Closed-back Or Closed-bottom Pocket Patents (Class 273/400)
  • Patent number: 5893563
    Abstract: A game apparatus adapted for use with objects to be thrown includes a primary panel having a first end and a second end, a secondary panel connected to the first end and forming a tray to receive the thrown objects. A tertiary panel is disposed at the second end and has a perimeter region to which a plurality of elongate obstruction elements are attached. These elements extend into proximity with the secondary panel and form a barrier through which the objects are intended to be thrown. A tension mechanism can be applied to the obstruction elements and a target hole provided in the tertiary panel. Folded configurations of the apparatus facilitate compaction, transportation, and storage of the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Matthew A. Buller
    Inventor: Matthew A. Buller
  • Patent number: 5888153
    Abstract: In practising various sports such as hockey, it is known to provide a target in a desired position such that the shooter strikes or otherwise directs a projectile at the target. In this invention, the target is portable and can be connected to a fixed object such as the frame of a hockey net. The target is a band of steel or other sturdy material and of any desired shape. A pocket is connected to the perimeter of the target for catching a hockey puck, ball or other object which is directed through the perimeter of the target. A spring is, at one end, connected to the target and, at its opposite end, connected to a clamping device such that the target, spring and clamping device, can be connected to a fixed object such as the goal post or crossbar of a hockey net. The shot target assembly can be easily connected to and removed from a wide variety of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Sporting Tech 99 Inc.
    Inventor: James Steven Masin
  • Patent number: 5882010
    Abstract: A game having a target and a projectile that is tossed or pitched to the target. The target has a bottom, has a cup generally centered on the bottom, and perimeter sidewalls that are spaced outward from the cup and surround the bottom. The projectile is a disk member that has indicia disposed thereupon to distinguish the projectile from other projectiles. The target may optionally include an anchor to anchor the target to a surface. Further, the projectile may be a washer that is enclosed in a protective layer. The protective layer may define the distinguishing indicia. The sidewalls may also be constructed as hollow walls, having inner and outer portions. The hollow may optionally be filled with a filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Lyle M. Geror
  • Patent number: 5868395
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved disc-catching device. A member shaped as an inclined plane for purposes of attaching the chains of the disc-catching device is provided. The particular shape of the inclined plane member allows the top link of the chain to more easily slide inwardly when the chain is impacted by a disc. This arrangement allows the disc-catching device to more easily absorb the energy of the disc making it more likely that the disc will stop and drop down into a catch-basket rather than being deflected away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Disc Golf Association, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Headrick
  • Patent number: 5865693
    Abstract: A new inflatable soccer goal for allowing for easy transportation and set up. The inventive device includes a contiguous peripheral frame comprised of inflatable tubing. A nylon net extends within the contiguous peripheral frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Dean A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5863266
    Abstract: A soccer type goal in which upon scoring a goal, the scoring player pulls on a release strap to allow a cover to uncoil across the goal. An athletic ball game includes a number of these goals at each end of a playing field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: USA Collegiate, L.P.
    Inventor: Todd A. Starnes
  • Patent number: 5857928
    Abstract: A sports goal comprises a goal frame, including substantially vertically oriented first and second goal posts each having a top end and a bottom end and a cross-bar interconnecting the first and second goal posts at their respective top ends. The bottom ends of the first and second goal posts define a goal line spanning therebetween. A ground contacting base is connected to the first and second goal posts at respective first and second fixed points adjacent the bottom ends of the first and second goal posts, so as to securely interconnect the first and second goal posts. The ground contacting base extends rearwardly behind the goal line to provide upright stability for the sports goal. The first and second goal posts are tiltably movable between a upright position and an impacted position disposed angularly rearwardly of the upright position. A net is secured to the goal frame and the ground contacting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Stewart
  • Patent number: 5842939
    Abstract: A portable sporting goal is provided comprising a net that is removably attached by hook and loop connectors to strategic locations on a framework. The framework has a plurality of substantially hollow tubular frame members, each comprising a pair of ends comprising an inner surface. Each inner surface comprises a substantially cylindrical inner surface portion and a substantially non-cylindrical inner surface portion. The frame members are joined by a plurality of mating connectors, each comprising a pair of ends comprising an outer surface. Each outer surface comprises a substantially cylindrical outer surface portion and a substantially non-cylindrical outer surface portion. The outer surface is configured to slidingly engage within the inner surface when in substantial alignment with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: ACT Labs Ltd.
