Abstract: A bat swing guide. The guide includes a vertical support member and an arcuate guide attached at one end to the vertical support member. The arcuate guide is generally semi-circular and may be positioned to accommodate either a righthanded or lefthanded hitter. A pivoting tee is attached to the vertical support member for supporting a ball. An adjustable bat stop is attached to the distal end of the arcuate guide.

Abstract: A simulated racket device for developing and conditioning muscles and tendons of a player's hand, wrist and arm. The simulant racket device, when weighted in accordance with the invention, will increase dynamic muscle strength and enhance development of psychomotor skills required for correct racket manipulation and ball striking. An elongated handle is joined at its distal end to the midpoint of a head having a pair of projecting legs which have end segments with weight receptacles connected thereto.

Abstract: A baseball is connected by a rope to a swivel at a top end of a pole that has its bottom end anchored to the ground.

Abstract: A ball tossing device includes a ball tossing mechanism for mechanically tossing a ball into the air, a timer assembly, and a remote manual actuating mechanism for remotely actuating the timer assembly for releasing the ball tossing mechanism to toss the ball into the air upon the expiration of a predetermined time interval. The device further includes a launching tube which is alternatively positionable in a first position for launching the ball in a vertical direction or a second position for launching the ball in an upward and outward direction.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes an apparatus for playing a game. Applicant's apparatus includes an assembly of ball ports and rails which, when assembled and laid on a floor or ground surface, resembles a billiard table. A mat of indoor/outdoor carpet underlies the space defined by the assembly of rails and ball ports. Golf balls are used in similar fashion to billiard balls, with a golf putter being used to put the balls into play. The game can be played using Applicant's apparatus either indoors or outdoors, anywhere where a fairly flat and level surface can accommodate the assembled apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to baseball equipment, and more particularly to a baseball bat and a baseball which are provided with an audible signal generating element. A hollow tube is positioned in the baseball bat and in the baseball, the hollow tube receiving a sliding element which moves between opposite ends of the tube as the baseball bat and baseball move through the air. A spring mounted in each of the opposite ends of the tube facilitates movement of the sliding element inside the tube as it bounces off the springs. When air is admitted into the hollow tube through a fittingly engaged plug, the audible signal is enhanced.

Abstract: A batting practice device, consisting of a framework with a horizontal base in the shape of a "T" with a vertical member affixed to the intersection of said horizontal "T". A second horizontal member centered and affixed to the top of said vertical member to form arms of a vertical "T" that are parallel to the arms of said horizontal "T". A ball target, baseball, softball, etc. is supported by a flexible means of suspension system. Whereas, the ball is supported at a degree of angle relative to the ground by two upper suspension members extending at outward angles to the top arm of the frame, and a lower suspension member extending outward to the lower tip of the base of the frame forming a "Y" configuration. Another, line of similar flexible means is attached to the intersection of said horizontal and vertical "T's", to stop return velocity of the ball after being hit by a bat. The framework is adjustable in height and length to facilitate lowering and raising the position of the ball.

Abstract: A baseball pitching apparatus having an unique light weight tubular steel frame separable into components parts and a fabric drape the makes it easy to transport, erect, use and disassemble. The frame and fabric drape combination hold the target area erect while effectively dissipating the energy and redirecting the baseball without any complicate mechanical or electrical mechanisms.

Abstract: A baseball training and exercise device includes a base, a first columnar support and a second columnar support telescopically positioned within the first support. The exercise device also includes a first arm having a first end coupled to the second support. The arm extends radially outward from the second support. A resiliently supported ball portion is positioned to extend beyond a second end of the arm. The resiliently supported ball portion provides resistance against a baseball bat or the like contacting the ball portion of the baseball training and exercise device.

Abstract: A portable goal apparatus which is lightweight, portable, and disassembles into a compact package. The goal pieces interconnect using convenient snap fittings. The goal apparatus includes elbows which facilitate assembly through ease of insertion and snap connections which may be easily disengaged. Further, the assembled goal has sectional horizontal and vertical supports comprised of sections which interconnect to form a substantially rigid structure.

Abstract: A training device for hitting a baseball is disclosed. The device includes a baseboard, an upstanding column, and flexible duct, and a transverse arm. A longitudinal rotary axle is located below the base side of the transverse arm; a rotary axle is inserted into the upper end of the upstanding column; an elastic pad is set in the engaging interface between the rotary axle and the inner wall of the upstanding column, and an engaging pipe for engaging the flexible duct is set above the end of the transverse arm. The transverse arm is rotated around the axle center of the base side, so that a baseball on a bearing disk of the flexible duct can adjust to the preset hitting position within the range of the rotation radius of the transverse arm.

Abstract: A portable batting cage having a backstop, two extended wings, a top and wheels is disclosed, the wings being pivotally mounted onto the backstop to allow adjustment to different relative angles. An extended tongue is provided to counterbalance the extended length of the wings, the wings being longer than the backstop. The top is non-rigid to allow for multiple positioning of the wings.

