Abstract: A method and apparatus for trapping projectiles so that the projectiles are not damaged is disclosed. An elongated trough is typically filled with alternating layers of a foam substance and a fibrous substance. Alternatively, the trough can be filled with just a foam or fibrous substance. A projectile launcher such as a gun is connected to the trough and a projectile is shot into the filling substance substantially parallel a longitudinal axis of the trough. The trough can be opened and the projectile can be recovered from the filling substance.

Abstract: The apparatus is for installation at shooting ranges and has a housing that has a resilient top layer and a bottom support surface. The bottom support surface has a movable cleaning arrangement that may move the granulate material and projectiles in a channel. The bottom layer supports the granulate material at an angle that is steeper than the angle of repose of the granulate material.

Abstract: A target baffle bracket includes an elongate piece of material having a hanger portion and a backing portion. The backing portion is configured for attachment to adjoining metal plates so as to cover the joint between the plates. The hanger portion is configured for selectively engaging a cable. To facilitate adjustment in the height of the bracket, and thus the baffle which it helps form, the hanger portion includes cable receiving recesses which are disposed in a variety of vertical positions.

Abstract: A bullet backstop assembly includes a modular support structure formed from legs, vertical ribs and horizontal ribs, and a modular inclined surface formed from a plurality of back panels. The back panels and the components of the support structure are attached to one another to form a bullet backstop assembly which may be assembled and disassembled without welding and with minimal use of tools.

Abstract: A trap for receiving and holding bullets and fragments thereof. A funnel shaped receiver is mounted atop a frame and has a narrow exit connected to a collector tube arranged at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the receiver. The collector tube empties into a circular chamber of an offset housing dissipating the kinetic energy of the bullet.

Abstract: A projectile stopping device is proposed for the purpose of damping the noise propagation linked to the striking of projectiles, for the purpose of braking the projectiles and for easier recovery thereof, the individual stopping curtains (27 to 29) of which projectile stopping device, which are spaced apart from each other in the firing direction (1), consist of suspended steel cables. The stopping cables (26) are received in receiving devices which are identically formed at the top and bottom, and are thereby connected to guides (32) which are also formed in an identical manner to each other. The attachment of the stopping cables to these guides and their arrangement within a curtain are arranged in such a way that each stopping cable, when deflected, is always subject to a return force bringing it back into its original position.

Abstract: A ball throwing practice system for improving a ball player's skills that includes a collapsible support frame having a first pair of legs and a second pair of legs, with the second pair of legs being pivotally coupled to one of the first pair of legs to permit pivoting of the second pair of legs with respect to the first pair of legs. The system also includes a target assembly secured to the support frame for defining a passage therethrough for representing a zone for an accurately thrown ball to pass through. Preferably, the target assembly comprises a pair of substantially horizontally oriented plate members disposed in a spaced relationship, with a lower one of the plate members being located below an upper one of the plate members. The lower plate member may be suspended below the upper plate member by a plurality of cords.

Abstract: In a shooting range for training personnel in the use of firearms, a bullet trap that prevents rebounding bullets or flying debris from injuring shooters, has a central section of stacked cylindrical logs, or logs having a trapezoidal cross section, supported by stacked rectangular supporting blocks on each side. The stacked cylindrical logs have conical end sections at the end facing the shooter. These conical end sections direct incoming bullets to passageways between the cylindrical logs. Bullets passing through these passageways then strike a backstop panel. In a preferred embodiment, both the cylindrical logs and the backstop panel are made of shock-absorbing foamed fiber-reinforced concrete.

Abstract: In a shooting range for training personnel in the use of firearms, a bullet trap that prevents rebounding bullets or flying debris from injuring shooters, has a central section of stacked cylindrical logs, or logs having a trapezoidal cross section, supported by stacked rectangular supporting blocks on each side. The stacked cylindrical logs have conical end sections at the end facing the shooter. These conical end sections direct incoming bullets to passageways between the cylindrical logs. Bullets passing through these passageways then strike a backstop panel. In a preferred embodiment, both the cylindrical logs and the backstop panel are made of shock-absorbing foamed fiber-reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decelerating projectiles includes the use of rubber nuggets. The nuggets are preferably between 15 and 25 millimeters to decrease sluffing when disposed at an incline. Preferably, the nuggets are coated with a fire retardant which promotes adhesion in the presence of heat. If applied in a solution, the fire retardant can also be dried on the rubber nuggets to promote adhesion between the rubber pieces. Furthermore, glue may be mixed with the nuggets or applied with the fire retardant solution to further increase adhesion between the pieces of rubber and promote stability of the layer of rubber nuggets.

