Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for efficiently and rapidly cleaning the bottom of a shoe. The system includes a base having a plurality of alternating, complementary shaped cleansing portions separated by grooves. The configuration of the cleansing portions provides for a sturdy and efficient device for cleaning the bottom of a shoe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting an object to be printed in an additive manufacturing process are disclosed. Support structures (202, 302, 402, 502, 602) are prefabricated and positioned in the build area of a 3D printing device prior to printing the 3D object. When the object has been printed, the support is removed and can be reused to print another object by repositioning the support structure in the building area of the additive manufacturing device.

Abstract: A boot form for a hockey skate is made of multiple plastic materials having different hardness properties, or different flexural moduli, and is formed via an injection-molding process or another similar process. One or more of the plastic materials may be reinforced with fibers of glass, carbon, aramid, or another stiffening material to strengthen one or more regions of the boot form. For example, pellets of a first plastic material having a flexural modulus of approximately 190 MPa (e.g., a polyamide elastomer block amide) may be injected into a mold to form a softer upper region of the boot form. And pellets of a second plastic having a flexural modulus of approximately 20,000 MPa (e.g., a Nylon 12 with long glass fibers) may be injected into the mold to form a stiffer lower region of the boot form. Additional skate components may then be attached to the boot form.

Abstract: A skate boot comprising an outer shell including medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot. Each of the medial and lateral side portions has an upper edge. The skate boot also comprises a lace member mounted to either of the upper edges of the medial and lateral side portions. The lace member has at least one opening for receiving an insert. The lace member has a first flexion mode when no insert is received in the at least one opening and a second flexion mode when the insert is received in the at least one opening. The second flexion mode is different from the first flexion mode.

Abstract: A boot form for a hockey skate is made of multiple plastic materials having different hardness properties, or different flexural moduli, and is formed via an injection-molding process or another similar process. One or more of the plastic materials may be reinforced with fibers of glass, carbon, aramid, or another stiffening material to strengthen one or more regions of the boot form. For example, pellets of a first plastic material having a flexural modulus of approximately 190 MPa (e.g., a polyamide elastomer block amide) may be injected into a mold to form a softer upper region of the boot form. And pellets of a second plastic having a flexural modulus of approximately 20,000 MPa (e.g., a Nylon 12 with long glass fibers) may be injected into the mold to form a stiffer lower region of the boot form. Additional skate components may then be attached to the boot form.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an intermediate covering portion with an adjustable volume. The intermediate covering portion is closed around the instep of the foot. The article also includes a tensioning system that can be used to change the volume of the intermediate covering portion. The tensioning system includes a tension balancing member to balance loads across different portions of the intermediate covering portion.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system can be used to fuse different layers of material together for forming an article of footwear. The system includes a base portion, an intermediate member and an upper member. The intermediate member includes a flexible membrane. The intermediate member can be sealed with the base portion and a vacuum can be provided to pull the flexible membrane over layers of material placed on the base portion. The upper member can be sealed against the intermediate member so that external pressure can be applied to the flexible membrane. The intermediate member and the upper member can be moved independently.

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 water-vapor permeable shoe-sole combination (15) with an upper side (5) having at least on through hole (31) extending through the thickness of the shoe-sole combination, a barrier unit (35) with an upper side forming at least part of the upper side (50) of the shoe-sole combination, made of a water-vapor permeable barrier material (33) that forms a barrier against penetration of foreign bodies, by means of which the at least one through hole (31) is closed in a water-vapor permeable manner, a reinforcement device (25) formed for mechanical reinforcement of the shoe-sole combination (105), constructed with at least one reinforcement web (37) arranged on at least one surface of the barrier material (33) and at least partially crossing the at least one through hole (31), and at least one walking-sole part (117) arranged beneath the barrier unit (35).

