Abstract: A housing has an upper cover, a bottom, front and rear faces, and parallel left and right side faces. The height of the rear and side faces between their top edge and bottom edge is less that the height of the front face between its top edge and bottom edge. Laterally spaced parallel guiding slots are formed in the upper cover. A pedal mount extends through each of the guiding slots and is attached to an associated left or right pedal. A glide rail beneath each guiding slot has an upwardly facing recess slidably receiving a lower extent of one of the pedal mounts. A motion imparter includes corner pulleys. A cable in a closed loop configuration is trained around the corner pulleys and is attached to the lower extents of the pedal mounts to move the foot pedals in equal and opposite directions during use.

Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media configured for monitoring a user performing an exercise and generating a avatar of the user and a virtual shadow, wherein the virtual shadow illustrates proper form of the exercise. The example embodiments may further be configured for determining an amount of overlap between the virtual avatar and the virtual shadow, and generating a feedback score based on the amount of overlap.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating an activity includes an article of clothing provided with a sensor capable of detecting the impact of the article of clothing, such as a shoe, on a surface. A system receives and interprets the pattern of impacts made during the performance of the activity. The system compares these impacts with those of a target routine. Iterations of the same performance may be stored in the system so that ongoing progress may be measured. The system may be used to enhance class teaching, in the home, or for Internet competition. The activity may include dance, yoga, martial arts, or similar activities.

Abstract: A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and/or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device. The system may be operable to be set-up and to operate in a substantially autonomous manner.

Abstract: A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched the object into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving objects may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a basketball shot at a basketball hoop by a player. The feedback information, such as a trajectory entry angle into the basketball hoop and/or an entry velocity into the hoop for the shot, may be output to the player in an auditory format using a sound projection device. The system may be operable to be set-up and to operate in a substantially autonomous manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand-alone therapeutical training device which is peculiar in that the stand-alone therapeutical training device comprising a shallow housing having at least a top surface and a bottom surface, said housing comprising at least one force sensor, said force sensor measuring the force applied to said top surface of said housing and generating a response signal, at least one user feedback unit, a controller placed inside said housing configured for controlling said user feedback unit and that the controller controls the user feedback unit proportionally to said response signal from said force sensor. Hereby can be archived a simple stand-alone therapeutically training device enabling the patient and/or the physiotherapist to evaluate the force or weight applied by the user on the upper surface of the device.

Abstract: A method of detecting and prompting a human lower limbs stepping motion is applied to an exercise machine with pedals installed to both left and right sides of the exercise machine and provided for detecting a pedaling force while stepping the pedals. In the method, a force sensor is installed to the pedals, such that when an exerciser steps on the pedals by feet alternately, the force sensor detects, generates and transmits an electric signal to a control unit and converts the electric signal into a pedaling force value, and the control unit compares the pedaling force value with a predetermined value and prompts a message when the pedaling force value is beyond the range of the predetermined value.

Abstract: Fun “noodles,” elongated flexible tubes formed of closed-cellular foam plastic used for play in water, are provided with decorative wiggly waggly tails at their ends, the tails being capable of new play patterns and water splashing effects.

Abstract: Collapsible, adjustable scuba fin with a cam lock feature. The blades of the fin are set on an enclosed track in the foot plate which allows the blades to be extended to create a fin of variable surface area for different swimming conditions or retracted under the foot plate for walking. The blades can be locked in place by the cam lock which is attached to the foot plate by means of a screw and foot pocket by means of an adjustable pull lanyard. The foot pocket and heel hilt can be adjusted to accommodate feet and footwear of varying size, and style allowing a single fin to fit multiple individuals and requirements. A T-bolt slider set in the foot plate can be rotated or removed to access the space between the blades allowing for the clearing of debris.

Abstract: A golf ball may include a UV curable coating layer that is only partially cured upon finishing. The golf ball may be used in its partially cured state in a game of golf, where the partially cured state may be advantageous for play under wet conditions. The coating layer may then further cure upon exposure to UV light, such as ambient environmental light from the sun during a game of golf in sunny conditions. As a result of this further curing, the coating may transition to a cured state that is associated with play characteristics that are advantageous for play under sunny dry conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for golf equipment that can be applied as a thin paint layer to block oxygen and moisture from underlying structural layers. The compositions include a polymer component present in a resin system, a stabilizing component, and porous particles.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball showing a low spin rate on driver shots. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover layer covering the spherical core, wherein the spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing (a) a base rubber, (b) an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof as a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator and (d) a carboxylic acid having a heterocyclic ring and/or a salt thereof, provided that the rubber composition further contains (e) a metal compound in case of containing only (b) the ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms as the co-crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core having an outer surface, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover layer surrounding the intermediate layer, which defines an outermost portion of the ball. The outer surface of the core includes a plurality of polygonal protrusions aligned on a common sphere and a plurality of grooves that extend radially inward from the sphere and respectively separate and define each of the polygonal protrusions. The intermediate layer has a radially inward facing surface that is bonded to the outer surface of the core across the entire outer surface.

Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a spherical core 4 and a cover 6 covering the core 4. The cover 6 includes an inner cover 8 and an outer cover 10 positioned outside the inner cover 8. The core 4 is obtained by a rubber composition being crosslinked. The rubber composition includes a base rubber (a), a co-crosslinking agent (b), a crosslinking initiator (c), and a carboxylate (d). The co-crosslinking agent (b) is: (b1) an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms; or (b2) a metal salt of an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The amount of the carboxylate (d) is equal to or greater than 1 parts by weight but less than 40 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the base rubber (a). A hardness of an innermost layer of the cover is greater than a surface hardness of the core.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball showing a great flight distance on driver shots. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover layer covering the spherical core, wherein the spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing (a) base rubber, (b) an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof as a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator and (d) a branched carboxylic acid and/or a salt thereof, provided that the rubber composition further contains (e) a metal compound in case of containing only (b) the ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms as the co-crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A method for printing an image at multiple positions on a golf ball is disclosed herein. The plurality of locations for the image is preferably ten. The image is preferably a pentagon. The image is alternatively a hexagon or a circle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct contact racquet or “DCR.” In order to enhance the feel experienced by the player, the DCR is designed to maximize the contact between the player's hand and the ball, while still making use of a string-bed or other form of contact to provide a strike surface for the ball. In one embodiment, the strike surface is positioned on one side of the player's hand, such as the palm side or the back of the hand. In particular, a gripping surface for a player's hand is provided behind the string bed. The gripping surface may be shaped in various ways so that a player can comfortably grip it. In addition, the gripping surface may provide a clearance from the string bed when striking a ball. Therefore, the DCR places a user's hand directly behind the string bed surface used to strike the ball. In another embodiment, the player's hand is placed between two strike surfaces to allow striking of a ball using either side of the player's hand.

Abstract: An adjustable connector is provided including a first part and a second part, each part including a main body having a longitudinal axis. One part includes at least one first locator, and the other part includes at least two second locators. The connector is configured such that engagement of the first locator with different second locators results in different orientations of the longitudinal axes of the parts with respect to one another. Each part includes a frustum shaped surface, where the surfaces are configured to abut against each other in at least one orientation of the longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A golf club includes a golf club head and a shaft attached to the golf club head, the golf club including the golf club head provided with a shaft insertion hole having an upper opening and a lower opening, the shaft insertion hole having an internal surface provided with an undercut groove, the shaft having a tip end, a shaft sleeve adaptor attached to the tip end of the shaft, the shaft sleeve adaptor inserted into the shaft insertion hole through the upper opening and having a first thread portion, a fastener comprising a second thread portion engaging with the first thread portion of the shaft sleeve adaptor through the lower opening of the shaft insertion hole, and a washer held in the undercut groove of the shaft insertion hole and disposed between the fastener and the shaft sleeve adaptor.

Abstract: A novel material comprising collections of prepreg plies and a variable thickness core material such as sheet molding compound or metal, methods of forming said material, and golf clubs comprising said material are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a body and a face plate insert. The body includes an annular face support having a recessed shelf configured to receive the face plate insert, and partially defining a central cavity. The face plate insert includes a hitting surface and a rear surface that is opposite the hitting surface. The face plate insert is disposed within the annular face such that the rear surface of the face plate insert abuts the recessed shelf. The face plate insert includes a polymeric material that is disposed across the cavity and that has a tensile strength of at least about 220 MPa.

Abstract: A novel material comprising collections of prepreg plies and a variable thickness core material such as sheet molding compound or metal, methods of forming said material, and golf clubs comprising said material are disclosed herein. Golf club heads having faces made of multiple materials, including a composite layer at least partially sandwiched between two metal layers, are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to a set of golf clubs comprising long irons, mid-irons and short irons. The long irons have a first center of gravity positioned horizontally from the face center by a first distance. The mid-irons have a second center of gravity positioned horizontally from the face center by a second distance. The short irons have a third center of gravity positioned horizontally from the face center by a third distance.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a body, a first arm and a second arm. The body has a ball striking face for striking a golf ball and extends from a heel-side to a toe-side. The first arm projects rearwardly from the body. The second arm also projects rearwardly from the body. The second arm is spaced from the first arm in a heel-to-toe direction to thereby define a gap. The club head further includes a tension member spanning the gap between the first and second arms. The tension member has a first end attached to the first arm and a second end attached to the second arm. The tension member may be pre-tensioned, thereby imparting increased rigidity to the club head. A golf club, particularly a putter, may be provided with this club head.

