Abstract: A squat exercise apparatus includes a support structure, a plurality of weight members, at least one lift arm, and an actuator. The plurality of weight members is positioned in the support structure. The at least one lift arm has a first end coupled to the support structure and a second end arranged for contact by a user to move the at least one arm vertically during a squat exercise. The actuator assembly is operable by the user to selectively couple the at least one lift arm to at least one of the weight members during the squat exercise. A portion of the actuator assembly is carried by the at least one lift arm.

Abstract: An exercise machine including an adjustable joint with a first part and a second part that are shaped to rotate with respect to each other such that when an orientation between the first part and the second part changes, a position of the user contact feature also changes. The machine also includes a locking mechanism that is positioned to secure the first part and the second part together. The locking mechanism being positioned to secure the first part and the second part in an axial locking direction and to release the first part from the second part in an axial release direction. When the first part and the second part are secured, at least two first part features are interlocked with at least two second part features simultaneously.

Abstract: A hip swinging device comprises a rail unit, a fixed disk and a movable disk. The rail unit includes two straight rails, two transverse rails sliding along the straight rails, and a movable element sliding along the transverse rails. The fixed disk is defined with a through hole and a plurality of movable balls. The movable disk is connected to the movable element via the through hole and is abutted against the balls. The movable disk can slide back and forth with the to and fro sliding of the transverse rails along the straight rails, the movable disk can slide from left to right with the to and fro sliding of the movable element along the transverse rails, and the movable disk also can rotate. The movable disk allows the user to achieve better waist and hip twisting effect while sitting.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine includes a base support structure, first and second reciprocating foot supports movably linked to the base support structure, first and second guide rails, and first and second rollers. The guide rails guide respective first and second foot supports to provide reciprocal movement of the foot supports. The guide rails each include a track surface having first and second end portions and at least first and second arch portions, respectively. The first arch portion is positioned at a location between the first and second end portions and having a first radius of curvature. The second arch portion is positioned at one of the first and second end portions and has a second radius of curvature that is less than the first radius of curvature. The first and second rollers are movable along the track surface of the guide rails.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. Crank arms are positioned on the framework rearward the operator at a height comparable to the pedals. The default mode provides a stepping motion with handles side by side. Allowing the handles to move as desired achieves elliptical curve pedal paths with varying stride length.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a foot support movable by the user on the frame back and forth through any one of a plurality of complete, reproducible and different arc segments of a master arcuate path, the foot support being interconnected to an arc segment selection device that is manually actuatable to enable the user to manually select any one of the plurality of different arc segments.

Abstract: An exercise machine cable adjustment system for providing efficient adjustment of the effective length of one or more cables. The exercise machine cable adjustment system generally includes a frame, a carriage movably positioned upon the frame and a pair of cables adjustably connected to the carriage to allow for adjustment of the effective length for each of the cables.

Abstract: A work platform has a top member with a surface sized to receive a user's feet thereon while standing and a bottom member coupled to the top member. The bottom member has a width and length generally equal to the width and length of the top member. The bottom member has a curved surface generally at the longitudinal center of the work platform defined at least partially by a radius of curvature of between about 100 mm and about 850 mm. The curved surface induces instability under a user standing on the top member to thereby facilitate active muscle engagement in the user's legs while standing on the work platform.

Abstract: Adjustable exercise apparatus described herein include a height-adjustable handle engageable with a base structure having an internal locking mechanism. The apparatus may include interchangeable handles of varying shapes. The base may include legs and/or surface-engaging feet which can provide additional stability or additional configurations. The internal mechanism selectively locks the handle into position at different pre-defined heights and, in some forms, includes a particular bearing arrangement including a push button release and spring closing.

Abstract: A system for recording and analyzing an activity, such as a golf activity, is provided. The system comprises an impact detection device and one or more video capture unit for recording and displaying recorded activities. Preferred activities are saved, and may be viewed at a separate viewing unit located remote from the video capture unit. The remote viewing unit allows for replay and analysis of the saved activities. In addition, saved activities and data may be uploaded to the Internet for later viewing and analysis.

