Abstract: The baseball/softball hitting training device includes a base, a frame body, and a ball suspension system. The ball suspension system is supported by the frame body. The frame body includes a vertical stem portion and an offset portion. An upwardly-projecting arm of the vertical stem and a downwardly-projecting arm of the offset portion define a vertical axis between them. The ball suspension system is supported between the upwardly-projecting arm and downwardly-projecting arm, with the ball held vertically intermedially via a tether in alignment with the vertical axis and positioned to allow the player to practice hitting. In some aspects, a height-adjustment mechanism and/or additional coupling assemblies are also disclosed. The tethered-ball training device can optionally be converted to a tee-ball training device.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels having a plurality of nodes disposed in the tunnels in the mine which provides communication through WiFi with devices in the mine. Each node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed at least partially in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed at least partially in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radios. A method of a telecommunications system for a mine. A method of a Wifi node for a mine. A Wifi node for a mine. An apparatus for holding an object in a mine.

Abstract: The Nadel Pitch Training Device is a pitch training device or apparatus in the form of an linearly extending attachment having a rotating connection point for connection to a baseball simulator that is attached to a three-dimensional resistance means for the purpose of providing strengthening, rehabilitation, and/or correct body motion mechanics training to improve pitching quality, speed, strength, and body mechanics that enables training, exercising, and rehabilitation of proper body motion mechanics for improving the act of pitching and increasing the performance (speed and/or accuracy) of the act by enabling weighted ball training wherein the weight of the ball is connected to and maintained in the center of the ball and the center of mass of the weight is maintained in the center (physical, geometric, and/or dimensional) of the ball.

Abstract: The baseball/softball hitting training device includes a base, a frame body, and a ball suspension system. The ball suspension system is supported by the frame body. The frame body includes a vertical stem portion and an offset portion. An upwardly-projecting arm of the vertical stem and a downwardly-projecting arm of the offset portion define a vertical axis between them. The ball suspension system is supported between the upwardly-projecting arm and downwardly-projecting arm, with the ball held vertically intermedially via a tether in alignment with the vertical axis and positioned to allow the player to practice hitting. In some aspects, a height-adjustment mechanism and/or coupling assemblies are also disclosed. The tethered-ball training device can optionally be converted to a tee-ball training device.

Abstract: A tennis training device is provided, comprising a support bar which is swivelable between a first and a second stop in its longitudinal direction, wherein at the free end of the support bar a ball is mounted by means of a connecting ember, which is releasably fixed by means of a fixing means. Furthermore, the invention relates to different embodiments of a training unit.

Abstract: A vehicle gutter spout cover comprising: a receptacle with a generally smooth outside surface; an orifice located on the receptacle and configured to allow the receptacle to slide over and enclose at least a portion of a gutter spout; and an adjustable length connecting means attached to the receptacle. A vehicle gutter spout cover system comprising: a vehicle; at least one gutter located on the vehicle; at least one gutter spout in fluid communication with the gutter; a receptacle with a generally smooth outside surface; an orifice located on the receptacle and configured to allow the receptacle to slide over and enclose at least a portion of the gutter spout; an adjustable length connecting means attached to the receptacle; and a vehicle cover configured to cover a vehicle and the gutter spout, with the receptacle generally enclosing at least a portion of the gutter spout.

Abstract: A baseball swing trainer. The baseball swing trainer includes a housing having a base, a rear wall, and a top portion defining an open center area. A plurality of resistance blades extend downward from the top portion such that they are positioned within the open center area. A fastener is disposed on the rear wall for securing the swing trainer to a vertical structure such as a pole or tree. When a user swings a bat through the open center area, the resistance blades resist the motion of the bat. This enables the user to develop the muscles that are activated during the swing, which helps to increase swing speed and strength. A resistance band removably affixed to the vertical structure can be connected to the end of a bat to accelerate the bat through the natural swing plane, which enhances the neurological firing rate related to swing musculature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tennis training apparatus, comprising a support bar (5) joined in an articulated manner to a base (B, 6) and pivotable between a first (8) and a second stop (9) and which supports in a pivotable manner a profiled rod (3) protruding from the support bar (5), at the free end of the profiled rod (3) a ball (1) is rotatably supported, wherein the second stop (9) in direction of stroke is pivotably supported against a force.

