Abstract: A ball tossing device has a base and a lever, with the lever having a foot portion and a tossing portion, and the base acting as a fulcrum for the lever. In some examples, the foot portion and the tossing portion may be removably coupled to one another. In some examples, a method of using the ball tossing device includes a user placing a ball on the tossing portion, stomping a foot on the foot portion, thereby actuating the lever and tossing the ball upward from the tossing portion, and then hitting the ball with a bat.

Abstract: The stomp and catch game is similar to a conventional stomp and catch board, but includes an additional stabilizing base. The base has opposed upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface has at least one first visual indicator formed thereon to indicate where a user should stand with one foot to hold the lower surface of the base against a support surface, such as the ground or a floor. By standing on the base with one foot, the user's weight maintains the base in a stable position while the user plays the game. A pivoting board is pivotally secured to the base. The pivoting board has opposed first and second ends. The first end is configured for stomping on with the user's other foot, and the second end is configured for releasably supporting and launching a target object that the user attempts to catch while in the air.

Abstract: Systems for analyzing performance of an activity involving using an implement to strike a moving target object effectively have a first sensor attached to the implement, a second sensor attached to a launcher human or mechanically operable to launch the moving target, wherein the first sensor generates a signal associated with motion of the implement, wherein a second sensor generates a signal associated with motion of at least one of the group consisting of the launcher and the moving target being launched, a processor operably coupled to the first and second sensors to receive the signals generated by the first and second sensors, and wherein the processor analyzes the received signals to measure performance of the activity. The implement may be a firearm. The implement may be a shotgun. The launcher may be a clay pigeon trap.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and a ball throwing management computing device that assists with intelligently throwing a ball to a dynamically detected user includes receiving health information associated with a user from a user computing device. A location and height of the user associated with the received health information is detected. A speed, a direction, a trajectory and a frequency at which the ball can be propelled to the user is determined based on the received health information and the detected location of the user without user intervention. Propelling the ball to the user based on the determined speed, direction and frequency is assisted.

Abstract: A toy ring is disclosed herein. The toy ring having: a platform; a plurality of posts positioned about the platform, the plurality of posts including at least one launching post configured for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein movement from the first position to the second position is in a first direction away from the platform; an elastic member secured to each one of the plurality of posts, wherein the biasing member provides a biasing force to the launching post in a second direction opposite to the first direction when the launching post is in the second position.

Abstract: A ball throwing machine can include a hopper for receiving one or more balls and a ball delivery device. The ball delivery device can be used to throw or pitch a ball from the hopper to a user of the machine. The ball delivery device can include wheels to impart speed to the ball and a direction system to control the projection angle of the ball. The direction system can control at least one of the up and down angle and the side to side angle of the ball as it is thrown, among possibly other throwing parameters. A controller may be provided for controlling operation of the ball throwing machine.

Abstract: A hand-held flinging device includes a launcher that engages the projectile and improves control of the launcher and projectile, during a throwing/flinging motion, until centrifugal force causes disengagement of the projectile from the launcher. The engagement system involves the rearward portions of a launcher shaft and the projectile bore, so that, upon disengagement, frictional engagement and interference of the engagement system with the projectile is prevented or limited as the projectile moves forward to fly off the launcher. The engagement system may include a member that snaps into engagement with a hole or recess to hold the projectile on the launcher even through the wind-up portion of the throw that may include the launcher distal end being pointed downward. The preferred projectile covers the entire or nearly the entire launcher shaft distal of the hand grip and is heavier toward its front end.

Abstract: A machine for launching disk-shaped targets has two faces located on each side of an edge. The machine includes means for loading a target into a launch area, an arm for launching the target placed in the launch area and a surface guiding the target by means of contact with at least one of the aforementioned faces thereof. The guiding surface has at least one portion wherein the areas that come into contact with the face of the target are not continuous. The machine is particularly suitable for shooting practice, such as archery.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a base panel having a narrow first end and a wide-profile opposing end surrounded by a continuous, vertical retaining wall that encompasses a plurality of semispherical cavities. Adjacent each cavity is a numeral corresponding to a score value that is added to a current cumulative score whenever a player's marble lands within a cavity. Using a catapult mechanism, each player sequentially propels a marble toward the cavities. The player having the highest cumulative score after a requisite number of launches wins the game.

