Patent Publication Number: US-2010123271-A1

Title: Reinforced elastomer products

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/610,617, filed on Nov. 2, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/680,408 filed on Feb. 28, 2007, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/778,030 filed on Mar. 1, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/114,907 filed Nov. 14, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The subject of the disclosure relates generally to products made of elastomer. More specifically, the disclosure relates to elastomer products and components that include fiber braid reinforcement shells such that resulting elastomer products are stronger, longer lasting, and more environmentally friendly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Industries of all kinds and consumers have been using soft elastomer products and components for decades. Soft elastomer products come in an extensive variety of shapes and sizes designed for a variety of different uses. Advantages of soft elastomer products over other hard surface products include their flexibility, their soft feel, their ability to provide soft protection for people and objects, their ability to absorb physical and acoustic shock, their grip ability, their ability to allow superior blood flow in hands when gripped tightly, their lifelike look and feel, and their overall effectiveness. The inventor has perceived that one problem with use of soft elastomers in industry and by consumers has been their robustness. Specifically, the inventor has perceived that soft elastomer products tend to wear out more quickly than hard surface product substitutes. 
     SUMMARY 
     An illustrative molding system includes a top mold, a first post mounted to the top mold, a bottom mold, a second post mounted to the bottom mold, and a holding pin mounted to one of the first post or the second post. The first post is configured to contact an outer surface of a reinforcement shell when the molding system is in a closed configuration. The second post is configured to contact the outer surface of the reinforcement shell when the molding system is in the closed configuration. The holding pin is configured to secure the reinforcement shell in place when the molding system is in the closed configuration. 
     An illustrative method includes placing a reinforcement shell into a molding system that includes a top mold, a first post mounted to the top mold, a bottom mold, and a second post mounted to the bottom mold. The reinforcement shell is placed such that at least one holding pin extends into an interior of the reinforcement shell, where the at least one holding pin is mounted to one of the first post or the second post. The molding system is placed into a closed configuration such that the first post and the second post are in contact with an outer surface of the reinforcement shell. An elastomer is injected into the molding system to form a reinforced elastomer product that includes the reinforcement shell. 
     Another illustrative method includes placing a reinforcement shell into a molding system that includes a top mold, a first post mounted to the top mold, a bottom mold, and a second post mounted to the bottom mold. An insert is placed into an interior of the reinforcement shell, where the insert includes a first fin configured to contact the reinforcement shell at a first location adjacent to the first post when the molding system is in a closed configuration and a second fin configured to contact the reinforcement shell at a second location adjacent to the second post when the molding system is in the closed configuration. The molding system is placed into the closed configuration. An elastomer is injected into the molding system to form a reinforced elastomer product that includes the reinforcement shell. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate perspective views of a fiber braid reinforcement shell for a soft bait lure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is an inside view of a circular fiber braid reinforcement shell for a soft bait lure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial inside view of an ovular fiber braid reinforcement shell for a soft bait lure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the fiber braid reinforcement shell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is an internal side view of a multi-diameter fiber braid reinforcement shell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is an internal side view of a uniform fiber braid reinforcement shell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is an internal side view of a plurality of fiber braid reinforcement shells for use in distinct locations of a soft bait lure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is an internal side view of a layered fiber braid reinforcement shell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a cut-away perspective view of a fiber braid reinforcement shell with an open micro-chamber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a cut-away perspective view of a fiber braid reinforcement shell with a closed micro-chamber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 11A  is a cut-away perspective view of a layered fiber braid reinforcement shell with a closed micro-chamber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 11B  is a cut-away perspective view of a layered fiber braid reinforcement shell with an open micro-chamber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates cross sectional views of a plurality of soft bait lures which include various fiber braid reinforcement shell configurations in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates cross sectional views of a plurality of soft bait lures which include various fiber braid reinforcement shell configurations with closed micro-chambers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates cross sectional views of a plurality of soft bait lures which include various fiber braid reinforcement shell configurations with sectioning in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a cut-away perspective view of a fiber braid reinforcement shell with an open micro-chamber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a cut-away perspective view of a hook locked in place by a fiber braid reinforcement shell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a cut-away perspective view of a hook locked in place by a layered fiber braid reinforcement shell in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 18-20  are perspective views of barbed hooks locked in place by one or more fiber braid reinforcement shells in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of a calibrated line threading mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a side view of a calibrated micro-insert plunger in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a plurality of micro-inserts in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a cross sectional view of a worm-shaped soft bait lure which includes micro-inserts in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a crawfish soft bait lure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is a side view of a shad soft bait lure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  is a cut-away perspective view of a tube-shaped soft bait lure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of micro-fiber flocking reinforcement incorporated into an elastomer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS. 29A-29E  are partial cross-sectional side views of molding systems for creating a reinforced elastomer product in accordance with illustrative embodiments. 
         FIGS. 30A and 30B  are partial cross-sectional side views of molding systems for creating a reinforced elastomer product with an open micro-chamber in accordance with illustrative embodiments. 
         FIG. 31  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a molding system for compressing a reinforcement shell in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates perspective views of a fiber braid reinforcement shell  5  for a soft bait lure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the fiber braid reinforcement shell (FBRS)  5  prior to being incorporated into the soft bait lure.  FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the FBRS  5  incorporated within a body  10  of the soft bait lure. In an exemplary embodiment, the FBRS  5  can be completely enclosed within the body  10 . Alternatively, one or more portions of the FBRS  5  may extend outward from the body  10 . In one embodiment, an end of the FBRS  5  can be flush with an outer edge of the body  10  such that hooks and other inserts can easily be placed within a micro-chamber of the FBRS  5 . The micro-chamber is described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 9-11 . 
