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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible sports goal. The goal consists of a triangular base-frame made from textile straps with corner-pieces that make contact with the ground surface. A bent pole and a straight pole are fitted in the corner pieces. The bent pole and the straight pole are connected in the middle of the bent pole. The set of poles holds a net that is fixed to the bent pole via the means of a sleeve and drapes over the straight pole. The structure may be anchored to the ground surface with pegs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sport training device that has a surface and at least one target. The present invention further includes a ball detecting and/or tracking device to provide information about the projected ball to assist in training.

Abstract: An illuminating goal structure is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention the illuminating goal structure, adapted for connection to a power source, includes a back plate, a face plate having at least one lighting aperture defined therein, viewable signal means (VSM) housed within the at least one lighting aperture, connection means for operably connecting the VSM to the power source, and VSM control means for controlling the distribution of power from the power source to the VSM, wherein the back plate is attached to the face plate such that the connection means are enclosed therein.

Abstract: A collapsible sports goal assembly movable between an open position and a closed position has a base frame, a front frame, and a top frame, and one or more connecting leg assemblies to provide support for the goal assembly. The base frame, the front frame, and the top frame respectively include a first leg, a second leg laterally spaced relative to the first leg and oriented approximately parallel thereto, and a third leg extending between the first and second legs. The first leg of the front frame is pivotally connected to the first leg of the base frame, and the second leg of the front frame is pivotally connected to the second leg of the base frame thereby pivotally connecting the front frame to the base frame. The first and second legs of the top frame are pivotally connected to the third leg of the front frame to thereby pivotally connect the top frame to the front frame.

Abstract: A collapsible goal frame for ball games has a frame composed by a vertical n-shaped frame, an upper horizontal n-shaped frame, a lower horizontal n-shaped frame and two vertical supporting poles; in particular, connecting tubes are contraposed between the upper horizontal n-shaped frame and the lower horizontal n-shaped frame; the present invention is characterized that two sides of the vertical n-shaped frame are respectively disposed with a 180° bendable joint; on two sides of the upper horizontal n-shaped frame and the lower horizontal n-shaped frame are respectively disposed with a 90° bendable joint; after the supporting pole is detached, the bendable joints of the upper horizontal n-shaped frame and the lower horizontal n-shaped frame are folded toward each other; then the bendable joints on two sides at the center of the vertical n-shaped frame are bent forwardly and downwardly to form a collapsed structure slightly in a W-shape.

Abstract: A collapsible goal frame for ball games has a frame composed by a vertical n-shaped frame, an upper horizontal n-shaped frame, a lower horizontal n-shaped frame and two vertical supporting poles; in particular, connecting tubes are contraposed between the upper horizontal n-shaped frame and the lower horizontal n-shaped frame; the present invention is characterized that two sides of the vertical n-shaped frame are respectively disposed with a 180° bendable joint; on two sides of the upper horizontal n-shaped frame and the lower horizontal n-shaped frame are respectively disposed with a 90° bendable joint; after the supporting pole is detached, the bendable joints of the upper horizontal n-shaped frame and the lower horizontal n-shaped frame are folded toward each other; then the bendable joints on two sides at the center of the vertical n-shaped frame are bent forwardly and downwardly to form a collapsed structure slightly in a W-shape.

Abstract: A flat goal target can be attached to an available outside (brick) wall, i.e., at a school building. The goal target is a flat fabric, woven or non-woven, i.e., a sturdy vinyl. The image of a goal and goalkeeper is printed on the fabric. Attaching strips, which can be made of stiff or male Velcro material, may be adhesively secured to the brick wall. The adhesive is strong enough to keep the target up, but giving enough not to harm the wall. The target can be set up for practice, and taken down between practice times. This permits the lacrosse player, hockey player, or other athlete to practice by hitting the ball against the wall, with an objective that simulates game conditions. In a variation, thin flat aluminum sheets are positioned behind the goal target in the goal areas not covered by the goalie figure. These act as a sounder to let the player know he or she is on target. As an alternative, the same system can be used to simulate a tennis net. There may be other attachment provided, e.g.

Abstract: It comprises an impact resistant casing (1) having a frontal opening and means for removably fastening a target (2) covering such opening, the target (2) being of a sheet material through which projectiles can go and having an external face with a depicted motive to be shot. Electronic means are provided for detecting the position of impact on said target (2), comprising an electronic camera (3) arranged to obtain successive images of a face of target (2) after each shot, an image treating unit (4) for determining the geometric center of the projectile at each impact from a treatment of the obtained images, and a data receiving and/or retransmitting center (6,7) for displaying the results on a viewing screen (13, 14) and/or for retransmit them through a telecommunication network.