Abstract: A toy having a housing; a cover pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a first position wherein an internal cavity of the housing is covered and a second position wherein access to the internal cavity is provided; a launching mechanism located within the internal cavity; a first projectile configured to be launched from the launching mechanism; a plurality of second projectiles configured to be launched from a plurality of projectile launchers secured to the housing; an actuation mechanism coupled to the cover, the launching mechanism and the plurality of projectile launchers, wherein operation of the actuation mechanism causes the cover to move from the first position to the second position and simultaneously launch the first projectile and the plurality of second projectiles from the launching mechanism and the plurality of projectile launchers.

Abstract: A hand-held flinging device includes a launcher that engages the projectile and improves control of the launcher and projectile, during a throwing/flinging motion, until centrifugal force causes disengagement of the projectile from the launcher. The engagement system involves the rearward portions of a launcher shaft and the projectile bore, so that, upon disengagement, frictional engagement and interference of the engagement system with the projectile is prevented or limited as the projectile moves forward to fly off the launcher. The engagement system may include a member that snaps into engagement with a hole or recess to hold the projectile on the launcher even through the wind-up portion of the throw that may include the launcher distal end being pointed downward. The preferred projectile covers the entire or nearly the entire launcher shaft distal of the hand grip and is heavier toward its front end.

Abstract: A circuit module for preventing component failure in portable target throwing machines, the circuit module comprising a microcontroller coupled to a power source and a motor, wherein the microcontroller is configured to count a number of clay target throwing cycles and a run time of the motor. The circuit module also comprises a relay coupled to the microcontroller and the motor, wherein the relay is configured to open and interrupt power supply to the motor when at least one of the number of clay target throwing cycles and the run time of the motor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A sling like apparatus comprising a release cord, retention cord, finger loop, release tab, guide assembly, and basket creates a throwing device that is simple to reset, reload and throw while still retaining the power and accuracy of a traditional sling, thus making it user-friendly for anyone to quickly learn and operate. The retention cord comprises a comfortable finger loop that forks about half way in length into two cords that are each attached to specific and unique locations on the basket. The basket deforms into a form fitting structure that secures around a circular object or ball that may be roughly 2.5 inches or smaller in diameter. The release cord is attached to a particular location on the basket and is fed through a guide assembly. The end of the release cord connects to the release tab.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a mass, the apparatus having an arcuate track, a clamping member attached to a section of the arcuate track, an arm assembly pivotably connected to the clamping member, and a counterweight connected to the arm assembly. A projectile for use in a mass accelerator having an arcuate track, the projectile having a core and at least one of a low-friction layer, a propellant layer, and a polycarbonate layer.

Abstract: The combination of a toy and launcher member for use in providing chase activities for pets, the toy being toroidally shaped and propelled by a whipping stroke of an elongated launch member having a gripper at one end which is engaged with a segment of the perimeter of the toy. A whipping stroke of the launcher causes release of the toy from the gripper which propels the toy away at high speed, with a top spin imparted thereto which causes the toy to roll and bounce for a great distances along the ground.

Abstract: A pitching machine contains a pitching arm that vertically rotates at a speed of about 5 to 15 rpm, picks up a ball from the ball cradle at a pick-up point in its rotation, and then releases the ball at a release point in its rotation to provide a first velocity component to the ball. The pitching machine also contains a wheel that vertically rotates at a speed of about 300 to 3000 rpm. The wheel is positioned at the release point of the pitching arm to provide a second velocity component to the ball and to pitch the ball at an initial launch angle.

