Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to game devices and methods, and provides an apparatus for use in a hand game played by at least two players, hereinafter respectively referred to as the first and second players. The apparatus includes a harness secured to at least one hand of the first player and a capture object selectively positioned proximate to the harness and which is removable from the harness by the second player during play of the game. The present invention also contemplates a game which includes an offensive player and a defensive player, each player having a left and right hand, and each hand having an outer and inner surface. A left and right harness are respectively secured on the left and right hands of the offensive player. A left and right capture object are respectively positioned proximate to the left and right harnesses.

Abstract: The present device is to be utilized in fundraising projects. It has a hollow frame which supports a plastic enclosure. The enclosure has an entrance which can be opened and closed. Once a participant enters the enclosure and closes the entrance, an air blower is activated. With activation of the blower, prize money is circulated within the enclosure, which the participant tries to catch.

Abstract: A volleyball practice device and method that enables a player to practice spiking a volleyball. The device includes a tether with an attachment device at one end that enables the tether be attached to a regulation play volleyball. The tether is suspended from a support bracket that can be attached to a basketball hoop. The tether is used to hoist the volleyball to a height that is appropriate to practice spiking. The tether is then placed in a quick release mechanism, wherein the weight of the suspended volleyball keeps the tether taut in between the volleyball and the quick release mechanism. As the volleyball is spiked, the tether detaches from the quick release mechanism. The volleyball therefore travels in the direction that it was spiked without being significantly hampered by the attached tether. The tail end of the tether is anchored. After the volleyball travels a predetermined distance, the tether pulls taut and the volleyball is stopped.

Abstract: A basketball net clip for a breakaway net attachment system that detachably mounts a basketball net to the rim of a basketball goal at predetermined locations along the rim. The net clips are resilient and include a base portion attachable to the rim and a retainer portion for detachably retaining the net in association with the rim. The rim preferably includes a plurality of studs located along an undersurface thereof for engaging within apertures formed in the clips whereby the clips are retained in engagement with the rim. In one embodiment, the clips are provided with fingers for retaining the net wherein the fingers will release the net in response to a predetermined force being applied to the net. In a further embodiment, the clip is adapted to be pulled off of the rim when a predetermined force is applied to the net.

Abstract: An electronic dart board, constituted essentially by a target frame (10) of ring-like shape with a plurality of display shields (11) on the front surface, passing through the target frame (10), and a plurality of fixing tabs (12) around the periphery; a plurality of target plates (30) inside the middle opening of the target frame (10), each of the target plates (30) having a press cover (31), a soft body (32) on the upper side of the press cover (31), a fish eye hole (34), passing through the middle of the press cover (31), a plurality of press bars (33), extending downwards from the lower side of the press cover (31), close to the periphery thereof; and a base plate (20), carrying the target frame (10) and, elastically, the target plates (30), of the press bars (33) of each target plate (30) pointing towards a touch-sensitive switch (23) on the base plate (20).

Abstract: A kinetic toy in which a ball rolls down a trackway from an upper location to a lower location and is automatically returned to the upper location for recycling, the toy including an accesory, such as a ball-operated switch, adapted for quick-connection on the trackway, and a collector trackway arrangement for collecting the ball at a lower level, the accesary per se, and tracks per se for the collector trackway arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a barrier apparatus for operation with a standing basketball goal pole, backboard and hoop. The barrier apparatus comprises a large net attached to a horizontal pole that is connected to a vertical basketball goal pole. The barrier net hangs from the horizontal pole and is staked to the ground. The system intercepts missed balls that are directed at the backboard or hoop and returns them to the playing court.

Abstract: The present invention provides an eye assembly for a stuffed toy or the like. The eye assembly comprises a base member connected to the stuffed toy or the like, an eyeball connected to the base member and having a visible surface, an eyebrow, and an eyelid operably connected to the eyeball and selectively positionable with respect to the visible surface, whereby the demeanor or expression of the stuffed toy or the like may be changed.

Abstract: A water fortress used in a game or as a toy which has a hollow plastic frame connected to a garden hose. The water fortress receives a continuous supply of pressurized water from a garden hose. Access points along the plastic frame are used to supply the pressurized water to targets and water pistols. The front section of the frame has a canvas shield to protect the player within the water fortress from an opponent's water gun. The object of the game is for opposing players to shoot at the targets of the opposing player with the water pistols. When the targets are hit, they release pressurized water which sprays the opponent. The water fortress permits easy assembly/disassembly and multiple water fortresses may receive water from a singular garden hose at the same time.

Abstract: A practice apparatus for a swing type athletic equipment capable of permitting a practicer to accurately know a locus of a ball hit. A triaxial acceleration sensor is mounted in a head of a golf club. Acceleration data in three detection-axis directions outputted from the triaxial acceleration sensor are transmitted to a data processing unit through a data transmission unit arranged in the grip. The data processing unit analyzes a locus of a golf ball hit and swing thereof based on the acceleration data. Results of the analysis are displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: An educational method and system that assess and enhance a student's understanding in a subject. Based on the student's understanding, individually-tailored tests are generated, whose difficulties are geared towards the student's level of understanding in the subject. Thus, the student not only can use the tests to prepare for an examination, but can also use the tests to learn the subject. The system includes a score generator coupled to a recommendation generator. In one preferred embodiment, the recommendation generator includes an inference engine, and in another preferred embodiment, the recommendation generator includes a pre-requisite analyzer. Both the pre-requisite analyzer and the inference engine in the recommendation generator can generate recommendations based on the student's test results. The recommendation generator is coupled to a report generator and a question generator. The report generator accesses a report format.

