Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional sliding exercise machine. According to the present invention, the multifunctional sliding exercise machine comprises: a pair of bodies having a symmetric shape of which each one end is hinge-coupled; a rotating shaft of which one end and the other end are rotatably coupled to a hinge portion, respectively, in which the pair of bodies are hinge-coupled; and a pair of slide plates slidably coupled to the respective upper surfaces of the pair of bodies.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an exercise device that makes push-ups more physically challenging by reducing the area of contact that the push-up device makes with a surface while in use. A distal end of the device has a minimal radius of curvature, such that the surface area of the device in contact with the ground is minimized, thereby inducing instability. The user is challenged to overcome the inherent instability of the push-up device, thereby recruiting more muscle groups, placing higher demand on involved muscle groups, and practicing balance and proprioception. Additionally, by elevating the user's hands above the ground, the device can also enable the user's chest to move below the plane of the palms of his or her hands, thus inducing a larger range of motion with each push-up and further challenging the user's muscles.

Abstract: A method according to a set of instructions stored on the memory of a computing device can include receiving first motion sensor data of a motion sensor associated with a sporting good. The method may further include activating an activity monitoring application logic. The activity monitoring application logic may include receiving a second motion sensor data of the motion sensor after the activity monitoring application logic is activated. The activity monitoring application logic may further include processing the second motion sensor data to identify a pattern of motion indicative of active usage of the sporting good. The activity monitoring application logic may further include activating adverse event detection logic. The adverse event detection logic may include receiving third motion sensor data of the motion sensor. The adverse event detection logic may further include monitoring the third motion sensor data to detect a potential adverse event experienced by the sporting good.

Abstract: A lat pulldown fitness device includes a base, a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) resistance provider, a motor, a gear train, pulleys, a cable assembly, a pulldown bar and a controller. The MRF resistance provider and the motor provide a resistance functioning as a load weight of pulling down the pulldown bar. The controller controls a current input to the MRF resistance provider to change the strength of the resistance generated from the MRF resistance provider. During a workout, the resistance provided by the lat pulldown fitness device is changeable precisely, conveniently, and quickly. Unlike its conventional counterparts which require bumper plates for use as weights, the lat pulldown fitness device is not limited to weight adjustment based on unit bumper plate but features plenty choices and controllable resolution in terms of strength of training. The MRF resistance provider is more compact and lightweight than its conventional counterparts.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment for enabling a user to vary the effective muscle tension during the course of the performance of an exercise and, more particularly, to an exercise system for shifting an optimum length of peak muscle tension. In some embodiments, the system is an apparatus which comprises a force-generating element, e.g. a fluid cylinder, a user-input element which a user forcibly moves during the course of performance of an exercise, and also a coupling means, which is preferably a cable-pulley system, which transfers forces between the force-generating element and the user-input element. Finally, the apparatus comprises a control unit which controls and varies the level of force generated by the force-generating element during the course of performance of the exercise. The apparatus effectively varies the effective muscle tension through the generation of forces.

Abstract: A kit includes a pair of items of footwear; wherein each item of footwear includes a brace that is arranged to be releasably secured to at least part of a wearer's leg and/or foot; a platform that is operably connected to the brace; and securing means for releasably securing a balancing member, or a stack of balancing members, underneath the platform. The kit includes balancing members for each item of footwear so that one balancing member can be replaced with another balancing member that has a smaller ground-contacting area, or so that it can have another balancing member with a smaller ground-contacting area stacked underneath it.

