Abstract: Provided is a yogurt fermenter, comprising: a head unit; a heating unit which is formed to protrude, is formed integrally at a lower surface of the head unit, and builds in a heating element; and a fermenter engaging unit which is formed at a lower side of the head unit to engage the head unit to a fermentation container, wherein when the fermenter engaging unit is engaged to an upper side of the fermentation container containing a fermentation substance, the heating unit is submerged in the fermentation substance to directly provide heat thereby performing fermentation.

Abstract: Suggested is a process for the production of a UHT milk with improved taste characteristics, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a raw milk; (b) separating the raw milk into a skimmed milk fraction and a cream fraction; (c) microfiltration or diafiltration of the skimmed milk fraction, obtaining a casein-containing retentate R1 and a fine whey as permeate P1; (d) ultrafiltration of the fine whey of step (c), obtaining a permeate P2 that is rich in lactose and minerals, and a protein-rich retentate R2; (e) mixing the cream fraction, the retentate R1 containing the casein and the permeate P2 containing the lactose and minerals, obtaining a mixed fraction M1; (f) ultra-high temperature treatment of the mixed fraction M1 of step (e); (g) pasteurization of the protein-rich retentate R2 obtained in step (d); and (h) mixing the ultra-heat treated fraction M1 of step (f) with the pasteurized retentate R2 of step (g), obtaining the target product.

Abstract: The embodiment of the present invention discloses an automatic beancurd sheet making machine provided with cooling grooves. The automatic beancurd sheet making machine consists of a machine frame, a water tank, a soybean milk groove, a soybean milk circulating pump, cooling grooves, air blow pipes, a beancurd sheet collecting drum and conveyor belts. According to the automatic beancurd sheet making machine disclosed by the embodiment of the present invention, continuous sheet picking can be performed on beancurd sheets formed in the soybean milk groove, a condition that the machine needs to be stopped for sheet forming is avoided, and beancurd sheets can realize natural absorption of residual heat of the soybean milk groove on the conveyor belts like original manual work so as to realize drying by airing. The dried beancurd sheets are cut, and then packed, and automatic continuous operation is realized.

Abstract: A method for producing an ice cream product with an ice cream machine having an extrusion nozzle and a cutting tool is provided. The method comprises providing an ice cream mixture, extruding the ice cream mixture through the extrusion nozzle, and cutting the ice cream mixture with the cutting tool into an ice cream product, wherein the cutting tool is an ultrasound cutting tool. An ice cream machine for producing an ice cream product is also provided.

Abstract: A method for minimizing or preventing the induction of stress-related or stress-induced inappetance or inanition in an animal selected for a marketing or management practice.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a Chinese meal package and a preparation method thereof. The Chinese meal package is prepared from the following raw materials in part by weight: a component A, a component B, a component C and a component D according to a ratio of 1 to 1 to 1 to 1.

Abstract: A device for making popcorn. A heating element and a fan are contained within a base housing. The base housing includes an agitator and convection unit unit having a bottom and a side portion located above the heating element and fan. The side portion includes louvers configured to allow heated air provided by operation of the heating element and fan to circulate around the agitator and convection unit and cause corn kernels added to the agitator and convection unit to be heated so as to form popcorn. A bowl surrounds the base housing such that the base housing, agitator and convection unit and bowl have a common axis. A canopy is removably mated to the base housing and is configured so that when popcorn is expelled from the agitator and convection unit, it strikes a bottom surface of the canopy and is guided into the bowl.

Abstract: A method for producing microbeads comprising an active component encapsulated within a gelled polymer matrix comprises the steps of providing a suspension of denatured whey protein and an active component, treating the suspension to generate microbeads, and immediately curing the microbeads by acidification. The microbeads are discrete droplets of gelled whey protein having an average diameter in the micron range (for example, from 80 to 500 microns) and which suitably have a generally spherical shape. The microbeads are capable of surviving passage through the stomach, and delivering the encapsulated active agent in the intestine. Ex-vivo and in-vivo data shows that active agent encapsulated within microbeads retains its functionality upon delivery to the intestine, and that coating of the microcapsules allows targeted delivery of the active agent to the distal part of the intestine.

