Abstract: An exercise apparatus designed to rock on a ground surface and support a user in one of a plurality of positions with enhanced stability and user safety is provided. The exercise apparatus includes a pair of side plates coupled together by a plurality of rods and disposed on the ground surface, each side plate having an upper surface with a concave shape and a lower surface having a convex shape that contacts the ground surface and permits a lateral rocking movement of the side plate, the lower surface of each side plate having a pair of fins extending from opposing ends toward the ground surface. The user grabs any number of the plurality of rods to maneuver the side plates within the permitted range of lateral movement, thereby enabling the user to perform the variety of exercises in the plurality of supported positions.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for use in for example a leg exercise comprises a pair of tracks extending in a respective longitudinal direction, each carrying in sliding movement therealong a limb receiving member for supporting a limb of the user. The tracks are interconnected by a bridging portion comprising a hinge which defines a central folding axis parallel to the respective longitudinal direction of each track, so that the tracks can be moved between an operating position in which the folding axis is located transversely between the tracks and a storage position in which the tracks are disposed so that upper load bearing surfaces are oriented so as to face one another. The apparatus also includes a resiliently deformable elastic band defining a limit in the range of sliding movement of each limb receiving member along the track so as to apply gradual resistance to the limb receiving member upon contact with same.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a main pulley configured to rotate about a hub and having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a peripheral surface. The exercise device also includes a lower pulley coupled to a resistance drum and a belt wrapped partially around the peripheral surface of the main pulley coupling the main pulley to the lower pulley. Brake lining is positioned inside the resistance drum and are configured to be adjusted inwardly and outwardly along interior sidewalls of the resistance drum. In addition, a cable is coupled to the brake lining to control an amount of resistance to a rotation of the resistance drum, and a crank shaft is coupled to a hub of the main pulley and configured to be operated by feet of an individual for rotating the main pulley about the hub against the resistance to exercise the individual.

Abstract: Embodiments of an exercise device for squat training are disclosed. The exercise devices disclosed herein provide users a stable lower extremity base to help assure good motor function of the squat exercise to improve efficient flexibility, coordination, strength, and endurance development.

Abstract: Provided is an impact point estimation apparatus for estimating an impact point on a face surface of a head when a golf club having a grip, a shaft and the head is swung and hits a golf ball. The apparatus has an acquisition unit, a calculation unit, and an estimation unit. The acquisition unit is configured to acquire time series sensor data that is output from at least one of an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor that is attached to at least one of the grip and the shaft. The calculation unit is configured to calculate a characteristic value of an initial stress wave that occurs due to impact from the sensor data acquired in an analysis period including an initial period after impact. The estimation unit is configured to estimate the impact point on the face surface, according to the characteristic value. The analysis period is before a predetermined short time period has elapsed from impact.

Abstract: A wearable device automatically identifies an activity in which a user of the device is engaged while wearing the device. The wearable device receives motion data of the user collected during the activity and determines a magnitude and a frequency of the motion data. Based on the magnitude and frequency of the motion data, the wearable device identifies the activity in which the user is engaged.

Abstract: A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are various approaches for determining the maximum oxygen consumption of a person, also known as maximum aerobic capacity or VO2 Max. A person is positioned on a treadmill. Attached to the person is a harness configured to apply a horizontal force to the person. A work rate for the person can be calculated based at least in part on the magnitude of the horizontal force applied by the harness and the velocity of the belt. The maximum oxygen consumption for the person can then be calculated based at least in part on the previously calculated work rate.

Abstract: A sporting apparatus comprises a structure body, an endless belt, an electricity generating unit, a position sensing unit and a modulation unit for continuously outputting electricity as the sporting apparatus is continuously operated. The electricity generating unit transforms kinetic energy, which is transmitted from the endless belt, into electric power. The position sensing unit senses a position of a user on the endless belt so as to generate a sensing signal. The modulation unit includes a DC/AC inverter, a current sensing element, an inductor and a semiconductor switch with a controller. The current sensing element senses an armature current outputted from the electricity generating unit and outputs a signal to the controller. The controller controls the duty ratio of the semiconductor switch to control the armature current, so that the armature current is adjusted according to the sensing signal for controlling the rotation speed of the endless belt.

