An insole includes an abrasion-resistant fabric top covering adhered to a layer of molded modified dense polyurethane contoured to provide maximum shock absorption under those areas of the foot most subject to impact loading and a minimum thickness of polyurethane under the remaining portions of the foot. In addition, a series of grooves extending primarily parallel to the axis of the foot are formed in the lowermost surface of the shock absorbing polyurethane. These grooves provide volume into ...

A shin guard and a method of making it are disclosed. The shin guard has a rigid outer shell of polyurethane and a polyurethane foam backing. A recess is formed in the foam backing by pressing in a hot die having the profile of the recess to be made. The recess is oblong and centered over the shin bone or tibia. A dense, modified polyurethane is then cast in the recess. The combination of polyurethane foam and dense, modified polyurethane provides excellent shock absorption in a light weight shi...

An elbow or knee pad and a method of making the same are disclosed. The pad includes an elasticized sleeve to surround the joint to be protected and a pad assembly fastened to the sleeve. The pad assembly includes a fabric covering over a polyurethane foam backing. A recess is formed in the polyurethane by pressing a hot die into it and a dense, modified polyurethane is cast in the recess. The combination of polyurethane foam and dense, modified polyurethane provides superior shock absorption an...