Abstract: An aquatic training device including a body having a contact surface for engaging a hand of a user and a securing fin extending substantially transverse from the contact surface. The securing fin further includes a retaining member spaced from the contact surface. The aquatic training device is designed to improve a user's stroke technique, particularly with respect to hand arm positioning while swimming, by forcing the user to engage shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers in optimal hand arm positions while swimming.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having an outer surface comprising a plurality of dimples covering greater than 70 percent of the outer surface, wherein at least 20 percent of the dimples incorporate directional surface texturing therein. The directional surface texturing preferably comprises substantially parallel channels or protrusions formed within the dimples.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a unitary core having an outer surface, a geometric center, and a soft transition region adjacent to the outer surface, and is formed from a substantially homogenous composition. The ball further includes an outer cover layer. The soft transition region has a thickness of up to 4 mm, has about 8 to 20 percent trans-polybutadiene isomer, and has a negative hardness gradient of up to 15 Shore C. The core has an overall negative hardness gradient of up to 20 Shore C and has a gradient quotient, GQ, defined by the equation: G + T 10 × COR ? 7 where G is the overall negative hardness gradient in Shore C, T is the percent of trans-polybutadiene isomer at the core outer surface, and COR is the coefficient of restitution measured at an incoming velocity of 125 ft/s.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a core and a cover surrounding the core. The cover includes a first hemispherical half and a second hemispherical half that define a seam line therebetween and along an outer surface of the cover. The seam line is non-planar and includes an integral number of cycles of a repeating wave that oscillates along the outer surface of the cover. Each cycle of the repeating wave has a 2? radian phase, and an intermediate section is interleaved within the repeating wave at phase angles that are integral multiples of ?. Each intermediate section has a straight surface profile along the outer spherical surface.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The Shore C hardness of the outer surface of the center is preferably greater than the Shore C hardness of the geometric center of the center.

Abstract: A throwing or catching toy includes a first body defined as having a longitudinal axis. A length of the first body along the longitudinal axis between a front end of the first body to a back end of the first body is longer than an equatorial diameter of the first body. A generally cylindrically-shaped annular second body is disposed about the first body aligned along the longitudinal axis. A connection structure is disposed and connected between the first body and the second body, where the connection structure secures the first body in a fixed position relative to the second body.

Abstract: Embodiments of shaft plugs for golf clubs and methods to manufacture golf clubs with shaft plugs are generally described herein. Other embodiments of shaft plugs may be described and claimed.

Abstract: An article, such as a golf club head, comprising one or more of a polished region, a textured region, a painted region, and/or a coated region, which may be formed using one or more masking operations, texturing operations, painting operations, and mask removal operations. A liquid mask may be applied over a narrow region defined by opposing mask edges, enabling a strip of a metallic surface to be framed by painted, textured, and/or coated regions.

Abstract: Embodiments of a golf club set with progressive tapered face thickness coordinated with club loft are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a variable thickness profile comprising a thick central portion; a transition portion; and a thin perimeter portion; wherein said transition portion surrounds said thick central portion; wherein said thin perimeter portion surrounds said transition portion; wherein said thick central portion comprises a center, said center of said thick central portion located equidistant from a heel most portion of said thick central portion and a toe most portion of said thick central portion; wherein said center of said thick central portion is offset from said geometric center of said striking face.

Abstract: A golf club head including a striking face, a posterior body portion including a crown portion and a sole portion, wherein the striking face includes a heel side and a toe side, a geometric face center, an impact area centered about the geometric face center and stretching a distance K towards the toe side from the geometric face center, and a distance K towards the heel side from the geometric face center, a toe area including the remainder of the striking on the toe side of the impact area, a heel area including the remainder of the striking face on the heel side of the impact area, wherein a maximum characteristic time of the striking face occurs outside of the impact area.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a golf club body, the golf club body including a toe portion and a heel portion, the golf club body including a hosel connected to the heel portion, the golf club body defining an external surface area, thereby each portion of the golf club body including a contributing external surface area to the total external surface area of the golf club body; a face connected to a front of the golf club body; a surface covering applied to at least 50% of the sole.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a variable thickness profile comprising a thick central portion; a transition portion; and a thin perimeter portion; wherein said transition portion surrounds said thick central portion; wherein said thin perimeter portion surrounds said transition portion; wherein said thick central portion comprises a center, said center of said thick central portion located equidistant from a heel most portion of said thick central portion and a toe most portion of said thick central portion; wherein said center of said thick central portion is offset from said geometric center of said striking face. The present invention also discloses a flexure feature located near a frontal sole portion of the golf club head, wherein the flexure has a specific thickness profile adapted to respond to the needs of the present golf club head.