Abstract: A method of providing a sensor-based gaming system for an avatar to represent a player in a virtual environment includes wirelessly receiving a set of measurements describing attributes of the player. The method includes generating a player profile associated with the player and including an avatar depicting a virtual embodiment of the player in a virtual world. The method includes receiving sensor data from sensors. The sensor data describes a change in a real world position of the player. The method includes determining an estimate of a player movement. The method includes determining a difference between a screen position of the avatar in the virtual world and the real world position of the player in the real world. The method includes generating avatar image data representative of movement of the avatar corresponding to movement of the player.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising: a foot support, a user interface that includes a visual display, the foot support being movable by the user on the frame back and forth through any one of a plurality of complete, reproducible and different arc segments of a master arcuate path, the foot support being interconnected to a selection device that enables the user to select any one of the plurality of arc segments, one or more detectors adapted to detect one or more of force, energy or power exerted by the user over time on the foot support or distance or velocity of travel of the foot support or resistance assembly during the course of the user's performance of all or a portion of an exercise cycle, the visual display displaying a visually recognizable format of one or more of the force, energy, power, distance, time or velocity.

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: Disclosed herein are heterogeneous golf ball compositions comprising a thermoplastic matrix and discrete particles of crosslinked polymer dispersed within the matrix.

Abstract: A golf ball includes an inner core layer formed from a thermoset rubber composition. The inner core layer has a first outer surface Shore D hardness and an outer diameter of about 1.0 to 1.6 inches. A thermoplastic outer core layer is formed around the inner core layer, has a second outer surface Shore D hardness, and is formed from an acid copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, optionally including a softening monomer, such as alkyl acrylates and methacrylates; a plasticizer; and a cation source present in an amount sufficient to neutralize about 70 to 100% of the acid groups present in the material. The golf ball an inner and outer cover layers. The second outer surface Shore D hardness is greater than the first outer surface Shore D hardness.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball showing a great flight distance on driver shots. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover layer covering the spherical core, wherein the spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing (a) base rubber, (b) an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof as a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator and at least one compound of (d) thiobenzoic acids and/or salts thereof, provided that the rubber composition further contains (e) a metal compound in case of containing only (b) the ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms as the co-crosslinking agent, and the spherical core has a hardness difference (Hs?Ho) between a surface hardness (Hs) and a center hardness (Ho) thereof of 25 or more in JIS-C hardness.

Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. In one preferred embodiment, the inner core has a positive hardness gradient, the intermediate core has a positive hardness gradient, and the outer core has a zero or negative hardness gradient. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multilayer golf balls having a layer with a higher Shore C hardness and a lower Shore D hardness than another layer.

Abstract: A golf ball may include an inner core layer and an outer cover layer disposed radially outward of the inner core layer. The outer cover layer may be formed of an outer cover layer material having one or more grooves extending radially inward from an outer surface of the outer cover layer. In addition, the golf ball may include a groove material disposed within the one or more grooves. The groove material may have a compressibility that is different from a compressibility of the outer cover layer material. Also, the outer surface of the groove material may be substantially flush with the outer surface of the outer cover layer.

Abstract: A golf ball may include an inner core layer and an outer cover layer disposed radially outward of the inner core layer. The outer cover layer may be formed of an outer cover layer material having one or more grooves extending radially inward from an outer surface of the outer cover layer. In addition, the golf ball may include a groove material disposed within the one or more grooves. The groove material may have a compressibility that is different from a compressibility of the outer cover layer material. Also, the outer surface of the groove material may be recessed below the outer surface of the outer cover layer.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a plurality of panels having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the first surface forming a majority of an exterior surface of the ball. In addition, the sport ball may include an interior layer secured to the second surface of the panels and forming substantially all of an interior surface of the ball to retain a fluid within the ball, the interior layer extending between the panels to join the panels together. Further the sport ball may include a valve secured to the interior layer.

