Abstract: Provided herein is an improved lacrosse stick with a teaching aid. The lacrosse stick includes an elongate member comprising a shaft with a near end and a far end designed for a user to hold the lacrosse stick. The lacrosse stick further includes a basket for holding a ball, the basket being attached to the far end of the shaft. The shaft further includes a teaching aid positioned near the far end of the shaft. The teaching aid is a curling aid which serves as a physical barrier forcing a hand to engage the shaft in a curling position.

Abstract: A sports goal target uses a visual barrier to train and develop a psychological mind set to improve shooting accuracy during practice and subsequent games. The barrier has an upper edge corresponding to the length of the upper member of the goal and two side edges having a length corresponding to the length of the side members of the goal. The inner edge is spaced apart from the outer edge to define a width, and a plurality of fasteners for attaching the barrier just inside the goal. The barrier may be composed of a flexible material or rigid or semi-rigid panels. The barrier is colored with a bright or fluorescent color intended for players to remember after the barrier is removed for practice without the barrier or a real game. The barrier may be sized for various games, with the dimensions being varied to suit the particular sport.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sports gear and in particular to sports gear that is capable of being manufactured to achieve specific performance criteria. As an example, a baseball bat is described herein. However, other sports gear where “bat-ball” type of collision is expected is also within the scope of the present invention. The sports gear can be made of a long thin-walled structure. The wall itself has long discontinuous fibers. A three dimensional (3D) structure is therefore provided. The sports gear is designed to achieve specified performance criteria.

Abstract: A play tent has a tent body, a roof, and a game device board. The tent body has a ball opening. The roof is connected with the tent body and has a ball end moveable relative to the tent body to correspond to the top of the tent body or the ball opening. The game device board is mounted on the tent body. When the ball end is moved to a position corresponding to the ball opening, a child can pitch a ball towards the game device board, and then the ball rolls to the ball opening, such that the child can pitch the ball again. When the ball end is moved to a position corresponding to the top of the tent body, the child can be engaged in other activities inside the tent body. Therefore, the play tent can provide multiple functions for use.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket and a related method of manufacture are provided. The pocket can be a molded pocket including individual molded strings, combined strings, shooting strings and support rails extending around a perimeter of the pocket. Certain pocket elements can include transition parts to smoothly transition components having different cross sections. The pocket can include a pre-formed ball channel and hole units having broadsides for connection to a head or other component. The pocket can be attached to a pocket frame, and optionally constructed from a mesh or other synthetic material that is tensioned with the pocket frame. A mold and related molding method are also provided.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket includes an elongated single layer runner with multiple cross pieces. The single layer runner can be constructed from a material, such as a polymeric material, molded over the cross pieces. The cross pieces and/or runner can include speed lace loops with which a net lace can be joined. A related method includes providing cross pieces, overmolding a polymeric material over the cross pieces to form a single layer runner, where the overmolded material is the only structure extending between and connecting the cross pieces, and where the cross pieces are transverse to the runners. Another method includes providing a pocket base overmolding the base with a polymeric material to cover portions of it, and forming connection elements between different portions independently of any other components of the pocket base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a weighted flag for use as an aerodynamic projectile directed to a target, an apparatus for receiving and storing a tossable object, and a toss game set that includes at least one weighted flag and at least one target apparatus according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using the weighted flag and target apparatus according to the present invention. The present invention further relates to a method of play that involves using the weighted flag and the target apparatus according to the present invention.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a lacrosse training aid comprising at least one glove configured to be placed on the hand of a lacrosse player, the at least one glove comprising an integrated strap mechanism configured to couple the at least one glove to a lacrosse stick in a non-dominant configuration.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket includes an elongated single layer runner with multiple cross pieces. The single layer runner can be constructed from a material, such as a polymeric material, molded over the cross pieces. The cross pieces and/or runner can include speed lace loops with which a net lace can be joined. A related method includes providing cross pieces, overmolding a polymeric material over the cross pieces to form a single layer runner, where the overmolded material is the only structure extending between and connecting the cross pieces, and where the cross pieces are transverse to the runners. Another method includes providing a pocket base overmolding the base with a polymeric material to cover portions of it, and forming connection elements between different portions independently of any other components of the pocket base.

Abstract: The tool includes a rigid base with an upright rigid post attached perpendicularly to the base a rigid form fitted outer sleeve, measured to fit snug over the upright post. This sleeve allows for height adjustability, also includes a uniquely formed and rigid wand, with a measured, weighted counterbalance end with a small hole to accommodate a bungee cord attachment and on the other end a set and re-settable fix tennis ball mounting the tennis ball itself is mounted on a spindle on a small rod which allows free rotation of the ball for the purpose of ball striking muscle memory development, the ball-mounting wand is bent, geniculate and curved into a question mark like configuration using holes and peg attach the wand to the crown of the form fitted outer sleeve using the counterbalance and the bungee cord the ball can be repeatedly struck, displaced and self-reset.

