Abstract: A backstop for placement around a goal to stop sport projectiles from traveling beyond the outer edge of the goal, the backstop includes a material implement having a goal acceptance aperture located substantially central to the bottom edge and extending towards the top edge. The backstop includes an attachment mechanism that secures the material implement to the goal. The backstop further includes at least one bracket that is operable to attach to the goal frame. A support structure extends from the at least one bracket and is operable to support the material implement to extend beyond the outer edge of the goal.

Abstract: An automatic ball launcher includes a ball feed control system that includes a meter wheel with radially-spaced ribs or grooves to selectively block and pass balls to the flywheels of the launcher. The meter wheel rotates to selectively block and release a single ball to pass at a time. The controller of the launcher can be programmed to stop the meter wheel when a ball has been metered by monitoring the current at peak of the motor driving the meter wheel. A meter-event can be determined to have occurred when the current of the drive motor drops to a trough by a pre-set magnitude following a rise to a peak value. A remote control can be provided for the user to operate the launching machine and adjust a plurality of parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking a sports ball assembly in real time during a sporting event are disclosed. A structure of the sports ball assembly is also disclosed. The sports ball assembly comprises at least one electronic circuit embedded or attached to a sports ball. The sports ball assembly is in network communication with a server processor via at least two receivers within a sports arena. The sports ball assembly generates and transmits UWB data packets comprising movement-related data for the sports ball assembly in real time at a predetermined rate. The at least two receivers receive the UWB data packets and transmit to the server processor with time stamps. The server processor is operable to determine a movement of the sports ball assembly based on the UWB data packets and the time stamps received from the at least two receivers.

Abstract: An interactive baseball gamification system can be facilitated via the use of sensors, data tracking, gamification, and virtualization. A first user can play against a second user in real-time, near real-time, or based on historical user data. Additionally, the first user can be geographically remote from the second user. The interactive baseball gamification system can be used to train baseball players or baseball teams. Alternatively, the interactive baseball gamification system can be used for recreational purposes to pit users against each other.

Abstract: A training device for use with a goal having a pair of posts and a crossbar, includes a pair of side panels, each side panel being disposed adjacent each of the pair of posts, each side panel including a pair of first arms disposed parallel with the pair of posts, upper and lower transverse members extending between the pair of first arms, a first netting covering the area defined by the pair of first arms, and the upper and lower transverse members, and at least one hinge coupling one of the first arms to an adjacent post.

Abstract: A harness connection system connects a barrier to an object projecting device to permit an object, such as a ball, to be projected from an exit opening in the object projecting device and passed through an opening in the barrier. The harness connection system has a harness with a connector having an adaptable periphery, a fastener securing the connector to the barrier, and a receiving anchor that receives and secures the connector. To inhibit sagging of the barrier, a retractor is connected to the barrier and to a retractor receiver to draw the barrier taut and away from the exit opening of the object projecting device.

Abstract: Improved pitching machines capable of providing accurate, repeatable, and various pitches for training or simulation purposes (e.g., batting and catching). The pitching machine of the present invention may be operable to deliver pitches that each have a different predetermined trajectory, location, velocity (speed to target), and rotational velocity with repeatable precision and accuracy. Additionally, the pitching machine may be programmable and capable of simulating a pitch sequence, as thrown by a pitcher in a game situation, which provides a novel and effective tool for training batters.

Abstract: A collapsible sports cage system. The system includes a wench that has a retractable cable. A collapsible sports cage is connected to the retractable cable. The collapsible sports cage is capable of moving from an in-use upright position to a non-use lowered position. The collapsible sports cage has pivot feet and pivotally connected support posts that are pivotally connected to the pivot feet. Lower position support braces are rigidly connected to the pivotally connected support posts. When the collapsible sports cage is in a non-use lowered position the lower position support braces are braced against the ground. Pivotally connected upper support beams are pivotally connected between the pivotally connected support posts. Also, horizontal overhead support beams are rigidly connected between the pivotally connected support posts. A ball retention net is draped over the collapsible sports cage.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) arena and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the VR arena includes an enclosure and at least one support that is attached to the enclosure. The enclosure encloses a user action regions. Furthermore, the enclosure and at least one support define a wiring track around the enclosure. In this manner, a user can be maintained within the user action region while a VR system is in use by the enclosure. Additionally, the support(s) can be used to support the VR user device(s) while the wiring track can be used to maintain the wiring for the VR user device(s) out of the user action region.

