Abstract: A mechanical binding that is opened and closed via magnetic forces. This may allow for systems to utilize a strong mechanical lock that is activated and deactivated with simple magnetic mechanisms, allowing for a simple and compact design.

Abstract: Provided is a heeling apparatus including an inner shell and an outer shell. The outer shell is configured to interlock with the inner shell. In one embodiment, the inner shell includes a plurality of protrusions configured to interlock with receiving apertures in the outer shell. In one embodiment, the inner shell includes a cavity configured to receive a removable bracket. The bracket includes a mounting assembly configured to receive a wheel assembly. The bracket is held in place by the interlocked relationship of the inner shell and the outer shell.

Abstract: A blade holder for an ice skate (e.g., for playing hockey). The ice skate comprises a skate boot for receiving a foot of a skater. The blade holder comprises a blade-retaining base to retain a blade and a support extending upwardly from the blade-retaining base to interconnect the blade holder and the skate boot. Visual characteristics of the blade holder may enhance its aesthetics and/or other aspects related to its visual appearance (e.g., an effect on the skater, elaborateness and/or customization of its visual appearance, etc.). The blade holder may be lightweight and/or provide other performance benefits to the skater.

Abstract: A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation, the wearable device including a shoe, a plurality of wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly being configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface about an associated axis of rotation, and a frame connected between the wheel assemblies, the frame comprising a trunk and a plurality of branches extending from the trunk, each of the branches being configured for connection to at least one of the plurality of wheel assemblies, wherein at least a portion of the shoe is located vertically higher than at least a portion of the frame when at least one of the wheel assemblies is in contact with the ground surface and the at least one of the wheel assemblies is positioned to selectively roll relative to the ground surface.

Abstract: A blade holder assembly for a skate including a blade holder having an elongated groove defined in a bottom surface, and a recess extending upwardly therefrom in alignment with a pedestal, for engagement with a blade. The pedestal has an internal cavity defined therein separate and spaced from the elongated groove and the recess. A locking arm is engaged to the pedestal and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking arm has an engagement end protruding into the recess through an opening defined in a wall of the pedestal. A greater portion of the engagement end protrudes into the recess in the locked position than in the unlocked position. At least a major part of the locking arm, including the engagement end, remains outside of the internal cavity of the pedestal in the locked and unlocked positions. A blade assembly is also discussed.

Abstract: A skating warmup system includes a shoe having a sole and a recess running parallel with the bottom of the sole, the recess having a rail; and a spine composed of a semi-rigid material, the spine having a notch for slidingly engaging with the rail of the recess and securing the spine into the recess.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a skate boot shell, including shaping tridimensional outer and inner sub-shells, and bonding the shaped sub-shells together through lamination. The lamination is performed after the sub-shells are shaped and includes applying heat to the sub-shells and/or pressure on one of the sub-shells toward the other against a mold surface. A skate with three sub-shells is also discussed.

Abstract: The technology disclosed herein includes a dual-molded layer overshoe apparatus comprising a cleat, a sole layer configured to receive the cleat, and an upper layer, wherein the upper is molded to the sole layer and the upper layer has a lower durometer than the sole layer, and wherein the plurality of pin plates are secured between the sole layer and the upper layer. Significant elasticity in the upper layer allows stretch for installation and removal. Reduced elasticity in the sole layer offers greater durability in terms of spike retention and abrasion resistance. In one implementation, the components are assembled in one contiguous, fixed arrangement, wherein the cleat is molded into the sole layer, and the upper layer is then molded to the sole layer.

Abstract: A water sport device with an adjustable boot. The boot is mounted to a support on which the user rides. The boot includes separate toe and heel portions that are adjustable to fit the needs of the user, and to also accommodate different users. One or more rails extend along the support and provide for adjustment of the boot. Each of the one or more rails includes an adjustment mechanism that can be rotated by the user to move the toe and heel portions relative to each other to adjust the boot size. Each rail may also include a locking mechanism to prevent adjustment of the boot. When engaged, the locking mechanism may prevent any adjustment of the boot, or may prevent enlargement of the boot but allow for additional reduction in boot size.

