Abstract: Various embodiments of a foot positioning device are provided. In one embodiment, a foot positioning device is provided, the device comprising: a proximal strap operatively connected to at least one of an individual's ankle or lower leg; a distal strap operatively connected to the individual's foot; and a heel strap connected to the proximal strap and the distal strap; wherein the foot positioning device causes a moment that biases the individual's foot toward a plantar flexion position.

Abstract: A bowed stringed instrument bowing exercise apparatus includes a base having at least one connecting portion, a cross bar having a first end and a second end opposite to each other and at least one connecting portion between the first and second ends, and the cross bar being installed at the connecting portion through the first end, and a track rod having an end portion provided for fixing or slidably connecting the connecting portion. When the track rod is operated, an operator experience and learn how to play the bowing motion steadily by hand to train the operator's coordination and control on how to bow strings to produce different tones.

Abstract: A finger exerciser includes a housing, a tubular shaft, a finger pad and a coil spring. The housing defines an opening. The tubular shaft has a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion is movable through the opening of the housing and relative to the housing. The finger pad is supported on the upper portion of the tubular shaft. The finger pad has first and second curved sides and defines a indent between the curved sides. The indent is configured to receive a finger tip. The first curved side has a height greater than the second curved side. The coil spring is disposed in operative association with the tubular shaft and configured to urge the shaft in an upward direction.

Abstract: A control arrangement of an exercise equipment comprising at least one apparatus for measuring the physiological data, a portable electronic unit, and an electric exercise apparatus. The apparatus for measuring the physiological data includes a data output unit. The portable electronic unit includes a data transmission unit having the input/output function. An exercise management APP-program is built in the portable electronic unit. The exercise apparatus includes an electronic control panel with a data transmission unit and a corresponding exercise management APP-program. Once the apparatus for measuring the physiological data gets the basic physiological data (such as weight or heart rate) of a certain person, these will be immediately transmitted to the portable electronic unit. Meanwhile, an extra exercise session for the certain person will be created by the exercise management APP-program built within the portable electronic unit according to the personal physiological parameters.

Abstract: Described herein is a gym exercise controller device that configures workout routines. The controller allows the user to create a daily workout regimen and also incorporates a workout skip calculation. The controller tracks the performance of a user on the respective exercises apparatuses and provides the user an option to change his/her workout routine based on a performance parameter of the user as well as a comparison of the user's performance parameter to the performance parameter of a group of users.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus (1) in which a person exercising exerts a force against a movable actuator (6) to which is applied an adjustable force by a load system which resists or assists the movement of the actuator and is connected to the actuator by cables (9). The load system comprises a fixed, longitudinally arranged coaxial series of coil units (15), each coil unit being independently connectible to a source of electric current. The series of coils provides an elongate passage (18), and a shuttle (19) of ferromagnetic material is mounted for relative longitudinal movement within the passage, in response to movement of the actuator. Passage of a current through a coil unit exerts a force on the shuttle when in that coil unit, and is controlled by a microprocessor (22).

Abstract: An exercise balance board may have at least a platform for a user supported by a resilient, air-filled partial sphere. It contains features which allow users of any size or fitness level to properly exercise muscle groups. The balance board allows a user to exercise upper and lower muscle extremity groups either individually or simultaneously.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core of at least one layer and cover of at least one layer are provided. At least one of the layers is formed from a thermoplastic polyamide composition, comprising a blend of polyamide, ethylene acid copolymer ionomer, fatty acid amide, and plasticizer. A polyamide having a transparent optical nature is preferably used in the composition. A fatty acid ester such as dipropylene glycol dibenzoate and propylene carbonate is preferably used as the plasticizer. The ball may contain an inner core and surrounding outer core layer. A rubber composition is preferably used to form the inner core and the polyamide-based composition is preferably used to form the outer core layer.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core of at least one layer and cover of at least one layer are provided. At least one of the layers is formed from a thermoplastic polyamide composition, comprising a blend of about 40 to about 99% by weight polyamide and about 1 to about 60% by weight fatty acid amide. Preferably, the ball has a dual core construction. A rubber composition is preferably used to form the outer core layer and the polyamide composition is preferably used to form the inner core. The flex modulus of the polyamide composition is preferably at least 15% greater than the flex modulus of the rubber composition.

