Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for correlating signals from a sports racket with signals from the shoes worn by a player wielding the racket to gain insight into the player's footwork at ball striking moments.

Abstract: A sporting-good implement, such as a ball bat or a lacrosse stick, includes a first handle section rotatably connected to a second handle section. The second handle section may be attached to or integral with a tapered region or barrel region of a ball bat, or with a shaft section or head of a lacrosse stick, or with another sporting-good feature. This rotatable engagement allows the relative position of the user's hands to change during the course of a swing, shot, or pass, ideally placing the user's hands in a position to generate improved power or control.

Abstract: A semitransparent grip can be used on various types of athletic equipment such as golf clubs, baseball bats, hockey sticks, and lacrosse sticks to cover a customizable label while maintaining features such as durability, clarity, lifespan, visibility, tackiness, and durometer, and resisting degradation from weather and chemical factors.

Abstract: A Curved Instrument for the Sport of Object Manipulation is described as being a solid mold made of soft plastic which is used by but not limited to whirling, twirling, spinning, tossing, grasping, catching, bumping and flipping in the air to oneself, another person or among an unlimited number of persons with virtually any portion of the body. The present invention is composed of four portions attached to one another where each portion contains at least one curve in addition to an indention located in the center of the portion for grip and reference point. Each portion is identical to the other three portions and is a minor image of its respectable opposite portion. The present invention has curves and indentions which makes the instrument safer and easier to use in the sport of object manipulation as the curved instrument is safer and easier to whirl, twirl, spin, toss, grasp, catch, bump and flip with virtually any portion of the body.

Abstract: A sports equipment handle that provides a user with tactile biofeedback is provided. The handle includes a handle body having an upper portion, a lower portion, a grip length, a proximal end, a distal end, and an exterior body surface. The exterior body surface is defined by a first octant, a second octant, a third octant, a fourth octant, a fifth octant, a sixth octant, a seventh octant, and an eighth octant. The handle includes at least a first tactile reference indentation that extends longitudinally along the exterior body surface and is confined to a first tactile octant. The first tactile reference indentation is formed with dimensions specifically tailored to harness the user's natural attributes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory to improve a user's accuracy.

Abstract: A knob simulating device that can be affixed to a sporting good, such as a baseball bat. The knob simulating device encircles the shaft of the baseball bat and is made up of a plurality of components that mate together to surround and encase the entire periphery of the bat shaft. Each of the component parts has a hard exterior portion and a resilient interior portion for contacting and conforming to the circular outer surface of the baseball bat. The resilient interior portion is generally cylindrical and may have one or more deformable projections that retain the device along the circular outer surface of the baseball bat. There may be a plurality of deformable projections in the form of annular rings that can be angled so as to securely retain the knob simulating device in the desired location along the shaft of the baseball bat.

Abstract: A cushioned tape to improve the playability and feel of a hockey stick blade is disclosed. The cushioned tape contains a bottom adhesive layer, a middle cushioned layer, and a top film layer. The cushioned tape is designed to be overwrapped with protective tape such as traditional cloth hockey tape. Additionally, the cushioned tape can be used to improve the handle and grip portion of other sporting implements.

Abstract: A sports racquet comprising a handle portion, a paddle portion, which is provided with at least a solid ball striking surface, and a neck portion, which rigidly connects said handle portion and said paddle portion. The paddle portion comprises at least a first cavity having a first longitudinal axis, which is substantially unperpendicular to said main reference plane.

Abstract: A hockey stick shaft includes an elongate, rectangular tube having a length and a plurality of side walls. The plurality of side walls define an elongate inner chamber of the tube. The chamber extends along the length of the tube. The plurality of side walls includes a first side wall, a second side wall opposite the first side wall, and a pair of opposite third and fourth side walls separating the first side wall from the second side wall. A support member is positioned within the chamber and extends along the length of the tube. The support member divides the chamber, and connects the first and second side wall walls to one another.

Abstract: A grip guide apparatus is disclosed for use as a training aid. The grip guide apparatus includes a substrate and chromic material. The substrate is dimensioned to cover at least a portion of an article of sports equipment such as a handle. The chromic material is capable of changing colors in response to one or more external stimuli. Changes in color of chromic material thereby indicate whether the user has proper or improper hand placement on the article of sports equipment. The chromic material may also indicate whether the user has applied the proper or improper amount of pressure to the article of sports equipment. The substrate may include an adhesive backing to affix the grip guide apparatus to the article of sports equipment. By generating feedback from the chromic material, good habits can be formed with respect to taking a proper grip of the article of sports equipment.

