Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing individual or group exercises with a heart-shaped exercise device are disclosed. The device includes a heart-shaped body and two or more handles. In some embodiments, the two or more handles form a generally concave surface. The heart-shaped body further includes a tail, which may form a generally concave surface in a direction opposite the handles. The heart-shape body include two lobes that direct movement, whether being used with one or two hands or with one user, partners, or in a group. In some embodiments, the center of gravity is asymmetric with respect to latitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the heart-shaped device is configured to stably rest on a surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a horizontal rowing machine having a frame with a removable seat, adjustably mounted on the frame and an adjustable chest pad. The present invention has angled foot plates. The foot plates enable the user to use the machine in various positions. The present invention has two fixed multi-grip handles with 8 fixed hand positions and 6 positions on which to attach swivel handles. The swivel handles allow for a more natural and free form rowing movement. Maximal adjustability of all aspects of the machine allow for a more optimal and beneficial training exercise for any user, regardless of body size. The user can lift a desired weight by pulling the handles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise device comprising a body portion for supporting a user, a user support rod pivotally connected to the body portion, and a leg support system operably connected to the body portion for engaging the legs of the user. In one embodiment, the user support rod is pivotally connected to the body portion at a position below that which supports the user, thereby enabling the user to achieve a greater range of motion as compared to existing devices.

Abstract: A cable attachment is provided. Here the cable attachment features a fixed member, having a smooth portion and a knurled portion; an attachment mechanism which rotatably attached to the fixed member; and at least one handle which has both a guard portion and a grip portion. The grip portion of this handle can freely rotate about said guard portion via a first rotation mechanism, and the guard portion of this handle can rotate about said fixed member via a second rotation mechanism, independently of the rotation of the guard portion.

Abstract: An exercise machine carriage system which allows for a wide range of exercises while maintaining improved balance and control for the exerciser. The exercise machine generally includes a stationary frame and a carriage adapted to slide along at least one track on the frame. The carriage may include at least one opening on its upper surface to be used by an exerciser to perform a variety of exercises. The carriage may also include, either in combination with the openings or alternatively, at least one carriage strap extending across its upper surface for use in a variety of exercises. Platforms may also be included on either end of the frame, each of the platforms including its own platform strap. By utilizing such openings and/or straps, a wide variety of exercises may be accomplished that otherwise would be difficult or impossible to perform on conventional exercise machines.

Abstract: A treadmill and a control method of the treadmill are provided. The treadmill includes a receiving unit and a processor. In the control method of the treadmill, at first, a communication unit is configured to receive heart rates of a user detected by a detection unit. Thereafter, the processor is configured to perform a running speed control operation to control a running speed of the treadmill in accordance with a predetermined exercise setting and the heart rates of the user, thereby enabling the user to exercise in aerobic state and updating the predetermined exercise setting accordingly.

Abstract: An elliptical climbing exercise apparatus includes a base frame, a swing unit including a pair of swing arms, a pedal unit including a pair of pedal shafts respectively pivotally connected to the swing arms, a damping unit including a rotating wheel with a spindle, a guiding unit including a pair of cranks respectively affixed to the two opposite ends of the spindle, a pair of rockers respectively pivotally connected to the cranks and a pair of links respectively pivotally connected to the rocker. Cooperation between the base frame, the swing unit, the pedal unit, the resistance unit and the guiding unit is used to achieve a training of the leg muscles.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical technology, to non-medicinal means for improving physical health and enhancing physical capabilities by means of a breathing system, and specifically relates to devices which are intended for inhaling hypoxic/hypercapnic mixtures having various compositions, and which have an adjustable resistance to inhalation/exhalation. According to a first variant, a breathing exerciser contains a first chamber, which is connected to means for connecting the exerciser to a user's respiratory tract; a second chamber, communicating with the first chamber; a third chamber, communicating with the second chamber; means for adjusting the composition of a breathing mixture; and means for adjusting the resistance to inhalation/exhalation, installed in a channel through which the first chamber and the second chamber communicate.

Abstract: An exercise device, comprising: more than one resistance adjusting inserts wherein said resistance adjusting inserts are selected to change the overall resistance a user exercises against; a chamber wherein one or more of said resistance adjusting inserts are capable of being inserted within said chamber; and an inlet to said chamber wherein the one or more of said resistance adjusting inserts are movable within the chamber by breath of a user. A method for exercising comprising: using an exercise device comprising a chamber capable of holding at least one resistance adjusting insert where the chamber has an inlet; selecting at least one resistance adjusting inserts from more than one resistance adjusting inserts; and, moving the selected inserts in the chamber by air pressure generated by a user directed through an inlet into the chamber.

