Abstract: This disclosure relates to a relatively compact smart ball launching system and associated methods for using the same. In various embodiments, the disclosed ball launching system may comprise a collapsible ball hopper that can store a larger number of balls while maintaining a relatively compact size. In certain embodiments, brushless motors may be used to improve power efficiency while allowing for accurate launch speeds and/or spins. In some embodiments, a pre-launch chamber may be included in a ball dispensing mechanism that may facilitate on-demand shots and/or power savings by shutting the ball launching system down when the ball hopper is empty. In further embodiments, the ball launching system may be controlled, at least in part, via a mobile device. In some implementations, the ball launching system may include and/or otherwise interface with a camera system to facilitate improved calibration and/or record user actions.

Abstract: A fletching jig can include constrictor ring that, when rotated, urges a plurality of arms supporting respective vanes toward an arrow supported in the jig to fletch the arrow. The arms can extend away from a base, which can support the arrow along a central axis. The actuator ring can be disposed around the arms. The actuator ring can include a ramp that can engage multiple guide blocks adjacent the actuator ring, each guide block configured to push a respective arm toward the arrow as the ring rotates. A related method of use is provided.

Abstract: Golf club heads with ribs are described herein. A golf club head comprises a first rib protruding from an interior surface of the club head, and a second rib protruding from the interior surface of the club head. The first rib comprises a first axis and the second rib comprises a second axis; wherein the first and second rib axes intersect each other forward the front end of the club head body. The club head further comprises a first side rib protruding from the interior surface of the heel end, and a second side rib protruding from the interior surface of the toe end. The first side rib and the second side rib generally extend in a front end to rear end direction, and can be linear or curvilinear. The ribs provide structural support and sound control for the club head.

Abstract: An archery arrow/bolt pulling device designed for the safe, easy, non-destructive and one handed extraction of deeply embedded, complete arrow or bolt assemblies regardless of shaft diameter or arrowhead type from foam and other target materials. This device pulls with three surrounding gripping jaws in a coaxial path with the long axis of the arrow/bolt and the combined mechanical advantage power of lever, fulcrum and cam while overcoming the minimal movement of the load end of the lever by means of a ratcheting pawl and toothed pull rod.

Abstract: An iron-type golf club head includes a ball striking face and a rear weight member that are engaged through one or more resilient members with a connection structure that creates a mass-damping effect at impact with a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf club head that includes a body defining an interior cavity and an exterior surface, the body including a face disposed within a forward portion and extending between a toe and a heel, a sole defining a bottom portion of the golf club head, and a crown defining a top portion of the golf club head. The golf club head further includes a front weight assembly having a first weight removably secured with a first fastener and a second fastener, the front weight assembly being disposed forward of a head center of gravity. The first fastener is disposed on a heel side of the front weight center of gravity, and the second fastener is disposed on a toe side of the front weight center of gravity.

Abstract: Provided are a golf ball and a resin composition for a cover or topcoat thereof which can suppress the yellowing of the golf ball caused by ultraviolet rays even if a naturally derived substance is used as an ultraviolet absorber, and they are environmentally and human friendly. A resin composition for a cover or topcoat of a golf ball of the present invention contains: a resin for a cover or topcoat; and a plant-derived extract which absorbs ultraviolet rays. The resin composition has a color difference ?E of 10.0 or less in a Lab color system between before and after a color tone change test, the color tone change test being carried out by irradiating a film formed from the resin composition with a xenon lamp. In the golf ball of the present invention, the cover or the topcoat is formed by using the resin composition.

Abstract: A cue for billiard sports that has a butt section, a joint collar, and a shaft section that has a kinetic energy absorbing insert located in the shaft section of the cue. A shaft section that has a kinetic energy absorbing insert that may be connected to an existing joint collar and butt section of a cue to improve the kinetic energy absorbing characteristics of the cue. A kinetic energy absorbing insert that is to be received by an existing shaft section of a cue in order to increase the kinetic energy absorbing characteristics of the cue is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club face plates with internal cell lattices are presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An annular multimedia stadium goalpost and multipurpose target display system. The system includes a rear support-and-multimedia assembly for supporting the net and producing audible and visual effects. The system also includes a at least one annular frame and a primary projector. The rear support-and-multimedia assembly includes a support assembly and a multimedia bar system. The support assembly maintains the annular frame and the multimedia bar system in an orientation that facilitates playing sports and projecting information. The multimedia bar system includes a plurality of lights, a plurality of first speakers, a plurality of sponsor display panels, a retractably screen assembly, and a retractably underground projector in order to audible and visually convey content regarding the sports game and advertisements to the audience. The system also includes an annular display, and a multitude of rangefinder laser-detector video cameras to track, record, and present gameplay live.

