Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball made up of, successively, a core, an intermediate layer and a cover having numerous dimples on the surface thereof, the intermediate layer is formed of a resin material and the cover is formed of a urethane resin material, each having a specific respective Shore D hardness. The ball has a specific (intermediate layer thickness)/(core diameter) value and a specific (cover thickness)/(core diameter) value, and the core has a specific deflection. The sphere consisting of the core encased by the intermediate layer has an initial velocity A and the core has an initial velocity B which together satisfy the condition A?B?0 m/s. This golf ball provides an increased distance and has both a soft feel when played and a high durability to repeated impact.

Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having a dual-layered core and cover of at least one layer are provided. The dual-core construction includes a non-foamed inner core (center) made of a thermoplastic or thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. An outer core layer comprising a foamed composition, such as polyurethane foam, is disposed about the inner core. In one version, the foamed outer core layer is made of a relatively soft foam composition having low flex modulus and density. The foamed outer core layer may specific gravity gradient within the layer, wherein the outer surface specific gravity is greater than the midpoint specific gravity. A cover may be disposed about the core structure. For example, an inner cover made of ethylene acid copolymer ionomer and outer cover made of polyurethane may be used.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a stability ball case configured to store a stability ball therein and, especially, having a weight thereon to prevent the stored stability ball from rolling, thereby avoiding a safety accident that may happen when the stability ball rolls and drops, as well as storing the stability ball at a desired place in a safe and convenient manner. particularly, another objective of the present invention is to provide a stability ball case configured such that a weight can be attached to and detached from a body constituting the case, whereby the weight can be separated from the body when the case is washed, or when the stability ball is carried, thereby enabling the stability ball case to be safely used and stored, as well as being conveniently used.

Abstract: A golf club includes a golf club head having a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole, a crown and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. A face defines a forward portion of the club head and includes a striking surface width and a hosel defining a hosel bore. A channel and a recessed port are positioned in the sole. The channel extends substantially in a heel-to-toe direction. A sleeve is mounted on a tip end of the golf club shaft and is adapted to be inserted into the hosel bore. A fastener has a shaft portion extending through a passage and a head portion located in the recessed port. Selectively attaching the sleeve adjusts at least one of a loft angle and a lie angle of the club head.

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 having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom portion, a top portion, an interior, and a plurality of ports on the bottom portion. The golf club head may include a polymer insert in contact with an inner surface of the bottom portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A golf club head comprises a sole, a recessed sole port in the sole; and a rotatably adjustable sole piece adapted to be at least partially received within the sole port and comprising a central body having a plurality of contact surfaces adapted to contact the sole port and being offset from each other along a central axis extending through the central body of the sole piece. The sole piece can be positioned at least partially within the sole port at five or more rotational and axial positions with respect to the central axis, wherein at each rotational position, at least one of said contact surfaces of the central body contacts the sole port to set the axial position of the sole piece. The sole port and/or the sole piece can be generally pentagonal in shape.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a dispenser including a cylinder defining: a first, closed end; a second, open end; and an articulating region proximate to the second, open end. The articulating region is adapted and configured to: resiliently bend between at least: a first position in which all portions of the cylinder have a substantially linear profile; and a second position in which the articulating portion and any portion of the cylinder between the articulating portion and the second, open end of the cylinder bend at least 90° relative to a portion of the cylinder between the articulating region and first, closed end; and maintain either the first position or the second position without the need for force or support.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a gripping collar may comprise an outer shell, a shoulder, and a receiving area. The gripping collar may be operable to receive a tapered elongated shaft at the receiving area. The shoulder may protrude from the outer shell. A support base may comprise an aperture. The aperture may be wider than at least a portion of the outer shell of the gripping collar and narrower than an outer edge of the shoulder of the gripping collar. When the gripping collar is inserted into the aperture, a bottom side of the shoulder may rest against a top side of the support base or aperture.

