Abstract: The controlled movement of the first member relative to the body member provided by the fluid pressure means causes impact forces that are imparted to a ski device incorporating the present invention to be so modulated as to allow for good ski performance in terms of spring-action, smooth ride, handling, and service life. The fluid pressure medium of the fluid pressure means can be a gas, a liquid or a combination gas and liquid. The fluid pressure means can be provided with means for communicating with a fluid pressure supply source, illustratively located off of the ski, permitting external manual or automatic adjustments or changes to the fluid pressure means to be made after a ski device incorporating this invention has been fabricated so as to optimize the force modulating capability of the ski device for a particular user load and use.

Abstract: I have devised a force modulating device, for use as a force modulating member of a ski device, in which I have made a first member thereof to be movably interconnected with a body member of the force modulating device and I have disposed therebetween fluid pressure means for floating the first member with respect to the body member and controlling the relative movement between such two members. The controlled movement of the first member relative to the body member provided by the fluid pressure means causes impact forces that are imparted to a ski device incorporating the present invention to be so modulated as to allow for good ski performance in terms of spring-action, smooth ride, handling, and service life. The fluid pressure medium of the fluid pressure means can be a gas, a liquid or a combination gas and liquid.