Abstract: A sports training/exercise apparatus attached to a swinging sports apparatus, typically a racquet and most specifically a tennis racquet. The apparatus includes a drag chute with a rigid member disposed therearound and a clamp secured to each side of the drag chute. A transverse support rod is positioned between the clamps and includes an aperture therein. The apparatus further includes brackets at the top and bottom of the racquet head. A longitudinal support rod is positioned between the brackets and extends through the aperture in the transverse support rod. Thus, the transverse support rod, the side clamps, and the drag chute are slidable along the longitudinal support rod to adjust resistance. A locking mechanism can be used to lock the transverse support rod in a position along the longitudinal support rod.

Abstract: An information processing system inclines processing circuitry that is configured to receive input data from a shock sensor which outputs data based on a shock on the shock sensor, and identify a target segment of time-series data that is output from a motion sensor that senses a motion of an object. The target segment includes a pre-shock portion that occurs before the shock event and a post-shock portion that occurs after the shock event, the shock event is recognized based on the data from the shock sensor.

Abstract: A golf training device comprising a body having a cylinder section including a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The cylinder section defines an interior portion extending from the first end to the second end. A flange section is coupled to the cylinder section proximate the second end. An edge is formed on a perimeter of the disc. A receiver is formed in the interior portion proximate the first end of the cylinder section. The receiver is configured to receive an end of a golf club grip. The interior portion is configured to contact the golf club grip in a fixed position. The edge portion configured to contact a forearm such that the forearm and a centerline of the golf club form an alignment angle. The alignment angle orients the golfers hands, wrist and forearms with a centerline of a golf club shaft.

Abstract: A swing analyzing apparatus includes: a three-axis acceleration sensor attached to a tennis racket, for measuring accelerations in the directions of three axes when a swing for hitting a tennis ball is taken with the tennis racket; a three-axis gyro sensor attached to the tennis racket, for measuring angular speeds about the three axes; and an analyzing device. The analyzing device has a receiving function to receive data regarding the accelerations and the angular speeds from the three-axis acceleration sensor and the three-axis gyro sensor; a coordinate axis conversion function to convert relative coordinate axes that are the three axes for the accelerations into absolute coordinate axes on the basis of the angular speeds; and a calculation function to calculate an index of the swing on the basis of accelerations resulting from the coordinate axis conversion.

Abstract: An exercise, practice, and training device has a transition piece adjustably connected to a distal end of a handle. An action receiving element is bendably connected to a distal portion of the transition piece and extends distally therefrom. The action receiving element is also connected to the transition piece by a biasing element that biases the action receiving element into alignment with the transition piece and enables bending during exercise, practice, and training by the user.

Abstract: A system for a racket comprises an inertial sensor for coupling to the racket, a processor connected to the inertial sensor, and a memory device connected to the processor. The inertial sensor includes an accelerometer array with three degrees of freedom in acceleration and a gyro array with three degrees of freedom in rotation. The processor is configured to generate stroke profiles describing acceleration and rotation of the racket based on signals from the accelerometer and the gyro arrays, and the memory device is configured to store the stroke profiles.

Abstract: Described are sports training aid(s) such as tennis grips. The tennis grips have markers showing a player where to place their hands and fingers to get a correct grip for a particular tennis shot. Also described are marker indicators having marker indicator comprising one or more indicators indicating to a subject where to put markers on a grip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for gathering ball game data and in particular tennis match data in real time. To this end the system comprises a hands-free voice receiving means (4) adapted to receive words spoken by the player (2) wearing the receiving means. The words are then analyzed by an analyzing means adapted to analyze a dedicated ball game vocabulary used by the player. The analysis of the spoken words translates these words into digital match data. This data can be displayed, at least as score of the game by a display (10). More elaborate match data information can be gathered. Such data may be fed to an expert system giving back advice to the player.

