Abstract: An impact-responsive scoring and sensing goal post that forms an active target for hybrid soccer golf games of numerous variations, and a soccer golf game using the goal pole. The portable electronic “goal-pole” comprises an upstanding, cylindrical stanchion that supports sensor circuitry and display apparatus. The goal pole can be disposed in different predetermined locations over a playing surface to provide a target. The solid state circuitry responds to an impact-responsive electrical switch to energize an activation line for a predetermined time, turning on a trio of driver transistors activating a motor that rotates the visual display, a plurality of LED's, and a loud recorded message for audibly indicating a score.

Abstract: A disc catching device for catching a thrown disc, having a canopy structure, a basket structure, an assembly coupled to the canopy structure and the basket structure, and a pole to which the canopy structure and the basket structure may be attached. The assembly may engage a thrown disc, and for some embodiments, may comprise chains. When the disc catching device is deployed in its upright position for the sport of disc golf, the assembly hangs from the canopy structure, and is coupled to a ring that surrounds the pole. The basket structure comprises a set of basket arms, and when the disc catching device is deployed upright, the ring hangs below the set of basket arms. For some embodiments, the canopy structure and the basket structure may be foldable, like an umbrella. For some embodiments, the basket arms may be basket support arms, where each basket support arm supports a basket arm. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An automated torsion driven sports goal practice backstop which appends to any size of sports goal and may remain in place, if desired, at the conclusion of practice and during games. The sports goal practice backstop utilizes a torsioning system and flexible net mechanism in order to provide for easy installation and subsequent tension thereof. During practice, the sports goal backstop of the present invention provides a suitable backstop to stop most balls from traveling beyond the goal. At the conclusion of practice, the sports goal backstop of the present invention is mechanically foldable via automation of rotating handles and thus, the instant system need not be removed at the conclusion of practice. Rather, the sports goal backstop of the present invention may remain in position, out of sight, in its folded configuration during a game without interfering with normal play.

Abstract: A screen net includes a front member with an opening, a base member, a catch member and a wall member. The base member is placed on the ground. The catch member is adapted to catch a ball that passes through the opening of the front member. The wall member is positioned above the opening of the front member. The wall member comprises a wall fabric member and a wall pole member. The wall fabric member comprises a sleeve through which the wall pole member passes. The wall fabric member is attached to the front member. The ends of the wall pole member are supported by the base member. The screen net further comprises straps that connect the front member and the base member. The straps are under tension provided by the elastic pole segments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system, apparatus, and method that allow a football goalpost to be rotated about a substantially vertical axis. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the football goalpost has a gooseneck-type post adapted to fit within a sleeve in the ground. The sleeve generally has one or more positioning members positioned near an upper end of the sleeve. A rotation collar is movably coupled to the post and has one or more grooves for cooperating with the one or more positioning members of the sleeve. The rotation collar is configured to move between a secured position, where the at least one groove engages the at least one positioning member to prevent the post from rotating within the sleeve, and a rotating position, where the at least one groove is disengaged from the at least one positioning member to permit the post to rotate within the sleeve.

Abstract: A goal for a collapsible, three-dimensional game includes: (a) at least two generally ring-shaped, openable hoops, each of the hoops being openable, closable, and coupleable at a hoop coupling of each hoop, the hoops including at least three post connecting mechanisms; (b) at least three detachable posts of substantially equal length, the posts being removably connectable to one of the post connecting mechanisms on the hoops; (c) a substantially flexible net affixed to an upper one of the hoops; and (d) a detachable net holding mechanism attachable to the post connecting mechanisms on each post; wherein, when the goal is in an open, erect position: a lower one of the hoops rests on the playing surface, the upper hoop being substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the lower one of the hoops, the net extending downwardly between the substantially horizontally oriented hoops.

Abstract: An apparatus has a collapsible base that assumes a deployed position and a collapsed position where the base has a smaller size than in the deployed configuration. A surface is removably attached to the base. The base includes a frame system that includes a plurality of struts that are hingedly connected to each other. The surface can be used as a sleeping surface, a table top, a game surface, or for other similar purposes.