Abstract: A method of making a skate boot upper, including integrally molding a boot portion from a first material, the boot portion including at least an instep portion and at least part of a tendon guard, manufacturing two quarters of a second material more rigid than the first material, and assembling the upper by attaching edges of the quarters to the boot portion with the quarter overlapping the boot portion only along said edges. Also, a method of making a skate boot upper, including manufacturing a boot portion from a first material, the boot portion including at least an instep portion and at least part of a tendon guard, manufacturing two quarters of a second material more rigid than the first material, and assembling the upper by attaching edges of the quarters to the boot portion through stitching, adhesive or lamination.

Abstract: A method of making a skate boot including manufacturing a rear element including a tendon guard for covering at least a rear portion of the ankle received within the boot, and forming a direct connection at a fixed position between contacting portions of the rear element and of a remainder of the skate boot separately from the quarters, the direct connection being formed such that the rear element is an external element of the boot and such that an upper portion of the rear element is displaceable relative to the quarters in a forward and rearward direction, the upper portion of the rear element being displaceable through flexing of the rear element about the connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis shaft for receiving an amputation stump of an extremity, comprising connecting means for a distal prosthesis device (2), wherein the prosthesis shaft (1) comprises at least one shell (11, 12), which has an arched, open cross-section and the shell ends of which in the applied state overlap each other at least partially, at least one tensioning means (14, 15) being disposed on the shell (11, 12), said means acting in the circumferential direction and tensioning the shell ends relative to each other, and the shell (11, 12) being made of a dimensionally stable plastic having regions with varying elasticity.

Abstract: A double-edged skate blade assembly for an ice skate comprising a double-edged blade and a pair of blade supports, each of which is individually replaceable. The assembly includes mechanisms to mate the blade supports about the blade, to connect the blade supports to each other, to interlock the blade and support assembly into a blade holder on the skate and to fasten the blade assembly to the blade holder. The entire blade assembly is easily removable, reversible and replaceable in a skate with little or no requirement for tools. The invention also comprises a holder to securely support the skate blade assembly on the boot of the ice skate.

Abstract: A skate boot having an outer shell and an inner liner made of a first material. An outer surface of the inner liner is mounted to an inner surface of the outer shell, an inner surface of the inner liner being adapted to contact the player's foot or a sock covering the player's foot. An ankle portion of the inner liner has a medial upper inner region and a lateral upper inner region, and an overlay at least partially covers one of the medial and lateral upper inner regions of the ankle portion of the inner liner. The overlay is made of a second material having more abrasion resistance than the first material of the inner liner.

Abstract: A water-vapor permeable shoe-sole combination (15) with an upper side (5) having at least on through hole (31) extending through the thickness of the shoe-sole combination, a barrier unit (35) with an upper side forming at least part of the upper side (50) of the shoe-sole combination, made of a water-vapor permeable barrier material (33) that forms a barrier against penetration of foreign bodies, by means of which the at least one through hole (31) is closed in a water-vapor permeable manner, a reinforcement device (25) formed for mechanical reinforcement of the shoe-sole combination (105), constructed with at least one reinforcement web (37) arranged on at least one surface of the barrier material (33) and at least partially crossing the at least one through hole (31), and at least one walking-sole part (117) arranged beneath the barrier unit (35).

Abstract: A tongue for a skate boot and a skate boot having a tongue comprising at least one exposed structural molded foam body, and a plurality of apertures and/or grooves defined therein along a longitudinal axis. The tongue can also be releasably connected to the skate boot to allow a skate owner to change the tongue for another tongue more adapted to the skate owner's specific needs in different circumstances.

Abstract: A skate boot comprising an outer shell and an inner liner made of a first material and comprising an outer surface mounted to the inner surface of the outer shell, an inner surface adapted to contact the player's foot or a sock covering the player's foot, an ankle portion comprising a medial upper inner region and a lateral upper inner region, and an overlay at least partially covering one of the medial and lateral upper inner regions of the ankle portion of the inner liner, the overlay being made of a second material having more abrasion resistance than the first material of the inner liner.