Abstract: A golf club 2 includes a head 4, a shaft 6, and a grip 8. A club inertia moment about a swing axis is defined as Isw. A club inertia moment about a grip end is defined as Ige. Ige is 2820 (kg·cm2) or greater and less than 2870 (kg·cm2). Isw/Ige is equal to or less than 2.42. A club weight is defined as Wc (kg), an axial direction distance from the grip end to a center of gravity of the club is defined as Lc (cm), and a club inertia moment about the center of gravity of the club is defined as Ic (kg·cm2). Isw is calculated by Equation (1) below. Ige is calculated by Equation (2) below.

Abstract: A golf club 2 includes a head 4, a shaft 6, and a grip 8. A club inertia moment about a swing axis is defined as Isw. A club inertia moment about a grip end is defined as Ige. Ige is 2870 (kg·cm2) or greater and less than 2920 (kg·cm2). Isw/Ige is equal to or less than 2.46. A club weight is defined as Wc (kg), an axial direction distance from the grip end to a center of gravity of the club is defined as Lc (cm), and a club inertia moment about the center of gravity of the club is defined as Ic (kg·cm2). Isw is calculated by Equation (1) below. Ige is calculated by Equation (2) below.

Abstract: A golf club 2 includes a head 4, a shaft 6, and a grip 8. A club inertia moment about a swing axis is defined as Isw. A club inertia moment about a grip end is defined as Ige. Ige is 2760(kg·cm2) or greater and less than 2820(kg·cm2). Isw/Ige is equal to or less than 2.42. A club weight is defined as Wc (kg), an axial direction distance from the grip end to a center of gravity of the club is defined as Lc (cm), and a club inertia moment about the center of gravity of the club is defined as Ic(kg·cm2). Isw is calculated by Equation (1) below. Ige is calculated by Equation (2) below.

Abstract: A golf club 2 includes a head 4, a shaft 6, and a grip 8. A club inertia moment about a swing axis is defined as Isw. A club inertia moment about a grip end is defined as Ige. Ige is 2920 (kg·cm2) or greater and less than 2970 (kg·cm2). Isw/Ige is equal to or less than 2.48. A club weight is defined as Wc (kg), an axial direction distance from the grip end to a center of gravity of the club is defined as Lc (cm), and a club inertia moment about the center of gravity of the club is defined as Ic (kg·cm2). Isw is calculated by Equation (1) below. Ige is calculated by Equation (2) below.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a club head with sole mass element. Other embodiments of related club heads and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A golf club head is provided with a body that has an address position with a zero degree bounce portion on the sole and a center sole position with a multi-relief surface of the sole having a negative bounce portion. The negative bounce portion may comprise a negative 0.5 to a negative 4.0 degree surface. In one embodiment, the multi-relief surface may comprise the negative bounce portion and a cutaway portion extending to the back of the sole, which may have a depth of about 0.05 to 0.5 inch from a regular sole surface. In another embodiment, the golf club head includes a weight system to adjust the center of gravity. In one embodiment, the weight system is a tube having a weight at one end that may be inserted into the golf club head to move the center of gravity at least forward and backward within 6 mm and up and down within 6 mm. Preferably, the tube is angled downward toward the face by at least 3 degrees.

