Abstract: A descent control device to facilitate rapid descent and abseil (rappelling) maneuvers, including a body, a handle integrally affixed to the body to define a longitudinal axis for the device, an attachment lug disposed on the body, and a combination of through holes through the body through which a safety line is threadably inserted in a specific pattern, and shallow channels between the through holes, thereby giving rise to configurations that allow the safety line to payout freely through the descent device, to be locked in relation to the descent device, or to payout in a controlled pace, all configurations depending on the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the device to the anchored upper portion of the safety line.

Abstract: Respiratory assemblies are disclosed that include first and second respiratory components and a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism is capable of engaging at least one retaining feature of a respiratory component, thereby impeding disengagement of the first respiratory component from the second respiratory component. Upon application of force to the actuator, the at least one latch is capable of disengaging from the retaining feature, thereby allowing disengagement of the first respiratory component from the second respiratory component. Respiratory components including or adapted to work with such latching mechanisms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing system adapted to be installed above a stove top and to automatically extinguish a fire emanating from a stove top, the fire-extinguishing system including a fire-extinguishing device comprising a pressurized container body adapted to store a fire-extinguishing agent under pressure, a discharge outlet and a discharge head in fluid communication with the discharge outlet. Disposed within the discharge head is a plunger member configured to be retained within the discharge outlet, and a heat sensing element which is adapted to release the plunger element from the discharge outlet when a fire is detected. Once the release plunger is released from the discharge outlet, the fire-extinguishing agent exits the container body through the discharge valve and through a sprinkler head onto the fire emanating from the stove top.

Abstract: A volatile liquid storage container has combustion resistance properties from a flexible sock or tube constructed of fire resistant fibers coupled to a neck of the storage container to prevent flame flash-back into the storage container. The storage container defines an enclosed volume having an orifice in the container material leading to a neck for pouring and filling the enclosed volume for exchanging the contents therein. The tube is elongated and surrounds a circumference of the orifice for engaging any ignition source entering through the orifice. The flexible nature of the tube or sock allows it to extend to an opposed interior surface of the enclosed volume, and ensures that the tube or sock is immersed in the fluid for encircling any ignition path to the volatile liquid without interfering with an ability to pour or refill the container.

Abstract: A fire suppression system may include a tank and a manifold in the tank. The tank, when charged, holds a liquid pressurized with a gas. The manifold has an inlet coupled to receive a liquid flow from a lower portion of the tank and an inlet configured to receive a gas flow from a upper portion of the tank. An expansion chamber in the manifold receives the liquid flow and the gas flow and is shaped to mix the liquid and gas flows and thereby produce foam.

Abstract: An end range of motion improving device is disclosed including, first and second link members to independently rotate an upper leg and a lower leg of a patient, having a controller to selectively rotate the link members, and a networked computing system to facilitate communication between the controller and other networked devices.

Abstract: A wearable gym can include garment configured to be worn over a portion of a body of a user. The wearable gym can also include at least one exercise device coupled to the garment, wherein the at least one exercise device is configured to burn calories of the user when the user engages the at least one exercise device.

Abstract: An exercise device for a person exercising on a support surface includes an elongated bar having two opposed ends. A weight has an aperture therethrough and slides along the bar. At least two rigid weight stops are fixed with the bar at selected locations along the bar, the weight free to slide along the bar therebetween. An end caps may be fixed to each end of the cylindrical bar to capture the weight and any weight stops on the cylindrical bar. In use, with the weight slidably captured on the bar, and at least two of the weight stops fixed with the bar on opposing sides of the weight, the person exercises by moving the bar to slide the weight between the at least two weight stops, or by rolling the weight along the support surface while holding on the cylindrical bar in a sit-up style position.

