Abstract: A portable and kinetic motion resistance upper body invention that can be used for a variety of exercises. This invention combines dial tension adjustment clutch sheaves, a variable linear tract bearing and a one piece resistance shock-cord, together these core components achieve a unique minimal impact work-out. The multi-motion and changeable adjustments for this invention, result in a wide variety of muscular stimulation and therapeutic exercises that are non-existent in the fitness and health industry. The outcome of the mechanism can be customized for a particular sport requirement or physio and other therapeutic restorations, or even for case specific industrial and robotic counter-balancing controls.

Abstract: A monolift weightlifting weight support adaptor having weight bar receiving subassemblies that are selectively engagable to a standard weight rack.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus with enhanced strength for use with one or more limbs of a user to perform a variety of exercises includes a resilient strap having a first end portion, a central portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the strap coupled to the central portion of the strap to create a first loop, the first end portion being disposed around a top portion of the central portion of the strap and a bottom portion of the central portion of the strap, the second end portion of the strap coupled to the central portion of the strap to create a second loop, the second end portion being disposed around a remaining top portion of the central portion of the strap and a remaining bottom portion of the central portion of the strap. Each of the first and second loops can receive a user's limb.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an exercising apparatus for individuals with spinal injuries comprising; a frame having a vertically adjustable vertical standard; a forked base having a space defined in the forked base for receiving a wheelchair; a resistance assembly pivotally attached to the vertical standard having a vertical position, and a horizontal position so that an individual can use the exercise apparatus while sitting in a wheelchair in the vertical position and while inclined on a horizontal surface in the horizontal position; and, a resistance member included in the resistance assembly to increase the amount of force needed to rotate the resistance assembly. The invention can include a first pedal assembly for being rotated by hand and a second pedal assembly linked to the first pedal assembly so that when the first pedal assembly is rotated, the second pedal assembly rotates. The forked base can be disposed under the horizontal surface in the horizontal position.

Abstract: A stationary exercise cycle. The stationary exercise cycle includes a frame, a crank rotatably connected to the frame, a driven wheel rotatably connected to the frame, and a frame stiffener. The frame includes a down tube and a fork. The crank and the driven wheel are in operative communication via a continuous flexible member. The frame stiffener is connected to the down tube and the fork and encircled by the continuous flexible member.

Abstract: A method for controlling a balance training device by changing the position of a supporting point. The balance training device includes a base and a platform. A supporting member is adapted between the base and the platform to abut against the platform. The point of the platform where the supporting member is abutted against is the supporting point. The platform or the supporting member is movable, the method includes actuating the platform or the supporting member to move, so that the platform is moved relative to the supporting member; changing the position of the supporting point; and allowing the platform to be in a tilted state based on the change of the position of the supporting point. Therefore, a user can use the method for balance training.

Abstract: A device for training purposes or recreational activities using structures having a range of properties. The training device may include a board made of wood (or other material such as metal, rubber, plastic, or a combination thereof) and one or more suspension assemblies coupled to the bottom surface of the board. The assembly is adapted to be coupled to a longitudinal or a lateral slot on the board. The slots allow a user to longitudinally and laterally move the assembly without uncoupling it from the board, thereby allowing the user to easily position and re-position the assembly on the board to change the performance of the training device. Each of the assemblies may include an inflatable base having a polygon or circular shape. The base is for providing a cushioning effect when the board impacts the ground after a user performs an aerial maneuver.

Abstract: A spinal harness apparatus that includes a strapping system that is affixed to a rigid member that is worn during activity that requires maintaining a neutral spinal position and spinal rigidity. The anterior surface of the rigid member is effectively linear and planar. This surface may make contact with the dorsum of an individual at the approximate levels of the external occipital protuberance, spinous processes of the mid-thoracic vertebrae, and the median sacral crest. The rigid member may be tubular and singular or consist of an inner and outer component with which the total length of the rigid member may be telescopically adjustable while maintaining a linear and planar contact surface. The strapping system may consist of an adjustable belt and suspenders or any other means of strapping. The strapping system is to be adjustably affixed to the rigid member as well as worn about the torso of an individual.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a base, support and resistive band to provide consumers a method for conditioning, preventing or rehabilitating injuries from running, sports and fitness activities.

