Abstract: A ski boot for ski mountaineering or telemark skiing including a shell of plastic material and a sole. A first longitudinal cut in the shell defines two sides which allow the entry of the foot of the skier. A second cut in the shell, transverse to, and opening into the first cut, is formed in the front section of the shell. The first and second cuts form a longitudinal slot in the shell; stops are located at opposite ends of the slot. In the preferred embodiment, a peg with an enlarged head is slit within the slot to adjust the flexibility of the boot in the longitudinal direction. In the alternative embodiment, a gaiter and a profiled element are located in the area of the first cut and the second cut in the shell. A peg with an enlarged head is slid with aligned slots in the shell, gaiter, and profiled element, to adjust the flexibility of the shell in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a coupling element (16) for a ski boot (10), comprising fastening means (18l, 18r, 20) for fastening the coupling element (16) to a heel region of a ski boot (10) and two contact portions (30l, 30r) arranged either side of a vertical boot center plane (E) extending in the longitudinal direction of the boot, against which contact portions pins (31l, 31r) projecting forwards from an automatic heel mechanism of a ski binding bear in a downhill position of the ski binding and out of which the pins (31l, 31r) slide in the event of fall release of the ski binding (10) once a release force acting on the ski boot has been overcome, the fastening means (18l, 18r, 20) comprising a central fastening point (20), which is arranged between the two contact portions (30l, 30r), the fastening means (18l, 18r) further comprising two outer fastening points (18l, 18r), which are arranged laterally outside the contact portions (30l, 30r) with regard to the boot center plane (E), and the coupling element (16

Abstract: A removable, one-piece sole guard for preventing crevices on a ski boot sole from filling with snow, ice, and debris includes: (a) a head portion including a substantially planar top head surface that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface; (b) a body portion adjacent the head portion, which includes a substantially planar top body surface that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface; (c) at least one pin groove between the head portion and the body portion that opens to the top of the sole guard; (d) two opposite, substantially parallel guard sides; and (e) projections extending down from the bottom surface. A two-pin sole guard for a ski boot with at least two boot sole pins includes a second pin groove that opens to the rear. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A ski boot, designed for ski mountaineering, includes a rigid shell and sole, an inshoe of soft material, and a leg portion pivotally secured to the shell. A lever is located on one side of the leg portion for operating a traction cable located on the other side of the leg portion. The remote end of the traction cable is engaged with, or secured to, a retention element on the leg portion. A spoiler is pivotally mounted at the rear of the shell, and is interposed between the rear of the leg portion and the rear of the inshoe. A lug, or similar coupling element, is formed on the lever. The lever is mounted for pivotal movement in the horizontal direction, between an opened, and closed, configuration or condition. When the lever is in its closed configuration, the lug engages the leg portion and the spoiler, and blocks their pivotal movement, or articulation, relative to the shell.

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: The sports boot (1) comprises a part composed of two injected materials and a decoration (8) arranged between two layers of the boot, a transparent layer covering it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe (1), in particular an alpine ski shoe (2), with an adjusting means (3) for varying the stiffness of the sole system (4) as and when necessary. This adjusting means (3) comprises at least one profiled tension element (19) which remains essentially dimensionally stable when forces act on it and which is connected at its oppositely lying end portions to a front sole platform (10) on the one hand and to a rear sole platform (11) of the sole system (4) on the other hand, its middle portion extending freely between the front and the rear sole platform (10, 11). The tension element (19) is mounted so as to be relatively displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the sole system (4) in order to apply adjustable positioning forces relative to at least one sole platform (10, 11), and an individually adjustable tensing force can be expended between the front and the rear sole platform (10, 11) via the tension element (19).

Abstract: A sports shoe comprising an upper or casing, to cover a tarsal zone and a metatarsal zone of the user's foot, and a tongue associated with the casing, to be bent forward due to the thrust generated by a tibial segment of the user's leg, during sporting activity. The casing, in correspondence with a flex zone thereof, comprises at least a through slit which allows the progressive elastic flexion of the casing due to the effect of the bending forward of the tongue.

