Abstract: A ball game apparatus including a centerpiece apparatus member having an outer frame member, an inner frame member, and a raised platform surface disposed within the inner frame member, a plurality of shaped members coupled between the outer and inner frame members, and a ball member configured to bounce off the raised platform surface and the plurality of shaped members.

Abstract: A method of constructing a tight mesh golf net with a support frame that returns a ball to a user, comprising routing the net around the support frame from a forward section that returns the golf ball to the user, under and around a rod between side supports, toward the forward section and upward toward top ends of the side supports.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a putting motion includes: mat markers attached to a mat on which a ball is placed; a putter marker attached to a putter for applying an impact to the ball; a mat having a color contrasting with colors of the mat markers, the putter marker and the ball; a camera for photographing the mat markers, the ball, and the putter marker; a mat detection unit for detecting a position of the mat from an image photographed by the camera; an object detection unit for detecting positions of the putter and the ball in real time; a ball calculation unit for calculating a speed and a moving direction of the ball based on the detected ball; and a pointer calculation unit for calculating a pointer position for a menu selection function necessary for a simulator operation by using coordinates of the detected putter.

Abstract: A soccer training net includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, a generally rectangular net having a bottom edge and a top edge, and a lower elastic member having a first end, a second end, and a medial section that extends between the ends. The medial section is coupled with and extends along the bottom edge of the net. Each end is coupled the lower portion of the frame. Upper coupling members extend between and are coupled with the upper portion of the frame and corners of the top edge of the net. The frame does not include a member that extends along the bottom edge of the net such that the medial section of the lower elastic member and the bottom edge of the net are suspended between the sides of the lower portion of the frame.

Abstract: A sports projectile training device may include a frame having a frame aperture. A base sheet may be coupled to the frame and may extend across portions of the frame aperture. The base sheet may include a plurality of base apertures which may be sized and shaped so that the sports projectile may pass through the base apertures. A cover sheet having an exterior surface may be positioned over the base sheet so that the exterior surface and base sheet are positioned on opposing sides of the cover sheet. A sports projectile may be motivated towards the device so that the sports projectile impacts the exterior surface. This impact may cause the sports projectile to press a portion of the cover sheet into a base aperture to arrest the sports projectile within the base aperture so that the sports projectile is cradled in the base aperture by the exterior surface.

Abstract: A freestanding basketball backstop assembly returns basketballs shot at a basketball hoop to a player positioned at a location spaced apart from the basketball hoop. A net support has a base and side legs, with vertical rods removably insertable into sockets of the side legs and threaded through sleeves extending from the side edges of the net peripheral border. The base is placed in front of the post supporting the basketball backboard. The net is arranged behind the post supporting the backboard. A slit opening in the bottom periphery of the net receives a portion of the post supporting the backboard. Top corners of the net are connected to the tops of the vertical rods. Bottom corners of the net are attached to front edges of the side legs. The vertical rods keep the net in tension behind the backboard.

Abstract: An retractable sports activity device preferably includes a left rail bracket, a right rail bracket, a media reel and a bottom media support. The left and right rail brackets are attached to left and right garage door roller rails, or a wall or a ceiling. The media reel preferably includes a reel tube, a sheet media and a retractable shield unit. Opposing ends of the reel tube are rotatably retained by the left and right rail brackets. A top of the sheet media is secured to the reel tube. The retractable shield unit preferably includes a left shield unit, a right shield unit and a top shield. The left shield unit is retained on a left end of the reel tube and the right shield unit is retained on a right end of the reel tube. A bottom of the sheet media is support by the bottom media support.

Abstract: A bird capture net which allows the use of quickly adjusting the height for capture and release is described, which includes height adjustable poles attached to bird netting.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable and retractable apparatus is described that transforms a sufficient smaller space into a suitable place, either indoors or outdoors, where a large space is unavailable, into a practice facility for sporting activity skills. This backdrop apparatus allows practice of hitting or throwing of a ball or other object in a contained environment and may also be used for virtually playing at any famous location.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting a golf address to be adhered to the body of a user, including: an input module in which the user pushes an input button to set a target azimuth while looking at a target point in a user setting mode; an azimuth calculation module comprising an accelerometer for measuring gravity direction, a gyroscope for measuring the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis directions of a golf club face, and a calculation processor for calculating the address azimuth of the user with respect to the target azimuth set in the input module by using the values measured at the accelerometer and the gyroscope when the user is in an address posture in a user execution mode; and an output module for outputting the address azimuth calculated at the azimuth calculation module.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a feeding net including a backstop net affixed to a frame connected to a base that may be mounted on wheels. The net includes a plurality of drop pockets which can catch lacrosse ball. The drop pockets can be numbered sequentially with indicia, as desired. The wheeled base can include a removable plastic drop bucket for retaining lacrosse balls that are not caught inside the drop pocket or that bounce off the backstop net. The wheeled base can also include an integral deflector shield situated across the backstop net. The deflector shields helps ensure that balls that bounce of the net can be deflected into the drop bucket.