Abstract: A balance tension exercise device includes a pair of spaced platforms interconnected by two rigid bars. A plurality of flexible straps span the two platforms. The bars have differing widths to provide different levels of difficulty by a user walking from one platform to another over the bars. Similarly, the straps have different widths to provide other levels of difficulty. Each platform may comprise the top wall of a box. One of the boxes is larger than the other box so that all of the components of the device can be stored in the larger box.

Abstract: A swim paddle can include a low profile housing body including a hand surface and a water surface. The low profile housing body can further include a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the length of a hand of a swimmer and a transverse axis that is parallel to a width of the hand, wherein the longitudinal axis is longer than the transverse axis, and wherein the hand surface is adjacent to a palm of the hand. The paddle can further include a strap that can secure the low profile housing body with the hand of the swimmer. The swim paddle can further include an electronics package that can be affixed to the low profile housing body.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having good spin performance on approach shots and good shot feeling as well as excellent stain resistance by precisely controlling physical properties of a paint film actually formed on a surface of a golf ball body. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film formed on a surface of the golf ball body, wherein the paint film is such that a linear approximation curve obtained by a least square method has a slope in an absolute value ranging from 0.0001 to 0.0020 when a loss tangent tan ? thereof measured by a nanoindentation method is plotted as a vertical axis against a measuring frequency (Hz) as a horizontal axis, and that an elastic modulus thereof measured by a nanoindentation method ranges from 0.040 GPa to 0.600 GPa.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising an inner core comprising polybutadiene, and an outer core comprising a polybutadiene material, a graphene material and a carbon nanotube material (CNT) is disclosed herein. Improved durability of the core by using a mixture of graphene and CNT can result in higher mean time to fail (MTTF) upon repeated impact in a high speed testing device, or with a golf club in normal play.

Abstract: The use of a low molecular weight farnesene, poly(farnesene), and farnesene copolymer in a golf ball is disclosed herein. In a core, low molecular weight farnesene, poly(farnesene) or farnesene copolymer is blended with 1,4 polybutadiene or a polyalkenamer. In a mantle layer, low molecular weight farnesene, poly(farnesene), and/or farnesene copolymer can be blended with non- or partially neutralized copolymeric or terpolymeric ionomer(s). In a cover, low molecular weight farnesene, poly(farnesene), and farnesene copolymer can be blended with highly neutralized ionomer.

Abstract: Golf ball comprising cast layer of thermoset polymer mixture having centering time Ct1 and comprising: (i) a polyurethane composition, polyurea composition, and/or polyurethane/polyurea hybrid composition; and (ii) a treated fumed silica compound in an amount such that centering time Ct1 is independent of the thermoset polymer mixture's degree of cure and lower than a centering time Ct2 of the thermoset polymer composition (which is dependent on its gel window Gw). The treated fumed silica compound may be surface treated with at least one of polydimethylsiloxane, hexamethyldisilazane, and dimethyldichlorosilane. In some embodiments, delta time ?t1 between a dispensing time Dt1 of the thermoset polymer mixture and centering time Ct1 is less than a delta time ?t2 between Ct1 and centering time Ct2. Centering time Ct1 and dispensing time Dt1 may differ by less than 10 seconds or even by 5 seconds or less.

Abstract: A system for dropping golf balls at pre-determined, repeatable patterns and distances from a hole or target for putting and chipping practice may include a removable ball holder and retrieval device to retrieve golf balls that have been struck for efficiently reloading the system for repeated golf ball dispensing.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for stringing a racket. In an embodiment, a system for stringing a racket includes a support structure, a mounting device, actuators, links, and a controller. Each actuator includes a selectively movable arm movable between a retracted position and an extended position. Each link is coupled to a different arm and configured to couple to a string on the racket. The controller is configured to coordinate movement of each arm between the retracted position and the extended position in a predetermined sequence. Movement of each arm in the predetermined sequence is effective to tighten the racket string on the head of racket when the racket string is woven across a head of the racket such and each link is coupled to a different portion of the racket string between two adjacent grommet holes on the head of the racket.

Abstract: A resilient face insert for a golf club head, preferably a putter head, is disclosed herein. In particular, the face insert comprises a plurality of hinge features spaced from a striking surface to ensure consistent ball speed across the striking surface. At least a portion of each hinge feature extends parallel to the striking surface without making contact with the striking surface. In the preferred embodiment, each hinge feature comprises a tab portion that is spaced from the striking surface by a stem portion and that extends parallel to the striking surface. The hinge features may be co-molded with a polymeric backing material having a plurality of parallel grooves in order to further improve performance of the face insert.

