Abstract: A plastic hockey-stick is made in three layers, around a core. The blade-core is retained but the handle-core may either be retained or withdrawn during manufacture. The inner layer is of hoop-laid strands, which gives rigidity to the cross-sectional shape of the handle, enabling the handle to be hollow. The middle layer is of length-laid strands, for good bending strength. The outer layer is of e.g., twisted strand woven cloth, for surface toughness. The enwrapped core is impregnated with resin, and compressed in a mould during curing. The resulting stick combines lightness, strength, resilience, non-dangerous failure mode, and economy of manufacture.

Abstract: A molded composite racquet is provided, wherein the frame of the entire racquet is prepared using the combination of continuous graphite fibers longitudinal within the shape of the frame, wrapped in a bias arrangement with layers of fiberglass, that combination being covered by a protective resinous outerlayer. The presence of the graphite fiber in a unidirectional orientation around the hoop of the racquet in the plane of the strings increases the resistance against compression with minimal affect on the flexibility, bending or torsion, of the racquet. The concentric and bias orientation of the fiberglass layer supplies sturdiness to increase the resistance to torsion and bending stress. The molded composite racquet achieves a controlled impulse duration during impact with a game ball which provides greater control during impact and less shock to the user of the racquet during the recreation.

Abstract: Improved fiber resin matrix prepreg fabrics are disclosed which are comprised of a first layer of reinforcing fabric coated with an epoxy resin composition and a discrete second layer of an epoxy resin modified with an elastomeric polymer. The discrete second layer is provided with a support comprising a gauze-like, lightweight fibrous mat or carrier of lightweight fibers that preserves the second "interleaf" layer during cure. Cured composites having the continuous interleaf layer intact exhibit high impact strength and resistance to impact damage.

Abstract: The blade of the stick is formed by placing two blade sections against the lower tapered end of a handle of the stick. The two blade sections are each made as laminated sections, made up of two laminations of wood with a fiberglass layer therebetween. The grain of the two wood pieces of each blade section are offset 45.degree. to one another for greater shear strength. The cavity between the two blade sections is filled with a pliable material that hardens to make the complete blade structure. The outer surfaces of the blade and the side surfaces of the handle are coated with layers of fiberglass.

Abstract: There is described a tennis racket the frame and shaft of which are formed by synthetic resin-impregnated fibres, such as glass and/or carbon fibres, aromatic polyamide or boron fibres, and the core both of the frame and the shaft is preferably filled with a synthetic foam with the purpose of determining the profile of those components formed by the fibres, in which inside the core is present at least in places in the frame and/or the shaft, at least one wood layer.

Abstract: A composite racquetball racquet comprises a molded synthetic plastic frame member on which is adhesively bonded a generally U-shaped channel and a synthetic plastic bumper strip is adhesively bonded over the channel outer periphery at the outer head portion of the frame. Mechanical interlock formations are provided between the plastic frame member and the metal channel side walls.

Abstract: A frame for a games racket comprises a hollow plastics moulding which is at least partially reinforced by means of a rigid member integrally moulded therewith. The rigid member can consist of a metal plate having perforations which, when the plate and the plastics material are moulded together, are penetrated by the plastics material, which sets therein to lock the plate to the moulding.The plate may, for example, extend over an area corresponding to the crown portion of the frame so as to provide for localized reinforcement, particularly, in the event of impact (e.g. when the racket is dropped on to a hard surface).

Abstract: A composite javelin having superior vibration damping characteristics is provided having a hollow or low density body of generally circular cross-section which tapers from small diameter front and rear tip ends to a large diameter more or less in the center, said tapered diameters and general tip and grip features being in conformance with the requirements of the International Olympic Committee. The javelin body can be constructed in either a one or two piece manner and constitutes a plurality of Kevlar.RTM. or fiber glass prepreg bias wound plys forming an underlayer and a plurality of bias wound graphite/epoxy prepreg plys forming an overlayer. In the preferred two piece construction, the distribution of weight and composite center of gravity can be adjusted within the body to allow tuning the javelin to an individual athlete's throwing characteristics.

