The present invention relates to a snow gliding device comprising: a first gliding surface, a first layer for heating said first gliding surface, which first layer comprises: a positive temperature coefficient superimposed impedance polymeric compound, a first and a second electrode, wherein said positive temperature coefficient superimposed impedance polymeric compound is at least partially sandwiched between said first and second electrode, and which first and second electrodes are adapted to provide a potential difference across said positive temperature coefficient superimposed impedance polymeric compound when connected to a power source, which first layer is arranged adjacent to and in thermal communication with said first gliding surface.

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.

A ski may define a body that defines a tip, a tail opposite the tip, a top sheet, a base extending from the tip to the tail and opposite the top sheet, a core layer positioned between the base and the top sheet, and a reinforcement layer positioned between the top sheet and the base. The reinforcement layer defines an aperture extending through the reinforcement layer and positioned within a first third of a length of the ski, the length defined from the tip to the tail.

The present invention provides a kind of sports equipment, particularly sports equipment for water sport or snow sport, comprising a main body made of light rigid material and having at least one built-in framework that is harder than the main body. The sports equipment further comprises a deck fixed on the top surface of the main body and configured to be harder than the main body. Compared with prior sport equipment, the equipment of the invention has the advantages such as light weight, durability, collision resistance and easy handling.

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.

A sports board includes a foam core, a non-foamed plastic plate, and a foam skin. The bottom surface of the foam core has a lower exposed area that is not covered by the non-foamed plastic plate. The top surface of the foam core has an upper exposed area that is not covered by the foam skin. The foam core also has an exposed peripheral area, which is located between the lower exposed area and the upper exposed area.

A ski, wherein the ski includes: a ski core; a ski coating which forms an underside of the ski; a lower flange which is arranged between the ski core and the ski coating; steel edges; and side walls; wherein the lower flange includes at least a front region and/or a rear region which is broader, in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the ski, than a distance between the steel edges in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the ski in the region.

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.

A foam product includes a foam core, a soft skin covering the foam core, and a base structure on which the foam core is disposed. The foam core of expanded beads has an outer surface on which some outermost beads of the expanded beads are exposed and bulging outward with different heights to form a bubbly texture. The foam skin has an inner surface attached to the outer surface of the foam core, and has at its inner surface a plurality of concave cavities each matedly surrounding a respective one of the bulging, outermost beads on the outer surface of the foam core.

A sports board comprises, at a minimum, a top layer, a bottom layer, and a core in between them. A structural element with puzzle piece shape fits into a correspondingly shaped seat formed by the core, in between the top and bottom layers. The shape of the structural element prevents the structural element from being dislodged by shock forces frequently associated with use of the board. Machined or molded features are provided that penetrate or partially penetrate the structural element. These features, which are filled or included with resin, adhesive or another chemical bonding agent, resist horizontal shearing between the structural element, the core, and the top and bottom layers. A leading portion of the structural element protrudes out from in between the top and bottom layers, forming a bumper that acts as the first point of contact between the board and the ground or an obstacle.