Closed-back Or Closed-bottom Pocket Patents (Class 273/400)
  • Patent number: 8246496
    Abstract: A portable sports goal comprising a frame, a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member. The frame presents net connection points and is configured to support each of the pliable goal members in tension between two net connection points such that the goal apparatus presents a substantially rectangular goal mouth. A frame for use in the goal apparatus. A net for use in the goal apparatus comprising first, second and third edges, and a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member extending along the first, second and third edge respectively. A method of providing a goal. A portable football goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Quick Play Sport Limited
    Inventors: Allen Holland, William Parsons
  • Publication number: 20120193873
    Abstract: A projectile tossing game that combines elements of traditional washers and bean bag games with baseball. The game includes a receiving box that resembles a baseball field having an infield and outfield. The floor of the box can be covered with a material such as outdoor carpeting or turf to minimize the impact of projectiles landing in the box. Players score points (or runs) by landing projectiles in the infield or in one of the cylindrical outfield targets. The game is played for nine turns rather than a predetermined score. In the event of a tie, extra turns are taken until a player or team is declared the winner. The game can be played with multiple players and one receiving box or teams of players with two receiving boxes. A carrying case, handle, or lid may be provided to assist with transport of the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Chad R. Sindaco
  • Patent number: 8226087
    Abstract: A card-guided projectile and target game includes a game surface having first and second opposite ends. The game surface extends between the ends. The game surface includes indicia for delineating regions of the surface. At least one projectile, at least one projectile receiver, and at least one playing card includes indicia for in-game card guided play of a beverage drinking game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Maxwell Brustmeyer
  • Publication number: 20120169012
    Abstract: Provided are a stacked beverage game system and methods of playing a stacked beverage game. The provided game system comprises at least one stackable tier, each tier being adapted to receive a plurality of beverage receptacles and stack onto each other to form a stack. The provided methods of playing a game comprise assembling a provided game system into a stack with each stackable tier holding a plurality of beverage receptacles containing a liquid beverage of choice, and having a player toss or bounce a ball towards the stack in an attempt to cause the ball to be received within a beverage receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Parker, Andrea N. Hill
  • Patent number: 8205887
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a game table that has a plurality of cups that may be automatically moved from a storage position to a playing position. In certain other embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a game table that has a plurality of cups that may be manually moved from a storage position to a playing position. In certain other embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to devices and methods that allow a user to provide a payment mechanism, and upon the acceptance of the payment mechanism, a game table will move a plurality of cups from a storage position to a playing position. In some embodiments, provision is made for the dispensing of a liquid drink or other reward when predetermined actions occur during play of the game. Although the presently disclosed embodiments will work with any game requiring cups for play, the disclosure makes reference to the game of Beer Pong for convenience of description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Ryan Wyland
  • Patent number: 8186684
    Abstract: A form for constructing a thrower's circle includes a pair of half sections. Each half section has an upper surface and a base surface and two full length members and two half length members. The full length members and the half length members are connected together substantially at right angles to form a rectangle with four corners. A corner brace is located in each of the four corners. An inside cross member and an outside cross member extend between the half length members and are generally parallel to the full length members. A pair of semi-circles, each having substantially the same diameter that is larger than the length of the half length members and less than the length of the full length members. Means are provided for securing the half sections together so that the semi-circles form a full circle. Tubes extend from the circle toward the base to drain water from with in the circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Sportsfield Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Oliver
  • Patent number: 8182372
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device designed to increase the accuracy of both the throwing, bouncing, propelling by stick and kicking of a baseball, football, lacrosse ball or soccer ball. The apparatus is constructed of a frame, for example of aluminum tubing. A net is attached to or hung over the aluminum tubing to provide a series of pouches aligned horizontally at various heights. These pouches provide target areas for a ball. The pouches may be designed to allow the ball to drop from a pouch it enters into a second pouch or to the bottom of the device for easy removal. The device is held by a base that may have wheels and may be steadied by one or more transverse supports running across the bottom or the back of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Bernard Hayes
  • Patent number: 8146921