Abstract: A novel structural member, such as a tennis racket, and the method for making same, provides a high strength to weight ratio. The structural member of this invention consists of a fiberglass shell which surrounds a syntactic foam core. The fiberglass shell may be further selectively reinforced with a ribbon which is formed from a high strength fiber such as boron fibers, graphite fibers, aramid fibers, etc. Because the structure of this invention incorporates a high strength to weight ratio it can be utilized in the manufacture of rackets of conventional and radical design.This invention relates to a structural member consisting of a tennis racket having a high strength to weight ratio.

Abstract: A racket structure to be used in a tennis and the like racket and a method for producing it, where the handle section and the head frame section are made of a one-piece composite member including an inner lightweight soft plastic core member having a central prestressed multifilament cord member and a glass fibers reinforced hard plastic, outer surrounding layer, anchored on said core member within the head frame section, said surrounding layer being covered on opposite faces with respective resilient flow cover members which also sheath part of the height of said head frame section on the inside face, facing the netting, defining the striking surface stretched in the oval space defined by the head frame section of the racket.

Abstract: A hockey stick formed having a double-box beam shaft defining an elongated handle, and a molded laminated blade structure integrally molded to one end of the double-box beam shaft. The laminated blade is formed by molding a plastic core having laminated therein outer oppositely disposed preformed resin-impregnated web-like cloth sheets, and inner oppositely disposed unidirectional fiberglass-strip members positioned longitudinal of the main-body portion of the blade, the fiberglass strips being held in spaced relationship to each other by foam spacers, whereby a pair of elongated fiberglass rod members are interposed between a portion of the strips and the angularly disposed neck portion of the blade, and encapsulated within the plastic core, the rods extending outwardly to be integrally molded to the shaft.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable golf target apparatus, which can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled, and can be used in confined outdoor areas and in the indoors. A multilayered target having a front layer of 20 gauge fiberglass mesh and underlayers of five mil polyethylene film is attached to an inverted "y" wood frame by elastic bands, and imparts only a small amount of rebounding force to a driven golf ball. The frame can be disassembled into a number of color coded parts, and can be fixed to the ground by stakes. A flat bottom base is attachable for indoor use.

Abstract: The blade for a table tennis bat includes a layer of lightweight, low modulus of elasticity material positioned centrally with respect to the thickness of the blade and overlaid by a constraining layer of high modulus of elasticity material. The blade also includes a smooth, rigid outer layer bonded to the outer surfaces of the two constraining layers. The constraining layers are composed of strands of stretch resistant material woven transversely to each other to form a thin mat.

Abstract: Presented is a golf shaft designed to have a "kick" point or "flex" zone at a predetermined location along the length of the shaft. How and where the shaft bends or flexes during the down swing has a strong influence on how the club "feels" to the golfer. How and where the shaft bends during the down swing is determined by the construction of the golf shaft and presented herewith is a golf shaft structure and method of making it which controls the position of the flex point along the length of the shaft so that a variety of shafts having different flex characteristics may be manufactured to suit the dictates of individual players.

Abstract: A strand prepreg which comprises (i) a resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of thermosetting resin having a softening point of 60.degree. C. or less and about 5 to 60 parts by weight of epoxy resin having a number average molecular weight of 5,000 or more and (ii) about 20 to 80% by volume strands of carbon fibers, glass fibers, aromatic polyamide fibers and the like, wherein the strands are impregnated with the resin composition.

Abstract: An extended athletic playing surface that increases running speed of an athlete performing on the surface and reduces the likelihood of injury to the athlete has a multi-layer construction. The athlete's foot impacts on an upper surface of a sheet material that has a low mass per unit area and is stiffly resilient. The upper surface is supported on either discrete "bumper pads" of a resilient material, or preferably a combination of horizontal, spaced apart supports and bumper pads. The composite structure rests on a conventional surface such as a concrete base. The composite surface is characterized by a low effective vertical mass and a composite vertical compliance that is extremely large in comparison to any comparable known athletic surface. The surface also has a high effective horizontal mass and a low horizontal compliance.

