Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is quadruple or quintuple composite material of distinct materials. The first internal layer is a non-softenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. A hard, durable reverse bite plate wedge is thicker rearwardly and lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is quadruple or quintuple composite material of distinct materials. The first internal layer is a non-softenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. A hard, durable reverse bite plate wedge is thicker rearwardly and lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of an athlete consists of an occlusal posterior pad made of quadruple composite material comprising four layers of distinct materials, further comprising a first layer of a durable, resilient material; a second layer of non-softenable, flexible material; a third layer of a hard, very durable material; and a fourth layer of a softenable material, engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the upper and lower teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An adjustable arch adapted to expand and contract to be molded to the palate is provided connecting the posterior pads together within the mouth and out of the way of the tongue to maintain the position of the occlusal posterior pads within the mouth during use and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing. An expandable serpentine bridge may be embedded in the arch.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of an athlete consists of an occlusal posterior pad made of quadruple composite material comprising four layers of distinct materials, further comprising a first layer of a durable, resilient material; a second layer of non-softenable, flexible material; a third layer of a hard, very durable material; and a fourth layer of a softenable material, engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the upper and lower teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An adjustable arch adapted to expand and contract to be molded to the palate is provided connecting the posterior pads together within the mouth and out of the way of the tongue to maintain the position of the occlusal posterior pads within the mouth during use and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing. An expandable serpentine bridge may be embedded in the arch.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of an athlete consists of an occlusal posterior pad made of triple composite material with a base having a top layer of impressionable material, an intermediate layer of hard material and a somewhat impressionable bottom layer, engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the upper and lower teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An adjustable arch adapted to expand and contract to be molded to the palate is provided connecting the posterior pads together within the mouth and out of the way of the tongue to maintain the position of the occlusal posterior pads within the mouth during use and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing. An optional expandable stiffener may be embedded in the arch. Optional protrusions extend from the bottom layer through the intermediate layer and top layer to engage the central fossae of the molar teeth.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of an athlete consists of an occlusal posterior pad made of triple composite material with a base having a top layer of impressionable material, an intermediate layer of hard material and a somewhat impressionable bottom layer, engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the upper and lower teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An adjustable arch adapted to expand and contract to be molded to the palate is provided connecting the posterior pads together within the mouth and out of the way of the tongue to maintain the position of the occlusal posterior pads within the mouth during use and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing. An optional expandable stiffener may be embedded in the arch. Optional protrusions extend from the bottom layer through the intermediate layer and top layer to engage the central fossae of the molar teeth.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance for the mouth of an athlete is comprised of an occlusal posterior pad for each side of the posterior teeth engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An arch is provided connecting the posterior pads together within the mouth and out of the way of the tongue to maintain the position of the occlusal posterior pads within the mouth during use and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing.

Abstract: A performance enhancing and force absorbing dental appliance for the mouth of an athlete is comprised of an occlusal posterior pad for each side of the posterior teeth engageable with the occlusal surfaces to space apart the teeth, to absorb shock and clenching stress. An arch is provided connecting the posterior pads together within the mouth and out of the way of the tongue to maintain the position of the occlusal posterior pads within the mouth during use and to prevent loss of the pads such as by swallowing.

Abstract: A closure mechanism for use in securing the ends as well as other portions of a pair of interlocking straps, laces, filaments and the like is disclosed. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism is in the form of a generally cylindrical enclosure having a cross-sectional shape which includes flat upper and lower surfaces with semi-circular ends. The closure mechanism may be used to secure a pair of thin planar, elongated strips, each of which has a plurality of ribs positioned transversely along the length thereof. Each of such ribs has a planar side face positioned at an angle of about 45 to 75 degrees relative to the plane of the upper surface of the planar strip to which it is attached. For optimal ease of engagement of the ribs of one strip with those of a second strip, the rear top surfaces of the ribs should be rounded or slightly relieved. The closure device of the present invention provides a high strength mechanism having a quick release feature for easy disengagement of the interlocking members.

Abstract: An athletic type tennis or court shoe wherein spaced apart forefoot and rearfoot sole units are connected together only through a flexible soleless coupling to allow the wearer's forefoot and rearfoot to act independently of each other, wherein each sole unit has a resilient, shock-absorbing midsole, and wherein the sole units are sufficiently thin to place the wearer's foot close to the ground while maintaining sufficient cushioning for the wearer's foot.

Abstract: A golf shoe having improved transverse ground traction provided by a novel spike pattern which differs between the right-foot and the left-foot shoes in which the spikes are affixed to the lowermost surface of a specially designed sole and heel assembly. Improved comfort and foot stability can also be provided by use of a cushion pad insert of special configuration having a lateral arch support associated therewith. A first set of ground engaging spikes are arranged adjacent to the leading edges of both the right and the left shoe and at least two spikes in the set are positioned in the instep region of the shoes. A second set of spikes is also provided on the trailing edge of the shoes as defined by the direction of a golf club swing.