摘要 |
An improved synthetic pad is used in sports equipment in a three-tiered system. A front visible layer, called a cosmetic component layer, is made to the taste and color of a player or a team. A second component is a backing pad layer. The third and novel component of the present invention is a foam insert layer of about one inch thickness. A pocket provided on the rear of the cosmetic component layer or on the front of the backing pad layer may be provided for receipt of the foam insert layer. The foam insert layer is made and structured in such a way that it provides a choice of rebound possibilities for a player. The foam insert layer may be homogeneous, or lacerated on one side to a depth of about 1/2 inch in a predetermined pattern. The laceration may be performed by either a blade or with a hot wire or with a thermosetting foam molded to its final shape. The lacerated surface of the foam insert layer may then be submitted to a temperature which will cause it to shrink and harden so as to provide a vee-shaped gap tapering inwardly from the exterior of the foam insert layer to a central portion of the foam insert layer. By the size of the geometric pattern produced in the foam layer, the rebound distance of an object off of the protective equipment is controlled.
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