Abstract: A dart projectile game and its associated method of play. A launcher is provided that has a base and a lever suspended above the base by a fulcrum connection. The lever has a first end and an opposite second end that can teeter up and down. Magnetic material is coupled to the base below the first end of the lever. A projectile is provided that contains a magnet tip. Furthermore, a target is provided that has at least one magnetic section. The projectile is placed on the first end of the lever, wherein the magnet in the projectile attracts the magnetic material under the first end of the lever and biases the first end of the lever downwardly. A person presses down on the second end of the lever with enough force to overcome the magnetic attraction and accelerate the projectile into flight toward the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time a projectile expelling apparatus having at least one fixed channel for allowing projectiles to enter at a constant entry point and a rotational expelling housing rotationally connected to at least one fixed channel for projecting projectiles at various trajectories.

Abstract: An arrow point having a self lubricating collar.

Abstract: Fires in tanks storing combustible liquids are treated by introducing a fire extinguishing media comprising frozen projectiles onto the surface of the burning liquid. The media is applied across the surface of the burning fluid to extinguish the fire and prevent its re-ignition.

Abstract: A first member is pivotally connected to a base for rotation about a first axis, and a second member is pivotally connected to the first member for rotation about a second axis. One end of a cable is attached to the base at a point spaced from the first axis, and the other end of the cable is attached to the second member at a point spaced from the second axis. The cable is slidingly engaged by a portion of the first member. As the first member is driven to rotate with respect to the base, the second member is forced to rotate with respect to the first member due to the inextensibility of the cable.

Abstract: An automatic throwing machine (10) includes a throwing arm (18) rotated by a worm gear (78) driven by a worm (76) carried on a rod (42). The rod is driven by an electric motor (32). An extension spring (68) is extensible as the arm is moved to store energy in the spring and create a torque on the throwing arm. The arm is configured for objects such as clay pigeons (P), baseballs (B), and hockey pucks (H) and the like. When the spring reaches an over-center position, the throwing arm is rapidly rotated to launch the object along a desired trajectory. A control (112) controls operation of the motor. A passive infrared detector (110) identifies people (X) near the device and controls the direction of discharge of the object so the object is thrown toward, or away from, the person depending upon the object being thrown. The detector further provides an interlock to prevent object release if there is a person in the direction the object is thrown who should not be there.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for throwing balls with specific throwing parameters with the aid of a pendulum. The device consists of a pendulum having a free end which is suspended so as to be movable about an axis, characterized in that a holding device for the ball is located at the free end of the pendulum shaft and can release the ball in response to an electrical signal.

Abstract: A game apparatus offers a game played by a plurality of players. The game apparatus uses an object having means for determining a result of the game, the result of the game being dependent on a movement of the object, a moving process of the object being observed by the players. Magnitude information indicative of a magnitude determined by one of the players is generated and detected in the game apparatus. A driving force is applied to the object so that the object is thrown toward a field defined by the game apparatus. A magnitude of the driving force is controlled in accordance with the magnitude of the hitting force. The object is collected by a collecting member moving on the field from a rear side to a front side. A pair of attracting members are provided on the front side of the field and move in opposite directions. The object is sandwiched between the attracting members and, thus, the object is placed on a throwing plate positioned in the center of the front side of the field.

Abstract: A water balloon toss sling includes a pouch having a substantially triangular-shaped shallow cup-like configuration adapted for seating a water-filled balloon, a first length of cord attached at a pair of opposite ends along one side of the pouch and being adapted for placement over outwardly extending fingers of a person's hand, and a second length of cord attached at one end to an opposite end of the pouch and being formed into a loop at the opposite end of the cord for encircling a wrist of a person such that the pouch is suspendable below the person's hand, permitting rotational movement for tossing a water balloon from the sling. The pouch has a pair of spaced first and second corners and a third corner being equidistantly spaced from the first and second corners. The first length of cord is attached at its opposite ends to the first and second corners of the pouch. The second length of cord is attached at one end to the third corner of the pouch.

Abstract: A launcher mechanism for flying an article, the mechanism includes a handle, a release means, a cooperating means and a linking material. The arrangement being such that the cooperating means on the article is engaged with the release means, which is linked by the linking material to the handle. The article can be thrown by swinging the handle, the path of the article being guided by the path swept by the handle, until the impetus of the article is sufficient to part the increasingly separable engagement between the release means and the cooperating means. The article is released with a forward momentum.