Abstract: A lacrosse head configured to form a pocket channel, the lacrosse head having a stop member, first and second sidewalls extending from the stop member in a forward direction, and a scoop connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall opposite to the stop member, with the scoop having a forward edge and a rearward edge, with the rearward edge of the scoop defining generally an arc shape except for a recessed portion disposed at a longitudinal centerline of the lacrosse head, and with the scoop defining at least one stringing hole disposed forward of the recessed portion. Alternatively, a lacrosse head may have a scoop that defines a plurality of lateral stringing holes disposed generally along an arc, and that defines a forwardly offset stringing hole disposed along a longitudinal centerline of the lacrosse head and forward of the arc.

Abstract: A grip for a shaft for a golf club, the golf club comprising a head provided at a first end of the shaft and a second end of the shaft corresponding to the hand placement area on which the grip is formed, and a method for forming such a grip are disclosed. A grip comprises a sleeve of heat-shrinkable material adapted to be inserted over the second end and an under listing positioned along the second end, wherein the sleeve is inserted over the second end and the under listing positioned thereon, and shrinks onto the second end upon heat application. A method for forming a grip comprises positioning an under listing along the second end, inserting a sleeve of heat-shrinkable material over the second end and the under listing positioned thereon, applying heat to the sleeve such that the sleeve shrinks onto the second end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a sporting racquet handle wherein the racquet has a rectangular cross-section handle base. The apparatus comprises a first sleeve portion having a first sleeve interior adapted to engage upon the handle base and a first sleeve exterior shaped to form a first handgrip portion, a second sleeve portion having a second sleeve interior adapted to engage upon the handle base and a second sleeve exterior shaped to form a second handgrip portion, and connectors for securing the first sleeve portion to the second sleeve portion around the handle base so as to mate the first handgrip portion with the second handgrip portion to form a continuous handgrip around the handle base. The method comprises securing a first sleeve portion around the handle base and securing a second sleeve portion around the handle base to as to form a continuous handgrip around the handle base.

Abstract: A training device and method of training for a lacrosse stick assembly are provided. The training device can include a band including a front portion and a back portion. The band can be configured such that a point on the back portion of the band is arranged a distance higher than a point on the front portion. When the band is secured to the head of the lacrosse stick assembly, the back portion of the band is arranged closer to the lip of the head. A weight can be arranged on the back portion of the band and on an exterior side thereof. The weight is configured to be held below the sidewalls of the head at a location in the pocket where a lacrosse ball would sit during actual play when the band is secured to the head.

Abstract: A velocity load belt that includes a waist belt to be worn around a user's waist, a stirrup to be worn on the user's foot, and first and second elastic filaments attachable to the waist belt and the stirrup, and when so attached, the first elastic filament extends from a middle of the back of the user's waist to the inside of the user's ankle of the foot to which the stirrup is coupled, and the second elastic filament extends across the front of the user's leg and to the outside of the ankle of the foot to which the stirrup is releasably coupled.

Abstract: A system used to attach a climbing hold to a chain-link fence. In one embodiment, a backing plate (10) narrow enough to slide through the openings of a chain-link fence (12) is placed on the far side of the chain-link fence (12). A climbing hold (14) is placed on the nearside of the chain-link fence (12), and a bolt (16) is used to clamp the assembly together. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A swing training device has an upper cuff for removably receiving an upper arm of a user and a lower cuff for removably receiving a lower arm of the user. A hinge connects the cuffs, which are movable about the hinge and relative to each other between an extended position and a retracted position. An elastic member biases the cuffs toward the extended position. The device may be utilized for medical uses, such as for rehabilitation or strengthening exercises.

