Abstract: A system, configuration, and method for converting a pair of skis to perform as an emulation snowboard is provided. The system includes a pair of skis, and a coupling device including a platform having an upper planar surface with a plurality of mounting locations with mounting system therein. The mounting system couples the skis together and provides a surface on which a pair of bindings may be affixed. The steps for conversion include providing a pair of skis, removing a ski binding from each ski in the pair of skis, if a binding is installed on either ski in the pair of skis, providing a platform with a mounting system, utilizing the mounting system to affix the platform to each ski in the pair of skis, and attaching a pair of snowboard bindings to the platform.

Abstract: A cross-country skiing kit with a cross-country ski binding and with a cross-country ski boot, wherein the crosscountry ski binding, for articulated connection of a cross-country ski boot to a cross-country ski, is provided with a substantially unyielding binding main body which has a stand surface for a sole of the cross-country ski boot, with a holder device which has a seat for pivotable arrangement of the cross-country ski boot about a pivot axis extending in the transverse direction of the binding main body, with an elastically deformable resetting element for resetting the cross-country ski boot from an upwardly pivoted position in the direction of the stand surface of the binding main body, wherein at least one substantially unyielding elevation is provided on the stand surface of the binding main body, to the rear of the pivot axis in the longitudinal direction of the binding main body, with which elevation the sole of the cross-country ski boot in its unloaded state is arranged at a distance from the

Abstract: A support plate for a binding for a gliding board that includes the following: a chassis to be fixed on an upper surface of the gliding board; a damping plate intended to be at least partially interposed between a lower surface of the chassis and the upper surface of the gliding board. The support plate includes a wedge that is less compressible than the damping plate, movable between a hardness configuration, suitable for transmitting a vertical force from the chassis to the upper surface of a gliding board, and inhibiting, at least partially, the compression of the damping plate and between a flexibility configuration, suitable for the force to be retransmitted from the chassis to the upper surface of a gliding board, mainly via the damping plate.

Abstract: A ski for use on ice or snow is disclosed. The ski includes a ski body having a tip portion, a tail portion, and a longitudinal running length extending between the tip portion and the tail portion and a substantially flat bottom surface for sliding on snow or ice. The ski also includes a suspension system comprised of a substantially rigid support structure secured to the longitudinally central region of the said ski body at two attachment locations separated by a distance of at least 5 inches along the longitudinal axis of the ski body, and at least one resilient element configured to exert an opposing force between the support structure and the ski body in the area between the two attachment locations.

Abstract: A mounting plate and mounting plate system for a ski comprising: a bottom surface configured to be placed against a ski; an upward directed left and right side edge along the outer sides of the mounting plate, where the edges have laterally opposed undercuts that are configured to hold a ski binding with complementary cuts fastened to the mounting plate in the vertical direction; a longitudinal groove, configured to hold a first interchangeable rail fixed in the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction, and a second interchangeable rail which can be interchanged with the first rail, fixed in a lateral direction but movable in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A method of controlling a four-wheel skateboard, the method comprising: applying a load on an induction switch of the four-wheel skateboard, the induction switch starting a power switch of the four-wheel skateboard; driving the four-wheel skateboard to slide by the assistance of the load; controlling and starting a motor, by a controller of the four-wheel skateboard, to drive the four-wheel skateboard to slide; and taking the load off from the induction switch of the four-wheel skateboard and the induction switch shutting down the power switch of the four-wheel skateboard. The four-wheel skateboard relies on the load-assisted driving, not entirely on the driving force of the motor, so that the four-wheel skateboard consumes less electricity for sliding the same distance as conventional skateboards, requires relatively small amounts of lithium-ion batteries, and requires not too large battery capacity and not too high voltage, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the four-wheel skateboard.

Abstract: A sport board or freestyle skateboard which may include at least a central aluminum honeycomb portion between layers of carbon nanotube fiber, fiberglass cloth, and covered with a soft outer layer.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for a digitally Controlled Variable Stiffness item of athletic equipment, such as a Ski, Snowboard, and Boots. A core of thermally responsive metal alloy, such as Nitinol is disposed within the athletic equipment. A thermal control module and controller permit the athlete to program the athletic equipment to a desired stiffness parameter. The controller may include an app operable via a mobile computing device in communication with the thermal control module.

