Abstract: A connector system for connecting a cable having a length to an item includes a base operatively connectible to the item, the base including a channel to seat at least a portion of the cable, the channel being in operative connection with the item upon connection of the base to the item, and a rotatable member which is rotatable relative to the base. The cable is in operative connection with the rotatable member so that, as the rotating member rotates relative to the base, a bend in the cable is formed at different locations in the length of the cable such that the different locations define different lengths of the cable. The different lengths of the cable become positioned within the channel as the rotating member rotates relative to the base.

Abstract: A composite material comprising 20-98 wt. % of a synthetic particulate or fibrous filler and at least 2 wt. % of a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyalcohol with 2-15 carbon atoms and a polyacid, wherein the alcohol comprises at least 50 mole % of glycerol, and the acid comprises at least 50 wt. % of tricarboxylic acid. Preferably, the filler is in the form of particles, fibers, and/or random or non-random layers. Preferably, the filler is based on one or more of ceramic, including glass, in particular glass fibers, polymer, in particular polymer fibers, and carbon, in particular carbon fibers. The use of glass fiber based sheet-like material as filler is a particular embodiment of the invention. The composite material according to the invention has fire-retardant properties, which makes it particularly suitable for applications where fire-retardancy is an issue.

Abstract: A back pressure flap valve arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a housing (101) having an inlet opening (102) and an outlet opening (103) adapted for connection of the housing (101) to a ducting (200), and at least one side wall (104) extending along a flow direction through the housing (101) from the inlet opening (102) to the outlet opening (103). A flap (1) is pivotably hinged about a shaft (5) thereby being movable between an open position and a closed position, said shaft (5) extending transverse the flow direction. At least one locking device (10) is fixedly mounted to the side wall (104) and comprises a locking pin (14) and a stopping member (12). The locking pin (14) is movable between a retracted position and a locking position, and being biased towards said locking position.

Abstract: A device and method for verifying the readiness of a building's fire sprinkler system. The device includes an adapter that is secured between the sprinkler pipe and the sprinkler assembly, a pressure switch to measure the fluid pressure in the fire sprinkler system, an indicator which notifies occupants if there is enough fluid pressure at the sprinkler assembly for the sprinkler to operate properly, and a power source for the pressure switch and indicator. During operation of the sprinkler system, water flows from the sprinkler pipe, through the adapter and into the sprinkler assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a skipping head with skipping rope self-locking function. The skipping head comprises a rope guide tube, a conical housing, steel balls, a spring, a compression nut, a bearing, a bearing seat and a screw; the rope guide tube is provided with three concentric circular holes, which are embedded with steel balls, to compose a skipping rope chuck; the tail end of the chuck is connected to a spring, which is connected with the conical housing through the compression nut, to compose a skipping rope self-locking device; a bearing is internally installed at both ends of the bearing seat respectively, to form a skipping head rotating device; one end of the bearing seat is connected with a rope locking device, the other end will be connected with a skipping handle; the rotating device and the skipping rope gripping device are integrally connected by the screw.

Abstract: A wearable soft exoskeleton apparatus includes: a fluid supplying portion; and a soft exoskeleton portion which is connected to the fluid supplying portion and is configured to be able to be worn in legs of a user, a soft exoskeleton portion being made of elastic material to simulate motions of the legs and being provided with a fiber conduit through which fluid flows, the soft exoskeleton portion being inflated to support the legs of the user when the fluid is supplied to the fiber conduit from the fluid supplying portion. The soft exoskeleton portion includes: a fiber tube which is formed in a mesh type to be able to enclose a femoral region and a shinbone; and a fiber structure which is disposed within the fiber tube in a structure in which cells of a predetermined shape are connected to one another so as to form a plurality of the fiber conduits therein.

Abstract: An exercise biased weight includes a weight body defining a center of mass and a through offset bore formed at the weight body at a position offset to the center of mass thereof, wherein a diameter of the offset bore is slightly larger than a diameter of a weight bar member for enabling the weight bar member to slidably pass through the offset bore so as to retain the weight body at the weight bar member. Therefore, the weight body is lifted to generate a downward weight force to against an unwanted shaking movement of the weight body.

Abstract: An exercise system in the form of a block having a plurality of locations for attachments is disclosed. The attachments can be utilized to create a variety of different exercises using the block.

