Abstract: One or more balancing objects are provided having an arcuate roof onto which a user may step and a pair of sidewalls to support the roof. The arcuate roof is shaped such that a portion of a user's foot will contact the balancing object when standing on the roof, thereby challenging the user to maintain balance in a more unsteady state than when standing flat-footed. The sidewalls extend downwardly from lateral side regions of the arcuate roof and preferably have a concave profile extending laterally towards one another to provide superior strength to the balancing object when loaded under a user's weight. A frictional overmold may be formed over the arcuate roof to provide a frictional surface preventing a user's footwear from slipping off of the balancing object. Multiple balancing objects may be positioned on a flat, horizontal surface in a variety of orientations such that the user can target certain muscle groups to train for improving balance and proprioception.

Abstract: A balance apparatus for use during an exercise routine includes a frame and a platform having a surface against which the body of an individual is positioned or bears against during the performance of an exercise routine. The platform is pivotally connected to the frame to accommodate a pivoting of the platform relative to the frame about at least one pivot axis so that in order for the individual to maintain the platform in a balanced and stationary condition relative to the frame as he is positioned or bears against the platform, the individual must distribute any force which bears against the platform surface substantially evenly or equally about the at least one pivot axis.

Abstract: An exercise device for conditioning and rehabilitation of the nerves, muscles, bones, and joints of the body by facilitating or limiting range of motion and biomechanical forces around the horizontal and vertical axes. The device includes a fulcrum connected to a first side of a base. The fulcrum extends outward from the base and provides a point about which the device pivots. Fulcrum includes a recess having a removable attachment. When the attachment is connected, the fulcrum has a rounded shape. A user positioned on the base can pivot about the fulcrum in substantially 360° of motion to fully work their body. When the attachment is removed, rails forming the recess limit the range of motion to a user to between substantially a first orientation and a second orientation. The range of motion with the attachment removed being less than the range of motion with the connected attachment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising internal and external oblique muscles utilizes lateral forces generated by the feet and maintain the upper body in a fixed position to facilitate exercise of the oblique muscles. The apparatus and method vary the inertial forces applied outside the feet to affect the degree of difficulty of the exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for strengthening a person's muscles when the person is in contact with an apparatus part for support of the person's buttocks and/or back and/or stomach/chest. One apparatus part, for example, a support board for the person's back and/or buttocks is made having positional instability in connection with a support bearing.

Abstract: A recreational balancing apparatus comprises a frame defining a horizontal opening therein, and a balancing board mounted on a joint assembly in a manner which allows the balancing board to tilt in every direction, and be capable of 360° rotation. The apparatus further comprises an upstanding support post, the post being secured to a lower portion of the joint assembly, and a lower portion of the support post passes downwardly through the frame opening. Support legs are secured to the frame, and a collar, having an opening therein, is provided. A first set of high tension springs connects the collar to the frame, the springs each being connected to a periphery of the collar and an inside portion of the frame, so that the collar is supported centrally within the horizontal frame opening, to provide a stable center for the support post to slide through, and achieve limited tiltable movement in a radial axis about a center of rotation positioned in the center of the collar.

Abstract: An exercise device having a first base member with foot disks mounted thereon for rotating a person's lower body and a second base member including handles to be grasped by a person for rotating a person's upper body. The first and second base members are mounted so as to be capable of rotating about the same vertical axis. The first and second base members may be mechanically interconnected so as to be forced to rotate together but in opposite directions. Alternatively, the first and second base members may be disconnect from each other so that they can rotate independently. Either may also be fixed so as not to rotate. Similarly, the foot disks may rotate on the first base member independently of the first base member or can be fixed thereto so as to remain stationary in relation to the first base member. The second base member may be mounted overhead with the handles extending downwardly or it may be mounted adjacent the first base member and concentric therewith with the handles extending upwardly.

Abstract: A twister includes a follower slidably attached onto a housing and having a channel and a rack, a rod rotatably attached to the housing, a lever secured to the rod and having a pin attached to a free end and slidably engaged in the channel of the follower, to allow the follower to be forced to slide relative to the housing in a reciprocating action when the pin and the lever are rotated relative to the housing. An axle is rotatably engaged to the housing and includes a pinion engaged with the rack of the follower, to allow the axle to be rotated in a reciprocating action when the follower slides relative to the housing in the reciprocating action. A foot support is secured to the axle and driven by a motor.