     The FBRS  5  can be used to provide a soft bait lure that is both strong and flexible. The fiber used to create the FBRS  5  can be made from any combination of natural, synthetic, and/or metallic material. For example, the fiber in the FBRS  5  can be linen fiber, cotton fiber, rayon fiber, polyester fiber, dacron fiber, polyethylene fiber, polyvinyl fiber, acrylic fiber, olefin fiber, nylon fiber, nylon hybrid fiber, mylar fiber, Kevlar fiber, carbon and/or graphite fiber, stainless steel fiber, any other polymer plastic fiber, any other metallic fiber, etc. The specific material used can depend on the desired tensile strength of the shell, the desired flexibility of the shell, and the desired properties of the soft bait lure. The FBRS  5  is not meant to be limited to fibers that are braided together. The FBRS  5  can be created using any fiber braiding, weaving, meshing, netting, honeycombing, etc. method known to those of skill in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the FBRS  5  can be composed of a plurality of single fiber strands. Alternatively, the FBRS  5  can be composed of a plurality of multi-fiber strands. The multi-fiber strands can be composed from one or more single fiber strands that are braided, weaved, or twisted or otherwise bound together. The individual fiber strands used to create the multi-fiber strands can be of the same type, or different such that each multi-fiber strand can include a plurality of fiber types. In one embodiment, a single fiber strand can be used to create the FBRS  5 . The fiber strand(s) used to create the FBRS  5  can be of any diameter depending on the desired tensile strength, desired flexibility, desired weight, and other factors. The FBRS  5  can be created at any length and any diameter (or width) such that a vast array of soft bait lures can be created. For example, an FBRS for insertion in a soft bait lure used to catch perch can be several inches in length, an FBRS for insertion in a soft bait lure used to catch musky can be a foot or more in length, and an FBRS for insertion in a soft bait lure used to catch tuna or marlin can be several feet or more in length. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the fiber braid reinforcement shell (FBRS)  5  can be multi-directionally flexible such that the soft bait lure is flexible in a plurality of planes. For example, the FBRS  5  can allow flexibility within a plane that is parallel to a water surface. By twitching his/her fishing pole from side to side, a fisherman can cause the FBRS  5  and the body  10  of the soft bait lure to slither through the water similar to a snake or centipede. The FBRS  5  can also allow flexibility within a plane that is perpendicular to the water surface such that the fisherman can cause the FBRS  5  and the body  10  of the soft bait lure to go up and down in the shape of a sinusoid. The FBRS  5  can also provide flexibility in planes at any other angles relative to the surface of the water. In addition, the FBRS can allow the soft bait lure to move simultaneously in a plurality of such planes. For example, a front portion of the soft bait lure can be made to wiggle from left to right while a rear portion of the soft bait lure is made to wiggle up and down. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the body  10  of the soft bait lure can be made from any resilient material that is capable of being molded to the fiber braid reinforcement shell  5 . For example, the body  10  of the soft bait lure can be made from any type of elastomer. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastomer or other material used to create the body  10  can include a flavor and/or scent attractant capable of attracting fish. Alternatively, an attractant may not be incorporated into the body  10 . In alternative embodiments, the body  10  of the soft bait lure can be made from any combination of elastomer, plastic, plastisol, polyvinyl, rubber, gelatin, flavoring additive, and any other resilient material used in soft bait lure manufacturing as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the body  10  can be made from any other material known to those of skill in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the FBRS  5  can be placed in the body  10  of the soft bait lure during a molding process used to create the body. In one embodiment, a co-extrusion molding process can be used during which the FBRS  5  and the body  10  of the soft bait lure are extruded and molded simultaneously. Alternatively, any other molding process known to those of skill in the art can be used. For example, the soft bait lure can be created by injection, extrusion, pouring, dipping, rotary molding, etc. 
     In one embodiment, natural and/or artificial micro-fiber flocking reinforcements can be compounded into the body  10  of the soft bait lure to provide additional reinforcement to body  10  of the soft bait lure. The micro-fiber flocking reinforcements can be composed from any natural and/or synthetic micro-fiber that is capable of being compounded with an elastomer or other material used to form the body  10  of the soft bait lure.  FIG. 28  illustrates micro-fiber flocking reinforcement incorporated into an elastomer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the micro-fiber flocking reinforcements can crosshatch and cure together within the elastomer compound during the molding process. In one embodiment, the micro-fiber flocking reinforcements can include a flavor or scent that is capable of attracting a fish. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the FBRS  5  can be used to vary properties of the soft bait lures in which the FBRS  5  is to be placed. For example, a diameter, weight, length, strength, expandability, color, shimmer, and shape of the soft bait lure can all be altered by adjusting the FBRS  5 . These properties can be controlled by the fiber material used to create the FBRS  5  and/or coating or other materials applied to the FBRS  5 . For example, a lightweight FBRS can be used in soft bait lures which are to float on the surface of the water and a heavier FBRS can be used in deep diving soft bait lures. The weight of the FBRS can depend on the fiber with which the FBRS is constructed. Similarly, in soft bait lures with translucent or transparent bodies, the FBRS can be made to shimmer such that fish are more attracted to the soft bait lure. The shimmer can be provided by the fiber material used to create the FBRS and/or a paint or other coating applied to the FBRS. The tensile strength of the FBRS can also be altered by the strength of the fiber used to create the FBRS. A desired tensile strength can depend on the fish species for which the soft bait lure is to be used (i.e., higher tensile strength for larger fish). In translucent or transparent soft bait lures, the FBRS can be also used to control the interior color of the soft bait lure. For example, the fibers of the FBRS can be selected, painted, or coated such that the fibers are the color capable of attracting fish. In an exemplary embodiment, the FBRS can also be expandable such that oversized inserts can be securely locked in place within the FBRS. Inserts are described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 23 . 
       FIG. 2  is an inside view of a circular fiber braid reinforcement shell (FBRS) for a soft bait lure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The FBRS diameter illustrated with reference to  FIG. 2  is not meant to be limiting. Fiber braid reinforcement shells can be made with any diameter(s), depending on a desired size of the soft bait lure.  FIG. 3  is a partial inside view of an ovular fiber braid reinforcement shell for a soft bait lure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the FBRS can be any other shape including square, triangular, rectangular, octagonal, etc. 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of a fiber braid reinforcement shell  25  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The FBRS  25  includes a plurality of apertures  30  capable of receiving hooks and keeping them substantially locked in place. The size of the apertures  30  illustrated with reference to  FIG. 2  is not meant to be limiting. In alternative embodiments, there can be more or less space between the fibers such that the apertures  30  can be larger or smaller. For example, a loosely spaced FBRS can be used to create a soft bait lure with enhanced flexibility. Similarly, a more tightly spaced FBRS can be used to further enhance the strength of the soft bait lure. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, fiber braid reinforcement shells of various shapes, sizes, and configurations can be used in various soft bait lures. As an example,  FIG. 5  is an internal side view of a multi-diameter fiber braid reinforcement shell  40  within a body  45  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The multi-diameter FBRS  40  is a first (larger) diameter at a first end  50 , and a second (smaller) diameter at a second end  55 . The multi-diameter FBRS  40  tapers in a non-uniform manner along its bottom. Alternatively, the multi-diameter FBRS  40  can taper in a uniform manner such that it forms a partial cone. In another alternative embodiment, there may not be a taper, but rather an abrupt, ninety-degree boundary between the first diameter and the second diameter.  FIG. 6  is an internal side view of a fiber braid reinforcement shell  65  that is uniform in diameter and within a body  60  of a soft bait lure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 7  is an internal side view of a plurality of fiber braid reinforcement shells for use in distinct locations of a body  70  of a soft bait lure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. A first FBRS  75  is of a greater length than a second FBRS  80 . In alternative embodiments, any or all of a plurality of fiber braid reinforcement shells can be the same length. In one embodiment, any of the properties of FBRSs within the plurality of FBRSs can differ. For example, a first FBRS can be adapted to shimmer and a second FBRS can be painted green, or the tensile strength of a first FBRS can differ from the tensile strength of a second FBRS. In an exemplary embodiment, a soft bait lure can include any number of individual FBRSs, including three, four, five, etc. The FBRSs can be placed side by side within the soft bait lure, on top of one another, or at any other orientation with respect to one another. 
