Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an inflation device having a base with a top surface containing an aperture and a control device, a motor having a shaft mounted within the base and controlled by the control device, a propeller fixedly secured to the motor to produce an upward thrust, an inflation member secured to the base, circumscribing the aperture, and arranged for inflation by the upward thrust of the propeller, a plurality of wireless motion sensors spaced in the vicinity of the base to detect the presence of movement and to communicate with the control device to initiate inflation of the inflation member, and a random time generator to control random inflation of the inflation member. A method of using the inflation device is also provided in both a tactical training and a wildlife mitigation setting.

Abstract: The present teachings generally include devices, systems, and methods for shooting targets, and more particularly, to shooting targets that can provide audible feedback for a user. For example, a shooting target may include a plurality of plates, where different plates are structurally configured to resonate and create different sounds when struck by a projectile (e.g., a bullet from a firearm). In this manner, a user can discern—via a sound report heard by the user—where a shooter has struck the shooting target. Further, one or more of the plurality of plates may mimic (e.g., through location and/or shape) anatomy of an animal. In this manner, a shooter can receive audible feedback regarding whether the shooter has struck certain anatomical areas that would likely disable an animal in a real-life, live-action, non-simulated scenario.

Abstract: A skills game includes a game set with a deck of cards, various-shaped building blocks, a projectile launcher, projectiles, and target pieces. Players take turns selecting a card, building structures, launching projectiles, and knocking down targets.

Abstract: The new invention in the preferred embodiment depicts a highly portable Target Factory that is intended for use in the fire arms industry. The highly portable “Target Factory” invention includes two separate “Target Factory” elements, that are intentionally molded which is internally hollow. Each “Target Factory” assembly element contributes to the combined stability, energy absorption, high portability, easy setup, high visibility of selected target shapes and the sturdy presentation of said target shapes when the combined portable “Target Factory” is deployed where the terrain is uneven, soft, sandy, firm, stony or impenetrable. Each separate “Target Factory” element operate independently but unitarily as they are joined by pivotal “hinge” mechanisms located on either side of the “Target Factory”. The embodiment of the invention is environmentally sensitive; the entire invention is recyclable with no material that can shatter to the ground such as glass bottles, TV monitors and other such objects.

Abstract: Four paddles emanate from a central point that is substantially equidistant from the end of each of the four paddles. Three of the paddles are configured to be positioned on the ground at any one time in a three-point stance, causing the fourth paddle to be upright and perpendicular to the ground. The upright paddle serves as the target. When a shot hits the device above its center of gravity, the device flips, thus moving away from the shooter. Thus, the device automatically resets itself and moves to a new location, ready for the next hit. Preferably, each paddle is planar from near the central point to the paddle's distal end. Preferably each paddle also has a direction indicator. In a preferred embodiment, each paddle is about 5.5? long and the target is made of AR400 steel for practice with a 0.22 caliber bullet.

Abstract: An omnidirectional target system includes a target movable between a retracted position and an extended position and an actuation mechanism for moving the target to the extended position, the target and the actuation mechanism being releaseable so that the target can be moved back into the retracted position despite movement of the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A target system having a base, a stationary member inclined from the base and having a cap, a rotating tube having a cap and positioned over the stationary tube, a bearing between the caps of the stationary member and the rotating tube to permit substantially free rotation of the rotating tube, and a plurality of target sides secured to the rotating tube, with impact of a fired round onto one of the target sides initiating movement of the rotating tube relative to the stationary member.

Abstract: A reactive target for firearms is disclosed. The target may include a center, four legs, and four heads. Each of the four legs may comprise an exterior end and radially extending from proximate the center to the exterior end. Each of the four heads may connect to the exterior end of a different leg of the four legs. Each of the four heads may also provide at least one target surface withstanding, without degradation, multiple impacts from firearm-fired projectiles. When an appropriate head is hit by a projectile, the target may roll a discrete, incremental distance on a supporting surface.

Abstract: An omnidirectional target system includes a target movable between a retracted position and an extended position and an actuation mechanism for moving the target to the extended position, the target and the actuation mechanism being releaseable so that the target can be moved back into the retracted position despite movement of the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A target system having a base, a stationary member inclined from the base and having a cap, a rotating tube having a cap and positioned over the stationary tube, a bearing between the caps of the stationary member and the rotating tube to permit substantially free rotation of the rotating tube, and a plurality of target sides secured to the rotating tube, with impact of a fired round onto one of the target sides initiating movement of the rotating tube relative to the stationary member.

Abstract: The golf swing practice device has a floor pad; a hollow tee extending upward from a surface of the floor pad, a ball resting on an end of the tee; and an elastic cord attached to the ball and to the floor pad and extending through the tee. The golf swing practice device also has a socket on a lower end of the tee and a bulge on a surface of the pad. The bulge has a forward-facing slot enclosing the strike side of the elastic cord. The socket on the tee encloses the bulge. The socket and the bulge have complementary spherical shapes that are easily but fitly mounted over and into one another. In other aspects of the invention, the floor pad has a ramp on a strike side of the bulge, and a semicircular groove in its surface, on a forward side of the bulge.

