Abstract: A system, device, and methods include or utilize a microphone, a processor, and a user interface. The microphone senses sound and in response outputs a sound signal indicative of the sound. The processor is coupled to the microphone to receive the sound signal, configured to analyze the sound signal to identify in the sound signal an impact of a golf club with a golf ball during a swing of the golf club and determine a characteristic of the swing of the golf club based on a portion of the sound signal corresponding to sound sensed, at least in part, before the impact. The user interface is coupled to the processor and configured to display information related to the characteristic of the swing as determined by the processor.

Abstract: A method for processing biological information is provided, wherein the method includes receiving biological information from a monitoring device responsive to a first party and responsive to an exercise regime and processing the biological information to generate resultant information responsive to at least one physical characteristic of the first party.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, from one or more sensors, biomechanical data of a first user performing a plurality of actions of a first action-type and outcome data of a plurality of outcomes corresponding to the respective plurality of actions. A plurality of sets of action-parameter values may be determined based on the received biomechanical data, where each of the sets of action-parameter values corresponds to a respective action of the plurality of actions. An athletic-performance model of the first user may be generated based on the plurality of sets of action-parameter values. The athletic-performance model may be a statistical model including probabilities computed with respect to the sets of action-parameter values and the outcome data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes accessing an athletic-performance model of a first user, where the model is based on a plurality of sets of action-parameter values of action parameters of the first user. The action-parameter values may be determined based on biomechanical data of the first user performing a plurality of actions of a first action-type and outcome data of each action. A current skill level of the first user may be determined based on a measure of variances associated with action parameters of the first action-type. Target ranges of action-parameter values may be calculated for action parameters based on the athletic-performance model. Each target range may be based on a measure of probability with respect to the particular action parameters and the outcome data. A report of athletic-performance feedback may be generated and may include current skill level information and the target ranges of action-parameter values.

Abstract: The body alignment and correction device disclosed herein includes a belt for wearing about the waist of a user. The device further includes removable and repositionable foam blocks to displace portions of the belt away from the user's body. A method of stimulating abdominal or back muscles of a user of the device by selectively placing foam blocks to space a portion of the belt away from a user's body is also disclosed.

Abstract: A monofin, mermaid tail, and method of applying the tail and monofin to increase swimming efficiency and/or aesthetics.

Abstract: Golf balls according to the present invention achieve flight symmetry and overall satisfactory flight performance due to a dimple volume ratio that is equivalent between opposing hemispheres despite the use of different dimple geometries on the opposing hemispheres.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls having improved aerodynamic performance due, at least in part, to the alteration of the dimple surfaces. In particular, the present invention relates to a golf ball that includes at least a portion of its dimples having circular perimeters and dimple profiles having a concentric groove on the surface of the dimple. The golf ball dimples of the present invention provide golf ball surfaces having unique appearances, while maintaining ideal aerodynamic characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are golf ball compositions formed from polyureas made from aminocrotonates.

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: Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-layered core structure are provided. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity, and a surrounding outer core layer. The layers of the core structure may have different hardness gradients. The center of the core comprises a metal material such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, and alloys thereof preferably dispersed in a plasticized thermoplastic polymeric matrix. Different plasticizer such as fatty acid esters may be used. The outer core layer also is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin. The resulting ball has high resiliency and good spin.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, a cover and an intermediate layer therebetween, the core, an intermediate layer-encased sphere and the ball have surface hardnesses which satisfy a specific relationship, and the intermediate layer and the cover have thicknesses which satisfy a specific relationship. Also, the core has a hardness profile in which the hardnesses at the core surface, core center, a position 5 mm from the core center, and a position midway between the surface and center of the core satisfy specific relationships. This golf ball, when used by mid- and high-level amateurs, enables the golfer to maintain an adequate distance on shots with a driver and achieve a good distance on iron shots, has a good spin performance on approach shots and has a good feel on impact. In addition, the ball has an excellent scuff resistance when struck with a grooved wedge.

Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a thermoplastic composition, preferably including: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. Preferably, a fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is used as the plasticizer. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness levels. For example, the inner core can have a positive, zero, or negative hardness gradient. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions.

Abstract: A ball for small-sided play having the same characteristics as a standard soccer ball, but with reduced rebound and no added filler is disclosed.

Abstract: A wireless-speaker includes an audio playback module mounted in an interior portion of a housing; a sensor package mounted in the interior portion of the housing, and including an accelerometer to detect motion of the wireless speaker and to generate sensor data corresponding to the detected motion; and a wireless communication transceiver configured to receive audio content from an external device over a wireless communication channel for playback by the audio module, and to receive sensor data from the sensor package for transmission to the external device.

