Abstract: A ski construction such as a ski, monoski, or snow board includes a principal base support (2) which has a sliding sole (6) that is raised to form a tip (8) at its front end. An upper surface of the ski defines a housing or pocket (20) with a central contracted region defined by lateral projections (18a, 18b). One of a family of elongated complementary elements (3) with hollow profiles (12a, 12b) is frictionally received in the pocket. The complementary elements can have different lengths, thicknesses, stiffness, constructions, or material properties. By selecting among the family of complementary elements, a common principal support base can be configured to have a variety of skiing characteristics which complement the skiing abilities of a variety of skiers, skiing conditions, and the like.

Abstract: A racket includes a handle section, a head section, and a connecting section positioned between the handle section and the head section. One or more of the handle section, the head section, and the connecting section include a superelastic metal. The racket, other athletic devices and other devices containing superelastic components are capable of producing a spring force in response to a deflection. The superelastic components may improve the performance of rackets, athletic devices and other devices by increasing the contact duration between the active element of the device and objects against which the devices are configured to exert a force. The superelastic components also provide increased resistance to breakage or plastic deformation of the racket, athletic device or other devices, especially when exposed to frequent deflections. Superelastic components are able to decrease the weight of rackets, athletic devices, or other devices without sacrificing strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a board-type runner device (1), in particular a ski (2) or a snowboard, comprising several layers disposed between a running surface lining (25) and a top layer (24), with a top belt (31) lying closest to the top layer (24) and/or a bottom belt (32) lying closest to the running surface lining (25) of a highly tensile material. In conjunction with a core disposed between the layers, these layers form a multi-layered element and at least one profiled section (12, 13) is provided in the core. At least a part-region of the outer surface of the profiled section (12, 13) is embedded or inlaid in a layer (44, 45) of an elastic synthetic material, preferably a layer (44, 45) of expanded synthetic material above the profiled section (12, 13) that is flexible and elastically resilient under the action of forces.

Abstract: A runner device (1), in particular a ski (2), snowboard, runner or similar, with a stiffening and/or damping element (50) joined to at least one part of the runner device (1), e.g. a layer or an inlaid element, the stiffening and/or damping element (50) being formed by a casing element (46) forming a housing compartment (45) filled with packers (44), which can be adjusted in terms of its hardness or its deformation resistance as necessary by reducing an internal pressure to a pressure below atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A snow glider is provided having a design that facilitates gliding through snow rather than skidding. The snow glider has an extremely narrow waist width combined with an elevated binding assembly to promote positive engagement with a skiing surface during use. The glider body waist is between 25-44 mm at its narrowest point. A further embodiment of the snow glider ski has secondary edges for effecting multiple, changeable turning radii in a single 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 raising platform (6) is intended for mounting on the upper surface (3) of a board (1) for gliding over snow in order to receive and to raise the bindings securing a user's boot to a board (1) for gliding over snow. The raising platform (6) is divided into two longitudinal parts (9, 10) that are each placed directly on the upper surface (3) of the board (1) for gliding over snow and that are connected together by at least one bridge (11).

Abstract: Gliding board devices and methods of making gliding board devices wherein at least a portion of the device is formed of a bulk amorphous alloy material are provided. The gliding board device including an upper reinforcing element that covers at least the upper surface of the device; a lower reinforcing element; a sliding element; a pair of running edges; and a core of filler material disposed between the upper and lower elements, wherein at least one of the upper reinforcing element, lower reinforcing element and pair of running edges are formed from an amorphous alloy.

Abstract: A snow sliding device such as a ski, a monoski, or a snowboard, has a plane of general symmetry P. It includes a principal part, called a body or base 2, which has a longitudinal rib 11 formed between two lateral channels 5a, 5b which open laterally toward the exterior EX and upward HA, and which do not open downward BA. A thin, lower lateral edge 20 extends below the channel. In each of the channels 5a, 5b, a complementary lateral element 3a, 3b, respectively, is attached. A height H of the ski, which corresponds to a distance between an upper surface 30 of the complementary lateral elements 3a, 3b and a lower sliding surface 6, is variable.

Abstract: A stiffening or damping apparatus for sliding boards or skis, comprising a force transmission blade (20) attached to the sliding board (10) for transmitting vibrational, twisting or bending energy and a clutch element for engaging the force transmission blade. The clutch element (26) can be constructed to engage in both directions of ski bend over only a portion of total possible movement, or to frictionally engage (44) in only one direction of ski bending. These clutch devices allows the ski to be damped or stiffened only for small ranges of vibrational movement or to be inhibited in a single direction of bend or torsion.

