Abstract: An exercise device with a base on a support surface and a user platform. One end of a support post is axially mounted to the base and the other end is pivotally mounted to the platform. The platform pivots with the post in a horizontal plane parallel to the support surface and pivots in a vertical plane perpendicular to the support surface. A resistance element having one end mounted to the support post and the other end to the base is provided to control the velocity and angle of pivot of the platform in the horizontal plane. A resistance element having one end mounted to the base and the other end to platform to control the velocity and angle of pivot of the platform in the vertical plane. The user stands on the platform and performs exercise motions to propel the platform in the horizontal plane and the vertical plane.

Abstract: A portable multi-exercise device includes a pair of parallel tracks each being elongate and linear. The exercise device includes a pair of band attachment platforms positioned across the parallel tracks respectively proximate to ends of the parallel tracks, the band attachment platforms having at least two laterally spaced apart resistance band attachment structures and themselves being laterally positioned along the parallel tracks. Each band attachment platform may include a set of three spaced apart planks defining a slot therebetween in which band fasteners are positioned. The exercise device includes a pair of step platforms atop which a user stands when grasping resistance bands during exercise, the step platforms being laterally adjustable along the parallel tracks. The exercise device includes a rowing bar coupled to the pair of parallel tracks intermediate the band attachment platforms and having fasteners for attachment to the resistance bands.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to exercise machines. In some embodiments, the device may include a resistance adjuster configured to adjust the difficulty of an exercise performed on the exercise machine. Particularly, the exercise machine may include a knob configured to modify the resistance in even steps. The exercise machine also may include functional components, such as pulleys, for transmitting a drive force from a user to a resistive body. The functional components may be operatively connected via one or more belts. In some embodiments, the exercise machine may include one or more belt tensioners to regulate the tension of the one or more belts.

Abstract: A portable exercise device provided includes: a base disc, two pulley assemblies, a support plate, and a fan wheel assembly. A support plate is disposed on the base disc, the two pulley assemblies are provided on the base disc, and the fan wheel assembly is provided on the support plate, so that the fan wheel assembly and the two pulley assemblies are vertically arranged on top of each other, thereby reducing the overall volume. More preferably, because the volume is reduced, the user can arbitrarily move and hang the portable exercise device at the desired position, and because the portable exercise device of the invention can be hung at different positions, which allows the user to train different muscles according to the different positions.

Abstract: A multipurpose exercise device having a base that rests on a support surface and a user platform upon which the user stands. The lower end of a perpendicular support post is mounted to the base to axially pivot thereon and the upper end of the post is pivotally mounted to the lower surface of the user platform. The user platform pivots with the support post in a horizontal plane parallel to the support surface and pivots on the support post in a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal support surface. Resistance elements are provided having one end mounted to the support post and the other end mounted to the base to control the velocity and angle of pivot of the user platform in the horizontal plane. Preferably, a plurality of resistance elements are provided having one end mounted to the base and the other end mounted to the user platform to control the velocity and angle of pivot of the user platform in the vertical plane.

Abstract: A ski exercising apparatus has a set of two parallel, arcuate rails, a wheeled carriage riding on the rails, a set of two articulated footpads mounted side-by-side on the wheeled carriage; and two sets of powerbands arranged parallel with a lengthwise centerline of the apparatus, spaced apart by at least one-half of the width of the apparatus.

Abstract: Snow ski training methods with an apparatus are provided, including a snow ski training apparatus having two elongated freely rotatable overlapping ski arms pivotally mounted to a single vertical pivot point shaft fixed at the point of overlap on a sliding pivotal point assembly. Each ski arm has a foot pad with laces configured to receive a foot of a user at the tail end of each ski arm. Disclosed methods include placing a left foot and right foot of a user atop respective foot pads, assuming a hip flexed position, extending the hip and knees of the user until the user achieves an elevated position, laterally maneuvering the user's body through the user's sagittal plane while in the elevated position and around the single pivot point assembly, tangentially moving the user's feet along a congruent and overlapping arc, and returning to another hip flexed position.

