Abstract: Some embodiments include a game of poker in which player actions are fixed by game rules.

Abstract: A loader device for loading BB-shot into a cartridge for air weapons includes a main body with a plurality of channels for housing respective rows of BB-shot balls and at least one holding member for holding the rows of BB-shot balls that have been introduced into the channels. Such loader device includes an elongate container with an open end and a closed end defining a cavity for storing a predetermined amount of BB-shot balls, wherein the open end has a temporary connection element for connection to the body of the cartridge, to provide simultaneous gravity loading of the rows of BB-shot balls into the respective channels of the cartridge. A cartridge for air weapons. A loader assembly including the loader device and the cartridge. A method of loading BB-shot into air weapons.

Abstract: A snow block erector set including a pair of substantially rectangular side walls, each side wall having a top edge, a bottom edge two side edges, an outside surface and an inside surface, each side edge of each side wall connecting one end of the top edge of each side wall to one end of the bottom edge of each side wall to form a top corner and a bottom corner, respectively, an aperture and lock pair disposed substantially on each of the top corners; a pair of substantially rectangular end walls, each end wall having two side edges; a pair of brace bars, each having two ends; and a channel disposed substantially along each side edge on the inside surface of each of the substantially rectangular side walls.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a crossbow system comprises a crossbow comprising a stock and a bow portion. The bow portion comprises a bowstring having a nocking point. The crossbow defines a shooting axis. The stock comprises a rope anchor located below the shooting axis. The crossbow system further comprises a cocking rope constructed and arranged to engage the bowstring and to be anchored to the rope anchor.

Abstract: An anti-dry fire system for a crossbow including a catch moveable between a closed position that retains the draw string in a drawn configuration and an open position that releases the draw string to a released configuration position. A sear is moveable between a de-cocked position and a cocked position coupled with the catch at an interface to retain the catch in the closed position such that after firing the crossbow the sear is retained in the de-cocked position by the catch. A dry fire lockout is moveable between a disengaged position and a lockout position that blocks the sear from moving to the de-cocked position. The dry fire lockout includes a portion located behind the draw string that engages with the arrow to move the dry fire lockout to the disengaged position. This configuration precludes the use of the most common arrow nocks (flat, half-moon, etc.), reducing the risk that a non-approved arrow will be used in the crossbow.

Abstract: A compound archery bow includes a pulley member that is rotatable on a transverse axle and that takes up a power cable as the bow is drawn. The pulley member is arranged so as to be fixed at any one of multiple transverse positions along its rotation axis relative to the bow limb by one or both of: (i) the transverse axle being retained on the bow limb at any one of multiple axle positions along the rotation axis by engagement of the transverse axle with the bow limb, or (ii) the pulley member being retained on the transverse axle at any one of multiple pulley positions along the transverse axle by engagement of the pulley member with the transverse axle. Performance characteristics of the bow can be optimized with respect to the transverse position of the pulley member along its rotation axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of a stabilizing camera mount apparatus having a mount assembly for mounting a camera to a bow, such as an archery bow. The mount assembly includes a camera mount with a plurality of springs and/or a dampening material interposed between a top plate and a bottom plate for providing a dampening effect that prevents the camera from excessive movement when the bow is moved by an individual.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel interactive pet ball launcher wherein digital circuitry in the ball and launcher will wirelessly track and record throw data, allowing a User to view the data on a readout in the launcher handle, or to transfer the data to a smartphone or computer via wireless technology or a data dongle that connects via USB in the handle of the launcher.

Abstract: An arrow with self-aligning features allows a user to properly nock the arrow without resorting to manual alignment of the nock and fletchings. Engagement of a removable nock and shaft, each with a rounded polygonal cross-section, such as a reuleaux triangle, allow for a fixed relative angular position between the nock and the shaft without the use of an adhesive. This allows for proper position between the nock and index vane to ensure a more accurate path of the arrow during flight. Similarly, the reuleaux triangle cross-section of the shaft may engage an arrow head with a similar reuleaux triangle for accurate alignment between the shaft and the arrow head.

Abstract: A hinged archery sight for a bow for shooting arrows includes a sight portion; a hinge portion for pivotally securing a front member of the hinged archery sight to a back member of the hinged archery sight when a bow string is disposed between the front and back members; and fasteners for securing the front and back members of the hinged archery sight to a bow string.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a stock and a bow portion comprising at least one limb and a string. A riser attaches said bow portion to the stock. A latch is located in proximity to a butt of the stock. The latch is configured to retain the string in a drawn condition. A trigger is arranged to release the latch. An extension member extends from the butt of the stock to the latch. The extension member and the stock define a cavity, and the latch assembly is oriented within the cavity.

