Abstract: The present invention is a putter guide for guiding a putter blade during a putting stroke. A first elongate member has a first end and a second end. The second end defines an aperture extended therein. A second elongate member has a first end and a second end. The second end defines an aperture therein. A unitary member has a first end and a second end. Each end of the unitary member has an outer dimension sized to frictionally fit into the apertures of the second ends of the first and second elongate members. Both the first and second elongate members and the unitary member are formed of flexible cellular polyethylene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf ball cover compositions containing blends of high or low carboxylic acid based copolymers and ethylene copolymers such as ethylene alkyl acrylates. The carboxylic acid groups of the blends are neutralized with metal cations. Golf balls produced with the cover molded thereon exhibit desired properties of distance and high coefficient of restitution without substantially sacrificing and/or improving characteristics like playability and durability when compared to existing covers comprising ionomeric resin blends.

Abstract: A hollow rubber play ball is disclosed that uses a combination two or more fillers to produce desirable playing properties in a tennis ball as specified by the International Lawn Tennis Federation (ITF). The preferred play ball is a pressureless tennis ball. The specific fillers disclosed are mineral type particulate reinforcing fillers such as silicas and carbon black, polymeric fillers such as cellulose, a reaction product of grafting polyethylene with cellulose, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers. These fillers can also have surface treatments to enhance the elastomer-filler interaction. Another reinforcing filler that can be introduced with the rubber components is the non-rubber constituents in skim rubber that serve to increase the modulus of a compounded rubber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf ball cover compositions containing blends of high or low carboxylic acid based copolymers and ethylene copolymers such as ethylene alkyl acrylates. The carboxylic acid groups of the blends are neutralized with metal cations. Golf balls produced with the cover molded thereon exhibit desired properties of distance and high coefficient of restitution without substantially sacrificing and/or improving characteristics like playability and durability when compared to existing covers comprising ionomeric resin blends.

Abstract: A method for playing an outdoor recreational game provided in which puzzle pieces are formed from a flat sheet of foam plastic material having end edges which extend in alternating protrusions and recesses for joining together to interlock the puzzle pieces according to a predetermined arrangement. The puzzle pieces are laminated with a first graphic design disposed on a front side of the puzzle pieces for providing a guide for assembling the puzzle pieces according to the predetermined arrangement. An alternate graphic design is provided on a back side of the puzzle pieces for providing an alternate means to the first graphic design for guiding assembly of the puzzle pieces. The puzzle pieces are adapted for outdoor assembly to provide use as an outdoor recreational game.

Abstract: A disc which is used as a game piece for playing a game known as "Milk Caps"or "POGS". At least one side of the disc is decorated. The disc makes a metallic sound when it is dropped, thrown or slammed against a solid playing surface. The disc is preferably made of a strong plastic such as polyphenlene sulfide which prevents the disc from shattering. The disc may have an annular lip along its edge which facilitates manufacturing. The edge of the disc may be sloped or angled wherein the bottom portion of the disc has a slightly larger diameter than the top portion of the disc. This also facilitates manufacturing.

Abstract: A simulated dough tossing and placement game of both skill and enjoyment. The game comprises a flexible material sheet simulating a sheet of dough and having a flexibility approximately equivalent to that of a sheet of dough used for the making of a pizza. A sheet-receiving member, such as a simulated pizza plate or pan, forms part of the game and is designed to receive the sheet of material when tossed in the same manner as the tossing of a sheet of pizza dough. The sheet-receiving member has a flat bottom wall to receive and catch the sheet of material when the latter is tossed with a twisting or rotating motion, much in the same manner as simulating the tossing the sheet of pizza dough onto a pizza pan. In this way, skill is involved in the play of the game and substantial enjoyment is also generated therefrom.

Abstract: A softball including a hollow spherical core and a leather cover. The core is formed from a mixture of low density polyethylene and ethylene acid copolymer in which the amounts of the low density polyethylene and the ethylene acid copolymer can be adjusted to vary the coefficient of restitution of the softball from 0.47 to 0.52 at a hardness of Shore D 43 to 51.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an illuminated hockey puck used for playing hockey after dark. The puck is made of translucent plastic and has a passageway or hole extending diametrically through the puck. Inside the passageway is a readily replaceable, chemiluminescent light stick, which when activated renders the puck plainly visible when used in the dark.