Abstract: This invention relates to a training apparatus, and in particular to an apparatus usable as a training aid for sports such as football, basketball, hockey etc. According to the invention there is provided a training apparatus comprising a number of substantially rigid targets arranged around a training area. The targets may be separated, and retaining means provided therebetween. The targets may be arranged on a base member, and be movable relative to the base member. The targets may be in the form of mannequins simulating teammates and possibly also opponents of the trainee.

Abstract: A disc golf target assembly. A plurality of chain segments are suspended from a support member by generally U-shaped attachment loops. The attachment loops have upwardly and outwardly sloped side portions, so that the energy of the disc is absorbed and dissipated by spreading and lifting the chain segments as the disc strikes the target assembly. The support member, attachment loops and chain segments may be mounted on a vertical support, and the assembly may include a basket that is mounted beneath the support and chain segments for receiving the disc therefrom.

Abstract: An upright golf net assembly for practicing a golf swing has a stored mode collapsible for storage and a deployed mode expandable for practice and includes a pair of interconnected frames. The first and second frames are arranged in a substantially vertical upright position when the assembly is in the deployed mode, each frame having opposite lateral sides and an upper and lower portion. The first and second frames form perimeters that are interconnected at each of their respective opposite lateral sides, such that the first and second frames intersect at their respective opposite lateral sides. The first and second frames are retained in cooperating relation one to the other such that the first and second frames mutually support one another. A netting assembly is attached to the first frame and creates a substantially vertical netting surface for engaging the ball when the assembly is in the deployed mode.

Abstract: A pole mounted basket and chain assembly for use with flying disc golf courses. A chain assembly is provided with a total of 24 chains located at spaced intervals around the pole, a first inner set of 12 and an outer set of 12. At the upper end each inner chain is attached to a support radially extending from the pole or post. At the lower end the inner chains are attached to a horizontal ring of links. A second outer set of chains attached to a second larger support mounted at the top of the pole extend vertically downward and are also attached to the horizontal ring at their lower ends. A basket is attached to the pole below the lower end of the chains with the pole passing through the center of the basket. Flying discs impacting the chains have their energy absorbed by the chains and the discs drop vertically into the basket.

Abstract: A throwing game and goal therefor. At least two skeletal frame members and netlike coverings therefor are provided. Each of the skeletal frame members defines a frontal area encompassed by the respective covering. The frontal area encompassed by one of the skeletal frame members is less than the frontal area encompassed by the other skeletal frame member, and the two skeletal frame members are substantially overlappingly disposed with respect to each other so that the respective netlike coverings form higher point and a lower point goal zones.

Abstract: A cover for insertion into a poolside goal receiving hole is disclosed. The hole is the type for receiving basketball goal poles and/or volleyball net poles. The cover includes a table surface member having a generally flat top surface. The table surface member also includes a side skirt surface extending downwardly from the top surface. A central shank member is located beneath the table surface member. The shank member fits down into the goal receiving hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible sports goal. The goal consists of a triangular base-frame made from textile straps with corner-pieces that make contact with the ground surface. A bent pole and a straight pole are fitted in the corner pieces. The bent pole and the straight pole are connected in the middle of the bent pole. The set of poles holds a net that is fixed to the bent pole via the means of a sleeve and drapes over the straight pole. The structure may be anchored to the ground surface with pegs.

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 fibers 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 sports target for practicing baseball throwing, hockey shots or the like comprises a hoop; a net loosely suspended from the hoop and spanning its interior, and a pair of elastic straps for suspending the hoop from a crossbar or the like. The straps splay outwardly to provide an anti-rotation bias to the structure. An inner hoop and net may be suspended within an outer hoop and net for more advanced target practice.

Abstract: A game includes ladder-like targets assembled from tubular rods coupled to each other by various tees and angles. The rods are most preferably a rigid, lightweight, weather-resistant material such as PVC or the like. The couplings can be permanent or removable, depending upon the need for storage or shipping after assembly. Each target includes a plurality of rungs, each spaced from each other by a predetermined distance. Projectiles include two relatively massive ends fabricated from balls similar to golf balls, separated by a flaccid cord or rope. In the most preferred embodiment, the spacing between target rungs is one-half the spacing of the projectile massive ends. The rules of play and various alternative embodiments are also presented.

Abstract: The football goal post of the present invention includes a cross bar that allows the spacing of the uprights to be selectively adjusted by the user of the goal post. A variety of embodiments are disclosed showing different arrangements for adjusting the spacing of the uprights. In some of the embodiments, the uprights are simultaneously adjusted by a single actuator. In other embodiments, the uprights may be manually adjusted while in other embodiments the uprights may be adjusted from a remote location. The invention also provides an adjustable ground sleeve that allows the goal post to be raised and lowered and rotated about the x, y, and z axes so that it may be precisely aligned with the football field during and after installation.