Abstract: A basketball training device including one or more targets, generally a plurality of targets, featured on a strip of material located along the inside circumference of a basketball goal rim. The strip of material can include a magnetic flap that helps hold the device to the rim or the rim's frame, i.e. the back plate. The strip of material features a plurality of targets that are located in front of the inside of the basketball rim. The device allows a player to aim at a target that is on the inside of the basketball rim located directly in front of their position while shooting from any position on the court. In addition, the device trains the player to target the inside of the rim when shooting while the device is not in place.

Abstract: A height adjustable combat training assembly and method of operation enables a practitioner to strike with a fist, kick, hurtle over, and reenact combat with a real person through use of a height adjustable series of shafts, target accessories, and elongated barriers that are manipulated into myriad configurations. A base portion is filled with a weighted substance to stabilize the assembly. A base shaft attached perpendicularly into the base portion. A height adjustable shaft extends from the base shaft in a sliding relationship that is measured with a height gauging instrument. Padded sleeves encapsulate both shafts for cushioning. A flexible member extends form the terminus of the height adjustable shaft. A terminal target rests on the terminus of the second sleeve. A label attaches to the sleeves. At least one target accessory detachably attaches to the shafts or sleeves, and includes linear arm, blocking arm, laser device, and fist.

Abstract: A system is provided for evaluating football player tackling performance of learned skills in a competitive in-game setting. The system includes reviewing video footage of football games, and analyzing each tackle opportunity with clear objectives for the player with the tackling opportunity to satisfy to achieve a successful result. The system also includes a visual tool that provides clear context for analysis of each tackle opportunity. Methods of evaluation are also provided.

Abstract: A putting target is disclosed which visually replicates a golf hole and reliably returns a golf ball to the putting location. The putting target includes a lip, a ramp and an angled wall segment. The ramp includes a concaved surface defined by a quadratic spline in each of a longitudinal (x-z) plane and a lateral (y-z) plane and a rim circumscribing the concaved face. An angled wall segment extends from the rim and terminates at a bottom edge for supporting the ramp at an inclined orientation with respect to the putting surface. An image is applied to at least a portion of the ramp and provides a perspective view of a golf hole along a predetermined line of sight.

Abstract: A computer assisted sports communication and collaboration transactional platform with client devices engaging a network, and an administrative memory with processor, the memory having individual user information profiles; an authentication component; a tournament database model; a registration and ranking component; a financial component; an automatic team creation component; and an operational management component that automatically; creates a tournament play sequence, tracks and calculate results, and a ranking for each individual user information profile.

Abstract: A convertible binding comprising a base plate, a heel plate and a toe plate. The toe plate is rotatable from one end of a frame to either lie underneath the base plate or extend outward from the base plate to form a front portion of a snowshoe configuration. The heel plate is rotatable from a second end of the frame to either extend upward from the base plate to provide a heel back support for a snow board binding configuration to or extend outward from the base plate, in an opposing direction from said toe plate, to form a back portion of a snowshoe configuration. A mounting bracket with a forward and rear lip is attached to a snowboard and holds the convertible binding. A locking mechanism will hold the base plate down.

Abstract: A truck assembly for a skateboard includes a single rotating sphere for allowing free movement of the skateboard in a 360° direction. A hanger having a pair of side flat circular bases are provided to receive a wheel assembly having the single rotating sphere facing the ground. The wheel assembly includes a screw element to removable engage a hole provided on the side flat circular base and a fixing element is also provided to prevent the wheel assembly to move around the screw element. The wheel arrangement and the truck assembly of the invention allow a skater to easily interchange the truck assembly without modifying or altering the existing skateboard.

Abstract: Provided are bridge support apparatuses and cue stick supporting apparatuses to aid a person with a disabled hand or hands, or to aid a person with a missing hand or two missing hands, to allow a person to effectively play games that require a cue stick or another game related stick that requires supporting, aiming and carrying, including the games of billiards and pool. The cue stick supporting apparatuses are adjustable to grip onto and hold a cue stick to be used and to be carried.

