Abstract: A removable top for a table tennis game has a first side made up of a first and second panel and a second side made up of a third and a fourth panel. Preferably, the first and second panels are hingedly connected to one another and the third and fourth panels are hingedly connected to one another to facilitate ease of assembly and disassembly. A connector beam is placed between the first and second sides for joining the sides together. The connector beam preferably has a length approximately equal to a width of the table top. A pad is affixed to the bottom surface of each panel to protect the table or other structure onto which the table top is set. A net is provided with net posts. A first and second net post may be clamped to ends of the connector beam to install the net.

Abstract: A net post and electronic scoring assembly for use with a table tennis table is discussed. The net posts are provided with horizontal sections for extending over a gap in the center of a typical table tennis table. The offset net posts permit a table tennis net to be centered over the gap of the table tennis table. The net posts are configured such that each post is affixed to the same side of the table, thereby permitting more accurate net placement. Post mounted electronic display units may be located on either of the net posts. The post mounted electronic display units communicate with a score input module. In use, a player may manipulate buttons on the score input module to change the score displayed by one or both of the electronic display units.

Abstract: A net assembly for game play, e.g., volleyball, badminton, or other games, is disclosed. The net assembly includes a first net pole, a second net pole, a first collar for securing to the first net pole, and a second collar for securing to the second net pole. A stabilizer cord is provided that has stakes affixed to each end. The collars each have a securement device for securing the collars to a net pole, a stabilizer affixing portion for receiving a stabilizer cord and a net affixing device for receiving a net cord. Preferably, the stabilizer affixing portion receives a midpoint of the stabilizer cord. Additionally, net poles preferably have a non-circular shape and the collars preferably have a complimentary shape to that of the non-circular net poles. The mating non-circular shapes enable the collars to be positioned at a desired angular orientation.

Abstract: A treadmill is described herein that utilizes a simple mechanism that absorbs impacts delivered to the treadmill by a user during use. The treadmill includes a frame for supporting an endless belt. A forward structure supports a first end of the frame. A pivoting structure supports and the second end of the frame and provides impact absorption. The pivoting structure includes a pivot arm that is pivotally affixed to an underside of the frame. A roller is mounted on a roller axle proximate the free end of the pivot arm. A spring is provided that has a first end in communication with the frame and has a second end in communication with the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm away from the frame. Preferably, the spring surrounds a limiter that limits the maximum amount of travel that the pivot arm can extend away from the frame.

Abstract: A game table is disclosed. The table includes a flat game surface having a plurality of air holes defined therein and a plenum box having a tapered profile proceeding from a shorter end to a taller end. There may be a plurality of elongate passageways between the plenum box and the flat playing surface, the passageways being arranged longitudinally with respect to the flat game surface and laterally with respect to the plenum box.

Abstract: A game table is disclosed. The table includes a flat game surface having a plurality of air holes defined therein and a plenum box having a tapered profile proceeding from a shorter end to a taller end. There may be a plurality of elongate passageways between the plenum box and the flat playing surface, the passageways being arranged longitudinally with respect to the flat game surface and laterally with respect to the plenum box.

Abstract: An air cushion game table is provided with a storage compartment useful for stowing game pieces during periods when the game table is not being utilized. The storage compartment is additionally useful for locating keys, watches, etc., that might distract a player during game play. The air cushion game table of the invention includes a playing surface bordered by side walls and end walls. Corner members are located proximate corners of the playing surface. The corner members define a storage receptacle on an outer surface thereof. Preferably, an outer surface of the corner member is flush with exterior apron segments of the game table to present a smooth and attractive appearance. A sliding door made up of slidably mounted segments may be provided for selectively enclosing the storage receptacle. The storage receptacle is preferably sized to receive playing equipment associated with the game table.

Abstract: A lighted helmet having a protective shell having: an outside surface, a plurality of lamps which emit light from the outside surface; a power supply, typically a battery; and a motion detecting switch in communication with the power supply and the plurality of lamps. When the helmet is worn by a user, even small movements of the head produce forces, which in turn, trigger the motion detecting switch. Upon triggering of the motion detecting switch, the lamps are illuminated for a predetermined period of time. Upon expiration of the time period, subsequent motion will retrigger the switch, once again activating the lamps. The process continues until the helmet is placed in a stationary position, at which time the lamps are extinguished upon expiration of the then active time period.

