Abstract: An exercise device includes a frame having a width and a length and defining a first opening extending in a direction perpendicular to the width and the length. The first opening is sized to retain at least a portion of a weighted object therein such that the width and the length of the frame extends along at least a portion of a width and a length of the weighted object, respectively, and externally thereto when the frame is connected to the weighted object. A handle member is connected to the frame to be gripped by a user.

Abstract: A replacement handle for rowing exercise machines. The rowing machine handle described herein is a simple tool which can be added to existing machines to give the user greater feedback and control over training and exercise sessions, on a variety of rowing exercise machines, than is currently available. It is easy to use, and with included applications for mobile devices will help the user to create more effective training sessions and training programs. Said rowing machine handle can be used effectively by a wide range of users. Current rowing machine handles do not provide electronic feedback about the rowing motion or exercise performance. The above replacement handle will provide direct and immediate feedback to the user about his exercise session, including information about his rowing motion (technique) and his exercise performance (physiology).

Abstract: A method of using a weight holding device includes the steps of positioning the strap behind a bar, wherein the handgrip is positioned opposite the strap-separating component, and the strap is suspended from the handgrip, raising the lowest portion of the strap, bringing the handgrip through the raised portion of the strap, and pulling the handgrip upwards so that the strap tightens around the bar.

Abstract: A front elevated stationary bicycle. The present system includes a front support member, a rear support member, a central member extending therebetween. A seat is secured on the central member facing the front support member. A pedaling mechanism having a flywheel and a pair of pedals rotatably attached thereto is secured to the central member between the seat and the front end of the central member. The front end of the central member is configured so that it can be vertically adjusted relative to the front support member, such that the pedals can be positioned above the seat.

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 stair stepping apparatus comprising: a plurality of stairs forming a treadmill or endless belt on which a user steps, wherein each stair comprises: a first link comprised of a major step portion joined to a minor riser portion by a rigid elbow, and a second link comprised of major riser portion joined to a minor step portion by a rigid elbow.

Abstract: A multifunctional exercise machine is an exercise machine that combines a stepper assembly and a stationary bicycle assembly into a single machine. The stepper assembly is positioned on a frame member while the stationary bicycle assembly is positioned on a stand member. The frame member and the stand member are both hingedly connected to a bridge positioned in between the frame member and the stand member. A stepper resetting mechanism is utilized to regulate the movement of a first step pedal and a second step pedal of the stepper assembly. The first step pedal and the second step pedal are slidably engaged to a first rail and a second rail of the frame member. The machine may be utilized in a standing position or in a seated position via an adjustable seat. A handlebar assembly may be utilized for user stability while exercising.

Abstract: An elliptical exerciser includes a frame, first and second magnetic control wheel units, first and second swing levers, first and second transmission rods, first and second guiding mechanisms, first and second pedal rods, and a magnetic mechanism. When the first and second swing levers and the first and second transmission rods are swung forward and rearward synchronously and the first and second pedal rods are pedaled up and down to slide forward and rearward, the first and second pedal rods pivotally connected with bottom ends of the first and second swing levers are to do a tread motion of an elliptical trajectory.

Abstract: An elliptic-orbit treadmill has a front-end drive portion and a middle drive portion configured on the front end of the pedal, the middle drive portion being pivotally linked to the bottom end of the handle bar on the same side. Each transmission bar set includes a transverse connecting rod and a vertical connecting rod pivotally connected to each other in an elbow style, the rear end of the transverse connecting rod being pivotally connected to the middle section of the handle bar on the same side, while the bottom end of the vertical connecting rod being pivotally connected to the front-end drive portion of the pedal on the same side. The crank provided on the transverse driven shaft at the center of the flywheel is pivotally connected to the middle section of the transverse connecting rod provided on the transmission bar set on the same side.

Abstract: An abdominal exercise device is used to exercise and strengthen core muscles. The device includes a hinged frame, a first plurality of rolling supports, a second plurality of rolling supports and a rocking base. The first plurality of rolling supports and the second plurality of rolling supports are connected along the hinged frame laterally opposite each other. Together, the hinged frame, the first plurality of rolling supports and the second plurality of rolling supports are used to interact and brace portions of the user's back as the user performs an exercise. The rocking base is connected to the hinged frame and is used as a pivot point about which the user and the rest of the device can rock, tilt, or rotate. A frame-grasping assembly is mounted to the hinged frame. The frame-grasping assembly allows the user to hold onto the device and maintain stability while performing exercises.

