Abstract: Virtual and augmented reality sports training environments are disclosed. A user interacts with virtual players in a simulated environment of a virtual reality sporting event. In some embodiments, the user's actions and decisions are monitored by the simulated environment. The environment evaluates the user's performance, and provides performance feedback based on the user's decisions and timing. In one application, real life pitchers and their pitching data are tracked and replicated in a simulated pitching environment. A team of users may practice against a simulation of a pitcher they are about to compete against, swinging at pitches that they would see in a real game. Such environments may maximize effective practice time for users, and help develop better players with improved decision-making skills. Some embodiments include various pitch recognition training, which may be against replicated real-life pitchers.

Abstract: An inflatable sports ball is provided. The sports ball includes an interior bladder and a cover disposed about the interior bladder. The cover may include an outer substrate and an intermediate structure. The cover may further include an outer substrate surface, defined by the outer substrate, and a feature surface radially spaced apart from the outer substrate surface. Together the outer substrate surface and the feature surface cooperate to define an exterior surface of the cover. A mechanoluminescent material may be embedded in a portion of the cover. The mechanoluminescent material may be disposed at only one of the outer substrate surface and the feature surface, such that it is positioned to form a predetermined design on the cover. The mechanoluminescent material emits visible light in response to an externally-applied stress, such that the predetermined design illuminates when an external stress or mechanical stimulus is exerted upon the cover.

Abstract: A sports ball includes an inflatable ball or a non-inflatable ball. A photosensitive layer is provided on an outer side of the non-inflatable ball. The inflatable ball includes an inner bladder. An outer side of the inner bladder is bonded to a patch layer through an adhesive layer. A valve core is fixed and penetrates from an inner side of the inner bladder to an outer side of the patch layer, such that the inner side of the inner bladder communicates with the outer side of the patch layer through the valve core. A spacer groove is formed between the outer side of the inner bladder and the patch layer. A sealing strip is bonded to an inner side of the spacer groove; and the photosensitive layer is provided on the outer side of the patch layer. The photosensitive layer includes UV photochromic powder.

Abstract: The invention comprises a projectile, compliant with the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations and/or the United States Code, such as 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(17)(B), which regulates bullet materials and mass fractions. For example, the invention is to a projectile comprising: (1) a metal core, such as a cobalt alloy core, including a base and a tip, where the base and the tip are separated by a core length along a z-axis running longitudinally through a center of the metal core; and (2) a jacket circumferentially attached to the metal core, the jacket surrounding at least fifty percent of the core length of the metal core, where the jacket includes: a polymer and a first jacket radial thickness along at least a section of an interquartile portion of the core length of greater than 0.03 inches.

Abstract: A toy dart includes a deformable cap that safely impacts a target. The cap includes two layers of openings that provide spaces that allow the cap to deform. The lower layer, having two openings, is supported by exterior posts and an interior wall between the two openings. The upper layer, having two openings, is supported by exterior posts and an interior wall that is laterally offset from the interior wall of the lower layer. The upper and lower layers are separated vertically by a substantially flat divider. The upper layer is more rigid than the lower layer such that the lower layer of the cap deforms more than the upper layer of the cap upon initial impact with the target.

Abstract: A toy dart includes a deformable cap that safely impacts a target. The cap includes two layers of openings that provide spaces that allow the cap to deform. The lower layer, having two openings, is supported by exterior posts and an interior wall between the two openings. The upper layer, having two openings, is supported by exterior posts and an interior wall that is laterally offset from the interior wall of the lower layer. The upper and lower layers are separated vertically by a substantially flat divider. The upper layer is more rigid than the lower layer such that the lower layer of the cap deforms more than the upper layer of the cap upon initial impact with the target.

Abstract: A toy dart includes a deformable cap that safely impacts a target. The cap includes two layers of substantially parallel hollow passages that provide spaces that allow the cap to deform. The lower layer, having two hollow passages, is supported by exterior posts and an interior wall between the two hollow passages. The upper layer, having three hollow passages, is supported by exterior posts and interior walls that are laterally offset from the interior wall of the lower layer. The upper and lower layers are separated vertically by a substantially flat divider. Due to the difference in the number of hollow passages and interior walls in each layer, the upper layer is more rigid than the lower layer such that the lower layer of the cap deforms more than the upper layer of the cap upon initial impact with the target.

