Abstract: A baseball batting practice device includes a home plate having a center axle extending upright from the home plate, an elongate and radially extending bar having a first end defining a hole through which the center axle extends for the bar to be rotatable about the center axle on the home plate, a bi-directional ratchet mechanism including a toothed disc and a pawl member engageable with each other arranged between the home plate and the bar to allow for angular displacement of the bar with respect to the home plate and a stand mounted to the bar and extending upright therefrom to support a baseball on a top end thereof. The stand includes a slide movably received in a radially extending channel defined in the bar whereby the stand is linearly movable with respect to the center axle in a radial direction.

Abstract: A universal visual shield apparatus, for use with a hockey helmet, is usable for training hockey players by partially blocking a user's field of vision. The apparatus includes a main shield body formed from an elastically deformable material, and is attachable to the helmet using connectors. The main shield body includes a horizontal floor portion and a vertical edge portion that cooperate to block a user from seeing the puck while it is in the user's possession, while still allowing the user to see forward. When worn, the apparatus forces the user to look forward, beyond the puck and stick. The apparatus may include adjustable apparatus straps, and can be used on any sized helmet without modifying the helmet or the apparatus. Because the apparatus is soft and crushable, the apparatus will not harm the user or another player if they are involved in a collision on the ice.

Abstract: A ball striking practice device is described in which a ball tethered to a pole can be struck by a player with a bat or racquet and will wrap around the pole and resile outwardly where it can be struck again. The device's service life is improved by providing a flat triangular ball positioner while aligns the tether cord in straight lines to pole attachment points, forming the cord from a flexible metal strand, preferably sheathed, constructing the positioner from an elastomeric or fabric web material, and seating the cord in a recess or insert in the ball. The device is excellent for batting or kicking practice in sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, squash and handball.

Abstract: A batting aid is described. The batting aid includes a height-adjustable stand having top and bottom portions. A hollow tube having first and second ends is attached to the top portion of the stand. A mechanism is attached to the second end of the tube, and is adjustable to modify the exit angle of a ball placed in the device.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to implement a method for training a person to accomplish a basketball shot. A lower body positioning member is located in front of a leg area of the person when that person is in a position to attempt the shot. When the person so attempts the shot, the lower body positioning member restrains forward rotation of the person's leading shin. An upper body positioning member is located in front of a torso area of the person. When the person attempts the shot, the upper body positioning member restrains downward rotation of the person's shooting arm. In a repetitive process, the person is provided with a basketball and shoots the basketball at the goal. By this repetitive process the person learns to accomplish the shot without excessive rotation of the lower leg and upper arm.

Abstract: The power swing training device of the invention is a tethered, truncated, training device attached by flexible elastic to a fixed anchor point, or to a pulley and weight system. A swivel attachment is attached to the distal end of the training device and a yoke is attached to the swivel attachment, and an elastic cord is attached to the yoke at one end and to a fixed point at the other. In a second embodiment, a cord is hung on a pulley attached to an anchor and a weight is placed at the other end.

Abstract: A baseball pitcher's training device for training a pitcher in controlling his body mechanics during the pitch preparation phase as well as the delivery and follow-through phases of baseball pitching. The training device includes a collapsible balance beam that can readily be shortened to improve its portability, shipping and storage and is adjustable in length to accommodate users of different height. The device is also provided with a removable mound that is tapered in a forward direction to give the user a feeling of actual mound use when positioned thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball court that allows persons with limited mobility to play a ball game while enjoying making challenging shots. One embodiment comprises an automatic score board. The court has a raised central portion that extends from the back wall to mid-court, tapering horizontally, narrowing away from the front wall. On either side of the central portion are strike zones sloping upward which merge into the back wall. As a player strikes a ball with a club, the ball travels along the player's strike zone and up the back wall. Momentum carries the ball across the wall and gravity draws it to the opponent's strike zone. The flattened parabolic curve allows a player to make a variety of shots that will enter the opponent's strike zone at different positions and angles. Upstanding peripheral walls with deflectors may be included on the court to allow a ball to travel challenging trajectories through the opponent's strike zone.

