Abstract: A pronged band connector is adapted for securing a flat elastic exercise resistance band to an adjacent structure. The exercise band has a length, width, and thickness. The exemplary band connector comprises a base and a plurality of spaced-apart elongated rigid prongs. The prongs extend substantially perpendicular to the base, and are adapted for receiving a portion of the exercise band between adjacent prongs. A length of each prong may be greater than the width of the exercise band.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame, and a cushion adjacent to the frame having a surface. The exercise apparatus further includes a harness wearable by the user and a resistance member extending between the harness and the frame and where the tension within the resistance member is variable.

Abstract: A bench press system 100 may include an adjustable arm pad support system 300 which may include right and left arm pads, right and left lever arms, right and left radial adjustment brackets and other components. The arm pads may be lowered to accommodate injuries or safety concerns of the user. The radial adjustment brackets may define adjustment voids that will accept a catch pin or link pin of a lever arm. The disclosed configurations allow for one handed adjustment of arm pad positions. The padded arms allow for a tactile warning of arm pad position.

Abstract: A treadmill for relieving pressure on user joints during exercising operations includes a frame, a control panel attached to a top section of the frame, and a track attached to a bottom section of the frame. Notably, the track includes a rotatable belt formed from resilient material capable of absorbing impact forces exerted thereon to relieve pressure on the user joints. Such a rotatable belt includes inner and outer surfaces each formed from flexible and fluid-impermeable material, and a foam core intercalated between the inner surface. The foam core is formed from a resilient material capable of absorbing impact forces exerted thereon during an exercise regimen.

Abstract: A bike roller mounting system that renders a normal bicycle stationary for riding, to provide biking enthusiasts and those who exercise with bikes a simple and effective means of riding indoors when weather conditions prohibit enjoyment of the activity outside.

Abstract: A rest for supporting the head or neck of a user, the rest accommodating one or more rotatable reels, each of the one or more reels configured with a pulling member, such as a cable or the like, a mechanism configured for rotating the one or more rotatable reels; handles connected to each pulling member, the handles located on sides of the rest and configured for a pulling movement of each pulling member; and a resistance provided in the rest for adjusting the force of the pulling movement required by each pulling member.

Abstract: A resistance breathing device includes a face mask having a perimeter and a central aperture extending therethrough, and being adapted to overlay a user's mouth and nose such that the perimeter forms an air-tight seal with the user's face. An outer layer overlays the face mask and includes a pair of straps for affixing the face mask about a user's face. An insert plate is disposed within the central aperture of the face mask and has an inlet aperture extending therethrough. A central insert overlays the insert plate, has an air inlet aperture extending therethrough, and is movable between a first position in which a first portion of the air inlet aperture overlaps the air inlet aperture of the insert plate and a second position in which a larger second portion of the air inlet aperture overlaps the air inlet aperture of the insert plate.

Abstract: A processing system includes a memory storing tasks that define a physical exercise and a target value. The tasks are divided into categories of training requirements, and each category is linked to a progress status indicator. The processing system determines a progress status and retrieves a task from a category corresponding to the progress status; instructs the user to carry out a physical exercise; acquires measurement data generated during physical exercise; compares information acquired from the measurement data with the target value. Upon determining, on the basis of the comparison that the user reached the target value, the processing system stores a task indicator to indicate that the task was completed the progress status of the user has increased sufficiently as a result of completing the task, the processing system raises the progress status of the user, and retrieves a subsequent task.

Abstract: An athlete training device that includes a platform that includes a plurality of spaced apart attachment members disposed adjacent to the periphery of the platform. A pole extends upwardly from the platform and is affixed to the platform. A weight, defining a hole passing therethrough, is disposed on the platform so that the pole passes through the hole. A top plate is affixed to the top of the pole and includes attachment structures disposed about the top plate. An attachment device is coupled to one of the attachment structures. A redirecting device is coupled to one of the attachment members. An elastic cord is attached to the attachment device and is engaged with the redirecting device so that the cord extends radially away from the pole. An exercise device is affixed to the end of the cord.

Abstract: This invention provides center locking means that are manufactured from harder materials for detachably coupling two swim fins for use by a swimmer practicing the dolphin kick. Also, the invention explains how to strengthen the center locking means to preserve longevity of use.

Abstract: A golf ball of the invention comprises: a substrate layer formed from at least one of a thermoset or thermoplastic composition and having an outer surface that is pre-modified with a catalytic coating; a metallic film that is formed about the outer surface by contacting the catalytic coating with a mixture comprising: (i) at least one aqueous and/or organic aerosol comprising at least one metal in cationic/oxidizing form; and (ii) at least one reducing agent; and a subsequent layer surrounding the metallic film and formed from at least one of a thermoset composition or a thermoplastic composition. Alternatively, the outer surface is not pre-modified. The subsequent layer may be formed about the metallic film or in some embodiments may surround a coating layer that is disposed between the metallic film and the subsequent layer.