Abstract: A torsional stabilizer increases the torsional rigidity of skis without influencing the ski's flexural characteristics. There are numerous embodiments of the invention disclosed for preventing torsional rotation of a ski about its longitudinal axis while at the same time having little to no impact on the flexing characteristics of the ski. The innovations defined by the invention may be delivered through exoskeletal means (via mechanisms and linkages attached directly to snow skis) or through dynamic structural members or mechanisms integrated within the ski design itself. In all cases, the stabilizers according to the invention effectively reduce the ski's tendency to twist about its longitudinal axis when subjected to the turning forces created during the sport of alpine skiing.

Abstract: A snowshoe provides a way for outdoor enthusiasts to traverse the backcountry effectively and efficiently. The snowshoe allows the user to glide through the snow like a cross-country ski, but with the minimal footprint of a traditional snowshoe. The snowshoe includes a board and a binding mechanism that secures the user to the board, but allows for a pivoting motion. The pivoting motion allows the user to ascend steep terrain by performing a motion similar to cross-country skiing.

Abstract: A shock absorbing device designed to be mounted to a sliding board, includes a mobile device connected to a mechanism transmitting the forces generated during the deformation of the board and including a part of a deformable viscoelastic material, such that the part is shaped in such a way that its transversal section varies longitudinally in an increasing and decreasing manner, to form hollows and ridges, wherein the distance between the hollows and/or the distance between the ridges varies during the deformation of the part.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a support apparatus. The support apparatus might comprise a body configured to support an entity. The body might comprise a material that has a physical property. The support apparatus might further comprise a coupler system configured to couple electric current from a power source to the material. The material is arranged such that coupling an electric current to the material changes the physical property of the material. Embodiments are further directed to a method. The method might comprise forming one or more cavities in a support apparatus. The method might further comprise providing one or more couplers in electrical contact with each of the one or more channels. The method further comprises filling each of the one or more cavities with a fluid that has electrically changeable rigidity. Finally, the method might comprise connecting a power source to each of the one or more couplers.

Abstract: A force responsive transducer is disclosed. The force responsive transducer can include a force conductive cover, a pretensioner, and a force sensitive resistor. The pretensioner can be located between the force conductive cover and the force sensitive resistor. An apparatus can include a plurality of force responsive transducers, wherein a first transducer and a second transducer are configured to control a window. Processing circuitry in communication with the force responsive transducers can be configured to repeatedly zero calibrate the force responsive transducers.

Abstract: A system for modifying a stiffness of a structure of a vehicle using vibrational energy of the vehicle includes a variable-stiffness layer, having a selectively controllable Young's modulus, attached to the structure, and a conversion layer, coupled to the variable-stiffness layer, the conversion layer configured to convert vibrational energy from the structure into electrical energy, and to supply the electrical energy to the variable-stiffness layer to adjust a stiffness of the variable-stiffness layer.

Abstract: An apparatus which damps oscillation in a ski, the apparatus comprising an enclosure, a cavity encompassed by the enclosure, and an aggregate located in the cavity. The cavity has a dimension in a direction perpendicular to a gliding surface of the ski which is larger than a thickness of the ski in a location adjacent to the enclosure. The aggregate, in its tapped density, occupies substantially less volume than a volume of the cavity, thereby allowing significant travel of the aggregate in the cavity. Oscillation accelerates and decelerates the enclosure, resulting in accelerations and decelerations of the aggregate which cause it to acquire and lose kinetic energy. The aggregate's acquisition and loss of kinetic energy attenuates the oscillation.

Abstract: A ski for use on ice or snow is disclosed. The ski includes a ski body having a tip portion, a tail portion, and a longitudinal running length extending between the tip portion and the tail portion and a substantially flat bottom surface for sliding on snow or ice. The ski also includes a suspension system comprised of a substantially rigid support structure secured to the longitudinally central region of the said ski body at two attachment locations separated by a distance of at least 5 inches along the longitudinal axis of the ski body, and at least one resilient element configured to exert an opposing force between the support structure and the ski body in the area between the two attachment locations.