Abstract: An electronic amusement apparatus having control electronics selectively energizing one or more of the segments of an array of illuminatable segments, with a unitary light control member having an array of portions in overlying relation with each of the segments. Each portion may be identically configured with the exit ends of all portions being in generally planar relation adjacent a transparent or diffused viewing surface. Each portion includes a peripheral wall defining a tapered aperture with the exit end of the aperture configured to provide the visual appearance of a desired object on the viewing surface. Light rays from the illuminated segment pass through the entrance end of the aperture and are internally reflected by the tapered walls toward the exit end while simultaneously light from the segment passes through the peripheral wall to provide a sharply defined edge for the viewed object.

Abstract: An aerial projectile including a skeletal shell and a baffling material confined and/or supported by the skeletal shell. The skeletal shell is fabricated from a resilient, durable, light-weight and deformation resistant material such as nylon or other suitable plastic. The skeletal shell is formed with a predetermined shape generally defining a spatial configuration which may be spherical, ovoidal, ellipsoidal, hemispherical, or the like. The baffling material is in the form of a lightweight, resilient material such as plastic foam or the like. The baffling material forms at least a part of the external contour of the aerial projectile and may even be used to form protruding vanes or fins for the aerial projectile.

Abstract: A carbon fiber-reinforced plastic arrow is disclosed having a tubular shaft with a length of from 25 to 32 inches, a wall thickness of from 0.022 to 0.032 inch and an internal diameter of from 0.19 to 0.26 inch, the shaft having a stiffness measured by center deflection under a two pound center load of from 0.25 to 0.7 inch. The tubular shaft is constructed of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic to include an interior section in which the carbon fibers run in two directions, each balanced with respect to the other, of at least 30.degree. to the axis of the arrow, and an outer section in which substantially all of the fibers are parallel to the axis of the arrow, and the arrow includes a head having a weight of from 45% to 60% of the weight of the shaft.

Abstract: In a floor type billiard game, a playing surface strong enough to support the weight of adult players thereon while still dimensionally stable for accurate play thereon provides an overall apparatus light enough to be movable for varied location after installation, for transport and for adjustment for levelling of the playing surface. The playing surface is supported by a plurality of floor support units, each unit being trapezoidal in cross-section and each comprised of a core composed of a plurality of vertical rigid columns and being completely enclosed by a strong skin. The playing surface further has a lower foam rubber layer, a middle fabric layer and an upper pile layer. The billiard apparatus is provided with a cushioned rail, corner and side pockets as provided in a standard billiard table.

Abstract: A tubular composite structure for transmitting forces comprises a metal tubular core, preferably of aluminum, having a layer of structural metal adhesive on the exterior surface of the core. On top of the structural adhesive layer are alternating laminae of resin impregnated unidirectional reinforcing fibers, particularly carbon or graphite fibers, and of woven fiberglass, beginning with a layer of woven fiberglass followed by a lamina of resin impregnated continuous unidirectional reinforcing fibers and continuing in alternating fashion but ending with a final layer of resin impregnated continuous unidirectional reinforcing fibers, each successive layer of resin impregnated continuous unidirectional fibers having the fibers oriented at an angle of between about 5.degree. to 12.degree. with respect to the longitudinal axis of the metal tube and in opposite orientation with respect to the next preceding layer. The fibers in the woven fiberglass layer are oriented at 0.degree. and 90.degree.

Abstract: A method for producing a fishing rod made of a glass fiber-reinforced synthetic resin which comprises impregnating a glass cloth with a thermosetting synthetic resin to form a prepreg, wrapping the prepreg about a tapered mandrel, curing it under heat, and then pulling out the mandrel, wherein the glass cloth has letters, geometrical figures or other decorative designs applied to the whole or a part of its surface by printing or coating, and the thermosetting synthetic resin is the one which can give a transparent cured product.