Abstract: The present invention provides a basketball hoop including a frame having a cavity for releasably holding a plurality of backboard pieces therein to form a planar backboard, a basketball hoop pivotally attached to the frame, and a projector assembly coupled to the basketball hoop. When a slam-dunk force is applied to the basketball hoop, the force rotates the hoop downward, causing a projector to pivotally swing forward. The projector applies an ejection force to a rear surface of the plurality of backboard pieces ejecting the backboard pieces from the cavity of the frame, simulating a shattering backboard caused by a slam-dunk. The backboard pieces are preferably fabricated of a safety material, such as foam, rubber, and the like. The arrangement pattern of the backboard pieces may be applied upon the frame to aid in reassembly thereof.

Abstract: A swiftly-assembling collapsible goal and a portable frame are provided. The goal includes a plurality of poles engaged together to form a frame of the goal. Engaged poles are associated with each other with a hinge disposed at a corner region therebetween. One of two engaged poles is provided with a tenon protruding from a first end thereof and the other pole of the two engaged poles is provided with a mortise slot at a second end of the other pole facing toward the first end. The tenon defines a wedge-shaped slot along an axis of the pole. An insert pin is engaged to the tenon with a wedge-shaped rib engaged in the wedge-shaped slot. The insert pin has two tabs laterally extending from two side surfaces thereof. The pole with mortise slot defines two slits in two sidewalls which define the mortise slot, for respectively receiving the two ribs therein. The tenon and the insert pin are received in the mortise slot.

Abstract: A weaponry target mechanism has a base having two pivot points, two support arms each pivotally connected to one of the pivot points, a third arm pivotally connected to the two support arms, and a platform pivotally connected to the third arm and pivotally connected by a fourth arm to one of the support arms. The base may have two additional pivot points. There may be two additional support arms each pivotally connected to one of the additional pivot points. There may be an additional third arm pivotally connected to the two additional support arms. The platform may also be pivotally connected to the additional third arm and pivotally connected by an additional fourth arm to one of the additional support arms. There may be a target attached to the platform. The target may assume an upright position and a dropped position.

Abstract: A lightweight sports net frame assembly and anti-rebound system allowing straightforward assembly, enhanced rigidity, expedited replacement of the net and ease in retrieval of objects from the net frame assembly during usage of said assembly. The net frame assembly comprises substantially cylindrical cavities that allow for cables, rods or other tethering means to pass through said cavities and in turn securely fasten within the side frame members. The joints of the frame are comprised of various interlocking pieces, which provide smooth outer surface at the joints, reinforce the rigidity of the frame and diminish rotational moments on individual segments. A frame stability system is incorporated.

Abstract: Improved synthetic lacrosse stick heads that have more consistent performance characteristics under variable temperature and playing conditions.

Abstract: A reinforced hockey stick blade and a related method of manufacture are provided. The hockey stick blade can include a core element defining one or more longitudinal channels bounded by an upper core portion, a lower core portion, and a bridge portion interconnecting the upper and lower core portions. The hockey stick blade can additionally include a plurality of fiber-reinforced plies substantially encapsulating the core element and a reinforcing material received within the one or more longitudinal channels. The reinforcing material can extend longitudinally from a first channel end portion to a second channel end portion, and can include woven or unidirectional fiber-reinforced plies. The reinforcing material can additionally extend transversely across the channel to form a blade structure having increased blade strength and durability over existing composite hockey stick blades.

Abstract: A swing training device and system that includes a sequence of LED lights that are used to simulate the movement of a pitched ball along a horizontal line and act as a cue for initiating a swing. The swing training device will help develop visual skills by using the eyes to track a light source along a path to the ball such that a bat or striking object hits the ball at the same time the moving light intersects or passes over the ball. The light carrying cable is of a durable design so that the user may practice with the game used bat.

Abstract: A cricket bat in which the striking surface is off-set a distance of 1-2 cm from the front-line of the handle is disclosed. The bat may conform to the relevant Laws of Cricket, having a flat striking surface; a blade made of wood, 10.8 cm or less in width, and when combined with a handle, made mostly of cane, 96.5 cm or less in length. The handle is 52% or less of the bat's total length. In other versions, the bat may not conform to the Laws of Cricket, may be modular in construction and made of aluminum, glass or carbon fiber, a suitable plastic, or some combination of such materials. The blade and the handle may be joined by screw-attached brackets making the components interchangeable, allowing for customization of bat size, weight, length, color and decoration.

Abstract: A ball safety netting system includes a net comprising a plurality of openings, a plurality of elongated poles having a lower end operably attachable to the ground in spaced-apart relationship, and a plurality of safety devices operably attachable to the plurality of poles and operably attachable to the net. The plurality of poles and the plurality of safety devices are operably sized and configured for use in supporting the net in a generally fixed upright relationship relative to the ground, and when a force exerted on the safety device exceeds a breaking point of the safety device, a portion of the net is detaches from the pole to reduce the likelihood of pole failure.

Abstract: A throwing disc, goal apparatus, and game are provided. A disc includes a central hub with blades projecting equiangularly from the hub. The blades are circumscribed by and joined to an outer perimeter ring that aids in throwing. The blades of the disc act as airfoils and impart unique flight characteristics to the disc. A goalpost is comprised of two vertical sections, joined by a horizontal cross-bar located above the midline of the vertical sections, and supported by a rectangular frame oriented perpendicularly to the vertical sections. A scoring pad is included. The game is played by tossing the disc and attempting to pass the disc while in flight between the vertical posts and above the horizontal cross-bar of the goalpost, and landing the disc on the scoring pad.