Abstract: Sport footwear, in particular ski boot, having passage openings (16, 19) for the wearer's. foot provided frontally in the lower shell (10) and the leg-piece (20). At least the opening (19) in the leg-piece (20) is capable of being closed by two flaps (22, 23), of which at least one is in the form of a pad (23) coupled to the remaining portion (25) of the leg-piece (20) with a clearance fit allowing said pad (23) to freely rotate in view of enabling the wearer's foot to be most smoothly and conveniently introduced in and subsequently extracted from the footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sport shoe (1) with an outer shell (2) made from injection molded plastic, comprising a front foot shell (4) and a shoe cuff (5) adjoining it. At least partially accommodated in the shell (2) is a relatively soft elastic inner shoe (3). In particular, a ski shoe with at least one strap-shaped clamping means (12) disposed at least in a top end portion of the shoe cuff (5) and extending round the top end portion of the shoe cuff (5) is proposed. This strap-shaped clamping means (12) is of a non-stretch design within its entire longitudinal extension and the strap-shaped clamping means (12) is supported on at least one elastically flexible element (15) in the usage or active state, which is disposed between the shoe cuff (5) and the strap-shaped clamping means (12).

Abstract: An easy entry alpine ski boot includes one or more of a ladder strap closure, flap joint, ratcheting buckle and worm gear buckle.

Abstract: A ski boot includes a base shell; a sole; an upper shell that has at least a fastening clip and that is articulated to the base shell with pins provided in the region of the malleoli; an inner boot, wherein the base shell defines a slot having two strips coupled one to the other with a gaiter and is provided with at least one fastening device; a first tongue joined to the base shell in the proximity of a tip thereof, the first tong being manufactured from a material of differentiated rigidities, the portion of the first tongue in the area of the free end having a lower rigidity that the portion joined to the base shell; and a removable second tongue configured to cover the first tongue and having a greater rigidity than the first tongue.

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: A series of ski boots comprising at least two ski boots whose rigid outer shell (2) is identical, and in which at least one of the boots of the series of boots has a rigid shell (2) comprising an internally inserted slipper (20; 20?), the slipper (20; 20?) comprising a bootboard (25; 25?) and side walls (21; 21?), so that the at least two ski boots comprising an identical rigid outer shell (2) are of different sizes.

Abstract: A snowboard boot having two handles which each handle controlling pressure within two tightening zones is disclosed. One handle may be pitched to adjust pressure within upper and lower shin portion tightening zones. A second handle may be pitched to adjust pressure within upper and lower foot portion tightening zones. Once the appropriate amount of pressure is applied to the various tightening zones, locks may be engaged to set the pressures. The pressures are isolated from each other such that the various different pressures within the various different tightening zones do not equalize but remain constant during the snowboarding session. Additionally, the handles may be stored on a tongue of the snowboard boot or a back portion of the snowboard boot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports shoe with an outer shell of injection moulded plastic, comprising a front foot shell for accommodating the front foot and an adjoining shoe cuff for stabilising the lower leg portion of a user, and with a relatively flexible inner shoe at least partially accommodated in the shell. Disposed in the outer shell is at least one elastically flexible portion which is provided as a means of reducing pressure points from the inner shoe on a user's foot when subjected to compression stress. The elastically flexible portion is provided in the form of at least one membrane element which is designed to vary the volume or width which the shell can accommodate as a function of compression stress due to its slackness or ability to deflect relative to the surrounding part-portions of the shell.

Abstract: A construction for a ski binding and a ski boot for coupling a ski boot (1)—at its front section to a ski (2), and allowing the lifting of the heel section of the ski boot from the ski. The ski binding has a coupling mechanism (4) for coupling the ski boot to the binding, and the ski boot has a transverse rotation axis (5) coupled to the sole of the boot and positioned perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the sole, which rotation axis can be used for coupling the ski boot, with a locking mechanism, to an axial locking (6) provided on the ski, the sole of the ski boot including a toe section (7), a ball section (8), an arched section (9) and a heel section (10). The rotation axis is coupled to the sole of the boot such that the toe section is positioned in front of the rotation axis.

Abstract: A footwear (e.g., bike shoe, snow ski boot, snowboard boot, wakeboard boot, water ski boot, work boot) is described herein that incorporates correlated magnets which enable a person who has their foot placed within the footwear to attach or remove the footwear to or from a corresponding device (e.g., bike pedal, snow ski, snowboard, wakeboard, water ski, or work platform) which also incorporates correlated magnets.

