A sport-boot pressure monitoring system and method of use. The system includes a left boot sensor having a left flexible fluid-containing bladder shaped to fit between a user's left leg and an interior surface of a left boot worn by the user and a left pressure sense element in pressure-sensing communication with the left flexible fluid-containing bladder, a right boot sensor that is similar to the left one, and a controller to provide a pressure alert if pressure between one of the user's legs and the interior surface of the boot worn on that leg violates a predetermined pressure threshold and to provide a proximity alert if a distance between the left and right boots violates a predetermined proximity threshold.

A sport-boot pressure monitoring system and method of use. The system includes a left boot sensor having a left flexible fluid-containing bladder shaped to fit between a user's left leg and an interior surface of a left boot worn by the user and a left pressure sense element in pressure-sensing communication with the left flexible fluid-containing bladder, a right boot sensor that is similar to the left one, and a controller to provide a pressure alert if pressure between one of the user's legs and the interior surface of the boot worn on that leg violates a predetermined pressure threshold and to provide a proximity alert if a distance between the left and right boots violates a predetermined proximity threshold.

An article of footwear facilitates relatively easy donning and removal, and secure adjustment. The article of footwear comprises a sole structure, an upper secured to the sole structure, and a plurality of tensioning cables having proximal ends fixed to at least one of the upper or the sole structure and extending out of the upper. A strap has a proximal end connected to distal ends of the plurality of tensioning cables, and has a distal end releasably securable to the upper to tighten the tensioning cables. A webbed spacer is secured to the plurality of tensioning cables. The webbed spacer extends between adjacent ones of the plurality of tensioning cables, and the adjacent ones of the plurality of tensioning cables spaced apart from one another by the webbed spacer.

A ski includes an elongated ski body having a bottom layer defining a bottom surface of the ski, a top layer defining a top surface of the ski, and a middle layer disposed between the bottom layer and the top layer, in which the middle layer includes a negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) foam material having a Poisson's ratio of between 0 and −1.

Gliding boot (1) including a lower shell (2) and a collar (4), the lower shell (2) being intended to receive a user's foot, the collar (4) being intended to envelop a lower leg of the user, the collar being articulated in rotation about the lower shell, the gliding boot further including an upwardly extending tongue (10) to the rear of the gliding boot and an elastic means (26), a first end of the tongue being fastened to the lower shell (2), and a second end of the tongue (10) being connected to the collar (4) via the elastic means (26).

This document presents algae-derived antimicrobial fiber substrates, and a method of making the same. The fiber may be a synthetic fiber, but can also be formed as a cellulosic (e.g., cotton). In various implementations, an algae-derived antimicrobial fiber substrate can be made to have identical properties and characteristics of nylon-6 of nylon 6-6 polymer or the like, and yet contain antimicrobial, anti-viral, and/or flame retardant algal derived substances. Any of various species of red algae, brown algae, blue-green algae, and brown seaweed (marine microalgae and/or macroalgae) are known to contain a high level of sulfated polysaccharides with inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and flame-retardant properties, and can be used as described herein. Additionally disclosed are algae-derived flexible foams, whether open-cell or closed-cell, with inherent antimicrobial, antiviral, and flame resistant properties. Further, a process of manufacturing is presented wherein the process may include one or more of the steps of: harvesting algae-biomass; sufficiently drying the algae biomass; blending the dried algae biomass with a carrier resin and various foaming ingredients; adding an algal-derived antimicrobial compound selected from various natural sulfated polysaccharides present in brown algae, red algae, and/or certain seaweeds (marine microalgae); and adding a sufficient quantity of dried algae biomass to the formulation to adequately create a fire resistant flexible foam material.

The soft boot and liner include a moisture transfer system that includes an inner fabric layer carefully selected from technically advanced fabrics. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material layers, spacer fabrics and breathable membranes, in various orders. Encapsulation technology and waterproofing are used as well. The outer fabric layer is also capable of working with the other layers to promote the transfer of moisture. Frothed foams and flocking with fibers are further characteristics of the present invention. The moisture transfer system is incorporated into a soft boot or skate or as a removable liner for a shell boot. Numerous other modifications and applications are disclosed.

An apparatus for charge-assisted release of a ski binding includes an explosive material, a battery, an electrical circuit, and a processor. The explosive material is mounted on or in a ski, a ski boot, and/or a ski binding. The electrical circuit extends from the explosive material to the battery, the electrical circuit including a switch having a connected state in which the battery and the explosive material are electrically connected through the switch and a disconnected state in which the battery and the explosive material are electrically disconnected. The processor is electrically coupled to the switch and configured to generate an output signal that transitions the switch from the disconnected state to the connected state in response to an input signal from one or more sensors.

A skate boot comprising an outer shell with a heel portion for receiving the heel of the foot; an ankle portion for receiving the ankle, the ankle portion comprising a rear portion for facing at least partially the lower part of the Achilles tendon; and medial and lateral side portions for facing the medial and lateral sides of the foot respectively. The skate boot also comprises a tendon guard extending upwardly from the ankle portion of the outer shell for facing at least partially the upper part of the Achilles tendon, the tendon guard comprising a recess for receiving an insert. The tendon guard has a first flexion mode when no insert is received in the recess and a second flexion mode when the insert is received in the recess. The second flexion mode is different from the first flexion mode.

A boot-type orthopedic or sports footwear usable for controlled walking with stiffening for the lower extremities of legs, comprises: a sole provided with a substantially vertical rear positioning element; a first pair of rear half-hulls, each of which is hinged onto the sole and which cover, when in the closed position, an ankle and part of the lower portion of a leg, i.e. the calcaneal-tibial-tarsal zone, of an individual who is wearing the footwear; a second pair of front half-hulls, each of which is hinged onto the sole and which cover, when in the closed position, at least an upper part of a foot of the individual who is wearing the footwear.