Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for enabling an operator to exercise comprising a frame having a body, a base and a top. A load is positioned on the frame for providing a resistive force. A press is positioned on the frame for displacement by the operator. A linkage joins the load with the press for displacing the load upon displacement of the press by the operator. An arm extends between a support end and a user end. A support pivot secures the support end of the arm to the top of the frame for pivoting the arm about the frame. A user interface inputs and outputs data. A user pivot securing the user interface to the user end of the arm for pivoting the user interface about the arm.

Abstract: A monofin, mermaid tail, and method of applying the tail and monofin. The fin utilizes a core made of flexible yet resilient material such as plastic and a cover that is elastic, such as neoprene. The user's feet are connected to the fin by releasable connections including a securing cord and cord lock. The mermaid tail and monofin connects both of a user's feet and legs in order to facilitate swimming in a mermaid-like motion while giving the user the appearance of a mermaid.

Abstract: Swimming goggles are provided with a retroscopic lens angle and broad peripheral viewing angles to enhance a swimmer's forward-to-cranial-looking vision and peripheral vision both above and below the waterline during swimming activity.

Abstract: Multi-layer golf balls comprising a center, intermediate layer, and cover are disclosed. The center is formed from a highly-neutralized acid copolymer composition.

Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a two or three-layered cover assembly are provided. In one embodiment, the cover assembly includes a relatively hard inner cover and relatively soft outer cover. Alternatively, the cover assembly may include a relatively soft inner cover with a relatively hard outer cover. Three-layered covers comprising an inner cover, intermediate cover, and outer cover layer also may be prepared. Preferably, at least one of the layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that preferably comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. The cover assembly has good impact durability and helps provide the ball with relatively high resiliency at given compressions.

Abstract: A cylindrical tubular or rectangular shaped box, designed specifically to allow for the retrieval of a golf ball from golf course fairways, grassy fringe areas, and other non-water areas around a golf course. More specifically, a device designed for the retrieval of golf balls while one using the device remains seated on a golf cart.

Abstract: A parabolic golf club system having a club head consisting of a parabolic path with a club face positioned coincident with the directrix and hosel (shaft) positioned at the focus. In other embodiments bores may be added along the parabolic path where various weights are installed to alter the club head properties such as MOI, CG, and overall mass. In other embodiments a substantially parabolic shaped bore may be formed in the club head allowing installation of parabolically shaped weights, weight plates, weight cartridges and the like to further alter club head properties. Further customization is achieved by allowing a golfer to select from various face inserts, face patterns, hosel configurations, and sight aid choices.

Abstract: A golf club head cover. Implementations may include a body portion defining an internal cavity for receiving a golf club head, a first flap disposed on the body portion and including a first magnetic fastener, and a second flap disposed on the body portion and including a second magnetic fastener. The first magnetic fastener and second magnetic fastener may substantially align with each other and may be aligned substantially parallel with the internal cavity of the body portion. Particular implementations may include a notch adjacent to the internal cavity and/or reentrant openings on both a side of the first flap and on a side of the second flap.

Abstract: A golf course bunker drainage system has been developed that is a modular structure taking the form of a plurality of porous bunker paver blocks formed of material exhibiting vertical and horizontal infiltration rates at least the same as bunker sand. The plurality of porous bunker paver blocks is disposed as a boundary layer between a bunker subsoil bottom surface and overlying bunker sand, allowing rainwater to drain into the subsoil, with excess rainwater directed away from the bunker sand. The use of bunker paver blocks also maintains the integrity of the bunker shape and prevents movement of sand and other materials along steeply sloping bunker sidewalls.

Abstract: A substantially planar playing field for a horseshoe game. A plurality of horseshoe courses are arranged on the playing field. Each of the horseshoe courses comprises an elongated planar portion having opposed ends and a horseshoe pit on at least one of the opposed ends of the elongated planar portion. A plurality of the horseshoe courses on the playing field have a horseshoe pit on each of the opposed ends of the elongated planar portion of the horse shoe course. Each of the pits has a stake rising above the pit. At least one, and preferably a plurality of the courses have included in the horseshoe course a challenge for the player. The courses are arranged on the playing field to enable the players to traverse a predetermined game path to play each course in sequence to complete the game.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a feeding net including a backstop net affixed to a frame connected to a base that may be mounted on wheels. The net includes a plurality of drop pockets which can catch lacrosse ball. The drop pockets can be numbered sequentially with indicia, as desired. The wheeled base can include a removable plastic drop bucket for retaining lacrosse balls that are not caught inside the drop pocket or that bounce off the backstop net. The wheeled base can also include an integral deflector shield situated across the backstop net. The deflector shields helps ensure that balls that bounce of the net can be deflected into the drop bucket.