Abstract: A ball collecting device with ball collecting module having a collecting component and at least one ball collecting module is disclosed. The collecting component has an accommodation space for accommodating at least one ball such that the ball can be collected into the accommodation space by rotating the collecting component. The ball collecting module is pivoted on the collecting component such that an angle is formed between the ball collecting module and a rotation axle of the collecting component, and the angle is smaller than 90 degrees or equal to 90 degrees. A constant distance between the ball collecting module and a plane is maintained when the ball is collected by the ball collecting device.

Abstract: A golf club head including a multi-piece construction. The golf club head includes a plurality of body components coupled at a seam. A weight member is coupled to the golf club head so that it overlaps a seam.

Abstract: A plurality of two or more golf clubs with improved weighting characteristics is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention discloses a specific relationship between the mass Mclub of the golf club and the length Lclub to help improve the performance of the golf club. In addition to the above, the present invention also discloses a change to the balance point of the shaft to help compensate for the change in mass Mshaft of the shaft and the length Lshaft of the shaft to maintain a desirable swing weight.

Abstract: A lacrosse head having string holes and/or sidewall openings that are offset at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the lacrosse head, and a related method of manufacture, are provided. The lacrosse head includes a pair of sidewalls extending from the base and joined with one another distal from the base at the scoop. A longitudinal axis can extend from the base toward the scoop. The sidewalls can define string holes, each having a string hole axis disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axis, optionally 5° to 75°, further optionally 25° to 35°, and even further optionally 30°. The sidewalls can define one or more sidewall openings each having a sidewall opening axis disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the longitudinal axis, such as those noted above. A related method of manufacture also is provided.

Abstract: A ball-returning net comprises a vertical wire frame, a vertical net, a floor wire frame, a slope net, two side barrier nets, and a detachable strap. The vertical net is fixed to the edge portion of the vertical wire frame and blocking the opening of the vertical wire frame. The slope net is disposed over the floor wire frame so as to be tilted from an elevated lower portion of the vertical net to a front edge portion of the floor wire frame, so as to be configured that a ball hitting the vertical net falls down on the slope net and rolls down in a direction of the front edge portion of the floor wire frame. The detachable strap holds the slope net and the vertical wire frame tightly, bending a rear portion of the slope net in a V shape.

Abstract: A net assembly includes a base having hub and at least three extension arms, wherein the extension arms extend from the base hub to form a polygon. At least one flexible support pole is removably coupled to each of the extension arms of the base, and a net is configured to receive each of the flexible support poles. The net comprises a plurality of panels which define a polygonal cross-section. The net bends each of the flexible support poles such that the each of the poles is in a flexed state and wherein in the flexed state, each of the flexible support poles is adapted to exert an outward force onto the net, thereby exposing each of the plurality of panels of the net.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a ball hitter's “leg drive” for training and coaching purposes and for developing a strong leg drive (ground force). The apparatus includes a ground engaging lower plate and an upper plate that supports the hitter's foot. The plates are slidingly secured to one another such that the upper plate is linearly moveable relative to the lower plate. A force measuring element is provided between the upper and lower plates. The apparatus is used by the hitter stepping on the upper plate and pushing while hitting, thereby linearly moving the upper plate against the lower plate and the force measuring element, which may comprise a load cell or a spring mechanism. The apparatus provides an output indicative of the hitter's leg drive (ground force) level. In some embodiments, an audible sound is generated when a preselected leg drive level is reached.

Abstract: A golf swing plane training aid device for use with a golf club is presented. The training aid device includes an ellipsoid shaped body having two reference endpoints and two forearm guides adapted to fit forearms of a golfer. The golf training aid device provides a visual reference and aids the forearms of the golfer in the proper swing position along the swing plane and a target line by guiding the forearms and using the reference endpoints as visual feedback aid to determine point of reference along the target line.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a foot positioning device are provided. In one embodiment, a foot positioning device is provided, the device comprising: a proximal strap operatively connected to at least one of an individual's ankle or lower leg; a distal strap operatively connected to the individual's foot; and a heel strap connected to the proximal strap and the distal strap; wherein the foot positioning device causes a moment that biases the individual's foot toward a plantar flexion position.