Abstract: A training aid (10) provides real-time biometric feedback for swung or linearly accelerated implements where the feedback is provided above a user adjustable threshold. The training aid (10) includes a two-part housing (12) and mounting means for releasably mounting the housing to an implement. A battery (16) is located in the housing (12) with a buzzer (22) connected to the battery (16) through an electrical circuit. A force activated switch (14) in the electrical circuit is activated to energize the buzzer (22) to sound in response to displacement of the training aid. The force activated switch (14) has a force threshold at which the force activated switch (14) is activated to energize the buzzer (22) to sound. The force activated switch (14) is configured so that the force threshold is user adjustable.

Abstract: A tennis skill training device comprising a substantially planar foot placement platform platform having foot placement graphics disposed thereon, the foot placement graphics consisting of a first stance position representing right and left foot positions for a right-handed player proximate a first court position, a second stance position representing right and left foot positions for a right-handed player proximate a second court position, and a first toss target representing a first forward foot post-stroke position for the right-handed player. In some embodiments, the graphics include a third stance position representing right and left foot positions for a left-handed player proximate the first court position, a fourth stance position representing right and left foot positions for the left-handed player proximate the second court position, and a second toss target representing a first forward foot post-stroke position for the left-handed player.

Abstract: An athletic paddle training apparatus 10 includes an elongate handle portion 20, a coupling region 30 at a distal end 22 of the paddle portion, and a game play head 40 operatively coupled with the handle portion 20 at the coupling region 30. The elongate handle portion is configured to be gripped by an associated user. The game play head 40 has first 46 and second 48 game play regions on opposite first 42 and second 44 sides thereof. The first game play region 46 defines a substantially planar first game play surface 56 on the first side 42 and the second game play region 48 defines a substantially spherical second game play surface 58 on the second side 44 of the game play head 40. In an example embodiment, the second game play surface 58 has a likeness of a #5 soccer ball.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for capturing tennis play data is preferably in the form of an apparatus which can be worn on the body of the player, particularly with an armband (12) on an arm of the player. By way of example, it comprises a voice recognition device with a microphone and particularly also motion sensors or further sensors. The sensors can record and later evaluate data from the player which are relevant to tennis play.

Abstract: A training device which includes a face with a first region and a second region, said first region adapted to provide an first auditory output when struck by a tennis ball and said second region adapted to provide a second auditory output when struck by a tennis ball, wherein said first auditory output and said second auditory output are different, a circumferentially grooved region adjacent said face, and a ringlet engageable with said grooved region.

Abstract: TP Weights 5 is A Weighted Training Tennis Racquet for Actual Tennis practice. The Racquet helps develop, strengthen, condition the major muscles and tendons used for Tennis. A tennis players arms and wrist, shoulders, back, neck, abdomen all benefit from this device. The Racquet when weighted in accordance with the invention will increase the strength, control and power of its user when practicing the game of Tennis. This device has a NEW AND IMPROVED SCREW ON BOTTOM CAP WITH RUBBER BUMPER securing the weights and weight Spacers in place inside of the handle and reducing impact vibrations. The handle opens at the bottom of the Racquet, allowing the NEW AND IMPROVED ABS PLACTIC-MOLDED weighted metal bars which also reduce impact vibration, to be inserted for desired weight and light plastic weight spacers to fill space in chamber for less weight. Keeping desired weights from shifting.

Abstract: A training device which includes a face with a first region and a second region, said first region adapted to provide an first auditory output when struck by a tennis ball and said second region adapted to provide a second auditory output when struck by a tennis ball, wherein said first auditory output and said second auditory output are different, a circumferentially grooved region adjacent said face, and a ringlet engageable with said grooved region.

Abstract: A practice band to surround or replace the existing grip of a (e.g., tennis) racket so that a visual indication is provided as to where the hand or hands should be correctly positioned with respect to the grip by a player who is practicing a variety of (e.g., tennis) strokes. According to a preferred embodiment, the practice band is provided with a series of parallel-aligned stripes having different colors to correspond with the different positions around the grip to which the player's hand or hands should be rotated depending upon the stroke to be practiced. The practice band is also provided with printed indicia that is applied over the stripes to identify the different strokes to which the colored stripes of the band correspond.