Abstract: A volleyball training device is provided which is mountable to a standard basketball hoop. A backboard is configured to rest on the hoop so that the hoop and an associated bracket are received in a recess in the backboard. A pair of elastic straps are stretched across the backboard under the hoop to secure the backboard in position and to hold up a basketball net out of the way. A tether is secured to the backboard and is arranged to suspend a volleyball in position to receive practice spiking hits.

Abstract: A table tennis game apparatus comprises a horizontal playing surface supported at a preselected height, and one or more upright rebounding panels mounted centrally at the marginal edges of the playing surface. The rebounding panels are provided with a plurality of distinct surfaces of differing hardnesses or differing textures, to provide for varying speeds and/or spins of rebound or ricochet. The surfaces may be positioned at angles with respect to each other to provide for different rebounding angles. The rebounding panels may be positioned with respect to the playing surface so as to be movably adjustable in towards or away from the playing surface. The rebounding panels require greater degrees of skill and strategy beyond that required in the traditional table tennis game, thus adding to the level of enjoyment and competition.

Abstract: A volleyball launcher comprising a vertically extending tubular member, a ball cradle, a lift rod, a cross bar and a pair of ball propelling arms. The lift rod is mounted in the tubular member and is adapted for limited longitudinal travel therein. The tubular member has a pair of longitudinal slots in opposite sides thereof. The ball cradle is mounted on the upper end of the tubular member. The cross bar is mounted at its midsection to the tubular member near the upper end thereof. The outer end of each propelling arm is pivotally monted approximate a respective end of the cross bar. The inner end of each propelling arm extends through the slots under the lower end of the lift rod. An energy storing element is provided to impel the lift bar upwards. A stop member is positioned to contact the outer ends of the propelling arms, whereby during the upward travel the ball receives a launch impulse from the lift rod.

Abstract: A practice device to practice baseball pitching has a home plate, and a batter dummy adjacent to the home plate so the pitcher can get accustomed to the presence of a batter. The batter dummy has marks to indicate the strike zone. The batter dummy can be shortened or lengthened to suit the pitcher and to give wide experience. The dummy is inflatable for light weight and ease of installation; and, the dummy has three separately inflatable compartments so only a portion of the dummy must be inflated at one time. Portions of the dummy have accordion folded sections to change the length, and a strap to fix the length of the accordion folded section. The dummy is fixed to a mat by hook and loop fasteners, so the dummy can be placed as desired for training, the mat including the simulation of home plate.

Abstract: A table tennis game is provided that can be used with an automatic table tennis ball serving device, the game including a plurality of sensors which can be arranged on the surface of the table to serve as targets, the sensors having means for detecting the impact of a table tennis ball. The game contains a programmable microcomputer connected to the sensors which converts the impact into a score, calculates the automatic server's score, times the game, and displays the respective scores and elapsed time of play.

Abstract: A baseball trainer includes a target apparatus set at a predetermined distance from a practicing ballplayer. The target apparatus includes a plurality of panels for indicating a "strike" or a "ball" which indication is communicated to a microcomputer in a console adjacent to the practicing player. The target apparatus is associated with an adjacent catching apparatus and ball return apparatus for returning the ball to the player. The player pitches from a pitching rubber which includes a switch for providing a start signal when the player shifts the weight off of his back foot at the instant the ball is pitched toward the target apparatus. The start time, together with a stop time generated by the "strike" or "ball" panels, can be used by the microcomputer to generate an elapsed time which together with the known distance is used to calculate the speed of the pitch and which is then audibly reported to the practicing player.

Abstract: A ball pitching device includes a pivotable pitching arm spring biased in a ball pitching direction by a spring and pivoted in a direction opposite the ball pitching direction by a rotating member engaging a cam surface of the pitching arm. The pitching arm is pivoted to a ball engaging position, and a ball to be pitched is delivered from a ball chamber for engagement by the pitching arm. After the ball is delivered for engagement by the pitching arm, the rotating member disengages the pitching arm cam surface allowing the spring to return the pitching arm toward the stop position engaging and propelling the ball in the ball pitching direction.

Abstract: The ball delivery device includes an enclosed non-transparent delivery conduit extending outwardly from a substantially vertical support structure. The enclosed non-transparent delivery conduit includes a ball receiving portion at one end and a ball discharging portion terminating at a discharge opening at an opposite end. The entire length of the ball delivery conduit including the ball discharge portion is enclosed and made from a non-transparent material to prevent the player from viewing the ball until it is discharged for the opening. The delivery conduit may be pivotally connected to the support structure so that an adjustable positioning rod positioned between the support structure and the conduit can be adjusted to vary the angular position of the conduit. Alternatively, the delivery conduit may be stationary with respect to the support structure at an angle just sufficient to cause the ball to travel therethrough by the force of gravity.