Abstract: A training tool (1) for ball games allows an optimal return of the ball itself and a remarkable use flexibility. The tool includes a frame (2) defining a rebound area, ground anchoring apparatus (5) that anchors the frame to the ground, the elastic members (6) which define a surface stretching on the rebound area, and positioning apparatus (8) which permits adjusting the frame to a desired inclination.

Abstract: A baseball training device for use in improving batting skills, the device comprising an elongated member of at least a length to extend about the torso of a wearer and form a loop, and a target member slidably secured to the elongated member and adapted to engage an upper arm of a wearer upon proper movement of the arm of the wearer during a batting swing.

Abstract: A basketball shooting accuracy aid includes a loop member including a top edge, a bottom edge and a peripheral wall extending between the top and bottom edges. The peripheral wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The loop member has circular shape. An inner diameter of the loop member is at least one inch less than an inner diameter of a basketball rim. A bracket is attached to the loop member and is positioned adjacent to the bottom edge for selectively securing the loop member to the rim such that the loop member extends upwardly above a plane of the rim.

Abstract: A ball server apparatus for conducting batting practice wherein the apparatus ejects a ball into the air and the user swings a bat in order to hit the ejected ball. The ball server apparatus includes a base member connected to a server seat member, the base member for stabilizing the server seat member on a playing surface. The server seat member includes an interior section having a vertical channel extending therethrough; the interior section of the server seat member includes an upper seat section, a middle seat section and a bottom seat section. The ball server apparatus further includes a movable rod having a proximal end and a distal end; the proximal end of the movable rod is within the bottom seat section of the server seat member; the proximal end of the movable rod has an ejection assembly connected thereto; the distal end of the movable rod has a ball seat member connected thereto; and the ball seat member is used for holding a portion of the ball therein.

Abstract: A batter stance training device is place beside the batting plate to train young batters the proper position of feet, and the proper step forward position during batting. A first strip of material is placed along side a batting plate. On the strip of material are three foot position devices that are movably attached to the strip of material to indicate the batter's feet position during batting. Additional strips of material may be attached to the first strip of material to form a batting box in which the batter stands during batting. The first strip may have indicia thereon so that the positioning of strips of material to indicate the batter's feet position may be noted for each batter. The strips and foot placement devices may be made of flexible material, for example, heavy cloth, canvas, and various plastic materials.

Abstract: A baseball swing training apparatus including that enables a batter to determine whether his swing followed the proper principles for hitting or batting. Oriented for use by both right-handed and left-handed batters it is intended to teach batters how their wrists should react in order to most effectively hit a ball. This generally baseball bat shaped apparatus includes a swing indicator disposed inside the barrel, which impacts one of four impact points producing an audible response when a swing is performed correctly. An incorrect swing produces no audible response.

Abstract: An elastic cord connects a tethered ball which is lightweight and of rubber to a tab on a child's fielding glove so when thrown it bounces back, wherein the connection to the tab is a slip knot which is readily untied and the glove then used for catching a regulation baseball.

Abstract: The present baseball training bat is comprised of a hollow tube with a handle portion and a hitting portion. The hitting portion is substantially smaller in diameter than that on a conventional baseball bat for improving swing accuracy. The distal end of the tube has an internal thread. Interchangeable threaded weight plugs of different lengths and weights are provided. The weight of any selected conventional bat can be closely simulated by installing in the distal end of the tube a suitable plug to produce substantially the same total weight. The plugs are also provided in materials of different densities. A plug in a denser material is shorter than another plug of the same mass but in a less dense material. The balance of the bat is thus changeable without changing the total weight by substituting plugs of the same mass but of different densities and lengths.

Abstract: A baseball training device for use in improving batting skills, particularly triggering skills while batting. The device comprises an elongated member of at least a length to extend about the torso of a wearer and form a loop, and a jacket conformable to the upper torso of a wearer and slidably secured to the elongated member, the jacket and the elongated member each including indicia to indicate a triggering movement by the wearer.