Abstract: A wearable device automatically identifies an activity in which a user of the device is engaged while wearing the device. The wearable device receives motion data of the user collected during the activity and determines a magnitude and a frequency of the motion data. Based on the magnitude and frequency of the motion data, the wearable device identifies the activity in which the user is engaged.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, a movable element that is movable in the performance of an exercise where the movable element has at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter that selectively alters a difficulty of the exercise, and a recall mechanism connected to the frame. The exercise machine also includes a processor and memory where the memory has programmed instructions executable by the processor to apply a first difficulty setting of the selectively adjustable operating parameter to the movable element and reapply the first difficulty setting to the movable element based on activation of the recall mechanism.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, a movable element movably attached to the frame that is movable in the performance of an exercise, and a magnetic assembly attached to the frame. The magnetic assembly has a magnetic unit movably positioned adjacent to a non-ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: A portable device for inflating an inflatable bag (60) comprises at least one inlet (46), for forming a fluid connection to a gas source. The gas source is attached or attachable to the inlet. The device further comprises an air intake chamber (32) which has an opening allowing atmospheric air to be admitted and an outlet intended to be connected to the bag to be inflated. The gas source comprises a first and at least a different second gas component. The first component is stored at least partially in liquid form; preferably, the first component is carbon dioxide. The gas source contains at least 10%, preferably more than 30% and most preferably more than 60% of the first component. The second component is gaseous or supercritical at a temperature of 243K and up to a pressure of 200 bar, preferably, the second component has a critical temperature below 243K.

Abstract: A swim fin assembly is configured to allow changing a swim fin and reduce leg strain of a human user. The swim fin assembly includes a leg portion, attached to a foot portion, and configured to accommodate a human leg and foot of the human user. A rear support is attached to the leg portion and further attached to a rear bracket. A fin attachment bracket is connected to the rear bracket. Inserting the swim fin into the fin attachment bracket enables a user to swim with reduced leg strain.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least three layers, including at least one thermoset layer and at least one thermoplastic layer. At least one core layer has a plurality of projections disposed thereon.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided.

Abstract: The system and method of the present disclosure produces balls that conform in performance and dimensions or dimension range to inflated balls. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the balls have a weight that is within a standard weight range of an inflated ball. In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the balls have a bounce characteristic that is within a standard bounce range of an inflated ball. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the balls are tuned to achieve an audible response or sound characteristic that is similar to that of an equivalent inflated ball. It should be understood that an exemplary embodiment ball in accordance with the present disclosure can include any combination of features, or all features, including weight, dimensions, bounce, and sound or audible response when bounced.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing and a bladder located within the casing. The casing may include a plurality of panel elements joined to each other with welds, and portions of the panel elements that include the welds may project toward an interior of the ball. A method of manufacturing a sport ball may include providing a plurality of casing elements that include a thermoplastic polymer material. Edges of the casing elements are welded to each other to join the casing elements. The casing elements may then be turned inside-out through an aperture formed by at least one of the casing elements, and the aperture may be sealed.

Abstract: A throwing and/or catching toy includes a generally elongated spheroidal body defining a longitudinal axis. A length of the body is longer than an equatorial diameter. A lift-generating wing is non-movably attached to the body near and/or at a center of the wing. At least one finger hold extension extends from a distal end of either a left or right wing portion. The finger hold extension is configured to allow a user to throw the toy in a discus-launched manner and the body is configured to be caught by the user. The lift-generating wing may be made as an injection molded, polymer wing. A manual adjuster may be associated with and controlling the shape of a horizontal stabilizer. A front end of the elongated body may be a resilient foam having a Shore A durometer hardness equal to or less than 25.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a golf ball having a core and a cover of one or more layer over the core, wherein an outermost layer of the cover is molded of a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polyurea and mixtures thereof. The method includes at least the following steps (1) and (2): (1) treating a surface of the cover with an isocyanate compound; and (2) washing off and physically removing excess isocyanate compound by blasting the cover surface with a specific substance at high pressure.

Abstract: A method for making a golf ball having fiber flock bonded to a core is provided. The fiber flock preferably has high color vibrancy to provide high quality aesthetics. Preferably, the fiber flock comprises fiber segments having a length less than one inch. The fiber segments may have substantially equal dimensions. In other instances, the fiber segments are of unequal dimensions. The golf ball includes a translucent cover layer surrounding the core. Thus, the fiber flock is visible from the exterior of the ball. Special decorative effects can be achieved using colored fiber flock and reflective particulate such as pearlescent pigment in the layers surrounding the core.

