Abstract: Ball striking devices, such as golf clubs, have a head that includes a face member having a striking face and a rear side opposite the face, and a rear member positioned behind the face member and connected to the rear side of the face member. A connection assembly includes a torsion bar connected to the face member and the rear member, such that the torsion bar is the most rigid point of connection between the face member and the rear member. The torsion bar is configured to create a mass damping effect upon an impact on the face, such that the torsion bar exerts at least a counterclockwise torsional force on the face during the impact on the toe portion of the face and at least a clockwise torsional force on the face during the impact on the heel portion of the face, to create the mass damping effect.

Abstract: A set of ball striking devices, such as a set golf clubs, having similar characteristics between clubs within the set of clubs such as length, weight, and lie angle. Characteristics can include lengths and lie angle.

Abstract: An iron-type golf club head includes a ball striking face and a rear weight member that are engaged through one or more resilient members with a connection structure that creates a mass-damping effect at impact with a golf ball.

Abstract: An iron-type golf club head includes a ball striking face and a rear weight member that are engaged through one or more resilient members with a connection structure that creates a mass-damping effect at impact with a golf ball.

Abstract: In general, aspects of this invention relate to blade-type iron golf clubs or golf club heads. The blade-type golf club head may comprise a body forged of a metal material. The body may include a hosel, a top surface, a sole, a heel, a toe, a ball striking surface, and a rear surface opposite the ball striking surface. The rear surface may have recess in which a dual-density insert is affixed. The dual-density insert may have a first portion or first insert with a density greater than a second portion or second insert with a lesser density located closer to the toe than the first portion or first insert located closer to the heel. The mass distribution of the dual-density insert moves the center of gravity of the club head closer or substantially coincident to the face center location.

Abstract: A composite material golf club head is provided having a body made from a first metal and a face insert press fitted to a portion of the body and made from a second metal The metals are chosen so that the first metal is heavier than the second metal. The second metal is disposed towards the front and top of the body, and is preferably hard-anodized. In addition, an interlocking structure, for example rectangular or dove tail shaped channels, is provided in the body so that the face insert becomes embedded in the interlocking structure to anchor the face insert to the body. Portions of the golf club head, such as the face insert or sole plate, are anodized to protect against corrosion. The anodized coating is colored to improve aesthetic characteristics or infused with a polymer to increase or reduce friction. Disclosed herein is a golf club head having a body portion and a face insert. The front of the body portion further comprises a cutout sized and dimensioned to receive the face insert.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a forward section and a body section. The forward section has a strike face, a frame that surrounds the strike face, and a flange extending from the frame. The body section is formed from a molded polymeric material, and includes a forward edge that defines a receiving portion adapted to receive the flange. When assembled, the flange extends within the receiving portion and the body section is adhered to opposing sides of the flange.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a face member with a striking surface configured for striking a ball and a flange that comprises a portion of the crown. The flange being made of at least two members that are made of different materials, where a second material has a lower modulus of elasticity than the first material. The second member has a length, a width, a thickness and a location proximate to the ball striking surface to improve the impact efficiency of a collision with a golf ball.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a face with a striking surface configured for striking a ball; an elongated channel extending across a portion of the sole, wherein the sole has an elongated channel recessed from adjacent surfaces of the sole that has a plurality of troughs within the channel to help improve the efficiency of the impact with a golf ball.

Abstract: A set of ball striking devices, such as a set golf clubs, having distinct groupings of characteristics between clubs within the set of clubs such as club length, club head weight, club head lie angle, and club head offset. The set of golf clubs can include iron-type clubs, hybrid-type clubs, and wood-type clubs.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a strike face, a crown, and a sole, and is formed from a forward section and a body section that are coupled together. The forward section includes the strike face, and the body section includes an upper shell defining a portion of the crown, a lower shell defining a portion of the sole, and an internal wall extending between the upper shell and the lower shell. The internal wall is molded from a polymeric material and is integrally formed with one of the upper shell and the lower shell. At least one of the upper shell and the lower shell defines an opening that is in communication with a cavity provided between the upper shell and the lower shell and at least partially defined by the internal wall.

Abstract: A hollow golf club head comprises a face part, a sole part, a side part, a crown part, and a hosel part. At least one of the face part and the crown part has portions of two different rigidities that are first and second rigid portions, the first rigid portion has a first rigidity, the second rigid portion is made of the same material as the first rigid portion, and the second rigid portion has the same thickness as the first rigid portion but has a lower rigidity than the first rigidity of the first rigid portion.