Abstract: A ski system includes a ski, a heel binding provided on an upper surface of the ski, a toe binding mount provided on the upper surface of the ski forward of the heel binding, a toe binding releasably mounted to the toe binding mount, and a quick-release locking mechanism for locking the toe binding to the toe binding mount. The quick-release locking mechanism is configured for release by hand.

Abstract: In various sliding activities or sports, such as ice skating, a desired angle for the foot plane within a boot is selected. When conditions change, such as going to a different location or even changes within the original location such as temperature changes, the original foot plane angle is no longer appropriate to give the best convenience and performance results. In order to determine the more appropriate foot plane angle the friction coefficient of the surface for which the original foot plane angle existed is determined and then the new friction coefficient is measured at the new location or under the changed conditions. The change in initial friction coefficient to the new friction coefficient is then used to determine what change should be made to the foot plane angle.

Abstract: The shoe has one to four wheels that, for walking, are placed horizontally in specific recesses in the sole, and that, for skating, are pivoted about longitudinal axes and blocked in a vertical position by a single latch, and project downwards relative to the sole, thereby transforming the shoe into a roller skate. This invention is of interest to manufacturers and users of shoes and of sports articles.

Abstract: A skate having a skate boot with a non-lasted boot shell, the shell having a first non-lasted three-dimensional sub-shell and a second non-lasted three-dimensional sub-shell, the second sub-shell being interior to and adjoining the first sub-shell, the first sub-shell comprising a first material having a first density and the second sub-shell comprising a second material having a second density, the second density being less than the first density, the shell being shaped so as to have a heel portion, an ankle portion, a lateral portion, a medial portion, and a sole portion; and a ground-engaging assembly disposed on an underside of the skate. Additional sub-shells are possible. Methods of manufacturing the skate boot shell, including molding and build-up, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exoskeleton (E) for connecting footwear to sporting equipment. The exoskeleton has an underfoot base (7), an ankle cuff (3) connected to a heel portion of the underfoot base, a first restraining brace (2a) having an anterior end connected to the medial side of a forefoot portion of the underfoot base (7), and extending rearwardly and diagonally at least to the lateral side of the ankle cuff, and a second restraining brace (2b) having an anterior end connected to the lateral side of the forefoot portion of the underfoot base (7), and extending rearwardly and diagonally at least to the medial side of the ankle cuff. The first and second restraining braces (2a, 2b) are configured such that when an item of footwear is enclosed by the exoskeleton (E), the restraining braces extend over and support a portion of the item of footwear.

Abstract: An ice skate overshoe includes; an upper portion; a sole connected to the upper portion; a blade connected to the sole; where the upper portion is made substantially of stretchable rubber; where the upper portion is configured stretchable and capable to return substantially to its original state; where the upper portion comprises a first opening configured as an entrance for a footwear; where the upper portion is configured to stretch over the footwear to secure the ice skate overshoe to the footwear; where the sole is configured to support a footwear bottom; where the sole is configured substantially rigid; where the blade is configured substantially rigid; where the blade is rigidly attached to the sole; where the blade is configured operable to engage with an ice surface; where the ice skate overshoe is configured to wear over the footwear; and where the ice skate overshoe is configured operable to skate on the ice surface.

Abstract: A sports board has a board body having a top surface and an opposed bottom surface, a binding attachment structure formed on or in the board body, and a plurality of ribs collectively having longitudinal portions and transverse portions each having a thickness and a height that are predetermined to provide the sports board with a preselected longitudinal, transverse, and torsional stiffness desirable for sliding on the snow.

Abstract: A suspension for a wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation, the suspension including an axle configured to be at least partially circumferentially restrained along a length of the axle, wherein the axle is movable about a center of rotation located along a suspension axis of the suspension that is substantially coincident with an axis of rotation of a wheel assembly carried by the axle.

Abstract: A shoe mobility system for allowing a user's shoe to roll on a ground surface while the user is seated in a wheelchair. The system features a base panel connected to a back panel at an angle, wherein the panels are for positioned at the back and bottom area of a shoe. A pair of flanges extends from the back panel of the system, and an axle spans the flanges. A wheel is rotatably attached to the axle. The system is attachable to the user's shoe.

