Abstract: A golf club head having a face part, a sole part, a side part, a crown part and a hosel part, all of which surround a hollow part comprises a penetration hole that is provided on the crown part, penetrating the crown part so that the hollow part is connected with an outer atmosphere of the golf club head and a non-metal cover that is provided over the penetration hole. A recess part, which forms a recess, is provided on a surface of the non-metal cover.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion and a plurality of weight portions. The body portion may include a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a bottom portion having an outer surface associated with an outer surface curve, and a weight port region located at or proximate to the bottom portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A face insert comprising a planar member composed of a rigid material such as plastic or metal and a polymeric backing is disclosed herein. The planar member, which makes contact with a golf ball during use, includes a plurality of geometrically-shaped holes, each of which comprises a perimeter edge that has a variable radius to further optimize performance of the face insert. In some embodiments, one or more of the holes extends completely through the planar member, i.e. is a through-hole, and the polymeric backing includes at least one protrusion with an angled upper surface that is sized to extend into a through-hole and further improve performance of the face insert. The face insert described herein can be used with any type of golf club head, including putters, woods, irons, and hybrids, and the holes may take any shape, including oval, hexagonal, and chevron.

Abstract: Golf clubs and golf club heads having a weight member that is configurable in multiple positions to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head are presented. In some examples, the weight member may be arranged in a sole of the golf club head and may include ends having different weighting characteristics. For instance, one end may be heavier or denser than another end of the weight member. The difference in weight characteristics may be due to different materials used to form the different ends, different construction of the ends, and the like. The position of the weight member may be adjusted to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head. For instance, the weight member may be removed and rotated to position a heavier end where a lighter end was previously positioned.

Abstract: A variable stiffness striking implement, such as, for example, a ball bat typically used in baseball, softball, or rubber ball. The striking implement, preferably has a separate barrel and handle and includes a variable stiffness assembly which results in the user being able to adjust stiffness. This is accomplished by the user selecting a stiffness member having a desired hardness and inserting the selected stiffness around the handle and abutting the end of the barrel closest to the handle end and using a cap to hold the stiffness member in place, or, if desired by the user, the striking implement may be used without a stiffness member.

Abstract: A cricket bat includes a blade extending from a pair of shoulders, a striking face, an opposing rear face and a pair of sides spanning between the striking face and the opposing rear face. The striking face is formed by a flat elongate planar surface and defined by a first longitudinal axis, and a second perpendicular axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis extending across the striking face. The pair of sides defines a first pair of chamfers extending from the ends of the second perpendicular axis upto the shoulders such that the striking face is slimmer at the longitudinal axis and broader at the shoulders, and a second pair of chamfers extending from the ends of second perpendicular axis upto the toe such that the striking face is slimmer at the longitudinal axis and broader at the toe, both the pair of chamfers being inclined towards the striking face.

Abstract: A sports training cone includes an upper section, a gripping section, and a lower section. The gripping section is formed of a raised irregular surface located about 15% from the top of the cone and extending about 35% along the length of the cone. The upper and lower sections have a smooth surface.

Abstract: A sports training system employs either a cone having a threaded top or a circular base having a threaded connection. The threaded portion enables connection of different components to create a modular system of training devices for different situations. These components are: bar connectors, a suction cup attachment, a cone coupler, a base, bars, and a bell.

Abstract: A ball bat includes one or more stiffeners configured to provide an attenuating surface that limits the bat barrel's elastic deformation as the barrel deflects radially inwardly as a result of a particularly violent bat to ball collision. The stiffener is spaced apart from the inner surface of the barrel a predetermined distance to form a gap, wherein the gap extends only partially around the inner circumference of the barrel. The presence of the gap extending only partially around the barrel circumference provides multiple hitting profiles around the bat's circumference, with the best performance occurring adjacent the gap, and a reduced performance at all other locations around the bat's circumference.

Abstract: An apparatus for hitting a ball is disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame structure including base footings, a support structure, and a canopy structure. The apparatus also includes a dampening material connected to the canopy structure and draped towards the support structure. The apparatus also includes a guide wire connected to the frame structure and having a central anchor structure. The apparatus also includes a ball assembly including a connection structure and a ball, the ball assembly being connected to the central anchor structure of the guide wire via the connection structure. The guide wire and ball assembly hang from the canopy structure with the guide wire in a V-shape that allows the ball to swing back-and-forth pendulum style.