Abstract: A hitter training device is described that is easily transportable, is not bulky, and does not require complex assembly and disassembly. The hitter training device also readily facilitates hitter training for right-handed hitters, for left-handed hitters, or for switch hitters. The device includes a support, a cord, a ball, and a clamp. The support has a first end, a second end, and a mid-section, and the first and second ends are axially offset from the mid-section. The cord is coupled to the support between opposing portions of the support that are axially offset from the mid-section, and has a length such that, when it is coupled to the support, the cord is not taut. The ball is mounted on the cord. The clamp is coupled to the support and is configured to temporarily mount the support, in a releasable manner, to a structure.

Abstract: A sports practicing system includes: a lever arm including an aperture; at least one ball secured to the lever arm; a pivot about which the lever arm rotates; an upper member to which the pivot is connected, the upper member including first and second ends; a base for placement on a ground, the base supporting the upper member; and an elastic strap stretched from the first end of the upper member to the second end of the upper member, an inner portion of the strap intersecting the pivot so the strap deflects the lever arm and the ball when the lever arm rotates about the pivot due to the ball being struck.

Abstract: A tennis teaching aid comprises a stand and a ball (10) and a guide (12) mounted on the stand for rotation about an axis. The guide (12) extends around the ball (10) and defines a planar guide plane that is parallel to but spaced from a required path of a tennis racquet to hit the ball (10) with topspin. The majority of the ball (10) projects above the guide plane for contact with a tennis racquet so that a correct contact with the ball (10) is achieved when the racquet moves parallel to, but not in contact with, the guide (12) and the ball (10) is spinning about its rotational axis.

Abstract: A basketball training aid comprising an axle component and a ball component mounted on the axle component so that the rectilinear axis of the axle component is substantially coincident with a diametric axis of the ball component and so as to be rotatable about the axis of the axle component.

Abstract: A swing training device and system that includes a sequence of LED lights that are used to simulate the movement of a pitched ball along a horizontal line and act as a cue for initiating a swing. The swing training device will help develop visual skills by using the eyes to track a light source along a path to the ball such that a bat or striking object hits the ball at the same time the moving light intersects or passes over the ball. The light carrying cable is of a durable design so that the user may practice with the game used bat.

Abstract: A soccer training device includes a pair of leg components to be worn on a user's legs, each having a shin guard kneepad and foot cover member. An assortment of recessed attachment portals are included on shin guards, kneepads, and foot covers for releasably securing opposite ends of an elastomeric cord, which has a training ball secured along its length, producing two legs of the elastomeric cord, each being selectively secured to a respective leg component. In operation, the user begins alternating movement of his or her legs, thereby causing the ball to alternatively strike the selected areas and travel away from the user until the elastomeric cord stretches taut and causes the ball to travel back towards the user for striking with the opposite leg. The user continues kicking the ball from one leg to the other as many times as he or she can consecutively hit the ball.

Abstract: A volleyball practice system that includes a support frame with an attached reduced size volleyball practice net, a catch net, a removable and selectively positionable suspended ball attached to the support frame by a plurality of tethers, and a selectively removable electronic speed sensor and indicator device attached to the support frame for indicating the speed of the volleyball as it travels transversely to a vertical planar surface of the practice net.

Abstract: A device for practicing tennis strokes that enables a user to develop a correct reflex action and a proper stance while playing tennis, including at least: a supporting structure (1) having a base (1a); an arm (3) having a work trajectory; a torsion member (2) including a subunit (12) for adjusting a force acting on the arm (3) and dynamics of movement of the arm (3); a subunit (6) for adjusting the height of the arm; a subunit (8) for setting a deflection of the work trajectory of the arm; a subunit (9) for adjusting the angle of inclination of the torsion member to the vertical axis (B); and a clamping member (4) for non-invasively clamping a tennis ball (5).

Abstract: A volleyball practice system that includes a support frame with an attached reduced size volleyball practice net, a catch net, a removable and selectively positionable suspended ball attached to the support frame by a plurality of tethers, and a selectively removable electronic speed sensor and indicator device attached to the support frame for indicating the speed of the volleyball as it travels transversely to a vertical planar surface of the practice net.