Abstract: A shirt for improving a swinging motion of a user wearing the shirt includes front and rear panels each having corresponding top, bottom and generally opposing side edges, wherein the front and rear panels are adjoined to each other by the top and side edges, defining an interior space of the shirt. The front and rear panels include sleeve cutouts formed on each side edge adjacent the top edge, and a neck cutout formed on the top edges of the front and rear panels. At least one tubular sleeve is permanently joined to the front and rear panels of at least one of the sleeve cutouts, the tubular sleeve defining an inside area, the inside area being fluidly connected to the interior space of the shirt. A member is substantially adjacent to the sleeve cutout and the side edges of both the front and rear panels.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for installing and optimizing adjustable swing-weight in a vibration-damped manner inside a golf club shaft. A plug assembly of selectable weight is inserted through a circular opening in the golf grip cap with a special tool, moved to any desired location within the shaft and securely fastened in place in a vibration-damped manner by a resilient, cylindrical, radially-expandable element. At least one weight rod, made available in different materials, lengths and weights, is spaced from the shaft by one or more resilient damper sleeves to minimize shaft vibration. The expandable element is secured by a machine screw threaded into the upper end of the weight rod, and is dimensioned (unexpanded) so as to enable easy insertion and location adjustment of said plug assembly.

Abstract: A sports equipment stick handle comprising a hollow tubular member with a cross section comprising at least a first wall and a second wall that intersect at a corner having a reinforcement portion (fillet, bead or diagonal; easement, wherein the thickness of the corner is greater than the thickness of the first and second walls. The reinforcement portion increases dent resistance, strength, and stiffness.

Abstract: A net apparatus arranged to provide a net structure to capture or catch a projectile, that is easy to setup and is collapsible such that the frame structure is easy to assemble by a single individual. The net apparatus comprising a base structure including at least one support portion, at least one base extension, and a hinge, wherein the at least one support portion is coupled to the at least one base extension and the hinge. At least one rod is removably coupled to the base structure and received by a net, wherein the net is adapted to exert a force on the at least one rod causing the at least one rod to exert a force onto said hinge in order to lock the at least one support portion.

Abstract: Baseball or softball training equipment that is capable of converting from a system for practicing pitching and throwing to a machine for throwing balls to practice batting or fielding. The equipment comprises: a main frame for catching a ball thrown toward the system; foldable backstop components hinged on both sides to the main frame; a plurality of movable, resettable targets connected to the main frame and extending over a ball collecting component; and a ball return component with a motorized wheel situated beneath the ball collecting component and detachably mounted for removing from the main frame and affixing to its own stand.

Abstract: A player training apparatus for use with a portable performance system. The portable performance system includes a processor, a memory and a display. The training apparatus includes an American-style football, at least one sensor coupled to the football, at least one transmitter coupled to the football and operably coupled to the sensor, and a non-transient computer-readable medium containing code. The code directs the processor to: receive input pertaining to motion of the football resulting from the player performing an act with the football; store information related to the input into the memory; compare the received input with previously stored celebrity information regarding similar football acts performed by a celebrity; and display information relating to the input and the comparison to the celebrity information.

Abstract: A soccer training device is disclosed to improve the accuracy of a sport participant in the kicking of a soccer ball. The invention develops a soccer player's ball control using all parts of the foot including: first touch, striking, dribbling, trapping, rolling, and passing. The invention is made up of 5 main parts: Tethered Soccer Ball, Adjustable Rope, X-Y Rotation device, Base Plate and a Digital Counter/Timer which keeps track of the rotations. The training device comprises a weighted ground level base plate that supports the X-Y rotation device. The horizontal and vertical rotating axis apparatus extends upward and outward attaching to a tethered soccer ball. The ball attachment is connected to the apparatus with a rope. When kicked, the device allows for the ball to move across the floor in an uniform 360° motion.

