Abstract: A soccer kicking practice device. The device has a movable platform or running surface, such as a motorized treadmill, for forcing the user to run while practicing, and a movable kick target, both the movable platform and movable target mounted on a stationary base. Preferably, the practice device has a hand rail and a body harness for steadying and retaining the user. Elevating apparatus enables the practice device to elevate its front end or its rear end, to simulate uphill and downhill inclination of terrain. Controls enable speed of the treadmill and of the kick target to be adjusted, and the elevating apparatus to operate as desired. Optionally, the treadmill is lined with artificial turf. Automated scoring apparatus is optionally provided for recording and totalizing the number of kicks.

Abstract: A scoop having a screw blade housed within a cylindrical housing. The scoop is intended to remove semisold materials from the ground. A handle extending above the housing rotates the blade. Preferably, the scoop incorporates a drive for translating linear motion to rotary motion, so that the user need only press the handle downwardly when the device is placed over material to be lifted and removed. A closure closes the bottom of the housing to retain material, and is swung out of the way to expose the screw blade for deployment. Material is removed by reversing direction of the screw blade. The preferred application is enabling ready removal of excrement left by animals. When optionally combined with a retractable leash, a pet owner can conveniently observe municipal ordinances requiring animal wastes to be removed by owners walking their pets while requiring but one hand both to hold the novel scoop and to control the animal's leash.

Abstract: A golfer's glove for maintaining the golfer's two hands in proper mutual position and maintaining effective grasp of the shaft of a golf club while swinging. The glove has the conventional main portion, four fingers, and a thumb. Novel features include an auxiliary finger chamber for engaging a finger of the hand opposite that wearing the glove, and a seam joining the thumb tightly to the conventional main portion. The auxiliary finger chamber is disposed between the index finger and the middle finger and is dimensioned and configured such that two joints of an inserted finger are restrained therein, and further assures that the two hands remain in proper relation to one another. Restraint of the thumb assists in eliminating uneven or asymmetric pressures exerted on the shaft of the golf club which would distort the swing. The attaching thumb seam extends beyond the knuckle of the index finger to assure no unwanted motion during the swing.

Abstract: An adjustably rotatable and inclined practice platform for golf swings. A circular playing surface is fixed to a vertical mast supported on a base. The playing surface is oriented at an angle to the mast. A motor and gearset revolve the practice platform as desired by the user. The playing surface comprises a plurality of pie slice shaped sections of artificial turf. Each section of turf is of a different turf height, so that the user can practice coping with different turf heights, in addition to varying inclinations of terrain. Preferably, the playing surface comprises a removable member secured to a plate permanently fixed to the mast. The circumference of the playing surface bears a succession of closely spaced holes for supporting golf tees. A skirt seals the open space below the platform, thereby protecting the motor and gearset.

Abstract: A tire scraper for removing mud from a vehicle having dual tires, includes a plurality of scraper bars, each carrying a plurality of brush assemblies. An actuator moves the pivotal support member between a first retracted position and a second deployed position.