Abstract: A racket includes a head portion having a striking netting, a shaft portion, a throat portion connected between the head portion and the shaft portion, a grip portion formed on the shaft portion from a bottom end thereof, but excluding the uppermost part of the shaft portion, and a cushioning device provided between the head portion and the grip portion to cushion the impact force occurring when one strikes a ball with the striking netting.

Abstract: A gutter structure has a trough-like gutter substrate positioned adjacent the bowling lane. A sheet of high density polyethylene material is applied to the upwardly exposed surface of the substrate so as to provide a highly durable finish to the gutter that is not harmed by lane cleaning agents. One edge of the high density polyethylene sheet may be stapled in a countersunk fashion to secure the liner to the substrate. The other edge may be tucked under the lane divider cap. The liner may be glued to the substrate at either end to avoid tearing away of the liner from the substrate.

Abstract: A bowling pin defined primarily by a main one-piece plastic body part which defines the outside configuration of the pin and has a substantially planar base surface on the lower end thereof. A bore arrangement extends coaxially upwardly within the interior of the main body part and terminates just short of the upper end of the pin. A plug closes off the lower end of the bore arrangement. The closed bore arrangement includes a cylindrical bore of large diameter which is found is the base portion of the pin and projects upwardly to a location substantially at the elevation of the maximum pin diameter, from which a significantly reduced diameter bore projects upwardly to a further bore which is somewhat larger and is located adjacent the upper extremity of the base portion of the pin. A further smaller diameter bore thence projects upwardly through the neck portion of the pin and to the head portion so as to terminate at a wall spaced slightly downwardly from the upper extremity of the pin.

Abstract: A racket body formed of composite materials in which the shaft portion of the handle, two branches of a throat portion and a frame portion, which can be completed by a bridging portion, adjoin in end to end relationship and have cores and sheaths composed of different materials. The sheaths are comprised of fiber webs or braids impregnated with synthetic resin, the fibers differing along the length of the racket from at least one portion to another, while the orientations of the fibers with respect to the axes of the respective cores can differ from place to place as well. The end portions of thetwo branches of the throat are axially offset from one another so as to avoid the formation of a rupture zone.

Abstract: An archery string is produced of polyethylene monofilaments of a super high molecular weight by multi-staged bundling and twisting in order to lower the elongation percentage, thereby assuring high hitting rate in shooting and better endurance.

Abstract: An improved ice hockey stick is disclosed which is made with a handle component whose lower end tapers to fit closely into a closely conforming groove in the rear edge of a hardwood table. The handle component may be made of hardwood or it may be made of foam injected plastic material in accordance with another aspect of the subject matter disclosed. The foam injected handle component has a centrally located filler member and, on each side, a reinforcing strip of unidirectional strands of fibers in a suitable bonding agent mounted flush with the wide sides of the handle. A process for making a foam injected plastic component is disclosed as well as a method of making an ice hockey stick using the novel joint applicable to conventional hardwood handle components and to foam injected plastic handle components.

Abstract: A bowling pin having a wooden core and a polyethylene plastic covering. The belly portion of the wooden core is circumferentially recessed so that the plastic covering is thicker in that section than the rest of the pin. A ledge is formed on the wooden core above the recess and a collar is formed on the wooden core below the recess so as to aid in securely positioning the plastic cover over the wooden core. The core is also provided with sound chambers and a recess in the base for receiving a base plug.

Abstract: An injection molded baseball bat with a core of thermoplastic plus a blowing agent and a solid skin of thermoplastic per se injected into the mold at one and the same time. The skin and core may be of the same or of different thermoplastic. The baseball bat is a unitary structure of superior strength and finish with the foamed core and solid skin fused together.

Abstract: A process for forming a rubber or vinyl coated baseball or softball is comprised of supporting a baseball or softball core within a mold cavity to position the exterior of the core uniformly equidistant from the mold cavity wall to provide a space between the core exterior and the cavity wall. A thermoplastic rubber or plasticized vinyl resin is injected into the mold cavity to flow into and fill the space between the core and the wall. The thermoplastic rubber or plasticized vinyl resin is allowed to solidify and a rubber or vinyl coated baseball or softball is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A game ball for use in playing such games as baseball or softball comprises a spherical core made of PVC foam, a core cover of an ethylene copolymer, the core cover having a corrugated or rough surface, yarn windings and an outer leather cover, the ball having lower production cost and good durability in addition to essentially the same playing characteristics as conventional balls.

