Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include devices, systems and methods for providing information to sports participants regarding hitting targets, achieving greater accuracy, and improving skill levels. Such information may include, for example, video information, directional information, and/or real-time updated information that may provide feedback to players for improvement of skills. A targeting device in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure comprises a body, a coupler, coupled to a first portion of the body, a target coupler, coupled to a second portion of the body, an adjusting device coupled to the body for enabling movement of at least one of the coupler and the target coupler, and a target coupled to the target coupler.

Abstract: A sports net system has a frame attached to rails of a garage door, the frame having vertical tubes, a sports net attached to the frame, and an angling attachment attached to the frame, the angling attachment to allow the frame to tilt relative to the rails of the garage door. A sports net system has ground-mountable support rails having vertical slots, a frame having vertical tubes that fit within the vertical slots, a sports net attached to the frame, and an angling attachment attached to the frame, the angling attachment to allow the frame to tilt relative to the support rails.

Abstract: A target training apparatus includes an axle shaft, and the axle shaft includes three rebounding portions. Each one of the rebounding portions can be rotated relative to the axle shaft in order adjust angles among each one of the rebounding portions. In addition, each one of the rebounding portions can be positioned onto the axle shaft after the position thereof are set completely. The present invention utilizes three rebounding portions arranged at different angles as different ball striking targets, and the diversity of the ball bouncing direction is increased in order to improve the athlete training effect.

Abstract: The invention is a training system used to train basketball players. The training system is specifically used for training players to make successful shots in the face of defensive player motion blocking and shot blocking/deflection tactics.

Abstract: An audible target system for measuring the accuracy of shooting projectiles with an air gun or other device is disclosed. The audible targeting system comprises a target component, a computer, and a software program capable of interpreting the results. The target component comprises a plurality of targets that a user attempts to hit with a projectile fired from a shooting device. Once struck, each of the plurality of targets engages a mallet that in turn strikes a resonant member which emits one of a plurality of audible tones. Furthermore, instead of a mallet and a resonant member, the plurality of targets can comprise an area switch with a momentary contact. Thus, the target when engaged by a projectile would produce a sound through the process of an electric switch engaging an electrical circuit. Once the electrical circuit is closed, a sound is emitted from speakers integrated in the target.

Abstract: The invention is a device that modifies the target aperture for the standard game board for the traditional lawn game known as cornhole or bean bag toss. The device, when inserted into the game board's target aperture, replaces the open hole with a circular shaped “trapdoor” that opens only when directly struck by a tossed game bag. When opened, the trapdoor allows the passage of the game bag through the game boards target aperture. The device includes a spring hinge mechanism that returns the trapdoor to the closed position after the bag has passed through the opening. The device is designed so that it can be quickly and easily inserted into and removed from the target aperture of the game board without moving or damaging the game board.

Abstract: An interactive sports target device is designed specifically to be suspended on the inside of a net attached to a goal. The target device emits an audible signal when impacted by a projectile such as a ball, puck or the like. The target device is light in weight to avoid deforming the net and can be easily attached or detached to the net in less than 30 seconds. The target device is reversible and can include both a front and rear with contrasting colors or designs. Both mechanical and electronic target devices are shown which provide a loud audible sound when struck by a projectile. Advanced electronic versions contain a programmable processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heatable long range metal target capable of providing acoustic feedback to the user on impact and is durable to withstand the repeated vibration stress that occurs during repeated use. In a preferred embodiment, target includes a reactive target body for generating an audible feedback signal on impact by a firearm round (such as a metal gong), a heating element and a fastening structure connectable to the target body for mounting of the heating element to the target body. The target body has a front, impact surface and a rear surface and is constructed of hardened steel for withstanding repeated impact by high velocity rounds on the impact surface without penetration. The heating element heats a target region of the target and the fastening structure connects the heating element to the target body away from the impact surface.

Abstract: A sound generator and method of projecting sound that includes a piezoelectric buzzer secured to a tensioned, flexible surface of an inflatable object, the surface being under tension in response to variations of pressure within the object. The sound generator includes a sound source and a piezoelectric buzzer electrically connected with each other so that the sound source generates signals, the piezoelectric buzzer converts the signals into sounds and the tensioned, flexible surface amplifies the sounds.