Abstract: Ladder climbing safety system for use with a trapeze set-up and which is separate and apart from the usual trapeze safety system. The ladder climbing safety system is arranged to engage a safety belt worn by the trapeze artist to prevent the person from falling when climbing the ladder while the trapeze safety system is arranged to engage the safety belt of another person to prevent the other person from impacting the ground while performing a trapeze routine. The ladder climbing safety system includes an ascending rope arranged proximate the ladder, an ascender attachable to the ascending rope and a coupling arrangement for releasably connecting the ascender to the safety belt of the person climbing the ladder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving balance featuring a pedestal disk connected by a stem to a fulcrum disk which is supported on the floor. The user stands on the pedestal disk and performs exercises. Improvement of balance is measured by a timer which measures the period when the fulcrum is flush on the floor. An associated sighting device guides the user to maintain a fixed line of sight while performing exercises to improve eye-proprioceptive coordination. As the user improves his balance, he substitutes ever smaller fulcrum disks.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a base, a platform, and a resilient member located between and attached to both the base and the platform. The resilient member can rotate, twist, and tilt in every angle while also providing a resistance force to all degrees of movement. The platform may be modified by the addition of an elastomeric material over its surface to provide additional traction or padding. The platform may also have notches placed around its perimeter, through which resistance tubing or rope may be placed such that upper body resistance motion may be integrated into the exercise apparatus. Furthermore, support members may be disposed under both the platform and base for additional support and rigidity. The resilient member may have a flange, which in conjunction with an adjustment mechanism, may affect the amount of resiliency of the resilient member. The adjustment mechanism may have a handle, a gear and ratchet assembly, and a plurality of locking mechanisms.

Abstract: An air cushion for exercise in accordance with the present invention has a bladder (10) and a ballast stay (15) accommodated inside the bladder (10). The bladder (10) has a flat bottom (11) and a bulge top (12). The ballast stay (15) is thermally welded to the bottom (11) to stiffen the bottom (11) to make the air cushion stably placed on the ground. Combining the bladder (10) and ballast stay (15) in one piece makes the configuration of the air cushion simple and also simplifies the manufacturing process to reduce product cost of the air cushion.

Abstract: A proactive machine is used for assessing and improving a user's proprioception. The machine has a tilting platform upon which the user stands, a non-rotating tilting means connected to the platform for tilting the platform along a first axis and along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a control means for controlling the tilting means.

Abstract: A shaped body (1) of plastic material with rounded outer contours is used for carrying out a method of active motion therapy by filling bulk material (11) of shaped bodies (1) into a container (12). The limbs (13) to be trained are immersed into the bulk material (11) and exercises are carried out. The shaped body (1) is symmetrical relative to a first plane defined by a first substantially oval outer periphery (U1) of the shaped body (1), asymmetrical relative to a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane and defined by a second substantially oval outer periphery (U2) of the shaped body (1), and asymmetrical relative to a third plane defined by a third outer periphery (U3) of the shaped body (1), which is substantially perpendicular to both the first and second planes. The shaped body effects a resistance to motion which is nearly independent of the exercising direction.

Abstract: A tiltable exercise bench featuring a pad hingeably mounted on a vertical post by a cantilevered hinge joint such that the bench can be tilted to a selected angle depending on the requirements of the user. An arcuate bar with notches on one edge has ends secured to the underside of the pad, extends downwards toward the base of the bench. The arcuate bar has notches formed along one elongated edge. A spring-loaded lever is arranged to engage a selected one of the notches whereby the bench is fixed at a selected angle of tilt. The lever can be operated from the left or right side of the bench. A series of tubular bars, affixed perpendicular to the underside of the bench support bar, provide selectable positions for telescoping onto a bar attached to the bench seat or a bar attached to a padded bar for performing situps or back extensions.

Abstract: A balancing board allowing for selection of a desired degree of stability is disclosed. The balancing board has a platform and a hemispherical fulcrum slidably mounted to platform and bifurcated into a pair of pivot members. Each pivot member is independently positionable along an underside of the platform opposite of an engagement surface upon which a user positions themselves to practice balancing training techniques. When the pivot members are slid together, the balancing board is freely pivotable about any axis in the plane of the surface on which the pivot members are resting. Conversely, when the pivot members are spaced apart from each other, the balancing board resists pivoting in a direction aligned with the axis along which the pivot members are slidable.

