Abstract: A method of making a ball bat may include forming a bat frame with a handle and an inner barrel structure, providing spacer elements extending radially outwardly from the inner barrel structure, and forming a barrel shell having a main barrel and a tapered section. An inner diameter in the tapered section may be equal to an outer diameter of a first one of the spacer elements. The method may include mechanically locking the barrel shell to the bat frame by passing the handle through the barrel shell and moving the barrel shell toward the inner barrel structure until the barrel shell contacts the first one of the spacer elements. A gap is maintained between an outer diameter of the inner barrel structure and the barrel shell. The barrel shell may deflect during a hit to create a trampoline effect, while the inner barrel structure limits the deflection.

Abstract: A training aid for aiding a swing of a person at striking a ball such as in golf. The training includes a first arm cuff and at least one leg cuff with an intermediate connector having at least one resilient member. In this way the at least one resilient member extends in use between a trailing upper arm or above elbow of the player and the player's front lower torso or leading leg which in use aids the user by ensuring the large muscle of the trailing upper arm UA in a cocked elbow formation starts the down swing and aids the correct sequence of movement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hit-scoring apparatus for shooting practice. It is also directed to a hit-scoring target panel for shooting practice.

Abstract: A variable stiffness striking implement, such as, for example, a ball bat typically used in baseball, softball, or rubber ball. The striking implement, preferably has a separate barrel and handle. A wedge and joint attached directly to the handle or indirectly to the handle using an interface portion engage the interior surface of the barrel. Most preferably, the wedge and joint are molded about the interface portion and a handle preform is then inserted into the intention of the interface portion and the handle is then molded. Wedge hardness is selectable and a stiffness member may also be employed. Stiffness member hardness may be selectable or may be adjustable by varied adjustment of a cap in relation to the barrel. Alternatively, the cap may not be adjustable in relation to the barrel so that a selected stiffness member hardness is fixed.

Abstract: A bullet trap includes a trap body defining a trap compartment, the trap body comprising a baffle plate enclosed within the trap compartment; and a funnel assembly defining an inlet, the inlet aligned with the baffle plate. A method of using a bullet trap includes firing a bullet through a throat of a trap body of the bullet trap; striking a primary baffle plate of the trap body; and redirecting the bullet towards a secondary baffle plate of the trap body.

Abstract: A goal configured to both float and be used on water is disclosed. The goal comprises a base, a support structure, and a planar element. The base includes a top surface defining a base plane. The support structure has a pair of opposing arm portions coupled to the base. The planar element is coupled to and extends between the pair of opposing arms of the support structure, is disposed generally perpendicular to the base plane, and defines at least one generally circular main aperture.

Abstract: A simulated American football game, with a particular gaming surface, and methods of play are described. The gaming surface may include an elongate “I” shaped field that may include a simulated field region bounded by two opposing simulated play regions in a same plane. The simulated field region may simulate a 100 yard American football field and may include LED lighting to track a line of scrimmage and to track a first down yard marker target. The two opposing simulated play regions may provide for a diversity and plurality of various play outcomes that may dictate certain gameplay results when a slider comes to rest mostly over a given target or region. The slider may be slid from one opposing simulated play region, across the simulated field region to the other opposing simulated play region. In some embodiments, defensive blocking obstacles may be used to intentionally increase gameplay difficulty.

Abstract: A sports-inspired dart game and method of playing the dart game are described. Embodiments of the sports-inspired dart game can include, but are not limited to, a dart board including indicia of a field of play, a mat including distance markers from which players throw darts, and a plurality of game pieces removably coupled to the dart board and implemented as targets and anti-targets on the dart board. Different rules can be implemented for a particular sports-inspired game being played.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an adjustment device for use in adjusting walls of athletic equipment that includes a base bracket defining an aperture secured around one end of a rod or resilient member, and a secondary bracket defining a corresponding aperture secured around an opposite end of the rod or resilient member. The base bracket and secondary bracket each include a receiving portion configured to receive and lock walls of the athletic equipment. In one form, a knob or arm is secured to the rod such that the secondary bracket is moved in a direction away from the base bracket. The base bracket and secondary bracket may include at least one protection member and/or the receiving portion of the base bracket and secondary bracket may include a barrier member to protect the walls of the athletic equipment.

Abstract: A hockey-stick includes a blade and a shaft. The blade includes a heel region, a toe region spaced longitudinally from the heel region, and a mid-region located between the heel region and the toe region. The blade optionally also includes a hosel to which the shaft is attached. One or more tuning rods or similar structures are positioned in the blade to increase the blade's stiffness to substantially match the stiffness of the shaft. The tuning rods are optionally located in the mid-region of the blade and may extend into the hosel and, in some cases, into the shaft or the toe region.