Abstract: A water disk sports game that includes a pair of floating goals located at predetermined distances from each other in a designated boundary area. Each goal includes a vertical scoring pole that extends upward from a large floating base. In a first embodiment, the floating base is a hollow circular floating disk with an upper, diagonally aligned skirt surface that leads to a circular recessed cavity coaxially aligned with the scoring pole. Attached to the scoring pole is an elevated lid which creates a narrow gap between the lid and the top rim of the floating base. In another embodiment, the floating base is a partially submerged rim with radially aligned spokes and a center hub designed to receive the scoring pole. During use, a specially designed aquatic disk is given to one team whose objective is to throw the aquatic disk at the opposing team's scoring pole.

Abstract: A portable flying disc game includes a foldable base that can be pivotally attached to a first end of a vertical pole. A first basket member is removably coupled to the vertical pole above the foldable base, and includes a first part and a second part that are detachable from one another. The first part has a first coupling member that receives the vertical pole and a support flange for receiving and supporting the second part to form the assembled first basket member. A second basket member is also removably coupled to the vertical pole, and includes a frame having a first part and a second part to which ends of cords are coupled to so that the cords hang from the frame. A weighted member is coupled to the cords which serve to support and suspend the weighted member above the first basket.

Abstract: A new and exciting game with washers and a game board. The washers are tossed at the game board that has three holes in it. There are a set of rules for the game. The rules tell you how to play the game.

Abstract: A game having a floor, a plurality of walls rising up from said floor defining a play area, a game piece, at least one target positioned proximate the plurality of walls, including a plurality of multi-planar apertures operatively arranged to accept the game piece, and a vehicle, operatively arranged to be driven by a player, the vehicle having a bumper positioned circumferentially about a base of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present specification describes sporting equipment methods and apparatus that may be used for ball play, and may be particularly useful for ball rebounding. One aspect of the novel sporting equipment described herein relates to the adjustability of a rebounder. Rebounders or rebound systems in accordance with principles of the present invention are strong, durable, and also adjustable. An adjustment mechanism in accordance with principles of the present invention may permit a user to change the angle of the rebound system to change the trajectory of rebounded balls to suit the needs of various players and situations. In contrast, conventional rebounders tend to be small, flimsy and are not adjustable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-purpose sectional sports apparatus. The sports apparatus includes a plurality of assembling poles each including a main pole and a sub pole, a connector, and a supporting unit. The main pole has an insertion bore, an L-shaped lower fixture and a plurality of main coupling holes in an upper portion thereof. The sub pole is inserted into the main pole and has a plurality of lower height-adjusting holes and a plurality of upper sub coupling holes. The sub pole is movable up and down to have an adjustable height relative to the main pole as a fastener is fastened through selected ones of the height-adjusting holes and main coupling holes. The connector includes a branched body having a plurality of insertion branches for connection of the assembling poles, each insertion branch having an opening and an insertion bore.

Abstract: A reconfigurable target/projectile activity entertainment device is disclosed, wherein the device includes a projectile, a target having a target area and a reversible base connectable to the target. The target is in the form of a hoop or ring and is disposed above the reversible base. The hoop has an opening therein that forms the target area. The hoop contains a sensor that detects a projectile passing through the target area and communicates with a sensory generator to generate sensory-stimulating output (i.e., lights and sounds). Projectiles directed through the target area drop to the reversible base below the target area. The reversible base has a first side and a second side. The first side is concave for collecting a projectile that drops thereon. The second side is opposite the first side and has a convex side that deflects projectiles dropping thereon to deflect the projectile away from the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gate apparatus for a paddle and ball game, to a game including the same and to methods for playing the game. The gate apparatus comprises a frame for delimiting a closed region above the ground for a ball to be transferred therethrough and a base element for elevating and stabilizing the frame above the ground. The gate can be permanently installed or can be a portable gate. Preferably the gate is assembled from components disengageably connected to each other.