Abstract: A sports ball having a high-performance cover formed from a plurality of panels with attached foam backing. The panels may be stitched together at stitch lines which are 2-4 mm from the edges of each of the panels. During manufacturing, before compression is applied, foam attached to outer layers for each of the panels may be a distance 2-6 mm away from the stitch lines. Foam attached on the inside of the sports ball may provide support and a robust round shape for manufacturing of a high performance sports ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for collecting golf balls from practice areas while the device is making tight turns. The device includes a vehicle such as a golf cart, tractor, or lawn mower. A collecting gang is attached to the vehicle in such a manner that the collecting gang can pivot 180 degrees around an axis. The vehicle is configured for tight turns and the collecting gang is configured to self-orient such that golf balls are collected when the gang travels in any direction. Thus the present invention provides a device for collecting golf balls that can pick up golf balls while making a zero radius turn, moving forward, and moving in reverse.

Abstract: A unidirectional putting method that eliminates the traditional backstroke and all the difficulties it introduces. The method includes placing a putter in a setback position behind the golf ball so that a portion of a putter face is substantially perpendicular to a target line, wherein the setback position establishes a setback distance from the portion of the golf ball nearest the putter face to a point on the putter face, and accelerating the putter from rest at the setback position to an impact velocity at the point that the putter face touches the golf ball within a period of time, and maintaining a portion of the putter face substantially perpendicular to the target line extension. The method places the putter in the setback position and the stroke only consists for motion toward the golf ball and the impact position.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, includes a face having a ball striking surface, an inner surface opposite the ball striking surface, and a thickness defined between the ball striking surface and the inner surface, and a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face. The face has a modulus gradient across the thickness of the face, such that the modulus of the face varies at different distances from the ball striking surface. The face may also include at least one of an insert, a composite material, a multi-layered structure, and/or a portion treated by a surface treatment to contribute to the modulus gradient.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a golf club head to solve a problem of coupling instability between cast materials and heterogeneous materials is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a releasable threaded component for use on a golf club head, the component having an anti-over rotation mechanism configured to prevent overtightening of the component to a corresponding mounting portion on the golf club head.

Abstract: A golf club head including a crown, a sole, a hosel, a face and a flexure. The flexure provides compliance during an impact between the golf club head and a golf ball, and is tuned to vibrate, immediately after impact, at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: Assemblies are provided for carrying a golf towel, the assembly comprising a hook, a hanger and a connector connecting the hook and the hanger. The assembly can be removably attached to the shaft of a golf club. The methods of making and using the assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: An interchangeable sports implement grip is a device that allows the user to quickly change the handle of a sports implement or any other device that utilizes a handle. The device features an elongated mount onto which a handle may be attached. The elongated mount features a tapered design while the handle features a corresponding tapered mount-receiving cavity. The tapered design of the elongated mount and the mount-receiving cavity prevents any shifting, sliding, vibration, and play between the handle and the elongated mount. The elongated mount is compressed further into the mount-receiving cavity via a tensioning mechanism. The device may additionally feature a locator key and keyway slot or a similar mechanism to prevent rotation of a handle and elongated mount of circular or cone-shaped design.

Abstract: A unitary pocket for a lacrosse head having two or more panels formed in lattice patterns, joined together lengthwise, and secured within the head of a lacrosse stick with little or no stringing. All panels are die-cut or laser-cut from flat sheet material with a pattern of cutouts, or alternatively molded as such to provide the lattice-patterns. In a preferred embodiment, a center panel if formed with a first lattice pattern including a plurality of longitudinal thong elements joined by a plurality of lateral cross-elements. Similarly, left and right side panels are each die or laser cut with a second lattice pattern including at least one longitudinal thong element and a plurality of lateral elements. The lateral elements of the left and right side panels are affixed on one side to the sides of the lacrosse stick head. On the other side, the lateral elements of the left and right side panels are attached to the outermost thongs of the center panel.

