Abstract: A multifunctional kinetic mechanism includes a base including a slant tube, a counterweight unit including a joint shaft rotatably connected to the slant tube of the base, a barbell shaft having a first end piece connected to the joint shaft and a second end piece opposite to the first end piece and a counterweight attached to the second end piece of the barbell shaft, and an operating unit including a main frame, a sleeve located at a front side of the main frame and sleeved onto the second end piece of the barbell shaft, two grips respectively pivotally mounted at an opposing rear side of the main frame and two shoulder cushion pads mounted at a bottom side of the main frame between the sleeve and the two grips. Thus, a user can operate the operating unit to move the barbell shaft to train different muscle groups.

Abstract: A self-standing weighted pole system for providing convenient stabilization and additional weight for an exerciser. The self-standing weighted pole system generally includes an elongated pole having a lower end and an upper end, and a base attached to the lower end of the pole. The base includes an outer end that is broader than the pole to support the pole in a substantially vertically orientated self-standing manner.

Abstract: A portable exercise device with a cylindrical and elongated main shaft and a plurality of central components that fit over the main shaft. Both ends of the main shaft are releasably attached handles. Each of the handles comprises a grip section that is cylindrical in shape and overlies a handle support. The grip section of each of the handles is releasably attached to the handle support, and the handle supports are releasably attached to the main shaft. Longitudinal axes of the main shaft and handles are collinear. Each of the handles comprises an attachment member that extends from a distal end of the handle and forms an arc. An inner circumference of the attachment member is circular except for a flat portion that is equal in width to the flat portion of the handle support. The handle attachment members are configured to releasably attach to the handle supports.

Abstract: A portable exercise apparatus utilized for exercising, stretching, and training multiple muscle groups of the body of a user. The apparatus is adapted to be worn about the waist or carried as a bandolier about the user's body. The apparatus has at least one releasably closable pocket and fixation rings for securing and carrying accessories, such as attachable handles, suspension lines, and elastic bands. The apparatus and methods of use provide the user with a plurality of configurations for assisted exercise regimens and the flexibility to exercise anywhere.

Abstract: A stationary exercise device having variable footpaths is disclosed. The exercise device includes a frame, a pair of supporting members that have a first end to rotate about an axis and a second end to move along a reciprocating path, a pair of pedals joined to the supporting members, and a guider assembly for adjusting an incline angle of the reciprocating path.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated walking training includes a frame or treadmill having a driven treadmill belt and a pelvis attachment to support a position and weight of a user. The pelvis attachment includes a displacement unit for allowing a movement of the user's pelvis held by attachment elements transverse to and/or rotating about a perpendicular axis to the walking direction of the treadmill to provide a more natural and physiological gait during training. A weight suspension unit having a cable guided over a guide roller positioned above and attached to the pelvis attachment may include a displacement unit adapted to move the guide roller perpendicular to the diverted section of the cable to influence the transverse position of an upper body of the user as well as to prevent a pendulum effect of the trunk of his body.

Abstract: A device for training abductors and/or adductors of the hip joint, having a frame and guided, movable seating. The characterizing feature of the device is that abductors and/or adductors of the hip joint can be trained. To this end, the guiding component of the seating, which is pivotally connected to the frame and can be locked in various positions, has a first rest for at least lateral placement of the knee, at least a lower leg region and/or at least a thigh region of one leg. Furthermore, the guided component of the seating is provided with a seat having a second rest and a third rest for lateral placement of at least the upper region of the pelvis and/or at least a region of the upper body. The second rest and/or the third rest can be adjusted into and locked in its position in order to provide lateral fixing.

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: An exercise training system is provided having a system controller and a plurality of stimulant target units connected via a wireless network to the system controller. Each stimulant target unit has a light source providing light to stimulate a user, a proximity sensor providing an output of a distance between the proximity sensor and an object external to the unit, and means for providing feedback to the user to signal that the unit has been actuated by the user. The system controller includes a program for activating the stimulant target units in a sequence. The reaction by the user to the illumination is registered when the user brings a body part or other object to within a selected distance of the proximity sensor, this distance being programmable by the user.

Abstract: A treadmill system includes a deck, an endless tread belt covering at least a portion of the deck, a position sensor that senses a position of a user when the user is on the tread belt, and a control module that adjusts a speed of the tread belt in response to an output of the position sensor.

