Abstract: A marksmanship and weapons training mannequin is disclosed which employs a lifesize mannequin torso in place of the traditional paper targets. The mannequin torso provides more realistic training and provides anatomically correct aiming references. The mannequin is made from an outer skin filled with a flexible interior foam. The outer skin is formed from a flexible material which returns to its original shape even after a projectile passes through it. This resilience allows the mannequin to absorb thousands of rounds and still remain useful as a training tool. Further, the three dimensional nature of the mannequin allows training in realistic circumstances and from angles not possible with paper or hard plastic targets.

Abstract: A bath toy is described which consists of a small distinctive play shape suitable for play by children formed from a flexible sheet of polymer plastic material between 2 mm and 6 mm in thickness. The sheet material has a modulus of elasticity of less than 750 pounds per square inch. The weight of the play shape is less than the supporting effect of a thin layer of water spread evenly over its surface area.

Abstract: A finger insert having a wear indicator and adapted for installation along the wear surface in a finger hole of a bowling ball. The insert is a composite structure formed of a polymeric material and has a primary layer of a first color and a secondary layer of a contrasting second color. When installed in the finger hole, the primary layer is disposed adjacent the bowler's finger. As the primary layer wears away as a result of repeated bowls, the contrasting second color of the secondary layer becomes visible to indicate that the finger insert has served its useful life and should be changed.

Abstract: A hollow rubber play ball is disclosed that uses a combination two or more fillers to produce desirable playing properties in a tennis ball as specified by the International Lawn Tennis Federation (ITF). The preferred play ball is a pressureless tennis ball. The specific fillers disclosed are mineral type particulate reinforcing fillers such as silicas and carbon black, polymeric fillers such as cellulose, a reaction product of grafting polyethylene with cellulose, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers. These fillers can also have surface treatments to enhance the elastomer-filler interaction. Another reinforcing filler that can be introduced with the rubber components is the non-rubber constituents in skim rubber that serve to increase the modulus of a compounded rubber.

Abstract: A washer shaped magnetic missile is combined with a launcher having a probe which supports the missile by extending through its aperture. The washer and launcher magnetically couple but relatively weakly so that deceleration of a travelling launcher will release the missile, off the probe toward a target. The forward face of the missile may be adapted for magnetic, or other couple to a target. There is also shown a flimsy target which may cling to a ferromagnetic surface for use with the missile.

Abstract: An antistick playing-card made from a sheet of polyvinyl chloride coated with a paint and embossed with stripes and raised portions on two opposite surfaces thereof by means of the operation of an embossed impression cylinder and through the radiation of an ultraviolet device.

Abstract: A bladder for a game ball is formed from a composite film which is made from a mixture of polyurethane and polyvinylchloride.

Abstract: A set of devices for fabricating a novel, soft, sheet-like colored plastic picture or a product which adheres on a window glass, a tile, or a wall and may be enjoyed as an indoor decoration, or may be utilized as a coaster or a pendant, and a method of fabricating a colored plastic picture or a product with use thereof. The set of devices includes a metal plate (1), colored vinyl chloride resin material (4) in sol state contained in a squeeze tube, and a hot plate (3). After the sol state colored vinyl chloride resin material is extruded from a tube (4) onto a rough sketch (2) drawn on the metal plate (1) of the set of devices, so as to paint the picture (c) (d), the metal plate is put on a hot plate (3) to be heated, so as to gel the colored vinyl chloride resin, and the gelled colored chloride resin is removed from the metal plate after cooling, thereby fabricating the colored plastic picture or product.

Abstract: A resiliently deformable toy ball which is soft and supple and provides an intriguing relaxing feeling when squeezed, and which possesses a low rebound percentage due to its resiliently deformable nature. The ball has a highly plasticized polymeric core which is resiliently deformable due to its highly plasticized state. The polymeric core is encased in a flexible polymer shell and both the core and the flexible shell are further encased in a strechable fabric outer cover.

Abstract: A golf club head in which a core buried in the interior of an outer shell of a fiber reinforced resin is molded out of a molten mixture of a thermoplastic resin and powder of a metal having a high specific gravity, and a method of manufacturing such golf club heads.

