Abstract: A volleyball training apparatus has a laterally extending arm supported on a riser. A resilient member such as a spring is operably connected within the arm. The resilient member is connected to a flexible connector, such as a cable, that is connected to a volleyball. A series of spacers retains the volleyball away from the rigid arm. The height of the arm may be adjustable to locate the volleyball at a desired height. After a user strikes the volleyball, the volleyball is displaced from its original static position, but quickly is snapped back into the static position by the resilient member pulling the volleyball toward the arm against the spacers.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for obtaining metrics associated with a user's athleticism. In an embodiment, the user performs a workout using the apparatus, and the workout is scored based on a scoring system. In an embodiment, the scoring system may be objective, thereby facilitating score standardization, and individual users for which scores have been recorded may be ranked by the system. In an embodiment, individual users may associate their system profiles with one or more positions for one or more sports. The rankings may be filtered by position and sport to facilitate identification of one or more users of interest, such as for a college recruiting purposes or professional sports team drafts.

Abstract: A system for exercising and amusing animals includes at least three peripheral supports which are elevated above a floor, where the floor the peripheral supports are spaced apart from one another, where each peripheral support is associated with a respective motorized winch, and where a cable is spooled on each winch, a movable central member, where, for each winch, the corresponding cable extends from the winch via a respective peripheral support to the movable central member, a bait device configured to hold a bait, the bait device being provided at a distance (D) below the movable central member, and a control unit associated with the winches and configured to control each winch to wind or unwind the corresponding cable for moving the bait device.

Abstract: A medication and dispensing system tracks the medication of multiple users over time and preferably combines this information with periodic test results provided to the system. The system is designed to allow remote access electronically to authorized users whereby doctors or other medical professionals can review the data of actual medication dispensed and preliminary test results accumulated over time. Preliminary analysis of the data is conducted by the system to identify a predetermined medical alert condition. Upon determination of the predetermined medical alert condition, the dispensing system dispenses or makes available for dispensing an alert response medication.

Abstract: A method is provided for supporting an upstanding mast and particularly a davit with a jib where the jib includes a load connecting point arranged such that on application of a load beyond a predetermined limit the spacing of the load connecting point from the mast is reduced to reduce a side load on the base. The method comprises providing a base which includes bottom and side panels connected edge to edge to form a container. The hollow interior is filled by concrete through an opening in one of side panels so that the set solid material substantially fills the hollow interior up to the top and bottom panels and surrounds the sleeve so that the set concrete is in intimate contact with an outer surface of the sleeve and at least part of the inside surfaces of the top and bottom panels. The sleeve which is welded to reinforcing bars passing through the material receives and supports the mast and is held in place by forces contributed both by the set filling material and the panels.

Abstract: A training system according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a ball retention device coupled to a base and a dampening system coupled to the ball retention device and configured to return a kicked ball to its original resting location with minimal oscillation. The base may be configured to comprise a portable unit that may be selectively weighted to increase stability during use. A force measurement system may be coupled to the dampening system and be configured to measure the kicking force applied to the ball to calculate a speed value for the kicked ball and display the speed value to the user.

Abstract: A catch net system and frame that allows use in many sports and in many environments for practice of ball release, etc.

Abstract: A portable base is provided for supporting an upstanding mast and particularly a davit with a jib where the jib includes a load connecting point arranged such that on application of a load beyond a predetermined limit the spacing of the load connecting point from the mast is reduced to reduce a side load on the base. The base includes bottom and side panels connected edge to edge to form a container with a hollow interior filled by concrete where at least one side by side panels forming a top wall has a sleeve extends from the panel at least partly through the hollow interior to the base. The sleeve which is welded to reinforcing bars passing through the material receives and supports the mast and is held in place by forces contributed both by the set filling material and the panels.

Abstract: BASEBALL'S 3-IN-1 ZONE TRAINER is a device for training and conditioning three player-position, at the same time or in pairs or individually, to maximize their individual skill level in the art and science of the pitching, hind-catching and hitting of a baseball; all of which is dependent upon the strike zone for their successful mastery of this aspect of the game. BASEBALL'S 3-IN-1 ZONE TRAINER is comprised of four primary connecting sections for ease of assembling and disassembling: Section 1—the stable metal horizontal Base Plate, color-coded red, provides for the connecting of, Section 2—the stable metal vertical Telescopic Height Base and Adjustable Posts, which allows for a true and individualized strike zone for all three player-position to practice within, is also color-coded red and provides two locations for the connecting of, Section 3—the Upper and Lower Strike Zone Arms comprised of a combination of flexible materials (i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus for an athlete to train or practice ball-striking techniques. The apparatus comprises a base, a stand, an arm, and a bearing assembly connected to a tethered ball via a rope. The athlete may strike or volley the ball in order to produce a substantially circular orbit about the bearing assembly, indicating proper form and technique. If the athlete strikes the ball with improper form or technique, the ball may orbit the bearing assembly in a substantially non-circular orbit, such as an oval. The ball may be any suitable ball from a number of sports where correct form and technique for striking or volleying a ball is desired. By way of example, the ball may be preferably a soccer ball, a volley ball, a baseball, among others.

