Abstract: A shaped three-dimensional engineered fiber preform construction having at least one insertion hole therein and rigid composite structure formed therefrom having a singular, unitary component construction, thereby providing improved and uniform finished product characteristics and performance for structural applications, particularly for use as a connector, coupling, and the like. The shaped 3-D engineered fiber preform construction of the present invention is fabricated on a 3-D weaving machine designed and configured to produce a variety of cross-sectional shapes and sizes as well as to produce a plurality of structures in series for subsequent separation and processing.

Abstract: A video game glove for protecting the index finger, thumb and palm of a video game player. The video game glove includes a panel having a top surface, a bottom surface, a palm portion, and a back portion. The panel is adapted to wrap around the edge of a person's hand such that the palm portion covers the palm of the person and the back portion covers the back of the palm of the person. A pair of finger stalls receive an index finger and a thumb. The finger stalls each have a front portion and a back portion, wherein each of the front portions are coupled to the palm portion of the panel and the back portions are coupled to the back portion. A tab portion extends from the palm portion such that the tab may be wrapped about an open edge of the hand. A securing means releasably secures the tab portion to the back portion of the panel.

Abstract: In a rapier for a gripper loom, the rapier is made of synthetic material and includes at least one layer of reinforcing fibers. The gripper is mounted at the front end of the rapier, and the layer of reinforcing fibers begins at a distance away from said front end.