Abstract: Program products, methods, and systems for providing fitness monitoring are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method for scheduling training activities for a user of a fitness monitoring device includes: defining a cardio training plan including one or more cardio training activities and defining a non-cardio training plan including one or more non-cardio training activities; scheduling execution of the non-cardio training plan and the cardio training plan in a training calendar; and providing a graphical display of the training calendar including the cardio training plan and the non-cardio training plan to the user of the fitness monitoring device.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for the collection and display of athletic information. Athletic data relating to a single person or group of people is collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location so that the person or people can review and critique their performance. In addition, athletic data for multiple persons can be collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed to a user at a desired remote location, so that the user can compare his or her athletic activities to others.

Abstract: Method for operating a bicycle trainer, and such a bicycle trainer comprising a stand with a seat, handlebars and rotatable pedals, or such a bicycle trainer comprising a stand for mounting a bicycle frame with a seat, handlebars and rotatable pedals, wherein the stand incorporates an electronically variable brake acting directly or indirectly on the rotatable pedals with a braking resistance that depends on a computer-controlled predetermined setting, wherein the pre-determined setting is variable and wherein said setting depends on selected parameters to reflect a simulated surface condition of a road.

Abstract: A selectable support apparatus for a speed bag includes a rigid planar element having first and second end portions with a longitudinal axis therebetween, the rigid planar element also includes a first and second margins with a transverse axis therebetween. The rigid planar element having a rebound surface for the speed bag and an opposing work surface with a centerline axis therebetween. The rigid planar element also includes an elongated aperture that is disposed therethrough the rigid planar element wherein the elongated aperture is positioned parallel to and along the longitudinal axis. The elongated aperture extends for a portion of the rigid planar element as between the first and second end portions. Also, the elongated aperture extends from the rebound surface to the work surface along the centerline axis. In addition, the work surface includes a mechanism for suspending and moving the speed bag therethrough and along the elongated aperture.

Abstract: A method of inflating an airbag includes expanding a collapsed or folded frame that supports and expands the airbag. The expansion of the airbag creates a lower pressure in the interior of the airbag as compared to the exterior, which allows air to be drawn into the airbag due to the lower pressure to fill the airbag. The frame can be made from inflatable ribs, or the frame can be made from interconnecting rigid members. The inflatable ribs can be inflated using a compressed gas canister, while the frame made from rigid members can be expanded using a spring. Filling a frame made from inflatable ribs, as opposed to the airbag itself allows for a smaller compressed gas canister.

Abstract: A game ball with non-slip layer includes a plurality of f stretchable panels, and marginal edges of the panels connected and sealed together to form a ball surface, and the ball surface having in inflating hole to inflate air into an inflatable bag formed inside the panels; and a non-slip mesh layer covered around an outer surface of the ball surface to provide improved handing and playable characteristics.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for using mobile sporting goods. In one aspect, the system permits a sporting enthusiast to track the location of a mobile sporting good, such as a golf ball, relative to a target, such as a target on a driving range, and correlate that location to a simulated location on a simulated golf hole.