Abstract: A shoe sole, a shoe and a method for producing a shoe sole, which has at least one cleat that is designed to make contact with the ground on the underside of the sole facing towards the ground when used as intended. In order to improve the traction of the shoe fitted with such a shoe sole the cleat has a base body that is fixed to the underside of the sole, wherein an arcuate recess having a longitudinal direction of arc is arranged in the base body which has two openings on a surface facing the ground of the base body. An insert having a shape congruent to the arcuate recess is arranged in the recess. The insert is arranged such as to be movable in the base body in the longitudinal direction of arc of the arcuate recess.

Abstract: A sport footwear, such as a ski boot, or similar sport footwear, includes at least a rigid shell (20), which has a front aperture (26), a front toe-box (24), and a front end portion (22) between the front aperture (26) and the toe-box (24) along a longitudinal axis (X) of development of the shell (20). The sport footwear (10) has a weakening notch (27) made through the front end portion (22) of the shell (20) and configured to allow a volumetric variation of the shell (20) at least in correspondence to the front end portion (22).

Abstract: A sport footwear includes at least an upper part configured to act as an upper cuff and a lower part acting as a lower shell. The upper part has a pair of opposite and distanced lateral edges. At least one terminal closing mechanism is provided on the lateral edges and at least one other closing mechanism, positioned adjacent to the terminal closing mechanism, which extend frontally astride the lateral edges. The sport footwear includes a single command mechanism configured to drive both of the closing mechanisms at the same time. The command mechanism includes at least one main lever pivoted on a first of the lateral edges. Moreover, the closing mechanisms are each provided with a respective drive end connected to the main lever, near the first of the lateral edges, and with an opposite anchoring end connected to a second of the lateral edges.

Abstract: A sports boot including an upper extending above the ankle joint and at least one rigid collar extending around the wearer's lower leg, the boot including a device for adjusting the volume of the collar to better accommodate the shape of the user's calf. The adjustment device includes a wedge, or collar extension, positioned inside the collar, the wedge being fixed to the collar by means of at least one pivot and by means of a fastening mechanism enabling the relative displacement of the wedge with respect to the collar as well as a deformation of the wedge. The fastening mechanism includes a plate equipped with a cylindrical body having an axis A1 and received in a first circular opening provided in the collar and a rivet received in a second circular opening provided in the wedge and received in a third circular opening having an axis A2 provided in the body, the axis A2 and the axis A1 being non-coaxial.

Abstract: A skate boot comprising an outer shell including medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot. Each of the medial and lateral side portions has an upper edge. The skate boot also comprises a lace member mounted to either of the upper edges of the medial and lateral side portions. The lace member has at least one opening for receiving an insert. The lace member has a first flexion mode when no insert is received in the at least one opening and a second flexion mode when the insert is received in the at least one opening. The second flexion mode is different from the first flexion mode.

Abstract: A skate boot having an outer shell and a toe cap. The outer shell has medial and lateral side portions having front medial and lateral end portions. The toe cap has rear medial and lateral extensions defining medial and lateral hollow spaces. The front medial and lateral side end portions of the outer shell are at least partially received in the medial and lateral hollow spaces of the toe cap for affixing the toe cap to the outer shell.

Abstract: a skate boot for receiving a wearer's foot comprising: a monocoque skate boot body comprising a heel portion; a toe box portion; a sole portion; an ankle portion; a lower Achilles tendon portion located directly above the heel portion; an upper Achilles tendon portion for receiving a tendon guard; an eyelet cuff portion, the eyelet cuff portion houses the eyelet holes, through which eyelets are installed, through which a lace is utilized to tighten the skate boot to the wearer's foot. Also included, a liner portion, integrated into the monocoque skate boot body, comprised of foam for cushioning the wearer's foot, bonded to a material layer for providing comfort against the wearer's skin, an outer shell bonded and stitched to the outer surface of the monocoque skate boot body, a tendon guard secured to the upper Achilles tendon portion with freedom to adjust the position, and a tongue attached to the toe box portion with freedom to adjust the position.