Abstract: A pitcher protection net device in baseball practice having a frame installed on the ground to vertically extend to cover a pitcher from his front. A net closes a space surrounded by the outer edge of the frame and is attached to the frame. The frame includes a main frame forming one lateral portion on one widthwise side. An auxiliary frame projects from the lower portion of the main frame toward the other widthwise side to form the other lateral portion of the frame. The pitcher protection net device in baseball practice includes an extension net that closes a corner space surrounded by this side edge of the upper portion main frame on the other side and the upper edge of the auxiliary frame. The extension net is capable of deflecting downward. The pitcher protection net device also includes an adjusting means for adjusting the amount of deflection of the upper edge to the extension net.

Abstract: A projectile retrieval system includes one or more valves disposed to selectively release projectiles from a bullet stop and containment system. The valves are in pneumatic communication with a tube which utilized a negative air pressure generated by a vacuum to move the projectiles from the valves to a central container. The projectile retrieval system may also include a vacuum extension which enables the same system to retrieve bullets and casings, fragments and other debris on the range.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a projectile trap for capturing projectiles emitted along a line substantially parallel to an underlying ground/floor surface. The trap includes a support structure including an inclined support surface that is inclined relative to the line of the projectiles. The inclined support surface includes a front edge positioned generally at the ground/floor surface, and a rear edge oriented at a higher elevation than the front edge. The trap also includes a particulate flowable granular material supported by the support structure. At least a portion of the granulate material is disposed above the inclined support surface such that the inclined support surface is substantially covered with granulate material. The granulate material is adapted for slowing down and capturing the projectiles.

Abstract: A portable backstop device for enabling an individual to practice throwing and pitching baseballs without a catcher. The backstop device includes a front panel and a back panel which are attached to each other to form a backstop member. A portion of the back panel extends beyond a bottom edge of the front panel, so that the portion can be folded such that a bottom edge of the portion of the back panel can be detachably connected to the bottom edge of the front panel to define a pocket for collecting thrown and pitched baseballs. A rectangular shaped aperture formed in the front panel of the portable backstop member enables an individual to practice throwing balls and strikes without an umpire. Balls entering the aperture are collected in the pocket thus, saving time and energy spent in retrieving the thrown baseballs and also substantially prevents the baseballs from getting scuffed from hitting backfences and the like.

Abstract: A backstop assembly for receiving projectiles, such as bullets. The assembly includes a plate inclined relative to the floor. The plate is covered with loose resilient particles such as rubber, but the rubber is not contained within another medium, nor is it enclosed within a box. A bullet entering the loose particles does not fragment because it is so much harder than the particles. Because the particles move out of the way of the bullet, rather than receive it, the bullets may be separated from the particles, and no lead dust is created by a fragmenting bullet.

Abstract: An accessory for diabolo juggling may take the form of hand held unit or a free standing unit. In each case, at least one stretchable, flexible, resilient and elastic member is supported by a frame. The elastic member, preferably a bungee cord, is free of any cross-member and in spaced parallel relation to any additional elastic members such that there is an unobstructed region on each side of the elastic member. In one form, there is a horizontal and vertical frame member with a plurality of elastic members supported in spaced parallel relation on transverse members mounted on the frame members. In use the diabolo is propelled toward the accessory, impinges on one or more cords and is propelled away due to the resilient nature of the cords. The free space on each side of the cord permits passage of the cones of the diabolo on each side of the cord to prevent the cone from contacting a fixed component of the accessory and thus slowing down the rotation of the diabolo.

Abstract: Football game for reduced size playing areas, especially indoor playing areas. The invention comprises providing a playing field measuring approximately 198 feet long by 84 feet wide, having markings thereon indicating boundaries, end zones and yardage markers. Two opposing teams, each comprising eight members, attempt to advance a football into the opposing team's end zone to score. The various rules of play of the present invention render it amenable to play in a reduced size setting. In addition to the side and end boundaries of the playing field, overhead boundary surfaces may be provided which restrict the height above the playing field which passed or kicked balls may travel, without striking the upper boundaries and becoming a dead ball. The upper boundary surfaces may comprise at least one vertically hanging flexible surface, such as heavy netting, suspended over the central portion of the field.

