DESCRIPTION

Sliding Board with Construction for Circular Economy

The present patent application claims priority from the French patent application filed on September 9, 2020 and assigned application no. FR2009115, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to sliding boards, and in particular to a sliding board and method of construction for the circular economy.

Background art

[0002] Known skis and other sliding boards (e.g., snowboards) include cores that provide the sliding boards with their general structure, shape, and performance characteristics. Sliding boards for mass-produced skis are often made from an expanding foam because it is relatively cheap and easy to work with. However, known methods and systems for making such sliding boards result in finished products which have a useable service life which is shorter than high-performance skis with wooden cores, and both constructions are not efficiently able to be recycled.

Summary of Invention

[0003] Aspects of the disclosure enable a sliding board to be produced in an efficient and environmentally-f riendly manner. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing a sliding board. The method includes bonding one or more core components which are fabricated from a monomer or polymer material which is chemically and physically compatible with the materials of the upper and lower reinforcement layers of the ski for the body of the ski to be recycled as a single unit. The core layer is extended between a first reinforcement layer and a second reinforcement layer . The first layer and/or the second layer are moved toward the core layer .

[ 0004 ] In another aspect , a sliding board is provided . The sliding board includes an upper layer, a lower layer, and a core layer between the upper layer and the lower layer . The core layer includes one or more molded components . An upper surface of the core layer is directly coupled to a lower surface of the upper layer, and a lower surface of the core layer is directly coupled to an upper surface of the lower layer .

[ 0005 ] According to another aspect , there is provided a sliding board comprising : an upper layer ; a lower layer ; and a core layer between the upper layer and the lower layer, wherein at least the upper and core layers are formed of one or more materials that are chemically and physically compatible so as to be recyclable together, for example as a unit and in situ, into polymers , copolymers , alloyed polymers , fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymers and/or fiber- reinforced alloyed polymers .

[ 0006 ] According to one embodiment , the sliding board further compri ses a bonding agent arranged to bond the core layer to the upper and lower layers , wherein the bonding agent is chemically and physically compatible with the one or more materials of the upper and core layers so as to be recyclable together, for example as a unit and in situ, into polymers , copolymers , alloyed polymers , fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymers and/or fiber-reinforced alloyed polymers .

[ 0007 ] According to one embodiment, the core layer and upper layer are each formed of olefins , or the core layer and upper layer are each formed of urethanes , or the core layer and upper layer are each formed of amides . [0008] According to one embodiment, the lower layer comprising a sliding base, wherein a material of the sliding base is chemically and physically compatible with the one or more materials of the upper, lower and core layers so as to be recyclable into polymers, copolymers, alloyed polymers, fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymers and/or fiber- reinforced alloyed polymers.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the sliding base, core layer and upper layer are each formed of olefins.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the upper layer comprises one or more reinforcement layers, and/or the core layer comprises one or more reinforcement layers, and wherein a material of the one or more reinforcement layers of the upper or core layers are chemically and physically compatible with the one or more materials of the upper and core layers so as to be recyclable into fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymers and/or fiber-reinforced alloyed polymers.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the one or more reinforcement layers is formed of a natural fiber.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the lower layer further comprises a metal edge, for example of recycled steel, configured to be removable prior to recycling.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the sliding board does not include any metal edge.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the core layer comprises: one or more solid components; and/or one or more hollow components; and/or one or more corrugated components.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the core layer is a preformed polymer-based core.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the core layer comprises one or more solid components and one or more geometrically enhanced sections coupled to the one or more solid components , and an upper surface of the core layer is directly coupled to a lower surface of the upper layer, and a lower surface of the core layer is directly coupled to an upper surface of the lower layer .

[ 0017 ] According to a further aspect , there is provided a method of producing a sliding board, the method comprising : producing a lower layer, upper layer and core layer of the sliding board; and bonding the lower layer, upper layer and core layer together, wherein at least the upper and core layers are formed of one or more materials that are chemically and physically compatible so as to be recyclable into polymers , copolymers , alloyed polymers , fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymers and/or fiber-reinforced alloyed polymers .

[ 0018 ] According to one embodiment, the core layer is bonded to the upper and lower layers by a bonding agent, wherein the bonding agent is chemically and physically compatible with the one or more materials o f the upper and core layers so as to be recyclable into polymers , copolymers , alloyed polymers , fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymers and/or fiber- reinforced alloyed polymers .

[ 0019 ] According to a further aspect , there is provided a method of recycling the above sliding board, the method comprising recycling at least the core layer and the upper layer together as a unit by : pulveri zing the sliding board to form a pulveri zed material ; and placing the pulveri zed material into an extrusion machine to extrude at least one polymer, copolymer, fiber-reinforced polymer or copolymer, alloyed polymer, or fiber-reinforced alloyed polymer rod .

[ 0020 ] According to one embodiment , the method further comprises : cutting the at least one rod into pellets ; and performing plastic molding using the pellets in order to form a new product, such as a core layer for another sliding board, a boot or binding for use with a sliding board, a back protector or helmet.

Brief description of drawings

[0021] The foregoing features and advantages, as well as others, will be described in detail in the following description of specific embodiments given by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a cross section of an example sliding board including a lower layer, a core layer, and an upper layer;

[0023] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the sliding board shown in FIG. 1.;

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a top view of an example sliding board layer, such as the core layer shown in FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a side view of an example sliding board layer, such as the core layer shown in FIG. 1.;

[0026] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an example solid component that may be in a sliding board layer, such as the core layer shown in FIG. 3;

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an example hollow component that may be in a sliding board layer, such as the core layer shown in FIG. 3;

[0028] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an example corrugated component that may be in a sliding board layer, such as the core layer shown in FIG. 3;

[0029] FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 show side views of example corrugated sections that may be in a sliding board layer, such as the core layer shown in FIG. 7;

[0030] FIG. 18, FIG. 19, FIG. 20, FIG. 21, FIG. 22, FIG. 23,

FIG. 24, FIG. 25, FIG. 26, FIG. 27, FIG. 28, FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 show schematic cross-sectional views of example core assemblies including various sections, such as the solid component shown in FIG. 5, the hollow component shown in FIG. 6, and corrugated component shown in FIG. 7;

[0031] FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of an example core which combines a pair of corrugated components set to either side of a central hollow component with solid components protecting each outer face of the core, such as the core layer shown in FIG. 28;

[0032] FIG. 32, FIG. 33, FIG. 34, FIG. 35, FIG. 36, FIG. 37, FIG. 38, FIG. 39, FIG. 40 and FIG. 42 show various views of example core layers including various core assemblies, such as the core assemblies shown in FIGS. 18-30;

[0033] FIG. 41 shows schematic cross-sectional views of a corrugated component with more than one corrugated medium;

[0034] FIG. 43 shows a block flow diagram of an example method for producing a sliding board, such as the sliding board shown in FIG. 1; and

[0035] FIG. 44 shows a block flow diagram of an example method for recycling a sliding board, such as the sliding board shown in FIG. 1.

