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.

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.

Systems, methods and devices for limiting the transfer of thermal energy in ski boots and slowing thermal energy conduction through the ski boots are provided. Devices may have an upper shell and a side band and an attachment device for attaching the device to the toe box area of ski boot. The devices may further comprise materials that are intended to limit the transfer of thermal energy.

A composition contains a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU-1), obtained or obtainable by reaction of an isocyanate composition (IZ) containing MDI with a polyol composition (PZ), and hollow glass microspheres. The polyol composition (PZ) contains at least one polyol (P1) selected from polytetrahydrofurans having an average molecular weight Mn in the range from 900 to 2,000 g/mol. The polyol composition (PZ) also contains a chain extender (KV1), selected from 1,2-ethandiol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol and 1,6-hexanediol. Ski shoes, preferably ski boots, particularly preferably the outer shell of a ski boot, can be based on such a thermoplastic polyurethane. Corresponding processes can be used for producing ski shoes.

The present invention relates to a fiber-containing structure comprising an interwoven and welded base material and a welded elastomer layer, and at least one part of the base material and the welded elastomer layer are welded to each other. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the fiber-containing structure and a shoe structure containing the fiber-containing structure.

A base is provided for a ski boot comprising a sole and an outsole element that is positioned in a predetermined position relative to a longitudinal axis (L). The outsole element is positioned on the sole by using two projections that are carried by one or other of the sole and the outsole element and that locate in holes or cavities defined by the other. Preferably, the projections are carried by the outsole element and locate in holes or cavities defined by the sole. The projections may be integrally formed with the outsole element or the sole. Alternatively, they may be formed by injected pins, rivets, fasteners, t-nuts, or screws.

Apparatus for the customization of footwear, in particular sports footwear, having an element made of thermoplastic material is provided. A method for the customization of footwear using the apparatus is also provided. The apparatus has a heating assembly, for heating the thermoplastic element above a predetermined threshold temperature, and a shaping assembly, for shaping the thermoplastic element while its temperature is above the threshold value, which assemblies are both carried by a common frame. Due to the fact that the heating assembly and the shaping assembly are carried by a single, common frame, it is possible to ensure proper heating and subsequent shaping of the element made of thermoplastic material.

The invention relates to the use of at least one impact modifier having a refractive index IR.sub.1 in a polyamide matrix consisting of a mixture of amorphous polyamide and semicrystalline polyamide, said matrix having a refractive index IR2, the difference in absolute value of IR.sub.1-IR.sub.2 not exceeding 0.006, to produce a transparent composition having a fatigue strength, under the fatigue test referred to as notched “Ross-Flex”, greater than 50 000 at −10° C.

A composition contains a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU-1), obtained or obtainable by reaction of an isocyanate composition (IZ) containing MDI with a polyol composition (PZ), and hollow glass microspheres. The polyol composition (PZ) contains at least one polyol (P1) selected from polytetrahydrofurans having an average molecular weight Mn in the range from 900 to 2,000 g/mol. The polyol composition (PZ) also contains a chain extender (KV1), selected from 1,2-ethandiol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol and 1,6-hexanediol. Ski shoes, preferably ski boots, particularly preferably the outer shell of a ski boot, can be based on such a thermoplastic polyurethane. Corresponding processes can be used for producing ski shoes.

Sports boot element comprising all or part of a wall designed to form at least part of a lateral and/or frontal and/or rear and/or lower wall of a sports boot, characterised in that all or part of its wall comprises a material (10) comprising a polymer (11) and a hollow microball (12) filler.