Abstract: A snow-gliding board with adjustable camber includes a mobile actuator attached to a first portion of the board and an adjustment mechanism attached to a second portion of the board. The adjustment mechanism and mobile actuator are engaged, and travel of the mobile actuator with respect to the adjustment mechanism causes a change in camber of the snow-gliding board.

Abstract: A binding system is mounted atop a rider-support surface of the board. The binding system comprises: a pair of rails locatable on opposing sides of a generally flattened foot-receiving surface for the rider's foot, each rail comprising a central portion mountable to the recreational board, a toe-side leg which extends from the central portion toward a toe-side of the recreational board and a heel-side leg which extends from the central portion toward a heel-side of the recreational board. Each rail is moveably coupled to a corresponding stand-off flange of a base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club head having a multifunctional damping assembly. In certain aspects, the invention provides a damping assembly configured to provide dampening of vibrational response of the club head upon impact of the club face with a golf ball, thereby improving the feel of the club. The damping assembly is further configured to provide information to a golfer in the form of visual and/or audible feedback indicative of one or more characteristics of a golf ball strike with the club face.

Abstract: Gliding board with a damping device for the vertical movements of the front or rear zone of the board said system including an arm whose first end is integral with an attaching point located in the front or rear zone of the board and whose second end is integral with the piston of a hydraulic device connected to the board near the attachment, said hydraulic device applying a retaining force during the movement of the second end of the arm in order to dissipate part of the kinetic energy from the front or rear zone of the board transmitted by said arm, wherein when the movement of the arm is consecutive to the movement of the attaching point downwards, the hydraulic device applies a retaining force which is less than the force applied when the movement of the arm is consecutive to a movement of the attaching point upwards.

Abstract: A first component and a second component of a sports board may be controlled to configure the sports board. The first component may be coupled with a plurality of layers of the sports board. The second component may also be coupled with the plurality of layers of the sports board.

Abstract: A board for snowboarding, having forward and rear contact lines; lines of greater width located beyond the forward and rear contact lines respectively; binding-mounting areas, each including a set of mounting points by which the binding is secured to the board; a non-zero camber (C), measured substantially midway between the forward and rear contact lines; forward and rear shovels; wherein seen from above, the forward and rear contact lines pass through forward and rear areas respectively, each delimited on the one hand, board center side, by an inner transverse line located at a maximum distance (D1,D3) of 50 mm relative to the central position of the binding-mounting area, and on the other hand, shovel side, by an outer transverse line located at a maximum distance (D2,D4) of 150 mm relative to the central position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a quick and simple method of securing the bottom of a goalie leg pad to their skate toe area. The apparatus includes a toe hook including a flat portion and a hook portion which is attached to the goalie pad. The apparatus also include an extension which has loop portions at each end which is attached at one end to the goalie skate and then has its other loop portion connected to the hook portion of the toe hook to attach the goalie leg pad to the goalie skate.

Abstract: A ski or snowboard having an interface power source is provided. The power source uses reverse electrowetting technology to generate a charge to power devices connected to the interface. The power source includes a flexible, non-conductive substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side with a channel between the first and second sides. Electrodes are arranged about the channel in a predefined pattern. A liquid is contained in the channel. The liquid includes a dielectric liquid and a conductive liquid that do not mix. The electric change is generated by moving the liquid back and forth across the electrodes. The force to pump or move the liquid is provided by motion of the ski or snowboard.

Abstract: In order to assure smooth and essentially equidistant running of correspondingly loaded pair of skis over ground when turning left or right without any sideslip, a ski is bent at its tip at a pre-determined angle around its longitudinal axis and deflected from the ground by a radius along a that longitudinal axis. Despite a practically symmetric appearance of the circumference of such ski when observed in top view, the distance between a front inflection point and a rear inflection point on the left ski edge and the distance between the front inflection point and the rear inflection point on the right ski edge differ from each other such that the active lengths of the ski edges differ from each other. A weak area of the ski is provided adjacent at least one inflection point to provide different compression distributions between the ground and each of the ski edges.

