Abstract: A grip for minimizing sting in a hand held swinging athletic contacting making article such as a bat, racquet, club or stick is secured to the handle of the article. The grip is a multilayer laminate having an inner layer made from an elastomeric material having high energy absorption and vibration damping characteristics. The laminate also includes an exposed outer layer made from an elastomeric material having a high coefficient of friction and being pliable. In addition, the laminate includes force dissipating material having the characteristics of absorbing and redirecting vibrational energy.

Abstract: An article of athletic clothing is provided with at least one sting reducing multilayer laminate pad. Preferably the laminate pad comprises an inner layer made of vibration damping material such as an elastomeric material and preferably silicone gel. The pad also includes a layer of force dissipating stiffening material as an intermediate layer located outwardly of the inner layer of vibration damping material. The pad also includes an outermost cover layer.

Abstract: An insert for a shoe formed by a reinforced elastomer material that regulates and dissipates vibration.

Abstract: A tape adapted to absorb and/or regulate vibration preferably includes a multi-layer material that may include a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second elastomeric layer includes an aramid material therein and is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The amramid material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer disposed on the second elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing padding including a padding body formed by a multi-layer material. The material preferably includes a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second elastomeric layer includes an aramid material therein and is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The amramid material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer is disposed on the second elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing material preferably includes a first elastomeric layer of vibration absorbing material which is substantially free of voids therein. A second layer including a hight tensile fibrous material and that is disposed on the first elastomeric layer. The high tensile strength fibrous material distributes vibration to facilitate vibration dampening. A third elastomeric layer is disposed on the second elastomeric layer.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of vibration dampening material are disclosed herein that preferably provide for a controlled stretch of the material while dampening vibration.

Abstract: A textured rolling element bearing and method for determining a texture that improves bearing performance parameters. The bearing has a first bearing element with a first surface and a second bearing element with a second surface. The first surface is rollable with respect to the second surface and has a first predetermined macro-texture. The method steps include selecting a bearing performance parameter and establishing a corresponding bearing performance goal, prospectively defining a topography for the first surface and formulating and iteratively solving a contact model representing an elastic deformation of the first surface relative to the second surface based on a separation distance “h” between the first and second surfaces, a fluid model representing a pressure “p” of the lubricant between the first surface and the second surface; and a viscosity model representing a viscosity “&mgr;” of the lubricant based on the pressure of a lubricant between the two surfaces.