    Inventors: Alex Pui, Ed Person
  • Patent number: 5842940
    Abstract: A multi-use net includes a frame formed from a single wire. The frame is arranged to have an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion. The lower frame portion forms a base that supports the upper frame portion in a generally upright orientation on a generally horizontal surface with the base extending in a forward direction relative to the upper frame portion. A fabric section is connected to the frame and arranged for a projectile to be incident thereon. A pair of rear support members is connected to the frame and arranged to extend therefrom in a direction opposite to that of the lower frame portion. A pair of straps extend between the upper and lower frame sections to retain the upper and lower frame sections at a selected orientation with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Anthony G. Macaluso
  • Patent number: 5839980
    Abstract: A soccer goal assembly and apparatus includes a goal frame (20), a pivotable net frame (28), a pair of support bars (31), and a net (50). The goal frame (20) is located at the front of the goal and includes a pair of vertical posts (22) and a horizontal cross bar (23) connecting the upper ends of the vertical posts (22). A ground-level housing (26) is connected rearwardly and orthogonally to the lower ends of the vertical posts (22). The housing (26) includes a lockable compartment for storing the net (50). The net (50) is attached to the housing (26) and net frame (28). The support bars (31) are attached to the housing (26) and goal frame (20) in a manner to support the net (50) while in use during game play. When the net frame (28) pivots from a horizontal position to a vertical position abutting the goal frame (20), it pulls the net (50) over the support bars (31) to form a soccer goal enclosure. The arms (76) of the net frame are extensible to allow for the difference in the height and depth of the goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Hossein Kendy
  • Patent number: 5839733
    Abstract: A goal and method of assembly and transport for accommodating a playing field to a variety of sports includes a segmented horizontal bar (A) supported in elevated position upon upright legs (B) which are carried in hinged relation and provided with rearwardly extending lower support members (C) Which may be folded upwardly from locked position. The members (B) and (C) may then be folded into side by side alignment with the segmented bar (A) which is then in fully folded position with the rearwardly extending net. Support members may also be folded inwardly for completing the package for towing on the dolly (H). Suitable locking mechanism is provided for securing all of the structural components when fully deployed as a fixed goal upon the playing field. These fixed members may then be released for folding into positioning upon the dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventors: T. Wayne Meeks, Dixie M. Meeks
  • Patent number: 5833234
    Abstract: A rebound apparatus used to deflect a thrown ball back in the general direction from which the ball was thrown. The fabric support frame angle is adjustably positioned and the polymeric woven fabric supported by the fabric support frame is adjustably tensioned to provide the desired rebound angle and distance, to simulate ground balls, line drives and fly balls. The fabric support frame has lower brackets which are pivotally secured to the distal ends of a U-shaped brace member. Upper brackets on the fabric support frame pivotally secure telescoping members on one end, with the other end releasably secured to a selected aperture on the U-shaped brace member. Bottom portions of the fabric support frame and the telescoping members provide ground engaging feet to support the rebound apparatus during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Ralph J. Vavala, Tzuu-Hong Bernard Fu
  • Patent number: 5830089
    Abstract: A collapsible sport goal includes a collapsible frame assembly, and a net extended around the collapsible frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a base frame, an inverted U-shaped goal frame, an inverted U-shaped rear frame, and pivoting connector rods connected laterally between center portions of the goal frame and the rear frame. The goal frame includes a center portion and two leg portions which are pivotally attached to a front portion of the base frame such that the goal frame is pivotally movable relative to the base frame. The rear frame includes a center portion and two leg portions which are pivotally attached to a rear portion of the base frame wherein the rear frame is pivotally movable relative to the base frame. The connector rods are pivotally connected at each end thereof between the respective center portions of the goal frame and the rear frame such that the connector rods are pivotally rotatable relative to the goal frame and the rear frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Halter, Brian S. Dengler
  • Patent number: 5823885