Abstract: A multi-purpose abdominal and core exercising machine is an apparatus that allows a user to exercise their abdominal muscles through a variety of guided movements. The apparatus includes an incline-adjustable frame, a track, a swiveling seat, a height-adjustable headrest, a first graspable pole, a second graspable pole, and a backrest. The track is mounted onto the incline-adjustable frame. The backrest and the swiveling seat supports the user's body as the backrest slides along the track and the swiveling seat is terminally fixed to the track. The height-adjustable headrest is mounted between the two grasping poles. The proximal end for each grasping pole is rotatably connected to the backrest, which allows the user to hold the distal end for each grasping pole. Pulling the grasping poles towards the user's abdomen allows for a movement by the apparatus to exercise the user's abdominal muscles.

Abstract: An abdominal strengthening apparatus is an apparatus to allow a user to perform core abdominal muscle exercises from a seated position. The abdominal strengthening apparatus includes a stationary base, a tilting arm, a supporting member, a handlebar, and a foot-supporting bar. The tilting arm is pivotably mounted to the stationary base. The supporting member is pivotably mounted to the tilting arm. The foot-supporting bar supports the user's feet and is positioned opposite to the supporting member. The handlebar is adjacently connected to the supporting member opposite to the tilting arm. In implementation, the user grasps the handlebar and exerts the user's body weight onto the handlebar. The force on the handlebar forces the supporting member downward to lever the foot-supporting bar. Therefore, the user engages the user's core muscles through use of the user's body weight to strengthen the user's core muscles.

Abstract: A chair for providing seating support to a user and for providing ways for the user to perform exercises. The chair includes a back support that is flexible such that when a force is applied to it by the user's body, the back support bends. The back support may be configured to adapt to the curvature of the user's spine when the user is seated in the chair. The back support may further be configured such that the user can rotate the back support by rotating the user's upper body.

Abstract: The present invention is an inclined apparatus for undertaking exercise for hamstring eccentric and concentric loading and in particular, but not limited to, exercises such as the Nordic Hamstring Exercise, the Russian Hamstring Exercise and Russian curls. The apparatus can be utilised for sports training and preparation, injury recovery and rehabilitation and injury prevention. The main body of the device is so inclined as to ensure that the user does not hyper extend their knee and cause additional injury. The height of the higher end of the device above ground level in conjunction with the leg restraints means that the collateral injuries which may occur when undertaking this exercise regime to the traditional form of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion and indeed laterally in either direction are avoided.

Abstract: An automatic application-based exercise tracking system and methods comprising: i) voice-transcribed or typed text natural language processing and automatic tracking to record exercises, comprehensive exercise quantities, and calories burned data, and ii) multi-exercise administration to record multiple exercises and related data in a single user voice-transcribed or typed text submission. Further, such automatic application-based exercise tracking system is usable through computers, tablets, mobile phones, smart watches, wearables and other similar devices.

Abstract: A display device includes a display section with which a pair of body portions performing cooperative exercise can be visually recognized, an imaging section that can image a marker attached to one body portion of the pair of body portions, and a display control section configured to cause the display section to display an image representing a normal motion of the other body portion of the pair of body portions. The display control section estimates, on the basis of the position of the captured marker, a position concerning the other body portion visually recognized in the display section in the cooperative exercise and causes the display section to display the image in the estimated position.

Abstract: Example embodiments may relate systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media configured to correlate image data of a user performing physical activity with data collected during the user's performance. Data may include sensor data measuring, force, acceleration, speed, and/or processed sensor data from one or more sensors. Certain embodiments may determine whether the user is within a performance zone based on user attributes. Correlation of the image data with physical activity data may be based, at least in part, whether the user is within a performance zone.

Abstract: A golf ball includes oval dimples arranged on the surface thereof. Each of the oval dimples has a long diameter DL and a short diameter DS in a planar shape thereof and further having a depth DPL on a first cross section of the oval dimple along the long diameter DL and a depth DPS on a second cross section of the oval dimple along the short diameter DS, the depth DPL being a distance taken on the first cross section along the long diameter DL from a first line connecting both ends of the first cross section of the oval dimple to a deepest point of a dimple bottom surface, the depth DPS being a distance taken on the second cross section along the short diameter DS from a second line connecting both ends of the second cross section of the oval dimple to a deepest point of a dimple bottom surface, a relationship between the depth DPL and the depth DPS being defined as a following formula (1): DPS>DPL??(1).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a metallized golf ball possessing a masked section and methods for achieving a metallized golf ball possessing a masked section. The invention provides a golf ball masking stand, which effectively masks a portion of a golf ball, allowing coatings to be applied to the golf ball, while preventing coating of the masked section. Alternative masking techniques are disclosed, including the use of labels, double-stick tape, and printing methods to create a masked section. Preferably, metallization of the golf ball is achieved using physical vapor deposition and preferably a hydrophobic protective coating is applied to the metal layer inside the metallizing chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports racquet having a head having a string bed is attached to two throat beams that extend continuously downward to a shaft having a handle. Each throat beam contains a bending zone in which the width of the throat beam parallel to the string bed and the width of the same throat beam perpendicular to the string bed gradually changes in equal, but opposite, dimensions such that the circumference of the throat beam remains substantially constant through at least the length of the bending zone or the length of the entire throat beam. Where the width of the throat beam parallel to the string bed is the widest and the width of the throat beam perpendicular to the string beg is the narrowest defines the flexible cross-section or flex point of the bending zone.