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 screen baseball game apparatus without temporal and spatial limitations includes a pitching machine unit pitching a ball according to a pitch type selected by a defense, a batting detection unit detecting batting of a batter, a game management unit registering a user personal bank, periodically checking screen baseball devices, performing a simulation along the trajectory of a batted ball converted from received batting detection data, and outputting simulation information, a game photographing unit photographing batting of a batter, a screen displaying pitching, the simulation information, and the batting image, a screen driving unit receiving the batting image and the simulation information and reproducing them on the screen, a game server matching stores having available screen game devices, a database storing the periodic check data, an available game schedule, the batting image, and game information, and a device control unit receiving the control instruction for integral monitoring and controlling.

Abstract: A device suitable for providing a workout for surfers and as a general exercise device includes a platform on which a user may kneel, sit, lie, or stand. The platform is mounted on a support frame including legs for supporting the top of the frame above ground level. A rod is mounted on the support frame and extends away from the platform. At least one resistance and a handle are provided on the rod, which can be grasped by a user and pulled against the resistance. The platform is mounted on the support frame by a mounting which allows the platform to tilt, particularly laterally from side to side about an axis which is parallel or co-axial to the axis of the rod. The mounting is adjustable to allow the degree of instability of the platform to be adjusted.

Abstract: A bicycle simulator (1) is basically constituted by a bicycle pre-arranged for static or pseudo-static use. The bicycle comprises front and rear supports (13, 14) for resting on the floor (12) that simulate the contact of the wheels of a normal bicycle on the road. The two supports are preferably constituted by a front supporting wheel (13) and by a rear supporting wheel (14) that rest on the floor and support in a freely rotatable way the respective wheel axles (3, 11). Rotatably mounted within at least the front supporting wheel is a flywheel (F1, F2). The front flywheel (F1) is set in rotation by a respective electric motor (M) or by a transmission driven by the pedals, for creating a stabilizing gyroscopic effect, which enables the user to maintain his balance when pedaling with the bicycle stationary, resting on the floor via the supporting wheels in a static condition.

Abstract: A golf stroke training device and system allowing a user to obtain feedback regarding a golf stroke without moving from a stance and capable of detecting the orientation and velocity of a leading edge of a golf club. A data processing unit filters out non-relevant inputs from the sensors and only evaluates valid simulated forward strokes so that the data processing unit may evaluate a plurality of non-stop practice strokes.

Abstract: A golf club head may include a face with an embedded monolith having first and second sensors for measuring impact with a golf ball. The first and second sensors may output positive and negative pressure signals at the same time, caused by the impact, with the negative pressure indicating an outward bowing of the monolith whereas the positive pressure indicates an inward compression. These positive and negative values may be captured over the duration of impact and used to create a time-varying impact pressure profile with increased accuracy. The club head may also include a mechanism for placing a static pressure on the monolith, increasing negative pressure sensitivity and adjusting the ability to measure negative impact pressures away from the contact point on the club face.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an alignment rod holder that holds an alignment rod at different angles to provide reference points and feedback for golf practice drills. The device is comprised of a centerpiece, which holds the alignment rod, and two base pieces.

Abstract: Provided is a finger sleeve for enhancing a grip on objects to be held by a hand. The finger sleeve includes a band of a flexible material forming a cylindrical passage through which a finger of the hand is to extend. A strap is coupled to the band, and is adjustable between an open state in which the finger sleeve is to be placed onto the finger and a closed state in which the strap interferes with removal of the finger sleeve from the finger. An anti-slip surface is provided to a palm-side of the band, and includes a grip enhancing material that improves a grip on the objects to be held in the hand while wearing the finger sleeve relative to the grip on the objects to be held in the hand without the finger sleeve.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein provide an apparatus for joining two skis to form a splitboard. The apparatus can comprise a first attachment portion configured to attach to a first ski and a second attachment portion configured to attach to a second ski. The first attachment portion and the second attachment portion can be configured to engage to prevent splitboard skis from moving up and down relative to each other, from moving apart in a direction perpendicular to a seam of the splitboard, from sliding relative to each other in a direction parallel to the seam, and from rotating about the seam of the splitboard.