Abstract: A system for automatically providing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is provided. The system may include exercise apparatus which a user manipulates to achieve exercise and which is controllable to provide an exercise profile having a high-intensity exercise interval to the user during user exercise. A stimulator subsystem is controllable to provide sets of stimuli to the user during user exercise including a set of stimuli capable of evoking a pupillary response in the user. An imaging assembly images a pupil of an eye of the user during user exercise to obtain a set of images of the pupil. An image processor processes the set of images to obtain measurements which measure the pupillary response. A system controller controls the exercise apparatus and the stimulator subsystem so that the exercise apparatus automatically provides the high-intensity exercise interval to the user based on the measurements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polyurethane golf ball compositions. The compositions are prepared by adding a UV absorber to a polyol prior to reacting the polyol with an isocyanate to form a prepolymer, or by adding the UV absorber to the prepolymer, which is then reacted with a curing agent to form the polyurethane.

Abstract: The invention relates to golf balls having at least one layer formed from a highly-neutralized polymer material that has been crosslinked. In particular, the compositions of the invention include a highly-neutralized polymer, at least one crosslinking initiator, and at least one coagent. The invention also relates to methods of making the compositions and golf ball constructions that incorporate the compositions of the invention in at least a portion thereof.

Abstract: A ball game apparatus comprises a control device (14, 24, 52, 60) which defines a predetermined range of allowable movements of a ball (10, 20, 40, 70) over space and time, sensing means (12, 22, 42) for detecting the actual movements of a ball, comparison means for comparing an actual movement to the predetermined range of allowable movements, and indicating means (16, 34, 54, 62) for indicating the output of the said comparing. The sensing means (12, 22, 42) comprises a multi-axis accelerometer contained in the ball and having accelerometer, gyroscope and/or magnetometer functions. The ball may be activated by an internal magnetically-operated switch (17, 22, 47). The control device and indicating means can be incorporated in the ball itself or in a separate portable computing device.

Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.

Abstract: A golf club shaft connection assembly comprising first and second shaft sections, male and female adaptors, a hollow retainer, a spring, and a plurality of balls is disclosed herein. The male and female adaptors are each attached to the first and second shaft sections, respectively, preferably with a permanent adhesive. The male adaptor comprises a protrusion that fits within a keyed interior of the female adaptor, and moving the hollow retainer towards the male adaptor reversibly fixes the two adaptors together, while moving the hollow retainer towards the female adaptor allows the male adaptor to be removed from the female adaptor.

Abstract: A putter head comprising a removable and replaceable hosel is disclosed herein. In particular, the putter comprises a first body portion with a plurality of protrusions, a second body portion with a plurality of cavities sized to receive the protrusions, a hosel with an engagement portion that is trapped within one of the cavities by a protrusion, and a mechanical fastener to removably fix each of these pieces together. The fastener preferably extends through a bore on the heel side of the putter head and into a threaded bore within one of the protrusions. In an alternative embodiment, the putter head has a single body portion, which receives the engagement portion of a hosel in a heel side cavity, and which is affixed to the hosel via a fastener that extends through a front surface of the body portion.

Abstract: A hollow golf club head comprises a face part, a sole part, a side part, a crown part, and a hosel part. At least one of the face part and the crown part has portions of two different rigidities that are first and second rigid portions, the first rigid portion has a first rigidity, the second rigid portion is made of the same material as the first rigid portion, and the second rigid portion has the same thickness as the first rigid portion but has a lower rigidity than the first rigidity of the first rigid portion.

Abstract: A multiple-material golf club and a method for forming said golf club is disclosed herein. The multiple-material golf club preferably is a driver that has a metal face cup and a thin-walled, compression molded, composite aft body with precise IML and OML geometry. The molding composite used to form the compression molded aft body preferably comprises a plurality of randomly oriented, pre-spread carbon fiber bundles and a thermoset or thermoplastic matrix material.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as an iron-type golf club head, includes a face having a ball striking surface and a rear surface, and a body connected to the face. The body has a sole member and a rear cavity defined at least partially by the sole member and the rear surface of the face. The body has an elongated, recessed channel extending within the cavity along a juncture line between the rear surface of the face and the sole member. Additionally, the head is formed in part by a face member having a first leg forming at least a major portion of the face and a second leg extending rearwardly from a bottom end of the first leg and forming at least a portion of the sole member. The head may further be formed by a body member connected to the face member.