Abstract: A tubular bat is provided whereby at least one diaphragm is located within the internal cavity of the bat. The diaphragm is fastened at its peripheral edge to the inner surface of the bat wall, thereby dividing the internal cavity into two separated cavities, thus creating two sweet spots, or shifting the existing sweet spot forward towards the distal end of the bat. This improves player performance by providing an expanded number of optimal hitting zones or by moving the optimal hitting zone farther from the bat handle.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a rotatable life size cut out of a lacrosse goalie target made of plastic, foam rubber, or other material, and preferably a foam rubber, adapted to absorb the shock of repeated impacts of lacrosse balls, holding a lacrosse stick. The target is placed in front of (and optionally attached to by a coupler) a goal net to assist lacrosse players in their practice sessions. The practice goalie can be disposed in a first orientation holding a lacrosse stick such that the net of the lacrosse stick is to the right of the practice goalie's head or in a second orientation wherein the lacrosse stick is to the left of the practice goalies head, and can preferably be rotated to any angle therebetween the first and second configurations. Players can use either positioned practice goalie to practice their shooting using both of their hands.

Abstract: An American football apparatus, the removal from a ball carrier of a portion of which is configured to provide an indication that the ball carrier is down, includes an elongate structure attached to the ball carrier so as to be completely removable therefrom. The elongate structure defines opposing ends and a longitudinal axis therebetween. A handgrip portion is located between the ends and is defined by a thickness of material that extends outwardly and in a direction generally orthogonal from the longitudinal axis so as to protrude outwardly from the ball carrier when attached to the ball carrier. An attachment mechanism removably attaches the elongate structure to the ball carrier. The attachment mechanism is configured to limit movement of substantially the entire elongate structure to that of the attachment mechanism such that substantially the entire elongate structure moves in unison with the attachment mechanism, thereby limiting any independent motion of the elongate structure.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of an angled board and methods of playing an angled board are provided. In one embodiment, an angled board can be provided having a base portion having a support, a top surface on the base portion having an opening, wherein the top surface is configured to allow a ball to bounce off the top surface, and a slanted board provided proximate to a first end of the top surface, the slanted board being provided at an angle with respect to the top surface. The top surface can have an upper portion and a lower portion, where a net can be provided within a receptacle between the upper and lower portions. One or more ridges can be provided along the upper and lower portions of the top surface that extend upward from the top surface.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a feeding net including a backstop net affixed to a frame connected to a base that may be mounted on wheels. The net includes a plurality of drop pockets which can catch lacrosse ball. The drop pockets can be numbered sequentially with indicia, as desired. The wheeled base can include a removable plastic drop bucket for retaining lacrosse balls that are not caught inside the drop pocket or that bounce off the backstop net. The wheeled base can also include an integral deflector shield situated across the backstop net. The deflector shields helps ensure that balls that bounce of the net can be deflected into the drop bucket.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an elongate lacrosse practice checking stick having a central shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, a handle, secured to the central shaft near the proximal end, and having a length covering a portion of the central shaft, and a safety padding, secured to the central shaft near the distal end, and having a length extending along the central shaft from a portion along the central shaft out towards the distal end. The checking stick has an overall length between about 40 and 60 inches, varying for use by men or women. The safety padding is made of a cylindrically-shaped foam covered by fabric and has a length of approximately 24 inches and a diameter between three and six inches.

Abstract: An athletic training system and apparatuses which allows a user to practice several important skills needed to be successful in the game of lacrosse and of highest import affords user the ability to practice gaining possession of a ball at the beginning of the game and back after each score. The specifically designed structural elements of this device allow a player to practice endless repetitions of face-off and draw skills, while challenging the player to improve their form and quickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swing training device that includes a support dimensioned to conform to a barrel of a bat, and a ball retaining member disposed on the support. A ball is placed into the ball retaining member, and the ball is retained therein until released as the bat is swung forward. A concave portion of the ball retaining member is approximately level with the barrel of the bat thus allowing the ball to travel along a path approximately perpendicular to the barrel. The swing training device teaches correct bat path and also for the hitter to maintain the barrel of the bat in the hitting zone for an extended period of time, thus allowing the hitter to have various points of contact throughout the hitting zone.

Abstract: An ice hockey practice target is provided, the target comprising a first substantially tubular portion, including a first end attached to a base and a second end constructed and arranged to engage an upper horizontal goal crossbar, and a second tubular portion attached to the base, the second tubular portion constructed and arranged to engage and secure a lower end of a vertical goal post.

Abstract: A tennis practice device that has a rebound surface made out of composite material consisting of cement, ground calcium silica, cellulose fibers, wood fibers and other select additives such as fly ash and a sound dampening material sandwiched between the rebound surface and the support structure.

