Abstract: Flying object games including systems and methods for playing the same using one or more football goal posts with two or more award slots.

Abstract: A retractable sports goal includes a base housing and a goal frame. The housing includes first and second post sections and a crossbar housing section. The goal frame includes first and second goal posts and a crossbar. The goal frame has a playing position and a retracted position. In the playing position the crossbar is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively extended from the first and second goal post housing sections. In the retracted position the crossbar is disposed in the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively disposed in the first and second goal post housing sections. A cover plate includes portions that surround the goal posts. Wheels may be attached to the bottom portions of the goal posts. A counter-weight may be provided to bias the goal frame towards the playing position.

Abstract: Systems for detecting a successful field goal are described herein. More specifically, the systems are directed at automated detection for a field goal attempt. The systems evaluate whether the football was kicked within the designated area (e.g., above the cross bar and between the two upright poles). The detection is performed through the use of cameras, lasers and detectors associated with the field goal post. In this way, the systems assist referees in determining the success of the field goal attempt.

Abstract: A real time system to televise sporting events from amongst the players on the playing field is disclosed. Sports paraphernalia that are ordinarily used by the players on the playing field are instrumented with a variety of TV cameras, microphones, and bi-directional communication electronics. Sports paraphernalia like footballs, ice hockey pucks, baseball first bases, baseball second bases, baseball third bases, baseball home plates and baseball pitcher's rubbers are disclosed. The instrumentation is built into and contained within the sports paraphernalia themselves. The instrumented sports paraphernalia televise signals to an antenna array relay junction, which relays the signals to a remote base station where they are processed and finally broadcast to a TV viewing audience. The cameraman in the remote base station exercises command and control over the functions of the instrumented sports paraphernalia.

Abstract: A netting apparatus adapted to display advertising content at a sporting event is disclosed. The netting apparatus comprises a first panel and a second panel. The first panel may comprise an open mesh netting, wherein the open mesh netting is adapted to safely stop a ball without significant obstruction of view through the open mesh netting. The second panel may comprise a open mesh netting, wherein the open mesh netting is located either in front of the first panel or behind the first panel.

Abstract: A netting apparatus adapted to display advertising content at a sporting event is disclosed. The netting apparatus comprises a net and a plurality of mesh netting pieces. The net may comprise an open mesh netting, wherein the open mesh netting is adapted to safely stop a ball without significant obstruction of view through the open mesh netting. The mesh netting may also include a plurality of cut-out portions. Each piece of the plurality of mesh netting pieces may be colored and each piece may be in the shape of a logo such that each piece corresponds to a one of the plurality of cut-out portions on the net. Each piece may be attached to the net such that the net and the plurality of mesh netting pieces do not overlap each other with each mesh netting piece located within the corresponding cut-out portion of the net.

Abstract: Rotatable and hinged goal posts are operably rotatable so that the goal post may rotated to a first position with the uprights being disposed toward a playing field such as for use when playing football, and to second position where the uprights being disposed away from the playing field such as for use when playing soccer. In addition, the rotatable and hinged goal posts are operably pivotable from a raised orientation and a lowered orientation, and vice versa.

Abstract: Rotatable and hinged goal posts are operably rotatable so that the goal post may rotated to a first position with the uprights being disposed toward a playing field such as for use when playing football, and to second position where the uprights being disposed away from the playing field such as for use when playing soccer. In addition, the rotatable and hinged goal posts are operably pivotable from a raised orientation and a lowered orientation, and vice versa.

Abstract: An inflatable goal post includes interconnected hollow inflatable members formed with a flexible material where some of the inflatable members form side posts and a crossbar. A blower provides continuous positive air pressure into the hollow structure formed by the inflatable members. The dimensions of the inflatable goal post allow for training and game play. For example, the height of the crossbar is between 9 feet and 11 feet and the distance between the side posts is between 14 feet and 24 feet.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible goal post including a tubular base defining a T-shape perpendicularly and vertically affixed to an upright. A post is pivotably attached to the upright, and pivots between a position parallel to the base and a position perpendicular to the base. The goal post further includes a tubular cross bar perpendicularly affixed to the post in opposing relation to the upright with a pair of tubular arms pivotably attached in opposing relation to different ones of the cross bar ends, each of the arms defining an L-shape and a cup, each of the cups defining a square cross-section. The goal post also includes a pair of poles, wherein the poles are inserted into different ones of the cups and the post is pivoted into a vertical position in line with the upright. A method of using the goal post is also included.