Abstract: A baseball swing training apparatus includes a ground frame section with a forward motion restraint attached to the ground frame section. The forward motion restraint will be adjustable such that the forward motion restraint is positionable at various levels on the body of a user. The training apparatus will further include a ball launcher, a foot plate and a trigger attached to the foot plate for activating the ball launcher.

Abstract: A pitcher's motion training system and method are provided The system comprises a target with a top surface at rest in a horizontal position, and a momentary deflection position assumed in response to receiving a towel-strike. A support is included with a base for interfacing with the ground and a height adjustment mechanism. The height adjustment mechanism includes a strut mounted to the base and a telescoping member slideably engageable with the strut. The system further comprises a tensioner interposed between the target and the support. The tensioner creates tension between the target top surface and the support in the deflection position.

Abstract: A device and method for training a person to move their arm in the vertical plane as a person throws, tosses or rolls and object. The device includes a flap that attaches either to the body or the clothing of the person being trained. The flap extends out laterally from the side of the body. As a person throws, tosses or rolls an object with an underhand motion, that person's arm will contact the flap if the arm is moving in the vertical plane. This provides a person with a tactile indication as to whether or not they are moving the arm in proper form.

Abstract: A motion training device is comprised of a plurality of targets attached to respective adjustable arms. The arms are attached to a support. The targets define a path for a part of the user's body to travel along. A method for using the motion training device is comprised of moving the targets to desired positions relative to each other to define a preferred path, and moving the part of the body being trained, such as a hand or foot, to strike all the targets in the proper sequence.

Abstract: A flat-faced interactive training soccer goal used for soccer practice. The soccer goal has a goal frame held in compression and a net and web frame held in tension for increased rebounding of a soccer ball. The flat-faced soccer goal includes a goal frame made up of a plurality of metal tube sections joined together by plurality of connector sleeves and a pair of corner elbow sleeves for forming a pair of upright posts and a horizontal crossbar. A top portion of the upright posts is joined to opposite ends of the crossbar using the corner elbow sleeves. The corner elbow sleeves are bent at an angle greater than 90 degrees and upward to 110 degrees for forming a trapezoid configuration with the crossbar being parallel to the ground surface. The upright posts are disposed outwardly and at an angle from the vertical. When the goal frame is installed, the upright posts are moved inwardly into a vertical position for forming a rectangular configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for practicing baseball batting includes a base formed of a rubber block, an upright detachably fastened to the top center of the base with a screw, a rubber stem detachably fastened to the top end of the upright, a tubular ball holder disposed above the stem and adapted to hold a ball for batting, and a peripherally grooved flexible rubber tube detachably coupled between the ball holder and the rubber stem and adapted to absorb shocks during batting.

Abstract: A hockey goalie-training device for teaching a goalie to keep his arms from moving behind or away from his body is provided. A garment has an arm-restricting bar removeably attached to the garment. The device teaches the goalie to keep his hands and arms positioned such that shots cannot be completed by passing a puck between his body and his arms to score a goal. The device also trains the goalie to keep his hands positioned properly on certain movements and saves such that shots cannot pass easily by the goalie, due to proper hand position. The bar is attached to a bar holding block on the garment placed in a desired location on the goalies chest. Belts or straps over the goalies shoulders or around the goalies' waist can aid in holding the bar in place. The garment can be a jersey or a padded protective suit.

Abstract: A baseball playing kit includes telescoping vertical supports mounted on a base plate. An intermediate support is adjustable in height for different sized users. A tapered support holds a foam covered ball at the upper end. The base is divided into segments that can be easily assembled. A lower threaded vertical support is secured to the base by a threaded base member and a locking member secures the base segments together. A foam covered bat is included. The various components are separable for packaging into a small container for shipping and storage and are easily assembled into a complete game unit.