Abstract: An instrumented baseball or softball bat knob comprising a knob housing including a generally cylindrical member inserted into a handle end of the bat and a knob portion attached to the cylindrical member. The knob portion has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the handle end of the bat. An electronics package is mounted within the knob housing and includes one or more sensors, a microcontroller (processor), memory device and a battery to generate and store data relative to conditions of a batter's swing. The electronics package may also include a wireless transmitter/antenna/transceiver to transmit swing condition data to an external, remote processing unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a bicycle trainer that allows a person to utilize their own bicycle and simulates real and varied road conditions. The device includes the front forks of a bicycle mounted to a stand; the stand including a flexible support arm allowing the bicycle to rock back and forth along a rocking arc; and the rear tire of the bicycle making contact with a roller face of a roller such that the roller is free to rotate in proportion to the rotation of the rear tire. Further, the roller is rotationally connected to a motor for selectively applying resistance and assistance to the rear tire rotation, for simulating real course conditions. Preferably it further includes a motor assembly which includes a frame for housing the roller and motor and rigidly connecting the motor assembly to the stand, the motor is pivotally mounted to the frame about its shaft, such that the motor and roller rotate in proportional unison with each other.

Abstract: A training assembly structured to facilitate a swing motion of a user, during performance of a sports activity, including a receiver and a transmitter both mounted on predetermined portions of the user's body, such as the hip and arm. The arm mounted transmitter is movable relative to the receiver and is structured to communicate and activating signal to the receiver when disposed a predetermined distance there from, representative of a reactive segment of the swing motion. The receiver is structured to generate and deliver and indicating signal to the user for purposes of indicating that the reactive segment of the swing motion has been reached. The reactive segment is thereby determinative of when the user instigates a complementary adjustment of the user's body, during the swing motion, such as rotating the user's hips during a preferred part of the swing motion.

Abstract: A walking training system according to the present invention includes a belt conveyor on which a trainee walks, a frame, a sensor, and a control device. The frame, positioned on both sides of the belt conveyor, allows an assistant to place each of the feet thereon. The sensor measures the presence state of a foot on the frame. The control device determines whether there are three or more feet on the frame based on the measurement result of the sensor and, if it is determined that there are three or more feet, performs abnormal-time control.

Abstract: A wearable device and method includes a receiver, a transceiver, a processor, an authority indicator, and a scoring indicator for providing indication of authority and scoring from sporting equipment or user information. The sport of fencing benefits in particular from this device and method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for administering a hole-in-one contest. Upon receiving payment, an identification code is transmitted to the golfer, and a video recording is made of the following events: 1) the player writing the identification code on the ball, 2) the player hitting the ball toward the green, 3) the ball's flight path toward the green, 4) retrieval of the ball from the cup, and 5) a close-up view of the ball showing the same identifying code that was placed on the ball earlier. The video recording is transmitted to a server where it is authenticated and verified. If the hole-in-one is verified, the player is awarded a prize. The system includes a player device, a video recording device (which may be integrated with the player device), a transmitter unit, a receiver unit, and a server.

Abstract: Systems, methods and software products optimize installation and operation of an object tracking system. Performance of the athlete tracking system is continually monitored and optimized based upon one or more of: statically positioned tags, grouping tags within two or more tag sets to assign ping rates, selecting receiver configuration and aim dynamically based upon environmental and situational conditions. Tracking tags are improved to facilitate coupling of the tag to an athlete and may be self-configurable. A trackable protection pad allows a tracking tag to be positioned substantially horizontal when the athlete is competing. A data replay tool replays location tracking information in chronological order and visually plots location of tracking tags and errors in the determined location. A tag manager automatically configures the tracking tags. A robotic vehicle automated installation of the object tracking system.

Abstract: A system (1) for collecting data for golf, includes: a first detection system (11) which includes a portable sensor (15, 37) and is suitable for generating a first determination signal (19, 41) representing a time likely to correspond to the hitting of a golf ball; a second detection system (12) for determining whether a sound is likely to correspond to the hitting of a golf ball (4) by a golf club (3) used by a golfer (2), and for generating a second determination signal (25) representing a time that is likely to correspond to the hitting of a golf ball; a processing means (20) for receiving the first and second determination signals (19, 41, 25), comparing same, determining an event (27) of the golf club (3) hitting a golf ball (4) in the event of a positive result from the comparison, and storing the event (27) in a memory unit (28).