Abstract: A resiliently deformable toy ball which is soft and supple and provides an intriguing relaxing feeling when squeezed, and which possesses a low rebound percentage due to its resliently deformable nature. The ball has a highly plasticized PVC core which is resiliently deformable due to its highly plasticized state. The PVC core is encased in a flexible polymer shell and both the core and the flexible shell are further encased in a stretchable fabric outer cover.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an illuminated hockey puck used for playing hockey after dark. The puck is made of translucent plastic and has a passageway or hole extending diametrically through the puck. Inside the passageway is a readily replaceable, chemiluminescent light stick, which when activated renders the puck plainly visible when used in the dark.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel lighted inflatable ball having a novel structural design to enable the inflatable ball to be lighted at night for recreation. A hollow compartment of soft PVC membrane is centrally provided in an inflatable ball. One end of the hollow compartment is closed and the other end closable by a closure. A battery cell holder with switch is insertable in the hollow compartment. Wiring from the cell holder passes through the soft membrane layer by means of a blockading member in which the wiring is airtightly fused. The cell wiring is connected to bulb wiring of a plurality of bulbs fixed in projecting rings molded on outer sides of the hollow compartment.

Abstract: A softball having a core and a cover wherein the ball has a circumference of approximately 12 inches, a weight of 175 to 178 grams, a coefficient of restitution of approximately 0.478 and a compression from about 0.010 to 0.014 inches, wherein said core has a density from about 15.5 to 16.5 pounds per cubic foot, and a hardness from about 72 to 78 on the shore A scale, said core being formed from a cellular polymeric material. The core is surrounded by a cover having a specific gravity of about 1.2, a thickness from about 0.035 inches to 0.060 inches and a hardness from about 78 to 90 on the Shore A scale. The cover is formed from a vinyl resin, a phthalate compound, stabilizers and a titanium dioxide dispersion.

Abstract: A fastener comprises a filament having two opposing heads. The heads have two ends defining non-parallel planes, forming acute angles which share a common ray. The fastener is installed by being driven through two needles having slotted bores.

Abstract: A baseball or softball having a size, weight, sound and rebound in accordance with standards set for the game. The ball is formed of a spherical plastic shell covered with a conventional sewn cover. The plastic shell is a thermoplastic consisting of a mixture of "Surlyn" ionomer with about 50% ethylene vinyl acetate. The proportions are variable to achieve the desired characteristics, the "Surlyn" providing strength and sound while the EVA provides softness and ease of thermo-welding. The shell is made by injection molding hemispheres and thermally welding two hemispheres together. As an alternative, the shell can be formed with a hole, and liquid components of an expanded plastic placed into the shell and expanded to fill the shell. The shell still provides all characteristics desired, and the expanded plastic is for weight only.

Abstract: A plurality of granules of a hard synthetic resin and a soft synthetic resin are heated with a blowing agent to a temperature between the softening temperatures of the hard and soft resins for a predetermined time and are molded to form a ball. The resultant ball has a plurality of bubbles in the soft synthetic resin which surrounds the granules of hard synthetic resin and a suitable cover of leather or rubber is provided for the ball.

Abstract: A baseball or softball having a size, weight, sound and rebound in accordance with standards set for the game. The ball is formed of a spherical plastic shell covered with a conventional sewn cover. The plastic shell is a thermoplastic consisting of a mixture of "Surlyn" ionomer with about 50% ethylene vinyl acetate. The proportions are variable to achieve the desired characteristics, the "Surlyn" providing strength and sound while the EVA provides softness and ease of thermo-welding. The shell is made by injection molding hemispheres and thermally welding two hemispheres together. As an alternative, the shell can be formed with a hole, and liquid components of an expanded plastic placed into the shell and expanded to fill the shell. The shell still provides all characteristics desired, and the expanded plastic is for weight only.

Abstract: A process for forming a rubber or vinyl coated baseball or softball is comprised of supporting a baseball or softball core within a mold cavity to position the exterior of the core uniformly equidistant from the mold cavity wall to provide a space between the core exterior and the cavity wall. A thermoplastic rubber or plasticized vinyl resin is injected into the mold cavity to flow into and fill the space between the core and the wall. The thermoplastic rubber or plasticized vinyl resin is allowed to solidify and a rubber or vinyl coated baseball or softball is removed from the mold.

Abstract: The invention provides a ball for a game having a spherical soft polyurethane foam and a surface layer of foamed polyvinyl chloride formed on the surface of the spherical body. The ball is produced by first casting the surface layer in a mold to form a hollow foamed PVC body having closed cells, and then charging a foamed polyurethane composition into the hollow thus formed, to produce a sphere of polyurethane having open cells within the surface layer. Also provided is a ball for games having a spherical body of foamed polyvinyl chloride and having a spherical cavity at the center. The ball is safe, has proper flexibility, and is not subject to punctures.

