Abstract: A socket contact and a method of making a socket contact is provided. The socket contact may comprise: a tubular body having: a first end; a second end opposite the first end, the body having an opening at the first and/or second end; and a plurality of slots forming a plurality of beam members, wherein at least one of the beam members comprises at least a first section that is inwardly raised relative to the remaining section of the beam members so as to form a narrower contact section within the socket contact. A first collar is proximal the first end and/or a second collar is proximal the second end.

Abstract: A method includes providing a collection of particulate material and forming a first article therefrom. Forming the first article includes forming an outer shell with an outer surface that defines an outer periphery of the first article; forming a relief area of the first article that supports the outer shell, including forming a relief void in the relief area; and collecting a collection of the particulate material within the outer shell during formation of the first article. Moreover, the method includes encasing the first article with an outer member. The outer member defines an internal cavity with an internal surface that corresponds to the outer surface of the outer shell. The method further includes heating, which deforms the first article selectively at the relief void.

Abstract: A method includes providing a collection of particulate material and forming a first article therefrom. Forming the first article includes forming an outer shell with an outer surface that defines an outer periphery of the first article; forming a relief area of the first article that supports the outer shell, including forming a relief void in the relief area; and collecting a collection of the particulate material within the outer shell during formation of the first article. Moreover, the method includes encasing the first article with an outer member. The outer member defines an internal cavity with an internal surface that corresponds to the outer surface of the outer shell. The method further includes heating, which deforms the first article selectively at the relief void.

Abstract: A gliding apparatus for use in snow is provided. The gliding apparatus may include a riding platform, the riding platform having a top surface to support a rider's feet and a bottom surface. The gliding apparatus may also include a snow ski, a first mounting device and a second mounting device, each positioned between the riding platform and the snow ski and each having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the first mounting device is pivotably coupled about a first axis to the snow ski and the bottom portion of the second mounting device is pivotably coupled about a second axis to the snow ski. The top portion of the first mounting device is pivotably coupled to the riding platform about a third axis and the top portion of the second mounting device is pivotably coupled to the riding platform about a fourth axis.

Abstract: A gliding apparatus for use in snow is provided. The gliding apparatus may include a riding platform, the riding platform having a top surface to support a rider's feet and a bottom surface. The gliding apparatus may also include a snow ski, a first mounting device and a second mounting device, each positioned between the riding platform and the snow ski and each having a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the first mounting device is pivotably coupled about a first axis to the snow ski and the bottom portion of the second mounting device is pivotably coupled about a second axis to the snow ski. The top portion of the first mounting device is pivotably coupled to the riding platform about a third axis and the top portion of the second mounting device is pivotably coupled to the riding platform about a fourth axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two electrical connectors together includes a locking collar, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector includes one or more electrical contacts arranged to mate with one or more electrical contacts in the second electrical connector to form an electrical connection, and the collar is arranged to receive at least a portion of the connectors and releasably lock the first and/or second connector. At least one of the electrical connectors includes a main body portion with at least one channel on a surface for cooperating with the protrusion of the locking collar, and a contact portion with a cartridge positioned within the main body portion. The contact portion further includes at least a first male contact and a first female contact connected to the cartridge. A corresponding method and electrical connector are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting two electrical connectors together includes a locking collar, a first electrical connector, and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector includes one or more electrical contacts arranged to mate with one or more electrical contacts in the second electrical connector to form an electrical connection, and the collar is arranged to receive at least a portion of the connectors and releasably lock the first and/or second connector. At least one of the electrical connectors includes a main body portion with at least one channel on a surface for cooperating with the protrusion of the locking collar, and a contact portion with a cartridge positioned within the main body portion. The contact portion further includes at least a first male contact and a first female contact connected to the cartridge. A corresponding method and electrical connector are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment is provided a method of manufacturing a female electrical contact from a piece of material by removal of material from the piece of material by machining. The removal of material comprises forming at least one first hole in a first end of the material to form a contact portion, the at least one first hole formed along a longitudinal axis; making at least two slits in the contact portion to produce contact fingers, the slits extending from the first end along at least a portion of length of the contact portion. A corresponding single piece female contact is provided. Another embodiment provides a latching mechanism for an electrical connector housing, the latching mechanism comprising: a planar body portion; a neck portion extending in a first direction from one end of the body portion, the neck portion including a raised portion; and a locking member.