Abstract: A novel yoga and exercise mat is provided, which has a plurality of attachable markers that can be securely affixed to the mat. Particularly the plurality of attachable markers are provided in an array of different shapes, styles and colors, wherein the colors easily contrast with the color of the mat, which further serves a major function of aiding those individuals who are visually impaired. The plurality of markers may also be personalized, whereby the exercising individual can print his/her own messages as a way of motivation with the ultimate end-goal of achieving enhanced exercise results by being able to establish proper alignment, correct form and posture on the mat during the performance of yoga, exercise, or any other physical activity, while at the same time greatly minimizing the risk of acquiring an injury.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a main body with a cavity that can be selectively covered with a lid. The main body is angled to increase the range of motion of a user of the apparatus. At least a portion of the lid is selectively housed within the cavity. A smaller scale embodiment of the exercise apparatus can be utilized as a sitting apparatus that corrects posture while a user is in a seated position. A method of exercise comprises a variety of steps which can be performed by a user while the user remains on his or her back.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a natural-gait therapy device for enabling a user with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to independently transition between a locked standing position and a user controlled coordinated natural-gait movement, the method including an unlocking of a left and a right foot movement members, rotating one of the unlocked left and right movement members to a half-period gait position that is 180 degrees out of phase with the un-rotated one of the left and right movement members, coupling the left and right movement members in the 180 degree phase differential orientation, and rotating both left and right leg movement members in a natural-gait motion. In some embodiments, the left and right movement members may be uncoupled to permit a gravity assisted return to a standing position. The transition between the standing and the natural-gait motion may facilitate a user to stand before or sit after performing natural-gait therapy.

Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly and corresponding exercise apparatus suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right cranks are rotatably mounted on a frame. A foot supporting linkage is movably connected between a rocker and the left and right cranks in such a manner that may provide variable paths of motion controlled by a user of the apparatus.

Abstract: In an exercise machine, foot platforms may travel in inclined circular paths to establish three dimensional operational characteristics. Platform support members may be rotationally synchronized by connected mechanical components such that they are maintained out of phase with each other by one half of a cycle or 180 degrees in counter rotational directions. Crank synchronization in an inclined plane during operation of the exercise machine may provide three-dimensional foot travel in vertical, lateral and longitudinal directions.

Abstract: Systems and techniques relating to evaluating performance characteristics are provided. One or more fitness devices, for example, a ball and/or a mat, may have sensors for measuring a user's actions during an activity protocol, such as a testing drill. Sensor configured to detect if the fitness device meets operational criteria are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fitness device may comprise a ball and the operational criteria may relate to the weight, dimensions, and/or internal pressure of the ball. In one embodiment, data from fitness device(s) may be used to calculate a score. In other embodiments, a score may be calculated; however, it may not be associated with credentials or certified if an operational criteria is not met.

Abstract: A system includes a physical fitness equipment, a wearable Bluetooth device, a Bluetooth gateway and a remote server. The physical fitness equipment capable of Bluetooth communication transmits physical fitness message. The wearable Bluetooth device paired with a mobile device transmits a user message related to a network address of the mobile device. The Bluetooth gateway receives the physical fitness message from the physical fitness equipment paired therewith, receives the user message from the wearable Bluetooth device closest thereto, and transmits a data packet including the aforementioned two messages to the remote server, which subsequently relays the physical fitness data included in the data packet to the mobile device.

Abstract: A stretch stride system comprising a mat having a first stride pattern and a second stride pattern positioned thereon. The first stride pattern may include two or more step patterns spaced at a first interval. The second stride pattern may include two or more step pattern spaced at a second interval. The first interval and the second interval may be determined using different extended step lengths.

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

Abstract: The present invention extends to a re-configurable multi-purpose exercise device. In general, aspects include a re-configurable multi-purpose exercise device that can be configured as an abdominal roller, a pair of pushup stands, or a jump rope. Some aspects include a first roller and a second roller that can attach to one another by mating extending members formed on each respective roller with slots formed on each respective roller. A first handle and a second handle can attach to one or another of the respective rollers by either attaching to the extending members on the rollers or inserting through a hole formed in the rollers. A rope can connect on each end to the first handle and the second handle to form a jump rope. Additionally, some aspects include a two-piece cavity configured for storing the rope.