Abstract: A golf cage system that uses the customer's garage door tracks as the frame for the cage. The cage is oriented to transfer loads from ball impact through the tracks to the frame of the door in a perpendicular direction to minimize track twisting. The cage has a ball striking drop panel suspended from a shaft mounted on rollers or end caps that ride in the tracks and fastened to the tracks in their active position. Side panels and a top panel are also supported on the rollers at their forward ends and supported on another set of rollers in the tracks at the distal ends of the tracks. Low profile tie-downs are epoxied to the concrete garage floor to facilitate unobstructed foot and tire traffic.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for catching a golf ball is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a compact golf ball catching apparatus having a first energy absorbing layer located at a frontal portion of the apparatus, a second energy absorbing layer located at a rear portion of the apparatus, and a frame adapted to connect the first and second energy absorbing layer as well as provide structural integrity to the first energy absorbing layer; wherein the first energy absorbing layer slows down the speed of a golf ball as it enters and penetrates the apparatus and hinders the golf ball's ability from exiting the apparatus post impact.

Abstract: A portable and easily foldable sport net 50 includes a ball return system wherein balls 930 or other projectiles are stopped and gently rolled back to the user. A frame system 200 may include spring steel or fiberglass and may further includes front frame members 210, rear frame members 220 and lower lateral frame members 230. An inside net 100 is attached or integrated into the front frame members 210 and the inside net 100 has little contact or attachment to the rear frame members 220. The judicious use of netting material and other components result in a lightweight and easy to assemble sport net. Embodiments feature two lateral voids 250 and a rear void 240 which provide an economy of construction and efficiency of use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for catching a golf ball is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a compact golf ball catching apparatus having a first energy absorbing layer located at a frontal portion of the apparatus, a second energy absorbing layer located at a rear portion of the apparatus, and a frame adapted to connect the first and second energy absorbing layer as well as provide structural integrity to the first energy absorbing layer; wherein the first energy absorbing layer slows down the speed of a golf ball as it enters and penetrates the apparatus and hinders the golf ball's ability from exiting the apparatus post impact.

Abstract: A method for conducting and scoring a golf video game, comprising determining the number of strokes it takes a team to complete a golf hole, wherein the team comprises of a plurality of players collectively playing one ball, allowing at least one player to take a strategic position further down the golf course ahead of where the ball is being played, and basing a score on the number of strokes the team collectively takes to complete the golf hole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring the drop Y of sports netting (10) strung between opposed posts (14, 16), wherein a datum point (28) is provided on each post, a datum line (42) is provided between the datum points and the distance Y between the datum line and a specified part (38) of the net measured; the height X above ground (40) of the net is extrapolated by providing the datum points (28) at a known height Z above ground (40) and subtracting the measured drop Y from the datum point height Z: the datum line (42) may be a light-weight cord strung between the datum points or a beam of visible or invisible light.

Abstract: A net or barrier has strategically located pocket(s) attached to the net over holes(s) in the net/barrier in order to catch a ball or projectile that passes through the hole(s). A computer-assisted method displays information, more particularly advertisement, onto a net or barrier. The computer-assisted display is viewable by a TV or video audience.

Abstract: A pitching screen which provides a support structure having an arcuate support element which defines the boundary of the pitching screen and about which a ball can be pitched toward a pitching target.

Abstract: The methods and apparatuses of the present invention provide golfers with improved training and simulated golf game opportunities, particularly when practiced in conjunction with the innovative scoring targets disclosed herein.

Abstract: A ball net of box type comprises a front loop, a rear loop, and first and second side loops. The enclosing net portion are for covering a top hole formed by top portions of the loops, two side holes formed by the side loops, and a rear hole formed by the rear loop, so as to enclose the box-type space from four sides. The vertical side straight portions of neighboring loops are hold together by fabric holder portions. The top curved portion of the front loop protrudes above the top straight portions of the other loops, such that a front opening defined by the front loop provides a receiving area larger than the other holes defined by the other loops especially in a upper portion of the receiving area. The front loop has a larger area than the other loops in a lower portion of the receiving area.

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.

