Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing timed basketball drills includes one or more ball return units, a basketball goal assembly, a timer/counter, and one or more remote transmitters. The timer/counter senses, processes, stores, and displays the number of balls thrown at and returned from the one or more ball return untis and/or the number of successful shots to the basketball goal assembly. The remote transmitter provides an encoded signal to the timer/counter from either the one or more ball return units or the basketball goal assembly.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right: side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: A portable basketball training device used to teach basketball players how to properly shoot. The training device is comprised of a folding base and a telescoping vertical column supported by the base; attached to the top of the vertical column is a horizontally adjustable u-shaped shooting guide. The training device is used by first unfolding the legs and then adjusting the telescoping vertical column to the appropriate height, which is determined by adjusting the telescoping vertical posts until the bottom of the u-shaped shooting guide is parallel to the wrist of the user's shooting arm with the elbow extended to the shooting position. Once the appropriate height has been set the u-shaped shooting guide is adjusted horizontally in order to prevent horizontal drift of the shooting hand as the ball is projected toward the goal. Proper use of this device also provides optimal arc and natural backspin giving the ball truer flight to the goal.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a round ball rebounding game played on a circular court consisting of a spherical structure supported by a single pole and having a plurality of goals placed at equidistant intervals about the maximum horizontal diameter of the sphere and parallel to the playing surface. The apparatus further comprising a plurality of discharge tubes inserted into the bottom of the sphere, said number of tubes corresponding to the number of goals. Openings are further cut into the sphere relative to the position of each goal such that a net attached to the bottom of each goal can direct a round ball into the interior of the sphere with the ball eventually departing the bottom of the sphere through one of the discharge tubes which then deposit the ball at the base of the structure along the playing surface.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: A portable basketball goal support system having a base, a ballast tank, and an arm for supporting a basketball goal support pole can be assembled in a compact configuration for shipping or storage and an expanded configuration for use. The support pole is mounted at a rear portion of the base and angled forward in the expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the ballast tank extends at least partially behind the support pole, while in the compact configuration, the ballast tank may be nested within portion of the base, thereby occupying less space. The support pole may be formed with a generally "pear"-shaped cross section defined by large and small curved portions connected by relatively straight sections, such that the large curved portion readily adapts to existing mounting hardware. One or more of the base, ballast tank, and support arm may be formed from plastic with a printed graphics sheet integrally molded therewith.

Abstract: A basketball game area for recreation consisting of multiple zones, each having at least one hoop and backboard combination, multiple shooting indicators, and obstacles which can be free standing, and/or affixed to the hoop or backboard. The location of the obstacle in relation to the indicator changes the trajectory required to shoot the ball into the hoop. The placement of each indicator increases the difficulty in placing the ball through the hoop. The game rules provide the order of proceeding through the courts and proceeding through the sequential shooting indicators within each of the courts. The first player proceeds to the first courts, attempting to shoot the ball through the hoop, avoiding the obstacle, scoring points for placing the ball through the hoop. The players continue shooting one at a time until all players have taken a shot at the first basket from each of the indicators and then continue to proceed through the courts.

Abstract: A basketball court is disclosed, having a circle on the floor under each goal hoop to clearly designate the area under the hoop. This is a critical matter in the playing and refereeing of the game, in the determination by players and referees whether or not the defensive player is directly under the hoop, and therefore may be subject to being call for a foul in the case of contact between offensive and defensive players.

Abstract: An impact baton for use in law enforcement to induce an enhanced fluid shock wave includes a handle and a striking member. The striking member defines a hollow portion having a first volume defined by a cylindrical wall having an impact surface and an end surface. A quantity of dense, flowable, particulate material is within the hollow portion. The quantity only occupies a partial amount of the first volume of the hollow portion. When the baton is moved through space at a velocity, the particulate material is adjacent to the end surface and shifts to the impact surface upon impact with a target. Upon impact with a target, the shift of the particulate material prevents the baton from rebounding off of the target muscle mass, thereby helping to induce an enhanced fluid shock wave.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a round ball rebounding game played on a circular court consisting of a spherical structure supported by a single pole and having a plurality of goals placed at equidistant intervals about the maximum horizontal diameter of the sphere and parallel to the playing surface. The apparatus further comprising a plurality of discharge tubes inserted into the bottom of the sphere, said number of tubes corresponding to the number of goals. Openings are further cut into the sphere relative to the position of each goal such that a net attached to the bottom of each goal can direct a round ball into the interior of the sphere with the ball eventually departing the bottom of the sphere through one of the discharge tubes which then deposit the ball at the base of the structure along the playing surface.

Abstract: A trampoline basketball game structure comprising an elevated horizontal rebound surface, two opposing and facing goals, and a resilient barrier separating the horizontal rebound surface into two playing areas is disclosed. Also disclosed is a game employing the structure.

Abstract: A recreational device which is designed for shooting baskets with a selected game ball includes a support structure consisting of a telescoping support column, four support arms which are assembled into the support column, an adapter for fixing the orientation of the support arms, and a base for positioning and stabilizing the support column relative to the ground. In addition to the support structure the recreational device includes a basket which is positioned at an elevated level and which includes an annular hoop and a net connected to the hoop in a conventional fashion. The four support arms are attached to the annular hoop for support. A manually operated adjustment ring is provided for changing the length of the support column and thereby enabling the user to set the desired height for the basket. The recreational device provides all the features of a basketball goal without the use of a backboard.

Abstract: A base for an athletic assembly unit to which a support is connected and which includes a hollow compartment for receiving the ballast and including a top wall and a port for access to the hollow compartment. A first recess in the top wall of the hollow compartment and a cover attached to the base for covering the recess form a storage compartment. The storage compartment is sized to store basketballs and beverage containers and may be insulated thermally.

Abstract: A multipurpose game device comprises a stand having a plurality of detachable standards, each standard containg a webbed hoop with a central aperture and a plurality of plastic spider balls with colored streamers. The balls can be tossed into one of the respective targets in the hoops by the designated player or any one of the standards with its hoop can be detached from the stand with the standard being used as a mallet for hitting one of the plastic balls into a hoop positioned on the ground as in golf, or all of the hoops can be stacked together to form a vertical support with a hoop on the elevated stack for playing basketball. Baseball would be played outdoors with four standards forming a diamond. The homeplate standard would be without a hoop and serves to hold the spiderball, which would be hit with a lightweight bat.