Abstract: A golf ball including one or more configurable materials allows the attributes of the golf ball, including physical properties and play characteristics, to be changed by selective exposure of energy from an energy source to the golf ball. The exposure to the energy from the energy source causes certain configurable materials within the golf ball to undergo a physical change in structure, thereby changing the attributes of the modified golf ball. A method of post production modification of a golf ball allows the attributes of the golf ball to be changed to meet the desired attributes of a consumer. A customization system including multiple stock golf ball sets with different configurations is used with different energy sources to produce a variety of modified golf balls having different attributes. A distribution system processes stock golf balls using post production modification processes to produce different modified golf balls to consumers.

Abstract: A golf club head having a reinforced striking face that includes a thin striking plate with a reinforcement plate disposed behind the striking plate. The striking face may have lubricant between the striking plate and reinforcement plate, separation volumes between the striking plate and reinforcing plate, or a combination thereof. The thicknesses of the striking and reinforcing plates may vary within the plates themselves and may have regions intended to mate with each other to create reinforced regions.

Abstract: A golf club includes a hollow head 6, a shaft 8, and a grip 10. The head 6 includes a face f6. The face f6 includes a thick portion T1. The thick portion T1 includes a thick portion center point Ec. A face height at the position of the thick portion center point Ec is defined as H1, and the height of the thick portion center point Ec is defined as H2. H2/H1 is equal to or greater than 0.55. The face f6 preferably further includes secondary thick portions T2 and T3 thinner than the thick portion T1, and thin portions T4 and T5 thinner than the secondary thick portions T2 and T3. The thick portion T1 and the secondary thick portions T2 and T3 preferably form a sloped thick portion Ts extending from the upper side of a heel to the lower side of a toe.

Abstract: A golf club head is described having a club head body having an external surface with a heel portion, a toe portion, a crown portion, a sole portion, and a front opening. The golf club head also includes a face insert support structure located at the front opening. The support structure includes a rear support member. The rear support member includes a support portion interior surface contour defining an apex point and an undercut distance in an undercut region within at least one major or minor plane. A non-undercut region is located in at least one major or minor plane intersecting the crown to face transition region.

Abstract: When hitting a ball to a target with a putter, the ball often travels to a point which is deviated to the right from the target. When a golfer looks at the target just after taking his address, he turns his head to a target about a rotation axis which extends through the back of his head. When this rotation axis is not horizontal and an angle defined by the rotation axis and his sighting line to a putter head is not 90°, he has an optical illusion which tricks him into believing that he has to correct his address position. The patter of the present invention is provided with a thin-plate pendulum thereby allowing him to turn his head about the rotation axis while keeping the angle defined by the rotation axis and his sighting line at 90°.

Abstract: A ball striking device has a head that includes a metal face configured for striking a ball, a rearwardly extending metal band, a top piece, and a bottom piece. The metal band has a first end extending from one side of the face, a second end extending from the opposite side of the face, and a rear portion extending between the first and second ends and defining at least a portion of the rear periphery of the head. The top piece and the bottom piece are non-metallic or substantially non-metallic. The top piece is connected to the top side of the metal band and forms at least a portion of a top side of the head, and the bottom piece is connected to the bottom side of the metal band and forms at least a portion of a bottom side of the head. The top piece and the bottom piece are separated by the metal band.

Abstract: A golf aid includes a user tracking system configured to determine the location of a user on a golf course, a processor, and a heads up display. The heads up display is configured to be worn on the user's head, and to display an image within a field of view of the user. The processor is in communication with the user tracking system and with the heads up display, and configured to determine a distance between the location of the user and an object, and provide an indication of the determined distance to the user via the heads up display.

Abstract: A tubular bat is provided whereby at least one diaphragm is located within the internal cavity of the bat. The diaphragm is fastened at its peripheral edge to the inner surface of the bat wall, thereby dividing the internal cavity into two separated cavities, thus creating two sweet spots, or shifting the existing sweet spot forward towards the distal end of the bat. This improves player performance by providing an expanded number of optimal hitting zones or by moving the optimal hitting zone farther from the bat handle.

Abstract: A sleeve or grip for use on a ball bat or other sporting-good implement includes a low-friction inner surface and a longitudinal slit that facilitates its positioning on, and removal from, a handle of the implement. The grip is rotatable about the handle so that a user's hand may move into an optimal position during a swing. The grip may be readily removable from the implement so that, after a swing, it stays with the user, as opposed to remaining on the implement.