Abstract: A ball rotational direction detecting system includes a magnetic sensor that is fixed in a ball, an acceleration sensor, a bearing recording unit that records a moving bearing, a magnetic dip recording unit that records a magnetic dip ? of geomagnetism, and a calculating unit. The calculating unit calculates the orientation of the rotation axis and the rotational direction of the ball with respect to a traveling direction F and a gravity direction G of the ball, based on a geomagnetism vector m, an acceleration vector a, the moving bearing, the magnetic dip ?, and time variations in the geomagnetism vector m or the acceleration vector a.

Abstract: A toy dart includes a deformable cap that safely impacts a target. The cap includes two layers of substantially parallel hollow passages that provide spaces that allow the cap to deform. The lower layer, having two hollow passages, is supported by exterior posts and an interior wall between the two hollow passages. The upper layer, having three hollow passages, is supported by exterior posts and interior walls that are laterally offset from the interior wall of the lower layer. The upper and lower layers are separated vertically by a substantially flat divider. Due to the difference in the number of hollow passages and interior walls in each layer, the upper layer is more rigid than the lower layer such that the lower layer of the cap deforms more than the upper layer of the cap upon initial impact with the target.

Abstract: A toy dart includes a deformable cap that safely impacts a target. The cap includes two layers of substantially parallel hollow passages that provide spaces that allow the cap to deform. The lower layer, having two hollow passages, is supported by exterior posts and an interior wall between the two hollow passages. The upper layer, having three hollow passages, is supported by exterior posts and interior walls that are laterally offset from the interior wall of the lower layer. The upper and lower layers are separated vertically by a substantially flat divider. Due to the difference in the number of hollow passages and interior walls in each layer, the upper layer is more rigid than the lower layer such that the lower layer of the cap deforms more than the upper layer of the cap upon initial impact with the target.

Abstract: A rotation speed measuring system includes a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, an end detecting unit, and a calculating unit. The magnetic sensor measures earth magnetism in at least one axis direction. The acceleration sensor measures acceleration in at least one axis direction. The end detecting unit detects a time point of a switch at which an acceleration variation is switched to a large-variation state after a small-variation state, wherein the small-variation state corresponds to a state in which the acceleration variation is equal to or below a predetermined first threshold value and the large-variation state corresponds to a state in which the acceleration variation is equal to or above a predetermined second threshold value. The calculating unit calculates the rotation speed of the ball moving in midair by analyzing a frequency of measurement data on the earth magnetism acquired by the magnetic sensor until the end time point.

Abstract: An application for a non-lethal arrow. The application may comprise a foam tip and may further comprise an elastic attachment mechanism and a base. The foam tip may comprise an impact end and a base connection end. The elastic attachment mechanism may comprise one or more elastic fingers. The base may comprise a shaft connection end and a flat supporting plate end. The ends of the finger or fingers of the elastic attachment mechanism may be secured to the base. The length of the finger or fingers may be elastically extended and wrapped around at least a portion of the foam tip, holding the foam tip against the flat support plate of the base.

Abstract: A softball pitching aid enables one to practice throwing rise balls and drop balls at slower speeds than that required by a standard softball. It comprises a ball with opposing convex surfaces at either end of and disposed about a central axis and a plurality of symmetrical slots protruding into its outer surface and disposed circumferentially along the central axis. The ball is constructed of polyurethane foam or other lightweight material. When thrown correctly, the slots interact with ambient air to cause the ball to rise or drop. The slots and lightweight material allow the ball to rise or drop at lower speeds. The slots further provide guidance for gripping the ball and leverage for increasing its spin rate during flight. The ball further comprises a two-tone coloring scheme that, in conjunction with the symmetrical slots, provides instant visual feedback during flight as to whether it was thrown correctly.