Abstract: A mechanized ball-throwing game is provided, comprising at least one game play object, at least one rotating goal assembly, means to maintain a count of the number of times a game play object passes through each of the at least one rotating goal assembly in each of a plurality of designated directions, and means to display the count.

Abstract: A practice device comprising a plurality of striking targets arranged about a frame in an overall configuration which approximates the shape of an opponent. The targets are individually articulated to the frame, so that each individual target reacts independently in response to a strike. The targets are each in communication with a common force sensor, through a load transfer shaft movable relative to the frame and bearing on a force sensor such as a load cell, which provides feedback to the athlete regarding the force of each strike.

Abstract: The invention relates to a target arrangement having a carrier frame which includes a housing receiver for a control unit located in a cuboidal housing, and which furthermore includes a housing-receiver for two drive units one beside the other, said drive units being accommodated in a cuboidal drive housing, or for one such drive unit in a central position, a shaft of the drive unit projecting out of the drive housing on one side, and it being possible for the drive housing, which is square on the two opposite end sides adjacent to the side on which a shaft projects, to be received by the housing-receiver with said shaft projecting laterally or upwardly, it being possible for the shaft to have connected to it a target-retainer, which is fastened on an angled arm or an adapter piece, it being possible for the arm and the adapter piece to be plugged onto the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a target arrangement having an essentially rectangular carrier frame for receiving a control unit and at least one drive for at least one target. In this arrangement, the carrier frame bears a rollover bar, which is connected releasably to the latter, the rollover bar having two bar parts, which are spaced apart by transverse struts, and being connected realeasably to the carrier frame, at least on that side of the latter which is remote from the target, via a plugin connection, with the result that the rollover bar can be plugged onto the carrier frame in order to extend the carrier frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a target system including a target deck, trigger board and target plate. Apertures are provided in both the target deck and trigger board. The target deck is configured to receive or be juxtaposed to the trigger board so that the apertures are generally aligned. The target plate is shaped to fit within the generally aligned apertures. When the target plate is displaced from the aperture of the trigger board, the target deck moves to signify that the target plate has been struck. Another embodiment contemplates mounting the target plate to the target deck. A resistance device may also be added to prevent non-predetermined projectiles from displacing the target plate from the apertures.

Abstract: A housing is provided having multiple openings in its front wall each opened and closed by a closure positioned by a pneumatic cylinder. Each closure, when retracted from its opening, provides a target for the pitcher. A programmable controller in the housing permits the preselection and dwell time of the cylinders to be actuated and for the presentation of an array of targets in and out of a strike zone. A thrown ball impacting a retracted closure momentarily closes a switch to provide a signal to a counter. A ball return mechanism provides a partial vacuum in a ball receptacle at the pitcher's mound to retrieve balls from the interior of the housing. A remote control is provided to permit operation of the apparatus remote from the apparatus housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a game in which an invading player sends a self-propelled vehicle into a defender's territory. The vehicle carries a gun which shoots ping-pong ball toward a goal, after a time delay. The invader chooses the time delay such that the ball shoots when the vehicle is located at a good scoring position. In order to prevent the invader from scoring, the defender throws pin-pong balls of his own toward the vehicle. The vehicle carries a sensor which detects ball strikes. When a ball strike occurs, the vehicle is forced to temporarily drive in reverse, or take another type of detour.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention comprises a backboard; a matrix of panels representing a strike zone; springs for resiliently biasing each of the panels outwardly from the backboard; switches mounted to the backboard behind the panels, whereby the impact of a pitched ball will move the panel inwardly towards the backboard causing the switch to momentarily close; a horizontal array of red, yellow and green lamps mounted to the backboard adjacent the top of the backboard, one lamp in vertical alignment with each of the columns of panels; a left vertical array of red, yellow and green lamps mounted to the backboard adjacent the left edge of the backboard, one lamp in horizontal alignment with each row of panels; a right vertical array of red, yellow and green lamps mounted to the backboard adjacent the right edge of the backboard, a power source; and electrical wiring to connect the power source, switches and lamps.

Abstract: A game device and method of playing same. The game/toy device generally comprises a cord which is fastened to two spaced apart support posts that are vertically mounted from the ground. An alarm or bell device(s) is connected or attached to said cord. The user/player may score a point by tossing a ball or other object at the cord and hitting it. The alarm/bell device signals each point made. A selected number of hits wins the game.

Abstract: A game device and method of playing same. The game/toy device generally comprises a paddle wheel which is rotatably mounted between two spaced apart support posts that are vertically mounted to a playing court. An alarm system is coupled to the paddle wheel to signify or sound a signal indicative of a winner. Competing players take turns of tossing a ball at the paddle wheel from opposite side of the target paddle wheel. Each player attempts to rotate the paddle wheel a number of turns to raise his respective scoring weight up to a sensor. Activation of the sensor energizes the win signal.