Abstract: A ball net is provided, which includes two poles, a top net, a tilting bottom net, a decelerating catcher, and a collecting sack. Each of the two poles are bent and crossed at a zenith point forming four side openings, one of which provides a target opening portion configured for hulling a ball. The tilting bottom net is provided at a low portion of the space surrounded by the zenith point and the four ends of the two poles, and the tilting bottom net is tilted toward a front of the ball net. The decelerating catcher is provided inside the target opening for reducing speed of, stopping, and dropping the ball. The collecting sack is disposed at a front portion of the tilting bottom net for receiving the ball rolling down on the tilting bottom net and keeping inside.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for catching a golf ball is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a compact golf ball catching apparatus having a first energy absorbing layer located at a frontal portion of the apparatus, a second energy absorbing layer located at a rear portion of the apparatus, and a frame adapted to connect the first and second energy absorbing layer as well as provide structural integrity to the first energy absorbing layer; wherein the first energy absorbing layer slows down the speed of a golf ball as it enters and penetrates the apparatus and hinders the golf ball's ability from exiting the apparatus post impact.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the training of various sporting pursuits, such as golf, is described. In some examples, the training apparatus is a retractable apparatus configured to attach to a ceiling of an indoor space in order to move a net into a suitable position via a rotatable support bar or other similar mechanism.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a half moon type net for catching balls or flexibly stopping the flight of balls, comprising a half-moon-shaped or arch-shaped loop and a fabric retainer to better support the net structure, maintain a bigger net in shape, and reduce the chance of missing balls. More specifically, the net comprises: a main member forming a substantially half-moon-shaped closed loop; a base member forming a closed loop, wherein the straight front section of the base member is connected to the straight bottom section of the main member; a fabric retainer comprising two bottom sections formed adjacent to each of the two corners of the main member and an arch section along the top section of the main member so as to maintain the main member in shape; a fabric member covering the loop of the main member to flexibly stop the flight of projectiles; and a supporting member to sustain the main member against the base member while maintaining a substantial angle between the main and base members.

Abstract: A single loop net includes a loop member, triangular holders, side straight edge portions, two propping poles, two holding straps, a first opening, a catching net, net deploying straps, and a second opening. The triangular holders are for holding two neighboring straight portions. The side straight edge portions are fixed to one of the side straight portions. Each of the propping poles extends from two side straight portions of the loop member. Each of the holding straps extends from a lower portion of the loop member. The first opening is enclosed and defined by the triangular holders and the side straight edge portions. The catching net covers the first opening and configured to catch balls flying into the first opening from a frontal direction. The second opening is disposed in a bottom one of the side straight edge portions. The second opening is disposed so as to return balls.

Abstract: A foldable device for use in supporting sports nets or the like, the foldable device including: a) a selectively foldable support ring including pivotally secured substantially arcuate sections; and b) a foldable support stand for engaging the ring and having a first open position and a second closed position; and c) at least a part of the ring forming at least one handle when said support stand is in the second position.

Abstract: A golf practice apparatus comprises a chipping mat and a target assembly. The chipping mat comprises a surface from which a user strikes golf balls. The target assembly comprises a frame and a target mat. The frame is further comprised of a lightweight, collapsible framework for supporting a target mat further comprising various markings indicated targets for a user. In a preferred embodiment, the frame is comprised of pipe segments, connecting joints, and a plurality of common fasteners. The target mat is suspended from the frame and attaches via corresponding common fasteners. The target assembly is disposed of various segments to allow a user to simulate short game aspects of golf by choosing a target based upon the desired angle and velocity that the user desires to emulate.

Abstract: A ball net of box type comprises a front loop, a rear loop, and first and second side loops. The enclosing net portion are for covering a top hole formed by top portions of the loops, two side holes formed by the side loops, and a rear hole formed by the rear loop, so as to enclose the box-type space from four sides. The vertical side straight portions of neighboring loops are hold together by fabric holder portions. The top curved portion of the front loop protrudes above the top straight portions of the other loops, such that a front opening defined by the front loop provides a receiving area larger than the other holes defined by the other loops especially in a upper portion of the receiving area. The front loop has a larger area than the other loops in a lower portion of the receiving area.

Abstract: A single loop net includes a loop member, triangular holders, side straight edge portions, two propping poles, two holding straps, a first opening, a catching net, net deploying straps, and a second opening. The triangular holders are for holding two neighboring straight portions. The side straight edge portions are fixed to one of the side straight portions. Each of the propping poles extends from two side straight portions of the loop member. Each of the holding straps extends from a lower portion of the loop member. The first opening is enclosed and defined by the triangular holders and the side straight edge portions. The catching net covers the first opening and configured to catch balls flying into the first opening from a frontal direction. The second opening is disposed in a bottom one of the side straight edge portions. The second opening is disposed so as to return balls.

