Abstract: A snowboard (10) includes a central section (12) and tip and tail sections (14, 16). The snowboard includes a core (30) bordered within the central section along longitudinal edges by sidewall members (24). The snowboard includes upper and lower reinforcement layers (32, 34) covered by a top sheet (36) and a base (38). The outer surfaces (44) of the sidewall members (24) are exposed between the top sheet and the base within the central section of the board. In the tip and tail section of the board, the sidewall members are absent, with a cap formed by the top sheet and upper reinforcement layer extending to cover the perimeter edge of the core and join to the base. The board thus has a fully exposed sidewall construction in the central section and a capped construction in the tip and tail sections.

Abstract: A snowboard (10) includes a central section (12) and tip and tail sections (14, 16). The snowboard includes a core (30) bordered within the central section along longitudinal edges by sidewall members (24). The snowboard includes upper and lower reinforcement layers (32, 34) covered by a top sheet (36) and a base (38). The outer surfaces (44) of the sidewall members (24) are exposed between the top sheet and the base within the central section of the board. In the tip and tail section of the board, the sidewall members are absent, with a cap formed by the top sheet and upper reinforcement layer extending to cover the perimeter edge of the core and join to the base. The board thus has a fully exposed sidewall construction in the central section and a capped construction in the tip and tail sections.

Abstract: A ski (10) includes a body (22) formed from a primary core (28) reinforced by a structural layer (30) that wraps the primary core. A secondary core (24) is disposed above the body and adhered thereto with an elastomeric layer (32). A top layer (40) overlies the secondary core and the exposed portions of the body to integrate the secondary core into the ski. The ski further includes a bottom layer (34) reinforced with edge strips (36). The secondary core (24) provides additional mass at selected regions of the ski without significantly impacting the stiffness of the ski, thereby affecting the dynamic profile of the ski.

Abstract: A snowboard (10) includes a central section (12) and tip and tail sections (14, 16). The snowboard includes a core (30) bordered within the central section along longitudinal edges by sidewall members (24). The snowboard includes upper and lower reinforcement layers (32, 34) covered by a top sheet (36) and a base (38). The outer surfaces (44) of the sidewall members (24) are exposed between the top sheet and the base within the central section of the board. In the tip and tail section of the board, the sidewall members are absent, with a cap formed by the top sheet and upper reinforcement layer extending to cover the perimeter edge of the core and join to the base. The board thus has a fully exposed sidewall construction in the central section and a capped construction in the tip and tail sections.

Abstract: A binding lifter for a ski includes a fastener retention layer, a lifter core extension above and below the fastener retention layer and an exterior layer over at least a portion of the lifter core. The fastener retention layer has a greater density than the lifter core. Binding fasteners are securable to the fastener retention layer.

Abstract: A board, such as a ski or snowboard, that includes a piezoelectric damper. A sensor such as a piece of piezoelectric material is located on the body of the board such that, as the board vibrates or deforms, the piezoelectric sensor is also deformed. As the piezoelectric sensor deforms, it produces an electrical signal that is provided to a control circuit. The control circuit receives the electrical signal and generates a control signal of proportional amplitude and frequency, but an inverse waveform to the sensed vibration. The control signal causes a piezoelectric damper to stiffen and resist deformation of the board, thus damping the vibration. The sensed signal may also be stored within a memory device and subsequently downloaded to provide a skier profile for analysis.

Abstract: A ski has an elongate body with an upper surface and a binding mounting portion on the upper surface of the elongate body. The binding mounting portion has a front end and a rear end defining a boot support surface. The binding mounting portion has a first height at the front end and second height at the rear end with the second height being greater than the first height to dispose the boot support surface at an angle with the rear end higher than the front end of the boot support surface.