Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an tee hockey stick handle providing improved grip and tactile feel to a player, and having a cross-section symmetric about one centerline and asymmetric about another orthogonal centerline, a section line parallel and offset from said second centerline dividing said cross-section into a bottom profile comprising an irregular convex polygon with or without rounded and/or beveled edges, and a top rectangular profile with or without rounded and/or beveled edges. The sides of the cross-section, may be linear or slightly concave.

Abstract: A flexible padding layer for use during competitive sports is provided. The flexible padding layer is comprised of a plurality of individual padding elements each joined on multiple sides with an adjacent padding element via a thin, connecting section. Each padding element further comprises openings and a three-dimensional surface configuration to allow for consistent mechanical properties throughout the padding layer as a whole.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a protective sports glove having a novel combination of liner sections, breathable mesh sections, stretch joints, and shock absorbing cushions to provide maximum protection to the user's fingers, hands, wrists, and lower forearms while maintaining as much flexibility within the glove and tactile feel on both palmar and dorsal sides of the glove as possible. The pattern and construction employs strategically-placed stretch zones, strategic padding placement, and a variety of improved padding constructions all for more flex without compromising protection.

Abstract: A protective digit shield for a protective sports glove, the shield having a hard chassis portion and an energy absorbing portion forming a hinge. The chassis portion provides an arcuate channel in which the thumb/digit is received. The chassis is segmented along the longitudinal axis to provide a proximal portion and a distal portion corresponding generally with the proximal and distal phalanx bones of the thumb/digit. A resilient, energy absorbing element along the channel provides separation between the chassis and forms a living hinge such that the chassis can rotate. The energy absorbing element may also include a damping element along opposing edges at the segmented joint to absorb and dissipate forces and prevent hyperextension. In an alternate embodiment, the energy absorbing element is replaced with a connection cable for connecting the portions of the chassis.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an ice hockey stick handle providing improved grip and tactile feel to a player, and having a cross-section symmetric about one centerline and asymmetric about another orthogonal centerline, a section line parallel and offset from said second centerline dividing said cross-section into a bottom profile comprising an irregular convex polygon with or without rounded and/or beveled edges, and a top rectangular profile with or without rounded and/or beveled edges. The sides of the cross-section may be linear or slightly concave.

Abstract: Tough, durable nonwoven composite fabric panel product and two precursors thereof.

Abstract: A lacrosse stick for reducing the rebound of a ball caught therein. The head of the lacrosse stick has a socket for receiving the shaft, and incorporates one or a plurality of flexible elastomer pads within or as part of the handle or socket, where the head and handle meet, to damp impact and rebound. The flexibility of the damping pads produces a “give” that minimizes the rebound of a pocket after being impacted by a ball. This pocket dampening limits the movement of the ball and makes the ball easier to control and to retain in the pocket. The precise location of the dampening material on the lacrosse head may be varied to control the degree of pocket “give” in response to, for example, the force on the pocket created by a ball impacting the pocket during a catch or swinging in the pocket during cradling.

Abstract: A ladder-like shooting/catching section for a lacrosse stick pocket defined by at least two elongate runners (flat strips) extending from proximate the scoop of the head toward the throat, and a plurality of generally V-shaped chevrons straddling the runners and overmolded thereto. Alternately, the chevrons and runners are formed from a single material. The chevrons have a three-dimensional profile and each is slightly concave along its length, such that the chevrons collectively define a passing/catching chute. The chute increases surface contact with the ball and improves feel. This in combination with the shock-absorbing living hinge function provided by the chevrons makes throwing and catching smoother as well as more consistent, generally improving playability of the lacrosse stick.

Abstract: A non-woven flame retardant barrier comprising a binder; and a plurality of charring fibers combinable with the binder. The charring fibers include treated viscose fibers, wherein the charring fibers are substantially free of polymers made from halogenated monomers, consist essentially of fibers exclusively having a denier of from 1.5 to 3.5, and provide a fire-blocking web upon exposure to a heat source. The barrier has a basis weight of approximately from 0.25 to 0.65 osf.

Abstract: A sports equipment stick handle comprising a hollow tubular member with a cross section comprising at least a first wall and a second wall that intersect at a corner having a reinforcement portion (fillet, bead or diagonal; easement, wherein the thickness of the corner is greater than the thickness of the first and second walls. The reinforcement portion increases dent resistance, strength, and stiffness.

Abstract: A flexible polyurethane foam with improved resistance to discoloration from oxidation is disclosed. Such discoloration may be due to exposure to oxides of nitrogen, for example, the oxides commonly found in burnt gas fumes. The foam may be used for applications such as intimate apparel and other consumer products that need extended term color stability. The foam composition includes high levels of reactive and non-reactive phosphite esters that improve color stability without disadvantage to the foam's physical and aesthetic properties during and after production.

Abstract: A flexible polyurethane foam with improved resistance to discoloration from oxidation is disclosed. Such discoloration may be due to exposure to oxides of nitrogen, for example, the oxides commonly found in burnt gas fumes. The foam may be used for applications such as intimate apparel and other consumer products that need extended term color stability. The foam composition includes high levels of reactive and non-reactive phosphite esters that improve color stability without disadvantage to the foam's physical and aesthetic properties during and after production.

Abstract: Tough, durable nonwoven composite fabric panel product and two precursors thereof.

Abstract: A flexible polyurethane foam with improved resistance to discoloration from oxidation is disclosed. Such discoloration may be due to exposure to oxides of nitrogen, for example, the oxides commonly found in burnt gas fumes. The foam may be used for applications such as intimate apparel and other consumer products that need extended term color stability. The foam composition includes high levels of reactive and non-reactive phosphite esters that improve color stability without disadvantage to the foam's physical and aesthetic properties during and after production.

Abstract: A protective eyewear apparatus including a base substantially oval in shape, an upper bar connected to the base, a lower bar connected to the base, and a main support bar connected to the upper bar and the lower bar. Another embodiment includes two eyepieces attached by a flexible bridge member, in which an eyepiece comprises a base generally oval in shape and defining an opening, and an upper and lower bar spanning the opening and connected to the base.

Abstract: A non-woven flame retardant barrier comprising a binder; and a plurality of charring fibers combinable with the binder. The charring fibers include treated viscose fibers, wherein the charring fibers are substantially free of polymers made from halogenated monomers, consist essentially of fibers exclusively having a denier of from 1.5 to 3.5, and provide a fire-blocking web upon exposure to a heat source. The barrier has a basis weight of approximately from 0.25 to 0.65 osf.