Abstract: Embodiments of a sports training device that incorporates structure to facilitate installation and transport. These embodiments include a frame with one or more articulating sections that can change the configuration of the frame. The different configurations can change the dimensions of the sports training device, e.g., reducing the dimensions for transport and increasing the dimensions to match the opening of a goal.

Abstract: An object tossing game includes a portable receiving board and a container. The container defines a reservoir containing a volume of water. The board is positioned within the container and floats atop the water. The board is constructed out of a buoyant material and includes at least one (1) receiving aperture. The board also includes a catch pocket positioned below the receiving aperture to catch and hold game pieces received by the aperture. The water provides a force dampener when the thrown game piece impacts a surface of the board.

Abstract: A method including the steps of receiving signals indicating movement of a physical ball relative to a strike zone during a pitch, retrieving a batting characteristic of a simulated batter corresponding to the indicated movement of the physical ball relative to the strike zone during the pitch, and displaying on a computing device a simulated pitch result for the pitch based on the retrieved batting characteristic of the simulated batter for the indicated movement.

Abstract: The present invention is a baseball practice device having a base frame with a pair of tubular members connected perpendicular to each other by mounting to an elbow tube fitting. A tee tube fitting is slideably positioned on one of the tube members. An aluminum pole is mounted to the tee tube fitting and a tee member with a flexible support member is inserted into the pole. At the distal end of the support member, baseball mounting means are attached. A baseball hitter places a ball on the mounting means to practice a swing. The support member allows the hitter to adjust the ball position to a different vertical or horizontal elevation as needed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for training baseball and softball batters, to identify types of pitched balls (fast ball, curve ball, slider and changeup) and locations (strike or non-strike zone) of pitched balls in order to increase hitting accuracy. A motion sensor can be triggered by the leading foot of a pitcher. The motion sensor can face upward to detect the passage of a pitched ball from the pitcher. When the motion sensor is triggered, a signal can be sent to a black out lens that blocks the vision of a hitter being trained to identify the types and locations of the pitched balls. The training includes changing the lens from transparent to opaque at selected distances between the hitter and the pitcher.

Abstract: A putting trainer, as described herein, is used for practicing golfing with a golf club with a head. The putting trainer is for use on a generally smooth putting surface. The putting trainer has a body and at least one obstacle.

Abstract: A sporting good device for protecting the lower body from ball strikes while catching warm-up pitches from a seated position. The device comprises one or more generally upright panels and a footplate or other structure designed to accommodate the user's feet. When the user is seated behind the device, and the feet engage the footplate or other structure, the device is at least partially stabilized in the upright position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating personalized exercise programs are disclosed. An image capture device and a computer device are used to capture images of a user while the user performs athletic movements. The images may then be evaluated to create a human movement screen score. The human movement screen score, goal and time commitment information may then be used to create a personalized exercise program tailored to the specific user.

Abstract: A shoulder pad for use in a contact sport, such as football, hockey or lacrosse is provided. The shoulder pad includes a pair of curvilinear, continuous arch members joined together to define a central opening that receives the player's head. A side pad assembly, including an epaulet and a shoulder cap, is operably connected to each arch member by a flexible band that provides a common connection point on the arch member. The band provides a single pivot point for the epaulet and the shoulder cap about the common connection point. A curvilinear internal padding assembly is connected to each arch member and configured to absorb and lessen impacts received while wearing the shoulder pad and playing the contact sport.

Abstract: A glove for enhancing a wearer's grip and control of a golf club or sports device. The glove may include a palmar portion and a dorsal portion having multiple digital segments that entirely enclose a wearer's thumb, middle finger, ring finger and pinkie finger. The glove further includes a forefinger digital segment that exposes at least a portion of the wearer's fingertips. The dorsal segment may also include a high friction surface along a side of said forefinger digital segment.

