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 general purpose target for defining a window in space is provided by an F shaped frame having spaced parallel vertical ribbons extending between opposing horizontal arms of the F shape to define a strike zone. One of the ribbons may be removed to enable a bat to swing through the strike zone. The frame may be elevated when the window in space should be higher, as for an archery target, for exmaple. A colored sleeve may be disposed on each horizontal arm to define the width of the strike zone. The F shaped frame may be yieldably mounted by a spring on a support stand, or the frame may be rotatably mounted in the stand, to bend or rotate when struck by a thrown ball or swung bat.

Abstract: A tennis training device includes a rod secured vertically above the tennis court net and having three successive length sections demarked by different colors to guide a tennis player regarding the height of the ball as it passes over the net. The rod is preferably three feet long and each section is one foot in length. Support for the rod is achieved by an extension rod connected end-to-end with the marked rod and inserted through plural interstices of the net. An extension rod may be secured to the top of the marked rod to suspend an apertured target member used for practicing serves. One of the marked/support rods may be provided with two pairs of apertures which cooperate with respective support pins to secure the rod to a chain link fence.

Abstract: A target assembly having a fixed target mounted above a self-resetting, swingable target with both targets conforming to standard or regulation targets used in shooting competitions. The fixed target, which preferably includes a group of bulls-eye targets, is mounted between vertical posts on a cross member from which the swingable target is pivotally suspended. The swingable target is preferably a silhouette steel plate, and it is positioned on the cross member between pipe spacers which also serve to deflect bullets striking the silhouette target away from the bulls-eye target. The posts are founded on a base assembly and after disassembly may be nested and stored with the cross member in a base member.

Abstract: A practice device including a single net enclosure into which golf balls may be driven wherein a U-shaped canopy is pivotally attached to the upper ends of vertical support members and is held in position for use by brackets which are pivotally attached to the upper portions of the vertical support members and secured to the lower end of the canopy by a bolt and nut arrangement. Lateral support members are similarly attached to the lower end portions of the vertical support members. Additionally, the vertical support members can be adjusted in height without disassembly of the device.

Abstract: A target system for use in infrared firing exercises comprises a plurality of targets each of a wooden carrier material formed as a plate of a uniform thickness which is covered with a relatively thin metallic layer as an electrically conductive resistance material; a clamping device having two mutually adjustable clamping jaws for interchangeably holding these targets one at a time; and a source of current for electrically heating the metallic layer of each target when clamped at an edge portion between the two clamping jaws of the clamping device, whereby the current is provided with a downwardly transformed voltage for supplying a corresponding upwardly transformed heating current to the metallic layer.

Abstract: A reversible archery target has a central divider panel of heavy utility grade polypropelyne which divides the interior of the target into two partitions, each filled with cotton material. The exterior covering of the target comprises two layers of light utility grade polypropelyne, and an outer layer of heavy burlap having various target shapes silkscreened on both exterior sides. The target has a dual purpose carrying strap which can also be used to hang the target in suspension. A spring steel stand supports the target on the ground while being unseen and undisturbed from the opposite side.

Abstract: A firearms target support structure is formed of a set of interengaging steel units, that are readily assembled/disassembled for ease of transport and deployment. The target support structure comprises a base unit and an upright and target stop plate unit, each of which is preferably made of steel angle irons, prescribed portions of which engage one another. The base unit is comprised of a pair of steel angle irons legs that are bridged by a flat mounting plate opposite ends of which are welded to the angle irons. On the flat mounting plate a pair of spaced apart sections of steel angle iron extend vertically for receiving an upright support steel angle iron leg therebetween, so that one end of the upright angle iron support leg rests on the flat mounting plate. A short section of steel angle iron is affixed to the other end of the upright support leg and extends laterally of the leg to provide a mounting base for a steel circular target.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an upstanding target structure defining one or more scoring zones and a launcher for launching clay pigeons across the scoring zone or zones. Clay pigeons are launched from a trench and a shooter occupying a cabin scores by hitting a clay pigeon while it is within one of the scoring zones, as viewed, for instance, from a location adjacent to the shooter. The game lends itself to television coverage and a method of televising or recording the game is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in playing a game, comprises a ball and a target. The target has on its surface objective areas to be struck by the ball. The target is in the form of an upstanding post and the objective areas are of equal size and disposed on opposite faces of the target.The target includes indicator lights for denoting when an objective area has been struck by the ball. Each objective area is connected with a respective indicator light so that the objective area struck may be easily identified.The objective areas each have a pressure-sensitive actuator, which operates the corresponding indicator light.