Abstract: Golf equipment including compositions including castable formulations that have low material hardness and increased shear resistance. The compositions may be used in any layer of a golf ball including cores, intermediate layers, and covers and result in high spin rates.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a thermoplastic HNP inner core layer having a center hardness less than the surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and is formed from a thermoset rubber composition. The core layer has an inner surface hardness less than the outer surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient. Inner and outer cover layers are disposed about the outer core layer. The HNP composition includes an acid copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid; a non-acid polymer comprising polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polyethers, polyurethanes, metallocene-catalyzed polymers, single-site catalyst polymerized polymers, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, styrenic block copolymer rubbers, alkyl acrylate rubbers, or functionalized derivatives thereof; an organic acid or salt thereof; and a cation source in an amount sufficient to neutralize at least about 80% of the acid groups.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a thermoplastic inner core and a thermoset outer core layer. The inner core has a surface hardness of about 40 to 80 Shore C and a center hardness of about 30 to 75 Shore C, the center hardness being less than the surface hardness to define a first positive hardness gradient. The cover includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The thermoplastic inner core comprises a highly-neutralized ionomer including an acid copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid; a plasticizer; an organic acid or salt thereof; and a cation source present in an amount sufficient to neutralize from about 70 to 100% of the acid groups present. The outer core layer includes a polybutadiene rubber and has a surface hardness greater than an interior hardness to define a positive hardness gradient of less than about 25 Shore C.

Abstract: Golf ball comprising a core comprising: an untreated region extending radially from a geometric center a distance DUTr, a treated region disposed about the untreated region and extending inward from an outer surface a depth DTr; and an intermediate untreated region disposed about the untreated region and adjacent the treated region. The treated region is exposed to and comprises a fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition, and has a first hardness. The untreated region and intermediate untreated region have second and third hardnesses, respectively, and have not been exposed to and do not comprise the fatty acid and/or fatty acid salt composition. The first hardness is different than the second hardness and the third hardness. A first core layer comprises the untreated region, a second core layer, disposed thereabout, comprises the intermediate untreated region, and a third core layer, disposed about the second core layer comprises the treated region.

Abstract: Process for making golf ball having multi-layered cover having a very thin outermost cover layer comprising: providing first and second substantially hemispherical half shells comprising a thermoplastic composition; dispensing uncured liquid thermoset composition into a hemispherical cavity of first half shell; inserting first half of a core subassembly into hemispherical cavity and displacing an amount of the uncured liquid thermoset composition such that the uncured liquid thermoset composition forms an inner cover layer; dispensing the uncured liquid thermoset composition into hemispherical cavity of second half shell; inserting second half of core subassembly into hemispherical cavity of second half shell and displacing an amount of the uncured liquid thermoset composition such that the uncured liquid thermoset composition forms an inner cover layer and thereby mating the first and second half shells; curing thermoset inner cover layer; and forming dimples in the outer surfaces of mated first and second h

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover, the surface hardnesses of the respective layers are set so as to satisfy specific relationships. Also, the initial velocities measured for the core, for a sphere obtained by forming the envelope layer over the core (envelope layer-encased sphere), for a sphere obtained by forming the envelope layer and the intermediate layer over the core (intermediate layer-encased sphere) and for the ball are set so as to satisfy specific relationships. In addition, the deflection (mm) of the ball when compressed under a given load and the deflection (mm) of the intermediate layer-encased sphere when compressed under a given load are set so as satisfy a specific relationship.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising an aerodynamic hosel is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the hosel has an upper portion and a swept transition portion which connects to the golf club head, and all points at which the swept transition portion contacts the club head are spaced rearwardly from a vertical face plane. In a further embodiment, both the upper portion and the swept transition portion comprise coaxial shaft receiving bores. In yet another embodiment, the swept transition portion of the hosel has a trailing edge that is truncated, or that has one or more surface discontinuities. In yet another embodiment, the swept transition portion has a height and a diameter, each of which is less than or equal to one inch.

Abstract: A golf club head has a body defining a ball striking face. The body further has a first leg extending away from the ball striking face and a second leg extending away from the ball striking face wherein a void is defined between the first leg and the second leg. The body further defines a cover that extends over the void. The golf club head may further have support structures and adjustable weight members.