Abstract: A method is provided of digitally imaging a secure portion and a non-secure portion of scratch-off-coating protected documents of at least one game using middleware. The method includes: (a) generating the secure variable indicia in non- vector raster format; (b) generating vector graphics to be imaged on physical document locations; (c) assigning the secure variable indicia in a non-vector raster format to documents in and shuffling the documents throughout a print run; and (d) linking via middleware the secure variable indicia in the non-vector raster format to associated vector graphics variable indicia to be digitally imaged on the documents and to generate vector graphics-formatted data for each document in the print run. The secure variable indicia assignment and shuffling are executed by non-vector raster game generation software output that is reinterpreted by the middleware to produce related vector graphic output for the secure variable indicia.

Abstract: A system and method for digitally connecting a network of physical games are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a system comprises a table game having a first goal. A first sensor is inside first the goal. The system has a microcontroller in communication with the first sensor that collects first data. A computing device is in communication with the microcontroller that detects when a ball has entered the first goal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for designing and manufacturing a mathematically fair N-sided die are disclosed. An example method can comprise selecting an irregular polyhedron to serve as a die, and determining a center of mass of the selected irregular polyhedron die. In an aspect, a size of each face of the irregular polyhedron can be selected such that a solid angle subtended by each face from the center of mass of the selected irregular polyhedron can be equal.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of 60-sided and 120-sided replacement dice each having a probability distribution equivalent to that of a subject die with fewer faces than the corresponding replacement die such that each replacement die can be used in place of the corresponding subject die.

Abstract: A system configured to be coupled with a participant of an activity. The system comprises: a participant activity monitoring unit configured for monitoring a performance of the activity by the participant; an activity information module configured for storing performance information corresponding to the activity; and a participant performance correlator configured for delivering comparative performance data based on the monitored performance of the activity by the participant and the stored performance information.

Abstract: The application provides for a system and method of playing an educational balancing game. An electronic game spinner is used to select a category to be tested, as well as a specific question within this category. Once the specific question has been selected, potential answers are shown on an electronic game board whereby a user must then use their body to select a circle containing an answer. The game board may also be constructed out of plastic, where the answers are fixed, however, the electronic game spinner scans a code on the game board so that appropriate questions are used with the printed answer selections.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus having an integrated circuit made of substrate, at least three light emitters arranged on the substrate, and driver circuitry located on the integrated circuit, the driver circuitry to drive an ultra low persistence display to remove ghosting and nausea.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to facilitating collaboration between multiple players in an online game to achieve a goal in the game. Achievement of the goal may result in provision of an award related to the goal to one or more of the multiple players and/or to one or more affiliations associated with the multiple player. The goal may comprise a predetermined set of tasks required to be completed by more than one player, or may just comprise a predetermined set of tasks that may be completed by one or more players. Responsive to achieving the goal, the award may be provided to one or more recipients. The recipients may comprise, for example, players that initiated the completion of the goal, one or more players who provided the most input to the goal, one or more affiliations associated with respective one or more players involved in achieving the goal, and/or other entities.

Abstract: A more effective image is presented to a third person in accordance with the progress of a prescribed story of a game in which a virtual object is generated. An MR game device (3) includes a spectator-viewing-intended image synthesis unit (353) that generates a spectator viewpoint image of a virtual space containing an image of the virtual object and an image of a competitor as viewed from a virtual space viewpoint of a spectator in accordance with the progress of the prescribed story.

Abstract: An example method of multi-character animation comprises: identifying a single scene origin in an animation scene of an interactive video game; aligning, to the single scene origin, each game character of a plurality of game characters associated with the animation scene; generating, with respect to the single scene origin, a respective animation for each game character of the plurality of game characters; and causing each game character of the plurality of game characters to be displayed, using the respective animation, in the interactive video game.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing dynamic and static contest prize allocation based on in-game achievement of a user in an online game in order to encourage players to continue to purchase items to improve their tournament metrics even if they may be unable to improve their tournament rank. For example, calculation of a dynamic prize may comprise for rank x, the player may gain 1 prize unit for every y Glory gained (when Glory may be the measured by the tournament). The y value may increase for lower ranks achieved in the tournament.