Abstract: A sheath for a lacrosse stick includes a cap and a rolled sheath. The cap is mounted on the free end of a lacrosse stick and the sheath is unrolled onto the stick to the desired length or the entire length of the stick. The cap and sheath are preferably made from injection molded rubber, neoprene of other polymers that permit production in various thickness, colors and lengths. The elasticity of the material preferably gives it memory and durability. The diameter of the sheath is preferably smaller than the diameter of the lacrosse stick so that it stretches to a tight fit. After the sheath is unrolled to the desired length, excess material may be cut off, if desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for playing. A apparatus for playing comprises at least one tethered object and at least one free object, said tethered object comprises a tether and an object which securely connects to one end of said tether. A tethered object may have a handle. The apparatus may further include at least one free object supporter for supporting free objects. To play, put a said free object on a playing surface or on a free object supporter on a playing surface, hold the free end of the tether or the handle of a tethered striking device, and swing or vertically orbit the tethered object to strike the free object to make the free object move. The apparatus may further include at least one goal. One may play in the way of playing golf: strike a free object with a tethered object again and again until the free object targets a goal.

Abstract: The invention pertains to sports shafts to other sports equipment subjected to impact thereon. The longitudinal edges of the sports shaft are replaced with elastomeric material so as to create a series of bumpers along the longitudinal edges providing increased protection and longevity to the stick. The invention also pertains to the blade, as in hockey stick blade, wherein the top surface of the blade is provided with an elastomeric material so as to create a bumper on the top surface. The invention also pertains to a method of fabricating said sports shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing at least a portion of a sports racquet frame that comprises a step a) of providing a moldable tube structure containing a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder. The first and second inflatable bladders are positioned on opposite first and second regions of the moldable tube structure. At an intermediate region, the tube structure comprises one or more cross channels, which pass through the moldable tube structure. The method according to the present invention comprises also a further step b) of inserting said tube structure inside a mold forming a mold cavity of a desired shape. Mold members are inserted into the cross channels of the tube structure, so that the outer surface of the mold member faces the inner surface of the corresponding cross channel.

Abstract: A sports utility handle is provided for use with a sports equipment shaft including an upper shaft surface having an upper shaft plane, a lower shaft surface having a lower shaft plane, two side shaft surfaces having side surface planes and a shaft centerline. The handle includes a shaft engagement end, a handle termination end opposite thereto, an upper handle surface, a lower handle surface comprising a lower surface spline extending inwards from the lower shaft plane towards the upper shaft plane in a first lower handle surface beginning at the shaft engagement end. The lower surface spline extending outwards in the lower shaft plane direction in a second lower handle surface beginning at the first lower handle surface and extending towards the handle termination end. A curved stop element runs between the upper handle surface towards the lower handle surface at the handle termination end and is sized to fit within a human palm.

Abstract: The handguard is an improved protection device to be attached to the knob and grip portion of a bat. A molded substratum provides a means to insure maximum protection for a batter's hands during impact by a baseball or softball. The impact absorbing substratum is partially covered by a thin, formed skin utilized to enhance the marketability and individuality of the protection device by providing an obvious location for display of visual designs or team logos. The handguard is provided with flexible attachment straps to promote a quick on/off process while ensuring the device will not rotate during impact by a ball.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an article that generally consists of a silicone material in combination with a fastening member, such as an adhesive backing, is provided and configured for easy application to a surface, including those associated with a variety of racquet sports, sporting goods, etc. The combination of the silicone material with the fastening member is hereby referred to as a “silicone adhesive product” that, as described below, overcomes the deficiencies of conventional sports equipment accessories, protects the sports equipment, reduces vibration; and can offer the degree of customization desired by some sports participants.

Abstract: A sports product may include a support member and an impact region configured to impact an object. The impact region may be coupled to the support member. The sports product may also include a shear thickening material in at least one of the support member or the impact region. The shear thickening material may be configured to exhibit shear thickening behavior when an impact occurs between the impact region and the object.

