Abstract: A clothes hamper (10) includes a backboard (12) configured and decorated to resemble a basketball backboard. Brackets (18) support the backboard at the top of a door. First and second generally S-shaped hooks, each having a first U-shaped configuration at one end of the S for fitting over the top edge of a door, the portion over the door edge being flattened sufficiently to enable the door to be closed with the hook over the top thereof and a second U-shaped configuration at the other end of the S in inverted relationship to the first U-shaped end for extending through the apertures of the spaced frame brackets so as to support the backboard in a vertical orientation on the door. A hoop (26) configured to resemble a basketball goal is supported on the backboard by a unitary mounting plate for pivotally attaching the hoop to the lower half of the frame.

Abstract: A basketball type ball throwing training and amusement apparatus comprising: a backboard, a target hoop, an auxiliary hoop, a collection hoop; an innermost net suspended from the target hoop, a second net suspended from the auxiliary hoop, an outermost net suspended from the collection hoop; a loop closure cord wrapped around the lower openings of each net; a plurality of threaded fasteners and securing brackets for securing each hoop to the backboard; and a throwing ball. Wherein, all three hoops are concentrically disposed on the backboard with the target hoop being the smallest and the collection loop the largest. The hanging nets can be closed by pulling in the loop closure cords.

Abstract: A soccer goal assembly adjustable in size and shape to accommodate playing areas of limited to full sizes, indoors or outdoors, full or partial teams, and children or adult players. The goal assembly has a framework covered by a ball stopping net. Individual frame members can be selected or assembled in selective lengths for the desired goal sizes.

Abstract: A plurality of teams, including at least two players for each team, are directed to opposing containers of the apparatus, wherein one player of each team positions a bat member within a first container, wherein a defending team directs a tubular projectile towards the opposing container, wherein a player with a bat is directed to strike the projectile, or alternatively faced towards the opposing container and position the bat member within the opposing container to score points thereby.

Abstract: A game apparatus and associated playing method. The game apparatus comprises two cup members, each cup member defining a cavity therein and having an upper portion defining an opening accessing the cavity. Each cup member is provided at its upper end portion with an outwardly disposed flange defining an upper surface, and when in use the cup members are recessed into the playing surface such that the upper surface of the flange is substantially level with the playing surface. The game apparatus also includes a plurality of pucks for being tossed at the cup members. In accordance with the playing method of the present invention the cup members are placed a preselected distance apart, and opposing players toss a selected number of pucks, alternately, at one cup member and then the other from a position behind the cup member not being targeted. A first scoring value is assigned to pucks which come to rest in the cavity of the targeted cup member.

Abstract: A recreational device and method of using same involving the use of player hand to eye coordination to loft a missile toward a remote goal comprising a fabric pouch having a plurality of lesser scoring zones deployed thereabout.

Abstract: A game apparatus, comprising a target and a projectile, the target being comprised of a series of cylinders of decreasing diameter to be arranged one above another, the difference in diameter of ascending cylinders being greater than the diameter of the projectile, each cylinder having a base, means to space each cylinder relative to the ascending cylinder so as to leave an open area about each cylinder adapted to receive the projectile, a post extending centrally upwardly from the uppermost cylinder and the projectile adapted to be received over the post.

Abstract: An entrapment assembly suitable for use as a "hole" in, e.g., a flying disc golf game, is disclosed. The assembly consists of a top portion operatively connected to a nest bottom portion, wherein at least one deflection member is operatively connected to said top portion and descends therefrom to form a "caged" target area for a flying disc or other object. In a preferred embodiment of the assembly, the caged target area is operatively connected to a pedestal and the deflection member or members are a series of tubular shaped impact absorbing members, curved slightly inward, pivotally attached to said top portion and descending into the nest.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of playing a lawn game uses washer-shaped projectiles which are tossed by players towards target receptacles placed on the ground. The target receptacles are held in place by a nail or spike driven into the ground and each include two or more cups attached together, the cups being of different diameters for presenting different degrees of difficulty. The cups may also be of different heights so that the taller cup can act as a "backboard" for deflecting a tossed washer into the shorter cup, or, depending upon the orientation of the target receptacle, the taller cup can partially shield the shorter cup and, thereby, increase the difficulty of hitting the shorter cup. Each of the cups has a plurality of raised nodes on the bottom thereof to support a washer tossed therein and to act as an aid in removal of the washer by spacing the washer from the bottom of the cup. The nodes permit the player to insert a finger through the bore in the washer and easily remove the washer from the cup.