Abstract: A balance board for exercising, sports training, recreation and the like, uses a board member that rides along a roller along either the central longitudinal axis of the board member or along the central vertical axis of the board member. Stop members are removably attached to the board member for limiting the range or ride of the board member with respect to the roller on either axis and to further selectively vary the distance of travel of the board member when it is traveling on its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An exercise balance trainer includes a hard board and a resilient ball body connected to the board. The ball body has a first curved wall with a first rim, a second curved wall with a second rim connected fixedly to the first rim so as to define an air-receiving chamber between the first and second curved walls, and an annular flange connected to the board and a junction of the first and second rims. The first and second rims have the same diameter. The first curved wall has a maximum height that is not greater than one-half of the diameter of the first rim. The second curved wall has a maximum height that is not greater than one-third of the diameter of the second rim.

Abstract: A lower extremity rehabilitation and exercise device has a platform to which at least one foot is secured. A fulcrum is placed beneath the platform at various locations. Exercises performed by the user involve the platform pivoting about the fulcrum in a manner that requires the use of specific muscles or muscle groups. Various fulcrum locations correspond to particular muscles or muscle groups which are stressed while the exercise is performed. The exercises build strength in the muscle or muscle groups which are stressed during exercise. Proprioception within the stressed muscle or muscle group is also developed during exercise.

Abstract: A skateboard simulator provides a stable platform for wheeled skateboard-type actions. The simulator has a pair of spaced truck-like elastomeric support means mounted to a deck to simulate the response of a conventional skateboard to user actions. Spaced contact lobe elements provide a frictional contact with the ground while flexing in response to user action to simulate the response of wheeled skateboard. The support means are preferably of a unitary urethane construction with the contact lobe element portions being of a hollow configuration.

Abstract: A method for improving balance and coordination associated with the performance of a sport motion. The method comprises the initial step of providing a training apparatus, the latter comprising a stationary base member having first and second platforms rotationally mounted. The first and second are adapted to receive, respectively, a foot of an individual to enable the individual to stand thereon such that each foot can rotate independently about a separate axis. While standing upon the device, an individual may perform a variety of movements, such as a tennis stroke, golf swing, and the like, and, by virtue of imparting rotational movement to the feet, enable an individual to optimally perform proper rotational movements. The training method maybe incorporated into a sports instruction regimen applicable to a wide-variety of sports, including skiing, surfing, and martial arts, as well as many activities, in addition to tennis, golf and baseball.

Abstract: An exercising ball holder for fixing an exercising ball and locking elastic cords includes a base seat, multiple extension arms and at least one elastic cord. The base seat is formed with a rest depression. A lower end of the exercising ball is rested and located in the depression without easily rolling out. The multiple extension arms respectively outward horizontally extend from the base seat. Each extension arm has a fixing loop section. The elastic cord has a hook section and has a handle. It can ensure safety in use of the exercising ball. The position of the elastic cords can be quickly changed to achieve various exercising effects. And, it has simple structure.

Abstract: An adjustable, stowable, ballet bar exercise device, comprising: a free-standing frame carrying at least one ballet bar, and one or more rigid members coupled to the frame and lying on the floor in use.

Abstract: A multipurpose exercising apparatus is constructed to include a plastic flat base frame positionable on a flat surface, the base frame having a plurality of eyes spaced around the periphery thereof, a semispherical shell made from polyurethane and covered on the base frame, the semispherical shell having a plurality of raised portions over the outer surface thereof for imparting a massaging effect to the user using the multipurpose exercising apparatus, and a plurality of elastic pull cords selectively fastened to the eyes of the base frame for pulling by the user.

Abstract: A balance beam having a shock absorbing capability. The balance beam comprises an elongate beam member, an elongate beam support core supporting the elongate beam member, and a resilient element located between the beam member and the beam support core. The resilient element allows the beam member to move relative to the beam support core when a vertically downward force is exerted on the beam member to absorb shock imparted to the balance beam by a user.

