Abstract: An insole for an article of footwear which includes an apertured top layer formed of a non-absorbent, thermally non-conductive thermoplastic material, a non-woven layer having a first portion formed of a mixture of moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbent fibers affixed to the top layer, and, optionally, a second portion including fibers which are non-adsorbent and non-absorbent, and, in various embodiments, a barrier layer and/or cushioning layer(s) forming a laminate in which the non-woven layer is sandwiched between the top layer and such other layers. The chemical formulation of the top layer of thermoplastic material can be varied to alter its coefficient of friction or degree of slip resistance of the insole depending upon the requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: A sheet material which includes an apertured top layer formed of a non-absorbant, thermally non-conductive thermoplastic material, a non-woven layer having a first portion formed of a mixture of moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbent fibers affixed to the top layer, and, optionally, a second portion including fibers which are non-adsorbent and non-absorbent, and, in various embodiments, a barrier layer and/or cushioning layer forming a laminate in which the non-woven layer is sandwiched between the top layer and such other layers. The chemical formulation of the top layer of thermoplastic material can be varied to alter its coefficient of friction or degree of slip resistance depending upon the requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: A sheet material which includes an apertured top layer formed of a non-absorbant, thermally non-conductive thermoplastic material, a non-woven layer having a first portion formed of a mixture of moisture-wicking and moisture-absorbent fibers affixed to the top layer, and, optionally, a second portion including fibers which are non-adsorbent and non-absorbent, and, in various embodiments, a barrier layer and/or cushioning layer forming a laminate in which the nonwoven layer is sandwiched between the top layer and such other layers. The chemical formulation of the top layer of thermoplastic material can be varied to alter its coefficient of friction or degree of slip resistance depending upon the requirements of a particular application.

Abstract: An insole for articles of footwear comprises an apertured top layer formed from a non-absorbent, thermally non-conductive thermoplastic material which is affixed to a stabilizing layer formed of a non-woven material. The stabilizing layer, in turn, is affixed to a barrier layer and/or a cushioning layer to form insoles for articles of footwear intended for different activities.

Abstract: A sheet material comprising a cushioning layer formed of resilient, cushioning material, and a non-absorbent, thermally non-conductive top layer of thermoplastic material formed with apertures which is embedded into the cushioning layer so that the cushioning material extends at least partially into the apertures in the top layer. The coefficient of friction of the top layer of the sheet material can be varied to alter the degree of slip-resistance of the sheet material depending upon the requirements of a particular application. The cushioning material forming the cushioning layer may be moisture-absorbent to help channel away moisture from the top layer, and, in one embodiment, is affixed to a second cushioning layer to form a three-layer sheet material.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe, and method of manufacture, comprises a bottom layer formed of cushioning material, and a top layer formed with apertures, which, in various methods of manufacture, is embedded into the bottom layer so that the cushioning material forming the bottom layer extends at least partially into the apertures in the top layer. The coefficient of friction of the top layer of the insole which contacts the foot of the wearer is variable and chosen to control the movement of the foot along the insole depending upon the type of activity and playing surface for which the shoe is designed.

Abstract: An insert, particularly for athletic shoes, is removably fitted over or affixed atop the top surface of the insole of the shoe and comprises a thin section of non-absorbant, thermally non-conductive thermoplastic material which is deformable to conform to the shape of the insole. The insert is formed with a plurality of spaced apertures to permit the passage of air and moisture between the sock and insole. The coefficient of friction of the uppermost surface of the insert is approximately equal to that of the skin of the foot so that movement of the foot and sock within the shoe is limited to reduce the incidence of turf toe, while permitting at least some motion of the foot and sock within the shoe especially during sudden stops or starts to avoid blistering of the foot.

Abstract: A tennis racket and stringing method are disclosed wherein the resulting racket has a more uniform main string to cross string tensioning. The uniform tensioning provides a consistent playing surface throughout the entire stringed area. The center main strings are first tensioned and the remaining main strings are tensioned by working outwardly from the center strings toward the sides. The cross strings are interwoven with the main strings beginning from the center and working outwardly.

Abstract: A calibration device is disclosed and claimed herein for determining the accuracy of a tennis racquet stringing machine. A cross member is securable in the machine in similar fashion to a racquet being secured for stringing therein. The cross member has a frame secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom with the frame having a resistance member, preferably a spring loaded scale, secured thereto. An elongated element such as a nonextensible wire is secured to the resistance member to be pulled in the machine in similar fashion to a racquet string. When the element is pulled, the resistance member is encountered and at the proper time, will determine the pounds of pull on the elongated element. The determined pull can be compared to settings on the stringing machine to determine accuracy thereof for calibration purposes.