An article (600) is provided which includes a body (500) having an interior volume (100), and hook (124) and loop (125) features which, when pressed closed in at least one locations (130, 131) location, creates a dynamic hammock dam (132) that retains a fill material (140) that has been inserted into the interior volume. The strength of the hammock dam increases with outward pressure (141) applied on the closure by the fill material. The article is preferably equipped with a large mouth opening (110) which allows rapid filling or emptying of the fill material from the internal volume.

A tactile reference attachment for providing a user with tactile biofeedback. The attachment includes a tactile reference feature that extends longitudinally along an exterior body surface and is formed with dimensions specifically tailored to harness the user's natural attributes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory to improve a user's performance.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a toy deformable to several structural configurations. The toy includes two endcaps connected by a plurality of pliable ribs. The toy may be deformed into a low-profile configuration by pressing the endcaps together, the ribs bending outward to accommodate the deformation. The toy may be deformed into a high-profile configuration by squeezing the ribs together, the endcaps being pushed apart to accommodate the deformation. While pressure is not applied to the toy, the toy may enter a non-deformed configuration wherein the ribs and the toy as a whole take on a substantially spherical form. A retention device may also be utilized to confine the toy to a specific configuration.

Disclosed is a rugby-ball sports speaker that includes a flexible protective sleeve defined with an opening and an accommodating cavity communicating with the opening. The speaker further includes at least one receiving casing defined with a receiving slot, the receiving casing being accommodated inside the accommodating cavity and resisting an inner wall of the flexible protective sleeve. The speak further includes at least one speaker assembly received inside the receiving slot and resisting an inner wall of the receiving casing. The speaker further includes a net cover covering the opening and fixedly connected to the flexible protective sleeve, the net cover sealing the receiving casing within the accommodating cavity. The technical solution of this disclosure is designed to enable the user to simultaneously enjoy the fun of throwing and kicking as well as listening to music relying solely on the rugby ball, thus augmenting the user experience.

A method of assembling a sports training ball includes locating at least one force sensor in the sports training ball for measuring an elevated force applied to the sports training ball. The sports training ball includes an outer surface that surrounds an inner core. An indicator is located in the sports training ball. The indicator is in electrical communication with at least one force sensor and is configured to receive a change in an electrical signal when the elevated force measured by at least one force sensor decreases below a predetermined elevated threshold. The indicator is configured to indicate to a user when the indicator receives the change in the electrical signal with a change in at least one of an audio signal or a visual signal.

Closed cell foam articles, such as sports balls, and related manufacturing methods are disclosed herein. The article includes a main body made of closed-cell elastomeric resin foam having a density ranging between about 0.050 sg and about 0.800 sg after curing. Some articles are assembled by inserting a cured core into a main body so that the core is secured in the main body via an interference fit, and the core has one or more portions extending to the exterior surface of the main body such that the an exposed surface of the one or more exposed portions of the core blend substantially with the exterior surface of the main body.

A pivoting abdominal exercise machine is used to exercise and strengthen core muscles. The machine includes a hinged frame, a plurality of black supports, and a base stand. The plurality of back supports is connected along the hinged frame. Together, the hinged frame and the plurality of back supports are used to interact with and brace portions of the user's back as the user performs an exercise. The plurality of back supports may either be cushioned pads or rollers. The base stand is mounted to the hinged frame through an elastic pivot resistor. The elastic pivot resistor allows the user to rock, tilt, or twist about the base stand. A frame-grasping assembly is mounted to the hinged frame. The frame-grasping assembly allows the user to hold onto the device and maintain stability while performing exercises.

An article (600) is provided which includes a body (500) having an interior volume (100), and hook (124) and loop (125) features which, when pressed closed in at least one locations (130, 131) location, creates a dynamic hammock dam (132) that retains a fill material (140) that has been inserted into the interior volume. The strength of the hammock dam increases with outward pressure (141) applied on the closure by the fill material. The article is preferably equipped with a large mouth opening (110) which allows rapid filling or emptying of the fill material from the internal volume.

A tennis training device is provided, comprising a support bar which is swivelable between a first and a second stop in its longitudinal direction, wherein at the free end of the support bar a ball is mounted by means of a connecting ember, which is releasably fixed by means of a fixing means. Furthermore, the invention relates to different embodiments of a training unit.

A ball containment assembly for keeping a ball dry when the ball is not in play includes a bag that may contain a ball. The bag is comprised of a fluid impermeable material to protect the ball from moisture. The bag comprises an inner layer that is bonded to an outer layer.