Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture are provided to facilitate consistent, repeatable and/or custom manufacture of lacrosse equipment. The pocket can be constructed from multiple different sections joined with one another, or can be knitted, weaved or otherwise assembled on an automated assembly machine from strands, and/or can be formed as a unitary textile material having regions/sections with different physical and/or mechanical properties. The pocket can be integrally molded within portions of a lacrosse head to eliminate manually constructed connections between the pocket and lacrosse head. The lacrosse head can be integrally molded with a lacrosse handle to provide a one-piece unitary lacrosse stick. Related methods of manufacturing also are provided.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture are provided to facilitate consistent, repeatable and/or custom manufacture of lacrosse equipment. The pocket can be constructed from multiple different sections joined with one another, or can be knitted, weaved or otherwise assembled on an automated assembly machine from strands, and/or can be formed as a unitary textile material having regions/sections with different physical and/or mechanical properties. The pocket can be integrally molded within portions of a lacrosse head to eliminate manually constructed connections between the pocket and lacrosse head. The lacrosse head can be integrally molded with a lacrosse handle to provide a one-piece unitary lacrosse stick. Related methods of manufacturing also are provided.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture are provided to facilitate consistent, repeatable and/or custom manufacture of lacrosse equipment. The pocket can be constructed from multiple different sections joined with one another, or can be knitted, weaved or otherwise assembled on an automated assembly machine from strands, and/or can be formed as a unitary textile material having regions/sections with different physical and/or mechanical properties. The pocket can be integrally molded within portions of a lacrosse head to eliminate manually constructed connections between the pocket and lacrosse head. The lacrosse head can be integrally molded with a lacrosse handle to provide a one-piece unitary lacrosse stick. Related methods of manufacturing also are provided.

Abstract: A golf club with improved weight distribution is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club with a lightweight shaft allowing the golfer to achieve higher swing speed, while shifting the weight savings of the shaft to a grip portion of the club; counterbalancing some of the undesirable performance characteristics associated with a lightweight shaft.

Abstract: A combined golf club cover and stand comprises a substantially rigid base and a cover portion configured to securely hold a head of a golf club against the substantially rigid base. The substantially rigid base includes a bottom platform, a first side wall, and an opposing second side wall with a bottom ledge that extends toward the first side wall, such that when the head of the golf club is held against the substantially rigid base, a toe end of the head is in contact with an interior surface of the first side wall, and a heel end of the head sits on the bottom ledge of the second side wall. The assembled golf club and combined golf club cover and stand is thus capable of standing upright, without any outside support, when the bottom platform is on a substantially flat underlying ground surface.

Abstract: A beer pong arcade game apparatus and methods of operation are described. Initially, a new round is started and out limit is set. For each shot, it is determined whether the player has successfully made the ball into one of the plurality of cups. If the user makes the ball into one of the cups, a mechanism is used to indicate that the user has made the ball into one of the cups. Alternatively, if the user fails to make the ball into one of the cups, the out limit is decremented. The game ends if the out limit reaches zero before the player manages to make all of the cups. However, if the player manages to make all cups before exceeding the out limit, then a new round is started with a new out limit and a new set of cups.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-tiered toss target game. The multi-tiered toss target game may include a plurality of vertically extending tiers having a face surface, wherein the face surface of one or more of the plurality of tiers may be sloped; a plurality of tier front faces, wherein the tier front faces may be disposed between the plurality of tiers; a plurality of target openings arranged in the face surfaces of the plurality of tiers; a base structure including walls configured to support the plurality of tiers; and wherein the walls of the base structure and the tier front faces are sloped.

Abstract: A laser distance comparator incorporates a case housing a laser controller for producing a laser beam. The case has a handle and a button for engagement of a positioning device over a reference ball. A switch control is present on the case for activating the laser controller and a central processing unit (CPU) receives an input from the switch control, providing outputs to the laser controller to obtain a distance measurement to at least one competition ball.

Abstract: A guide arm machine includes a guide arm and an equipment holder attached to the guide arm. The equipment holder is optimized to hold a sports equipment item. The guide arm is attached to a shaft so that the shaft defines a rotation axis around which the guide arm rotates. An adjustable main beam whose position is adjustable with respect to a stationary anchor, so that when the sports equipment item is held by the equipment holder and a position of the adjustable main beam is appropriately adjusted, rotation of the guide arm around the guide arm guides an athlete holding the equipment holder item into a desired motion that trains the athlete in efficient use of the sports equipment item.