Abstract: A golf club head with an improved striking face is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention utilizes an innovative die quenching method that can alter the Young's modulus of the material of the striking face. The striking face portion of the present invention generally created from an ?+? titanium alloy such as SP 700 that contains a ? rich alloy composition to create more phase change in the alloying elements. In a preferred embodiment, the die quenching process could create a localized change in the material's Young's modulus throughout different regions of the striking face, resulting in a change in the Young's modulus of the material within the same striking face.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to golf clubs with adjustable mass properties. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods and mechanisms for adjusting a club head center of gravity and/or moment of inertia by way of an adjustable weight assembly positionable along the sole of the club head body. When in a first position, the weight assembly provides a lower center of gravity so as to increase launch angle and reduce spin rate, resulting in greater overall distance of ball flight. When in a second position, the weight assembly provides a greater mass moment of inertia, which effectively enlarges the sweet spot and produces a more forgiving club for off-center hits.

Abstract: Provided is a golf club management system that enables easy management of detailed information on golf clubs and information on golf club settings. A golf bag display control unit (54) determines, from a golf bag configuration information table (58b), golf clubs stored in a golf bag designated by the user and further determines, from a golf club information table (58a), the type group each golf club belongs to. Next, it determines the type groups the types of the golf clubs stored in the golf bag are distributed to, and in accordance with the distribution pattern, determines the positions on a display device to show the images of the golf club heads. The image of a golf club head is created from a head image obtained with a head image data name, which is acquired from the golf club information table (58a).

Abstract: A shoe holder is arranged for attachment to a golf bag. The shoe holder includes a basket in which a pair of shoes may be retained. The basket includes a cavity that is arranged for accepting the toe-portion of the shoes. An elongate central member extends upwardly from the basket to an upper end. A pair of elastically-deformable spring clips extends from the upper end of the elongate central member and is arranged to engage the rim of the golf bag to secure the shoe holder to the golf bag. A retention strap attached to the elongated central member is configured to extend across the shoes and retain them against the elongated central member.

Abstract: A putting alignment device includes a base, a cap mounted to the base for rotation with respect to the base, and alignment indicia on the cap which indicates a target line for putting a golf ball. A remote control unit is coupled in communication to the base to issue instructions to the base. The device includes drive means in the base which rotate the cap with respect to the base in response to a signal communicated from the remote control unit, so as to move the alignment indicia according to instructions carried in the signal from the remote control unit.

Abstract: A hockey stick blade with a rear face and a front face having a heel portion, a toe portion spaced apart from the heel portion, and a central portion intermediate the toe and heel portions. The front face has a textured zone defined by a plurality of front protrusions, and a front face reduced-texture zone. At least part of the textured zone extends in the central portion from a lower edge of the blade. The reduced-texture zone extends adjacent the front face textured zone. At least part of the reduced-textured zone extends in the central portion from an upper edge of the blade and in the toe portion from the lower edge of the blade. The textured zone extends in the toe portion upwardly from the reduced-texture zone.

Abstract: Hybrid goal shot training systems and devices comprise a hybrid training panel including a cover portion and at least one net portion connected to the cover portion. The cover portion is composed of a material creating negative space by obscuring visual access behind the cover portion. The cover portion has a top edge, a bottom edge, and side edges. The net portion defines multiple net openings and allows visual access of positive space behind the net portion. The training device may further comprise a band of brightly colored material running along at least one side edge and a top or bottom edge of the cover portion. The hybrid training panel may be a unitary device having a one-piece construction. The device may comprise four net portions located at four corners of the hybrid training panel.

Abstract: Improvements in an expandable goal net are disclosed. The expandable goal net is foldable and can be taken from a full size goal to a smaller size that can be easily compacted for transportation. The vertical legs telescope inside each other to essentially reduce the height of the vertical members to essentially half. The horizontal cross posts fold in half thereby to compact the expandable goal net into a vertical folded rectangle. The folding joints are on the horizontal members. Joints lock into a horizontal orientation and can be released to allow the joints to fold essentially 180 degrees. Corners use similar hinged joints that allow the horizontal members to bend to essentially 90 degrees. Vertical members have locking slides that telescope to reduce the total length of the vertical members. The expandable goal net is made from aluminum tubes and formed or molded plastic components.

Abstract: A method is disclosed involving receiving GPS data from persona portable training devices of users when traversing an off-road segment of an electronic map together with associated data indicative of a heart rate of a user during the movements. The position and heart rate data for each user traversing the segment are processed using data indicative of a fitness profile for the user. The resulting data is used to determine a normalized cost to be associated with the segment, indicative of the difficulty in traversing the segment. The cost data is generated using a neural network. The resulting cost data for different segments in a network of segments is used to generate route suggestions for users based upon desired workout intensity, fitness levels, etc.

Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.

Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.

Abstract: A device that helps a golfer improve their swing by providing a track over which to swing the club, a strike plate which swivels to keep contact with the club as long as possible and a resistance to movement over the strike plate in the track so the player understands the weight transfer required in a golf swing. An embodiment includes a sled sliding on at least one rail with front and rear strike plates and a center resistance mechanism that provides adjustable resistance to the swing using pads to contact the rails. The user can set different ranges of resistance.

Abstract: A golf club grip extension and chipping training aid comprising a tubular grip extension having a central bore sized to accommodate the grip and shaft of a standard golf club such that the golf club can be inserted into the grip extension and secured. The grip extension can be removably attached with a slotted and threaded grommet that fits over the club shaft and screws into threading at the bottom of the grip extension. The club with the grip extension is a chipping training aid that allows a golfer to practice a chip shot with the grip extension pressed against the body to teach the chip shot without movement of the wrists.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golfing aid that includes a club holder for realisably holding a golf club shaft, and a flexible shoulder strap coupled to a club holder. The flexible shoulder strap is sized and shaped to loop over the shoulders of a golfer and press against upper arms of the golfer. The shoulder strap includes arm engaging portions for engaging outer sides of the upper arms. The golfing aid includes strap adjustment cam locking mechanisms coupled to the club holder for clamping and adjusting strap length to accommodate various size golfers. The training aid produces the perfect one piece connected triangular pendulum putting/chipping motion of the shoulders, arms, hands and club. There is no movement of the club shaft relative to the hands and arms. The training aid provides immediate feedback if the golfer is not using their shoulders to perform the correct putting or chipping stroke.

Abstract: A remotely controllable first down demarcation laser projection system for sporting events such as football. The system comprises a first laser projection module and a second laser projection module within an elongated track positioned parallel to the athletic field. The projection modules are configured to project a beam across the athletic field at predetermined locations. The first laser projection module is configured to track the location of the football when the football is on the line of scrimmage while the second laser projection module is configured to track the location of a first down demarcation on the field.

Abstract: A “boil and bite” mouthguard including projections to improve molding of the mouthguard to the user's teeth is described. The mouthguard also includes a base-wall configuration that acts to minimize thinning of the base during molding and use of the mouthguard.

Abstract: A double-edged skate blade assembly for an ice skate comprising a double-edged blade and a pair of blade supports, each of which is individually replaceable. The assembly includes mechanisms to mate the blade supports about the blade, to connect the blade supports to each other, to interlock the blade and support assembly into a blade holder on the skate and to fasten the blade assembly to the blade holder. The entire blade assembly is easily removable, reversible and replaceable in a skate with little or no requirement for tools. The invention also comprises a holder to securely support the skate blade assembly on the boot of the ice skate.

Abstract: A wheel for a skateboard, roller skate or the like has a radial surface arranged to provide contact with the ground, said radial surface comprising areas of at least a first material and areas of a second material, said second material having at least one mechanical property differing from that of the first material. The first and second materials are arranged in such a way that they form a pattern on the radial surface which varies around the circumference of the wheel. This enables the adaptation of the behavior of the wheel in a very flexible way.

Abstract: A billiard table for rebound training comprises a table top, four corner pockets located at the four corners of the table top, and two side pockets located at the center of the long sides of the table top, wherein a side pocket sight (2) is fixed at the location of a side pocket; a simulation pocket hole (3) is provided at the tail end of the side pocket sight (2); the length of the side pocket sight (2) is equal to the distance between the two side pockets on the table top; and a rotatable corner pocket sight (1) is provided at the location of a corner pocket, a movable marker (4) being provided on the rotatable corner pocket sight (1).

Abstract: A device and method can remove a scratch-off coating that initially conceals information. The device has a rubbing member including a melamine open cell foam. The device's structure includes a body with a fluid chamber that communicates with a distal opening. The rubbing member is mounted at this distal opening. The structure includes a scraping element located at the rubbing member. The melamine open cell foam and the scraping element are simultaneously pressed against and moved across the scratch-off coating until it is removed and retained in the foam sufficiently to reveal the concealed information.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide online social game contests are described. In some embodiments, a method determines a start time and an end point associated with an online social game contest. Multiple users participating in the online game contest are identified, and the contest is initiated at the start time. Each of the multiple users has a separate online social game environment in which they participate in the contest. The online social game contest ends upon reaching the end point.