Abstract: In one example, a muscle exercise device includes a first arm, and a second arm rotatably connected to the first arm, and the second arm and first arm are movable to cooperatively define a recess. The muscle exercise device also includes a resistance element configured to reside in the recess and be compressed between the arms.

Abstract: An information providing method includes: a physical characteristic information acquisition process of acquiring first physical characteristic information that is information about a physical characteristic of a user; a swing information acquisition process of acquiring, from a detection device which detects a movement in which the user swings a sporting apparatus, first swing information that is information about the swing by the user; an extraction process of extracting, from a storage device that stores other user information in which second physical characteristic information that is information about a physical characteristic of another user and second swing information that is information about a swing by the another user are associated with each other, the other user information on the basis of the first physical characteristic information and the first swing information; and an output process of outputting the other user information that is extracted.

Abstract: A method of predicting the likelihood of a post T-off golf swing or consecutive swings resulting in a ball being sunk in a hole; the method utilising communication equipped cameras or communication equipped laser rangefinders at known locations to determine accurate ball lie information. Transmission of this location information in real time to a processing facility linked to a database of historical play information incorporating at least ball position information and golf course in order to calculate odds of success of the upcoming swing and/or subsequent swings.

Abstract: A portable physical activity monitor device includes a power source for providing power to the physical activity monitor device, at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the physical activity monitor device to perform operations including acquiring an indication of a physical activity metric of a person carrying the physical activity monitor device. The physical activity monitor device includes at least one electrochromic part including bi-stable electrochromic material, and the physical activity monitor device is caused to control an optical characteristic.

Abstract: A multi-purpose balance exercise device designed to be used in multiple positions and for diverse exercises. For example, various embodiments allow for the multipurpose device to be use as an aerobic step device as well as the ability to easily adjust the device to various heights to easily decrease the level of difficulty of the device for use during various exercises. The balance exercise device can provide a polarity of handles and grab points both horizontally and vertically, which allow for an enhanced number of exercises or movements using either the top and/or bottom of the device. The balance exercise device includes a flexible bladder filled with air, other gases, or gels attached to a substantially rigid base. The base can include an interior within which features such as handles are disposed to provide a gripping or lifting exercise to which the balance exercise device can be used.

Abstract: A golf ball 2 has a plurality of dimples on a surface thereof. A ratio So of a sum of areas of the dimples relative to a surface area of a phantom sphere of the golf ball is equal to or greater than 81.0%. A ratio Rs of a number of the dimples each having a diameter of equal to or greater than 9.60% but equal to or less than 10.37%, of a diameter of the golf ball, relative to a total number of the dimples, is equal to or greater than 50%. A dimple pattern of each hemisphere of the phantom sphere includes three units that are rotationally symmetrical to each other. A dimple pattern of each unit includes two small units that are mirror-symmetrical to each other. The golf ball meets the following mathematical formula (1). Rs??2.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition and a layer formed from a thermoset rubber.

Abstract: Provided herein are racquets, such as sports racquets. The racquets generally comprise a head frame with a curved side portion and a straight top portion and a curved bottom portion and handle affixed to the head frame between the top portion and portion. A plurality of openings is equally spaced through the head frame and a portion of the handle and a plurality of strings comprising a net pass through the openings. The length of the top rim of the head frame is greater than the bottom rim. The handle connects to the head frame at an angle of about 140° to 150°.

Abstract: A golf club 100 includes a head 200 having a hosel part 202, a shaft 300, and an engaging part 600 disposed at a tip part of the shaft 300. The engaging part 600 includes a sleeve 400 which has an oppositely tapered shape and is fixed to the tip part of the shaft 300. The hosel part 202 includes a hosel hole 204, and a hosel slit 206 which is provided on a side of the hosel hole 204 and enables the shaft 300 to pass through the hosel slit 206. The hosel hole 204 has an oppositely tapered hole having a shape corresponding to a shape of an outer surface of the engaging part 600. The engaging part 600 is fitted into the oppositely tapered hole.