    Abstract: A portable personal sporting net includes a tapered cylindrical or funnel-like tubular, pliable, porous net having an enlarged entrance aperture which is supported by a collapsible pole. In one embodiment, a suspended exit aperture is formed at the opposing end of the netting. A ball capture bag communicates with the exit aperture to catch balls hit into the netting. In an alternative embodiment, the opposing second end of the netting is closed against the ground surface. A pair of flaps are mounted on opposing sides of the entrance aperture and radially extend forward and outward therefrom. The flaps assist in directing stray balls into the funnel-like netting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Frank N. Stempfer
  • Patent number: 5816954
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 5810363
    Abstract: A target assembly for use with a variety of non-piercing type projectiles or missiles launched to strike or impinge upon the target, whereupon the latter acts effectively to terminate the flight of the missile. The assembly includes a frame defined by flexible and resilient rods disposed to support a shock-sustainable, shock-resistant tensioned web or target sheet. The web itself is fabricated of a shock-sustainable, shock absorbing material, and is tensioned in a taut mode so that the propulsion energy of the missiles projected to impinge upon the web and to impact thereagainst is effectively dampened and absorbed by the target as the flight of the missile is terminated. The resilient rods which support and tension the impact web of the target are engaged in and secured, at their ends remote from the target web, in a support structure which includes a hub-like block or plate and a substrate-carried supporting stand, all set back or positioned rearwardly of the tensioned web or target sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Saunders Archery Co.
    Inventors: Eugene Saunders, Charles Saunders
  • Patent number: 5803839
    Abstract: An informal baseball game played with a few players on each side, equipment for defining a strike zone and hit zones, and with a set of rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventors: Robert Palmer, Kenneth Vayda
  • Patent number: 5762569
    Abstract: A device for converting a container into a figure to simulate an interactive game with a player, comprising a headboard in the shape of the head of the figure, a clip affixed to the headboard for attaching the headboard to the container, wherein a portion of the clip extends below the headboard where the clip connects to the container, a sensor mounted to the extending portion of the clip for generating an electrical signal in response to impact from an object projected by the game player, and feedback device responsive to the electrical signal generated by the sensor for providing feedback to the game player when an object has been properly received by the figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Gary Allen Hale
  • Patent number: 5755439
    Abstract: A new Disk Toss Game for offering a game of skill playable indoors and outdoors that requires a player to toss a game disk into a target hole on a target board. The inventive device includes a target board with a multi-sided bank shot wall and a target hole at one end, and a plurality of game disks that are tossed by a player at the target board from a predetermined distance so that the game disks may land in the target hole. The end of the target board is semi-octagonal in shape. Since the bank shot wall projects upward from the target surface along the edges of the end of the target board, the bank shot wall is multi-sided and is also semi-octagonal in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Rodney L. Turner
  • Patent number: 5732952
    Abstract: This invention relates to a game of skill wherein baseball-shaped spheres are thrown or tossed at open buckets or containers from a starting area removed from the buckets. A score is attained by depositing the sphere in the bucket. The buckets are of varying size and value; the largest bucket representing the lowest value and successively smaller buckets having an increasing value. Also, the necessary degree of skill may be enhanced by having each of the successively smaller buckets disposed at a distance further removed from the starting area, or the necessary degree of skill may be enhanced by a combination of bucket opening size and distance from the starting area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Edward A. Joseph
  • Patent number: 5730442
    Abstract: A backstop for use in limiting the flight of sports balls and other projectiles used in sports. One or more net panels (10, 10') are supported by a plurality of posts (60, 90) comprising an external frame. Preferably, cross members (64, 92) extend between the tops of the posts to provide additional support for the framework. Net panels are connected together to produce different configurations by, for example, wrapping a line around bound edges (12) that extend around the perimeter of each of the net panels. Tension lines connect the bound edges of the net panels to the external framework, to support the net panels in the desired configuration. Disclosed and described are a backstop (30) suitable for use in practicing driving a golf ball, and backstop (70) suitable for use behind a catcher's mound on a baseball diamond. Many other configurations can be made by linking varying numbers of the net panels together and supporting them with an external frame of suitable dimension and configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Pacific Rim Supplies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5725444