Abstract: A snow gliding board, including front and rear lines of maximum width, and having sidecuts including a central area having a curvature directed towards the outside of the board, wherein said central area extends towards the front and/or the back in an adjacent area having a curvature oriented toward the inside, which extends at least all the way to the respective front and/or rear line of maximum width.

Abstract: A foil wing for creating lift force on snowboards and skis is disclosed. By use of this invention on skis or snowboards, the act of translating through powder creates the necessary lift force on the leading end and down force on the aft end that is required to stay afloat in powder. The snow wing generates lift upon need when the snow gets deep enough. Therefore, the rider is kept afloat in unforeseen loose-snow areas, carrying him safely over and out. On overall snow powder days, the use of this invention keeps riders from tiring so quickly and, therefore, makes the rider more in control, and thus safer.

Abstract: Suspension systems are provided for skis. In some implementations, the suspension system includes a spring-like element and a support structure configured to attach one end of the spring-like element to the central half of the longitudinal running length of a ski body. The spring-like element is configured so that the opposite end of the spring-like element contacts the ski body at a contact point on the front-most or rear-most fifth of the longitudinal running length of the ski body, and applies a downward force at the contact point such that the degree of free camber of the ski is increased relative to the natural free camber of the ski body without the suspension system attached.

Abstract: Suspension systems are provided for skis. In some implementations, the suspension system includes a spring-like element and a support structure configured to attach one end of the spring-like element to the central half of the longitudinal running length of a ski body. The spring-like element is configured so that the opposite end of the spring-like element contacts the ski body at a contact point on the front-most or rear-most fifth of the longitudinal running length of the ski body, and applies a downward force at the contact point such that the degree of free camber of the ski is increased relative to the natural free camber of the ski body without the suspension system attached.

Abstract: A ski which when it is flat on a horizontal plane, and loaded at its waist in such a way that the edges touch said horizontal plane at the waist, has a side cut extending between the front and rear contact lines; when it is pivoted around its longitudinal axis and tilted by a non-zero angle ? relative to said horizontal plane, and loaded at its waist in such a way that one of the edges touches said plane at the waist, has a side cut extending between two end contact points, front and rear respectively wherein for a tilt (?) equal to 35°, the ratio of the distance (D?) separating the front end contact point and the front contact line, related to the distance (D) separating the mid-point (9) of the shoe and the front contact line, is more than 12%.

Abstract: A ski or a snowboard in the form of a board-like sliding device, comprising a multi-layered sliding board body and at least one board-like force-transmitting element supported on the top side of the sliding board body, the upper side of which force-transmitting element is provided for supporting a binding device for a potentially releasable connection with a sports shoe. In at least one of the two lateral upper edge sections of the sliding board body running in the longitudinal direction of the sliding board body at least one interlocking coupling means is formed. Said at least one interlocking coupling means is formed by at least one physically independent strip or profile-like coupling element which is arranged between the board-like force-transmitting element and the sliding board body and is provided for forming an interlocking connection between the board-like force-transmitting element and the sliding board body.

Abstract: An improved bi-directional snowboard having a board member with a pair of parallel, downwardly extending, reverse cambers or rockers disposed between a pair of snow boot bindings mounted on a top surface of the board member. The reverse cambers provide for reduced snow contact upon engaging the snow surface and increased speed during downhill racing. Also, the board member includes a pair of convex-shaped, traction planes on opposite sides of the board member between the board bindings. The traction planes provide for increased edge control and stability when making hard turns and during difficult snow conditions.

Abstract: Snow-ski board, especially a ski, having at least one trimming mechanism with at least one trimming rod with its axis oriented in the longitudinal direction of the snow-ski board, including at least one damping element and at least one adjusting or tensioning mechanism for supporting the trimming rod on both ends by adjustable mechanical tension.

Abstract: Snow ski attachments to toe of ski consisting of boat haul/navicular design bottom component J-tip 10 along with top support brace 30 and top cover 42. This will allow the ski to cut through the snow instead of bouncing over it and therefore reducing vibration and improving the control of the ski. These attachments will also strengthen the toe to body connection.