Abstract: A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation, the wearable device including a shoe configured to at least partially accept a foot of a user of the wearable device, the shoe comprising a foot interface surface configured for selective contact with a bottom of the foot, a wheel assembly configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface in response to rotation of at least a portion of the wheel assembly about an axle that is substantially coincident with an axis of rotation, a frame connected between the shoe and the wheel assembly, the frame being configured to selectively transfer forces between the shoe and the wheel assembly and the frame comprising a clearance plane vertically offset from the ground surface, and an attachment system for selective attachment of the shoe to the frame.

Abstract: An assembly including a gliding board and a device for retaining an article of footwear on the board, the device extending longitudinally from a rear end to a front end, the board having a receiving zone provided to receive the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board. The assembly includes a wedge device which inclines the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board, so that the retaining device is angled downwardly from the front end to the rear end.

Abstract: A skate having a detachable assembly comprising a use element selected from an ice skate blade, a roller skate assembly and an in-line roller skate assembly. The skate includes a shoe having a protrusion extending from the sole and into locking engagement with a corresponding socket in the detachable assembly. The protrusion including a cavity with a lateral recess which receives a corresponding engaging member of a coupling member disposed partially in the socket. The coupling member includes an actuating member selectively movable between a locking position where the engaging member is biased radially outwardly into engagement with the lateral recess, and a release position where the engaging member biased radially inwardly out of engagement with the lateral recess.

Abstract: A skate having a skate boot with a non-lasted boot shell, the shell having a first non-lasted three-dimensional sub-shell and a second non-lasted three-dimensional sub-shell, the second sub-shell being interior to and adjoining the first sub-shell, the first sub-shell comprising a first material having a first density and the second sub-shell comprising a second material having a second density, the second density being less than the first density, the shell being shaped so as to have a heel portion, an ankle portion, a lateral portion, a medial portion, and a sole portion; and a ground-engaging assembly disposed on an underside of the skate. Additional sub-shells are possible. Methods of manufacturing the skate boot shell, including molding and build-up, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A skate having a detachable assembly comprising a use element selected from an ice skate blade, a roller skate assembly and an in-line roller skate assembly. The skate includes a shoe having a protrusion extending from the sole and into locking engagement with a corresponding socket in the detachable assembly. The protrusion including a cavity with a lateral recess which receives a corresponding engaging member of a coupling member disposed partially in the socket. The coupling member includes an actuating member selectively movable between a locking position where the engaging member is biased radially outwardly into engagement with the lateral recess, and a release position where the engaging member biased radially inwardly out of engagement with the lateral recess.

Abstract: A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation, the wearable device having a shoe configured to at least partially accept a foot of a user of the wearable device, the shoe comprising a foot interface surface configured for selective contact with a bottom of the foot, a wheel assembly configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface in response to rotation of at least a portion of the wheel assembly about an axle that is substantially coincident with an axis of rotation, a frame connected between the shoe and the wheel assembly, the frame being configured to selectively transfer forces between the shoe and the wheel assembly and the frame comprising a clearance plane vertically offset from the ground surface, and a rod extending through the shoe, the rod being located vertically between the foot interface and the clearance plane.

Abstract: A roller skate having enhanced durability and stability is disclosed. Furthermore, the roller skate is particularly adapted for affixing to a person's footwear, such as sneakers, boots or the like. The skate includes a platform for supporting a skater's foot. The platform includes a toe plate and heel plate connected by an adjustable connecting assembly. A front truck is affixed to the underside of the toe plate, while a rear truck is affixed to the underside of the heel plate. The front truck includes simple bracket arms for affixing a single front wheel which is capable of rotating, but not capable of tilting about the platform's longitudinal axis. Meanwhile, the rear wheel truck is mounted to the underside of the heel plate so as to permit both tilting movement about an inclined longitudinal axis, and also rotation about a transverse axis relative to the roller skate's platform. Preferably, the roller skate includes three wheels rotatably mounted to the rear wheel truck.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for adjusting a forward pitch of an ice skate includes a shim. The shim has a top surface configured to contact a heel portion of a boot and a bottom surface configured to contact a heel plate of a blade holder. The thickness of the shim creates a distance between the heel portion of the boot and the heel plate of the blade holder. The shim thickness increases the steepness of the forward pitch of the ice skate boot. As an example the shim thickness may be between 5 mm and 20 mm. As another example, the shim may include a material such as styrene. As yet another example, the shim has an outer border that substantially matches the outer border of the heel plate.

