Abstract: Various hand-held exercise weights are configured to fit comfortably in a person's hand. Some embodiments define a circular loop about a central opening. Some embodiments have first and second segments that change in girth as a function of distance from a juncture defined therebetween. Some of the embodiments have handgrips of different shapes.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that is configured to be operably coupled to a conventional support frame having support poles providing vertical movement of the exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus includes a bar member wherein the bar member has an engagement portion for use by a user when executing an exercise using the bar member. The engagement portion is provided in alternate styles. The bar member includes a pair of bar support members that are opposedly located on the bar member at opposite ends of the engagement portion. The exercise apparatus further includes a first connection assembly and a second connection assembly that are configured to operably couple with the first bar support member and second bar support member. Pin assemblies are provided to releasably secure the first bar support member and second bar support member with the first connection assembly and second connection assembly.

Abstract: A resistance system is disclosed. The resistance system has a line reel system for deploying a tension line and a power system for drawing in the slack line. The resistance value can be set by a subject using the device by using a resistance controller and indicator located on an outer surface of the system. The system can be self-contained with an internal power supply. The system is particularly useful for swim training or rehabilitation. It can be simply operated by a user without removing the device.

Abstract: Described herein is a mobile exercise apparatus and methods of using the same. The mobile exercise apparatus may include a standing platform, a resistance mechanism, and a user engagement member. The user engagement member may engage hips of a user and the resistance mechanism. Engagement of the resistance mechanism by the user engagement member may cause the resistance mechanism to move within a path of travel of the standing platform toward a first end of the standing platform.

Abstract: A fitness training apparatus comprising: a base, at least one retractable line provided in or on the base, and a load generator provided in or on the base for applying a selectively adjustable load to the at least one retractable line. The retractable line has a free end region for operation by a user, wherein the at least one retractable line is configured and arranged to be extended from a retracted state in or on the base to an extended state upon application of a force to the free end region of the retractable line by the user. The load applied to the retractable line by the load generator resists or acts against the force applied to the free end region by the user for extending the retractable line from the retracted state to the extended state.

Abstract: A resistance training glove device having a glove casing for attachment to an individual's hand. The glove casing includes a first member and a second member. The first and second members are attachably connected to one another to collectively form the glove casing. The first member has a body element which includes an enclosed tank for receiving and storing fluid. The second member includes a handle bar element, a cuff element and a reception cavity. The reception cavity receives the individual's hand when the glove casing is attached to the individual's hand. The stored fluid in the glove casing provides a weighted resistance to the individual during movement of the attached glove casing.

Abstract: An exercise machine creates a simulated continuous resisted climbing motion. The machine includes a floor- or ground-contacting base frame and two or more substantially vertically oriented uprights, wherein at least one upright is rigidly connected to the base frame. The machine further includes two handles and two foot pedals, each handle and each foot pedal being movably engaged with an upright for linear reciprocating motion along the upright. The handles and foot pedals are interconnected so that they move concurrently. An adjustable resistance mechanism may be operatively connected to the interconnection of the handles and foot pedals to provide adjustable resistance for the simulated continuous climbing motion.

Abstract: A stationary exercise device comprises pedals mounted via cranks to opposite sides of a drive wheel; a flywheel with a magnetic rim coupled to the drive wheel; a brake with a motor and one or more permanent magnets mounted for movement relative to the magnetic rim; a measuring unit for measuring at least one of the drive force applied via the drive wheel and the related torque; a measuring device for measuring cadence; and a command module. The command module uses measurements from the measuring unit and the measuring device to calculate a performance parameter and compares the performance parameter against a predetermined performance profile. The command module also can control the motor to move the permanent magnets relative to the magnetic rim to adjust the braking force applied and thereby adjust the performance parameter to conform with the performance profile.