Abstract: An insert for removable placement within a finger grip bore of a bowling ball. The insert includes members of different resiliencies forming an uninterrupted truncated conical inner wall surface to enhance both ball retention during the swing of the delivery and subsequent ball release. The softer member is located near the inner extremity of the ball bore to receive the pad of the finger's distal phalange. Insert retention in the ball is by a small amount of adhesive which facilitates insert removal and replacement. Modified forms of the insert also each include a member of softer material but of other than tubular shape which member is embedded within a longer insert member of less resiliency. Methods are disclosed for molding each type of bowling ball insert disclosed. A further modified insert additionally includes a chordally disposed mass or formation against which the outermost phalange of the inserted finger bears during ball retention.

Abstract: A tubular frame structure adapted for use as a tennis racket which includes an elastic polymer core which is bonded to and surrounded by a rigid shell of graphite composite. The elastic polymer core is a flexible vinyl foam prepared from plasticized polyvinyl chloride in which a suitable blowing agent is dispersed. A method for preparing the racket structure is disclosed.The elastic polymer core provides a particularly desirable core material which does not degrade or breakdown during prolonged use and provides enhanced racket shock and vibration absorption, and, most importantly, the means to obtain the desirable variable density characteristics at the desired locations within the structure of racquet without a corresponding reduction in structural capability.

Abstract: A weighted device which is suitable for wearing about either the appendages or the body of the user thereof to build strength and for similar purposes. The present device is preferably constructed of a plurality of elongated weights interconnected in spaced relation to each other and enclosed within a fabric sleeve and encapsulated in a closed cell material with a soft vinyl coating which gives flexibility without bulging and eliminates bunching and shifting of the weights during violent maneuvers such as rapid movement exercises.

Abstract: A skip rope for exercise and fitness conditioning includes a length of polypropylene rope threaded through two handle members disposed at opposite ends of the length of rope. After the rope is threaded through each handle member, the free ends of the rope are knotted to prevent it from pulling back through the two handles. Each handle is constructed of a tubular section of polyvinylchloride which has nylon end plugs press fit into the open ends of the tube. The outside diameter surface of each end plug coincides with the outside diameter surface of the polyvinylchloride tubing and each end plug includes a rope-receiving clearance aperture just slightly larger than the outside diameter of the rope. The material combination of nylon for the end plug and polypropylene for the rope provides a type of self-lubricating interface which enables the rope to turn and twist completely independent of the handle.

Abstract: A game ball for use in playing such games as baseball or softball comprises a spherical core made of PVC foam, a core cover of an ethylene copolymer, the core cover having a corrugated or rough surface, yarn windings and an outer leather cover, the ball having lower production cost and good durability in addition to essentially the same playing characteristics as conventional balls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making doll clothing and doll house accessories includes a plurality of mold shapes or forms which are used to produce various articles of attire such as dresses, pants, and doll house furnishings such as cushions, curtains, rugs, flowers and many other items. Each of the garment molds may include detachable portions, such as the arms, to facilitate removing a finished article from the mold itself. The doll house accessories are made in generally flat molds which provide the texture and shape of the finished item. A viscous, liquid plastic is applied to the exterior surface of the mold by a brush or other tool to cover the exterior of the mold which defines the particular article. The liquid coating sets or solidifies to form a flexible article adapting the contours of the mold. The garment is then removed from the exterior of the mold.

Abstract: A golf game playable in an area of reduced size but closely simulating regulation golf using an enlarged ball having a scuff-resistant outer shell and a single dual faced golf club. The golf club has a head defining a first blade or ball striking surface which is curved or inclined to impart various degrees of loft to the ball depending on the location along the blade surface at which the ball is struck. The club head is provided with a second striking surface at the front edge of the first surface which is used for imparting a low, long distance trajectory to the ball as when driving the golf ball and which surface may also be used for putting the ball towards the target pin. The object is to advance the ball into a cup or specially designed target pin. The target pin includes a circular base ring which defines the target area and the base also supports an upstanding pin carrying an indicia bearing flag.

Abstract: In abstract a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a weighted device which is suitable for wearing about the body and appendages to build strength and for related purposes. The weighted devices of the present invention are preferably constructed of a plurality of elongated weights interconnected in spaced relation to each other and are encapsulated in a closed cell material with a soft vinyl coating which gives flexibility without bulging and eliminates bunching or shifting of the weights during violent exercises and movements.