Abstract: An article of footwear for use in sporting activities such as snowboarding is disclosed. The article of footwear can include a flex notch and a coupled lace loop design. The article can further include an internal harness to enhance stability of the foot. The article can also include a threading layer configured to strengthen the upper and a corresponding connecting layer to bond the threading layer to the upper and to provide protection to other areas of the upper.

Abstract: Ski-touring boot comprising a shell, a toe provided with a hole on each side for engagement with a corresponding pin of ski bindings and a sole, comprising means for guiding and actuating said pins comprising a frusto-pyramidal seat, the larger base of which forms the bottom part open below the sole and the sides of which extending in the transverse direction (Y-Y) are inclined towards the inside of the seat so as to form elements for guiding the pin in the vertical direction and the surface of which situated inside the boot is inclined upwards and outwards so as to form the element for performing opening in the transverse direction (Y-Y) of the said pins.

Abstract: A shoe contains an adjustable space for the foot and several fluidically connected chambers. In order to adjust the space for the foot, the flowability of a magnetorheological fluid can be influenced by one or more devices that generate a magnetic field and thereby adjust the space for the foot resulting in a better fitting of the shoe. The novel system may also be implemented in orthoses (e.g., pronation correction) or in complete shoes with orthotics devices for correcting musculoskeletal abnormalities.

Abstract: A method for producing a shoe that can be adapted to the foot of a wearer, is made of hard, thermoplastic synthetic material and is worn for sports, includes heating a prefabricated shoe at least in sections and adapting the shoe by applying pressure from the outside and by shaping the heated area. The shoe is then cooled, a correction strip, which is made of a hard material and is taken from the foot, is introduced in to the prefabricated shoe and the heated shoe is pressed onto the correction strip by applying pressure. A strip correction and a shoe are also provided.

Abstract: Ski boots of different sizes, adapted for being used with skis provided with mounted bindings having front and rear jaws. The ski boots are embodied in at least two types (1, 1?, 1?) which differ from each other by sole length (a, b, c). Each of the ski boot types comprises at least two ski boot (outer shell) sizes having the same sole length. Each ski boot size is suitable for receiving inner boots in at least one inner boot size (foot size), and advantageously inner boots (3a to 3d, 3?a to 3?d, 3?a to 3?d) in at least two boot sizes (2a-2b, 2?a-2?-b, 2?a-2?b). Skis (6, 6?, 6?) may be provided with fixed jaws (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b) mounted in such a way that they correspond to the sole lengths (a, b, c) of the different types of boots (1, 1?, 1?).

Abstract: A ski-boot comprising an outer rigid shell, to receive the user's foot, and a rigid bootleg, shaped to wrap round the user's ankle, is hinged on the top part of the shell in order to be able to swing about a first reference axis that locally substantially coincides with the articulation axis of the user's ankle; the shell having a front half-shell and a rear half-shell rigidly fixed to one another; the front half-shell having a substantially ogival shape for covering the user's toe substantially up to the beginning of the plantar arch area of the foot and being made of at least one plastic polymer by injection moulding; the rear half-shell being designed to completely cover the remaining part of the foot, starting substantially from the plantar arch area of the foot and being made of a composite material containing fibres embedded in a resin matrix.

Abstract: A boot for Alpine skiing has a shell and sole. The heel has a cavity, including a seat for the insertion of a removable metal insert for engagement by the heel fixing unit of a standardized “Dynafit” binding. However, when the boot is prepared for use with newer, different bindings, the metal insert is replaced by a plastic insert that fits over the cavity and forms a continuous, unbroken rim on the heel of the ski boot.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of articles of footwear or foot-receiving devices having inner and outer tongues, such as double tongue snowboarding boots, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, an article of footwear or foot-receiving device (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.) generally includes a housing member at least partially defining a chamber for receiving a foot. An inner tongue is coupled to the housing member. An outer tongue is coupled to at least one of the inner tongue and the housing member. Other aspects of the present disclosure relates to methods. An exemplary method of wearing an article of footwear (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.) generally includes tucking a portion of a wearer's pants leg generally between inner and outer tongues of the snowboarding boot. Another example method includes inserting a foot through an opening of a housing member of a foot-receiving device (e.g., snowboarding boot, etc.), that also includes first and second tongues.