Abstract: A golf club head including a crown, a sole, a hosel, a face and a flexure. The flexure provides compliance during an impact between the golf club head and a golf ball, and is tuned to vibrate, immediately after impact, at a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: Golf club heads with ribs are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A putter-type golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position, includes a blade portion having a striking face, a top line, and a sole, the striking face in turn including a face center. The club head further includes a rear portion in communication with, and rearward of, the blade portion, and it includes an alignment element rearward of, and recessed toward the sole from, the top line. The alignment element defines a virtual center line segment oriented in a substantially front-to-rear direction at a height between 19 mm and 24 mm from a lowermost point of the sole, the center line segment having a length no less than 34 mm and being not spaced more than 10 mm from a virtual vertical plane passing through the face center and extending generally perpendicular to the striking face. A width of the club head is no less than 3.0 in.

Abstract: Embodiments of grooves of golf club heads and methods to manufacture grooves of golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a crown with an edge support structure and a flexible, conformal weight sized to fit within the edge support structure is disclosed herein. The edge support structure preferably is disposed on an internal surface of the crown so that the conformal weight is invisible when the golf club head is viewed at address. The conformal weight can be removed to adjust the vertical center of gravity of the club head, and preferably is oriented in a front-to-back direction along the club head's X-axis. The conformal weight preferably is composed of a high-density polymeric material with a specific gravity ranging from 1.8 to 4.2.

Abstract: A golf club 2 includes a head 4, a shaft 6 and a grip 8. The shaft 6 includes a plurality of layers, a tip end Tp and a butt end Bt. If a distance between a center of gravity of the shaft and the butt end Bt is defined as Lg (mm), a shaft full length is defined as Ls (mm), and a ratio of the distance Lg to the shaft full length Ls is defined as a ratio of the center of gravity of the shaft, the ratio of the center of gravity of the shaft is 44.5% or less. If a torsional rigidity at a point of 90 mm distant from the tip end Tp is defined as GJt (kgf·m2), and a torsional rigidity at a point of 210 mm distant from the butt end Bt is defined as GJb (kgf·m2), GJb/GJt is 5.5 or less.

Abstract: The present utility model discloses a removable golf bag, comprising a bag body portion, a main frame and a base portion, wherein the part between the bag body portion and the main frame is provided with an accessory frame A, the accessory frame A is connected with the bag body portion by way of stitching, and one round of the accessory frame A exposed to the upper end of the bag body portion is provided with a small hole A, a small hole B, a small hole C and a small hole for fixing the main frame, wherein the main frame is provided with a fastener A, a fastener B, a fastener C and a fastener D matching with the small hole A, the small hole B, the small hole C and the small hole D.

Abstract: A multipurpose golf tool includes a mounting base that can be secured to the free end of a golf shaft at the golf grip. The mounting base is used to mount selected implements each having multiple capabilities for picking up or securing objects thereby enabling a golfer to retrieve and hold objects without having to kneel or bend over. The selected implements include various embodiments of a ball retrieving and holding cup in, a ball marker retrieving and holding implement, a flagstick pick-up implement, and a golf tee retrieving and holding implement. Multiple implements may be mounted to the mounting base in a stacked configuration, or the implements may be mounted individually.

Abstract: Ball striking devices, such as golf clubs, have a head that includes a face having a striking surface configured for striking a ball, and a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the face, with the body having a crown, a sole, a heel side, and a toe side, such that the face and the body combine to define an enclosed internal cavity. A damping member is connected to the body and includes a post extending inwardly into the cavity from an inner surface of the body, a first arm extending from the post toward the heel side of the body, and a second arm extending from the post toward the toe side of the body. The damping member is configured to produce a mass damping effect upon an impact on the face.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mesh netting for a lacrosse head permits the production of reproducible three-dimensional shapes for lacrosse head pockets. The mesh netting may form a self-supporting three-dimensional shape, as knit, prior to being attached to a lacrosse head, and the mesh netting may be able to maintain its three-dimensional shape without additional materials, such as a coating, being added to the stands which form the netting. A three-dimensional warp knitting machine may be used to manufacture the mesh netting.