Abstract: A method and a related system of forming laser etched indicia on an external surface of the golf club. The method includes directing a laser beam onto a golf club head, and etching a prescribed indicia into the golf club head. The etching is generated by at least one of: (i) rotating the golf club head relative to the laser beam; and (ii) rotating the laser beam relative to the golf club head.

Abstract: A high moment of inertia is enabled in a novel golf putter head in which also infinite adjustment of the lie angle and adjustment of total weight over a very wide range are enabled. The putter can be configured for either right-handed or left-handed players. The putter head has a cylindrical recess partially open through the top of the head and fully open to the rear of the head allowing the insertion of a cylindrical shaft receiver disc. The shaft can be of any allowed length and the lie angle can be from 26 degrees to 10 degrees from vertical. The mass properties of the putter head may be changed and adjusted by addition or removal of weights at the extreme toe and heel ends of the putter head.

Abstract: A golf club head including a face having a flat ball-striking surface and a body that form a flexure. The golf club head has a feature formed in a sole of the golf club head that provides a flexure.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes a measurement step of measuring a spring effect of a face portion of a hollow golf club head, and a selection step of selecting, based on a measurement result of the measurement step, an adjustment device, out of a plurality of adjustment devices, to be attached to an attachment portion of the golf club head. The plurality of adjustment devices have different degrees of suppression to the spring effect of the face portion from each other.

Abstract: A golf bag and golf bag collar structure are disclosed. More specifically, a golf bag including a rigid frame including a collar having a top edge and a bottom edge is disclosed. The golf bag further includes a longitudinal axis and a bag body extending about the rigid frame. The collar includes a generally tubular portion extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a flared portion extending outwardly toward the top edge from a first end located intermediate the top edge and the bottom edge to a second end located at the top edge.

Abstract: A shoulder strap carrying system for a golf bag includes a first shoulder strap and a handle affixed to the first shoulder strap.

Abstract: A golf ball ejection device includes a generally cylindrical cup liner having an open top end, and a curved bottom end with an elongated hollow channel extending downward therefrom. A golf ball ejector is positioned at the bottom end of the channel and is in communication with a controller and a power source. A golf ball sensor and controller timer detect the presence of a golf ball and activate the golf ball ejector upon the completion of a predetermined countdown.

Abstract: A ball bat is revealed. The ball bat includes a bat body made from metal. The bat body consists of a circular wall extended along a central axis thereof, a hollow space formed in the circular wall, and a plurality of ribs disposed axially and projecting from an inner surface of the circular wall toward the central axis of the bat body. Thus the inner surface of the circular wall is uneven. The hollow space is filled with foam to form a foam layer. By the arrangement of the foam layer and the uneven surface of the inner surface tightly connected to the foam layer, both the structural strength and the shock absorption of the ball bat are improved.