Abstract: A stepping exercise machine includes a base and a pedal. The base is provided with an undulating slide rail. A top end of the slide rail is defined as a peak. Bottom ends of two sides of the peak are defined as troughs. The two sides of the peak or the bottom ends of the troughs are provided with stop blocks, respectively. An underside of the pedal is pivotally connected with rollers. Two sides of the underside of the pedal are fixedly connected with a pair of stretchable elastic members. The other ends of the pair of stretchable elastic members are fixed to two sides of the base. The rollers support and drive the pedal to reciprocate along the undulating slide rail ups and downs by means of the stretchable elastic members.

Abstract: The exercise slidermat comprises a stationary saucer and sliding structure. The stationary saucer is a pedestal upon which the sliding structure is placed. The sliding structure sits the stationary saucer such that the sliding structure slides along the stationary saucer. The sliding structure is a horizontal surface upon which an exerciser performs training exercises intended to improve the footwork for a given sport. The sliding structure is moved across the stationary saucer such that the sliding structure is moving across the stationary saucer while the exerciser is performing the training exercises. The action of combining the motion of the sliding structure with the physical training causes the exerciser to perform the training exercises while visually and tactilely sensing not only the motion of the training exercise but the forces and momentum applied to the sliding structure during the training period.

Abstract: An apparatus for balance training and/or fine motor skills training, having at least one movable platform which can be moved in an oscillating manner in at least two dimensions, having at least one counterforce unit which is provided to oppose a force for producing a deflection of the movable platform with a resistance. The apparatus has at least one force transmission interruption unit which interrupts a force flow between the movable platform and the counterforce unit in at least one operating state.

Abstract: An exercise equipment including a support, a first footboard and a second footboard for supporting the feet of the user, arranged alongside one another and able to slide along the support according to a substantially rectilinear direction (A), and articulated connection elements for connecting the first footboard to the second footboard.

Abstract: A combination of a ski boot and a training aid (110) attached thereto that is suitable for training a user to focus pressure on the sweet spot of a ski; wherein the training aid (110) comprises a balancing member (122) positioned underneath the ski boot at a location that would be vertically aligned with the sweet spot of a ski if the training aid were fitted to the ski boot; the training aid (110) allowing the user wearing a pair of ski boots, without skis and with a training aid attached to each boot, to pivot about the balancing members (122) until a desired balancing position is reached, whereby pressure is focussed at a spot corresponding to said sweet spot.

Abstract: An open chamber of predetermined size and shape is positioned within a pool bed so as to contain telescopic modules which occupy the chamber area. Each of the telescopic modules is independently extended and retracted in length by increase or decrease of the volume of water contained within a bellows, establishing in selected telescopic modules a specific reef size, shape, and orientation. When kinetic-energy within the water passes over the predetermined shape, size, and orientation of the reef, a wave is generated having specific features resulting from the properties of the specific reef configuration.

Abstract: An exercise assembly comprises elongated first and second rocker arms that pivot with respect to each other in a scissors-like motion about a first pivot axis. A slider has a slider body that slides along a linear axis extending through and perpendicular to the first pivot axis. A linkage pivotally couples the first and second rocker arms to the slider body. Pivoting the first and second rocker arms with respect to each other causes the slider body to slide in a first direction along the linear axis. Opposite pivoting of the first and second rocker arms with respect to each other causes the slider body to slide in an opposite, second direction along the linear axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lateral foot sliding mechanism in the field of sport activities, training devices, and more particularly exercise machines, especially adapted to lower extremities. The lateral foot sliding mechanism includes a low platform (1) with a profiled groove (5) in the mid along the platform (1), in which two foot sliding mechanisms move (2), which have two foot supports (6,7) and are equipped with elements (11), which enable lateral movement of the slide mechanisms (2) along the platform (1).

Abstract: A neuromuscular oral appliance comprises a channel with a base adapted to accept teeth from one of an upper and a lower jaw. The oral appliance further comprises a bite pad adapted to accept teeth from the other of the upper jaw and the lower jaw, the bite pad extending from the base and including a pliable chamber that partially deforms when compressed. The oral appliance allows the lower jaw to find a balanced position relative to the upper jaw which will correspond to a position at which the facial muscles are generally at minimal tension. It has been observed that the lower jaw is naturally urged forward relative to the upper jaw in this position. This motion and the position of the lower jaw generally tend to urge the neck backward so that the cervical vertebrae substantially align, thereby facilitating an erect spine.