Abstract: A ball includes a first housing, at least six light emitting structures, a woven structure, and a second housing. The light emitting structures are symmetrically disposed on the first housing. Each light emitting structure includes a fixing unit, a light emitting unit, and a first light permeable unit. The fixing unit is disposed on the first housing. The light emitting unit is located between the fixing unit and the first light permeable unit. The woven structure includes a plurality of woven units, which are at least partially overlapped and covering the first housing. The second housing covers the woven structure and includes a first material layer, a second material layer, and at least six second light permeable units. The first material layer covers the second material layer. The second light permeable units are disposed on the second material layer corresponding to the positions of the light emitting structures.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, and a front portion. The golf club head may include an interior cavity. The interior cavity may be filled with an elastic polymer material. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: In general, aspects of this invention relate to blade-type iron golf clubs or golf club heads. The blade-type golf club head may comprise a body forged of a metal material. The body may include a hosel, a top surface, a sole, a heel, a toe, a ball striking surface, and a rear surface opposite the ball striking surface. The rear surface may have an upper blade portion and a lower muscle portion with the upper blade portion separated from the lower muscle portion by a blade interface. An average height of the lower muscle portion from the ball striking centerline to the toe-side boundary line may be approximately twice an average height of the lower muscle portion from the heel-side boundary line to the ball striking centerline. The mass distribution of the lower muscle portion moves the center of gravity of the club head closer to the face center location.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head that includes a face having a ball striking surface configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face. A face member formed primarily of a metallic material forms the face, and a body member is connected to the face member and extends rearward from the face member to form at least a portion of the body. The body member is formed at least partially of a polymer material, and has a doped portion containing a doping material dispersed within the polymer material. The doping material may have a different density than the polymer material, such that the doped portion has a different density than the portions of the body member not containing the doping material. A co-molding method may be used to form the ball striking device.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a body and a plurality of stiffening members is disclosed herein. The body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a crown section, and defines a hollow interior. Each of the plurality of stiffening members extends from the crown section to the sole section to reduce stresses placed on the face section during impact with a golf ball. The stiffening members are all located within 0.500 inch of a rear surface of the face section measured along a plane normal to the center of the face, and within 1 inch of the center of the face section along a horizontal axis parallel to the face section.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads with frequency modulation devices are presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Golf clubs, and more particularly to a golf putter and a club head for a putter are disclosed. In one embodiment, the club head has a body having a club face, a first extension portion at the first end of the club face extending in a direction either outwardly, or rearwardly and outwardly away from the center of the club face; and a second extension portion at the second end of the club face extending in a direction either outwardly, or rearwardly and outwardly away from the center of the club face. In this embodiment, at least one of the first and second extension portions forms an angle of greater than or equal to about 40°, 45°, or some other suitable angle, and less than or equal to about 90° from an imaginary line oriented perpendicular to the club face and passing through at least one of the outermost portion of the club face at the heel or the toe of the club face.

Abstract: Examples of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a rear portion, a front portion with a strike face, a sole portion, and a top portion with a plurality of weight ports. The body portion may define a periphery of the golf club head. The golf club head may also include a plurality of weight portions with each weight portion disposed in one weight port of the plurality of weight ports. Other examples and examples may be described and claimed.

Abstract: The disclosure herein includes a grip and a method of making a grip configured to be grasped by a user. The grip can include a tube with a raised portion that is configured to form a portion of the surface to be grasped by the user. The grip can further include a gripping member that can be coupled to the tube leaving a portion of the raised portion exposed such that the surface to be grasped by the user includes both the raised portion and the gripping member.

Abstract: A golf club has within the grip a main device, a connector, a wireless module, an antenna, a light emitting element, and an optical fiber. The main device is a device that includes a sensor such as a motion sensor, a circuit such as a CPU, and a battery. The light emitting element is an indicating means that emits light in accordance with the state of a component mounted in the golf club. The light emitted by the light emitting element is guided to the grip end by the optical fiber and emitted to the outside of the grip via the grip end.

Abstract: Implementations of golf club head covers may include a body portion defining an internal cavity for receiving a golf club head, the internal cavity exposed at an opening in the body portion, a flap coupled to the body portion and configured to cover the opening of the body portion, a guide strip coupled to the flap, a strap holder configured to move along the guide strip slidably coupled to the guide strip, and a strap coupled at an end of the strap holder, wherein the strap is configured to secure the flap over the opening through coupling to a front face of the body portion.

Abstract: To improve throwing accuracy an athlete can makes use of a collapsible target training device that can be easily stored, transported, and deployed. The collapsible target training device includes multiple collapsible frames, multiple ball catching nets, a base, and a frame adjustment mechanism. The multiple collapsible frames are articulated frames that are connected in a series to form a scissors mechanism. This enables the series of collapsible frames to be extended into a tower or collapsed toward the base. The base is a rigid platform that prevents the series of collapsible frames from toppling over while extended. The series of collapsible frames is mounted onto the base so that the base is able to provide structural support and stability to the series of collapsible frames when extended to form a tower. The multiple ball-catching nets are attached to the series of collapsible frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for measuring and performing a throwing technique. The method of performing the technique includes the steps of: running toward a location with a ball in the non-throwing hand, crossing the location and transferring the ball to the throwing hand, and throwing the ball to a destination. The method of measuring the technique includes the steps of: beginning time measurement at the moment a thrower crosses a location, stopping time measurement at the moment a ball reaches a destination, and factoring potential environmental elements into the measured time to determine a running throw value.