Abstract: A user-friendly golf club head cover system adapted for full operation while never leaving its spot in the golf bag. It allows access to the club via a simple downward physical movement of the incorporated tube. The club head cover portion remains open until the golf club is reinserted into the system. The club head cover has a partially connected top panel that is closed via a simple upward physical movement of the incorporated tube. An internal spring panel may assist the opening and closing of the top panel. A magnetic closure keeps the club head cover portion closed. The opening and closing may be facilitate by manual manipulation of the top panel alone.

Abstract: A golf tee is disclosed that provides stability and promotes less spin on a struck golf ball. The tee may be beneficial for use on mats at a driving range. The golf ball may be elevated from the ground surface to help avoid the club head from contacting the ground thereby avoiding injury to the golfer and damage to the club.

Abstract: Golf is waning in popularity partly because of the difficulty of becoming a good player. A key aspect of this difficulty is in using a golf club to drive a ball in a desired direction. To make this easier, the present inventor devised, among other things, a directional golf tee structure that enables players to select a drive direction by orienting the golf tee in the desired direction and then using a golf club to strike a portion of the golf tee instead of the ball. The struck portion of the golf tee filters out or reduces the effect of golf club swing errors, thereby promoting greater accuracy. In some embodiments, the tees are configured for specific loft angles, fade, and/or draw attributes, not only providing a variety of play and training options, but ultimately making golf easier and more enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture are provided. The pocket can include a longitudinal axis, with a first runner disposed laterally of the longitudinal axis on a first side, and a second runner disposed laterally of the longitudinal axis on an opposing second side. A strand is joined with and extends, optionally continuously, between the first and second runners. The strand is joined with a tensioning member that is selectively adjustable so as to extend and/or retract the strand, thereby altering lateral spacing between the first and second runners, and/or tightening any lacing between the runners and respective sidewalls of a lacrosse head. The tensioning member can be a reel-type tensioner, which can spool the strand on and/or off the reel. Generally, the tensioning member and strand cooperatively configure a ball receiving surface of the pocket. A related method of manufacturing the pocket also is provided.

Abstract: An improved lacrosse stick shaft for attachment to a lacrosse stick head is provided. The stick is formed from a composite base shaft body with reinforcement features embedded or adhered to the surface thereof at selected locations to improve the resistance of the shaft to impacts and breakage without adding significant weight. The reinforcement features may take the form of rings of varying heights surrounding the entire handle at various longitudinal locations. In another preferred embodiment, the reinforcement features line selected edges of the shaft in a longitudinal direction where adjacent facets forming the cross-sectional shape of the shaft meet, or form a spiral along all or part of the length of the shaft. In yet another preferred embodiment, the reinforcement features are plates adhered to vulnerable areas of the shaft. The lacrosse stick herein described is advantageously used for both men's and women's lacrosse.

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

Abstract: A construct for a hockey blade that includes a foam core. The foam core includes a first core face, a second core face, and a core edge. A first layer of resin preimpregnated tape is wrapped continuously around the first core face, the core edge and the second core face. A thread is stitched along the first layer of preimpregnated tape. A second layer of resin preimpregnated tape wrapped continuously around the first layer of resin preimpregnated tape.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to aid training users to throw a ball with proper biomechanical form. The sleeve is open on one end to receive a weight, ball, and user's hand. The sleeve is closed on an opposite end to maintain the weight within the sleeve during use. A wrist portion may be attached to the open end of the sleeve and is releaseably securable around the user's wrist, so as to removably secure the user's hand, holding the ball, within the sleeve. In practice, a user wearing the sleeve may perform each motion associated with throwing a ball, including releasing the ball within a passageway defined by the interior surface and closed end of the sleeve. The aforementioned weight acts as a lead or guide, directing the user's body through all physical motion experienced over the course of a properly executed pitch.

Abstract: A pitching training aid is provided. The pitching training aid includes an elongated poll having a first end, a second end, and a common axis running from the first end to the second end. The present invention further includes a ball having a slot running from a first side to a second side opposite the first side along a center of the ball. The slot is sized to fit around the elongated poll so that the ball slidably engages the elongated poll along the common center axis. A first stopper is secured to the first end of the elongated poll and a second stopper is secured to the second end of the elongated poll. The first stopper and the second stopper have a diameter greater than a diameter of the elongated poll, thereby preventing the ball from sliding off of the elongated poll.