Description of embodiments

[0036] Like features have been designated by like references in the various figures. In particular, the structural and/or functional features that are common among the various embodiments may have the same references and may dispose identical structural, dimensional and material properties. [0037] For the sake of clarity, only the operations and elements that are useful for an understanding of the embodiments described herein have been illustrated and described in detail.

[0038] Unless indicated otherwise, when reference is made to two elements connected together, this signifies a direct connection without any intermediate elements other than conductors, and when reference is made to two elements coupled together, this signifies that these two elements can be connected or they can be coupled via one or more other elements .

[0039] In the following disclosure, unless indicated otherwise, when reference is made to absolute positional qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or to relative positional qualifiers, such as the terms "above", "below", "higher", "lower", etc., or to qualifiers of orientation, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made to the orientation of a sliding board during normal use on a level surface, its sliding base facing downwards and at least partially contacting the surface.

[0040] Unless specified otherwise, the expressions "around", "approximately", "substantially" and "in the order of" signify within 10 %, and preferably within 5 %.

[0041] The subject matter herein relates to sliding boards, such as skis or snowboards and, more particularly, to producing sliding boards including one or more molded core sections .

[0042] The term "sliding board" used herein includes, but is not limited to, skis for piste or other types of alpine/downhill skiing, skis designed for nordic skiing, snowboards, splitboards, or any other sliding board with a length greater than its width, which is designed to slide along or across a terrain such as snow, sand, etc . In the following description, references to a ski should be construed to include any other sliding board .

[ 0043 ] To reduce the carbon impact of snow sports , examples of the disclosure utili ze renewable materials , reduce waste in fabrication, and reduce the overall consumption of raw materials . Additionally, the materials which make up the upper layer and core layer are physically and chemically compatible to be recycled into a useable polymer-based resin as a semicomplete unit with only the lower layer which may be composed of metal edges and a base , requiring removal for separate recycling in some instances . Examples described herein include a core structure including molded polymer elements to optimi ze the sti f fness-to-weight ratio o f the sliding board, while also making it possible to recycle the ski as a complete or semi-complete unit at end of li fe .

[ 0044 ] Example sliding boards include an upper layer, a lower layer, and a core layer between the upper layer and lower layer . The core layer for example includes one or more molded components which incorporate a plurality of voids to reduce weight and to tune the sti f fness and rebound characteristics of the core , and may optionally include reinforcements fabrics above , below, or between any molded elements of the core layer An upper surface of the core layer is for example directly coupled to a lower surface of the upper layer, and a lower surface of the core layer is for example directly coupled to an upper surface of the lower layer . The core layer may be made from a natural ( ie . castor bean-based or other bio source ) or synthetic ( ie . petroleum-based or other nonrenewable source ) polymer, which is engineered to be compatible with a corresponding recycl ing proces ses with the materials of the upper layer, and with the bonding agent which couples these elements together. The core layer is for example pre-formed by a process such as injection molding or compression molding and added to the construction of the sliding board as a shaped piece. At least the upper and core layers are for example formed of one or more materials that are chemically and physically compatible with each other so as to be recyclable into polymers, copolymers, alloyed polymers, fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymers and/or fiber-reinforced alloyed polymers. In this manner, sliding boards may be customized based on desired performance characteristics (e.g., lightweight, stable, responsive) in a "circular" manner, in other words such that the material comprising the sliding board is readily able to be converted into a useable raw material for other equipment and/or to biodegrade .

[0045] The term "copolymer" is used to designate any polymer derived from more than one species of monomer where the constituent units are linked by strong covalent bonds.

[0046] The term "alloyed polymer" is used to designate a mixture comprising any combination of monomers, polymers, or copolymers, where bonds are weaker such as dipole interaction or hydrogen bonding, though these bonds can be strengthened by grafting or cross-linking.

[0047] The term "fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymer" is used to designate a polymer or copolymer comprising fibers, which may be natural or synthetic fibers, captured and distributed within the polymers or copolymer for the purpose of modifying the physical characteristics of the copolymer.

[0048] The term "fiber-reinforced alloyed polymers" is used to designate an admixture comprising an alloyed polymer which is reinforced with fibers, captured and distributed within the polymer, which may be natural or synthetic fibers. [0049] FIG. 1 shows a sliding board 100 divided vertically into a plurality of layers, including a lower layer 101, comprising for example at least a sliding base, a core layer 102, and an upper layer 103, which is for example a protective layer. As shown in FIG. 1, the core layer 102 extends generally horizontally between the lower layer 101 and the upper layer 103. The core layer 102 for example includes one or more solid components 104, and/or one or more hollow components 105, and/or one or more corrugated components 106. The solid components 104 are solid or substantially solid. The hollow components 105 incorporate a plurality of walls, which for example define an outer form and which are hollow or substantially hollow inside that form. Each corrugated component 106 for example includes a corrugated medium 107 and one or more sheets 108, such as linerboards, coupled to the corrugated medium 107.