Abstract: Baseball practice systems are provided. In this regard, a representative baseball practice system includes: a backstop; a ball; a suspension assembly operative to suspend the ball in a strike zone, the suspension assembly having a first cantilevered arm and a damping assembly, the damping assembly being operative to damp motions of the ball as the ball returns to a rest position after having been struck, the cantilevered arm supporting a portion of the damping assembly; and a tether assembly comprising at least one line operative to assist in establishing the rest position of the ball.

Abstract: A baseball practice system for training one in pitching, throwing, fielding, catching, and batting. The practice system is portable and collapsible having a removable pitching component on one side and a batting and netting on the other side. The pitching component has a strike-zone opening and one or more pockets in a catch sack in back of the strike-zone opening. The netting is of an elastic material suited to rebound a ball thrown on the netting for the purpose of practicing throwing, catching, and fielding. A ball component, attached to elastic cords, is suspended outward and downward from a forward extending member adjacent to the top of the baseball practice system. An adjustment and locking member adjacent to the rear of the forward extending member adjustably secures in place an upper cord which is attached to a ball.

Abstract: An athletic training apparatus to train a player with or without a coach is disclosed. The machine includes a collapsible frame, a striking structure, a coaching cage, and one moveable member. The collapsible frame provides a height adjustment mechanism to allow partial collapsibility of the frame during storage or movement. The striking structure couples detachably to the collapsible frame. A player or coach selects the striking structure in accordance with desired goals of an athletic training session. The coaching cage is incorporated within the collapsible frame. The coaching cage assists the coach to in real-time provide an unobstructed view of a player's body position and player motion; thereby, coach's real-time observations and feedback train a player's movements to achieve a hit to a defined target or objective. A movable member transports the collapsible frame between a first location and a second location with minimal disassembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for calculating the distance of a ball placed into motion comprising, a means for positioning a ball at a desired height for striking, a means for measuring force exerted upon the ball when struck, a means for measuring launch angle relative to a horizontal playing field which a ball travels upon impact, a means for calculating distance the ball would travel if not restricted using the measured force and launch angle, and a means to display the calculated distance.

Abstract: A football place kicking training device includes an adjustable wrap, wherein the wrap is adapted to retain a football. An elastic cord is also included and has a first and a second end, the first end is adapted to be attached to the wrap, and the second end is adapted to be anchored to a support.

Abstract: A first horizontal member having a proximate end and a distal end, the distal end is adapted to be attached to a second substantially rigid member. An object assembly including an object located below the proximate end of the first horizontal member. A first line having a first segment extending substantially along a vertical axis defined through a center of the object assembly and coupled to the proximate end of the first horizontal member. The first line having a second segment extending substantially along the vertical axis below the object assembly and is coupled to a third substantially rigid member. The first line having a first end coupled to a top side of the object assembly and a second end coupled to a bottom side of the object assembly. A second line extends substantially perpendicular to the first line in a longitudinal direction substantially along a path of the object defining a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A hingedly collapsible batting practice device with a top v-shaped component hingedly connected to two side members and supportable in an approximate horizontal orientation. A rear member attaches to the top of each side member. A bottom v-shaped component hingedly connected to the two side members with a support member for supporting the two side members in an approximate vertical orientation. Each v-shaped component is also hinged at the front to permit each side of the component to pivot toward each other to facilitate collapsing the device. An elastic cord attached to the rear member extends frontward and downward from the top v-shaped component and supports a ball at its terminal end. A non-elastic cord is attached to the ball and each loose end of the non-elastic cord is attached to the bottom v-shaped component.

Abstract: A limited contact boxing game and apparatus for playing the game includes a platform having an upper surface for supporting two individuals in a standing or crouched position. A platform is preferably in the shape of a square boxing ring and may be elevated and/or include a set of ropes surrounding the platform. The upper surface of the platform includes two or more spaced apart designated boundary areas of equal size and a tethered ball disposed in the space between the two designated areas. The tethered ball is adapted to be struck by each of the individuals toward the other in order to obtain a score by striking the individuals head or body or by causing the individual to step out of their designated boundary area.