Abstract: A composition for diet supplementation to improve gut microflora is disclosed. The composition includes a prebiotic source and source of nucleotides, such as an extract of yeast. Also disclosed are methods of diet supplementation that include administering compositions of the invention to an individual.

Abstract: A method for making a shredded product having a marbled surface and the resulting product are provided. The method includes partially cooking an uncooked mass in a first cooking process to form a partially cooked mass and then combining the partially cooked mass with an inclusion component to form an inclusion mass. The inclusion mass is cooked in a second cooking process to form a fully cooked mass. The material is shredded to form continuous net-like sheets having a marbled appearance defined by a first portion of the continuous net-like sheets with the low or non-glutenous material having a first overall color and a second portion of the continuous net-like sheets with the inclusion component having a second overall color different from the first overall color.

Abstract: A method for making a smokeless tobacco article can include combining thermoplastic polymer particles with tobacco particles to form a mixture of particles, compressing the mixture of particles within a pressing apparatus to form the mixture into a predetermined shape, separating the mixture from the pressing apparatus such that it retains the predetermined shape, and heating the mixture outside of the pressing apparatus to at least partially melt at least some of the thermoplastic polymer particles and form a matrix of polymer and tobacco particles.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for preparing tobacco such that components of tobacco tar are reduced, while maintaining the total tar delivery of a composition or device containing tobacco treated with one or more natural tar diluents. Artificial tar diluents can also be used in combination with one more natural tar diluents. The tobacco compositions have decreased levels of tobacco specific nitrosamines and/or other components found in tar when the composition is smoked, while maintaining the total tar delivery of the smoking article, such as a cigarette, when using a tar diluent at a level sufficient to achieve desired taste qualities.

Abstract: A liquid tobacco composition comprises tobacco dissolved in an ionic liquid. Removal of selected tobacco constituents is aided by dissolving the tobacco in the ionic liquid. The tobacco, having selected constituents removed, may be regenerated from the liquid tobacco composition by separating the tobacco from the ionic liquid.

Abstract: A station (2) for trays filled with rod-like articles (R), in a tobacco industry apparatus, provided with a receiving part (2A) to receive filled trays (3, 13); and a storage and conveying unit (2C) containing the filled trays (3, 13), provided with a conveyor (4) to convey the filled trays (3, 13) and a tray separation mechanism (4A) to separate the first tray (3?, 13?) from other trays (3, 13) collected on bearing elements (4D) of the conveyor (4), whereas the tray separation mechanism (4A) is provided with lifting elements (51, 51?, 63, 63?) adapted to lift the trays (3, 13) from the bearing elements (4D) of the conveyor (4); characterised in that further the station (2) is provided with lateral belts (56, 56?) adapted to support the sidewalls (3L, 3R, 13L, 13R) of the tray (3, 13), whereas the lateral belts (56, 56?) are adapted to perform a movement corresponding to the movement of the lifting elements (51, 51?, 63, 63?) when lifting the trays (3, 13) from the bearing elements (4D) and putting the trays

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for supporting smoking products and ash in a smoking pipe to prevent smoking products and ash from passing from the bowl into an inner pipe chamber.

Abstract: A stabilizer for water pipes used for smoking substances, comprising a wrap configured to hold in a portion of the water pipe and a support that is wider than the base floor of the water pipe. The stabilizer can provide a wider and more stable base for the water pipe that can counteract and/or prevent tipping of the water pipe, and/or can provide shock absorption properties to reduce the risk of a water pipe tipping over and breaking or spilling.

Abstract: There is provided a device for generating an inhalable aerosol and/or gas, the device comprising an aerosol generating material (3) having an integrated electrical resistance heating element (2), so that the aerosol generating material may be heated in direct contact with the electrical resistance heating element, wherein the aerosol generating material is provided as a unitary structure and/or coating which may be heated to generate multiple deliveries of an inhalable aerosol and/or gas. There is also provided a method for fabricating the device. There is also provided the use of the device and the use of the aerosol generating material, to generate an inhalable aerosol and/or gas.

Abstract: A removable cup atomizer comprising a cylindrical body having a hollow interior, a heating element positioned in the hollow interior, a connection means connected to a bottom portion of the cylindrical body. The connection means is configured to provide electrical power. The electrical power heats the heating element. A removable cylindrical cup is positioned on the heating element. The cylindrical cup is configured to accept an amount of matter which is heated by the heating element such that the amount of matter is vaporized and may be inhaled by a user.