Abstract: An adjustable sledgehammer workout apparatus may include a handle, a pair of supporting brackets connected to the handle, and a clamping assembly connected to the supporting brackets. The supporting brackets may be rectangular in shape with beveled or rounded edges. The clamping assembly may include a pair of lower c-shaped portions connected to a pair of upper c-shaped portions using a hinge assembly. Different size and weight dumbbells may be connected to the handle using the clamping assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an exercise system having a pair of stationary support members, each having a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion being at an acute angle relative to the lower portion. The system also has a pair of rotatable support members configured to rotate between a first position wherein the first rotatable support member is generally adjacent to the upper portion of the stationary support members and a second position wherein the first rotatable support member is generally adjacent to the lower portion of the stationary support members. The system has a first and a second carriage member translatable along at least a portion of the rotatable support members and a barbell coupled with the first and second carriage members.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a standing platform, a pivot connection incorporated into the standing platform, an upright structure attached to the standing platform at the pivot connection, and a movable element connected to the upright structure where the movable element is movable during the performance of an exercise. The upright structure is rotated about the pivot connection in a transverse orientation to the standing platform when the exercise machine is in an operational mode and the upright structure is rotated about the pivot connection in an aligned orientation with the standing platform when the exercise machine is in a storage mode.

Abstract: An exercise device for use by persons with limited strength or mobility includes a a frame member situated in an interior area of a body member. First and second upper appendages are coupled to and extend away from upper left right regions of the body member. First and second lower appendages are coupled to and extend away from lower left right regions of the body member. A top appendage may extend away from a top region of the body member. A tension member, such as a tension spring, is situated inside each appendage and is configured to be selectively bent, extended, or otherwise manipulated and is resilient to return to an unbent and retracted configuration. Movement of respective tension members enables a person to exercise, experience the touch sensation, and have feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. A magnet attached to the frame member attracts other magnetic or metal items.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a platform where the platform includes a first side panel and a second side panel spaced apart at a distance from the first side panel, and a gap defined between the first side panel and the second side panel. The treadmill also includes a running deck contained within the platform and exposed within the gap, a first pulley connected to the running deck, a second pulley connected to the running deck opposite the first pulley, a tread belt surrounding the first pulley and the second pulley, a first post removably connected to the platform, a second post removably connected to the platform, and a first rail transversely connected to the first post and the second post.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving flexibility and its method of use are provided. The apparatus features a flexible member, which can have varying degrees of stiffness and flexibility, based on user preference. Further, the apparatus features a first and second auxiliary grip, as well as a first and second primary grip. In conjunction, these grips provide a vast multitude of ways to grip the apparatus, enabling it to be used in a wide variety of stretches and exercises, promoting strength as well as joint mobility and flexibility.

Abstract: A system comprising a yoga mat, storage compartment and carrying case and associated methods for use.

Abstract: A portable exercise device that allows a person to do Pilates type exercises without using traditional, cumbersome equipment. The device uses a pair of wheel assemblies each attached to each end of a central shaft. The shaft height can be adjusted from the center of each wheel to a lower point closer to the ground. Adjustable cam lockable hand/foot plates are attached to the shaft allowing the user to attach his or her feet to the shaft. Each hand/foot plate assembly includes a rotational plate that allows the hand/foot plate to be positioned at various angles in relation to the shaft. Resistance bands are attached on one side to the shaft and on the opposite side to a resistance source. The resistance source can be the user's own hands or feet, or a retaining strap attached to the lower portion of a door or wall.

Abstract: An exercise device with a pair of upper links coupled to the frame and a pair of lower links pivotally coupled to the upper links is provided. A pair of pedals is received on a distal end of each of the lower links. A transfer system between the pair of upper links may include a first and a second pushrod, each with a first end pivotally coupled to each upper link and a second end opposite to the first end. A first and a second pivot arm, each pivotally coupled to the frame, may be included, each pivot arm receiving a respective pushrod. A pliable connector may be coupled to the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm, thus providing compliant reciprocating movement of the upper links.