Abstract: A cue stick of the type used for playing billiards. A deflection resistant strengthening wrap is located adjacent a terminal end of the cue stick, and/or at other points on the cue stick that may experience deflection during a ball strike. A first strengthening wrap substantially prevents deflection of the tip piece upon impact with a billiard ball. Other strengthening wraps may be provided to prevent deflection at other locations on the cue stick. The strengthening wraps are composites formed of a screen, a sheet of material, and a resin. The screen is preferably metallic. The sheet of material is a plurality of fibers that form a fiber wrap of graphite, fiberglass, kevlar, or other material.

Abstract: A portable device, such as a pedometer or other device having a display portion that may be separated from an attachment portion for easier viewing. When separated, the display portion remains connected to the attachment portion to facilitate ease of re-attachment and for maintaining both parts of the device in an interconnected relationship. The attachment portion is removably connectable to a wearer. The display portion is extendably and retractably connected to the attachment module. A spring biased spool is provided in the attachment module to take up and release line connecting the display module to the attachment module. The display module has a receptacle formed on the back thereof. The attachment module has a protrusion extending from a back thereof for mating engagement with the receptacle when the display module and attachment module are in a retracted position.

Abstract: Packaging for a lawn game such as croquet is described herein. The packaging includes a container having an interior sized for enclosing game components including disassembled mallets. The container may be constructed of rigid material such as wire mesh or of flexible material. A plurality of receptacles are provided on the container for receiving a stick portion of an assembled mallet for facilitating ease of storage of the game components after the mallets are assembled. The receptacles may be constructed of loops affixed to an outside of the container, such as on the door or on an opposite surface of the container. Alternatively, the receptacles may be orifices defined by the container. Flexible restrictors located in the orifices engage radial grooves formed in the sticks of the mallets when the sticks are located within the receptacles to assist in securing the assembled mallets within the packaging.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a foldable table tennis table which is capable of being fabricated without the necessity for welding or other expensive labor intensive operations, which can be boxed and shipped to the customer in a compact, minimal profile package and which can be assembled easily and quickly by the customer by hand without the need for tools. More specifically the table top is divided into four separate rectangular parts two of which are each joined along their middle edges to form first and second table top halves, each table half having a center edge, a front edge and opposing side edges. The respective table halves are pivotably supported adjacent their respective center edges by a central support unit so that they can be pivoted between an essentially horizontal playing position and an essentially vertical storage position.

Abstract: A collapsible table tennis table in accordance with the present invention includes a first and second table portions pivotably attached to a rigid central support unit. The central support unit comprises two unitary curvilinear members each formed of a single piece of appropriate material such as steel tubing. The central support unit is easily assembleable using appropriately formed connecting members which are attached using wing bolts so that tools are not required for assembly. Exterior legs are pivotably attached adjacent to the exterior edges of the table members. The table portions are also pivotably attached to the respective curvilinear members so that the table portions can be pivoted from an essentially horizontal position to an essentially vertical position for storage and movement. The central support unit typically has wheels to facilitate the movement of the assembled table.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soccer game table comprising a game surface; at least four sidewall sections surrounding the game surface; and a corner defined by the intersection of two of the sidewall sections, the corner having a curved face. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a soccer game table comprising a game surface; at least four sidewall sections surrounding the game surface; a substantially right-angled corner defined by the intersection of two of the sidewall sections; and a removable corner member having a curved face, the removable corner member being adapted to convert the substantially right-angled corner to a rounded corner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a net scoring system for accurate and convenient scoring of a sporting contest. The net scoring system has a game net which is of a generally rectangular shape and has a periphery defined by a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposing side edges. The net scoring system also includes at least one indicating device for displaying a game score that is connected to the game net. The indicating device may be located on at least one of the top edge, the bottom edge, and the opposing side edges. The indicating device includes a plurality of scoring symbols and a symbol indicating assembly that selectively emphasizes one of the plurality of scoring symbols to represent a score.