Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball feeding system including a ball delivery device and a ball feeding device, and a ball feeding control method. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a ball feeding system includes: a ball accommodation part configured to accommodate one or more balls; ball delivery arms each configured to deliver any one of the one or more balls, accommodated in the ball accommodation part, to the pitching machine; a ball delivery post configured to extend vertically from one side surface of the ball accommodation part, and to guide the ball delivery arms through their movement; and a mixing arm configured to move along the ball delivery post at predetermined intervals from the ball delivery arms, and to change the locations of the one or more balls in the ball accommodation part by applying physical force to the one or more balls.

Abstract: To enhance a resilience performance of a ball at hitting the ball, a grommet is configured to include a strip-shaped portion extending in a predetermined direction and a cylindrical portion projecting from one surface of the strip-shaped portion, the cylindrical portion being a portion through which a string passes. A bulge portion is formed on a part on another surface of the strip-shaped portion, the part being along an inner periphery of the cylindrical portion. The bulge portion has a shape bulged more than the other surface of the strip-shaped portion, and the string is folded back at the bulge portion. A plurality of the protrusions are formed between the cylindrical portions adjacent to one another, the plurality of the protrusions being portions to which the string contacts.

Abstract: A golf club head including a face portion includes a plurality of score lines formed on the face portion, a plurality of first grooves formed on the face portion, and a plurality of second grooves formed on the face portion. The first grooves have a depth D1 and a width W1 that is in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the first grooves extend, the second grooves have a depth D2 and a width W2 that is in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which the second grooves extend, W1>D1, and W2<D2.

Abstract: Ball striking devices, such as golf clubs, have a head that includes a face having a striking surface configured for striking a ball, and a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the face, with the body having a crown, a sole, a heel side, and a toe side, such that the face and the body combine to define an enclosed internal cavity. A damping member is connected to the body and includes a post extending inwardly into the cavity from an inner surface of the body, a first arm extending from the post toward the heel side of the body, and a second arm extending from the post toward the toe side of the body. The damping member is configured to produce a mass damping effect upon an impact on the face.

Abstract: A golf club having unique mass properties and all the benefits afforded therefrom.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a forward section and a body section to define a closed internal volume. The forward section has a strike face, a frame that surrounds the strike face, and a flange extending from the frame. The body section is formed from a molded polymeric material, and includes a forward edge that defines a receiving portion adapted to receive the flange and a weight receiving feature spaced apart from the forward edge. The body section further includes a reinforcing structure protruding into the internal volume and extending between the weight receiving feature and the forward edge. The reinforcing structure is operative to transfer impact loads between the weight receiving feature and the metallic forward section.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Embodiments include club heads for a fairway wood that at least one of a high moment of inertia, a low center-of-gravity, a thin crown and a high coefficient of restitution. A sleeve for easily disconnecting a shaft to the club head allows for selective adjustment of the head's loft and lie angle.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Embodiments include club heads for a fairway wood that at least one of a high moment of inertia, a low center-of-gravity, a thin crown and a high coefficient of restitution. A sleeve for easily disconnecting a shaft to the club head allows for selective adjustment of the head's loft and lie angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembled golf bag. The assembled golf bag includes an upper frame, a bottom frame, a support rod, a main body piece, a secondary body piece and a handle. The upper frame, the bottom frame and the primary body piece of the bag are fixed integrally by rivets. The support rod and the main body piece having clamping slot are assembled with the secondary body piece having clamping piece in a fastening and twisting manner, so that the secondary body piece can be easily removed and replaced. Sizes and colors of the handle can be changed by placing different color strips on the handle body. The invention has the advantages that the body piece of the ball bag can be freely matched according to the demand, the replacement is easy and the maintenance is convenient, and the parts on the bag can be recycled.

Abstract: A device for setting a golf ball and tee. The device includes an upper handle portion connected to a lower gripper portion by an elongated tubular stem portion, the upper handle portion including a pivotal trigger member. The lower gripper portion includes a pair of jaw members pivotal about a pin member. A cable member is located within the elongated tubular stem portion and communicates the pin and trigger members, allowing the normally open jaw members to be brought together to hold a golf ball and tee upon activation of the trigger member. A stand member is attached to the elongated tubular stem portion adjacent its lower end, and includes a spike member extending downwardly therefrom. A golf ball stop member configured to prevent contact between a golf ball and the upper portions of the jaw members extends between the jaw members.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for providing data. At least one embodiment of a method includes constructing, by a computing device, a segment line on a computer display of an image of a golf course, the segment line being constructed from a tee box on a golf hole to a green on the golf hole, the segment line bisecting a fairway of the hole; determining at least one lay up position on the segment line, the at least one lay up position indicating a predetermined distance from the green; and providing the at least one lay up position to a user device, the user device configured to determine a distance between the user device and the lay up position.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture are provided to facilitate consistent, repeatable and/or custom manufacture of lacrosse equipment. The pocket can be constructed from multiple different sections joined with one another, or can be knitted, weaved or otherwise assembled on an automated assembly machine from strands, and/or can be formed as a unitary textile material having regions/sections with different physical and/or mechanical properties. The pocket can be integrally molded within portions of a lacrosse head to eliminate manually constructed connections between the pocket and lacrosse head. The lacrosse head can be integrally molded with a lacrosse handle to provide a one-piece unitary lacrosse stick. Related methods of manufacturing also are provided.