Abstract: Virtual reality content in an online game may be provided by providing access to users attempting to join a game instance via virtual reality platforms and denying access to users attempting to join the game instance via non-virtual reality platforms. Virtual reality content in an online game may be provided by requiring users playing the online game via virtual reality platforms during a time period to achieve a first objective, and requiring users playing the online game via non-reality platforms during the time period to achieve a second objective. The first objective may require interaction with the virtual reality content and the second object may not require interaction with the virtual reality content. Virtual reality content in an online game may be provided by requiring all users to achieve an objective during a time period. The objective may require interaction with the virtual reality content.

Abstract: A game system including at least one processor configured to set a first user area, a second user area, and a common area which is different from the first user area and the second user area in a game field; set a common area; accept placement of a first-class card of a first user in the first user area; restrict placement of a second-class card of the first user in the first user area; accept placement of the first-class card of a second user in the second user area; restrict placement of the second-class card of the second user in the second user area; accept placement of the second-class card of the first user or the second-class card of the second user in the common area; and execute game processing, based on a card placed in the first user area, the second user area, or the common area.

Abstract: A device and method include: determining the action content of each character engaged in battle by allowing the player to perform an operation whereby an arbitrary item not selected by the opponent is selected from a group of common items, and an operation whereby the selected item is associated with the player's battle character, while allowing the opponent to perform an operation, whereby an arbitrary item not selected by the player is selected from the group, and an operation whereby the selected item is associated with the opponent's battle character; determining the action order of the characters based on an action speed parameter configured for each respective character engaged in battle; and, upon selection of all the items from the group, causing each character engaged in battle to act based on the character action content corresponding to the respectively associated items in accordance with the determined action order.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to enabling access to a game instance through a social network system. A client-side player component facilitates communication between a game instance on the client device and a backend server of a social networking system. The communication information can be stored in or retrieved from a social graph of the social networking system. The game instance can be initialized from a social platform of the social networking system, and the game can be played without leaving a social network application.

Abstract: A motion simulator ride assembly including a motion base and a rider support assembly positioned beneath and coupled to the motion base. The rider support assembly includes a plurality of rider support units each including a saddle having a leading end, a tail end, and a superior surface that may support a rider in a facedown position and a restraint system that may secure the rider onto the rider support. The restraint system includes a rotating restraint having an attachment point on the saddle, and the rotating restraint may move relative to the superior surface to move the rotating restraint from an unrestrained configuration to a restrained configuration, and the rotating restraint may abut against a posterior surface of a torso of the rider when the rotating restraint is in the restrained configuration. The motion simulator ride assembly also includes a display screen that may project a simulated environment. The display screen is positioned below the motion base.

Abstract: Amusement device comprising a base structure (2), an arm (3) constrained at least rotationally to said base structure (2), a rotating structure (4) provided with at least one vehicle (8) and rotatably constrained, with respect to one end of said arm, around a rotation axis (R), and movement means (6) for moving the arm between at least a first load position in which passengers are loaded, and a second rotation position of the rotating structure (4). The arm comprises at least two portions (31, 32) mutually movable, and in the load position, the arm portions are completely comprised in a cylinder (C) having an axis that is said rotation axis (R), and having a radius that is the distance from the vehicle to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A simulator ride may include an annular structure forming at least a partial annulus on which a path is implemented. Additionally, the simulator ride may include a headset with a display designed to be worn by a passenger. A passenger support system may be coupled to the path of the annular structure and designed to move along the path and rotate about a center axis of the annular structure when in operation. Additionally, the annular structure may be configured to be articulated in one or more degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A motion simulator ride assembly includes a motion base and a rider support assembly positioned beneath and coupled to the motion base. The rider support assembly includes a plurality of rider support units, each rider support unit of the one or more rider support units having an inversion table having a surface that may abut a rider. The inversion table may rotate about an axis to transition between a loading configuration and a ride configuration and the ride configuration positions the rider in a substantially facedown position. Each rider support unit also includes a restraint system that may secure the rider onto the inversion table. The restraint system includes a first moveable restraint and a second moveable restraint that are each coupled to the inversion table and the first and second moveable restraints may move relative to the surface to move the first and second movable restraints from an unrestrained configuration to a restrained configuration.