Abstract: A rowing simulation trainer includes a base frame, a pulling unit, an inertia wheel unit and a guiding unit. The pulling unit includes a shaft, a first belt wheel, two cord wheels, two pulling cords, two handgrips and two elastic coiled plates. The guiding unit includes two mounting tubes. Each of the two pulling cords extends through one of the two mounting tubes. Thus, the two cord wheels and the two pulling cords cooperate to drive the inertia wheel unit and are respectively operated independently without interfering with each other. In addition, the two pulling cords are limited by the two mounting tubes so that the two pulling cords are kept in line with and will not be deflected from the two cord wheels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an exercise device includes a base. The base further includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an edge that joins the first side and the second side, at least one gliding element connected to the second side, a pivot joint connected to the edge, and a handle connected to the pivot joint.

Abstract: A smart collar for a weight lifting bar includes: a body defining a passage for receiving the weight lifting bar; a sensor coupled to the body for sensing motion of the body and generating data related to the motion; and, a processor coupled to the body for receiving the data from the sensor and for processing the data for at least one of storage and transmission.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for authoring animated human movement examples with scored movement segments. The computer-implemented method includes pre-processing with pre-segmented movement wherein start and end frames of a movement segment have been defined automatically to create a Standard Movement Library. The computer-implemented method also includes post-processing with pre-segmented routine wherein start and end frames of each individual movement has been defined to produce a virtual exercise class. Further, the computer-implemented method includes segmenting a routine into individual movements to create a timeline of movements that produces a score for the players, wherein the routine is recorded by the instructor. Furthermore, the computer-implemented method includes concatenating a plurality of routines in any order to create a full exercise class and creating score-able virtual exercise classes in the pre-processing and post-processing phases.

Abstract: [Object] To propose a novel and improved program and information processing system that can perform feedback in accordance with a history of exercise of the user. [Solution] Provided is a program causing a computer to function as an acquirer configured to acquire information indicating an exercise state of a user, a storage controller configured to allow the information indicating the exercise state acquired by the acquirer to be stored, and an output controller configured to allow provision information that is to be provided to the user to be output, the provision information being generated on the basis of a history of the information indicating the exercise state stored by the storage controller.

Abstract: Activities, actions and events during user performance of physical activity may be detected using various algorithms and templates. Templates may include an arrangement of one or more states that may identify particular event types and timing between events. Templates may be specific to a particular type of activity (e.g., types of sports, drills, events, etc.), user, terrain, time of day and the like.

Abstract: Athletic performance monitoring and tracking may provide multiple ways in which to track athletic movement and activity. Workouts may also be tagged with various parameters including mood, weather, terrain, athletic equipment, friends used and the like. Workout information may be shared to social messaging and networking outlets. Workout information shared may include map information including images of maps, interactive maps, links to maps, route information and the like and/or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, an application may be configured to execute within a context of a social networking system to facilitate athletic activity data transfer and generation of workout entries in the social networking site.

Abstract: Portable fitness monitoring methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a portable fitness monitoring method includes a method for providing audible output to a user during an athletic activity using a portable fitness monitoring device. The method includes the steps of receiving an audio feedback file package that includes a first audio feedback file, updating the audio feedback file package, and processing the updated audio feedback file package to provide audible output to the user through an audio output device during the athletic activity.

Abstract: Athletic performance monitoring systems and methods, many of which utilize, in some manner, global positioning satellite (“GPS”) data, provide data and information to athletes and/or to equipment used by athletes during an athletic event. Such systems and methods may provide route information to athletes and/or their trainers, e.g., for pre-event planning, goal setting, and calibration purposes. Such systems and methods optionally may provide real time information to the athlete while the event takes place, e.g., to assist in reaching the pre-set goals. Additionally, data and information collected by such systems and methods may assist in post-event analysis for athletes and their trainers, e.g., to evaluate past performances and to assist in improving future performances.