    Abstract: A beer pong arcade game apparatus and methods of operation are described. Initially, a new round is started and out limit is set. For each shot, it is determined whether the player has successfully made the ball into one of the plurality of cups. If the user makes the ball into one of the cups, that cup is retracted below or flush with a surface. Alternatively, if the user fails to make the ball into one of the cups, the out limit is decremented. The game ends if the out limit reaches zero before the player manages to make all of the cups. However, if the player manages to make all cups before exceeding the out limit, then a new round is started with a new out limit and a new set of cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Lombardi
  • Patent number: 8109845
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Christian P. Duty
  • Patent number: 8100784
    Abstract: An extension net for providing a backstop for a standard or specially modified lacrosse goal. The extension net includes one or more frame portions that are secured to the lacrosse goal and are rotatable so as to vary an angle between an end portion of the extension net and the lacrosse goal. The extension net can be sized so as to mark an outer boundary of a regulation lacrosse crease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: Harry Conforti, Ray Cozzi, James Brooks Sweet
  • Patent number: 8028995
    Abstract: One possible embodiment could be an electro-mechanical beer pong game table and a method of operating same. The game table could comprise a playing surface with a centerline axis; a plurality of movable platforms, the movable platforms being located over the playing surface; each movable platform reversibly and securely receiving a set of upright cups, each cup capable of containing beer and receiving a bear pong ball as played in the game of beer pong; one or more actuators that impart at least one motion to the movable platform relative to the playing surface; and an controller connected to the one or more actuators and controlling the at least one motion provided by the actuators wherein at least one movable platform is placed into motion relative to the playing surface and beer pong ball is thrown in the direction the moving movable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Chad Hazen Hoffer
  • Patent number: 8011665
    Abstract: A target apparatus adapted to receive projectiles such as bottle caps tossed or otherwise launched towards the target. Three vertically aligned catch structures are disposed to receive and retain the bottle caps. The three catch structures have different sizes resulting in different degrees of difficulty in projecting a bottle cap into the respective structures. The lowest catch structure is the largest, the middle catch structure being the smallest, and the uppermost catch structure being sized between the lower and the middle structures. Chains completely surround the middle and upper catch structures. Chains only surround the sides and rear of the lowest catch structure. An opening in the front of the lowest catch structure is adapted to receive a projectile therein that is routed to a special basket. A scoring system is provided that awards points depending upon which of the catch structures retains a bottle cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Stanley
  • Patent number: 7988154
    Abstract: An air actuated ball game which utilizes a table-like member having an exterior frame supporting a circular top surface. The top surface has a plurality of holes therethrough and is divided into equal segments each having a different color. Air from a fan or similar air generating means is compelled through the holes for moving sets of balls, each set of balls having a different color, around the top surface of the table-like member. Each of the sets of balls has a color which matches one of the segments. As balls move around the top surface, players must retrieve certain balls which drop into openings in each segment and bounce the balls into a cup located at the center of the top surface. Various rules of play are anticipated based on these basic game components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: James I. Regan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7984910
    Abstract: A mobile disc golf target comprising a vehicle carrying a disc golf target assembly. A propulsion means and a steering means are operably associated with the vehicle, with the propulsion means operable to propel the vehicle across a surface and the steering means operable to direct the vehicle across the surface. A controller receives instructions from a command and is operably associated with the propulsion means and steering means of the vehicle to influence the vehicle's speed and direction. The steering means of the mobile platform may comprise a differential steering arrangement or a conventional steering arrangement. The controller may receive instructions from a command comprising wireless or tethered user-operated or computer-operated transmitter. A connector facilitates the removable attachment of the target assembly to the vehicle and may be self-righting to ensure that the target assembly remains substantially upright when the vehicle traverses non-level terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Dana G. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20110156351
    Abstract: A target apparatus adapted to receive projectiles such as bottle caps tossed or otherwise launched towards the target. Three vertically aligned catch structures are disposed to receive and retain the bottle caps. The three catch structures have different sizes resulting in different degrees of difficulty in projecting a bottle cap into the respective structures. The lowest catch structure is the largest, the middle catch structure being the smallest, and the uppermost catch structure being sized between the lower and the middle structures. Chains completely surround the middle and upper catch structures. Chains only surround the sides and rear of the lowest catch structure. An opening in the front of the lowest catch structure is adapted to receive a projectile therein that is routed to a special basket. A scoring system is provided that awards points depending upon which of the catch structures retains a bottle cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Stanley