       FIG. 8  is an internal side view of a layered fiber braid reinforcement shell  85  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. A first FBRS  95  is adapted to fit inside of a second FBRS  100  to form the layered FBRS  85  within a body  90  of a soft bait lure. In alternative embodiments, the layered FBRS  85  can include three, four, five, or any other number of individual FBRSs layered within one another. The layered FBRSs can be the same shape or different, depending on the embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the layered FBRS  85  can be used to provide a stronger soft bait lure and/or to enhance the ability of the FBRS to lock a hook in place. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, an interior of an FBRS can be referred to as a micro-chamber. In another exemplary embodiment, an FBRS can either have an open micro-chamber or a closed micro-chamber. An open micro-chamber can refer to a micro-chamber which is not filled with the resilient material used to create the body of the soft bait lure or any other material such that one or more chambers exist in the interior of the soft bait lure. A closed micro-chamber can refer to a micro-chamber which is filled with the resilient material used to create the body of the soft bait lure such that there is no open space in the interior of the soft bait lure. Alternatively, the closed micro-chamber can be filled with any other material. For example, the closed micro-chamber can be filled in part with natural and/or artificial micro-fiber flocking reinforcements to provide additional reinforcement to the soft lure. In an exemplary embodiment, a closed micro-chamber can be used in soft bait lures in which hooks, line, and/or any other micro-inserts are molded into the soft bait lure by the soft bait lure manufacturer. Open micro-chambers can be used in soft bait lures in which the user manually inserts, hooks, line, and/or any other micro-inserts into the soft bait lure. The open micro-chamber can make it easier to access and manipulate any inserts desired by the user. Alternatively, users can place inserts in soft bait lures with closed micro-chambers and/or manufacturers can place inserts into soft bait lures with open micro-chambers. In an exemplary embodiment, the molding process used to create the soft bait lure can be used to control whether the micro-chamber is open or closed. 
       FIG. 9  is a cut-away perspective view of a fiber braid reinforcement shell (FBRS)  110  with an open micro-chamber  115  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The FBRS  110  is in a body  120  of a soft bait lure. In an exemplary embodiment, the open micro-chamber  115  can run the length of the FBRS  110 . Alternatively, the open micro-chamber  115  can be shorter than or longer than the FBRS  110 . In one embodiment, a diameter of the open micro-chamber  115  can be approximately the same diameter as the FBRS  110  in which the open micro-chamber  115  is located. Alternatively, the diameter of the open micro-chamber  115  can be smaller or larger than the diameter of the FBRS  110 . In one embodiment, the open micro-chamber  115  can be divided into a plurality of sub-chambers such that there are a plurality of open micro-chambers within a single FBRS. In embodiments that include a plurality of FBRSs, each individual FBRS can include one or more open micro-chambers. In one embodiment, the open micro-chamber  115  can include a hollow tube-shaped insert. The hollow tube-shaped insert can be a flexible plastic tube, a cloth tube, an FBRS such that a layered FBRS is formed, or any other insert which does not inhibit the multi-directional flexibility of the soft bait lure. The hollow tub-shaped insert can be smooth or notched depending on the embodiment. Open micro-chambers which do not include the hollow tube can also be smooth or notched, depending on the embodiment. Notches can be molded into the elastomer (or other material) during molding of the soft bait lure.  FIG. 10  is a cut-away perspective view of a fiber braid reinforcement shell  125  with a closed micro-chamber  130  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The closed micro-chamber can be filled with the same material used to create a body  135  of the soft bait lure, or a different material, depending on the embodiment. 
       FIG. 11A  is a cut-away perspective view of a layered fiber braid reinforcement shell  140  with a closed micro-chamber  145  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 11B  is a cut-away perspective view of a layered fiber braid reinforcement shell  150  with an open micro-chamber  155  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the open micro-chamber(s) in a layered FBRS can be within the innermost individual FBRS. Alternatively, one or more open micro-chambers can be placed in between adjacent fiber braid reinforcement shells that make up the layered FBRS. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates cross sectional views of a plurality of soft bait lures which include various configurations of a fiber braid reinforcement shell (FBRS)  180  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, there can be a plurality fiber braid reinforcement shell  180  within a single body  182  of a soft bait lure. The plurality of FBRS  180  can be inside of one another (layered), side by side, on top of one another, etc.  FIG. 13  illustrates cross sectional views of a plurality of soft bait lures which include various configurations of the fiber braid reinforcement shell  180  with sections  185  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The sections  185  can be used to add modular flexibility to the FBRS  180  such that the FBRS  180  can be used to create magnum or other soft bait lures. The sections  185  can refer to channels or cavities molded into the soft bait lure and capable of receiving hook and/or lure sets such that a hybrid soft bait lure can be formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the FBRS  180  can wrap around hooks and lure sets within the sections  185  in a tubular fashion, while preserving the expandable, multi-directionally flexible properties of the soft bait lure. The sections  185  can run a partial length or the entire length of the soft bait lure body, depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment, the hook and/or lure sets can be molded into the body  182  during the molding process used to form the body  182 . Alternatively, the hook and/or lure sets can be inserted after the body  182  is formed.  FIG. 14  illustrates cross sectional views of a plurality of soft bait lures which include various configurations of the fiber braid reinforcement shell  180  with open micro-chambers  190  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the FBRSs can be any other shapes and/or placed in any other configuration within the soft bait lure. Similarly, the open micro-chambers  190  can be any other shape and/or placed in any other configuration within the soft bait lure. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, an FBRS can also be used within soft bait components that are used to form a hybrid or combination fishing lure. The soft bait component can be a leg which extends from the hybrid fishing lure, a tail which extends from the hybrid fishing lure, a portion of a body of the hybrid fishing lure, or any other portion of the hybrid fishing lure. For example, a hybrid musky fishing lure can include a hard plastic body and a soft bait tail with an FBRS. In an exemplary embodiment, the soft bait tail can be a mix and match tail that can easily be attached to and/or removed from the hybrid fishing lure. Alternatively, the soft bait tail can be permanently mounted to the hybrid fishing lure. 
       FIG. 15  is a cut-away perspective view of a fiber braid reinforcement shell  200  with an open micro-chamber  205  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The open micro-chamber  205  includes a hollow center which is capable of receiving a hook body, fishing line, and/or other micro-inserts. In one embodiment, the hollow center of the open micro-chamber can include a hollow tube-shaped or other insert capable of receiving inserts. The open micro-chamber and/or the hollow tube can be smooth or notched depending on the embodiment. Notches in a notched open micro-chamber can act as locking mechanisms for holding inserts in place. 