Abstract: A foldable backboard for protecting an area surrounding a dartboard is provided. The backboard includes a pair of generally identically shaped base pieces. Each base piece has a front face, a rear face, is formed of a generally rigid, lightweight material. The base pieces are positioned adjacent to each other. At least one outer layer of flexible material covers the front faces of both of the base pieces and joins the base pieces together along a fold line of the flexible material.

Abstract: A safety containment system for use during the loading and unloading of firearms, such as handguns, rifles and the like, is made in the form of an elongated hollow steel cylinder. One end of the cylinder is closed with a steel plate; and a rubber-like disk is located between the closed end of the cylinder and the open end to form a bullet containment compartment adjacent the closed end of the cylinder. This compartment is filled with randomly oriented hardened metal objects with sharp edges, such as elongated concrete nails having a substantially rectangular cross section. The other end of the housing has an elongated rubber tube acting as a guide member, secured to the rubber-like disk and to the housing member, for accommodating the muzzle end of a barrel of a firearm inserted therein.

Abstract: An attractive, wall-mounted bullet-proof shield, designed to stop the penetration of a bullet when accidently discharged from a firearm. The bullet-proof shield comprises a back layer made of metallic material, a middle layer made of wood, and a front layer made of plastic, all housed within an outer frame. The shield has an attractive appearance which enables it to be used as a wall hanging or as a piece of furniture. The middle layer is designed to partially absorb the energy of a discharged bullet while the back layer is metallic and designed to stop the penetration of a bullet. The front layer is made of an anti-shattering material designed not to shatter and to prevent wood and metallic particles from rebounding outward toward the user. In one embodiment, the front layer is transparent and an optional aiming sheet is disposed between the outside surface of the wood layer and the inside surface if the front layer.

Abstract: A projectile trap assembly for capturing projectiles emitted along a line substantially parallel to a ground surface includes a support frame generally inclined relative to the line of the projectiles; a primary volume of particulate material disposed on the support frame for slowing down and capturing the projectiles, the primary volume including a target region in which a majority of the projectiles are captured; and the support frame having a trap door positioned proximate the target region, the trap door being arranged and configured to allow a portion of the primary volume of particulate material coinciding generally with the target region to be removed from the trap assembly through the support frame.

Abstract: A projectile trap is provided having three groups of suspended polyurethane sheets. The polyurethane sheets are processed so as to have high cut and tear resistance properties and low rebound properties. The hardness of the polyurethane sheets increases from the first group of sheets at the front of the bullet trap, which are first contacted by a bullet, to the third group of polyurethane sheets at the rear of the bullet trap. The polyurethane sheets are suspended in the bullet trap by a keying arrangement which ensures that individual polyurethane sheets of a particular group may only be placed at specific locations in the bullet trap.

Abstract: A shooting range having shooting booths with protective side walls constructed of an armour plate, soft metal framing studs running vertically along the armour plate, porous insulation material disposed between the framing studs and against the armour plate, and a sheet of sound-proofing tile attached to the framing studs and covering the porous material. The booths' ceiling is constructed of an armour plate meeting the upper edge of the armour plates of the side walls and a layer of sound-proofing tile extending between the side walls and located below and apart from the ceiling armor plate to define a space to accommodate the return end of a target transport system. The target carrier includes a two-prong target hook wherein the shaft and prong arms are formed detachable segments to facilitate replacement of a segment damaged by a bullet. The bullet trap includes a sand backstop having a reflected angle support structure to support a mound of sand.

Abstract: A projectile trap assembly for capturing projectiles emitted along a line substantially parallel to a ground surface includes a support frame generally inclined relative to the line of the projectiles; a primary volume of particulate material disposed on the support frame for slowing down and capturing the projectiles, the primary volume including a target region in which a majority of the projectiles are captured; and the support frame having a trap door positioned proximate the target region, the trap door being arranged and configured to allow a portion of the primary volume of particulate material coinciding generally with the target region to be removed from the trap assembly through the support frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a projectile trap assembly for capturing projectiles emitted along a line substantially parallel to ground. The projectile trap assembly includes a support frame having an upper surface inclined relative to the line of the projectiles and a particulate flowable granulate material exhibiting an angle of repose. The particulate granulate material is supported by the support frame at the angle of repose, whereby the particulate granulate material receives and slows down the projectiles.