Abstract: Golf club heads include an iron type golf club head body having a rear surface (e.g., a perimeter weighting member) that defines a first weight receiving portion, and a weight member is mounted in the first weight receiving portion. The club head body further defines a second weight receiving portion independent of the first weight receiving portion, and a second weight member is removably engaged with the golf club head body at this second weight receiving portion. The weight members may be interchangeably mounted in the two weight receiving portions to thereby allow selective placement of the center of gravity characteristics of the club head body. Golf clubs including these club heads and methods of making such golf club and golf club heads also are described.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to golf clubs with sound tuning features. In certain aspects, the invention provides a flanged rib structure configured to provide improved sound tuning characteristics for a golf club head, particularly a hollow-bodied golf club head. In one embodiment, the rib includes a web portion extending from an internal surface of the club head body and a flange portion coupled to a top surface of the web portion. The inclusion of the flange portion to the web portion increases the overall stiffness of the rib, thereby resulting in an increase in the natural vibration frequency of the club head so as to provide a more appealing sound and/or feel upon ball impact, thereby improving the overall sound characteristics of the club head.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a golf club. The apparatus holds a golf club, and moves that club through a downswing that extends from an initial position that is at the top of the downswing to at least an impact position in which the golf club head would impact a golf ball. The apparatus includes a support frame, motors, an elongate member, a gripping device for holding a golf club, and a controller. The elongate member has an inner section connected to an outer section by a swivel joint. The gripping device is connected to the outer section by a revolute joint. The controller generates motor drive signals to cause the motors to rotate to effect the downswing such that, during the downswing, the outer section rotates relative to the inner section and the golf club face is in an aligned position when the club head is at the impact position.

Abstract: A throwing disc, goal apparatus, and game are provided. A disc includes a central hub with blades projecting equiangularly from the hub. The blades are circumscribed by and joined to an outer perimeter ring that aids in throwing. The blades of the disc act as airfoils and impart unique flight characteristics to the disc. A goalpost is comprised of two vertical sections, joined by a horizontal cross-bar located above the midline of the vertical sections, and supported by a rectangular frame oriented perpendicularly to the vertical sections. A scoring pad is included. The game is played by tossing the disc and attempting to pass the disc while in flight between the vertical posts and above the horizontal cross-bar of the goalpost, and landing the disc on the scoring pad.

Abstract: An apparatus, kit and method for guiding overhead throwing motions. The apparatus may comprise a base member for supporting a rising member, which may be connected to an elongated member. The rising member may pivot in relation to the elongated member. A mechanical fastener may lock the pivoting motion. The elongated member may guide a path for the foot of the user. The user standing on a throwing surface may: lift his or her leading foot to a contact point on the guiding surface of the apparatus; direct the leading foot downward along the guiding surface; and, lift the leading foot from the guiding surface to a landing spot on the throwing surface. When unassembled, the component parts of the apparatus may be fit into a standard sized baseball batting bag.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a ball-hitting training device for a ball player. The ball-hitting training device may include a base, a height member, a width member, a first arm and a second arm. The height member may extend vertically from the base. The width member may extend horizontally in opposed directions from the height member. The first arm may extend at a first angle from a first end of the width member. In addition, the second arm may extend at a second angle from a second end of the width member. A player space may be formed between the first and second arms and configured to allow the ball player to stand therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a baseball training aid that includes a ball having a core and an outer layer. The outer layer includes a pair of panels that are sewn together at its seams via stitching. The pair of panels is provided in a first color, wherein the seams and stitching are provided in a second color that contrasts with the color of the pair of panels. The seams are configured to be brightly colored to allow a user to better track the rotation and spin of a ball. Further, the stitching is also configured to be brightly colored to visually enhance the rotation and spin of the ball. In this way, the user can learn to recognize the rotation of a ball to increase the probability of hitting or catching the ball.

Abstract: Provided is a modular sports training system that can be assembled, placed on a supporting surface, and stood upon by a person during sports training activities. The system is adapted to be assembled with one or more modules. One module may be disposed at a non-parallel angle to another module. One module may be aligned with another module. The non-parallel angle allows a person standing on the system to place one foot on one module and another foot on another module at the non-parallel angle, such as in a swing or batter's stance, and allows the person to stand in a stable manner while encouraging certain positioning of the feet during the sports training activities. Modules can be coupled by an interlocking protrusion and receiver arrangement, such as by inserting a protrusion of one module into a receiver of another module when the modules are unaligned relative to each other and then twisting the modules into alignment.