  • Patent number: 7951021
    Abstract: A target ball game kit is provided that is easily carried and readily assembled to facilitate play in recreational areas such as parks or beaches. The kit includes a container housing a plurality of paddles, a plurality of balls having varying weights, and at least one target assembly. The target assembly is appointed to be set-up on a ground surface and secured thereto by way of securing means. Concentric rings having assigned point values are constructed within the target assembly. The target assembly preferably is constructed of a continuous rope or cord-like member. The kit can be readily and accurately adjusted for singles to doubles play by including at least two target assemblies therein. Glow in the dark properties may be provided to the target assembly, paddles, and/or balls for play in dimly lit or foggy conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Robert A. Lessack
  • Publication number: 20110089640
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an educational game comprising: a structure rotating around a vertical axis; a plurality of frames, each connected to the structure, each of the frames having a geometrical form, each of the frames having a basket suspended therefrom; and a plurality of bricks, each having a form corresponding to the geometrical form of one of the frames. According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the bricks has a prism form. According to one embodiment of the invention, the bricks are of polyhedron form. The structure may comprise a central pole on which the baskets hang, each via a rod. A base may be employed for holding the central pole upright.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Semion Pecherski
  • Publication number: 20110074111
    Abstract: Embodiments of a target-based game and methods of playing the target-based game are herein disclosed. In one embodiment, the target-based game includes a vertically-oriented target platform having a plurality of openings therein. Each opening may be approximately circular in configuration, may vary in size, and may have a backing, or “pocket” to catch one or more game pieces. In one embodiment, the target platform includes one or more suspension means about one or more edges or peripheries thereof for holding the target platform in a vertically-oriented position when attached to a plurality of supporting members. When assembled, the supporting members may form a frame to support the suspension means and/or the target platform. A plurality of game pieces may be used to play a variety of games using the target-based game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Reginald T. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7900928
    Abstract: A target game to receive tokens into apertures having associated scores is provided. The target game includes a first playing surface, a second playing surface and a plurality of scoring bins. The first playing surface includes a plurality of first apertures. The second playing surface intersects the first playing surface and extends above from the first playing surface. The second playing surface includes a plurality of second apertures. The plurality of scoring bins is disposed below the first playing surface and in communication with the first apertures and the second apertures. Each of the scoring bins is in communication with a respective aperture of the first apertures and the second apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sapo U.S.A. Corp.
    Inventors: Harry D. Held, Juan C. Ceron, John E. Ceron
  • Patent number: 7850551
    Abstract: A mobile practice target is described, which includes a framework comprising a base support and at least one substantially vertical support extending above the base support and an angled support above the vertical support, together with a pocket comprising a resilient material having at least one front opening parallel to the vertical support capable of receiving a football propelled from the horizontal direction, and a top opening parallel to the angled support for receiving a propelled football from above. A baffle is secured to the top of the front opening which can absorb the momentum of the propelled football and/or deflect the propelled football downward into the pocket. A mobility means associated with the base support is provided to facilitate transport of the mobile practice target. The mobile practice target captures and contains propelled footballs and prevents them from bouncing out of the pocket when traversing the front opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Athletic Instructional Methods, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Warren Barber
  • Patent number: 7841598
    Abstract: This is a game including a basket supporting an untethered support element which, in turn, supports a free standing scoring body element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Berg
  • Patent number: 7828296
    Abstract: A multi-sports ball/disk return net system and a method thereof that consistently returns a ball/disk hit, kick, thrown or struck into it back toward a user and that is portable and easy to assemble and disassemble. The multi-sports ball/disk return net system has a frame and a net mounted on or across the frame. The net forms an upper U-shape forward bulging pillow having a square net pattern and a lower U-shape channel or hammock with the square pattern at the opposite ends of the U-shape channel being skewed to become diamond shapes. The net is configured to cause a projectile propelled into the U-shape pillow to drop down to the U-shape channel, which funnels the ball to the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel for discharge toward the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: The Net Return, LLC