Abstract: A rebound apparatus used to deflect a thrown ball back in the general direction from which the ball was thrown. The fabric support frame angle is adjustably positioned and the polymeric woven fabric supported by the fabric support frame is adjustably tensioned to provide the desired rebound angle and distance, to simulate ground balls, line drives and fly balls. The fabric support frame has lower brackets which are pivotally secured to the distal ends of a U-shaped brace member. Upper brackets on the fabric support frame pivotally secure telescoping members on one end, with the other end releasably secured to a selected aperture on the U-shaped brace member. Bottom portions of the fabric support frame and the telescoping members provide ground engaging feet to support the rebound apparatus during use.

Abstract: An interconnect system for modularly fabricating bullet stops is disclosed including a plurality of bullet proof plates which are placed adjacent one another to form a seam which is covered by a facing strip. A plurality of bolts extend through the facing strip and through a backing mechanism positioned on an opposite side of the plates. When the bolts are tightened, the facing strip and backing pull towards one another and hold the plates together. The facing strips and other teachings of the invention allow standard plates to be used rather than large and specially manufactured plates.

Abstract: A bullet stop and containment chamber for stopping the forward momentum of projectiles traveling in a generally horizontal zone of projectile travel and for containing the projectiles and fragments thereof. The bullet enters the chamber in which the inertial momentum of the bullet is arrested resulting in airborne particulate matter, bullets and fragments of bullets. The bullets and fragments settle out by gravity and the particulate matter are removed by a negative air pressure exerted on the chamber by means of a fan and ducting. The particulate matter is removed from the air by filtration means and the air is exhausted. The fragments and bullets drop from an egress in the bottom of the chamber into a removeably attached canister which is sealed and used to transport the emissions to recycling or disposal.

Abstract: An informal baseball game played with a few players on each side, equipment for defining a strike zone and hit zones, and with a set of rules.

Abstract: A device for limiting, controlling and disposing leached lead. Shooting is made through an elastic layer, providing a watertight cover which closes after the passage of a projectile, the latter subsequently being arrested in a projectile-arresting material kept in an enclosed space created by a watertight layer. Precepition water penetrating the minimal projection penetrating holes is drained via the arresting material, along the inclined insides of the watertight layer, down to a lowermost point where the water is collected by a drainage line. The drainage water is discharged through a pipe to a closed reservoir or to a filter.

Abstract: A backstop of the "venetian blind" type and contains a set of angled louvers to deflect projectiles safely. The present invention provides a system of modules whereby a backstop may be constructed across a wall of any width. The backstop modules themselves are made in a number of standardized widths, most preferably about 36 inches (0.91 m), 48 inches (1.22 m), and 60 inches (1.52 m) wide. Using various sets of these modules, any width can be filled in to the nearest foot, i.e., a maximum gap of about six inches remains between the end modules and an adjacent wall surface. These remaining gaps are preferably filled in using a sliding, angled wall plate that accommodates gaps between about zero and six inches. The visible flat edges of plates that form the sides of adjacent modules and the plate against the floor are ricochet hazards, and thus are also preferably provided with angled deflectors.

Abstract: A bullet trap for use in pistol and rifle ranges employs one or more deflecting plates situated so that bullets entering the bullet trap strike the deflecting plates at an angle of between 15 and 20 degrees. The low angle of impact reduces wear and pitting of the deflecting plates which would occur if higher impact angles were employed, and reduces the production of airborne lead particles. The deflecting plates include curved portions which direct bullets toward a back wall and a final impact plate. A liquid lubricant spray mist is employed which coats the bullet trap surfaces, further reducing wear to bullet trap components. The lubricant mist also traps airborne lead particles and carries them to a collection tray for reprocessing. Spent bullets are also collected in the collection tray. Leading edges of the deflecting plates are hardened to better withstand impact with bullets and employ a unique geometry which splits bullets with a minimum of lead dust production.

Abstract: A new Bullet Trap System for allowing a user to perform target practice with a gun without fear of the bullets straying and injuring another person or property. The inventive device includes a funnel device having an enlarged end and a narrow end, a storage container is attached to the narrow end, and a support stand securing the funnel device. The enlarged end receives the bullet from the gun whereafter the bullet engages a slanted wall of the funnel device thereby slowing the travel of the bullet. The bullet thereafter projects into the storage container through the narrow end where the user may empty upon filling with the bullets.