Abstract: A golf club head has a stranded structure such as a cantilevered strand or a beam strand. The stranded structure causes changes in acoustic properties from that of a standard golf club. A gap or through-hole around the stranded structure may be filled with a vibration dampening material, such as flexible polymer, to further adjust the acoustic properties of the golf club. Vibration frequency regions in a golf club may be modified by incorporating stranded structures in the vibration frequency regions.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads with energy storage characteristics are presented herein. In some embodiments, a golf club head comprises a hollow body comprising a strikeface, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, a crown, and a cavity positioned behind the strikeface on at least one of the sole and the crown. In many embodiments, the cavity comprises a front surface, and a rear surface, wherein at least a portion of the front surface extends toward the strikeface of the club head.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a metallic section, a polymeric section, and an adhesive material. The metallic section defines an opening and the polymeric section extends over the opening. The adhesive material is disposed between the metallic section and the polymeric section to form an adhesive joint therebetween. The adhesive joint has an adhesive retaining strength configured to inhibit the polymeric section from being detached from the metallic section when the adhesive material is at least partially cured. The metallic section and the polymeric section are also mechanically engaged with one another to form a mechanical joint therebetween having a mechanical retaining strength configured to inhibit the polymeric section from being detached from the metallic section. The adhesive retaining strength of the adhesive joint, alone, is greater than the mechanical retaining strength of the mechanical joint, alone, only when the adhesive material is at least partially cured.

Abstract: A golf club head comprises a body and at least one self-extracting pressed weight assembly. The body comprises a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. The body defines an interior cavity. The weight assembly comprises at least three components and is configured for a press fit engagement with the golf club head. The assembly has a drive portion and a threaded portion.

Abstract: A golf bag includes a collapsible sub-assembly including a divider top and a base, a plurality of first snap-fit connectors provided around a portion of an outer perimeter of the divider top, and a flat having a divider top end opposite a base end, an interior side, and an exterior side. The flat includes a plurality of second snap-fit connectors provided along a portion of the divider top end. The flat attaches to the sub-assembly by mating snap-fit engagement of the plurality of first snap-fit connectors around the divider top with the plurality of second snap-fit connectors along the divider top end.

Abstract: A golf tee that includes a stake that has an insertion end and a crown for supporting a golf ball. The crown is supported by the stake opposite the insertion end. The crown has a plurality of external prongs, a cup portion defined between the plurality of external prongs, and at least one internal post that extends from a base of the cup portion. The internal post is disposed on the base of the cup portion between the plurality of external prongs.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an ice hockey stick handle providing improved grip and tactile feel to a player, and having a cross-section symmetric about one centerline and asymmetric about another orthogonal centerline, a section line parallel and offset from said second centerline dividing said cross-section into a bottom profile comprising an irregular convex polygon with or without rounded and/or beveled edges, and a top rectangular profile with or without rounded and/or beveled edges. The sides of the cross-section may be linear or slightly concave.

Abstract: A variable stiffness striking implement, such as, for example, a ball bat typically used in baseball, softball, or rubber ball. The striking implement, preferably has a separate barrel and handle and includes a variable stiffness assembly which results in the user being able to adjust stiffness. This is accomplished by the user selecting a stiffness member having a desired hardness and inserting the selected stiffness around the handle and abutting the end of the barrel closest to the handle end and using a cap to hold the stiffness member in place, or, if desired by the user, the striking implement may be used without a stiffness member.

Abstract: [Object] To analyze a contact phenomenon between objects can with a simpler configuration. [Solution] Provided is an analysis apparatus including: an acquisition unit configured to acquire vibration data showing a vibration generated in a first object by having a second object come into contact with a first position on the first object; a first analysis processing unit configured to specify the first position by comparing a vibration characteristic shown by the vibration data, and a vibration characteristic defined for each position where the second object may come into contact with the first object; and a second analysis processing unit configured to estimate a velocity after the contact of the second object based on a velocity of the first object and the first position.

Abstract: A dual-purpose bottle sleeve and golf head club cover is disclosed including a cover body of flexible material having an open mouth and a closed end, at least one elastic band having an un-stretched diameter less than the open mouth, a hem proximate the open mouth comprising at least one opening, wherein the hem encloses a drawstring to close the open mouth.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a computer implemented personified sporting apparatus, system, method and/or computer program product may provide an electronically and programmably controlled personification attributes of a sport, as well as one or more sensor to identify sensor data relating to interactions with sport. Certain embodiments include robotic and/or animatronically moveable appendages, and/or emotions and gestures, via audio and visual enhanced features.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use in training the proper technique of bunting a ball in baseball or softball. The apparatus comprises a sleeve configured to wrap around the bat, an elastic cord such as, a bungee cord extended from the sleeve and a coupling mechanism to couple the other end of elastic cord to the helmet of the player. The apparatus allows the player to bunt a ball with proper bat angle and distance from the player's eyes to the contact point of the bunt. The stretch in the elastic cord would allow the player to feel the bat moving away from the proper distance or bat angle.

