Abstract: A ball toy has an inner spherical shell within an outer spherical shell, a light source being mounted within the inner shell adjacent to a first end of a plurality of etched optical fibers having the other ends arrayed between the inner and outer shells. The outer shell is translucent while the inner shell has a coated outer surface that reflects light from the optical fibers. Between the light source and the first end of the optical fibers is a color chamber having different color elements through which light may be transmitted and which may move when the ball moves so as to vary the colors received by the optical fibers thereby effecting variation in the color seen as the ball rolls or is otherwise moved, the light seen at the translucent shell fluctuating according to the colors transmitted. A motion switch and/or a master switch may be used to turn the system on and off. A timer may deactivate the circuits if the ball is not moved after a period of time.

Abstract: A game ball system is presented including a ball, a means for position sensing for determining and producing information regarding the ball's position, an input device to receive user input, a processor connected with the means for position sensing and the input device to receive the information representing ball's position. The processor is also configured to receive the user input, and to process the information representing the ball's position and the user input according to a set of game rules to generate game output messages, which are outputted to the user via an output device in a user-understandable form. In operation, when a user tosses the ball upward, the processor receives a combination of user input and information about the ball's position, and processes them according to a set of game rules, providing feedback to the user regarding the game in the form of output messages from the output device.

Abstract: An illuminated archery arrow that includes conventional components such as a tubular shaft, a pointed head attached to the forward end of the shaft, fletchings on the rearward portion of the shaft and a nock at the rear end of the shaft. The arrow structure also includes a novel and improved tail lighting assembly carried interiorly of the rearward portion of the arrow shaft. The lighting assembly comprises a light source disposed in proximity to a light transmitting nock, a battery for powering the light source, a normally open switch responsive to a magnetic field for closing the switch contacts, and other circuit elements that interconnect the battery and the light source. Depending upon the circuit configuration, the battery voltage may be applied intermittently to the light source and then turned off or applied constantly for a specified time and then turned off.

Abstract: A flashing ball comprising a motion-activated flasher circuit within a hollow translucent or transparent inner ball bearing printed indicia on its outer surface and covered by a translucent or transparent spherical outer ball. The outer surface of the inner ball is roughened in one embodiment to enhance ink retention. The flasher circuit includes means for supplying pulses to a plurality of spaced light sources in alternating pulse bursts, and the ball is adapted to produce a flashing ring of light at its periphery in response to light generated by the light sources.

Abstract: An impact illuminated bowling ball including a light transmitting core, a pair of LEDs embedded in the core, a piezoelectric transducer embedded in the core and electrically connected to the LEDs. A shock amplifying mechanism in the form of a steel ball is located in operative engagement with the piezoelectric transducer. A rechargeable electric battery in the core is electrically connected to a solar electric collector for recharging. An integrated timing circuit is used to continue illumination during start or stop times when the transducer is actuated by an impact of the bowling ball.

Abstract: A sound and light effects ball structure, in which a sound and light element is fitted. As the ball is thrown, the ball structure will emit a light and sound effect. Its principal features are its transparent inner bladder and its translucence. Also, the inner bladder is sewn into the outer ball skin. The invention's features is a suspended strap that is connected inside and between the upper and lower sides of the inner bladder. Additionally, the suspended strap's center is affixed with a balance-switching sound and light element. The sound and light element is controlled by a battery. When the ball is thrown, its movement causes the sound and light element to move and emit the sound and light effects, which will be passed through the translucent ball skin. Furthermore, since the said sound and light element is secured at the ball's central interior, the centrifugal force keeps the ball from wavering.

Abstract: A wrist ball comprises a lower shell and an upper shell which is joined with the top of the lower shell. The lower shell is provided therein with a bracing ring and a rotary member. The upper shell is provided at the top thereof with a round opening. The rotary member is provided in the periphery thereof with a groove which is in turn provided with a first engaging portion. The round opening of the upper shell is sealed off by a cap which is provided with two through holes for receiving a pull member. The pull member has a rod portion which is provided with a second engaging portion that is engaged with the first engaging portion of the rotary member. The rotary member is actuated by the pull member to rotate.

Abstract: A device for measuring a movable object, such as a baseball, football, hockey puck, soccer ball, tennis ball, or a golf ball. Part of the device, called the object unit, is embedded, secured, or attached to the movable object of interest, and consists of an accelerometer network, electronic processor circuit, and a radio transmitter. The other part of the device, called the monitor unit, is held or worn by the user and serves as the user interface for the device. The monitor unit has a radio receiver, a processor, an input keypad, and an output display that shows the various measured motion characteristics of the movable object, such as the distance, time of flight, speed, trajectory height, spin rate, or curve of the movable object, and allows the user to input data to the device.