Abstract: A dart is disclosed that may comprise an elongate dart body, a base, and a cap. The elongate dart body may have a first end, a second end, and an interior cavity, which can be a bore. The base may include a mount and a stem inserted into the interior bore of the dart body at the first end of the dart. The cap may be attached to the base and may have a flexible, substantially bulbous-shaped head portion and an interior post so that the head portion may be configured to deform upon an impact.

Abstract: A dart is disclosed that may comprise an elongate dart body, a base, and a cap. The elongate dart body may have a first end, a second end, and an interior cavity, which can be a bore. The base may include a mount and a stem inserted into the interior bore of the dart body at the first end of the dart. The cap may be attached to the base and may have a flexible, substantially bulbous-shaped head portion and an interior post so that the head portion may be configured to deform upon an impact.

Abstract: A hand-held flinging device includes a launcher that engages the projectile and improves control of the launcher and projectile, during a throwing/flinging motion, until centrifugal force causes disengagement of the projectile from the launcher. The engagement system involves the rearward portions of a launcher shaft and the projectile bore, so that, upon disengagement, frictional engagement and interference of the engagement system with the projectile is prevented or limited as the projectile moves forward to fly off the launcher. The engagement system may include a member that snaps into engagement with a hole or recess to hold the projectile on the launcher even through the wind-up portion of the throw that may include the launcher distal end being pointed downward. The preferred projectile covers the entire or nearly the entire launcher shaft distal of the hand grip and is heavier toward its front end.

Abstract: A ball having colored indicators provided thereon that are positioned in a manner to indicate to a game participant where to hit the ball in order to obtain a desired result.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of adjusting the angle of attack to the longitudinal axis of a plurality of aerodynamic surfaces on a high performance throwing toy which affect the performance of such toy and to also provide a means of measuring such performance by recording the time the toy is airborne during flight.

Abstract: A transformable toy with an alterable exterior structure. The toy is constructed to transform from a non-rollable first shape to a second rollable shape. An interior structure inside the exterior structure includes two or more exterior wall portions that collectively define a sphere, the wall portions moveably coupled relative to each and actuated by a triggering mechanism reactive to a magnetic force that is initiated external to the toy, and a biasing member that effects a force which transitions the wall portions to control the exterior structure—from a non-rollable (e.g., half-sphere or the like) first shape to a rollable (e.g., sphere or the like) second shape. Without initiation of the magnetic force, the first shape is maintained. With initiation of the magnetic force, the first shape transforms to the second shape.

Abstract: A multi-sport ball is provided having an outer ball and an intermediate ball. The outer ball includes an outer ball first side and an outer ball second side, wherein the outer ball forms an intermediate compartment therein. The intermediate ball has a different shape than the outer ball and the intermediate compartment is configured to receive the intermediate ball. The outer ball first side and the outer ball second side each having a mating face, wherein the outer ball first side and the outer ball second side are configured to be separated at the mating faces.

Abstract: A training device includes a controller, and a sensor in communication with the controller. The sensor is configured for measuring a force. At least one indicator is in communication with the controller for indicating when a force falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an electronic handheld device is provided for receiving information related to a broadcasted sporting contest, and calculating a score based upon the received information. The information is entered into the electronic handheld device via a controller having plurality of buttons, each button having an associated score. The controller includes a display for displaying team information, which may include the team name and the score for each team. The controller further includes circuit board having circuitry operatively connected to the controller for processing the entered information and outputting the processed information to the controller display.

Abstract: Sporting devices having the ability to provide dynamic indicia are disclosed. Further aspects relate to systems and methods for altering the output of at least one light-emitting/light reflecting device of a sporting device. In one aspect, the selective utilization of dynamic indicia may be implemented in the training or coaching of athletes. In one embodiment, a user input may be received by manipulating a structure traditionally located on a particular type of sporting device or from an external electronic device, including for example, a portable communication device, such as a wireless telephone, media player, tablet, netbook, or notebook computer. Further aspects relate to utilizing sensors to detect a motion parameter of the sporting device and/or an athletic parameter during a selected athletic routine. Certain implementations may utilize data from multiple sporting devices and/or other structures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an interactive game method with sports injury protection, comprising: providing a remote pointing device for a user to swing; and triggering a safety mechanism in one or more of the following conditions: (1) when a user swings the remote pointing device drastically; (2) when a count of swings exceeds a first threshold; and (3) when a count of swings in a predetermined time period exceeds a second threshold.

