422 results about "Sports activity" patented technology

Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for measuring and analyzing movements of a body and for communicating information related to such body movements over a network. In certain embodiments, a system gathers biometric and biomechanical data relating to positions, orientations, and movements of various body parts of a user performed during sports activities, physical rehabilitation, or military or law enforcement activities. The biometric and biomechanical data can be communicated to a local and / or remote interface, which uses digital performance assessment tools to provide a performance evaluation to the user. The performance evaluation may include a graphical representation (e.g., a video), statistical information, and / or a comparison to another user and / or instructor. In some embodiments, the biometric and biomechanical data is communicated wirelessly to one or more devices including a processor, display, and / or data storage medium for further analysis, archiving, and data mining. In some embodiments, the device includes a cellular telephone.

The present invention relates to the field of ambulatory and non-invasive monitoring of a plurality of physiological parameters of a monitored individual. The invention includes a physiological monitoring apparatus with an improved monitoring apparel worn by a monitored individual, the apparel having attached sensors for monitoring parameters reflecting pulmonary function, or parameters reflecting cardiac function, or parameters reflecting the function of other organ systems, and the apparel being designed and tailored to be comfortable during the individual's normal daily activities. The apparel is preferably also suitable for athletic activities. The sensors preferably include one or more ECG leads and one of more inductive plethysmographic sensor with conductive loops positioned closely to the individual to preferably monitor at least basic cardiac parameters, basic pulmonary parameters, or both. The monitoring apparatus also includes a unit for receiving data from the sensors, and for storing the data in a computer-readable medium. The invention also includes systems comprising a central data repository for receiving, storing, and processing data generated by a plurality of physiological monitored apparatus, and for making stored data available to the individual and to health care providers.

A sensor garment for monitoring an individual engaged in an athletic activity includes a garment formed of textile material, and a sensor module inseparably coupled to the textile material of the garment. The sensor module includes a single-purpose sensor configured to sense a single characteristic, and a radio antenna configured to transmit data generated by the single-purpose sensor. The sensor module includes no external port.

The present invention provides a system for monitoring a physiological parameter of players engaged in a sporting activity. The system includes a plurality of reporting units, a controller, and a signaling device. The reporting unit has an arrangement of sensing devices that measure the physiological parameter of an individual player and generate parameter data. The controller receives the parameter data transmitted from each reporting unit and then processes the parameter data to calculate a parameter result. When the parameter result exceeds a predetermined value, the controller communicates with a signaling device that provides an alert to sideline personnel to monitor the player(s) in question. The system also includes a remote storage device for holding historical data collected by the system which permits subsequent analysis. The system can monitor a number of player physiological parameters, including the acceleration of a player's body part that experiences an impact and the temperature of each player.

Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for measuring and analyzing movements of a body and for communicating information related to such body movements over a network. In certain embodiments, a system gathers biometric and biomechanical data relating to positions, orientations, and movements of various body parts of a user performed during sports activities, physical rehabilitation, or military or law enforcement activities. The biometric and biomechanical data can be communicated to a local and / or remote interface, which uses digital performance assessment tools to provide a performance evaluation to the user. The performance evaluation may include a graphical representation (e.g., a video), statistical information, and / or a comparison to another user and / or instructor. In some embodiments, the biometric and biomechanical data is communicated wirelessly to one or more devices including a processor, display, and / or data storage medium for further analysis, archiving, and data mining. In some embodiments, the device includes a cellular telephone.

The invention relates to a system for monitoring a physiological parameter of players engaged in a sports activity. The invention further relates to a method for evaluating and treating players when the parameter exceeds a predetermined level. The system measures, calculates and records the parameter and then alerts trained personnel to apply the method to evaluate and treat players. When the system is configured for use with football, hockey or lacrosse, the system generally includes reporting units, a sideline controller, a database, and a signaling device, such as a wireless personal digital assistant. The physiological parameter data measured and collected by the reporting units are processed by the sideline controller for meaningful analysis or use. When the physiological parameter(s) exceeds a predetermined threshold level the sideline controller generates an alert that is received by the signaling device, which is typically worn by sideline personnel, such as coaching staff or trainers. After an alert occurs, the method for evaluating and treating a player is initiated. The signaling device includes software that prompts the sideline personnel to perform the method through a series of interactive steps and tests. The signaling device prompts the personnel to conduct the appropriate sideline examination, records the responses, compares the results to established baselines and prompts further testing, a return to play decision, or a no-play decision.

A physical activity reward system and method which rewards a person performing physical activity with a reward, such as use of an appliance such a TV viewing time. The system includes a physical activity monitor capable of generating activity information proportionate to the amount of exertion or work done. The system may be used to record and keep track of the reward points or information. The system may further control the supply of electricity to an appliance through an electrical control module. The electrical control module may be interposed between a source of household electrical current and an electrical appliance such as a TV set.

