Abstract: A tackle training system defines a frame configured for attachment to a player's body. The frame has an upper portion, a lower portion, and a center portion extending therebetween. The upper portion defines at least one attachment structure extending downwardly toward the lower portion, and the lower portion defines at least one attachment structure extending upwardly toward the upper portion generally vertically aligned with the attachment structure of the upper portion. The opposing attachment structures are for contacting opposing ends of a bar so as to removably attach and extend the bar between the upper and lower portions. The attachment structures of the frame limit movement of the removable bar generally to that of the frame and allow release of the removable bar from the frame when a force that overcomes an attachment force provided by the attachment structures is applied to the removable bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing lengths of flexible elongate elements between two fixed points has a single spool with a track of predetermined width sufficient for winding alternate turns of the elongate element about opposite side regions of the track in a folded figure eight pattern. A first turn of the elongate element is wound about a first side region of the track, then the element is crossed over to the second side region of the track and a second turn is wound about the second side region of the track. The elongate element is crossed back over to the first side region and a third turn is wound about the first side region. The process is repeated until at least the majority of the slack between the fixed points on the element has been taken up.

Abstract: This invention is a device for transporting, holding and feeding a plurality of spools of level-wound or cross-wound thread on a home sewing and/or embroidery machine. This device fits over the vertical spindle of the machine if so equipped, or over a spindle devised for the intended machine so as to provide the same function if not so equipped. It consists of a disk with a flat base, free to rotate about its vertical axis, with provisions for accepting spools of thread of various standard sizes. It can be made of any material suitable for the purpose and embodies a thread guide for each spool when used to feed cross-wound thread. It also embodies a knob, pin, ring, or other feature to enable it to be installed/removed from the machine manually without tools.

Abstract: The combination of a bobbin assembly and a support for the bobbin assembly. The bobbin assembly has a core around which a supply of thread can be wrapped. The core has a rotational axis. The bobbin assembly further has a first flange with first and second oppositely facing surfaces. The first surface bounds a storage space for thread wrapped around the core. The first flange has at least one projection from the second surface. The support has a third surface facing the second surface and bearing against the at least one projection for limiting movement of the spool in a direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis with the bobbin assembly operatively connected to the support.

Abstract: The combination of a bobbin assembly and a support for the bobbin assembly. The bobbin assembly has a core around which a supply of thread can be wrapped and having a rotational axis, a first flange having first and second oppositely facing surfaces with the first surface bounding a storage space for thread wrapped around the core, and a magnetic element. The support has a third surface with a first metal material facing the second surface with the bobbin assembly operatively connected to the support and sufficiently close to the magnetic element so that a magnetic field is generated between the magnetic element and first metal material that tends to resists movement of the bobbin assembly relative to the support around the rotational axis of the core.

Abstract: An adapter for use on a sewing machine which is equipped with first and second spool pins permits the machine to operate with non-conventional spools such as plastic or cardboard tube spools, small conical base spools, and large spools having a large bore therethrough. A yoke is rotatably mounted on a stabilizing bar which in turn is mounted on the spool pins. The yoke supports first and second mounting fins. A rod is hingedly coupled to one of the mounting fins and is capable of assuming stable horizontal or vertical positions. Plastic or cardboard tube spools may be mounted on the rod when in a horizontal position. The yoke is then adjusted so as to minimize the distance between the point the thread comes off the spool and the first thread guide on the machine. Larger spools may be mounted on the first mounting fin or, when the rod is in a vertical position, on the second mounting fin.

Abstract: A yarn holding and distribution apparatus for supporting pre-wound balls or skeins of yarn making same readily accessible for knitting, crocheting or like activities. A flexible frame adapted to receive either the pre-wound balls or skeins of yarn is typically supported from an overhanging support arm, the bottom of the yarn supporting frame incorporating a spherical pivot to slideably contact the base of the yarn supporting apparatus. The yarn held upon the supporting frame will be feed therefrom in a uniform manner irrespective of whether the yarn leader is at the top of or beneath the spherical pivot member.

Abstract: A threaded material dispenser having first and second substantially identical contoured members, hinged together to fold into overlapping position with said second member supported by said first member; each member preferably being pliable and having a depressed central region surrounded on at least three sides by raised portions, so that at least one skein of yarn positioned between said members in the central region thereof may be dispensed between said raised portion of said two members without pulling out the skein of yarn, said raised portions and the walls of one of said central regions preferably enclosing granulated material.