The present invention relates to a ski binding used in telemark skiing. An exemplary system maintains a toe of a ski boot in association with a ski while permitting a heel of the ski boot to elevate to a top surface of the ski. The binding system comprises several complex subsystems, such as a toe mating mechanism, a toe plate system, a base plate system, a heel fastening mechanism, a sliding plate system, and rail system.

A binding includes a forward base portion that is configured to attach to a top surface of the ski. The binding includes a rearward base portion that is hingedly attached to the forward base portion. The rearward base portion is removably securable to the ski and movable about the forward base portion. The binding includes a forward adjustable boot retention element that includes a pair of lug wings attached to at least one of the forward base portion and the rearward base portion. A width between the lug wings is adjustable. The forward adjustable boot retention element includes a strap attached to the pair of lug wings. The strap is more flexible than the lug wings.

A ski boot frame that is attachable to a soft shell snow boot, for example a snowboard boot, for downhill skiing. The ski boot frame is constructed of multiple rigid materials to provide a user with proper support for downhill skiing. The ski boot frame further includes adjustable toe clip and heel clips for attachment to a standard downhill ski binding. The toe and heel clips are preferably adjustable to fit the frame to a plurality of sizes of ski bindings. The ski boot frame further includes a calf support that provides for a progressive forward resistance critical for downhill skiing.

A boot binding system for a splitboard that can include a latch pedal mechanism at an end of a baseplate on which the rider's boot rests. The latch pedal can have a dual function: either to attach each boot binding to a ride mode interface, or to attach each boot binding to a ski tour interface. In a release position the latch pedal is disengaged allowing the baseplate assembly to alternate between the ski tour interface and the ride mode interface. In a lock position, the rider depresses the latch pedal and locks the boot binding onto the selected interface. The latch pedal is held down by the rider's boot when in the lock position, contributing to the system's lightness and strength.

A ski binding rescue device having an attachment mechanism for attaching the device to a pair of skis to form a sled. The device attaches to the bindings of a pair of skis and serves to maintain the skis in a parallel orientation. The device has an attachment mechanism for attaching to the toe portion of a ski binding and to the heel portion of a ski binding. The device has one or more rigid lengths that span between the ski binding attachments to serve to connect and maintain the skis in a parallel orientation and potentially to provide an area to place a person to be moved on the sled or other goods.

The invention relates to a heel-piece for binding a boot on a gliding board that includes a frame including a vertical extension; a body rotatably mounted about the extension; at least two rods supported by the body, extending on respective sides of the vertical extension, the two rods each having a free end to cooperate with a housing in the heel of the boot; and a holding mechanism for maintaining a spacing between the free ends of the rods. The vertical extension supports at least one contact zone fixed in relation to the frame. Each rod cooperates with a respective portion of the contact zone, specific to each rod. The contact zone is arranged such that a rotation of the body about the extension, from a descent configuration, causes an increased spacing between the two rods. The invention also relates to a binding system and a gliding board equipped with such a binding.

A system, method and apparatus for a digitally Controlled Variable Stiffness item of athletic equipment, such as a Ski, Snowboard, and Boots. A core of thermally responsive metal alloy, such as Nitinol is disposed within the athletic equipment. A thermal control module and controller permit the athlete to program the athletic equipment to a desired stiffness parameter. The controller may include an app operable via a mobile computing device in communication with the thermal control module.

A system, method and apparatus for a digitally Controlled Variable Stiffness item of athletic equipment, such as a Ski, Snowboard, and Boots. A core of thermally responsive metal alloy, such as Nitinol is disposed within the athletic equipment. A thermal control module and controller permit the athlete to program the athletic equipment to a desired stiffness parameter. The controller may include an app operable via a mobile computing device in communication with the thermal control module.

A ridable kart having a front portion rotatably coupled to a rear portion. The front portion includes an inner surface that is adjacent to an outer cover portion and the two surfaces move relative to one another. The outer cover portion includes window portions or openings through which a portion of the inner surface is visible. The inner surface includes a visual feature that is visible through the window portions and the visual features moves relative to the window portions when the front portion rotates relative to the rear portion.

A ski for use on ice or snow is disclosed. The ski includes a ski body having a tip portion, a tail portion, and a longitudinal running length extending between the tip portion and the tail portion and a substantially flat bottom surface for sliding on snow or ice. The ski also includes a suspension system comprised of a substantially rigid support structure secured to the longitudinally central region of the said ski body at two attachment locations separated by a distance of at least 5 inches along the longitudinal axis of the ski body, and at least one resilient element configured to exert an opposing force between the support structure and the ski body in the area between the two attachment locations.