Abstract: A ball toss game that is configured to be mounted to a game table includes a frame having a pair of vertical posts (vertical support members) arranged parallel to one another and at least three cross members extending between and coupled at their ends to the pair of vertical support member. The ball toss game also includes a pair of coupling members for mounting to two opposing vertical side surfaces of the game table. The coupling member has a receiving portion that receives a lower end of a respective vertical support member and a fastening means for releasably mounting the lower end to the coupling member such that the frame stands upright. The ball toss game includes a pair of objects attached to two ends of a cord to form a connected member that is tossed at the frame in order to score points if and depending upon where the connected member is temporarily secured to one cross member.

Abstract: An apparatus has a collapsible base that assumes a deployed position and a collapsed position where the base has a smaller size than in the deployed configuration. A surface is removably attached to the base. The base includes a frame system that includes a plurality of struts that are hingedly connected to each other. The surface can be used as a sleeping surface, a table top, a game surface, or for other similar purposes.

Abstract: A game target is supported by a plurality of legs capable of remaining sure on both grass and concrete. The target is partitioned by the target frame into a plurality of zones. A pocket, attached to the target frame, occupies each zone. The pockets are of an appropriate depth to hold a plurality throwing projectiles. The target is supported in a reclining orientation in order to align with the typical trajectory of an underhand throw thereby better facilitating the capture of a throwing ball in a pocket.

Abstract: A computer monitoring system includes a processor and sensors electrically thereto that are positioned beneath the playing surface directly below a boundary line. The sensors are connected in series to the processor such that each sensor is independently activated and generates an analog output signal when a predetermined weight limit is detected thereon. The sensors are positioned below a three-point and a free-throw line. An analog-to-digital converter is coupled to the processor and sensors that receives and converts the analog signals to digital signals. A memory includes programmable software instruction that cause the system to perform a series of operations. The processor generates and transmits audible and visual notification signals for each of the consecutive digital signals when the time span is greater than the threshold interval.

Abstract: A system and method which comprises a plurality of amusement machines (i.e., video games, flipper games, pinball machines, prize dispensing games, arcade games, electronic darts, kiddie rides, pool tables, golf games, basketball games, billiards, redemption games, soccer tables, shuffle board alleys and bowling alleys, touch-screen countertop games and the like) equipped with play components and associated apparatus to capture multimedia information based on the performance of the players at the machines, apparatus to transmit the multimedia information captured from the machines to a network, and a processor based machine (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) for managing and storing this multimedia information.

Abstract: A method for deciding whether a movable object has been brought through a goal having a goal area defined by the goal, an internal magnetic field being measurable, within the goal area or in parallel with the goal area, which is larger than an external magnetic field present outside the goal area, the method including a step of generating the internal magnetic field within the goal, a step of providing information about a magnetic field experienced by the movable object, and a step of evaluating the information about the magnetic field to provide a goal statement by means of a detection that the movable object has passed through the internal magnetic field.

Abstract: This device is an all-in-one sports combination, which will allow an individual to play soccer, hockey, rollerblade driveway hockey, lacrosse, football, baseball, and basketball, as well as practice kicking a football. The frame structure will allow different height adjustments for a portion of the device so that the height of the device may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the user.

Abstract: A device which is utilized during practice or other informal situation to teach a football player such as a quarterback or kicker to deliver a football around or over one or preferably a group of linemen. In one embodiment, the device includes a mechanism capable of moving at least one figure, simulative of a human athlete, from an inactive position to an active position which is adapted to mimic predetermined characteristics of a defensive line. In yet a further embodiment, the training device has a gate of a predetermined height and width operatively connected to a base which can be utilized, for example, to practice throwing, snapping, or hiking the football, or the like. In another embodiment, the training device includes a backstop, such as a net, which can be utilized to stop a football used with the training device, such as during practice of a snap, a kick, a throw or a punt.

Abstract: A collapsible, multi-legged, multi-faceted sports training article comprising a plurality of legs, each of the legs having an upper portion and a lower portion; an equal number of elongate transverse arms, each of the arms having a first end portion and a second end portion; wherein each of the first end portions are retained adjacent the lower portion of the legs; and maintenance means cooperable with the arms to maintain the article erect and to define the article having a plurality of inclined substantially triangular faces. The article represents a more realistic sports training pylon of a practical size which better simulates a real-life playing situation, particularly for use on ice-rinks, and field hockey and soccer playing fields. The article has a typically height selected from 50-120 cm and is readily collapsible for ease of transportation, storage and readily re-erectable.

