Abstract: An energy-absorbing game racket designed as a pair of planar surfaces extending from a handle constructed as a sandwich design within a frame, with a set of coil springs compressed within the space defined between opposing surfaces. One of the surfaces is mounted to move within the frame against the springs such that it has a springy characteristic, while the other surface is stiff. In a racket ball game volley, either surface may be directed so that the ball impacts it. When the springy surface is directed toward the ball, it partially absorbs the impact force thereof, while the stiff surface does not. This design enhances the player's ball control options in delivering the return volley. An additional feature of the inventive game racket is the provision of an audio indication associated with impact of the ball on a particular area of the racket surface. A lamp and counter may also be provided for this purpose.

Abstract: A user-specific shoe sole coil spring system provided as a customized layout of individual coil springs which are seated in a shoe sole having prefabricated circular depressions on its surface. The coil spring system layout and stiffness characteristics may be customized to serve the needs of different users and different applications. A user's weight and particular comfort and/or orthopedic requirements are met in a given shoe size by fitting it with a greater or lesser quantity of springs with different levels of stiffness, or the layout may be a combination of levels. The result is a shock absorption distribution pattern and energy return system for the shoe sole to suit the requirements of a particular application. The sole has a cover strip overlaying the coil spring system which is openable and reclosable for allowing changes in the layout as required, or an entire sole may be replaced as a unit.