Abstract: In one embodiment is provided a method of manufacturing a female electrical contact from a piece of material by removal of material from the piece of material by machining. The removal of material comprises forming at least one first hole in a first end of the material to form a contact portion, the at least one first hole formed along a longitudinal axis; making at least two slits in the contact portion to produce contact fingers, the slits extending from the first end along at least a portion of length of the contact portion. A corresponding single piece female contact is provided. Another embodiment provides a latching mechanism for an electrical connector housing, the latching mechanism comprising: a planar body portion; a neck portion extending in a first direction from one end of the body portion, the neck portion including a raised portion; and a locking member.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for locking two electrical connectors together is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first assembly comprising a locking member having a radially extending element; a collar with a through hole for receiving the locking member; and a spring positioned between the locking member and the collar, and a second assembly comprising a retaining member having a guide channel such that in use the radially extending element of the locking member is adapted to cooperate with the guide channel to form a bayonet type connection and lock the first assembly and second assembly together.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for locking two electrical connectors together is provided, the apparatus comprising: a first assembly comprising a locking member having a radially extending element; a collar with a through hole for receiving the locking member; and a spring positioned between the locking member and the collar, and a second assembly comprising a retaining member having a guide channel such that in use the radially extending element of the locking member is adapted to cooperate with the guide channel to form a bayonet type connection and lock the first assembly and second assembly together.

Abstract: A multi-section table tennis table half comprises first and second table sections which abut to form a first table half. Each of the sections includes an upper surface for playing table tennis, an opposite lower surface an inner edge. The inner edges of the first and second sections abut to form a first table half joint. The vertical cross-section of the joint may be stepped, with each of the inner edges being stepped and thereby including a horizontal section positioned between two vertical sections. The table half may further include a fastener spanning the abutment between the sections to secure the connection of the sections.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting system for mounting a basketball return net to a basketball goal assembly. The mounting system includes an elongate member and spaced apart mounting brackets where the elongate member is mountable to span the distance between the mounting brackets. In certain embodiments, the mounting brackets define apertures sized to receive ends of the elongate member. The brackets are preferably mounted to a backboard assembly of the basketball goal assembly. Further, the elongate member passes through a sleeve of the return net, the sleeve being formed at the top of the return net. The net serves to capture and/or return a basketball to a thrower.

Abstract: A multi-section table tennis table half comprises first and second table sections which abut to form a first table half. Each of the sections includes an upper surface for playing table tennis, an opposite lower surface an inner edge. The inner edges of the first and second sections abut to form a first table half joint. The vertical cross-section of the joint may be stepped, with each of the inner edges being stepped and thereby including a horizontal section positioned between two vertical sections. The table half may further include a fastener spanning the abutment between the sections to secure the connection of the sections.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting system for mounting a basketball return net to a basketball goal assembly. The mounting system includes an elongate member and spaced apart mounting brackets where the elongate member is mountable to span the distance between the mounting brackets. In certain embodiments, the mounting brackets define apertures sized to receive ends of the elongate member. The brackets are preferably mounted to a backboard assembly of the basketball goal assembly. Further, the elongate member passes through a sleeve of the return net, the sleeve being formed at the top of the return net. The net serves to capture and/or return a basketball to a thrower.

Abstract: In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention provides arrow shafts and a method of making arrow shafts with two or more colors. Preferably the shafts incorporate filament winding to leave two or more visible colors in the finished shaft in a regular or irregular pattern. Preferably the multi-colored pattern extends a substantially distance through the thickness of the shaft.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a basketball goal assembly. The goal assembly includes a mounting bracket having opposing side plates. A first pair of opposing pivot holes are co-axially defined in the side plates to define a pivot axis. A rim assembly has a basketball goal rim and an attachment bracket. The attachment bracket also includes opposing side plates. A second pair of opposing pivot holes is defined in the attachment bracket side plates. The second pair of pivot holes are co-axially aligned first pair of pivot holes along the pivot axis. A pivot bar extends through the first and second pairs of pivot holes. The first end of the pivot bar terminates in a portion with a diameter larger than the diameter of the pivot holes, and the second end of said pivot bar terminates in a portion with a diameter larger than the diameter of the pivot holes. Preferably, at least one end of the pivot bar is cold forged in place.