Abstract: A bowling ball insert has an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve (or solid), with the outer sleeve having a pair of vertical channels that are open at the top, and a pair of horizontal channels extending perpendicularly from the vertical channels, with the two vertical channels having different widths. The inner sleeve (or solid) includes tabs that are sized to fit in the outer sleeve channels, with at least one of the tabs being sized to fit in one vertical channel but not in the other vertical channel. The outer and inner sleeves additionally include a floor that is open at the center to allow access to the ball through the insert. The inner sleeve has an upper lip to provide a controlled insert depth in the ball. The horizontal channels may include a detent to lock the inner sleeve in place after it has been inserted into and rotated within the outer sleeve.

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: A golf ball includes: a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including an IC chip and an antenna; a protection layer surrounding the outer periphery of the RFID tag; a relaxation layer surrounding the outer periphery of the protection layer; a core surrounding the outer periphery of the relaxation layer; and a cover surrounding the outer periphery of the core. The curing temperature of the protection layer is 60° C. or less, and the protection layer is formed with a material having a hardness of Shore D 60 or more. The relaxation layer is formed with a thermoplastic elastomer-based material having a hardness with a difference from a hardness of a surface of the core on a side contacting the relaxation layer of Shore D 20 or less.

Abstract: A golf ball fabrication method comprises Step a: providing a core; Step b: spraying a thin resin film on the surface of the core to form a conductive layer; Step c: vacuum-electroplating the surface of the core to form a glossy thin metallic film functioning as a reflective layer; and Step d: encapsulating the glossy thin metallic film with a transparent resin layer in an injection-molding technology to form a transparent outer layer of the golf ball. The method can fabricate in a simple way a golf ball having a superior reflective effect and a long service life simultaneously.

Abstract: A golf club head including a club face defined by a toe end, a heel end, a top rail and a sole. The golf club head including a plurality of grooves disposed on the club face between the top rail and the sole. Each groove extends between the toe end and the heel end. Widths of the grooves vary in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end.

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

Abstract: In some embodiments, a golf club holster may include a substrate and a fastener coupled to the substrate and configured to couple the substrate to an external surface of a golf bag. The golf club holster may further include a club holder element coupled to the substrate, the club holder element including one or more clamps configured to grip a shaft of one or more golf clubs.

Abstract: A hockey stick with a co-molded structure and method where the blade member is formed by a molding process onto a preformed shaft member, where the preformed shaft member has a contoured tip at the blade end. The contoured tip helps to secure the blade member to the shaft member in conjunction with the molded composite layers, and in one example, the contoured tip has a width that is greater than the width of the shaft member at the blade-starting region.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a grip for a golf club having a housing portion specifically for housing an accessory, the grip specifically configured to enhance performance and enjoyment of the game of golf. Grips of the invention help to provide a smoother gripping surface and to prevent relative motion between the accessory and the club when the accessory is coupled to the club.

Abstract: The present invention is a basketball net designed to facilitate preferred directional momentum to an exiting basketball. The basketball net is designed and constructed in a manner such that the basketball exiting the net has desired exit-trajectory and rotational spin. The present invention enables the basketball leaving the net to return towards the preferred direction, which is, field of play instead of an undefined random direction. The asymmetry is induced by either substituting existing cord segments with those having elastomeric properties, or surface treatment on internal face of the net at particular sections so as to create frictional differentiation.

Abstract: A virtual reality baseball system uses a virtual reality device to present a simulated pitch to a batter. The system may include a bat mount configured to be removably secured to a bat. The bat and/or bat mount may include a sensor. The bat mount is configured to be attached to a knob of the bat such that it is not intrusive to a swing of the bat. A sensing device is configured to track movement of the sensor in the bat mount when the bat mount is secured to the bat.

Abstract: A slide trainer for a softball or baseball student features a resilient pad and a load-spreading member. The load-spreading member distributes the load of a student landing on the load-spreading member over a relatively large are and hence volume of the resilient pad. The resilient pad may be thinner and hence less bulky and less costly than a resilient pad without the load-spreading member. For embodiments where the load-spreading member is not covered by a fabric, the load-spreading member provides a relatively slippery surface on which the student may slide.

Abstract: A method is provided to operate a computer to interoperate with a portable media player. The method includes processing signals provided from the portable media player to the computer that are indicative of whether an accessory has been connected to the portable media player, to determine whether the accessory has been connected to the portable media player. Based on a determination that the accessory has been connected to the portable media player, physiologic data of a user that was provided to the portable media player from a wireless physiologic data gathering device, is received from the portable media player, into the computer, via the accessory.