Abstract: Described herein is a training harness comprising: a harness comprising at least one anchor point connecter; and a retractable tether comprising a casing supporting and storing a rotatable spool, a handle grip connected to the casing, a tether comprising a first end coupled to the spool and a second end configured for reversible coupling to the at least one anchor point connecter, an elastic section at or proximal to the second end. The training harness may be used by children learning a sport, particularly a downhill gliding sport such as skiing or snowboarding.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) for training users to manipulate a lacrosse stick (10) having a fastening arrangement (60, 70, 75) that connects a user's wrist or forearm to the lacrosse stick (10) and restricts movement of the user's wrist or forearm relative to the lacrosse stick (10).

Abstract: A training apparatus for stationary bicycle rollers includes a platform base with multiple panels and the panels are pivotally connected to each other and configured to fold together when not in use for ease of transportation and reduced storage space. The platform is configured to removably mate with an adjustable stabilization bar configured to provide stabilization support to a cyclist when using stationary bicycle rollers.

Abstract: A method of determining spin parameters of a sports ball, such as spin axis and rotation velocity of a golf ball. The spin axis is determined solely from the trajectory of the flying ball, and the rotational velocity is determined from a frequency analysis of a signal provided by a radar, which signal comprises spectrum traces positioned equidistantly in frequency, which frequency distance relates to the spin velocity.

Abstract: A green simulation apparatus having a configurable upper surface with a changeable contour may comprise a covering forming the upper surface and a covering support assembly configured to support the covering. The support assembly may comprise a plurality of movable positioning elements having the covering resting thereon and positioned in an array extending in a reference plane and movable along axes extending substantially perpendicular to the reference plane. The support assembly may comprise a movement actuator configured to move at least one of the positioning elements independently of other positioning elements in the array.

Abstract: A putting training device includes a base having a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion for supporting an inclined, interchangeable elongate putting path member having a variety of widths and lengths for use by a user for improving the users putting stroke.

Abstract: A system for transitioning from a first footwear type to a second footwear type is usable with an article of footwear including a sensor system with a plurality of force sensors engaged with an article of footwear and configured to sense force exerted by a foot of a user and an electronic module configured to collect data based on force input from the sensors and to wirelessly transmit data generated by the sensor system. An electronic device includes a processor that receives the data from the electronic module, compares the data to a footstrike template corresponding to a desired footstrike pattern of a footwear transitional program, determines whether a deviation from the footstrike template exists, and generates an indication to the user when the deviation from the desired footstrike pattern is determined to exist.

Abstract: A sports training apparatus for training athletes to deliver a ball or other object at an appropriate arc. The sports training apparatus includes an adjustable horizontal target that is positioned between the athlete and the target. It gives guidance to the athlete at the time of release. The athlete's height, game being played, desired arc, technique employed and position on the court determine the appropriate configuration, placement, and use of the sports training apparatus described herein. Athletes use the sports training apparatus repeatedly to train, learn, and be able to repeat the desired arc for a particular shot in their sport.

Abstract: A face mask having a grid that is biasly connected to an opposed head contacting side to reduce the impact to the person wearing the face mask.

Abstract: A method and system of a training aid to assist a user to learn to catch including a pair of gloves in which at least a portion of an outer surface of a trainee's glove is attached to at least a portion of an inner surface of a trainer's glove to allow the trainer to guide the trainee's glove into proper positions used during catching. Alternatively, a belt portion is attached around the thumb and pinky of the trainee's glove and trainer's glove to attach the gloves to one another.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle is disclosed including a deck to support a rider, at least two wheels coupled to the deck, a footpad rotatably coupled to the deck, and a drive motor coupled to one of the wheels and the footpad. The drive motor is configured to rotate one of the wheels when the footpad is in an engaged position. An actively stabilized motorized vehicle is also disclosed including a deck, a pair of in-line wheels coupled to the deck, a steering motor to adjust a steering angle of one of the wheels, a series of sensors to measure dynamic conditions of the motorized vehicle, a microprocessor to calculate, based on the dynamic conditions, a stabilizing steering angle acceleration of one of the wheels, and a controller to send a signal to the steering motor to steer the second wheel with the stabilizing steering angle acceleration to stabilize the vehicle.