Abstract: A bow limb retaining assembly comprises a limb and a retainer having a cavity for receiving the limb. The retainer comprises opposed lateral surfaces, a first abutting surface arranged to contact a compression surface of the limb and a second abutting surface arranged to contact a tension surface of the limb. A first length portion of the retainer includes the first abutting surface and excludes the second abutting surface, and a second length portion of the retainer includes the second abutting surface and excludes the first abutting surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinning top employing a gyroscope to enhance the amusement at spinning top play, and a spinning top play device using the same such that, since a rotor of the spinning top is not exposed to the outside, an angular momentum of the rotor can be advantageously maintained for a long period of time even when collision occurs.

Abstract: A bow string release has a housing encasing a battery, circuit board, mechanical linkage, and a trigger to actuate the mechanical linkage. The trigger and circuit board operatively energize an electro-mechanical device such as a solenoid, which produces linear motion. A roller terminating the solenoid engages a pivotal drive cam to convert the linear motion into rotary motion. A follower link couples the pivotal drive cam to a string hook. Proper arrangement of the linkages ensures a slight over-center biasing of the linkages to securely hold a bow string, while also ensuring that only a minimal force generated by the solenoid will be required to release the string.

Abstract: An improved projectile throwing apparatus is described comprising a handle, an elongate shaft, and a throwing head for throwing a projectile, such as a golf ball. The throwing head may be interchangeable with golf shafts of varied lengths, with lacrosse shafts, or other shafts to achieve accurate, long distance golf ball throws. The throwing head may be shaped to achieve throws of different distance, launch angle, and trajectory, optionally imparting spin with a retrograde ramp at the distal end of the throwing head. The throwing apparatus is useful for golf-type game play, including for those with physical disabilities, as well as for a training and instructional aid for golf, lacrosse, and other sports.

Abstract: An archery release includes, in an embodiment, a body, a finger extension configured to be connected to the body and a hook pivotally coupled to the body. Part of the body has an arc shape centered about a point. The point is located in a horizontal plane or horizontal axis when the archery release is oriented in a vertical position. The hook has a bowstring contact surface which is positioned below the horizontal plane or horizontal axis when the archery release is in the vertical position.

Abstract: A system and method for pitching balls, particularly round balls such as volleyballs. The system and method are flexibly designed to simulate different types of pitches including but not limited to setting, blocking, bumping, shooting, dinking, passing, tipping, digging, serving, killing and spiking. A stable base frame is configured with an integrated operator stand. A rack bar is affixed to a front portion of the frame at an inclined angle. Three wheels are mounted on an adjustable throwing head, each wheel being powered by a motor that is adjusted independently so that the relative speed of the wheels imparts different spin to a ball that is launched from the throwing head. The throwing head can be adjusted up and down on the rack bar to be as high as a jump serve release point or as low as a at floor level to simulate a dig. The apparatus is portable and fits through standard gymnasium doors.

Abstract: A handheld archery release includes a handle and a first finger piece which is removably and adjustably connected with the handle to provide radial adjustment of the release. Preferably, a second finger piece is removably and adjustably connected with the first finger piece. Adjusting the finger pieces forward creates a flatter hand feel and provides a faster back-tension speed for shot execution. Adjusting the finger pieces rearward or backward creates a larger arcuate shape for a more swept hand feel and a slower back-tension speed for shot execution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cartridge for an air gun that facilitates the loading of a bullet into the cartridge. The cartridge includes cylindrical unitary cartridges into which bullets are to be inserted, a cartridge assembly in which the unitary cartridges are coupled to each other and continuously disposed between both ends to form a strip shape, and a magazine case that houses the cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly is transported by a cartridge transport unit. Further, the unitary cartridges each include two cylindrical parts. The cylindrical parts of neighboring unitary cartridges are sequentially fit-coupled to each other in order to form the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: An elastic rubber band launching toy gun that uses a new method to launches 24 elastic bands in rapid succession using a simple assembly of only 13 individual parts, and featuring an optional, adjustable, sliding shoulder support stock. It is designed to resemble a Heckler & Koch MP5 firearm, as manufactured by Heckler & Koch GmbH of Oberndorf am Neckar, Germany. The rubber band gun includes a slideable, lockable stock which can be slid and locked into multiple lengths away from the butt of the firearm.