       FIG. 16  is a cut-away perspective view of a hook  210  locked in place by a FBRS  215  with a closed micro-chamber  220  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The hook  210  includes a shaft  222 , a point  224 , and a curved portion  225 . The point  224  of the hook  210  extends through a body  230  of the soft bait lure, and is substantially locked in place through contact between the curved portion  225  of the hook  210  and the FBRS  215 . In an exemplary embodiment, the body  230  of the soft bait lure helps keep the hook  210  substantially locked in place.  FIG. 17  is a cut-away perspective view of the hook  210  substantially locked in place within a layered FBRS  235  with an open micro-chamber  240  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The point  224  of the hook  210  extends through a body  245  of the soft bait lure and is substantially locked in place through contact between the curved portion  225  of the hook  210  and the layered FBRS  235 . In an exemplary embodiment, the body  245  of the soft bait lure also helps keep the hook  210  substantially locked in place. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, hooks can be locked in place manually in the field by a user. In an exemplary embodiment, a soft bait lure can include a front end (to which fishing line can be tied) and a back end that trails in the water. A user can insert a point of the hook into a micro-chamber of the FBRS and position the hook such that the point is pointing toward the front of the soft bait lure. The user can push the hook toward the back end of the soft bait such that the curved portion of the hook passes through the micro-chamber and the point of the hook does not get caught in the FBRS. Upon inserting the hook to a desired position, the user can pull the hook forward and cause the point and at least a portion of the curved portion of the hook to go through the FBRS and come out of the body of the soft bait lure. The user can pull the hook forward until it is substantially locked in place through contact between the hook and the fibers of FBRS. In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the shaft of the hook can remain in the micro-chamber. As a result, the hook can be locked within an aperture of the plurality of apertures that make up the FBRS. In an exemplary embodiment, any movement of the hook may be limited to the size of the aperture through which the hook is inserted. However, the movement of the hook is limited by the body of the soft bait lure such that overall hook movement can be minute. In an alternative embodiment, the hook can be inserted in the opposite direction, i.e., from the back end of the lure to the front end of the lure. 
     In one embodiment, the hook can be locked into the FBRS of the soft bait lure such that the shaft of the hook is perpendicular to the FBRS. For example, the user can cause the point of the hook to pierce the body of the soft bait lure on a first side, pierce the FBRS on a first side, go through the micro-chamber of the FBRS, pierce the FBRS on a second side, and pierce the body of the soft bait lure on a second side. In alternative embodiments, the user can insert the hook by any method such that the hook is locked in place by the FBRS. In an exemplary embodiment, the user can insert hooks into soft bait lures that include an open micro-chamber. Alternatively, users can also insert hooks into soft bait lures that include a closed micro-chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, the hook can be any type of fishing hook known to those of skill in the art, including a barbed hook, a barbless hook, a single hook, a treble hook, a weighted hook, a floating hook, a jig hook, a hook attached to a hard or soft lure, etc. 
       FIGS. 18-20  are internal perspective views of barbed hooks locked in place by one or more fiber braid reinforcement shells in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the barbs on the hooks can function as additional locking points such that the hook is further secured to the FBRS.  FIG. 18  illustrates a barbed hook  250  that includes a barb  255 , a shaft  256 , and a curved portion  257 . In an exemplary embodiment, the barb  255  and the curved portion  257  can be locking points  265  at which the barbed hook  250  is locked to a layered FBRS  260 .  FIG. 19  illustrates a barbed hook  270  that includes two barbs  275  for locking into an FBRS  280 . As such, the barbed hook  270  can include two locking points  277  at the location of the barbs  275  and one locking point  279  at the location of a curved portion  281  of the barbed hook  270 .  FIG. 20  illustrates a barbed hook  285  that includes two barbs  290  on a shaft  295  of the barbed hook  285  for locking into an FBRS  300 . The barbed hook  285  can be locked to the FBRS  300  at two locking points  292  at the location of the two barbs  290  and a single locking point  294  at the location of a curved portion  296  of the barbed hook  285 . In alternative embodiments, any other style of hook can be used. Further, the hooks used can include any configuration and/or number of barbs. 
       FIG. 21  is a side view of a calibrated line threading mechanism  305  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In alternative embodiments, the line threading mechanism  305  may not be calibrated. The line threading mechanism  305  can include a line receiving aperture  310  capable of receiving fishing line  315 . In an exemplary embodiment, the line threading mechanism  305  can be used to set hooks within an FBRS and/or run fishing line through the FBRS. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can thread fishing line  315  through the line receiving aperture  310  and push the line threading mechanism  305  into and through at least a portion of a micro-chamber such that the fishing line  315  runs through at least a portion of the FBRS and the soft bait lure. The user can push the line threading mechanism  305  at a blunt end  316  such that the user does not damage his/her fingers. The line threading mechanism  305  also includes a calibration scale  320  which can be used to gauge distances in a soft body lure with a non-transparent, non-translucent body. As such, the user can easily run the fishing line  315  through a specific length of the soft body lure without having to guess. In an exemplary embodiment, the fishing line  315  can have one or more hooks tied to it such that the line threading mechanism can also be used to set and lock hooks within the soft bait lure. 
       FIG. 22  is a side view of a calibrated micro-insert plunger  325  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The micro-insert plunger  325  can be used to insert and/or remove various micro-inserts into a micro-chamber of an FBRS. The micro-insert plunger  325  includes a concave tip  330  capable of receiving a micro-insert such that the micro-insert can be positioned within a micro-chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, a micro-insert can be inserted into the concave tip  330  and a user can insert the micro-insert plunger  325  into a micro-chamber of an FBRS. The user can push the micro-insert plunger  325  until the micro-insert is at a desired location and remove the micro-insert plunger  325 . In an exemplary embodiment, the micro-insert can be held in place by any of the plurality of apertures which form the FBRS. Alternatively, the micro-insert can be held in place by one or more notches within the micro-chamber of the FBRS. In one embodiment, oversized micro-inserts can be used. The oversized micro-inserts can be held in place by friction with a micro-chamber of smaller diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the micro-chamber of smaller diameter can expand along with the expandable FBRS. The one or more notches can be in a hollow tube within the micro-chamber, or molded into the micro-chamber itself. The micro-insert plunger  325  can also include a calibration scale  335  which can be used to gauge distances in a soft body lure with a non-transparent, non-translucent body such that a micro-insert can be precisely positioned within the soft bait lure. 