Abstract: This is a holder for shotgun pattern paper. The shot pattern of a shotgun is most important to a hunter. This invention provides a way to determine that pattern for any shotgun. A three-part circular or four-part square holder is supported above the ground by two spaced apart support members. The parts are held together by unique clamp. Clips are provided about the periphery of the square or circular ring for holding paper. A shotgun is then fired at the paper from the selected distance and the pattern of the shot can be seen on the paper.

Abstract: A baseball target device is disclosed wherein the device includes a target that is adjustable in height and length to simulate the strike zones of different size batters. In the preferred embodiment, the device utilizes a base to which a telescopically adjustable vertical frame is attached, wherein the frame supports an adjustable spring-loaded window shade device. The shade of this device hangs down from the frame and its unrolled portion defines a "strike zone" for the pitcher. A picture of a crouched catcher and umpire is imprinted on the shade to give the target a realistic effect. The pitcher may adjust the target to the size of the strike zone for a particular batter by adjusting the telescopic frame to the height of the batter's shoulder and then adjusting the target shade to the batter's knee, thus creating a target whose size and location simulates the exact strike zone for that particular batter.

Abstract: A portable game cabinet is especially useful for shooting darts out of doors. The cabinet includes a target carrying case supported by adjustable and telescoping legs which permit the player to set up the target board on uneven surfaces. The legs are removeable from the case and are conveniently stored therein. The case is constructed so as to hold playing equipment in addition to the target board, and the case is closeable by doors to enclose the playing equipment and target board. The cabinet includes convenient means for setting a shooting line without the player having to make any measurements. The target board is adjustable between two playing heights by completely telescoping or extending one section of each leg. A safety net is raised above the cabinet to catch darts which miss the target by a wide margin.

Abstract: A target assembly that includes a housing in which are mounted a plurality of interceptors made of flexible, energy absorbing material that hang down behind a target face mounted thereon. Preferably, three such interceptors hang from a downwardly, rearwardly sloping rear wall of the housing. A continuous roll of adjacent target faces is mounted in the lower portion of the housing, each successive target face being hooked to the top of the housing for use. The target faces are made of a polymeric material having a color contrasting to the color of the interceptors.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable rebound apparatus for athletic training. A generally rectangular front frame carries a rebound net and is spring-mounted on a similar back frame. Behind the back frame a rigid support base presents generally triangular opposite sides, each having a horizontal bottom side rail, a front side rail extending up from the front end of the corresponding bottom side rail, and a diagonal side rail extending down from the upper end of the front side rail to the rear end of the bottom side rail. Each bottom side rail has top openings at intervals along its length for receiving a locking pin on a corresponding slider. Each slider carries the socket of a ball-and-socket joint which connects the slider to the rear end of a rigid rod which is pivotally connected at its front end to the lower end of the back frame.

Abstract: At least one target (10, 11) is caused to move with complex motion combining rotation about an axis (5) which is approximately horizontal and translation along a direction which is approximately perpendicular to said axis (5) behind an opaque panel (3) delimiting a window (4). By giving suitable directions, amplitudes and speeds to these respective motions, the apparent motion of the target as seen through the window (4) is pseudo-random in time and concerning its trajectory between two passes behind the panel. This increases the difficulty, and hence the attraction of target shooting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a target preferably for use with pointed projectiles such as arrows. The target includes a target portion completely penetrable by the projectile. A backing portion is arranged behind and spaced from the target portion for preventing passage of the projectile completely through the target portion. The target portion includes at least one body portion having a thickness and a density sufficient to retain the projectile in the location and angular orientation at which the projectile passes through the target portion. An arrangement for physically stabilizing the body portion is arranged over substantially the entire surface area of a face of the body portion. In the preferred embodiment, the arrangement for physically stabilizing the body portion comprises a network having first and second pluralities of generally mutually perpendicular cords which are secured to one another at each intersection thereof.

Abstract: A multiple sport training device which includes a stabilizing base and a vertical support. A vertically adjustable carriage is positioned on the vertical support. Connecting members extend from opposite sides of the carriage for reception of attachment members which are used for sports skills training purposes. The attachment members are rotatable around a horizontal axis so that their vertical attitude may be adjusted. Batting training devices, ball rebounders, catching nets, and batting tees comprise some of the attachment members. Additionally, the vertical support is foldable against the stabilizing base for easy storage and transport wheels are insertable into one of the connecting members to allow easy movement of the device when tilted on its side.

Abstract: Disclosed is a target apparatus for realistically simulating battlefield conditions comprising an inflatable target capable of receiving repeated fire without deflating. The target is mounted on a trolley and moves along a predetermined path and can be rapidly inflated by a source of pressurized air and maintained in an inflated condition. At least one transducer is positioned within the target to detect the passage of a projectile through the target and to differentiate between different caliber projectiles based on their different pressure wave energy levels. An externally positioned projectile position detection apparatus may also be provided.