Abstract: A martial arts training system disclosed herein includes the mounting assembly, the heavy bag, and head bags. The mounting assembly comprises a support plate section, an angle adjustment joint, and an angle adjustment dog. The angle adjustment joint comprising a plurality of first openings is attached to the support plate section. The angle adjustment dog is attached to the angle adjustment joint, wherein the adjustment dog comprising a multiple second openings. A locking pin is inserted between the first openings and second openings to set an angle of inclination for the angle adjustment dog, wherein the head bag is positioned above the heavy bag at a desired angle of inclination of a user. The heavy bag is mounted from a track assembly via chain sections to receive low punches and kicks from the user, and the head bags are selectively attached above the heavy bag via to receive head punches from the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for training a golfer to perform a golf swing without hip swaying and while maintaining a flexed back knee.

Abstract: A golf practice mat includes an impact sensor disposed in a vicinity bounding the location of where a golf ball would be placed for striking. The golf practice mat may also include, for example, a “crosshair” target imprint that is disposed on a golf club impact sensor portion of the practice surface and indicates the point/line of contact that the club face should hit the ground after the ball has been struck with the club head in a descending blow. A microcontroller receives and analyzes the output of the impact sensor and generates a display/output message that is coupled to a display that is, for example, embodied on the golf practice mat to provide user shot-related feedback. The display may indicate, for example, the user's golf club, the estimated distance the ball will travel depending upon the impact data analyzed, the club chosen by the user, input backswing data and/or a three-dimensional simulation of the resulting golf stroke.

Abstract: A golf putting apparatus that is portable and designed to enhance a golfer's skill level is presented. The apparatus includes a strip made of a flexible material and a carrier unit configured to detachably couple with the strip, the carrier unit having a first wall around which the strip is wound for storage, the first wall defining a cavity that is configured to hold a ball.

Abstract: A light-emitting skate comprising a vamp, a skating assembly and a sole body, wherein the sole body further comprising a through-hole slot, a battery and a light-emitting lamp; wherein the through-hole slot is covered with a light refracting sheet; and wherein the battery is connected with the light-emitting lamp via a control circuit; wherein that the said light-emitting lamp is a self-sensing LED lamp; wherein the said the light refracting sheet is made of polycarbonate; wherein a switch groove is formed on the edge of a narrow middle portion of the sole body; and wherein a control switch of the power switch is located outside the edge of the narrow middle portion of the sole body; wherein the said battery is mounted in the battery groove via a battery case; wherein the said battery is a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a boot frame comprising: a) a base; b) two side supports; c) a toe binding; d) a heel binding; e) an ankle support; f) a calf support; and g) at least one strap configured to secure a boot to the boot frame, wherein the side supports are independently adjustable, and wherein adjusting the side supports allows for a boot to line up at an angle relative to the base.

Abstract: A wheeled apparatus for board sports is provided. The wheeled apparatus includes a board, a plurality of wheels supported by a plurality of steering knuckles, and at least one linkage between the board and the steering knuckles. The at least one linkage enables a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels to be adjusted by pivoting the board.

Abstract: A user-propelled collapsible apparatus comprises a body (1) provided with wheels (21) and a retractable handle means (3) for propelling the apparatus. Bracing means (5) is provided for the handle means, the bracing means being movable between a deployed configuration in which the bracing means supports the extended handle means and a stored configuration in which the bracing means lies substantially adjacent to the body.

Abstract: A poker card game played with a conventional deck of cards, in which each player is dealt two “hole” cards then a third “hole” card after a round of betting. The player then discards one of his/her “hole” cards. Community cards are dealt, from which a player can combine his/her two remaining “hole” cards to create a five-card poker hand. Betting occurs during various stages of the poker card game and the winning hand collects the accrued bets.

Abstract: Card handling systems include shuffling devices, shoe devices, and a card transfer system for automatically transferring cards from the shuffling device into the shoe device. Shuffling devices may include a divider configured to contact at least one card positioned within a compartment of the shuffling device. Shoe devices may include a card loading system for loading cards into a card storage area through an opening in a base of the shoe device. Methods of providing cards during a casino table game play include identifying card information including a rank and a suit of each card in a shuffling device and a shoe device and transporting cards from the shuffling device to the shoe device.