Abstract: An apparel item configured to reduce the perception of cling is provided herein. The apparel item comprises a first set of outwardly-projecting nodes on a first portion of the apparel item, a second set of outwardly-projecting nodes on a second portion of the apparel item, and a third set of inwardly-projecting nodes on a third portion of the apparel item, where the third set of nodes is positioned between the first set of nodes and the second set of nodes. The first and second sets of outwardly-projecting nodes comprise apertures that provide a communication passage from an outer surface of the apparel item to an inner surface of the apparel item. Besides reducing the surface area of the apparel item that comes into contact with a wearer's skin surface, the nodes also facilitate cooling the wearer and speed up drying times of the apparel item when being worn.

Abstract: A recovery tight having preconfigured compression zones with integrated knit structures is provided herein. The compression zones may have differing compressive properties where zones having a higher compression force are located at the calf and ankle areas of the tight, zones having the next highest compression force are located over the knee and lower thigh areas of the tight, and zones having the lowest compression force are located over the upper thigh and lower torso areas of the tight when the tight is worn. The integrated knit structures modify the compressive properties of the zones in the areas where the structures are located in order to further customize the compressive properties of the recovery tight.

Abstract: A baby bib includes a body forming an opening to receive a neck of an infant; a pacifier attachment secured to a front surface of the body; and a fastener secured to the pacifier attachment. The pacifier attachment includes a base and an elongated strap integral with the base.

Abstract: A bib having a first layer of a filmic impermeable material on a front of the bib having a first body portion and upwardly extending flaps, a third layer of filmic impermeable material on a rear of the bib, where the first and third layers are joined at their perimeter edges, forming a shallow cavity. The bib has a neck ring. Below the neck ring, the shallow cavity has a top horizontal opening and a bottom horizontal opening in the first body portion. A second layer, which is an absorbent material, shaped into an adjustable loop, loops through the openings, the shallow cavity, and down the front of the bib. When the outer section of the loop becomes soiled, the soiled section can be rotated into the shallow cavity, simultaneously exposing an unsoiled section of the loop, providing a refreshed unsoiled outer section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brassiere (1) with reinforced support adapted for practicing sports and in particular of the type comprising a front part (2a) comprising two cups (3) for covering the bust (4) of a user (5), a dorsal fixation band (6) which is basically connected to the outer edge (7) of each of the cups (3), and a pair of straps (8) for running over the shoulders (9) of the user (5), which brassiere (1) is characterized in that the front part (2) comprises at least: a central anchoring structure (10) to which the straps (8) are attached and towards which these straps (8) converge; a lower support band (11) extending under the cups (3) approximately from an outer edge (7) to the other edge of these cups (3), a central support band (12) extending between the cups (3) from the lower support band (11) toward the central anchoring structure (10); and two lateral support bands (13) extending laterally from the side of the outer edges (7) of the cups (3) at least from the lower support band (11) to the c

Abstract: A bustier garment may have first and second support structures that are housed within a housing. The first and second support structures may be positioned within the housing such that each of the respective support structures correspond to a position between a center and a bottom of a wearer's first and second respective breasts when the bustier garment is worn by a wearer. In one embodiment, the bustier garment may include first and second support structures that are positioned and oriented within a housing such that the respective first and second support structures are substantially perpendicular to a vertical midline of the garment and/or substantially parallel to a lower edge of the garment.

Abstract: Provided is a garment generating electricity which transforms kinematic energy generated when a user wearing the garment walks and/or swings arms past torso to an electric energy, and has a simple structure and is produced at low cost, and realizes excellent electricity generation efficiency. A garment generating electricity from ambulation or aim swinging past torso or both includes a magnet member arranged on a first part of a garment to generate magnetic field, a coil member provided on a second part of the garment which reciprocally moves with the first part of the garment while walking or swinging aims past torso, the coil member generating electricity from the magnetic field of the magnet member, and a storage battery charged with the electricity generated by the coil member.