Abstract: A ski in accordance with the invention increases in width from a tip or shovel portion to a mid-portion. The mid-portion includes at least a slight sidecut. The ski then decreases in width from the mid-portion to a tail portion. The ski also includes an undersurface with a substantial portion being rockered. A substantial portion of the mid-portion of the ski is not rockered.

Abstract: Gliding boards having removable edge sections and methods of modifying gliding boards are disclosed herein. A gliding board of one embodiment includes a board body having top and bottom sides and defining a recessed area therebetween. A plurality of edge sections are removable from and replaceable to the board body, and each edge section has an engaging region complementary to the recessed area of the board body.

Abstract: A snow glider comprises a longitudinally-extending runner for supporting a rider on ridden snow and having a generally central, longitudinally-extending slot. The glider further comprises an elevated rider-supporting deck and chatter-absorbing means straddling the slot for supporting the deck above the runner. Preferably, the bottom surface of the runner is preferably generally convex across its width, with curved outer edges that provide directional control to the rider when turning, and at least one longitudinally-extending, generally straight longitudinally-extending inner edge adjacent the periphery of the slot for greater directional control when the rider is going straight. To enhance controllability, the deck of the preferred embodiment is preferably coupled to the runner near the runner's outer periphery so that the force exerted by the rider is transmitted from his/her feet directly to the outer edges of the runner.

Abstract: A gliding board including a primary core positioned between a lower sub-assembly and an upper sub-assembly, the upper sub-assembly and the lower sub-assembly including at least one first upper reinforcement and one first lower reinforcement, respectively, extending longitudinally over at least two thirds of the length of the gliding board, and further including a frictional damping arrangement. The damping arrangement includes a blade having a thickness of less than 2 mm and a structure that enables the sliding of at least one of the ends of the blade. The damping arrangement is positioned between the first lower reinforcement and the first upper reinforcement, and the distance separating the damping arrangement from the first upper reinforcement, or from the first lower reinforcement can range, for example, between 0 mm and four times the thickness of the blade.

Abstract: A ski or a snowboard is in the form of a board-type gliding device. By reference to the width of the gliding device, at least one recess is provided in its middle portion extending in its depth direction from the top face of the gliding device in the direction towards the running surface facing and disposed in its longitudinal direction essentially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the gliding device with a view to causing a cross-sectional weakening. At least one manually adjustable adjusting device is provided, which is designed to produce an individually adjustable change in the load-dependent deformability of the cross-sectional shape or to produce an individually adjustable limit to the maximum permissible load-dependent cross-sectional deformation of the gliding device.

Abstract: A ski including a structural unit, gliding structure, as well as a decorative and protective structure. The structural unit includes at least one lower reinforcement, at least one upper reinforcement, and an intermediate structure, or core, positioned between the upper reinforcement and the lower reinforcement. The ski has a longitudinally extending cambered shape such that, when the gliding structure is positioned on a flat surface, the ski rests on a shovel contact point and a tail contact point. The ski further includes a tension structure that exerts a tension force between a first anchoring, positioned longitudinally beyond the shovel contact zone, and a second anchoring, positioned on rearward of the shovel contact zone. The tension structure is positioned for most of its length beneath the decorative and protective structure, such tension structure being positioned for most of its length above the neutral axis of the ski, such as above the upper reinforcement.

Abstract: A snow gliding board includes an upper protective layer and an internal mechanical structuring beam. The upper protective layer partially covers the internal beam, without significantly influencing the mechanical behavior defined by the internal beam while also including a visible skin, and a 3D visible decorative element which projects above the skin while being fixed in a cutout perforated in the visible skin.

Abstract: A snowboard or ski (1) is made having a flat sole, seen in cross-section, and with a longitudinal bendable zone or zones so that the whole or parts of the right-hand and/or left-hand part of the board are bendable in such manner that the sole, seen in cross-section, is or can be curved upwards in these parts of the board, thus causing the steel edges outermost on the upward curved portions to be higher than the sole in the middle of the board. The board may be equipped with tensioning means to hold these portions permanently flexed upwards.

