Target Is Aperture Dimensioned To Allow Projectile To Pass Entirely Therethrough Patents (Class 273/402)
  • Patent number: 5746669
    Abstract: The present invention provides a game and training device which can be played in a game-like setting to develop skills such as ball handling, passing, and shooting. A primary goal forms a target opening in a generally vertical plane through which a ball may be kicked by the player. In addition, a plurality of intermediate goals are arranged on the playing field in spaced relation to one another. Each intermediate goal defines a respective target opening through which the ball is to be passed as the player advances the ball to the primary goal. Each intermediate goal comprises a pair of base members positioned on laterally spaced apart relation to one another and a hoop member supported by the pair of base members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Michael N. Sinsheimer
    Inventors: Michael N. Sinsheimer, Richard W. Turner, Holger Schleife
  • Patent number: 5722446
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that include arcade-styled games for the fun and entertainment of both adults and children. These collapsible structures can be easily and quickly folded and collapsed into a compact configuration. The collapsible structures have at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 5720485
    Abstract: A basketball game area for recreation consisting of multiple zones, each having at least one hoop and backboard combination, multiple shooting indicators, and obstacles which can be free standing, and/or affixed to the hoop or backboard. The location of the obstacle in relation to the indicator changes the trajectory required to shoot the ball into the hoop. The placement of each indicator increases the difficulty in placing the ball through the hoop. The game rules provide the order of proceeding through the courts and proceeding through the sequential shooting indicators within each of the courts. The first player proceeds to the first courts, attempting to shoot the ball through the hoop, avoiding the obstacle, scoring points for placing the ball through the hoop. The players continue shooting one at a time until all players have taken a shot at the first basket from each of the indicators and then continue to proceed through the courts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Off The Boards Basketball, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry J. Oswald
  • Patent number: 5713575
    Abstract: A new Disc Bouncing Game for simulating a basketball game by awarding of points relative to the bouncing of a disc, such as a coin, through a hoop. The inventive device includes a game board having the simulation of one end of a basketball court, and a backboard and hoop assembly detachably secured to the game board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Armand Angelucci
  • Patent number: 5704612
    Abstract: An arcade game including a number of playing pieces having distinct colors and a number of targets associated with at least one of the distinct colors. A sensor apparatus is arranged to sense the color of a playing piece received by a target. The targets can preferably be highlighted to draw a player's attention to a designated target. A scoring apparatus changes a game score when the color of a ball received by a highlighted target matches a color associated with the highlighted target. A variation of the game includes a playing piece return mechanism and a playing piece dispenser mechanism. Another variation of the game includes an award dispenser, which dispenses an award based upon the game score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: RLT Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John J. Goodman
  • Patent number: 5632490
    Abstract: A collection game apparatus includes a random selection assembly which includes a base portion, a distributor pipe assembly supported by the base portion, and a funnel-shaped perimeter wall supported by a top portion of the distributor pipe assembly. A plurality of objects are provided to be collected, and the objects are grouped into color coded sets. The objects to be collected are randomly distributed by the distributor pipe assembly of the random selection assembly. A plurality of containers are provided for storing and carrying objects that are collected. Preferably, the random selection assembly and the objects to be collected, which are balls, float in water. The base portion of the random selection assembly is inflatable. The distributor pipe assembly includes a pipe-support body supported by the base portion. The pipe-support body includes a riser portion supported by the base portion and a baffle plate supported by a top part of the riser portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas D. Brown
  • Patent number: 5611531
    Abstract: A pro pitching device (10) comprising a backboard target (12) having a bull's-eye central aperture (14). An assembly (16) is for elevating the backboard target (12) in an adjustable vertical position above the ground (18). A person (20) can stand at a distance away from the backboard target (12) and throw a ball (22) towards the backboard target (12) and into the bull's-eye central aperture (14). A facility (24) is for stopping the ball (22) after entering the bull's-eye central aperture (14) and allowing the ball (22) to fall gently to the ground (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Jim Skerlan
  • Patent number: 5575483
    Abstract: A transportable and inexpensive golf toss game includes colored tossing bags, golf hole cups, flag sticks, markers and a scoring sheet. The game is played by tossing a small bag at receptacles simulating golf holes on a playing course planned and set up by the players in a yard, park or outdoor area to resemble a golf course. The course can be conveniently set up at almost any location and may include obstacles such as trees, shrubs or water. The golf toss game is challenging yet easy to learn and fun to play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventors: Robert T. Dineen, Susan M. Michels
  • Patent number: 5575480