Abstract: A gaming or amusement-with-prizes machine has two stage or multi-stage operation. Conveniently, it takes the form of a fruit machine, and a first reel spin produces a combination of symbols on a line. One or more of these combinations enable the reels to be spun again, as part of the same play or game, resulting in another combination of symbols on the line. One particular combination achieved in this way will generate a major prize, while others may produce lesser prizes.

Abstract: An inflatable portable substantially collapsible structure comprising an inflatable substantially collapsible playing field having at least two walls, a top and a bottom, at least one object director to direct an object with a fluid along or above the playing surface and at least one score area.

Abstract: A free-standing goal tending apparatus permitting unlimited planar adjustments of the upper and lower limb joints is presented. The joints pivotally rotate about axis points. Slots found in the preselected joints allow pivotal and sliding adjustments. The goal tending figure is affixed to a frame which allows height adjustments to keep both feet of the apparatus on the ground and is collapsible for storage or transport. Also provided is a base having a lower surface which permits forward movement of the device yet keeps it from moving backward when struck by a puck or other playing piece and wheels for movement.

Abstract: A bath entertainment center is disclosed that provides a portable device for converting a typical bathtub into an educational and entertaining event for infants or preschoolers. The bath entertainment center is designed to provide an interactive surface on the inside of the bathtub where toys or other objects can be removably attached. The interactive surface is removable and may be exchanged with other interactive surfaces. The bath entertainment center provides a system for catching fluids that splash over the top rim of the bathtub and a padded surface to cover the top rim of the bathtub to ease the discomfort of the parent or care giver who must lean over the bathtub.

Abstract: A ball return device that enables a user to quickly and easily adjust the force with which a ball thrown into the device is returned. The ball return device includes a frame constructed from sections of plastic tubing joined by 90.degree. elbows, forming a base and an elevatable portion. The elevatable portion of the frame is pivotally mounted to the base and adjustably positioned at a desired angle relative to the generally horizontal base by a pair of support members. The angle of the elevatable portion of the frame to the base determines the direction in which the ball is returned relative to a given incident path. The support members extend between the base and the elevatable portion of the frame, and each includes a smaller diameter tube slidably fitted into a larger diameter tube and selectively fixed at one a plurality of preset lengths by a pin that passes through orifices formed in the two tubes.

Abstract: A toy construction system is provided for permitting the construction of a variety of different structures in varying sizes and shapes. The toy construction system includes a plurality of elongated rod members and a plurality of substantially flat connector members which may be interconnected in different combinations. Ball elements are provided on certain of the members which are adapted to engage complimentary socket elements contained on other members in order to rotatably interconnect the two members. The socket elements include means for positively retaining the ball elements within the socket elements and means for facilitating the insertion and removal of the ball elements into and out of said socket elements. The members may further include coupling element for rotatably engaging other members including spherical means. The members may still further include means for engaging other members by the use of a releasable hinge. A power transmission unit may be further included.

Abstract: A yo-yo having a unique axle design and end pieces capable of retaining POG-shaped inserts. The axle is designed to increase the yo-yo's sleep time as well as to improve the facility with which the yo-yo can be returned from a sleeping condition. The yo-yo's axle includes an axle block that is itself similar in shape to a yo-yo and has a uniquely shaped central groove. The groove has parallel upper sidewalls and a bottom tapered section. The axle block is preferably made of wood and the yo-yo's end members are preferably made of plastic. When a wooden axle block is used with plastic end members, the yo-yo will display the performance advantages that were previously only afforded by wooden yo-yo's while at the same time providing the lower manufacturing costs and high durability of a plastic yo-yo. The yo-yo's end pieces include retaining structure that allows a user to secure a POG-shaped insert to each end piece.

Abstract: A mechanical athletic training device includes a mobile carriage with a locking device which locks the mobile carriage in a stationary position. An opponent simulator, such as a hockey stick, is connected to the mobile carriage by a pivoting connection. The mobile carriage combined with the pivoting connection allows the opponent simulator to interact with an athlete by simulating the movements and actions of a defensive or offensive player. The mobile carriage combined with the pivoting connection forces the athlete to anticipate the movements of the opponent simulator and play through the opponent simulator rather than around it. The opponent simulator can be activated manually by the athlete by striking the opponent simulator. Alternatively, the opponent simulator can be manually operated by an operator using a handle device attached to the pivoting connection. As a further alternative, an electric motor can be attached to the pivoting connection to automatically impart motion to the opponent simulator.

Abstract: A water actuated bath brush (10) comprises a facility (12) for cleaning the skin of a person. A structure (14) is for converting kinetic energy of moving water to mechanical power to operate skin cleaning facility (12) and soap from soap dish (68) facilitates a combination of soap and water to be easily applied to a person's skin.