     As an example, the concave tip  330  of the micro-insert plunger  325  can be a cavity which is capable of gripping a micro-insert. The micro-insert plunger  325  can be used to push the micro-insert into place within a micro-chamber. Because the FBRS can be expandable, the FBRS and/or micro-chamber can expand upon insertion of the micro-insert such that the micro-insert can be held firmly in place by friction. In an exemplary embodiment, the micro-insert can be removed by using the micro-insert plunger  325  to push the micro-insert out of the micro-chamber. As such, micro-inserts can be mix and match inserts which allow a fisherman to easily customize his/her soft bait lure while in the field. In a soft bait lure with a closed micro-chamber, the fisherman can use the micro-insert plunger  325  to push a micro-insert through the micro-chamber filling to insert the micro-insert within the micro-chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, micro-inserts can be inserted from either end of the FBRS. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a plurality of micro-inserts in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 23  also illustrates a soft bait lure  340  in which a micro-insert  345  has been inserted into an open micro-chamber  350  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In alternative embodiments, micro-chambers can be molded or otherwise placed into closed micro-chambers. In an exemplary embodiment, the micro-insert  345  can be locked in place by a hollow tube  352  within the open micro-chamber  350 . The hollow tube  352  can include notches to hold the micro-insert  345  place. Alternatively, hollow tube  352  can be expandable such that the micro-insert  345  can be oversized and held in place by friction. The micro-insert  345  can also be locked into place by the expandable apertures of an FBRS  354  or notches which are molded into the micro-chamber  350 . The FBRS  354  can be expandable and the micro-insert  345  can be oversized such that the micro-insert  345  is held in place by friction. 
     The micro-inserts which can be inserted into a soft bait lure can include a chum-flavored and/or scented insert  355  to attract fish. In an alternative embodiment, a flavor and/or a scent can be incorporated into the body of the soft bait lure, into the FBRS  354 , into micro-fiber flocking used to strengthen the soft bait lure, and/or into the fill of a closed micro-chamber. Other micro-inserts can include a float insert  360  to allow the soft bait lure to float, a sinker insert  365  to cause the soft body lure to sink, a light insert  370  to attract fish in low light and/or night conditions, and a rattle insert  375  to attract fish by sound. In alternative embodiments, any other types of micro-inserts which can attract fish and/or affect the properties of the soft bait lure can be used. For example, scent inserts and/or flavor inserts of any variety can be used, any other type of sound-generating inserts can be used, any other light-generating inserts can be used, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more micro-inserts can be placed into any open micro-chamber or sub-chamber within an FBRS. Alternatively, one or more micro-inserts can be molded or otherwise placed into any closed micro-chamber of the FBRS. In an exemplary embodiment, the micro-inserts can be inserted by a user using the micro-insert plunger  325  described with reference to  FIG. 22 . Alternatively, the micro-inserts can be molded into the soft bait lure by the lure manufacturer. In an exemplary embodiment, a micro-insert can refer to any object which is at least partially inserted into a soft bait lure. As such a micro-insert can refer to a hook, fishing line, the above-described micro-inserts, etc. 
       FIG. 24  is a cross sectional view of a worm-shaped soft bait lure  400  which includes micro-inserts in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The worm-shaped soft bait lure  400  includes a rattle insert  405 , a chum-flavored insert  410 , and a sinker insert  415  within an open micro-chamber  420  of a fiber braid reinforcement shell  425 . In alternative embodiments, the worm-shaped soft bait lure  400  can include fewer, additional, and/or different micro-inserts. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, soft bait lures that include an FBRS can be created to resemble any live bait or other object that is capable of attracting a fish. For example,  FIG. 25  is an internal perspective view of a crawfish soft bait lure  500  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The crawfish soft bait lure  500  includes an FBRS  505  in a tube-shaped body  510 . A hook  515  and a micro-insert  520  are locked in place within a micro-chamber  525  of the FBRS  505 . The crawfish soft bait lure  500  also includes a plurality of legs  530  which extend from the tube-shaped body  510 . In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the plurality of legs  530  can include an FBRS. In one embodiment, the FBRS in the legs  530  can be connected to the FBRS  505  in the tube-shaped body  510  such that the legs  530  cannot be bitten off by a fish. Alternatively, the FBRS in the legs  530  may not be connected to the FBRS  505  in the tube-shaped body  510 . 
       FIG. 26  is a side view of a shad soft bait lure  535  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The shad soft bait lure  535  includes a rattle insert  540  and a hook  545 .  FIG. 27  is a cut-away perspective view of a solid resilient tube-shaped soft bait lure  555  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The tube-shaped soft bait lure  555  includes a hook  560  and a treble hook  565 . In alternative embodiments, a soft bait lure with one or more FBRSs can mimic a grub, a fry, a lizard, a salamander, an eel, a snake, a frog, a squid, a plant, a bait fish of any size, or any other object or animal which is capable of attracting a fish. 
       FIGS. 29A-29E  are partial cross-sectional side views of molding systems for creating a reinforced elastomer product in accordance with illustrative embodiments. Each of the molding systems in  FIGS. 29A-29E  include a top mold tool (or top mold)  600 , a bottom mold tool (or bottom mold)  605 , and a plurality of posts  610 . In an illustrative embodiment, top mold tool  600  and bottom mold tool  605  can be made of any material that has a higher melting point than the elastomer that is to be molded in the molding system. Illustrative materials can include steel and aluminum. Interior surfaces of top mold tool  600  and bottom mold tool  605  can each be semi-circular such that a front or rear view cross section of the molded elastomer is circular in shape. Alternatively, interior surfaces of top mold tool  600  and/or bottom mold tool  605  may take on other shapes such that the molded elastomer is ovular, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. in cross section 
     Top mold tool  600  and bottom mold tool  605  can be placed in an open configuration and a closed configuration through the use of one or more hinges, hydraulics, pulleys, etc. For example, hydraulics, pulleys, manpower, etc. can be used to lift top mold tool  600  off of bottom mold tool  605  to place the molding system in the open configuration. Alternatively, top mold tool  600  and bottom mold tool  605  may be mounted to one another through the use of one or more hinges (not shown) such that the molding system can be opened and closed. In an illustrative embodiment, the molding system includes an opening (not shown) for receiving the elastomer. Except for the opening, the interior of molding system and the inserted reinforcement shell are sealed from the external environment by top mold tool  600 , bottom mold tool  605 , and one or more end walls (not shown) when the molding system is in the closed configuration. The one or more end walls may be formed at least in part by top mold tool  600  and/or bottom mold tool  605 . 
       FIGS. 29A-29E  illustrate top mold tool  600  and bottom mold tool  605  in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, a reinforcement shell  615  is supported by posts  610  and held in place by one or more pins, which are described in more detail below. The elastomer is injected into the molding system while reinforcement shell  615  is held in place and while the molding system is in the closed configuration. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 29A-29E , the elastomer fills an interior of reinforcement shell  615  such that the finished elastomer product has a closed or filled micro-chamber (or interior). The molded elastomer also surrounds the exterior of reinforcement shell  615  such that reinforcement shell  615  is encompassed within the finished elastomer product. Once the elastomer is set and/or cooled, the molding system is placed into the open configuration. In an illustrative embodiment, top mold  600  is at least partially removed from bottom mold  605  (or vice versa) to place the molding system in the open configuration. In the open configuration, the molded elastomer reinforced by reinforcement shell  615  is removed from the molding system, and a new reinforcement shell  615  can be inserted into the molding system for production of another reinforced elastomer product. 
