Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for interactive fetching for one or more participants, such as pets. In one implementation, a projectile, such as a ball, is received in a receiver and transported through an opening into a feeder of a randomizer. One of a plurality of chutes is randomly selected using gravity, and the projectile is transported from the feeder into the selected chute. The chute generates a smooth roll along a ramp to a port, from which the projectile is ejected along an ejection path for the participant to retrieve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses related to monitoring basketballs are described. In particular, a system for monitoring basketballs may include at least one non-intrusive sensor for sensing motion of a basketball during a missed basketball shot as the basketball travels along a rebound flight path from a basketball goal. The system may also include at least one processor configured to i) generate, based on the sensed motion, trajectory parameters that characterize one or more states of the basketball along the rebound flight path and ii) generate feedback information using the trajectory parameters. The system may further include at least one feedback output mechanism for providing the feedback information to a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable basketball arcade, including a backboard, two basketball rims, two telescopic support upright rods, two telescopic support bottom rods, two telescopic reinforcing rods and a support bottom rod. The above portable basketball arcade is simple in structure, by pivoting connection of a plurality of telescopic rods, the angles among respective rods and the height of the basketball arcade are convenient to adjust, such that different heights and distances are provided for users to practice, the portable basketball arcade can be simply and rapidly folded and stored without a need of tools, and the folded basketball arcade is small in occupied space, and convenient to carry and lift; and the basketball arcade is equipped with the ball receiving plate and the side nets, which are convenient for the users to pick up the ball for practice.

Abstract: A projectile throwing game. The present system is a game that involves throwing a projectile into the interior of a receiving unit. The receiving unit is equipped with a sensor that detects when a projectile enters the receiving unit. The receiving unit additionally has a transceiver configured to relay information to a processor unit. The processor unit is connected to a visual output and displays virtual images representing the physical receiver units. The object of the game is to throw specific projectiles into specific receiver units, as instructed by the virtual images.

Abstract: A toss game assembly that includes a projectile and a target for receiving the projectile. The target has a series of concentric cylinders. A target receptacle is suspended inside the cylindrical wall of the outer cylinder at a first distance below its top edge. During play, a person can toss the projectile into the top of any of the concentric cylinders. Alternatively, a user can direct the projectile to rebound into the target receptacle on the cylindrical wall of the outer cylinder. Different points are assigned to different target areas, wherein the smaller the target opening the more points are awarded for placing the tossed projectile into that target area.

Abstract: A basketball return apparatus for use with a basketball goal assembly having a backboard attached to a post with a frame member in elevation above a ground surface and a rim coupled to the backboard includes a net member having upper and lower ends. A mounting assembly includes a first end coupled to the net member upper end and a second end configured to couple the net member to the frame member of the basketball goal assembly. A support member is pivotally coupled to the net member second end, the support member movable between a retracted configuration generally adjacent and parallel to the net member and an extended configuration extending away from the second end of the net member. The support assembly may include a swivel member configured so that the net member and support member may be rotated side to side relative to the basketball goal assembly.

Abstract: The reduction in real operation objects in game systems that use real operation objects is detected. The quantity of real operation objects, which are repeatedly used by being circulated, is detected, it is judged whether the quantity is sufficient or not, and the judging results are output. For example, in a ball throwing game, balls are used in rotation by repeatedly supplying and recovering the balls. The quantity of balls in circulation is detected, and if the quantity is less than a threshold value, the manager of the game system is notified whether a sufficient quantity of balls is being supplied to the player or not, by for example outputting a warning message. By playing with an insufficient quantity of balls the level of difficulty of the game is essentially increased, so the player will feel that this is unfair.

Abstract: This invention provides a beer pong table in which the cups are attached to a scoring mechanism. The scoring mechanism consists of two sets of three cups that are attached to three individual ramps that transport the ball into three individual tubes which holds three balls each. Once a tube has accumulated three balls, it will reject a fourth ball and lets it fall back to the collection point behind it as if it were a missed shot. The collection point organizes the balls into a straight line to be delivered into the air powered ball return tube. The ball return tube constantly delivers missed shots back to the ball tray which can hold around 30 to 40 balls. This ball tray is positioned in front of the players. A backboard surrounds the back and sides of the cups to stop the missed shots from landing on the floor.