Abstract: A band includes a tubular body configured to be worn on a user's body and a pocket supported by the tubular body, where the pocket defines a cavity and has an access opening providing access to the cavity, and where the pocket is configured to removably receive an electronic module in the cavity through the access opening. An input device is connected to the tubular body and has a port exposed to the cavity of the band, where the port is configured for removable connection to a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received in the cavity. The input device may include a button configured to receive user input and a wireless transmitter to transmit a signal to an external device based on the user input. The input device may also include a haptic feedback mechanism for communicating haptic signals to the user.

Abstract: A shorts garment comprising insulating fleece and durable, wind-blocking patch pockets. The shorts comprise fleece front and rear panels with high air permeability. The patch pockets comprise durable, non-stretch fabric with low air permeability. The low air permeability of the patch pockets provides wind and cold protection for the thigh areas. The air permeabilities of the pocket fabric and fleece fabric are within disclosed numerical ranges. Additionally, the pocket permeability is optionally less than ½, ¼ or 1/10 the permeability of the fleece panels. The patch pockets protect the fleece from wear and abrasion. A crotch area between the pockets has high air permeability fleece, and so the crotch receives cooling air ventilation. The patch pockets preferably cover about 20%, 30%, 40% or more of the front fleece panels. The present shorts garment is comfortably warm in cool temperatures and over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: A smart safety garment with signal lights includes a basic garment, at least a pair of turn signal lights embedded on the external surface of the basic garment, and an electronic assembly for the control. The management and monitoring of the smart safety garment includes a control unit, the at least a pair of turn signal lights being connected or connectable to the control unit. The electronic assembly further includes a braking sensor connected or connectable to the control unit and adapted to perceive a deceleration and to generate a corresponding braking signal intended to the control unit. The control unit is configured to power up at least a pair of turn signal lights according to the braking signal.

Abstract: A protective covering is provided having a central protective plate portion and a terminal edge portion encircling the central protective plate portion. A coupling region is interposed between the terminal edge portion and the central protective plate portion. The coupling region transitions from a pliable material of the terminal edge portion to a rigid material of the central protective plate portion, where the coupling region extends from a first edge to a second edge. The first edge has a higher concentration of the pliable material than the rigid material and the second edge has a higher concentration of the rigid material than the pliable material. A first surface of the coupling region has a higher concentration of the pliable material than the rigid material and a second surface of the coupling region has a higher concentration of the rigid material than the pliable material.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems for automatically protecting an individual from injuries using one or more sensors, one or more rigid members, and one or more inflatable members associated therewith, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: An article of protective equipment includes a one-piece body. The body includes a first region, an edge, and a second region. The first region is formed from a first composite material having a first matrix component and a first reinforcement component. The second region extends between the first region and the edge. The second region is formed from a second composite material having a second matrix material and a second reinforcement component. One of the first reinforcement component and the second reinforcement component has a plurality of first items arranged randomly. The other of the first reinforcement component and the second reinforcement component has a plurality of second items arranged in a predetermined arrangement. The body is configured to protect the wearer from an input load, and the second region is configured to flex under the influence of the input load.

Abstract: An anti-horse collar tackle safety device, comprising a base having means for attaching the base to a pair of shoulder pads, wherein the base comprises an interior portion facing the shoulder pads and an exterior portion that is accessible from outside a jersey placed over the shoulder pads, and a releasable portion releasably attached to the exterior portion of the base via means for releasable attachment, wherein the releasable portion is configured to release via application of a force equal to or less than about 15 pounds.

Abstract: A post-surgical garment includes: a body portion having a neck opening located at a top of the body portion, a waist opening at a bottom of the body portion distal from the neck opening, and opposing first and second sides; a sleeve attached to the first side of the body portion; an armhole opening formed on the second side of the body portion opposite the sleeve, wherein the body portion is split between a bottom of the armhole opening and the bottom of the body portion; and a first closure mechanism located on opposing sides of the split formed on the body portion, the first closure mechanism for securing a front side of the split body portion to a back side of the split body portion to secure the post-surgical garment on a wearer.

Abstract: A sleeved blanket useful for holding an infant features a sleeve, and a blanket spanning to one side thereof. The blanket has an extension reaching longitudinally beyond the sleeve to enable folding of the blanket extension across a torso anterior of the caregiver from the worn sleeve on one arm and over the opposing shoulder. Unique methods of transitioning an infant from a swaddled state to a laid down position are disclosed, along with unique nursing applications for the sleeved blanket. A neck strap is worn across the backside of the neck and over the unsleeved shoulder to help balance the worn position of the sleeve, and features stimuli for the infant, fastening or toy-carrying elements, and/or a burp/split-up cloth. The sleeve includes a shoulder portion to better maintain the worn position, and gripping elements are provided on the sleeve and/or blanket to help maintain useful positions thereof during use.