     Posts  610  are used to provide support for reinforcement shell  615  during the molding process. In an illustrative embodiment, when top mold tool  600  and bottom mold tool  605  are in the closed configuration, posts  610  are in contact with an outer surface of reinforcement shell  615 . Posts  610  can be made of any material (i.e., steel, brass, aluminum, etc.) that has a higher melting point than the elastomer that is to be molded in the molding system. Four posts  610  are illustrated in each of the molding systems of  FIGS. 29A-29E . Additional or fewer posts may be used in alternative embodiments. Reinforcement shell  615  can be a fiber braided mesh shell that is placed into and secured by the molding system prior to injection of the elastomer. In one embodiment, a single molding system can include a plurality of molding chambers lined up side-by-side (or in any other configuration) for the mass production of reinforced elastomer. The single molding system can include a common top mold tool and a common bottom mold tool. 
     In one embodiment, a computer system can be used to perform at least a portion of the molding process. The computer system can include at least a processor, a memory, and a wired or wireless transceiver for communicating with the molding system and/or other machinery. The memory can be configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the molding system to perform any of the operations described herein for molding a reinforced elastomer. As an example, the computer system can place the molding system into the open configuration, control a robotic arm (or other machine) to place a reinforcement shell into the mold so that the reinforcement shell is secured by one or more holding pins, place the molding system in the closed configuration, and cause an injection machine to inject the elastomer into the closed molding system. The computer system can also cause a blower, water or otherwise liquid-cooled in-system tool chiller systems, independent chiller plate systems, air-conditioning unit, etc. to cool the molding system. The computer system can further place the molding system into the open configuration and use a robotic arm (or other machine) to remove the molded reinforced elastomer. 
       FIG. 29A  illustrates an injection mold with full length holding pins  620  in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, two full-length holding pins  620  extend between each pair of posts  610  of the injection mold. Holding pins  620  can be mounted to the top pair of posts  610  that are mounted to top mold tool  600  and/or to the bottom pair of posts  610  that are mounted to bottom mold tool  605 . In an illustrative embodiment, holding pins  620  extend into entrance holes in reinforcement shell  615 , through the interior of reinforcement shell  615  and out of exit holes in reinforcement shell  615 . The entrance and exit holes can be part of the mesh configuration of reinforcement shell  615 . Holding pins  620  keep reinforcement shell  615  secured in place during the injection molding process. 
       FIG. 29B  illustrates an injection mold with holding pins  625  in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Holding pins  625 , two of which are mounted to each of bottom posts  610 , extend into entrance holes of reinforcement shell  615  and into an interior of reinforcement shell  615  to secure reinforcement shell  615  during the injection molding process. Holding pins  625  extend approximately half way between bottom posts  610  and top posts  610 , and do not extend all the way through the interior of reinforcement shell  615 . 
       FIG. 29C  illustrates an injection mold with holding pins  630  in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. A single holding pin  630  is mounted to each of bottom posts  610 . Holding pins  630  have tapered (or pointed) ends for placement through the mesh structure of reinforcement shell  615 . Holding pins  630  extend into entrance holes of reinforcement shell  615  and into an interior of reinforcement shell  615  to secure reinforcement shell  615  during the injection molding process. Holding pins  630  extend approximately half way between bottom posts  610  and top posts  610 , and do not extend all the way through the interior of reinforcement shell  615 . 
       FIG. 29D  illustrates an injection mold with holding pins  635  in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. A single holding pin  635  is mounted to each of bottom posts  610 . Holding pins  635  have tapered (or pointed) ends for placement through the mesh structure of reinforcement shell  615 . Holding pins  635  extend into entrance holes of reinforcement shell  615 , through an interior of reinforcement shell  615 , and out from exit holes to secure reinforcement shell  615  during the injection molding process. Holding pins  630  extend all the way between bottom posts  610  and top posts  610 . 
       FIG. 29E  illustrates an injection mold with holding pins  640  in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. A single holding pin  640  is mounted to each of bottom posts  610 . Holding pins  640  extend into entrance holes of reinforcement shell  615 , through an interior of reinforcement shell  615 , and into sheaths  645  that are mounted to top posts  610 . Sheaths  645  extend into the interior of reinforcement shell and provide a receptacle for securing holding pins  640 . As such, reinforcement shell  615  is secured during the injection molding process. In one embodiment, sheaths  645  include a plurality of members (or pins) that are configured to extend through the mesh of reinforcement shell  615  and into the interior of reinforcement shell  615 . 
       FIGS. 30A and 30B  are partial cross-sectional side views of molding systems for creating a reinforced elastomer product with an open micro-chamber in accordance with illustrative embodiments. The molding systems, which can be similar to the molding systems described with reference to  FIGS. 29A-29E , are illustrated in the closed configuration. Each of the molding systems includes a top mold tool  700  and a bottom mold tool  705 . The molding system of  FIG. 30A  includes a plurality of posts  710  having a first diameter and the molding system of  FIG. 30B  includes a plurality of posts  715  having a second diameter, where the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. In alternative embodiments, additional or fewer posts may be used. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, posts  710  and posts  715  contact an outer surface of a reinforcement shell  720  that is to be molded into an elastomer embodiment. Posts  710  and posts  715  are used to provide support and help secure reinforcement shell  720  during the injection molding process. An insert  725  is placed into an interior of reinforcement shell  720  such that the elastomer does not entirely fill the interior of reinforcement shell  720 , resulting in an open micro-chamber. Insert  725  includes a plurality of fins  730  corresponding to posts  710  and posts  715 . In alternative embodiments, fewer or additional fins may be used. Fins  730  help to maintain a shape of reinforcement shell  720  during the injection molding process. Fins  730  may also contact reinforcement shell  720  at locations adjacent to the locations of posts  710  and posts  715  to help secure reinforcement shell  720  during the injection molding. Upon injection of an elastomer into the molding system, the elastomer extends into the interior of reinforcement shell to surround insert  725  such that reinforcement shell  720  is encapsulated by the elastomer. After the reinforced elastomer is molded, insert  725  can be left inside reinforcement shell  720  or removed, depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment, insert  725  may extend for only a portion of the length of reinforcement shell  720 . 
