Abstract: A flooring system includes at least two discrete layers. The at least two discrete layers include at least a first discrete layer comprising variably responsive elastic subfloor. The at least a first discrete layer includes at least first sublayer having area elastic properties and at least a second sublayer, wherein at least a portion of the at least a second sublayer includes a first material displaying dilatant properties. The at least two discrete layers include at least a second discrete layer comprising a wear layer disposed on top of the at least a first discrete layer.

Abstract: A flooring system includes at least two discrete layers. The at least two discrete layers include at least a first discrete layer comprising variably responsive elastic subfloor. The at least a first discrete layer includes at least first sublayer having area elastic properties and at least a second sublayer, wherein at least a portion of the at least a second sublayer includes a first material displaying dilatant properties. The at least two discrete layers include at least a second discrete layer comprising a wear layer disposed on top of the at least a first discrete layer.

Abstract: A design for snowsports devices such as skis and snowboards uses non-Newtonian materials. Non-Newtonian materials exhibit rate-sensitive characteristics, with stress vs. strain properties dependent on the rate of loading. The snowsports device with non-Newtonian materials has variable stiffness and damping, with both increasing according to an increased applied load-rate such that a single snowsports device exhibits soft flex characteristics under low applied load-rates, but stiffer flex characteristics under high applied load-rates. The flex of the snowsports device is self-adjusting, with no manual adjustment input required by a user. The non-Newtonian material may be incorporated into the structure of the snowsports device in a number of different ways, including in the core, in composite sheet layers, and other locations.

Abstract: A design for snowsports devices such as skis and snowboards uses non-Newtonian materials. Non-Newtonian materials exhibit rate-sensitive characteristics, with stress vs. strain properties dependent on the rate of loading. The snowsports device with non-Newtonian materials has variable stiffness and damping, with both increasing according to an increased applied load-rate such that a single snowsports device exhibits soft flex characteristics under low applied load-rates, but stiffer flex characteristics under high applied load-rates. The flex of the snowsports device is self-adjusting, with no manual adjustment input required by a user. The non-Newtonian material may be incorporated into the structure of the snowsports device in a number of different ways, including in the core, in composite sheet layers, and other locations.