Abstract: An exercise equipment and method for use is disclosed having a program that calls for user specific anthropometric data and then utilizes the data to create a user specific workout program based on the user's physical characteristics. The user inputs of personal anthropometric data includes, but is not limited to, sex, height, weight, goals, maximum heart rate, maximum run speed, maximum walk speed, and VO2 max. These inputs are used to optimize a workout program either in single use or multiple use applications. Moreover, data can be stored locally, on a network, or transferred to a cloud based repository for recall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for prescribing athletic activity to be performed by a user, and for adapting the prescribed athletic activity based on completed (e.g. ongoing) athletic performances by the user. A coaching plan may be automatically created that prescribes personalized athletic activities as a user trains towards a goal date. The athletic information may be received from one or more sensor devices associated with a user, and the coaching plan may be continuously or intermittently updated based on the received sensor data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for prescribing athletic activity to be performed by a user, and for adapting the prescribed athletic activity based on completed (e.g. ongoing) athletic performances by the user. A coaching plan may be automatically created that prescribes personalized athletic activities as a user trains towards a goal date. The athletic information may be received from one or more sensor devices associated with a user, and the coaching plan may be continuously or intermittently updated based on the received sensor data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for prescribing athletic activity to be performed by a user, and for adapting the prescribed athletic activity based on completed (e.g. ongoing) athletic performances by the user. A coaching plan may be automatically created that prescribes personalized athletic activities as a user trains towards a goal date. The athletic information may be received from one or more sensor devices associated with a user, and the coaching plan may be continuously or intermittently updated based on the received sensor data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for prescribing athletic activity to be performed by a user, and for adapting the prescribed athletic activity based on completed (e.g. ongoing) athletic performances by the user. A coaching plan may be automatically created that prescribes personalized athletic activities as a user trains towards a goal date. The athletic information may be received from one or more sensor devices associated with a user, and the coaching plan may be continuously or intermittently updated based on the received sensor data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating personalized exercise programs are disclosed. An image capture device and a computer device are used to capture images of a user while the user performs athletic movements. The images may then be evaluated to create a human movement screen score. The human movement screen score, goal and time commitment information may then be used to create a personalized exercise program tailored to the specific user.

Abstract: A free weight assembly includes a cradle, an aerobic exercise element that is movable with respect to the cradle during the performance of an exercise, at least one free weight removable from the cradle, an input in communication with a processor that determines a time to instruct a user to remove the free weight, and an indicator that activates when the time to remove the free weight arrives.

Abstract: A folding stirrup for use with a climbing tree stand utilizes a peg pivotally mounted to a bracket attached to the support arms of the stand such that the peg may be selectively moved between a stowed position and a working position wherein a user's feet maybe inserted between the platform, the peg, and the support arm to manipulate the platform.

Abstract: A head strap for swimming goggles includes two ends, a rear portion, and two side portions. Each side portion is located between the rear portion and one of the ends. A slit extends from of one of the side portions through the rear portion to the other side portion. The slit divides each side portion into an upper side section and a lower side section and divides the rear portion into an upper rear section and a lower rear section. A portion of the upper side section and a portion of the lower side section of each side portion clamps one of two sides of a head of a wearer. The upper and lower rear sections of the rear portion of the head strap clamp the back of the head of the wearer. The head strap can be assembled with a body and two buckles to form swimming goggles.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a single core having an outer surface and a geometric center. The core is formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition. An inner cover layer is disposed about the core, the inner cover including a high-acid ionomer and having a material hardness of about 66 to 75 Shore D. The high-acid ionomer has an acid content of about 16% or greater. An outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, the outer cover including a polyurethane and having a material hardness of about 38 Shore D to about 56 Shore D. The core surface hardness is from 0 Shore C to 15 Shore C lower than the geometric center hardness to define a hardness gradient.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a core and a three-layer cover disposed adjacent the core. The three-layer cover includes an inner cover, an intermediate cover, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes a non-ionomeric E/Y copolymer where E is an olefin and Y is a carboxylic acid. The inner cover has a hardness of about 45 to 68 Shore D. The outer cover includes a castable thermoset polyurethane and has a hardness of about 40 to 62 Shore D. The intermediate cover layer, disposed between the inner and outer cover layers, is formed from a polyamide composition, where the polyamide composition includes a transparent polyamide having a light transmission of about 50% or greater.