Abstract: System and method for playing game based on coin toss, may utilize sensors to detect physical movement of coin or instrumented coin, communicate sensor-derived data to remote graphical display system, display virtual coin that represents movement and orientation of tossed coin. May utilize sensor, communication, display, game systems and optional message gateway. Sensor system and part of wireless communication system may be external or embedded in coin. Graphical coin movement and orientation may mimic the actual coin being tossed or may be represented as any avatar or other graphical object that represents the coin including celebrity pictures, videos, faces, logos or any other object that may represent a “head” or “tail”. May generate a random number that allows viewers to win a prize. Viewers may guess result of coin toss before toss and win prize if they guess the result correctly.

Abstract: Balls for team and individual sports include a motion graphic that provides enhanced perception of ball rotation. The motion graphic is typically defined with a visual characteristic that contrast with a ball casing. The motion graphic includes first and second termination portions that are coupled by a connection region. The first and second termination portions are symmetrically situated with respect to a longitudinal axis and are asymmetric with respect to axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The motion graphic and the ball casing can be provided with substantially opposite colors selected to exhibit similar or substantially the same reflectivities.

Abstract: An apparatus for the conditioning, storage and transportation of tennis balls. The tennis ball conditioning, storage, and transportation apparatus is used to condition tennis balls, primarily by heating to a desired operating temperature. Conditioning modifies the internal pressure of the balls and warms the composition of the balls to the desired playing temperature. The tennis ball conditioning, storage, and transportation apparatus includes a housing which may have handles and which has an interior which contains heating and/or cooling elements and which functions as a conditioning and storage chamber. The chamber is divided by a screen upon which the balls rest. A thermostatically controlled heater, cooler and fan achieve the desired temperature then stabilizes the balls at the desired temperature.

Abstract: An ink that is curable with high intensity visible light. Also, substrates, particularly game balls, printed with such ink, and a method for printing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball shaped product and a method for making the same. The method includes the following steps of: (a) placing a ball shaped interior material on a supporting seat, wherein a part of an outer surface of the ball shaped interior material is exposed outside the supporting seat; (b) placing the ball shaped interior material and the supporting seat in a chamber; (c) covering a wrapping material on the chamber; (d) vacuum pumping the chamber, so that the wrapping material is attached to the exposed part of the outer surface of the ball shaped interior material; (e) releasing the vacuum of the chamber; and (f) rotating the ball shaped interior material, and repeating the step (a) to step (e) at least one time.

Abstract: An edible animal food projectile is provided. The projectile is compatible for being launched from a launching apparatus such as a toy gun or the like. The projectile includes an edible body made from a starch-based material consisting essentially of an expanded starch. The edible body is formed into a predefined geometry operable to receive a launching force causing temporary flight of the projectile and having a first density. A payload is embedded on or within the edible body and the payload is formed from a material having a second density greater than the first density of the edible body. The payload can be food, medicine, and the like.

Abstract: Apparatuses for playing miniaturized recreational games can include a base, a coupler, and a projectile launcher. The coupler can be rotatably positionable and engaged with the base. The projectile launcher can include a deformable elongate rod which can be engaged with the coupler. The apparatus can also include a second coupler and a projectile putter. The second coupler can be rotatably engaged with the base assembly. The projectile putter can include a rigid elongate rod which can be engaged with the second coupler. In use, the projectile launcher can aerially discharge a playing piece such as a ball, and the projectile putter can impart motion of the playing piece resting on a playing surface.

Abstract: A marking system for use with competitively thrown objects such as discuses, shot puts, hammers and javelins. The marking system has a cavity which contains a marking agent which is automatically deposited from the cavity onto the ground when the thrown object hits the ground. Other embodiments are describes and shown.