    Abstract: A device for training soccer players having a rectangular net body and a plurality of pockets. The rectangular net body and pockets are made of flexible net material. The rectangular net body has a plurality of apertures. Each pocket is attached to the perimeter of each aperture and sized to receive at least one soccer ball. The training device may be used in conjunction with a game to develop a player's foot and shooting skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Donald G. Heden
  • Patent number: 5722905
    Abstract: A collapsible pitching screen assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an elongate container. There are a pair of elongate, spaced apart uprights collapsibly mounted within and extending upwardly from the container proximate respective ends of the container. A crossbar is detachably interconnected between respective upper portions of the uprights. There is a flexible barrier including upper and lower ends and a pair of sides that extend between the upper and lower ends. The upper end of the barrier is attached to the crossbar and each side of the barrier is attached to a respective one of the uprights such that the side is restricted from separating from the upright and the barrier is movable between a raised condition wherein the crossbar is connected between the uprights and a collapsed condition wherein the crossbar is detached from the uprights and disposed in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Patrick Kay Bidelman
  • Patent number: 5707062
    Abstract: The bucket ball game utilizes a base with a hole enclosed by a receptacle configured as a cone. The preferred method of playing the game is to award players one point for tossing a ball that makes contact with any part of the bucket, award two points to a player for tossing a ball that enters the inside of the bucket and comes out of the bucket, and award three points to a player for tossing a ball that enters the bucket and remains inside the bucket. To equalize the chance of winning by any team, more skilled players can be made to throw at the bucket from a farther distance then the less skilled players. In an alternative embodiment, the receptacle may be an assembly of bucket sections that can be singularly removed for players with lesser playing skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventors: Michael T. Perillo, Cynthia E. Perillo
  • Patent number: 5695195
    Abstract: A goalpost comprises a frame 10 on which is located a net 38.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignees: Michel John, Peter Clive Mulroney
    Inventors: Michel John, Anthony Robin Clausen, Edward Joseph Khoury
  • Patent number: 5692979
    Abstract: A multipurpose game device comprises a stand having a plurality of detachable standards, each standard containg a webbed hoop with a central aperture and a plurality of plastic spider balls with colored streamers. The balls can be tossed into one of the respective targets in the hoops by the designated player or any one of the standards with its hoop can be detached from the stand with the standard being used as a mallet for hitting one of the plastic balls into a hoop positioned on the ground as in golf, or all of the hoops can be stacked together to form a vertical support with a hoop on the elevated stack for playing basketball. Baseball would be played outdoors with four standards forming a diamond. The homeplate standard would be without a hoop and serves to hold the spiderball, which would be hit with a lightweight bat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: George D. Jones
  • Patent number: 5690339
    Abstract: Collapsible sports goal apparatus includes a goal base member and a goal net attached to the goal base member. Two flexible, resilient poles extend between the goal base member and the top of the goal net. The poles are bent and exert continuous opposed forces on the goal base member and the goal net top to continuously bias the goal net top away from the goal base member and maintain the goal net in stretched condition and disposed upwardly from the goal base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: David E. Chen
  • Patent number: 5685789
    Abstract: A new Speed Measuring Sports Goal System for measuring the speed of a shot into a sports goal. The inventive device includes a pair of motion sensors positioned in-line and perpendicular to the entrance of a sports goal for sensing an object shot into the sports goal, a control unit connected to the motion sensors for calculating the speed of the object, and a display unit for providing a visible readout of the speed. The motion detection beams generated by the pair of motion sensors are parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the path of the object shot into the sports goal. The control unit detects when the object traverses the motion detection beams and calculates the speed of the object based on the time of travel between the motion detection beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Michael T. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5681045