Abstract: A quarterback trainer game apparatus is provided and consists of a flexible back panel suspended from a frame member which is suspended from a support structure. Large and small netting basket pockets are carried in the back panel while a back up net having a bottom ball retainer portion is secured to the frame member to hang loose. When a football is thrown by a person and misses the large and small netting basket pocket it will hit the back up net and fall into the bottom ball retainer portion.

Abstract: A target/projectile game is presented which has an essentially square-shaped target and disc-shaped projectiles. The square-shaped target has a flat horizontal board located inside a square-sided box. The flat board is divided into scoring areas and has two adjacent cylindrical bull's-eye targets in the center of the board. Inside each cylinder is a narrow exact bull's-eye peg. The cylinders and pegs rise above the surface of the flat board. Discs are thrown and points are added (or substracted) depending on the accuracy of the throw. A variation of the game is played when a top box-shaped blinder top cover is placed over the lower box and flat board. The blinder cover has an opening through which the discs must be thrown to score points.

Abstract: Apparatus including a rectangular forward framework with a triangular framework mounted rearwardly and orthogonally to each end of the rectangular framework with a net structure overlying the triangular framework rearwardly of the forward framework. The forward framework includes a horizontally repositionable forward net wherein the forward net includes a target cup of relatively rigid construction relative to the forward net and repositionable therewith to provide a rear end target position. The forward net may be removed with a flexible web overlying the forward framework mounting a series of diametrically aligned openings of increasing diameters to provide varying targets in use.

Abstract: An improved portable target assembly for toss type games comprising a cup shaped target member centrally located on one side of a flexible mat, the flexible mat having a centrally located portion with a plurality of peripheral edge portions around said center portion and extending outwardly therefrom, the edge portions being foldable and having end portions which are cooperatively engageable in a variety of ways to form alternative configurations of upstanding side walls for containing playing pieces tossed thereat so as to enable changing the degree of difficulty and skill level required to play the game, the cup shaped target member being detachable from the flexible mat and the mat being rollable into a cylindrical shape for convenient handling and storage.

Abstract: A ring toss game apparatus is set forth wherein a plurality of aligned and securable cases are provided, each containing arcuate, diametrically opposed slots of finite length cooperative with arcuate projections directed coaxially from a bottom edge of a cylinder receivable within each pair of arcuate slots. Planar ring washers are thrown to be received within the cylinder or with each case. Peg-like members are optionally positionable interiorly of each cylinder for enhanced scoring. The final position of each ring washer relative to the interior of the cylinder and/or peg determines point scoring withing the game.

Abstract: A multipurpose combination frame structure integrally adapted for use as a clothes stand, height measuring instrument and a small basket goal stand for kids, characterized in that it can be assembled and disassembled in a ready manner. The base of the frame is made of two orthogonally joined oblong boards with four side supporting rods slopedly attached thereto; and the vertical stand includes three detachable sticks joined together by bolts and nuts end to end. A backboard is secured at the top of the stand with a dartboard like article disposed at the center thereof. A long basket net is hung from the backboard and is either used as a goal for basketball game or as a disposal container for the laundry.

Abstract: A laundry receptacle includes a backboard and a basketball hoop removably secured thereto by a bracket. A laundry bag is affixed at its open end about the periphery of the hoop. The bracket is designed to permit quick attachment and removal of the hoop. The bracket includes a downwardly opening hook portion to engage the upper surface of the hoop and two arms to engage the underside of the hoop. Hooks disposed along the upper edge of the backboard are adapted to fit onto the upper edge of a door for supporting the backboard thereon.

Abstract: A tossing game is disclosed which utilizes a pair of target areas or trays placed on the ground at a desired distance from one another. Each of the target areas or trays has a plurality of cups of varying heights. The players toss projectiles (preferably disks) from a position adjacent one of the target areas to the other. Points are scored by landing a projectile either on the tray or in one of the cups, with the number of points increasing when the projectile lands in the taller ones of the cups.

Abstract: The invention comprises a body-supported hoop device and a team game utilizing the hoop device. The hoop device comprises a hoop, a net connected to the hoop and means for attaching the hoop to the legs of a goalie. In the game of the invention, the body-supported hoop devices are worn by each of two goalies. The object of the game is for team members of the goalie to place a projectile, such as a soccer ball, through the hoop of the goalie on their team and to prevent members of the opposing team from placing the projectile through the hoop of the goalie of the opposing team.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting and tensioning a net includes a supporting famework and a net tensioning mechanism. The tensioning mechanism includes a hub and a plurality of retainers supported by the hub, all disposed between a back wall of the net and the rear of the supporting framework. The back wall is coupled to the retainers, and a rod with a plurality longitudinally spaced pairs of radially extending legs which may be coupled to the rear of the frame at various longitudinally adjusted positions is provided to adjustably draw the hub rearwardly along a central axis thereby applying tension to side walls of the net.