Abstract: A boot includes a lacing system having an upper zone of action associated with an upper portion of the boot body and a lower zone of action associated with a lower portion of the boot body. The lacing system includes a single bootlace, the first end of which is anchored in the upper zone of action and the second end of which is anchored in the lower zone of action. The boot also includes a common lace-tightening device, having a handpiece, for the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system. The common lace-tightening device cooperates with the bootlace in such a way that, on operation of the handpiece, the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system are acted upon simultaneously in respect of lacing up and opening the boot.

Abstract: A boot including a binding mechanism (60) for attachment to a motive device such as a snowboard (195), the motive device including a body and anchor means such as an array of bolts (50) attached to an upper surface of the body, the anchor means including at least one decent such as a bolt head (53) spaced from the body and having an underside surface (54), the boot including a base (7) having a footbed (4) on which a user's foot may directly or indirectly rest and a sole member (6) spaced from the footbed and lying substantially in a plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boot comprising a lacing arrangement having a single bootlace. The lacing arrangement comprises three zones of action, namely an upper, middle and lower zone of action, the middle zone of action, in respect of lacing up and opening, having a direct functional connection both to the upper zone and to the lower zone.

Abstract: A snowboard boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a snowboard boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The snowboard boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone snowboard boot. The laces may to be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the snowboard boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the snowboard boot and easy removal of a foot from the snowboard boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention contemplated herein describe a contoured skate boot having contour seams formed therein for introducing preferential biases in the boot material. By strategically creating notches in the boot upper material and subsequently rejoining the edges of each notch, the boot upper may be biased to conform to the complex contours of a skater's foot and ankle. Moreover, by introducing boot contours such that the boot is able to closer approximate the natural contours of a skater's foot, fewer stiffeners and less padding is required to result in a comfortable fit while providing increased control of the boot. Additionally, by reducing the quantity of stiffeners and volume of padding, a lighter boot is provided, thus resulting in a more efficient energy transfer from the skater through the skate.

Abstract: A ski boot comprising a conventional rigid sole from which there protrudes, from the area of the forefoot and approximately up to the area of the arch of the foot, a shell open in the direction of the area of the heel of the sole, thereat and to which there is rearwardly and slideably connectable a buttress element interacting with adjustment and guiding elements of the axial position with respect to the sole and to which a height-adjustable cuff is rotatably connectable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of lower extremity supportive products, including boot, shoes, sandals, leg braces, etc. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for providing a three-dimensionally customized lower extremity product. The method includes measuring and recording data related to a three-dimensional representation of a customer's lower extremities in an activity-specific optimal stance. The three-dimensional representation includes specific anatomical position information including extensions, flexions, rotations, inversions, eversions, etc. The three-dimensional representation also includes surface information including foot shape, ankle shape, sole shape, etc. The measurement and recordation is performed at a convenient location such as in close proximity to the customer's residence or at an airport terminal. The customized lower extremity product is then manufactured at an independent location.

Abstract: Outsole for a sports shoe, having a rear portion, which has a shoe heel, and a front portion, which is of slightly dish-shaped configuration, the outsole being produced so as to be continuously of relatively hard material, and being provided on the tread side, both in the region of the front portion and in the region of the rear portion, with a tread layer of relatively soft, material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively supporting sporting equipment such as a snowboard. Also systems and methods for removably or permanently attaching an apparatus to a snowboard boot, sole, or a sub-component thereof such that the apparatus may be used to support the weight of sporting equipment such as a snowboard while a user of the sporting equipment is seated (e.g., while riding a chairlift). Systems and methods for fabricating an integral support within a boot, sole, or a sub-component thereof. These systems and methods include after-market items affixed to commercially-available boots, soles, or sub-components thereof by a snowboarder, snowboard professional, or the like, or, alternatively, such systems and methods may be incorporated by a boot or sole manufacturer during manufacture of the boot, sole, or a sub-component thereof. The systems and methods may be permanent or removable.

