Abstract: A shoe-to-pedal attachment system for bicyclists includes a shoe ring formed in the tread pattern of the sole of a shoe, the shoe ring having an undercut retaining edge formed along the periphery thereof and having a domed centering button formed within the retaining edge. A pedal body includes top and bottom identically-shaped pedal rings, either of which may be retained within the undercut retaining edge of the shoe ring when the bicyclist steps onto the pedal body. In an alternative embodiment, a shoe button is attached to the shoe sole, and the pedal body includes a central retaining spring that is open toward the proximal end of the pedal axle. A retaining lip formed at the open top and bottom ends of the retaining spring engages the peripheral edge of the shoe button when the bicyclist steps onto the pedal body.

Abstract: An adjustable ski suspension device for use on skis and snowboards provides increased comfort, speed, and edge control to the user. An optional ski tip stiffener device permits adjustment of ski tip dampening and overall ski stiffness to accommodate different snow conditions.

Abstract: Crampons formed of straight-sided frame members with at least one such member on each side, but preferably joined together in pairs at each side for lateral and/or longitudinal adjustment to provide for changes in the dimensions of the crampon to suit boots of various sizes, or, if desired, articulation around a horizontal axis, further including integral depending pointed members located and arranged in an aligned configuration for the purpose of piercing snow and ice to provide additional traction for climbers and hikers, and preferably having improved means for quickly and securely fastening the crampon to a boot to stress the sole thereof and thus afford greater rigidity to the crampon.

Abstract: A back pack having an enclosed volume suitable for storing and transporting materials, the back pack including shoulder straps and a belt for supporting the back pack upon a wearer, the belt constituting a climbing harness with attached, preferably storable, groin straps and a releasable attachment to the back pack.

Abstract: A sack for enclosing and compressing resilient materials, such as clothing items and sleeping bags having high air content filling, i.e., down filled matter or synthetics incorporating air voids, in the form of a stuff sack having a plurality of longitudinally extending adjustable length straps attached to the sack at opposed ends thereof and equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the sack, such that when the sack is "stuffed" in a conventional manner, substantial additional longitudinal force may be applied either by the straps or externally, and the straps shorten to telescope the sack into a compressed and stable configuration.

Abstract: An ice anchoring device, and particularly an ice hammer, having a relatively thin walled, partially open or fully closed channel, with opposed interior walls at at least a portion of the channel, and, preferably, parallel outer walls, which, when impacted upon ice, fractures the ice internally of the channel while producing a basically undisturbed void in the ice sufficient to accommodate the anchoring device. Preferably the channel is in the form of an initially closed tube having an inwardly sloping bevel from a cutting edge defined at the end of the tube, and an opening in the tube spaced back from the end of the tube to facilitate removal of fractured ice. The method is practiced by inserting the tube into ice with force and localizing the destructive forces inwardly to the volume within the channel thereby avoiding weakening and fracturing of the remaining exterior portion of the ice in which the device is anchored.