Abstract: A throwing exercise apparatus using a sphere with an internal polar passageway to deliver end portions a non-elastic band of which one end portion circumscribes the outer surface of the sphere and extends to the other end portion where they are joined together by a fastener. The band is then joined by an elastic member to an anchor so that in use there is established a path of elastic resistance along a tangential line formed by the wrapped part of a strap mid portion in response to an applied force comprising both translation and rotational motions of the sphere. The motions of the sphere bring about rotation of the internal polar passage in an end-over-end fashion.

Abstract: A portable pitching machine for pitching balls to a batter. The portable pitching machine convertible from a storage mode to an in use mode. When in the storage mode, the portable pitching machine configured for storage within a container. The portable pitching machine having a frame, a plurality of elastic connectors, a pair of uprights extending from the frame, and a pocket for containing a ball. The portable pitching machine having a seat upon which a user sits, wherein interposed between the seat and the uprights is the open top container.

Abstract: A transmitter in a member (e.g. bat) transmits signals when a switch on the bat is pressed. A pop-up apparatus receives the signals. A member in the apparatus prevents an element (e.g. ball) from being popped upwardly in a first positioning of the member and provides for the element pop-up in a second positioning of the member. Normally disposed in the first position, the member is operable to the second position by the received signals. The apparatus includes a housing and a bin pivotally coupled to the housing to hold the element. The bin provides for a substantially vertical element pop-up in a first pivotal position and for an element pop-up with a horizontal component in a second position. In the vertical pop-up, a player hits the ball with the bat. In the other pop-up, the player catches the ball.

Abstract: A polo training apparatus comprises a dummy horse and conveyor belts arranged one each side of the dummy horse. A ball located on one of the conveyor belts will be displaced relative to the dummy horse, thereby simulating the movement of the horse relative to the ground and the ball. The dummy horse may also be movable to simulate the movement of a horse and the speed of movement of the dummy horse may be linked to the speed of the conveyor belts to simulate the riding of a horse more closely.

Abstract: A soccer training system which has three modes and includes a frame, a net, a target panel, and a rebound panel. The frame with the net secured thereto provides a soccer goal mode; the frame with the target panel positioned across its front provides a soccer target mode; and the frame with the rebound panel positioned across its front provides a soccer rebounder mode. The target panel has cutouts and/or apertures to pass a soccer ball. The rebound panel redirects a kicked ball back toward the kicker. The rebound panel can also be inclined to alter the return angle of the ball. Preferably, elastic corded hooks attach the target panel or the rebound panel to the front of the frame.

Abstract: A portable practice hockey device for practicing hockey on any smooth surface has a carrying handle and puck support cups for supporting a plurality of hockey pucks during practice. The device may be used on a driveway or the street for slapping a puck into a net. The device is made of synthetic ice and has chamfered edges such that a puck exits the surface at high speed and into the net. The practice device further provides a testing surface for hockey sticks prior to play on ice.

Abstract: A passive pitching target comprises a portable device including a resilient rectangular laminar backstop indentable by a baseball pitched at a velocity of 100 km/hr (62 mph); the target is higher than it is wide, and rests with its base supported on the ground; one planar face of the backstop is fully covered with a laminar resilient pad of synthetic resinous material having a specified resilience to ensure that a pitched baseball striking the target's planar surface is returned to the pitcher at a location of choice, either less than one-half the distance from where the pitch was thrown, to mimic a “bunt”, or, in the general vicinity of the location from where the ball was pitched; the pad is dimensioned for height and width the same as the backstop and is removably affixed in contact with the face of the backboard; the resilient pad, in turn is fully covered with a removably affixed synthetic resinous sheet of material overlying the resilient pad and in intimate contact therewith, the target forming an inde

Abstract: A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in playing and practicing ball games is disclosed, the apparatus including a ball suspended by a substantially inelastic upstanding line from an upper, generally horizontal or inclined elongated guideway and connected by the same or a second substantially inelastic upstanding line to a lower, generally horizontal or inclined elongated guideway. The lower guideway may be at ground level and the height of the ball above the ground may be adjustable.