    Abstract: Toss game apparatus for alternate use as a target for thrown projectiles or as a support for supporting an individual playing the toss game includes a frame and a top panel mounted on the frame and deflectable relative to the frame. Interior support members attached to the top panel limit the degree of deflection of the top panel. Carpeting is positioned on the top panel having an upper layer of upwardly projecting fabric fibers angled toward one of the frame ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Craig M. Wehr
  • Patent number: 5562289
    Abstract: A base running ball game has combined paddle and bat implements to hit a ball. Offensive players use the combined paddle bat to hit the ball into a fairfield occupied by defensive players. Some of the defensive players use the combined paddle and bat implement to field the batted ball and send the ball into safe areas of bases. A put out is made when the ball lands in the safe area of a base in front of a batter running to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Jack G. McAllister
  • Patent number: 5553862
    Abstract: A washer toss game apparatus is disclosed comprising: 1) a planar member having a hole through a central portion thereof; and, 2) an upright support member which has three lateral grooves through a central portion thereof, each which closely fits an edge of the planar member. The planar member accordingly may be positioned at three different levels of inclination. The planar member is additionally provided with a non-slip resilient planar strip on one side thereof, so that when this side is positioned upwardly the washers are more easily tossed and maintained on the planar surface. By increasing the angle of inclination of the planar member and turning the slippery side upwards the difficulty of scoring can be increased. Each player alternatively tosses four washers in a round. All washers of one player which are closer to the hole than any of the washers of the other player score points. Three points are awarded for a washer passing through the hole; one point for other scoring washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: William Konotopsky
  • Patent number: 5553863
    Abstract: An adjustable game goal apparatus composed of a flexible chord held in an arc position by insertion into the inner coils of two springs. The springs are attached to a flat smooth surfaced base plate by means of suction cups. The base plate has spikes attached to its underside to secure the goal to the ground. For indoor use the base plate is not needed and the goal is attached to a smooth floor by means of the suction cups. The goal is open to receive shots from the front or back perspective. It is designed to give way, allowing a shot to continue in its original direction, then to return to its normal upright position. The size of the goal is adjustable by means of controlling the length of the chord resting within the springs' coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Martin O. Wynne
  • Patent number: 5536003
    Abstract: A basketball shot making game having a plurality of angularly related panels in an array with the last of the panels having a diagonal flap directed inwardly toward a netless hoop and a hoop structure of different diameters located on the floor in a position such that a properly directed basketball bounced serially off the array of panels and subsequently the flap and through the netless hoop may enter one of the hoops of a hoop structure located on the floor. The hoop structure may comprise three hoops, a regulation size hoop, a second hoop of lesser diameter coaxial and dispersed a regulation net distance from the first hoop and a third hoop may be provided coaxial with interiorly of and supported by and of lesser diameter than the second hoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Reeve R. Brenner
  • Patent number: 5533734
    Abstract: Embodiments of a board and washer game are disclosed, that assembles in such a manner as to provide a means to secure loose game pieces, and for transporting and storage as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Richard W. Husk
  • Patent number: 5522598
    Abstract: A ball toss game that uses a vertical pole with a panel, resembling an inverted lamp shade mounted on the end. The panel has holes in each quadrant for releasing resilient balls bounced off the floor and at least one wall. Each player has two attempts to score for each turn. The number to turns and value of each score is determined by the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventors: Gloria D. Loyd, David W. Loyd
  • Patent number: 5511775
    Abstract: A low rebound sports target useful in baseball pitching and fielding drills freely suspends horizontal and vertical elements for defining target zones wherein the elements are able to absorb the energy delivered by a high speed baseball tossed at the target and provide for rebounding of the ball from the target in a safe manner with regard to concerns by a player using the target. A target comprising vertical chains and horizontal rods freely suspended in a spaced relation to a frame holding the chain is described. Tubing sections provide shrouds for the chain and rods while also providing for easy adjustment of the target in creating various target zones. Further, a bag collects successful target hits while a netted backstop collects errant tosses by the player. A support used in suspending target elements further provides for suspending sports images useful for simulating realistic game conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Alan D. Parks
  • Patent number: 5503402
    Abstract: A soccer practice focal device removably attached to both a cross-member bar and an upright post of a conventional soccer goal. The soccer practice focal device in combination with the soccer goal defining a focal area for a soccer player to mentally focus on and attempt to shoot a soccer ball through. The soccer practice device is adapted for quick installation and removal from a soccer goal thereby allowing the device to be utilized immediately before a soccer game when practice and mental concentration are most crucial. The soccer practice device also provides for minimal interference with the soccer goalie during practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Norman R. Moss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5499822