Abstract: An article suitable for throwing in games and able to produce sound and light on impact is provided. The article includes a rigid inner shell having sound and light producing apparatus mounted therein and a flexible outer layer integrally formed from clear or opaque plastic material to cover the entire inner shell and to provide the article with sufficient impact strength and safety in use. The sound and light producing apparatus is powered with batteries and preset to be actuated on impact. The inner shell and the outer layer are formed of aligned sound holes and insertion slots. When the article is not in use, an insert plate can be inserted into the aligned insertion slots to open the circuit of the sound and light producing means and thereby prevents the same from unexpected actuation and unnecessary consumption of battery energy.

Abstract: On shooting of archery arrows, there is extreme difficulty in following the flight of an arrow, and further difficulty in finding the spent arrow. To obviate the above difficulties disclosure is made of apparatus assembly of an LED light bulb connected to a battery through a single pole switch, and the LED light bulb butting up to the bottom of the arrow nock and the assembly attached to the fletched end of an arrow and the string of the bow opening the single pole switch to "off" when the arrow is in position for shooting, and on shooting the arrow from the bow the single pole switch is in a closed, or on, position to energize the LED light bulb to give off light through the nock, and as part of the apparatus there is a nock protective cap, and a tongue inside of the protective cap, and the nock protective cap on placing over the apparatus nock and the tongue extending to the single pole switch contact opens the switch to turn to "off".

Abstract: An illuminated game ball for use in playing a field game at night. The game ball includes an illumination case mounted within first and second shell halves and having batteries that are selectively connected to an LED for illuminating the game ball for nighttime play. A cap in the ball is rotated to one of three selective orientations to either illuminate the LED, extinguish the LED, or be removed to provide access to the battery compartments. Ideally the game ball is formed from translucent or transparent plastic that can be tinted with various colors.

Abstract: The kickball information delivery system employs a ball having an internally disposed device for emitting a first sound location signal, a base transmitter unit for emitting a second sound location signal as well as a signal and an information unit to be mounted on a person for emitting a third pulsed sound signal to indicate the location of the person. In addition, the information unit is able to receive the signal and to use the reception of the signal to change the pulse frequency of the third sound signal to indicate alignment with the signal, for example to permit running from home plate to first base.

Abstract: A golf ball locator system. The golf ball comprises a transmitter that transmits a coded signal, identifying the ball, and that is received by an array of receivers. The receivers measure either the angle of arrival, or the time of arrival of the signal, which is transmitted to a processor that uses triangulation calculations to generate location coordinates of the golf ball. The processor then transmits the location coordinates to a display unit. The display unit can be portable and viewed by the golfer. The display unit can simply display golf ball position coordinates in relation to a pre-existing golf course map, or display the golf ball on a map which may include various landmarks of the golf course. The system can further include a player location device that allows the system to give audio or visual traveling instructions to assist the golfer to locate his/her ball.

Abstract: A spinning-type game piece that can be tossed at, and secured to, a magnetically attractive game surface. The game piece includes an aerodynamic body of thin sheet material with a base portion and at least one rotor. A magnetic substrate is secured to an underside of the base portion.

Abstract: A device for measuring the time of flight, speed, and trajectory height of a projectile, such as a baseball, football, hockey puck, or model rocket, or the time and speed of swing of a movable object, such as a baseball bat or golf club. Part of the device, called the object unit, is embedded, secured, or attached to the projectile or movable object of interest, and consists of an acceleration sensor, threshold circuit, and a radio transmitter. The other part of the device, called the monitor unit, is held or worn by the user and serves as the user interface for the device. The monitor unit has a radio receiver, a processor, an input keypad, and a display that shows the various measured motion characteristics of the projectile or movable object, such as distance, time of flight, speed, and trajectory height, and allows the user to input data to the device.

Abstract: An illuminated footbag for increasing the visibility of the footbag in low light conditions such as at night. The illuminated footbag includes a generally translucent footbag having a cavity therein with a light source provided in the cavity for illuminating the footbag.

Abstract: A projectile having photoluminescent properties is exposed to light within a gun when propelled from the gun to excite the photoluminescent surface and provide a visual display by the propelled projectile. The projectile is illuminated by a flash lamp, such as a xenon flash lamp, having a high level ultraviolet light component and relatively low or non-existent red, orange and infrared components.

Abstract: A system is provided with a directional antenna having first and second antenna patterns oriented around an antenna boresight direction. The antenna boresight is oriented in a direction corresponding to a play determinative line on a playing field. Signals are emitted firm a playing object, used as a ball and detect using the two antenna patterns. Comparison of the detected signals provides an output indication when the playing object crosses the play determinative line.