    Abstract: A goal joint structure includes a first section and a second section pivoted to each other. The first section has a hook member provided thereon. The second section has two spaced walls define therebetween a distance large enough to receive therein the hook. Each of the walls has an elongated slot formed thereon to be in alignment with each other and each has two expanded lengthwise ends defined by circular holes. A retaining bar extends through the two slots and is dimensioned to be movable along the slots. An expanded section that has a diameter substantially corresponding to the circular holes and larger than the width of the slots is provided on the retaining bar. The retaining bar is spring-biased to have the expanded section located within one expanded ends of the slots so as to make the retaining bar fixed in the lengthwise direction of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Grace Liao
  • Patent number: 5678824
    Abstract: A portable target stand for placement on the ground for supporting a target, the portable target stand comprising a collapsible support defining an unobstructed opening, a plurality of clamps for adjustingly suspending the target within the unobstructed opening in spaced apart relation relative the collapsible support, and a collapsible base operative for holding the collapsible support in a generally upright configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Kelly F. Fortier, Shawn W. Flanders
  • Patent number: 5664784
    Abstract: A rebound net 10 having a reinforced periphery 20 that can be removably attached to a structure surrounding a door opening of domestic garage. The net 10, while attached to the structure 24, substantially closes the opening 22. The periphery 20 of the rebound net 10 is removably attached to the structure 24 by a first means 26 of an eye bolt 28 and a snap hook 30, a second means 40 of a J-type screw hook 42 and an adjustable strap 44 and a third means 54 of an anchor pin 56 and a shock cord hooks 58. Tension on the rebound net 10 is adjusted by the adjustable strap 44.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Goal Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George R. Redlich, Katie J. Redlich
  • Patent number: 5655774
    Abstract: A folding, portable sports goal comprised of hinged crossbar and bottom rail assemblies such that when frame members are detached at two points, the structure of the goal can be slid into an alternate embodiment and folded into a thin, integrated, planar configuration, that is portable and efficiently stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Timothy T. Cox
  • Patent number: 5651551
    Abstract: A portable soccer goal assembly is described. The goal assembly is substantially stable against tipping over even when individuals climb upon the crossbar, as occurs frequently when the goal assembly is accessible at opportune moments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Jaypro Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ferrara, Brian E. Bergman
  • Patent number: 5628515
    Abstract: A soccer training device, for mounting to a soccer goal, comprising a visual target, a clamp, and a tapered stem between the visual target and clamp. The clamp has a pair of jaws capable of opening and closing to attach the soccer training device onto a soccer goal. The clamp is attached to the tapered stem with a hinge, which allows the visual target to deflect with respect to the clamp when hit with a soccer ball. The device is clamped onto a soccer goal to remind a player to aim for extremities of the soccer goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Carey Levy
  • Patent number: 5613676
    Abstract: A sporting net which can be utilized either as a hockey net or a basketball hoop. The apparatus includes a center post having a basketball hoop and its upper end. Furthermore, two linkages are pivotally secured at opposing locations at the intermediate extent of the center post. A hockey net is secured in between these two linkages. In order to facilitate storage of the sporting net, the linkages are pivotal between a first use orientation, wherein they extend laterally from the post then downwardly to abut a recipient surface and a second storage orientation wherein they are positioned generally next to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas M. Connolly
  • Patent number: 5611539
    Abstract: A game system includes two uprights formed of three telescoping sections. The lower section extends into a base which is positioned into the supporting surface or related ground. A plurality of securing structures are positioned along the length of each upright to receive a net. The net has at least two elastically-deformable straps extending away therefrom for securing the net to the uprights for use at least two sports. Alternate game structure may be secured to the upright, including a tetherball, a soccer ball, a soccer net, a golf ball receiving net, and a baseball practice structure. Also, net-securing structure may be secured to one of the uprights to receive a net for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Icon Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Watterson, William C. Lay, John Frodsham, John C. Heath, William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 5599024