Abstract: Pitching simulator systems and methods are provided that are used to predict real-life outcomes for a real-life pitch. Predicted real-lift outcomes can be outcomes such as a hit (e.g., groundout, double, home run, etc.), strikeout, etc., and can be made in real-time. More specifically, the systems and methods can identify pitch metrics corresponding to the real-life pitch, cross-reference data in the form of system performance metrics that can related to data about batters, fielders, and/or an environment, and then calculate a virtual pitched ball outcome based on a combination of the pitch metrics and the system performance metrics. Computer programs capable of being used in such systems and methods, as well as other systems and methods, are also provided.

Abstract: A rebound net arrangement may include a support means and at least one polygonal rebound net with a net height hN and a net width wN that can be fastened thereto, wherein the support means comprises two posts that can be braced, for which there is provided at one of their ends a ground contact area for setting up the posts on the ground, wherein at least one fastening means is arranged on the posts in each case at a predefined height hP1 seen from the ground contact area, between which an upper edge of the at least one rebound net can be tensioned, wherein the height hP1 is less than the net height hN of the at least one rebound net.

Abstract: A swim training system, a swim data computation method using the same, and a swim training method using the same are provided. The swim training system includes a training device and a processing device. The training device measures a tension in a connecting component which is fastened to a swimmer. The processing device selects a conversion parameter from a conversion parameter table in the processing device according to a swimmer information. Then the processing device performs a conversion between the tension and a swimming speed with the conversion parameter to obtain the swimming speed of the swimmer.

Abstract: A club mountable golfing aid is operable to indicate to a golfer a location at which a training golf ball contacts a striking surface of the club mountable golfing aid when the club mountable golfing aid is mounted on a golf club. The club mountable golfing aid includes an attachment mechanism that is configured to mount the club mountable golfing aid to a head of a golf club. The club mountable golfing aid includes the striking surface. The striking surface covers at least a portion of the face of the golf club when the club mountable golfing aid is mounted on the head of the golf club. The striking surface is operable to attach to and retain a training golf ball at about a point of contact between the striking surface and the training golf ball when a golfer strikes the ball.

Abstract: Wearable device having one or more impact sensors and at least one unit transmitting a detected signals to a remote station, the device being composed of an inner glove wearable under a martial art glove.

Abstract: A stationary strength training equipment includes a frame assembly, a lockable bilateral user interface installed on the frame assembly, a balancing structure connected to the lockable bilateral user interface, a plurality of user selectable weights supported by the frame assembly and connected to the balancing structure, a load detecting strain gauge disposed on the user selectable weights to detect a weight of the user selectable weights being lifted, and an informing device connected to the lockable bilateral user interface to detect and show a warning signal to a user. The lockable bilateral user interface further includes a locking mechanism assembly and a central pivot assembly; the balancing structure is able to rotate along the central pivot assembly, and the locking mechanism assembly selectively restricts a rotation of the balancing structure.

Abstract: A golf aid system for assisting a user with a golf shot on a golf course includes a user tracking system configured to determine the location of the user on the golf course, a portable electronic device with a display screen, and a processor. The processor, which is operable to communicate with the user tracking system and the portable electronic device, is configured to determine one or more target locations on the golf course, with each of the target locations representing a recommended target for a respective one of the golf clubs. The processor directs the portable electronic device to display an indicator of the respective golf club proximate the corresponding target location via the display screen, such that the user perceives at least a portion of the indicator to be coincident with the corresponding one of the target locations.

Abstract: An electronic tracking system is disclosed for assisting a user in determining distances to objects in a sporting environment. The system includes a user tracking system for determining the location of a user, a heads up display for displaying information to the user, and a processor operable to communicate with the user tracking system and heads up display. The heads up display is designed to be worn by the user, and to display images within the user's field of view. The processor is programmed to determine a distance between the user's determined location and an object, such as a ball, located within the sporting environment. This information is displayed via the heads up display as a numeric representation of the determined distance. If tracking a ball, the heads up display may display an object indication, such as an enhanced image or a comet tail, superimposed over or adjacent the ball.

Abstract: An electronic tracking system for assisting a user in determining distances to landmarks and objects in a sporting environment includes a user tracking system for determining the location of a user, a heads up display for displaying information to the user, and a processor operable to communicate with the user tracking system and the heads up display. The heads up display is designed to be worn on the user's head, and to display an image within the user's field of view. The processor is programmed to determine a distance between the user's determined location and an object or a landmark on. This information is displayed via the heads up display as a numeric representation of the determined distance.

Abstract: Shoulder pads for a player playing a contact sport, such as hockey, lacrosse or football, are provided. The shoulder pads comprise a front member, a back member, left and right shoulder arches, left and right shoulder protectors, and an adjustment system allowing the player to adjust a fit of the shoulder pads. The adjustment system may allow the player to adjust various components of the shoulder pads, including the front member, the back member, and the left and right shoulder protectors, in various directions.