Abstract: A compression board apparatus of a generally planar surface has an insert that compresses to a position that is flat or flush with a top surface of the board, when a load is applied to the top surface of the board. When the load is removed, the insert releases, thereby expanding to a released position. The insert is arranged to both extend above the top surface of the board and extend below a bottom surface of the board. The insert may be secured by at least locking mechanism and enables a user who applies a load to the top surface of the board to maintain contact with the board's surface, even in an airborne position and when the board is in a non-planar position.

Abstract: Solitaire style card games with a blocking play feature. In one illustrative embodiment, the game may be played with a deck of twelve valued cards and an additional “block” card. A set of foundation stacks are dealt in a line face down and the top card on each is then turned face up, with the remaining cards forming a “draw” stack. Visible cards may then be removed from the foundation stacks in sets of one to three cards with a total face value meeting a preselected number. As cards are removed, the top card on each stack is turned face up. When a “block” card is revealed, a foundation stack may be “blocked.” Play of the blocked stack may be restricted until a designated condition is satisfied. When no play is possible or desired, a card may be drawn from the draw stack.

Abstract: An educational board-type game for a plurality of players has world currency as the primary subject matter. The object of the game is to travel the world and earn back the travel expense in 90-days. The game includes a durable, flexible, reusable, portable playing surface, a measuring device, color marker playing pieces and eraser, playing cards, rules, a guide, a log, and a storage cylinder. Players choose destinations and random select playing cards that have distance, time and money as transaction values. Players use strategic thinking to determine their moves and calculate foreign currency exchange and/or and or borrowing and lending to earn the expense of traveling to choice destinations. A primary intention of the game is to provide an enjoyable recreation activity for social interaction between family and friends. The game is an engaging learning activity for instruction in the social sciences that is programmable for use on an electronic device.

Abstract: A method for playing a game on a game surface. The method includes mixing a predetermined set of playing cards, placing each of the cards in the set face down into respective color coded areas on the game surface, and determining one or more colors appearing face up on a plurality of color coded game pieces based on a roll of the plurality of color coded game pieces on the game surface. The method further includes determining a result of the roll by revealing a subset of the set of cards in the plurality of color coded areas based on the one or more colors appearing face up on the plurality of color coded game pieces.

Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) game system is disclosed wherein real-world objects are transformed into AR terrain elements and AR events generate real-world impact. The game environment is set up using real-world objects that include everyday objects and game pieces on a field of play. When viewed on the screen of a computing device executing the modules of the game system, the everyday objects are transformed into elements of an AR terrain while the game pieces can be augmented with various controls. Multiple viewing modes, for example, a third person view, a first person view or “POV” view from a selected game piece or a split screen view are contemplated for viewing the field of play. A subset of the augmented controls can be activated by the user to execute AR events some of which can have real-world impact. The AR events are executed based on game rules.

Abstract: Digital gameboard systems and devices for providing games and interactive content to two or more co-located users are described, as well as methods of using the same. A gameboard device of the present disclosure comprises a housing with a screen extending across the top thereof, and a mobile computer positioned within the housing. At least a portion of the device's screen comprises a touchscreen technology. Additionally, at least a portion of the gameboard device is foldable about at least one axis. Methods of using the devices and systems hereof are also provided, an exemplary method including the steps of downloading content to the aforementioned device, receiving input from at least two co-located users via the screen of the digital gameboard device, and displaying output via the screen of the digital gameboard device to the two or more co-located users in connection with the gaming program.