Abstract: A plurality of wickets are assembled into a unitary structure each wicket having a plurality of marker receiving means. Individually visibly identifiable direction markers are adapted to engage said marker receiving means in two positions so as to indicate passage through a wicket in either of two directions. The home and return stakes are also provided with marker receiving means and a bell at their base adapted to ring when struck by a croquet ball. Means are provided for adjusting the openings through the wickets and for defining a four-sided field at the wicket assembly. The wickets are recessed to receive a mallet head which fits end to end in said recess to define passage of a ball through the wicket. A ball retainer has an elongated axis and spaced members adapted to confine a ball to permit it to be struck by a croquet mallet when croqueting a ball and means operated by its handle to cause the space members to confine a ball and permit the ball to be lifted from the playing surface.

Abstract: The force from a pneumatic load cell is supplied via a push rod to a carriage, the push rod directly acting on an axle bearing outrigger wheels riding on an adjustable plane. The output force is supplied from the axle through another push rod acting on the axle, the two push rods defining a plane at substantially right angles thereto. The first push rod fits in a sleeve in the carriage which allows the carriage to rotate about the axis of the first push rod. The second push rod is guided against lateral motion in the plane defined by the first push rod and the axle. The end thereof acting on the axle is surrounded by a cone shaped guide in the carriage. The latter guide allows the carriage to rotate in three dimensions but prevents lateral displacement with respect to the end of the second push rod.The pneumatic load cell may be supplied with a positive or negative spring providing a biasing force. The output push rod is provided with a positive spring, the zero point of which is adjustable.