Abstract: A backstop and bullet trap are disclosed that provide access from the front so that spent projectiles can be removed without requiring a crawl space along the side or rear of the backstop, thereby permitting maximum use of the interior space into which the backstop and bullet trap have been installed. The present invention discloses a backstop that has a removable panel on the lower edge of a lower deflector. Preferably the lower panel overlies the lower deflector and is hingably connected to the floor or near the floor. In a preferred embodiment, this hinge connection is provided by resting the lower edge of the removable panel in a recess in the floor. In this embodiment, the removable panel presents an angled deflector surface to the shooter and no additional floor deflectors are required. Methods of removing projectiles from a backstop and bullet trap are also disclosed.

Abstract: A Bullet Trap and Containment Cavity which can be assembled as a modular system, requires very little space for installation on a typical shooting range, and which stops impacting projectiles by an initial, generally perpendicular impact on a steel plate and then utilizes auxiliary impact surfaces to contain the resultant splatter zone projected from the initial point of contact. Small fragments which might otherwise escape the auxiliary impact surfaces can be contained by the addition of an optional permeable curtain over the front aperture of the trap. Lead fragments and other residue may be collected by an optional containment bin or conveyor system at the base of the trap. Other options allow active removal of minute, airborne particulates in the air contained within the trap cavity.

Abstract: A range backstop assembly including a container having a plurality of sides. At least two of the sides have openings typically closed by a rubber sheet and serving for projectile entry. The container is filled with a particulate flowable granulate material which slows down the entering projectiles. The range backstop also includes a structure for facilitating movement of the backstop.

Abstract: In a bullet trap for indoor shooting with small arms, which bullet trap, behind the targets, includes a vertically suspended curtain (1) made of rubber, and a vertically supported impact plate (3) made of steel and being spaced behind the curtain, the space between the curtain and the impact plate is enclosed by cover plates (4, 4', 5, 6) extending forwards from the side, upper and lower margins of the impact plate, covering the space between the impact plate and the curtain, whereby the latter is sealingly attached to the front edges of the cover plates through steel profiles (9), attached to the cover plates by screwing through the curtain. The enclosed space is continuously evacuated by connected fan means (10) and an interconnected filter (12) to prevent that lead containing dust, which is set free upon the impact of the bullets in the bullet trap, is distributed to the air and the shooting premises.

Abstract: A bullet trap entertainment system for use in target shooting is disclosed. The bullet trap entertainment system may include a plurality of sensors for counting the number of accurately shot bullets and determining the velocities of the bullets, and measuring the energy transmitted in quantifiable units. The bullet trap entertainment system further includes a central processing unit for calculating a score of each user of the system and a user interface for displaying the scores. The bullet trap entertainment system may also include a collector for de-energizing and collecting the bullets entering the system.

Abstract: A bullet stop and containment chamber for stopping the forward momentum of projectiles traveling in a generally horizontal zone of projectile travel. The bullet enters the wide end of a channel having plates which guide the bullet into a narrow opening which leads into a containment chamber. The containment chamber has a series of plates arranged with increasing angles of incidence such that the sequential impacts are increasingly direct. There are also side plates on the chamber which combine with the other structure to confine bullets, fragments and particulate matter to the chamber until inertial momentum is arrested and the bullet drops out of an egress.

Abstract: A system for playing or practicing multiple sports is provided. The system includes a backstop having an aperture and a removable pouch located behind the aperture for capturing a ball or other object directed at the aperture by the user. The pouch is designed to stand away from the backstop so that it can effectively capture the object and remain open after having captured a number of objects. The system includes overlays which are releasably attached to the backstop to change the sport being practiced or played. In addition to its use in capturing objects, the pouch also serves as a container for storage and transport of the system.

Abstract: A bullet trap with a passageway defined between flat upper and lower boundary walls extending convergingly, at opposite angles of inclination of between 0.degree. and about 15.degree. to the horizontal, from an entrance opening to an exit opening or throat, and a deceleration chamber having a generally spirally curved circumferential boundary wall and provided in its upper region with an inlet opening and in its lower region with a discharge opening leading to a collecting vessel. The circumferential boundary wall of the chamber is constituted by two oppositely concave channel-shaped members the respective upper end regions of which are spaced from each other to define the inlet opening, and the respective lower end regions of which are spaced from each other to define the discharge opening.