Abstract: A grip tape includes a tubular body and a bonding portion. The tubular body is configured to be mounted around the grip of a club, racket, or bat. The bonding portion is provided on the inner periphery of the tubular body and has first and second adhesive layers. The second adhesive layer lies between the inner periphery of the tubular body and the first adhesive layer and is adhesively bonded to the inner periphery of the tubular body. The first adhesive layer is hot-melt adhesive to be bonded to the grip through a heating reaction or hot pressing operation of a predetermined temperature. The grip tape, therefore, can be easily bonded to the grip via the heating reaction or hot pressing operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to golf clubs, more particularly to mechanisms for fastening accessories to clubs. The invention provides a golf club configured to house an electronic device such as an RFID tag within a recess within the grip, thereby protecting the device from the stress, shock, and exposure that arises when a golf club is used.

Abstract: A swing training weight and method for building the strength and control of a user, while teaching proper swing mechanics. The swing training weight is attached to athletic equipment during training or while warming up for competition, and provides an improved means of release from the athletic equipment. The swing training weight incorporates a sliding member that simulates the impact of striking an object and provides audible, visual and tactile feedback to the user pertaining to the proper execution of the swing. Training methods using the swing training weight are provided that improve athletic performance, and allow for focused training of the proper execution of specific elements of an athletic swing. Further, the swing training weight incorporates a movable stop that allows the weight to be configured to provide for training methods that further focus on the proper execution of specific swing elements.

Abstract: A lightweight sweetspot trainer includes a sleeve that is slipped over the barrel end of any bat. The sleeve covers the barrel over the primary contact area of the bat. The sleeve holds a force sensor placed inside it such that, when slid over the bat, the force sensor is coincident with the sweetspot of the bat. When a ball comes in contact with the sweetspot, the force sensor directly beneath it is triggered such that instantaneous feedback is given to the athlete thereby making him/her aware of accurate sweetspot contact. Moreover, an array of cylindrical contact/force sensors can be positioned such that the user gets feedback that would depend on how far from the sweetspot the user strikes/contacts the ball. The user may be notified by audio, visual, or sensory cues.

Abstract: An alignment training mat for golf has a permanent target line oriented through the ball placement location and perpendicular to the target line at or offset from the ball placement location and one or more sets of primary and secondary foot placement outlines or footprints for various golf shots. The practice mat enables a golfer to place a ball on the ball placement location and then look along the target line to the shot target. The golfer then decides which golf shot will be required to reach the target from the ball placement location and then stands on the appropriate primary foot placement outline. If required, the golfer then moves one or both feet to secondary foot placement outlines and adjusts their weight distribution on the secondary foot placement outlines. The golfer is then able to look at the target from a properly oriented and balanced perspective and then make the required swing at the ball on the ball placement location.

Abstract: A first media segment, for example a rebroadcast, is assembled that includes a portion of second media segment, for example an independent tournament event. The second media segment is longer in duration than first media segment. The second media segment is a media recording of one of the major golf tournaments or a sub-major golf tournament. The first media segment includes a portion of a major golf tournament combined with a portion of a sub-major golf tournament. A portion (or multiple portions) of the second media segment is extracted as part of assembling the first media segment. The portion(s) are combined to form the first media segment (e.g. the rebroadcast, summary, or recap). A broadcast system transmits, to a media receiver, the first media segment at a predefined time after the tournaments corresponding to the second media segment have been completed.

Abstract: A protective frame of a mask includes: a first frame unit integrally formed as one piece, and including a first protective part for protecting a portion of a face of a user, and a first connecting part integrally connected to the first protective part; and a second frame unit integrally formed as one piece, and including a second protective part for protecting another portion of the face of the user, and a second connecting part integrally connected to the second protective part. The first connecting part is connected to the second connecting part, and the first frame unit and the second frame unit are connected together to constitute the protective frame.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to shoulder protection devices that are configured to reduce compression injuries to an athlete's shoulder. Embodiments are configured to limit the axis of rotation of a compression deflection lever coupled to an arch of a shoulder protection device.

Abstract: A binding for a touring ski, a Telemark ski or a cross-country ski having “step in” automatic locking. The binding includes a front retaining element to cooperate with the front sole of a boot, a rear retaining element to cooperate with the rear part of the front sole and/or the rear sole of the boot, a tensioning element to tension the boot on the binding and to enable the heel to be freely lifted, a tensioning link placed under and connected to a rear retaining stirrup, and a fixed or retraction stop to cooperate with the tensioning link so as to enable the rear retaining stirrup to move back, tensioning the tensioning element, when the heel of the boot exerts a downwardly directed pressure on the rear retaining boot situated in an idle position.