Abstract: The invention provided is directed to a soccer training device, module training system and method of use. The device is a deflection wall that may be portable or permanently affixed to a ground surface. The wall having a larger and smaller embodiment, mimicking the silhouette of a soccer goal or an average player of a given age range from a far distance at simulated closer range. The inventive features of the wall intended to enhance quantity, quality, speed, and accuracy of interaction and perception between the user, the ball and the wall according to professional quality and professional level training techniques. Multiple wall units may be combined to create individualized training modules wherein one person may train in a simulated multiplayer environment of varying levels of complexity. Two or more module units may be combined to create a soccer training system. The modules and systems may be staged in limited ground surface area both indoor and outdoor.

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 fixed clamping member has a first interior surface and is constructed of a first material. A sensor unit formed on an exterior surface of the fixed clamping member detects a motion of the motion analysis device. A pivoting clamping member secured to a first end of the fixed clamping member has a second interior surface that opposes the first interior surface when the pivoting clamping member is in a secured position. A gripping element constructed of a second material different than the first material is formed over the first interior surface and the second interior surface. A tightening member having a threaded portion is secured to a second end of the fixed clamping member. A knob has a threaded interior portion with a diameter corresponding to the cylindrical threaded portion. An opening on the pivoting clamping member has a shape and a size corresponding to the tightening member.

Abstract: A golf training aid apparatus and a method of using the same, that assists golfers in identifying, understanding, and implementing proper body and golf club positioning so as to consistently hit a golf ball accurately, with extended distance, and with a proper golf swing. The golf swing training device includes a body attaching element, a plate that is fastenable to the body attaching element which includes at least one opening therein and a connecting element that is connectable to the plate and includes a fitting for mating with a head of the golf club by encompassing part of the head the golf club.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus and method of enhancing muscle tone and improving swing form includes a swing device that guides a user's swing along a predetermined path in a selected swing plane to improve form and enhance muscle memory for a preferred swing. A tensioning device enables the user to adjust the resistance to his or her swing, increasing resistance to strengthen muscles used while executing the preferred swing. The apparatus is adjustable for individuals of varying height, size, strength and ability.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to golf gaming systems and methods for evaluating a golfer's performance and facilitating golf gaming and competition. Specifically, The present invention provides methods, locations, installations, devices and systems adapted and arranged for observing, processing, analyzing and communicating data and images of individual or group golf gaming performance with respect to golf balls in play in three-dimensional environments.

Abstract: A golf practice aid enhances shooting distance and accuracy by enabling a user to properly align a ball relative to a stance of the user. This improves contact between the ball and a club during a golf swing. The golf practice aid includes a rope with a first end and a second end, a fastening component affixed to the second end of the rope and slidably connected to an intermediate portion of the rope to create a loop portion in the rope, and a plurality of marker components slidably mounted to the rope. The rope is disposed on a ground surface and the plurality of marker components are slidably adjusted based on the stance of the user to create a visual tool that aids the user to properly align the ball on the ground surface for the golf swing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cover for use with a lacrosse stick that specifically interacts with the net of the lacrosse head to protect the net and the pocket from the environment and selectively maintain a certain shape or contour of the pocket. The pocket retainer is a component that may be selectively positioned within the cover and thereby retains the contour of the net particular to the lacrosse player.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for automating how information about sporting events is captured, processed, and stored for delivery to interested users. In an exemplary embodiment, score data for a sporting event is captured at a score source and communicated to a remote destination over a network as a URL request where score data is included in a portion of the URL following a domain name portion. In another exemplary embodiment, a scoreboard identifier and sporting event schedule data is used to determine how to translate received score data prior to loading in a database.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method of biofeedback training for attaining a physiological state optimally consistent with the successful performance of a task, wherein the probability of successfully completing the task is made is inversely proportional to a physiological difference value, computed as the absolute value of the difference between at least one physiological signal optimally consistent with the successful performance of the task and at least one corresponding measured physiological signal of a trainee performing the task. The probability of successfully completing the task is made inversely proportional to the physiological difference value by making one or more measurable physical attributes of the environment in which the task is performed, and upon which completion of the task depends, vary in inverse proportion to the physiological difference value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dasher-boards assembly with capability to absorb impacts of players crashing into the boards. The glass pane surmounting the boards can tip away from the ice, against a spring, and then resiliently return to its normal (upright) position. The spring is a bar-spring, which not only is deflectable to provide the resilience, but also has the capability to support and position the pane with respect to the dasher-board. The bar-spring can be used when the pane is flush-mounted with respect to the dasher-board, or when the pane is set-back from the ice-side of the dasher-board.

