Abstract: A method for making a sports shaft include forming a negative image on an image-receiving surface of a flexible cover sheet, forming a first tube with a sheet of composite material, covering the first tube with the flexible cover sheet that has the negative image facing an outer surface of the first tube, and applying heat and pressure to cure the flexible cover sheet and the first tube by one or more molds to form a sports shaft having a composite core made of the composite material and the flexible cover sheet wrapped around the core and showing to the outside a positive image based on the negative image.

Abstract: A structured lacrosse shaft includes a head portion configured to be connected to a lacrosse head, an end portion configured to be capped by an end cap, and a middle portion. At least one of the head portion, the end portion, or the middle portion includes an interior portion and an outer layer on an outer surface of the interior portion. The outer layer comprises wood veneer.

Abstract: A structured lacrosse shaft includes a bead portion configured to be connected to a lacrosse head, an end portion configured to be capped by an end cap, and a middle portion. At least one of the head portion, the end portion, or the middle portion includes an interior portion and an outer layer on an outer surface of the interior portion. The outer layer comprises wood veneer.

Abstract: A loader includes a sling for supporting a one or more items. The sling is secured on opposite sides of a loading chamber. The loader also includes a lowering mechanism. The lowering mechanism can lower the sling. The loader includes a release mechanism that secures one or both sides of the sling. After the sling is lowered by the lowering mechanism an adequate distance to place the one or more items close to the receptacle, the release mechanism releases one or both sides of the sling, which places the one or more items in or on a receptacle. The loader includes a take-up mechanism attached to one side of the sling. The take-up mechanism takes up the sling when the opposite side of the sling is released by the release mechanism. The loader is capable of inserting close fitting items into receptacles, such as a stack of trays of produce.

Abstract: A baseball bat or the like comprised of one or more continuous spiral wound layers of wood, cellulose, or other like material rolled in a spiral fashion from the center to the outermost surface. The cellulose or other material is bound to each subsequent layer with a thin layer of resin, glue, epoxy, or other binding material of adequate strength to hold the layers together for multiple impacts by a baseball or other object. This spiral wound composite roll, in its final configuration, is of comparable density, weight and balance to ash, maple or oak material commonly used in baseball bat construction. The composite roll can be machined to a shape consistent with the shape and balance of traditional baseball bats.