    Inventors: Paul A. Crawley, Matthew J. Crawley
  • Patent number: 7794341
    Abstract: The killer applications of golfrisbee are comprised of the golfball, golh club, golfrisbee disc and golfrisbee basket, golfrisbee target, grenade, water golh gun club, etc. Swiveling the golh club, the flying object is thrown to fly into the golfrisbee basket. The golfrisbee basket has either the wind-bell-chain or the wind-chime reverted umbrella structure to protect the golfrisbee from damage. The flying object has golfball, golfrisbee disk, golfring, disk-ring, boomerang, polygon boomerang, multi-boomerang ring, multi-boomerang disk-ring, golfishing, golh hunting practice, grenade, gun golh club, water grenade, water gun golh club, etc. The golfrisbee further comprises a slotted skirt made of rubber material to make it safe for playing in the park and the backbone made of the shock-resistant plastic material. The core technologies are the swiveling club throwing technology, wind-bell-chain or wind-chime reverted-umbrella golfrisbee basket and the universal direction wing flying disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Tang System
    Inventors: Min Ming Tarng, Mei Jech Lin, Eric Yu-Shiao Tarng, Alfred Yu-Chi Tarng, Angela Yu-Shiu Tarng, Jwu-Ing Nieh, Huang-Chang Tarng, Shun-Yu Nieh
  • Patent number: 7784795
    Abstract: A foldable toss game assembly includes two toss surfaces. Each toss surface has a memory ring on the border, and each toss surface includes at least a hollow toss target area surrounded by a surrounding net. The two toss surfaces are connected by a plurality of connection parts with different sizes to form a three-dimensional structure with a slanted surface. The connection parts can be engaged or disengaged so that the foldable toss game can be easily set up for play or folded for carrying and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Grace Liao
  • Patent number: 7775525
    Abstract: A manual game is provided which simulates American football. The game has a playing surface with multiple openings having indicia associated with football activities, and players toss game pieces at the surface in order to achieve football action determined by the indicia of the opening into which a game piece drops. The game includes a goal the structure with a pair of uprights, and players attempt to score field goals and points after touchdown by tossing a game piece between the uprights. A plurality of template plates are provided to effect different games, and each template plate has a subset of the openings and covers at least one of them. As a result, different games are available with different patterns of openings. A blank, planar form is provided which can be folded and assembled into a game chassis which includes the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: CS Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Staver, Lance White
  • Publication number: 20100194047
    Abstract: A method of playing a scoring bag tossing game that utilizes a plurality of geometrically shaped appendages arranged in a unique array across and extending outward from a scoring board. The scoring of the game being gauged upon the skill of difficulty in tossing a scoring bag onto a designated geometrically-shaped appendage or through an appropriately sized aperture. The tossing game is designed for two, three, four, five or six players; with varying numbers of players and teams of the same or different numbers of players, all playing against one another. The game can be played with one or more scoring boards and has differing rules creating varying levels of difficulty of play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Dean N. Sauerwine
  • Patent number: 7744089
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball practice device, which comprises a frame, a net, a base bracket and a supporting assembly. The supporting assembly is interposed between the frame and the base bracket, and is configured for supporting the frame together with the base bracket. The net is attached to the frame and is connected to the frame by a connecting member which the net can be disassembled from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Husheng Huang
  • Patent number: 7731198
    Abstract: A ball returning tent net includes a frame that is supported on the ground on three or four contact points, and a ball-catch enclosure that is supported by the frame. The ball-catch enclosure includes an aperture that is adapted to pass a ball through, and a rear wall that is adapted to catch the ball and a bottom net. The frame includes a front frame member that supports the aperture and a rear frame member that supports the rear wall. The bottom net is inclined downward toward the front frame member. The ball-catch enclosure further includes an anti-sagging device that prevents sagging of the bottom net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Kwang Han Cho
  • Publication number: 20100066023
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of playing a lawn game uses washer-shaped projectiles which are tossed by players towards target receptacles on a portable game board placed on the ground. The target receptacle game board lays on the ground with either face up. The receptacle board targets may also be of different positions so that the further the target whole lies the greater the target values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Nicholas P. Garbowitz
  • Patent number: 7673881
    Abstract: There is provided a target game adapted to receive tokens into apertures having associated scores. The target game includes a horizontal playing surface having a plurality of apertures, and a vertical playing surface disposed at a back edge of and atop the horizontal playing surface. The vertical playing surface includes a plurality of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sapo U.S.A. Corp.