Abstract: A baseball pitching target comprising a rectangular peripheral tubular frame supported by support members staked to the ground and having a mesh backstop itself having an insert that represents such target indicia as the catcher's chest protector, shoulder pads and knee protector pads and mitt. Pitched balls are collected in a compartmentalized ball receiving bag except for those pitched balls that miss the strike zone. Those missing the strike zone will be projected back toward the pitcher by the action of the spring-mesh structure of the backstop.

Abstract: A target comprising missile penetrable material arranged in the form of a continuous loop, the loop being flattened to provide substantially flat front and back sides, and the target material of the loop being flexible and being shiftably movable from one portion of the loop to another portion thereof.

Abstract: A sports net and frame includes inner frame members, a substantially rectangular outer frame and a netting material. The inner frame is characterized by at least two adjusting rods, each rod being attached by spring elements in a spaced relationship to a side of the netting material and substantially perpendicular to each other. The outer frame is attached by spring elements to at least two perpendicular sides of the netting material. Adjustable screws attach each adjusting rod to the outer frame whereby adjustment of the screws results in adjusting the tension in the netting material. The outer frame is further provided with elements for attaching a sports net and frame of identical structure.

Abstract: A three-dimensional archery target (10) is disclosed comprising first and second body segments (11 and 12) having a shape simulating the forward and rearward extremities, respectively, of an animal and a replacable target segment (15) having a shape corresponding to the central trunk of a corresponding animal for being matingly and detachably positioned between the first (11) and the second (12) body segments to collectively define the entire body portion of a corresponding animal. Target segment (15) is comprised of a lightweight, semi-rigid, tangle-free and non-healing material adapted for controlled disintegration from arrow impact. Male dovetails (16, 18) and female dovetails (20, 21) releasably retain the target segment (15) between the first and second body segments (11, 12) in resistance to force in one direction caused by the impact of arrows thereon and to force in the opposite direction caused by removal of the arrows.

Abstract: A target and supporting structure therefore are formed of a multiplicity of substantially coplanar plies of paper adhesively bonded together into a non-hattering and non-splintering rigid laminate. The target may be fixedly supported by a frame structure or removably supported in a free standing position by a slotted base. A method of making and assembling the target and supporting structure therefore is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rebound apparatus for practicing striking a ball with a racket. The apparatus has an elongated rectangular frame which is mounted on a base for pivotal adjustment about a horizontal axis. Mounted on the frame is a flexible material which is relatively loose along the width of the frame and relatively taut along the length of the frame. The upper end of the frame is curved out of the plane of the main portion of the frame, and this upper end supports a ball rebound surface. The flexible material may be secured at its upper end to the rebound surface. The length of the frame is adjustable. In use, a ball when hit by a racket will strike the flexible material, rebound upwardly against the ball rebound surface, and then rebound again in a direction back toward the player who hit the ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for training baseball players, particularly baseball pitchers, which employs a laminated, impact-resistant target board which is rigidly attached to a frame structure. The position of the target board relative to a person or player throwing baseballs at the target is such that the balls which strike the target are reflected and return back to the thrower. More particularly, the apparatus of this invention comprises a frame which includes a top cross-bar to which supporting legs are movably attached, horizontal cross-bars attached to the front legs and a laminated, impact-resistant target board which is of substantially the same length and width as a normal baseball strike zone and which is attached to the horizontal cross-bars at a location corresponding to the location of the normal strike zone of a baseball batter.

Abstract: Retractable horns provided as an attachment to or integral with a hollow steer head roping dummy as an aid to allow a roper to practice roping a realistic target without requiring dismounting to retrieve the loop. The retractable horns are controlled by a lanyard actuator at a position remote from the training aid. A tug on the lanyard causes retraction of otherwise outwardly and horizontally projecting horns into the hollow steer head shaped housing to dislodge the lasso loop. A spring mechanism will cause the horns to move back to their normal operative positions once tension on the lanyard has been released.

Abstract: A target for use by golfers to practice chipping and putting includes a closed loop formed from a length of lightweight rigid tubing and supported by three soil-penetrating support legs. The device may be left outdoors regardless of weather and does not require any maintenance, inflation, or measurement to properly position the device. The support legs of the device are formed so that an offset portion automatically positions the circular tubing of the device to a height proper for allowing a golf ball to pass thereunder. A portion of the leg perpendicular to the offset portion rests substantially along the ground to both stabilize the device and allow for easy setup of the device at the proper height.