Abstract: A game device known as a game sack or kick bag comprising a shell of a flexible material having at least a portion of the shell translucent, a plurality of discreet particles within the shell and a light assembly having a light source at least partially within the shell, and a switch for switching said light source on and off as desired. The arrangement provides a HACKEY SACK.TM. which is visible at night.

Abstract: A game ball has a hollow spherical shell with at least a portion thereof that is translucent. A plurality of dimples are disposed on the outer surface of the hollow shell. At least some of the dimples comprise double concave negative lenses with a convex portion generally concentric with an outer concave surface of the double concave negative lenses. An impact triggering mechanism, a power source, and a light source are contained within a bulb that is contained within an open inner volume of the hollow shell. Upon impact of the game ball with an outside body, the impact triggering mechanism sends power from the power source to energize the light source. Light is emitted and refracted through the lenses whereby the game ball tends to glow and attention is attracted to the game ball. A volume of liquid is contained within the open inner volume of the hollow shell for dampening energy and protecting the bulb.

Abstract: An illuminated basketball goal comprises a first light source carried by the perimeter of the backboard and a second light source positioned within a recess formed in the perimeter of the rim. The target square, located on the front face of the backboard is made of an electroluminescent material or a fluorescent compound which glows upon activation of the first and second light source. The net depending from the rim is made of a reflective material. The first and second light source are made of a luminous material, providing an even, indirect source of illumination. Also advanced is a basketball having a luminous coating placed within the ribs recessed below the surface of the ball. Alternatively, the ball can be formed with clear tubing which accepts a charge of a chemiluminescent fluid.

Abstract: The self contained flight duration measurement and recording apparatus is designed to be affixed to or contained within an object that will experience a duration of flight. The apparatus will measure and display the elapsed time of the object's flight. A timing device is positioned in a housing. The timing device is activated by acceleration forces on the object and deactivated by the deceleration forces acting upon the object. The force sensing unit that controls the time is an electrical switch that closes momentarily when subjected to inertial changes. The switch has a central core surrounded by a coil, both of which are integrated into a circuit. As the device experiences acceleration or deceleration, the core will contact the coil which will turn on or turn off the timer. Switch sensitivity can be adjusted as necessary for the specific purposes of the device.

Abstract: A lighted, inflatable device comprises a substantially sealed outer shell, an inner inflatable bladder disposed within the outer shell, a valve for inflating the inner inflatable bladder, and an illumination element disposed within the inner inflatable bladder. The illumination element includes a resistor for conserving battery life. The bladder and shell have translucent portions through which light from the illumination element passes.

Abstract: An illuminatable plastic disc that spins and flies when thrown including chemiluminescent composition passages that extend radially across substantially the entire disc so when the disc spins in darkness, the entire disc appears illuminated. The chemiluminescent passages are formed integrally with the disc both in a two molding embodiment and in a single molding embodiment.

Abstract: A glow-in-the-dark article illuminated with phosphorescent filling material and a charging case is described. The article has a pliant outer skin made of light-transmissive fabric on which a light-blocking image is affixed. The skin contains phosphorescent beads or particles. The charging box has an interior cavity with a transparent floor and netting for supporting the glow-in-the-dark article directly above a black light source, thereby effectively suspending the ball free from the sides of the cavity.

Abstract: A gravity teaching aid in the form of a tennis ball which includes a magnet for retaining the tennis ball against a metal surface against the downward pull exerted by the earth's magnetic field.

Abstract: A generally spherical soft flexible outer skin is formed of a plurality of panels commonly joined to each other along their respective edges. Certain of the panels are formed of an opaque material while others are formed of a light transmissive foraminous material. The interior of the spherical outer skin is loosely filled with a particulate filler formed of a photoluminescent material. The resulting footbag is activated by exposing the foraminous panels to a strong light source. Thereafter, the photoluminescent particulate filler emits light outwardly through the apertures of the foraminous panels but not through the opaque panels.

Abstract: A luminous spherical body is composed of a spherical inner body and an outer layer engaged over the spherical inner body. The spherical inner body is provided with a power source compartment for housing a power source switching main body and a circuit mechanism. The circuit mechanism comprises a plurality of loops radiating throughout the spherical inner body and having at least one luminous lamp. The outer layer is provided with a plurality of transparent or translucent panels corresponding in location to the luminous lamps of the spherical inner body.