    Inventors: Harry D. Held, Juan C. Ceron, John E. Ceron
  • Publication number: 20100044964
    Abstract: A game playing apparatus is provided. The apparatus is configured to facilitate playing a game. The apparatus includes a body including at least one first column including at least one receptacle and a second column coupled to the at least one first column. The second column has an upper surface having a plurality of openings such that a member may be tossed into at least one of the openings. The apparatus also includes a game surface coupled to the body, and a backboard coupled substantially perpendicular to the game surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: SOAREX, INC.
    Inventors: David James Constantine, Daniel Richard Constantine, Carrie Ann Constantine
  • Publication number: 20100025934
    Abstract: A portable cooler and game assembly includes a cooler attached to a collapsible stand, a frame attached to the cooler capable of extending above the cooler, and a game board attached to the frame. The game board includes one or more catch nets attached to one or more toss holes contained within the game board. A side net is attached to the cooler for retaining a set of playing objects. The assembly also includes a carrying bag for holding the cooler, frame, game board, and playing objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Ellen Hassman, Kathleen Casey, John D. Griffard
  • Patent number: 7651098
    Abstract: A screen net includes a front member with an opening, a base member, a catch member and a wall member. The base member is placed on the ground. The catch member is adapted to catch a ball that passes through the opening of the front member. The wall member is positioned above the opening of the front member. The wall member comprises a wall fabric member and a wall pole member. The wall fabric member comprises a sleeve through which the wall pole member passes. The wall fabric member is attached to the front member. The ends of the wall pole member are supported by the base member. The screen net further comprises straps that connect the front member and the base member. The straps are under tension provided by the elastic pole segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Kwang Han Cho
  • Patent number: 7648421
    Abstract: A chipping net comprising a resilient but flexible rod formed into a figure eight and folded at a crossing of the figure eight, thereby forming a base loop for placement on a surface below the crossing and a main loop above the crossing. The main loop and the base loop are angled relative to each other, with the angle being less than 90 degrees. The chipping net also includes a net connected to the main loop for receiving golf balls. The force of the rod trying to expand into a circle out of the figure eight forces the main loop away from the base loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: William Young Yoon
  • Patent number: 7621536
    Abstract: A disc catching device for catching a thrown disc, having a canopy structure, a basket structure, an assembly coupled to the canopy structure and the basket structure, and a pole to which the canopy structure and the basket structure may be attached. The assembly may engage a thrown disc, and for some embodiments, may comprise chains. When the disc catching device is deployed in its upright position for the sport of disc golf, the assembly hangs from the canopy structure, and is coupled to a ring that surrounds the pole. The basket structure comprises a set of basket arms, and when the disc catching device is deployed upright, the ring hangs below the set of basket arms. For some embodiments, the canopy structure and the basket structure may be foldable, like an umbrella. For some embodiments, the basket arms may be basket support arms, where each basket support arm supports a basket arm. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Disc Golf Association
    Inventors: Joshua S. Orzech, Scott W. Keasey
  • Patent number: 7614968
    Abstract: One embodiment of the ball catching system for training soccer players having a frame with a rigid horizontal member and two vertical members, a soccer training net having a width that is a predetermined multiple of the horizontal member length and secured with elastic attachments to the frame and the ground. The soccer training net has a plurality of pockets throughout the rectangular surface. The pockets consist of two rectangular nets, a front net with a predetermined aperture larger than the diameter of a soccer ball and a rear net with a predetermined aperture smaller than the diameter of a soccer ball. The ball catching system can capture and hold at point of impact soccer balls hitting either the front or back of the soccer training net, whereby several drills to improve shooting skills and accuracy can be conducted simultaneously, saving valuable coaching time and increasing player participation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: John Davies
  • Patent number: 7611148