Abstract: A sports goal is configured to have display lighting and fireworks. This goal post has a light emitting device, a laser lighting emitting device, and remote transmitter for controlling the light emitting device and a sound emitting device. The goal post may come in a variety of sign display appearances.

Abstract: Low cost, durable, reusable, lightweight, inexpensive, simple, easy to assemble/disassemble, transportable goal posts. Each goal posts may be composed of single piece T reinforcements and a single piece cross bar reinforcement, as well as readily available construction materials, such as PVC pipe. The bodies of the single piece reinforcements are sized so that the pipes forming the upright posts and crossbar have the same length. Assembly, disassembly, and transportation are simplified. The disassembled components can be carried in vans and SUVs. Internal reinforcements allow flexible, low cost materials such as PVC pipe to be used while maintaining a professional, aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: Low cost, durable, reusable, lightweight, inexpensive, simple, easy to assemble/disassemble, transportable goal posts. Each goal posts may be composed of single piece T reinforcements and a single piece cross bar reinforcement, as well as readily available construction materials, such as PVC pipe. The bodies of the single piece reinforcements are sized so that the pipes forming the upright posts and crossbar have the same length. Assembly, disassembly, and transportation are simplified. The disassembled components can be carried in vans and SUVs. Internal reinforcements allow flexible, low cost materials such as PVC pipe to be used while maintaining a professional, aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A collapsible goal post includes a lower support extending from a playing field; a upper support having a first end and a second end, and a pivot assembly attaching the first end of the upper support to the lower support; an upper assembly comprising two uprights and a crossbar having two ends. The crossbar is attached to the second end of the support at about the midpoint of the crossbar. One of the two uprights is attached to each end of the crossbar. The upper support is configured to pivot about the pivot point assembly to move the upright assembly from a raised position to a lowered position. The two uprights are substantially perpendicular to the playing field in the raised position, and are substantially parallel to and contacting the playing field in the lowered position while the upper assembly and upper support remain attached to the lower support.

Abstract: A soccer training apparatus comprises a net capable of being placed in a deployed position, connected to or located adjacent a soccer goal frame and above a soccer playing surface, so as to cover a portion of a target opening bounded by the soccer goal frame and soccer playing surface. The net includes a peripheral edge located relative to the soccer goal frame so as to form a gap which extends around the net in the deployed position. which permits a soccer ball to pass through and enter the soccer goal area.

Abstract: A netting apparatus adapted to display advertising content at a sporting event is disclosed. The netting apparatus comprises a first panel and a second panel. The first panel may comprise an open mesh netting, wherein the open mesh netting is adapted to safely stop a ball without significant obstruction of view through the open mesh netting.

Abstract: A method for using a netting apparatus adapted to display advertising content at a sporting event is disclosed. The netting apparatus comprises a first panel and a second panel. The first panel may comprise an open mesh netting, wherein the open mesh netting is adapted to safely stop a ball without significant obstruction of view through the open mesh netting. The second panel may comprise a solid material, wherein the solid material is located either in front of the first panel or behind the first panel.

Abstract: A collapsible goal post includes a lower support extending from a playing field; a upper support having a first end and a second end, and a pivot assembly attaching the first end of the upper support to the lower support; an upper assembly comprising two uprights and a crossbar having two ends. The crossbar is attached to the second end of the support at about the midpoint of the crossbar. One of the two uprights is attached to each end of the crossbar. The upper support is configured to pivot about the pivot point assembly to move the upright assembly from a raised position to a lowered position. The two uprights are substantially perpendicular to the playing field in the raised position, and are substantially parallel to and contacting the playing field in the lowered position while the upper assembly and upper support remain attached to the lower support.