Abstract: An exercise device for use with a support frame is disclosed. The device includes a pair of spaced clamp members each having a body portion terminating in first and second edges. A length-adjustable attachment member interconnects the clamp members, and a grip element is associated with the attachment member intermediate the clamp members. A leverage mechanism is operatively connected to the clamp members so that when the clamp member first edges are supported on a frame, the leverage mechanism urges the clamp member second edges laterally inwardly against the support frame in response to a downward force exerted on the grip element.

Abstract: A gymnastic bar has a textured non-smooth surface throughout its length to enhance its strength and to facilitate the gripping thereof by gymnasts. The texture of the bar is created by subjecting the bar to a shot peening process wherein the bar is subject to being impacted by a plurality of high velocity, hard particulate material to create indentations in the surface thereof throughout the substantial area of the surface. The bar, of stainless steel material, is heat treated before being subjected to the peening process. The bar is subjected to the process until it achieves a tensile strength of approximately 190,000 p.s.i.

Abstract: An agility ladder for athletic training and exercise use is shown and described. The ladder has at least two elongated parallel railings spaced by rungs extending between the railings. The railings are preferably flexible so that they may be folded to collect the rungs into a stacked or bundled configuration. The collected rungs may then be mounted on an elongated handle for storage purposes. The rungs are slidably mounted on the railings so that they may be repositioned thereon, but a locking arrangement is also provided to allow the rungs to be firmly fixed in place on the railings.

Abstract: A sectional horizontal bar mainly includes two H-shaped uprights, two A-shaped bar supports connected to upper ends of the uprights, two curved bases connected to lower ends of the uprights to extend forward and rearward from the uprights for the latter to stably stand, and a top bar connected at two ends to upper ends of the bar supports. A lower and an upper D-shaped support are pivotally connected to lower ends and upper portions of each upright to normally locate at outer sides of the two uprights. When the two D-shaped supports are pivotally turned to locate at inner sides of the two uprights, a user may grip with two hands at the two inward turned upper D-shaped supports to do exercises just as on parallel bars.

Abstract: An adjustable, stowable, ballet bar exercise device, comprising: a free-standing frame carrying at least one ballet bar, and one or more rigid members coupled to the frame and lying on the floor in use.

Abstract: A rehabilitation and exercise device for facilitating and limiting motion and biomechanical forces along the horizontal and vertical axes in the saggital, frontal, and transverse planes of the human anatomy. The device consists of an elongated, substantially flat platform with somewhat rounded corners (24). The platform is made of a rigid material to prevent fracturing and bending and is further supported on the bottom surface by central support spines (30) and peripheral support spines (16). The platform provides a decreased slip top surface (10) by utilizing a recessed grid (20). The bottom surface of the platform (12) is configured with a larger diameter central platform attachment extension (28) and smaller diameter peripheral platform attachment extensions (32) which have internal recesses (14) configured at a predetermined set of points to accommodate rigid, somewhat rounded pegs (18) of varying shape and diameter.

Abstract: A balance beam utilizing a conventional beam member with pivotally mounted leg members. The leg members are mounted in a clevis secured to the bottom surface of the beam by a pin which extends through aligned bores in the clevis and leg members. The leg members have floor support members, upwardly extending sections rigidly secured to the center of the floor members, and horizontal sections rigidly secured to upwardly extending leg sections. Secured to the horizontal leg sections are removable resilient bumpers that engage the lower surface of the beam. When a gymnast lands on the beam, the weight of gymnast compresses the bumpers moving the beam to a lower horizontal position. The immediate recovery of the bumpers imparts some impetus to the gymnast as the gymnastic routine continues.

Abstract: To stimulate and engage children, especially older children, playground equipment is disclosed which provides a suitable challenge, by consisting of three columns which are arranged in a triangular cross-sectional form which tapers inwardly. The columns are assembled with connection tubes at the top and possibly also further down to provide a stable and very strong construction which supports various accessories elements such as ropes, climbing walls, cross-beams, etc. A spherical assembly bracket with through holes is mounted on a column and used in the assembly and suspension of the accessory elements.