A system and method of calculating athlete performance, may include receiving information relating to at least one date of performance of physical activity and generating a proposed training schedule, including one or more training sessions, corresponding to the at least one date of performance of physical activity. Further, the system and method may include receiving information relating to records of the athlete's prior performances, and determining a performance model including predicted athlete performance based on the calculated training schedule and the prior performances.

A real-time camera image of a student is displayed to the student while the student is performing a physical activity. The student can switch between seeing his natural field of view and the live video image by refocusing his eyes. Additionally, instructional information may be overlaid on the real-time video, thus enhancing the learning process.

There are provided methods (200) and systems (100) for simulating sports activities. Historical data is aggregated to develop realistic, simulated, fictional players and teams (206, 208). The aggregation of data is sufficient to avoid any discrete identification of a simulated player, team, league or other participant with a real-life equivalent. The historical data collected is sufficient in quantity and type that simulated sports events can be realistically performed in substantially unlimited scope and quantity. Degrees of randomness may be introduced (510) to provide excitement and unpredictability. Non-random variations to the historically based activities can be made (512) so as to alter the fundamental nature of a player, team or league. Outcomes of the simulation can be generated substantially indefinitely to provide long-term entertainment, for example full seasons and multiple seasons / years of sports activities. The simulated sports activities of the present invention can be presented to fans in lieu of live sports events (522). Mediums of presentation (600) can include, for example, live video displays, television transmissions, radio transmissions and real-time display to stadium fans.

A garment is provided that positions and maintains therapeutic materials relative to a selected body part. A first version holds an icepack or optionally a heat emitting material proximate to a body part of a wearer, while minimally restricting the wearer's mobility. As one example, the wearer might be able to continue engaging in a sports activity while treating an edema of a body part with an icepack comprised in the garment. In another version, the garment might position and maintain heat emitting material or device relative to a first body part of a wearer while simultaneously positioning and maintaining a second therapeutic material, e.g., a cold pack, relative to a second body part of the wearer. In another version, the garment might position magnets or objects of psychological or spiritual significance, e.g., an object bearing a religious image or signage, separately, in combination or proximate to a therapeutic material

The invention is a head covering that is particularly suited for use when participating in aquatic sports activities, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and jet skiing, where the fabric is selected for its quick drying ability and stretchability, therein enabling excellent conformability to the body. Well known fabric brand names include Spandex, Lycra, and nylon or blends thereof. The head covering helps retain body heat, protect against sunburn, keep hair pulled away from a diver's mask, restrains hair in the back of the head, and makes divers on the surface more visible to boat crew. The head covering has a compartment / pouch which can optionally be disguised as to substantially form a hidden pocket. The fabric of the head covering is preferably brightly colored, stylish and decorative, and may be associated with a designer.

A male personal comfort sport and multipurpose underwear / undergarment that includes, as an integral part thereof, a specially configured penis and genital pouch secured to the interior of the undergarment that includes a frontal elastic opening for receiving and comfortably securing a male penis, and coincident slit-like opening on the opposite side of the pouch to allow the penis to be easily and comfortably removed through the front panel of the undergarment. The undergarment significantly reduces the possibility of crushing or otherwise injuring the penis and / or genitalia during any sudden movement of the wearer, such as vigorous exercise occurring during sports activities. The pouch also serves to isolate the genitalia from the thigh area, so that in humid conditions or conditions in which the wearer is perspiring due to physical activity, the penis and genitalia skin do not touch the wearer's thigh region. Alternatively, the inside portions of the pouch can be lined with a water-impermeable material if the undergarment is intended for use by male individuals who may be incontinent or otherwise incapable of controlling the bodily discharge of urine, particularly during aggressive physical activities.

The present disclosure is directed to a body-worn sensor-based system for evaluating the biomechanics and the motor adaptation characteristics of postural control during a sport activity such as a golf swing. Various embodiments use sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to measure the three-dimensional motion of ankle and hip joints. In several embodiments, additional sensors attached to other body segments are used to improve the accuracy of the data or detect particular instants during the swing (e.g., top of back swing, instant of the maximum speed of arm, and instant of ball impact). In a golf embodiment, the system combines the measured data in conjunction with a biomechanical model of the human body to: (1) estimate the two-dimensional sway of the golfer's center of mass; (2) quantify and evaluate the golfer's balance via his / her postural compensatory strategy; and (3) provide visual feedback to the golfer for improving dynamic postural control.

A human joint assist device that applies a torque at the joint to assist physiological exertion forces, that is the load carrying task of the joint and surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The application of this device reduces the physiological exertion force requirement, and may be adjusted with respect to assist level, to suit the issue associated with joint motion and is useful for joint rehabilitation and sports activities. Among other things, this results in a reduction of physiological exertion force in a fashion that makes it easier to extend the levers (long bones) associated with extension against a given resistance. For example, standing from a squatted position with the assist of this device reduces the stress on physiological members associated with joint articulation.

