Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight glove for baseball or softball that may include an elastic backfinger to provide a conforming fit to the wearer's hand. In general, the elastic backfinger may replace existing, often leather backfingers, the back panel, the liner, and/or other elements of traditional gloves glove with the elastic material, combination of elastic materials, or combination of elastic and inelastic materials.

Abstract: A lightweight, breathable glove for baseball or softball is provided that generally includes a strap that extends over at least a portion of an opening in which a wearer may place his or her hand. The strap is at least partially made of an elastic material so that the strap can extend and contract. The glove may thus have a reduced weight to provide superior ease of use. Further, the conforming fit of the glove provides for enhanced control of the glove, which provides superior utility and performance for the glove, as well as other advantages. Alternatively, the glove may include a thong which may extend from the glove and may engage an elastic band at one of its ends. Thus, the elastic band may engage both the glove and the thong so that the size of the opening can increase and decrease due to the strap and/or elastic band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight glove for baseball or softball that may include an elastic backfinger to provide a conforming fit to the wearer's hand. In general, the elastic backfinger may replace existing, often leather backfingers, the back panel, the liner, and/or other elements of traditional gloves glove with the elastic material, combination of elastic materials, or combination of elastic and inelastic materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight glove for baseball or softball that may include an elastic backfinger to provide a conforming fit to the wearer's hand. In general, the elastic backfinger may replace existing, often leather backfingers, the back panel, the liner, and/or other elements of traditional gloves glove with the elastic material, combination of elastic materials, or combination of elastic and inelastic materials.

Abstract: A helmet comprising a shell, a wire guard, at least one spacer, and at least one fastener. The shell has at least one attachment portion which includes an outer surface. The wire guard has at least one attachment portion corresponding to the at least one attachment portion of the shell. The attachment portion of the wire guard includes an inner surface. Each spacer has an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of a the attachment portion of the wire guard. Each spacer also has an inner surface corresponding to the outer surface of the attachment portion of the shell. The at least one fastener engages each spacer with the corresponding attachment portions of the shell and wire guard.

Abstract: A sleeping bag, components thereof, and associated methods. The sleeping bad includes a bag body sized and shaped to receive a human lying down in a human-receiving interior of the bag body. The sleeping bag includes a left flap and right flap releasably connected to the bag body. The left flap and right flap are movable with respect to the bag body into overlapping and underlapping configurations to provide insulation and/or cushioning. The left flap and right flap are releasably connectable to the bag body.

Abstract: A backpack having sleeves for receiving baseball or softball bats is provided. The bat sleeves are located at the rear of the bag (that abuts the wearer's back when worn) and extend inwardly into the interior of the backpack. The design provides a balanced, compact, and comfortable system for toting bats. A pad or liner may be installed between the bat sleeves and the wearer's back so that any bats secured within the sleeves do not dig into a wearer's back when the backpack is worn.

Abstract: A lightweight, breathable glove for baseball or softball is provided that generally includes a strap that extends over at least a portion of an opening in which a wearer may place his or her hand. The strap is at least partially made of an elastic material so that the strap can extend and contract. The glove may thus have a reduced weight to provide superior ease of use. Further, the conforming fit of the glove provides for enhanced control of the glove, which provides superior utility and performance for the glove, as well as other advantages. Alternatively, the glove may include a thong which may extend from the glove and may engage an elastic band at one of its ends. Thus, the elastic band may engage both the glove and the thong so that the size of the opening can increase and decrease due to the strap and/or elastic band.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for use in a sports glove for use in baseball or softball. The assembly includes finger extension members that align with a wearer's thumb and fingers when worn. The finger extension members are made of a lightweight material such as a polymer and include at least one lattice portion. By including the more lightweight finger extension members, a glove including the assembly may have a lower moment of inertia about the heel to allow a fielder to more easily and quickly move his or her glove during play.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for use in a sports glove for use in baseball or softball. The assembly includes finger extension members that align with a wearer's thumb and fingers when worn. The finger extension members are made of a lightweight material such as a polymer and include at least one lattice portion. By including the more lightweight finger extension members, a glove including the assembly may have a lower moment of inertia about the heel to allow a fielder to more easily and quickly move his or her glove during play.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight glove for baseball or softball that may include an elastic backfinger to provide a conforming fit to the wearer's hand. In general, the elastic backfinger may replace existing, often leather backfingers, the back panel, the liner, and/or other elements of traditional gloves glove with the elastic material, combination of elastic materials, or combination of elastic and inelastic materials.

Abstract: A helmet comprising a shell, a wire guard, at least one spacer, and at least one fastener. The shell has at least one attachment portion which includes an outer surface. The wire guard has at least one attachment portion corresponding to the at least one attachment portion of the shell. The attachment portion of the wire guard includes an inner surface. Each spacer has an outer surface corresponding to the inner surface of a the attachment portion of the wire guard. Each spacer also has an inner surface corresponding to the outer surface of the attachment portion of the shell. The at least one fastener engages each spacer with the corresponding attachment portions of the shell and wire guard.

Abstract: An equipment bag having external shoe pockets at its lower side portions is provided. The shoe pockets are substantially in the shape of a shoe. When a shoe is inserted in a shoe pocket, the shoe's sole and cleats associated therewith, abut the side of the bag. The side of the bag that the cleats may abut is preferably reinforced with material to reduce the likelihood of damage to the bag or contents within the bag. The pocket includes expandable mesh side portions that allow the pockets to expand size to better receive shoes, and also to improve airflow through the shoes and reduce shoe odor. An adjustment system is also provided that allows shoes to be more snugly secured within the pockets.

Abstract: An equipment bag having external shoe pockets at its lower side portions is provided. The shoe pockets are substantially in the shape of a shoe. When a shoe is inserted in a shoe pocket, the shoe's sole and cleats associated therewith, abut the side of the bag. The side of the bag that the cleats may abut is preferably reinforced with material to reduce the likelihood of damage to the bag or contents within the bag. The pocket includes expandable mesh side portions that allow the pockets to expand size to better receive shoes, and also to improve airflow through the shoes and reduce shoe odor. An adjustment system is also provided that allows shoes to be more snugly secured within the pockets.

Abstract: A bag having a shelf compartment is provided. The compartment can be defined into an exterior body of the bag and can include a compartment panel connected to the body along a lower compartment edge. The compartment and panel can include securing means for allowing the panel to be at least partially removed from the bag and rotated about the lower compartment edge in order to allow the compartment and panel to transition between a closed position and an open position. When in the close position, the compartment panel can be secured to the perimeter of the compartment in a generally upright position. When in the open position, compartment panel can be lowered into a generally horizontal position and function as a shelf. The compartment can include diagonally-orientation support straps for assisting in maintaining the shelf configuration of the compartment panel when in the open position.