Abstract: An archery bow has a handle section to which a bow limb, which is flexible over at least part of its length, is connected at each end. A bowstring is tensioned between the free ends of the two bow limbs. The handle section is extended by means of rigid axial extensions. Each of the bow limbs includes a comparatively flexible portion and has a first end hingedly connected to one end of the handle section. The second end of each flexible portion is hingedly connected to the free end of the associated extension. Each bow limb further includes a comparatively rigid portion which extends between the second end of said flexible portion and the free end of the bow limb, the arrangement being such that the comparatively flexible portion is subjected substantially to bending by buckling only.

Abstract: This specification discloses an improved ice hockey stick in which strips of reinforcing plastic material disposed in preferably embedded into the wide side surfaces of the handle of an ice hockey stick which otherwise is made of suitable hardwood.The construction is such that the completed hockey stick handle will be perceived by the hockey player as a conventional wooden hockey stick and not as a hockey stick whose handle is made of plastic or is covered with plastic material.An improved method for making handles for hockey sticks is disclosed wherein the reinforcing strips are applied to a large number of handle components which are pressed together in a suitable apparatus before installation of the blades to the lower extremity of the handle component.

Abstract: A tubular composite structure for transmitting forces comprises a metal tubular core, preferably of aluminum, having a layer of structural metal adhesive on the exterior surface of the core. On top of the structural adhesive layer are alternating laminae of resin impregnated unidirectional reinforcing fibers, particularly carbon or graphite fibers, and of woven fiberglass, beginning with a layer of woven fiberglass followed by a lamina of resin impregnated continuous unidirectional reinforcing fibers and continuing in alternating fashion but ending with a final layer of resin impregnated continuous unidirectional reinforcing fibers, each successive layer of resin impregnated continuous unidirectional fibers having the fibers oriented at an angle of between about 5.degree. to 12.degree. with respect to the longitudinal axis of the metal tube and in opposite orientation with respect to the next preceding layer. The fibers in the woven fiberglass layer are oriented at 0.degree. and 90.degree.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel fiberglass pole construction and the method for forming such. The pole is of composite construction and includes inner, outer and intermediate layers resin bonded together into an integral hollow elongated tapered form exhibiting lightweight and high strength characteristics. The intermediate layer includes individual sublayers in turn formed from a plurality of strips of non-woven, unidirectional glass fiber fabric. The strips of each sublayer are circumferentially staggered about the periphery of the pole and are disposed lengthwise therealong so that the orientation of the glass fibers forming such strips is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pole. Several such sublayers are built up until the necessary strength characteristics have been imparted to the pole. An outer layer of generally spirally wrapped ribbon essentially completes the structure.

Abstract: This specification discloses an improved ice hockey stick in which strips of reinforcing plastic material are disposed in, preferably embedded into the wide side surfaces of the handle of an ice hockey stick which otherwise is made of suitable hardwood.The construction is such that the completed hockey stick handle will be perceived by the hockey player as a conventional wooden hockey stick and not as a hockey stick whose handle is made of plastic or is covered with plastic material.An improved method for making handles for hockey sticks is disclosed wherein the reinforcing strips are applied to a large number of handles which are pressed together in a suitable apparatus before installation of the blades to the lower extremity of the handle component.

Abstract: A billiard ball having magnetically attractable characteristics such that it may be utilized on pool tables where separation of a scratched cue ball from the object balls is accomplished by use of a magnet. The ball has a spherical core of non-magnetic cured resinous material, selected from the group of polyester, epoxy, polyurethane and phenolic resins; the diameter of said ball is 21/8-21/4 inches and its weight is within the range of about 142 to 190 grams. Distributed within the core are magnetically attractable particles which are dispersed with such uniformity that the ball's anisotropy factor is not more than about 10 percent as the ball rotates about any of its axes. The preferred magnetically attractable material constitutes iron particles having a maximum size of about 0.020 inch, and ideally no larger than about -325 mesh. Another magnetically attractable filler is barium ferrite. The filler is positioned in such a way that a magnet in a table made in accordance with U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: A novel tubular composite structure for transmitting substantial forces comprising a metal tubular core having a layer of structural metal adhesive on the exterior thereof. On top of the structural adhesive layer are alternating laminae of resin impregnated unidirectional reinforcing fibers and of woven fiberglass, beginning with a layer of woven fiberglass followed by a lamina of resin impregnated unidirectional reinforcing fibers and continuing in alternating fashion but ending with a final layer of resin impregnated continuous unidirectional reinforcing fibers. All fibers are disposed at a predetermined angle of orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The number of layers disposed along the length of the tubular core varies such that the core thickness along the length of the tubular shaft has its greatest thickness at the mid section of the shaft.