Abstract: To provide a bicycle trainer with which a wheel is less likely to come off even during low-speed running. A bicycle trainer 100 includes a pair of front wheel rollers 10 and 12 to support a front wheel of a bicycle, a pair of rear wheel rollers 20 and 22 to support a rear wheel of the bicycle, and a belt 66 to transmit a rotation of the rear wheel roller 20 to the front wheel rollers 10 and 12. The front wheel rollers 10 and 12 support the front wheel of the bicycle such that a trail when the front wheel of the bicycle is put on the front wheel rollers 10 and 12 becomes equivalent to a trail when the bicycle actually runs on a road surface. The bicycle trainer 100 further includes front wheel roller adjusters 14 and 16 and rear wheel roller adjusters 24 and 26. The front wheel roller adjusters 14 and 16 adjust postures of the front wheel rollers 10 and 12 such that contact positions where the front wheel of the bicycle contacts the front wheel rollers 10 and 12 become constant.

Abstract: A grinding plate, and sets thereof, includes a plate generally in the shape of a disc or cylinder. The plate has a keyhole slot which provides for a passageway from a portion of the perimeter of the plate to the keyhole and has a width throughout the length of the slot sufficient to allow at least some portion of a swing device shaft of a predetermined dimension to pass through the slot and fit into the keyhole. The keyhole perimeter has a predetermined size and shape so that when the plate is moved in a predetermined direction along the shaft it provides a snug friction fit around the shaft at a preselected position or range on the shaft. Systems and methods for swing training using the grinding plates of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: This is an Improved Golf Practice Device usable for practice under replicated golfing conditions. It relates to a golf practice device with a retrievable tethered ball and which is usable for practice under replicated golfing conditions. It is made of a golf club grip; an inner dowel shaft for grip; an insert in the dowel shaft; a manner for retaining such as an insert; a flexible cord, rope or the like such as a parachute cord; a manner for retaining cord in shaft such as a washer and knot in cord; a spherical resistance device such as a whiffle ball or the like wherein the device provides a training aid for a golfer to improve his normal golf swing, cadence, and timing rhythm throughout the golf swing using all of one's body parts, the leg movement, the arms, the wrists, everything when one swings through the stroke.

Abstract: Described herein is an athletic training device to aid a user in hip rotation, specifically to help the user increase the strength and speed of the rotation motion of his or her hips for improving performance in sports activities. The present invention is a device to be worn by a user as an athletic training or exercising aid, or a therapeutic aid, helping the user to maintain proper body alignment during a specific body movement involving the hips. In one embodiment, the device comprises a base from which extends an arm, the arm attached to the base by a pivot or hinge point, that allows the arm to move along a linear arc when force is applied to the device, such as the force exerted by a user upon rotation of the hip.

Abstract: A golf practice arrangement that is used to develop a golfer's swing. The practice arrangement has a club with a head that has a hosel extending from the head for connection to a shaft. The shaft at one end has a grip attached to it and is connected to the hosel at the opposite end. The head has a striking face that is adapted for striking a fastener and a body that is aligned behind the striking face. The fastener is driven into a block that is held in a holder affixed to the mat. The mat is built for a user of the club to stand upon when striking the fastener into the block with the club. The fastener may be a nail that is driven into a wood block. The striking face is round having a circular area with which to strike.

Abstract: A golf training aid comprising a base, a support arm, and an alignment rod or guide, wherein the base is positioned in front of the target golf ball when the golfer is in position behind the target golf ball. The arm is attached to the base and is normal to the direction of the stroke or swing, wherein the alignment rod or guide is held by the support arm directly above the target golf ball as viewed by the golfer. The system may further comprise an adjustable, telescoping, stationary, or detachable pole with a camera mount and/or camera attached to the pole top and may comprise a camera mount under the base.

Abstract: A skill determination device determines each second frame corresponding to phase types from second frames having position information of a feature point, which corresponds to a predetermined part or a joint of a body of a second user, based on phase definition information in which a plurality of first frames having position information of a feature point corresponding to a predetermined part or a joint of a body of a first user and the phase types corresponding to the plurality of first frames, respectively, are associated with each other and determines a feature amount of a motion, an attitude, or the joint of the second user derived from the feature point included in the second frame determined for each of the phase types.

Abstract: A personal exercise measuring safety system is provided, which includes an image acquiring device, an exercise measuring device, a portable digital measuring device. The image acquiring device is configured on one portion of a bicycle by a fixator or configured on a selected portion of an exerciser. The portable digital measuring device electrically connected with the image acquiring device for receiving an image acquired by the image acquiring device. The portable digital measuring device selectively displays the image and/or transmits the image to a mobile communication device to display the image on the mobile communication device. The portable digital measuring device is further electrically connected with the exercise measuring device so as to receive and display the exercise information of the exercise measuring device.

