Abstract: Improved shuttlecock packaging includes providing a suitably humid environment to prevent the moisture within the feathers of the shuttlecock from evaporating off. The packaging is substantially air tight and includes a humidity control mechanism. In one embodiment the package comprising a humidifying disc in the shuttlecock packaging. The humidifying disc includes a plurality of openings to allow for moisture to pass from the disc to the internal environment of the packaging and comprises a foam or sponge pad moistened with water and propylene glycol. The humidity within the packaging is held at a generally fixed level. In one embodiment, the relative humidity can be held at least about 20%. In a further embodiment, the relative humidity can be held at about 50%.

Abstract: A reinforcing member for a badminton racquet wherein the racquet extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a frame having a tubular hoop portion supporting a string bed and a tubular handle portion. The reinforcing member includes a generally T-shaped body having first and second sections. The first section has an outer surface that defines a first cross-sectional area measured about a longitudinal plane positioned generally perpendicular to the string bed. The second section longitudinally and outwardly extends from the first section. The second section has an outer surface that defines a second cross-sectional area measured about a transverse plane. The first cross-sectional area is at least 50 percent greater than the second cross-sectional area. The first and second sections are configured for placement within the hoop and handle portions of the frame, respectively.

Abstract: A golf club vibration dampening and sound attenuation system including an elongated shaft, a club head, a resilient insert assembly, a dampener, and a grip. The shaft has a distal shaft end and a proximal shaft end. The club head is coupled to the distal shaft end, and includes a front wall and a sole portion. The front wall has a rearwardly sloped front strike side and a rear side. The sole portion rearwardly extends from a lower region of the rear side. The rear side and the sole portion define a cavity and a recess. The recess downwardly extends into the sole portion. A resilient insert assembly is positioned in and substantially fills the recess. The insert assembly is coupled to one or both of the sole portion and the lower region. The dampener is disposed within the shaft and has at least one annular radially extending projection.

Abstract: A golf club vibration dampening and sound attenuation system including an elongated shaft, a club head, a resilient insert assembly, a dampener, and a grip. The shaft has a distal shaft end and a proximal shaft end. The club head is coupled to the distal shaft end, and includes a front wall and a sole portion. The front wall has a rearwardly sloped front strike side and a rear side. The sole portion rearwardly extends from a lower region of the rear side. The rear side and the sole portion define a cavity and a recess. The recess downwardly extends into the sole portion. A resilient insert assembly is positioned in and substantially fills the recess. The insert assembly is coupled to one or both of the sole portion and the lower region. The dampener is disposed within the shaft and has at least one annular radially extending projection.

Abstract: A golf club vibration dampening and sound attenuation system including an elongated shaft, a club head, a resilient insert assembly, a dampener, and a grip. The shaft has a distal shaft end and a proximal shaft end. The club head is coupled to the distal shaft end, and includes a front wall and a sole portion. The front wall has a rearwardly sloped front strike side and a rear side. The sole portion rearwardly extends from a lower region of the rear side. The rear side and the sole portion define a cavity and a recess. The recess downwardly extends into the sole portion. A resilient insert assembly is positioned in and substantially fills the recess. The insert assembly is coupled to one or both of the sole portion and the lower region. The dampener is disposed within the shaft and has at least one annular radially extending projection.

Abstract: A novel combination of a rail car supported on a within the center bowl of its truck bolster comprises a unitary wear liner closely fitted within the center bowl so as to require no exterior protection from grit and debris carried in the environment outside that of the center plate assembly held in the bowl. The unitary wear liner is required to be formed from specified reaction injection molded (RIM) polymers which when molded, are found to be free of microscopic voids >20 .mu.m and therefore, fully dense. This property of being fully dense unexpectedly allows the liner to have specified physical properties which permit a railroad car truck equipped with the liners to operate with exceptional reliability, safety and for a long period of time.