to an outer surface of the shell, at least partly covering it.

Abstract: A hockey stick blade comprising a shank and a blade element having a front surface and a rear surface. The blade comprises a core of synthetic material extending along a longitudinal axis, the core comprising a blade element portion. The blade also comprises a layer of fibers recovering the core of synthetic material and a layer of thermoplastic material recovering the layer of fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ski boot provided with self-powered electric and/or electronic devices. The surface of the boot is covered by a plurality of solar cells, which convert the solar radiation into electric energy which acts to integrate a series of storage batteries contained in a box-type body rigidly attached, in a preferably removable manner, with the footwear structure. The series of storage batteries may be recharged by normal external source of electric energy, while the solar cells have the function of integrating the charge allowing a longer operation of the devices. The electric devices are of the resistive controlled type, for heating the footwear while those electronic consist of means for controlling the correct closure of the boot and/or means for control of the efforts to which the limb of the skier is subjected during use. Such control devices may conveniently cooperate with safety means provided in the ski to determine opening of the safety bindings in case of dangerous overloads.

Abstract: The ski boot comprises a quarter formed of two complementary parts which partly overlap each other when closed along two vertically extending lateral centerlines. The rear part of the quarter is pivoted to the boot shell, and the quarter front part may be pivoted to the rear part, being guided by a cam arranged to slide over a stud which is rigidly attached to the shell and may be rotatably adjusted, the rotation of the rear part of the quarter, additionally to closing onto the front part, also moving a cuff-line member which closes the skier's foot instep.

Abstract: The device is composed of a vertical axle positioned in a case made rigid with the rear half-shell of the quarter of ski footwear. The axle having at a middle region thereof, an inclined tooth gear which is actuated by a ratchet lever to cause its co-directional rotation with winding of stays having second ends associated with the front portion of the quarter thus effecting the closure of the boot. The lower end of said axle includes a thread portion adapted to cause upward movement of a block which in turn causes tensioning of cables associated with an element positioned on the foot instep, thereby causing tightening of the same. Also provided are a means of releasing the inclined tooth gear with consequent opening of the boot quarter, and a means of adjusting the tension exerted by the upward movement of the block on the cables.

Abstract: The ski comprises a basic self-supporting ski structure, the front and rear portions whereof are provided with mounts made rigid therewith and retaining at least a replaceable small thickness rectangular batten or insert mechanically affecting the flexure and torsional characteristics of the ski in such a way as to cause the ski stiffness to be varied.