Abstract: A set of iron type golf club heads comprising a plurality of iron type golf club heads, the plurality of iron type golf club heads comprising a long iron, a mid iron, and a short iron; wherein each of the plurality of iron type golf club heads comprise a striking face, and wherein each of the plurality of iron type golf club heads comprise a plurality of grooves formed in the striking face extending generally from a heel side of the striking face towards a toe side of the striking face; wherein the plurality of grooves of each of the plurality of iron type golf club heads comprise an edge radius, wherein the edge radius of the plurality of grooves of the long iron is greater than the edge radius of the plurality of grooves of the short iron.

Abstract: A golf club head with at least one cavity including a fill material comprising a polymer and a plurality of microscopic glass bubbles, and methods of manufacturing such golf club heads, are disclosed herein. In particular, the golf club head is an iron having a striking face, a rear portion, and an internal cavity disposed behind the striking face, which is at least partially filled with the fill material. The plurality of microscopic glass bubbles constitutes at 5-70% of the volume of the fill material, and more preferably approximately 20-30% of the volume of the fill material. The polymer material preferably is a polyurethane having a Poisson's ratio of 0.40-0.50. In some embodiments, the fill material takes the form a medallion affixed to a rear surface of the striking face, while in others, the fill material is injected into the internal cavity.

Abstract: An accessory bag for a main bag is provided and may include a main body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The main body may be movable between a collapsed state having the first end disposed proximate to the second end and an expanded state having the first end separated from the second end. The accessory bag may further include an attachment device associated with one of the first end and the second end that selectively attaches the main body to the main bag.

Abstract: A golf tee assembly includes a support that has a plurality of arms. The support may be positioned on a support surface to define a vertically oriented arm and a plurality of supporting arms. A plurality of tees is provided and each of the tees is removably coupled to the support. The tee corresponding to the vertically oriented arm may support a golf ball thereby facilitating the golf ball to be struck. A plurality of extensions is provided. Each of the extensions is removably positioned between the arms and the tees. Thus, the tees are spaced a selected distance from the support.

Abstract: An arrangement, a computer system, and/or a method for playing a game include a playing area, a first set of scoring structures arranged at a perimeter of the playing area and that are active throughout the game, and a second set of scoring structures arranged at the perimeter of the playing area and that are active only during penalty periods of the game, where each pair of adjacent ones of structures of the first set is separated by one of the structures of the second set.

Abstract: A tiered beverage pong game system comprising a plurality of tiered platforms, each having at least one of a width and a length that is greater than any higher tiered platform and a plurality of beverage container placement markers located on the tiered platforms, each configured to seat a beverage container thereon, the beverage container placement markers comprising a plurality of colors indicating which direction a beverage container seated on beverage container placement marker is passed when a player bounces a ball into the corresponding beverage container. A top tiered platform comprises a single beverage container placement marker and each tiered platform comprises a greater number of beverage container placement markers than any higher tiered platform. Each side of each tiered platform comprises a different color along a vertical or horizontal side that corresponds with a color among the plurality of colors of the beverage container placement markers.

Abstract: A recreational activity and component pieces for that activity in which one or more participants toss a specially designed article that fits over at least the toe portion of their footwear, the toss using their lower extremities (leg and foot) in combination with upper body for balance and coordination. The activity can be adapted as a game in which the participants or players score points while sometimes negotiating obstacles or making goals depending on the game of choice. The game tests a player's kick toss agility.

Abstract: A laser distance comparator incorporates a case housing a laser controller for producing a laser beam. The case has a handle and a button for engagement of a positioning device over a reference ball. A switch control is present on the case for activating the laser controller and a central processing unit (CPU) receives an input from the switch control, providing outputs to the laser controller to obtain a distance measurement to at least one competition ball.

Abstract: A ball, and in particular a baseball or softball, including one or more sensors such as accelerometers and/or inertial measurement units, and systems and methods using the same to improve a pitcher's pitching performance are described herein. In some embodiments, the ball may include one or more inertial measurement units and/or accelerometers capable of monitoring motion of the ball while it is thrown. Various types of pitches may be selected, and in response to the inertial measurement unit(s) and/or accelerometer(s) detecting certain parameters corresponding to a selected pitch, one or more indicators may be caused to perform an action. For example, one or more illuminating elements located on the ball may turn a first color in response to detecting parameters corresponding to the selected pitch.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a taekwondo kicking and punching apparatus comprising: a first padded element designed like an Olympic style taekwondo chest protector; a paddle having a handle on one end and a padded portion designed to look like an Olympic style helmet; and a device for securing the paddle to the first padded element.