Abstract: A foot pad for a ski exercise apparatus has a heel retainer plate across a width of the foot pad proximate one end of a length of the foot pad, the heel retainer plate spaced above a floor level of the foot pad, and a toe stop spanning the width of the foot pad and adjustable along a portion of the length of the foot pad at a forward end of the foot pad opposite the heel retainer plate. A skier, wearing a ski boot, is enabled to step into the foot pad, engage a portion of the sole at the heel of the ski boot under the heel retainer plate, constraining the heel of the ski boot vertically, and to lower a toe of the ski boot to lie behind the toe stop, constraining the toe portion horizontally not vertically. The foot pad is provided with ski exercising apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for testing and training jumping and reaching ability for use by athlete or by other people for recreation is disclosed having the following attributes: centrally balanced, light weight and portable, usable indoors or outdoors, resets to starting position after each use, signals contact by flashing light or sound, and has means of measuring the height reached by the extended hand.

Abstract: A lower body exerciser mainly comprises: a central base; two support brackets located at each side of the central base respectively; two slide tracks connecting the central base with each of the two support brackets respectively; two foot pedals mounted on each of the two slide tracks respectively; a connecting base being fixed under each foot pedal, matched with the slide track, and used for rotating around and sliding along the longitudinal direction of the arc-shaped slide track. A plurality of O-Ring elastic bands are mounted around the pulley sets to generate tension for exercise. The two slide tracks are hinged at each side of the central base respectively, so the exerciser is foldable for convenient carry and storage. This lower body exerciser could help to strengthen and define thighs, legs, buns and hips muscles with minimizing time and maximizing positive results.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a foot carriage slideably mounted on tracks, the tracks are held together parallel to one another and resistance elements provide opposition against the relative motion of the foot carriage. The foot carriage can be a frame carrying wheels and a foot support.

Abstract: A machine for exercising at least a user's abdominal muscles, the machine having a base having front and back ends; an arm lever mounted to the base near the front end of the base; a user platform moved by a user and/or by the arm levers, the user platform slidably and pivotably mounted to the base; and a linkage mechanism operatively connecting the arm lever to the user platform so that when the arm lever is moved towards the user platform, the user platform is moved towards the arm lever and a front end of the user platform is moved upwards, pivoting the user platform into an angled configuration, and when the arm lever is moved away from the user platform, the user platform is moved away from the arm lever and the front end of the user platform is moved downwards, pivoting the user platform into a horizontal configuration.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a base, an axle rotationally supported on the base and two cranks connected to the axle. The cranks are rotational synchronously with the axle. A drive wheel unit includes an active wheel provided on the axle so that the active wheel is rotational synchronously with the cranks. A passive wheel unit includes a load wheel supported on the axle so that the load wheel is rotational relative to the axle and a passive connected to the load wheel so that the passive wheel is rotational synchronously with the load wheel. A step-up device includes a shaft rotationally supported on the base and small and large wheels connected to the shaft so that they are rotational synchronously. The small wheel is connected to the active wheel so that they are rotational together. The large wheel is connected to the passive wheel so that they are rotational together.

Abstract: The ski or snowboard simulator composed of a base, on which there is placed a trolley travelling parallelly along the longer sides of the base with the sockets for feet of training person that are able to rotate around the longitudinal axis, characterized in that there is connected the rail (6) with the base (1), on which there is seated, preferably transitionally, a boom (7) with a saddle (8) and the set for games or training and the method of training with its usage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for exercising using an apparatus that includes an upper assembly, equipped with pedal platforms or a snowboard attachment, which is pivotally attached to a lower frame assembly. The lower frame assembly includes ski pole attachments that enable a user to maintain balance while using the apparatus. When the user stands on the pedals, elastic members coupled to the lower frame assembly and the upper frame assembly maintain level of the upper assembly while also providing some resistance to lateral movement. As the user shifts weight to simulate downhill skiing, the resistance by the elastic members, and an adjustable brake component, provide strength and core exercises similar to skiing.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine includes a base support structure adapted to be positioned on a support surface. The machine includes first and second reciprocating foot supports, each foot support being movably linked to the base support structure. Additionally, a ramp assembly is situated on the base support structure, the ramp assembly having first and second guide rails for guiding the respective second ends of the first and second foot supports such that the foot supports move in an elliptical path when the elliptical exercise machine is operating. Moreover, a first support member is linked to the base support structure, wherein the first support member is pivotably linked to the ramp assembly at a point above the base support structure. Furthermore, a lift mechanism is linked on a first end to the base support structure and pivotably linked on a second end to the ramp assembly above the base support structure.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle wherein when rotating the wheels by rotating pedals, the user feels the bicycle moving forward and being tilted left and right as when riding a bicycle outdoors, and also feels as if the user is riding on a slope, a plain road, etc., thus preventing the user from feeling monotonous and tedious and allowing the user to feel as if the user is riding a bicycle outdoors, thereby increasing the amount of exercise.