Abstract: A combined downhill and touring binding for a ski, including: a base plate which can be fastened on an upper side of the ski; a toe retainer; a heel retainer; a connecting structure; a shifting mechanism comprising a shifting element having a first end which is a front end in the skiing direction and a second end which is a rear end in the skiing direction; and a latching lever using which the heel retainer can be moved by the shifting mechanism into a walking position and into a travelling position and latched in the walking position or travelling position, respectively; wherein the latching lever is connected to the ski in a pivoting joint and arranged in front of the heel retainer in the skiing direction, the first end of the shifting element is connected to the latching lever, and the second end of the shifting element is connected to the heel retainer.

Abstract: A foot cover assembly comprising a foot cover and a base plate is disclosed. The foot cover releaseably attaches to the base plate. The base plate releaseably attaches to a board assembly. A portion of the foot cover is arranged over a deck of the board assembly. The foot cover selectively holds a foot of a rider of the board assembly between the foot cover and the deck.

Abstract: A process and a system for managing a bowling center, which includes one or more bowling lanes along which a bowl is rolled, one or more pin setting up machines at one end of the lane and one or more bowlers' bays at the opposite end of the lane, one or more overhead monitors or videos above the lane, one or more consoles or keyboards located at the one or more lanes, respectively, and allowing a user to enter data, an electronic control system set up to manage the bowling center, and in particular, a score program which calculates the score of the games played at the bowling center and displays the score, in particular at the respective overhead monitor. A visual signal is emitted at the respective lane to indicate that the lane is open and waiting for users.

Abstract: The present invention provides shuffled playing cards which eliminate the need for a game host to shuffle cards before games by taking a lot of time as well as eliminate the possibility of cheating. A shuffled playing cards (1) obtained by shuffling a predetermined number of decks of playing cards (12) using a shuffling machine is packaged as an individual pack. The shuffled playing cards (1) is individually packaged and sealed with an adhesive label (13). A bar code (13a) which represents a unique shuffled card ID has been printed on the adhesive label (13). The shuffled card ID is registered in a database by being associated with information which allows identification of a shuffling machine used to shuffle the playing card set.

Abstract: Virtual items may be unlocked in a virtual space responsive to physical token detection. A common virtual item repository may be provided in the virtual space. Once unlocked, a given virtual item may be accessible to multiple characters in the virtual space via the virtual item repository. Customization of a virtual space may be facilitated. The customization may be based on the virtual items accessible via the virtual item repository.

Abstract: A system and method for executing an instance of an online game to facilitate participation of the user in the online game. The system and method include executing actions in the instance of the online game that are delayed from reception of corresponding action requests by wait times associated with the actions. The system and method include effectuating presentation of speed-up quest offers to the user for wait times that are open. The system and method include detecting successful performance of speed-up quests by the user in the online game and implementing speed-ups associated with the speed-up quest offers on open wait times in the online game in response to successful performance of offered speed-up quests by the user in the online game. The system and method include in response to detection of successful performance of the first quest in the online game during the first open wait time implementing a first speed-up by reducing the first open wait time.

Abstract: Provided are a method and device for automatically playing an expression on a virtual image. The method includes the steps of: A, capturing a video image related to a game player in a game, and determining whether the captured video image contains a facial image of the game player, and if so, executing a step B; otherwise, returning to the step A; B: extracting facial features from the facial image, and obtaining a motion track of each of the facial features by motion directions of the extracted facial feature that are acquired for N times, where N is greater than or equal to 2; and C, determining a corresponding facial expression according to the motion track of the facial feature which is obtained in step B, and automatically playing the determined facial expression on a virtual image of the game player.

Abstract: An example portable electronic device includes a display; user controls; a camera for capturing images; wireless communication circuitry for mobile communication; memory; and a processing system for controlling the portable electronic device. The processing system controls the portable electronic device to permit composing of an outgoing message and to permit viewing of an incoming message. An image captured by the camera and displayed on the display is stored in memory in response to an input to the user controls. The wireless communication circuitry, under control of the processing system, transmits the outgoing message and receives the incoming message. The processing system controls the display to concurrently display content of the received message and a linear arrangement of icons.

Abstract: A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.

Abstract: A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.