Abstract: A football kicking practice device comprising similar frame parts joined by a front top transverse member to be disposed in parallel vertical orientation, with such frame parts including horizontal rearwardly extending portions joining vertical downwardly extending portions, in turn joining downwardly inclined portions extending to a point of vertical alignment with the top transverse member, and further joining downwardly extending vertical portions terminating with structure at the lower ends for supporting the frame in vertical orientation, and a large rectangular net with a peripheral sleeve along three sides thereof slidably engagable with the frame structure, whereby the net as assembled to the frame hangs in a manner to provide a forwardly and downwardly bulged upper portion, blending with a lower hanging and forwardly inclined trough portion.

Abstract: Pitching training apparatus including selected target areas, each in the form of a frame supporting a ball catching device, such as a net. One target area is generally elongate and rectangular, with another target area being of a configuration corresponding to a rectangle with a corner removed, with a portion of both of these target areas being in those areas of the strike zone corresponding to inside or outside edges and the corners of a strike zone.

Abstract: A game includes a non-spherical, non-rolling ball that is used in combination with a basket supported above the playing surface by support legs. The basket has a rim defined by square, channel shaped, members defining downwardly opening grooves and the legs may be pivoted upwardly into the grooves. The basket is positioned in a playing area and a boundary is marked around the basket. The players attempt to throw the ball into the basket from a number of shooting positions around the boundary. A game ball includes an inflatable cubic bladder. A plurality of stiffeners are disposed within the bladder. The stiffeners include passages with valves that permit the passage of gases through the stiffeners to equalize pressure within chambers formed by the stiffeners.

Abstract: A ball target assembly (10) for providing target practice and practice of timing in relation to the movement of a ball through the air. The device (10) comprises a frame section (12) positioned in a substantially upright position providing support for the device on the ground, a movable boom section (16) pivotally attached at the top and in front of the frame section (12) providing horizontal and vertical reciprocal movement of a ball receiver target section (66) to restore the target to a flush-upright position after being struck by a moving ball, a cable support system (85) providing support between the frame (12) and the target (66) so that the target (66) remains in the flush-upright position in a selected stationary position, and a backnet section (20) comprising a sack-oriented netting material received by the rearward portion of the frame (12) for timely collection and retrieval of the moving balls.

Abstract: A goal apparatus for a game which selectively traps incoming objects such as softballs, soccer balls, footballs, and other objects, propelled at the goal from any, direction around the perimeter of the goal, by individual suspended members, draped ropes or chains, or netting.

Abstract: A movable target for a throwing game is provided including a target body and a target member movably connected to the target body. The target body includes: a gear shaft cooperating with a drive mechanism; a rotary shaft mounted on the gear shaft; a rotary plate having an engagement projection and being loosely mounted on the rotary shaft; a rotary member having a projection formed on its upper surface mounted on the rotary shaft to be slidable longitudinally; a compression spring provided between the rotary plate and the rotary member; an oscillating member oscillatably supported on a supporting shaft passing through a base portion of the target member and a pair of bearing plates erected on the rotary plate, the oscillating member engaging at its upper end the target member; and a projection formed on an upper surface of said rotary member and fitted into a groove formed longitudinally on a lower end surface of the oscillating member.

Abstract: An entrapment assembly is provided for use in flying disc golf game. The entrapment assembly comprises an upright post and an upwardly opening basket mounted on the post. A circular support bracket is mounted on the post with a plurality of outside and inside chains mounted to the bracket. The outside chains extend downwardly and inwardly to their lower ends which are secured to a first loose ring surrounding the post within the basket. The inside chains extend downwardly and straight or outwardly to their lower ends which are secured to a second loose ring of larger diameter than the first ring so that the outside and inside chains cross at a point below the top of the basket.The outside and inside chains form a relatively dense energy absorbing medium in the path of a generally vertically oriented flying disc ensuring that the kinetic energy of the disc will be dissipated in the entrapment assembly, thereby causing the disc to call into the basket.

Abstract: Apparatus readily useful for setting up to play a plurality of water and yard or court games. The construction comprises a plurality of tubing sections, preferably made of polyvinylchloride. The parts can be glued together in large part so that only one or two pieces need to be changed out to set up for different games or sports. The tubing permits the use of water as the ballasting medium, which is readily available and disposable in most situations.