Abstract: A ball travel-modifying device comprising a sail and a strikeable object modifies a travel distance and a rate of travel of a struck or thrown object and returns the strikeable object to an initial rest position after each hit or throw. The shape of the sail is triangular, quadrilateral, or other shapes and may be symmetric or asymmetric. The sail may be formed with a flat or curved surface and straight or curved edges. Multiple sails of the same or varying size and shape may be slidably adjusted along a suspension line. One or more apertures may be formed in the sail to modify a speed or a direction of a moving strikeable object. An adjustable aperture permits adaptation to various strikeable objects having a variety of sizes and weights or to cause a strikeable object to move in a preferred direction or with a preferred rate of travel.

Abstract: A sports ball training assembly for repetitively practicing sporting techniques in a small area, such as, hitting a golf ball, kicking a soccer ball, or batting a baseball. A telescoping arm attaches to the ball, extending and retracting to create different positions to strike the ball. A spring attaches to the telescoping arm. The spring has sufficient elasticity to return the ball to equilibrium position after the ball is propelled forward. The elasticity of the spring and the elevation of the ball can be adjusted by enclosing various sections of the spring with a tube that slides along the longitudinal axis of the spring. As the rigid tube moves along the spring, the spring's characteristics change. A second spring portion enhances stability and control of the ball, and allows the ball to return to the user. A base and a base shaft provide structure to the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to be used to practice hitting a ball. The device according to the invention suspends a ball at a variety of positions movable along three axes. The ball is removably connected to a flexible line having a first side magnet thereon. The user can select if the first-end magnet will rise or fall when the removable ball is struck and the first-end magnet is hit and/or swings a predetermined amount by using either a counterweight or a connector-magnet attached to an adjustment peg fixedly attached to a vertical support. When using the connector-magnet, the user can also select the amount of force required to dislodge the connector-magnet from a metallic component on the vertical support. The present invention is also the ball having metallic components inside which can be safely used with or without the device. The device is safer than existing devices and it produces better results due to its configuration.

Abstract: A Portable Target Game Training Device for training play by a user that elevates a target comprised of a base, a stand connected to the base, a rotatable shaft connected to the stand, an arm connected to the rotatable shaft connection means between the arm and the rotatable shaft and a target secured to the remote end of the arm. The arm can be forced to bow by tethered cords connected to the rotatable shaft. When the target is hit, the arm, the cords and the shaft rotate. The speed and character of rotation and counter rotation is governed by stretching and easing an elastic cord connected to the base of the device and the top of the rotatable shaft. The angle of the shaft vis a vis the stand may be adjusted. The height of the stand may be adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to be used to practice hitting a ball. The device according to the invention suspends a ball at a variety of positions movable along three axes. The ball is removably connected to a flexible line having a first side magnet thereon. The user can select if the first-end magnet will rise or fall when the removable ball is struck and the first-end magnet is hit and/or swings a predetermined amount by using two of three alternative ways to connect a connector on a second-side of the flexible line, either a counterweight or a connector-magnet attached to an adjustment peg fixedly attached to a vertical support. The present invention is also the ball having metallic components inside which can be safely used with or without the device. The device is safer than existing devices and it produces better results due to its configuration.

Abstract: A training and coordination device including a projectile member such as a ball or sack secured to an elastic string is described. The first end of the elastic string is attached to a location and the second end is connected to the projectile member. At least an end portion of the elastic string secure to the projectile member comprises multiple strands of an odd number. The multiple strands of the elastic string in conjunction with the elasticity of the string generate a random motion of the sack when the sack moves relative to the string.

Abstract: A training device guides the throwing arm of a person in a ball throwing movement in a forward throwing direction. The training device comprises a base arranged to be supported on the ground, an upright support member extending upwardly from the base and a guide member on the upright support member which has a generally concave inner surface extending upwardly and forwardly from a generally vertical starting end to a generally horizontal releasing end. The user grasps a ball in the hand of their throwing arm and displaces the ball alongside the guide member from the starting end to the releasing end in a ball throwing movement to throw the ball in the forward throwing direction of the training device.