Abstract: A basketball amusement device comprises a backboard, a basket, and a self-propelled carriage. The backboard has a surface and the basket is attached to the surface of the backboard. The basket is adapted to receive a tossed ball. A support connects the backboard to the carriage. The self-propelled carriage includes a drive mechanism configured to move the carriage and backboard. The amusement device moves a predetermined distance across an associated support surface in response to the ball being received in the basket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multimedia basketball machine composite structure, consisting of a multimedia device and a digital camera device installed in a basketball machine. The multimedia device includes a processing device, a screen and loudspeaker devices. A player is able to interact with the basketball machine according to prompts from the multimedia device, and the digital camera device is able to film and record the segment of interaction between the player and the basketball machine. Moreover, the filmed video can be played back through the multimedia device, thereby creating effectiveness for interaction between the player and the basketball machine. The video of the players filmed by the digital camera device can be arranged to produce a ranking chart. Furthermore, the basketball machines can be connected for multiple player mode, thereby enabling players to cooperate or compete with each other, and thus further increasing recreation effectiveness.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. Each panel has a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. One first side of the first panel is coupled to one side of the second panel, and one side of the third panel is coupled to the fabric of the second panel.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.

Abstract: A collapsible playing section is removably attached to a player console and include casters as a stand alone amusement unit. A background includes three vertically aligned hoops, the medially one being rotated in a plane periodically out of alignment with the other two hoops which are stationary. One or more players in a coin operated game toss five balls in an attempt to pass the ball through all three hoops. A spring loaded telescoping link assembly for operating the moving hoop prevents ball jams. Points and prizes are assigned and awarded based on the number of hoops rung by a given player. More or fewer hoops, their speed of motion and the relative position of the movable hoop of hoops differ in different embodiments.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that include arcade-styled games for the fun and entertainment of both adults and children. These collapsible structures can be easily and quickly folded and collapsed into a compact configuration. The collapsible structures have at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material substantially covers each frame member to form a panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member.

Abstract: A collapsible support unit for basketball basket which allows the ball to return to the player after a shot is made at the basket so that the player needs not to run about in order to take back the ball after making a shot. It also allows the ball to be confined so that the ball would not do damage to anything or hurt anybody nearby. The collapsible support unit includes a backboard mounted with a basket and a main upright frame for supporting said backboard. A plurality of auxiliary upright frames are arranged in a row with said main upright frame and are collapsible to the upright frame by means of a plurality of extendable linkage units coupled therebetween. Furthermore, an enclosure defined by a net is formed around said basket for confining the ball, and a ball rolling path defined by a flexible piece extends from the bottom of said backboard to the top of the outermost auxiliary upright frame, allowing the bounced ball to roll back to the player.

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 soccer training device that permits soccer kicking practice from one or more kicking locations and includes a generally vertical screen that is adapted to receive and absorb the kinetic energy of the soccer balls kicked into the screen. A trough is located immediately below the screen and collects the soccer balls dropping therefrom. The trough extends the length of and is generally parallel to the screen and is sloped toward a trough discharge. A soccer ball conveyor receives the soccer balls from the trough discharge and conveys the soccer balls to the kicking location of the kicking area. The training device reliably and consistently returns the soccer balls to the kicker such that, a high speed, highly repetitive soccer kicking exercise can be practiced.

Abstract: An arcade basketball game which has a transparent enclosure (20) with basketball hoops (40) and a miniature basketball (28) inside. A pair of inclined playing surfaces (30) join together in a peak with transparent vertical barrier (34) on top, allowing the ball to roll to the lowest point where a striker bar (36) impedes its travel. An open space between the bar and the playing surface allow a hand held striker (52) to hit the ball upward at an angle toward the opposite players hoop in an attempt to score a goal. A shot blocker (70) and a pair of tip in hands (78) that are electrically controlled by a joystick (76) and hand switches (86) move in order to help or hinder the flight path of the ball. A game time display (60) indicates elapsed time and a pair of scoreboards (68) denote the scores of each player.