Abstract: A swing training apparatus includes an upright target portion and a ball capturing net. The target portion has a hit surface to be hit by golf balls. The hit surface has at least one ball inlet to receive the golf balls and a ball outlet at a lower section of the target portion. The ball capturing net is fastened to a side of the target portion to form a ball collection space therebetween. The ball collection space communicates with the ball inlet and ball outlet. The ball capturing net includes a ball guide slope leading to the ball outlet to direct the golf balls to leave the ball collection space through the ball outlet. Hence once the golf balls enter the ball inlet they can be retrieved easily for swing practice again without users going to the swing training apparatus to fetch the golf balls.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method for performing projectile-based sport simulations. A striking apparatus is used to strike a projectile with striking means, the striking apparatus being configurable to alter its strike properties. The strike results from the strike are measured and are entered into a data base along with the corresponding strike properties. The process is repeated for a variety of strike properties. A sports practice device is then provided having a simulation projectile mounted to a flexible tether and sensor means. The striking apparatus is then used to strike the simulation projectile of the sports practice device using the same strike properties as entered into the database. A user strikes the simulation projectile of the sports practice device and sensor readings are measured. The strike results for the user's strike are calculated by correlating the sensor readings with the information entered into the database.

Abstract: A target is provided for hitting or throwing balls and other objects for sport practice sessions or games. The target includes a plurality of foldable arms with a connected net which can be moved between open and closed positions by pulling and pushing a handle connected to the arms. In the open position, the target forms an inverted umbrella. A front face is attached to the net and has a plurality of openings through which the balls or objects can pass forth.

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.

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.

Abstract: A golf exercise device is disclosed that can be used for stretching the shoulder and back muscles. The device expands to a length that allows the user to place the device behind the user's head and grasp each end with the user's hands. The device collapses to a size small enough to easily fit into a golf bag. The center portion of the device is padded for comfort while the user is stretching. Clips can also be included to secure the device to the external portion of the golf bag. The device can hold golf balls in one end, and a net for retrieving golf balls from water hazards in the other. Zippered pockets can be attached to the device to hold personal items such as mobile phones, PDA's, sunglasses, car keys, or the like. Net-type bags with drawstring closures can also be included with the device.

Abstract: A golf swing practice target panel or impact device is provided. The impact device may be or may include a panel made of a type of material such that there will be a temporary mark where a standard or non-standard golf ball impacted the panel. An aiming reference point may be provided on a lower portion of the panel. In addition, lines may be printed on the panel to depict launch or elevation angles and off-center deviation angles. A golfer can examine how accurate the strike was after the swing. Also, the panel material may possess proper friction that enables the spinning direction of a golf ball to be determined when a golf ball bounces off from the panel. Judging from where the ball landed relative to the temporary ball mark on the panel, the golfer is able to know how the ball was spinning after striking.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has a first end panel and a second end panel, with each end panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material covering the frame member to form the respective end panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The structure also has a side wall having at least one panel, a first side and a second side, with the panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The first side of the side wall is stitched to the fabric of the first end panel at a location away from the periphery of the first end panel, the second side of the side wall is stitched to the fabric of the second end panel at a location away from the periphery of the second end panel.

Abstract: A collapsible net for stopping flying balls and for installing on a floor includes a collapsible center coil loop, collapsible first and second side coil loops, a vertical fabric portion, top and bottom fabric portions, and top and bottom straps. The collapsible center coil loop includes a top part, a bottom part, and first and second side parts. Each side coil loop includes a top part, a bottom part, and inner and outer side parts. Each inner side part is connected to each side part of the collapsible center coil loop. The vertical fabric portion covers the openings of the coil loops for stopping the flying balls. The opening angle of the side coil loops are controllable. The propping device includes pecks and strings to fix the net to the floor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable net device comprising a main member forming a first closed loop, a base member forming a second closed loop and defined by front and non-front sections where a main member bottom section is attached to the base member front section, a fabric member having front and non-front sections where the fabric member front section is connected to the main member, a connecting member to selectively attach the fabric member non-front section to the base member non-front section in a detachable attachment format, and a supporting member to sustain the main member against the base member while maintaining a substantial angle between the main and base members.

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.

Abstract: An object retrieval system providing an expanse of flexible material variably configured by travel of a material support element between a first position and a second position which generates movement in objects that collect on the material surface for retrieval.

Abstract: A sport ball arresting structure may be characterized in one aspect as including an inflatable quadra-pod mounted on a substantially rectangular flexible planar base for placement on the ground. The quadra-pod includes four legs formed, when the quadra-pod is inflated, by two criss-crossed inflatable tubes forming a dome. The tubes are criss-crossed at a vertex of the quadra-pod. Lower ends of the four legs are mounted to the four corners of the base, one lower end per corner. A flexible net is mounted within the dome so as to drape completely across the interior of the dome and parallel to an entrance to the structure defined by a front pair of legs and a front edge of the base.