Abstract: A ball tee is described for supporting a ball as a stationary target at a prescribed elevation to be struck as a practice exercise for a selected sport. The tee structure is formed with a self-supporting material that is capable of absorbing and dissipating energy delivered by violent impact. It is formed of two interfitting members, a base and a shaft. The shaft has a ball receiving support at an outer end that will hold a ball at a prescribed elevation. The shaft is removable from the base which includes a recess formed in its bottom side. This recess may be utilized to support larger balls adjacent to a ground surface primarily for kicking purposes. In another embodiment, the ball support may be provided with gripping members that releasably support a ball at any selected angle. The shaft is formed of a synthetic closed cell material. The nature of the material is such that it will not significantly disrupt the swing path of a bat or the resultant trajectory of the target ball.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable golf target apparatus, which can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled, and can be used in confined outdoor areas and in the indoors. A multilayered target having a front layer of 20 gauge fiberglass mesh and underlayers of five mil polyethylene film is attached to an inverted "y" wood frame by elastic bands, and imparts only a small amount of rebounding force to a driven golf ball. The frame can be disassembled into a number of color coded parts, and can be fixed to the ground by stakes. A flat bottom base is attachable for indoor use.

Abstract: A molded plastic body includes four sections having inter frame members bolted together adjacent the periphery. A channel cap extends from a center hub over abutting body section edges and through a downwardly extending fin and is connected to the inter frame members. Each of the body sections includes a railing extending from the top of the hub outwardly and then downwardly into two peripherally spaced apart leg portions connected to the floor of the body section. The connections of the inter frame members are in recesses formed in the body sections allowing access by tools for assembly purposes.

Abstract: A dartboard safety surround for receiving badly-aimed darts which narrowly miss the dartboard comprises an annular element of an elastomeric material such as, for example, a polyether urethane elastomer, which is dense enough to hold darts piercing the element and which resiliently grips the periphery of the dartboard. The rear face of the annular element defines a recess which is occupied by a filler having a density less than the elastomer of the annular element.

Abstract: A detachable quiver for bow mounting on a bow having a pair of mounting members mounted on the bow and formed integrally with a plastic quiver are maintained in connected condition by a resilient biasing arrangement formed integrally with one of the plastic mounting members.

Abstract: A target system for use with spring, air, and CO.sub.2 operated pistols and rifles and with slingshots. The target system prevents ricochets by use of a flexible backstop suspended within a housing while permitting the shooter and spectators to easily discern where the projectiles have penetrated a target which is disposed across the front of this housing. The system utilizes supports incorporated into the housing to receive tubes upon which the target is wound for easy movement and removal of used targets and installation of a new roll of targets to replace a used roll. Each individual target on the roll is indexed to a display position by hand winding of the tubes. A locking mechanism incorporated into the supports cooperates with the tubes and wound target material to tautly position each target in the target opening. A chamber in the base of the apparatus entraps projectiles, permitting collection and removal without damage for reuse.

Abstract: A rotationally molded hollow article and a process for molding such an article, wherein the article is formed of a mixture of plastic pellets and powder both of which are copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, having a predetermined range of pellet to powder mixture ratio, and with such mixture having a predetermined melt index range, the article being characterized by having substantial "bounce" characteristics generally equivalent to those possessed by hollow, non-cellular articles made of known thermoplastic compositions or known rubber-like compositions of natural and/or synthetic polymers, as well as those possessed by solid cellular articles made from other known thermoplastics or from known rubber-like compositions of natural or synthetic polymers.

Abstract: A target made of interchangeable sections each comprising a multiplicity of membranes or plies of penetrable, elastomeric or resistant, tear resistant sheet resin material, the membranes being separated by intervening layers of porous or low density, resilient material such as foam resin material. Membranes are disclosed having opposite surfaces with different coefficients of friction.