Abstract: An athletic training device for selectively and removably urging a user's limbs together is provided. The device includes two arm/leg cuffs, each having a flexible band with securing means for removably securing the band to a user's limb. Extending from each band is a spacer component having a sidewall and a top wall. Located on or within the top wall is a magnet. The magnets in each cuff are configured with opposing polarity so that the top walls of each cuff are urged together when placed in close proximity to one another. The device can be used by securing each cuff around a user's arms/legs. When the user places his/her arms/legs in close proximity to one another, the magnets urge the cuffs in an attached arrangement and the user can only separate his/her arms/legs by intentionally applying a separating force sufficient to overcome the force of the magnets.

Abstract: A current generator for a swimming system may include multiple entrainment pumps that discharge a flow of water into a pool. The entrainment pumps may each have a nozzle, a venturi and an entrainment inlet. In use, the flow of water from the nozzle into the venturi causes water at the entrainment inlet to flow into the venturi along with water from the nozzle. Each entrainment pump is arranged such that the fluid that flows out of the venturi passage is directed within a main passage, and the flow from multiple venturis may be combined and may be directed at least partially against the force of gravity before that fluid is directed out of the main passage outlet and into the pool. In at least some implementations, the fluid flows for at least one foot between the venturi and the main passage outlet.

Abstract: A bicycle trainer for removably loading with a bicycle that is at least provided with a back wheel, which bicycle trainer comprises a floorstanding frame with a wheel supporting roller at its rear end and a fork supporting unit at its forward end, wherein the fork supporting unit is pivotally supported by the frame enabling it to move back-and-forth. The fork supporting unit and the frame connect to each other with a hinge enabling back-and-forth movement of the fork supporting unit in a longitudinal direction of the frame, wherein the fork supporting unit is spring-loaded with a spring at or near the hinge to provide the fork supporting unit with a preferential upright position at square angles with the frame so as to arrange that in use whenever the bicycle is moved forward or backward, said bicycle is inclined to return to an average position on the bicycle trainer wherein the fork support unit is perpendicular to the horizon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound generator for golf practice and includes: a main body having a sound generating portion from which sound is generated and a curved portion for supporting a golf club; and gripping means for keeping the golf club fixed to the curved portion. This sound generator has a structure from which sound is varied according to the speed of a swing as air enters in the direction in which a golf club is swung.

Abstract: A short game golf trainer system in three releasably coupled parts: a horizontal base, a vertical support, and a cantilever horizontal top plate. The base has anchoring features, such as holes for receiving spikes, for anchoring the base to a putting green. The support is preferably one piece of molded plastic. The top plate is generally an irregular hexagonal plate and may have an arcuate front side. When assembled, the top plate is cantilevered from the support. The top plate has a viewing port located nearer the front side than the rear, but spaced apart from the front side by more than half of a golf ball diameter. The viewing port has a diameter less than a golf ball diameter. Top plates may be made in different lengths: longer for putting and shorter for chipping and pitching. Supports may be made in different heights: shorter for putting and higher for chipping and pitching.

Abstract: A quick access shroud at least partially encapsulates a sport glove and/or a ball for storage and portability, while enabling facilitated access to the glove and/or ball through two uniquely positioned fastening mechanisms. The shroud is formed in a general shape of the sport glove, such as a baseball glove. A first panel and a second panel join together at a perimeter region. A section of the perimeter region is not permanently fastened to enable passage of the glove and/or ball through a perimeter fastener. The first panel comprises a central portion that detachably attaches to a central region of the first panel. A hole forms in the first panel when the central portion is detached. The hole enables quick access to only the ball. A central fastener regulates passage through the hole. An oil may coat the inner surface of the panels to lubricate the glove.