    Abstract: A soccer type game for playing in a swimming pool, the game including first and second goals formed of a material having a density sufficient to permit the goals to lie on the bottom of the pool, and a soccer type ball filled with water and also having a density sufficient to remain on the bottom of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Guy Sabourin
  • Patent number: 5472211
    Abstract: An outdoor game apparatus has a pair of concrete game surfaces formed on the ground a predetermined distance from each other with each game surface having a plurality of openings therein spaced in a predetermined relationship. Each concrete game surface has a predetermined score mark adjacent each opening therein and each opening has a drainage opening in the bottom thereof to drain water therefrom. Each of a plurality of plastic game discs has a piece of ferric metal formed therein and is sized to fit into each opening in the game surface so that a player standing adjacent one concrete game surface can throw the game disc towards the other game surface for scoring points when the disc goes in one of the openings. The game includes a pair of elongated wands, each having a permanent magnet attached to the end thereof for each player to selectively retrieve a game disc from an opening in the concrete game surface by magnetically adhering to the ferric metal formed in the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas E. McCaughan
  • Patent number: 5470057
    Abstract: A paddle game and method of preparing same for play is provided, having an elongate deflector adapted for resting on a table top. The deflector has a generally triangular configuration when viewed in cross section and has two substantially solid opposing angular playing surfaces which extend toward each other in intersecting planes to define an apex. A preselected game board is removably positioned on and cooperates with the deflector so that the game board extends generally vertically above the apex of the deflector. The game board has a target such as one or more openings therein for use by the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Paddle Games Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Bodford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5467999
    Abstract: The "Master Archer Target" is a 3-dimensional high impact plastic archery target with multiple open bulls-eyes of various sizes to provide a challenge from amateur to expert. By providing multiple bull-eyes, it prevents arrow damage by allowing adequate separation of arrows for each shot and forces the archer to improve their accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignees: Michael Valencic, David Valencic
    Inventors: Michael Valencic, David Valencic
  • Patent number: 5460384
    Abstract: A coordination-skill-oriented, action target game machine, affording opportunities to score points by successfully timing insertion of a coin or other token into the machine, by timing the token insertion in relation to the motion of a rotating aperture wheel having apertures which the token must traverse to reach a target aperture behind the aperture wheel, in order to score points for a corresponding award by a ticket dispenser mechanism. After insertion into a fixed accepting mechanism, the token rolls down an inclined ramp of the general form of a ski jump, acquiring sufficient momentum to jump to the aperture wheel, where it either passes through an aperture to reach the target aperture and score points for the player, or is blocked by the aperture wheel, if it misses any aperture of the wheel. The apertures of the aperture wheel are slots having varying widths, and the scoring is higher for plays which traverse the narrower apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Seidel Amusement Machine Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Seidel, Charles J. Ohler
  • Patent number: 5419566
    Abstract: Small Disc Toss Game, which comprises of small discs tossed toward a score zone and a bonus score tube, of specific measurements, placed flat on the ground. The bonus tube is inserted with a protective flanged shelve to keep bonus tube from chipping and to serve as a target. The bonus tubes and score zones are secured to the ground with small anchors. The game consist of opposing score zones and bonus tubes placed at a specific distance apart and each score zone is used as boundary lines. All persons taking part in the game are referred to as player or players. Discs are tossed toward opposing score zones and bonus tubes for the propose of scoring the highest amount of points. The first player or players to reach the set number for winning the game, will be the winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Byrd
  • Patent number: 5393049
    Abstract: A basketball practice system comprising a backboard made of a rigid or semi-rigid material and having a generally a planar configuration is disclosed. A frame structure is secured to the backboard and helps to support a guiding net configured and dimensioned to guide a basketball into a narrow port defined by the guiding net. Cross braces are secured between the frame structure and the backboard in order to give rigidity to the frame. Side deflection structure deflects balls which are moving to the left or right, away from the system and guiding them into the guiding net. This deflecting structure may comprise nets. A basketball net is positioned above the narrow port and a bendable tubular guiding member, which comprises a bendable tubular member has a spiral backbone and a skin secured to the spiral backbone, is coupled to the narrow port and configured to receive a ball and guide it toward a player using the inventive basketball practice system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: George Nelson
  • Patent number: 5368293
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: E. Leon Waugh
  • Patent number: 5346228