Abstract: Herein taught is a new device for improving the overall function and/or aerodynamic qualities of a typical snowboard. The device may be manufactured independently as an accessory item, or it may be included in the snowboard at the point of manufacture. The main improvement being an elongated member which when combined with a snowboard, functions as a springboard respectively. Whereby, bodily movements and/or energies of a user are transferred from the springboard into the snowboard and greatly aid with overall performance, especially jumping and turning.

Abstract: Board for gliding over snow (1) comprising a gliding sole plate (2) bordered by metal side edges (3), an upper protective and decorative layer (4), and a filler core (6), including, on at least one of its faces, the lower face and/or the upper face, at least one internal rigid reinforcement (5), wherein this internal rigid reinforcement has at least one laterally flush zone (9, 11) in the region of the heel of the board for gliding over snow so as to allow the centering of the median longitudinal axis of said reinforcement relative to the median longitudinal axis of the board for gliding over snow.

Abstract: Alpine ski (1) having a sidecut (9) which has a radius smaller than 24 meters, wherein the front (10) and/or rear (18) ends have a cavity (11, 15) opening longitudinally at said end, the dimensions of the cavity (11, 15) allowing the deformation of said end when a transverse force is exerted at the front and/or rear contact lines so as to permit the inner and outer edges of the ski to move closer to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a runner device (1), in particular a ski (2), snowboard, runner or similar, with a stiffening and/or damping element (50) joined to at least one part of the runner device (1), e.g.

Abstract: A gliding or rolling board, having, in height, a first reinforcement, a second reinforcement, and a core located between the reinforcements. The core has a matrix made from a filler material, at least one insert being housed in the matrix, the insert having at least one mechanical property greater than that of the matrix, which property can be the tensile strength or the like.

Abstract: A thruster (2) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the ski has a section which is fixed to the ski and an area (3) which is located at a distance from said thruster and which can be moved in a longitudinal direction of said ski and which is coupled to an abutment, which is also fixed to the ski by means of a hydraulic damper (10) via a hydraulic suspension (10). In order to enlarge the lifts of the damper (10), a multiplication gear is located between the damper (10) and the movable area (3), more particularly in the form of a lever gear (6).

Abstract: Board for gliding (1) having an underfoot zone (2), intended to receive the foot or feet of the user, extending toward the front via a front zone (4) and to the rear via a rear zone (3), and the structure of which includes:

Abstract: A ski having a sandwich-like construction including rods and slit stops for changing a radial geometry of the ski. When the ski flexes, the rods and the ski change their respective radii differentially, causing changes in the slit stops. In turn, the slit stops spread or constrict to change maneuvering characteristics of the ski.

Abstract: A gliding board including a longitudinal beam having a laminated structure that includes a bottom surface layer possibly edged with lateral running edges, reinforcing layers, a decorating layer, and a central core, the board being equipped with a data exchange label. The data exchange label is positioned at a distance greater than or equal to 2 millimeters from any metallic mass of the stack.

Abstract: A binding unit support comprises a support body of a length approximately that of the binding unit and having a longitudinal axis, distal end regions of the support body receiving jaw bodies of the binding unit, a bottom face of the support body having at least part regions designed to sit on a top face of a board-type runner, and a middle region of the support body being of a lesser structural stiffness than the end regions. A fixing device mounts the support body on the top face of the board-type runner, the fixing device comprising longitudinally spaced brackets extending transversely over at least one of the end regions across the support body and guiding the support body for freely sliding in the longitudinal direction relative to the top face of the board-type runner.

Abstract: In an alpine ski (1) comprising a body (2) which is composed of several elements and has on its underside a gliding surface (3) and on its upper side (7) a binding mounting area (8), and includes at least one upper chord element (4) subjected primarily to pressure loads and at least one lower chord element (5) subjected to tensile loads, the upper chord element (4) has in the middle region of the ski the shape of a flat, upwardly curved arc (6) extending in the longitudinal direction of the ski and spanning the lower chord element (5). The arc (6) of the upper chord element (4) is adapted to deflect in the direction of the lower chord element (5) in dependence upon the load exerted by the binding and is supported in the end regions of the ski in such a way that a displacement of the ends of the upper chord element (5) resulting from the deflection of the arc (6) increases the load carrying share of the end regions of the ski.