Abstract: A golf ball includes an inner core layer having a first surface hardness and a geometric center hardness. The center hardness is less than the first surface hardness to define a first positive hardness gradient of about 1 to 12 Shore C. An outer core layer has a second surface hardness. A cover layer is formed over the outer core layer. The second outer surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness to define a second positive hardness gradient of about 12 to 22 Shore C.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a thermoplastic inner core and a thermoset outer core layer. The inner core has a surface hardness of about 40 to 80 Shore C and a center hardness of about 30 to 75 Shore C, the center hardness being less than the surface hardness to define a first positive hardness gradient. The cover includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The thermoplastic inner core comprises a highly-neutralized ionomer including an acid copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid; a plasticizer; an organic acid or salt thereof; and a cation source present in an amount sufficient to neutralize from about 70 to 100% of the acid groups present.

Abstract: Golf balls having a multi-layered core made of a foamed composition are provided. The core preferably has a foam inner core (center) and surrounding thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer. Preferably, a polyurethane foam composition is used to form the foam center. The foam inner core preferably includes a fully-foamed center region and a partially or completely-collapsed foam outer region. The hardness of the fully-foamed region is different than the hardness of the collapsed foam region. Non-foamed thermoset or thermoplastic materials such as polybutadiene rubbers or ethylene acid copolymer ionomer may be used to form the outer core layer. The ball further includes a cover that may be multi-layered. The foam cores have good resiliency.

Abstract: Golf ball having at least three layers comprising ionomeric and/or HNP compositions, wherein for each two adjacent layers, a relationship is established between a ratio of the volumes of the two adjacent layers and a ratio of the percent neutralizations of those two layers such that the volumes and % neutralizations of all layers are interrelated and interdependent to produce unique and desirable playing characteristics. In one embodiment, a golf ball of the invention has T layers, wherein T?3 and each of T layers has a different volume “V” and comprises an ionomeric and/or HNP composition having a different % neutralization “N”. Furthermore, each of n inner layers of the T layers (n<T) has an adjacent surrounding layer n+1 such that a volume Vn and a % neutralization Nn of each inner layer and a volume V(n+1) and % neutralization N(n+1) of each adjacent surrounding layer n+1 satisfy the relationship (Vn?V(n+1))/Nn?(Nn?N(n+1))/N(n+1).

Abstract: Golf ball having at least three layers comprising an ionomeric and/or HNP composition, wherein for each two adjacent layers, a relationship is established between a ratio of the volumes of the two adjacent layers and a ratio of the percent neutralizations of those two layers such that the volumes and % neutralizations of all layers are interrelated and interdependent to produce unique and desirable playing characteristics. In one embodiment, each of T layers, wherein T?3, has a different volume “V” and comprises an ionomeric/HNP composition having a different % neutralization “N”; and wherein each of n inner layers of the T layers (n<T) has an adjacent surrounding layer n+1 such that a volume Vn and a % neutralization Nn of each inner layer and a volume V(n+1) and % neutralization N(n+1) of each adjacent surrounding layer n+1 satisfy the relationship (V(n+1)?Vn)/V(n+1)?(N(n+1)?Nn)/Nn.

Abstract: Golf ball having at least three layers comprising ionomeric and/or HNP compositions, wherein for each two adjacent layers, a relationship is established between a ratio of the volumes of the two adjacent layers and a ratio of the percent neutralizations of those two layers such that the volumes and % neutralizations of all layers are interrelated and interdependent to produce unique and desirable playing characteristics. In one embodiment, a golf ball of the invention has T layers, wherein T?3 and each of T layers has a different volume “V” and comprises an ionomeric and/or HNP composition having a different % neutralization “N”; and wherein each of n inner layers of the T layers (n<T) has an adjacent surrounding layer n+1 such that a volume Vn and a % neutralization Nn of each inner layer and a volume V(n+1) and % neutralization N(n+1) of each adjacent surrounding layer n+1 satisfy the relationship (V(n+1)?Vn)/V(n+1)?(Nn?N(n+1))/N(n+1).