Abstract: A bat structure is disclosed. It comprises a hollow body having a gripping portion, an extension portion, a hitting portion, a supporting partition disposed in a hollow tube of the hitting portion, and an inner tube body disposed in the hollow body and extended from a side surface of the supporting partition, wherein the supporting partition and the inner tube body are integrally forged with the hollow body.

Abstract: An example embodiment provides an article of sporting equipment having a heated hand grip. The article of sporting equipment comprises a shaft; a heated grip tape about at least a portion of a grip portion of the shaft; an overgrip disposed about the heated grip tape and the grip portion of the shaft; and a power source receiver configured to place a power source in electrical communication with the one of the heated grip tape or heated grip sleeve. In an example embodiment, the shaft is at least partially hollow defining, at least in part, a grip cavity and a stopper is disposed adjacent a second end of the grip cavity. The stopper is made of a thermally insulating material configured to insulate against thermal energy generated by a chemical heating packet inserted within the grip cavity from flowing down the shaft away from the grip cavity.

Abstract: A golf grip having a weighted rear, longitudinal underside section providing a high Moment of Inertia to increase resistance to twisting and turning when the grip is connected to a golf club during the execution of a golf shot.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring loft and lie of a golf club head with better accuracy is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses an apparatus that utilizes a high precision camera that focuses on the striking face portion of the golf club head, working in conjunctions with encoders near the shaft portion of a golf club head, to instantaneously provide precision measurement of the loft and lie of the golf club head and feedback to the operator in order to allow for more precision adjustment to the loft and lie of the golf club head.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating generally to practice equipment for boxing or the martial arts, and more particularly, to an apparatus for positioning flexible targets and the like for use in hitting or kicking exercises. More specifically, the technology provides embodiments of an apparatus that is capable of removable and adjustable mounting to a bag, pole, board, door, bar, block, wall, rod, ball, or flexible or rigid armature, or other support. Additional embodiments relate to methods of assembling the apparatus, methods of using the apparatus, and kits and systems relating to the apparatus.

Abstract: A bowling ball launcher has a frame and a rail oriented from a front of the frame to a back of the frame. A push pad is configured to slide along the rail. An elastic mechanism is coupled to the push pad and extends toward the front of the frame. A winch is coupled to the push pad toward the back of the frame. The winch includes a motor, a winch wheel, and a cable extending from the winch wheel to the push pad. The winch also includes a clutch between the motor and winch wheel. A shock absorber is disposed near the front of the frame. A plurality of position sensors is attached to the frame along the rail. A power meter is configured to move the push pad to one of the position sensors by operation of the winch.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding in place a ball. The apparatus includes a vacuum generating device connected to one end of a flexible tubing, a hollow rod of adjustable length containing part of the flexible tubing, and a vacuum cup connected to an opposite end of the flexible tubing, such that vacuum applied to the vacuum cup holds in place a ball when a surface of the ball is contacted to the vacuum cup. A method of holding a ball in place includes generating a vacuum using a vacuum generating equipment, inserting a flexible tubing through a hollow rod, connecting one end of the flexible tubing to the vacuum generating equipment, connecting an opposite end of the flexible tubing to a vacuum cup, and placing a surface of a ball in contact with the vacuum cup, thereby holding the ball in place.

Abstract: The present invention is a sport training equipment apparatus developed for lacrosse players. The purpose is to act as a high density lacrosse ball re-bounder for lacrosse players to practice throwing and catching on. The core components of the invention are: The main body of the apparatus, which is made of a high density composite panel incorporating dense solid core material that forms a curved, hard surface of the wall on an incline. This playing surface of the main body will be manufactured out of fiber reinforced plastic or other high density composites in a mold. The main body will be filled with a dense core material to create a dense, heavy surface, which upon collision of a thrown ball and the wall, will transform the kinetic energy inherent in a thrown ball, into potential energy stored in the ball utilizing the elastic properties of the ball itself rather than relying on the elastic properties of the rebounding apparatus.