Abstract: A goal assembly includes two lengthwise assemblies and two L-shaped assemblies which are pivotally connected between the two lengthwise assemblies which are parallel with each other on different horizontal planes. Each lengthwise assembly has two sections pivotally connected by a connection member. Each L-shaped assembly includes a post and a widthwise bar pivotally connected with each other. A net is connected to the two lengthwise assemblies and the two L-shaped assemblies.

Abstract: An improved substitute goalie system in which an additional means of forcing the user to shoot within a prescribed period of time (taking the part of a substitute defensive player) increases the effectiveness of the apparatus when used as a training device; and where the central controller and the interconnections between the goalie substitute components is eliminated by providing control functions and power on each individual target; and the use of piezoelectric-like strike sensors provides a common component across many applications.

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

Abstract: A playing field for playing where the field includes marked sidelines, goal lines and cross-lines at a distance from the goal lines. The playing field includes a total of four goal structures, rather than the conventional two goal structures and thus there are two goal structures located along each goal line spaced from each other along that goal line. The overall soccer field complies with the international regulations governing the dimensions of the field and of the goal structures, however, a new and different game with enhanced excitement is possible with the use of the additional goal structure located along each goal line.

Abstract: A throwing and catching net comprising a frame supporting a net having one or more layers of lattice adapted to cause a ball thrown at the net to rebound in an unpredictable manner, wherein in use, catching, throwing and/or batting skills can be practiced. A method of using the same.

Abstract: Sports training apparatus has a substantially vertical base and a hoop-carrying member adapted to be attached to the base in a pre-selected position. The hoop-carrying member has attached at least one mounting bracket and hoop assembly of a mounting bracket supporting a hoop. The base can have a backboard attached also, with the backboard including at least one ball-support bracket adapted to receive and/or retain a ball, and the backboard is spaced from the base in a direction opposite the hoop. The hoop-carrying member can be adapted to be attached to the base in a plurality of pre-selected vertical positions, and the top portion of the base can have an angular portion carrying at least one hoop, in which the angular portion carries a hoop adapted to be located in a plurality of positions along its path.

Abstract: A sports goal for minimizing injury to a player striking thereupon that includes a frame and a net that extends across the frame. The frame is tubular and includes four posts that extend vertically upwardly from a surface, at four corners of an imaginary rectangle, a front cross member that extends horizontally across the uppermost ends of a forwardmost pair of posts of the four posts of the frame. The forwardmost pair of posts of the four posts of the frame are releasably attached to the front cross member of the frame, which allows the forwardmost pair of posts of the four posts of the frame to break away from the front cross member of the frame when struck by the player for preventing injury thereto, while the remainder of the frame remains erect. Each end of the front cross member of the frame has a pin that depends therefrom that is releasably received in a blind bore that extends axially in the uppermost ends of the forwardmost pair of posts of the four posts of the frame.

Abstract: A disc golf target assembly. A plurality of curved support members and chain segments cooperate to intercept flying discs which enter the target. The curved support members deflect and disturb the flight path of the disc and reduce the momentum thereof. The chain segments arrest forward motion of the disc, and the disc drops into an underlying receiving area. The receiving area may be a basket structure mounted below the interception structure. The assembly may further include a raised stand structure. The curved support members may be elongate tubular members which extend over the receiving area. The support members may be arched outwardly or inwardly over the receiving area, and may be convertible between conf igurations. The support members and chain segments may also be selectively configured to give the target a directional bias, so that it more readily receives discs from one direction than from another.

Abstract: A modified goal post is provided including an upstanding post, a large frame mounted on the post, and a small frame mounted within the frame.

Abstract: A joint having a socket portion facilitates forming a collapsible structure. The joints can be formed as corner joints or straight joints and any number of members may be connected to the joints. The socket portion of the joint accommodates a movable member which has multiple degrees of motion. The movable member is connected with a threaded or otherwise twistable connection to the rod of a heim joint which rotates on a roll pin. The movable portion moves in and out of the socket portion to erect and collapse the structure. Frame members are attached to the fixed and movable portions of the joint. A cover plate on the joint assists in aligning the movable portion into the proper position so that the erect structure is stable.

Abstract: The ball return system has two horizontal poles, top and bottom, thus stretching the material vertically. The ball return system has two vertical poles, right and left, thus stretching the material horizontally forming the face of the frame. Attached to the horizontal and vertical poles are four angled poles looped through the material, two on left side and two on right side—the top angled poles on either side extend to the ground thus supporting the system—thus attached to a horizontal pole in the mid-section, in front of material of the front frame, causing an infinite amount of different directional returns. The attached weights to the mid-section horizontal pole secure the system.