Abstract: A method and system for synthesizing a voice guiding signal to a gaming controller. An input gaming data to the gaming controller is collected by a console game agent. A set of game target profiles and a set of control signals are created from the input gaming data. A set of active game patterns are synthesized from the set of game target profiles and the set of control signals. An optimal gaming strategy is produced from the set of active game patterns. The optimal gaming strategy is then converted into the voice guiding signal for guiding the user on playing a game effectively on the gaming controller.

Abstract: A game device includes a screen generator that displays a display target on a display screen of a display device, an input acquirer that acquires the position or direction of operation input to the display target from a touch panel annexed to the display screen of the display device and a back touch panel provided on a surface on the opposite side to the display screen of the display device, a determining section that determines the direction in which to operate the display target according to the position or direction of the operation input and the kind of the display target as the target of the operation when the input acquirer acquires the operation input to the display target from the back touch panel, and a movement controller or a rotation controller that operates the display target in the direction determined by the determining section.

Abstract: A computer receives an image access preference that is associated with a user included in a first game session. The computer receives an image from a camera, connected to the computer, through a network. The computer analyzes the first image to identify the presence of the user. The computer generates and compares a first analysis result a to a set of stored data to determine, based on the comparison, if the user is present. Responsive to determining that the user is present, the computer applies the received access preferences, associated with the present user, to the first image.

Abstract: A system and method configured to provide remote access to a virtual space and enhance the efficiency of server operations associated with the virtual space. This system and method has particular application to online applications such as online games wherein many players are simultaneously competing for limited server resources in connection with game play. In some implementations, the system and method includes executing an instance of an online game and using the instance of the online game to enable participation in the online game by multiple users through multiple client computing platforms, wherein participation in the online game by the users includes entering and/or selecting requests on the client computing platforms that are executed in the instance of the online game. The system and method of the present invention also includes organizing the requests such that duplicative requests are combined into a single request and providing the organized requests for execution by one or more servers.

Abstract: An example game system causes an image, based on an operation performed on a terminal apparatus including a display section, to be displayed on a stationary display apparatus separate from the terminal apparatus, and also causes an image based on an operation performed on a controller to be displayed on the display apparatus. Further, in the game system, an image based on the operation performed on the terminal apparatus is displayed on the display section of the terminal apparatus. In this case, when displayed on the stationary display apparatus, the image based on the operation performed on the controller is displayed so as to be larger than the image based on the operation performed on the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A game apparatus automatically receives piece information from another game apparatus by short-range wireless communication. The game apparatus obtains step count data based on an amount of movement of the game apparatus (i.e., a step count of a user of the game apparatus). The game apparatus uses piece information obtained by the short-range wireless communication, thereby performing a predetermined process of an application (i.e., a process of incorporating a piece image into a collection image), or uses step count data (i.e., an owned coin count resulting from conversion of the step count data) instead of piece information obtained by the short-range wireless communication, thereby performing the predetermined process of the application (i.e., the process of incorporating a piece image into a collection image).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention monitor and dynamically allocate computing resources to game sessions running within a game service. A game service provides a remote gaming environments to which users connect over a wide area network, such as the internet. A game session runs a single instance of a game title. The game session runs the video game code responsible for creating the playing experience for the users. Various characteristics of the game session may be monitored and used to allocate computing resources. Usage of computing resources, such as central processing unit (“CPU”) may be monitored directly. In another embodiment, the number of players connected to the game session is monitored and computing resources are allocated dynamically as the number of players increases or decreases.

Abstract: A method of processing video information is presented here. The method may begin by executing, with at least one processor, a plurality of concurrent simulation threads for an interactive video application, wherein each of the concurrent simulation threads corresponds to a predicted outcome of the video application. The method may continue by receiving user input intended to control the interactive video application, processing at least one of the concurrent simulation threads in response to the received user input to obtain an intended outcome of the video application, and providing the intended outcome of the video application for presentation to a user.

Abstract: Provided is a computer device which changes a demonstration image to be displayed when a game is played next, according to a state of proceeding of a main part of the game, and can attract the user's interest on the demonstration image. The computer device comprises a game proceeding control section (game proceeding control module) which causes a game to proceed in response to a user's manipulation; a game proceeding management section (game proceeding management module) which manages a state of proceeding of the game; and a demonstration image generating/outputting section (demonstration image generating/outputting module) which outputs a demonstration image to a monitor before the game is played; wherein the demonstration image generating/outputting section is configured to change the demonstration image to be output to the monitor before the game is played, according to the state of proceeding of the game.

Abstract: A recording unit of a game system records a picture of a game that has been played by a user and a situation of the game at a given timing of the picture in a storage unit in association with each other. A display control unit displays the picture on a display unit corresponding to another user. A providing unit for provides the another user with the game starting from the given timing based on the situation of the game associated with the picture.