Abstract: A volleyball training device includes a telescoping vertical member having a height adjustable between a predetermined minimum and maximum height. The telescoping vertical member has a lower end adapted to be mounted in the ground and an upper end. A horizontal member having a first end and a second end is attached to the upper end of the telescoping vertical member adjacent to the first end thereof. A flexible member having a first end and a second end is connected adjacent to the second end of the horizontal member at a first end thereof. A volleyball holder is coupled to the second end of the flexible member and is adapted to securely hold a volleyball in a manner which allows a user to strike a top portion thereof when the volleyball is positioned within the volleyball holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tether tennis game apparatus which includes a hollow pole that has a helix formation extending externally therefrom along an operative top segment of the pole. The helix formation defines a helical guide path within which a loop formation, that is formed at one end of a flexible line which has a ball connected at its other end and that can be located around the pole, is displaceable. An indicator arrangement including an elongate indicator element, located for axial displacement within the pole, and a trigger arrangement is operable on the pole to indicate a winner of a game played with the apparatus and which occurs when the loop formation, at the end of a flexible line, reaches an end of the helical guide path.

Abstract: A device for practicing tennis strokes that enables a user to develop a correct reflex action and a proper stance while playing tennis, including at least: a supporting structure (1) having a base (1a); an arm (3) having a work trajectory; a torsion member (2) including a subunit (12) for adjusting a force acting on the arm (3) and dynamics of movement of the arm (3); a subunit (6) for adjusting the height of the arm; a subunit (8) for setting a deflection of the work trajectory of the arm; a subunit (9) for adjusting the angle of inclination of the torsion member to the vertical axis (B); and a clamping member (4) for non-invasively clamping a tennis ball (5).

Abstract: A Portable Target Game Training Device for training play by a user that elevates a target comprised of a base, a stand connected to the base, a rotatable shaft connected to the stand, an arm connected to the rotatable shaft connection means between the arm and the rotatable shaft and a target secured to the remote end of the arm. The arm can be forced to bow by tethered cords connected to the rotatable shaft. When the target is hit, the arm, the cords and the shaft rotate. The speed and character of rotation and counter rotation is governed by stretching and easing an elastic cord connected to the base of the device and the top of the rotatable shaft. The angle of the shaft vis a vis the stand may be adjusted. The height of the stand may be adjusted.

Abstract: A volleyball training device includes a telescoping vertical member having a height adjustable between a predetermined minimum and maximum height. The telescoping vertical member has a lower end adapted to be mounted in the ground and an upper end. A horizontal member having a first end and a second end is attached to the upper end of the telescoping vertical member adjacent to the first end thereof. A flexible member having a first end and a second end is connected adjacent to the second end of the horizontal member at a first end thereof. A volleyball holder is coupled to the second end of the flexible member and is adapted to securely hold a volleyball in a manner which allows a user to strike a top portion thereof when the volleyball is positioned within the volleyball holder.

Abstract: A collapsible and portable baseball hitting apparatus including vertical members connected to an adjustable horizontal member having a tether and baseball suspended therefrom. In another configuration, the horizontal member can fold toward the vertical members, exposing a ball tee from which a user can place a ball for hitting.

Abstract: A collapsible and portable baseball hitting apparatus including vertical members connected to an adjustable horizontal member having a tether and baseball suspended therefrom. In another configuration, the horizontal member can fold toward the vertical members, exposing a ball tee from which a user can place a ball for hitting.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice assembly with acoustic return mechanism is provided for use by a ball hitter. The ball hitting practice assembly includes a rigid vertical shaft, having a first and second end; a weighted and/or anchored base coupled to the vertical shaft at said shaft's second end; a rigid horizontal shaft, having a first and second end, coupled at its first end to the vertical shaft's first end; a ball which is suspended from a cord, having a first and second end, said first end being attached to the horizontal shaft's second end, said ball being attached to said cord's second end; and a horizontal acoustic return mechanism that sounds when struck by the ball in practice of the present invention and then returns the ball to the hitter after each hit.

Abstract: A one player sports training apparatus which allows for the user to play multiple sports alone. The game is played between two telescoping poles and utilizes an elastic return system of which a ball is attached. Each pole has a bearing assembly on top that makes it stable and does not allow the game to tangle. The user hits the ball and has the ball return close to the original position because of the elastics stretching and retracting which creates velocity. The balls used are tennis ball, soccerball, football, hockey puck, Frisbee, golf ball, and rugby ball.

Abstract: A volleyball approach and hit trainer mountable upon a volleyball net provided with a ball coupled to a cord coupled to a frame at a connection point. The ball retained above and offset forward of the top of the volleyball net, rotatable around the connection point.

