Abstract: A brace for training basketball players has a base for fitting over an arm of a user. Either the upperarm or forearm of one arm of a user is referred to the "base member," the remaining member being the "moving member," regardless of which member actually moves. A yoke extends away from the base, forming a cradle for receiving the moving member. The yoke restrains the moving member from closing against the base member at less than a certain angle. The yoke also urges the moving member and base member into a predetermined relative rotation with respect to one another. A band attaches the base to the base member. The band may be a flexible, non-extensible strap having fasteners at the ends for opening, closing and adjusting the strap. A hook-and-loop fastener permits adjustment of a single, wide strap along the length of the base. An adjustment member may be provided for adjusting the position of the yoke relative to the base.

Abstract: A game method and apparatus includes a playing surface having a player end and a target end and a target provided at the target end. The target includes a channel on a planar target surface that is inclined and receives multiple playing pieces, such as balls, rolled across the playing surface by the player. The channel receives balls in a known configuration, such as a linear stack, such that each additional ball is directed to the channel with greater difficulty by the player due to the presence of previously-directed balls in the stack and rests on the ball immediately preceding it. The channel includes parallel rails for aligning the balls and for preventing the balls from touching the target surface. An aperture collects balls that are not received by the channel and routes the balls to the player. A release device releases the balls from the channel and into the collector. A game score and optional progressive score are based on the positions of balls in the channel.

Abstract: A tethering system for a novelty balloon comprises a tether having a first portion of a contact type fastener secured thereto and a second portion of a contact type fastener secured to an outer surface of the balloon such that the tether is removably securable to the balloon by contacting the first portion of the contact type fastener on the tether to the second portion of contact type fastener on the balloon. In a preferred embodiment, the tethering system comprises a rod or post having a first portion of a hook and loop type fastener secured at one end and a base secured at an opposite end. A second portion of a hook and loop type fastener is secured to a surface of the balloon such that the tether may be secured to the balloon by pressing the end of the tether having the first portion of the hook and loop type fastener secured thereto against the second portion of hook and loop type fastener on the balloon.

Abstract: A device for converting a container into a figure to simulate an interactive game with a player, comprising a headboard in the shape of the head of the figure, a clip affixed to the headboard for attaching the headboard to the container, wherein a portion of the clip extends below the headboard where the clip connects to the container, a sensor mounted to the extending portion of the clip for generating an electrical signal in response to impact from an object projected by the game player, and feedback device responsive to the electrical signal generated by the sensor for providing feedback to the game player when an object has been properly received by the figure.

Abstract: Puzzle pieces and connectors are provided to assemble a large variety of two and three-dimensional objects, including objects with moving parts. Puzzle pieces utilize joints and apertures to interconnect the pieces. Supporting protrusions are provided in some embodiments to reinforce and strengthen the legs of joints. Other elements provided with these connecting joints and apertures, such protrusions, ridges, securing apertures, enlarged ends, gripping legs, and grooves, assist in providing a more secure interconnection between pieces. Connectors may be provided to build pivotable connections.

Abstract: A control pad with two input ports for establishing a connection with two three-axis input devices permits six-axis game play. The control pad contains a microprocessor which determines whether one or two three-axis input devices are connected and generates an address signal for communication with the game console to inform the console microprocessor on power up the exact nature of the peripheral input devices which are attached. The present invention also includes a thumb-operable rotor assembly which allows single-handed three axis control of computer games.

Abstract: A gaming machine preferably operated by coins possesses features located on moving carrier means preferably provided with their own drives, the relative position of which features to each other decides at the standstill of the carrier means at the end of a game on win or loss. To allow a player to cash in winning after each step of the game or, however, to risk the stakes or winnings in following steps of the game, each carrier means is moved individually one after the other for a certain time determined by chance or by hand. After each movement a win is obtained if the features are located in a predetermined position at the standstill of the carrier means.

Abstract: Auxiliary golf club grips, preferably provided as a set of varied sizes, for providing oversized gripping surfaces. Each grip comprises a capped sleeve preferably having a wall of linearly variable thickness. The wall is thickest and the external diameter of the sleeve is greatest at the capped end. The other end of the sleeve is open so that the sleeve may be slipped over a golf club. Internal cavities of all individual grips of the set are identical, and cooperate with handles of standard golf clubs. Preferably, the cap and open end of the sleeve are rounded. A preferred constituent material is a resilient, elastic, foamed synthetic resin.

Abstract: A basketball retrieval apparatus and shooting system of the present invention includes a collection mechanism disposable about a conventional basketball basket for receiving basketballs, and an elongate ramp pivotably attached to a mast supporting the conventional basketball basket, and positioned at the bottom of the collection mechanism for receiving basketballs and channeling them to a player shooting at the basket. A first end of the ramp is supported by a support arm extending from the mast, and a second end has a base for holding the second end above ground level. The ramp between the first and second ends is self-supporting. The ramp is lightweight and easy to move between different shooting locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game and training device which can be played in a game-like setting to develop skills such as ball handling, passing, and shooting. A primary goal forms a target opening in a generally vertical plane through which a ball may be kicked by the player. In addition, a plurality of intermediate goals are arranged on the playing field in spaced relation to one another. Each intermediate goal defines a respective target opening through which the ball is to be passed as the player advances the ball to the primary goal. Each intermediate goal comprises a pair of base members positioned on laterally spaced apart relation to one another and a hoop member supported by the pair of base members.