Abstract: A shaft lock for interconnection of an elongate tubular lacrosse handle and a plastic lacrosse head. In a first embodiment, the shaft lock comprises an elastomeric insert compression-fitted inside the handle. The insert has a compressible body portion which, in an uncompressed form generally conforms to the interior walls of the handle and is defined by a plurality of co-planar ribs that span the interior walls of the handle and a hard screw-anchor embedded within the elastomer insert. In additional embodiments, the shaft lock comprises a collared male plug removably or integrally formed within said lacrosse head for joining said head to a hollow lacrosse handle. The collar surrounds the core plug such that a gap exists between the core plug and the collar for receiving the wall of said handle. The core plug may comprise four or more rotationally-symmetric ribs to correspond to one or more interior shapes of said 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: An instrumented, swing path adjustable, angle-adjustable batting tee is disclosed that measures both a bat speed and a ball exit velocity as a hitter swings a bat and initiates contact with a ball positioned on the tee. A bat speed radar detector is coupled to the tee and positioned within proximity of the ball set on the tee so that the bat speed radar detector measures the bat speed upon the bat initiating contact with the ball. A ball exit velocity radar is coupled to the tee and positioned within proximity of a ball flight of the ball as it leaves the bat so that the ball exit velocity radar measures the ball exit velocity of the ball in-flight after contact between the bat and the ball. The ball flight is a path that the ball travels after contact between the bat and a baseball or softball.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for martial arts training that simulates sparring with a live partner and provides a safe tool for body hardening. More specifically, the machine is a vertical alignment of three independently rotatable Alpha Bodies having detachable arms, a weighted base, and bearing interfaces, where each Alpha Body rotates when met by force from a user or may rotate to initiate strikes via programmable servo motors. The present invention facilitates martial arts offensive strikes and defensive moves, which safely promotes the formation of calcium deposits and scar tissue about key nerve areas to give the body a hardened feel.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to a training ball designed to facilitate practice and improvement of sporting skills, and methods for training with the ball. In some embodiments, the ball may be a training volleyball designed for improving volleyball skills. The ball may comprise a spherical surface and at least one marking on the spherical surface associated with at least one training drill. The one or more markings may include a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, and may be associated with a number of training drills. The markings may be color-coded to different training drills for ease of use. The markings may direct a player on proper hand placement and striking zones used in a variety of plays.

Abstract: An arm sleeve golf training aid includes two arm sleeves connected by an elastic strap. The two arm sleeves can be respectively fitted over the arms of a user for protection against skin damage from sunlight and prevention of sports injuries. Each arm sleeve has a first fastening member located at the periphery thereof. The elastic strap has a second fastening member located at each of two opposite ends and respectively detachably fastenable to the first fastening members of the arm sleeves to limit the opening between the two arms during a golf swing.

Abstract: A golf putting device includes a flexible, elongate putting substrate. A distal target portion has a ramped portion attached to a distal end of the flexible, elongate putting substrate and contains a raised deck containing a golf hole. A substrate reel is proximally attached to the flexible, elongate putting substrate to retractably receive and to roll up the flexible, elongate putting substrate. A retraction mechanism selectably rotates the substrate reel to retractably roll up the flexible, elongate putting substrate.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for teaching a player the proper alignment when addressing a golf ball. In one aspect, such tools and techniques provide an alignment aid that allows the player to visualize both the intended target line of the shot as well as the position of the ball relative to the player's stance, allowing the player to easily modify his stance to obtain the proper alignment.

Abstract: A kit for providing interchangeable graphics on the playing surface of game equipment includes a magnetizable layer having an adhesive on a surface thereof, and a removable graphic sheet assembly adapted to be magnetically attached to the magnetizable layer. The removable graphic sheet assembly comprises a magnetic layer and a graphic that is visible on a surface of the magnetic layer. The game equipment may include a box having a surface and a hole defined in the surface, and the kit installed on the surface of the box. Methods of installing the kit on the surface of game equipment may include adhering the magnetizable layer to the surface of the box, and then magnetically attaching the graphic sheet assembly to the magnetizable layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are shown for pitch detection involving a first linear array with multiple detection devices for detecting an object mounted on a base for positioning near the front of home plate, adjacent the front edge of the home plate. Some examples include an indicator on each detector to indicate detection. In some examples, the detectors communicate detection to an analysis system. In some examples, the analysis system determines and displays a pitch result from the position of the detect object. In other examples, a second is positioned at a known distance from the plate and communicates a detection position to the analysis system, which determines pitch speed and result from the two positions. In another example, three arrays are used to determine a curved pitch path. Another example has an array positioned near the back of the plate for determining pitch result, path and speed.

Abstract: A system may include an article of apparel and a fluid source. The article of apparel incorporates a plurality of fluid channels, and the apparel includes a fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channels. A fluid source is configured to join with the fluid connector and supply a fluid to the fluid channels. The article of apparel may include a pad component formed from a polymer foam material, which defines the fluid channels. A pair of material elements may be secured to opposite sides of the pad component, with one of the material elements being fluid permeable adjacent to at least a portion of the fluid channels.

Abstract: Provided is a golf glove and a golf grip having corresponding patterns that enable a proper grip of a golf club. The golf glove and/or grip can come made with the patterns, or the patterns can be subsequently added. In the latter case, a golf grip template and a golf glove template can be provided, each including a respective pattern. The patterns can be transposed onto the golf grip and/or golf glove using the appropriate template. In some embodiments, the same template, such as a flexible template, can be used to mark a glove and a grip.