Abstract: A freely positionable tennis court practice target has a plurality of areas each of which generates a signal when impacted by a ball. A counter-display is responsive to signals from each area to numerically display the number of hits to each area. Lights and/or speakers may be included to provide an indication when each target area is impacted.

Abstract: A game in which a ball is thrown or bounced onto a horizontal game board from an adjacent bouncing surface such as a table, most of a target portion of the game board surface being covered with raised ball-deflecting projections in a grid pattern, the remainder of the target portion consisting of ball-retaining depressions defined by the projections and approximating the size of the ball. The ball is preferably a ping-pong type ball that reacts with the game board in a manner making it extremely difficult to place the ball in a particular scoring depression on the first bounce.

Abstract: A lightweight backstop, equipment set, method of defining a playing field and method of playing a baseball related game is provided. The invention integrates a ball stopping backstop, attached strike zone, foul line ropes and base hit markers with methods and means for defining and marking a playing field scaled to the size and number of players. A separate strike zone is attached to the backstop by means allowing the players to quickly change the vertical position of the strike zone and acoustical responses generated by balls hitting the strike zone. Players may also adjust the sound generated by balls missing the strike zone, but striking the backstop net. One embodiment of the disclosed game eliminates base running and ball throwing near batters after the ball has been struck. The entire equipment set is light weight, easy to move, and simple to assemble.

Abstract: A shooting target which will give indication of whether the shooting target has been hit and where the shooting target has been hit has a plurality of non-conductive layers. A plurality of conductive layers are provided wherein a single conductive layer is coupled between non-conductive layers. A communication module is coupled to the plurality of conductive layers for monitoring when a metallic object forms a connection between at least two of the plurality of conductive layers for indicting when and where the shooting target has been hit by the metallic object.

Abstract: A game set that includes first and second guns that can be activated. The second gun is not activated if the first gun is activated before the second gun.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing telecommunications access is disclosed. A customer interested in using the telecommunications access makes a payment into the payment processing unit which forwards the payment information to the central control unit. The central control unit reports the transaction information to a central computer system via its modem connected to a telecommunication channel. Access to the same telecommunication channel or another channel can be made available to the customer via a switchable telecommunications access circuit which is also controlled by the central control unit. The customer connects to the telecommunications channel via the telecommunications access connector. The central control unit provides information on the progress of the vending transaction to the customer via the user interface. The central control unit determines when the transaction is completed by sensing the cessation of usage via the usage detection circuit or via customer action at the user interface.

Abstract: A game that includes a movable target is provided. To this end, the game includes an object that is thrown at the movable target. The movable target has a first movable element, a second movable element, a switch actuated by the thrown object, and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism switches from moving the first movable element to moving the second movable element in response to actuation of the switch. Switch actuation occurs when the thrown object encircles the movable target and strikes an appendage of the movable target.

Abstract: A target triggered dousing assembly wherein an operator throws a bean bag or other missile at a triggering target which in turn moves to allow a hammer to strike a bell and tug upon a lanyard, tipping a dousing bucket to dispel its contents upon a participating subject below.

Abstract: A toy that can sense contact with a fluid. The toy preferably contains a conductive member and an adjacent conductive screen. An indicator circuit has one terminal connected to the conductive member and another terminal connected to the conductive screen. The screen and conductive member are in relative close proximity so a fluid which flows through the screen will provide an electrically conductive path between the two conductive members. The conductive path closes the indicator circuit. The indicator circuit has an audio unit and/or light source that are activated when the circuit is closed by the fluid. The conductive members can be attached to a shield which also has a spray device. A player can spray another player with the spray device of the shield. The player can also block the spray of an opposing player with the shield. If the fluid makes contact with the conductive members the indicator circuit provides an indication that a "hit" has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention provides a casting target and a casting practice method. The inventive casting target comprises a receiving structure for receiving an object cast at the target and an indicator assembly for indicating that the object has been received by the receiving structure. The inventive method comprises the step of casting an object attached to a line at the receiving structure of the inventive casting target.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arcade type amusement game in which contestants compete to be the first to get a set number of balls in 15, the opening of a replica of a toilet bowl while a toilet-like seat is rising and falling. The invention provides a means of tracking the number of successful balls entering the bowl.