Abstract: A hockey skate includes a composite boot form having a rigid lower portion and a less rigid upper portion. The upper portion may be made of a thermoformable material that conforms to the shape of a wearer's foot and ankle. The construction of the boot form—particularly the lower portion of the boot form—may be varied across different size ranges by, for example, varying the fiber angles in the composite material. Varying the stiffness of the lower portion of the boot form in this manner allows the flexibility of different sized boots to be substantially equalized. A skate quarter and other skate-boot features may readily be attached to the upper portion of the boot form via stitching, rivets, or other connectors. The boot form also may include an integral toe cap having a flange or other element to which the skate tongue and other elements may be connected.

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: The invention provides a ski boot (12) which comprises an opening (18a, 18b) in each of opposing lateral, front boot portions, the openings (18a, 18b) defining an opening axis (Q) along which bearing bolts (32a, 32b) of a ski binding (14) may be introduced into the openings (18a, 18b), in order to hold the ski boot (12) on the ski binding (14) such that it can pivot about the opening axis (Q), at least one of the openings (18a, 18b) comprising at least one inner bearing portion (42) for bearing against an outer circumferential portion (50) of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b), the bearing portion (42) allowing displacement of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b) in the direction of the opening axis (Q) and a pivoting movement of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b) about the opening axis (Q), but substantially preventing displacement or a pivoting movement of the bearing bolt (32a, 32b) in other directions.

Abstract: A toe tap for a tap shoe is characterized by a blunt forward edge which defines a platform for a dance to utilize during dance steps, particularly when the dancer elevates to an elongated pointe position with supported by the tips of the toes. The tap includes a base which has a rear edge extending toward the ball area of the dance shoe and side edges which extend between the front and rear edges. The tap further includes constant perimeter around the side and front portions and a lip extending upwardly from the base at the constant perimeter to enable the dance to execute shuffle and other dance movements with the medial and lateral portions of the foot. A projection further extends from the lip at the front edge. The projection has a flat surface co-planar with the blunt front edge of the base to define a larger platform for supporting the toe tips of the dancer's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a footwear portion including a core including a plurality of plates. A first one of the plurality of plates is hingedly attached, at one or more edges of the first plate, to one or more substantially adjacent other plates in the plurality of plates. Each hinge hingedly attaching an edge of the first plate to another plate joins less than the entire respective hingedly attached edge to a corresponding one of the one or more substantially adjacent other plates and is integrally connected to the first plate.

Abstract: A method of making a skate boot including manufacturing a rear element including a tendon guard for covering at least a rear portion of the ankle received within the boot, and forming a direct connection at a fixed position between contacting portions of the rear element and of a remainder of the skate boot separately from the quarters, the direct connection being formed such that the rear element is an external element of the boot and such that an upper portion of the rear element is displaceable relative to the quarters in a forward and rearward direction, the upper portion of the rear element being displaceable through flexing of the rear element about the connection.

Abstract: A skate assembly includes a shell structure and a removable tendon guard. The shell structure includes a heel portion, a lateral ankle portion, and a medial ankle portion. The heel portion is formed to cover a human heel. The lateral ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The medial ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The lateral ankle portion and the medial ankle portion are spaced apart to form a notch extending toward the heel portion. The removable tendon guard is removably attached between the lateral ankle portion and medial ankle portion to cover the notch.

Abstract: A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a first member that is coupled to the upper and a second member that is moveably coupled to the first member. The first member moves relative to the second member in response to a first input load directed along a first vector, and the first member engages the second member in response to a second input load directed along a second vector.

Abstract: A binding for a vehicle, such as a skate for skating on ice or a ski. The binding has an upper chassis section and a lower chassis section, which are interconnected by means of coupling means. The upper chassis section and the lower chassis section are arranged to be rollable relative to each other in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The binding includes a first and a second contact surface at least one of the first and the second contact surface being curved. Thereby a stepless rolling motion between the upper chassis and the lower chassis is provided for, allowing the chassis to rock both backwards and forwards in relation to each other.