Abstract: An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a first upper rear mounting point and a second lower front mounting point configured to maintain the frame, the first upper rear mounting point having an upper rear movable rotating joint, a seat connected to the frame and configured to support the user in a forward facing orientation, a wheel positioned in association with the frame, a set of pedals configured to interact with the wheel, a stem passing through the head tube, and a connection arrangement connecting the stem to a base. The frame is configured to pivot about the first upper rear mounting point and second lower front mounting point in response to leaning by the user, causing rotation of the stem by the connection arrangement.

Abstract: An adaptive training system can determine a finite work capacity and critical power and use those determinations to generate an adaptive training programs for workout parameters. To determining a finite work capacity and critical power, the adaptive training system can receive workout data; generate data points by determining, for each workout, a maximum amount of work done for each of multiple time window sizes; fit these workout data points to a function; and determine a critical power and finite work capacity based on the fitted function. Once the adaptive training system has determined a critical power and finite work capacity, the adaptive training system can use them to generate an adaptive training program by keeping a function defined by a set of workout parameters below an ability function that is based on the critical power and finite work capacity.

Abstract: A weight machine sensor includes a force sensor, a position sensor, and a processor. The force sensor is programmed to output a force signal representing a force applied to a pulley-disposed on a cable incorporated into exercise equipment having a stack of weights. The position sensor is programmed to detect motion of the stack of weights and output a position signal representing the motion detected. The processor is programmed to receive the force signal and the rotation signal and determine, from the force signal and the position signal, exercise data including an amount of exercise resistance and a number of repetitions performed.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to carabiners, carabiner retrieval devices and systems, and methods of retrieving a carabiner. In an embodiment, a carabiner retrieval device includes a neck, a retention device, and a retrieval cord retention structure. The neck has a length and includes a first end spaced from a second end along the length. The retention device extends from the first end of the neck at an obtuse angle relative to the length of the neck, and is configured to be attached to a gate of a carabiner. The retrieval cord retention structure extends from the second end of the neck, and is configured to retain a retrieval cord. When the retrieval cord is coupled to the retrieval cord retention structure and the retrieval cord retention device is attached to the gate of the carabiner, the gate opens responsive to the retrieval cord being pulled in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent spin performance on approach shots under a wet condition and excellent spin performance on approach shots under a condition that there is grass between the golf ball and the club face. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film composed of at least one layer and formed on a surface of the golf ball body, wherein an outermost layer of the paint film located at the outermost layer of the golf ball contains a base resin and a porous filler, the base resin contains a polyurethane obtained by a reaction between a polyisocyanate composition and a polyol composition, and the porous filler contains SiO2 in an amount of 50 mass % or more as a constituent component.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent spin performance on approach shots under a wet condition and excellent spin performance on approach shots under a condition that there is grass between the golf ball and the club face.

Abstract: Unlike earlier visual alignment aids, the present devices and methods may transfer focus away from a central sight line to a plurality of multicolored auxiliary sight lines. The multicolored sight lines are typically brightly colored to maintain the player's focus and help avoid head movement during initiation of the swing. Further, in some embodiments, the central and/or auxiliary sight lines are dashed, with the dashes either aligned or offset from one another. In this way, hyper-acuity becomes two-dimensional with sight lines running in a first dimension (e.g., from face-to-back, when markings are on the crown, or top-to-bottom, when markings are on the face) and cross lines, made up of inter-sight line dashes, running in a second dimension (e.g., from heal-to-toe).

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a face with a striking surface configured for striking a ball and a channel extending across a portion of the sole. The channel may be recessed from adjacent surfaces of the sole and have a depth of recession from the adjacent surfaces of the sole, wherein the channel comprises a center portion extending across a center of the sole, a heel portion extending from a heel end of the center portion toward the heel, and a toe portion extending from a toe end of the center portion toward the toe, wherein the width and the depth of the center portion of the channel are substantially constant, and wherein the depth of the channel is greater at the heel and toe portions than at the center portion.

Abstract: Golf club heads include white diffusing top surfaces to aid in club head alignment. Wood type club heads also include a dark diffusing club face so that a crown/face border is emphasized. Scorelines in wood type clubs can be provided with an intermediate contrast surface, and can be displaced from club face center to accommodate player perception when confronted with a white diffusing crown. Putter heads can include dark diffusing alignment lines, and iron-type club heads can include white diffusing surfaces at a sole portion of a club face, at a top line, or a top portion of a club face.