Abstract: The balance beam of this invention has an elongated beam member having opposite ends, a center portion, a top and a bottom, with legs on the bottom thereof adjacent the ends. Each leg has an upper and a lower end. A resilient support and trolley assembly is mounted within the elongated beam adjacent the ends thereof with each support assembly having a depending arm member extending downwardly therefrom with each arm member being pivotally secured to one of the upper ends of the legs. The legs extend downwardly and outwardly from the arm member in the plane of the beam member so that the lower ends thereof dwell substantially under the ends of the beam member. Elongated links are pivotally secured by their ends to one end of the beam and one end of each of the legs to hold the beam member in an erected elevated horizontal position. The resilient support and trolley assembly is longitudinally movably positioned within the beam and has two end blocks rigidly secured to a trolley.

Abstract: An orthopedic device ankle exerciser for rehabilitating and exercising an injured ankle of a pair of feet where each foot has an arch, a heel, toes, and a mid portion and where one foot of the pair of feet has a healthy ankle. The orthopedic device ankle exerciser comprises a foot board, pivot means, and fastening means. The foot board has a central portion, a lower surface, an upper surface opposite the lower surface, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The pivot means pivotably and frictionally supports the foot board and the pivot means is fixably and centrally attached to the lower surface of the foot board at the central portion inorder to prevent horizontal translation of the foot board. The fastening means secures the pair of feet to the foot board in selectively fixed side-by-side relation and the fastening means is fixably attached to the upper surface of the foot board proximate the central portion.

Abstract: A balance beam has an elongated beam member having opposite ends, a center portion, a top and a bottom, with legs on the bottom thereof adjacent the ends. Each leg has an upper and a lower end. A resilient support assembly is mounted within the elongated beam adjacent the ends thereof with each support assembly having a depending clevis extending downwardly therefrom with each clevis being pivotally secured to one of the upper ends of the legs. The legs extend downwardly and outwardly from the support assembly in the plane of the beam member so that the lower ends thereof dwell substantially under the ends of the beam member. Elongated links are pivotally secured by their ends to one end of the beam and one end of each of the legs to hold the beam member in an erected elevated horizontal position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an exercise apparatus which includes a gripping or handle assembly which is grasped at each of its ends by a user's hands. The handle assembly is rotatably mounted on a support having a configuration selected so that when the ends of the handle assembly are grasped by the user, the user is in a position with his hands positioned above his shoulders. The handle is then rotated by the user pulling on one end of the assembly and then the other end, to pivot the handle assembly about a pivot point and stretch the various upper body muscles.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in training and conditioning athletes, particularly an athlete's jumping and balance abilities. The apparatus has jump stations with one or more platforms each that are spaced above the ground at various heights for exercises to improve an athlete's jumping ability. An athlete practices his or her jumping skills by jumping from the ground surface to the platforms. A center section interconnects two jump stations. The center section has a balance member that allows the athlete to practice his or her balance skills. The apparatus can be constructed of light weight materials so that it can be moved. The apparatus can also be manufactured for disassembly so that it can be easily moved to desired practice areas, such as a basketball court, and to facilitate storage. Use of the apparatus can be combined with development of the specific skills necessary for the athlete's desired sports training.

Abstract: The invention comprises a product of and a method of using a raised platform which preferably has two pairs of sides. One pair of sides converge to define a protrusion and to accommodate feet which are turned inwardly; the other pair of sides recede to define an opening and to accommodate feet which are turned outwardly. Each side in a pair of sides is separately configured so the user can place his foot on the platform when the foot is turned inwardly or outwardly. The platform is supported above a lower surface by legs.

Abstract: A balancing apparatus emulating the acrobatics associated with skate boards etc. having a elongated platform, one or more hemispherical, pivotal fulcrums, rotational with respect to a elongated platform, and a foot plate, attached to the fulcrum member. A single fulcrum may be used in conjunction with a truncated, conical, stationary member for encouraging parallel orientation of the platform. A detachable, restricting ring is also provided for reducing the angulation of the platform with the supporting surface during use. The user stands on one foot plate and attempts to maintain balance on the fulcrum member while manipulating the platform with the other foot, at the opposite end of the apparatus, which may also contain a fulcrum member or a stationary truncated, conical member.