Abstract: A method of athletic training includes attaching a position training device to users. The position training device includes a positioning member, flexible spacing members each having a first end portion and a second end portion, and attachment members. The first end portions of the spacing members are each coupled to the positioning member and are spaced relative to adjacent ones of the first end portions, and the second end portions of the spacing members are each coupled to an attachment member. Each user is attached to the position training device by an attachment member, and the positioning member is located between the users. The method further includes moving the users apart such that the spacing members are tensioned and the positioning member is elevated, and moving the users such that the positioning member remains elevated while the users move and pass an object between one another as they move.

Abstract: A device as disclosed herein utilizing a sliding and extendable rod, pipe, piston, or other sliding material designed to develop muscle memory, strength, technique, and flexibility for square swing impact and extension to enhance coordination and power, as well as to provide rehabilitative training based on repetition with immediate tactile, auditory, impact, and visual feedback, and that enables the user to train in partial swing and full swing modes and can be utilized indoors and outdoors.

Abstract: A self-healing reactive target includes a target apparatus and a target holder. The target apparatus is a solid one-piece target apparatus made from a self-healing material. The target holder is configured to hold the one-piece target apparatus. The target holder is made from a tear resistant material. Wherein, the solid one-piece target is configured to move about the target holder for providing reactive feedback when shot. Wherein the solid one-piece target apparatus is configured to spin within the target holder for providing instant feedback when shot.

Abstract: A device is provided for receiving projectiles and creating a pattern. The device includes a plurality of hoops arranged in parallel and configured to receive the projectiles. A two-dimensional grid could be provided—across a plurality of channels of the device, or on a display of the device—in order to display the projectiles received by the plurality of hoops. In some examples, projectiles may be received by a plurality of channels, and the pattern is created within the channels and is viewable through apertures across the channels. In other examples, sensors may be used to determine when a projectile has passed through one of the hoops, and indicators may be displayed in corresponding vertical columns of a two-dimensional grid on a display.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a stick handling training device for a user to hold in one hand while holding an elongate shaft of sporting equipment in another hand. The stick handling training device includes an elongate tubular body configured to cover a portion of the sporting equipment shaft. The elongate tubular body includes an outer grip surface for the user to hold in the one hand. A cylindrical passage is included through the elongate tubular body from a first aperture at a first end to a second aperture at a second end. A diameter of the cylindrical passage is larger than a widest lateral dimension of the elongate shaft such that when the elongate shaft is disposed in the cylindrical passage and the outer grip surface is held by the user, the user may freely rotate and slide the elongate tubular body relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A basketball training apparatus to provide user feedback on shooting form is provided. The basketball training apparatus includes a sleeve disposed around the user's upper arm and forearm, a strut assembly coupled to the sleeve and having an upper strut pivotably mounted to a lower strut, a Hall Effect sensor disposed within the junction of the upper and lower struts, a pair of magnets coupled to the strut assembly's junction, a controller disposed within the strut assembly and electrically coupled to the Hall Effect sensor, and an alert mechanism disposed within the strut assembly and electrically coupled to the controller. Pivotable movement of the upper strut relative to the lower strut to either a first optimal angle or second optimal angle enables the alert mechanism to generate a notification.

Abstract: A softball or baseball bat with modified restitution characteristic is provided. The bat can comprise a substantially rigid core coupled with a single or multi-piece sleeve. The core can comprise a tip end, a barrel portion, a handle taper, and a handle. A sleeve assembly can be disposed over the barrel portion, and the sleeve assembly can comprise one or more materials capable of impact absorption. The sleeve assembly can include a ring portion positioned about a circumference of the barrel portion, an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve disposed between the outer sleeve and the barrel portion.

Abstract: A target includes a sheet of a material, the sheet includes an uprange-facing surface, a downrange-facing surface, an upper end, a lower end, and opposed sides each formed with an origami structure. Each origami structure is a partially cut-out and foldable structure formed in the material of the sheet being foldable from an unfolded condition to a folded condition. Each origami structure is flattened in a direction toward the downrange-facing surface of the sheet, when in the unfolded condition, and forms a sleeve structure deployed rearwardly from the downrange-facing surface of the sheet that is adapted to receive a support pole therein for retaining the sheet to the support pole, when in the folded condition.

Abstract: A net apparatus arranged to provide a net structure to capture or catch a projectile, that is easy to setup and is collapsible such that the frame structure is easy to assemble by a single individual. The net apparatus comprising a base structure including at least one support portion, at least one base extension, and a hinge, wherein the at least one support portion is coupled to the at least one base extension and the hinge. At least one rod is removably coupled to the base structure and received by a net, wherein the net is adapted to exert a force on the at least one rod causing the at least one rod to exert a force onto said hinge in order to lock the at least one support portion.

Abstract: A training apparatus arranged to be portable, collapsible, and able to be configured into different arrangements for different nets and/or different sports-related activities. The training apparatus comprises a support portion, base poles pivotally coupled to the support portion, base brackets coupled to the base poles opposite the support portion, extensions coupled to the base brackets, first and second flexible rods removably coupled to the support portion, and a net configured to be received by the flexible rods. The net is configured to bend the first and second flexible rods from a linear state to an arcuate state, such that a net tension holds the net upright.