Abstract: A golf club head having a hollow portion therein includes a face portion for striking a ball and defining a leading edge, a sole portion extending rearwardly of the club head from the face portion and having an inner surface thereof facing the hollow portion, a club head thickness being equal to or less than 39.0 mm. The sole portion is provided on the inner surface with a weight portion extending along the leading edge and a thin wall region between the leading edge and the weight portion. The thin wall region has a length L of from 14.0 to 23.0 mm in a head front-rear direction. The thin wall region has a ratio t/L of a maximum thickness t (mm) thereof to the length L (mm) is in a range of from 0.040 to 0.080.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a face; a body, the body defining an interior and an exterior; the face and the body together defining a center of gravity, the center of gravity being proximate the face; a coefficient of restitution feature defined in the body; wherein the coefficient of restitution feature defines a gap in the body. A golf club head includes a face and a golf club body; the face and the golf club body defining a center of gravity, the center of gravity defined a distance, ?z, from a ground plane as measured along a z-axis, the center of gravity defined a distance, CGy, from the center face along the y-axis.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a front body and a rear body coupled to the front body to define a hollow cavity therebetween. The front body includes a strike face that defines a ball striking surface, a hosel, and a frame that at least partially surrounds the strikeface and extends rearward from a perimeter of the strikeface away from the ball striking surface. The strike face and frame are formed from a thermoplastic composite comprising a thermoplastic polymer having a plurality of discontinuous fibers embedded therein. Each of the plurality of discontinuous fibers have a length of less than about 40 mm. The specific gravity of the thermoplastic can range between 1.0 and 2.0. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic composite is 20% to 70% fibers by volume.

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 top portion, a sole portion, a back portion, and a front portion having a face portion with a face portion thickness extending between a front surface and a back surface. The body portion may be associated with a body portion volume. The golf club head may also include an interior cavity. The interior cavity may include an elastic polymer material. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Described herein is a tour iron having a golf club head with a faceplate, a body, and an insert. A sole, top rail, rear, and the faceplate enclose a cavity within the body. The cavity can house the insert. The insert can comprise a low-density material, allowing weight to be concentrated around the peripheral edge of the golf club head. The rear of the golf club head has an inflection seam running from the heel to the toe. The golf club head has an upper portion, above the inflection seam and a lower portion below the inflection seam. The lower portion can have a depth greater that the upper portion depth. The faceplate, body, and insert can be formed of different materials having different densities. The golf club head has a comparatively high moment of inertia and a low center of gravity. Other embodiments and methods are described herein.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a main body and a weight attached to and detached from the main body. The main body includes a face having a ball striking face, and a sole having a sole surface brought into contact with the ground when striking a ball. The sole has formed thereon a first guide track recessed with respect to the sole surface and having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction in a plan view. The weight is fixed inside the first guide track. The first guide track includes an attachment/detachment region in which the weight is attached/detached, and a first fixing region and a second fixing region in which the weight is moved in the longitudinal direction and fixed. The first fixing region and the second fixing region are disposed to be contiguous to the attachment/detachment region in the longitudinal direction and sandwich the attachment/detachment region.

Abstract: A golf club includes a golf club head, a shaft adapter secured within a hosel of the golf club head, and a shaft secured within the shaft adapter. The golf club shaft is formed from a fiber reinforced polymer and extends along a longitudinal axis between a tip end and a grip end. The golf club shaft includes a tip end section, a grip end section, and a tapered section between the tip end section and the grip end section. The tapered section of the shaft includes a reference portion within the upper half that has a frustoconical shape with a near-constant taper rate, and a narrowed portion within the lower half. The narrowed portion is recessed relative to a reference surface extrapolated from the frustoconical shape.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads comprising a nanocomposite to attenuate sound of the club head are described herein. The nanocomposite comprises graphene and a polymer. The graphene can be in the form of a powder, where the graphene is suspended within the polymer. The nanocomposite can be disposed within an interior surface of the club head. The nanocomposite can be applied to selected portions of the club head such as behind the strike face. The nanocomposite comprising graphene and the polymer can provide an alternative filler material over homogenous materials to attenuate the sound to provide a pleasing sound and feel to a golfer.