Abstract: A gymnastic apparatus has an elongate beam member which includes first and second articulated beam portions coupled to one another by a coupling mechanism. The portions may thereby be oriented angularly to one another to permit simultaneous use of the apparatus by two gymnasts. Such portions may also be separated from one another for independent use. Either beam portion includes an indicium, e.g., the letter L, the letter R, or the word LEFT or RIGHT, corresponding to a "hand" of a gymnast standing on the other beam portion. Such indicium also preferably includes a color component.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus including an elongated base supported on two stands and having two foot plates with bottom pulleys at two opposite ends. Each stand consists of a top section fixed to the base, a fiat bottom section rotatable about a bolt affixed to the top section, and a plurality of bearings supported between the top section and the bottom section. The apparatus moves when the user twists his body thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus which closely simulates actual snowboarding is provided. The snowboard simulator apparatus includes a board member with a curved or convex lower surface, a pair of stop members positioned on the longitudinal edges of the board, a pair of cross-rails positioned perpendicularly relative to the stop members and a roller member having a pair of guide slots for engaging with the cross-rails. The rolling travel of the roller member is limited by the stop members while the positioning of the roller member on the lower surface of the board member is controlled by the engagement of the cross-rails with guide slots. The apparatus generates a front-to-back action for the user which closely simulates actual snowboarding. The apparatus is also capable of simulating a pivot turn maneuver as experienced in real snowboarding.

Abstract: A surfboard simulator device for training users in the sport of surfing, the device including a stable base platform and an elevated surfboard unit that is interconnected to the base platform by a spring assembly that provides limited articulation to the surfboard unit to allow fore and aft pitch and side-to-side roll with a bias providing greater side-to-side roll than fore and aft pitch.

Abstract: An educational talking balance beam comprised of a beam, a first notched support base, and a second notched support base. The beam contains a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall; and a multiplicity of symbols (such as numbers, letters, shapes, colors, and mixtures thereof) appear on the first exterior surface of the first wall. The device contains an apparatus for announcing the name of such symbol whenever pressure is applied to the exterior surface of the beam at a point where the symbol appears thereon.

Abstract: A board-and-rope exercise assembly includes a curved board made up of an arc-shaped middle portion integrating with two terminal pedals, and two elastic ropes. Each of the ropes is attached to a corresponding one of the pedals. The ropes are pullable in an upper direction, so that an exerciser can exercise his/her limbs by rocking the curved board with his/her legs while pulling the ropes with his/her hands.

Abstract: A rehabilitation device for conditioning the lower extremity joints of a user includes a platform having an upper surface with spaced apart enhanced friction regions for stabilizing the users feet on a variety of side to side locations on the platform whereby tipping movements about a pivot plate connected to the platform will produce a closed chain kinetic exercising of such joints.

Abstract: A floor-borne fitness apparatus with variable stepping heights includes an upper stepping floorboard and substructural parts which can increase the height and/or the inclination of the floorboard. The apparatus has at least one attachment element which can cooperate with an exercise expander band. The floorboard cooperates with the substructural parts in such a way as to form a positively engaging support unit. Such construction prevents the unintended tilting of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for simulating the sag, bounce and side-to-side sway of a tightrope consists of a beam formed by placing one fiberglass tube within another and a pair of spaced support members for supporting the beam at a desired distance above and generally parallel to a horizontal support surface. When a user steps on the beam, the outer tube deflects at a first rate, determined by its mechanical characteristics, until it encounters the smaller diameter inner tube whereupon its resistance to deflection is added to that of the larger tube. The position of the supports may be adjusted along the length of beam to allow the apparatus to be used by persons of different weights.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing one leg squats and the like which includes a bar, apparatus for supporting the bar in a substantially vertical position; and a grip carried on the bar mounted for sliding axial movement on the bar. In other forms of the invention the apparatus for supporting includes mounting structure configured for cooperation with a wall of a room. The apparatus for supporting may comprise as least one v-shaped bracket having an apex and the vertical bar constrained by the bracket at the apex.

Abstract: The present invention is an impact resistant composite and helmet made thereof. The helmet comprises an impact resistant composite shell. The composite shell comprises a plurality of prepreg packets. Each prepreg packet comprises at least about 2 and preferably 5 to 20 prepreg layers. There are from 2 to 50 and preferably 5 to 20 prepreg packets. Each prepreg layer comprises a plurality of unidirectional coplanar fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix. The fibers of adjacent layers in the prepreg packets are at an angle of from 45.degree. to 90.degree., preferably 60.degree. to 90.degree., more preferably 80.degree. to 90.degree. and most preferabaly about 90.degree. from each other. The angle of the fiber in alternate layers is preferably, sustantially the same.