Abstract: A protective screen apparatus including a central protective screen, and a free-standing, hinged side wing. Hinged side wing may be configured and capable of being rapidly decoupled from a primary frame of the central protective screen. The hinged side wing may be readily moved from the right to the left side of the primary frame, thereby easily converting the protective screen apparatus to left-handed configuration or right-handed configuration. Some embodiments include spring biasing of the hinged side wing to absorb at least some ball impact when the hinged side wings pivots upon being struck with a ball. Methods of reconfiguring and protecting a batter with the protective screen apparatus, and an attachable/detachable ball basket are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A device and method for regulating a pace of golf play. A golf course is divided into segments, with each segment assigned a time for completion by a user golfer group. Spaced apart signal lights are positioned on the golf course. Each golfer group is provided with a wireless positioning device. A computing device compares an elapsed time for completion of a number of segments with the total assigned time for the number of segments completed. The computing device wirelessly actuates a visual signal to the golfer group by a signal light on the golf course when the elapsed time for completion of the number of segments by the user golfer group is greater than the total assigned time for the number of segments completed. The device and method take into account impediments to pace of play that are outside of the golfer group's control.

Abstract: The method makes it possible to measure a speed of a competitor, such as a skier or snowboarder, on a ski or snowboard course, by means of a measurement system with a transponder module worn by the competitor. The method includes the step of activating the transponder module which includes a measurement unit with at least one measurement sensor, as soon as the race starts, a step of measuring the speed of the competitor via the measurement unit during the race along the course, and a step of transmitting the competitor's speed measurement to at least one base station of a decoder device of the measurement system for a timing device in order to display the speed of the competitor in real time or continuously on at least one screen.

Abstract: A method of using a computing device to forecast the result of a golf stroke and a portable handheld device for collecting and displaying golf round data are provided. The data collected for each stroke includes the location, time, and club used and the resulting ball position achieved. Before each drive or approach shot player skill level, course layout information, and player location on the course are used together with the dub selected by the, player to forecast the result of the next stroke. Putt break prediction information is provided before each putt. Information that a stroke has been taken and which club was used can be entered manually or sensed automatically from telemetry equipped clubs.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods, systems, and computer program products for coordinating musculoskeletal and cardiovascular hemodynamics, and more directly to stationary and non-stationary exercise equipment that include adjustable behaviors and are used with repetitive activities. The equipment is adjusted automatically in real-time to alter the work output, cadence, and/or timing of the user's physical activity in response to their monitored cardiovascular and musculoskeletal signals to achieve and maintain a targeted coordination of their heart and musculoskeletal pump cycle timing.

Abstract: A goalie helmet has a head protective outer shell which is configured to circumscribe the head of a goalie. The shell has an interior space in which a floating head framing member is located for cradling and supporting the head of the goalie. The head framing member is located in spaced relation to and a given distance from the back or rear section of the shell of the helmet. Attachment devices, such as straps, connect the head framing member to the helmet in spaced relation to and a distance away from the rear section. The helmet also includes a unique chin cup support bracket located on its lower front section. A specifically designed chin cup is configured to be removeably positioned and secured onto the bracket. The chin cup can simply and easily be replaced on the bracket when it becomes worn.

Abstract: A harness providing neck support for weightlifters, to reduce the risk of neck injuries, resulting from improper lifting form. The harness includes a soft foam support collar worn around the neck. Furthermore, it includes a strap, ring, loop, and fastener system to secure the harness to a weightlifter's pre-existing lifting belt. The harness provides downward tension for support, ease of removal between uses, and enables the wearer to adjust for a comfortable fit. The harness stabilizes the neck, while allowing full range of motion of the arms, shoulders, and chest. This invention is unique in that it provides neck support specifically for weightlifting, and attaches to a waist-level supportive device.

