Abstract: A decorative baseball and method for making the same provides a conventional baseball having a covering over a core that includes seams and laces. The covering has a decorative pattern applied thereto that extends through the seams in substantial alignment and covers substantially an entire surface of the ball. The decorative pattern is formed by applying a pattern, initially, to a conventional ball, cutting the laces of the ball to separate the two sections of covering, reproducing the pattern from the sections and forming new sections with the pattern for application to ball cores using conventional laces.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing illumination on a vehicle utilizing light conducting, fluorescent substance containing sheets of material. In each embodiment, an exposed edge of the sheet of material is used to provide the intense, illuminated strip of light desired. Either natural light or a dedicated source of electric light is used to illuminate a light gathering portion of a sheet of this material which conducts the light to the edge to produce a brilliant strip of light. The strips can be disposed adjacent an automobile light, along seams in the body or along a spoiler disposed on the automobile. These sheets of material can also be positioned such that the edges thereof illuminate the location of lock cylinder, or the location of a door handle, or a vehicle logo. Retrofittable strips are also described.

Abstract: A decorative baseball and method for making the same provides a conventional baseball having a covering over a core that includes seams and laces. The covering has a decorative pattern applied thereto that extends through the seams in substantial alignment and covers substantially an entire surface of the ball. The decorative pattern is formed by applying a pattern, initially, to a conventional ball, cutting the laces of the ball to separate the two sections of covering, reproducing the pattern from the sections and forming new sections with the pattern for application to ball cores using conventional laces.

Abstract: Protective body padding comprising a plurality of foam modules interconnected by a membrane. The foam modules and/or membrane have a plurality of perforations extending completely therethrough and a matrix of interconnecting air channels designed to provide breathability and cooling capacity to allow venting of heat and moisture from the skin. In a preferred embodiment, the foam in the modules is of a variable flexibility, wherein the flexibility of foam closest to the skin is greater Than the flexibility of foam immediately above. For sports use, the modules can be positioned between the upper and lower resilient layers in a variety of positions to articulate with vulnerable body parts. Moreover, the foam can be colored or provided with an array of tradenames, trademarks and/or logos to enhance the aesthetic and fashion qualities thereof.

Abstract: Protective body padding comprising a plurality of foam modules interconnected by a membrane. The foam modules and/or membrane have a plurality of perforations extending completely therethrough and a matrix of interconnecting air channels designed to provide breathability and cooling capacity to allow venting of heat and moisture from the skin. In a preferred embodiment, the foam in the modules is of a variable density, wherein the density of foam closest to the skin is less than the density of foam immediately above. For sports use, the modules can be positioned between the upper and lower resilient layers in a variety of positions to articulate with vulnerable body parts. Moreover, the foam can be colored or provided with an array of tradenames, trademarks and/or logos to enhance the aesthetic and fashion qualities thereof.

Abstract: A furnishing or other like structure having an illuminated, decorative design formed on at least open surface thereof. The decorative design is created by a sheet or rod formed of a light transparent, fluorescent substance containing material, one edge of which extends through and is generally flush with the surface of the furnishing. This sheet or rod is illuminated along a lower portion thereof which extends below the surface of the furnishing. The lower portion of the rod or sheet, and the light source are shielded by a housing so that no light is visible, except along the illuminated edge on the surface of the furnishing. A fan or other cooling device may be provided for removing heat from the light source while still preventing the escape of light. Such sheets or rods may be provided either singly, or in a plurality to form the desired decorative design.

Abstract: A vibration dampening device for use with hand held sporting rackets, particularly tennis rackets, having a face or striking surface formed of two intersecting sets of parallel strings. The device of this invention comprises a block of viscoelastic foam which is compressed and inserted between the strings on the striking surface. This block of foam is preferably in the shape of a cylinder and when it is inserted between two, adjacent parallel strings it assumes a generally spherical shape. Typically, this compressed block engages four adjacent strings of both sets of strings, or three strings and the racket frame. This block may be placed at various positions on the racket striking surface, and significantly reduces vibrations created in the racket by the striking of a projectile, such as a ball. The device may be constructed of various combinations of different types of foam, and may have any desired color or design.

Abstract: A vibration dampening device for use with hand held sporting rackets, particularly tennis rackets, having a face or striking surface formed of two intersecting sets of parallel strings. The device of this invention comprises a block of viscoelastic foam which is compressed and inserted between the strings on the striking surface. This block of foam is preferably in the shape of a cylinder and when it is inserted between two, adjacent parallel strings it assumes a generally spherical shape. Typically, this compressed block engages four adjacent strings of both sets of strings, or three strings and the racket frame. This block may be placed at various positions on the racket striking surface, and significantly reduces vibrations created in the racket by the striking of a projectile, such as a ball. The device may be constructed of various combinations of different types of foam, and may have any desired color or design.