Abstract: Support structures for footwear and the like include contact surface-contacting members (e.g., outsole structures) having an exterior surface that includes: (a) a recessed segment extending longitudinally from a forefoot to a heel portion, (b) plural lateral motion inhibiting traction elements in the lateral, forefoot portion, and (c) plural medial motion inhibiting traction elements in the lateral, heel portion. The recessed segment provides a flex line about which the medial and lateral sides of the surface-contacting member can move to independently engage and disengage from a contact surface as a wearer's weight shifts. In at least some structures, the lateral side of the foot-supporting member may be less flexible and/or more stable than the medial side. Support structures of the types described above can allow more of the surface-contacting member to remain in contact with the ground and provide a solid base or support for the movement or activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pre-stressed tie rod and method of manufacture. The pre-stressed tie rod can be used on injection molding machines to increase the length of the tie rod and movement of the platen, wherein the tie rods are loaded to restrict mold separation. The pre-stressed tie rods could also be used with other types of presses.

Abstract: Dual-strap carrying assemblies and devices including such assemblies are provided herein. The carrying devices may be embodied in dual carrying strap golf bags that allow the bearer to more easily don and remove the bag. The secondary strap of the dual strap assembly is connected to the primary strap by a movable engagement assembly, such as an assembly that rotates to allow the secondary strap to more easily become within the reach of the bearer of the bag. In some embodiments, the movable engagement assembly may include a movement limiting device that prevents the secondary strap from moving too far out of the bearer's reach. The strap assemblies may be used in combination with a flexible base stand to make a self-standing carrying device that is easy to don and doff.

Abstract: A golf bag is disclosed that includes base formed of a flexible material, such as a polymer foam material. The base is formed as a one-piece element, and the base may be flexible such that the golf bag is supportable in an upright position or an inclined position. A flexion line may be formed in the base to promote flexing or pivoting in a specific area, and wear elements may be added to an exterior surface of the base to impart wear-resistance.

Abstract: An outsole for an athletic shoe, in particular a golf shoe, having a plurality of traction elements of resisting rotational movement parallel to a plane surface of the ground. Traction elements in a forefoot region of the outsole are oriented with resist surfaces facing a lateral edge and traction elements in a rearfoot region of the outsole are oriented with resist surfaces a medial direction. The resist surfaces of the traction elements are substantially perpendicular to a base surface of the outsole and other surfaces of the traction element can be connected to the base surface by concave curvatures. The traction elements may have an indented surface. A plurality of the traction elements may be arranged along longitudinal and radial arrays in a forefoot region.

Abstract: Personal hydration systems that are at least partially, if not completely, formed from chemically resistant materials and/or which include at least one quick-connect assembly. The hydration system includes a fluid reservoir and may be housed within a pack. Drink fluid is drawn from the reservoir through a drink tube to a mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the hydration system includes a manually actuated on/off valve, a filter, a pump, and/or a bite-actuated mouthpiece. The quick-connect assembly fluidly interconnects components of the hydration system and is configured to quickly release, and permit reattachment of, the detached components or replacement components, which may enable different performance from the detached components. In some embodiments, at least a portion, if not the entire, hydration system is formed from at least one chemically resistant material. In some embodiments, the reservoir is formed from a heat-sealable and/or multilaminate material.

Abstract: The invention is a traction element for an article of footwear that reduces rotation in the footwear during activities such as golf. The traction elements are configured to penetrate the ground and include undercut surfaces that contact the ground. During a golf swing, for example, the ground will induce a force upon the undercut surfaces, thereby deforming the traction element and securely engaging the traction element with the ground. The traction elements may also have back surfaces opposite the undercut surface that assist with disengaging the traction elements following the golf swing.

Abstract: The invention is a golf bag for receiving and transporting golf clubs and other golf-related equipment, wherein a top section of the golf bag is configured to organize frequently-used golf clubs and protect golf club heads and shafts that are prone to damage. Organization and protection are achieved through centrally-located areas that permit clubs to be retrieved and replaced without interference by other clubs and structures that prevent the head or shaft of a golf club from making contact with other golf clubs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a golf shoe having a plurality of first and second traction projections extending out from the outsole to define a ground engaging surface. The first traction projections are arranged around a first pivot point located in the forefoot portion and a second pivot point located in the rearfoot portion of the outsole. The first traction projections have a body orientated lengthwise toward the pivot points. The second traction projections extend out from the outsole along the periphery of the outsole. The first and second traction projections define a ground engaging surface which, in use, enhance the traction of the outsole during the full golf swing motion.