Abstract: A novel structural member, such as a tennis racket frame, having an unusually high strength to weight ratio is provided comprising an expanded foamed plastic core integrally bonded to a shell comprising at least one layer of resin-coated unidirectionally oriented graphite fibers, the shell completely encasing the core at any transverse cross section of the structural member with a veiling strip wrapped around said core beneath the innermost or beyond the outermost of the graphite fiber layers, or both.

Abstract: An improved frame, and manufacturing method, for sport rackets used in games such as racquet ball, tennis, court tennis, squash, squash tennis, badminton, and lacrosse. A single laminated piece forms the major portion of both the head and the handle. The laminated piece consists of laminae of fibrous tape and laminae of thermoplastic.

Abstract: A carbon graphite fiber reinforced shaft incorporating longitudinal plies and radial plies. In transverse aspect, the radial plies incorporate two interleaved helices with three turns around the shaft. The fibers in the two helices are oppositely oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The fibers in one radial ply have a modulus that is substantially 50% greater than the modulus of the opposed interleaved radial ply.

Abstract: A hockey stick is manufactured from a molded blade, a pultruded glass fiber shaft and a molded end cap. The interchangeable blade is made from a polycarbonate or wood. The shaft is hollow and made from glass fiber strips and rovings which are pulled through a heated die after being impregnated with a suitable resin to produce a shaft of rectangular section and of even wall thickness. The blade has a special tongue connection means on the supported end which snuggley fits into the end of the shaft and is adherred thereto by an adhesive such as an epoxy resin. The cap is cup-shaped and is preferably molded from a hard plastic and is adherred to the opposite end of the shaft from that supporting the blade to cover the end threreof. The cap could also be made from an elastomeric material to be frictionally retained in position over the shaft end. The use of the adhesive material makes certain that the cap will remain in place.

Abstract: A composite golf shaft for use with a metal golf club head is improved by reinforcing the tubular metal core of the shaft with a unidirectional graphite fiber reinforced resin body which is inserted in the tip section of the shaft.

Abstract: A novel golf shaft having a metal core and a graphite fiber reinforced sheath thereon is provided. The shaft has a predetermined orientation of the graphite fibers. In one embodiment, some longitudinal fibers are located in the region where the butt section of the shaft begins to taper downwardly thereby lowering the bending profile of the shaft compared with a shaft not having the longitudinal fibers. The method of fabricating the shaft also is disclosed.

Abstract: A laminated game racket frame having a closed hoop-shaped inner frame and an outer frame with the outer part of the inner frame integrally bonded to the inner part of the outer frame to form a unitized body, each frame being formed as a laminate comprised of a plurality of strips. Some of these strips are made of wood, thermoplastic resin or metal, and some are made as laminates themselves from plies of reinforced thermosetting resins.

Abstract: A flexible hollow fishing rod shaft of improved strength to weight ratio with respect to both bending and crushing strength, having an outer layer of longitudinally extending fiber glass filaments bonded together with a flexible plastic resin, and an inner layer of graphite filaments wound in a tight helix and impregnated with a plastic resin bonding agent.

Abstract: A diving board comprising a layer extending over its full length, at least one of its upper and lower surfaces being provided with thin sheets of reinforcing material, said sheets having different lengths, the lengths of said sheets diminishing from the front and the rear ends of the diving board to a portion of said diving board lying between its both ends, which portion is destined for resting on a support of said diving board. The diving board has a light primary layer to take up part of the total bending force thereon with at least an upper or lower surface with reinforcing material provided so that the amount of reinforcing material is substantially adapted to the moment acting in each cross-section of the diving board.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a diving board for a swimming pool, said driving board being of the cantilever type having its rear end attached to a stationary support and resting on a fulcrum at a place between its front and rear ends.