Abstract: A foldable goal has two goalposts, a crossbar, two support struts and a base assembly formed by multiple tubes and multiple hinge assemblies. The tubes and the hinge assemblies can be folded. When the tubes and the hinge assemblies are folded, the foldable goal is folded and has a small volume such that moving or using is convenient.

Abstract: The invention relates to sports goals for games such as football, rugby, hockey etc, where the goals are formed by uprights and crossbars. Because of security issues, there are many instances where goals must be removed for storage when not in use, but secured in place to guard against their improper removal by unauthorized persons, with a substantial guarantee that post and the crossbar do not become disconnected when in use. The objective is met by a sports goal comprising two uprights and a crossbar, and a respective connecting member to attach each upright to the crossbar, each connecting member being secured to a respective end of the crossbar and detachably attached to a respective upright by a spigot on the connecting member or upright slidably engaging a socket on the upright or the connecting member, with a releasable barrel lock to secure the spigot within the socket.

Abstract: A collapsible net for stopping flying balls and for installing on a floor includes a collapsible center coil loop, collapsible first and second side coil loops, a vertical fabric portion, top and bottom fabric portions, and top and bottom straps. The collapsible center coil loop includes a top part, a bottom part, and first and second side parts. Each side coil loop includes a top part, a bottom part, and inner and outer side parts. Each inner side part is connected to each side part of the collapsible center coil loop. The vertical fabric portion covers the openings of the coil loops for stopping the flying balls. The opening angle of the side coil loops are controllable. The propping device includes pecks and strings to fix the net to the floor.

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: Disclosed is a portable net device comprising a main member forming a first closed loop, a base member forming a second closed loop and defined by front and non-front sections where a main member bottom section is attached to the base member front section, a fabric member having front and non-front sections where the fabric member front section is connected to the main member, a connecting member to selectively attach the fabric member non-front section to the base member non-front section in a detachable attachment format, and a supporting member to sustain the main member against the base member while maintaining a substantial angle between the main and base members.

Abstract: An object retrieval system providing an expanse of flexible material variably configured by travel of a material support element between a first position and a second position which generates movement in objects that collect on the material surface for retrieval.

Abstract: A sign for display on a basketball backboard includes a substantially rigid sheet of material having indicia to be displayed on a front surface thereof. The sheet of material includes a notch formed in a lower edge of the sheet of material for engaging rim. When the sign is mounted on the backboard with the rim disposed in the notch, one or more attachment devices secure the sheet to the backboard. Various attachment devices including straps, hooks, and elastic cords are disclosed. At least some of the attachment devices are reversible, such that either side of the sign can be displayed.

Abstract: A hockey goaltender skate blade protector for use in conjunction with a hockey goal net is provided. The skate blade protector includes a main body portion having a cylindrical shape. The main body portion includes a bore extending longitudinally therethrough a center portion, and a longitudinally extending post receiving opening formed in a wall of the main body portion. The skate blade protector further includes a gripping means integral with the main body portion for installing the main body portion onto a hockey net goal post and removing the main body portion from the goal post.

Abstract: A football goalpost that can be used at various times by both high school and college teams by adjusting the spacing of the uprights. The goalpost has the ability to adjust the verticality of the uprights by rotation of the uprights about the crossbar axis. The goalpost has the ability to adjust the side-to-side tilt and front-to-back tilt of the gooseneck by adjusting the gooseneck to sleeve connection. The goalpost also has the ability to adjust the horizontality of the crossbar by rotation of the crossbar about the gooseneck horizontal axis. In addition, the goalpost has a vertical gooseneck with incorporated height adjustment to be used for either real turf, or artificial turf.

