Abstract: An synthetic wood composite ball bat (10) having no wood components comprises a rigid shell of fiber reinforced composite material filled with expansible urethane foam to develop compressive stressed therebetween. The foam is locked to the shell during the manufacturing process by use of an intermediate dry woven fiber tube into which resin from the composite shell flows during curing of the composite shell and into which urethane foam flows during expansion of the urethane foam filler.

Abstract: A hollow metal tube and method making same are disclosed in which the tube includes a reinforcing sleeve compressively engaged with the interior of the tube. The sleeve is formed of carbon fibers in an epoxy matrix. The method of making the tube results in the wall of the tube being compressed against the sleeve, which imparts a high rate of wall recovery if the tube is impacted. Accordingly, the article is particularly useful as a ball bat or other tubular structure which may be subjected to external forces or impact.

Abstract: A bow limb stabilizer and bowstring accelerator block for a recurve archery bow which is adjustably positionable on the recurve limbs of the bow on the bowstring side accelerates the bowstring to provide in an increase in arrow velocities of about 2 percent. The blocks also rapidly stabilize the bow limbs to eliminate oscillation therein after a shot. The blocks each have a centrally positioned bowstring receiving groove therein.

Abstract: An improved groove construction for attaching a bowstring to the limb tips of an archery bow such as a longbow or a recurve bow (10) places the string (16) in a special groove (38) at the extreme ends of the limb tips thus increasing the operative bow limb length and results in increase in arrow velocities of from 2 to 3 percent. The "Y" in the string loops at the tip attachments faces away from the archer and the bights in the string loops face toward the archer thus assisting in bending the extreme limb tips as the string is drawn to make the limb tips functional in propelling the arrow.

Abstract: A plastic archery arrow nock (10) having a stiffener of light weight high strength material such as carbon composite therein permits fine tuning alteration of the dynamic spine of the arrow and reduces flexure of the nock relative to the arrow shaft (12) to prevent fatigue failure of the nock. The stiffened nock reduces the flex in the nock and the connection of the nock to the arrow shaft arrow shaft (12) as it is propelled forward by acceleration of the bowstring at the moment of release.

Abstract: An archery arrow nock (10) having a bowstring receiving groove (16) with a string contact point which is offset from the central axis (12) of the arrow to which the nock is to be attached permits the use of a lighter weight less stiff arrow by countering and diminishing the normal bending of the arrowshaft as it is propelled forward by acceleration of the bowstring at the moment of release. The string contact point may be offset either laterally from the plane containing the bowstring and arrow centerline or in this plane away from the arrow centerline.

Abstract: A non-breakable metal drumstick having a replaceable sheath of plastic material thereon to prevent damage to drums and cymbals, constructed to minimize vibration ordinarily associated with metal drumsticks.

Abstract: Improved handlebars for power vehicles such as two wheeled vehicles and all terrain vehicles, and in particular to handlebars for off road motorcycles, dirt bikes, all terrain vehicles and jet skis. The improved design eliminates the requirement for a crossbar by designing handlebars that have a larger diameter central portion including the area where the handlebars are attached to the vehicle, and a unique tapered configuration wherein the handblebars are manufactured through a process that causes the same amount of metal to be located in the widest diameter portion of the handlebars as in the narrowest diameter portion of the handlebars. The handlebars have a longer unsupported span than conventional handlebars, thereby providing more cushioning strength and greater steering control.