Abstract: Pivotably adjustable binding mounts including a base plate that mounts upon a substrate. A pivoting plate is disposed upon the base plate, and accepts a binding. A latching mechanism selectively engages the pivoting plate, wherein the pivoting plate rotates upon the base plate when the latching mechanism is disengaged. Some aspects of the mount include one or more stops that limit the rotation of the pivoting plate. In still other aspects, the latching mechanism is comprised of a spring-actuated lever that can be disengaged by the user, but will lock the pivoting plate in place when rotated to a use position.

Abstract: The system and method invention herein disclosed and claimed is a folding skateboard. It can be folded while at rest, on the ground, by applying pressure to one end as the bi-folding deck portions pivot toward one another and come to rest in a fully folded position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a braking system affixed to a skateboard having a board with a pair of truck assemblies affixed to an underside thereof. The braking system comprises a pivoting foot control lever semi-flush mounted on top of the skateboard deck, a master control mechanism and a brake actuator assembly which are affixed on the skateboard trucks. The foot control lever is operatively coupled to the master control mechanism and the master control mechanism is operatively coupled to the brake actuator assembly. The brake actuator assembly reduces the rotation of the wheels when a user applies a turning force on the foot control lever that activates a set of steel cables to turn the master control mechanism therefore releasing a pair of brake lever pads towards the wheels.

Abstract: The “Card and Dice Counter Caddy” invention is provided to be used during game play in a Trading Card Game and may also be useful in other card games, where cards, dice and markers are moved around as a unit on a playing field. It provides a way to keep all the cards, dice and other markers that make up the game unit organized and kept together in a way that is easier to move around without dropping and/or scattering the components, and accidentally tumbling the dice. The Caddy has an area for the cards to be placed and held in place and an area for dice to be held in an upright snug position. The caddy will be used to carry the game components as a unit across the playing field.

Abstract: Provided is a game table which allows maintenance to be facilitated. The game table includes: a game board having arranged thereon antennas for reading identification information stored in game chips through wireless communication; and a game board mounting table top having mounted thereon the game board so as to allow the game board to be opened and closed.

Abstract: A method for playing a game with a plurality of players of all ages, a plurality of chips, and a determination element comprising (a) distributing the chips evenly among the players; (b) determining a wager; (c) creating a pot based on the wager; (d) manipulating the determination element to identify an indicia; and (e) adjusting the player's chips based on the identified indicia. The player's chips are adjusted in one of four ways. Rounds of the game are completed until one player has all of the chips. The determination element of the game can be a six-sided die, or a board with recesses. Manipulation of the determination element can occur by rolling the die, or by using a cup, spring or vibration device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for transmitting information using modulated magnetic fields. A system comprises a transmitter having a first magnetic field source for transmitting a first modulated magnetic field to a receiver for decoding and a field controller coupled to the first magnetic field source for controlling the first modulated magnetic field. The system can further include a receiver having a first magnetometer configured to detect the first modulated magnetic field produced by the first magnetic field source and a decoder coupled to the first magnetometer for interpreting the first modulated magnetic field.

Abstract: The game system comprising a game ticket to be purchased by a player, the game ticket being assigned a winning first game result of a first game, the game ticket enabling the player to play to at least one second game as a function of the first game result, the first game result affecting the final prize expectancy to the second game.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing a uniquely automated, and otherwise gamified, version of a Squares Game. The disclosed schemes incorporate technology for hosting on, or interacting/reacting with, potential participants' mobile and personal communicating and computing devices. The disclosed systems and methods uniquely adapt the gamified Squares Game to implement hybrid schemes employed by one or more of the myriad “fantasy sports” leagues that have become attractive to mass audiences. The disclosed schemes provide event-long score tabulation as a mechanism by which to allocate awards. The disclosed schemes provide for branding to certain sponsors of a Super Squares event, league, or season, in a manner that the a sponsoring entity's retail and/or website properties may be linked to the automated game in order to facilitate increased traffic, sales and/or exposure.

Abstract: A bingo game system provides for new features and functionality for a bingo game platform, including a bingo listener for relaying messages from a bingo broadcaster to at least one mobile client device (e.g., via a bingo connection proxy).