Abstract: A scorecard (1) and a method of recording the number of strokes in a game of golf by means of movable indicator devices (2) are described, the scorecard (1) being provided with at least one further movable indicator device (3) to enable the indication of a marker of a player, and a player indicator (4), and both the movable marker indicator (3) and the player indicator (4) being designed for mechanical, optical reading.

Abstract: A skateboard truck assembly comprising a base plate, a hanger, and at least one compressible member interposed there between that utilizes rotation of the hanger to at least partially and temporarily deform the compressible member, thereby creating zones of tension and/or compression within the compressible member and facilitating smooth and efficient motion of the skateboard.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a mounting bracket configured to be secured to a deck without damaging the deck for the attachment of accessories. The bracket comprises is generally rigid U-shaped outer housing and a flexible L-shaped clip nested within the housing and at least one set mechanical fastener configured to penetrate the U-shaped housing to compress the L-shaped clip against the surface of the deck to secure the bracket to the deck. The bracket is configured to mount accessories selected a group consisting of a camera, a light, a brake assembly for decelerating motion, a seat assembly, and a video recorder.

Abstract: A line marking apparatus incorporates a replaceable container (31) of line marking material. The apparatus comprises a body (3) including an opening provided with a first engaging member (21), and a replaceable container (31) for line marking material. The container comprises a base (33) and side walls (35) and is provided with an outlet (37) for the line marking material at a location remote from the base. The container is also provided in the region of the base with a second engaging member (49) adapted to co-operate with the first engaging member of the body for releasably suspending the container within the body in an inverted configuration.

Abstract: A method for providing a randomized card engine for use in wagering card games which thwarts advantage play methods in live or electronic gaming formats, which includes the steps of shuffling, or simulating the shuffling of a plurality of standard decks of physical playing cards to form a set of playing cards in a randomly-ordered condition, dividing the set of randomly-ordered playing cards into a plurality of subsets, and providing each subset of the plurality of subsets for independent use in a respective card wagering game.

Abstract: A card shoe apparatus includes a card guide unit that guides cards that are manually drawn out one by one from a card housing unit onto a game table, a code reading unit that, when a card is drawn out from the card housing unit, reads from that card a code that indicates a rank (number, rank) of that card, a authenticity determination unit that determines the authenticity of the card based on the information of the authenticity of the card, a winning/losing determination unit that determines the winning/losing of a card game based on the ranks of the cards sequentially read by the code reading unit, and an output unit that outputs the results of the determination made by the winning/losing determination unit. The card guide unit includes a card entry/exit restriction unit or that restricts the entry/exit of the card to/from the card housing unit.

Abstract: In a word guessing game, letters are grouped into words and the letters are associated with game positions. A player selects game positions and, if a letter is located at a selected game position, the letter is revealed to the player. The player may then attempt to guess the word which the letter is a part of. In a multi-player game, the player who determines all of the other player's words first is declared the winner. In a single player game, the player may be declared a winner if they determine all of the words within a period of time or number of position selections or guesses.

Abstract: Methods and systems for gamifying a scientific problem are disclosed. A method may include receiving, by a computing device, gameplay information from a first user, creating, by the computing device, a game that corresponds to the gameplay information, providing, by the computing device, the game to a second user, receiving, by the computing device, game information from the second user and translating, by the computing device, the data into scientific information used to solve the scientific problem. The game information may include data regarding the second user's interaction with the game.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of interactive gaming applied to an interactive case and a tablet, wherein the interactive case is arranged to be attached on the tablet, and the interactive case includes a transmission port arranged to communicate with the tablet and a plurality of notches. The method of interactive game includes determining whether at least one accessory medal is connected to the notch; when one of the accessory medals is connected to one of the notches, retrieving a predetermined data stored in the connected accessory medal; identifying the connected accessory medal according to the predetermined data of the connected accessory medal; and performing an application corresponding to the connected accessory medal.

Abstract: A configurable manual controller for manipulating images or symbols on a display is adapted for construction with matable building elements arranged by a user. The user forms the manual controller to exhibit a customized ornamental appearance reflecting the user's creative design preferences.

