An active footwear suspension system is disclosed. The footwear system provides dynamic suspension using at least one or more variable resistance beams. At least one or more VRB from an anchor plate positioned forward of and/or aft of an arch section of the footwear, thus providing selectable suspension to the wearer. The selected rotation of the VRBs from a first position to a second position provides customized suspension between a minimum resistance to a maximum resistance per zone.

The present disclosure relates to longboard-skateboards and longboard-skateboard conversion kits, and methods for converting a snowboard to a skateboard. A skateboard of exceptionally long length combining properties of a snowboard and a skateboard with additional support provides a unique ride. A longboard-skateboard conversion kit includes: a board from either a new or reclaimed source, skateboard truck assemblies, one or more support structure(s) made of one or more of various firm but flexible materials whose properties allow the support structure to rebound and return to a predetermined state or shape and having the necessary properties to provide added stability to a skateboard deck or snowboard's flexible nature in the form of suspension, thereby controlling the board's shape and deflecting the weight of the user operating the longboard-skateboard, and thereby equalizing the downward force put upon it and reducing unwanted vibrations from normal use on less than perfectly flat terrain.

The present disclosure relates to longboard-skateboards and longboard-skateboard conversion kits, and methods for converting a snowboard to a skateboard. A skateboard of exceptionally long length combining properties of a snowboard and a skateboard with additional support provides a unique ride. A longboard-skateboard conversion kit includes: a board from either a new or reclaimed source, skateboard truck assemblies, one or more support structure(s) made of one or more of various firm but flexible materials whose properties allow the support structure to rebound and return to a predetermined state or shape and having the necessary properties to provide added stability to a skateboard deck or snowboard's flexible nature in the form of suspension, thereby controlling the board's shape and deflecting the weight of the user operating the longboard-skateboard, and thereby equalizing the downward force put upon it and reducing unwanted vibrations from normal use on less than perfectly flat terrain.

A resilient rod that provides adjustable directional resistance is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod and a position of an applied force with respect to a fulcrum point. In another aspect of the invention, at least one spine may be attached to the beam to increase a diameter of the beam along one axis. A resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod, a position of an applied force and an orientation of the at least one spine with regard to the direction of the applied force. In other aspects of the invention, the resilient rods may be incorporated into various equipment that provide for adjustable resistance levels. In still other aspects of the invention, the resilient rod may be incorporated into medical devices that provide adjustable support for injured limbs or joints.

A resilient rod that provides adjustable directional resistance is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod and a position of an applied force with respect to a fulcrum point. In another aspect of the invention, at least one spine may be attached to the beam to increase a diameter of the beam along one axis. A resistance level may be determined based on a thickness of the rod, a position of an applied force and an orientation of the at least one spine with regard to the direction of the applied force. In other aspects of the invention, the resilient rods may be incorporated into various equipment that provide for adjustable resistance levels. In still other aspects of the invention, the resilient rod may be incorporated into medical devices that provide adjustable support for injured limbs or joints.

A torsional stabilizer increases the torsional rigidity of skis without influencing the ataski'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. The stabilizers may be tuned according to the skier's preference, and may be independently tuned for each ski edge. Rocker adjustment mechanisms are further disclosed.

A torsional stabilizer increases the torsional rigidity of skis without influencing the ataski'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. The stabilizers may be tuned according to the skier's preference, and may be independently tuned for each ski edge. Rocker adjustment mechanisms are further disclosed.

Embodiments are directed towards a helmet adapted for use by a human being for a variety of activities. The helmet includes a shell, a plurality of FAEs, and at least one rigid component. The shell maybe configured and arranged to cover a portion of a wearer's head. The plurality of FAEs may be separately positioned adjacent to the shell's interior surface. Each FAE may include at least one disc spring that is adapted for absorbing forces. The at least one rigid component may be disposed within the shell and adjacent to the plurality of FAEs. In this way, the FAEs may be between the shell's interior surface and the at least one rigid component. When a force is applied to a location on the shell's exterior surface, it may be substantially absorbed by at least one of the FAEs positioned adjacent to the location on the shell's interior surface.

Embodiments are directed towards a helmet adapted for use by a human being for a variety of activities. The helmet includes a shell, a plurality of FAEs, and at least one rigid component. The shell maybe configured and arranged to cover a portion of a wearer's head. The plurality of FAEs may be separately positioned adjacent to the shell's interior surface. Each FAE may include at least one disc spring that is adapted for absorbing forces. The at least one rigid component may be disposed within the shell and adjacent to the plurality of FAEs. In this way, the FAEs may be between the shell's interior surface and the at least one rigid component. When a force is applied to a location on the shell's exterior surface, it may be substantially absorbed by at least one of the FAEs positioned adjacent to the location on the shell's interior surface.

An apparatus for converting a snowboard to a longboard-type skateboard. The resulting longboard combines the properties of a snowboard with those of a skateboard to provide a unique ride. The longboard-skateboard conversion kit uses a board from either a new or reclaimed source; skateboard truck assemblies; and one or more support structure(s) made of firm but flexible materials that allow strength to account for longer length; flexion, rebound, stability and vibration-damping.