Abstract: A bicycle rollers assembly (10) having a rear and a front and further having a rear pair of parallel rollers (12) each having an axis of rotation, and adapted to support a rear bicycle wheel having an axle parallel to the axes of rotation. The rollers (12) are spaced so as to support the rear bicycle wheel with the lowest part of the bicycle wheel positioned between the rollers. Also, a front support structure (18) supports a front bicycle fork support element (24) so as to permit horizontal rotation, and this support element includes a support (26) for each arm of a bicycle fork (29).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a direction indication device for golf putting. The device includes a scale plate, a left and right slope angle indication needle, an indication needle rotation means, a vertical slope angle scale means, and a lid provided over the scale plate. The indication needle rotation means includes a first rotation cam including a wedge pin closely coupled vertically to an elongated hole formed on one end of the left and right slope angle indication needle and maintained vertically in a direction of the central axis of the earth. The indication needle rotation means also includes an angle adjustment bar rotatably connected with the first rotation cam such that the first rotation cam is rotated from side to side and moves back and forth. Additionally, the indication needle rotation means includes a first supporting rod to support the angle adjustment bar and installed on the scale plate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sports apparatus for a game with a sports object on a playing field, that may include: a communication interface configured to receive at least one status signal, that relates to a game status of the game; and a display arrangement configured to change a characteristic of a display signal based at least in part on the received at least one status signal.

Abstract: A portable training system that allows a user to translate an external reference of correct form into an internal reference through use of a video capture device and strategically placed display device. The system may include a camera that streams video of the user to one or more display devices at or near real time. Software on each display device overlays a set of guides onto a display screen to enable the user to see where and how a current form of the user deviates from a desired form, which allows real time adjustments by the user. Templates of guides may be provided to the user instead of the user having to create the guides.

Abstract: Laces and tying mechanisms can be used with boxing gloves and shoes to allow a user to secure the laces without a second person and/or without tying a knot. A tying mechanism can include a back-to-back hook and loop fastener element or can be a separate hook element and a loop element. Lace overhang sections of a lace can connect to the tying mechanism to enable a person to lace up his or her gloves, or shoes, while having two hands inside the gloves without the aid of another person.

Abstract: According to the various features, characteristics and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides partially fingered gloves intended to increase the overall performance in sports activities including but not limited to football and golf. Primarily because of its unique finger configurations, and/or grip enhancers, and/or hand protective properties, the present invention makes a glove operable in various sports activities.

Abstract: A ski for use on ice or snow is disclosed. The ski includes a ski body having a tip portion, a tail portion, and a longitudinal running length extending between the tip portion and the tail portion and a substantially flat bottom surface for sliding on snow or ice. The ski also includes a suspension system comprised of a substantially rigid support structure secured to the longitudinally central region of the said ski body at two attachment locations separated by a distance of at least 5 inches along the longitudinal axis of the ski body, and at least one resilient element configured to exert an opposing force between the support structure and the ski body in the area between the two attachment locations.

Abstract: The hybrid snowshoe-ski comprises a rigid frame, a decking attached to the frame and a binding attached to one of the decking and the frame. The decking comprises undulations that each extend between first and second sides of the snowshoe-ski.

Abstract: A method of driving a manned vehicle includes following steps of: acquiring correspondingly initial weight values of a plurality of weight sensors, each weight sensor is corresponding to a direction; acquiring correspondingly weight measurement values by the weight sensors; calculating correspondingly a weight ratio of each weight sensor according to the initial weight value and the weight measurement value of each weight sensor; producing a control command according to the direction corresponding to the weight sensor when the weight ratio of any one of the weight sensors is greater than a first threshold value; and driving the manned vehicle to move according to the control command. Accordingly, it is to effectively reduce the size and weight of the manned vehicle and reduce the difficulty of controlling the manned vehicle by intuitively controlling moving directions of the manned vehicle according to variations of the center of gravity of a user.

Abstract: In an aspect, a tire for use with a single wheel, self-balancing vehicle is provided. The tire has a tire body with a tread configured for engagement with a ground surface. The tread has a lateral profile having a central region, a first lateral region tapering towards a first lateral side of the tire, and a second lateral region tapering towards a second lateral side of the tire. The lateral profile is substantially free of discontinuity. The tread has a non-directional tread groove arrangement that is asymmetrical about a central circumference line of the tire. The tire has a hardness selected to substantially prevent deformation of the first profile and the second profile during riding by a rider.