    Abstract: A portable soccer goal easily assembled and disassembled that is made of sturdy materials with a crossbar supported by two end posts. The crossbar is connected to each end post by a steel crossbar connector. Each end post is in turn held in a vertical position by a support base consisting of a horizontal leg connected to the end post by a steel elbow connector. The portable soccer goal is secured in position by a stake driven into the ground surface through a pre-drilled boring located in the rear of the horizontal leg. Additional stability is provided by an insertion rod connected to the bottom of the steel elbow end post connector which projects into the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventors: Burnis S. Acuff, Royce B. Charpia
  • Patent number: 5586768
    Abstract: A collapsible soccer goal for an athletic field having a matched pair of vertical side supporting frame sections, and a crossbar beam having a plurality of horizontal sections. Each of the vertical and horizontal sections comprising a locking hinge enabling each of the sections to be folded in half. The plurality of horizontal sections are detachably connected together by clamping means to form the crossbar beam; and the vertical frame sections each having an overhead elongated hinge removably connectable to a horizontal section for supporting the crossbar beam in a hanging manner from the vertical side supporting frame sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Onofrio F. Pavonetti
  • Patent number: 5580064
    Abstract: A portable goal apparatus which is lightweight, portable, and disassembles into a compact package. The goal pieces interconnect using convenient snap fittings. The goal apparatus includes elbows which facilitate assembly through ease of insertion and snap connections which may be easily disengaged. Further, the assembled goal has sectional horizontal and vertical supports comprised of sections which interconnect to form a substantially rigid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Robert L. Childers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5575483
    Abstract: A transportable and inexpensive golf toss game includes colored tossing bags, golf hole cups, flag sticks, markers and a scoring sheet. The game is played by tossing a small bag at receptacles simulating golf holes on a playing course planned and set up by the players in a yard, park or outdoor area to resemble a golf course. The course can be conveniently set up at almost any location and may include obstacles such as trees, shrubs or water. The golf toss game is challenging yet easy to learn and fun to play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventors: Robert T. Dineen, Susan M. Michels
  • Patent number: 5570879
    Abstract: To entertain fans at sporting events, such as baseball, basketball backboards, palm trees, hockey and soccer goals are provided as targets for fans to participate by tossing objects at the target. Targets are strapped to a person moving through the stands. In one configuration the target is attached to a backpack and raised over the head using a telescoping mechanism attached between the target and the backpack worn by the operator. In another configuration the target is attached to a helmet worn by the person working the crowd. Both the helmet and backpack arrangement use mounting brackets for attachment of the target members. To telescope the target overhead from the backpack, concentric tubes are extended from within each other using a pulley and cable system controlled by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventors: Timothy F. Glancey, Walter H. Nickel, Jeffrey S. Deceder
  • Patent number: 5571266
    Abstract: A new Universal Sports Net System for providing a sports net that facilitates improvement of the user's game by allowing the user to practice various sports in the convenience of their garage in all weather conditions and providing convenient storage thereof. The inventive device includes a netting structure, a padded floor structure attached to the netting structure reducing bouncing balls, and a garage door securing means that holds the present invention to a garage door during use and for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Donald H. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5569094
    Abstract: A portable net has an erected configuration for practicing golf or the like by stopping the flight of a golf ball and returning it to a selected location and a folded configuration for storage or transport. The portable net has an elastic frame that forms a base and a net support section. A net is connected to the net support section of the frame so that the net is extends away from the base in the erected configuration. The net is arranged to stop the flight of a golf ball that is incident thereon. A fabric is connected between the net and the base so that a projectile that has impinged upon the net falls to the fabric and then rolls to the front portion of the portable net. The frame is configured such that a person may put the frame into a folded configuration by deforming the first and second frame members into a plurality of generally concentric rings. A retainer such as a strap is provided for selectively retaining the frame in the folded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Anthony G. Macaluso
  • Patent number: 5566952