A lap counter system for multiple runners automatically counts and times one or more runner(s) during a workout session exercise at either an indoor or outdoor running track suitable for use at a health club, school, business, government or other organization promoting physical activity to enhance the health of their members. The system includes standalone, computer controlled, end user friendly components that displays fitness statistics during the use of the running track for each runner without impeding the athletic activity with a cumbersome wearable device. The system preferably includes a display visible to the runner at one or more points around the track such as a scoreboard with the aforementioned statistics displayed providing the runner with a virtual coach.

Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for automatically aggregating a plurality of system users into participants for a group activity. In some embodiments, the method comprises generating a personal profile of each system user; generating one or more preference profiles of a desired participant for a respective group activity; identifying the personal profiles of the system users that meet the one or more preference profiles; comparing information in the personal profiles to determine a strength-of-match between system users populating the group activity; optionally grouping of the participants into a plurality of subgroups according to the strength-of-match between each member of the subgroup; and assigning the participants to the group activity based on the strength-of-match. The present invention automates the process of organizing groups of friends and / or strangers for participation in group activities, such as movie outings, sports outings, company events, and so on.

A snag-free or safety instrument, such as a wristwatch, having substantially smooth and flowing contours and being free of stems and protrusions eliminates or greatly reduces the potential of state of the art wristwatches to scratch, puncture or tear the skin of persons other than the wearer whom the watch may contact, when worn in normal use and in situations involving possible close contacts as in care giving and sports activities.

A helmet for protecting the head of a wearer during sporting activities, comprising a protective shell, vents formed in the protective shell, and a shutter plate positioned within the protective shell. The shutter plate has apertures conforming in dimension and position to the vent openings so that that the apertures are in substantial alignment with the vents when the shutter plate is in a first position. The shutter plate is selectively moveable so that the vents are opened or closed.

An improved bracelet article is disclosed having a closed loop section adapted to be worn upon the wrist of a wearer and a continuous extension arm releasably connected about the loop section and extendable therefrom to engage a finger ring on the hand of the wearer and prevent its loss during physical activity. The closed loop section and the extension arm are integrally constructed from an elastic cord material threaded through a series of bead members arranged in a selected design pattern, the outer end of the extension arm having a clip member attached thereto. Under normal conditions, the extension arm is wrapped about the loop section and fastened thereto to provide a decorative bracelet to be worn on the wrist of the wearer. During the course of physical exercise or sports activity, the extension arm and its clip member are released from the loop section and stretched, preferably along the palm of the wearer, and fastened to the finger ring to prevent accidental removal and loss.

The present invention provides an overhead support apparatus for assisting a user while performing rehabilitation physical activities and includes a track assembly supported by the ceiling and a suspension device that depends from the track assembly and is attached to the user so that the apparatus acts to prevent the user from falling down during physical activities. The suspension assembly includes a trolley adapted to traverse the track assembly, a locking snap assembly attached to the trolley and associated with a swivel, and an adjustable lanyard that is connected to the swivel at one end and to a body harness at its opposite end, which body harness has straps for encircling the torso and legs of a user.

A novelty toy having a body with a concealed basket compartment creating a cavity to house, store, secure, and conceal novelty items. The toy further includes a detachable cover to conceal the cavity when the cover is attached to the body and reveal the cavity when removed. The novelty toy also includes a removably changeable housing insert assembly embedded within the cavity having several attachment components which include a light source, a changeable housing insert template, a changeable inner insert template, an insert cover template and an insert ramp accessory. The cavity and insert assembly is used to display, store, house, secure templates with indicia including but not limited to arts and crafts, traditional family, learning and sport activity games. The toy body may be in the form of an animal-like, humanoid, holiday figure, mascot, icon or any characters attracted, known or recognizable to children or adults.

The invention pertains to a sports training device for improving the follow through of the lower body during a sport activity. The device includes a base having a top planar surface and a disk assembly removably coupled to the base and configured to receive a foot of a user. The disk assembly includes a first disk that is rotable between a first relaxed position and a second rotated position. Upon movement of the disk between the first relaxed position to the second rotated position, the disk is biased toward the first relaxed position. In some embodiments, the disk assembly is configured to be rotatable between a closed position wherein the disk is substantially coplanar with the top surface of the base and an open position wherein the disk is directed away vertically from the base upon rotation of the disk by the user's foot to the open position.

This invention includes a system for teaching and learning a preferred ergonomic motion. The system includes a video camera for capturing successive images of a person executing an ergonomic motion. The system includes a threshold definition system that allows a user to define a spatial region of the video image through which motion should or should not interfere. If the spatial region is interfered, the system actuates an alarm, thereby providing feedback so the user may alter the technique of the next attempted motion. In one preferred embodiment, the system is used in teaching a golfer to execute a preferred golf swing. The golfer adjusts the spatial region to define a space through which neither the golfer's body nor club should pass. If the spatial region is intruded upon, an alarm is actuated. For example, the golfer may define the region such that if the club moves off plane during a swing, a tee removal system causes the ball to disappear. In this manner, the golfer is only able to hit the ball when the club stays on plane. The invention works with reverse logic as well, and may equally be applied to any number of ergonomic activities.