Abstract: Rotatable and hinged goal posts are operably rotatable so that the goal post may rotated to a first position with the uprights being disposed toward a playing field such as for use when playing football, and to second position where the uprights being disposed away from the playing field such as for use when playing soccer. In addition, the rotatable and hinged goal posts are operably pivotable from a raised orientation and a lowered orientation, and vice versa.

Abstract: Low cost, durable, reusable, lightweight, inexpensive, simple, easy to assemble/disassemble, transportable goal posts. Each goal posts may be composed of single piece T reinforcements and a single piece cross bar reinforcement, as well as readily available construction materials, such as PVC pipe. The bodies of the single piece reinforcements are sized so that the pipes forming the upright posts and crossbar have the same length. Assembly, disassembly, and transportation are simplified. The disassembled components can be carried in vans and SUVs. Internal reinforcements allow flexible, low cost materials such as PVC pipe to be used while maintaining a professional, aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A rotatable football goalpost is provided comprising a mounting structure; a gooseneck, the gooseneck comprising an outer tubular member having first and second portions, each of the first and second portions of the outer tubular member having first and second ends, the first end of the first portion of the outer tubular member being secured to the mounting structure, the second end of the first portion of the outer tubular member releasably engaging the first end of the second portion of the outer tubular member such that the second portion of the outer tubular member is structured to rotate relative to the first portion of the outer tubular member; a cross bar attached to the second end of the second portion of the outer tubular member; and a pair of upright members extending from the cross bar.

Abstract: Rotatable sleeves are disposed adjacent the ends of the crossbar of a goalpost. A stub is integrally formed with each of the sleeves and each stub protrudes through an opening in the crossbar. The opening in the crossbar is dimensioned to permit back to front movement of the stub and corresponding rotation of the sleeve until verticality of the stub and its associated upright is achieved. At that point, the sleeve is locked against further rotation by means of a tapping block previously installed in the sleeve and engaged with a serrated bolt through an appropriately dimensioned opening in the crossbar and corresponding holes in the sleeve. Once the bolts are tightened into the tapping block, the sleeve is drawn tightly against the interior surface of the crossbar, thereby locking the sleeve and the stub and the upright against further rotation.

Abstract: Rotatable sleeves are disposed adjacent the ends of the crossbar of a goalpost. A stub is integrally formed with each of the sleeves and each stub protrudes through an opening in the crossbar. The opening in the crossbar is dimensioned to permit back to front movement of the stub and corresponding rotation of the sleeve until verticality of the stub and its associated upright is achieved. At that point, the sleeve is locked against further rotation by means of a tapping block previously installed in the sleeve and engaged with a serrated bolt through an appropriately dimensioned opening in the crossbar and corresponding holes in the sleeve. Once the bolts are tightened into the tapping block, the sleeve is drawn tightly against the interior surface of the crossbar, thereby locking the sleeve and the stub and the upright against further rotation.

Abstract: Rotatable sleeves are disposed adjacent the ends of the crossbar of a goalpost. A stub is integrally formed with each of the sleeves and each stub protrudes through an opening in the crossbar. The opening in the crossbar is dimensioned to permit back to front movement of the stub and corresponding rotation of the sleeve until verticality of the stub and its associated upright is achieved. At that point, the sleeve is locked against further rotation by means of a tapping block previously installed in the sleeve and engaged with a serrated bolt through an appropriately dimensioned opening in the crossbar and corresponding holes in the sleeve. Once the bolts are tightened into the tapping block, the sleeve is drawn tightly against the interior surface of the crossbar, thereby locking the sleeve and the stub and the upright against further rotation.

Abstract: Low cost, durable, reusable, lightweight, inexpensive, simple, easy to assemble/disassemble, transportable goal posts. The goal posts may be composed of single piece T reinforcement and single piece cross bar reinforcements, as well as readily available construction materials, such as PVC pipe. The bodies of the single piece reinforcements are sized so that the pipes forming the upright posts and crossbar have the same length. Assembly, disassembly, and transportation are simplified. The disassembled components can be carried in vans and SUVs. Internal reinforcements allow flexible, low cost materials such as PVC pipe to be used while maintaining a professional, aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A football goal comprises a framework Including two opposite gable frames (10). At its lower end, each gable frame (10) has abeam member (11), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the gable frame (10) and by means of which the gable frame (10) can rest upon a substrate for the goal, and a wheel unit (1A), comprising a wheel (15), movable between an upper inactive position and a lower active position in which it can support a front portion of the gable frame (10) in a state in which said front portion is lifted from said substrate and rests on said wheel (15). The wheel unit (1A) is mounted on the beam member (11) of the gable frame (10) in a manner permitting it to be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the beam member.