Abstract: A ball game includes a target area, at least one gun responsive to an operator for firing balls into the target area, and a device for feeding balls in sequence to the gun. This device includes an opening disposed beneath the target area for receiving balls that fall by gravity from the target area, and a turret positioned beneath the opening and having a circumferential array of peripheral openings each sized to receive one of the balls. The turret is rotated about its axis such that balls that fall by gravity onto the turret are urged by centrifugal force toward the peripheral openings. An accelerator has a ball inlet disposed beneath the turret at a position for alignment with each of the peripheral openings in sequence as the turret rotates, and an air inlet connected to a source of air under pressure.

Abstract: A basketball practice system comprising a backboard made of a rigid or semi-rigid material and having a generally a planar configuration is disclosed. A frame structure is secured to the backboard and helps to support a guiding net configured and dimensioned to guide a basketball into a narrow port defined by the guiding net. Cross braces are secured between the frame structure and the backboard in order to give rigidity to the frame. Side deflection structure deflects balls which are moving to the left or right, away from the system and guiding them into the guiding net. This deflecting structure may comprise nets. A basketball net is positioned above the narrow port and a bendable tubular guiding member, which comprises a bendable tubular member has a spiral backbone and a skin secured to the spiral backbone, is coupled to the narrow port and configured to receive a ball and guide it toward a player using the inventive basketball practice system is disclosed.

Abstract: A housing is provided having multiple openings in its front wall each opened and closed by a closure positioned by a pneumatic cylinder. Each closure, when retracted from its opening, provides a target for the pitcher. A programmable controller in the housing permits the preselection and dwell time of the cylinders to be actuated and for the presentation of an array of targets in and out of a strike zone. A thrown ball impacting a retracted closure momentarily closes a switch to provide a signal to a counter. A ball return mechanism provides a partial vacuum in a ball receptacle at the pitcher's mound to retrieve balls from the interior of the housing. A remote control is provided to permit operation of the apparatus remote from the apparatus housing.

Abstract: A toy gun and target set includes a carrying case having a curtain and a folding back board on the case cover thereof and a bottom chamber to carry toy guns, two target conveyers inside the carrying case and driven by a sliding rack through a clockwork & gear set to move a mobile target, and a game over sign carried on a linking mechanism and moved from a vertical position to a horizontal position as the sliding rack is pulled out of the carrying case to start the clockwork & gear set, the mobile target having pins aligned on two opposite sides of the target body thereof and respectively inserted through pin holes on two opposite face boards thereof, the face boards being respectively hinged to the target body and turned outwards from the target body to remove toy bullets being retained in spaces between the pins.

Abstract: A pitching device for training pitchers including a pitching target suspended within a retaining chamber with a collecting means located in the lower portion of the retaining chamber and a gravity return from the collecting means back to the pitchers. The retaining chamber includes a floor panel which slopes both to one side of the pitching device and forward to an outlet connected to the gravity return.

Abstract: Balls thrown at a target are returned to a player by a combination of a moving belt and an inclined delivery surface. The belt is out of reach of the player and, when stopped, collects the balls on its upper surface, stopping the game. A timer controls movement of the belt. Sensors positioned to detect movement of a ball toward the target and through openings in the target send signals to a sign, causing the sign to present different visual displays regarding progress of the game.

Abstract: A new and innovative game for the amusement industry comprises a gun which players use to guide a stream of balls to an intended target or objective. A revolving turntable feeds a plurality of balls one at a time into a tube where a motorized pinch wheel forces the balls up and through a tube to the gun. A blower is coupled to the tube to force the balls out of the tube end which is surrounded by a gun facade. The balls exit the tube end in a rapid stream which is directed at a target. A solenoid with a plunger mounted to the tube wall and movable within the tube is used to turn the gun on and off by halting the flow of balls.

Abstract: A portable arcade-type foldable game apparatus upon which games may be played using a ball or other such object is provided, having a framework with a support portion and an extended portion pivotally connected to the support portion so that the extended portion is movable between an upright, storage position and a recumbent, ready-to-play position. The support portion is configured to maintain an upright disposition independent of whether the extended portion is disposed in the upright position or the recumbent position. The movement of the extended portion is controlled by a releasable catch and detent assembly for securing the extended portion in either the storage position or the ready-to-play position. A target member with one or two basketball goals or a plurality of target openings is connected to the support portion of the framework and a ball return is connected to said framework to return balls shot at the goals or tossed at the target openings by players to the players.

