Abstract: A sports boot adapted to be associated to a glide board for snowboarding, via a detachable binding device that includes a rear support spoiler that is relatively rigid. The boot includes an external sole overhung with a shell base that extends towards the lower part of the user's leg via a relatively flexible upper that is capable of cooperating with the rear support spoiler which is relatively rigid, and affixed to the board, during a rear edge setting, wherein the upper includes an arrangement for distributing the pressure exerted on the lower part of the user's leg when the upper takes support on the spoiler, such arrangement including a relatively rigid plate attached to a more flexible rear zone of upper and insulated from all the rigid parts of the boot in order to maintain the flexibility of the upper.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive apparatus for example for driving the header of a combine harvester includes a pump, at least one motor driven by the pump, a reservoir in which the hydraulic fluid is cooled and degasified and a hydraulic circuit connecting the elements. The pump is driven by a shaft of the combine which can be reversed for short periods of time for discharging blockages. The hydraulic circuit is arranged with check valves so that when operating in the normal forward condition it operates in open circuit arrangement including the reservoir. When operating in the reverse condition, the reservoir is bypassed and the fluid is directed in closed circuit condition from the pump through the motor and back to the pump. This allows the drive apparatus to accommodate the necessary reverse condition for short periods of time using a simple hydraulic circuitry rather than the conventional mechanical drive arrangements.

Abstract: A supporting device, particularly for sports shoes, which is constituted by a plurality of elements that are axially and elastically connected to each other. The elements are associated longitudinally with respect to the rear region of the shoe and have a curved shape at their mutual joining region. This device allows to control the articulation of the ankle, and particularly to control the longitudinal and lateral flexibility of the shoe.

Abstract: Ski boot made of plastic material constituted by a shell (1) surrounding the foot and the heel and by a collar (2) articulated on the shell and equipped with a rigid reinforcement (4) intended to ensure a good transfer of the movements of the leg to the ski. This reinforcement is fixed to the collar. It is asymmetrical and extends along the back of the collar, mainly on the inner side of the boot in its upper part (43).

Abstract: A boot for recreational exercise which is equipped with a pneumatic ball spring. The ball is configured as a first semi-ovoid segment and a second smaller semi-ovoid segment which intersect at a minimum dimension. This minimum dimension receives an inwardly directed ledge which is captured by the fully inflated ball to secure the ball to its retainer. The retainer is in turn, secured to the bottom of the boot platform by adjustable dovetail members to permit the ball to be adjusted under the center of gravity of the wearer. The platform has a clamshell attaching member which secures a portion of the boot's weight to the calf of the wearer. The clamshell mechanism limits rotation about the ankle to .+-.15.degree. and restricts rotation of the foot about the axis of the leg and foot to reduce the potential of injury to the wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wader for use in fishing and other activities having a body portion covering the lower body (including the legs, feet, hips, and waist of the wearer), and a chest portion normally folded inside the body portion but extendable upward about the chest, but not the shoulders of the wearer. The chest portion is preferably held about the chest by a drawstring, such as an elastic drawstring, and is advantageously biased into the lowered position inside the body portion by mans of a seam joining the two portions.

Abstract: A firefighter's boot of this invention is of a configuration and has dimensions which provide a boot which is significantly lighter in weight than a conventional boot of a firefighter which is constructed of the same material. Thus, stress upon a firefighter is significantly less than when a conventional boot is worn by the firefighter. A firefighter's boot of this invention is adapted to be worn in conjunction with firefighter's trousers which cover the legs of the firefighter. A firefighter's boot of this invention is relatively short in height and has a dimension to provide protection which, under certain conditions, may not be provided by the trousers. The firefighter's boots and trousers are adapted to be stored as a unit. The firefighter's boot of this invention is of sufficient height to extend above firefighter's trousers which are compressed around the boots for storing the boots and trousers as a unit.

Abstract: A method for making a thermoplastic-rubber wader having a rubber footwear bottom and a thermoplastic upper, the method including the steps of treating an upper circumferential portion of the bottom, applying thermoplastic adhesive to the treated portion, applying a thermoplastic strip to the adhesive coating, applying a thermoplastic band to the upper to provide an interfacing annular seating surface with the thermoplastic strip, heat sealing the strip and band to provide a fluid tight unitary bond between the bottom and the upper and the wader formed by the above method.

Abstract: A shoe such as a running shoe is disclosed which fits comfortably on the foot of the wearer during most times and which includes a sensor such as a bar movably attached to the shoe for increasing the tightness of the fit when the foot is moved relative to the lower leg in a plurality of directions from a normal position to positions relative in which greater forces are expected to be exerted by the user. Typically, the increase in forces is achieved by placing a movable insert in the shoe which is connected with the sensor via a cable. In a simplified form, the sensor is constructed so as to tighten a portion of the shoe against the foot to increase tightness of the fit.

Abstract: A boot is provided having an extension leg constituting a waterproof, permanent extension of the leg of the boot and being made of a thin and easily rollable material. At the upper, free end opening of the extension leg there is slidably arranged a flexible element extending along the opening periphery of the extension leg. When rolling down the extension leg the flexible element facilitates uniform rolling down towards the boot leg and simultaneous adaption to the upper opening diameter of the leg of the boot.