[0050] The lower layer 101, core layer 102, and/or upper layer 103 provide structure, shape, and/or performance characteristics to the sliding board 100. Materials used to make the lower layer 101, core layer 102, and/or upper layer 103 may be selected, for example, based on one or more desired performance characteristics of the sliding board 100. Example materials used to make the lower layer 101, core layer 102, and/or upper layer 103 include, without limitation, metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel, titanium) , plastics (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) , polyethylene (PE) , polyurethane (PU) , polyamide (PA) , polypropylene (PP) ) , elastomers, and/or fiber reinforcement (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, basalt fiber, boron fiber, bamboo fiber, flax fiber, extracted cellulose fiber, ZYEX fiber, TWARON fiber, polyethylene fiber, SPECTRA fiber, DYNEEMA fiber) in any form (e.g., plate, fabric, mesh, foam) . (ZYEX is a trademark of Victrex Manufacturing Limited of Lancashire, United Kingdom; TWARON is a trademark of Teijin Aramid B.V. of Arnhem, Netherlands; SPECTRA is a trademark of Honeywell International Inc. of Morris Plains, New Jersey; DYNEEMA is a trademark of DSM IP Assets B.V. of Heerlen, Netherlands) . Based on the design of a sliding board 100 and its intended use, additional reinforcement may be added between the lower layer 101, core layer 102, and/or upper layer 103. The lower layer 101, core layer 102, and/or upper layer 103 are laminated together using a chemically and physically compatible resin to the plastic components of the ski layers 102 and 103 and any additional reinforcement which allows the layers to be recycled as a complete assembly.

[0051] For example, at least the core layer 102 and the upper layer 103, and in some cases also the lower layer 101, are formed of one or more materials that are chemically and physically compatible so as to be recyclable into polymers, copolymers, alloyed polymers, fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymers and/or fiber-reinforced alloyed polymers. In some embodiments, the one or more materials of the core and upper layers 102, 103 are chosen from a same family of monomers or polymers. As an example, the upper and core layers 103, 102 consist of only one of the following groups of materials:

- Olefins, such as Polypropelene, Polyethylene, which may include Cross-Linked Polyethylene, Linear Low-Density Polyethylene, and/or Ultra-High Molecular-Weight Polyethylene, and other polyolefins;

- Urethanes, such as Polyether Urethane, Polyester Urethane, and/or Thermoplastic Urethane; and

- Amides, such as nylon PA6, nylon PA66 or nylon PA12.

[0052] The lower layer 101 is for example formed of a material from the same group of materials as the upper and core layers 103, 102, or is formed of a low-friction olefin, such as Ultra-High Molecular-Weight Polyethylene, or other material which is or may become commonly used as the sliding base of a ski or snowboard.

[0053] The core layer 102 is for example bonded to the upper and lower layers 103, 101 by a bonding agent. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcement layers (not illustrated in Figure 1) are positioned between the core layer 102 and the upper layer 103 and/or between the core layer 102 and the lower layer 101. For example, an upper reinforcement is positioned between the core layer 102 and the upper layer 103, and a lower reinforcement is positioned between the core layer 102 and the lower layer 101. Furthermore, the lower layer 101 for example comprises a sliding base and an edge (also not illustrated in Figure 1) . The bonding agent and/or the materials of the upper and lower reinforcement layers, of the sliding base, and/or of the edge, are also for example chosen so as to be chemically and physically compatible with the core and upper layers 102, 103 so as to be recyclable into polymers, copolymers, alloyed polymers, fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymers and/or fiber-reinforced alloyed polymers .

[0054] As a first detailed non-limiting example based on Olefin, or polyolefin, the layers of the sliding board 100 are formed of the following materials:

- the upper layer 103 consists of XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) ;

- the upper and lower reinforcements (if present) , consist of Basalt fiber; the core layer 102 consists of LLDPE (Linear low-density Polyethylene) or COC (Cyclic Olefin Copolymer) or PP ( Polypropelene ) ; the bonding agent consists of TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) adhesive ;

- the base consists of UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular-Weight Polyethylene) ; and

- the edge consists of steel, such as recycled steel.

[0055] As a second detailed non-limiting example based on Amide, the layers of the sliding board 100 are formed of the following materials:

- the upper layer 103 consists of nylon, such as nylon PAI 2;

- the upper and lower reinforcements (if present) , consist of Flax and extracted cellulose fiber;

- the core layer 102 consists of nylon, such as nylon PA6 or nylon PA66;

- the bonding agent consists of an Amide-based Platamid adhesive ;

- the base consists of UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular-Weight Polyethylene) ; and

- the edge consists of steel, such as recycled steel.

[0056] As a third detailed non-limiting example based on Urethane, the layers of the sliding board 100 are formed of the following materials:

- the upper layer 103 consists of Polyether Urethane;

- the upper and lower reinforcements (if present) , consist of Hemp and extracted cellulose fiber;

- the core layer 102 consists of Polyester Urethane, Polyether Urethane, and/or TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane) ;

- the bonding agent consists of TPU-HMA (Thermoplastic Urethane Hot-Melt Adhesive) ; - the base consists of UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular-Weight Polyethylene) ; and

- the edge consists of steel, such as recycled steel.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the sliding board shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower layer 101 may include a sliding base 111 and an edge 112 extending at least partially about the base 111. The base 111 may include a plurality of pores defined therein for accepting wax. The primary function of the base is for example to provide a low- friction sliding surface, where the edge functions to increase the grip of the sliding board at its perimeter. In some examples, the base 111 is made from polyethylene, such as UHMWPE, the edge 112 is made from steel, such as recycled steel, recycled stainless steel, and/or titanium. Alternatively, the base 111 and edge 112 may be made from any combination of materials that enable the lower layer 101 to function as described herein. The edge 112 may be coupled to the base 111 using one or more coupling mechanisms, such as T-shaped flanges. In some examples, the lower layer 101 includes one or more elastomers or other binding agents along the edge 112 to facilitate reducing or preventing delamination of the lower layer 101. In some examples, the lower layer 101 does not include the use of a separate edge 112.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the core layer 102 may be preformed as a core assembly including one or more solid components 104, hollow components 105 and/or corrugated components 106 as described above with reference to Figure 1. That is, the one or more solid components 104, hollow components 105 and/or corrugated components 106 may be joined together prior to being bonded to the lower layer 101 and/or upper layer 103. The components may be joined by bonding with a chemically-compatible resin, press-fitting, or by the incorporation of interlocking features with complimentary structures in adjacent components, or any other suitable chemical, mechanical or physical means. Alternatively, at least a portion of the core layer 102 may be formed with the lower layer 101 and/or upper layer 103.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 2, the upper layer 103 may include a sublayer 116 (e.g., graphic layer) and a protective layer 117 (e.g., topsheet) . The upper layer 103 for example includes the upper face of the sliding board 100, which may include structural and/or cosmetic elements, as well as reinforcement to attach bindings. The sublayer 116 and/or protective layer 117 may include a plurality of elements which are joined and are configured to moderate flex and rebound, provide vibration damping, and/or enhance durability, structure, and/or binding retention, and/or the protective layer 117 may be configured to protect the sublayer 116. In some examples, the upper layer 103 may also include a binding sheet 133 extending under the sublayer 116. In some examples, the sublayer 116, the protective layer 117, and/or the binding sheet 133 are made from a fiber-reinforcement fabric and/or plastic.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, one or more reinforcement plies may be situated above and/or below the core layer 102. In particular, in the example of Figure 2, a lower reinforcement 132 is positioned between the core layer 102 and the lower layer 101, and an upper reinforcement 134 is positioned between the core layer 102 and the upper layer 103. In alternative embodiments, only one of the lower and upper reinforcements may be provided. The reinforcement layers 132, 134 each provide additional strength and structure to the core layer 102. The one or more lower reinforcements 132 or upper reinforcements 134 may be made from plant-derived fibers, carbon or other synthesized fibers, basalt or other mineral fibers, and configured in a woven and/or non-woven fabric having a unidirectional and/or multiaxial structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower reinforcements 132 may consist of a stitched triaxial basalt ply positioned below the lower face of the core layer 102 and a woven biaxial carbon ply situated above the upper face of the base layer 101. Alternatively, the sublayer 116, protective layer 117, binding sheet 133, and/or reinforcements 132 and 134 may be made from any combination of materials that enable sliding board to function as described herein.