Abstract: A skate assembly includes a shell structure and a removable tendon guard. The shell structure includes a heel portion, a lateral ankle portion, and a medial ankle portion. The heel portion is formed to cover a human heel. The lateral ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The medial ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The lateral ankle portion and the medial ankle portion are spaced apart to form a notch extending toward the heel portion. The removable tendon guard is removably attached between the lateral ankle portion and medial ankle portion to cover the notch.

Abstract: A skate assembly includes a shell structure and a removable tendon guard. The shell structure includes a heel portion, a lateral ankle portion, and a medial ankle portion. The heel portion is formed to cover a human heel. The lateral ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The medial ankle portion is formed to extend beyond the heel portion. The lateral ankle portion and the medial ankle portion are spaced apart to form a notch extending toward the heel portion. The removable tendon guard is removably attached between the lateral ankle portion and medial ankle portion to cover the notch.

Abstract: An athletic shoe includes an upper section and a sole section. The sole section includes a sole and cleats, which are grouped into a heel group, a ball-of-foot group, and an outer edge mid foot-to-toe group. Cleats of the heel group are of a first length. A cleat of the outer edge mid foot-to-toe group is proximal to a heel section and has a length equal to or a first value less than the first length. A cleat of the outer edge mid foot-to-toe group is proximal to a small toe section of the athletic shoe and has a length that is a second value less than the first length, wherein the second value is greater than the first value. A cleat of the ball-of-foot group has a length that is a third value less than the first value, wherein the third value is greater than the second value.

Abstract: A snowboard system and methods are disclosed adapted for board stabilization while a user attaches the snowboard binding and boot from a standing position. The system includes an anchoring stake, a retainer and retractable cord, and an anchoring line, or loop. A safety retainer line from the stake may also be provided.

Abstract: Graphical element laminate for use in forming a skate boot including: a base layer having inner and outer sides; a first thermoplastic layer laminated on the base layer outer side, the first thermoplastic layer having inner and outer sides; a graphical element printed on the inner side of the first thermoplastic layer, at least a portion of the first thermoplastic layer overlying the graphical element being transparent or translucent such that when the laminate forms part of the skate boot, the graphical element is visible through the first thermoplastic layer from an exterior of the skate boot. Optionally, the base layer includes a design element also visible from the exterior of the skate boot. Optionally, a second thermoplastic layer is interposed between the first thermoplastic layer and the base layer. In such cases, the graphical element may be, or may also be, printed on the second thermoplastic layer.

Abstract: A forefoot wedge insert, and methods for forming same, are described for a piece of footwear, such as but not limited to ice skating boots, or a shoe, such as but not limited to exercise, therapeutic, or physiological footwear, for correcting a pronation and/or supination condition wherein the insert permits the subtalar joint of the affected foot to be placed and/or maintained in a neutral position. In this manner, the insert can provide the corrected foot with adequate balance relative to the skate blade during typical ice skating maneuvers. Also described is a skating boot, or shoe, having an adjustable toe cap portion that is selectively operable to be raised up to accommodate the uplifted forefoot portion of the wearer when the forefoot wedge insert is being used.

Abstract: A skate boot with a rear element that includes a tendon guard upwardly extending from an outsole of the boot is disclosed. The rear element covers at least a rear portion of an ankle received within the boot. The rear element has a base in connection with a heel portion of the outsole such that the rear element is displaceable relative a remainder of the boot in a forward and rearward direction about the connection. The rear element is an external element of the boot, and has a desired flexibility allowing the rear element to flex in the forward and rearward direction following a given forward and rearward flexion of the ankle.

Abstract: A skate includes a boot for receiving a wearer's foot and ankle therein, boot having a boot upper fixed to an outsole. The boot upper includes a vamp for covering a front portion of the foot, first and second quarters connected to the vamp for covering sides of the foot, an instep portion connected to the vamp and quarters for at least partly covering a top portion of the foot, and a rear portion connected to the quarters for covering a rear portion of the foot and ankle. At least the instep portion and part of the rear portion are made of a first material, and the first and second quarters are made of a different, second material. The second material is more rigid than the first material.