Abstract: A hand cover including a glove or a mitten intended for use in cold weather conditions. An outer layer is made of silicone and has a thickness of 0.04 inches to 0.06 inches. A lining is made of polyester with a cotton fill and contacts the entire inside surface of the outer layer. The back and the front of the hand cover are spaced apart from each other which forms a hand access opening. A combination of a pair of hand covers and a strap bracelet which is held in loops on the hand covers.

Abstract: A utility glove having a palm side including a three dimensional molded palm portion formed of an elastomeric material with a thumb portion and at least one finger portion and a back side of the glove comprising a fabric material, with the molded palm portion formed in a pre-curved configuration to create a concave shape. The molded palm has one or more of thickened areas for abrasion resistance, padded areas for comfort, flex grooves for improved movement, textured grip areas for improved grip and/or perforations for breathability. The molded palm portion may be formed of different elastomeric materials to take advantage of the different characteristics of the particular materials.

Abstract: A method of altering clothing for a more aesthetic fit comprises the application of the Z-plasty surgical technique to clothing. The fabric is marked at the desired point of realignment with a “Z” pattern. The fabric is then cut along the marked “Z” creating two opposing triangular flaps. The flaps are pulled into their new position, with the angles from the center leg of the “Z” rotating to meet the angles of the upper and lower legs of the “Z.” The flaps are then stitched into place in the new position, completing the alteration and resulting in a more pleasing fit.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a down product comprises at least one bonding pattern line for the compartment separation without forming sewing holes by printing and drying a heat-reactive adhesive on the inner surface of an inner fabric, an optional mesh material and/or an outer fabric in a predetermined pattern, laminating said inner fabric, optional mesh material and/or outer fabric, and then high-frequency heating them under pressing with a pressing pattern the same as the printing pattern to bond the inner fabric, optional mesh material and outer fabric. Accordingly, it is possible to manufacture a down product having a bonding pattern line composed of a bonding line with excellent adhesiveness and durability and an aesthetically excellent pattern line with good clearness and finishing quality as well as to achieve a mass production of down products by mechanization and automation.

Abstract: A long hair protector apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a headwear and at least one hair sheath for protecting long hair in either a pigtail or ponytail configuration. The headwear is dimensioned and adapted to be worn on the head of a human wearer, wherein the headwear has a tail portion and a band portion, each providing detachable first fasteners. The tail portion is near the rear neck of the wearer, while the band portion extends around the front of the head, providing the detachable first fasteners near each ear of the wearer, and wherein the band portion provides distal portions for tying together so as to further secure the headwear to the wearer. The hair sheath(s) may be removably attached to the tail portion in the ponytail configuration or to the band portions providing the pigtail configuration.

Abstract: The helmet has a cap, and a turning assembly and a fastening device assembled on the cap. The helmet is formed as an integral whole and has a simplified and compact structure. A camera is mounted to the fastening device and is held by a lower holder and an upper holder of the turning assembly. A locking panel of the fastening device allows the camera to be easily and quickly mounted onto the cap via the fastening device or removed from the fastening device. With a locking member engaging in or disengaging from one of multiple engaging recesses of a corresponding guiding rod of the turning assembly, a position of the camera relative to the cap can be also easily and quickly adjusted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection arrangement (6) adapted to connect a first (2) and a second part (3) slidably arranged in relation to each other. The connection arrangement (6) is characterized in that said connection arrangement (6) is adapted to allow the sliding movement between the first (2) and the second part (3) in all directions. The arrangement (6) comprises a connection member (7) directly or indirectly connected to at least one of the first part and the second part (2, 3) and a device creating a spring force and/or a damping force (8) during sliding movement between the first and second part (2, 3) adapted to be connected with or to cooperate with said connection member (7).