Abstract: A training device for use with a goal having a pair of posts and a crossbar, includes a pair of side panels, each side panel being disposed adjacent each of the pair of posts, each side panel including a pair of first arms disposed parallel with the pair of posts, upper and lower transverse members extending between the pair of first arms, a first netting covering the area defined by the pair of first arms, and the upper and lower transverse members, and at least one hinge coupling one of the first arms to an adjacent post.

Abstract: Virtual and augmented reality sports training environments are disclosed. A user interacts with virtual players in a simulated environment of a virtual reality sporting event. In some embodiments, the user's actions and decisions are monitored by the simulated environment. The environment evaluates the user's performance, and provides quantitative scoring based on the user's decisions and timing. Coaches and other users may design customized scenarios or plays to train and test users, and the resultant scores may be reviewed by the coach. In one application, real life pitchers and their pitching data are tracked and replicated in a simulated pitching environment. A team of users may practice against a simulation of a pitcher they are about to compete against, swinging at pitches that they would see in a real game. Such environments may maximize effective practice time for users, and help develop better players with improved decision-making skills.

Abstract: Virtual and augmented reality sports training environments are disclosed. A user interacts with virtual players in a simulated environment of a virtual reality sporting event. In some embodiments, the user's actions and decisions are monitored by the simulated environment. The environment evaluates the user's performance, and provides quantitative scoring based on the user's decisions and timing. Coaches and other users may design customized scenarios or plays to train and test users, and the resultant scores may be reviewed by the coach. In one application, real life pitchers and their pitching data are tracked and replicated in a simulated pitching environment. A team of users may practice against a simulation of a pitcher they are about to compete against, swinging at pitches that they would see in a real game. Such environments may maximize effective practice time for users, and help develop better players with improved decision-making skills.

Abstract: A ball safety netting system for use between a field and spectators and above an access/egress gate includes, for example, a main netting defining an opening over an access/egress gate, a gate netting positionable over the opening of the main netting, and wherein the gate netting is disposable in a first position operable to cover the opening in said main netting above the access/egress gate, and disposable in a second position operable to uncover the opening above the access/egress gate.

Abstract: A sports goal practice backstop for removable attachment to a sports goal, sans any kind of tools, including a backstop net mechanism with a multiplicity of sections, a right and left bracket assembly including a corner bracket mechanism with a clamp knob and a pivot hinge member, a right and left support structures that are removably attached to the pivot hinge members and a counterweight mechanism which counterbalances the weight of the backstop net mechanism.

Abstract: Described are apparatuses, methods and storage media associated with transitioning an augmented reality object between physical and digital environments, wherein the augmented reality object is embodied in at least two information carrying objects, which information carrying objects comprise a sensor-enabled physical object and a digital object.

Abstract: A system that analyzes data from multiple sensors, potentially of different types, that track motions of players, equipment, and projectiles such as balls. Data from different sensors is combined to generate integrated metrics for events and activities. Illustrative sensors may include inertial sensors, cameras, radars, and light gates. As an illustrative example, a video camera may track motion of a pitched baseball, and an inertial sensor may track motion of a bat; the system may use the combined data to analyze the effectiveness of the swing in hitting the pitch. The system may also use sensor data to automatically select or generate tags for an event; tags may represent for example activity types, players, performance levels, or scoring results. The system may analyze social media postings to confirm or augment event tags. Users may filter and analyze saved events based on the assigned tags.

Abstract: A field view batting cage apparatus includes a support frame surrounding a foreshortened baseball playing field with baseball hitting and pitching positions in diagonally opposite corners of the field, and a netting suspended so as to form a plurality of vertical walls of netting and a ceiling of netting surrounding and overlying the field for providing containment of the baseball. The batting cage apparatus also includes either a plurality of cables strung on the support frame so as to suspend the netting to form the vertical walls of netting and a dome-shaped ceiling of netting, or a support roof attached to, and spanning diagonally between opposite corners of the support frame and at least one cable strung on the support frame so as to suspend the netting to form a dome-shaped ceiling of netting and the vertical walls of netting.

