Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a base plate for a skateboard that includes a body, and first and second pivot cups. The body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The first pivot cup extends from the body at or near the distal end. The second pivot cup is spaced from the first pivot cup and extends from the body at or near the proximal end. The second pivot cup defines an outer perimeter surface having an uninterrupted height. The second pivot cup includes an opening extending therethrough and surrounded by the outer perimeter surface of the second pivot cup. The second pivot cup includes one or more channels extending from the opening and through at least a portion of the second pivot cup. The one or more channels extend through at least the portion of the second pivot cup without extending through the outer perimeter surface.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a base plate for a skateboard that includes a body, and first and second pivot cups. The body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The first pivot cup extends from the body at or near the distal end. The second pivot cup is spaced from the first pivot cup and extends from the body at or near the proximal end. The second pivot cup defines an outer perimeter surface having an uninterrupted height. The second pivot cup includes an opening extending therethrough and surrounded by the outer perimeter surface of the second pivot cup. The second pivot cup includes one or more channels extending from the opening and through at least a portion of the second pivot cup. The one or more channels extend through at least the portion of the second pivot cup without extending through the outer perimeter surface.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to pusher tips including a body with a top section and a base section. The top section can be configured for attachment to a paddle shaft and the base section can be configured for placement against a surface. The base section can define a substantially convex, continuous and planar surface. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to pusher tip systems and paddle shafts.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to pusher tips including a body with a top section and a base section. The top section can be configured for attachment to a paddle shaft and the base section can be configured for placement against a surface. The base section can define a substantially convex, continuous and planar surface. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to pusher tip systems and paddle shafts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inflatable neoprene bladders and method of manufacturing inflatable neoprene bladders. The invention also relates to inflatable articles having an inflatable neoprene bladder wherein the article has an idealized shape and superior resiliency and air retention. Finally, the invention relates to sportsballs and gameballs having an inflatable neoprene bladder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inflatable neoprene bladders and method of manufacturing inflatable neoprene bladders. The invention also relates to inflatable articles having an inflatable neoprene bladder wherein the article has an idealized shape and superior resiliency and air retention. Finally, the invention relates to sportsballs and gameballs having an inflatable neoprene bladder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reinforced support device suitable for the protection of a body part against overextension. In particular, this invention relates to a device comprising at least one reinforcement spine used to protect a body part against overextension and a plate disposed below a portion of the spine used to provide additional support and comfort. The reinforcement spine can flex in direction of the body part's natural movement and is substantially inflexible in the direction of overextension. Together, the reinforcement spine and plate prevent overextension of the protected body part and disperse the incident forces by transferring those forces from the reinforcement spine to the plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inflatable neoprene bladders and method of manufacturing inflatable neoprene bladders. The invention also relates to inflatable articles having an inflatable neoprene bladder wherein the article has an idealized shape and superior resiliency and air retention. Finally, the invention relates to sportsballs and gameballs having an inflatable neoprene bladder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reinforced support device suitable for the protection of a body part against overextension. In particular, this invention relates to a device comprising at least one reinforcement spine used to protect a body part against overextension and a plate disposed below a portion of the spine used to provide additional support and comfort. The reinforcement spine can flex in direction of the body part's natural movement and is substantially inflexible in the direction of overextension. Together, the reinforcement spine and plate prevent overextension of the protected body part and disperse the incident forces by transferring those forces from the reinforcement spine to the plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved gas impermeable barrier membrane having a configuration whereby the membrane is flexible and can retain its barrier performance and integrity when applied to a substrate that is stretched, flexed and or compressed. The inventive membrane is useful for significantly reducing air permeability in inflated articles that are flexible and require a significant amount of stretch to function. The invention is also directed to the construction of such a membrane and its composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inflatable article having a gas impermeable membrane of one or more layers and a sealable valve, including a cap plug design adapted for insertion into the valve, to reduce leakage. The invention also relates to a method for inflating inflatable articles in order to obtain specific article pressure and retain such pressure for an extended period of time.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an inflatable article having reduced gas permeability and a method of reducing the gas permeability of an inflatable article are provided. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the inflatable article is made of approximately 100% polyisobutylene rubber. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing the gas permeability of an inflatable article includes inflating the inflating article with carbon dioxide to a first pressure, purging the carbon dioxide from the article, inflating the article with air to a second pressure, the second pressure being higher than the first pressure, maintaining the inflation of the article with air at the second pressure for a predetermined period of time, purging the article of air, and reinflating the article with air.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are barrier articles of polyurethane blends or alloys that limit the permeability of gases there through, particularly as used in inflatable sports articles and more particularly as used in soccer balls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber formulation suitable for making barrier articles, such as inflatable sports balls or bicycle tubes, that resist the passage of gases, such as air, particularly as applicable to tennis balls, and more particularly to the rubber formulation which contains substantially amorphous, millable polyurethane alloyed with natural and/or synthetic rubbers.

Abstract: A solid surface material comprising a matrix of a resin with a filler of ceramic microspheres dispersed therein having improved scorch resistance, said ceramic microspheres being coated with a composition having functional groups which react with the resin of said matrix in formation of the solid surface material.

Abstract: A heated shoe and cooled pressure roller assembly for composite prepreg application is provided. The shoe assembly includes a heated forward contact surface having a curved pressure surface. The following cooled roller provides a continuous pressure to the thermoplastic while reducing the temperature to approximately 5.degree. C. below glass transition temperature. Electric heating coils inside the forward portion of the shoe heat a thermoplastic workpiece to approximately 100.degree. C. above the glass transition. Immediately following the heated contact surface, a cooled roller cools the work. The end sharpened shape of the heated shoe trailing edge tends to prevent slag buildup and maintain a uniform, relaxed stress fabrication.

Abstract: A system for the storage of early baggage includes a storage conveyor with multiple tray carriers for receiving early bags from the baggage handling system, for example, of an airport and for discharging early bags onto the baggage handling system. The storage conveyor is arranged in a serpentine fashion for efficient use of horizontal space and includes evenly spaced entry and discharge stations. The system can deliver bags to the baggage handling system in a selected period of time to account for changes in flight departure times or changes in a passenger's travel plans.

Abstract: A shaped towpreg ribbon having a cross-sectional geometry which promotes intimate lateral contact between adjacent composite tows was prepared. The cross-sectional geometry is non-rectangular and promotes intimate lateral contact between adjacent towpreg ribbons during normal processing.