    Abstract: A sports goal comprises a plurality of struts interconnected to form nodes, with netting optionally attached thereto. The struts comprise: one or more struts defining a crossbar; two or more struts defining respective goal posts; a plurality of ground struts adapted to lie along the ground to define the bottoms of respective left and right sides and a rear of the goal; bracing struts interconnecting ground struts with the nodes at which crossbar struts and goal post struts are connected to form a corner of the goal; and struts defining one or more bracing structures interconnecting ground struts defining the rear of the goal with the crossbar at one or more points intermediate the length of the crossbar. The struts are formed of a tubular material adapted to be pneumatically filled from a pneumatic pump via one or more valves provided in the struts or in means connecting respective struts at the nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ready Set Goal Ltd
    Inventor: Tommy Caswell
  • Patent number: 7607666
    Abstract: A corn toss game consisting of a foldable weatherproof game apparatus having a top portion with a hole in the center and longer a rear leg pivotally affixed to the top portion, a bottom portion hingedly affixed to the top portion, a net underneath the hole to catch tossed corn-filled bags, and a fastening means for locking the game apparatus into a folded, closed position for easy transport, as well as a separate scoreboard having a hanging means rotatably secured to which scorecards are slidably affixed and having at least one integral cup holder and a plurality of corn-filled bags. The game winner is the first person or team to score a predetermined number of points, such as 21 points, by tossing corn-filled bags into the hole on the game apparatus. An alternate embodiment has a wedge-shaped game apparatus having a hole with a net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Robert A Studier
  • Patent number: 7600759
    Abstract: A multi-sports ball return net system and a method thereof that consistently returns a ball hit, kick, thrown or strike into it directly to a user and is portable, easy to assemble and disassemble. The multi-sports ball return net system has a frame and a net mounted across the frame. The net forms an upper U-shape forward bulging pillow and a lower U-shape channel or hammock. A ball propelled into the U-shape pillow drops down to the U-shape channel, which funnels the ball to the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel for discharge toward the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Net Return, LLC
    Inventors: Paul A. Crawley, Matthew J. Crawley
  • Patent number: 7578757
    Abstract: An ice hockey training device providing goalie training in preventing pucks, particularly deflected or “tipped” pucks, from entering the goal is disclosed. The device is disposed on ice or other playing surface in front of a goal guarded by a goalie, the device having a plurality of vertically disposed puck deflectors arrayed in a parallel series through which array the puck is shot at the goal by a player and strikes a puck deflector member to be deflected at an angle from its original path of travel. A plurality of horizontally disposed members are suspended behind the vertically disposed puck deflector members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: David F. McNary
  • Patent number: 7543821
    Abstract: A ball returner for a sports goal includes a triangular frame substantially framing an elastic material, which may be taughtly extended there across. The frame may include two or three sides coupled together. Coupled to one corner of the frame is at least one stand portion extending at an angle thereto, such that, when the frame is placed on a flat surface, the corner has a higher elevation than the other two corners. All of the stand portions may be extendable for varying the angle of the corner relative to the flat surface. The ball returner may or may not be coupled to the sports goal and is lightweight and transportable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Winningham, Craig Herman
  • Patent number: 7534176
    Abstract: An ice hockey training device providing goalie training in preventing pucks, particularly deflected or “tipped” pucks, from entering an ice hockey goal is disclosed. The device is disposed on a playing surface in front of a goal guarded by a goalie. The device consists of a base deflector having a planar surface in one embodiment of the invention disposed at an upward angle which can direct pucks traveling on the playing surface that are hit by a player to ride up onto the upwardly angled planar surface of the base deflector and be directed upwards at the goal. In other embodiments a plurality of angled members can be disposed on the top surface of the base deflector, causing a puck traveling in a first path of travel and striking one or more of such angled members to be directed upwards at the goal at a second path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: David F. McNary
  • Publication number: 20090096171
    Abstract: A self-deploying game device, which is intended to receive an object. It includes a bowed structure with a basic loop that includes a front part in a horizontal plane and a rear part, and a goal loop, with a rear part in a horizontal plane, and a front part in a plane forming a non-zero angle with the horizontal plane. It also includes a flexible structure with a first part stretched inside the goal loop, and a second part stretched inside the rear part of the goal loop. In the deployed position, the front part of the basic loop rests on the ground, and the tension of the flexible structure is such that the basic loop, the goal loop, the flexible structure, and the ground, form a capture volume for the object, the entrance of which is bounded by the front part of the goal loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Yoann Simon