Abstract: This is a timed dodge ball type game played by two or more players. Consisting of two or more balls preferable six balls numbered two threw seven. The adjective is to throw and hit one of the other player with one of the numbered ball resulting in that person dropping all of their number balls for the number of second on that ball thrown giving any of the players a chance to get the dropped ball. After that number of seconds labeled on that ball that hit that player is up, the player that dropped the ball can now pick up the remaining balls and rejoin the game. At the end of a preset stop time all player add up the number on the ball they are holding and the highest number wins.

Abstract: A football game and football game apparatus that consists of sliding football shaped playing pieces down a rectangular planar playing surface towards scoring targets. The scoring targets represent certain yardages that can be gained or lost, or other events that may occur in an American football game, and by which a player can advance or move back their game piece on a simulated football field. The football field is secured perpendicularly across and above the planar playing surface and includes yardage markers, down markers, score trackers, and a line of scrimmage indicator in order to track the game play.

Abstract: A toy for firing projectiles comprising or including a frame and an arm pivotally mounted to the frame and able to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in use, a projectile equipped with or being an elastic member can be launched by the toy by engaging the elastic member with the arm and moving the projectile relative to the arm such that the elastic member is extended and the arm is in the second position, and subsequently releasing the projectile to cause the projectile to be launched by virtue of transfer the stored energy in the elastic member, wherein the arm is able to move to the first position so as not to interfere with the trajectory of the launched projectile.

Abstract: A golf training method and device having at least one flat surface and an annular surface, wherein the annular surface is configured to receive contact with a golf club and the flat surface is configured to contact the surface on which the device is disposed. The device may have a radius greater than the height. The device may be sized to have the diameter of a standard regulation golf ball, and a height approximately 0.25 inches to require the user to swing within 0.25 inches precision in order to hit the training device. The device maybe made from a soft, resilient material suitable for use indoors.

Abstract: A launchable or throwable flying device that comprises a tapering tube or hollow truncated cone shape with a front aperture that is larger in diameter than the rear aperture. Various aerodynamic and design features are designed to optimize the device's performance in flight, such as (but not limited to) a tail section that induces the device to tack into the wind when thrown.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a leather-like sheet having excellent water absorbability (sweat absorbability, defined the same hereinafter), providing a natural leather-like touch, and suitably used as a ball covering or a non-slip covering, without lowering surface wear resistance. An aspect of the invention is directed to a leather-like sheet including a base material having an entangled fiber sheet; and a porous elastic resin layer laminated on a surface of the base material. The porous elastic resin layer has a concave-convex surface. The concave-convex surface of the porous elastic resin layer includes a projection having a top surface and a side surface, and a recess having a bottom surface contiguous to the side surface. The top surface of the projection has openings with a diameter from 10 to 500 nm at a density of 1,000 openings/mm2 or more.

Abstract: Sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, casings for sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, and methods for enhancing visual acuity of a soccer ball are described. In embodiments, the sporting ball has an exterior with a substantially spherical surface including a first pole opposing a second pole and an equator circumferentially intermediate the first pole and the second pole. Additionally, in embodiments a first exterior region of a first color may include a first hub section oriented at the first pole generally opposite a second hub section oriented at the second pole on the substantially spherical surface. The first hub section may have one or more first hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator, and the second hub section may have one or more second hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator. Further, in embodiments, the sporting ball may have a second exterior region of a second color.

Abstract: Improvements to projectile devices (particularly air guns) include techniques for measuring and controlling the velocity of projectiles in the barrel and after leaving the barrel, allowing the use of non-toxic projectiles. Tracking of a projectile's flight by its unique sound and/or its unique electromagnetic signal or signal modulation are also provided, along with after-barrel guidance that can be used to improve accuracy. Control for discriminating between authorized and unauthorized users is also provided. A projectile device can also be used for inexpensive and harmless practice using optical and/or acoustic information gathered by targeting and imaging systems built into the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a playing object (21) having a main surface (13, 14, 16) enclosing and provided around a center of gravity, said main surface being provided with elements (22) in a pattern around the center of gravity, where each element has an element surface extending away from the main surface. The playing object may be a polyhedron and some of the elements may have a different appearance than the majority of elements.