Abstract: A foldable ball net frame includes a main pipe, a foldable net frame, a stop ring, support poles, and a net. The foldable net frame includes an upper collar and a lower collar. One end of a main support arm of the foldable net frame is hingedly connected to the upper collar, and another end is hingedly connected to one end of a secondary support arm. Another end of the secondary support arm is hingedly connected to the lower collar. The stop ring is disposed between the upper nest and the lower nest and locked on the main pipe. The support poles and the main support arms are coaxially structured. The support poles are disposed at the distal ends of the main support arms, respectively. The net has buttonholes and is detachably connected to the distal ends of the support poles therethrough.

Abstract: An access door unit includes a door, a doorway structure, and elements for pivotally attaching the door to the doorway structure. The doorway structure has an outer perimeter frame and a base affixed thereon. The base has support members extending in transverse relation to and outwardly in opposite directions from the outer perimeter frame and adapted to rest on a generally level support surface such that the outer perimeter frame extends upright from the base enabling the doorway structure to assume a free-standing, self-supporting orientation on the support surface. The outer perimeter frame of the doorway structure defines a passage large enough to fit the door and permit entry or exit through the passage when the door is opened.

Abstract: Embodiments of a novel approach to a business process that utilizes and implements any type of clear netting or fencing as a safety barrier backstop for spectators at baseball events are disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible batting cage is provided with a collapsible canopy structure including a collapsible truss framework supporting an overlying canopy and extendable legs depend downwardly from the truss framework. A ball stop is supported by the truss framework, underlies the canopy and is spaced apart therefrom. A ball assembly having a ball is coupled to the collapsible canopy structure so as to present the ball at a batting height and permit contact between the ball and the ball stop when struck.

Abstract: A baseball game apparatus comprising a pliant sheet of material having at least three support posts secured to the back of the pliant sheet of material and wherein an image of a baseball stadium is secured to the front of said pliant sheet.

Abstract: A collapsible backstop for stopping and collecting balls is provided that includes a rigid, collapsible, peripheral structure having a plurality of frame members that can be snugly and removably fit to each other to form the peripheral structure. Frame members may be interconnected with a cord to facilitate reassembly. Also included is a web formed of flexible material. A plurality of engagement members are provided for removably mounting the web to the structure to form the backstop. Finally, a rigid base to which the structure is removably mounted is also included. The base may include a plurality of base components that may be removably connected to each other, but interconnected with one or more additional cords, again, to facilitate reassembly. A method of assembling and disassembling such a collapsible backstop may also be provided.

Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: A fabric tunnel for baseball pitching practice with a simple “auto-catcher” is made of netting in one embodiment. At the target end a flap with indicia of accuracy of aim also constitutes a flap that provides an audible feedback when hit and also allows the thrown balls to be captured. Straps are used to hold the tunnel in position by attachment to poles supported by guy wires or the straps could be attached to fixed objects such as a chain-link fence.

Abstract: A training cage for throwing practice, comprises a frame having a height, width and depth. The training cage also comprises a strike zone indicator that defines the boundaries of a strike zone and a pitch locator. The pitch locator is configured such that when the pitch locator is in cooperation with the strike zone indicator, the strike zone is defined by at least one strike area pass through that defines an area that allows a ball thrown within the strike zone to pass through the strike zone indicator and at least one strike area barricade that defines an area that obstructs the ball thrown within the strike zone from passing through the strike zone indicator. Moreover, the pitching cage comprises a target having a target surface that is suspended in a second designated position located behind the strike zone indicator.

Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the comer. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: A hitting tool used for baseball or softball. The hitting tool may include a stopping plate affixed to a support bracket. The stopping plate may be substantially perpendicular relative to the support bracket. The present invention may keep the front foot in a locked position, and thereby prevents the front foot from pivoting to an open stance.

