Abstract: A swing training weight and method for building the strength and control of a user, while teaching proper swing mechanics. The swing training weight is attached to athletic equipment during training or while warming up for competition, and provides an improved means of release from the athletic equipment. The swing training weight incorporates a sliding member that simulates the impact of striking an object and provides audible, visual and tactile feedback to the user pertaining to the proper execution of the swing. Training methods using the swing training weight are provided that improve athletic performance, and allow for focused training of the proper execution of specific elements of an athletic swing. Further, the swing training weight incorporates a movable stop that allows the weight to be configured to provide for training methods that further focus on the proper execution of specific swing elements.

Abstract: A weighted apparatus, such as a bat, bar, stick, racket, or club, includes added weight in one end of the apparatus to create an obviously heavy end, and thereby an unbalanced apparatus. The unbalanced apparatus gives the user the ability to create a heavy load to build strength by holding the light end of the device and a light load to build speed, endurance, and flexibility by holding the heavy end of the device. When swung holding the heavy end, such an unbalanced apparatus is uniquely effective for various sports practice regimens, certain game play, general exercise, physical rehabilitation, etc., to improve the user's strength and overall conditioning levels, to build hand speed and to promote a proper swing.

Abstract: A miniaturized steer roping practice apparatus may comprise a mobile base comprising a frame, an axle rotatably mounted on the frame to rotate about a rotation axis in a forward rotational direction for forward movement and a rearward rotational direction for rearward movement, and at least one drive wheel mounted on the axle. The apparatus may further comprise at least one leg movable with respect to the base, a leg actuation assembly configured to move the at least one leg in conjunction with rotation of the drive wheel, a cover mounted on the mobile base and having an exterior surface with a resemblance to a steer, and a motivating assembly configured to drive the axle in the forward rotational direction using stored energy. The motivating assembly may be configured to store energy by rotation of the axle in the rearward rotational direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods to practice putting are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a framework, actuators mounted to the framework, a control system, a computing device, and an artificial green. The control system is coupled to the actuators and controls actuation of the actuators. The computing device includes a display for viewing mapped green profiles and is configured to communicate with the control system. The artificial green includes a putting surface with a cup defined therein, wherein the artificial green is positioned over the actuators. With this arrangement, a user can select a putting region, after which, the computing device can translate and transfer the mapped data of the putting region to the controllers to actuate the actuators to, therefore, adjust the putting surface of the artificial green to correspond to the mapped green profile of an actual green.

Abstract: A ball rebounding device has high tension netting that is efficiently assembled, pulled taught and held in place within a frame using a tension rod system and a manufacturing process that uses levers between the frame and tension rods within the frame. The invention can be used in producing new ball rebounder and in retrofitting existing rebounder frames. The frame provides a perimeter support and an interior space. Tension rods are run through the cells of the netting and positioned in the interior space. A lever system is connected between the tension rods and the frame to pull the tension rods toward the corresponding sides of the frame, thereby drawing the net taught within the frame. Once the netting is pulled taught, fasteners hold the tension rods in place next to the sides of the frame. The frame can be rigid or may have flexibility and act like a spring.

Abstract: An ice hockey goalie stick and method for making same is disclosed. The ice hockey goalie stick includes a shaft having an outer surface and extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and an opposed second end. A paddle is mounted to the shaft at the second end, the paddle extending along the longitudinal axis and terminating in a blade. A dampening element is disposed over the shaft along at least a partial length of the second end thereof, the dampening element being made of a vibration-dampening material.

Abstract: A sporting-good implement, such as a ball bat or a lacrosse stick, includes a first handle section rotatably connected to a second handle section. The second handle section may be attached to or integral with a tapered region or barrel region of a ball bat, or with a shaft section or head of a lacrosse stick, or with another sporting-good feature. This rotatable engagement allows the relative position of the user's hands to change during the course of a swing, shot, or pass, ideally placing the user's hands in a position to generate improved power or control.

Abstract: A returning goal system including a generally U-shaped entryway, first and second sides extending away from the entryway, and lower and upper back crossbars extending between the sides to form lower and upper open portions. A net is connected to the goal and covers the lower open portion and upper open portion. The lower open portion of the net is sufficiently tensioned so as to return a ball towards the entryway without causing it to be ejected from the goal.

Abstract: A portable training device and training method is disclosed. The portable training device includes a non-linear section. The non-linear section is configured to form a target area that substantially imitates the reach of a goalkeeper. The training method includes covering a portion of an opening of a goal with the portable training device to create a target area configured to substantially imitate the reach of a goalkeeper.