Abstract: A picture with multiple slices is encoded by generating a coded slice representation for each of the slices. A slice flag is set to a first value for the first slice in the picture and corresponding slice flags of the remaining slices are set to a second defined value. A respective slice address is generated for each remaining slice to enable identification of the slice start position within the picture for the slice. A coded picture representation of the picture comprises the coded slice representations, the slice addresses and the slice flags. The slice flags enable differentiation between slices for which slice addresses are required and the slice per picture for which no slice address is needed to identify its slice start position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a set of golf clubs comprising long irons, mid irons and short irons. Preferably, the long and mid irons have a face stabilizing bar and back panel that have a plurality of apertures in the face stabilizing bar and/or the back wall.

Abstract: A putter-type golf club head is disclosed. When oriented in a reference position, the putter-type golf club head comprises a blade member and a central elongate member in communication with, and extending rearwardly from, the blade member. The blade member extends in a heel-to-toe direction and has a striking wall defining a substantially planar striking surface, and an upper surface of the central elongate member comprises at least one generally square-shaped alignment element.

Abstract: A putter-type golf club head has a main body and a face component including a first element formed of a resilient material. The putter-type golf club head also has a second element forward of the first element and including a rigid material. The second element is secured directly to the first element. The first element has a thickness that gradually increases toward a sole portion of the club head.

Abstract: Baseball bats described herein may have handle, throat and/or barrel portions that include non-circular cross-sections.

Abstract: A construct for a hockey stick that includes a shaft having with variable cross-sectional geometry. The shaft may include one or more portions with pentagonal and heptagonal cross-sections that increase the bending stiffness of the hockey stick shaft.

Abstract: A weight member for removable attachment to a weight port of a golf club head is provided. The weight member comprises a head that has a tool mating port for operatively receiving a portion of a fastening tool. The weight member further comprises a shaft that is associated with the head such that the shaft terminates at an end surface. The shaft has a threaded external surface and a non-threaded internal bore that extends from the end surface.

Abstract: A slip-proof grip sleeve includes a lining tube and a slip-proof strip mounted on an outer periphery of the lining tube. The slip-proof strip includes a gripping portion between front and rear ends thereof. The slip-proof strip further includes a first folding portion adjacent to the rear end and a second folding portion adjacent to the gripping portion. The first and second folding portions are thinner than a thickness of the gripping portion. The first folding portion is folded toward an inner face of the slip-proof strip to overlap with the second folding portion. The slip-proof strip includes a third folding portion adjacent to the front end and a fourth folding portion adjacent to the gripping portion. The third and fourth folding portions are thinner than the thickness of the gripping portion. The third folding portion is folded toward the inner face to overlap with the fourth folding portion.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a top portion, a sole portion opposite the top portion, and a striking face configured to impact a golf ball. The striking face includes a face center and a variable thickness distribution such that the club head exhibits an Expected COR value of not less than 0.810, the Expected COR value being determined based on the following relationship: Expected ? ? COR = ? i = 1 n ? ? j = 1 m ? p ij * c ij The variable cij corresponds to an average COR value associated with bin i, j, and the variable pij corresponds to a bin-specific impact probability value. And the club head exhibits a characteristic time no greater than 257 microseconds.

Abstract: A basketball net cover comprising; a sheet of fabric having a first end, a second end, a first edge, and a second edge, wherein the first end corresponding to a first radius and the second end corresponding to a second radius, at the first end a plurality of openings are positioned a predetermined distance from one another and are of a predetermined length, wherein the first edge and the second edge are secured together a frustum of a cone is formed wherein the top edge has a first circumference and the bottom edge has a second circumference.

Abstract: A baseball practice apparatus includes: a ball pitching device configured to pitch a ball toward a batting area where a user bats; a detection sensor configure to sense whether the user is located in the batting area; and a control device configured to analyze sensing information of the detection sensor to determine whether the user has prepared for batting in the batting area and cause the ball pitching device to operate according to a preset process when it is determined that the user has prepared for batting.

Abstract: A baseball and softball training aid is worn to prevent a batter's lead arm from extending too far backward in rotation during swing windup, thus collapsing the “box” or “barrel” referred to in batting training that exists between the batter's lead arm and chest during at least an initial portion of a swing of a bat. The training aid has a vertical stop providing a surface that is aligned vertically along a chest of the batter so that the lead arm of the batter is prevented from traveling past the vertical stop by contacting the vertical stop when the batter winds up to strike a ball and a pair of braces rigidly coupled to the vertical stop and extending across the chest of the batter to transfer energy from the vertical stop to the chest of the batter when the lead arm of the batter contacts the vertical stop.