    Abstract: A foldable sports goal structure includes a horizontal crossbar member supported at each end by vertically extending posts. A pair of tubular shaped first support members rearwardly extend from the lower ends of the posts, and a pair of tubular shaped second support members have front ends that fit into and extend rearwardly from the rear ends of the first support members. A pivot member rotatably connects the front and rear ends together. The first supporting member has a circular aperture on a side surface thereof that is formed continuously with a slot that extends to and terminates at the rear end of the first support member. The slot has a width that is smaller than the diameter of the second support member and the circular aperture has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the second support member. The second support member travels through the slot and into the circular aperture when the second support member is rotated about the pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Moving Target Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol Mullin, James Mullin
  • Patent number: 5564711
    Abstract: A multipurpose sports goal assembly can be used for a variety of sports including football and soccer. The goal assembly includes a lower goal portion and a pair of telescoping upright poles. The poles are retracted when the goal is used in soccer, and the poles are extended when the goal is used in football. A net is attached to the lower goal assembly and is adapted to be releasably attached to the upright poles when the poles are extended. The structural members which form the goal assembly are removably connected so that the goal assembly can be disassembled and stored in a compact package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventor: Carl E. Scheie
  • Patent number: 5562288
    Abstract: A portable sports goal (20) comprising a net (22), multisectional resilient poles (24), a connector (26), a support (30) and retainers (32). Corners of the net are connected in easily removable way to outer ends of the resilient poles. Resilient poles, connected together by the connector, exert stretching force along diagonals of the net. A net-poles-connector assembly (31) is maintained in a generally upright position by the support, attached to the connector. Two bottom corners of said assembly are secured to a playing surface by the retainers. A size of the goal can be changed by varying the number of the sections of the resilient poles. The support has adjustable length so, that the net-poles-connector assembly can be set with any of its sides on the playing surface. The angle between the net and the playing surface is adjusted by varying the length of the support and its position relatively to the net. Several goals can be easily connected together to form a goal or a backstop of a larger size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Eskendr B. Erkebaev
  • Patent number: 5556104
    Abstract: A practice device is provided for practicing soccer ball kicking and passing techniques comprising essentially a frame and a rebound surface and optional netting. When the practice device is positioned at a certain distance from the practicing student and the soccer ball is kicked or passed to the practice device, the soccer ball impacts the solid upright portion of the device and then rebounds back to the soccer student thereby challenging his kicking accuracy and response reflex while minimizing his efforts to retrieve the soccer ball. The device is particularly suitable for the training of younger students to improve their soccer skills and technical abilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Jose E. Guillen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5553863
    Abstract: An adjustable game goal apparatus composed of a flexible chord held in an arc position by insertion into the inner coils of two springs. The springs are attached to a flat smooth surfaced base plate by means of suction cups. The base plate has spikes attached to its underside to secure the goal to the ground. For indoor use the base plate is not needed and the goal is attached to a smooth floor by means of the suction cups. The goal is open to receive shots from the front or back perspective. It is designed to give way, allowing a shot to continue in its original direction, then to return to its normal upright position. The size of the goal is adjustable by means of controlling the length of the chord resting within the springs' coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Martin O. Wynne
  • Patent number: 5549304
    Abstract: A soccer player's ball control apparatus is formed by a ball rebounding net tautly supported within a rectangular frame joined in right angular relation with a soccer goal frame and goal net. When the soccer goal frame is disposed on the surface of the earth, the ball rebound net and frame is disposed upright for rebounding balls kicked or thrown there against. When the rebounding net is flatly disposed on the surface of the earth, the soccer goal and net is in an upright position for receiving balls kicked through the goal frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Davis
  • Patent number: 5533733
    Abstract: A sports goal having a pair of U-shaped, open ended frames pivoted together at their open ends and, in erect position, connected in the middle by a dogleg brace. A net is attached to the first and second frames and draped over the brace forming the goal. The brace is easily removable from between the frames for storage and fits inside the frames cradled in the net when the frames are pivoted substantially parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald J. Dirnbeck