Abstract: A projectile impact indicating target for sport shooting includes a frame, a projectile impact sensor mounted on the frame for sensing projectile impact, and an impact indicator releasably restrained by the projectile impact sensor for indicating projectile impact with the target.

Abstract: A running target shooting range comprising an oscillating platform 21, wherein a marksman stands thereon so as to position himself or herself to fire bullets at a stationary target (not shown). The oscillating platform 21 is supported on and moves by rollers or wheels 31 which are positioned in a stationary base member 25 located below the surface of the oscillating platform 21. Pivot arm 32 engages both the stationary base member 25 and the oscillating platform 21 at a generally central location, wherein the platform is oscillatable about the pivot arm 32 when a drive mechanism, also housed in the stationary base member 25 is activated. The drive mechanism 80 comprises a gearmotor 81, which propels a rotary shaft 82 having one end engaging the motor and the other end including a small-toothed pinion wheel 84, and wherein the teeth on the pinion wheel 84 mate with matching teeth on the bottom side of a cam system when the shaft is rotated.

Abstract: This invention discloses an audible target assembly for use in a flying disc golf game. The target assembly consists of an upright post and a tube mounted on the post that when combined produce sound upon impact of the tube by a flying disc. A first plurality of radial support rods around the outer periphery of the tube attaches a plurality of individually suspended members to the tube. The members extend downwardly and connect to a second plurality of radial support rods mounted on the upright post located beneath the tube. The plurality of individually suspended members form a relatively dense mass in the path of a flying disc that transfer the kinetic energy of the disc to the members that in turn come in contact with the tube to produce an audible sound.

Abstract: An air-operated toy gun including a gun body, a triggering device, an air pump device, and a projectile. The air pump device is arranged inside the gun body and has an air cylinder. A blow tube that is connected to the air cylinder has an end extending out of the gun body. A piston is driven by the triggering device within the air cylinder to produce compressed air. The tubular projectile, made of a medium hard foam material and closed at one end, is mounted on the front end of the blow tube. When compressed air, produced by the movement of the piston in the air cylinder by movement of the triggering device, exhausts from the blow tube; the projectile is ejected forward, resulting in an amusement effect.

Abstract: A portable target assembly is provided for use with airguns of the pellet or ball (BB) variety. The target assembly includes a rectangular frame which is supported by two leg members which are pivotally mounted on the right and left side of the frame. A canvas element is secured about the exterior of the frame and the leg members which forms a trap for the spent pellets or balls. Several rows of targets depend from struts which are mounted on the interior of the rectangular frame. The targets are suspended by cord elements which are secured to the strut by a locking member. By adjusting the length of the cord the target height may be altered. The targets are a variety of geometric shapes. The center of the target is hollowed out so that a loud report is sounded when the target is hit by a projectile.

Abstract: A toy for simulating the scoring of goals in the game of basketball includes a rim having an outer surface of conductive material and a frustroconical net suspended from the rim. A ball adapted to fit within the rim has an outer surface of conductive material so that an electric circuit including a signal-generator produces a signal to the player of the game whenever the ball strikes the rim while passing therethrough.

Abstract: A golf game wherein a first ball is suspended above a putting green surface for being struck by a putted ball, and a second bell is supported above the first bell, for being struck by an airborne driven game ball, which ball includes chimes therein.

Abstract: An electronic dart game capable of being played by sight-impaired persons. The game includes a dart face forming a target for darts thrown by the players, the dart face including a plurality of scoring segments. An electronic processor is associated with the dart face for detecting a hit segment and determining the value of the segment which has been hit. An audible announcing device is associated with the processor and is responsive to the processor for audibly announcing sufficient information to direct and score the game without the need for viewing of visible indicators. As a further feature of the invention, as rollout mat is provided having an integral throwing line and affixed to the cabinet. In one condition, the rollout mat is completely stored within the cabinet and in the other can be simply rolled out to automatically position the throwing line, the throwing line being physically perceptible by a sight-impaired person to locate him with respect to the target face.