Abstract: The invention discloses an amusement projectile characterized in a first embodiment by a football shape which is thrown by a user and which comprises electronics therein to measure and display the distance traveled by the thrown ball to the point of impact with the ground or to another user. Using an accelerometer in cooperation with a microprocessing board disposed within the ball, the distance traveled is determined by measuring the initial velocity and the time recorded during the flight of the ball based upon changes in the acceleration of the ball, and an inset liquid crystal display screen mounted on the football is used to display the distance as well as time of flight and a nondimensional thrust value. A toggle button is used to alternately display the "flight characteristics," which are distinguished by the position of a decimal in the three digit display.

Abstract: A game footbag includes an electronic light source circuit. The electronic light source circuit includes an energy source coupled to a light source and an inertial switch. In one embodiment, the energy source is a battery, and the light source includes a light emitting diode. The inertial switch is activated when the footbag is accelerated, such as, for example, when the footbag is kicked or struck. When activated, the inertial switch causes the light emitting diode to emit light. In another embodiment, a timer may be coupled to the inertial switch and the light emitting diode. When the inertial switch is activated, the timer is triggered, which causes the light emitting diode to emit light for a predetermined time period after the footbag is accelerated. In another embodiment, the electronic light source circuit includes a phototransistor that prevents the light source from emitting light when the footbag is exposed to light.

Abstract: An object with a hologram image and method of fabrication comprising a first outermost layer. Such first layer has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The first layer is formed of a coating with a diffraction grating on its interior most surface. The first layer is coated with a solution, either solvent or water born, and is of a transparent material which is an ultraviolet stabilized polymer. The material of the first layer is an acrylic polymer, preferably polyurethane and constitutes a flexible metalized sheet. A second layer has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The second layer is formed of a reflective layer of aluminum deposit vacuum. A third innermost layer has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The third layer is formed of hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: An inflatable ball with a digital pressure display including a ball body, and a pressure display mechanism disposed in the ball body. The pressure display mechanism includes a pressure sensor and a display. The sensor may detect the pressure of air inside the ball body, and the display indicates the air pressure value, so that the user may know the amount of air pressure in the ball body any time.

Abstract: A hgh-visbility inflated game ball such as a basketball, football, soccer ball, volleyball or the like. The game ball includes a central inflated portion and a metallocene catalyzed polyolefin cover formed over the central inflated portion. In one embodiment, the cover has fluorescent pigment, fluorescent dye, and/or optical brighteners incorporated therein in order to impart to the cover a reflectance of at least 75% in at least a part of the visible spectrum. In another embodiment, reflective metallic particles are incorporated in addition to, or in place of the pigment, dye and optical brightener in order to add a glittery appearance to the ball cover. The particularly preferred game ball of the invention is a basketball. The game ball is particularly useful at dusk when conventional basketballs of a dull orange color become difficult to see.

Abstract: A pneumatic playball which emits a series of strobe-like light flashes each time the ball is bounced by a player. The playball includes a spherical casing formed of flexible, translucent plastic material having internal plugs at the opposing poles of the sphere. Suspended between the polar plugs along the diametrical axis of the spherical casing is a light-flashing unit. The unit includes at least one light-emitting diode (LED) connected to a battery through an electronic blinker which each time it is activated, yields a series of voltage pulses which is applied to the LED to produce a series of light flashes. Activation of the blinker is effected by a motion sensing switch which closes to activate the blinker only when the ball is bounced or otherwise undergoes an abrupt change in velocity.

Abstract: An illuminated sports ball including flexible transparent tubing on its exterior for housing and exposing flexible light sources. The tubing is recessed in grooves around the ball so that only a portion thereof projects outward from the exterior surface of the ball. In one embodiment, the grooves terminate at common points on the ball and a central throughbore extends through the ball between these common points. An anchor cord which extends through a bore within the ball may be attached to the ends of the tubes to secure the tubes in the grooves. The tubes may extend within the ball to attach to the anchor cord, or to other tubes positioned around the ball. The light sources are chemiluminescent light sticks which are inserted into the tubes through a central slot. The slot desirably faces the grooves during use and the tubes are torsionally flexible and can be rotated to face outward for inserting the light sticks.

Abstract: Electronic detection and location of missiles, such as darts, are disclosed in which either ambient electromagnetic noise or specifically transmitted electromagnetic impressed signals are altered by interference from the missile, and this change is detected to detect the missile and its location. The material of the target area into which the missile is embedded is electrically nonconductive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching and improving manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination, includes a generally rectangular solid object which is adapted to be flipped or tossed into the air and caught using solely the back of one hand, or the backs of the immediately adjacent finger segments. The object is relatively small and light, with at least slightly rounded corners, to preclude injury to the bony and unpadded back(s) of a person's hand and/or fingers. The object may include markings, instructions, and/or luminescence thereon, if desired. The method generally comprises moving the back of the hand and/or fingers to manipulate the object thereon. The object may be tossed into the air, using either the fingertips or from the back of one hand or the other, and caught by the tossing person or by another in a group.