Abstract: A system for a racket comprises an inertial sensor for coupling to the racket, a processor connected to the inertial sensor, and a memory device connected to the processor. The inertial sensor includes an accelerometer array with three degrees of freedom in acceleration and a gyro array with three degrees of freedom in rotation. The processor is configured to generate stroke profiles describing acceleration and rotation of the racket based on signals from the accelerometer and the gyro arrays, and the memory device is configured to store the stroke profiles.

Abstract: A tennis skill training device comprising a substantially planar foot placement platform platform having foot placement graphics disposed thereon, the foot placement graphics consisting of a first stance position representing right and left foot positions for a right-handed player proximate a first court position, a second stance position representing right and left foot positions for a right-handed player proximate a second court position, and a first toss target representing a first forward foot post-stroke position for the right-handed player. In some embodiments, the graphics include a third stance position representing right and left foot positions for a left-handed player proximate the first court position, a fourth stance position representing right and left foot positions for the left-handed player proximate the second court position, and a second toss target representing a first forward foot post-stroke position for the left-handed player.

Abstract: A tennis stoke practice device comprises a tube comprising a first end, a second end and a hollow interior. The first end and the second end are operable for joining of accessories. A grip-bud is removably joinable to the first end. The grip-bud is configured to close the hollow interior at the first end. A grip is joined to the tube to abut the grip-bud. The grip-bud and grip comprise an octagonal shape. A movable insert is configured for projectile movement through the hollow interior in which, during a desired swing of the device, a longitudinal axis of the movable insert is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the hollow interior. During an undesired swing of the device, the longitudinal axis of the movable insert rotates out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the hollow interior.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for improving performance in sports where a swinging motion is needed. In some embodiments, a swing resistance device may be attached to or be built into elongated sport apparatus, such as racquets, clubs, bats, sticks, and the like, configured to resist a swinging motion of the sport apparatus by capturing air and utilizing a force of air resistance, similar to a parachute. The swing resistance device is generally attached to the elongated sport apparatus by coupling components that allow the swing resistance device to freely rotate around the effective longitudinal axis of the elongated sport apparatus. During a swing, air resistance creates dynamic forces that over time may improve swing power and path.

Abstract: A sports training device comprising a handle of a sporting implement with a flexible, elastic band attached at one end at or proximate to one end of the handle. The opposite end of the band comprises a clip, loop, hook, or other fastening device, or combination thereof. The size, weight, and general configuration of the handle varies depending on the sport, and is generally intended to simulate the user holding the corresponding sporting equipment (e.g., baseball bat, softball bat, golf club, tennis racquet, hockey stick, lacrosse stick, cricket bat, and the like). During use, the band is attached to a relatively stable and fixed object, and the user performs the swing against the resistance created by the elastic band.

Abstract: An athletic paddle training apparatus 10 includes an elongate handle portion 20, a coupling region 30 at a distal end 22 of the paddle portion, and a game play head 40 operatively coupled with the handle portion 20 at the coupling region 30. The elongate handle portion is configured to be gripped by an associated user. The game play head 40 has first 46 and second 48 game play regions on opposite first 42 and second 44 sides thereof. The first game play region 46 defines a substantially planar first game play surface 56 on the first side 42 and the second game play region 48 defines a substantially spherical second game play surface 58 on the second side 44 of the game play head 40. In an example embodiment, the second game play surface 58 has a likeness of a #5 soccer ball.

Abstract: A tennis skill training device having grip emulating a tennis racquet grip sized to be held by a user. The device includes a grip, a single flexible umbilical having a first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the grip, and a weight attached to the second end of the umbilical.

Abstract: A tennis skill training device having a grip emulating a tennis racquet grip sized to be held by a user when employing the device for training. The grip has a length and circumference, a butt end and a distal end. The device further includes a flexible umbilical having first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the grip and a weight attached to the second end of the umbilical, the length of the device being measured from its butt end of the pip to the weight being approximately the length of a tennis racquet. The device is particularly suitable for carrying out a method of training a user to properly serve a tennis ball.

Abstract: A sports training device having grip sized to be held by a user when employing the device for training and a flexible umbilical having a first and second ends, the first end being attached to and emanating from the distal end of the grip and an adjustable weight attached to the second end of the umbilical. The device, when properly used, improves a user's throwing or serving technique and develops the appropriate mechanics for properly performing an overhead motion, such as throwing a pitch, passing a football, hitting a volleyball, serving a tennis ball, etc.