[0061] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the core layer 102 in more detail according to an example embodiment. The core layer 102 may be divided along a longitudinal axis 120 into a plurality of longitudinal zones. For example, the core layer 102 may include a tip zone 121, a tail zone 122 longitudinally opposite the tip zone 121, and a middle zone 123 between the tip zone 121 and tail zone 122. In some examples, the tip zone 121, middle zone 123, and/or tail zone 122 include a plurality of lateral subzones or portions. That is, the core layer 102 may first be divided along the longitudinal axis 120 and then one or more longitudinal zones may be subdivided along a lateral axis 124 into one or more lateral portions. For example, the tip zone 121 may include a first set of lateral portions, the tail zone 122 may include a second set of lateral portions, and the middle zone 123 may include a third set of lateral portions.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, the core layer 102 may be divided along the lateral axis 124 into a plurality of lateral zones. For example, the core layer 102 may include a left zone 125, a right zone 126 longitudinally opposite the left zone 125, and a center zone 127 between the left zone 125 and right zone 126. In some examples, the left zone 125, right zone 126, and/or center zone 127 include a plurality of longitudinal portions. That is, the core layer 102 may first be divided along the lateral axis 124 and then one or more lateral zones may be subdivided along the longitudinal axis 120 into one or more longitudinal portions . For example , the left zone 125 may include a first set of longitudinal portions , the right zone 126 may include a second set of longitudinal portions , and the center zone 127 may include a third set o f longitudinal portions .

[ 0063 ] Additionally or alternatively, the core layer 102 may be divided along the vertical axis 128 into a plurality of vertical zones . For example , the core layer 102 may include a lower zone 129, an upper zone 130 vertically opposite the lower zone 129 , and a center zone 131 between the lower zone 129 and upper zone 130 . In some examples , the lower zone 129, upper zone 130 , and/or center zone 131 include a plurality of longitudinal and/or lateral portions . That is , the core layer 102 may first be divided along the vertical axis 128 and then one or more vertical zones may be subdivided along the longitudinal axis 120 into one or more longitudinal portions , or along the lateral axis 124 into one or more lateral portions . For example , the lower zone 129 may include a first set of longitudinal portions , the upper zone 120 may include a second set of longitudinal portions , and the center zone 131 may include a third set of longitudinal portions . Additionally, the lower zone 129 may include a first set of lateral portions , the upper zone 120 may include a second set of lateral portions , and the center zone 131 may include a third set of lateral portions . Any of the longitudinal zones , lateral zones , vertical zones , lateral portions , longitudinal portions , and/or vertical portions may include a solid component 104 , a hollow component 105 and/or a corrugated component 106 .

[ 0064 ] FIG . 5 shows an example of the solid component 104 between the lower layer 101 and the upper layer 103 of the sliding board 100. The solid component 104 is solid or substantially solid. The solid component 104 may include or be fabricated from, for example, polymer foam (e.g., closed cell, open cell) , a rubber material, an elastomer material, and/or a plastic material. In some examples, the solid component 104 includes a fiber-reinforcement within the molded structure of the solid component.

[0065] FIG. 6 shows an example of the hollow component 105 between the lower layer 101 and the upper layer 103 of the sliding board 100. The hollow component 105 is hollow or substantially hollow. The hollow component 105 may include or be fabricated from, for example, a plastic material, and in some examples, the hollow component 105 includes a fiberreinforcement within the molded wall or walls of the hollow component .

[0066] FIG. 7 shows an example of the corrugated component 106 between the lower layer 101 and the upper layer 103. The hollow component 105 is substantially hollow. The corrugated component 106 may include or be fabricated from, a rubber material, an elastomer material, and/or a plastic material. In some examples, the corrugated component 106 includes a fiber-reinforcement within the corrugated wall or walls 107 and/or the sheets 108 of the corrugated component.

[0067] FIGS. 8-16 show various examples of corrugated components 205, 305, 405, 505, 605, 705, 805, 905 and 1005 forming the corrugated component 106, including the corrugated medium 107 and one or more sheets 108 coupled to the corrugated medium 107.

[0068] The corrugated medium 107 for example includes a plurality of flutes 115. The flutes 115 may extend generally upward from an upper surface of the lower sheet 108 and/or generally downward from a lower surface of the upper sheet 108. In some examples, the corrugated medium 107 and/or sheets 108 include or are fabricated from one or more layers of fiber-reinforced fabric and/or plastic. Alternatively, the corrugated medium 107 and/or sheets 108 may be made from any combination of materials that enable the corrugated component 106 to function as described herein.