Abstract: A ski instructional apparatus and method for teaching young children that allows for dry land training of a student on skis. The apparatus includes a pole that the student straddles. The pole has a cross piece that extends behind the students legs and beneath the buttocks and handlebars for the student to hold onto. Pulling the pole forward causes the cross piece to push the student from behind so little or none of the student's arm strength is needed to pull the student on skis along a dry surface. The tips of the skis are connected by a tether and a line attached to the tether is connected to the pole. The arrangement allows the instructor to move the student forward and, at the same time, to move the ski tips one towards the other or allow the tips to move apart by respectively raising or lowering the pole.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame; a platform configured to receive a person in a standing position, the platform connected to the frame; a handheld component configured to be held by a person standing on the platform; and an impeller-driven fluid circulation system. Manipulation of the handheld component by a person standing on the platform results in driving of the impeller and circulation of fluid within the fluid circulation system. The platform may rock from side to side, whereby a person standing on the platform must maintain balance while manipulating the handheld component. The handheld component may simulate a paddle and may include an elongate shaft. In this respect, the paddle component is used by a person standing on the platform as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding, including manipulating the paddle component through a rowing motion that preferably would be experienced when actually paddleboarding.

Abstract: A new method of simulating the experience of surfing the tube of a wave is presented, consisting of a tarpaulin with weights and a handle on one corner. The tarpaulin is pulled up in the air and forward creating a tube shaped form within which a skateboarder can be propelled as if he was surfing a wave.

Abstract: A recreational amusement stand-up swing apparatus consisting of a singular bracing member anchored to a stationary overhead object. A coupling link element, akin to a swivel-eye carbiner, for the bracing member to attach thereto, further providing a member for the apparatus to be convieniently removed from the bracing member by way of a side gate portion, and further providing a member for unrestricted spinning rotation by way of a swivel mechanism. An extension spring providing vertical bouncing member, comprising upper and lower connecting portions attached between the coupling link and a connecting agent centrally located on a line separator element. A line element comprising right and left arm portions equidistantly extending through the line separator and further comprising stopping agents thereon.

Abstract: A waist and hip developer includes a track curving smoothly upwardly toward two distal ends thereof and having two stop members respectively located at two distal ends thereof, foot members affixed to the track for supporting the track on the floor steadily, a slide slidably coupled to the track with rollers thereof and movable back and forth along the track between the stop members, a seat rotatably supported on the slide with a ball bearing, two grips respectively affixed to the two distal ends of the track, and a counter for counting of the number of reciprocating cycles of the slide moving by the user sitting on the seat.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a ball nest for providing resistance in an exercise system. The ball nest includes a first portion, where an interior section of the first portion forms at least part of a zone of a sphere. The ball nest also includes a second portion. An interior section of the second portion forms at least part of the zone of the sphere and the second portion is configured to mate with the first portion. The mating of the first portion and the second portion is configured to enclose a ball. The ball nest further includes an adjustable attachment, where the adjustable attachment is configured to adjust the position of the first portion relative to the second portion.

Abstract: A multi-function exerciser includes a main frame. Two first universal joint units and two second universal joint units are respectively provided at two sides of the main frame. Two action units are pivotally connected to the first and second universal joint units. The two axes of the first and second universal joint units at the same side are at the same level and perpendicular to each other. Thus, the user can swing forward and rearward as well as left and right when standing on the footrests of the two action units for a forward split and a side split. Besides, because the two axes are at the same level and perpendicular to each other, the user can stand with one foot and lift another foot to do an oval turning for getting strong muscles in the legs.