Abstract: An exercise racquet to aid in the playing development of the user. The racquet incorporates a handle and a solid planar member extending from the handle. The planar member has a centrally located stabilizer member including a longitudinally concave length located on both surfaces of the planar member, the longitudinal concave length having curved wings with downwardly extending shoulders so that the planar member provides resistance to the racquet being stroked through the air and a stabilizer member to prevent the racquet from lifting.

Abstract: Assisting a player of a racket sport, such as tennis, in positional awareness of the racket head, both visually and physically, is disclosed by adding an axial extension to the racket handle, the axial extension of similar or greater length than that of the racket. Regardless of racket position, whether or not within the direct sight of the player, a visually obvious indicator located at the end of the extension permits positional awareness of the racket before, during, and after each swing. Such positional awareness can also be obtained when both the racket and visually obvious indicator at the end of the handle extension are not visible by physical contact, when any part of the handle extension touches the body indicating poor racket initial position, swing motion, or follow-through after each swing.

Abstract: A sensor system for identifying an impact point of a ball hitting a ball hitting means, and a system and method for improving a hitting technique based thereupon. One system comprises an optical array, an motion processing module, a processing unit and an interface unit. The optical array is attached to the ball hitting means and comprises light emitters and light detectors arranged to repeatedly determine consequent impact points of the ball by detecting reflections of emitted optical signals. The motion processing module is attached to the ball hitting means measures its motion characteristics. The processing unit is arranged to analyze and process the consequent impact points and the motion characteristics of the ball hitting means to characterized the hitting technique. The interface unit is arranged to present the hitting technique, generate suggestions for improving the hitting technique and allow further analysis of the hitting technique.

Abstract: An exercise racquet to aid in the playing development of the user. The racquet incorporates a handle and a solid planar member extending from the handle. The planar member has a centrally located stabiliser member including a longitudinally concave length located on both surfaces of the planar member, the longitudinal concave length having curved wings with downwardly extending shoulders so that the planar member provides resistance to the racquet being stroked through the air and a stabiliser member to prevent the racquet from lifting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a training grip for a tennis racket. The training grip has a series of protrusions and recesses that receive a user's hand and place it in proper position for a particular grip type. The present invention, in one embodiment, includes a universal training grip that allows the grip to be used for more than one grip type. The present invention includes methods, systems and kits that encompass such a tennis training grip.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for emulating the striking member and ball of selected sports, the striking member having an end portion including portions covered with a selectively engageable contact material such as Velcro™ brand fastener and further having a mass and size substantially in conformity with the mass and size of the striking member commonly employed in the selected sport, and a target member for emulating the playing object of the selected sport or game, the target member having a target portion similarly covered with a selectively engageable contact material such as Velcro™ brand fastener, where the mass and response of the target member is readily altered to emulate the mass and response of a ball under a variety of conditions by selectively attaching one or more momentum elements of varying size to the target member.

Abstract: A training grip that can be installed onto a tennis racquet handle for positioning a tennis player's hand or hands correctly on the racquet to teach or train the player individual tennis strokes. The training grip is adapted to be easily and removably installed onto the eight-sided handle of a tennis racquet directly over an existing grip that is permanently affixed to the racquet. The training grip is an elongated cup having a slit that runs lengthwise from the first end of the grip to the opposing second end of the grip and through the bottom of the grip through which the grip may be installed onto the racquet handle. The outer surface of the grip is molded to have ridges and depressions creating contours for receiving and positioning the player's fingers and thumbs of the player's hand or hands.

Abstract: A ball game device comprising a body 10 adapted to receive a hand 24 and a wrist 25 of a user 26, the body 10 presenting two hitting surfaces 14 for hitting a ball 20. The body 10 comprises two panels 12 with a cavity 22 therebetween for receiving the hand 24 and wrist 25 through an opening 23. The device may also be supplied in kit form.