Abstract: A snowmobile having a double A-arm front suspension is disclosed. The double A-arm front suspension includes an upper A-arm, a lower A-arm, and a spindle connecting the skis the upper A-arms and lower A-arms, the connection of the upper and lower A-arms to the spindle defines a caster angle, the upper A-arm and the lower A-arm are connected to the front portion of the frame such that the caster angle decreases when the front suspension is compressed. Also disclosed is a snowmobile having a suspension travel of at least 8 inches and a steering assembly having a single pitman arm.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the inventive technology relates to a snowboard having a lower surface that does not at any point along at least one specified portion thereof contact a horizontal surface underlying the snowboard when the snowboard is unweighted. Such portion(s) may be defined, at least in part, by one or more cambers. A rocker may be used to impart additional board performance benefits to a rider. Other embodiments may relate more specifically to the positioning of cambers relative to mount regions.

Abstract: The system comprises a first elongate blade and a second elongate blade. The second elongate blade is substantially in superposition with reference to the first blade. The first and the second blades are affixed together at one end. The system includes a user-actuated mechanism is connected at least to the second blade. The mechanism is selectively operable by a user of the snow-riding device to longitudinally reposition at least a portion of the second blade with reference to the first blade. This longitudinal repositioning modifies the efficient length ratio between the two blades and thereby the camber of the system. The system is self-contained and once integrated to the snow-riding device, the system permits a selective camber adjustment of at least a portion of the snow-riding device upon modifying the camber of the system.

Abstract: The invention describes a ski (2) or a snowboard in the form of a board-type gliding device (1). By reference to the width (13) of the gliding board body, at least one slot (14) is provided in its middle portion extending in the depth direction—arrow (15)—from the top face (7) of the gliding board body in the direction towards the running surface facing (10) and in its longitudinal direction essentially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the gliding board body. This at least one slot (14) is provided with a view to causing a cross-sectional weakening and reducing the stiffness of the gliding board body transversely to its longitudinal direction. Also provided is at least one geometry-influencing means (19), by means of which the cross-sectional shape or contour of the gliding board body is variable as a function of load and/or can be manually varied.

Abstract: In a snow glide board, in particular a ski with a glide board body, the outer surface of which is formed at least on one top side opposing the gliding or running surface by a shell of at least one layer made of a flat material and the glide board body of which comprises at least one channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the glide board body for holding at least one trim rod, the shell is made of a shell element on which at least one hollow or tubular section forming a channel for at least one trim rod is formed or pre-mounted.

Abstract: A ski or a snowboard is in the form of a board-type gliding device. By reference to the width of the gliding device, at least one recess is provided in its middle portion extending in its depth direction from the top face of the gliding device in the direction towards the running surface facing and disposed in its longitudinal direction essentially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the gliding device with a view to causing a cross-sectional weakening. At least one manually adjustable adjusting device is provided, which is designed to produce an individually adjustable change in the load-dependent deformability of the cross-sectional shape or to produce an individually adjustable limit to the maximum permissible load-dependent cross-sectional deformation of the gliding device.

Abstract: A two-piece snowboard includes an improved bottom shape and connector. The bottom surface of each snowboard section facilitates three primary functions: riding in a straight line, turning, and stopping. The bottom surfaces are concave or substantially flat, and grooves or ribs are provided along bottom edges of the sections to provide for turning and/or braking. Thus placed, the grooves and/or ribs do not interfere with straight line riding. The connector is somewhat stiff, and resists twisting. An example of a suitable connector is a length of reinforced hydraulic hose. The connector allows both vertical and horizontal flexing to facilitate riding over irregular terrain, while resisting twisting between sections to facilitate control. In one embodiment, the two-piece snowboard is constructed from sandwiching upper platforms provided by a donor snowboard between a connector assembly and bottom platforms according to the present invention.

Abstract: Gliding board that includes an upper sub-assembly, a lower sub-assembly, and an intermediate core, the upper sub-assembly including a first longitudinal opening, the lower sub-assembly including a second longitudinal opening, and the intermediate core including a third longitudinal opening, each of the first, second, and third longitudinal openings being positioned at the rear end of the gliding board, the gliding board further including a rigidifying element that is inserted simultaneously in the first, second, and third longitudinal openings. The rigidifying element can have a planar, bulging, or convex lower surface.