Abstract: A boot includes an upper formed of articulating panels that permit portions of the boot to move in substantial independence from one another in response to loads experienced by the boot. The boot generally comprises a sports boot that is positioned around a wearer's foot for coupling to an external appliance, such as a snowboard, wakeboard, skating appliance (such as a blade or wheels), or any other appliance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aesthetic and functional skating boot for roller skates, ice skates or inline skates having a lace-less cowboy boot outward appearance. From the exterior, the skate boot resembles a slip-on cowboy boot, comprising a continuous vamp region connecting to a quarter region that provides stability for the user's ankles or alternatively shrouds an internal lacing structure. A skate wheel or blade frame is affixed to the boot outsole and heel lift, connecting to at least two regions of the boot for support of the frame. Interior ankle support within the boot quarter comprises either increased ankle padding or alternatively an internal tongue and lacing structure, similar to a standard pair of laceable skates. Further disclosed is a rear brake or wheelie bar mounted to the boot in the style of a boot spur. The boot provides a fashionable exterior with adequate ankle support, preserving their functional performance.

Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a boot, including an outer sole assembly and an upper, the boot extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise from the outer sole assembly to an upper end of the upper, the upper including a lateral quarter and a medial quarter, the boot including a first tightening device, which itself includes a linkage and a quick-locking device, the boot including a cover flap. The flap demarcates a storage space capable of receiving the quick-locking device.

Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a boot, including an outer sole assembly and an upper, the boot extending lengthwise from a heel to a tip, widthwise between a lateral portion and a medial portion, and heightwise from the outer sole assembly to an upper end, the boot having an opening for inserting the foot, and including a reinforcement which is integral with the upper and is more rigid than the remainder of the upper, at least in the region of the instep, the reinforcement including a lateral and/or a medial edge extending over a reduced length of the boot at least plumb with the instep, the boot including a transverse linkage provided to tighten the instep zone, the linkage extending from the lateral portion to the medial portion. The linkage includes a first subdivision extending in the longitudinal direction of the boot, over a distance between 25% and 70% of the length thereof.

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: The invention relates to a sports shoe (1) with an outer shell (2) made of injection moulded plastic, in particular a ski shoe with at least one tightening means (12) arranged in the upper end section of the shoe collar (5) running ring-like around the upper end section of the shoe collar (5), and with at least one adjusting means (13) for tightening or limiting the width of the entry opening into the sports shoe (1) as necessary. For this a first and a further tightening element (15, 16) are arranged above one another in vertical direction within a section of the length of the tightening means (12), where the tightening elements (15, 16) run essentially parallel to one another. The first tightening element (15) is designed to bear against the peripheral sections of the comparatively flexible inner shoe (3) or its tongue (17) and the further tightening element (16) is designed to bear against the upper end section of the shoe collar (5) made of a relatively rigid plastic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking device for a buckle. The device comprises a housing, a lever and an arm. The lever has a first strap engaging end and a locking portion. The lever is connected to the housing for movement relative to the housing. The locking portion is cooperable with the housing to be retained in it. The housing is configured to receive a strap. The arm is resiliently connected to the housing and has a second strap engaging end and a lifting end portion. The lifting end portion is disposed towards the first strap engaging end, such that in a locked position, when the locking portion cooperates with the housing, the second strap engaging end is urged into engagement with the strap. The lifting end portion contacts the first strap engaging end to lift it away from the strap.

Abstract: A protective cover fits over the top of a hockey skate boot. The cover has a vertically-split heel that is contiguous with an open bottom, and includes enough flexibility and tension that the cover can be flexed open diagonally from the split heel to fit over the top of the hockey skate boot, and then released to substantially conform to the instep, sides, ankles, and a portion of the heel in a tensioned fit. The preferred material for the cover is a high grade polycarbonate. The high grade polycarbonate is advantageous over other materials known in the art of covers based on the specific strength, impact resistance and elongation characteristics of high grade polycarbonates. The temperature ranges that the cover may be used in vary significantly and the high grade polycarbonate provides for optimal protection and performance in the wide temperature ranges.