Abstract: A training device for limiting limb movement over a predetermined range of motion providing habit formation for activities such as sports requiring memory of arm or leg movement. The device includes a resilient spacer means such as a block or ball disposed within a pocket in a strap which fits snugly around the players forearm. The spacer means and pocket are oriented in a position to permit limited pivotal movement of the elbow to an angle of about 90 degrees whereby the spacer contacts the forearm and upper arm. The elbow is prevented from pivoting beyond the point at which the forearm forms a selected angle with the upper arm. The strap is adjusted by a user to restrict the angle to which the elbow can be bent on the backward movement of the arm. Forward movement of the arm during a shot is not restricted.

Abstract: A basketball shooting training device includes a main frame, a first vertical rail structure having vertical and oblique rail portions, a first sliding base, and a first basketball imitation member. The first vertical rail structure is disposed on the main frame. The first sliding base is slidably disposed on the first vertical rail structure for sliding along the first vertical rail structure. The first basketball imitation member is connected to the first sliding base. When the first basketball imitation member is propped and then propelled upwardly by a user's hand, the first sliding base slides from a first initial position on the vertical rail portion to a shooting position on the oblique rail portion for guiding the user's hand to complete a set shot along the first vertical rail structure.

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: A wearable baseball tee having a tee device for holding a ball at a position away from the body of the user. The wearable baseball tee is configured to be worn on the body of a user and allows the user to swing a bat at the ball held away from the body of the user. The process of using the wearable baseball tee is also described.

Abstract: A striking training device is provided, including: a support body, having a seat end and an assembling end which are located along a first direction, the assembling end including an assembling mechanism; a hit mechanism, including a first hit member and at least one second hit member, the first hit member including a first mounting structure, each said second hit member including a second mounting structure, the first mounting structure being detachably assembled with the assembling mechanism positionably, each said second hit member being pivoted to the assembling structure via the second mounting structure so that the second hit member being rotatable laterally relative to the first direction. Both or one of the first hit member and the at least one second hit member are/is optionally assembled with the assembling structure.

Abstract: A system for illustrating the flight of a sports ball includes a radar, an imager, and a controller. The imager is configured to image a moving sports ball. The controller is configured to (i) receive, from the imager, an image including the moving sports ball, (ii) receive, from the radar, radar data associated with the moving sports ball, (iii) determine, from the radar data, a portion of a trajectory of the moving sports ball, (iv) alter the image to illustrate the portion of the trajectory relative to the moving sports ball, and (v) output the altered image.

Abstract: A multi-surface golf swing training mat is provided for use at practice ranges and the like. The mat includes four surfaces (e.g., quads or squares) that simulate surfaces actually found on a golf course: the drive or tee-box, the fairway, the sand, and the 3-inch rough. The multi-surface golf swing training mat enables practicing golfers to work not only on their swing, but also on hitting shots from surfaces similar to those on which they will be playing. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the golfer stands beside the multi-surface golf swing training mat to hit balls from the two nearest hitting squares, and stands on the mat to hit balls from the other two squares. In another aspect, the multi-surface golf swing training mat rotates to present each playing square or surface to a golfer from a single standing position.

Abstract: A helmet is disclosed for sports that protects the wearer from impact that may cause head trauma. The helmet includes a recoiling shock absorber system on one or more portions likely to sustain direct blows. The shock absorber system may move omnidirectionally in response to the line of force received at impact by a facemask connected to the shock absorber. Impact to the portion of the helmet receiving a hit may be dissipated through the shock absorber system and distributed into the remaining shell of the helmet.

Abstract: A blade arrangement for an ice skate boot, the blade arrangement comprising a support for an ice skate boot with a blade runner mounted to the support and a suspension structure arranged between the support and the blade runner.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a snowboard that is propelled over the snow by a battery powered motor/wheel array. The preferred embodiments include a pair of motor/wheel arrays disposed on both sides of the board, on which are fitted specialized snow propellers designed for various snow conditions. The motor and wheel array are attached to the snowboard with a universal mounting plate, which utilizes any snowboard's standard binding mounting holes or channels. The motor/wheel array can be mounted to the board with L shaped brackets, or alternatively with spring loaded hinges. The motor/wheel arrays can be elevated with spacers, which position the wheels slightly lower than the deck of the board to provide traction during propulsion. Shock absorbers can also be utilized to provide downward force to the motor/wheel arrays, and allow upward articulation to accommodate inclined terrain.