Abstract: This invention, entitled “Collapsible and Portable Strikezone & Backstop for WIFFLE® Ball (and other Plastic Baseball) Games,” is a lightweight, portable strikezone and backstop for use in WIFFLE ball games. This invention calls pitches entering the strikezone, embedded on the collapsible backstop frame, “strikes” and stops “balls” hitting the backstop. This WIFFLE ball strikezone and backstop is portable and collapsible, being able to have its coilable frame rapidly unfurl and attach to lightweight rods in assembly. The invention's strikezone netting serves an objective “umpire” for pitches, while its backstop assists batters in retrieving “balls” faster—facilitating WIFFLE ball play. The invention's specific design for use with WIFFLE® and other plastic baseballs enables the backstop frame to be lightweight and portable, which is easily assembled by unfurling and attaching it to lightweight connectors maintaining it perpendicular to the playing ground.

Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: A backstop for training of a bat-and-ball game has a body with a central portion flanked by a side portion on either side. Each side portion is adjustable at an angle less than 180 degrees relative to the central portion so that the backstop is capable of standing upright on a supporting surface. There are target areas on the body, each configured to act as one portion of a hook and loop fastener for attaching to a corresponding portion of the hook and loop fastener on an item of sporting equipment such that when contact is made between a target area within the backstop and said sporting equipment, the target area fastens to said sporting equipment thereby interfering with movement of said sporting equipment.

Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: An accessory for the game of beer pong and related games. The accessory includes two separate net assemblies that attach to both ends of a beer pong table. The netting assembly catches ping-pong balls that go over the edges of the game table during game play to prevent the ping pong balls from touching the floor. This netting system will reduce the amount of dirt and contamination on the ping pong balls, which will reduce the amount of dirt and contamination dirty ping pong balls spread to beverages containers used in game play.

Abstract: Mat for sport and games for detecting impact position of a movable object. The mat includes an outer layer and an inner layer, each with inlays of electrically conductive elements forming a pressure-sensitive switch distributed over the target area. The pressure sensitive switches communicate with electronic circuits for indicting, processing and presentation of electrical signals when the switches are activated by a ball impact.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for finishing knitted fabrics and fabrics finished by the novel process. In one embodiment, the method of finishing a knitted fabric includes the steps of: (a) stretching the fabric above about 5% but less than about 25% in width, and above about (?)7% but less than about 10% in length, (b) heat-setting the fabric to the stretched width and length at a temperature above about 120 degrees Centigrade and lower than about 250 degrees Centigrade, and (c) applying a polymeric protective binder coating resin to the fabric at a concentration of at least 5% but less than 25% based on the weight of the fabric.

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 temporary sunshade for a soccer goal which has a net and a goal frame for supporting the net in an outstretched configuration, the outstretched net having contiguous generally planar net surfaces including a horizontal top panel, upright end panels, and a sloping back panel. The sunshade preferably includes a removable flexible sunscreen connectable atop preferably all of the outstretched net as a sunshade for players during periods of soccer play inactivity. The sunscreen includes an airflow opening in a back panel thereof which permits moving air to flow there through for cooling players within the goal space of the soccer goal while remaining shaded. In one aspect, the opening may be an elongated slit formed along a substantial length of the back panel of said sunscreen. In another aspect, the opening may be a plurality of spaced U-shaped cuts through the back panel of the sunscreen each defining a flap movable by air movement thereagainst which produces an opening to permit air to flow there through.

Abstract: A practice device for training baseball players, softball players, and umpires. The device trains batters to help the batter identify when to swing or not swing at a pitched based on a combination of what the ball-strike count is on the batter and where the pitched ball will pass through the strike zone for that batter.

Abstract: A batting cage device comprises vertically arranged first and second panels forming an included angle with a ball tethered between the panels to enable a hitter to hit the ball into one of the panels from which it will rebound with various spins and other characteristics to improve the skill of the batter or hitter.

Abstract: A system for training a batter to automatically swing at pitched balls corresponding to strikes and to refrain from swinging at pitched balls not corresponding to strikes, the device including a visual reference member suspended between a pitcher's mound and a home plate where the batter is located, at a location in front of the plate, so that the trajectory of a pitch from a pitcher's release point proximate the pitcher's mound to a point in a strike zone proximate the home plate consistently passes through a portion of the visual reference member.