[0069] FIGS. 8 and 9 show corrugated components 205 and 305 each including a single wall corrugated element including a corrugated medium 107 between a pair of sheets 108. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, single wall corrugated elements may include an upper sheet 108 defining an upper surface of the corrugated component 106 and a lower sheet 108 defining a lower surface of the corrugated component 106. In some examples, the sheets 108 extend generally parallel to each other. Alternatively, a sheet 108 may extend in any direction that enables the corrugated components as described herein. For example, the sheets 108 shown in FIG. 8 is generally straight or linear, whereas one sheet 108 shown in FIG. 9 (e.g., lower sheet) is generally straight or linear while the other sheet 108 shown in FIG. 6 (e.g., upper sheet) is curved or arced.

[0070] FIGS. 10-12 show corrugated components 405, 505, and 605 each including a single face corrugated element including a corrugated medium 107 coupled to a single sheet 108. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, single face corrugated elements may include an upper sheet 108 defining an upper surface of the corrugated component 106 or a lower sheet 108 defining a lower surface of the corrugated component 106. In some examples, the flutes 115 of the corrugated medium 107 are generally regular or consistent in shape and/or size. For example, the flutes 115 shown in FIG. 10 are relatively narrow and densely arranged, allowing for example to increase rigidity of the corrugated section 405. For example, the step-size of the flutes in Figure 10 is less than 30 mm, and for example between 5 mm and 30 mm. For another example, the flutes 115 shown in FIG. 11 are relatively wide and sparsely arranged, allowing for example to increase flexibility of the corrugated section 505. For example, the step-size of the flutes in Figure 10 is greater than 30 mm, and for example between 30 mm and 80 mm. Alternatively, flutes 115 may have any shape, size, and/or configuration that enables the corrugated component 106 to function as described herein. For example, the flutes 115 shown in FIG. 12 are irregular in size, shape, and grouping, allowing for example to tune the stiffness and/or the rebound in specific areas of the corrugated section 605.

[0071] In some examples, the flutes 115 define a plurality of spaces therebetween. For example, the flutes 115 shown in FIGS. 10-12 are empty or open. Alternatively, one or more spaces may be plugged and/or filled using rubber, elastomer, and/or any other material that enables the corrugated component 106 to function as described herein.

[0072] FIGS. 13 to 16 show corrugated components 705, 805, 905 and 1005 respectively.

[0073] FIG. 13 shows a plurality of spaces that are capped or plugged using a plurality of plugs. One or more plugs may be coupled to the corrugated medium 107 at or adjacent to a longitudinal end of one or more flutes 115 for plugging the spaces. Plugging may facilitate restricting or preventing accumulation of resin in the spaces.

[0074] FIG. 14 shows a plurality of spaces that are filled. Filling may facilitate increasing a strength or durability of the corrugated component 106.

[0075] FIG. 15 shows a first plurality of spaces that are capped or plugged, and a second plurality of spaces that are filled. The spaces shown in FIG. 15 are plugged and filled alternatingly . Alternatively, any space may be plugged and/or filled (or not) that enables the corrugated component 106 to function as described herein.

[0076] For example, FIG. 16 shows a first plurality of spaces that are filled, and a second plurality of spaces that are empty or open. In other examples, the spaces defined between flutes 115 are variously capped, filled, or not capped or filled.

[0077] FIG. 17 shows an example of a corrugated component 106 having a corrugated medium 107 coupled to a single sheet 108 and a solid component 104 with one significantly flat surface and one surface with contours 135 which match the shape of the flutes 115 of the corrugated component. Alternatively, the solid component 104 may define any number of channels in any surface and extending in any orientation that enables the core layer 102 to function as described herein.

[0078] FIGS. 18-30 show example core assemblies 218, 318, 418, 518, 618, 718, 818, 918, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318, and 1418 of solid components 104, hollow components 105 and/or corrugated components 106 that may be used to form core layer 102. In some examples, the core assemblies 218, 318, 418, 518, 618, 718, 818, 918, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318, and 1418 show a lateral cross section view of the core layer 102, with varying divisions of the core layer 102 along the lateral axis 124 (shown in FIG. 3) .

[0079] For example, FIG. 18 shows a core assembly 218 including one or more solid components 104 spanning a width of the core layer 102, with no hollow component 105 or corrugated component 106 (e.g., no corrugated medium 107) along the width of the core layer 102.

[0080] FIG. 19 shows a core assembly 2318 including one or more solid components 104 spanning a width of the core layer 102, with no hollow component 105 or corrugated component 106 (e.g., no corrugated medium 107) along the width of the core layer 102.

[0081] FIG. 20 shows a core assembly 418 including a corrugated component section 106 (e.g., a single corrugated medium 107) spanning a width of the core layer 102, with neither a solid component 104 or hollow components 105.

[0082] FIG. 21 shows a core assembly 618 including three solid components 104 with a pair of corrugated components 106 (e.g., two corrugated mediums 107) distributed between them.

[0083] FIGS. 22 shows core assemblies 618 including a plurality of adjacent corrugated components 106 (e.g., three corrugated mediums 107) distributed between a plurality of solid components 104. The core layer 102 may include any quantity of adjacent corrugated components 106 and a plurality of solid components 104.

[0084] As shown in core assemblies 718, 818, and 918 in FIGS. 23-25, respectively, one or more hollow components may be included in the construction to provide desired performance characteristics including stiffness, rebound, and weight. In core assembly 718 the outer edges of the core layer 102 are composed of solid components 104, each with a corrugated component 106 situated adjacent to its inner face. The center of the core is constructed of a hollow component 105 with solid components 104 situated on either side and connecting the hollow component 105 to the two corrugated components 106. In core assembly 818 the outer edges of the core layer 102 are composed of solid components 104, each with a corrugated component 106 situated adjacent to its inner face. The center of the core is constructed of a hollow component 105 joining the two corrugated components together. In core assembly 918 the positions and quantities of the hollow components 105 and corrugated components 106 are reversed from assembly 818. [0085] As shown in core assemblies 218, 318, 418, 518, 618, 718, 818, 918, 1318 and 1418 in FIGS. 18-25 and 29-30, respectively, the solid components 104, hollow components 105 and corrugated components 106 may be arranged in a single level or layer.

[0086] Alternatively, as shown in core assemblies 1018, 1118, and 1218 in FIGS. 26-28, a solid component 104 and/or a hollow component and/or corrugated component 106 may be stacked or positioned on top of or below another section (e.g., solid component 104, corrugated component 106) .

[0087] As shown in core assemblies 518, 618, 718, 818, 918, 1018, and 1218 in FIGS. 21-26 and 28, respectively, each sidewall of the hollow components 105 and corrugated components 106 may extend generally horizontally or vertically .

