Abstract: A merchandise return system includes a merchandise-return information resource serving a plurality of distributed point-of-return associates and another plurality of remote merchandisers. The resource provides a processing system that is linked with communication devices of the point-of-return associates by a communications medium, and which processes requests for merchandise-return information on merchandise presented to the point-of-return associates. The resource further provides a serving device for serving responsive communications to the communication devices of the requesting point-of-return associates. These responsive communications include either a positive or negative return decision and, in cases of positive return decisions, further comprise return fulfillment instructions.

Abstract: A kick-strengthening practice soccer ball is given a little extra weight but preferably softened also for enhance shock absorption when kicked. The practice ball has an inflatable bladder, a carcass of tough durable material, and an intermediary sheath of substantially non-stretchable, flexible material for restraining expansion of the bladder when inflated to pressure. Thus the sheath thereby reduces the outward pressure on the carcass while also increasing the dimensional stability of the ball. A shock-absorbing weighting material interposed between either the bladder and sheath or sheath and carcass. The weighting material accounts for between about 4% and 40% of the total weight of the practice ball when inflated to pressure. If a nominal average weight for a standard matchball is taken to be between 14 to 16 ounces, the weighting material adds an additional increment from anywhere between about 1 and 10 ounces.

Abstract: A secured exchange method provides a prospective buyer with a chance to inspect the goods of a remote seller as a condition precedent to acceptance. The method is implemented by a distributed community of intermediary point-of-access associates who physically host such inspections, as well as by a managing inspection-transaction information service. The seller delivers the goods to one of the point-of-access associates, who in turn ships to another point-of-access associate, which is where the prospective buyer will inspect. There the prospective buyer gets the opportunity to inspect the offered goods and, upon buyer's application to accept, that particular point-of-access associate accesses the pertinent terms of acceptance from the managing inspection-transaction information service. If the pertinent terms of acceptance are met, the point-of-access associate releases the goods to the buyer.

Abstract: An out-sourced merchandise return system provides a general store enterprise of the type having a plurality of distributed store locations with an out-source service to offer another plurality of remote merchandisers. The general store enterprise is associated with a processing system that is linked with communication devices of the store locations by a communications medium, and which processes requests for merchandise-return information on merchandise presented to the store locations. The general store enterprise is further associated with a serving device for serving responsive communications to the communication devices of the requesting store locations. These responsive communications include either a positive or negative return decision and, in cases of positive return decisions, further comprise return fulfillment instructions.

Abstract: A soccer goal practice device having a frame and a net extending within the frame. The frame has first and second upstanding side members and a cross member extending between, and connected to the top ends of, the side members. The net is formed as a lattice having a perimeter corresponding substantially in shape and size to the frame. The net includes a rugged perimeter cord along the perimeter of the net, and the perimeter cord has a length shorter than that of the perimeter of the net. The perimeter cord is fastened to the frame such that the net extends between the side members and the cross member. Due to the reduced perimeter of the perimeter cord, the net will include a slight blouse when extending over the frame. This blouse causes ground balls entering the net to be rebounded with an upward velocity component, such that rebounded ground balls bounce. This provides a more challenging and realistic return of the ball to the user.