Abstract: A Pilates reformer includes a rectangular frame having two transverse ends connected by longitudinal rails, each transverse end comprising a pair of bases and an interconnecting transverse member. A planar carriage attaches to the frame by springs, and is moveable horizontally against force of the springs by means of rollers along the longitudinal rails. An ergonomic purchase confined to the frame is translatable into a stowed position for spatial efficiency, and into a deployed position that enables a user mounted on the carriage to reach the purchase, one of the transverse ends arresting the purchase when fully translated to the stowed or deployed position. The purchase may be a rotatable bench, a slidable and rotatable jump board, a vertically adjustable ballet bar, or the reformer may include a combination of these purchases.

Abstract: A skiing simulating exercise machine includes a supporting base for supporting a user, a pair of retractable couplers attached to the supporting base, and a pair of handle devices coupled to the retractable couplers for being grasped by the user and for simulating a skiing operation. The supporting base includes a beam for attaching the retractable couplers, the retractable couplers each include a rod slidably engaged in a housing, and a spring biasing member coupled between the rod and the housing for retracting the rod into the housing. The retractable couplers each include a wheel attached to the rod for allowing the rod to be smoothly moved into and out of the housing.

Abstract: A barbell characterized by a longitudinal bar with two hand gripping portions, with sufficient spacing between gripping portions to provide clearance for the torso, head or neck, where the gripping portions are characterized by first and second diamond-like shaped exterior portions enclosing gripping windows, where the windows each contain at least one gripping bar, non-parallel to the longitudinal bar, where the first and second diamond-like portions have a first and second interior end portions which, with the intermediate region, define a cambered gripping portion wherein the gripping bars and the exterior portion of the gripping windows are designed to provide a plurality of gripping positions and angles for the user.

Abstract: A ski-simulation assembly includes a vertical member with a first portion coupled to a base and a second portion extending upwardly from the base, a first cable portion slidably engaged with the vertical member at the second portion of the vertical member, a second cable portion slidably engaged with the vertical member at the second portion of the vertical member, and a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled to the first cable portion and the second cable portion, where the resistance-producing assembly operable to apply a selective resistance to the first cable portion independent of movement of the second cable portion and apply a selective resistance to the second cable portion independent of movement of the first cable portion.

Abstract: A game controller includes a plurality of load sensors for detecting a load applied on an exercise support board having at least one stepping exercise platform and attached thereto a sliding platform having concave sides on which player's legs are ridden The game controller transmits a load value detected as manipulation data by the load sensors to a game machine. The game machine determines a necessary quantity of load values, and the game machine computes the necessary quantity of load values based on the detected load value from the game controller. Subsequently, game processing is performed based on the necessary quantity of computed load values on either the stepping exercise portion or the sliding exercise portion.

Abstract: A gymnastic machine (1) comprising a frame (10) supporting a first actuating device (40) provided with at least a pair of first levers (102)(104), each of which presents a respective implement (112)(116) suitable to act as user interface; a load unit (300) being provided in connection with the first levers (102) so as to dissipate power applied to each implement (112)(116) in a proportion definable at will; said load unit (300) being designed to maintain the first levers (102)(104) in phase opposition; second actuating devices (50) of magnetic kind being associated with the load unit (300) to bring and maintain the first levers (102)(104) at rest in a neutral position so as to prevent stopping conditions.

Abstract: A treadmill is provided which allows a lateral shift rack to be set over the pedestal of the main framework, and the lateral shift rack is provided with a treading mechanism. The lateral shift rack is driven to yield reciprocating lateral shift through circumferential movement of the crank linking frame when two pedals of the treading mechanism are treaded to shift vertically. When the treadmill is treaded, lateral shift will occur simultaneously. Based on the driving compensation mechanism, when the left and right pedals are treaded, the end point could be further shifted to a preset distance, so as to compensate the treading path of two pedals, and improve the operational flexibility, the fitness effect and value of the treadmill.