[0088] Alternatively, as shown in core assemblies 1118, 1318, and 1418 in FIGS. 27, 29, and 30, one or more sidewalls of the hollow components 105 and/or corrugated components 106 may extend at an angle other than horizontal (e.g., 0°) or vertical (e.g., 90°) . While core assemblies 218, 318, 418, 518, 618, 718, 818, 918, 1018, 1118 and 1218 show the function of a solid component 104, a hollow component 105 and/or a corrugated component 106 being performed by separate components what are formed individually and assembled in a core 102, assemblies 1318 and 1418 show cores 102 where a hollow component 105 is produced with varying wall dimensions which enable the hollow component 105 to function as a combination of a solid component and a hollow component. It is also envisaged that a corrugated component 106 could include a similar wall dimension which would enable it to act as a solid component on one or more faces of the component similar to the hollow components 105 described in assemblies

1318 and 1418.

[0089] While core assemblies 218, 318, 418, 518, 618, 718,

818, 918, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318, and 1418 have been shown, others are also envisaged. For example, while the core assemblies 218, 318, 418, 518, 618, 718, 818, 918, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318, and 1418 have bilateral symmetry, the solid components 104, hollow components 105 and/or corrugated components 106 may be arranged asymmetrically. In some examples, core layers 102 for a pair of skis may employ complementary core assemblies (e.g., the left ski and right ski have mirroring core assemblies) . Additionally or alternatively, while the sidewalls of the hollow components 105 and corrugated components 106 shown in FIGS. 18-30 are generally flat or planar, a solid component 104, a hollow component 105, and/or a corrugated component 106 may include one or more sidewalls that are not planar (e.g., contoured, curved) .

[0090] FIG. 31 shows an example of the sheets 108 of a corrugated component 106 extending laterally wider than the corrugated medium 107 and interacting with a solid component 104 and a hollow component 105 to create barriers to the flow of resin into the flutes 115 of the corrugated medium. The sheets 108 and corresponding solid component 104 and/or hollow component 105 may include features such as undercuts and channels, or any features with a similar function, which allow the components to be fit and held together without bonding or using other physical or chemical means beyond the structure and form of the components.

[0091] FIGS. 32-39 show example core layers 2702, 2802, 2902, 3002, 3102, 3202, 3302, and 3402 (e.g., core layer 102) each including a respective plurality of core assemblies extending along a length of the respective core layers 2702, 2802, 2902, 3002, 3102, 3202, 3302, and 3402. For example, FIG. 32 shows a core layer 2702 including a first plurality of adjacent corrugated components 106 between a pair of solid components 104 spanning a width of the core layer 2702 (e.g., core assembly 1518) in a tip zone 2709, one or more solid components 104 spanning a width of the core layer 2702 (e.g., core assembly 218) in a middle zone 2710, and a second plurality of adjacent corrugated components 106 between a pair of hollow components 105 (e.g., core assembly 1518) in a tail zone 2711.

[0092] FIG. 33 shows a core layer 2802 including a first plurality of adjacent corrugated components 106 between a pair of solid components 104 (e.g., core assembly 1518) in a tip zone 2809, one or more solid components 104 spanning a width of the core layer 2802 (e.g., core assembly 218) in a middle zone 2810, and a second plurality of corrugated components 106 separated by a hollow component 105 between a pair of solid components 104 (e.g., core assembly 818) in a tail zone 2811. As shown in FIG. 30, the quantity of corrugated components 106 in one zone (e.g., tip zone 1809) may be different from the quantity of corrugated components 106 in another zone (e.g., tail zone 2811) . A greater quantity of corrugated components 106 in the tail zone 2811 may increase a responsiveness at the tail of the sliding board 100, for example.

[0093] FIG. 34 shows a core layer 2902 including a first plurality of corrugated components 106 separated by a hollow component 105 and between a pair of solid components 104 (e.g., core assembly 818) in a tip zone 2909, one or more solid components 105 spanning a width of the core layer 2402 (e.g., core assembly 218) in a middle zone 2910, and a second plurality of adjacent corrugated components 106 between a pair of solid components 104 (e.g., core assembly 1518) in a tail zone 2911. As shown in FIG. 31, the quantity of corrugated components 106 in one zone (e.g., tip zone 2909) may be different from the quantity of corrugated components 106 in another zone (e.g., tail zone 2911) . A greater quantity of corrugated components 106 in the tip zone 2909 may increase a rebound damping at the tip of the sliding board 100, for example .

[0094] FIGS. 35 and 36 show constructions of a core 102 where a solid component 104, hollow component 105, and/or corrugated component 106 may extend through more than one of the tip zone (3009 and 3109) , middle zone (3010 and 3110) and tail zone (3011 and 3111) . FIG. 35 shows a core layer 3002 including a hollow component 105 extending from the tip zone 3009 through the mid zone 3010 and tail zone 3011 of the ski. In the tip zone 3009 the hollow component is between two corrugated components 106 which are bordered on their outer edge by solid components 104 (e.g., core assembly 818) . In the mid zone 3010 the hollow component 105 is bordered by one or more solid components 104 on each lateral side. In the tail zone 3009 the hollow component is between two corrugated components 106 which are bordered on the outer edge by solid components 104 (e.g., core assembly 818) . Alternately, FIG. 36 shows a core layer 3102 including a first plurality of corrugated components 106 separated by a solid component 104 and between a pair of solid components 104 (e.g., core assembly 518) in a tip zone 3109, with the middle zone 3110 and tail zone 3111 including a first plurality of corrugated components 106 separated by a solid component 104 on either side of a central hollow component 105 and between a pair of solid components 104 (e.g., core assembly 718) .

[0095] FIG. 37 shows a core layer 3202 including a central hollow component between two corrugated components 106 which are bordered on the outer edge by solid components 104 (e.g., core assembly 818) in a tip zone 3309, one or more solid components 104 spanning a width of the core layer 3202 (e.g., core assembly 218) in a middle zone 3210, and a plurality of hollow components 105 separated by a corrugated component 106 and between a pair of solid components 104 (e.g., core assembly 918) in a tail zone 3211. As shown in FIG. 37, the solid components 104, hollow components 105 and/or corrugated components 106 may have squared ends and inconsistent lengths (e.g., the left and right corrugated components 106 in the tip zone 3309 are shorter than the center hollow component

105 and the solid components 104, the center corrugated component 106 in the tail zone 3311 is shorter than the left and right hollow components 105 and the solid components 104) .