Abstract: A self-balancing board is provided, comprising a primary wheel assembly, a platform, at least one sensor, a controller, a first auxiliary wheel assembly, and a first brake element. The primary wheel assembly comprises a primary wheel and a motor driving the primary wheel. The platform is secured to the primary wheel assembly and has a foot deck. The at least one sensor senses the orientation of the platform. The controller receives data from the at least one sensor and controls the motor in response to the received data. The first auxiliary wheel assembly is secured to the platform distal the primary wheel assembly, and is elevated from contacting a flat surface upon which the primary wheel rests when the foot deck is parallel to the flat surface. The first brake element is manually movable relative to the first auxiliary wheel assembly to engage the first auxiliary wheel assembly to provide resistance to rotation of the first auxiliary wheel assembly.

Abstract: A method of making traditional playing card-based games of skill much accessible and easy to play and analyze by having colors replace traditional suits.

Abstract: A scratch-off lottery ticket and associated production method are provided wherein a primer material is applied as a dried layer to a front face of a ticket substrate. Game play indicia is printed on the primer layer in a designated game play area, and a scratch-off layer is applied over the game play indicia. The primer layer includes a particulate luminescent material homogeneously dispersed throughout, wherein the particulate luminescent material has a particle size and additive amount relative to the primer layer such that the particulate luminescent material does not add processing or material drying time to application of the primer layer. Fraudulent attempts to remove the scratch-off layer to reveal the underlying play indicia are rendered optically apparent by luminescence of the particulate luminescent material upon subsequent excitation of the play area with an excitation source.

Abstract: A method of executing a wagering event provides at least one and preferably two sets of twenty-eight domino tiles playing cards, each of the tiles or cards having two value areas on each face, the tile face values in each value area ranging from 0-6. Player positions are dealt at least three cards or tiles and a community card or tile is dealt to a center position. Each of the at least three cards is associated with the community card if there is a common value area, and value areas that form multiples of five (5) between the at least three tiles individually and the community card are determined and at least one wager is resolved against a paytable.

Abstract: To provide a controller, an input and output apparatus, and a communication system capable of performing more various types of input or output between a user and an information processing apparatus while maintaining convenience for the user. A controller includes: a multipolar jack into which a multipolar single-head plug of an input and output apparatus including the multipolar single-head plug is inserted; and a communication unit configured to perform communication with an information processing apparatus. The controller communicates a multiplexed signal via one terminal among a plurality of terminals included in the multipolar jack.

Abstract: A device for online gaming includes a memory that stores instructions. A processor coupled to the memory, responsive to executing the instructions, performs operations including receiving a selection of a gaming accessory, receiving a selection of a game, and receiving inputs corresponding to selections of parameters for generating a vibration effect at the gaming accessory. The parameters include a control component of the gaming accessory, a game event associated with the control component, a vibration frequency of the vibration effect associated with the game event, a vibration intensity and duration, and a delay time associated with the event. The processor stores the selected parameters and presents the vibration effect during the game in accordance with occurrence of the game event and in accordance with the selected parameters; the vibration effect is presented after the occurrence of the game event in accordance with the delay time.

Abstract: A device, such as a handheld controller, having a plurality of segments for outputting a rotational haptic effect is disclosed. The handheld controller comprises a first segment, a second segment, a user input component, an actuator, and a control unit. The second segment is rotatably attached to the first segment. The user input component is disposed on the first segment or the second segment. The actuator is located within the first segment or the second segment, and is configured to generate relative rotation between the first segment and the second segment about a rotational axis, wherein at least a portion of the first segment and at least a portion of the second segment are aligned along the rotational axis. The control unit is configured to determine whether to generate a haptic effect, and, in response to such a determination, to activate the actuator to generate the relative rotation.

Abstract: An all-in-one mobile gaming console and controller and a method for providing such a gaming console/controller, to stream an online game, or download and run an offline game, and interface to any screen, such as mobile devices and tablets, are disclosed herein. A preferred embodiment of the all-in-one mobile gaming console/controller comprises two terminals to be coupled to the left and right edges of the screen and two or more computing architecture systems, such as ARM and x86, that can be switched and initializes by a scheduler based on the game to be rendered.

Abstract: A virtual character control method and apparatus, a storage medium and an electronic device are provided. The method includes that: a skill control is rendered on a graphical user interface; when a first touch event for the skill control is detected, a target selection control is rendered in a vicinity of the skill control; a second touch event for the target selection control is detected, a present target selection condition is determined according to an sub-control which is presently selected in response to the second touch event, and at least one second virtual character consistent with the present target selection condition is selected in real time from a predetermined distance range as a target of a skill operation; and when the end of the second touch event is detected, a first virtual character is controlled to execute the skill operation on the target which is presently selected.