Abstract: On a pair of skis, a strip is mounted lengthwise to each ski's outer side along the ski center portion/grip zone. The strip's width is from about 15 mm to about 60 mm, height at most equivalent the ski thickness throughout, and length about equivalent the length of the ski grip zone. The strip's bottom inner edge is about smooth high with the ski base/sliding surface (A). The strip's underside (B) is widthwise outward sloping about 5 degrees upward related to the sliding surface (A). This underside (B) has an interleaving with a depth of about 2 mm, into which interleaving a piece of skins is attached, which skins constitutes the gripping surface (C). The inner edge of the gripping surface (C) then goes 4-5 mm from the outer edge of the sliding surface (A), and the anterior, outer, and rear edges of the gripping surface (C) go 1-2 mm from their respective adjacent edges on the underside (B).

Abstract: A fantasy-based variant of chess that can be played by two to six players on one of several distinct game boards. Game boards are two-dimensional, and comprise a plurality of square or hexagonal play spaces arranged into a variety of polygonal shapes. Square play spaces alternate in color (e.g., light, dark), while hexagonal play spaces may be arranged in concentric rings or “circuits” of alternating color (e.g., light, dark). New types of pieces are introduced, including Dragons, Giants, Beasts, Wizards, and Mercenaries. The number and arrangement of game pieces per player varies depending on the game board.

Abstract: A gaming system employs bioinformatics to improve gamer performance and enhance the gaming experience. The gaming system monitors biometrics of gamers using gaming accessories having sensors coupled to the gaming accessories (e.g., a mouse with pulse sensor). Biometrics can be used to assess a crisis or panic reaction of the gamer. The system can also assess the state of the game in real time via API feedback, and coach the player on how best to regain control. The system can also predict a gamer's loss of control by monitoring hardware statistics associated with the game, combined with gaming feedback and biometric data, and can determine how best to coach the player to correct problems. Predictive models can be used to predict a gamer's panic attack or loss of control before it occurs. When a crisis occurs, the system can automatically contact the gamer's teammates to assist the gamer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling movement of a digital object displayed on a screen provide a virtual dynamic direction control pad based on zone detection and touch stroke direction to control customized animated character motion. A player wishing to move the digital object can use a stylus or other touch to indicate a first point on the screen. When the player first touches the stylus to the screen, the system analyzes the touch and divides the screen into multiple zones around the first point indicated by the player. To move the object, the player moves the stylus to a second point on the screen. Movement of the stylus to a second point within one of these zones causes the digital object to perform a predetermined action. Each zone has a predetermined associated action. Direct control of character motion by the game player is enhanced.

Abstract: Described herein are electronic gaming machines, and methods of operating electronic gaming machines, configured to enable display of game display data and additional information via common video output. Embodiments of the invention have been particularly developed to enable display of information such as machine diagnostics and bonus games, for example via a secondary display device. While some embodiments will be described herein with particular reference to that application, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicable in broader contexts.

Abstract: Substitution of game commands with different replacement commands at client devices using substitution reference sets is provided. Substitution reference sets including first and second substitution reference sets may be obtained. The first substitution reference set may indicate substituting of a first command with a second command. The second substitution reference set may indicate substituting of the first command with a third command different from the second command. The first substitution reference set may be provided to a first client device. The second substitution reference set may be provided to a second client device. Responsive to the first substitution reference set being provided, requested game commands at the first client device that match the first command may be substituted with the second command. Responsive to the second substitution reference set being provided, requested game commands at the second client device that match the first command may be substituted with the third command.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device (TED) is coupled to a portable game controller such that the TED can be used in coordination with video game events to heat or cool the game controller to add realism. Or, the TED can be used to transform heat from a player's body into electricity to charge the battery of the game controller.

Abstract: User equipment (UE) includes a short-range transceiver configured for communication with a plurality of wireless access points (APs) distributed throughout a venue. The individual UEs can communicate with the venue via the APs. The UEs can be configured to play interactive games with the venue, some of which may be displayed on the large screen in the venue and others that are displayed on the display of the UE. Data may be sent to the UEs individually or in groups. The data may be in the form of advertising, text messaging, images, video, multimedia, or the like. An array of UEs can receive portions of an overall image and function as individual pixels in a large display.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for enabling a mobile station to control a virtual world being executed on a console system are described. The method can include establishing a communication link between the mobile station and a console system, identifying user interface characteristics of the mobile station, and providing a controller application to the mobile station, the controller application being based on the identified user interface characteristics and configured to transform user interface inputs into controller commands. The method can further include receiving signals containing data representing the controller commands from the mobile station over the communication link and determining a sequence of events of the virtual world based on the received controller commands. In one aspect, the controller application can execute in the context of an application on the mobile station.