[0096] FIG. 38 shows a core layer 3302 including a first plurality of adjacent corrugated components 106 between a pair of solid components 104 (e.g., core assembly 1518) in a tip zone 3309, one or more solid components 104 spanning a width of the core layer 3302 (e.g., core assembly 218) in a middle zone 3310, and a plurality of corrugated components

106 separated by a solid component 104 and between a pair of solid components 104 (e.g., core assembly 518) in a tail zone 3311. As shown in FIG. 38, the hollow components 105 and/or corrugated components 106 may have non-squared ends (e.g., curved, angled) and tapered lengths.

[0097] FIG. 39 shows an example core layer 3402 including an upper zone 3420 and a lower zone 3421 which are defined on the z axis of the core 102. The lower zone 3421 which extends from the rear portion of the tip zone 3409 through the middle zone 3410 and to the fore portion of the tail zone 3411 includes a corrugated component 106. The upper zone 3420 including a first plurality of adjacent hollow components 105 between a pair of solid components 104 in a tip zone 3409, one or more solid components 104 spanning a width of the core layer 3402 ( e . g . , core assembly 218 ) in a middle zone 3410 , and a second plurality of adj acent hollow components 105 between a pair of solid components 104 in a tail zone 3411 . Alternatively, it is envisaged that any number of sol id components 104 , hollow components 105 and/or corrugated components 106 may be combined in any desirable combination with respect to the x-axis , y-axis , or z axis of the sliding board .

[ 0098 ] FIG . 40 shows an example core layer 3502 includes a corrugated component 106 positioned between two solid components 104 and extending the length of the sliding board . In some examples , the corrugated component 106 includes a single wall corrugated element including a corrugated medium 107 between a pair of sheets 108 . As shown in FIG . 40 , the single wall corrugated element may be oriented such that the flutes of the corrugated medium 107 extend at di f ferent lengths and at any angle across the width of the core layer 3502 . Alternatively, the corrugated component 106 may include any type of corrugated element including flutes extending in any orientation that enables the core layer 3502 to function as described herein .

[ 0099 ] FIG . 41 shows an example corrugated component 3610 including more than one assembly of a single wal l corrugated element 107 positioned between sheets 108 . A lower zone 3615 including a corrugated element 107 positioned between two sheets 108 and an upper zone 3617 including a corrugated medium 107 positioned between two sheets 108 where the lower sheet of the upper zone 3617 is the same as the upper sheet of the lower zone 3615 . The upper zone 3617 further includes flutes which do not extend the full width of the corrugated component 3610 to create solid sections within the corrugated component 106 as described in paragraph [ 0040 ] . While the corrugated medium 107 and flutes 115 are drawn showing consistent dimension between the upper zone 3617 and lower zone 3615 , it is envisaged that both the width and height o f the flutes may dif fer between zones , as well as the dimension of the corrugated medium 107 . Alternatively, the corrugated component 106 may define any number, angle , dimension and/or arrangement of flutes 115 and corrugated mediums 107 that enables the corrugated component 3610 to function as described herein .

[ 0100 ] FIG . 42 shows an example core layer 3702 including a double layer corrugated component 3610 in the middle section 3710 with single layer corrugated components 106 positioned at the tip zone 3709 and the tail zone 3711 . Solid components 104 run continuously from the tip zone 3709 to the tail zone 3711 . Flutes 115 in each of the corrugated components of the sliding board are each si zed and oriented to provide enhanced sti f fness in a desired plane ( e . g . , the flutes at the tip zone 3709 angle toward the tip to increase the turn engagement of the sliding board, the flutes in the middle zone 3710 angle perpendicular to the path of travel to provide improved edge hold "underfoot" , and the f lutes in the tail zone 3711 angle back toward the tail to provide increased power at the end of a turn) .

[ 0101 ] The core layer 3702 includes in the tip zone 3709 and the tail zone 3711 a solid component 104 which is constructed as a s ingle unit with the corrugated component 106 and which includes a plurality of voids oriented in the z-axis (where the flutes create voids oriented in the x-/y-axis ) . These voids may be left open, filled or partially filled with a secondary compatible polymer, or capped in a simi lar manner to the corrugated components 106 in FIGS . 13- 16 . [0102] FIG. 43 shows an example of operations for making or producing a sliding board (e.g., the sliding board 100) . The method for example comprises producing the lower layer 101, upper layer 103 and core layer 102 of the sliding board; and bonding these layers together, for example using a bonding agent and/or by exerting pressure and/or heat.

[0103] For example, the method includes a step 4301 of assembling, and joining, one or more solid components 104, hollow components 105 and/or one or more corrugated components 106 to produce a core layer 102.

[0104] Then, in a step 4302, the core layer 102 is for example extended between a first component or layer (e.g., lower layer 101) and a second layer or layer (e.g., upper layer 103) . Example core layers 102, as well as various core assemblies included in core layers 102, are shown in FIGS. 18-42.

[0105] Then, in a step 4303, the first layer and/or second layer may be moved toward the core layer 102 to decrease a distance between the first layer and the second layer. As the distance between the first layer and the second layer decreases, the core layer 102 may exert a reactive force outward toward the first layer and/or second layer. In some examples, a pressure-exerting element may be used to exert a force inward toward the first layer and/or second layer. Pressure-exerting elements that may be used to compress the first layer and/or second layer include, for example, an external mold, a ski press, and/or a vacuum-bagging system with or without a curing oven.

[0106] The mold may be constructed of steel, aluminum, or any other material configured to create a cavity of appropriate shape and dimension that will not deform or distort under heat and pressure. [ 0107 ] In some examples , the core layer 102 is pre- formed before extending or positioning the core layer 102 in a space between the lower layer 101 and the upper layer 103 . Alternatively, elements of the core layer 102 may be positioned as the elements of the lower layer 101 and/or upper layer 103 are laid up . For example , elements of the lower layer 101 may be stacked or placed first , then elements of the core layer 102 may be stacked or placed on top of the elements of the lower layer 101 , and then elements of the upper layer 103 may be stacked or placed on top of the elements of the core layer 102 .