Abstract: A ball retrieval device, particularly for integration in a tennis racket, includes a rotatable spool with a longitudinally displaceable carriage arranged thereon. Through rotation of the spool, a rubber-elastic thread element can be wound up on the latter or unwound therefrom, the carriage providing a well-tuned process with maximum compactness of the turns. To this end, the surface of the spool is provided with a helical groove in which the thread element is laid.

Abstract: A standard for supporting a game net above a playing surface is provided with an internal net tensioning system which allows the standard to be stored beneath the playing surface. A plurality of pre-set height stops are provided along the length of the standard to allow the net to be set at one of several different heights to accommodate the playing of different games by different playing abilities. Power cylinder mechanics permits the automatic raising and lowering of the standard with respect to the playing surface. A quick attachment system is provided for quickly and easily engaging and disengaging the net from the standard.

Abstract: A ball retrieval device, particularly for integration in a tennis racket, comprises a rotatable spool with a longitudinally movable carriage arranged thereon. Through rotation of the spool, a rubber-elastic thread element can be wound up on the latter resp. unwound therefrom, said carriage providing a well-tuned process with maximum compactness of the turns. To this end, the surface of said spool is provided with a helical groove in which said thread element is laid.

Abstract: A weighting device for use on an athletic ball striker as during handle swinging of the striker comprising a receptacle having an opening via which the ball striking portion is received into the receptacle, with the handle projecting from the receptacle, a retainer carried on the receptacle to be fastened in a position for retaining the receptacle in generally enclosing relation to the ball striking portion, and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the striker for use as in striker practice swinging, the retainer including a foldable flap that retains the receptacle to the striker during such practice swinging, the striking may for example comprise a baseball bat, or a tennis racket.

Abstract: Improvement introduced in tennis racket, applied to any racket traditionally used for the practice of tennis, independently of the material it is made of, ordinarily constituted by a strong oval ring (1) made of graphite, ceramic, metal or other suitable material, having held to its inner portion a not (2) formed by tensioned and crossed strings. while externally and aligned to its major axle there is an elongated anatomic handle (3) with a faceted crossed section. being that the said racket includes a contrasting color system for the orientation regarding the different positions the racket must be held by the tennis player, what shall quite enhance and speed up the learning process for kids and adults.

Abstract: A game machine that enables the playing of an enjoyable ball game within a limited space, particularly a baseball-related game. This game machine comprises a target (10) on which is displayed wording such as “single base hit”, a ball supply section (20a), a home base (112a) for a right-handed batter and a home base (112b) for a left-handed batter provided in a batting area (110), and a batter's box (114) therebetween. This game machine uses a predetermined evaluation means to detect whether a ball (200) hit by a player (300) using a bat (210) has hit the target (10), and displays an evaluation result on an on-base status display section (60a) and a numerical value display section (60b).

Abstract: An athletic training device such as a volleyball blocking device includes a front foam layer intended to contact a volleyball and a rear foam layer disposed rearwardly of front foam layer to absorb some of the force transmitted to said front foam layer. An inner layer comprised of a relatively stiff material is disposed between the front foam layer and the rear form layer. A hand receiving portion is secured on or adjacent to the rear foam layer for receipt of a user's hand.

Abstract: An improved ball launching racket has a flexible net disposed within a central opening of a racket by a plurality of removable clip and elastomeric band assemblies. The construction of the clip facilitates expedient mounting and removal of the elastomeric bands, thereby allowing a user to expeditiously change the tension in the net, which in turn, changes the launching characteristics of the ball launching racket. The clip construction promotes usage of elastomeric bands that are free from apertures or slits, so that stress concentration points within the elatomeric bands are eliminated, increasing the useful life of each band.

Abstract: A counting racket comprises a racket assembly defined by a handle, a throat and a racket face. The throat extending from the handle to the racket face. The racket assembly housing a electronic components which comprise: a controller, a memory, a power source, an acoustic sensor, a speaker, and at least one switch. The electronic components constructed and arranged to count a number of hits made when an object strikes the racket face. The electronic components further constructed and arranged to audibly recite the number of hits made by the object against the racket face.