Abstract: A free-standing partitioned goal and games using the goal is provided. The goal is divided into a series of partitions formed by internal net dividers. The front edge of each partition is secured by an interwoven or integral elastic cord carried by a front edge of the partition. The resilient partitions retain balls which are kicked therein, each partition having assigned to it possible varying point values which facilitate training as well as specific games directed to using the goal.

Abstract: A weighted base fixedly supports a stanchion. The stanchion supports a slide fixed vertically at any desired height in the stanchion by a locking member movable into a track in the slide. An aural unit disposed on the slide has an externally disposed switch which is operable to prepare the aural unit for operation. A tube extending upwardly form the aural unit has a cup for holding a ball. A string extending from the ball to an annular opening in the aural unit engages a resiliently disposed conductive chain in the opening. Conductors are disposed at annularly spaced positions in the opening. When the ball or the cup is hit, the conductive chain engages one of the conductors dependent upon the direction of the ball's flight. This causes the aural unit to indicate the ball's flight dependent upon the positioning of the activated conductor in the opening.

Abstract: A training shoe for soccer includes a pressure-responsive sensor mounted with respect to a soccer shoe at a selected location, for example at the instep or along the laces at the top of the shoe. When a soccer ball is kicked at the selected location, the sensor provides an electrical signal to a microprocessor, causing selection logic in the microprocessor to choose one of several control words. The selected control word is provided to a voice playback circuit to select one of several digital data sets, each set corresponding to a different sound. The playback circuit provides an analog electrical control signal to a speaker, thereby generating a selected sound corresponding to the selected digital data set. System components can be mounted permanently to a shoe, or to a cover or strap arrangement releasably mounted to the shoe.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the height of a volleyball net comprises operatively connecting a net-supporting cable, which supports a net, to upper post sections, tensioning the net-supporting cable to a net-supporting tension which is sufficiently great that first and second ends of the net's upper edge margin does not exceed the elevation of the mid-point of the net's upper edge margin by more than approximately ¾″ (2 cm) when the first and second ends of the net's upper edge margin are at approximately the same elevation, and moving the upper post sections between raised and lowered positions without reducing the tension of the cable below the net-supporting tension.

Abstract: A ball return apparatus for providing a moveable, netted frame that would redirect balls toward the shooter, after the ball passes through the hoop or if the player misses. The ball return apparatus includes a frame assembly having a plurality of vertical support members. The frame assembly has a plurality of horizontal support members. The netting assembly forms a plurality of walls between the horizontal and the vertical support members of the framing assembly. A ball return assembly is positioned interior to the netting assembly. The ball return assembly is for returning a ball to a user.

Abstract: A throwing training apparatus includes at least one, but preferably two approximately parallel planar guides that are positioned behind a user relative to a throwing target. The guides have at least a portion that is planar, wherein the throwing target is in the plane of the planar portion. In one embodiment, the planar guides may be configured as tubular arcs of, e.g., approximately 180 degrees, such that the have a C shape. While a user moves his or her hand in a throwing motion, the planar guides provide tactile feedback to the user indicating when the user is breaking a desired planar throwing motion. With repetition of the throwing motion using the present invention, one may develop muscle memory of the proper throwing form, which will enable one to consistently throw with the proper form without the aid of the training apparatus.

Abstract: A weighting device for use on an athletic ball striker as during handle swinging of the striker comprising a receptacle having an opening via which the ball striking portion is received into the receptacle, with the handle projecting from the receptacle, a retainer carried on the receptacle to be fastened in a position for retaining the receptacle in generally enclosing relation to the ball striking portion, and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the striker for use as in striker practice swinging, the retainer including a foldable flap that retains the receptacle to the striker during such practice swinging, the striking may for example comprise a baseball bat, or a tennis racket.

Abstract: Described and claimed are methods and kits for improving batting performance in bat-requiring sports. The system described improves one or more of a batsperson's strength, conditioning, and hand-eye coordination.

Abstract: A batting aid is described. The batting aid includes a height-adjustable stand having top and bottom portions. A hollow tube having first and second ends is attached to the top portion of the stand. A mechanism is attached to the second end of the tube, and is adjustable to modify the exit angle of a ball placed in the device.