Abstract: A boot that includes a shell base and a collar, an articulation provided between the collar and the shell base, such that the collar can pivot with respect to the shell base about an articulation axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and further including a device for blocking the rearward rotation of the collar with respect to the shell base, the devices for blocking the rearward rotation including the following: a rocker mounted so as to rotate with respect to either the collar or the shell base, around a first pivot, the pivot being oriented along a first axis and the rocker having an elongated shape between an upper end and a lower end, and the first pivot being positioned in the vicinity of one of the two ends; a support base, positioned in the vicinity of the other of the ends, including a first support surface, which is capable of coming in contact with either the shell base or the collar; and a lever mounted so as to rotate with respect to the rocker around a second pivo

Abstract: Device for performing a gliding sport on water using a board of the water-ski type or the like, comprising: at least one board (1) for gliding on water, at least one boot assembly (2) designed to be releasably attached to the board, for a safe connection between the board and at least one foot of a user, and comprising: a rigid structure (3) comprising at least: a rigid sole (4) provided with a heel (5), a rigid metatarsal strap (6) provided with means (7) for locking on the user's foot, a rigid rod (8) provided with means (9) for locking around the user's lower leg, and pivotably connected to the heel of said sole, joint means (10) between said rod and the heel of the sole, located in an area corresponding substantially to the user's ankle, a flexible boot (1) arranged inside said rigid structure, means (12) for attachment, with a safety release, of said at least one boot assembly to said at least one board, which device includes at least one first rigid lateral blade (16), arranged at the right or

Abstract: A boot including a sole and an upper, the boot extending lengthwise from a heel to a front end, widthwise between a lateral portion and a medial portion, and height-wise from the sole to an upper end. The boot includes a reinforcement that is more rigid than the upper, at least in the region of the instep, the reinforcement including a lateral wall and/or a medial wall, and extending beneath the instep, the boot further including a transverse linkage provided to tighten the instep zone, the linkage extending from the lateral portion to the medial portion in a transverse plane of the boot.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system with a modular binding interface. The system includes a shell encasing a user's foot and lower leg. A first and second block are interchangeably coupled to the shell below the base to effectuate alternative binding interfaces. The first and second blocks include a binding interface surface and a sole surface. The positioning and shape of the blocks with respect to the shell results in the binding interface surface extending distally from the toe region of the shell and the sole surface being the lowest surface on the boot system. The binding interface surfaces for each block are positioned at different sagittal heights with respect to the shell to facilitate the interconnection with alternative binding coupling systems. The sole surfaces for each block are positioned at substantially identical sagittal heights with respect to the shell to maintain optimum and consistent performance characteristics among different bindings.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a ski boot system including an upper shell, lower shell, and an articulation system. The upper and lower shell function to enable a user to move their encased foot in various dimensions/orientations corresponding to anatomical supination, pronation, dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion. The articulation system selectively affects the articulation freedom between the upper and lower shells in locked and unlocked configurations. The articulation system includes a lower shell coupler and an upper shell coupler coupled to the lower and upper shells, respectively. The locked configuration of the articulation system includes engaging the upper and lower shell couplers to restrict freedom between the upper and lower shell. The lower shell coupler is coupled within a recess in the lower shell that substantially restricts movement to a single orientation corresponding to coronal rotation.

Abstract: The sports boot has, on the one hand a first part (1) in a first material and a second part (17) superposed on said first part and in a second material, and, on the other hand, reinforcement means (10, 11, 12, 13). The reinforcement means are at least partly formed by at least one frame (13) in synthetic material reinforced with mineral or synthetic fibers and positioned at least partially between said parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electro-mechanical apparatus for snugging a boot, especially a snow ski boot, around the calf of the user. The apparatus is essentially comprised of a reversible electric motor, a jackscrew, a switch, two brackets, a strap, and a power supply. The invention enables the user to achieve a desired snug fit by first placing a foot of the user into the boot, then operating the electric motor to turn the jackscrew, bringing the two brackets together and thereby tightening the strap around the boot to reach the desired fit. Once the desired snug fit is achieved, the electric motor is switched off, the user closes pre-existing latches on the boot to lock the boot parts into place, and the user removes the apparatus from around the boot by unbuckling a quick release buckle provided for this purpose. The apparatus may then be stored for later use.