Abstract: A multi-game ticket assembly includes a single continuous substrate having a middle section and opposite end sections folded inwardly against the middle section. A portion of the front surface of each end section is adhered to the front surface of the middle section. Each of the end sections has a game area defined by lines of weakness in the substrate, with each game area further including a first game printed on the rear surface thereof and a second separate game printed on the front surface thereof. The first games of the end sections are adjacent and accessible to a player from a front aspect of the ticket assembly, and the second game of each end section is accessible to the player by separating the game area from its respective end section and folding the game area outwardly away from the middle section.

Abstract: A synchronised movement apparatus comprises a plurality of polyhedron blocks arranged in a first configuration, wherein adjacent blocks have a connection therebetween that allows symmetrical rotation of the adjacent blocks relative to each other so as to transform the arrangement of blocks into a second configuration.

Abstract: Approaches to facilitating chance-based wait time reductions are provided. A first action may be executed in a game space in response to receiving a first action request from a first user. The first action may be associated with a first wait time. The first wait time may prevent execution of corresponding actions for an amount of time after the reception of the first action request. An item instance of a first wait time reduction item may reduce a wait time associated with an executed action in the game space by a reduction time upon activation. The first wait time for the first action may be reduced by a first reduction time responsive to activation of a first item instance by the first user for the first action. The first reduction time may not be apparent to the first user prior to the activation of the first item instance.

Abstract: A game apparatus with good operability is provided which includes a card reader and a touch panel display and enables a player to operate a card even without looking at the card reader with eyes and to perform an input operation while looking at the touch panel display. The game apparatus includes a touch panel display and a card reader. The card reader includes a panel on which a card used in a game is set. A display support section supports the touch panel display, and a panel support section supports the panel of the card reader. The display support section supports the touch panel display such that at least a portion of the touch panel display is located above at least a portion of the panel in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A method comprising: storing information relating to one or more game objects; determining game objects to be displayed in a manner enabling a first user to play a game using the objects; causing at least one graphical representation associated with a second user to be displayed on the game board in association with at least one of the game objects, information of the at least one graphical representation being obtained from an electronic database storing information relating to a plurality of user profiles, and at least one game criteria being associated with the at least one graphical representation of the second user; and receiving a user input from the first user in response to the user input determining a match condition between a plurality of game objects, the match condition causing the game criteria to be satisfied; and responsive to satisfying the game criteria, initiating communication with the second user.

Abstract: A user input device is described that includes a ring that is connected to a housing of the user input device and that surrounds an aperture included in the housing from which a user-manipulable portion of a thumbstick extends. The ring serves to prohibit contact between a portion of the thumbstick and an edge of the housing that surrounds the aperture. The ring may be formed from a material that has a relatively low coefficient of friction with a material from which the portion of the thumbstick is formed. In certain embodiments, the ring may be removably connected to the housing of the game controller such that a user can easily disconnect and reconnect the ring to the housing without damaging either the ring or the housing.

Abstract: A thumbstick interface ring for a user input device is described. The thumbstick interface ring is adapted to be removably connected to a housing of the user input device. When connected to the housing, the thumbstick interface ring surrounds an aperture included in the housing from which a user-manipulable portion of a thumbstick extends. The thumbstick interface ring serves to prohibit contact between a portion of the thumbstick and an edge of the housing that surrounds the aperture. The thumbstick interface ring may be formed from a material that has a relatively low coefficient of friction with a material from which the portion of the thumbstick is formed. A user can easily disconnect and reconnect the ring to and from the housing without damaging either the ring or the housing.

Abstract: A hand held controller for a games console comprising an outer case, a plurality of controls located on a front end and/or top of the controller, at least one additional control located on a back of the controller, a control unit for controlling a mode of operation of the controller and at least one magnetic sensor in communication with the control unit. The control unit is configured to receive a signal from the at least one magnetic sensor in dependence upon a magnetic field being detected by the at least one magnetic sensor and the control unit is configured to determine a mode of operation of the controller in dependence upon the signal received from the at least one magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A system for associating virtual activity of a user in a virtual space and a real-world activity of a user in a physical environment are presented herein. User activities and/or experiences within the physical environment and/or the virtual environment may be created (e.g., new experiences/personalizations being presented to the user), changed, accelerated, and/or otherwise managed such that each one enhances the other and/or enriches the overall experiences of the users over time.