Abstract: A method of custom fitting a mouth piece includes providing a self-impression kit with at least one dental impression bite registration tool, impression material, and instructions. The instructions direct the steps of: a) determining a natural or symmetrical bite position of a subject utilizing the bite registration tool; b) applying impression material to an intraoral portion of the bite registration tool; c) placing the bite registration tool and the impression material in the subject's mouth; d) forming an impression of the subject's teeth and gums in the impression material by the subject biting on the intraoral portion of the bite registration tool in the previously determined natural bite position; and e) delivering the bite registration tool and formed impression material to a manufacturer to have a bite regulator fabricated using the formed impression.

Abstract: A method of custom fitting a bite regulator includes providing a self-impression kit with one or more bite registration tools, a bite regulator with an impression material on surfaces of the bite regulator, and instructions. The instructions one to a) determine a natural bite position of a subject utilizing the bite registration tool; b) apply heat to the bite regulator to soften the impression material; c) position the bite regulator over the upper or lower teeth of the subject; d) insert the bite registration tool in the subject's mouth; and e) form an impression of a portion of the subject's teeth in the softened impression material while the bite registration tool assists the subject in maintaining the previously determined natural bite position.

Abstract: A mouthguard includes a mouthguard body and a film structure. The mouthguard body includes a front part, a rear part and a bottom part. A trench is defined by the front part, the rear part and the bottom part collaboratively. The film structure includes a first surface and a second surface. A marked pattern is printed on the second surface. The second surface of the film structure is attached on an outer surface of the front part of the mouthguard body while the mouthguard body is produced by an injection molding process, so that ink or pigment of the marked pattern is confined between the mouthguard body and the film structure without being exposed to outside.

Abstract: A head and neck restraint device for high performance race car drivers, comprising a yoke, a collar and a pair of legs, the yoke or collar being adapted to pivotably articulate with respect to the legs. At least a portion of each leg can flex in response to force.

Abstract: A sharpening machine generally includes a grinding wheel having a perimeter that is rotatable about a first axis. The sharpening machine includes an adjustment device adapted to be coupled to a structure of the sharpening machine. A shaft, mounted to the adjustment device, defines a second axis that is generally parallel to the first axis when the adjustment device is coupled to the structure and is movable along a predetermined feed axis toward the grinding wheel. A carousel is rotatably connected to the shaft of the adjustment device. A contouring tool having a counter surface is rotatably connected to the carousel. Movement of the shaft of the adjustment device along the feed axis is configured to translate the carousel and move the contouring tool into and out of engagement with the grinding wheel to facilitate dressing of the perimeter of the grinding wheel to a grinding wheel contour.

Abstract: An illuminated ski having illuminated edges and/or illuminated extended surface areas. An onboard power source is connected to a light source placed within and along a channel formed along the periphery, and another light source that is substantially flat and placed on a substantial portion of the top surface and/or bottom surface of a ski. A substantially transparent protective layer can be placed over the substantially flat and spatially extended light source on the top and/or bottom surface. A controller can change the appearance of the light source during operation, such creating a simulated motion effect, and a communications ink can be remotely actuated by the controller.

Abstract: Traction systems for skis producing traction on snow and ice covered surfaces; the skis selected from a group consisting a pair of Back Country skis each are mounted with an apparatus; having DC powered controls, tilt switch, pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) gas powered pneumatic actuators operating gripping parts; controlled by a servo unit. And further consisting a pair of snowmobile skis each having an assembly of parts; driven by an hydraulic rotor that pivots the skis, adjusting their position when cornering, providing traction, according to a snowmobile steering system. And is powered and controlled by at least one of: hydraulic steering system, an electro-hydraulic steering system; an electric power steering system using an electric motor instead of hydraulic rotor.

Abstract: The invention relates to the systems for ensuring the safety of an individual, particularly in case of avalanche or other emergencies when snowboarding. The system for jettisoning a snowboard consists of a signaling device comprising a wireless transmitting module, a contact connected to an initiating lever, current source and equipment release modules. Each equipment release module which is arranged on a corresponding strap (rear strap, or on each of the straps) of the snowboard binding consists of the wireless receiving module, a replaceable pyrotechnic element and a current source. Each replaceable pyrotechnical element is an integral part of the strap (rear strap) of the snowboard binding, the latter constituting a plastic band which consists of two parts and is connected by a rod according to the swivel hinge principle.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a platform and a plurality of trucks coupled to the platform. The trucks are longitudinally opposing each other. The apparatus further comprising a plurality of roller assemblies coupled to the platform. The assemblies are longitudinally opposing each other between the trucks. The assemblies are configured for omnidirectional rotation. The assemblies are elastically biased for longitudinal alignment. At least one of the assemblies comprises a motor.