Abstract: A multi-purpose sports apparatus has a frame which has spaced-apart support members adapted to rest upon a supporting surface, such as the ground, a net extending between the support members, and a backboard carrying a basketball goal hoop supported between the support members above the net, the backboard being adjustably rotatable horizontally between a vertical position and a horizontal position, whereby the basketball goal hoop can be positioned to extend horizontally or vertically.

Abstract: A method of playing a fish swallowing game comprises the steps of placing a hollow fish shaped receptacle (10) in water, with the receptacle (10) having a mouth opening (16) which is placed in water so as to be partly depressed below the level (22) of the water and at an angle with respect thereto for collecting water therethrough. The opening (16) is partly depressed for ensuring that the water level (24) of any collected water flowing into the receptacle (10) will be below the water level (22) of the water in which the receptacle (10) has been placed for creating a waterfall effect flow (28) of collected water from the water level (22) of the water in which the receptacle (10) has been placed to the water level (24) of any collected water in the interior (14) of the receptacle (10). The opening (16) has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the fish shaped objects (12) in the water so as to limit the collection of the objects (12) to one at a time through the opening (16).

Abstract: A portable, elevated, ball receiving game apparatus including an open topped, closed bottom lightweight plastic basket supported upon a single, central, elongated stem. The end of the stem opposite the basket is securable in a base having radially extending feet sufficient to support the apparatus upon a generally planar surface. Pegs are provided to further secure the base into a relatively soft ground surface. The stem is made of a tubular plastic material of a diameter of approximately one inch so as to permit a player to grasp the stem at a point intermediate the basket and the base and by exerting a force in a plane generally transverse to the generally vertically oriented axis of the stem effect sufficient, repeated, displacement of the basket from its initial orientation to cause the ball to be ejected out of the basket. To enhance portability and storage as well as to provide for varying heights of the elevated basket, the stem is preferably made of connectable sections.

Abstract: A game apparatus can be used for both hockey and basketball when the method of play of both those games is modified slightly. Both games can then be played inexpensively and without special exclusive skills, yet without losing their basic exciting character. A goal assembly comprises a net with target holes, and pockets for retaining scores, scoring in both games being effected by shooting the ball through a hole. In the hockey modification, no goalkeeper is needed. In the basketball modification, physical height is of no particular advantage.

Abstract: An entrapment assembly for use in a flying disc golf game. The entrapment assembly in one of its embodiments comprises an upright post mounted in the ground. An upwardly opening basket is mounted on the post and a plurality of outside chains are mounted on the post so that the lower ends thereof extend into the basket. The outside chains serve to absorb kinetic energy from a disc thrown against the assembly and thereby reduces its forward velocity. A disc deflection surface, such as a group of inside chains, extend outwardly and upwardly from a location adjacent the top of the basket to deflect the disc toward the basket after it has impacted the outside chains to ensure that the disc is caught in the basket.

Abstract: A portable sports field goal assembly and framework includes an elongated net with a peripheral rope frame that may be secured to portable end frames. The end frames are made up of at least two releasably interconnected support members that can be secured in upright positions along the ground surface by ground cup assemblies and by guy cord assemblies. Lengths of the rope frame may extend through openings along the support assemblies. The rope lengths are knotted to secure the net corners to the frames. The ground cup assemblies each include an upwardly open cup with a central opening in its bottom horizontal wall. The openings receive headed spikes that may be driven into the ground to secure the cup against the ground surface. The cups also include access openings that receive lengths of the rope frame to be looped over the headed ends of the spikes. The rope frame can thereby be secured by the spikes to the ground and the supporting general framework.

Abstract: A portable soccer goal has a pair of stationary posts, and a pair of leg braces pivoted to the upper ends of the posts, one brace for each post. The upper ends of the posts are connected by removably connected cross pieces defining the upper boundary of the goal. A net wrapped about the posts and braces and supported on the top of the posts is also provided such that the mouth of the goal is defined between the leg braces. Shoes are provided for the bottom of the posts and braces, each shoe having a spike for insertion into the ground to erect the goal. The cross pieces are connected by snap buttons and arcuate slots so that the posts may be rotated relative to the cross pieces.

Abstract: A game apparatus for playing a toss type skill game wherein the apparatus forms a target area for the game and has an open topped container defined by a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from around the bottom wall, a hole through the bottom wall at a location spaced from the peripheral wall, and a tubular member positioned extending upwardly from the bottom wall through the hole, the tubular member having an open upper side forming a target for receiving objects thrown at the apparatus. A second embodiment of the game apparatus is provided wherein the height of the tubular member may be varied for varying the difficulty of the game.