Abstract: A game device and method of playing same. The game/toy device generally comprises a cord which is fastened to two spaced apart support posts that are vertically mounted from the ground. An alarm or bell device(s) is connected or attached to said cord. The user/player may score a point by tossing a ball or other object at the cord and hitting it. The alarm/bell device signals each point made. A selected number of hits wins the game.

Abstract: A game device and method of playing same. The game/toy device generally comprises a paddle wheel which is rotatably mounted between two spaced apart support posts that are vertically mounted to a playing court. An alarm system is coupled to the paddle wheel to signify or sound a signal indicative of a winner. Competing players take turns of tossing a ball at the paddle wheel from opposite side of the target paddle wheel. Each player attempts to rotate the paddle wheel a number of turns to raise his respective scoring weight up to a sensor. Activation of the sensor energizes the win signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for sensing the impact of a projectile. The apparatus includes a target which is a bladder having a predetermined normal volume which is reduced in size upon impact by a projectile. The bladder has an outlet in communication with atmospheric air for providing an escape for a pulse of fluid from the bladder when the bladder volume is reduced in response to impact by a projectile. Resilient foam is disposed within the bladder urging it toward its normal volume after impact by a projectile. A sensor is connected to the bladder for sensing a pulse of air escaping from the bladder.

Abstract: The disclosed target is an all steel constructed target which rocks upon impact of the energy of the bullet's velocity and resets itself under its own counterweight design. The screw-on plate offers ease in changing plates for shooting at different yardages and inexpensive replacement of the plate without having to replace the entire target. The shooter will enjoy the advantages of shooting at a target which resets itself and offers quick and easy replacement of the target plate.

Abstract: A croquet post includes a base having a movable target and an activating arm attached to the target. A post extends upwardly from the base. A movable collar is supported by the post and is engaged by pins extending from a rod within the post. The rod is actuated by the arm to release the collar and allow it to slide down the post thereby providing a visible indication when the target is struck. A bell is struck by the rod providing an audible indication when the target is struck.

Abstract: Targets on a shooting range are automatically illuminated individually, either randomly or in a progressive "running" mode, and the firing of shots is sensed and recorded in timed relation to the periods of illumination, for scoring in conjunction with target hits under conditions simulating firing at live targets in the field.

Abstract: A target game adapted to be operated by darts from toy dart guns, thrown objects and the like, comprises a front panel arranged for vertical positioning, a row of simulated tin can targets are arrived along the upper edge of said panel and are supported upon depending arms pivotally supported rearwardly of the front panel, and score indicating panels are mounted on said arms in a manner to be positioned opposite one of a series of viewing openings in the front panel when a can target is hit by an object and toppled rearwardly and pivotally. Each arm adjacent the pivot therefor has a cam engageable with a corresponding projection on a horizontal rod rearwardly of the front panel to cause limited rotatary movement of the rod to actuate an elongated flexible member having a striker positioned to hit an audible signal member when the flexible member is flexed incident to the aforementioned movement of the rod.

Abstract: A reactionary human silhouette targer for shooters is disclosed which gives instantaneous visual and audible reaction to being struck whereby by watching the target and listening, the area of the target which is struck may be determined. The target comprises the upper torso and arms of a person with a body-like front contour, the target mounted on an upright stand. In connecting the target to the stand, a four directional pivot means is provided, together with means to return the target to its original position once moved, the target reacting by pivoting in the direction in which it is struck, and for the instant of being struck in a central target area, the target then raises vertically. Additionally, indication by a different sounding noise is given for different portions of the target being struck.

Abstract: A golf putting aid apparatus for a visually handicapped person which is capable of use with a standard type golf cup is provided in which an audibly distinguishable electronic sound emission is provided for audibly indicating to the visually handicapped person the location of the golf cup or hole and a second audibly distinguishable electronic sound emission is provided for audibly indicating to the visually handicapped person that a putt has been successfully completed. The putting aid apparatus comprises a housing, such as one removably insertable in the golf cup so that it may be transferred from hole to hole during regulation play on a golf course. The housing has a golf ball receiving portion and an audible electronic sound emitting portion with the ball receiving portion having an entrance portion alignable in the golf cup for receiving a golf ball putted thereinto.