Abstract: A device, which is preferably designed in the manner of a standing plate for a ski binding or the like, having abutments between which there is a damper unit, preferably hydraulic, which can be uncoupled from an abutment so that it is possible to switch to a state with effective damping and a state without effective damping.

Abstract: Snow shoe (1) such as a ski plank, a single ski board or surfboard, having a vertical plane of general symmetry, comprising a principal portion, called body or support base (2) to which is attached, at least in the zone of the sole plate, at least one complementary longitudinal element (3a, 3b), characterized in that the complementary element(s) is/are retained in a corresponding lateral disengagement unit, which emerges laterally and in upward direction (HA) towards the exterior (EX) while it does not issue in downward direction (BA).

Abstract: A platform (1) for raising the binding intended for fitting on a board for gliding (4), one free end (6) of which has the ability to slide longitudinally relative to the board, which also comprises: a stud (20) intended for securing to the board (4) in order to form a fixed point; a movable member (40) capable of being displaced within the free end (6) of the platform and through the action of the user, said movable member being able to adopt two positions, namely: a “blocked” position in which it has a portion (43) abutting against the fixed stud (20), so as to prevent the movement of the end (6) of the platform relative to the stud (20); a “free” position in which it can slide freely relative to the stud (20) and thus allow the longitudinal sliding of the platform (4) relative to the stud (20).

Abstract: A connector plate for ski bindings of snow skis and snowboards consists of two connecting segments (1), constructed from an elastic layer (2) made of an elastic material, for example rubber or silicon, within which located along its lateral axis which lies perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ski (4) or snowboard, is at least one solid supporting element (3), which divides the elastic layer (2) into two regions, one region is compressed and the other expands during the flexing of the ski (4) or snowboard, in addition the construction allows for longitudinal movement in the elastic layer (2) of the connecting segments (1), all of which takes place while both connecting segments are interconnected via their upper surface.

Abstract: A ski binding assembly plate which can be fixed or can be adjusted in forward inclination and height wherein the pressure on the front guide part of the ski is increased. Because the ski binding assembly plate is fastened on the ski with a two-point support and arrest system, the ski obtains a free bending moment, by which means the ski is dynamic and runs very smoothly. A wedge function and a force transmission system prevent the ski from being propelled back by the counter pressure in the region of the ski binding. With a damping system, vibrations and knocks are absorbed. The plate may be equipped with any brand of ski binding. It fits each type or brand of ski. The individual adjusting possibility of this plate permits the adaptation, which suits each ski, each skiing style and each technical level of the skier.

Abstract: Shock-absorbing support pad to be positioned between a boot and a snowboard, or between the boot and a snowboard binding, and a snowboard binding incorporating such support pad. The support pad has at least two layers of material having different hardnesses. A first layer has a support surface for contacting the boot and it has a bonding surface opposite to the support surface. A second layer is joined to the bonding surface of the first layer. The hardness of the second layer is less than the hardness of the first layer.

Abstract: Alpine ski comprising a front area known as the tip area (2), a rear area known as the tail area (4), and an intermediate area known as the mid-section (3) designed to receive a stop (12) and a heelpiece (13) comprising the binding of the boot of a skier. In this ski, the rigidity, namely the resistance to flexing in the lengthwise direction of the ski, of the center part of the mid-section (3) is less than the rigidity in the two end parts of the mid-section (3), namely the parts that connect with the front (2) and rear (4) areas.

Abstract: An improved snowboard is provided in accordance with the present invention. The board comprises a soft edge for improved sliding over hard surfaces. The board does not have metallic edges. A method of riding an improved freestyle snowboard is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to boards for performing skiing such as downhill skis, cross-country skis, snowboards and the like, to a method of stiffening such boards, and a method of manufacturing such boards. More specifically, the present invention relates to a downhill ski comprising electronics for establishing optimal handling and performance characteristics. The board for performing skiing sports of the present invention generally comprises a longitudinally extending body having a longitudinal axis, at least one transducer laminated to the body and converting upon deformation of the body mechanical power to electrical power, and an electrical circuit connected across the transducer.