Abstract: An exoskeleton (E) for connecting footwear to sporting equipment. The exoskeleton has an underfoot base (7), an ankle cuff (3) connected to a heel portion of the underfoot base, a first restraining brace (2a) having an anterior end connected to the medial side of a forefoot portion of the underfoot base (7), and extending rearwardly and diagonally at least to the lateral side of the ankle cuff, and a second restraining brace (2b) having an anterior end connected to the lateral side of the forefoot portion of the underfoot base (7), and extending rearwardly and diagonally at least to the medial side of the ankle cuff. The first and second restraining braces (2a, 2b) are configured such that when an item of footwear is enclosed by the exoskeleton (E), the restraining braces extend over and support a portion of the item of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a snowboard binding, including a mount, rear plate, top plate assembly base, rotary top pressboard, trigger support and coupling plate. The coupling plate, the mating frame of the rotary top pressboard, the mating ends of the trigger support and the top plate assembly base are coupled together to form a four-bar mechanism. The pressing state of the rotary top pressboard can be positioned directly by the perpendicular trigger support, and the rotary top pressboard can realize an expanded opening state over 90°. Thus, the snowboard boot can be slipped directly into the snowboard binding, enabling more convenient locating and release of the snowboard binding with better efficiency and applicability.

Abstract: A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation includes a shoe configured to at least partially accept a foot of a user of the wearable device, the shoe comprising a foot interface surface configured for selective contact with a bottom of the foot, a wheel assembly configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface in response to rotation of at least a portion of the wheel assembly about an axle that is substantially coincident with an axis of rotation, and a frame connected between the shoe and the wheel assembly, the frame being configured to selectively transfer forces between the shoe and the wheel assembly and the frame comprising a clearance plane vertically offset from the ground surface.

Abstract: A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation, the wearable device including a shoe configured to at least partially accept a foot of a user of the wearable device, the shoe comprising a foot interface surface configured for selective contact with a bottom of the foot, a wheel assembly configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface in response to rotation of at least a portion of the wheel assembly about an axle that is substantially coincident with an axis of rotation, a frame connected between the shoe and the wheel assembly, the frame being configured to selectively transfer forces between the shoe and the wheel assembly and the frame comprising a clearance plane vertically offset from the ground surface, and an attachment system for selective attachment of the shoe to the frame.

Abstract: A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation, the wearable device including a shoe, a plurality of wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly being configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface about an associated axis of rotation, and a frame connected between the wheel assemblies, the frame comprising a trunk and a plurality of branches extending from the trunk, each of the branches being configured for connection to at least one of the plurality of wheel assemblies, wherein at least a portion of the shoe is located vertically higher than at least a portion of the frame when at least one of the wheel assemblies is in contact with the ground surface and the at least one of the wheel assemblies is positioned to selectively roll relative to the ground surface.

Abstract: A system for attaching a shoe to a skateboard is described. An interlocking structure attached to the shoe substantially prevents vertical and/or lateral movement of the shoe in relation the skateboard when the interlocking structure is pressed against another interlocking structure. The interlocking structures may register in a plurality of vertical and/or lateral positions. One or both of the interlocking structures may comprise a plurality of protrusions of a pointed or rounded shape.

Abstract: A skate assembly includes a boot having an upper portion and a sole portion, a frame that supports ground engagement members such as wheels or an ice skate blade, and external mounting blocks. A plurality of attachment members such as nut plates are embedded in a toe end of the sole portion and a second plurality of attachment members embedded in a heel end of the sole portion. The external mounting blocks are removably attachable to the sole through the embedded attachment members. The frame attaches to the boot through the external mounting blocks. The boot is attachable to different frames having different mount configurations by adjusting or interchanging the external mounting blocks.