Abstract: A device is provided which helps rehabilitate and exercise the hand. In doing so, it indicates the progress being made, thus providing positive mental reinforcement, encouraging further improvement in the rehabilitation process. The device, which is blow molded from translucent plastic, includes a hollow conically shaped chamber having formed integrally therewith a handle and a bellows device connected via an orifice to the chamber. Fluid of a chosen color is provided in the chamber. Upon squeezing, the fluid is ejected in proportion to the force applied from the chamber into the bellows, thereby giving the patient a visual, positive indication of his progress. A series of devices requiring progressively increasing squeeze forces may be formed by using different fluids, conduit sizes and/or wall thicknesses. This provides a system for full rehabilitation.

Abstract: Baseballs and softballs are comprised of a spherical core and a two-piece cover. The core consists essentially of a single spherical mass of partially blown ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having 12 percent to 30 percent by weight of polymerized vinyl acetate units therein. Foam is in the center of the core which gradually reduces in cell size radially outwardly to a skin having a density substantially equal to the density of said copolymer.

Abstract: A tennis training device is provided which has a head portion comprising a lightweight plastic foam material, a handle member and a grip affixed to the handle. The overall weight of the tennis training device is distributed so as to simulate the balance of a conventional tennis racket. The grip includes finger placement guides so oriented as to train the player in the eastern forehand type of grip. The air resistance of the head when swinging the tennis racket forces the player to utilize shoulder action in his swing thereby conditioning the player in proper tennis form with an objective of minimizing one of the contributing causes of "tennis elbow." When used in conjunction with a lightweight spongy game ball, the tennis training device is particularly suited for indoor use. Additionally, a retaining device is provided attachable to the handle of the tennis trainer and adapted to receive a companion game ball.

Abstract: A game footbag designed to be kicked repeatedly into the air discloses a durable, flexible cover having a generally spherical shape when fully expanded and partially filled with material having substantially fluid characteristics. The cover consists of two dogbone-shaped pieces of flexible material attached together at their peripheries so as to form a collapsible ball. The fluid material includes a large plurality of small polythylene particles having low resilience. The interaction of the cover with the fluid-like material results in a footbag having a slow-action and uniform response to kicking.

Abstract: A target formed from a material comprising a mixture of polyethylene and talc. The inclusion of talc improves the properties of the target at temperatures ranging from in excess of 60.degree. C down to minus 20.degree. C or below.

Abstract: A target made of interchangeable sections each comprising a multiplicity of membranes or plies of penetrable, elastomeric or resilient, tear resistant sheet resin material, the membranes being separated by intervening layers of porous or low density, resilient material such as foam resin material.

Abstract: A multi-layered archery target of lightweight and self-closing of arrow holes characteristic. The target is made of three layers comprising a front layer of expanded polyethylene, a middle layer of relatively lightweight expanded polystyrene, and a rear layer of expanded polyethylene. The two layers of polyethylene are denser than the expanded polystyrene and have the characteristic of self-closing or healing of holes created by high speed arrows. The expanded polystyrene layer which may be thicker than the expanded polyethylene layers is of lighter weight and adds bulk as well as arrow stopping characteristics. The multi-layered target is of considerably lighter weight than conventional targets and through the self-closing and healing of target holes resists destruction for a much longer period of time.

Abstract: A clip for use with a gas-operated gun to package and supply to the gun hygienic projectiles for inoculating animals with a particular biologically active material. The clip contains a molded structure having a plurality of axially aligned adjacent cylindrical chambers receiving the implant projectile and each chamber is sealed by a rupturable sealing film at each end thereof. Indexing recesses are provided on said structure and associated with each of the chambers for indexing the clip in the gun to dispose seriatim the chambers in alignment with the bore of the gun.

Abstract: An apparatus upon which a person can perform physical exercises so as to tone his muscles and promote muscular development; the device consisting of an angularly adjustable platform upon which the person stands, and a lower end of a tall pipe assembly being pivotable about a universal joint mounted upon the platform, the pipe assembly consisting of interconnected pipe sections all having a Teflon or other slippery material outer surface so to resist the person getting a firm grasp thereof during various exercises.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved golf ball cover comprised of an ionomer based upon the copolymers of, e.g., ethylene and acrylic or methacrylic acid and a chlorosulfonated polyethylene. Covers made in accordance with this invention exhibit high durability features.