    Abstract: A soccer ball goal facilitates practice of kicking drills and play of a soccer ball game by a reduced number of players. The soccer ball goal comprises a hoop having a circular aperture large enough to admit passage of a soccer ball. A backboard has a front face which at least as large as the circular aperture of the hoop. A frame rigidly connects the hoop to the backboard. The frame is adapted to maintain the hoop in a position which is in front of the backboard front face, parallel to the backboard front face, and at predetermined distance from the backboard front face. A playing surface engaging means maintains the backboard substantially perpendicular to the playing surface. A ricochet board can be positioned to facilitate rebounded shots into the soccer ball goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Rimball Marketing and Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Offutt
  • Patent number: 5342057
    Abstract: A signage assembly useful for the tabletop display of an advertising message. The assembly includes a holder comprised of an upright into which the insert may be removably inserted and a base for supporting the upright upon the tabletop. An interactive device for engaging an observer, preferably in the form of a game board, disposed upon the base so that the observer will read the message printed on the insert while playing the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Paul O. Sorkoram
  • Patent number: 5338044
    Abstract: A water toy for use in association with an external water supply and a water pipe, such as a garden hose. A shaft has a bottom end operatively attached to a base member and a top end opposite to the bottom end. A water flow directing element is operatively attached adjacent the top end of the shaft and has a first end attached to the water pipe and one or more second ends which are attached to a corresponding number of flexible members. Each of the flexible members have a second end region which allow for the discharge of water. The forces applied by the water from the external water supply to the internal wall of the flexible members imparts random movement to the flexible members. A target is operatively attached to the spacing member or a portion of the flexible members so as to prompt physical interaction between a user of the water toy and the toy itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Vtech Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Mazursky, David M. Waskin, Steven N. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5332230
    Abstract: A foldable target structure includes first, second, and third game plates, each having distinctive geometrical configurations arranged for opening and securement in a triangular configuration, wherein a central opening includes a central opening periphery fastener structure about the central opening through each game plate, with further openings and further hook and loop fastener peripheries, as well as hook and loop fastener patches mounted upon each game plate of various geometrical configurations between respective game plates. The bag structure employed includes bag first and second sides, having first and second side hook and loop fastener surfaces arranged for securement to the hook and loop fastener surfaces of the game plates, wherein various point totals are awarded for directing the bag member through the opening, as well as the bag's adherence to hook and loop fastener surfaces of respective game plate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Michael L. Benedict
  • Patent number: 5330175
    Abstract: An automated game assembly for use by at least one player, the assembly of the type having a basketball hoop mounted to a backboard, the basketball hoop and the backboard being mounted on a vertical support, the game assembly comprising means for rotating the basketball hoop and the backboard about a vertical axis, the vertical axis extending through the basketball hoop and offset horizontally from the backboard and the vertical support, and means for linearly displacing the basketball hoop and backboard away from and toward the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Samuel Kim
  • Patent number: 5320360
    Abstract: A target game apparatus includes an inclined main target base having a top panel and plurality of holes with a receptacle area behind the panel to receive objects when successfully falling through the holes. A vertical rear panel stands up from the rear edge of the main target base and includes one or more holes through which the objects can pass when successfully thrown. The construction can fold into a collapsed condition by pushing the receptacle base into the area behind the top panel of the main target base and by folding the rear panel rearwardly and downwardly so as to lie underneath the base panel of the receptacle. The legs fold into the area between the top panel and the sides of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Aime St. Pierre
  • Patent number: 5318307
    Abstract: A game of skill and strategy that can be played on almost any surfaces (grass, sand, water, cement, etc.), indoors as well as outdoors. This game shows some resemblance with "tic-tac-toe". The game comprises a reception frame divided into nine squares and four groups of disks, two for each player. The squares from targets to be hit with the disks. The first set of disks is made up of at least nine disks of the same diameter, density and thickness. The second set has only three disks of a larger diameter than those of the first group. The larger size of the disks of the second set makes them harder to lodge in the target squares. This is compensated by the fact that a larger disk can remove one of the opponent's disks and take possession of the square. First, the players take turns trying to toss the small disk into the squares. After this phase, they use the larger disks to try to dislodge the opposing player's disks and gain an advantage on him.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventors: Marcel Bouchard, Raymond Fortin
  • Patent number: 5277431
    Abstract: A scaled-down basketball goal, backboard, and basketball standard attached to a base in the shape of a scaled-down basketball key. Said base has at its front end a highly magnetized concaved portion which can attract and hold numerous paper clips. The miniaturized basketball hoop has a funnel attached to it. This funnel has a basketball net painted or imprinted on it. The hoop and funnel are located directly over said concaved portion of the base portion so that when paper clips are tossed through said hoop, they will fall directly into the highly magnetized concave portion of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Michael F. O'Grady