Abstract: A snowboard board member is provided with inwardly tapered side walls such that a flat bottom surface of the board member is significantly narrower than the corresponding top surface of the board member. The side walls may be linear or curved. Also provided is a releasable foot strap for attachment to the top surface of the board member using strap mounts affixed to the board member. The foot strap may be adjustable in size, position, and orientation.

Abstract: A skate frame (1) comprises a lower frame portion (2) comprising gliding means (20) for running on a gliding surface and an upper frame portion (3) comprising one or more support surfaces (31a, 31b) for supporting the user's boot. Both the frame portions comprise protruding arms (311, 312, 313, 314, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216) that are mechanically coupled. The mutual interlock between the coupling surfaces of said protruding arms prevent relative movements between the frame portions along predefined directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roller skate frame. The roller skate frame includes a plate being pressing molded into a main frame of the roller skate comprising two wheel-mounting plates corresponding to each other, and a front bottom connecting face and a shoe-mounting plate connecting thereto. The front bottom connecting face and the shoe-mounting plate are spaced apart with a suitable distance. Further, the front bottom connecting plate is formed by an upper and a lower bridging plate corresponding to each other, and both of which are positioned with a fastener hole respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for canting a skier comprising a cant angle plate that locks on to the heel bearing surface of a ski binding. The cant angle plate has portions of varying thickness for inducing a cant angle when the heel of a boot rests on the cant angle plate locked on to the heel bearing surface of the binding. Thus, the cant angle plate alters the cant angle at which a boot supports a skier's foot and lower leg, relative to the longitudinal running surface or bottom plane of an attached ski.

Abstract: A device for laterally retaining a boot on a snowshoe (1), comprises a retaining plate (3) with a plane of general symmetry (P), on which are mounted front retaining means (4) made up of an assembly of retaining walls (4a, 4b) forming an enclosure in which the front and/or rear end of the boot is to be engaged. The device includes an adjustment structure for adjusting the distance between the two lateral retaining walls (4a, 4b), that is between a left wall (4a) and a right wall (4b).

Abstract: An assembly for affixing footwear to a gliding board, such as fixing a boot to a cross-country ski, such assembly including a retention device, or binding, an interface to be positioned between the retention device and the gliding board, the interface having a receiving surface for receiving the retention device and the retention device having a support surface to be supported on the interface, the receiving surface of the interface and the support surface of the retention device being mechanically non-compatible. The assembly further includes an adapter to couple the interface to the retention device, the adapter having a support surface mechanically compatible with the receiving surface of the interface, as well as a receiving surface mechanically compatible with the support surface of the retention device, the support and receiving surfaces of the adapter being opposite with respect to one another.

Abstract: A goalie skate having a skate boot comprising a thermoformed outer shell with a sole and an ankle portion for receiving the ankle of the foot, the ankle portion comprising medial and lateral sides for facing the medial and lateral malleoli respectively, the medial side comprising an upper edge that is a first distance away from the sole and the lateral side comprising an upper edge that is a second distance away from the sole, the first distance being greater than the second distance. By having a goalie skate boot that has the lateral upper edge located below the medial upper edge, the lateral outward flexion of the foot is eased when the goalie skate is in an angled position. The invention also relates to a goalie skate with a skate boot comprising an outer shell that is thermoformed such that it comprises an integrated toe portion, thereby eliminating the traditional toe cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a size-adjusting fastening mechanism for stakes comprising fixed locking grooves and a movable locking convex block, whereby when one of the grooves engages with the convex block, tooth position is loosened and toecap is telescopic upon pulling. When the groove and the convex block are rotated to deflect so as not to engage with each other, tooth position is pressed to lock so as to be irremovable. Such a structure requires that the pull handle be pulled horizontally forwards and backwards. Being secured with rivet punching, the claimed device possesses good stability, is simple in structure, low in cost and easy for operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ski or a snowboard in the form of a board-like sliding device (1), comprising a multi-layered sliding board body and at least one board-like force-transmitting element (13) supported on the top side (7) of the sliding board body, the upper side of which force-transmitting element is provided for supporting a binding device (3) for a potentially releasable connection with a sports shoe. In at least one of the two lateral upper edge sections (21, 22) of the sliding board body running in the longitudinal direction of the sliding board body at least one interlocking coupling means (17, 18) is formed. Said at least one interlocking coupling means (17, 18) is formed by at least one physically independent strip or profile-like coupling element (19, 20), which is arranged between the board-like force-transmitting element (13) and the sliding board body and is provided for forming an interlocking connection between the board-like force-transmitting element (13) and the sliding board body.