Abstract: A craps game is disclosed that combines traditional craps wagers with a set of wagers having longer odds, and thus higher payouts, which are determined based upon the matching of a predefined set of numbers a specified number of times with the roll of the dice prior to the occurrence of a terminating event. In one form, the set of numbers is a single number. In a further form, at least one wager includes a specified number which matches the predefined number which makes up a single member set.

Abstract: A game assembly for forming words with letters. Players take turns launching a chip onto a lettered tile on a game surface or into a receiving portion of tower, in which case the player may select a desired letter. The first player to spell out a word based on the letters corresponding to lettered tiles bearing chips and the player's letter selection, collects all of the chips corresponding to the lettered tiles used to form the word. The last player with all of the chips wins the game. The game assembly includes chips, chip launchers, a game surface, and a tower placed on the game surface. The tower comprises receiving and discharging portions. The receiving portion comprises a cavity formed within the tower and the discharging portion comprises a sliding surface surrounding the cavity and angled downwardly toward the game surface to discharge a chip onto the game surface.

Abstract: A three dimensional obstacle course and navigation game kit is disclosed. The game kit includes a hoop member, a hanging rod with a hanging base member that can secure the hoop member, a hook member with a portion that can secure the hoop member and a stand with a standing base member that can secure the hoop member. The standing base member has a cavity that secures a suction cup that can secure the standing base member to a relatively flat surface. The hoop member is sized to allow an object such as a toy drone to pass therethrough. The hanging rod can secure to a top portion of a door.

Abstract: This invention is intended to strengthen play transmission between players and coaches before, and during plays. The wristband is an elastic, or adjustable wristband with a clear plastic window and LED strips or LED matrix that lights the Light Emitting Diode (LED) next to a desired play. The wristband is wirelessly linked to either a radio frequency panel, bluetooth device, or infrared controller. The wristband LED's are wired to a microcontroller, Bluetooth controller (or RF transceiver, or Infrared controller), and a battery power source. The LED's are displayed through the clear plastic window and the plays are slid over the top of the LED's. The micro controller, battery and wireless controller are contained in a velcro-enclosed, low-profile enclosure opposite the clear plastic window.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sport and game simulation systems, and methods of use thereof. One exemplary method is performed at an electronic device and includes: identifying a current topography of a putting green and a current position of a first user's ball on the putting green. The method also includes: determining, based on the current topography, a best path from the current position of the first user's ball to a target on the putting green. The method additionally includes: sending, to a projecting device that is distinct from the electronic device, instructions to render a representation of the best path on the putting green. In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining a backswing distance and/or speed and a corresponding follow-through distance and/or speed that allows the first user to hit the ball along the best path and providing instructions to render the backswing and follow-through distances on the putting green.

Abstract: A targeting system and methods of use provide a player of a first person shooter video game with enhanced weapon targeting. Vertical and horizontal lines extend outwardly from a game reticule. In some embodiments, the vertical and horizontal lines or bands extend across the display screen or window within the display screen. The present technology can be applied to display screens mechanically or electronically. In some embodiments an electronic device is situated between the gaming console and the display screen. In other embodiments, a piece of clear, thin-film material is cut to approximate the dimensions of the screen, with the key graphical design elements of the present invention screen printed on the piece of plastic. Static electricity may hold the film in place. In other embodiments, the film may be held in place by pressure sensitive adhesive, brackets, or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a wireless device to a host. The wireless device is associated to the host via a binding and discovery process. The binding process establishes the association. A unique identifier and other binding information is provided to the wireless device, which is stored in the wireless device to establish the link to the console. The binding information is retained in the wireless device. The discovery process enables the wireless device to join a session at hosted by the host. The host sends broadcast packets that are compared to the stored information in the wireless device. The broadcast packets are validated and authenticated to complete the discovery process. A visual indicator on the host and/or controller may indicate the success or failure of either the binding or discovery process.

Abstract: Game data and speech transfer to and from a wireless portable game terminal is disclosed. The wireless portable game terminal includes a radio transceiver configured to transfer speech and game data through a radio connection to a telecommunication system, a loudspeaker, a microphone, and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to process the game data, to transfer the game data to and from another game terminal or a game server through the radio connection, to receive captured speech of another user through the radio connection, to output audio part of the game data and the captured speech of the other user through the loudspeaker, to capture speech of an user with the microphone, and to transfer the captured speech of the user to another game terminal or to a game server through the radio connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is gaming apparatus, which may be a gaming system and a method of gaming implemented on gaming apparatus. A plurality of linked gaming machines are monitored for the occurrence of a first event. The number of occurrences of the first event for each gaming machine is recorded. On the occurrence of a second event, a bonus is awarded on each said gaming machine on which at least one monitored occurrence of the first event has occurred, the bonus award being dependent on the number of occurrences of the first event.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses method, comprising accessing one or more social network website; accessing an online game; selecting one or more social connections from the social network website extracting social connection data of the one or more social connections from the social network website; generating participation data from the social connection data; wherein the participation data enables participating in the online game; and, inputting the one or more social connections into the online game.