Abstract: A tennis training device for aiding in tennis-swing training and warm-up exercises includes a tennis racket or like-shaped frame having handle and head portions spaced apart along a central axis, a central opening disposed between the frame portions, an axial shaft the opposite ends of which are removably mounted to the head and handle of the frame, and at least one weight member removably, slidably, securedly, mounted to the shaft at a preselected location in the central opening whereby to enable the player to adjust the center of gravity and weight balance of the frame. In a preferred embodiment, two temporary lockable interdigitating members and a locking member that engages the shaft to position the weight member at the preselected location define the weight member.

Abstract: A calorie counting racket has a skeleton (10) with a hollow grip (11) and a counter unit (20) secured inside the grip (11) with multiple press buttons and a display (25) protruding from a side surface of the grip (11). The counter unit (20) has a microprocessor (21), a frequency counter (22) to record numbers of swings of the racket, a force estimating unit (23) to detect acceleration of the skeleton (10), a set of press button to control the microprocessor (21), and a display (25) to show calorie data. So that the calorie counting racket determine the burned calories immediately and precisely in accordance with different users.

Abstract: A device (1) for measuring the strike velocity of a game ball struck by a striking element, particularly a tennis racket (2), said device being provided directly on the racket. The device comprises at least one measuring sensor mounted on the strings (4) of the racket (2) and arranged to output signals for the strength of the vibrations generated by the ball, means for processing said signals using microprocessors that analyse the signals and determine a measured value of the ball velocity, and means (6) for displaying said value. The processing means comprise a calibrating unit for automatically correcting the measured value depending on at least the features of the racket and the ball in order to provide a highly accurate and reliable result. Said measuring device is miniaturised and inexpensive and fits in a small housing (3) mounted on the racket (2) to enable the player to read the velocity value directly.

Abstract: A bat in the form of a sleeve can be slid over the hand of a player so that the latter can play as in tennis, on any type of ground, with or without a bounce on the ground. The bat (1) comprises an upper sleeve element (5) and a lower sleeve element (6) joined along an edge (7) wherein an opening (10) is provided for inserting the hand. Each sleeve element is more rigid in a flat central portion (11, 12) forming a striking surface than close to its periphery. The bat envelops and holds the hand due to its inherent elasticity. It may also comprise retaining means (13) on the surface and closure devices to each side of the wrist.

Abstract: A tennis practice device comprises a housing made of two oval elements. The two elements are made of a material which permits to stop the ball at the moment of the impact because the material when it is coupled with the material which covers the ball causes the ball to adhere strongly to the tennis racket. The device may be used indoors and a teacher may train several students at the same time to determine the point of impact of the ball.

Abstract: A stroke training and exercise device includes a hand-grip portion having the configuration of the handle of a tennis racket, a throat portion similar to a tennis racket, but a much smaller head band within which is secured, either permanently or detachably, a monolithic disk or "head" that selectively incorporates variable weights that cause the device to simulate the weight and balance of various types of tennis rackets.

Abstract: A system measures and records deflection of an elongated shaft such as the shaft of a golf club and provides a trace or diagram of the swing of the club. The system includes an elongated rod, mounted to the golf club shaft, and a separate recording system. Preferably the recording system is a writing platform mounted to the golf club shaft. The recording member is biased into contact with the writing platform. During swing of the golf club, deflection of the golf club shaft causes relative movement between the writing implement and the writing platform and a trace or diagram of the golf club swing is created.

Abstract: An electronic paddle that requires a player to strike an object with the paddle in a certain sequence. The electronic paddle includes a paddle that contains a game circuit and a speaker. The game circuit is connected to a first pressure sensor located on a first side of the paddle, and a second pressure sensor located on a second side of the paddle. The pressure sensors provide feedback signals to the game circuit when the paddle strikes the object. The game circuit and speaker generate a first sound when the object strikes the first side of the paddle, and a second sound when the object strikes the second side of the paddle. To play a game the player strikes the object with the first and second sides of the paddle in a pattern that is compared by the game circuit with a predetermined sequence. The game circuit and speaker can emit one sound to indicate a successful matching of the sequence, or another sound to indicate that the player did not strike the object in the correct sequence.