Abstract: Provided is a golf ball liner for rapidly and exactly printing, on a golf ball, a putting line or a mark indicating the owner of the ball. The golf ball liner includes a housing having an inside space in which a golf ball is accommodated, a moving part mounted on the housing and configured to move toward or away from the golf ball, a supporter mounted in an inside space of the moving part, a stamp supported by the supporter and configured to move with the moving part and the supporter to print a putting line or mark on the golf ball, and a first detachable part formed on each of the stamp and the supporter and configured to couple or separate the stamp to or from the supporter.

Abstract: A ball pickup device is provided, comprising a ball collector and a pull rod connected to the ball connector. The ball collector has ball inlets formed at the bottom of the ball collector and formed by transverse rods arranged at the bottom of the ball collector in parallel at intervals, and one ball outlet is formed by the interval between every two adjacent transverse rods. Each interval is smaller than the diameter of a ball. One end of each transverse rod is fixedly connected to the ball collector, and the other end is a movable end and located in the corresponding receding groove. When a ball is pressed, movable ends move along receding gooves to recede under the pressure of the ball, and the ball enters the ball collector. After the ball enters the ball inlet, movable ends move along receding grooves to gradually return.

Abstract: A ball collecting apparatus is provided that employs a human-powered ball transport system that moves balls from a collecting surface to a location above the collection surface. The ball collecting apparatus employs no motors or other artificially powered devices to retrieve and transfer balls, which makes it light and easy to maneuver. The ball collecting apparatus is primarily contemplated for use of picking up tennis balls, but other balls of various sizes may be accommodated by the apparatus as it is scalable.

Abstract: A stand-alone putter structured and weight balanced enabling the putter to stand upright in a favorable lie and loft position on a putting surface without any outside support formed of a club head, a shaft connected to the club head, and having a gripping area at the upper end of the shaft. The club head is conventional in design and includes a ball striking face, a rear surface, a heel, a toe, an upper surface and a bottom sole structured to serve as a first ground support surface for the putter in a conventional use position with the bottom sole lying on a putting surface. The club head further includes at least one additional ground engaging support member extending outwardly from the club head forming a second ground support member to maintain the putter in a stand-alone position on the putting surface.

Abstract: A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, the connection assembly includes a removable hosel sleeve that allows a shaft to be supported a desired predetermined orientation relative to the club head. In this manner, the shaft loft and/or lie angle of the club can be adjusted without resorting to traditional bending of the shaft. In another embodiment, the club head has an adjustable sole that can be adjusted upwardly and downwardly relative to the strike face of the club head, which is effective to adjust the face angle of the club head.

Abstract: An iron-type golf club head includes a body having a wall extending about an opening, a faceplate, at least four apertures extending through the wall, and at least four plugs. The wall has and outer peripheral surface and a first hardness value. The faceplate is coupled to the body across the opening. The wall and the faceplate defining a rearward-facing cavity. The at least four apertures extend through the wall from the peripheral outer surface to the cavity. The at least four plugs are positioned within the at least four apertures, respectively, and the at least four plugs have separate hardness values. The separate hardness values are less than the first hardness value.

Abstract: A protective golf bag system includes a golf bag a removable protective cover. The cover is supported by a protector fitted into a top opening of the bag. The protector includes a divider with a plurality of arms spanning across the sides of the bag and adapted to attach to the sides. These arms form areas for inserting of a number of golf clubs. At the bottom of the bag is a plate to which is releasably anchored an extensible tube with a top portion and a bottom portion centrally positioned in the golf bag with a handle extending through a center of the divider. A button on the handle releases a connecting member at each of the top and bottom of the extensible tube that fixes the relative position of the top and bottom portions of the extensible tube.