Abstract: Apparatus for practicing the techinque of lofting a ball, the apparatus having a support frame containing two upright supports linked by a horizontal cross-bar. Two inclined guideways extend between ground anchors and the supports. A substantially inelastic reciprocating device is connected to and freely movable along the guideways and a ball connected to the reciprocating device.

Abstract: A volleyball training apparatus is disclosed that generally includes a standard assembly, a support assembly mounted on the standard assembly, a ball assembly, and a ball suspension assembly mounted on the support assembly and supporting the ball assembly. The ball assembly may be secured to the ball suspension assembly in a manner such that the ball assembly remains secured to the ball suspension assembly upon spiking of the ball assembly by a user. In some embodiments of the invention, the ball suspension assembly comprises an elongate elastic member having opposite ends attached to the ball assembly. In some embodiments, the support assembly comprises a support member having a passage therethrough, and the ball suspension assembly comprises an elongate elastic member with a portion of the elongate elastic member extending through the support member.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in playing and practicing ball games is disclosed, the apparatus including a ball suspended by a substantially inelastic upstanding line from an upper, generally horizontal or inclined elongated guideway and connected by the same or a second substantially inelastic upstanding line to a lower, generally horizontal or inclined elongated guideway. The lower guideway may be at ground level and the height of the ball above the ground may be adjustable.

Abstract: A tether system for a ball, such as a soccer ball, includes a simple swivel that is adapted to be connected directly to an extending tab on a ball. The swivel fastener is a two piece member. The two piece swivel is relatively less expensive than other more complicated swivel connectors, thus reducing the overall cost of the tether system. In addition, since the two piece swivel can be connected directly to on the ball, the tether system in accordance with the present invention also eliminates a process step of connecting the swivel to an intermediate ring, thus further reducing the cost of the tether system.

Abstract: A swing training device 10 is shown comprising a base 12, a securing member 16 and a suspension system 20 positioned there between. A ball 40 is supported by the suspension system which may be hit repeatedly without obstruction in order to improve a person's swing. The swing training device 10 includes the additional advantages of minimizing undesired horizontal and vertical movement of the ball 40 while stabilizing the ball 40 substantially within a preferred trajectory path.

Abstract: A concave rebounding surface is provided which permits a ball game similar to squash to be played outdoors.

Abstract: A volleyball player training device especially useful for teaching volleyball players to block and tip a volleyball at the volleyball net is disclosed. The device includes a frame which may be removably fastened to the volleyball net, a volleyball, and a pedestal or support extending upwardly from the frame for holding a volleyball above the volleyball net. During use, a player may block or tip the volleyball causing it to be pivoted from its supported position above the net. A return mechanism returns the volleyball to its supported position placing it in position to be blocked or tipped again.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for practicing batting that includes a frame, a net, and a ball. Each lower terminal end of the frame has a ball-engaging eye bolt. A pair of net-engaging uprights of the frame have a pair of tubes that are formed as one-piece therewith for ease of manufacture by eliminating a need for welding. Button fasteners replaceably maintain the members of the frame together for ease of fabrication and collapsing by eliminating a need for nuts and bolts. A second upper member of the frame has a plurality of ball-engaging blind bores. A lowermost terminal edge of the net drapes so as to prevent any balls from rolling thereunder while providing a dampening effect for the ball when hit thereagainst and is free as a result of the frame being void of a lower cross member for eliminating rebound of a ball that hits low on the net.

Abstract: A tethered ball-type batting practice apparatus comprised of a nonresilient first tether portion, a swivel, a linearly resilient second tether portion, a ball and a moderately flexible sleeve is disclosed. The hollow, lightweight ball cooperates with the resilient second tether portion to reduce the likelihood of the ball being torn from the tether, while giving a batter the authentic feel of having hit a standard ball. The moderately flexible sleeve prevents the tether from wrapping around the batter's bat. And, the resilient second tether portion permits the swivel to work more efficiently in preventing the tether's twisting.