Abstract: A game and a method of playing the game are disclosed. The game comprises a board having a domain region and a plurality of theme regions. Each theme region is associated with a theme. The game also provides each player with a plurality of game pieces, and each game piece of the plurality of game pieces is associated with an identifier. Each information bearing member of a plurality of information bearing members is associated with a theme and an identifier. Placing one game piece of the plurality of game pieces in one of the theme regions causes one of the plurality of information bearing members to be selected in accordance with the identifier associated with the placed game pieces and the theme associated with theme region in which such game piece was placed. Information specified by the selected information bearing member is presented to all of the players.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for identifying when and which robot targets fall into which pockets of a billiard table or pass through gates in the walls of a perimeter boundary, as well as boundary walls and gates that may be used to form various shaped playing areas. The identification of a robot target in a pocket may be used for scoring traditional games of pocket billiards, or for scoring robotic based games played on the surface of the billiard table. The identification sensor in certain embodiments may be mounted on the user configurable gates. Numeric values may be printed on the face of the robot targets to determine a winner of a game based on a total score of values of those robot targets knocked in by a player by themselves or by controlling a robot that pushes the robot targets.

Abstract: An immersive play environment platform including techniques describing recognizing non-verbal vocalization gestures from a user is disclosed. A headset device receives audio input from a user. The headset device transmits the audio input to a controller device. The controller device evaluates characteristics of the audio input (e.g., spectral features over a period of time) to determine whether the audio input corresponds to a predefined non-verbal vocalization, such as a humming noise, shouting noise, etc. The controller device may perform an action in response to detecting such non-verbal vocalizations, such as engaging a play object (e.g., an action figure, an action disc) in the play environment.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and computer readable instructions are disclosed herein for dynamically allocating fixed bandwidth over a wireless link between a video game console and a wireless peripheral device. In an embodiment, the voice sample rate in a wireless microphone may be dynamically adjusted to free up bandwidth that can be repurposed for other operations. The sample rate adjustment can range from maximum where the bandwidth is filled with voice data to a lesser sample rate. In the case where the sample rate is less than max, the freed up bandwidth can be for used for other operations.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for distinguishing user movements in an immersive play environment. A first tracking device is provided that measures first tracking data. A second tracking device is also provided to measure second tracking data. A controller device is also provided to receive tracking data from the second tracking device. The second tracking device measures movement of a user by receiving the first tracking data from the first tracking device and determining third tracking data movement based on a combination of the first tracking data and the second tracking data.

Abstract: When a particular game stage is selected by the player from the multiple game stages configured in the game stage information, the inventive information processing device extracts, from multiple game content objects configured in the game content information, those game content objects that are associated with the game content objects, which are associated with the selected game stage as fusion source material, and, prior to initiation of game play in the selected game stage, generates screen data providing on-screen display indicating that the extracted game content objects are the original pre-fusion game content objects that can be fused with the game content objects, which are associated with the selected game stage as fusion source material.

Abstract: A system and method for customizing a game entity that is played in a video game are disclosed. The video game may take place in a virtual space. Users may access the virtual space via computing platforms. Users may participate in the video game by controlling game entities in the virtual space. Individual ones of the game entities may be associated with a physical object that stores information related to the associated game entities. The stored information may be implemented by virtue of a computing platform receiving the stored information. The stored information may include information related to a customization of the associated game entity that is purchased by a user at a retail location. At least some of the stored information may be written to the physical object using a read/write platform that is included at a point of purchase computing platform in the retail location.

Abstract: A technique for dynamically generating game activities for a game (e.g., a role-playing game) includes loading game information about the game into a data processing system (e.g., a question answering system). Context data (e.g., a question) is received from a client (e.g., a player of the game, a user of the game, another system, or a game engine). In response to receiving the context data, a game activity is dynamically generated based on the context data and the game information. The game activity is then initiated in the game and presented to the client.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the embodiments described herein, there is provided a matchmaking system for massive multiplayer online games. In one or more embodiments, the described matchmaking system is easily tunable enabling the gaming administrator to make quick adjustments to the parameters of the matchmaking system. The system is configured to provide game players with a fair gameplay experience across their entire career of matches. Fine tuning of the point values assigned to vehicles, the player-specific point modifiers, and the point ranges used for creating matches allows for long-term improvement to the matchmaking results. In one or more embodiments, the matchmaking system assigns points to each game player and a vehicle and relies on specific point ranges and values assigned to vehicle, and player specific point modifiers.