Abstract: A target game for outdoor use wherein a ball is tossed or rolled toward a target with the target comprising a plurality of cups which are buried in the ground. Additionally, a backer board and rails are provided to accurately guide the ball in its path.

Abstract: There is a disclosed method and apparatus for trapping bullets in an indoor range having a first end and a second end by use of a bullet trap. The bullet trap is formed from an upper plate and a lower plate and a liquid-filled trough. The bullet trap is positioned near the second end of the indoor range. The upper plate and said lower plate converge together toward the second end of the indoor range to form a horizontally positioned slot between an upper end of the lower plate and a portion of the upper plate. The upper plate preferably curves downwardly between the slot and the second end of the range and ends in a generally vertically downward orientation pointed toward the liquid filled trough. Bullets fired into the bullet trap from the first end of the range pass through the slot and are trapped in the liquid filled trough. The method keeps airborne lead concentrations at low levels.

Abstract: A sports practice cage is disclosed. U-shaped side frames attach to a solid flat cage base, and horizontal poles connect the side frames to form the basic cage frame. Netting is suspended from the cage frame, with one side of the cage left open, so that a five-sided chamber is formed. A platform is connected to the cage base at the open end of the chamber, and a tee may be mounted on the platform. In an alternate embodiment the platform is a golf platform, and a golf tee pad is attached to the golf platform.

Abstract: A contaminant recovery system for a rifle range having an upstanding retaining wall which serves as a rear wall for the range. A sloped berm is located in front of the rear wall and serves as a target backstop. Drainage means are provided for collecting and diverting water which passes through the berm and for recovering contaminants in the water. A base wall may be located beneath the sloped berm which abuts the retaining wall.

Abstract: A range backstop assembly having a container with an opening typically closed by a rubber sheet and serving for projectile entry. The container is filled with a particulate flowable granulate material which slows down the entering projectiles. An anti-adhesion medium is further interspersed between the particles of the granulate material to prevent adhesion of the granulate material in the presence of heat generated by the entering projectiles.

Abstract: A basketball safety return apparatus utilizes a plurality of moveable pole support bases and a plurality of poles adapted to be mounted vertically in the pole support bases. Netting is connected to the vertically mounted poles and the poles and bases are mounted and arranged so that the netting forms a barrier behind the basketball hoop and along at least one side. The basketball safety return apparatus may be readily assembled, positioned, disassembled and stored. The inexpensive apparatus of the present invention prevents the basketball from rolling into the neighbor's yards and more importantly from rolling down a driveway into a street where it may be retrieved without sufficient attention to avoid a child being hit by a vehicle approaching on a street.

Abstract: A bullet stop and containment chamber for stopping the forward momentum of projectiles traveling in a generally horizontal zone of projectile travel. The bullet enters the wide end of a channel having plates which guide the bullet into a narrow opening which leads into a containment chamber. The containment chamber has a series of plates arranged with increasing angles of incidence such that the sequential impacts are increasingly direct. There are also side plates on the chamber which combine with the other structure to confine bullets, fragments and particulate matter to the chamber until inertial momentum is arrested and the bullet drops out of an egress.

Abstract: A toy gun and target set includes a carrying case having a curtain and a folding back board on the case cover thereof and a bottom chamber to carry toy guns, two target conveyers inside the carrying case and driven by a sliding rack through a clockwork & gear set to move a mobile target, and a game over sign carried on a linking mechanism and moved from a vertical position to a horizontal position as the sliding rack is pulled out of the carrying case to start the clockwork & gear set, the mobile target having pins aligned on two opposite sides of the target body thereof and respectively inserted through pin holes on two opposite face boards thereof, the face boards being respectively hinged to the target body and turned outwards from the target body to remove toy bullets being retained in spaces between the pins.

Abstract: A local video game (310) including a communicating controller (326). The controller (326) receives local command signals created by a set of player controls (316). The controller (326) also receives remote command signals received through a modem (324) which were created by a remote video game (320) through a similar set of player controls. The controller (326) includes a synchronizer (328) which produces synchronizing codes to be sent to the remote video game (320) to synchronize the games. The synchronizer (328) synchronizes the local and remote command signals such that both are received by a game microprocessor (322) simultaneously. Memory (336) stores the player parameters and are retrieved whenever the synchronization codes of the local (310) and remote (320) video games have not matched for a predetermined number of iterations.