Abstract: A basketball retrieval and return device for use as a teaching device with a conventional basketball goal and conventional basketballs which randomly directs the returned basket-balls to a group of players circled about the basketball goal, the distance of the players from the goal being variable to permit the players to practice the three-point play.

Abstract: An arcade-type foldable basketball game apparatus upon which games may be played using a basketball is provided, having a framework with a support portion and an extended portion pivotally connected to the support portion so that the extended portion is movable between an upright, storage position and a recumbent, ready-to-play position. The support portion is configured to maintain an upright disposition independent of whether the extended portion is disposed in the upright position or the recumbent position. The movement of the extended portion is controlled by a releasable catch and detent assembly for securing the extended portion in either the storage position or the ready-to-play position. One or two basketball goals are connected to the support portion of the framework and a ball return is connected to said framework to return basketballs shot at the goals by players to the players.

Abstract: A shooting range that has a target chamber position at the target end. A camera on the chamber transmits an image of the target to the shooting end where it is displayed on a screen of a video micrometer. The video micrometer has cross hair reticles that measure a shot pattern generated on the target. The video micrometer has a tape recorder for recording the transmitted image, a printer for printing a hard copy of the pattern, a keyboard for data input, and is connectable to a computer for input of the shot pattern data.

Abstract: An arcade type basketball game comprising a framework and basket and a gate for controlling access to the balls. The gate is mounted to a shooting window having an opening for passage of the balls. A gate bar is moveable to a position blocking the opening and is coupled with a pair of solenoids with vertically extendable and retractable plungers. Rigid upper and lower return boards are forwardly inclined for returning the balls more quickly to the player by reducing the vertical component of the ball movement. Netting and vinyl coupled with the framework prevent the balls from bouncing away.

Abstract: A soccer practice machine (10) has a planar surface (14) and a delivery tube (20) configured and positioned to deliver a soccer ball (24) proximate to the planar surface (14). A blower (26) provides sufficient air in the tube (20) for ejecting the soccer ball (24) from the delivery tube. A target (16) corresponds dimensionally to a soccer goal and is positioned remote from the delivery tube (20) and planar surface (14). A figure (42) attached to drive (44) is movably positioned in front of the target (16).

Abstract: A portable apparatus having a funnel-like ball collector for disposition generally circumjacent a mounted basketball hoop on a basketball court and including a diverter mechanism beneath the collector for receiving successive basketballs from the collector and diverting them outwardly to one or more player positions on the court to enable such players to continually practice throwing the balls to the hoop without having to change position.

Abstract: A soccer training and practice device that comprises a trampoline forming a playing surface in communication with a rebounder, and elastic ball-retaining cords, supported by collapsible safety poles, enclosing the playing surface. The rebounder's sides can be solid or of resilient netting, and the angle of the bottom of the rebounder with the playing surface is adjustable to control ball return speed. The rebounder and ball-retaining cords may be separately provided for addition to an existing trampoline.

Abstract: A new game apparatus including a shooting device for shooting a ball and a target when the shooting device is loaded, balls are either shot automatically by the shooting device, or by a trigger operated by the user. The shooting device includes a pressurizable ball receiving chamber into which the ball to be played enters when the player is ready to shoot the shooting device. The ball enters the chamber through a first hole in the chamber. The shooting device also includes a door for closing this first hole, a source of fluid under pressure and a switch and solenoid assembly for admitting the fluid into the chamber in a sufficient amount to drive the ball from the chamber through a second hole in the chamber. The second hole leads to an exit conduit through which the ball is projected out into the open air. The chamber is closed off upon the initial pressurization of the chamber by the door and by the ball. As more pressure is added, sufficient pressure builds up to propel the ball out the second hole.