Abstract: The multidimensional interchangeable modular ball game apparatus is used for building game playing skills, such as hand-to-eye and foot-to-eye coordination. The apparatus can be used for throwing, kicking or hitting any type of sports ball and can help with practicing all types of sports, as well as with early childhood development and rehabilitation. The apparatus includes a base with a stem extending from the base. Arms of different lengths are supported by the stem and may also be placed at different heights. Different geometrically shaped hoops and targets of varying sizes and colors can be made with an open or closed net. Another embodiment includes a horizontal beam stand with hoops attached to the stand.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method includes events based on observations extracted from input data and an event model. Input data from an event is fed into the system from a data source. Positional data is generated from the input data. Events are detected from the positional data, and stored as an event model in a database. A data extractor queries the database for officiating events and retrieves officiating event data from the database. The officiating event data is transmitted to an officiating entity of the event to assist the officiating entity in officiating the event.

Abstract: A toss-game structure for poolside use includes a target supported at a height from a base and having front and rear portions defining an interior space. The target front portion includes at least one opening for receipt of a tossed object in the interior space. The target portions each have surfaces defining a portion of a substantially prolate sphere for collectively simulating a football shape. A support post includes opposite ends engaging the base and the target rear portion such that a majority of the target is positioned forwardly of a front edge of the base. The structure further includes a backstop having upper and lower portions. The upper portion is curved about a vertical axis to define a concave surface in the form of a partial cylinder. The lower portion is curved about horizontal and vertical axes in the form of a partial bowl.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting sport practice targets includes an elongate container having a sidewall defining an interior cavity with an elongate access opening extending through the sidewall to the interior cavity. A roll of flexible sheet material is disposed within the interior cavity of the container. The sheet material displays one or more graphics depicting sport practice targets. The sheet material has an extended position in which the sheet material extends through the access opening so that the graphics of sport practice targets are visible and a retracted position in which all but a remote peripheral edge of the roll of sheet material is retracted within the container. The sheet of material can be rapidly moved to the extended position for use and just as rapidly moved to the retracted position for storage.

Abstract: A flying disk target assembly used as a target in flying disk golf. The assembly includes a strut assembly attached to a vertical lower pole. The lower pole is received inside a basket sleeve centered on an open top basket. The sleeve is attached to an upper pole. The upper pole is received inside a chain and net assembly. The assembly includes an upper chain and net ring with ring sleeve is received on top of the upper pole for suspending the assembly. The upper chain and net ring is used for suspending a plurality of chains and a net. A weighted lower chain and net ring is attached to a bottom of the chains and the net. The lower chain and net ring includes a floating sleeve. When a flying disk hits the chains and/or the net, the floating sleeve acts as a shock absorber.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a surface configured to enclose a first volume having an adjustable upper opening and a lower opening. The surface is coupled to a frame and both the surface and the frame are removably attachable to a court net; thereby presenting a target to a player, such that an object can be aimed by the player to enter the upper opening and pass through the lower opening. An alarm can be included to signal the presence of the object within the first volume.

Abstract: A partition structure defining compartments shielded from moving objects, such as baseballs, from other compartments. The structure comprises a central support and at least three partition walls extending substantially radially outwardly from the central support to define at least three compartments. Each partition wall includes a lower frame element and a pliable web of material extending therefrom for shielding one of the compartments from the others. The partition structure is preferably collapsible and may be anchored to the ground via stakes. A collapsible backstop system is also disclosed, comprising a collapsible backstop and a container for receiving the collapsible backstop in its collapsed configuration for storing or transporting the backstop.

Abstract: A flat-faced interactive training soccer goal used for soccer practice. The soccer goal has a goal frame held in compression and a net and web frame held in tension for increased rebounding of a soccer ball. The flat-faced soccer goal includes a goal frame made up of a plurality of metal tube sections joined together by plurality of connector sleeves and a pair of corner elbow sleeves for forming a pair of upright posts and a horizontal crossbar. A top portion of the upright posts is joined to opposite ends of the crossbar using the corner elbow sleeves. The corner elbow sleeves are bent at an angle greater than 90 degrees and upward to 110 degrees for forming a trapezoid configuration with the crossbar being parallel to the ground surface. The upright posts are disposed outwardly and at an angle from the vertical. When the goal frame is installed, the upright posts are moved inwardly into a vertical position for forming a rectangular configuration.