Abstract: A computer-aided-educational system and method for rewarding a student when the student attains a milestone in a subject. The subject is divided into line-items with at least one line-item being more difficult than another line-item. In one embodiment, the system includes a milestone setter, a performance analyzer, a reward determinator and a reward generator. The milestone setter sets a number of milestones, with each milestone being related to a line-item, and with an instructor providing inputs to the milestone setter to set each line-item that has a milestone to be reached. The performance analyzer coupled to the milestone setter determines whether the student has reached a milestone. The reward determinator coupled to the performance analyzer determines a reward for the student if the performance analyzer indicates that the student has reached a milestone. The reward generator, coupled to the reward determinator, generates the reward for the student.

Abstract: A dart game machine that electronically scores dart throws includes a reset mode which allows the game score to be backed up to a previous score state. The dart game machine includes a score data memory which tracks current and previous score data for each player so that the previous scores may be automatically restored upon backing up of the game.

Abstract: A batting practice device with adjustable mounting means comprises a support pole having an inboard end including mounting devices and an outboard end including a swivel joint; the swivel joint comprising a plurality of swivel hooks with a projection member, an eye screw and a central swivel member, the eye screw having a first end formed in a generally circular configuration and a second end formed as a screw, the second end being coupled to the outboard end of the support pole, the first swivel hook being positioned within the first end of the eye screw with its projection member coupled to the central swivel member, the projection member of the second swivel hook being coupled to the central swivel member; and a ball, a rope being coupled to the ball and secured to the second swivel hook of the swivel device.

Abstract: A system for releasably joining balloons and the like to form a structure, novelty, educational, or play item. The present invention comprises a modular system of inflated cells having connection members placed about each cells periphery, said cells configured to form various polyhedral shapes. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches the utilization of generally ellipsoidal balloons of a non-elastomeric material, such as MYLAR, each said ellipsoid forming a cell, and being configured to selectively engage neighboring balloons to form generally radial or other multi-celled structures. While the preferred embodiment of the present system contemplates the utilization of hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO, for joining the cells, alternative modes of releasable attachment are also contemplated such as adhesives, ties, tape, and shrink wrap.

Abstract: An adjustable boundary layout and apparatus for outlining shapes and figures or a playing field of any dimension, made up a plurality of detachably connected flexible cords (10) attached by connectors (14) and assembled to the shape desired at the time of usage. The boundaries are stored and transported on a spool (18) or hook (55). The necessary number of cords can be unwound or rolled off spool and detached at the end of any cord. Cords and connectors can be arranged to form endless loops and can intersect through the use of various connectors with multiple joints. Connectors with cross-cut holes (15) are used to create a point of intersection at any point along the cords. Any number of separate boundary demarcations can be formed of any dimensions and any distance apart. In a preferred embodiment of the playing field, individual boundary demarcations of varying sizes depending on skill level and space limitations are formed for each player.

Abstract: A game has a pair parallel walls defining a space therebetween, at least one of the walls being transparent to permit viewing of the space from the exterior of the game, and a liquid-light seal around the space, with a liquid retained in the space by the seal. Buoyant balls immersed in the liquid include a ferrous material, and a retainer extends partially across a lower portion of the space for releasably retaining the balls. A magnet at the exterior of the space is manipulable for displacing the balls from beneath the retainer; and ball receptacles located above the retainer each have a downwardly facing ball reception opening dimensioned to receive the balls therein as the balls rise buoyantly through the space on release of the balls by the magnet.

Abstract: A basketball shooting improvement apparatus includes a base member which includes a front side, a rear side, and two transverse sides extending between the front side and the rear side. The base member is oriented in a first plane, and hook members are connected to the base member. The hook members include downwardly descending hook ends which descend below the first plane, and the hook members extend beyond the front side of the base member. The hook members extend from the transverse sides of the base member. A tension clamp assembly is connected to the base member. A riser member, supported by the base member, extends upward from the base member. The riser member includes a distal end, and a check point assembly is connected to the distal end of the riser member. The riser member may include an ascending riser portion which ascends above the base member. A transverse riser portion is connected to the ascending riser portion. The transverse riser portion extends beyond the hook ends of the hook members.

Abstract: A basketball goal apparatus has a basketball goal and an upright stand. The apparatus also includes a support assembly for supporting the goal on the stand at various heights spaced from the ground. The support assembly includes an elongated support member attached medially along the length thereof to the stand for swinging movement about a generally horizontal axis. The apparatus further includes a locking assembly for releasably locking the goal at the various heights, wherein the locking assembly includes a counterbalance body. The counterbalance body and basketball goal are pivotally connected to opposite ends of the support member such that raising and lowering of the counterbalance body swings the support member and thereby adjusts the height of the goal. The counterbalance body has a weight sufficient to substantially counterbalance the gravitational force of the basketball goal exerted on the support member.

Abstract: The personalized needleless puppet kit includes at least two puppet blanks which are joined together using a yarn lace having a collared lead end for ease in threading of the lace through cooperating holes in the blanks, without requiring use of a needle. The blanks may then be decorated, as desired to produce a one or two character hand puppet, the blanks including generic ear portions which are trimmable to enhance features of the character(s) chosen for the puppet.

Abstract: An arcade game which can have simulated objects, such as race horses traversing a stimulated race track, can further have video images generated which will represent the same positional relationship of the objects. The track can positionally sense the actual position of the moving objects and an image forming circuit can be responsive to the positional data to generate computer images from a variety of angles based on background images of the track and of the individual horses to project a realistic computer image for observers.