Abstract: An adjustable shoulder pad for use on the end of the stock of a rifle or shotgun, containing a number of generally parallel, elongate slots of essentially consistent size and configuration, extending from side to side through the pad. These slots define a number of struts that angle downwardly at a compound angle, that is, slots that are in an angular relationship to each of two planes that are orthogonally disposed. One of such planes is the one in which the bullet or shot is to travel, whereas the other plane extends laterally away from the shooter. The struts defined by these slots tend to bend and buckle somewhat at the time the shooter places my adjustable shoulder pad against a designated shoulder, so as to cause the pad to conform to the configuration of his shoulder. Further tendency of the struts to buckle is encountered at the time the gun is fired.

Abstract: A safety indicator device for a firearm in conjunction with an energy absorbing device, for enabling hammer spring tension to be relieved without damage to the firing pin of the gun, comprising a generally cylindrical housing member approximately the size of a shotgun shell or a cartridge. In the end of the housing member opposite the primer end is a weighted member secured to the housing by a lanyard longer than the gun barrel, which weighted member can be dropped through the barrel immediately prior to inserting the housing member into the breech of the gun, to indicate that the gun is unloaded. Then, after the housing member has been inserted into the breech and the breech closed, the trigger of the gun can be pulled without possible damage to the firing pin, due to the inclusion of a nylon member in the housing, in place of the conventional primer, or any metallic spring device to absorb energy.

Abstract: A novel tennis racquet wherein the frame of the racquet is strung with radially arrayed strings, with the inner end of each of such strings passing through and around a comparatively small ring forming the central terminus for the radially-arrayed strings. Although only a single central securing ring may be utilized if desired, in some instances I have found it advantageous to also utilize a second ring of somewhat larger diameter, concentric with the first ring. This larger diameter ring provides a turn-around point for every other radially-arrayed string, and advantageously makes it conveniently possible to maintain an effective spacing of the strings in the outer locations, near where they attach to the frame. This latter construction enables the avoidance of an excessively high number of strings needing to pass through and around the central securing ring.