Abstract: A skiing simulating exercise machine includes a supporting base for supporting a user, a pair of retractable couplers attached to the supporting base, and a pair of handle devices coupled to the retractable couplers for being grasped by the user and for simulating a skiing operation. The supporting base includes a beam for attaching the retractable couplers, the retractable couplers each include a rod slidably engaged in a housing, and a spring biasing member coupled between the rod and the housing for retracting the rod into the housing. The retractable couplers each include a wheel attached to the rod for allowing the rod to be smoothly moved into and out of the housing.

Abstract: A skiing simulating exercise machine includes a pair of handles attached to a base support for supporting an upper portion of a user, a cushioning member disposed on the base support, and a platform mounted on the cushioning member for supporting the user thereon and for simulating a skiing operation, the cushioning member includes a chamber for forming a tubular element and for increasing a resilience of the cushioning member, the cushioning member includes an outer peripheral recess for increasing a resilience of the cushioning member and for allowing the cushioning member to be suitably deformed or twisted or squeezed or depressed or compressed by the user.

Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed having at least a base, first and second knee supports which are bilaterally coupled to first and second pivots located off from the center of the base. Independently rotatable knee pads are coupled to the perimeter-side end of the first and second knee supports arranged around a perimeter of the base. An upper extremity support is coupled to the base, and a first base supporting member is positioned at a rear of the base and a second base supporting member is positioned at a front of the base, wherein at least one of an inclination and elevation of the base is determined by adjustment of the base supporting members, wherein the first and second knee supports move around different arcs to generate an elliptical motion for an individual.

Abstract: A ski-simulation assembly includes a vertical member with a first portion coupled to a base and a second portion extending upwardly from the base, a first cable portion slidably engaged with the vertical member at the second portion of the vertical member, a second cable portion slidably engaged with the vertical member at the second portion of the vertical member, and a resistance-producing assembly physically coupled to the first cable portion and the second cable portion, where the resistance-producing assembly operable to apply a selective resistance to the first cable portion independent of movement of the second cable portion and apply a selective resistance to the second cable portion independent of movement of the first cable portion.

Abstract: Various exercise machines have foot supporting linkages that move a person's feet through respective left and right paths of motion in respective planes that are skewed relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an article of manufacture having at least one curved rail that is supported in an upright position with a supporting mean. The supporting means may be a stand, which may also contain at least one-foot holder and an arm bar. The curved rail or rails contains a seat that is capable of laterally sliding along the curved rail. The seat may swivel and contain handles for additional set of exercises.

Abstract: An exercise device for the mid to lower body muscles comprising an inclined base, a base frame to support the base a first support bar and a second support bar, the first and the second support bar each having a mounting end and a support end, wherein the first support bar mounting end is pivotably attached to a first pivot point and the second support bar mounting end is pivotably attached to a second pivot point and the first and the second support bar support end are movably mounted on the perimeter of the base such that the first and the second support ends are movable through an arcuate path along the perimeter of the base a first knee pad pivotably attached to the first support bar at the first support bar support end; a second knee pad pivotably attached to the second support bar at the second support bar support end; and a handle attached to the front portion of the base frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for exercising the human body comprising a stiff frame accommodating at least two guide tracks and at least one carriage in each guide track, at least one resistance unit, preferably attached to the frame, and for each carriage: a substantially inelastic cord drive system connecting said carriage with said at least one resistance unit, and an elastic cord drive system connecting the substantially inelastic cord drive system with the frame. Specific use of the apparatus according to the invention imitates the pattern of movements in cross-country skiing.

Abstract: A resistance apparatus for a waist-twisting exerciser wherein the resistance apparatus includes a spring and an adjuster with a pulley block. The adjuster is mounted on a swing element while the spring is fixed at a proper position of the swing element such that the spring is correctly engaged into the pulley block of the adjuster. In applying force to the swing element in motion, the spring may be pulled to create an effective exercise resistance force for increasing the exercise effect. Moreover, the position of the adjuster is adjustable for changing the tension of the spring.

Abstract: A sporting facility comprises a plurality of rotary elements having flexible components extending therefrom, the rotary elements being arranged so that the flexible components thereof provide a substantially continuous supporting surface, and means for rotating the rotary elements. The flexible components are preferably filaments or fibers, extending perpendicular to the substantially continuous surface. The facility is of particular use in providing an artificial surface for skiing, snow boarding, surfing or the like.