Abstract: A tennis racket frame is constructed primarily of an elongated hollow tube member having a wall thereof consisting essentially of a plurality of concentric layers of high tensile strength fibers impregnated and bonded together by binder resin, at least two of the layers being helical windings of opposite unidirectional hands, and the head portion of a racket frame having a groove molded therein to receive the loop portions of the strings in recessed relation to the surrounding surface areas of the frame. The frames are made by a method including the use of a special mandrel on which the layers of fiber are wound under controlled conditions providing extra material in the head portion which is formed into the wall of the grooved portion of the head without affecting the overall sectional dimensions of the frame.

Abstract: A game racket is provided that has high bending and torsional stiffness. The racket has a central core and a fiber reinforced plastic skin on the core. The fiber reinforced plastic skin is generally disposed on the faces of the core parallel to the striking plane and covering at least the head portion and the throat sections of the racket. The fibers are continuous and layered. The fiber in the throat section is crossplied at alternating angles as measured from the longitudinal axis of the racket frame. The fibers on the surface of the head portion are aligned with the general contour of the head portion.

Abstract: A golf shaft and its method of fabrication. The shaft comprises a tapered, scrolled, oblong blank of thin laminated sheet material having alternating laminae of woven glass fabric and resin impregnated unidirectional graphite fibers. The fibers are arranged in a predetermined specific angle of orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A resilient platform for diving or jumping into a swimming pool where either the available deck space or the pool size prohibits use of a conventional diving board. The diving platform comprises in a compact, space-saving arrangement a base member fixed to the deck adjacent the pool edge, a board member pivotally connected at one end to the base member and a pair of arched spring arms that extend upwardly and outwardly from the base member to a point on the board that is spaced from its pivotal connection with the base. The outer ends of the spring arms carry an adjustable cross bar that passes beneath the board member to support its outer end.

Abstract: A one-piece molded tennis racket or similar article constructed of resin-impregnated fabric consisting essentially of a plurality of substantially continuous fibers some of which extend from the butt of the handle, around the head frame and back down the handle, and other continuous fibers which extend just around the head frame. In one embodiment of the invention, the unique laminating technique provides a hollow tubular handle. In another embodiment of the invention, a flat handle is formed consisting of a pair of hollow-rectangular channels. The principal advantage of the racket in its finished form is that it has a high-strength-to-weight ratio.

Abstract: An archery apparatus including a mechanism for storing and releasing energy in multiple directions along the limbs of a limb and hand grip assembly. The mechanism for storing and releasing energy are elongated members running longitudinally of the bow limbs and on different sides of the limbs.An archery apparatus including composite eccentric members and sheaves which effect coordinated changes in direction of energy storage and release. The eccentric members are positioned adjacent the bow handle and rotate when tension is applied to the bow string, the latter being connected to the energy storing and releasing device. Sheaves may be drivingly connected to each other and to the eccentric members so that the bow limbs will deflect equally when a tension force is applied to the bow string.

Abstract: A molded, plastic tennis racket frame is described which is constructed of a combination of glass fiber reinforcement and carbon fiber reinforcement to provide a low specific gravity composite when incorporated in resins which are reinforced by these materials and to permit construction of a tennis racket having a general shape of conventional wooden rackets. The tennis racket is constructed as a unitary piece utilizing foamed resins reinforced with the glass fibers and carbon fibers. Specific weight percentages of glass fibers and carbon fibers are designated for maximum strength, flexibility and good playing characteristics.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved pull and press exercise appliance having two tubes which fit telescopically into each other with gripping handles at opposite ends which are interconnected by pliable elastic spring elements. For push exercises the spring elements bow outwardly when the handles are pushed together, while for pull exercises the spring elements are pulled apart midway between the handles.