Abstract: A martial arts training device is provided. The device includes a stand. The base slides over the stand and is fillable to support the stand in an upright position when in use and resting on a surface. A main frame portion is secured to a top end of the stand, rotatable horizontally. At least one bar is secured to the main frame portion, rotatable vertically. The bar includes a foam padding about its second end. At least one counterweight is secured to the axle portion of the main frame portion and rotatable about the horizontal axis. The counterweight protrudes from a second side of the axle portion of the main frame portion opposite from the first side. A piston return portion can be optionally installed over the bar portion of the axle bar receiver. A “C” spring secures to the main frame portion directly below the bar.

Abstract: A mechanical roping steer apparatus for practicing roping of a steer may comprise a support assembly for resting on a ground surface, a rotatable wheel configured to contact the ground surface such that movement of the support assembly across the ground rotates the wheel, and a steer assembly connected to the support assembly. The steer assembly may comprise a frame having a spine structure, a hip structure movably mounted on the frame to move between first and second positions, and a leg structure movably mounted on the hip structure to move between forward and rearward positions, and including at least one leg member. The steer assembly may include an actuation assembly may be configured to move the leg member downwardly toward the ground surface during rearward movement of the leg member and move the leg member upwardly during forward movement of the leg member.

Abstract: A basketball training system includes a ball delivery system in which a basketball is delivered to a ball ready holder located in front of a ball launch mechanism. A launch arm is grabbed and pulled backward against a spring force, and then is released to pivot forward and strike the basketball from the ball ready holder.

Abstract: This is the embodiment of the net apparatus used in sports and in the non-sports arenas. This net's frame supports an inner net framed matrix that connects and pivots a rear frame for an adjustable triangular-shaped lean to control the trajectory of the ball or object. The net is designed to rebound balls or objects with high energy even at side angles to return the ball to the sender. The net is also designed to minimize stress to both net and frame when a ball or object contacts the net.

Abstract: A paddling action simulating exerciser in the form of a kayaking trainer that includes pole, a cord that extends along the pole and linearly displaceably passes therethrough, a hollow spacer that extends between a seating facility and an anchoring layout including a cord guiding layout via which the free ends of the cord are secured to a spring. A multi-directionally adjustable footplate facility that includes an upright foot abutment plate fitted with a heel rest and a toe strap is fitted along the spacer. The spacer, seating facility, leg, footplate facility and guiding layout in constituting a trainer core assembly are laterally rockable by way of rocking formations fitting along slots.

Abstract: A swivel joint system for hanging a heavy punching bag from an overhead support has a swivel joint defining at least first and second perpendicular pivot axes and a hanging shaft having a lower end pivotally connected to the universal joint for rotation about the first pivot axis and an upper end configured for rotatable attachment to an overhead support for free rotation about a third pivot axis. A hanging tube is pivotally connected to the universal joint for rotation about the second pivot axis, and releasably secured to a mounting plate. A plurality of attachment members are rigidly attachable at spaced locations around the mounting plate to surround the hanging tube and configured for attachment to straps at the upper end of a heavy punching bag.

Abstract: A golf swing training device for controlling head movements of a golfer during a swing includes a vertical support assembly, a horizontal arm coupled to the vertical support assembly, and a head engaging assembly carried by the horizontal arm. The head engaging assembly includes a generally U-shaped collar divided into two half portions hingedly coupled together and movable between an open position and a closed position. At least one of the two half portions has a coupling removably receiving the horizontal arm.

Abstract: A wearable device includes: a wake up component that generates a first wake-up signal based on a first detected exercise activity location and generates a second wake-up signal based on a second detected exercise activity location; a receiver that receives a first exercise signal from a first transmitter based on receipt of the first wake-up signal and receives a second exercise signal from a second transmitter based on receipt of the second wake-up signal, the first exercise signal being associated with a first exercise session of the user, the second exercise signal being associated with a second exercise session of the user; a memory that stores first exercise data based on first exercise signal and stores second exercise data based on the second exercise signal; and a transmitter that transmits an exercise download signal based on the first exercise data and the second exercise data.