Abstract: A training device that includes a sports implement connected to an air resistance member in near engagement by a connection system. In one arrangement, the air resistance member has a first and a second layer of material. The training device reduces the distance the sports implement travels by application of air resistance once airborne once thrown, kicked, struck, or otherwise moved by an athlete. While still under the influence of the athlete, the training device's resistance to air strengthens the athlete during the course of athletic movements.

Abstract: A batting aid apparatus and methods for using same with a bat (e.g., baseball or softball bat) to increase batting power, bat speed, and swing path is provided. The batting aid apparatus can include an annular body adapted to surround a bat and having a bore formed therethrough, a plurality of annular ribs disposed on a surface of an inner diameter of the annular body and located within the bore of the annular body, and an annular sleeve adjacent and extending from one or more outer surfaces of the annular body, such that the annular sleeve can be concentric with the bore of the annular body.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for training a throwing technique. The apparatus includes an elongated member, a weighted element, and a flexible joining means. The apparatus may further include a placement means. The elongated member includes a lower end, an upper end, and a body portion. The weighted element has an attachment point, and is movable from a starting position to an ending position. The flexible joining means includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The flexible joining means has a predetermined length, is secured about upper end of elongated member, has second end that is secured at attachment point of weighted element, and is movable from a starting position to an ending position. The method includes the steps of: placing the apparatus, balancing on pitching leg, taking an extended stride or lunge toward target, and explosively rotating upper torso rotationally downward.

Abstract: A counter current swimming apparatus having a tank, first and second water propulsion systems and a computer. The tank is adapted to contain water. The first water propulsion system is positioned about a first end of the tank for generating a current in a first direction and the second water propulsion system is positioned about a second end of the tank for generating a current in a second direction opposite the first direction. The computer is operatively connected to the first and second water propulsion systems and configured to cause the first water propulsion system to generate the current in the first direction, and suspend operations of the first water propulsion system and initiate operations of the second water propulsion system to generate the current in the second direction upon receipt of a transition signal from a push plate of the first water propulsion system.

Abstract: An adjustable golf swing training device for use with multiple different golf clubs having a template frame partially surrounding and defining a ball hitting area. A club selection bar slidably cooperates with the primary longitudinal frame section so that movement of the club selection bar with respect to the primary longitudinal frame section aligns the club indicia for one of the multiple different golf clubs with the club face alignment tab and establishes the location of the front foot marker and the back foot marker to inform a user of the proper foot locations for the golf club when a golf ball is positioned in the ball hitting area and aligned with the club face alignment tab.

Abstract: A robotic putting system includes a mechanism for actively and physically guiding a putter head along a determined preferred putting path. The golfer need only hold the putter and allow the robotic mechanism to guide the motion of the putter head. The system enables a golfer to develop and practice a feel for the preferred path/stroke.

Abstract: A training device for a putting stroke in the game of golf includes a pointer stick, and a support member for supporting the pointer stick in a generally parallel position with respect the ground. The stick may be positioned so as to generally point at the location of the sun such that the shadow of the stick on the ground may be used as a guide for the correct stroke path of the putter. Two or more pins may optionally be provided to form a gate through which the golf ball must pass in order to go into a golf cup.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention is directed to a golf putting training apparatus and method. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the training apparatus comprises a second handle that can be easily attached and detached from the shaft of an existing golf club. The second handle is attached such that it is parallel to the handle of the existing club. A golfer uses the apparatus by holding one handle in each hand while putting a golf ball. The training apparatus will help golfers learn to properly putt a golf ball. Additionally, the distance between the two handles can be varied. Furthermore, a preferred embodiment further comprises a method for golf putting training utilizing the apparatus disclosed herein.

Abstract: As described, the present invention provides a complete sports training system, including a computing device and directional cones. More particularly, the sports training system comprises a computing device that may be utilized in conjunction with directional cones, wherein the sports training system may develop training courses, collect training data, and provide training instructions.

Abstract: An article of athletic gear, such as an article of protective athletic equipment (e.g., a leg pad, an arm pad, shoulder pads, a chest protector, or a protective glove), wearable by a user and comprising a core (e.g., comprising protective padding) and a cover that is disposed on the core and comprises synthetic material and a printed image (e.g., a digitally-printed image) on the synthetic material.

Abstract: A strap system integrated with a fighting glove is provided. The strap system includes a plurality of loops, which may include cups. Each loop includes an internal portion sized to snuggly fit over a tip of a finger. The strap system further includes a plurality of finger bands. Each finger band includes a first end opposite a second end. Each of the first ends are attached to a cup. The present invention further includes a terminus in which the second ends of the finger bands meet and are attached. A connector is operable to connect the terminus to at least one of a palm and a wrist of a user. The terminus may be connected to the user such that the finger bands pull the fingers towards the palm of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to collapsible snowshoes. In one embodiment, a collapsible snowshoe includes a collapsible frame, a webbing and a binding. The collapsible snowshoe frame includes a first pair of bars, a second pair of bars, a pair of joints and a center bar securing the pair of joints to each other. The second pair of bars are each collapsible and include bar sections that are removably coupled to each other. The pair of joints is coupled to the corresponding first end of each of the first pair of bars, and is also coupled to the corresponding first end of each of the second pair of bars.