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: 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: Apparatus for teaching proper technique in shooting a basketball includes a generally V-shaped member having a first leg portion engageable with an inner surface of an index finger and a second leg portion engageable with an inner surface of a middle finger for spreading such index and middle fingers apart. A first generally cylindrical C-shaped member is connected along one edge thereof to an edge of the first leg portion adjacent an outer end thereof and has a slot like portion disposed closely adjacent a second edge of the first leg portion for adjusting to a finger size of a user. A second generally cylindrical C-shaped member is connected along one edge thereof to an edge of such second leg portion adjacent an outer end thereof. The second C-shaped member also includes a slot like portion disposed closely adjacent a second edge of the second leg portion for adjusting to a finger size of a user.

Abstract: An articulated athletic goal can be raised to a high position and/or a low position relative to the game position, for safety and security. The crossbar and uprights are supported on the end of a boom pivoted on a vertical column and powered by a hydraulic actuator, which may be operated remotely. Through either a parallel linkage or a separate hydraulic actuator, the uprights are held in a substantially vertical orientation throughout the pivoting motion. In a preferred embodiment, the boom is mounted on a single pivot and articulation enables the boom to be oriented substantially vertically downward. The boom is provided with a second, smaller, actuator, for releasing the crossbar/upright assembly when it is near the field, completely separating the crossbar/upright assembly from the boom. The sacrificial crossbar/upright assembly may then be removed by spectators without the dangerous and destructive mob action previously associated with after-game celebrations.

Abstract: A sport or game goal visual aid system includes a visible light assembly that provide a pair of angular visible light coverages next to the goal post (only outside of the goal opening) or a visible light mesh/grid only over the goal opening.

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: An articulated football goal post can be raised to a high position and a low position relative to the game position, for safety and security, and to facilitate the attachment of television cameras and the like. The crossbar and uprights are supported on the end of a boom pivoted on a vertical column and powered by a hydraulic jack, which may be operated remotely. Through either a parallel linkage or a separate hydraulic jack, the uprights are held in a substantially vertical orientation throughout the pivoting motion.

Abstract: A composite training goal includes a main frame having a plurality of posts and a goalkeeping frame having a handle lever movably assembled to the front of the main frame. A rail is defined in each of bottom surfaces of upper posts of the main frame and a front surface of a lower post at the rear thereof. Two rods are respectively upwardly attached to opposite ends of one upper post and a net is detachably attached between the rods whereas another net is attached to the posts of the main frame. A plurality of pulleys are respectively rotatably attached to the top surface of an upper horizontal trellis extending from an upper edge of the goalkeeping frame whereas another plurality of pulleys are rotatably attached to a rear surface of a rear bar of a lower horizontal trellis extending from a lower edge thereof.

Abstract: A football measuring device has a handle, a chain segment extending from the handle, and a bar mounted perpendicular to the handle. A removable clip is placed on the chain segment to mark the displacement of the football relative to the first down position.

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: An articulated football goal post can be raised to a high position and a low position relative to the game position, for safety and security, and to facilitate the attachment of television cameras and the like. The crossbar and uprights are supported on the end of a boom pivoted on a vertical column and powered by a hydraulic jack, which may be operated remotely. Through either a parallel linkage or a separate hydraulic jack, the uprights are held in a substantially vertical orientation throughout the pivoting motion.

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 pad is designed to be easily attachable about the lower portion of a football goal post by virtue of a longitudinal split extending throughout its entire length allowing the pad to be flexed apart at the split to be installed over the goal post. The pad has internal padding that may consist of closed-cell foam or any flexible batting to provide suitable padding to cushion the post so that collisions by football players and referees do not result in injury. In the preferred embodiment, the periphery of the inventive pad has a square cross-section including four flat sides, each extending the entire vertical length of the pad. Each flat surface includes an attachment device such as VELCRO® fastener allowing releasable attachment of an elongated plate that may bear advertising indicia.

