Abstract: An adjustable fit in-line skate is disclosed having a rigid frame carrying a plurality of skate wheels. A boot is secured to the frame with the boot having a toe portion and a heel portion. The heel portion has a sole plate which is carried over the length of the frame. The toe portion receives the sole plate and is slidably attached to the heel portion.

Abstract: An adjustable fit in-line skate is disclosed having a rigid frame carrying a plurality of skate wheels. A boot is secured to the frame with the boot having a toe portion and a heel portion. The heel portion has a sole plate which is carried over the length of the frame. The toe portion receives the sole plate and is slidably attached to the heel portion.

Abstract: A string vibration damper, for use on a sports racquet having an interwoven string bed, is made of a soft, elastomeric material and comprises a pair of end members connected by a connecting portion. Each end member has a hole therethrough with a hole diameter preferably in the range of 4 mm and 6 mm, and a maximal cross-sectional height “h” preferably in the range of 2 mm and 4 mm. The connecting portion preferably has a length of at least 50 mm, and most preferably at least 100 mm, so as to contact numerous strings. End member is secured to the string bed by being inserted between a pair of crossing strings. The end member is positioned so that the point of intersection of the crossing strings lies within the hole such that the crossing strings to remain touching. Because the strings are under tension, the string portions on either side of the hole contort the end member so that the end member are firmly secured in place on the stringbed.

Abstract: A throatless squash racquet includes a hollow tubular frame, preferably of graphite, bent to form a head in which the outer portion is generally circular. The opposing legs of the tubular frame curve inwardly toward one another and then converge linearly. The converging legs continue to converge, but in an inverse curve, to define a narrow neck region, and merge into an elongated shaft. Because of its geometry, the racquet exhibits improved strength and durability.

Abstract: A sports racquet has a lightweight frame and a pair of pods, having an increased cross-sectional width, at the 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock positions of the head. The pods also preferably have an increased wall thickness, or a molded-in weight element, so as to provide increased weight at such regions,. Preferably also, the handle has at least one weight pod at the butt portion. The three pod weighting system, i.e., having weight pods located at the 11 o'clock, 1 o'clock, and butt end positions, not only increases the polar moment of inertia of the racquet about its longitudinal axis, but also increases the moment of inertia of the racquet about the center of gravity, providing a very stable racquet. Also, because the pods in the head portion increase the width of the frame, the torsion of the frame near the tip region is greatly increased, improving the power of the racquet with respect to balls hit further out on the string bed.

Abstract: A skate brake system includes a carriage that pivots about the rear of a skate so as to bring a brake pad into contact with the skating surface when activated by a hand-activated actuator. The skater need not perform any special body movement to raise (or lower) the toe of the skate, and, accordingly, the angle of the skate relative to the ground remains constant while the brake is applied. In another embodiment, a plunger canister contains a plunger that brings a brake pad into contact with the skating surface when the plunger is actuated by a hand-activated actuator.