Abstract: A basketball shooting training device employs a housing for retaining an optical projection device and one or more straps for facilitating a secure connection to the user. In various embodiments, the optical projection device is configured to emit a light beam, which facilitates prompt and accurate feedback for a user employing the device.

Abstract: A swing practice apparatus has a base portion that makes a contact on a ground, a standing pole that extends upward vertically from the base portion, a horizontal arm that is elongated between a first base side and a third base side and is arranged to be perpendicular to the standing pole, a hinged arm that is rotatable at one end at a middle of the horizontal arm, a trajectory pipe attached to the other end of the hinged arm, a trajectory wire connected between the trajectory pipe and a bracing structure, and a ball suspended to a suspension ring which is slidable along the trajectory wire and the trajectory pipe.

Abstract: A target training apparatus includes an axle shaft, and the axle shaft includes three rebounding portions. Each one of the rebounding portions can be rotated relative to the axle shaft in order adjust angles among each one of the rebounding portions. In addition, each one of the rebounding portions can be positioned onto the axle shaft after the position thereof are set completely. The present invention utilizes three rebounding portions arranged at different angles as different ball striking targets, and the diversity of the ball bouncing direction is increased in order to improve the athlete training effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a practice swing bat and, particularly, to a bat which is capable of, during golf swing practice, calculating and displaying swing speed, virtual driving distance of each club, etc., and transmitting the same to a terminal so as to enable management of the same. To this end, the bat of the present invention comprises a swing measurement module.

Abstract: A golf simulator comprises a photosensor unit, an image input unit, a movement information calculation unit, a spin information calculation unit and a flight trajectory calculation unit. The photosensor unit detects a moving path of a golf ball by using a plurality of photosensors, the image input unit inputs movement images of the golf ball, the movement information calculation unit calculates a moving direction and speed of the golf ball from information acquired from the photosensor unit, the spin information calculation unit calculates a spin amount of the golf ball from the inputted images, and the flight trajectory calculation unit calculates a flight trajectory of the golf ball by using movement information and spin information. The speed and direction of a golf ball, and a spin of the golf ball are accurately measured by using a separate image input device to calculate a spin amount of the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf swing training assembly and method of operation aligns the feet of a golfer at a perfect golf stance; and allows the feet and the body to shift into a correct finish swing. A platform forms a static foundation upon which the golfer stands. A left foot Lazy Susan turntable and a right foot Lazy Susan turntable are operable on the platform to rotate about a central axle in two directions relative to the static platform to accommodate a traveling foot of golfer while swinging. The golfer positions the left foot and right foot on their respective Lazy Susan turntable to practice a golf stance or swing. A foot fastener on each Lazy Susan turntable detachably fastens feet to Lazy Susan turntable during rotation to prevent lateral movement by legs during the golf swing. A rotation restriction mechanism restricts rotation of the Lazy Susan turntables relative to platform.

Abstract: A system that measures a swing of a bat with one or more sensors and analyzes sensor data to create swing quality metrics. Metrics may include for example rotational acceleration, on-plane efficiency, and body-bat connection. Rotational acceleration measures the centripetal acceleration of the bat along the bat's longitudinal axis at a point early in the rotational part of the swing; it is an indicator of the swing's power. On-plane efficiency measures how much of the bat's angular velocity occurs around the swing plane, the plane spanned by the bat and the bat's sweet spot velocity at impact. Body-bat connection measures the angle between the bat and the body tilt axis, which is estimated from the trajectory of the hand position on the bat through the swing; an ideal bat-body connection is near 90 degrees. These three swing quality metrics provide a simple and useful characterization of the swing mechanics.

Abstract: A multifunctional baseball pitching apparatus includes a base, a housing, a ball-feeding wheel, an inner seat, a hitting rod, a driving device, and an adjusting device. The baseball pitching apparatus adopts the adjusting device to adjust the preload force of a hitting rod and is provided with a plurality of adjusting gears so that the user can perform setting according to requirements, thereby realizing different hitting heights and distances and meeting different needs for hitting baseballs. The baseball pitching apparatus is fully automated, which provides great convenience for training.