  • Patent number: 5275419
    Abstract: Game apparatus comprises a projectile and a head garment. The head garment includes a head-fitting member configured and dimensioned to be releasably worn on the head of the player. The head garment also includes a visor attached to said head-fitting member, wherein the visor is configured with an aperture of sufficient size to allow said projectile to pass through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Enayatolah Kazemi
  • Patent number: 5257780
    Abstract: Balls thrown at a target are returned to a player by a combination of a moving belt and an inclined delivery surface. The belt is out of reach of the player and, when stopped, collects the balls on its upper surface, stopping the game. A timer controls movement of the belt. Sensors positioned to detect movement of a ball toward the target and through openings in the target send signals to a sign, causing the sign to present different visual displays regarding progress of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: National Sports Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Marshall K. Cook, Donald F. Collins
  • Patent number: 5240259
    Abstract: A scaled-down basketball goal, backboard, and basketball standard attached to a base in the shape of a scaled-down basketball key. Said base has at its front end a highly magnetized concaved portion which can attract and hold numerous paper clips. The miniaturized basketball hoop has a funnel attached to it. This funnel has a basketball net painted or imprinted on it. The hoop and funnel are located directly over said concaved portion of the base portion so that when paper clips are tossed through said hoop, they will fall directly into the highly magnetized concave portion of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Michael F. O'Grady
  • Patent number: 5232390
    Abstract: The present invention provides an action amusement set having as a primary member a self-propelled, multi-purpose doll that can be disassembled to reveal a gameball usable with various sporting accessories included with the amusement set. The multi-purpose doll is provided with a drive mechanism for propelling and turning the doll. A remote control unit is also provided for remotely controlling the drive mechanism. The action amusement set includes several types of gameballs that can be selectively incorporated in the multi-purpose doll but which are configured for play in connection with a particular sport. The sporting accessories of the amusement set include several components that may be arranged into suitable setups corresponding to a particular sport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Clay Brooks
  • Patent number: 5222740
    Abstract: An entertaining target comprises a box, a sound and light control device attached inside the box and a balloon. The front opening of the box is attached with an openable front lid formed with a target hole in the middle, and inside the box there is provided a touch-off switch connecting to the sound and light control device which is pressed by the balloon to disconnect the electricity to the control device. When a player takes his shot on the target, the bullet successfully hit into the target hole will pop the balloon and the front lid will be pushed to open by the explosion of the balloon to allow another balloon to be placed, meanwhile the touch-off switch is released by the explosion to start the sound and light control device to generate entertaining sound and light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventors: Jenn-Jia Wu, Jinn-Shing Liaw
  • Patent number: 5217230
    Abstract: A multi-sports net includes an elongated main meshwork and a target assembly attached thereto. The main meshwork has an opening defined at a generally central location. The target assembly includes a substantially rigid annular support member attached to the main meshwork of the net so as to surround the central opening therein. The target assembly also includes an auxiliary meshwork in the form of a pouch having an open end. The auxiliary meshwork is attached to the annular support member with the open end of the pouch formed by the auxiliary meshwork in communication with the opening through the main meshwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Grant L. Judd
  • Patent number: 5209493
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable saucer golf game in which the players arrange the course according to the available space and their particular skill level. The game is played by placing rings at various locations, whereby a player throws a saucer disk toward a ring with the intent of getting the saucer completely within the ring to finish the hole. The player using the fewest throws to complete the course is the winner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: BWI, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Chernek
  • Patent number: 5201527
    Abstract: A tossing game and method wherein two targets each having a pair of folding legs, a pair of upper and lower connectors, a body and a body wall enclose a target aperture. The folding legs are hingedly connected to the body and adapted to be folded into a folded position. The connectors are adapted to be connected while the folding legs are in the folded position. Each target body is made of plastic. Tossing bags are supported by target bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: George T. Koket
  • Patent number: 5192080
    Abstract: A reduced sized backboard has a corresponding sized reduced hoop supported thereon and also has an integral handle depending from the lower end thereof which allows a person to hand-hold the backboard in an upright position and maneuver it so that a reduced sized ball traveling toward the person can by skill of the person be caused to pass through the hoop. The handle also has an integral downward angled extension providing abutted emgagement against the wrist for steadying the hand-hold of the backboard. This angled extension has a releasable strap for securement to the wrist. The hoop is hingedly connected to the backboard and the handle has a hinge between its ends whereby the hoop and handle can be folded against the backboard for compacting the game for shipment and storage. The handle is removable from the backboard to allow the backboard to be mounted on a stationary support if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Don Duncan