Abstract: A flying saucer bowling game is disclosed in which a player or two or more players scale(s) a flying saucer at a pluraity of positioned pins, supported on a suitable base, with the object being to knock the pins down and make and score strikes and spares, in a manner similar to that of bowling. Within the invention are sets of game items for playing this simulated bowling game, preferred combinations of pins and supports, holders for the game parts and a method of playing the game.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable apparatus which is foldable for storage and stackable when folded, and deployable to provide stable support for a planar target member for target shooting purposes. The apparatus has a generally box-like main frame of tubular members, including skid rails extending longitudinally of the main frame, upper longitudinal rails generally parallel to the main frame skid rails, upright members connecting the main frame skid rails and the upper longitudinal rails at least at the forward and rear ends of the main frame, and lower cross-bars extending transversely to and interconnecting the main frame skid rails.

Abstract: A target holder is provided with a circular frame connected with a slip fit to an elongated pole which terminates in a pointed end. Target holders are provided around the circumference of the frame made of steel spring rod which are wrapped around the frame and terminate in opposed elongated portions with criss-crossing angularly displaced projections to hold a paper target in place. The target holders slide freely about the circular frame when no targets are in position, but lock on the frame because of friction when the target is secured by the clips.

Abstract: A device which is especially adapted for use as a golf practice unit or as a game takes the form of a solid ring or band mounted on an adjustable stand or base which is capable of supporting a target so that the target rests substantially in a horizontal plane. The target proper is comprised of a fabric or fabric-like material and is characterized in particular by having outer peripheral flaps extending from the outer surrounding edge of the target which are sized to be passed around opposite sides of the outer ring member, then adjustably secured together to establish the desired tautness in the target. One or more ball returns may be placed in the surface of the target so as to permit use and playing by a number of individuals at one time.

Abstract: A training net device for all types of ball games includes an inextensible net which is spread between a plurality of parallel rigid posts. The rigid posts are detachably attached by elastic binders to rigid elongated stiffeners on each side of the net. The stiffeners are pivotally connected in consecutive sequence. A locking mechanism for fixing the position of one of the stiffeners relative to an adjacent one is also disclosed. The locking mechanism includes a plurality of notches cooperatively engaging the pivotal connection. The device is then mounted to one of several disclosed support members.

Abstract: A low cost, easily assembled simulated thermal target for use as either a aining device or as a target decoy against an enemy. Various simulated thermal targets may be constructed to appear as enemy tactical vehicles when viewed by thermal images.

Abstract: A target system for use with spring, air, and CO.sub.2 operated pistols and rifles and with slingshots. The target system prevents ricochets by use of a flexible backstop suspended within a housing while permitting the shooter and spectators to easily discern where the projectiles have penetrated a target which is disposed across the front of this housing. The system utilizes supports incorporated into the housing to receive tubes upon which the target is wound for easy movement and removal of used targets and installation of a new roll of targets to replace a used roll. Each individual target on the roll is indexed to a display position by hand winding of the tubes. A locking mechanism incorporated into the supports cooperates with the tubes and wound target material to tautly position each target in the target opening. A chamber in the base of the apparatus entraps projectiles, permitting collection and removal without damage for reuse.

Abstract: A hockey shooting target comprises a target element mounted in a peripheral framework, from which the element is removed on being struck by a properly aimed hockey puck, ball, etc. A saddle is provided for mounting the framework at suitable locations in the goalmouth of a hockey net. The target element is of flexible compressible impact resistant material, e.g. rubbery foam polyurethane, to permit its repeated re-use as a target element.

Abstract: A ball game to be played in a swimming pool and a tilted backstop for use in the ball game. The backstop, includes a rigid broad board; and a supporting apparatus for supporting the board in a position that is tilted from the vertical at an angle in a range of ten degrees to twenty degrees when the supporting apparatus is placed upon a horizontal surface. The supporting apparatus includes a pair of rods extending horizontally from the bottom of the board in the direction that the top of the board is tilted forward. The forward ends of the rods are bent downward for hooking over the edge of a curb for preventing the board from being thrust backward when the forward broad surface of the board is struck. The backstop is positioned on a horizontal surface against a curb at the edge of a swimming pool so that the forward ends of the rods hook over the edge of the curb.

Abstract: A target is shaped in the form of an animate object, preferably, simulating an animal. The target is formed from any suitable material which can receive a projectile impacting thereagainst. The target is provided with a torso opening in which is emplaced a graphic representation of the internal organs of the animal so simulated. The present target is particularly adapted for use in archery.

Abstract: An archery target toward which arrows from a bow may be aimed; the target including a circular outer ring having a circular central opening, within which an inner ring may be fitted, the outer ring having hooks on its rear side for hooking around a string or wire wrapped around a bale of hay, and the inner ring having pins on its rear side for sticking into the bale of hay.