Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball practice device, which comprises a frame, a net, a base bracket and a supporting assembly. The supporting assembly is interposed between the frame and the base bracket, and is configured for supporting the frame together with the base bracket. The net is attached to the frame and is connected to the frame by a connecting member which the net can be disassembled from.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the sports training aids, in particular a improved apparatus for providing drills for new basketball players to practice rebounding skills, not having a platform or base below the players as they jump which can twist an ankle or knee. Further an improved mechanism for tuning the action in the recoil assembly is provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a pneumatically powered cue stick are disclosed. Both embodiments employ the use of compressed gas to derive the full range of power necessary to engage in the various games of pool and billiards, including the break shot, without the need for modification of surface area of the game table. The preferred embodiment is adaptable to existing forms of metering, triggering, portable compressed gas dispensing devices such as, but not limited to, paintball marker guns. An alternative embodiment integrates the metering, triggering, and gas dispensing components of the adaptable type, eliminating the need for the separate, adaptable devices previously mentioned. Both embodiments incorporate a cylinder assembly 14 and a cue stick rod 12 threadably, or otherwise attached, slidably mounted within a support casement 10, to facilitate a predetermined length not unlike, but not limited to, that of a conventional cue stick. Both embodiments are suitable for one-handed operation.

Abstract: A target moving configuration includes a weighted base, a shooter's target, a target-moving assembly rotationally connected to the base and a hinge pivotally connecting the target thereto. A target-fall control device operatively connects the hinge to selectively pivot the target when activated. The control device has a balloon, a lock with a removable key, and a pull cord connecting the balloon to the key, which cord holds the key in the lock while the balloon is intact. A target motion device has a drive shaft, a drive cord connected to the target moving assembly and the drive shaft. An electric motor is connected to the drive shaft for rotating the drive shaft. A controller is operable to selectively and randomly power the motor to, thereby, move the target movement arm with respect to the base. Multiple targets and assemblies are provided and connected to the drive shaft for independent movement.

Abstract: A miniature golf hole system includes an expanded polystyrene foam base having a downwardly facing surface which is received on a supporting surface, and an upwardly facing surface having a predetermined surface contour; a laminated layer disposed over said expanded polystyrene foam base layer and having a generally uniform thickness which conforms to the predetermined surface contour of said base layer; and a turf-like surface layer applied to an upwardly facing surface of said laminated layer, said surface layer providing a smooth upwardly facing putting surface upon which a golf ball can be putted.

Abstract: An automatic reset target plate rack has a plurality of target plates and latches, a reset plate, and a reset mechanism. In operation, the user strikes one or more of the target plates, which travel rearward and are captured by the latches, and the user next strikes the reset plate to activate the reset mechanism and free the captured target plates, returning them to their upright position. In one aspect, a target plate rack consistent with the invention includes a target plate pivoting on a first axis; and a latch pivoting on a second axis. The latch is positioned to contact and capture the target plate when the target plate is pivoted to a predetermined rotational position. In another aspect, a target plate rack consistent with the invention includes a target plate pivotally disposed on a pivot rod and biased toward a first predetermined rotational position.

Abstract: A ball returning tent net includes a frame that is supported on the ground on three or four contact points, and a ball-catch enclosure that is supported by the frame. The ball-catch enclosure includes an aperture that is adapted to pass a ball through, and a rear wall that is adapted to catch the ball and a bottom net. The frame includes a front frame member that supports the aperture and a rear frame member that supports the rear wall. The bottom net is inclined downward toward the front frame member. The ball-catch enclosure further includes an anti-sagging device that prevents sagging of the bottom net.

Abstract: A target stand system having at least two stand assemblies is provided. Each stand assembly comprises a post member configured at one end for insertion into a support surface and a support member connected to the post member by an attachment portion such that a gap is formed between the post member and the support member. The gap has a width sufficient to support a target. The stand assemblies are spaced apart a distance to support a target.

Abstract: A handle end is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object. The stick includes a shaft coupling the handle end and the striking end. The shaft is fabricated of a relatively rigid material with limited flexibility. The shaft has a hole extending there through with a cylindrical wall defining the hole for varying the playing characteristics of the system.

Abstract: A handle is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object. A structure for a hockey stick is described by using a single, hollow tube of composite material, wherein tubular “ports” extend through the hollow tube. The ends of the ports are bonded to the walls of the hollow tube. The ports improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of the hockey stick.