       FIG. 31  is a partial cross-sectional side view of a molding system for compressing portions of a reinforcement shell in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The molding system includes a top mold tool  800  and a bottom mold tool  805 , which can be similar to the embodiments described with reference to  FIGS. 29 and 30 . The molding system includes first posts  810  having a first length and a first holding pin  815  that extends between first posts  810 . In an illustrative embodiment, the first length of first posts  810  is such that first posts  810  contact a portion of a surface of a reinforcement shell  820  that is in an uncompressed state. The molding system also includes second posts  825  having a second length and second holding pins  830  that extend between corresponding pairs of second posts  825 . The second length of second posts  825  is such that at least a portion of reinforcement shell  820  is compressed when top mold tool  800  and bottom mold tool  805  are in the closed configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 31 . As described with reference to  FIG. 29 , first holding pin  815  and second holding pins  830  are used to secure reinforcement shell  820  in place during the injection molding process. 
     Compressing one or more portions of reinforcement shell  820  allows different portions of the reinforced elastomer product to have different amounts of flexibility. For example, the portion of the reinforced elastomer product that includes an uncompressed portion of reinforcement shell  820  is less flexible (and has less wiggle) than the portions of the reinforced elastomer product that include compressed portions of reinforcement shell  820 .  FIG. 31  illustrates a closed micro-chamber embodiment. In alternative embodiments, an insert can be used to form a reinforced elastomer with a compressed shell and an open micro-chamber. 
     As discussed above, the inventor has perceived that traditional soft elastomer-based products have been prone to failure by ripping and tearing during regular use by end users. As such, the inventor has perceived of the reinforced elastomer embodiments described herein to create longer lasting more durable products. Often it can be the case that the ripping and tearing of soft elastomer products renders the products useless or defective. Additionally, failure of soft elastomer components can often render whole product assemblies undesirable and therefore useless. This effect can be undesirable for consumers and for the environment as these products can take many hundreds of years to break down in nature and can end up either in landfills discarded as waste, or often at no fault of end users, as waste scattered about the environment. 
     Examples of soft elastomer component failure can be found in implement handles that rip and tear off after several uses such as handle bar coverings and grips, railing hand hold coverings and grips, ladder grips, crutch underarm padding and hand grips, handicapped walkers padding and grips, hand hold grips of all kinds, soft elastomer pen/pencil grips, foamed elastomer swimming noodles, foamed elastomer life guard buoys, life preservers, helmet padding of all types, arm rests, chewy elastomer animal toys, soft dog retriever dummies, etc. In these examples, once ripping and tearing takes place, it renders use of the product or its component assembly of associated products unsatisfactory. In many instances, these products are discarded or rarely used again. 
     Reinforcement of soft elastomer products presents a wide range of products having superior robustness and usability. An illustrative reinforced elastomer product can be a fishing lure as described herein. Additional reinforced elastomer products include reinforced soft polymer handles and handholds for the lawn and garden industry, vehicular reinforced handles, steering wheel covers, bicycle/motorcycle handlebar grips, vehicular door runners, etc. Military applications include reinforced soft handles and handholds for military transport vehicles in sea, land, and air operations, handles for heavy and medium weight military hardware of all kinds used to carry and tote military hardware of all types in the field, in combat, in training exercises, or civilian use, rope ladder rungs for use in sea, land, and air operations, etc. For the sporting goods industry, reinforced soft elastomer products can include handles or handle wraps for golf clubs, tennis rackets, fishing rods, hockey sticks, etc. 
     Additional reinforced elastomer applications include running belts for machinery, reinforced polymer washers and gaskets/seals of all kinds for creating regular or high pressure seals for any use, stair and other railing hand hold coverings and grips, interior and/or exterior helmet protection for bicycle helmets, sporting equipment helmets, motorcycle helmets, helmet protection for football and baseball and all kinds, etc. The reinforced elastomer can also be used for grips on crutches, underarm support for crutches, grips on wheel chairs, grips on hospital beds, and grips for other medical products used in the medical industry. In one embodiment, the reinforced elastomer can be used to replace tendons and/or ligaments in humans and animals. For example, an embodiment can be of architectures that can allow intermodal fluid injection into a cavity or micro-chamber of the reinforced elastomer during or after the molding phase to mimic the softness and collapsible characteristics of body tissue. Another embodiment can be the use in artificial joint replacement within architectures designed for implementation and incorporation into joint architectures as strengthening ligaments, tendons, or other to support overall functioning of the device. The reinforced elastomer can also be used for regenerative tissue replacement, etc. As such, the reinforced elastomer can be used internally (i.e., within the body of a subject). The embodiments described herein can also be used in prosthetic orthopedic devices, artificial limbs, etc. that may be internal or external to the body of the subject. 
     Embodiments can also be used in archictectures assembled as panel and component protection for civilian and military use for blast, vibration, acoustic and sound proofing applications. Embodiments can also be used for military and civilian applications as blast, vibration and acoustic protection in helmets, vest and body armor protection, etc. Embodiments can also be used for protection against blasts, vibration and acoustic for military and civilian vehicles used in sea, land and air operations. The reinforced elastomer can further be used for pencil/pen grips, a soft swimming noodle, life guard buoys, life preservers, chewy elastomer toys for animals, dog retriever dummies, etc. 
     The reinforced elastomer can also be used for partial or complete component encapsulation for components such as homing devices, global positioning system devices, high or low frequency transmitting devices, acoustic emission devices, rattles, light bulbs, light strobes, weights, floatation, additional reinforcement, fluids of various nature, etc. In such an embodiment, components to be encapsulated are placed between holding pins in a mold for securing a reinforcement shell such that the reinforcement shell and the components are held secure and with precision during the molding process. Embodiments utilizing encapsulation embodiments can be incorporated into clothing and other textile articles, into personal carrying bags and other equipment carrying devices in all domains, into equipment and article used in and for military and civilian uses, military and civilian articles and equipment in general, military and civilian search and rescue equipment and articles used for land, sea and air use, etc. 
     Embodiments described herein of a reinforced soft elastomer have the ability to hold up under very strenuous conditions, offering dynamic and durable soft plastic strength, reinforcement and ergonomic qualities that substantially reduce cut off of blood circulation in fingers or hands gripping these reinforced soft elastomer products or components thereby providing embodiments that can allow longer hand hold and grip ability desired for use conditions. This provides transformational improvements and a substantially longer product life for a variety of conventional, industry, civilian and military products and components and development of a large array of new products. The embodiments described herein render dynamic strength to soft elastomer handholds and products of all kinds, which may be injection molded or extruded. Specifically, when a user grips a soft elastomer handgrip strongly, vascular circulation is not cut off as rapidly as with a hard, rigid handhold. 