Abstract: A suspension system for skiis which incorporates a plurality of linkage mechanisms that control absorption dynamics. The linkage mechanisms couple a plurality of plates between the ski binding and the ski. A plurality of resilient elements are located between these plates to dampen impact forces and resiliently maintain spacing between the ski bindings and the ski. The linkage mechanisms may include unitarily constructed panels having flexural couplings or formed rod linkages. These linkage mechanisms constrain the lateral rotational motion of the plates relative to the ski, thus providing edge control concurrent with vertical movement. This allows for precise edge control and significant absorption of impacts and vibration. This device may be integral with the ski, or mounted on top of the ski. In either case, it is a mounting platform for the bindings.

Abstract: A device for raising at least one element of a binding used on a board for gliding, including: a zone for mounting the binding, integral with the board for gliding; a bearing zone, extending the mounting zone in the direction of the end of the board, wherein the end of the bearing zone facing toward the end of the board is secured to the upper face of the board by an attaching means in such a manner that the forces exerted at the location of the element of the binding are partially transmitted to the board at the location of said end of the bearing zone, and which includes a transverse groove located between the mounting zone and the bearing zone so as to allow the deformation of the bearing zone when the board is bent.

Abstract: A snow board system for measuring and displaying parametric data such as speed and distance during and after snow boarding. The snow board system includes a board member having a cavity and designed for gliding over a snow covered surface, a pair of binding assemblies designed for securing the board member to the feet of the user, a sensor device designed for determining instantaneous velocity of the board member and positioned in the cavity of the board member, and a display assembly for displaying information determined by and derived from the sensor device.

Abstract: A core for incorporation into a gliding board, such as a snowboard. The core includes anisotropic structures that are oriented so that a principal axis is non-parallel to the orthogonal axes of the board. The core may be tuned to provide anisotropic structures with the load carrying ability specific to a localized region of the board.

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 piezoelectric device having a piezoelectric film and methods of making such. The piezoelectric device can be used in circuits to dampen or dissipate vibrations in equipment such as racquets, and ski apparatus.

Abstract: The device for connecting a ski (5) to a boot (4) of a person using the ski, the device permitting adjustment of the curvature of the ski to facilitate turning while skiing. The device (1) has intermediate parts (2, 3) arranged between the binding device (1) and the ski (5) that are secured to the ski. The base body (10) of the device (1) and the base body (20; 30) of the respective intermediate parts (2, 3) have a base plate (10; 23) with projecting strip-like members. These members (11, 12) are associated with the intermediate parts (2, 3) and have a series (15, 25, 35) of openings (14, 24, 34) corresponding to openings in the intermediate parts. The series of openings run parallel to the base plate (23). Connecting means (50) are provided that run through the openings of the members and intermediate parts that create a pivoting link between the members and the intermediate parts.

Abstract: A core for incorporation into a gliding board, such as a snowboard. The core includes longitudinal and transverse core segments with long grain configurations that are combined to adjust the edge hold and maneuverability of the board to accommodate particular riding characteristics. The core segments include anisotropic structures that are oriented relative to the orthogonal axes of the board to achieve the desired core characteristics. The transverse core segments are located along the side edges of the core and oriented to tune to the core edges for a particular edge hold and overall board maneuverability.

Abstract: Alpine ski (1) which can be broken down over its length into a tip area (2), a binding area (3) and a heel area (4), in which the side line is such that the binding area (3) has a minimum width level (LP), the tip area (2) has a front maximum width level (LS), and the heel area (4) has a rear maximum width level (LT), characterized in that: the radius of the side line, calculated on the basis of three points (5, 6, 7) on the side line, respectively a first point (5) located at the front maximum width level (LS), a second point (7) located at the rear maximum width level (LT), and a third point (6) located centrally between the levels (LS, LT), is between 7 and 21 meters; the pressure distribution along the side line is such that, when the ski is placed on a flat surface (20) so that its underside (22) forms an angle (&agr;) of 45° with the flat surface (20), and when the ski receives, at the location of the center of the boot, a force (F5) of 400 Newtons perpendicularly to its underside (22), the pressu

Abstract: A structurally reinforced snowboard comprising upper and lower reinforcing components positioned at upper and lower surface regions of the snowboard. The upper and lower reinforcing components have reinforcing strip portions which are vertically aligned with one another. In one preferred configuration, these extend along. end side portions of the board and converge toward an intermediate location. In other configurations, these cross with one another. The arrangement improves torsional stiffness of the board, while permitting the desired flexural stiffness profile to be obtained.