Abstract: A sports helmet for preventing or minimizing head concussions comprising an outer shell and a gas bladder inflated with a gas and secured interiorly of the shell. A pressure relief valve associated with the gas bladder exhausts gas contained in the gas bladder in response to a threshold pressure being realized in the gas bladder in response to the head of the person wearing the sports helmet experiencing an impact.

Abstract: A protective football helmet is provided having a face guard mounting system with at least one pair of opposed recessed mounting regions that ensure a low-profile mounting arrangement for a face guard to the helmet. The recessed mounting regions are formed in both the inner and outer surfaces of the helmet shell along a frontal opening in the shell. As a result of the streamlined frontal appearance provided by the face guard mounting system, the width of the face guard closely corresponds to the width of the helmet at the recessed mounting regions.

Abstract: Splitboard binding systems and assemblies for use in ski mode or snowboard mode. Left and right bottom rails are attached to the bottom surface of a base plate. Each rails may have a circular hook at a forward end for attachment to a toe bracket in a ski mode. The rails and base plate define channels for slidable attachment to “pucks” disposed on the gliding board in snowboard mode. A securing lever disposed near the rear end of the binding with a securing member disposed on the lower surface thereof may be rotated into a downwards position so the securing member resides below the base plate to secure the binding in position when installed on “pucks” in a snowboard mode. Crampon assemblies and sliding heel locks for use with the binding assembly are aso disclosed.

Abstract: A wheel for a skateboard may include a bearing assembly, an annular rim coupled to and extending annularly around the bearing assembly, and a tapered tire portion coupled to and extending annularly around the annular rim. A dual wheel assembly may include a first wheel disposed on a longitudinal end portion of an axle, a spacer disposed on the longitudinal end portion of the axle adjacent to the first wheel and abutting against the first wheel, and a second wheel disposed on the longitudinal end portion of the axle adjacent to the spacer and abutting against the spacer. A method of making a dual wheel assembly may include disposing a first wheel on an axle, disposing a spacer on the axle adjacent to the first wheel, and disposing a second wheel on the axle adjacent to the spacer.

Abstract: A card game of chance includes a plurality of playing cards each having a value and a suit and a color, a playing surface having at least one player position and one dealer position. The player position includes a change-up card indicia, a first primary card indicia, and an ante indicia. The dealer position includes at least one dealer card indicia. A wager is placed in the ante indicia and a first primary card is dealt face down to the player on the first primary card indicia. A change card is dealt to the player face down on the change up card indicia. A dealer card is dealt face down to the dealer on the dealer card indicia. The first primary card of the player is exposed and the player makes prediction of whether the primary card or the change card is higher or lower than the dealer card. The value of the dealer card is exposed the player is declared a winner or loser based on whether their prediction is correct.

Abstract: A method of playing and presenting a game offers players the opportunity for multi-tier wagering and side or proposition bets. In one embodiment a card game offers an ante, secondary, tertiary and quaternary wagering options on a player hand against a dealer hand and proposition bets on the player and/or dealer hands. The game may comprise a card game in which initial cards are dealt to each player and the dealer and then then community flop, river and turn cards are dealt, with each player and the dealer forming a best five card poker hand from seven cards. The game may be presented using physical game places at a game table or via an electronic gaming device.

Abstract: A card shoe apparatus including a card housing unit for housing a plurality of cards; an opening in the card housing unit for manually withdrawing the cards one by one from the card housing unit in a card reading direction; a card reading unit that reads information on the cards as the cards are manually withdrawn from the card housing unit in the card reading direction; a control unit that stores rules of a card game and determines the results of the card game based on the information read by the card reading unit and the rules of the card game; an optical device that detects movements of the cards relative to the card reading direction; and a card entry/exit restriction unit provided in the opening. The card entry/exit restriction unit restricts the entry or exit of any of the cards when the cards are improperly withdrawn from the opening.

Abstract: A lottery tool that is a rectangular chip with a plurality of holes which may overlay a grid of numbers on a lottery gaming slip, allowing a user to select numbers for the lottery game. The lottery tool has a randomly generated pattern of 5-10 holes and is used by randomly placing the tool over the gaming slip, by direct placement, by dropping the tool onto the betting slip, or by spinning the tool on a hub. The user then fills in the lottery slip and repeats the process until a requisite amount of numbers are selected. Opposed edges of the tool are serrated to form teeth for use in removing coatings from hidden number lottery tickets.

