Abstract: In one instance, the disclosure is a multilayered ball bat comprising multiple sheets of wood or other material. The sheets of wood can be uniform in thickness and are bonded together with adhesive. The sheets can also be made of fiberglass-reinforced wood. The sheets run the length of the bat, from the end-cap to the knob. The sheets are planar and run parallel to each other. Each sheet has two terminal sides. When the sheets are bonded together, the terminal sides form the hitting surfaces of the ball bat. The ball bat can also have multiple layers of different varieties of wood, with a less dense wood making up the top and bottom layers of the ball bat and a denser wood making up the middle layer of the ball bat. By using multiple sheets of uniform thickness, the ball bat is more break-resistant with an acceptable weight for swinging.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are over-sized three-dimensional positionable hand structures that can be used to create various gestures.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a display body having a three-dimensionally contoured exterior shape and an interior, hand-receiving cavity extending within the display body. An optional display cover may be mounted on a selected portion of the display body or included in an unassembled kit. The display cover bears a communication attribute and is configured for repeated removal from and replacement on the display body. The apparatus may be configured for use by a person as a hand-mounted display.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a display body having a three-dimensionally contoured exterior shape and an interior, hand-receiving cavity extending within the display body. An optional display cover may be mounted on a selected portion of the display body or included in an unassembled kit. The display cover bears a communication attribute and is configured for repeated removal from and replacement on the display body. The apparatus may be configured for use by a person as a hand-mounted display.

Abstract: A break resistant ball bat 10 provides an elongated body 20 that generally provides handle and barrel portions 22, 24, with a transition area 26 between them. Upon impact with a ball, vibration having an outer node 30 and an inner node 32 results. The vibration is particularly hazardous for a critical stress area 34, which contains the majority of locations within the bat statistically most likely to break. The critical stress area is roughly coextensive with the handle and a portion of the transition area adjacent to the handle. A fiber sleeve 40 encloses and protects the critical stress area. The fiber sleeve provides a layer of fibers or filaments 42 oriented generally parallel to the length of the bat. The resistance of these filaments to elongation tends to reduce the deflection of the critical stress area upon impact. A matrix 50 of epoxy or resin covers and encloses the filaments.

Abstract: A ball bat typically used in playing the game of baseball or softball is constructed of an inner layer bounded by first and second outer layers. The inner layer typically contains four inner lamina bonded together, while the first and second outer layers typically contain a single outer lamina. The inner laminas from the medial portion of the barrel of the bat, as well as the handle portion. The outer laminas form lateral portions of the barrel of the bat, and are gently tapered toward the handle of the bat. The thickness and relative position of each lamina is related to the results of non-destructive testing of the wood forming that lamina.