  • Patent number: 7516960
    Abstract: An inflatable table has a rectangular shape. Recesses are formed in the top surface of the table at each end of the table. These recesses form a target area that can have any number of geometric shapes, such as triangular or diamond. The recesses are sized and shaped to hold a cup, such as a standard 16 ounce disposable cup. The table may be provided with legs to raise the level of the table surface. The legs may be inflatable, allowing the entire table and legs to be deflated to a minimal size for easy transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Michael J. Battiste
  • Publication number: 20090066027
    Abstract: A target for a tossing game is disclosed comprising a soft metallic surface adapted for use as a washer tossing game. The disclosed soft metallic target absorbs the impact of a tossed object such as a washer and allows it to remain at or near the point of impact rather than bouncing or ricocheting away.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Alan E. Lauve, Michael E. Willamson
  • Patent number: 7500675
    Abstract: A portable flying disc game includes a foldable base that can be pivotally attached to a first end of a vertical pole. A first basket member is removably coupled to the vertical pole above the foldable base, and includes a first part and a second part that are detachable from one another. The first part has a first coupling member that receives the vertical pole and a support flange for receiving and supporting the second part to form the assembled first basket member. A second basket member is also removably coupled to the vertical pole, and includes a frame having a first part and a second part to which ends of cords are coupled to so that the cords hang from the frame. A weighted member is coupled to the cords which serve to support and suspend the weighted member above the first basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Regent Sports Corporation
    Inventor: Ian A. Sandman
  • Patent number: 7500674
    Abstract: A washer tossing game for players to score the tossing of projectiles, including a storage container comprised of plural receiving boxes at least two of which are positioned in juxtaposed positions each box having a receiver base for receiving a removable center section, the removable center section being adapted to receive plural tossed projectiles. Alternatively, the game may include beveled center sections which are received by the receiver bases. Optionally, the game can include alternative center sections, allowing the game to be adapted to varying skill levels. In addition, the game may optionally include additional features including visual highlights, protective sidewall curbing and impact resistant lining to protect the boxes from the impact of the thrown projectiles. A carrying case and a handle may also be provided allowing the game to be easily transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: All About Washers, LLC
    Inventors: Todd A. Riley, Jeff Knoche
  • Patent number: 7462115
    Abstract: A pitching screen which provides a first pitching lane and a second pitching lane in a single pitching screen configuration to allow both left-handed pitchers and right-handed pitchers to pitch without repositioning the pitching screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Morrow Sport, LLC
    Inventor: William David Morrow
  • Publication number: 20080252017
    Abstract: The multidimensional interchangeable modular ball game apparatus/sports targeting system is used for building game playing skills, such as hand-to-eye and foot-to-eye coordination. The apparatus can be used for throwing, kicking or hitting any type of sports ball or projectile and can help with practicing all types of sports, as well as with early childhood development and rehabilitation. The apparatus includes a base with a stem extending from the base. Multiple stems and/or bases may be joined for use with hoops and targets of various sizes, shapes and colors, made of open or closed nets, hard or soft backboard(s). Arms of different lengths are supported on the stem. The arms may also be placed at different heights on the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Marian G. Rowan
  • Publication number: 20080237990
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for playing a game. The apparatus comprises a first platform member having each of a predetermined shape, a predetermined size and formed of a predetermined material. The first platform member having at least one hole disposed therein, such first platform member is designed for providing a target area for the game. There is a second platform member which has each of a predetermined shape, a predetermined size and formed of a predetermined material and having at least one hole disposed therein. The two platform members being substantially identical. A plurality of washers having a predetermined diameter are formed of a predetermined material and are for throwing toward the hole disposed in the platform members. A means is disposed on an underside of the hole for retaining the washer when such washer is tossed into the hole. There is a securing means for enabling the platform members to be connected to each other for storing or transporting the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: John B. Litz