Abstract: A portable sports practice net includes a frame with a base to which removable vertical poles having top side bar supports, such as T-units or L-units, are joined holds a net to create an opening, such as a goal opening. The top side bar supports have a unique shape and extend horizontally from the top of the vertical poles in a manner that reduces the weight placed on the net fabric hung between the vertical poles and creates a goal pocket depth with need for additional vertical posts. Or, the tops of the vertical posts are joined to T-units or L-units, with each T-unit or L-unit having a horizontal bar slidably engaged thereto to create the goal opening depth. Each vertical post creates a pivot point at its bottom end, such that each vertical post is urged apart from the other post to create tension or leverage between the opposite top side bar supports or T-units or L-units, thus creating a net opening with a more realistic goal shape and reducing sag at the top edge.

Abstract: A coaching tool for footwork development including a plurality of shims arranged parallel to one another. The coaching tool includes a housing surrounding the shims. The housing has a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, a front surface, and a back surface opposite the front surface. The coaching tool includes a handle extending from a first end to a second end. The first end is attached to the housing on the back surface, and the second end is spaced from the first end. A portion of the handle between the first end and the second end is disposed on a common plane with the bottom surface of the housing.

Abstract: A golf swing machine with movable guides that rest on the back of the neck/shoulders and against the lower back just above the belt to help guide a golfer into forming a proper swing. Two semi-circular guides rotate around the center of the spine forcing the user to rotate around his or her spine maintaining a proper spine angle during the swing. These guides are rotatably connected to a frame which is part of a stand on which the user stands. Smooth rotation of the guides up to 180 degrees without binding is enabled by guides connected to the device by rollers rolling in semi-circular channels.

Abstract: A self-propelled waterborne wave riding system includes a vessel having at least one motor and control system for navigating and propelling the vessel along a body of water. A rider section is located along the top of the vessel and includes a lower platform at the front of the vessel, an upper platform at the back of the vessel, and an elongated angled ride surface that extends between the upper and lower platforms. A pump system is provided along the vessel and includes an impeller assembly that is mechanically coupled to an inboard motor and a water pipe. Water received by the impeller is directed through the water pipe to a horizontally oriented nozzle in the lower platform which pushes the water over the ride surface. Openings in the upper platform return the used water into the body of water.

Abstract: The nature of the invention enables the same tennis backboard to be used in any of the three standard backboard positions; vertical, sloped, or curved. Furthermore, the design allows for the angle of slope, and the curvature of the board, to be made at the location where the board is mounted. The material used is a paper/resin composite product that is durable, dense, flexible, and not affected by adverse weather conditions. The invention incorporates flex technology allowing the board to flex upon impact from a tennis ball. The same framework can be used to mount the backboard to an existing chain-link fence, concrete wall, brick wall, stud wall, portable platform, or other sturdy structure.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pair of support members, a cable, a rolling mechanism and a tackling bag. The pair of support members are fixedly coupled to a surface. The cable is attached to and extends between the pair of support members. The rolling mechanism is connected to the cable and configured to traverse the rod from a first end of the rod toward a second end of the rod. The tackling bag is attached to the rolling mechanism and configured to be propelled from one of the pair of support members toward the other of the pair of support members. The rolling mechanism is permitted to move relative to the cable when a force is applied to the tackling bag.

Abstract: Distance measuring devices and methods are included which may be used to measure and simultaneously display an accurate range of multiple targets such as the flags of a golf practice driving range.