Abstract: The killer applications of golfrisbee are comprised of the golh club, golfrisbee disc and golfrisbee basket, golfrisbee target, grenade, water golh gun club, etc. Swiveling the golh club, the flying object such as golfrisbee disk is thrown to fly into the golfrisbee basket. The golfrisbee basket has either the wind-bell-chain or the wind-chime reverted umbrella structure to protect the golfrisbee from damage. The flying object has many types such as the golfball, golfrisbee disk, golfring, disk-ring, boomerang, polygon boomerang, multi-boomerang ring, multi-boomerang disk-ring, golfishing, golh hunting practice, grenade, gun golh club, water grenade, water gun golh club, etc. The golfrisbee further comprises a slotted skirt made of rubber material to make it safe for playing in the park and the backbone made of the shock-resistant plastic material. Furthermore, the golh sport is the golf hybrid of the golfrisbee and golfball. Swiveling the golh club, the golfrisbee or the golfball is thrown to fly.

Abstract: This disclosed subject matter provides twin-axis sports equipment wherein a structure connecting a main shaft and a striking portion comprises two axes. The sports equipment can be a golf club, a hockey stick, an ice hockey stick, a tennis racket, a badminton racket, or the like. The striking portion can be configured as the striking portion of a golf club driver, wood, iron or putter, and can include a golf club driver, wood, iron, or putter having a punched hole or a dimple. A void can be formed in the striking portion, from a toe side and a heel side of the striking portion, which further connects with a main shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus to indicate impact by an object are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A sporting good item or other product includes a “shrink-label” formed from a shrink-sleeve, shrink-wrap, or a stretch-sleeve adhered to or otherwise affixed to an outer surface of the item. The shrink-label includes pre-printed graphics and closely conforms to the item's outer surface, including any contours or tapered regions, so that the graphics may be displayed anywhere on the item. The shrink-label may optionally be applied to the item via an automated device. A clear coat or other protective layer may optionally be applied to an outer surface of the shrink-label to increase its durability and resistance to abrasion, which is particularly beneficial when the shrink-label is applied to an item intended for impact applications, such as a ball bat.

Abstract: A handle is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object A structure for a hockey stick is described by using multiple composite tubes bonded to one another, wherein apertures, or “ports,” are molded between the tubes to improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of the hockey stick.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing at least a portion of a sports racquet frame that comprises a step a) of providing a moldable tube structure containing a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder. The first and second inflatable bladders are positioned on opposite first and second regions of the moldable tube structure. At an intermediate region, the tube structure comprises one or more cross channels, which pass through the moldable tube structure. The method according to the present invention comprises also a further step b) of inserting said tube structure inside a mold forming a mold cavity of a desired shape. Mold members are inserted into the cross channels of the tube structure, so that the outer surface of the mold member faces the inner surface of the corresponding cross channel.

Abstract: A ball game device comprising a body 10 adapted to receive a hand 24 and a wrist 25 of a user 26, the body 10 presenting two hitting surfaces 14 for hitting a ball 20. The body 10 comprises two panels 12 with a cavity 22 therebetween for receiving the hand 24 and wrist 25 through an opening 23. The device may also be supplied in kit form.

Abstract: A method of teaching and illustrating tennis strokes is described. The method consists of teaching and illustrating tennis strokes by dividing each stroke into five specially chosen stroke components, four of which cannot be seen without slow motion photography, and developing each component individually until the student is able to execute the full stroke. Typically, the components are taught in reverse order of their execution. The five stroke components are 1) the take-back, 2) the contraction; 3) the rotation; 4) the acceleration and 5) the strike. The instructor begins by observing the student's attempts to hit a tennis ball determine which components are missing. Once missing or deficient components are identified, the instructor and student can narrow their focus to just the missing component(s) without regard to constructing a entire tennis stroke.

Abstract: A stringless sports racquet made from a used stringed racquet comprises a handle, a head frame, a flexible scoop provided on a back side of the head frame for catching, tossing, and scooping up a ball, and a flexible crosspiece provided across a back side of the flexible scoop. The flexible sheet defines at least a ramp portion along which a ball can be rolled.