Abstract: Tennis balls are releasably connected to a string depending from a support. When the user strikes the ball, the ball releases from the string and the string automatically retracts into the support to reduce interference of the string with a user's subsequent stroke. The system is fully adjustable to replicate shots ranging from a ground shot to an overhead service. The system is lightweight, portable, and adaptable to a plurality of sports.

Abstract: A device is disclosed to improve the accuracy of a sport participant in the kicking or handling of a ball. A first version includes a ball attached by a tether to a vertical pole. The pole and tether limit the ball's freedom and allows the ball to rotate about the pole and return to a trainee after being struck by the trainee. A second version provides a frame mounted on the pole whereby the tether is attached to a top section of the pole. A third version includes a frame that rotates about the pole and may accept a plurality of tether attachments. Another version includes a single or double loop attached to the ball through which the tether extends. Yet another version includes a harness that encircles a ball. The ball may be a soccer ball, a baseball, a volleyball, an American football, a medicine ball or a basketball.

Abstract: A tennis training device comprises a ball, a rope, and a hollow pole, the ball being coupled with a portion of a first end of the rope, a part of the rope being in a cavity of the pole, the rope being knotted at or near the second end of the rope. The training device may be coupled with a support. A method of training various tennis shots comprises the steps of obtaining the training device; adjusting a length of a first portion of the rope which is outside the pole between an first end of the pole and the first end of the rope; holding the pole to set the ball at a selected height; and allowing a player to hit the ball with a tennis racquet. Multiple trainers may participate the training with the training devices and allow a player to practice a combination of different tennis shots.

Abstract: A volleyball approach and hit trainer mountable upon a volleyball net provided with a ball coupled to a cord coupled to a frame at a connection point. The ball retained above and offset forward of the top of the volleyball net, rotatable around the connection point.

Abstract: Tennis balls are releasably connected to a string depending from a support. When the user strikes the ball, the ball releases from the string and the string automatically retracts into the support to reduce interference of the string with a user's subsequent stroke. The system is fully adjustable to replicate shots ranging from a ground shot to an overhead service. The system is lightweight, portable, and adaptable to a plurality of sports.

Abstract: Baseball practice systems are provided. In this regard, a representative baseball practice system includes: a backstop; a ball; a suspension assembly operative to suspend the ball in a strike zone, the suspension assembly having a first cantilevered arm and a damping assembly, the damping assembly being operative to damp motions of the ball as the ball returns to a rest position after having been struck, the cantilevered arm supporting a portion of the damping assembly; and a tether assembly comprising at least one line operative to assist in establishing the rest position of the ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for calculating the distance of a ball placed into motion comprising, a means for positioning a ball at a desired height for striking, a means for measuring force exerted upon the ball when struck, a means for measuring launch angle relative to a horizontal playing field which a ball travels upon impact, a means for calculating distance the ball would travel if not restricted using the measured force and launch angle, and a means to display the calculated distance.

Abstract: A volleyball training device is made of six tubes that are connected to form a shape of the letter “H”. A larger 24 inch by 1½ inch diameter tube runs horizontally to form the crossbar of the “H”. Two approximately one inch holes are drilled into the horizontally extending tube, 18 inches apart to allow the larger tube to slide up and down on the four tubes that form the two vertical portions of the “H”. One of the holes in the horizontally extending tube is located adjacent to one end of the horizontally extending tube. The other hole is spaced from the opposite end of the horizontally extending bar. At the top of the two vertical tubes are two spring clamps. These clamps secure the unit to any standard basketball hoop.

Abstract: A hingedly collapsible batting practice device with a top v-shaped component hingedly connected to two side members and supportable in an approximate horizontal orientation. A rear member attaches to the top of each side member. A bottom v-shaped component hingedly connected to the two side members with a support member for supporting the two side members in an approximate vertical orientation. Each v-shaped component is also hinged at the front to permit each side of the component to pivot toward each other to facilitate collapsing the device. An elastic cord attached to the rear member extends frontward and downward from the top v-shaped component and supports a ball at its terminal end. A non-elastic cord is attached to the ball and each loose end of the non-elastic cord is attached to the bottom v-shaped component.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice apparatus for use by a hitter is provided. The ball hitting practice apparatus includes a substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, a hinge capable of suspension from a frame and attached near the first end of the rigid member such that the rigid member rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, and a ball mounting assembly suspended from the second end of the rigid member. Methods for using and making the ball hitting practice are also provided.