     The reinforced elastomers described herein present an array of soft, durable, dynamic strength handholds of all sorts, railing hand holds of all kinds, ladder rung sleeves of all kinds, weapons and weapon system handholds; ammunition box handholds, civilian and military vehicle, aircraft, boat, and ship handholds and railing components. As such, military personnel can hold heavy objects and run in battlefield situations with very soft yet secure handholds and handles on their various combat ready equipment and supplies with substantially longer hold times as circulation to fingers and hands is preserved, and the handholds do not fail. For example, military personnel can run with heavy military equipment under battle conditions (such as M-60s, heavy mortar and anti-tank missile equipment, and related heavy ammo boxes) without losing circulation or dropping their loads. Similarly, tactical units can enter and exit battlefield situations rapidly while gripping soft yet dynamically tough soft reinforced elastomer rope ladders, rungs, or handholds of all kinds in helicopters, in planes, on ships, in amphibious vehicles, on tanks, and in troop transport vehicles, etc. 
     In other embodiments, reinforced architectures can be side-by-side layered reinforcement or multiple sheets of layered embodiments that can provide physical, blast, vibration and acoustic protection for a variety of conventional, industry, civilian and military applications. Examples of such military grade embodiments can be insertable and/or assembled helmet and personnel protection vests and body armor of all kinds; blast, vibration and acoustic protection panels for military and civilian vehicles of all locomotion—for sea, land and air use. For sporting goods and equipment, uses could be for sporting equipment articles worn, shock and acoustic absorption protection panels of all kinds needed and appropriate for and at sporting venues, for reinforced, shock absorbing in-helmet insert assemblies and other worn equipment articles. For general and heavy industrial applications such the construction industry, embodiments can provide vibration and acoustic protection panels for vehicular, helmet and body protection that can be incorporated into protecting work chambers, work areas, equipment, vehicles and personnel. Embodiments applications for civilian, industrial and military use are not limited to those listed above. 
     According to illustrative embodiments, the modular reinforced elastomer product system represents transformational, industry-wide improvements for contemporary soft elastomer architectures in their manufacture and use by end-users through innovative and modular structural reinforcement technology and accompanying component sub-technologies. 
     One object of the illustrative embodiments is a scalable, modular, innovative reinforced soft elastomer product and component platform made by way of specific manufactured structural reinforcement technology designed to significantly enhance soft elastomer strength and associated expandability characteristics, that can hold essential soft elastomer properties of being soft and highly flexible, and having high tensile strength. 
     In one embodiment, tubular, expandable Fiber-Braided Reinforcement Shell (FBRS) technology can be used to implement a modular elastomer product reinforcement system platform. The illustrative embodiments can include the following scalable and interchangeable modular technology components: Fiber-Braid Reinforcement Shell (FBRS) Technologies, Micro-Fiber Flocking Reinforcement (MFFR) Compounding Technologies, Micro-Chamber (MC) Technologies, Designed for Assembly (DFA) and Designed for Manufacture (DFM) Lock-On Technologies, Designed for Assembly (DFA) and Designed for Manufacture (DFM) Sub-Chamber Lock (SCL) Technologies, etc. 
     Core soft elastomer strengthening characteristics can be achieved by placement of made-to-spec tensile strength, single or multiple, flexible, expandable, fiber-braided reinforcement shells (FBRS) into soft elastomer molding during product or component manufacture. The fiber braid reinforcement shells can provide protective, yet expandable structural support to soft elastomer products or component encapsulation and a modular elastomer product reinforcement system platform. Supplemental to soft elastomer strengthening advantages, fiber-braided reinforcement shells can be fabricated highly reflective or of chosen color characteristics as an interchangeable modular design system component for placement within translucent or non-translucent elastomer depending on design characteristics desired for products or components. 
     Micro-Fiber Flocking Reinforcement (MFFR) technology, as an additional interchangeable component of illustrative embodiments, provides additional elastomer compounding reinforcement properties for products and components. Flavored or unflavored elastomer compounding for soft elastomer manufacture can be another modular, mix and match component of this modular elastomer product reinforcement system. 
     Open or closed micro-chambers within narrowly expandable fiber-braided reinforcement shell and notched sub-chamber lock technologies allow product or component system scalability and modular interchangeability of snuggly held or loosely fitting insert media. Closed micro-chamber FBRS-reinforced technologies also allow soft elastomer product manufacturers mix and match options to mold in modular insert media directly into products within the hold and protection of FBRS technology during injection molding, extrusion, or other production processes known in the art. FBRS technologies can provide capability for modular reinforced products or components to be locked on by the manufacturer or by the end-user at one or more selected positions within the reinforced product. This can be accomplished with manufacturing sub system attachment assemblies as they are passed through and within the tubular reinforcement shells. The modular reinforced elastomer product platform of illustrative embodiments can utilize a single or multiple reinforcement shell technology platform. 
     In one embodiment, the reinforcement shells described herein can be coated with an adhesive or other substance to promote bonding of the reinforcement shell with the elastomer. The reinforcement shell can be made from a carbon fiber, carbon nano-fiber, and/or any other fiber known to those of skill in the art. The elastomers described herein can be a rubber-like substances of any kind such as natural or synthetic rubber and comparable polymer elastomeric substances. The elastomers can be synthetic materials that behave like rubber but made from synthetic polymers superior to rubber in mechanical or chemical properties. Elastomeric polymers that can be formulated as elastomers can be polyurethane, butyl rubber, silicones and specially treated ethylene-propylene copolymers. 
     The elastomers described herein can also be unsaturated rubbers elastomers that can be cured by sulfur vulcanization and can include natural rubber (NR), synthetic polyisoprene (IR), Butyl rubber (copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene, IIR)—halogenated butyl rubbers (chloro butyl rubber: CIIR; bromo butyl rubber: BIIR), polybutadiene (BR), styrene-butadiene rubber (copolymer of polystyrene and polybutadiene, SBR), nitrile rubber (copolymer of polybutadiene and acrylonitrile, NBR), also called buna N rubbers—hydrogenated nitrile rubbers (HNBR), therban and zetpol, chloroprene Rubber (CR), polychloroprene, Neoprene, Baypren etc. 
     The elastomers described herein can also include saturated rubbers elastomers that cannot be cured by sulfur vulcanization, and can include EPM (ethylene propylene rubber, a copolymer of ethylene and propylene) and EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene rubber, a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene-component), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), polyacrylic rubber (ACM, ABR), silicone rubber (SI, Q, VMQ), fluorosilicone Rubber (FVMQ), fluoroelastomers (FKM, and FEPM) Viton, Tecnoflon, Fluorel, Aflas and Dai-El, perfluoroelastomers (FFKM) Tecnoflon PFR, Kalrez, Chemraz, Perlast, polyether Block Amides (PEBA), chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSM), (Hypalon), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) 
     The elastomers described herein can further include other types of elastomers such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), for example Elastron, etc., thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV), for example Santoprene TPV, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic olefins (TPO), the proteins resilin and elastin, polysulfide rubber. 
     The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting with respect to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.