Abstract: This application provides skateboards and skateboard trucks.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a platform; a plurality of trucks coupled to the platform; and a roller assembly coupled to the platform, wherein the roller assembly is configured for an omnidirectional rotation, wherein the roller assembly is configured for an elastic biasing, wherein the roller assembly is driven by a motor.

Abstract: An accessory assembly for a skateboard includes a bracket configured to be mounted to a first surface of a base plate of a skateboard truck. The first surface is opposite a second surface of the base plate, where the second surface faces a deck of the skateboard when mounted to the skateboard. The bracket includes a mounting hole and a receiving element, and is configured to span only a portion of a perimeter of the base plate. An accessory component includes a housing having an engaging element, the engaging element being configured to be removably coupled with the receiving element. An accessory is mounted to the housing.

Abstract: A toy ring is disclosed herein. The toy ring having: a platform; a plurality of posts positioned about the platform, the plurality of posts including at least one launching post configured for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein movement from the first position to the second position is in a first direction away from the platform; an elastic member secured to each one of the plurality of posts, wherein the biasing member provides a biasing force to the launching post in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the launching post is in the second position.

Abstract: A racking device for arranging a plurality of balls on a table includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, a racking portion coupled to the frame adjacent the distal end, a handle bar coupled to the frame, and a ball setting member comprising an engagement surface. The racking portion includes at least two side walls that are coupled together to form a corner. The distal end of the frame and the side walls define a void configured for receiving the plurality of balls. The ball setting member is coupled to the handle bar, and the engagement surface of the ball setting member is movable toward the void to urge the balls against the side walls and into abutment with each other and away from the void without disturbing the arrangement of the balls.

Abstract: Pinball machines with hybrid playfields. A method may include electronically determining a physical property of a physical object, the physical object allowed to move above a display disposed within a playfield of a pinball machine, and rendering a virtual object on the display in response to an evaluation of the physical property. Another method may include rendering a virtual object on an electronic screen, the electronic screen disposed within a playfield of the pinball machine, and changing an aspect of a physical object located within the playfield in response to the virtual object exhibiting a predefined property. Yet another method may include providing a list of one or more software applications via an electronic display arranged within the playfield of the pinball machine, allowing a user to select one of the one or more software applications, and executing the selected software application.

Abstract: Pinball machines with animated playfield components and automatic level detection are described. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method may include changing a visual appearance of a surface of a physical object within a pinball machine, the physical object configured to physically interact with a pinball during a pinball game. In another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers, the leveling information selected from the group consisting of: pitch, roll, and yaw. In yet another illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a pinball machine may be configured to periodically or continuously receive leveling information detected by one or more accelerometers during a pinball game, and then discourage the player from applying force to the pinball machine in response to the leveling information meeting a value and/or encourage a player to apply force to the pinball machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for integrating social game play with social network features is disclosed herein. Content generated in the game is posted to the social network to initiate social game play. Recipients of the content that respond to the content are automatically taken to the game to join the game in a controlled manner. Recipients' interaction with the game may be selectively reviewed and incorporated into a playing space associated with an existing player of the game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying player proximity within a location-based game are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for verifying player proximity may include receiving a request associated with verifying the proximity of a first player of the location-based game relative to a second player of the location-based game and transmitting a visual indicator to a first client of the first player, wherein the visual indicator is associated with a data record configured to expire within a predetermined time period. In addition, the method may include receiving a copy of the visual indicator from a second client of the second player and determining whether the copy of the visual indicator was received prior to the expiration of the data record.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to flexible platform architecture for either providing or facilitating video gaming applications. In some implementations, the flexible platform architecture provides a fluid and continuous visual experience for players across different platform types (platform agnostic) that are integrated and engage users at different levels. Each of the players experiences a unique and different visual experience, depending upon the particular gaming platform and/or user interface utilized by a player. The flexible platform architecture has user interfaces that are configured to provide different experiences for different players, including for example, a three-dimensional or a two-dimensional user experience.