Abstract: A three-dimensional reactionary turkey target includes a target stand shaped to represent the body of a turkey and a reactionary head and neck target that is shaped to represent the vital region of a turkey's head and neck. The head and neck target connects to the target stand, which is held in position via a support means. The target allows youth, novice, and experienced turkey hunters to assess the pattern of a turkey gun, gauge the shooter's accuracy, determine the efficacy of ammunition, and practice with a life-like target.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a billiard cue (11) comprising a shaft having a tip end (2) and a butt end, wherein the shaft has a non-linear tapered section with reduced diameter compared to a linear tapering at the tip end.

Abstract: A golf putting device that comprises: (a) a rotating head that includes a retractable line, a clip that attaches the retractable line to a golf club, and a first connecting member; and (b) a base that can be inserted in a golf hole and includes a second connecting member located on top of the base. The rotating head is attached to the base by engaging the first connecting member onto the second connecting member, and the rotating head rotates on the second connecting member. In embodiments for off-hole use, the golf putting device may further include a plurality of removable legs attached to the base. The rotating head may also include a housing which encloses the retractable line. This housing includes an aperture through which the retractable line passes through. The retractable line is wrapped around a spool that includes a spring wound on an arbor.

Abstract: A baseball practice system for training one in pitching, throwing, fielding, catching, and batting. The practice system is portable and collapsible having a removable pitching component on one side and a batting and netting on the other side. The pitching component has a strike-zone opening and one or more pockets in a catch sack in back of the strike-zone opening. The netting is of an elastic material suited to rebound a ball thrown on the netting for the purpose of practicing throwing, catching, and fielding. A ball component, attached to elastic cords, is suspended outward and downward from a forward extending member adjacent to the top of the baseball practice system. An adjustment and locking member adjacent to the rear of the forward extending member adjustably secures in place an upper cord which is attached to a ball.

Abstract: A self-righting tee ball stand with a base, an adjustable length ball support stanchion and a flex connector joining the base and stanchion to easily yield when the stanchion is struck and to cause the stanchion to return to an upright orientation. The flex connector includes a two-piece rigid outer housing containing a helical spring encased in a cylindrical bellows.

Abstract: A layered composite bat is designed to include fiber angles of orientation that are layered and progressive. The bat includes a multi-layered composite material configuration wherein progressing from an innermost layer to an outermost layer, the unidirectional fiber angle of orientation within each layer increases from an angle substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bat to an angle substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bat. In progressing from an innermost layer to an outermost layer, there also exists at least one instance where subsequent positive angles of orientation are separated by or vary by about 15 degrees. The bat may include multiple walls. Each wall contains layers that progress from a low angle to a high angle in 15-degree increments.

Abstract: A self-resetting paddle target is comprised of at least one paddle mounted to a carrier body. The carrier body is rotatably mounted to a support rod such that the carrier body may freely rotate about the support rod. The carrier body is formed as a cam follower configured to engage the upper surface of a carrier support member fixedly fastened to the support rod and that acts as a cam. The interaction of the carrier body and the carrier support member controls the rotation of the carrier body about the support rod and allows the paddle to reset itself after being impacted by a projectile. A plurality of paddles may be disposed along the support rod.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel hangers for hanging shooting targets such as clay targets in place for shooting practice. In addition it relates to a target system which includes hangers of the invention in combination with a horizontal support and optional support stands designed to hang one or more targets during target practice.

Abstract: Shooting gallery devices and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shooting gallery includes a plurality of targets rotatably connected to a plurality of target connectors. The targets rotate between an extended position and a fallen position. The target and target connector assembly at least partially retains the targets in the extended position and/or prevents the targets from rotating from the extended position to the fallen position. Furthermore, the targets and target connector assemblies are configured to reset from the fallen position to the extended position without a rail guide or reset cam.

Abstract: A cue stick includes a shaft, a solid force-transmitting pipe, a butt, and a wooden fitting portion. This shaft includes a tip, a solid portion, a hollow portion and a connecting portion. This solid force-transmitting pipe contains an inner space. The butt connects with the shaft. The wooden fitting portion fills in the inner space. The density of the wooden fitting portion is between 80% and 120% of the density of the solid portion. So, the weight and size are nearly same as the ones of a traditional solid wood cue stick. The total weight of the cue stick is proper. Its internal force transmission is evenly distributed. Plus, the feedback feeling for striking the cue ball is excellent.