A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112) and normally appears along it as a principal color. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the variable-color region responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by temporarily appearing along a print area (118) of the zone as changed color materially different from the principal color if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. The print area closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location. The color-change time duration of the impact-dependent portion temporarily appearing as the changed color is in a duration range established prior to the impact. A controller (602) responds to both the impact and subsequent external instruction (608) by controlling the impact-dependent portion so as to adjust the color-change duration subsequent to the impact.

A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112) and normally appears along it as a principal color. The region responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by providing an impact signal if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. The impact signal identifies a threshold criteria-meeting area (1626 or 1626) where the criteria are met in the zone. Responsive to the impact signal, a controller (1622 or 1632) provides an initiation signal that designates a print area (118) in the zone such that the print area is larger than the criteria-meeting area and can closely match the object-contact area in size, shape, and location. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the region responds to the initiation signal by temporarily appearing along the print area as changed color materially different from the principal color.

A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112) and normally appears along it as a principal color. An object-tracking control apparatus (808) tracks movement of an object (104) over the surface. As the object impacts the zone at an object-contact area (116), an impact-dependent portion (138) of the VC region temporarily appears along a print area (118) of the zone as changed color materially different from the principal color if the impact meets threshold impact criteria and if the tracking indicates that the object is highly likely to impact the object-contact area. The print area closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location. Impacts of bodies not tracked by the control apparatus substantially do not cause color change so that color change occurs substantially only for suitable impacts of the tracked object.

A sports projectile delivery system may control the operation of a launcher to cause an American football or other sports projectile to be delivered to a target location on a field. In some aspects, the system can track player movements on the field, e.g., through the use of a tracking device mounted on the player, enabling the ball etc. to be launched to a player in anticipation of where the player will go. The system may include additional customization and/or logging options, e.g., permitting a player to designate a body position (e.g., above the head or near the knees) for delivery of the ball, designate a speed or hang time for delivery, or provide player data and analytics to an online or otherwise connected database.

According to one exemplary embodiment, a sporting apparatus, system, method and/or computer program product may provide an electronically and programmably controlled sporting device. Certain embodiments include the sporting robotic device apparatus which may include at least one or more of: at least one pair of parallel panels facing one another forming a tunnel space therebetween, with an array of a plurality of sensors on the inner periphery of said parallel panels; or a plurality of sensors arranged in an array on an inner periphery of a tunnel space; wherein said plurality of sensors is configured to detect, and sense a projectile following a path through said tunnel space; and at least one data collection system configured to: capture a time stamp and location of occurrence of a detection event, store said time stamp and said location of said detection event, and analyze a trajectory and path followed by the projectile through said tunnel space.

A foldable helmet for use in various athletic activities, and which includes a structure that facilitates folding the helmet into a compact position for storage and/or transport of same. The helmet includes an outer shell having an inner cavity, and one or more inner members positioned within the inner cavity that slideably engage same. The inner members are not fixedly attached to each other at any point, and are therefore slideable relative to each other. The helmet's inner member(s) and outer shell are made of flexible materials, whereby the helmet is foldable from an open position to a closed position. A packaged helmet assembly is also disclosed, including the foldable helmet and a storage container dimensioned so as to receive the helmet in its closed position.

A foldable helmet for use in various athletic activities, and which includes a structure that facilitates folding the helmet into a compact position for storage and/or transport of same. The helmet includes an outer shell having an inner cavity, and one or more inner members positioned within the inner cavity that slideably engage same. The inner members are not fixedly attached to each other at any point, and are therefore slideable relative to each other. The helmet's inner member(s) and outer shell are made of flexible materials, whereby the helmet is foldable from an open position to a closed position. A packaged helmet assembly is also disclosed, including the foldable helmet and a storage container dimensioned so as to receive the helmet in its closed position.

An apparatus for holding in place a ball. The apparatus includes a vacuum generating device connected to one end of a flexible tubing, a hollow rod of adjustable length containing part of the flexible tubing, and a vacuum cup connected to an opposite end of the flexible tubing, such that vacuum applied to the vacuum cup holds in place a ball when a surface of the ball is contacted to the vacuum cup. A method of holding a ball in place includes generating a vacuum using a vacuum generating equipment, inserting a flexible tubing through a hollow rod, connecting one end of the flexible tubing to the vacuum generating equipment, connecting an opposite end of the flexible tubing to a vacuum cup, and placing a surface of a ball in contact with the vacuum cup, thereby holding the ball in place.

A kit and method for playing and providing training for a golf-type game comprising at least one ball, at least one throwing apparatus such as a throwing rod, and at least one target unit, wherein golf-type game is played similar to golf, except that instead of golf clubs, a throwing rod advances a ball towards at least one target. Further the target unit is a container that contains a weighted granular substance. The throwing rod is operable to enable a player to grasp the rod by a handle, retain the ball between a pair of elongated, arced rails, and throw the ball with a whip-like motion over a long distance towards the target, much the same way as a driver used in a typical golf game. Further, the throwing rod is also adapted to enable the player to putt the ball towards the target for shorter distances.

Aspects directed towards a training apparatus are disclosed. In one example, a bat sleeve having a substantially cylindrical shape is configured to remain affixed to a desired point of impact on a baseball bat. The bat sleeve includes a first open end having a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter, and a second open end having a second inner diameter and a second outer diameter. In another example, a training apparatus includes a bat portion and a sledgehammer portion. The bat portion has a form factor substantially similar to a lower portion of a baseball bat, whereas the sledgehammer portion has a form factor substantially similar to an upper portion of a sledgehammer In yet another example, a training apparatus includes a sensor portion coupled to a striking portion. Here, the sensor portion is configured to sense an impact between the striking portion and a target.