[ 0108 ] Components of the sliding board 100 are for example bonded together using a resin, which is mechanically and chemically compatible with the other elements of the core layer 102 and upper layer 103 to be recycled together . For example , the resin is chemically and physically compatible with the materials of the upper and core layers 103 , 102 so as to be recyclable into polymers , copolymers , alloyed polymers , fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymers and/or fiber-reinforced alloyed polymers . The resin may be thermoset or thermoform in nature . Thermoform resins shall have a melt temperature which is lower than glass transition temperature of the components of layer 102 , and thermoset resins shall have a cure temperature which is lower than the glass transition temperature of the components of layer 102 . Resin will be cured with time , heat , and/or pressure . Components of the sliding board 100 may be positioned with dry sheets of resin, "wetted" with liquid or gelled resin and/or have resin introduced during assembly through an infusion process ( a "resin-trans fer molding" ) , or have the bonding resin introduced into the reinforcement fabrics prior to the fabrication of the ski ( a "pre-impregnation process" ) . Components of the sliding board 100 are pressuri zed and heated in accordance with the activation and curing requirements o f the resin used .

[ 0109 ] Alternatively, the core layer 102 may be assembled with the upper layer 103 and any reinforcements 132 and 134 and cured to create a main board assembly 140 . The completed sub-assembly may be bonded to the lower layer 101 with a secondary resin which is al so chemical ly compatible with the main board assembly 140 and which has a lower melting temperature than the lowest glass transition temperature of any element and/or resin of the main board assembly 140 to facilitate removal of the lower layer 101 from the main board assembly 140 at end of li fe .

[ 0110 ] Final construction may include pre-cut reinforcements , in some examples , constructed of high-strength plastic or fiber-reinforced plastics which are compatible with the resin and core components for recycling into polymers , copolymers , or alloyed polymers for the tip, tail and sidewalls . Alternative construction of the board may add or remove any of the tip, tail , or sidewall reinforcements ; may add elastomers or other vibration damping elements ; may incorporate viscoelastic damping layers between plies of fabric ; or any other such materials as are currently uti li zed or that may become utili zed in sliding board or composite construction . The sliding board may be produced in either a cap or sandwich construction, or a hybrid of the forms .

[ 0111 ] FIG . 44 shows operations for recycling a sliding board 100 . The method for example comprises pulveri zing the sliding board to form a pulveri zed material and placing the pulveri zed material into an extrusion machine to extrude at least one polymer, copolymer, fiber-reinforced copolymer, alloyed polymer, or fiber-reinforced alloyed polymer rod . [0112] For example, the method includes a step 4401 of removing, as necessary, the base 111 and edges 112 from the main board assembly 140 composed of at least the polymer core 102, the chemically-compatible upper layer 103 and resin, and the fiber reinforcements 132 and 134. To recycle the sliding board if edges 112 are present (e.g., a sliding board for Nordic skiing use may not include a metal edge) , the edges may be removed by heating the base of the sliding board and/or prying the edges loose. A sliding board which has a base 111 accepting wax to improve the sliding characteristics, which is not chemically compatible to be recycled with the main board assembly 140, is for example also removed. Alternatively, a base 111 that is chemically compatible for recycling and that is either 1) designed to be used without gliding wax, or 2) that is sufficiently cleaned of the gliding wax that it will not contaminate the recycled resin, may remain. If edges 112 and base 111 are removed from the sliding board 100, they may be recycled individually in a step 4402.

[0113] As shown by a step 4403 of Figure 44, once the sliding board 100 has been prepared for the recycling process as above, it may be pulverized in a mechanical grinder to a size which allows the resulting shards to be re-melted in a single-screw or twin-screw plastic extruder and drawn into thin rods measuring, for example less than 10 mm in diameter of fiber- reinforced plastic.

[0114] Then, in a step 4404, the extruded rods are for example cooled to a point of structural integrity where they can be cut into cylindrical or similar shaped pellets measuring, for example, less than 20 mm in length. If a single-screw extruder is used, the resulting recycled plastic will be composed entirely of the material resulting from the recycling process of the sliding board 100. If a twin-screw extruder is used, the material resulting from the recycling of sliding board 100 may be combined in a specific desired ratio with other compatible material to tailor the characteristics for an intended use which is not met by the material resulting from the recycling of sliding board 100 alone . Alternatively, the recycling process may include any steps or series of steps that enable the material of the sliding board 100 to be prepared for re-use as described herein .

[ 0115 ] An advantage of a sliding board having at least a core layer and an upper layer formed of materials that are chemically and physically compatible so as to be recyclable into polymers , copolymers , alloyed polymers , fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymers and/or fiber-reinforced alloyed polymers is that it is poss ible to recycle the s liding board in a relatively low-cost and energy ef ficient manner . Indeed, a pulveri zation process can be used . Furthermore , the resulting recycled material will exhibit mechanical properties that are relatively close to those of the original materials .

[ 0116 ] The examples described herein are examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses , devices , systems and methods described herein . None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed herein should be taken as mandatory for any speci fic implementation of any of these the apparatuses , devices , systems or methods unless speci fically designated as mandatory . For ease of reading and clarity, certain components , modules , or methods may be described solely in connection with a speci fic figure . Any failure to speci fically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should not be understood as an indication that any combination or subcombination is not possible . The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0117] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) , may be replaced by alternative features having the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0118] While certain examples have been shown and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting examples. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. For example, while embodiments have been described in which the bonding agent is chemically and physically compatible with the one or more materials of the upper and core layers (103, 102) so as to be recyclable into polymers, copolymers, alloyed polymers, fiber-reinforced polymers or copolymers and/or fiber-reinforced alloyed polymers, in alternative embodiments other types of bonding agents may be used. For example, the sliding board may be made with the following change to construction due to the specific nature of sliding bases, such as UHMWPE and other low-surface energy materials used to create the ski or snowboard base, whereby the layer 101 may be bonded to the body 140 with any suitable bonding agent regardless of chemical compatibility for recycling as a constituent of 140, provided that the bonding agent is engineered to create a stronger bond with the base 111 than with the assembly 140. An example may be an olefin-based adhesive, which is grafted to create covalent or ionic bonds with the sliding base 111 and hydrogen bonds with the assembly 140 . Such bonding agents would remain adhered to the sliding base of the ski when the base and ski body are separated in the recycling process .