  • Patent number: 5181725
    Abstract: A soccer shooting training target which may be easily rolled up and transported can be installed over an existing soccer goal. The target comprises a plurality of individual targets containing flaps sized to admit passage to a soccer ball. The soccer shooting training target's upper edge is tied in place to the goal rear crossbar using a weighted rope. The bottom corners of the soccer shooting training target are tied down using elastic cord and stakes in order to render the target stable in the presence of wind. Alternate soccer shooting training target configurations include a stand mounted free standing version and a canister housed target permanently mounted to a soccer goal crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Leras, John P. Condorodis
  • Patent number: 5165695
    Abstract: A transportable bag tossing game for one or more players having multiple scoring methods. To play the game, a single target structure or a pair of target structures are positioned on a sporting plane such as the ground such that a certain amount of space is provided between the player tossing the bag and that player's target structure. Each target structure is comprised of a single injection molded part having a first wall disposed relatively perpendicular to the supporting plane and an angled second wall having an aperture located along the central longitudinal axis of the target structure. The object of the game is to direct projectiles through an aperture contained on the second wall. The first planar wall is provided with a slot located proximate to a first end thereof to faciltate transporting the target structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Thomas T. Yoder
  • Patent number: 5163680
    Abstract: A toy for simulating the scoring of goals in the game of basketball includes a rim having an outer surface of conductive material and a frustroconical net suspended from the rim. A ball adapted to fit within the rim has an outer surface of conductive material so that an electric circuit including a signal-generator produces a signal to the player of the game whenever the ball strikes the rim while passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Talk To Me Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joanna M. Amron
  • Patent number: 5139266
    Abstract: A board game is designed to simulate taking a tour around the world. Money is spent on travel, lodging, shopping, food, and the like, and money is obtained by tossing beanbags through openings or by using a spinner. A variation of the game facilitates a changing of destinations and rules on each of the game board spaces by utilizing a marker and an erasable game board surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventors: Maxey D. Mullins, Cristy R. Golden
  • Patent number: 5125651
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a basketball training system including a first basketball hoop mounted at a predetermined elevation above a playing surface and a second basketball hoop mounted below the first basketball hoop and above said playing surface in a position such that a line representing the descending path of a desirably shot basketball will pass substantially through the centers of both of the basketball hoops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventors: Edward J. Keeling, Hans E. Keeling
  • Patent number: 5123654
    Abstract: A ball-delivering-and-catching device the structure of which allows a ball or the like to roll back and forth thereon and then fly into the air moving along a parabolic path before falling down into or outside a catching hoop if a user grips a handle of the device and adequately sways the device forward and backward. Catching hoops with different shapes showing desired ball games may be used along with matching ball of achieve more fun. Furthermore, different pictures or cards showing different ball games may be selectively inserted into grooves formed on a backboard of the device to enhance the excitment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Lucky Star Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 5090704
    Abstract: A portable golf game to be played with conventional golf balls and golf clubs comprises nine targets adaped to be randomly positioned on an ordinary lawn to thereby provide the player with targets for putting or chipping a golf ball. The targets define a ring-shaped opening adapted to permit a ball to pass therethrough. A single support rod extends perpendicularly from each target and is adapted for insertion into the ground. A sign having a first side and a second side is rigidly attached to each target. The first sides of the signs are consecutively numbered from one to nine while the second sides are consecutively numbered from ten to eighteen. Each sign is numbered so that the sum of the numbers on its first side and its second side equals nineteen. To play the game, the player places a golf ball on either side of the target having the number six affixed thereto and thereafter hits the golf ball toward the target numbered one in an attempt to hit it through the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Joseph C. Dona
  • Patent number: 5074552
    Abstract: A basketball-type game apparatus has a hoop mounted to a backboard, the backboard being mounted for rotation by a rotary drive mechanism about an axis over a range of positions to present the thrower with a variety of angles from which to make his throw. The backboard is offset from a rotary drive system to carry the backboard and hoop through a horizontally disposed arc. Confining walls are provided in the form of an open front structure with the open-front defining the throwing position. A tilted floor in the form of a tray carries the supporting structure for the backboard and hoop, and returns the ball to the throwing position after each throw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Grand Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Gomez, Thomas M. Kopera, John C. Kubik