Abstract: A portable basketball stand apparatus includes a frame member for supporting a backboard and rim assembly, a base member for supporting the frame member, and wheels that allow the base member to move over a supporting surface. A reciprocating actuator displaces the frame member between a storage position and a playing position. One or more front wheels lie adjacent the front or first end of the base member, the end most proximate the backboard and rim assembly when the frame extends to the playing position. These front wheels move relative to the base member between a lowered position in which the base member lies above the supporting surface and a raised position in which the base member engages the supporting surface.

Abstract: An Electronically Interactive Target Game to be played indoors by children, wherein the target is a flexible sheet hung on a wall or attached to a portable stand; and has mural-like artwork on the sheet portraying characters playing an action sport. A projectile corresponding to the portrayed sport is thrown at the target. Selected area rigid surfaces, each with a sensor, are attached behind selected areas of the sheet and, when struck, activate audible and visual signals that relate to the success of the child hitting the selected areas to facilitate the fantasy of actually playing a game with the characters in the artwork. A vibration sensor may be attached to the target sheet to detect contact of the projectile with the rest of the target outside of the selected areas. Hook and loop material may be used on the ball and on a selected area (e.g., mitt).

Abstract: The present invention provides sporting equipment having lights.

Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional goal structure comprised of two congruent, generally horizontally-oriented hoops, which are adjoined to three equally spaced vertically oriented goal posts. This solid tubular frame structure has three distinct outside openings, and one circular basket-like opening at its top. The openings in the tubular framework are separated from one another by netting or the like, so that a game ball or similar sized object may not easily pass into one opening without being stopped from exiting via an adjacent opening.

Abstract: A soccer goal assembly for allowing the bottom of the net member to be raised off the ground so that the groundskeeper can maintain the grounds upon which the net member rests. The soccer goal assembly includes frame anchor members being adapted to be imbedded in a ground; and also includes a frame assembly being removably attached to the frame anchor members and including first and second tubular members being hingedly attached to one another; and further includes a net member being attached to the first and second tubular members; and also includes fastening members for fastening the first and second tubular members together in a folded position.

Abstract: A free standing net system incorporates a full sized floor for easy ball collection and a built in training target secured to a rear wall of a netted enclosure which is functional for multi-sport use. The netting of the enclosure is 1000 denier polyester, treated for long wear and UV resistance. The floor is constructed of high density nylon with a water-resistant polyurethane coating. The sleeves located at the peripheral edges of the netting are engaged by two shock-corded poles to provide a cantilevered frame portion projecting above and towards the sports enthusiast. The cantilevered frame portion is specifically designed to trap wedge shots during golf practice. Angled side wings of the netted enclosure allow free swinging motion with any golf club to provide a wide angle of capture during golf practice swings.

Abstract: A disc golf target having an improved configuration for providing uniform, more consistent disc capture. The target includes a canopy assembly and a basket assembly attached to a center pole. A tripod base is used to support the target. A chain assembly is attached between the canopy and basket assemblies for absorbing kinetic energy from an incoming disc thereby capturing the disc. The chain assembly includes a continuous upper chain, attached to the canopy assembly and extending 360 degrees, a plurality of deflection members hanging from the upper chains, and a continuous lower chain functionally coupled to the lower end of said deflection members. The deflection members are attached to the canopy and basket assemblies in an alternating pattern in which a first deflection members are attached at the canopy assembly and adjacent second deflection members are attached at the basket assembly. The canopy and basket assemblies are quickly collapsible.

Abstract: A multi-filamentous net or mesh comprising an image visible on only one side is provided. The image is visible only from the primary viewing position without the paint or ink composition absorbing through the fibres to be visible from the back of the net or mesh. This permits the use of multi-filamentous nets or mesh for images or logos without disrupting the spectators' view and/or the use of both sides of the net or mesh for unidirectional images or logos.

Abstract: A frame includes a plurality of L-shaped elbow members and tubes. Each elbow member includes two extension tubes and each extension tube has an open end and a hole is defined through a wall proximate to the open end. Each tube includes two open ends so as to be inserted into the open ends of the extension tubes of the elbow members. Each open end of each of the tubes has a hole defined through a wall proximate to the open ends. A C-shaped connection member is biased in the open end of each tube and has a protrusion which is inserted in the aligned holes of the tubes and the extension tubes.