Abstract: An improved computer implemented process for providing an interactive game event for two or more users. A game event is configured to comprise one or more independently progressing sub-processes (SP1-SP6) into which groups of game characters (C1-C3) are selected. Selected game characters (C1-C3) are provided with a set of allowed interaction functions for activation in the sub-process (SP1-SP6). The state of the sub-process (SP1-SP6) is changed in response to a game character (C1-C3) activating an interaction function from the set of allowed interaction functions, and the set of allowed interaction functions of the game characters (C1-C3) is updated in response to state change of the sub-process (SP1-SP6).

Abstract: A virtual environment can use an absolute orientation framework. An absolute orientation framework in a virtual environment can be activated using an omnidirectional locomotion platform. An absolute orientation framework enables a user's avatar to move independently from the current viewpoint or camera position. The user's avatar can move in an absolute manner relative to a virtual environment map.

Abstract: An example video game program download system and method apparatus for downloading a video game program to a target video game platform in which a processing system receives a download request from the target video game platform requesting downloading of a video game program that executes on a native video game platform different than the target video game platform. In response thereto, the requested video game program is sent along with a program for providing compatibility between the target and native video game platforms.

Abstract: The information processing device according to the present invention fuses a basic first game content and a second game content used as source material for fusion before a preset condition related to fusing the first game content and second game content is satisfied, thereby varying the upper limits of parameters configured in the first game content in a stepwise manner, and, once the preset condition is satisfied, initializes the parameters configured in said first game content while at the same time providing items capable of increasing at least the initialized parameters configured in said first game content.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for generating an avatar reflecting a player's current appearance. Data describing the player's current appearance is received. The data includes a visible spectrum image of the player, a depth image including both the player and a current background, and skeletal data for the player. The skeletal data indicates an outline of the player's skeleton. Based at least in part on the received data, one or more of the following are captured: a facial appearance of the player; a hair appearance of the player; a clothing appearance of the player; and a skin color of the player. A 3D avatar resembling the player is generated by combining the captured facial appearance, hair appearance, clothing appearance, and/or skin color with predetermined avatar features.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for managing an experience during play of an interactive electronic game are generally disclosed.

Abstract: A non-limiting example network game system includes a server, and the server is connected with a plurality of game apparatuses in a communication-capable manner via a network. If a player object receives damage or is hindered from advancing during play of a local game by a hindrance object such as an enemy object, each game apparatus notify information about the hindrance object to the server. The server totals the number of times of giving damage, etc. to the player object for each hindrance object based on notice from each game apparatus. At a time of starting the local game, the game apparatus acquires a total result from the server, and changes an image of the hindrance object based on the total result.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for providing virtual gameplay. Access is provided to a video game in which players are able to interact via characters and each character behaves according to a series of scripts in a script set. A first player character is monitored as it interacts with a second character in the video game. The second character responds according to a script in its script set. When the first player character exhibits repetitive behaviour in the interaction that causes damage to the second character that exceeds a preset damage threshold, the second character's script is changed and the changed script is stored for future use. As strings are changed over successive iterations, the second character evolves.

Abstract: Improvements in a holder for a game controller that allows a game controller to sit in a vertical on a stand or holder. The storage in a vertical orientation reduces the footprint of the controller on a desk or shelf. This also allows for better visual appearance of the controller as it sits on a desk. The holder further places the controller in a position where it can be more quickly retrieved for use. An internal battery compartment provides for easy access to replacement batteries without requiring the user to search for spare batteries. A support leg can be folded in front or underneath the stand to alter the stability of the controller. A charger can be incorporated into the stand to charge the controller and/or the internal stored batteries. The controller can be used in the holder without restrictions of use.

Abstract: A vehicle motion control system comprising: a sliding surface; a vehicle adapted to slide on said sliding surface; and a linear motor associated with the vehicle and the eliding surface for affecting sliding motion of the vehicle on the sliding surface.

Abstract: A planar-part-based toy assembly set includes planar parts that have different shapes and are made by stamping a planar material board. The planar parts include a body piece and a limb piece. The body piece has a slotted ring for coupling with the limb piece. The slotted ring has a cutting slot, a narrow section and, a wide section. The limb piece has a closed ring, or a slotted ring as stated above. The closed ring of the limb piece can pass through the cutting slot of the slotted ring of the body piece and be mounted around the narrow or wide section of the slotted ring. When the closed ring is around the narrow section, the limb piece can freely swing, and when the closed ring is around the wide section, the limb piece is fixed at a specific angle, which can be later adjusted by the player.