Abstract: A toy game bank which may be used an an amusement and educational apparatus for children, and a conversation piece for adults. The toy game bank includes a supporting base member which contains an interior chamber for coins, a vertical wall member which is mounted on the rear end of the supporting base member, a coin track member which is mounted on the top end of the wall member, and a funnel which is mounted on one end of the coin track member. A coin track system is formed from the bottom of the funnel and it extends through the coin track member and down across the front face of the wall member, and through a coin track block member on the supporting base member, and into the interior chamber of the supporting base member. A lever and hammer is mounted on one side of the supporting base member for propelling coins upwardly through a flight path so that they will land in the funnel and then roll through the coin track system down to the interior chamber in the supporting base member.

Abstract: A modified basketball game that can be played by a person confined to a bed or a wheelchair. The player throws a reduced size basket ball at or through a basket ball hoop. The ball is returned to the player by a recovery device consisting of a net deployed below the basket ball hoop and backboard at one end and attached to the player at the other end. An alternative embodiment uses adhesive coated balls which are thrown at the backboard and attach themselves to the backboard through a net material. When the net material is forced away from the backboard the balls fall into the recovery device and are returned to the player.

Abstract: An improved ball return mechanism for a game like golf which includes a pressurizable ball receiving chamber for receiving a ball once played through a hole in a target area, a conduit extending between the hole and the chamber, a door separating the conduit and the ball receiving chamber, a source of fluid under pressure, an electrical device for admitting upon receipt of a signal the fluid under pressure into the chamber in an amount sufficient to drive the ball from the chamber to a return area, and an electrical switch for sensing the presence of a ball in the chamber and thereafter generating a signal to said fluid admitting means to admit fluid under pressure into the chamber. Upon entrance of a ball into the chamber, the chamber is closed off and pressurized, the ball is then ejected from the chamber by the pressure with enough force to send it to the return area.

Abstract: A game apparatus is disclosed including a generally vertically extending playing surface including front and back walls, a projectile launching station, and a projectile receiving station. The front wall of the apparatus bears partial or incomplete illustrations of objects, such as head-less bodies, and the projectiles include illustrations of the missing portions of the objects illustrated on the front playing surface wall, such as the missing heads. The front playing surface wall is generally transparent or includes an aperture at the locations of the missing portions of the illustrations so that when a projectile is launched into the proper location in the projectile receiving station, the projectile will complete the illustration on the front wall of the apparatus. The projectiles are weighted eccentrically to aid in landing the projectiles in the projectile receiving station in an upright position such that the projectiles properly complete the illustrations on the front wall on the apparatus.

Abstract: A target-type shooting toy having a target area in the rear of a housing and a transparent front wall having a swivel socket in the lower portion to mount swivelly a projectile guide member including a barrel and a projectile return channel, a handle and trigger to move and aim the barrel and actuate a spring-pressed shooting plunger, and projectile return means to return spent projectiles automatically to said return channel for successive movement into the barrel for subsequent shooting. Score recording and audible hit indicating means are actuated by returning projectiles.

Abstract: An arcade amusement gun of the type which pneumatically shoots a rubber ball toward a hollow target with each pull of the trigger is gated by a master control so that its firing rate is the same as the other arcade amusement guns in a grouping of such guns.

Abstract: A competitive action game includes a playing field which is inclined downwardly from its center to first and second player stations at opposite ends. Shooting assemblies are positioned at the player stations to shoot projectiles at one of two targets mounted for transverse movement across the center of the playing field. Each target includes a rotary disc member, a release mechanism and a biasing device to bias the target toward one side of the field. Each target release mechanism also includes a latch engageable with a rotary member and having a portion extending adjacent the playing field for contact by the projectiles that will actuate the latch allowing the target to move toward the scoring end of the field under the face of the biasing means. A score indicating flag is mounted at the end of the track to indicate the completion of the game.

Abstract: A game apparatus for the enjoyment of both young and old alike. The game is played on a sloping table wherein a ball is bounced off a launch board at one end of the table on to a portion of carpet for reducing the velocity of the ball. If the ball is accurately thrown, the ball bounces off the carpet and contacts a plurality of rectangular shaped tilted bumpers which carom the rolling ball down a row of staggered bumpers forming a scoring lane on one side of the table and against a score hole bumper and into a score hole. If the ball is inaccurately thrown, the ball rolls down the table and into a return hole.