Abstract: A hockey goalie-training device for teaching a goalie to keep his arms from moving behind or away from his body is provided. A garment has an arm-restricting bar removeably attached to the garment. The device teaches the goalie to keep his hands and arms positioned such that shots cannot be completed by passing a puck between his body and his arms to score a goal. The device also trains the goalie to keep his hands positioned properly on certain movements and saves such that shots cannot pass easily by the goalie, due to proper hand position. The bar is attached to a bar holding block on the garment placed in a desired location on the goalies chest. Belts or straps over the goalies shoulders or around the goalies' waist can aid in holding the bar in place. The garment can be a jersey or a padded protective suit.

Abstract: A ball server includes a server seat, a movable rod inserted into the server seat, an elastomer, a touch plate, and a delay element within the server seat. In using, the movable rod is pressed so as to buckle the touch plate and the movable rod is interacted with the delay element, the ball will flatly place on the movable rod. When the ball server is actuated, the movable rod will be driven by the delay element so that it rises slowly, but after a time period, the action of the delay element is released and the movable rod rises rapidly and at the same time, the ball rises. When the movable rod is operated by the delay element, the batter can prepare for next beating.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an American football includes a CPVC horizontal arm, removably attached to a vertical post composite, that is removably attached to a securing means. The horizontal arm has an elbow tip removably attached at one end that holds the tip of the football. On the other end of the horizontal arm is a swivel elbow, removably attached to the vertical post composite. The the vertical post is comprised of two parallel materials, half inch PVC on the outside, stronger and smaller diameter half inch CPVC on the inside. There is a bolt dowel near the bottom of the vertical post composite that holds the parallel materials together. The structural composite of the vertical post is shorter than the length of a football. The structural composite of the vertical post insures the horizontal arm will not slip past the exact position the of vertical post is built for.

Abstract: The hockey training aid is a blade having a shank for inserting a stick handle and containing a channel along the lower edge of the blade. A string is fastened at one end to a puck and at the other end to a ball-shaped bead that is freely movable within the channel. The string attached to the bead extends outward from the channel through a slit that also extends along the length of the channel. During use, as the puck moves back-and-forth during stick-handling drills, the bead freely moves back-and-forth within the channel and the tether freely moves along the slit. An additional optional hole is provided at the top of the blade for use as an alternative stationary attachment of an elastic tether to the blade.

Abstract: A baseball practice facility for practicing individual skills in baseball. The baseball practice facility includes a plurality of station areas being designed for receiving users to practice individual skills in baseball. A plurality of walkways are positioned around each of the station areas. The walkways are designed for permitting the users to walk between the station areas. A plurality of ball delivery assemblies are selectively positioned in the station areas. Each of the ball delivery assemblies is designed for launching a ball at one of the users for testing a particular skill of the associated one of the users.

Abstract: A batting aid that may easily be installed upon fixed or temporary structures, made up of a main frame that slidably supports a tube which in turn supports a ball for a batter to hit. The ball is fixed to the tube by a wire cable that extends through the ball, and is in turn mounted to the tube. The tube is height adjustable so that batters of differing stature and ages can easily practice upon balls at varied heights. The assembly is strong in construction so that a practicing batter is able to hit the ball hard and not cause damage or require another player to throw balls over the plate or return balls to the batter.

Abstract: A radar speed measurement device (10) comprising a display (12) for displaying a target speed, a radar emitter (14) for emitting radar waves toward a target, a radar receiver (16) for receiving radar waves reflected from the target, an analog to digital converter (18) for producing digital signals associated with the radar waves, and a signal processor (20) for determining the target speed by analyzing the digital signals. The device (10) can also calculate statistics associated with the target and further comprises a statistical processor (22) for calculating the statistics. The device (10) can operate in either of two modes. A speed mode is preferably used to determine the target speed, when the target is a race car or any other object. A baseball statistics mode is preferably used to determine the target speed, when the target is a baseball thrown by a pitcher.