Abstract: An archery training aid is provided including a body and a finger rest extending outward at an angle from a base. The finger rest can include a finger rest surface configured to engage one or more fingers of a hand. The base can be configured to be placed in engagement with a first lateral grip surface of a bow grip so that the finger rest surface is disposed at a first angle between 25° to 65°, inclusive, or between 30° and 50°, inclusive, relative to the first lateral grip surface. A related method of use is provided to impair or prevent bow torque imparted by an archer's hand on a bow.

Abstract: A marble toy kit includes building blocks and base platforms. Each building block includes a block base, formed of a single piece of plastic, that has four sides interconnected to form a tubular member having a square cross-section and having an interior. At least one side has an opening sized to receive a toy marble. The top of each building block has a base portion and a connection boss extending from the base portion. The connection boss and base portion have a second opening sized to receive a toy marble. The boss is configured to engage and fit within the open bottom of another block base having the same structure. At least one base platform includes a plurality of pedestals extending from a top surface. Each pedestal fits within the open-bottom of the block base of a building block to attach the block base to the base platform.

Abstract: A cattle roping training dummy (90) that allows a “header” and a “heeler”' to practice roping the head of the cattle roping training dummy (90), the hind legs (175) of the cattle roping training dummy (90), or a combination of the head and the hind legs (175) is described. The cattle roping training dummy (90) comprises a frame (100), a spring (200), a supporting structure (300) and a base (400). The cattle roping training dummy (90) may further comprise a means to actuate side release lever (500). When the frame (100) is released, the spring (200) gives the frame (100) an initial jerk as the frame (100) and provides rotational motion around the supporting structure (300). This jerking motion mimics a live steer that has been roped on the horns or head and is jerked sideways as the cowboy pulls the steer to the left. The cattle roping training dummy (90) also provides the “heeler” with the opportunity to practice alone.

Abstract: A puck embedding at least one transmitter circuit, and a method for producing a puck embedding at least one transmitter circuit. To protect the electronics from displacement or damage, the puck employs a layered structure. The puck has a centrally located cavity, containing a carrier structure having a rigid shell, at least one transmitter circuit supported by the carrier structure, and a battery provided within the carrier structure. The battery is embedded in a first elastic material provided within the carrier structure. The carrier structure is embedded in a second elastic material provided within the centrally located cavity.

Abstract: A golf ball with embedded electronics to allow proximity to be tracked and to monitor golfer performance is disclosed. The golf ball comprises a processor connected to an accelerometer, communications circuitry, a spin detector, and memory, wherein the processor stores accelerometer data from the accelerometer and rotation data regarding rotation of the spin detector in the memory. The processor converts the data regarding the rotation of the spin detector into a rotation speed and a rotation direction, said rotation speed determined by a frequency of the data, and said rotation direction determined by a magnitude of the data. The communications circuitry is configured to communicate the accelerometer data, the rotation direction, and the rotation speed to a central interrogator for analysis of a golfer's performance.

Abstract: An adapter for a football sled may enable multi-directional movement of a pad of the football sled. That is, the disclosed adapter may comprise a joint coupled between a base and a pad support of the football sled, and the joint may facilitate multi-directional movement of the pad, which is mounted to the pad support, relative to the base. The adapter may also comprise a biasing member coupled to the joint that is configured to bias the joint toward a non-deflected position (e.g., a standard, at rest position).

Abstract: A cargo strap gun assembly includes a cylinder that has an open end and a closed end. The cylinder is substantially hollow and the open end can receive a cargo strap. A plunger is slidably positioned in the cylinder and the plunger is compressible into a loaded position. The plunger is biased into a fired position to launch the cargo strap outwardly from the cylinder thereby facilitating the cargo strap to be launched over a load. A cocking mechanism is slidably integrated into the cylinder to urge the plunger into the loaded position. A trigger is movably integrated into the cylinder to facilitate the plunger to be biased into the fired position.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a semi-automatic crossbow having a stock, a plurality of limbs, a drawstring, a bolt feeder, a barrel, a draw assembly, and a release. The draw assembly can be configured to automatically move the drawstring to a cocked position and the release can include a trigger and be configured to release the drawstring when the trigger is actuated. The disclosed technology can further include a truck configured to engage the drawstring and a bolt such that the bolt can be propelled forward by the truck when the drawstring is released by the release.

Abstract: A sporting device providing a rotating footplate and optional foot extension for a user to employ to practice a swing motion using a bat or club commonly used in sports.

Abstract: A system and method of shuffling decks of cards is disclosed including verifying that the shuffled deck of cards has the same number of cards as the deck of cards had had when a manual verification process was performed at the initiation of use of the deck of cards. Using the measured weight of the deck of cards after completion of shuffling, the number of cards in the shuffled deck of cards is verified. A cut card may be introduced to reduce the possibility of exposing the hole card to view. Two decks of cards may be used in sequence so that a first deck of cards is being used to play the game of cards while the second deck of cards is being shuffled and verified.