Boa Technology Inc. and InnoVision Headwear Inc. Announce Agreement

TORONTO, Ontario (May 1, 2008) – InnoVision Headwear, Inc., based in Toronto, and Boa Technology Inc., based in Steamboat Springs, Colo., have jointly developed a proprietary, patent pending, micro-adjustable headwear fitting system, Caps_Lock™, enabling the wearer to instantly micro-adjust the fit of their headwear for varying activity and comfort levels.

The partnership was announced today by Ian Cole, vice president of sales and marketing of InnoVision Headwear, and Gary Hammerslag, CEO of Boa Technology. In addition to the joint development and co-patent, InnoVision has a multi-year exclusive worldwide license to Boa’s technologies in headwear applications. InnoVision will be launching the technology with their private label headwear accounts across North America over the next year.

This new system, named Caps_Lock™ by InnoVision, works by turning a Boa® dial, which controls an adjustable headband that can be tightened or loosened as needed, creating perfect closure and tension around heads of various sizes. This mechanism also creates on-the-fly adjustments to varying environmental conditions such as wind and temperature, tightening the headband for a more secure fit in wind, or loosening it in hot weather to increase airflow. The full back design provides an enhanced style by eliminating bulging.


Through use of this new system, a single ball cap, visor, bucket, ivy cap or fedora, among other hat styles, can fit over 80 percent of the adult population with the same comfort level, resulting in fewer SKUs required at retail.

“This is a very elegant system that really works to hold a hat firmly,” said InnoVision’s Cole. “It has broad applications from extreme sports to driving a fishing boat or a convertible. Boa has led the way for this technology in footwear. Now it’s time to demonstrate its performance on top.”

Adds Boa’s Gary Hammerslag, “Thanks to InnoVision’s knowledge of headwear, we’re introducing our precision fit system to entirely new markets that we’re hoping will embrace Boa as much as the footwear industry has over the past seven years.”

InnoVision’s relationship with Boa is the latest development in a line of innovative, functional headwear produced by the company. Other proprietary designs from InnoVision include: Hooper, a collapsible fedora sun hat; Chalk-Lid, a hat made out of chalkboard-like fabric which the wearer can draw on; headwear featuring Insect Shield® bug repellent technology; and headwear with recycled materials and color-changing fabric that responds to UV exposure. By combining its portfolio of proprietary and licensed technologies with its full design services, InnoVision offers its private label customer a one-stop headwear solution.

Boa Technology has been manufacturing its adjustable dial and cable technology for over 10 years. Since 2001, the Boa system has been used by premium footwear brands on snowboard boots, athletic shoes, skates, cycling shoes, wakeboard boots, hunting boots and other high performance footwear.

About InnoVision Headwear Inc.: InnoVision Headwear is the North American sales, research and product development arm of Mei Fai Hats International Manufacturing Co. Ltd., based in Hong Kong, which has been making premium private label headwear for nearly 40 years for a diverse base of international brands. InnoVision focuses on developing innovative headwear solutions in the technical, functional, novelty categories. For more information, contact: 905 474 2988 or visit www.ivheadwear.com.

About Boa Technology Inc.: The award-winning, patented Boa Lacing System is a revolution in footwear design. Boa’s proprietary reel lacing system optimizes category-changing footwear design to enable a more “dialed in fit” and customizable comfort. The result is a performance and level of comfort never before experienced in footwear. With offices in Steamboat Springs and Denver, Colorado, Boa Technology, Inc., is the developer of the Boa Lacing System and manufacturer of the Boa reels, lace and lace guides. Additional information about Boa Technology can be found on the company’s website: www.BoaTechnology.com.

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