Abstract: The invention provides an in-line wheel chassis assembly having three or more wheels mounted in an in-line (tandem) arrangement for rotation in a common vertical plane, such that the chassis assembly is configured to (i) facilitate independent vertical movement of at least two of the three or more wheels mounted on the chassis and (ii) distribute across the mounted wheels, total impact and displacement occurring responsive to encountering an obstacle, thereby staggering transmission of the impact and displacement to any surface to which the chassis is mounted. The invention additionally provides a method for manufacturing the in-line wheel chassis assembly, and an in-line skate comprising the in-line wheel chassis assembly.

Abstract: A bowling pin setting system with a reconfigurable array of bowling pin retention mechanisms with a contracted configuration with two rows of five pin retention mechanisms and an expanded configuration wherein the pin retention mechanisms are disposed in an equilateral triangle. The array of pin retention mechanisms can be movable, such as by operation of a gantry or pivotable arms, between a pin setting position above a pin deck and a retracted position removed from above the pin deck. A bowling pin assembly and loading system with a pivoting magazine and at least one pin loading magazine can receive bowling pins from the pin deck, assemble the pins into an organized format, and load them into the array of pin retention mechanisms.

Abstract: A scratch off lottery ticket and method of manufacturing the scratch off lottery ticket in which the lottery ticket contains multiple game play areas where a player can scratch off a layer of scratch off material to reveal the hidden results, and depending on those results, can be awarded prizes for each particular game play area or can be awarded prizes for the combination of the results from two or more of the multiple game play areas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is strategy game system. The game system includes a generally flat plate member providing a playing surface. Further, the game system includes the plate member including a plurality of marked landing regions and at least one raised region. Yet further, at least one game coin on the plate member for shooting by a player into one of the at least one marked landing region and the at least one raised region, wherein the player uses a cue stick to shoot the at least one game coin.

Abstract: A general method to persuade more blackjack players to place side wagers is disclosed. This method can be applied to improve a variety of blackjack games and side wagers games. Placing a side wager of this method: (a) always activate one or more blackjack rule enhancements that increase the statistical rate of return on the player's blackjack wager, (b) never creates or activates any blackjack rule that could reduce the statistical rate of return on the player's blackjack wager, and (c) always activates a proposition game that is unrelated to any above rule enhancement. A novel benefit of this invention is the player's perception of a free blackjack rule enhancement upon placing a side wager. This perceived free rule enhancement will persuade more players to place side wagers, thus increasing player enjoyment and casino revenues. Relative to this invention, a side wager is defined as an optional wager placed by a player prior to beginning the blackjack game.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a puzzle game containing an answer category clue, a letter grid containing multiple letters, numbers or characters, an image, and an answer grid which contains blanks for each letter that will be used to fill-in the correct answer. The game allows a letters from the letter grid to be selected and automatically placed onto the answer grid. Points are awarded if the letter selected is the next available blank in the answer grid. As the player selects a letter from the letter grid, that letter disappears and a portion of an image appears. As additional letters are removed from the letter grid, additional portions of the image are displayed, which provides another clue for the solution to the puzzle.

Abstract: Implementations of a magnetic board and dart spelling system are provided. In some implementations, the magnetic board and dart spelling system comprises a magnetic board and a magnetic dart. In some implementations the magnet board includes a plurality are color-coded spaces wherein each space or a portion of the space is a particular color and for each letter of the alphabet, the board includes at least one color-coded space. In some implementations, a color corresponds to a fixed group of letters of the alphabet based on the frequency of the letter as the first letter used in English words.

Abstract: A video game processing apparatus selectably displays a plurality of panels within a predetermined area on a display screen with a predetermined array (for example, Step S101); receives, from a user, a selecting operation against any of the plurality of displayed panels (for example, Step S201); specifies continuously selectable panels in accordance with the panel for which the selecting operation is received from the user (for example, Step S202); and changes a display mode of each of the specified panels so as to become the display mode other than a display mode of each of the other panels (for example, Step S204).