Abstract: The automated projectile launching device is a pitching machine that can launch biodegradable balls. The device is intended to provide a portable batter-training implement, that is capable of giving the user the change in velocity, angle of pitch and change in range, that comes naturally because of the variations in dimensions of bio-degradable balls. The use of bio-degradable balls further prevents the need to collect the balls after practice as they break on forced contact into smaller pieces and dissolve when wet with water, making it environment friendly. Furthermore, the compact, lightweight, and portable pitching machine includes multiple placement and incline options. Additionally, the device includes multiple components that are flexible, for the smooth handling of the bio-degradable balls. Thus, the automated projectile launching device is a unique training aid for all hitters, that can provide various pitch locations and angle variations effortlessly, and thus effective training.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product algorithmically analyzes scoring data from a competitive event where the scoring, determined by a plurality of evaluators, is based on subjective criteria. The method receives, and/or determines a scale factor associated with each evaluator. The method adjusts scores awarded by each evaluator, based on respectively corresponding scale factors, to arrive at normalized scores. The method, thereby minimizes influences of biases associated with the evaluators.

Abstract: A boot form for a hockey skate is made of multiple plastic materials having different hardness properties, or different flexural moduli, and is formed via an injection-molding process or another similar process. One or more of the plastic materials may be reinforced with fibers of glass, carbon, aramid, or another stiffening material to strengthen one or more regions of the boot form. For example, pellets of a first plastic material having a flexural modulus of approximately 190 MPa (e.g., a polyamide elastomer block amide) may be injected into a mold to form a softer upper region of the boot form. And pellets of a second plastic having a flexural modulus of approximately 20,000 MPa (e.g., a Nylon 12 with long glass fibers) may be injected into the mold to form a stiffer lower region of the boot form. Additional skate components may then be attached to the boot form.

Abstract: A stand-and-spray foam delivery method and device for creating a foam line on a hard surface, such as an athletic playing field, while a user is standing in an upright position. The method provides a vanishing foam formula comprising a relatively high level of surfactant in an aerosol can having an actuator device with a cylindrical actuator orifice that has a round opening and long and straight sidewalls.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for card games such as blackjack that allow at least one card to be dealt from a special deck (e.g., a restricted deck) into a hand, while the remainder of the cards for that hand (and, in some embodiments, other hands involved in the game event) are dealt from a main/conventional deck. In accordance with some embodiments, the at least one card dealt from the special deck is dealt into a hand of the player while in other embodiments it is dealt into the hand of a dealer and/or an opponent player. A special deck may be a deck that includes cards configured to provide an advantage to the player (e.g., in a blackjack game, restricted deck may only include high value cards if being used for a player hand or only low value cards if being used for a dealer hand).

Abstract: The board game includes a board game apparatus that is adapted to be placed on a table. The apparatus includes a board and a plurality of chips. The board includes a stand to support the board on the table. The stand is attached to the bottom surface of the board. With the stand, a player can tilt the board in different directions. Before the board is tilted, the board lies flat on the table. A player can tilt the board in a manner such that one side of the board contacts the table surface and another side of the board opposite to that side lifts up from the table surface. The board includes rows of grooves. The chips include a protrusion configured to fit in the grooves and move in the grooves. The chips are configured to slide on the board in response to the tilting movement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for playing a game by providing a board with tactile and/or sound annotations uniquely referencing play positions on the board; and providing tactile and/or audible pieces to be used with the tactile and sound-annotated board.

Abstract: Herein is described a scratch-off structure comprising the following layers in order: a substrate having a first layer showing information thereon, a second layer comprising a polymeric film and being substantially transparent; a third layer comprising a transparent electrostatic ink; a fourth layer, wherein the fourth layer is coloured. Methods for making scratch-off structures and collections of scratch-off structures are also described.

Abstract: A gaming system may include: an infrared signal emitter configured to emit an infrared signal, the infrared emitter being configured to emit a predetermined number of emissions per a simulated reloading action, the infrared signal being configurable to be associated with one of at least a first team, a second team, and a neutral team, the infrared signal emitter including a handle to be grasped by a player and a trigger to effect emission of the infrared signal; and an infrared signal receiver configured to receive the infrared signal associated with one of the at least the first team, the second team, and the neutral team. Optionally, the gaming system may include a stationary receiver and emitter for integrated use with game players in a further modification of the methods and uses herein. The stationary receiver and emitter may receive and transmit signals, store a memory of activities, teams, players, and other game-playing benefits.