Abstract: A helmet comprising and outer liner and an inner liner slidably coupled to an interior surface of the outer liner is disclosed. The outer liner comprises an interior surface and the inner liner comprises an exterior surface. The inner liner is composed of an elastically deformable material. A majority of the interior surface of the outer liner and a majority of the exterior surface of the inner liner are both substantially parallel to a pseudo-spherical surface having a coronal cross section that is circular with a first radius and a sagittal cross section that is circular with a second radius different from the first radius. The inner liner is elastically deformable along the interior surface of the outer liner in response to rotation of the outer liner relative to the inner liner caused by an impact to the helmet.

Abstract: A comfort padding, configured to be attached at an innermost surface of a helmet, which is facing a wearer's head, for providing a sliding movement in the comfort padding in response to an oblique force applied to the helmet in use is provided. The comfort padding comprises a layer of membrane material provided closer to the helmet than a layer of stretchable fabric or nonwoven material, and between the two layers there is a layer of open cell polymer foam, the membrane layer has a low friction surface allowing for a sliding movement between the layer of open cell polymer foam and the membrane material. A helmet comprising the comfort padding.

Abstract: A protective sports helmet that includes an energy attenuating faceguard connection system, which includes at least one connector that secures the faceguard to the helmet shell without a connection point in the shell's brow region. The sports helmet can be configured as a football helmet to be worn by a player and where the lack of a brow region connection point results in a gap or clearance between the faceguard and the shell that has a functional interplay with the connector upon an impact to the faceguard. The football helmet has a unique collection of helmet shell features that include an arrangement of a raised central band, lateral ridges, frontal vent openings and rear vent openings.

Abstract: A protective helmet includes a microphone and an electronic device for improving communication with the environment. The microphone is arranged on a supporting cage below a shell of the helmet and captures the sound waves that are generated by an organ of speech of the wearer of the helmet and propagate the sound waves in the area of the supporting cage.

Abstract: A cap includes a crown portion being generally hemispherical in shape and having a hollow interior such that the crown portion defines an interior surface and an exterior surface and the crown portion further includes an apex and a generally circular base. A securement mechanism includes a first and a second elongate flexible strand where each of the flexible strands have a first, a second end, and a mid portion. A bead defines a pair of openings there through where a first end of the first flexible strand extends through a first one of the pair of openings and a first end of the second flexible strand extends through a second one of the pair of openings. The cap retains the second end of each of the flexible strands on opposing sides of the cap.

Abstract: It is desired to teach an open footwear article where the upper surface contacting the foot is partially combined with, or wholly comprised of, a substantially rigid material that has some degree of open porosity. The purpose of said rigid, porous material serves to immediately absorb perspiration and/or water from the feet. Subsequent drying of the porous, rigid material occurs when the sandal is not in use as water/perspiration are evaporated from within the pores. The porous, rigid material also effects a massaging action while walking. It is the intent of this invention to capture a preferred combination of these two embodiments.

Abstract: A press on shoe cover includes a bottom layer and at least one bistable spring band. The bottom layer is sized to cover at least a bottom of a shoe. The at least one bistable spring band is attached to the bottom layer. The at least one bistable spring band having a stable planar position and a bias coiling position. The stable planar position is configured to hold the bottom layer flat. The bias coiling position is configured to wrap the bottom layer around at least the bottom of the shoe. When the shoe cover lays flat on a surface and the bottom of the shoe is pressed down on the shoe cover, the bistable spring band is configured to move to the bias coiling position thereby wrapping the bottom layer around at least the bottom of the shoe and securing the shoe cover on the bottom of the shoe.

Abstract: A comfortable, flexible Nordic ski boot with embodiments for classic, skate, combi, and roller skiing enables full ski control while remaining comfortable and allowing movement to help avoid overuse injuries including compartment syndrome. The boot provides precise fit at the heel and ball of the foot while allowing flexible movement. In embodiments, a strap attaches the ball of the foot. A custom heel fit and/or a strap can attach the heel. A removable, adjustable cuff can limit eversion and inversion. Some embodiments are made on multiple lasts, provide toe box room, provide partial or full movement about the ball of the foot, and/or allow twisting between the heel and ball of the foot. Embodiments are configured to elastically return to a flat configuration after flexing, while remaining in alignment with a ski. The sole can include carbon fibers and/or elastic cords, spring cables, and/or such like to enhance elasticity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.