Abstract: An item of winter sport equipment such as a ski including at least one sliding runner whose width or waisting can be at least in part varied. The variation in width and/or waisting of the sliding runner may be effected by the sliding runner having a plurality of individual parts whose relative positions are variable as by inward and outward displacement or pivotal adjustment.

Abstract: A baseplate for binding a foot to a board, particularly suitable for application as a snowboard binding baseplate, maybe tuned to provide a certain level and/or balance of one or more performance properties including, but not limited to power transmission, responsiveness, feel, and comfort. The binding baseplate may include localized regions of varying stiffness to provide a specific performance property. Consequently, the binding baseplate may include a specific stiffness characteristic at a location where the boot engagement members are mounted, providing a desired response of the binding baseplate to forces that may be generated by the rider during turns, landing jumps, and otherwise during riding.

Abstract: A board for gliding for downhill skiing, having, at least in its underfoot zone:

Abstract: A snowmobile ski includes a bridge portion adapted to connect to a ski leg of a snowmobile, a ski body having a top surface adapted to be connected to the bridge and a bottom surface adapted for moving over snow, the bottom surface having a front portion, a middle portion and a rear portion, a single keel running lengthwise exclusively along the middle portion and the rear portion of bottom surface of the ski body, and a runner provided on the keel.

Abstract: An adjustable ski suspension device for use on skis and snowboards provides increased comfort, speed, and edge control to the user. An optional ski tip stiffener device permits adjustment of ski tip dampening and overall ski stiffness to accommodate different snow conditions.

Abstract: A device, which is preferably designed in the manner of a standing plate for a ski binding or the like, having abutments between which there is a damper unit, preferably hydraulic, which can be uncoupled from an abutment so that it is possible to switch to a state with effective damping and a state without effective damping.

Abstract: An elongate metal body, for instance an aluminium rod, with a chosen cross-sectional form manufactured by extrusion. It is a first object of the invention to make an elongate metal body stiffer and stronger without this entailing an increase in weight. In respect of this objective the metal body according to the invention has the feature that the body has at least one cavity extending at least to a considerable degree in longitudinal direction, in which cavity is received a pre-manufactured elongate reinforcing rod, of which at least the ends are coupled to the body in force-transmitting manner.

Abstract: A gliding board having a center core, a gliding sole, at least one lower reinforcing layer, and at least one upper reinforcing layer, the layers being positioned on both sides of the board. At least the upper reinforcing layer is formed of two strips that are different in nature each of which respectively extends, into the extension of the other from the central zone of the ski to each of its ends, the strips being different by the nature of the reinforcing material used or, in the case of two strips of resin reinforced with fibers, by the orientation of the fibers, or the basic weight of the fibers. In the case of a ski, the strips that are different in nature are superimposed in the central zone of the board and reinforce the zone of the ski where the mounting of retaining elements is provided.

Abstract: A snowboard whose base is relatively thick in the mounting zones beneath each of the rider's feet and relatively thin between the two mounting zones. Thus, with normal loading applied through the rider's feet to the snowboard, the board will bow into a reasonably good approximation of an arc having a constant radius. Consequently, the portions of the snowboard coming in contact with the surface of the snow will substantially lie on segments of a circular arc, and the back half of the snowboard will substantially follow in the track of the front half of the snowboard. This is achieved by controlling the flexural rigidity in the mounting zones and in the center section between the mounting zones. The curvature of the snowboard in response to the application of forces by its rider is a function of the Area Moment of Inertia (I) of the transverse cross-sectional areas along the snowboard's length. In turn, the Area Moment of Inertia is a function of the geometry of the transverse cross-section.

Abstract: A method of making a snowboard or ski so that the bottom surface of the snowboard or ski is capable of bowing into a desired longitudinal curvature, with a circular arc being the preferred shape, in order to enable a “perfect” turn to be carved. The method comprises the steps of selecting a desired longitudinal curvature of the snowboard during turns, determining the desired curvature of the snowboard at a plurality of cross-sectional portions thereof in order to achieve the desired curvature, and selecting the cross-sectional area moments of inertia at each of the plurality of cross-sections to provide the desired curvature. The thickness of the core of the snowboard is the preferred design variable. The center section of a snowboard designed in accordance with this method has smaller average area moment of inertia than one or both of the front and rear mounting zones.