Abstract: A method of providing event triggered games includes operations of receiving a subscription to a game service from a subscriber, providing game content including a game to the subscriber, and enabling remote execution of the game responsive to receipt of a trigger associated with an occurrence of a predefined event of interest.

Abstract: A method for indicating a pre-game environment quality level may include, for example, obtaining a profile associated with a video game, where the profile comprises desirable performance metrics for initiating the video game, performing performance metric measurements in collaboration with a computing device from which the video game is to be played, comparing the performance metric measurements to the desirable performance metrics, determining a discrepancy between the performance metric measurements and the desirable performance metrics, determining a gaming quality level according to the determined discrepancy, and presenting at the computing device a quality indicator based on the determined quality level. The presenting can further include graphically displaying the quality indicator and the discrepancy. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for scoring user-generated content of a virtual space are presented herein. The user-generated content may be submitted for competition. One or more implementations of the systems and/or methods presented herein may facilitate conducting the competitions among users by automatically assigning scores once the user-generated content has been entered for consideration in a competition.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a controlling method thereof are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method of contextual, digital, and interactive advertisement where a consumer or user is incentivized to participate in a game in order to earn prizes. This invention allows the consumer to more thoroughly engage with a brand advertisement, with the effect of supplementing and enhancing the marketing message of the brand advertisement.

Abstract: An online multi-user gaming software application wherein players are required to solve puzzles by guessing a correct answer. The puzzles are preferably structured like games such as charades, Pictionary, name that tune and so forth, wherein one or more players are presented with a puzzle created using various forms of media. The puzzles may include clues that are in the form of one or more videos, pictures, drawings, music, sound clips, written clues and so forth, which are posted to a central database that is accessible by individuals using the software application of the present invention.

Abstract: A system for allowing intervention in a video game. The system is adapted to: receive a plurality of event data structures from on-line video games at certain pre-determined points during real time play, each event data structure including an event identification indicative of a pre-defined event, and a user identification uniquely associated with the user; analyse the event data structures to determine event based user information associated with each user; for each user, store the event based user information in a user database; receive requests from video games, each request being associated with a specific point in a specific game and a specific user; analyse information in the user database for each user from which each request originated to determine whether a response should be sent, if a response is needed, determine the response to be sent, and send the determined response to the specific game and specific user that requested it.

Abstract: An electronic computing system for dynamically controlling user interface device settings for an electronic game playable by multiple players over a computer network.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: A music-based video game may make use of a guitar-shaped controller including parallel rows of fret buttons.

Abstract: A system and method for customizing a replay of one or more game events in a video game is provided. During a gameplay session, a trigger event is detected prompting a replay of the trigger event in-game. One or more system-defined customization templates and/or user-defined customization templates may be applied to customize the trigger event replay.

Abstract: An entertainment apparatus (1) comprising two upright walls (3a, 3b), each having an inner surface. A plurality of game pieces (9) are located in the space (5) between the walls (3a, 3b), each of the game pieces (9) being in contact with the inner surface of at least one of the walls (3a, 3b).Each of the game pieces (9) comprises a drive assembly for moving the game piece over that inner surface, the drive assembly comprising a traction element (11), such as a wheel, for generating traction against the inner surface and an actuator for moving the traction element relative to the surface. At least one, and preferably both, of the walls (3a, 3b) are transparent, for example they are glass, such that a user can observe the game pieces (9) within the space (5), from outside the apparatus (1).

Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to a parent-infant-interactive, sensory-stimulation toy and associated methods of use. Such a toy features an interchangeable elongated feather-like tail member used for gently and playfully stroking a baby's body, wherein the material use for the feather-like member can be made from various types of irresistibly touchable and non-toxic (and preferably hypoallergenic), baby-safe materials of various textures and different sensations. Such materials include, but are not limited to, silks and velvet that are specially configured to provide the desired touch sensory stimulation while eliminating a choking hazard. The toy features a soft and squeezable body member with other graspable appendages and sound-emanating internal components (bells, rattles, crinkle paper, etc.), and the toy as a whole is artistically designed to be visually stimulating to a child, often being fashioned after various animals and/or imaginary characters.