Abstract: A device for generating and automatically controlling a displacement force of a mobile entity located in real time includes elements for generating a force of movement, the elements being controllable so as to generate a force in a plurality of different directions. The device also includes: elements for receiving a radio signal; elements for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, the electromagnetic signal being transmitted in response to an activation signal and allowing a moveable entity including the device to be located in real time; and control elements connected to the reception elements and to the elements for transmitting an electromagnetic signal. The control elements are configured to control the elements for generating at least one force of movement, in response to information for controlling a received electromagnetic signal, and for generating an activation signal, in response to synchronization information of a received radio signal.

Abstract: Each information processor executes a mission which allows participation of users of a plurality of information processors using wireless communication. While the mission is being executed, a mission beacon including personal score information is repeatedly transmitted to an unspecified apparatus from each of the information processors. Each information processor calculates a total score based on the personal score information included in the mission beacon of each of other information processors and determines whether the mission has been successful or not based on the total score.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the implementation of a gaming environment including gaming servers for instantiating instances of games requested by a user. The gaming environment includes a game device for obtaining game inputs corresponding to the instantiated game. Additionally, the gaming environment includes one or more output devices for obtaining outputs generated by the processing of the inputs by the gaming server. Illustratively, the game device and one or more output devices form game device groups. Within each game device group, the inputs obtained by game device are transmitted independent of the outputs transmitted to the output devices. The transmission of input data from the game device and the transmission of the output audio data, output video data or other data from the gaming server may be individually optimized.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to dynamically altering an in-game experience based on a user's connection to the online game. The online game may monitor connection strength of a device of the user to a network via which the user may access the online game. The online game may dynamically alter the user's experience based on the connection strength of the device. The online game may make available or remove the availability of one or more modes of game play to the user based on the connection strength of the user's device.

Abstract: Users may build structures having an area of effect surrounding the structure in a game as a result of in-game actions. In-game actions may include building an instance of a structure controlled by a user. The structure may have an associated area of effect configured to impact at least one of resource accumulation, structure properties, and event frequency within the area of effect. The area of effect may be presented on a map with information relating to its impact. The area of effect may impact the cost of building other buildings therein, the rate at which resources are accumulated therein, the defensive ratings of other buildings therein, the effectiveness of other buildings therein in carrying out an intended functionality, and the frequency at which various positive or negative events occur therein. Some buildings can only be built within the area of effect of a specific other building.

Abstract: A mobile computer with a detachable frame is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a mobile computer system includes a tablet computer comprising a display screen and a frame. The frame is removably attached to the tablet computer. The frame is taller than the tablet computer to provide an opening between a top side of the tablet computer and the frame.

Abstract: An automated method that provides access to gated content is described. The method is performed by a device comprising a processor. The method includes: receiving content associated with an advertising item; retrieving game content; providing a gaming environment including the advertising item; determining, via the gaming environment, whether a set of engagement criteria has been satisfied; and providing a first set of options when determining that the set of engagement criteria has been satisfied, where the first set of options includes access to a gated content item. The automated method further includes providing a second set of options when determining that the set of engagement criteria has not been satisfied, where the second set of options excludes access to the gated content item.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base and a coupling member. The base is configured to position a game piece with respect to a gaming area, and the coupling member is configured to couple the game piece to the base. A status selector is provided to select a status of the game piece with respect to the gaming area, using an indicator extending from a first side to a second side of the base. A set of indicia are configured to be selectively displayed by positioning the indicator with respect to the first and second sides of the base, so that the selected status of the game piece is indicated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for braking or launching a ride vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a linear induction motor (LIM) installed in a curved portion of a track, a ride vehicle disposed upon the track, one or more reaction plates coupled to a side of the ride vehicle facing the track via a plurality of actuators, one or more sensors configured to monitor an air gap between the one or more reaction plates and the LIM, and a processor configured to determine which of the plurality of actuators to actuate and a desired performance of each of the plurality of actuators based on data received from the one or more sensors to maintain the air gap at a desired level throughout traversal of the curve by the ride vehicle.

Abstract: A cable in suspension (clear span) supports a trolley. At the upper end, a launch block fixed to the cable registers the trolley in all directions, including a safety release link holding the trolley near the launch block. After release and descent with a rider, the trolley strikes an attenuator of distributed springs and spacers. The spring stack absorbs momentum from the trolley, but a leash limits recoil “bounce” after reversing the trolley. A second, recoil, leash resists recoil by capturing a subset of the springs between respective ends of itself and the first leash. The doubly leashed trolley will oscillate to a stop in an equilibrium position.