Abstract: A product having features that facilitate the use of items (e.g., child toys, food items, non-food items, etc.) by way of stuffed creatures (“comfort creatures”). The products can incorporate features such as a compartment to enclose consumable (edible) items such as food and/or drink, and/or non-consumable items so as to hold small gift items for presentation or gifting to another person. The product can be provided with cup-holders embedded into limbs as the stuffed animal is oriented in an upright position. Thus, drink containers can be set into the cup-holders and positioned in a stable manner for use by the child and/or adult. A tray system can also be provided in the main body and removed for standalone use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and the accompanying method for playing a toy with combinatorial attributes. The system includes an interactive surface embedded with a processor and a memory unit, multiple figurines, each embedded with an identifier, and multiple carriers, each embedded with an identifier and designed to carry a figurine inside to form a figurine/carrier combination. The memory unit is configured to store character attributes assigned to each of the figurines and each of the carriers, combinatorial attributes of the figurine/carrier combination based on the character attributes of the figurine and the carrier forming the figurine/carrier combination, and experience points of the figurine/carrier combination.

Abstract: A toy block with slot tracks formed thereon takes the form of a hexahedron with six track surfaces. A slot is formed on each of at least one of the track surfaces and has multiple connection ends extending and connecting to different edges of the track surface. Each toy block can at most include six different slots to attain high degree of diversity and variety for playing the toy block. When multiple ones of the toy blocks are assembled, users just need to get the multiple toy blocks to approach each other and the multiple toy blocks can be quickly assembled into a toy block set with high degree of variation and entertaining effect.

Abstract: A molding system for forming a snowman structured and arranged to stack in tier form, to enable users to create the perfect snowman comprising a straight and sturdy guide to keep the tier in line, users would pack snow into the three-sphere shaped, hinged molds, then open each sphere, revealing three, connected, perfectly sized balls of snow thereby forming a perfectly shaped and symmetrical snowman

Abstract: A system produces bubbles. The system may be used as a children's toy, a special effects machine, an art performance prop, a party entertainment item, or a similar object for entertaining users. The system is designed to produce bubbles regardless of the orientation of the system. The system includes a reservoir, a pump, a swiping mechanism, and a fan. The reservoir receives and stores fluid, and the pump provides pressure on the stored fluid such that the fluid travels through the reservoir and exits the reservoir. The swiping mechanism spreads across the exited fluid to create a fluid sheet, and the fan blows on the fluid sheet, transforming it into a bubble. The pump enables the stored fluid to be available for bubble production at any orientation of the system. The system may be moved, rotated, thrown, bounced, swung, etc. by a user and produce bubbles during its motion.

Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.

Abstract: A method is for thermal separation of a non-polar organic compound from a material by steam distillation, where microwave radiation provides energy to the material, and where a susceptor comprising an organic substance with an electric dipole characteristic is added to and mixed with the material prior to the steam distillation, and the susceptor contributes with vapor to the steam distillation. Use of the susceptor in a steam distillation process is described as well.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oxidation process to produce a crude carboxylic acid product carboxylic acid product. The process comprises oxidizing a feed stream comprising at least one oxidizable compound to generate a crude carboxylic acid slurry comprising furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and compositions thereof. Also disclosed is a process to produce a dry purified carboxylic acid product by utilizing various purification methods on the crude carboxylic acid.