Abstract: Disposable novelty sports apparatus has the appearance of authentic sports equipment and has a resilient shaft material allows a frustrated or stressed sports player to selectively determine whether to permanently break or to dramatically bend the sports equipment in a cartoon-like manner, thus alleviating pent up stress or frustration.

Abstract: A tool for realigning or straightening the strings of a racquet. The tool has a generally rectangular tip which is precisely dimensioned to fit within the normal space between the strings of a racquet. To realign the racquet strings, the tip is placed into the space defined by the strings and the strings are automatically adjusted to their preferred alignment. The string straightening tool is portable and compact, allowing the user to carry the device on his/her person and to use the device during lulls in play during the game.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a ball throwing device includes a main body and an arcuate portion that extends from the main body. The apparatus is adapted to be attached to a shaft of the ball throwing device and the arcuate portion is adapted to be placed over an article of clothing, the article of clothing being disposed intermediate the arcuate portion and the shaft of the device. The main body is adapted for placement over the shaft at a lower portion of the shaft and to be urged up the shaft toward the handle until it reaches the beginning of the handle where the apparatus is retained in position to the device by a pair of dimples that are formed in the main body.

Abstract: The table tennis bat with adjusting gravity mechanism of the present invention, whose center of gravity can be varied dependent on player's habitual behavior or usual practice to be suitable for each table tennis player's demand, comprises a blade body, an upper handgrip part, a lower handgrip part, an adjusting gravity mechanism, and an adjusting knob. Which adjusting gravity mechanism is included a hollow rectangular frame, a lead screw and a slider block. The slider block is used as counterweigh when removed capably to vary the center of gravity of table tennis bat of the present invention.

Abstract: A fielding practice bat is disclosed having a frame, preferably U-shaped, integrally connecting a head portion and a handle portion, wherein the fielding practice bat has a length, weight and balance equivalent to a conventional baseball bat. The head portion is generally tear-drop in shape and has a width no greater than 12 inches. In addition, the head portion is interwoven with a plurality of main strands of elastic tubing and a plurality of cross strands of elastic tubing. In the preferred embodiment, a single piece of elastic tubing comprises the main strands and cross stands of elastic tubing wherein the piece of elastic tubing is woven through holes in the frame. A forming grid is also disclosed comprising a matrix of cells. The main and cross strands of the fielding practice bat are interwoven through the cells of the forming grid such that each cell contains a single intersection between a main strand and a cross strand, thereby dampening the vibration of the strands upon contact with a ball.

Abstract: A sports apparatus with variable directions of stiffness and flexibility, including sports equipment having a body; and a flexure resistance spine that is elongated and is stiffer and less flexible in one direction than in a different direction. The spine is fixed against rotation at two spaced apart locations along the body.

Abstract: A sports apparatus with variable directions of stiffness and flexibility, including sports equipment having a body with an elongated cavity; and a stiffening rod that is elongated and has a longitudinal axis in a direction of elongation of the stiffening rod, the stiffening rod being inserted within the cavity and stiffer in one direction than in a different direction and being more flexible in the different direction than in the one direction, both the one direction and the different direction being directed transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of executing a tennis stroke includes covering a knee of a tennis player with a knee pad during tennis play. The covered knee of the player is placed on a tennis court surface with the knee pad positioned between the knee and the surface. The tennis racket is swung toward a tennis ball so as to hit the tennis ball with the racket either while the covered knee is on the tennis court surface, or just prior to the knee contacting the tennis court surface.

Abstract: A racket for a ball catching game includes a first frame with a first throat, a second frame with a second throat, a handle securely mounted between the first throat and the second throat, and a net securely mounted between the first and second frames. The net includes two spaced rigid lines formed thereon to thereby define a runway for the ball.

Abstract: A game comprising a plurality of substantially rigid playing discs each having an upper and lower surface bound by a circumferential ridge which is up-raised with respect to the upper and lower surfaces so as to provide a recess in the upper surface for accommodating therein a corresponding protrusion in the lower surface of an adjacent playing disc placed thereon, the upper surface having a visual image thereon. In use, the playing discs are stacked one top of another and each player is provided with a turn for striking a topmost one of the playing discs towards a periphery thereof so as thereby to upturn a number of the playing discs in the stack, the player claiming for himself those discs whose upper surface is downmost. An object of the game is to maximize the number of upturned playing discs.