Abstract: A footwear includes a main shoe body provided with a recess on a bottom thereof; an upper body fixed to the recess and having a plurality of magnets arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction; a lower body having a plurality of magnets arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction, and connected with the upper body to be rotatable relative to the upper body; and rollers mounted to the lower body. The magnets of the upper body and the lower body are arranged so as to return the rollers always to a regular position by magnetism acting between the magnets of the upper body and the magnets of the lower body.

Abstract: Gliding board equipment systems and individual components are disclosed herein. A gliding board equipment system of one embodiment includes a gliding board, a boot having an upper cuff and a lower boot, and a binding selectively attaching the boot to the gliding board. The upper cuff of the boot defines opposed slots, and a respective pin passes through each slot to couple the upper cuff to the lower boot and allow the upper cuff to move laterally relative to the lower boot.

Abstract: A skate assembly has a boot having a substantially completely open base with a sole plate of more rigid material than the boot secured over the open base. The base has an opening extending along at least substantially the entire length of the boot from the heel to the toe, with side rims extending along opposite sides of the base opening. The sole plate may be releasably or permanently secured to the boot.

Abstract: The invention describes a binding mechanism (1) for providing a pivotably moving connection of a sports shoe (2) to a board-type gliding device (3), in particular to a ski (4). The binding mechanism (1) comprises a first or front retaining element (5) for retaining the front toe-end portion of a sports shoe (2), a second or rear retaining element (6) for retaining the rear heel-end portion of a sports shoe (2) and an elongate connecting element (9) of variable shape between the first and the second retaining element (5, 6). This connecting element (9) extends underneath the sole (10) of a sports shoe (2) inserted in the binding mechanism (1).

Abstract: An ice skate chassis is configured so that a user can adjust the pitch of the skate chassis between a plurality of discrete pitch positions. The pitch is adjusted by locking the ice blade at a desired angle relative to a bladeholder of the chassis. The blade can be positively locked at a plurality of discrete, repeatable angle positions so that the angle will not slip or creep during skating.

Abstract: A springloaded snowblade unit with complimentary binding complexes consisting of a snowblade with a skiboot support plate affixed thereto with spring components affixed to the snowblade and support plate with a clearance therebetween and with the binding complexes both anterior and posterior being made up of square u-bolts and binding plates with means for tightening the u-bolts and binding plates together fast to the toe and heel portions of a skiboot with the u-bolts being held by clips located between the snowblade and support plate when the clips are held by screws inserted through holes in the support plate.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an apparatus and method for removably securing an article of footwear suitable for walking, running, or bicycling to a wheeled skate. Further, the present invention also teaches a brake device for use with a wheeled skate. In addition, the present invention teaches a wheeled skate including a suspension system that can be propelled with the use of linear or side stroke skating techniques. Moreover, the present invention teaches a quad wheeled skate having advantageous structure and function for recreational skating and aerobic exercise.

Abstract: A pair of wheeled skate-skis comprising a chassis with two upwardly projecting forked ends, a flexible foot strap attached to a front side of the chassis, a front buckle slide fastened to an opposite front side of the chassis, two buckle slides, an adjustable binding, a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly. To secure a shoe in position, the flexible foot strap is wound around the shoe and through the front and rear buckle slides and folded back to be fixed to itself by a hook-and-loop fastener. The upwardly projecting forked ends of the chassis have a plurality of axle-receiving holes for mounting wheels of various sizes and types. The chassis can be made by injection molding or compression molding or by cutting a section of fiberglass I-beam.