Abstract: The invention is a boot (1; 100) comprising a shaped shell (2; 101) including a rear portion (3; 102) that surrounds the heel (T) of the user's foot (P) and a front portion (4; 103) that develops mainly along a longitudinal axis (X) and surrounds the distal region (D) and the top (S) of the foot (P) and is 5 telescopically associated with the rear portion (3; 102) to which it is connected through fixing means (5). One of the front (4; 103) and rear portions (3; 102) is provided with a plurality of first through holes (6; 104) defining longitudinal axes (Z1; Z?1) that are parallel to each other and separated by a predefined distance (L1; L?1) and are selectively arranged coaxially to second through 10 holes (7; 105) made in the other one of the rear (3; 102) and front portions (4; 103), where they house the fixing means (5), in such a way as to vary the length of the shaped shell (2; 101) by discrete values.

Abstract: A ski boot is provided that includes an outer shell, an inner liner disposed within the outer shell and a functional shoe insertable into and removable from the inner liner by means of a rearforward to forward manner.

Abstract: A sports shoe which comprises a rigid sole from which a shell protrudes, starting from a forefoot region and up to a heel region, a quarter being rotatably associated with the shell. An insole is slidingly associated within the shell, at a bottom thereof, is provided with a tip and interacts with elements for adjusting and guiding its axial position with respect to the shell.

Abstract: The present invention provides hydroplaning equipment, such as boards, skis, bindings, boots and poles for use in connection with a hydroplaning device for a rider to perform liquid sport athletic maneuvers, which comprises a support member having a height relative to the ground and a slope; a surface member disposed on the support member, wherein the surface member forms at least an angled surface and a catchment area. The device also comprises a liquid circulation system, having a liquid source, at least one feed line and at least one return line with the liquid source being in fluid communication with the at least one feed line and the at least one return line being in fluid communication with at least one of the liquid source and a disposal location. The device includes at least one liquid dispenser disposed adjacent to the support member or the surface member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support system for use in relation to an articulation region of a boot. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a boot with a dorsal metatarsal articulation region that allows for articulation in the sagittal plane such as a telemark ski boot. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a telemark ski boot, including a shell, an articulation region, and an articulation support system. The articulation support system includes at least one tensile rigid region extending transversely between the proximal and distal sides of the articulation region. The tensile rigid region impedes rotation of the rear portion of the shell about the toe portion in a frontal plane. This form of rotation is often referred to as torsional rotation. The articulation support system may include one or more of a cable, an integrated shell portion, a material mesh, and/or other tensile rigid components which maintain bending flexibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telemark ski boot system configured to enable efficient releasable rotatable coupling to a ski binding at a pivot location corresponding to the metatarsal region. One embodiment of the present invention related to a telemark ski boot system including a shell, a sole, and a binding interface system. The sole is coupled anatomically below the shell and includes a bottom sole surface defining the bottom most portion of the boot. The binding interface system is contained between the shell and bottom of the bottom sole surface and horizontally below the metatarsal region of the boot. In addition, the binding interface system is contained within the two dimensional footprint of the boot. Alternatively or in addition, the binding interface system is contained within the three dimensional space of the shell and sole. The binding interface system may be a rigid cleat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a buckle for fastening a sports boot and to a sports boot including such buckle. The buckle includes a baseplate, a lever connected to the baseplate by a first transverse articulation about an articulation axis, the lever having a gripping portion, a connecting rod articulated to the lever by a second transverse articulation about a second articulation axis, a loop mounted at the other end of the connection rod. The lever has a lever body that has a guiding tube for each of the articulation axes. The body is formed by a sheet of material, and the sheet is folded along folding lines that are parallel to each of the articulation axes to form the tubes for guiding the articulation axles.

Abstract: An item of footwear, particularly a motorcycle boot (1), includes a rigid shell (4) which defines a body that is designed to surround the foot of the user. The body consists of a lower sole-forming part (20), an upper vamp-forming part (22), an inner lateral part and an outer lateral part, the lateral parts connecting the aforementioned lower and upper parts. The inventive item of footwear includes an opening (16, 18) in one of the four constituent body parts, which passes through the rigid shell and which is sealed by a flexible half-sole (12, 14).