Abstract: A tethered-ball training device used for repetitive training exercises in a variety of sports. The tethered-ball trainer has a ball support means, a retraction means, and a ball. The retraction means is mounted on the support and the tether connects the retraction means to the ball. The retraction means, or tether-rewinding device, allows the tether to feed-out when a force is applied to the ball and provides for a controlled retraction when the force is removed. In alternate embodiments, the retraction means is a spring-wound cord reel and either one or more may be used. Various embodiments include one or multiple-tether devices, a sensor for determining the boundaries of ball travel and speed, completely collapsible support means, and length adjustment means for the support means.

Abstract: There is provided a training apparatus that has either portable or permanently fixed upright poles whereby a ball is suspended between the upright poles by a plurality of springy tethers that are moveably connected between the upright poles with means provided to raise or lower the springy tethers and suspended ball to different heights along the lengths of the upright poles. Tether anchoring means are provided on each upright pole so that tension to the springy tether may be adjusted and thereby increase or decrease the return speed of the ball when kicked, according to the users desire. The ball may be struck from either side of the device.

Abstract: A practice device for improving batting, pitching, and fielding skills. The device includes a backstop which can be adjusted at different angles to the vertical to return balls striking the backstop on the ground or in the air. With the device configured for batting practice, a ball is positioned at a selected height above and at a selected location across the span of a home plate by a suspension system which includes a cantilevered arm fixed to the backstop, a tether, and a motion damping arrangement which almost instantaneously brings the tethered ball to rest after the ball is struck and rebounds to its rest position. The components of the practice device can be and quickly folded or otherwise positioned against the backstop to provide a compact, easily stored package. The practice device can also be easily configured as a wheeled cart easily moved from one location to another along with ball bags and other equipment stowable on the cart.

Abstract: The batting practice device has a structure of a vertical member with a suspension beam attached to suspend a ball and a cross beam and leg beam to support the vertical member. An elastic cord is attached to the vertical member and routed through a corner pulley and an eyebolt to be attached to a ball line. The ball line is routed through one or more pulleys to suspend a ball from the suspension beam. The bottom attachment end of the ball line is attached to two anchor lines of which one is then attached to the cross beam right end and the other to the cross beam left end. The device may include a rotating cross beam to allow ease of storage. A beam pin is also provided to adjust the height of the ball above the ground.

Abstract: A baseball practice device in which a baseball is releasably attached to a "Y" shaped tether system which, in turn, is supported by two horizontal arms arranged in a "Y" shaped configuration. The combination of the horizontal arms and the tether system allows simulation of a pitching environment where the baseball may be presented to the batter with a uniform and repeatable flight path to enhance batting practice.

Abstract: A soccer training aid which allows the user to continuously kick a tethered ball at a variety of angles. This embodiment allows the user to focus on developing leg strength and ball control without having to pursue the ball or the encumbrance of a hand-held control utilized in returning the ball.

Abstract: A batting practice apparatus includes a ball, an elongated support arm made from PVC pipe and various PVC fittings, and a strand of flexible material tethering the ball from the support arm. A PVC adapter fitting is provided on the first end portion of the support arm for removably attaching the support arm to a separate mounting member. A PVC tee fitting is provided on the second end portion of the support arm for providing a rotatable structure on the support arm. A PVC plug fitting is secured to the PVC tee fitting, and the strand is secured to the PVC plug fitting. Various mounting members are disclosed to mount the apparatus on various existing support structures, including a post, a chain-link fence, and an umbrella stand base.

Abstract: A batting practice device, consisting of a framework with a horizontal base in the shape of a "T" with a vertical member affixed to the intersection of said horizontal "T". A second horizontal member centered and affixed to the top of said vertical member to form arms of a vertical "T" that are parallel to the arms of said horizontal "T". A ball target, baseball, softball, etc. is supported by a flexible means of suspension system. Whereas, the ball is supported at a degree of angle relative to the ground by two upper suspension members extending at outward angles to the top arm of the frame, and a lower suspension member extending outward to the lower tip of the base of the frame forming a "Y" configuration. Another, line of similar flexible means is attached to the intersection of said horizontal and vertical "T's", to stop return velocity of the ball after being hit by a bat. The framework is adjustable in height and length to facilitate lowering and raising the position of the ball.