Abstract: The present specification describes sporting equipment methods and apparatus that may be used for ball play, and may be particularly useful for ball rebounding. One aspect of the novel sporting equipment described herein relates to the adjustability of a rebounder. Rebounders or rebound systems in accordance with principles of the present invention are strong, durable, and also adjustable. An adjustment mechanism in accordance with principles of the present invention may permit a user to change the angle of the rebound system to change the trajectory of rebounded balls to suit the needs of various players and situations. In contrast, conventional rebounders tend to be small, flimsy and are not adjustable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-purpose sectional sports apparatus. The sports apparatus includes a plurality of assembling poles each including a main pole and a sub pole, a connector, and a supporting unit. The main pole has an insertion bore, an L-shaped lower fixture and a plurality of main coupling holes in an upper portion thereof. The sub pole is inserted into the main pole and has a plurality of lower height-adjusting holes and a plurality of upper sub coupling holes. The sub pole is movable up and down to have an adjustable height relative to the main pole as a fastener is fastened through selected ones of the height-adjusting holes and main coupling holes. The connector includes a branched body having a plurality of insertion branches for connection of the assembling poles, each insertion branch having an opening and an insertion bore.

Abstract: A batting or ball practice cage has one or more frame members with a net attached over the frame. Frame members may be assembled having springs or elbows at the corner. A pitching machine may be aligned with the cage at one end.

Abstract: A game machine for practicing baseball pitching includes a cage including a rear score and pitch speed display assembly and a front console including a calculation and display circuit; a target below the display assembly and including flexible score panels and micro-switches each in rear of the panel; and an optoelectronic pitch speed measurement device including spaced first and second speed sensor. Pitching a ball toward the panel will cause the first and second speed sensors to sense the ball in first and second times respectively, and cause the calculation and display circuit to calculate a current pitch speed, show same, and update a high pitch speed if necessary; and in response to hitting the panel, the panel will flex to close the micro-switch by contacting, and activate the calculation and display circuit to increment a current score, show same, and update a high score if necessary.

Abstract: A method for assembling a sports enclosure includes coupling a driving gear to an upper support structure, coupling a net having an upper edge and a lower edge to the upper support structure such that an enclosure is at least partially defined by the net, and coupling the lower edge of the net to the driving gear such that operation of the driving gear raises the net such that the net is folded in an accordion like manner between the upper support structure and the lower edge of the net.

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: A batting system wherein the ball hopper is located proximate a batting position and a pitching machine is located at a pitching position with a ball transport system for conveying baseballs from the ball hopper to the pitching machine. The system provides for the continuous operation of the pitching machine without the need of an operator to approach the pitching machine. In addition, the batting system allows multiple batting systems to use continuously the same field as well as use a field also used as part of a golf driving range.

Abstract: A multiple sports, universally positionable, adjustable net-type backstop system mounted to a pole, such as a basketball hoop pole, comprising an outrigger assembly that is vertically and horizontally adjustable and rotatable 360° on a vertical axis, so that the net can be selectively positioned in front, behind or to either side of a basketball backboard. The outrigger assembly is mounted on the support pole via a horizontally pivotable bracket assembly which permits a net assembly retainer bracket to be pivoted down to a convenient height, such as from chest height down to as low as ground level, for ease and safety in mounting and removing the net assembly. The vertical and horizontal adjustability, 360° rotation, and pivoting functionalities are very important safety features, in that the user need not use a tall step ladder to mount and adjust the position of the net, or remove it for storage.

Abstract: A lightweight backstop, equipment set, method of defining a playing field and method of playing a baseball related game is provided. The invention integrates a ball stopping backstop, attached strike zone, foul line ropes and base hit markers with methods and means for defining and marking a playing field scaled to the size and number of players. A separate strike zone is attached to the backstop by means allowing the players to quickly change the vertical position of the strike zone and acoustical responses generated by balls hitting the strike zone. Players may also adjust the sound generated by balls missing the strike zone, but striking the backstop net. One embodiment of the disclosed game eliminates base running and ball throwing near batters after the ball has been struck. The entire equipment set is light weight, easy to move, and simple to assemble.