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

Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a computer system that includes at least one server and software stored on a computer readable medium accessible by the at least one server; at least one database accessible by the at least one server and is configured to store the game data of the at least one personalized game; a plurality of specifically programmed input devices, where the at least one server, the at least one database and the plurality of specifically programmed input devices are connected through a computer network; where the plurality of specifically programmed input devices are at least a thousand of specifically programmed input devices; and where the at least one server is configured to manage, in real-time, the at least a thousand of specifically programmed input devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems presented herein may identify users to include in a match plan. A parameter model may be generated to predict the retention time of a set of users. A queue of potential users, a set of teammates, and/or opponents may be selected from a queue of waiting users. User information for the set of teammates and/or opponents may be provided to the parameter model to generate a predicted retention time. The set of teammates and/or opponents may be approved if the predicted retention time meets a predetermined threshold. Advantageously, by creating a match plan based on retention rates, the engagement and/or retention level for a number of users may be improved compared to existing multiplayer matching systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of synchronizing an online game, and a server device, that do not require centralized information management, reduce the processing burden on each device during online communication, and allow for continuation of processing in an offline environment. A method, according to the present disclosure, of synchronizing an online game that allows for transmission and reception of information related to game processing between a first client terminal and a second client terminal via a server includes: receiving, from the first client terminal connected online, first information related to game processing on the first client terminal; determining whether the first information is information that determines a game status; and storing the first information on the server and transmitting the first information to the second client terminal when the first information is determined to be information that determines the game status.

Abstract: A method of conducting a competition with electronic and in person portions includes players participating in an electronic gaming environment. An automated system tracks the progress of players in an electronic game and issues invitation codes to top players meeting predetermined criteria. The top players may use the invitation codes to register for a final level event which is a live, in person competition utilizing skills represented in the electronic game.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to virtual reality simulation, and more specifically, in some implementations, to devices, systems, and methods for use in a virtual reality sports simulation. A system for virtual reality simulation may include an accessory (e.g., one or more of a bat, a glove, or a helmet) for interacting with a virtual reality environment. The accessory may provide the user with haptic feedback that emulates sensations that the user would experience when playing a live-action sport to provide the user with a more meaningful and realistic experience when playing a virtual reality game. Further, virtual reality simulations disclosed herein may include incorporating data from a live-action event (e.g., a live-action sporting event) into a virtual reality environment to provide a user with a realistic experience.

Abstract: A canopy tour system may include multiple track lines extending between associated upper and lower stations for loading, launching, receiving, and unclipping, respectively, riders of trolleys on the zip lines. A system of mechanical and electronic interlocks provides safety for users in remote locations, enabling individual riders to operate trolleys, including attaching and dis-attaching the trolleys from various track lines, unattended by other workers or employees of the canopy tour operation. Mechanical interlocks assure that a trolley cannot be properly engaged with a launch block on a track line until all such interlocks are properly closed. A master computer may communicate through a network, with all stations to verify and identify times and locations of users.

Abstract: The swinging apparatus includes a base, a support located above the base, a coupler disposed between the base and the support and including a universal joint, and linear actuators disposed between the base and the support. Each of the linear actuators includes a first end and a second end located on an opposing side to the first end. The first end is mechanically connected to one of the base and the support. The second end is configured to freely move touching a surface of the other of the base and the support.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for a motion-synchronized virtual reality experience. In particular, in some embodiments, the invention includes a motion platform to impart a shared motion experience to a plurality of passengers, individual head-mounted displays providing for personalized viewpoints, and a variety of immersion-enhancements. A common ride model to controls the motion platform in order to simulate a ride for a plurality of passengers. The passengers' virtual-reality headsets depict the progress of the ride through the virtual-reality world. These headsets track the individual passenger's head or gaze to allow the user to adjust their angle of view in the virtual world simply by looking around. As such, different passengers can be looking in different directions simultaneously, allowing a much greater immersion than the single fixed perspective of prior ride simulations.

Abstract: A semi-automated fidget spinner, comprising: an outer multi-wing spinning section with a central opening and a plurality of spinnable wings; a core in the opening with bearing separating the core from the spinning section; a woundable spring coupled to the core and to the spinning section; and a winding mechanism coupled to the spring to store energy in the spring and to thereafter release the energy to spin the spinning section.

Abstract: Described is a therapeutic stuffed character toy for children. The stuffed character toy is covered with a bed of sequins that are flipably coupled to a surface of the stuffed character toy. The sequins can be colored differently on both sides so that interesting and fun patterns can be formed by flipping some of the sequins as a finger is dragged across the bed of sequins.