Abstract: A rack for storing a plurality of cylindrical free weight plates for weightlifting is provided, wherein the cylindrical free weight plates have an outer diameter with a peripheral edge, and each weight plate is of like diameter. The rack includes a planar base sized to support free weight plates stacked in a horizontal configuration, and a plurality of spaced apart uprights disposed generally vertically on the base, and wherein each upright receives the peripheral edges of the plurality of weight plates.

Abstract: A hammer/discus cage includes first and second base plates, first and second vertical trusses coupled to their respective first and second base plates, and first and second gates hinged to their respective first and second vertical trusses. A hoop net rail extends rearwardly from the first vertical truss to the second vertical truss and netting extends downward from the hoop net rail and attached to the first and second gates.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically identifying a golf swing without any active participation on the part of the golfer is disclosed. The application program stored on and operating from an electronic device system uses data from a gyroscope and accelerometer to identify the golf swing. The system also automatically keeps statistics about the golfer's round of golf based on the GPS location of the identified swings.

Abstract: A self-stabilizing, one-wheeled electric skateboard may include improved features. In some examples, the vehicle includes a status indicator viewable through a slot formed in an upper surface of the board. In some examples, the vehicle includes a convertible carrying handle transitionable between stowed and deployed positions. In some examples, the vehicle includes an interchangeable fender and fender substitute that may be removably coupled to an upper surface of the board. In some examples, a motor controller of the vehicle may operate a field-oriented control (FOC) scheme configured to control the electric motor by manipulating a direct current aligned with a rotating rotor flux angle and a quadrature current defined at ninety degrees from the rotating rotor flux angle. In some examples, the motor controller may be configured to permit intuitive dismounting of the vehicle by tilting and/or moving the vehicle backward.

Abstract: Automatic card shufflers include a card shuffling mechanism, a base at least partially supporting the card shuffling mechanism, a shoe to receive cards from the card shuffling mechanism, and a card imaging system configured to detect at least one indicia on the cards, the card imaging system being at least partially disposed within the base.

Abstract: A board game comprises one or more game objects such as a game board and game pieces, at least one memory device and at least one controller. Each of the game objects comprise a globally unique identifier and dynamic characteristic values associated with the unique identifier, stored in the memory device, that define the characteristics/attributes of the corresponding game object when used in the game. A user is able to play the game by utilizing the game objects according to their characteristic values. During the course of game play, the events of the game are able to dynamically change the characteristic values of each game object affected by the event. Similarly, outside of game play, external events are also able to dynamically change the characteristic values of a game object. These characteristic values are able to be kept and updated during and in between games.

Abstract: A removable scratch-off document with a display portion, printing method and system ensuring the integrity and security of the document with variable win and lose variable information protected by a scratch-off coating by overprinting at least one of at least a part of the scratch-off coating and at least a part of the display portion using stochastic imaging. The resulting printed document is more attractive and consistent over varying surfaces, as well as more secure against illicit attempt to remove the scratch-off coating by lift and float techniques.

Abstract: A roulette game enables single-spin formation of meaningful character strings, which character strings may be coupled to tones for enhancing the gaming experience. The meaningful character strings may be defined by solfege-enabling letter groups, which letter groups may prompt underlying tones in solmization. The syllabic roulette game comprises a roulette wheel, a wager-enabling layout, and a plurality of balls. The wheel comprises alphabetic characters against a rainbow colored backdrop for enabling various payout schemes. A color-coordinated wager support surface is preferably disposed adjacent the roulette wheel for facilitating wager placement.

Abstract: An entertainment method comprising shaking a master die and a plurality of scoring dice, and accumulating turn points when a reference designation shown by at least one shaken scoring die corresponds to a master designation shown by the shaken master die, forfeiting turn points when no reference designation of the shaken scoring dice corresponds to any master designation shown by the shaken master die, and collecting a scoring token when the shaken master die shows a token designation.

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

Abstract: A determination section determines whether or not contact of an object has occurred, based on an orientation, of a controller, calculated by an orientation calculation section. A first waveform generation section generates a first vibration waveform when the determination section determines that the contact of the object has occurred. An audio vibration waveform generation section generates an audio vibration waveform based on a sound signal. An output section outputs the sound signal and outputs a signal representing a combined waveform obtained by the first vibration waveform and the audio vibration waveform based on the sound signal being combined with each other, when the determination section determines that the contact of the object has occurred.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable mediums provide for displaying pixels asynchronously on a display, block-based camera updates, and event driven frame updates on an asynchronous display.