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: A gaming system has a pressure measurement in the remote control (which may be the complete gaming apparatus) and this is used to derive a height of the remote control. In this way, barometric pressure measurement allows precise determination of the altitude of the game controller. The altitude information is then used to control the game.

Abstract: A toy for a video game may include an RFID tag, with an inductive antenna for receiving and transmitting signals. The inductive antenna may have a ferromagnetic core. Inductance of the inductive antenna may be selected such that tuning of the antenna is determined by the inductance of the antenna and input capacitance of an RFID semiconductor circuit of the RFID tag, with in some embodiments no tuning capacitors utilized. In some embodiments the input capacitance of the RFID semiconductor circuit is parasitic capacitance of the RFID semiconductor circuit.

Abstract: A golf club simulation apparatus includes an elongate shaft housing having opposed lower and upper ends and defining an interior area. A head housing is coupled to the lower end of the shaft housing. A battery is situated in the shaft housing. An input member configured to receive club selection data is coupled to an outer surface of the shaft housing and electrically connected to the battery. A weight indexing assembly is situated in the head housing that includes a tumbler rotatably coupled to the lower portion of the shaft housing and that includes a weight carriage situated in the club head housing. The tumbler has an outer surface defining an indexed slot network, the weight carriage being in communication with the indexed slot network and configured for movement along the indexed slot network in a gravity assisted movement.

Abstract: A server provides a game that improves the interest in and taste of a battle event and increases the interest in and real enjoyment of the entire game. The server includes an information storage device that stores information related to the game, and a controller that accesses the information, performs various computations, and displays game images on a terminal device. In a battle event of this game, multiple character cards are aligned and displayed in a first field, and a player selects therefrom a character card to be used for a battle with an enemy character. The first field is replenished with another character card alternative to the selected character card as needed so that the player can further select an additional character card therefrom.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for multi-tiered gaming data download. The system includes a gaming device for local play of a game. The gaming device includes a communication interface receiving and transmitting data to download a game for play at the gaming device. The system also includes a plurality of download servers communicating with the gaming device to provide game data for download to and play at the gaming device. The system further includes a middle tier server acting as a hub to communicate with the plurality of download servers to provide game data from one or more of the plurality of download servers. The middle tier server allocates download server resources and schedules a download of game data from one or more download servers to the gaming device based on resource constraints at the plurality of download servers and availability for download at the gaming device.

Abstract: When a scene is generated, a content item may identify graphics object service requests associated with the scene. Each scene may have any number of associated graphics object service requests that may be sent to any number of different graphics object services. The graphics object services may be accessible over a network such as the Internet. By requesting object data from graphics object services, a content item may, for example, reduce at least part of the computational burden on a graphics processing unit of a client device.

Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Abstract: Operation input obtaining means obtains an operation input performed by a player with respect to an input device. Designated position setting means sets a designated position with respect to a virtual game world in accordance with the operation input. Biological signal obtaining means obtains a biological signal from the player. Designated position change means changes the designated position in accordance with the biological signal obtained by the biological signal obtaining means. Game processing means performs a predetermined game process on the basis of the designated position.

Abstract: Portable wireless mobile device motion capture data mining system and method configured to display motion capture/analysis data on a mobile device. System obtains data from motion capture elements, analyzes data and store data in database for data mining, which may be charged for. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data including ratings. Predicted ball flight path data can be calculated and shown on a time line showing relative peaks of velocity for the user's body parts. User can determine equipment that fits best and immediately purchase the equipment, via the mobile device. Custom equipment may be ordered on the mobile device from a vendor that can assemble-to-order customer built equipment and ship the equipment. Includes active and passive golf shot count capabilities.

Abstract: The system and/or method comprising: receiving, from a user on a computing device, input selecting a first country from a plurality of countries; receiving, from the user on the computing device, input selecting a first category of songs from a plurality of categories of songs; displaying, on the computing device, a chorus of a song from the selected category of songs, wherein the chorus is the main verse of the song; upon displaying the song on the computing device, displaying a timer indicating a predetermined threshold period of time; and displaying, by the computing device, a chorus of a second song from the selected category of songs, when the predetermined threshold period of time is exhausted.