Abstract: A permanently sealed, lighted, inflatable device comprises a permanently sealed outer shell, an inner inflatable bladder disposed within the outer shell, a valve for inflating the inner inflatable bladder, and a self-contained, non-replaceable illumination element disposed between and engagingly held in place by the inner inflatable translucent bladder and the outer translucent shell. The illumination element includes a control element for conserving battery life. The bladder and shell have translucent portions through which light from the illumination element passes.

Abstract: In a batting practice range where a pitching machine is installed to automatically pitch a ball toward a batter's box, hitting zones such as out zones, hit zones and home run zones are provided in front of the batter's box to detect a ball driven into either one of them from the batter's box for judging the ball as "Out", "Hit" or "Home run". An upright board is installed behind the batter's box and provided with a strike sensor for detecting vibration caused by a ball pitched by the pitching machine and struck the upright board and for judging the ball as "Strike". If a ball pitched by the pitching machine is not detected as any one of "Out", "Hit", "Home run" or "Strike" within a predetermined time, the ball is Judged as a foul ball.

Abstract: A game comprising a plurality of substantially rigid playing discs each having an upper and lower surface bound by a circumferential ridge which is up-raised with respect to the upper and lower surfaces so as to provide a recess in the upper surface for accommodating therein a corresponding protrusion in the lower surface of an adjacent playing disc placed thereon, the upper surface having a visual image thereon. In use, the playing discs are stacked one top of another and each player is provided with a turn for striking a topmost one of the playing discs towards a periphery thereof so as thereby to upturn a number of the playing discs in the stack, the player claiming for himself those discs whose upper surface is downmost. An object of the game is to maximize the number of upturned playing discs.

Abstract: A new Electronic Goal Detecting System for accurately detecting and signaling if an object, such as a hockey puck or a hockey ball, passes through the goal posts of a hockey goal thereby preventing disagreements between players, and for displaying the total goals scored. The inventive device includes a hockey goal, a sensing means mounted to the hockey goal, an object such as a hockey puck or a hockey ball received by the hockey goal, a pickup means positioned within the hockey puck or the hockey ball detected by the sensing means, a power supply electronically attached to the sensing means, and a goal signal means electronically attached to the sensing means.

Abstract: A game platform for use with darts, with a surface designed to allow for a wide range of games to be played on the surface. This is achieved by having removable and interchangeable printed surfaces which are simply sheets, each with a different game printed on its surface, that can be held in place over top of the game platform surface with a clear film. The game platform is designed so that it may be used in conjunction with a floor tape, corresponding to the game sheet used, marked with a series of gradations, which is used to determine the throwing distance that a player must throw his darts from, which in turn depends on the player's "position" on the platform.

Abstract: A flying disc toy of the FRISBEE.RTM. type provides a lighting system having LEDs used in conjunction with a glow-in-the-dark body. The flying disc provides a raised center section having a plurality of LEDs mounted radially at spaced intervals. A motion responsive switch is used to turn on the LEDs in response to movement of the disc. Electronic circuitry controlling the LEDs provides a timer circuit that automatically turns off the LEDs a timed period after they are turned on. As a result of the motion sensitive switch and timer circuit, the lights flash on and off rapidly as the disc flies through air turbulence. No on-off switch is required, since the circuitry rapidly turns itself off. Because no on-off switch is present, all components are carried in a waterproof raised center section having no opening. An optional battery plug structure is threadedly insertable into a plug receiver in the raised center section, and allows the user to replace the battery.

Abstract: An inflatable ball includes a gas tight hollow body and an illuminating device. The device includes a mounting seat body having a base sealingly and integrally bonded to the wall of the hollow body and an inwardly extending light housing which confines a space hermetically sealed from the inflatable space of the body. The base has an opening for access to the space of the mounting seat body and the light housing. A cap is removably provided to close the opening of the base. The illuminating device is received in the space.

Abstract: A dark court game apparatus and method involves securing illumination markers to a ball-based game court to identify portions of the court so the players can orient themselves relative to the court when it is rendered dark. At least a portion of a game ball is likewise illuminated so that its location and direction can be detected in the dark. Various combinations of illumination markers may be illuminated for varying the difficulty of game play with the least number of illumination markers corresponding to the highest level of difficulty. The invention is further directed to the court, illumination markers and game ball used to accomplish the method of the invention.