Abstract: An automatically resetting target has a plate that rests in a removable base at a substantially vertical orientation. An apparatus mounted to the rear of the plate includes a pivotably mounted carriage with first and second legs extending radially away, at a relative angle, from a pivot point that is mounted between two openings. The first leg has a first striker plate that aligns with the first opening when the carriage is in a first position, and the second leg has a second striker plate that aligns with the second opening when the carriage is in a second position. By striking the first striker with a projectile, such as a bullet, a shooter moves the carriage and places the second striker behind the second hole. By striking the second striker with a projectile, the shooter moves the carriage and places the first striker behind the first hole.

Abstract: An archery target may allow target practice and/or simulate the shape of one or more animals. In various implementations, archery targets include a target body, a frame, and/or an overlay. A target body may include a first aiming zone, which protrudes from a first surface of the target body, and a second aiming zone, which protrudes from a second opposing surface. In some implementations, the first aiming zone and/or the second aiming zone may be off center. In some implementations, each aiming zone may be associated with an animal or group of animals. The orientation of the target body may be altered to select an aiming zone of the target body based upon user preference, in some implementations. The overlay may have shape similar to a predetermined animal. The overlay may be replaceable. A frame may at least partially support the target body and/or the overlay.

Abstract: An aerial target that is reusable and recoverable after being launched, shot down or otherwise falling to the ground a body member having a saucer-shaped configuration and including a peripheral outer rim and a domed top wall extending upwardly from the outer rim, the body member including a central portion displaced from the outer rim and having a generally flat upper surface and an intermediate portion situated between the outer rim and the central portion, the intermediate portion having a domed configuration sloping downwardly from the central portion toward the outer rim. The body member includes an inner chamber substantially filled with air such that the body member is buoyant relative to water. The central portion is constructed of a hard rubber material that does not shatter after receiving an impact force and the intermediate portion is constructed of a self-healing material that reseals after being pierced by gun shot.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking the flight of golf balls at driving range. The system includes a plurality of hitting stations, a plurality of sensors, a computer, and a range surface. Each hitting station in the plurality of hitting stations includes a golf ball, a golf club, a monitor, and a sensor. At least one other sensor in the plurality of sensors is placed outside a hitting station. The flight path of the golf balls being calculated by the computer using parameters by the plurality of sensors. The method includes steps for determining whether a first sensor detected a first parameter and a second parameter, whether a second sensor detected a first and a second parameter, whether a third sensor detected a third parameter, and depicting the flight path of the golf balls using the first parameter, the second parameter, and the third parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus in which propping mechanisms and seat mechanisms augment a throwing game target with the ability to alternately function as a chair when it is not in use as a target. The throwing target components, the components of the propping mechanisms, and the components of the seat mechanisms are all capable of collapse or removal to facilitate the apparatus to be carried, transported or stowed.

Abstract: A backboard and hoop device is assembled from a backboard section and a hoop section, using first and second curved tangs at the proximal end of the hoop section, and first and second hooked tangs at the proximal end of the hoop section. The backboard section includes spaced first and second apertures sized to permit rotation of the curved tangs therein, and third and fourth apertures sized to permit engagement of the hooked tangs when aligned by rotation of the curved tangs, permitting assembly of the backboard section. The device further incorporates a mounting post clamp comprising two pairs of first and second jaws, one of each pair of jaws being mountable in a vertical or horizontal orientation to the backboard member, and the other of each pair of jaws engaged to a vertical or horizontal mounting post.

Abstract: An adjustable golf cup providing multiple cup diameters, a puttable upper surface, and advertising opportunity.

Abstract: Typical embodiments of the disclosed apparatus are: a traditional soccer ball; a game-play area that is confined within rebound-fences and pass walls; a vertical scoring standard that is configured to spin on a vertical axis when struck by a soccer ball. The identified apparatus may be used in a confined and multi-directional soccer game.

Abstract: A mechanical roping steer apparatus for practicing roping of a steer may comprise a support assembly for resting on a ground surface, a rotatable wheel configured to contact the ground surface such that movement of the support assembly across the ground rotates the wheel, and a steer assembly connected to the support assembly. The steer assembly may comprise a frame having a spine structure, a hip structure movably mounted on the frame to move between first and second positions, and a leg structure movably mounted on the hip structure to move between forward and rearward positions, and including at least one leg member. The steer assembly may include an actuation assembly may be configured to move the leg member downwardly toward the ground surface during rearward movement of the leg member and move the leg member upwardly during forward movement of the leg member.

Abstract: A disc toss game that comprises a ball placed in the center of a ring that can be knocked out of the ring to score points, with additional points and bonuses being awarded if the disc stays within the ring is disclosed in various embodiments of the present invention. The game of the present invention comprises a plurality of parts and can be adapted for indoor as well as outdoor enjoyment.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a frame with top, middle, and bottom sections. The system further includes a first roller section coupled to the frame and positioned at the top section of the frame. A second roller section is coupled to the frame and positioned at the middle section of the frame. One of the first and second roller sections includes a battery, wireless receiver, motor, and optical sensor.