Abstract: A rotationally molded hollow article and a process for molding such an article, wherein the article is formed of a mixture of plastic pellets and powder both of which are copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, having a predetermined range of pellet to powder mixture ratio, and with such mixture having a predetermined melt index range, the article being characterized by having substantial "bounce" characteristics generally equivalent to those possessed by hollow, non-cellular articles made of known thermoplastic compositions or known rubber-like compositions of natural and/or synthetic polymers, as well as those possessed by solid cellular articles made from other known thermoplastics or from known rubber-like compositions of natural or synthetic polymers.

Abstract: Baseballs and softballs are comprised of a spherical core and a two-piece cover. The core consists essentially of a single spherical mass of partially blown ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having 12 percent to 30 percent by weight of polymerized vinyl acetate units therein. Foam is in the center of the core which gradually reduces in cell size radially outwardly to a skin having a density substantially equal to the density of said copolymer.

Abstract: A golf game utilizes an elongated, flexible mat having grass-like tufts extending outwardly from one lateral surface thereof. One end of the mat is provided with a plurality of openings therein simulating holes of a golf course. A number of card-holding containers are provided, each of which holds a number of playing-like cards containing typical golf situations and rules concerning them. The cards are used in conjunction with a scoring scheme testing the player's knowledge of golf rules and scoring the player thereon as well as scoring on the ability of a player to putt a golf ball into selected holes in the mat.

Abstract: A laminated material suitable for use in inflatable playballs comprises a first layer of thermoplastic synthetic resin and a second layer. The second layer is formed of two thermoplastic resin materials, one having a tensile strength greater than the material of the first layer and forming a lattice structure and the other filling the interstices of the lattice structure, the filling material being exposed at one surface of the second layer and bonded at that surface to the first layer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a non-rebounding article having a thin walled container with a region of uniform thickness located adjacent the interior surface thereof adapted to receive a flexible material distributed therein, the container having an interior volume centrally located therein into which the flexible material is free to move upon impact of the container with an exterior object and a flexible material substantially located within the region of uniform thickness, the flexible material contacting the interior surface of the container and substantially being free to move away from an initial position adjacent the interior surface upon impact of the container with an exterior object whereby forces tending to cause the container to rebound from the impact with the exterior object are absorbed, the flexible material having a structural memory to substantially return it to the initial position adjacent the interior surface after the impact.

Abstract: Portable barbell apparatus is disclosed comprising a collapsible enclosure made of a synthetic polymeric material. The enclosure has a base and an aperture for filling the enclosure. The center of gravity of the enclosure is between the aperture and the base, an opening being provided in the enclosure for receiving the end of a weight supporting bar, the opening being positioned in between the center of gravity and the aperture. This arrangement allows for the positioning of a pair of the enclosures on either end of a weight supporting bar after which the enclosures may be filled with water, sand or other particulate material so that the assembly may be employed as a barbell. When not in use, the enclosures may be removed from the weight supporting bar, emptied and conveniently transported and/or stored. The aperture comprises a slit and has a resilient member extending around the periphery thereof to resiliently bias the slit to a closed position.

Abstract: A target made of interchangeable sections each comprising a multiplicity of membranes or plies of penetrable, elastomeric or resilient, tear resistant sheet resin material, the membranes being separated by intervening layers of porous or low density, resilient material such as foam resin material.

Abstract: The equipment tests kinesthesic abilities of the tested person's extremities. Although it tests psychologically drivers of all kinds of motor vehicles, this equipment can be also used in a variety of different situations.The equipment consists of the following elements: (a) controlling and recording module; (b) dynamometer with a pressure indicator, which is connected with the recording module; (c) an adjustable seat for the tested person. In the testing method the dynamometer pedal is pressed with a certain strength. The tested person must remember this strain and repeat the procedure several times. The preliminary pressure and the subsequent ones are registered on the recording module in numerical form.

Abstract: An exercising device is disclosed for building and toning body muscles. The device has two substantially U-shaped frame members between which are looped bands of an elastometric material. Grips are provided between the ends of the frame for grasping by the hands of the user. The grips have separable portions to permit the addition or removal of the bands to thereby vary the resistance resulting from the tension of the elastometric material. Each band is an elongated tubular member having opened ends which are joined to form a loop. Each grip is made of three aligned portions that are detachably threaded together. The center portion has threadable opposite end portions that are detachably threadably connected to the other two sections of the grip. A portion of a rod-shaped element is positioned in each open end of the tubular member and an adhesive is applied between the tubular member and the rod-shaped element to secure the ends together.