Abstract: It is provided a game system which includes 36 indexed elements, and a pattern structure having six hexagonal patterns arranged in a cycle such that each pattern has two neighboring patterns. Each element has an index of six different indexes. Two or more indexed elements are associated with each index. Each pattern has two sites shared with each of the two neighboring patterns, and one non-shared site. The system includes a cube for selecting a sub-set of 24 indexed elements. In a number version, the different indexes constitute a single arithmetic series. In a two-party game version, 12 pattern sites are associated with a first site index and 12 pattern sites are associated with a second index, six of the sites having the first site index and six of the sites having the second site index are shared sites, and the other sites are non-shared sites. A computerized two party game includes means for prohibiting a player from disposing an indexed element on a pattern site already having that indexed element.

Abstract: A device for electromechanical selection of an element from a plurality of elements, according to present invention has a housing in a form of a body of a regular shape, enabling the device to take N rest positions, where N is a natural number. Each of the rest positions corresponds to one element selected from N elements, wherein the device is adapted to electrically and optically transmit data regarding trajectory of its movement and rest positions, including indications of an accelerometer connected to a position analysis and identification module. At least one proximity sensor and at least one magnetometric sensor is further placed inside the housing, and filters are connected on the signal path between the accelerometer and the sensors and position analysis and identification module. The present invention is also directed to the method of electromechanical selection of an element from a plurality of elements.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling and/or monitoring a plurality of racing vehicles on a racetrack which are controlled by participants in a race is disclosed. Each racing vehicle provided with one vehicle memory in which vehicle data which are read out from a receiving/reading device assigned to the racetrack are stored in a database. Each participant in the race is provided with separate a participant memory in which participant data is stored, the participant data being read out from a receiving/reading device and stored in the database in which the vehicle data are also stored. The vehicle data and participant data which are stored in the database are assigned to one another. The vehicle data and participant data are read and the assignment of the vehicle data which are read with the participant data which are read is compared with the assignment which was previously assigned.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to produce an operation method that allows a player to enjoy moving a character in a game space. In accordance with an aspect, the server device according to an embodiment includes an information storage unit for storing information, a game progression control unit for controlling progression of a game, a display image generating unit for generating an image to be displayed on a display device of the terminal device and displaying the image on the display device, a moving direction setting unit for setting a moving direction of a player character which is operated by the player, a player character control unit for controlling the movement of the player character in the game space, and a non-player character control unit for controlling the movement of a non-player character which is not operated by the player.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for operating a fantasy league including: Fantasy player information including performance history of one or more real-world athletes selected as fantasy players is provided. The fantasy player information is updated in real-time based on fantasy player performance information from a real-world performance. A fantasy team player list is received, the list including a plurality of fantasy team players. The plurality of fantasy team players is associated with a first user of the fantasy server system. A plurality of highlight video clip links is received, each associated with at least one specific fantasy player and at least one piece of fantasy player performance information. At least one highlight video clip link is determined from the plurality of highlight video clip links based upon at least one of the fantasy team players associated with the first user. The determined highlight video clip link is provided to the first user.

Abstract: To provide a game system to perform various modifications to a tune being reproduced for game background displayed together with the tune, without the uncomfortable feeling, but with restriction of amount of memory consumption. The game system of the present invention is a game system (1) which informs a player of the operation timings of operation members (11) to a tune to be reproduced by a display device (3), wherein the game system (1) has background image data (24) for displaying game background image (34) by the display device (3), a break position monitoring device (7c) for monitoring at least one break positions set in the tune in units of beats during which the tune is reproduced, and a background image control device (7d) for controlling the appearance of modification of the game background image (34) so that the appearance of modification changes depending on the play situation of the player when the break position is recognized by the break position monitoring device (7c).

Abstract: Systems and methods allow an on-line game to extract information relevant to a specific need of a game platform or service platform. The specific need relates to management and use of digital content, and is addressed by designing and playing an on-line collaborative game. The rules of the game intend to solve a specific task dictated by the specific need. Players' responses to the game generate a wealth of information related to a specific task objective, such as ranking, sorting, and evaluating a set of digital content items. To compel participation in a game, players can be rewarded with monetary value rewards. As a game illustration, an image selection game (ISG) that exploits human contextual inference is described in detail. The information extracted from ISG is a list of key-image associations, relevant for the task of image sorting and ranking.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are disclosed for providing social games. In accordance with one implementation, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving a selection from a user to activate the social game. The method also includes receiving, with at least one processor, the previously recorded content for the social game. In accordance with the present disclosure, the method also includes playing back, in response to the selection, the previously recorded content to the user and recording the user's interaction with the previously recorded content while playing back the previously recorded content.