Abstract: A collapsible ski device, having: a first forward ski member having a bottom surface, a tip and a rear end; a second middle ski member having a bottom surface, a forward end and a rear end; and a third rear ski member having a bottom surface, a forward end and a tail. The forward end of the second middle ski member is pivotably coupled to the rear end of the first forward ski member by a first hinge mechanism. The first hinge mechanism has a flexible component attached at a first location to a first attachment surface on the first forward ski member and attached at a second location to a second attachment surface on the second middle ski member. The rear end of the second middle ski member is pivotably coupled to the forward end of the third rear ski member by a second hinge mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a binding system for a snowboards and the like. The system includes a soft-soled boot having a hardened exterior shell consisting of a toe portion and a heel portion, which are linked by at least one sidewall portion. The toe and heel portions include two toe and two heel pegs respectively. The boot includes an instep portion having instep cables for adjusting the boot to the wearer and the cables are adjusted by grommets and tightened in position by at least one resting bar. The binding has a base plate for connecting to the snowboard. The base plate further supports a pair of toe hooks adapted to engage the toe pegs and a pair of heel peg levers adapted to releasably engage the heel pegs of the boot. A grappling hook and ratchet mechanism grabs the resting bar on the boot.

Abstract: A snowboard binding that eliminates the ratchet-type connection used in conventional snowboard bindings. Instead, the snowboard binding incorporates a connection mechanism that is somewhat similar to a ski-boot style connector, and that uses only two straps on each binding compared to the traditional four straps. In addition, the connection mechanism can be pre-adjusted by the user to the desired connection pressure. Once the desired pre-adjustment is reached, the user can simply step into the binding and connect the connection mechanism without needing to adjust the connection pressure or tightness during mounting the user's foot or boot to the board as with conventional snowboard bindings.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus and method are disclosed wherein a gaming surface having distinct betting locations is provided in order to assist in the play of a hybrid version of blackjack and poker games having a side bet. The gaming surface includes a main betting spot for the blackjack game and a separate raised betting platform for the side bet to keep the bets from being comingled. The side bet of the hybrid game is based on whether or not the dealer's hand is a qualifying poker hand. Multipliers and a progressive jackpot are used during the hybrid game to increase the potential winnings.

Abstract: Playing-card-shuffling devices may include a card input, a card output, and a temporary card-storage area. The card input may be located on a same lateral side of the temporary card-storage area as a lateral side of the temporary card-storage area on which the card output is located. A processor may be in communication with a graphic display, with touch screen controls integrated in the graphic display. The graphic display may be configured to automatically display information from the shuffler. The touch screen controls may be configured to receive user-inputted data to send to the processor to affect at least one of performance, activity and mode of operation of the shuffler. The graphic display may be located on a lateral side of the temporary card-storage area opposite the lateral side of the temporary card-storage area on which the card input and the card output are located.

Abstract: A system, device and method for determining the position of objects comprising one or more furniture items and/or building structures having one or more sensors and a controller coupled to the sensors. The sensors detect when one or more objects having at least one sensor tag are positioned proximate one of the sensors and transmit a signal to the controller including an identifier of the object and the sensor that detected the objects. As a result, the controller is able to track the position of the objects in relation to the furniture and/or building structures preventing the items from being lost and increasing efficiency when looking for misplaced objects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a board game capable of being played by two or more players and method of playing the board game. The board game comprises a board member having plurality of boxes configured thereon. Each box of the plurality of boxes includes at least two triangles which form at least one diagonal path thereon. Further, each box of the plurality of boxes placed in proximity with other box and/or on the sides of the board member (10) to form vertical and horizontal paths there between. Further, the board game includes a plurality of playing pieces divided into at least two sets. Each set includes at least two playing pieces, wherein each player of the two or more players is assigned one set of the playing pieces for playing the game. Furthermore, the board game includes a plurality of first blockers, at least one second blocker and at least one master blocker, wherein each player of the two or more players is assigned at least one blocker of the plurality of first, second and master blocker.

Abstract: A finger-mounted device for launching a projectile in response to a flick of a finger by a user. The finger-mounted device may comprise a securing means for securing a launcher to the finger of the user. The securing means may comprise a strap, loop, or cinch. The finger-mounted device may further comprise a launch guide extending outwardly from a base member. A projectile may be mounted onto or into the launch guide. The projectile is launched in response to the user flicking the finger, using the thumb as a tensioning means. The projectile may take a wide variety of forms.