Abstract: A rotor for a centrifugal launching device supported for rotation about an axis and including a cylindrical barrel. The axis of rotation and longitudinal axis of the barrel define two straight lines skewed with respect to each other to permit the launching of projectiles having an oblong configuration.

Abstract: A projectile catapult which is inherently energy dissipative or mechanically not efficient for "jumping" a simulated frog from the edge of a simulated lake or pond toward a moving lily pad target. The catapult is actuated by user-provided force but use thereof with game apparatus as an amusement device is determined not by user strength but rather by factors of chance and user skill.

Abstract: A game having axially movable and rotatable pull rods which carry individual ball control devices which can be used to pick up a ball and project it toward a target. Each ball control device has two opposite scoops which are used to pick a game ball up and to project the ball toward a target. A trackway extends between the scoops so that the game ball can be transferred from one scoop to the other enabling projection of the ball toward either end of the game as desired by a player.

Abstract: A ball game board for children comprising a base board, a ball receiver having a ball receiving pit, said ball receiver being provided in the center of the board for receiving the ball directed thereto, and ball shoot-out units modelled after an animal or otherwise configured for promoting the sense of amusement and arranged at suitable locations along the periphery of the board, each of said ball shoot-out units having a ball shoot-out port designed to be opened and closed by a hood member, a chute along which the ball is shot out toward the ball receiver at the center of the board from said shoot-out port, a lever adapted to actuate a ball shooter provided below said chute, a control bar connected between said lever and said hood member for letting said hood member move from its closed position to its open position when the ball shooter is actuated by said lever, and a channel-like ball passage along which the ball is guided down to said ball shooter.

Abstract: A basketball game requiring operator skill in operating a ball thrower arm lever which throws a ball that has been positioned at the end of the lever by means of a funnel assembly. The ball is thrown toward a basket. A scoring mechanism is provided whereby the number of baskets are scored and, if a predetermined number is scored within the preset time interval, a free game is provided. Means are provided for returning the ball to the ball thrower lever and an arrangement is additionally incorporated for permitting release of the ball in the event it is trapped under the ball thrower lever arm at the base of the funnel. The game includes an illuminated scoreboard and a mechanism for ringing a bell after each basket is made. A ball lock is also incorporated for preventing return of the ball to the ball thrower arm lever after the completion of the last basket at the preset time interval, unless the free game has been provided.

Abstract: A novelty coin flipping device includes an upstanding tubular member, closed at the top, and having a pivotal operating lever with a coin support pad disposed adjacent the bottom. A coin is positioned within the tubular member and normally rests upon the support pad. When the lever is depressed, the disc is flipped upwardly within the tubular member to gravitationally descend, in either a "heads" or "tails" position, upon the support pad.

Abstract: A catapult basketball includes a backboard having a basket affixed thereon, a rectangularly shaped board member having a court printed thereon, a ball member, a pair of die members for determining the point value of a shot, and a catapult shooting apparatus for propelling a ball member towards the basket.

Abstract: A game device having a game board, the top of which defines a playing area with a plurality of positions on the game board 360.degree. about a ball propelling device rotatably mounted on the game board for continuous and uniform rotation 360.degree. generally centrally of the playing area. Boss type positions are provided on the playing area and are coded for receiving a plurality of identically coded upright target members about the ball propelling device. The ball propelling device is continuously and uniformly rotated during play of the game by a battery operated motor whereby a player may selectively, at any given time, place a ball in the propelling device and have the device immediately project the ball outwardly therefrom over the playing area toward the upstanding target members whereby a player can effectively aim his "shot" of a ball by properly timing the placing of the ball in the propelling device as it is rotated in an attempt to knock over selected ones of said upstanding target members.

Abstract: A pole vaulting game apparatus consisting of a carriage movable along a track by a manually operable device, a flexible pole carried pivotally by the carriage and having a piece simulating the vaulter frictionally mounted thereon, and a trip device operable to pivot the pole sharply upwardly into a bowed position at a point in the travel of the carriage, and against a stop, whereby the vaulter piece leaves the pole in an upward direction, the object of the game being to cause the vaulter piece to pass over a horizontal bar as in normal pole vaulting.