Abstract: A golf practice net assembly which allows a user to easily and conveniently practice tee-shots in a limited and/or indoor area, and is easily carried, kept or installed. In the net assembly, the net is appropriately tensioned, thus effectively stopping flying balls without failure. The net assembly has a U-shaped base pipe unit laid on a support surface. A main support pipe is mounted to an end of each side arm of the base pipe unit. The support pipe extends upwardly and is inclined outwardly relative to the side arm at an angle of 45°±10°. First and second tension pipes are coupled to each other using a joint, thus forming a tension pipe unit with a holding pin being provided at an outside end of the tension pipe unit for holding a net. The tension pipe unit is mounted to the support pipe at the lower end thereof.

Abstract: A net set for a swing set and method for attaching the net set which enables the swing set to be used as a soccer goal, comprising: a back net piece with at least two substantially vertical side edges and one substantially horizontal top edge; two side net pieces each attached to the back piece along at least one of the side edges; a net top piece attached to the back piece along the top edge; and one or more ties or straps for removably attaching one or more of the net pieces to the swing set.

Abstract: A removable basketball backboard cover adapted to fit on a basketball backboard. The cover comprises a central portion and a leading edge portion. The central portion is adapted to extend across a front face of a basketball backboard and has an opening through which a rim on the front face of the backboard projects. The leading edge portion of the removable cover is adapted to extend across a portion of the back face of the backboard. The central portion of the removable cover preferably displays indicia such as advertising or other promotional material.

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

Abstract: An underwater dart board game which includes a dart board that may be thrown into a pool and settles on the bottom. The dart board has target areas thereon and a plurality of weighted darts are provided for throwing in the water on top of the dart board.

Abstract: A portable net has an erected configuration for stopping the flight of a golf ball and returning it to a selected location and a folded configuration for storage or transport. The portable net has an elastic frame formed of a single elastic member that forms a base and a net support section. A net is connected to the net support section of the frame so that the net extends away from the base in the erected configuration. The frame is configured such that a person may put the frame into a folded configuration by deforming the first and second frame members into a plurality of generally concentric rings. A retainer such as a strap is provided for selectively retaining the frame in the folded configuration. The frame is formed such that elastic forces in the frame spontaneously move the frame to the erected configuration when the retainer is not engaged to retain the frame in the storage configuration.

Abstract: A target game apparatus for use with a flying disc to be thrown includes an open framework structure to be supported upright on the surface, a target suspended within the confines of the open framework by a plurality of tensioned elastic straps interconnecting the target to the framework structure, and a net attached to the rear of the framework structure to retain the flying disc thrown.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved disc-catching device. A member shaped as an inclined plane for purposes of attaching the chains of the disc-catching device is provided. The particular shape of the inclined plane member allows the top link of the chain to more easily slide inwardly when the chain is impacted by a disc. This arrangement allows the disc-catching device to more easily absorb the energy of the disc making it more likely that the disc will stop and drop down into a catch-basket rather than being deflected away.

Abstract: A field game goal structure which includes a plurality of inner elongate members, at least two of which are connected at an upper end and have spaced apart bottom ends. A plurality of outer elongate members have one end of each outer member attached to one of the bottom ends of each of the inner elongate members. The outer elongate members extending outwardly from a centrally portion of the goal structure. A free end of each of at least two of the outer elongate members are connected. The inner and the outer elongate members in combination define a plurality of intersecting non-vertical, non-horizontal planes.

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: A collapsible pitching screen assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an elongate container. There are a pair of elongate, spaced apart uprights collapsibly mounted within and extending upwardly from the container proximate respective ends of the container. A crossbar is detachably interconnected between respective upper portions of the uprights. There is a flexible barrier including upper and lower ends and a pair of sides that extend between the upper and lower ends. The upper end of the barrier is attached to the crossbar and each side of the barrier is attached to a respective one of the uprights such that the side is restricted from separating from the upright and the barrier is movable between a raised condition wherein the crossbar is connected between the uprights and a collapsed condition wherein the crossbar is detached from the uprights and disposed in the container.

Abstract: A rebound net 10 having a reinforced periphery 20 that can be removably attached to a structure surrounding a door opening of domestic garage. The net 10, while attached to the structure 24, substantially closes the opening 22. The periphery 20 of the rebound net 10 is removably attached to the structure 24 by a first means 26 of an eye bolt 28 and a snap hook 30, a second means 40 of a J-type screw hook 42 and an adjustable strap 44 and a third means 54 of an anchor pin 56 and a shock cord hooks 58. Tension on the rebound net 10 is adjusted by the adjustable strap 44.