Abstract: A protective inner glove worn in conjunction with a catcher's glove, particularly in baseball or softball, the glove including a thin, flexible shock-absorbing material continuously affixed over a thumb, index-finger, and metacarpal region of a palm at a thenar eminence of the catcher's hand adjacent to the index finger providing protection to the phalanges, interphalangeal joints, metacarpal bones and underlying nerves of the thumb and index-finger from trauma caused by repetitive impact in catching a ball. The shock-absorbing material composed of a visco-elastic material affixed within the glove having liquid-like and rubber-like properties for absorbing energy and vibration isolation providing impact protection while simultaneously maintaining the catcher's tactile sensation and gripping movement freedom for effective catching.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski protector that packs down the snow in front of the ski to reduce drag. It also protects the front of the ski from wear. It also repairs skis that are already worn out in the front. The present invention also stops worn skis from flexing and causing a snagging hazard.

Abstract: Board rotating mounts, a kit containing board rotating mount components, and methods of making and using board rotating mounts are described herein.

Abstract: An electric vehicle may comprise a board including first and second deck portions each configured to receive a left or right foot of a ride, a wheel assembly disposed between the deck portions and including a ground-contacting element, a motor assembly mounted to the board and configured to rotate the ground-contacting element around an axle to propel the electric vehicle, at least one sensor configured to measure orientation information of the board, and a motor controller configured to receive orientation information measured by the sensor and to cause the motor assembly to propel the electric vehicle based on the orientation information. The electric vehicle may include exactly one ground-contacting element, and the motor may be a hub motor.

Abstract: A game assembly includes a plurality of cards. Each of the cards has a first side and a second side. The first side has indicia being printed thereon. The indicia comprise an image of biblical characters. A box is provided and the cards are stored within the box. The box has a top side and the top side is open to access an interior of the box. The box has an outer surface and the outer surface has indicia printed thereon. The indicia corresponding to the box comprise words. A lid is removably positioned on the top side such that the lid closes the box.

Abstract: Card handling devices may include a card shuffling apparatus and a card output portion having a card buffer area positioned at an interface of the card shuffling apparatus and the card output portion. The card output portion may be configured to move relative to the card shuffling apparatus and alter the orientation of the card buffer area. Card handling devices having a substantially flat card output area may include an interface portion having an at least substantially flat draw surface. The substantially flat card output area may permit playing cards to be drawn from an outlet of the substantially flat card output area in a plurality of at least substantially horizontal directions. Methods of shuffling playing cards may include altering an orientation of a card buffer area and inserting cards into the card buffer area at both a top and a bottom of a group of cards within the card buffer area.

Abstract: A game and method of play are provided herein. In an embodiment, a playing field is provided as a board marked with spaces. A plurality of visually different groups of pieces are provided, one group each corresponding to one player, and are placed in a prescribed pattern so that each player begins the game with an equal opportunity to win. A pool of prompts selectably instructing progression of game play is also provided. Each player may construct his own set of prompts from the pool. Then, executing turns in sequence, each player may invoke prompts from his own set against opposing players, causing pieces to be removed from the playing field until only one, indicating the winner, remains. The prompts may be printed on stylized playing cards which may be collectable and/or tradable, so that players may continue to customize sets of prompts available to invoke over time.

Abstract: A chess-like board game with a commercial name of Starship Chess provides a one-on-one tactical space combat game, like the game of chess between two versatile playing pieces. The game is played by two players and each player has a fully maneuverable starship, complete with manageable resources, engines, weapons, and shields. Each player must navigate his starship in order to gain an advantage over the player's opponent with respect to direction and position. A starship can engage, withdraw, replenish, and reposition to plan out attacks. Players must learn to think ahead, predict opposing player's tactics, and outwit the opponent to win.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of playing word games wherein any letter of the alphabet can be switched to another by simple 180-degrees rotation. This unique feature fundamentally changes the usual manner by which word games are played. The resultant increase in available choices enhances user experience by providing more chances for beginners and more challenges for advanced players. In the embodiment described herein, elements of word games and solitaire are combined to provide a product that has both entertainment and educational values.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game that enhances communication skills. The game provides a series of fun communication challenges utilizing detailed pictures and objects to challenge the descriptive abilities of players and/or teams. It includes processes which reward players according to how well puzzles are answered/solved. The game/system positions players where they must rely solely upon verbal-only explanations/instructions from team members to solve puzzles. It also includes a unique scoring system to accurately score puzzles after each challenge.