Abstract: A ball game includes a generally horizontal playing floor on which vehicles of two different teams are operated by players. Each vehicle includes wheels for supporting the vehicle on the floor, and for guiding the vehicle, a power source for causing the vehicle to move, a seat on which a player sits, and a crank-like steering mechanism to enable the player to guide the vehicle. Positioned at opposite ends of the playing floor and above the floor are targets which, when struck by a ball, produce a visual or audible signal. The game includes a ball and each player has a scoop by which he can catch the ball or throw it to one of his teammates or toward his team's target.

Abstract: A goal frame for soccer or similar games comprising hollow bar and post sections, mitered at the corners and rigidly joined to each other by internally located corner pieces. Joined to each corner piece is a supporting tube which projects horizontally from the bar and post toward the back of the goal. The supporting tube is braced against the bar and post sections by braces. The backside of the goal frame has a continuous slot which retains a profiled strip with hooks and eyes for supporting the net. The post sections are supported in ground sockets having annular constrictions.

Abstract: A magnetic game includes a closed container having a transparent, multi-level dome which covers a base member having a plurality of upstanding pylons each having a ball receiving pocket in the top; a plurality of magnetic balls are loosely disposed within the container for movement by a hand-held permanent magnet from a plurality of magazine pockets surrounding the pylon area to a position on the dome over the pylons.

Abstract: A frame for a lacrosse goal is disclosed which comprises two upright frame members, a crossbar frame member joining the upper ends of the upright members defining a plane and enclosing that portion which constitutes a goal mouth, and a base perpendicular thereto, which base is comprised of two leg members, each of which joins one of the uprights at its lower end and interconnects with the other leg member at the rear of the base, in which a first portion of each leg immediately rearward of the goal mouth, forms an obtuse angle with the plane of the goal mouth, and a second portion of each leg, beginning at a point disposed at a distance from the plane of the goal mouth, forms an acute angle with the plane of the goal mouth.

Abstract: Improvements in storage dispensers for metallic objects having magnetic properties; a storage dispenser for paper clips and the like made up of a hollow vertical hopper with a downwardly slanted floor and an opening on one side, there being magnetic retainer means on an extension of the inclined floor; honeycomb or cellular structures for storing and dispensing metallic objects having magnetic properties; inclined floor storage and dispensing constructions with magnetic retainer means; devices receiving, storing and readily making available for dispensing therefrom of metallic objects with magnetic properties; games utilizing one or more cubicles, cells or openings having inclined floors therein with magnetic retainer means adapted to receive, retain and sometimes reject metallic objects with magnetic properties.

Abstract: A target game is presented wherein marbles or the like are tossed by contestants at two square or rectangular baskets mounted side-by-side on a wall. The two baskets are positioned above and fully surrounded by a large receptacle which catches any marbles which miss the baskets and the above mentioned wall is an elongated wall of the large receptacle. The lower end of the large receptacle includes a storage bin for marbles and an access door.

Abstract: A target game wherein a ball or similar missile is tossed and rolled, in a bowling manner, over a horizontal surface toward a target element. The target element comprises side frames, a rear gate assembly, a top webbing and a scoring grid to provide a plurality of scoring sectors and may further include a ramp adjacent the target element in combination with wind up ribbons and cranks extending between at least two target elements. Each scoring sector may be identified by a number or a color. The target element is collapsible or foldable for storage and transport. Provisions for keeping score and for bonus scoring may be included. The game, in its mode of play, may be related to space travel, baseball, jackpot, bowling, lunar ball, or black jack by the designation of apparatus with appropriate names for targets and scoring sectors. Scoring may be measured in terms of various space-related or conventional point units, depending upon the type of game chosen for playing.

Abstract: Sports goals employing a goal net having a plurality of cord loop portions comprising the boundary region of such goal net whereat attachment to a goal frame is made by passing each of said cord loops, respectively, through one of a plurality of spaced apart fasteners on the goal frame. Said fasteners are configured as a bracket member which is attached at its midpoint to the goal frame, substantially in the plane thereof, and which has both ends formed, by bending, into a nearly circular path to accept the goal net cord loops. The extremities of the loop accepting regions are designed to be spring-tight against the goal frame, thereby precluding the goal net from being readily removed. An alternate configuration is envisioned to include only one cord accepting region per fastener.

Abstract: The device includes a main part, or launcher, in the form of a slingshot, of large size, for operation by three people. The launcher includes a funnel acting as a holder for the balloon to be launched, secured to a pair of elastic strings respectively secured at their outer ends to handles. A balloon filled with water is placed in the holder, and one person holds each of the handles, while a third draws the holder back and releases it, this action flinging the balloon at a target. The device also includes a container for the launcher, and the container has a cover which also serves as a flying saucer.