Abstract: A basketball game structure, including a frame including a goal end, which includes a basketball goal with a backboard and a hoop, the basketball goal positioned over the ramp, a shooting end opposite the goal end, and the ramp including a padding formed around a trench, the ramp extending from the goal end to the shooting end and positioned lower at the shooting end than the goal end, wherein a basketball net extends from the hoop to a junction with the trench; and wherein the trench extends from the junction to the shooting end of the frame.

Abstract: A variety of games and methods for enhancing game play are provided. In one aspect, a secondary or ancillary game is played in parallel with a first game, such as a lottery ball draw. Yet another embodiment of game play provides for the repurposing of an existing taped game show. The previously recorded game show would be segmented into subsets of issues, for example, presentation of questions or answers (as in the case of Jeopardy), those issues would be presented to one or more players, a response would be received from those players, and the answer would be compared to the correct answer. Scoring would then rank players relative to one another or to indicate the amount of the prize.

Abstract: Gaming devices and methods are set forth which provide for face or body tracking to provide gesture input and also to generate content displayed based upon several degrees of the motion parallax effect.

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising: a plurality of toy construction elements, each comprising one or more coupling members configured for releasably interconnecting the toy construction elements with each other; an image capturing device operable to capture one or more images of a toy construction model constructed from one or more of said toy construction elements; and a processor configured to extract a two-dimensional view of the toy construction model from the captured image; to create a virtual object in a virtual environment; and to create a three-dimensional graphical representation of the virtual object from the extracted two-dimensional view, wherein the created three-dimensional representation has a first view, seen along a first direction, defined by the extracted two-dimensional view, and a size along the first direction determined from a size of the extracted two-dimensional view.

Abstract: A handheld controller configured to be held by a user's hand. The handheld controller comprising a main body, and a handle extending from the main body, wherein the handle has a palm side and a finger side. A control button is positioned on the main body or handle, and a detection sensor is on the handle. The detection sensor is positioned to detect the presence of the finger or palm of a user's hand engaging the handle. The detection sensor can be a capacitive touch sensor, a proximity sensor or other detection sensor operative to detect the touch or spatial presence of the user's hand or fingers.

Abstract: A handheld controller with spring-biased third-finger button grip detection is disclosed. The handheld controller can include a third-finger button on the handle and having a lever arm pivotally connected to the controller's main body so the third-finger button is movable between depressed position and released positions. A button-biasing member is pivotally connected to another portion of the main body and has a second lever arm that presses against the first lever arm to bias the third-finger button toward the released, extended position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a grip attachment that changes the shape of a handheld controller, allowing individual users to comfortably hold the controller while they interact with the controlled system. For example, some embodiments include a video game controller grip attachment having features that conform to fit securely with the video game controller, allow the user to hold the video game controller, and/or enable a user to grip a handheld controller in different configurations. In other embodiments, the grip for interfacing with one hand (e.g., the right hand) may be different than the grip for interfacing with the other hand (e.g., the left hand). In some embodiments, the grip has a palm swell element including a controller interface surface configured to at least partially accommodate a back surface of a handheld controller, and/or an outer surface extending an overall depth of the palm area of the handheld controller.

Abstract: A portable gaming and entertainment system (or “environment”) for use with a game console and related components that allows the user thereof to easily, safely and conveniently transport the system. The system comprises a case having a lid pivotally attached to a base. One or more custom inserts are provided to securely receive the game console therein. The custom inserts permit the system to be usable with a variety of supported game consoles. The lid includes a monitor and speakers, and is operative to be opened and maintained at a position to provide a desirable viewing angle for a user. The lid closes against the base to enclose the game console and other related components so that the user may easily transport and/or store the system.

Abstract: Handheld controllers having flexible thumbstick guards are disclosed herein for use with a handheld controller having a thumbstick or other pivotal control member. A representative guard has a tubular neck that sealably connects to a shaft portion of the thumbstick, and a skirt that sealably connects to an interior portion of the handheld controller around the control opening. The guard has a flexible joint portion interconnecting the neck and the skirt to allow the neck to move relative to the skirt upon pivoting the control member relative to the body.

Abstract: A wearable device can be worn by a user, and can include a mode selector, one or more sensors, a signal detector to detect wireless signals, a feedback mechanism comprising at least one of a haptic system, an audio system, or a visual system and providing feedback outputs. The wearable device can also include a controller that can initiate a selected mode from a plurality of modes on the wearable device, where the selected mode causing the controller to execute a real-world game. In accordance with the selected mode, the controller can interpret sensor data from the one or more sensors and inputs from the signal detector, where the sensor data corresponds to a series of actions performed by the user utilizing the wearable device. Based the interpretations, the controller can generate feedback responses via a feedback mechanism.