Abstract: A method for forming a plate includes attaching a first strand portion to a flexible substrate to form a first layer on the substrate and positioning a second strand portion on the first layer to form a second layer on the first layer in a plurality of discrete regions on the substrate. The method also includes positioning a plurality of traction elements into corresponding cavities formed into a first mold surface and positioning the substrate on the first mold surface to change a shape of the substrate. At least one of heat and pressure is applied to the first strand portion, the second strand portion, the substrate, and the traction elements to conform the substrate to the shape of the first mold surface and form the traction elements into the substrate at each of the discrete regions. The method also includes incorporating the substrate into an article of footwear.

Abstract: A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a plate includes attaching a first strand portion to a flexible substrate to form a first layer on the substrate and positioning a second strand portion on the first layer to form a second layer on the first layer in a plurality of discrete regions on the substrate. The method also includes positioning a plurality of traction elements into corresponding cavities formed into a first mold surface and positioning the substrate on the first mold surface to change a shape of the substrate. At least one of heat and pressure is applied to the first strand portion, the second strand portion, the substrate, and the traction elements to conform the substrate to the shape of the first mold surface and form the traction elements into the substrate at each of the discrete regions. The method also includes incorporating the substrate into an article of footwear.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an tee hockey stick handle providing improved grip and tactile feel to a player, and having a cross-section symmetric about one centerline and asymmetric about another orthogonal centerline, a section line parallel and offset from said second centerline dividing said cross-section into a bottom profile comprising an irregular convex polygon with or without rounded and/or beveled edges, and a top rectangular profile with or without rounded and/or beveled edges. The sides of the cross-section, may be linear or slightly concave.

Abstract: A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes applying a first strand portion to a base layer including positioning adjacent segments of the first strand portion to form a first layer on the base layer. The adjacent segments of the first strand portion having a greater density across a width of the plate between a medial side and a lateral side at a midfoot region of the plate than at a forefoot region of the plate and at a heel region of the plate. The method also includes applying at least one of heat and pressure to the first strand portion and to the base layer to conform the first strand portion and the base layer to a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes applying a first strand portion to a base layer including positioning adjacent segments of the first strand portion to form a first layer on the base layer. The adjacent segments of the first strand portion having a greater density across a width of the plate between a medial side and a lateral side at a midfoot region of the plate than at a forefoot region of the plate and at a heel region of the plate. The method also includes applying at least one of heat and pressure to the first strand portion and to the base layer to conform the first strand portion and the base layer to a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A method for forming a plate includes attaching a first strand portion to a flexible substrate to form a first layer on the substrate and positioning a second strand portion on the first layer to form a second layer on the first layer in a plurality of discrete regions on the substrate. The method also includes positioning a plurality of traction elements into corresponding cavities formed into a first mold surface and positioning the substrate on the first mold surface to change a shape of the substrate. At least one of heat and pressure is applied to the first strand portion, the second strand portion, the substrate, and the traction elements to conform the substrate to the shape of the first mold surface and form the traction elements into the substrate at each of the discrete regions. The method also includes incorporating the substrate into an article of footwear.

Abstract: A flexible padding layer for use during competitive sports is provided. The flexible padding layer is comprised of a plurality of individual padding elements each joined on multiple sides with an adjacent padding element via a thin, connecting section. Each padding element further comprises openings and a three-dimensional surface configuration to allow for consistent mechanical properties throughout the padding layer as a whole.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an ice hockey stick handle providing improved grip and tactile feel to a player, and having a cross-section symmetric about one centerline and asymmetric about another orthogonal centerline, a section line parallel and offset from said second centerline dividing said cross-section into a bottom profile comprising an irregular convex polygon with or without rounded and/or beveled edges, and a top rectangular profile with or without rounded and/or beveled edges. The sides of the cross-section may be linear or slightly concave.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an tee hockey stick handle providing improved grip and tactile feel to a player, and having a cross-section symmetric about one centerline and asymmetric about another orthogonal centerline, a section line parallel and offset from said second centerline dividing said cross-section into a bottom profile comprising an irregular convex polygon with or without rounded and/or beveled edges, and a top rectangular profile with or without rounded and/or beveled edges. The sides of the cross-section, may be linear or slightly concave.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an ice hockey stick handle providing improved grip and tactile feel to a player, and having a cross-section symmetric about one centerline and asymmetric about another orthogonal centerline, a section line parallel and offset from said second centerline dividing said cross-section into a bottom profile comprising an irregular convex polygon with or without rounded and/or beveled edges, and a top rectangular profile with or without rounded and/or beveled edges. The sides of the cross-section may be linear or slightly concave.

Abstract: An improved lacrosse stick shaft for attachment to a lacrosse stick head is provided. The stick is formed from a composite base shaft body with reinforcement features embedded or adhered to the surface thereof at selected locations to improve the resistance of the shaft to impacts and breakage without adding significant weight. The reinforcement features may take the form of rings of varying heights surrounding the entire handle at various longitudinal locations. In another preferred embodiment, the reinforcement features line selected edges of the shaft in a longitudinal direction where adjacent facets forming the cross-sectional shape of the shaft meet, or form a spiral along all or part of the length of the shaft. In yet another preferred embodiment, the reinforcement features are plates adhered to vulnerable areas of the shaft. The lacrosse stick herein described is advantageously used for both men's and women's lacrosse.

Abstract: A flexible padding layer for use during competitive sports is provided. The flexible padding layer is comprised of a plurality of individual padding elements each joined on multiple sides with an adjacent padding element via a thin, connecting section. Each padding element further comprises openings and a three-dimensional surface configuration to allow for consistent mechanical properties throughout the padding layer as a whole.