Abstract: A ball return apparatus includes a base, a substantially vertical pole extending from the base, an extensible tether extending from the pole, and a ball connected to the tether. The preferred base has a hollow interior and a closure so that the base can be filled with water or sand. The pole is mounted for articulation relative to the base, and a compression spring resists such articulation and causes the pole to return to its rest position. The tether has an extension spring connected to an elastic member. A swivel is at the end of the tether. An attachment device or plug connects to the ball. A glow ball or other ball can be used.

Abstract: A training device can be used, for example, to practice punching and kicking techniques and to practice baseball batting and golf swing mechanics.

Abstract: Sport ball training devices and methods for releasably holding a tennis ball or other sport ball at an appropriate height for the practice of striking the ball, either directly or indirectly with a racket or the like. An embodiment may have a support device with a base and an adjustable vertical tubular assembly for the support of a transverse arm from which a ball sling is suspended. A retainer member of the ball sling circumferentially holds a sport ball. An embodiment of the retainer member may be made from an elastometric material that lightly squeezes the ball with sufficient force to restrain it, but releases easily when the ball is hit so that the trajectory of the ball is not affected by the presence of the retainer member nor is the racquet significantly affected by the presence of the ball sling generally.

Abstract: A collapsible piñata support assembly includes a base that has a top wall having has a fill opening extending therethrough. A sleeve is mounted in the top wall. A telescoping pole has a top end and a bottom end that is removably extendable into the sleeve. An arm has a first end and a second end. The arm has a wall extending therein for receiving the top end of the pole. The arm has a first positioned between the wall and the first end of the arm and a second orifice positioned adjacent to the second end of the arm. The tether extends through the arm such that a hanging end extends outwardly of the second orifice and a pulling end extends outwardly of the first orifice. A fluid may be positioned within the base and a piñata may be selectively attached to the hanging end of the tether.

Abstract: A lighted fish measurement device. The apparatus comprises a connection to an outside power source, a backlight source, and circuitry to connect the outside power source to the backlight source. A generally clear rule face including graduations in American Standard and Metric measurements. A semi-transparent colored overlay, variable in length, is mountable over the backlit rule face highlighting user specific graduation lengths. A rugged waterproof enclosure, and a means to secure the lighted fish measurement device to a fishing vessel.

Abstract: A tether system for a ball, such as a soccer ball, includes a simple swivel that is adapted to be connected directly to an extending tab on a ball. The swivel fastener is a two piece member. The two piece swivel is relatively less expensive than other more complicated swivel connectors, thus reducing the overall cost of the tether system. In addition, since the two piece swivel can be connected directly to on the ball, the tether system in accordance with the present invention also eliminates a process step of connecting the swivel to an intermediate ring, thus further reducing the cost of the tether system.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice apparatus for use by a hitter is provided. The ball hitting practice apparatus includes a substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, a hinge capable of suspension from a frame and attached near the first end of the rigid member such that the rigid member rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, and a ball mounting assembly suspended from the second end of the rigid member. Methods for using and making the ball hitting practice are also provided.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice apparatus for use by a hitter is provided. The ball hitting practice apparatus includes a substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, a hinge capable of suspension from a frame and attached near the first end of the rigid member such that the rigid member rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, and a ball mounting assembly suspended from the second end of the rigid member. Methods for using and making the ball hitting practice are also provided.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice apparatus for use by a hitter is provided. The ball hitting practice apparatus includes a substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, a hinge capable of suspension from a frame and attached near the first end of the rigid member such that the rigid member rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, and a ball mounting assembly suspended from the second end of the rigid member. Methods for using and making the ball hitting practice are also provided.

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 device for practicing striking a standard sports ball that also has means to be held, particularly by magnetic or magnet-attractable materials located beneath the ballcover and not exposed to the atmosphere. The ball is usually retained on a minor portion of the upper 75 percent (relative to vertical) of the outer surface of the suspended ball so that its propelled trajectory and the striker's path are essentially not hindered before, during and after the strike and release against gravity and released upon sufficient impact. A ball contains means for both retaining and releasing itself from a mating pivotable, attachment arm that is generally downwardly supported to allow the ball to be suspended above the ground, be struck, released and propelled in a preferred downward trajectory, e.g. a volleyball spike.

Abstract: A training device can be used, for example, to practice punching and kicking techniques and to practice baseball batting and golf swing mechanics.

Abstract: A training device which interactively guides a tennis racquet by exerting a towing force on a card which is connected to the tennis racquet. The device includes a vertically adjustable support connected with a guide pole fixed to a wall. A swivel arm is movably supported on the support and has a distal end which suspends a ball therefrom. The cord extends along the swivel arm and the support, and one end thereof is connected to the racquet through a stirrup.