Abstract: A boxing training device involving the action of at least two reaction bodies that move in response to kinetic energy imposed by the glove of a boxer either directly upon a reaction body or indirectly via an elastic body. The result of the boxing impact imposed is displayed via a measuring device. Embodiments for training of one boxer or competitive training of two boxers are achieved, as are embodiments involving freely movable and tethered elastic bodies used in conjunction with freely movable reaction bodies.

Abstract: Eight detached playing blocks have different indicia sequences. Each indicia sequence is different from one another. The indices in each sequence have a numerical character and a directional character to them. Varying numbers of playing blocks can be used to provide various puzzles and games with different levels of required skill.

Abstract: A ball return/target for racquet sports includes a resilient pad and at least one disk suspended from the pad by a filament. The pad is flexible polyurethane open cell foam of a thickness to cause a projectile hitting it to be deflected back at the source. The disk is a double thickness of fabric or like material with two faces, each face visually distinguishable from the other. When a projectile hits the suspended disk on one face, the disk rotates 180.degree. exposing the other face to give evidence that the target had been hit.

Abstract: A game machine has a plurality of targets which unpredictably come out and disappear from their corresponding holes at the surface of a table on a game stand. A player can only strike targets which are positioned above the surface thereof. A main shaft is provided with the target on its upper end and is supported by bearings in such a manner that it can rotate and move up and down. A plunger disposed at the periphery of the main shaft is magnetically attracted by an electromagnetic solenoid. When raised, the main shaft always faces a predetermined direction due to an action of permanent magnets. Hitting of the target can be detected by monitoring abrupt large fluctuations in current flowing through the solenoid during a period of time that the target is caused to appear above the table.

Abstract: A dart target system comprising a first target movably mounted on a frame for rotation about a first axis, whereby when a greater number of darts are stuck in the target on one side of the axis than the other, then that one side will be below the other side, indicating victory for the player throwing toward the one side. An electrical system forming a part of the dart target system and delivering a light or other sensible signal of one nature when the victory is achieved by a person throwing on one side of the target and of a different nature when a victory is achieved by a person throwing at the opposite side of the target.

Abstract: A reactionary human silhouette targer for shooters is disclosed which gives instantaneous visual and audible reaction to being struck whereby by watching the target and listening, the area of the target which is struck may be determined. The target comprises the upper torso and arms of a person with a body-like front contour, the target mounted on an upright stand. In connecting the target to the stand, a four directional pivot means is provided, together with means to return the target to its original position once moved, the target reacting by pivoting in the direction in which it is struck, and for the instant of being struck in a central target area, the target then raises vertically. Additionally, indication by a different sounding noise is given for different portions of the target being struck.

Abstract: The combat target of the invention, in contrast to the prior art drop or fall targets, is capable of automatically indicating a number of target hits occurring time wise in succession, without there being necessary, after each hit, manual resetting of the target. For this purpose, the target image is rigidly coupled for rotation at a power take-off shaft of a force or power storage means, the power take-off shaft being essentially vertically disposed when the target is in its erect position. The storage capacity of the force storage means is adequate for accomplishing a number of revolutions of the power take-off shaft. A stop or impact arrangement, in its engaged or effectual position, prevents rotation of the power take-off shaft as long as there is no target hit, but upon occurrence of a target hit is temporarily brought out of such engaged or effective position.

Abstract: A game including a playing surface which defines a plurality of scoring areas generally in adjacent side-by-side position. A game piece which is capable of being overturned or flip-flopped between alternative flat supporting surfaces of an overall housing is provided. The game piece includes flange portions which outwardly extend from the housing and which form targets for a play ball or other element so that when such targets are forcefully struck by the playing element, the playing piece will flip-flop over on to its opposite supporting surface and thus linearly move along the playing surface so as to effect scoring by its disposition in various scoring areas thereof. The game piece housing is generally closed and supports a balancing weight preferably in the form of a relatively heavy spherical ball.

Abstract: A game has at least one radiation emitter for manipulation by a player and a mobile target carrying a sensing means responsive to receive radiation, the target being moved in response to sensed radiation. In one embodiment there are two sensors each responsive to the radiation emitted by an individual radiation emitter controlled by an individual player. In another embodiment, the mobile target normally moves in a circular path and is responsive to sensed radiation to move in a tangential line of travel for a predetermined time. The mobile target may be provided with two sensors which, through control circuitry, cause the target to travel different predetermined distances dependent on which sensor receives radiation.

Abstract: A water toy including a float, which may be in the form of a boat, carrying one or more target members. The target members may be mounted on the boat deck and be rotatable or vibratable with respect to the float. A manually-operable pump means has an open end submersible in the water on which the float floats and a nozzle through which a stream of water is directed at the target members. The pump means may include a squeezable bulb between its submersible end and the nozzle, and one way valves may be included in the submersible end and the nozzle. The pump means is removably mountable on the float when not in use.