Abstract: A die rolling and identification apparatus having a die container with a die shaker, an opening connector and a die slide and containing a least one die, the opening connector is between the die shaker and the die slide to enable the die to move between the die shaker and the die slide through the opening connector; a motor and a plurality of gears connected to the motor. The plurality of gears turn the die container, the die slide has a slide lower surface and slide upper surface, the slide lower surface and the slide upper surface are substantially parallel such that the die slides in the die slide without rolling, the die shaken in the die shaker are stopped in a prescribed position in the die slide and the die are read by light sensors disposed on a surface of the die slide.

Abstract: A system recognizes human beings in their natural environment, without special sensing devices attached to the subjects, uniquely identifies them and tracks them in three dimensional space. The resulting representation is presented directly to applications as a multi-point skeletal model delivered in real-time. The device efficiently tracks humans and their natural movements by understanding the natural mechanics and capabilities of the human muscular-skeletal system. The device also uniquely recognizes individuals in order to allow multiple people to interact with the system via natural movements of their limbs and body as well as voice commands/responses.

Abstract: To enhance motivation of a player to invite another player to a social game, thus activating the social game and a platform that provides the social game, a server device includes incentive giving means that gives an incentive to a player who operates a first terminal device when a player of a second terminal device that receives, from the first terminal device, invitation information including solicitation information to at least suggest participating in the game and specific information to at least specify a landing screen associated with a home screen of the game operates the second terminal device to access the landing screen on a basis of the specific information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downloading and updating save data to a data center are described. Save data is downloaded from a cloud storage to the data center before play of a game to cache the save data in the data center. Any updates to the save data that occur during a play of a game are stored in the data center and are uploaded to the cloud storage. Next time, a user desires to access the game, there is no need to transfer the updates to the data center from the cloud storage.

Abstract: In an information processing apparatus of a guest user, an image data acquisition unit acquires content image data from a host user, and a reproduction processing unit reproduces the content image data and outputs the content image data from an outputting apparatus. An information acquisition unit acquires information for specifying a sharing mode of a content image, and a notification unit notifies the user of the information indicative of the mode of the sharing process in an associated relationship with the reproduced content image. Further, if the information acquisition unit acquires information indicating that the content is within a sharing restriction period, then the notification unit notifies the user of the information indicating that the content is within the sharing restriction period.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for providing full-motion animation-as-a-service. In some examples, short motion-capture segments may be captured from user motion user interface devices and stored in a database. When a full-motion animation is desired, a start pose and a target pose may be provided, and a multiple-path, multiple-iteration search through the database may be used to assemble the full-motion animation. Motion retargeting may be used to further refine the assembled full-motion animation.

Abstract: A social game capable of adding or improving unexpectedness, dramatic impact, and taste when a reward is provided to a player, and hence capable of raising the player's motivation to participate in or continue the game. A unit for storing information related to a game in which multiple players can participate stores a reward providing condition, rewards, and reward box information, and a control unit for accessing information related to the game, performing computation on the game, and displaying images of the game on terminal devices operated by players allocates at least one reward out of the rewards to the reward box, determines whether the reward providing condition is met based on match-up situations or match-up results between players and first game characters in the game, and displays, on the terminal devices, a screen for providing the reward to players based on the determination results.

Abstract: A computer device has a user interface which displays user actuatable game elements. User input is received and used to determine if there is a match involving three or more game elements. If so a check is made to see if one of the game elements is of a particular type. If so the size of the particular game element is determined to see if it is the smallest size. If not at least two further game elements of the given type are provided with a smaller graphical representation as compared to the at least one game element of the given type in the match game condition.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for modifying a limit value determining the number of moves available to a player in a level of a computer implemented game and maintaining this setting for subsequent play of the level. The method comprises using a counter to change a move count in response to a user input defining a move in the game, wherein no additional moves can be made if the number of moves made reaches a first limit value; responsive to further user input, providing a first set of further moves; and storing information associated with said first set of further moves such that when said game is played again, a number of possible moves comprises the first limit value of moves and said first set of further moves.