Abstract: A respirator for protecting against airborne particles includes a face gasket for providing a seal around the mouth and nose of a user, a frame attached to the gasket, a filter compression ring removably attached to the frame and a filter for filtering airborne particles from air. The filter is positioned between the frame and the filter compression ring. An eye protection accessory is attachable to the gasket. The respirator additionally includes a safety module that includes an air pressure sensor that can monitor the air pressure in the space bounded by the user's face and the filter. A processor analyzes the air pressure measurements obtained by the air pressure sensor and a vibration motor or a visual indicator. The processor can trigger the vibration motor and the visual indicator when the air pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A resilient biasing element for a snowboard binding is disclosed. The biasing element provides a means of biasing an ankle or toe strap for a conventional snowboard binding towards an open position when the strap is unsecured, easing the insertion and removal of a boot from the binding. The binding may be used in combination with a conventional snowboard, or a snowboard incorporating impact plates to distribute loads and increase the structural integrity and life of the snowboard.