Abstract: A netting material attached to a football goal post where the netting is secured at the upper two corners to the back side of the vertical uprights to provide a slack loose netting attachment behind the goal pots to collect successfully kicked footballs kicked between the uprights and the horizontal crossbar. A plurality of retainer ties are secured to the vertical border of the netting and loosely looped around the adjacent vertical upright, while a bottom retainer tie or ties are looped around the crossbar, provided the netting is sufficiently open at the bottom to enable successfully kicked footballs to drop to the ground beneath the goal post. The retainer ties maintain loose engagement of the netting with the uprights and crossbar to provide slack loose attachment to the backside of the goal post.

Abstract: An adjustable field goal assembly is provided. Adjustable field goal assembly permits a user to adjust the width of the field goal posts to widen or narrow the displacement between the field goal posts. The field goal assembly includes a support pole, a cross bar, a first upright post, a second upright post, and a displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism permits the user to move the first and/or second upright posts to vary the distance between the first and second upright posts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for playing football, wherein points attributed to made field goals are determined by the distance from which the ball was kicked. As the distance is increased, the point value for a successful kick correspondingly increases, with the team kicking having the option of moving the ball farther away from the goal so as to increase the point value of a successful kick.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for playing football, wherein points attributed to made field goals are determined by the distance from which the ball was kicked. As the distance is increased, the point value for a successful kick correspondingly increases, with the team kicking having the option of moving the ball farther away from the goal so as to increase the point value of a successful kick.

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 trolley assembly for adjusting the position of an upright along a cross-bar. The trolley assembly comprises a frame assembly, an upright support extending from the frame assembly, at least one roller assembly secured within the frame assembly and adapted to travel along the cross-bar, and a lock. The lock is moveable between an open position wherein the frame assembly is moveable relative to the cross-bar and a locked position wherein the frame assembly is fixed relative to the cross-bar.

Abstract: A net fixing device for goalposts and other structures used in games and comprising a male member and a cooperating female member, one member being for permanent fixing to the goalpost and the other being for fixing to the net. Preferably, the female member is for fixing to the goalpost and the male member is for fixing to the net. The male member and the female member are interengagable to form a ball and socket joint. The female member may comprise a base plate which mounts a body member incorporating a socket, and having an open elongated slot in the body member projecting inwardly of a mouth of the socket. The male member may comprise a shank for engaging the slot and terminating in a bulbous head for engagement of the socket and in which the shank includes attachment means for a net.

Abstract: A goalpost upright extension for extending the lengths of an upright of a football goalpost. The extension includes a tubular elongate member having an exterior, a lumen, opposite top and bottom ends, and a longitudinal axis extending between the top and bottom ends. The bottom end of elongate member is designed for receiving the upper end of an upright of a goalpost therein such that the upright extends into the lumen of the elongate member and the longitudinal axis of the elongate member extends in a generally vertical direction. The elongate member has a pair of generally coaxial stop holes therethrough between the lumen and the exterior of the elongate member. The stop holes are positioned towards the bottom end of the elongate member. The threaded portion of a stop screw is threadedly extended through the threaded inserts of the stop holes such that the threaded portion of the stop screw extends across the lumen of the elongate member.

Abstract: A score-indicating hockey goal assembly provides a television-viewable visual signal when a score is indicated.

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 detent mechanism for expandable batons of the type having a handle and at least one telescoping section. The detent mechanism including an elongated, substantially rectangular-shaped, locking button designed to provide a wide, flat surface to wide, flat surface contact for preventing deformation of the locking button and/or the mating tube of the telescoping baton section during the "recoil" and "bounce back" caused by the rapid extension of the baton to its expanded position. The locking button has radiused top edges and a top surface radiused to match the radius of the inner wall of the mating tube. The detent mechanism also includes a radiused inner recess for receiving the locking button and holding the baton in the retracted position and a biasing means in communication with the button for normally urging the button into the extended, projecting position.