Abstract: An accessory traction device removably attached to undersides of backcountry skis is described herein. The device will provide users' ability to ascend terrain without removing skis and walking uphill. As designed, the device has novel structure with flanged or clamping ends with a threaded fastening rod that improves longevity while minimizing any possible damage to the ski itself. The traction wave patterns and grooves are also optimally designed and tapered. An additional inventive aspect involves a few hinge options wherein the hinge allows the device to be conveniently folding and stowed in a backcountry skier's backpack.

Abstract: A heel unit apparatus for a ski touring binding is disclosed which comprises a body mounted on a support, the body being rotatable relative to the support on a vertical axis. The body comprises a resilient element movable within the body which when pre-loaded under compression or tension, exerts forces in opposing directions. The body also comprises at least one forward connector moveable between resting and release positions for releasably connecting the body to the heel of a footwear and a My linkage between the resilient element and the at least one forward connector configured such that force exerted in one of the opposing directions resists movement of the at least one forward connector from the resting position to the release position. The resilient element, the at least one forward connector and the My linkage cooperate to resist forward release.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a snowboard to a longboard-type skateboard. The resulting longboard combines the properties of a snowboard with those of a skateboard to provide a unique ride. The longboard-skateboard conversion kit uses a board from either a new or reclaimed source; skateboard truck assemblies; and one or more support structure(s) made of firm but flexible materials that allow strength to account for longer length; flexion, rebound, stability and vibration-damping.

Abstract: A spring-loaded billiard cue assembly for shooting cue ball in billiards includes a tube that may be gripped while playing the game of billiards. A rod is slidably positioned in the tube and the rod is urged into a retracted position having the rod being positioned in the tube. The rod is biased into an extended position having the rod extending outwardly from the tube for striking a cue ball in the game of billiards. A light emitter is coupled to the tube to emit a beam of light outwardly therefrom for aiming during the game of billiards.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for playing an instant win gaming ticket. An instant win gaming ticket has multiple instant win games which can be played by the player. The amount won per game is dependent on the results of at least one previous game on the same ticket. The player plays the games on a single ticket and the amount the player wins for each game depends on whether previously played games on the same ticket were won or lost.

Abstract: A new game piece chamber has a front surface, a rear surface, and an interior. Spaced apart railings extend in parallel from the front surface to the rear surface and have smooth surfaces facing the interior. A securing mechanism is attached to the railings opposite the smooth surfaces. One or more dividers are configured to be removably secured to the securing mechanism and to organize game pieces stored in the interior. A new game board chamber has a first side and a second, opposing side and a securing mechanism on at least one of the two sides. One or more game piece holders are configured for removable attachment to, and repositioning on, the securing mechanism. A game board organizer is attached to the first side or the second side. A new modular gaming case is configured to house game piece chambers and game board chambers.

Abstract: A game apparatus can cast various attacks only by pressing a same operating button without performing any complex operation. Attack methods are each provided with a priority, and also may be provided with a positional condition regarding a positional relationship between a player character and an enemy character, for executing an attack on the enemy character by the player character. For example, the positional condition is “less than 3 m from player character” and the attack method is “close attack with ax.” Since the positional condition “less than 3 m from player character” is given priority over an attack according to the positional condition “3 m or more and less than 10 m from player character,” when an attack operation instruction is received, the player character does an attack with an ax on the enemy character present at a distance of less than 3 m.

Abstract: An image capture device, including: a housing; a first camera defined along a front surface of the housing; a first camera controller configured to control the first camera to capture images of an interactive environment during user interactivity at a first exposure setting, the captured images from the first camera being analyzed to detect a dynamic range of the interactive environment and to track a user; a second camera defined along the front surface of the housing; a second camera controller configured to control the second camera to capture images of the interactive environment during the user interactivity at a second exposure setting based on the detected dynamic range, the second exposure setting being lower than the first exposure setting and configured to enable capture of objects that are the brightest objects in the interactive environment, the captured images from the second camera being analyzed to track an illuminated object.

Abstract: An optimized friend recommendation system is described. An active social network (ASN) of a player of an online game is determined based on a frequency of reciprocated communications between the player and friends of the player. The ASN of the player has friends of the player with a minimum number of closed-loop communications with the player within a predetermined duration. The social network of non-ASN friends outside the ASN of the player is identified. One or more non-ASN friends identified and suggested to socially engage with the player in an online game based on the social network of non-ASN friends of the player outside the ASN of the player are.