Abstract: An entertainment system, methods and computer software product are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an entertainment system comprises at least one hand held controller with a plurality of accelerometers and a touch screen interface. The system further includes a base station and an accessory box. The base station routs signals containing data and information from the hand held controllers and the accessory box to a computing apparatus that is in communication with a game portal residing on a server on a network. Game play is enabled by the server on the entertainment system. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A novel electronic whistling towel device which serves the purpose of emitting a loud audible sound of cheering or booing or other noise while displaying a team logo or the like. An electronic voice/cheering sound is emitted from the electronic whistle placed in a cloth handle pouch at one corner of one end of a terry cloth or a towel material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a toy launcher including a base having a slot and a housing movably coupled to move along the slot. The housing has a latch pivotally coupled to the housing and the latch has a first portion and a second portion. The weight of the first portion of the latch is greater than the weight of the second portion of the latch. The second portion of the latch engages with a toy and the first portion of the latch corresponds to a rear portion of the toy. A first engagement element is coupled to the base near a first end of the base and a second engagement element is coupled to the housing and movable along the slot. The second engagement element is configured to couple with the first engagement element to retain the housing in a fixed position against a force of a biasing member. A release mechanism is coupled to the base.

Abstract: A traveling toy wheel whose simple configuration allows multiple devices to be enjoyed and can further change fine offsets is provided. The traveling toy wheel includes a first rim member to which a tire is mounted and a second rim member which includes a fitting portion into which a wheel hub of a traveling toy is fitted. Fitting holes as fixing portions are provided in one of the first rim member or the second rim member and elastic convex pieces as fixed portions are provided in the other of the first and second rim members. When the elastic convex pieces are fitted in the fitting holes, the first rim member and the second rim member are jointed relatively unmovably. A plurality of fitting holes are arranged at different positions, so that it is possible to easily adjust an offset of the wheel.

Abstract: In the present disclosure, disclosed herein, is a toy vehicle. The toy vehicle may include a front portion including a first arm, a second arm, and a first support member coupled to the first arm and the second arm; and a rear portion including a third arm, a fourth arm, and a second support member coupled to the third arm and the fourth arm. The toy vehicle may also include a plurality of wheels in which a first wheel of the plurality of wheels is coupled to the front portion and a second wheel of the plurality of wheels is coupled to the rear portion. An adjustment mechanism includes an actuator and a receiver. The actuator is engaged with the receiver and is rotatable relative thereto. The receiver is movable between a first position in which the receiver is spaced apart from the first support member and the second support member, and a second position in which the receiver contacts the first support member and the second support member.

Abstract: A submersible toy figurine and playset therefore with play attractions operable by the underwater figurine within the environs of the playset.

Abstract: A speech remote control device includes a speech input unit, a speech identification unit, a motion setting unit, a transmit unit and a receiving unit. The speech input unit converts a received speech command into a speech signal, and transmits the speech signal. The speech identification unit receives the speech signal, generates and transmits an encoded message corresponding to the received speech signal. The motion setting unit receives and decodes the encoded message into a control message, which comprises a proceeding command, and is further transferred to the transmit unit. The transmit unit receives the proceeding command and transfers the received proceeding command to the receiving unit, which drives a remote control car to perform a proceeding motion corresponding to the proceeding command. The remote control car can perform a continuous proceeding motion or a stream of proceeding motions so as to simulate the motion of a real car.

Abstract: A mold for producing a toy figure standing upright on a support surface and made from loose material, the mold having two mold halves which can be placed together at their edges of identical contour and which form an inner space that can be filled with the loose material and that corresponds to the desired toy figure, while the two edges forming an admission opening extend in a plane corresponding to the support surface, wherein the edges, of identical contour, of the mold halves are designed so that they extend at the locations of the respectively greatest diameters in any cross-sectional plane.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an infant activity apparatus including a first arch extending between first and second ends thereof, and a second arch extending between first and second ends thereof, where the first ends are articulated to a first coupling element, and the second ends are articulated to a second coupling element, and where each of the coupling elements facilitates independent pivoting of the ends articulated thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve tray for use in a chemical process column. The valve tray includes a plurality of apertures formed therein. A plurality of valves are maintained in a spaced relationship relative to individual apertures of the plurality of apertures. An area of the individual apertures is less than an area of individual valves of the plurality of valves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a column (1) for thermal treatment of fluid mixtures, having a cylindrical, vertical column body (2) which forms a column cavity (3), a plurality of trays (8) mounted with vertical spacing in the column cavity (3), and a support construction (9) which supports at least one of the trays (8) in vertical direction. It is a characteristic feature of the inventive column (1) that the support construction (9) has a plurality of orifices (12) which allow horizontal mass transfer through the support construction (9). The invention further relates to a tray device for such a column and to a thermal separation process between at least one gas ascending within such a column (1) and at least one liquid descending within the column (1).