Abstract: An athletic protector, such as an athletic cup, with regions formed of the same compositional material, which is more rigid in one such region than in another such region.

Abstract: A flexible, reusable protective sports board sleeve for use inside of a sports board bag comprises a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is joined to the second panel along the respective outer edges of the panels thereby creating an overlapping pocket, wherein the overlapping pocket receives a sports board through the sleeve's tip end, and the bottom edge of the sports board sleeve allows attachment to the tail end of the sports board. The sleeve is made of a flexible, wax-resistant material that allows the sports board to easily slide in and out of a sports board bag without wax sticking to the inside of the sports board bag. There are both horizontal and parallel longitudinal lines printed on the sleeve to help users customize the dimensions of said sleeve by cutting along the horizontal and parallel longitudinal lines.

Abstract: A human transportation device in the form of a variable length skateboard. The variable length skateboard provides a short embodiment allowing the rider greater handling and stopping ability and a long embodiment providing the rider with increased speed ability. The long and short embodiments can quickly and easily be transitioned between at any time or place by the insertion or extraction of at least one removable center deck section. The deck sections are coupled using thumb screw type fasteners and coupler plates thereby removing a need for tools to make the conversion between embodiments. The variable length skateboard provides its owner with multiple embodiments without having to purchase multiple skateboards.

Abstract: Motorized skating systems and methods for controlling the systems are disclosed. One exemplary system may include a primary skate and a secondary skate. The primary skate may include a sensor configured to detect a tilting signal. The primary skate may also include a first processor. The processor may be configured to determine a first control signal for moving the primary skate based on the tilting signal and determine a motion signal for moving the secondary skate based on the first control signal. The primary skate may further include a first communication interface configured to send the motion signal to the secondary skate. The secondary skate may include a second communication interface configured to receive the motion signal from the first communication interface. The secondary skate may also include a second processor configured to determine a second control signal for moving the secondary skate based on the received motion signal.

Abstract: An multi-dimensional game comprises a physical component including a game board and game pieces and a virtual component including a virtual environment displayed on a display device. A user is able to play the game by interacting with the virtual or physical component, wherein in order to complete tasks in the game the user must transition between interacting with the virtual component and the physical component. The physical component comprises game blocks, which are able to couple to each other and form objects that are then represented in the virtual component.

Abstract: A magnetic dominos game set with pieces that magnetically connect end to end, side to side and side to end, and methods for manufacturing and playing magnetic dominos.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to adjusting virtual item bundles made available to users of on online game based on user gameplay information. In implementations, information relating to prospective usage of the online game is used to classify users according by user type. Responsive to the determined user type of a user, customizations of item bundles in the online game made available to individual users for purchase within the online game may be determined.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein for automatically determining play states, intrinsic motivators, play types/patterns and a play personality of a user/subject. Play personalities develop from activation of play states, and vary individually and are expressed in a variety of play type/patterns. These states, personalities, patterns and associated intrinsic motivations may be automatically determined by computing devices based on that user/subject's information, behaviors and biometric data. The play personality may be additionally used as the means for identifying and integrating intrinsic motivators into player-centric design which can alter and personalize user/subject/player engagement, experience and outcomes.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprising: storing in a memory information of one or more game objects; causing to be displayed on a user interface of a touchscreen display a game board comprising one or more of said game objects; in response to determining contact or proximity of a selector at a first location of said display, determining by the processor one or more of said game objects stored in said memory that are displayed on and/or proximate to said location; and causing one or more of said game objects that are displayed on and/or proximate to said first location to be displayed on said display in a magnified region at a second location, wherein said second location is spaced from said first location.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system having a processor that performs operations including receiving from a computer accessory a control signal for controlling a software application, determining a result that would arise if the control signal is supplied to the software application, and generating an updated control signal to produce a desired result responsive to detecting that the result is undesirable. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system communicates with a device in both a wired mode and a wireless mode, and is able to switch between these two modes without permanent disruption to an ongoing use. The system is configured to receive an indication of a condition that suggests switching from the wireless mode of operation to a wired mode of operation, to display a notification for the device to switch, and to transition from the wireless mode of operation to the wired mode of operation.