Abstract: Provided is a game machine capable of providing guidance so that, at an appropriate timing, the player performs the action of changing from a contacting state in which he/she is contacting a predetermined region to a non-contacting state in which such contact is not performed. The game machine provides a dance game for providing guidance about the performance timing of a dance step, and evaluating the actual step performance timing. The game machine comprises a stage sensor that detects a contacting state in which a foot of a player is contacting a treading surface of the stage, and detects a non-contacting state where such contact is not performed. The game machine also provides guidance about the time of a foot-lifting action as the step performance timing, and evaluates the time as the actual step performance timing, so that a foot-lifting action changing functions as the dance step.

Abstract: A video game system includes a control unit and a plurality of aroma-dispensing units positioned near a gamer. The control unit includes a hollow housing containing one or more blocks with a plurality of printer-style cartridges removably positioned therein. Each cartridge contains an aromatic compound having a discrete fragrance corresponding to a game feature, such as a character or a myriad of environmental conditions. The block is in fluid communication with a plurality of dispensing units positioned near the gamer. Each dispensing unit includes a fan and a nozzle that project a discrete aromatic compound toward the gamer that is congruent with a game character or environmental condition.

Abstract: The application discloses a method for motion synchronization of a virtual object. A first accumulation time and a second accumulation time are detected. The first accumulation time is accumulated from a previous speed update of the virtual object. The second accumulation time is accumulated from a previous location update of the virtual object. A speed of the virtual object is updated when the first accumulation time reaches a preset speed update time. In addition, the first accumulation time is reset after the speed of the virtual object is updated. A location of the virtual object is updated when the second accumulation time reaches a preset location update time. The second accumulation time is reset after the location of the virtual object is updated. The preset speed update time is greater than the preset location update time.

Abstract: A method is disclosed including setting, at a plurality of devices, a plurality of VSYNC signals to a plurality of VSYNC frequencies, wherein a corresponding device VSYNC signal of a corresponding device is set to a corresponding device VSYNC frequency. The method including sending a plurality of signals between the plurality of devices, which are analyzed and used to adjust the relative timing between corresponding device VSYNC signals of at least two devices.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device having a controller to obtain a user input that was inputted into a first accessory operably coupled with the computing device where the first accessory provides a user interface for user interaction with a video game, determine a language of an intended recipient of the user input based on an identity of the intended recipient, access a multi-lingual library comprising a plurality of words associated with the video game, match the user input to one or more words of the plurality of words of the multi-lingual library to generate a translated message in the determined language of the intended recipient, and provide the translated message to a second accessory for presentation to the intended recipient in real-time. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Abstract: A game board is displayed on a display of a computer device. When a user engages with one or more game elements in a move, at least one processor of the computer device determines a first characteristic of a game element associated with the triggering of a first game element, a first direction associated with the triggering and a first set of locations along the first direction. The at least one processor is configured to associate each location of the determined first set of locations with a game element having the determined first characteristic.

Abstract: A computer device has a display, a user interface, and at least one processor. The processor is configured to provide a game board of a computer implemented game. The game board comprising a first dedicated area associated with a first player and a second dedicated area associated with a second player. When it is the first player's turn, the processor is configured to cause the display to display the first dedicated area and the common area. When it is the second player's turn, the processor is configured to cause the display to display the second dedicated area and the common area.

Abstract: A computer device has a user interface which receives user input to control movement of a game entity in a collection run of a computer implemented game. The computer device has a display which displays the game entity moving in response to the user input in the collection run. At least one processor of the computer device determines resources collected by the movement of game entity in the collection run. When one or more required resources have been collected, the at least one processor causes, in response to user input. one or more further items for the computer implemented game to be provided.