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.

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.

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.

A method of changing a shape of a gliding surface of a gliding device may involve, in response to longitudinal deflection of the gliding device, causing at least one force transfer element to move longitudinally relative to the gliding device. Causing the at least one force transfer element to move longitudinally relative to the gliding device may involve causing the at least one force transfer element to deflect first and second laterally opposite side elements of the gliding device along a portion of the gliding device extending longitudinally along a binding region of the gliding device. Apparatuses and gliding devices are also disclosed.

A method of changing a shape of a gliding surface of a gliding device may involve, in response to longitudinal deflection of the gliding device, causing at least one force transfer element to move longitudinally relative to the gliding device. Causing the at least one force transfer element to move longitudinally relative to the gliding device may involve causing the at least one force transfer element to deflect first and second laterally opposite side elements of the gliding device along a portion of the gliding device extending longitudinally along a binding region of the gliding device. Apparatuses and gliding devices are also disclosed.

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.

An active suspension orthotic support system is disclosed. The suspension orthotic support system comprises at least one variable resistance beam extending from a heel section to a mid-arch section of the footwear, wherein rotation of the variable resistance beam from a first position to a second position causes a resistance provided by the variable resistance beam to vary between a minimum resistance to a maximum resistance.

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.

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.

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.