Abstract: A play ball having a high bounce capacity of at least 20 vertical feet and as much as 50 or 75 vertical feet is formed of a solid, elastomer thermoplastic polyurethane having a wall thickness of 3-5 mm, containing gas at a pressure preferably greater than 0.65 kfg/cm2.

Abstract: An air-powered toy gun is described. The toy gun includes a housing with a barrel. A cartridge slot is formed in the housing to accept a projectile cartridge and align a bullet chamber of the cartridge with the barrel. An air cylinder is attached with the housing. A dual slide unit is slideably attached with the housing, the dual slide unit having a plunger positioned within the air cylinder. Further, a pull back handle is attached with the dual slide unit to allow a user to draw the plunger from the air cylinder. Finally, conduits are attached with the air cylinder to connect the air cylinder with the bullet chamber of a cartridge. Thus, a user can draw the plunger from the air cylinder and release the pull back handle to shoot a projectile from the toy gun.

Abstract: A game ball wherein in the vicinity of a goal, or in a goal area, an electronic system is activated in the goal area by an activation signal, which may be a magnetic field or a radio signal, so as to subsequently facilitate, e.g., highly precise position measurement of the game device, or game ball.

Abstract: A projectile is provided for use in a non-lethal weapon system. The projectile includes a first body with a longitudinal axis. The projectile having kinetic energy is launched substantially along the longitudinal axis in the direction of a target. The projectile preferably includes a second body with the same longitudinal axis and a hollow. A portion of the first body fits marginally within the hollow. The elastic mechanism includes an elastic deformation of the first body and/or second body while the first body is forced into the hollow during the impact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunction system comprising a first module (1) for the automatic distribution of articles and a second module (21) for recovery of used or unusable tennis balls and/or empty tubes of tennis balls.

Abstract: A dehydrated, pulp-based projectile is described. The projectile is pulp material that is molded and dehydrated into a projectile shape to form the dehydrated, pulp-based projectile. In operation, the pulp-based projectile can be positioned within the bullet chamber (e.g., gun clip) of a toy gun and then rehydrated. For example, the toy gun or bullet chamber can be dipped in water, which would cause the projectile to absorb the water and soften. An advantage to being pulp based is that the projectile is more solid than foam and, as such, generally shoots straighter and further than foam However, when rehydrated, the projectile has the propensity to stick to its target as it becomes pliable and sticky through rehydration.

Abstract: System and method for playing game based on coin toss, may utilize a system and method for graphically displaying coin toss using sensors to detect physical movement of coin or instrumented coin, communicate sensor-derived data to remote graphical display system, display virtual coin that represents movement and orientation of tossed coin. May utilize sensor, communication, display, game systems and optional message gateway. Sensor system and part of wireless communication system may be external or embedded in coin. Graphical coin movement and orientation may mimic the actual coin being tossed or may be represented as any avatar or other graphical object that represents the coin including celebrity pictures, videos, faces, logos or any other object that may represent a “head” or “tail”. May generate a random number that allows viewers to win a prize. Viewers may guess result of coin toss before toss and win prize if they guess the result correctly.

Abstract: An object, such as a ball-shaped object, suitable for games and amusement purposes has a first portion made of an elastic material and a second portion made of a non-elastic material. The combination of the elastic first portion and the non-elastic second portion renders the object to bounce unpredictably upon impacting a solid flat surface.

Abstract: Ball structures, such as basketballs, are formed to include regions with different and distinct tactile characteristics or “feel.” Such ball structures may include a cover member divided into plural panels that are separated by channels. The exterior surface of one or more of these panels may include regions having different textures. One region, which extends over a central portion of the panel, includes raised elements, such as raised ribs or other structures, that may extend at least 0.5 mm outward from a base surface of the cover member.