Abstract: A method for use in advertising includes initiating playing of interactive content, suspending playing of the interactive content, displaying an advertisement, and resuming playing of the interactive content. A computer program product includes a medium embodying a computer program for causing a computer to perform these operations, and a system for use in advertising includes a display and a processing system configured to perform these operations.

Abstract: Software at an online game website assigns to a player of a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game a first game task in a conditional series of game tasks. The assignment is based at least in part on a measure of difficulty associated with the first game task. The measure of difficulty depends on a profile associated with the player that includes an Active Social Network (ASN) metric as determined by data that has been read from an in-memory database and that has been retrieved from a social networking website through an application programming interface (API) exposed by the social networking website. Then the software provides a reward to the player upon termination of the conditional series of game tasks. The reward depends at least in part on the game tasks in the conditional series of game tasks that were completed by the player.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to play a multiplayer online game. The method provides a handset and a multiplayer game stored on a server, where that server comprises (N) user profiles including the (i)th user profile comprising the (i)th game status and the (i)th digital signature assigned to the (i)th user, wherein the (i)th user is one of the (N) users. The method establishes a communication link between the handset and the server, such that the (i)th user can play the multiplayer game, using the handset and the (i)th game status, with one or more other users in communication with the server. The method downloads to the handset the game software and the (i)th user profile comprising the (i)th game status and the (i)th digital signature, before discontinuing the communication link between the handset and the server.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system having a processor that performs operations including receiving from an accessory device a control signal for controlling a software application, determining that the control signal corresponds to a first action of a plurality of actions for controlling the software application, monitoring a frequency of usage of the first action, and presenting at the accessory device or a display device coupled to the accessory device a measure of the frequency of usage of the first action. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that for increasing the number of users making a registration to a game service by providing a motivation to a registered user, a game player of the game service, to invite more users to a game. When a user registered to the game service invites a friend to a game, a benefit assignment screen may be displayed on an invitation screen. Corresponding benefits may be determined based on information such as a preference and a skillfulness of the friend about a second game, or personal information of the friend, such as age or sex. In addition, the benefits may be assigned only during a predetermined period of time and accordingly, the registered user may be motivated to invite the friend.

Abstract: A method for enabling purchases of status items associated with an online virtual game is disclosed. The method involves: determining that a player of the online virtual game has achieved a first objective defined in the online virtual game, and informing an online store that the player has achieved the first objective. The online store is configured to allow the player to purchase a first status item for achieving the first objective. The first status item comprises a real-world indication that the player has achieved the first objective. The online store is configured to allow a particular player to purchase a particular status item associated with achieving a particular objective in the online virtual game that conveys that the particular player has, in fact, achieved the particular objective. The online store is configured to not allow the particular player to purchase the particular status item without actually having achieved the particular objective.

Abstract: An example of information processing system includes a storage device; and an information processing device for performing near field communication with the storage device. The storage device includes a storage unit storing application data usable in a predetermined application program and shared data usable in an application program regardless of whether or not the application program is the predetermined application program. The information processing system accepts an instruction regarding data read and/or data write from/to the storage device from an application program to be executed by the information processing device. Under the condition that the instruction is from the predetermined application program, the application data is transferred to the predetermined application program. Regardless of whether or not the instruction is from the predetermined application program, the shared data is transferred to the application program that issued the instruction.

Abstract: A water amusement device includes a base pad that extends in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. A plurality of longitudinally-extending troughs is located on the base pad. Each longitudinally-extending trough has a respective channel opening that is connected to a laterally extending drain channel. A pad surface is located on the longitudinally-extending troughs and a water-distribution feature located on the pad surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary assembly (1) comprising two spaced-apart support members (5a, 5b). A shaft (7) is connected with respective ends to each support member (5a, 5b) via an engagement part (12), and a rotary element (4) having a through hole extending around the shaft so as to be supported on said shaft between support members (5a, 5b). The shaft comprises a flexible wire-like elongate body (6) that is connected to the support members (5a, 5b) under axial tension. The shaft is connected to the support members (5a,5b) in a nonrotating manner, the through hole being of larger diameter than a shaft diameter so that the rotary element (4) is rotatably supported on said shaft (7).