Abstract: To provide a game device capable of evaluating and displaying progress in a more reliable manner in the case of implementing a soccer game or basketball game etc., there is provided means for determining which team is in possession of the ball, means for acquiring the ball position and the position of the game character in possession of the ball as a possession position, progress variable updating means for executing processing to enable the progress variable to approach a prescribed first fixed value when the first team is in possession of the ball and the ball is within a first attacking preparation region common to part or all of the first region, and executing processing to increase the progress variable when the first team is in possession of the ball and the possession position is outside of the first attacking preparation region, and means for displaying a progress display image according to the progress variable.

Abstract: The K Spinn is developed to enhance the teaching of today's modern forehand and backhand in the game of tennis. With the ability to be strapped onto the tennis net, this tee will allow an individual to place the tennis ball in the cup, hold the ball constant allowing an individual to practice his/her own ground stroke to develop the required pattern needed to generate topspin. In this package you will find all of the information that was requested to be updated by the USPTO office along with three new drawings for the product with their own brief description.

Abstract: A modular table tennis game includes a plurality of paddles, a table tennis ball, and an adjustable table, or multiple adjustable tables. The table(s) may be mounted on a support system such as a tripod or other support structure that allows the table(s) to be adjusted in height and tilt. The top of the table(s) may have an opening or openings larger than the table tennis ball penetrating therethrough.

Abstract: A tennis ball delivery device for use in practicing one's tennis stroke. The device includes an adjustable frame, at least one declining ball delivery conduit carried by the frame in an upper portion thereof, a declining ball discharge shoot carried by and communicating with the delivery conduit and a ball release mechanism carried by the discharge conduit. The release mechanism allows a single ball to fall from the shoot in response to the activation thereof. A depending handle that can be easily struck by the player's racket in initiating their tennis stroke is operatively connected to the release mechanism so as to effect the release of the ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for gathering ball game data and in particular tennis match data in real time. To this end the system comprises a hands-free voice receiving means (4) adapted to receive words spoken by the player (2) wearing the receiving means. The words are then analyzed by an analyzing means adapted to analyze a dedicated ball game vocabulary used by the player. The analysis of the spoken words translates these words into digital match data. This data can be displayed, at least as score of the game by a display (10). More elaborate match data information can be gathered. Such data may be fed to an expert system giving back advice to the player.

Abstract: A training device that will train a player to throw the ball to the correct height and angle for a serve is provided. The device includes a pole that adjusts from about four feet to twelve feet in height to suit a player's need. The pole is supported by a base and includes an toss hoop at the top of the pole. A photo-sensor is provided at the toss hoop to record a valid toss when a ball is tossed upwardly through the hoop within a predetermined height range and descends through the hoop prior to the serve. A basket may be positioned at the base for retrieving the tossed practice balls. The base legs and toss hoop fold away for easy storage and transport.

Abstract: The present invention includes programs, devices and methods for a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject balls to preset, programmed or manually-selected positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention includes a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters.

Abstract: A ball game kit is easily carried and readily assembled to facilitate play in recreational areas such as parks or beaches. The kit includes a container housing paddles, balls, and a unilateral court assembly appointed to be laid on a ground surface and secured thereto by way of securing mechanism to yield a playing field. The playing field is divided into two opposing player courts separated by a middle zone or dead zone. The court assembly includes a continuous rope or cord-like member. The court can be readily and accurately adjusted from a singles playing court to a doubles playing court by condensing and/or expanding the court assembly, without having to add sections or dismantle the court assembly. Glow in the dark properties may be provided to the court assembly, paddles, and/or balls for play in dimly lit or foggy conditions.

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: Various devices for controlling errant ping pong balls during play are disclosed. A first embodiment may be construed as a device, positioned underneath a ping pong table, the device comprising a plurality of faces extending vertically from the ground and meeting at an apex to form a pyramid. Errant ping pong balls become deflected upon striking the plurality of faces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a training grip for a tennis racket. The training grip has a series of protrusions and recesses that receive a user's hand and place it in proper position for a particular grip type. The present invention, in one embodiment, includes a universal training grip that allows the grip to be used for more than one grip type. The present invention includes methods, systems and kits that encompass such a tennis training grip.

Abstract: The invention relates to sports training devices and can be used for training a volleyball spike-motion. The inventive device comprises a bearing frame, a ball, and a unit for returning the ball to the initial position thereof, which unit is provided with an elastic stretching connected to the frame by one end thereof, a rod whose one end is fixed to the frame in such a way that it has at least two degrees of freedom, whereas the second end of the rod is connected to the ball, and the second end of the stretching is connected to the rod. The frame is also provided with a limiter of traveling the rod. The device enables the ball to be moved along an arc, thereby increasing the quality of the spike-motion training, and improves effectiveness and safety of the training.

Abstract: A training device that will train a player to throw the ball to the correct height and angle for a serve is provided. The device includes a pole that adjusts from about four feet to twelve feet in height to suit a player's need. The pole is supported by a base and includes an upper toss hoop at the top of the pole and a lower guide hoop at the bottom of the pole for receiving and locating the position of the tossed tennis ball. In one embodiment the lower guide hoop includes or is replaced by a basket for retrieving the tossed practice balls. The base legs and upper and lower hoops fold away for easy storage and transport.

Abstract: A table tennis robot system characterized in that all the motion control mechanisms of the robot are digitally controlled and fully user programmable and the robot can be positioned in a wide space range of the machine side of the playing field using a unique design of ball catching and recycling net (MB).

Abstract: This invention, called Serve Assist, is an electro-mechanical ball machine for practicing the tennis serve. It helps a tennis student to practice serves by consistently dropping the ball in the desired location. It operates in one of two modes, an Auto-feed mode in which it drops the balls in the magazine via an overhead ball release canister at regular intervals or in an Auto-sense mode where the ball is released by the detection of the student's rising tossing arm. The invention also marks the desired height of contact on the dropping ball with a laser and provides visual feedback if the ball is being struck lower than optimum. It aids the student by developing a kinetic and visual memory of the correct ball toss position and point of contact.

Abstract: The present invention includes programs, devices and methods for a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject balls to preset, programmed or manually-selected positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention includes a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters.

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: The invention provides a new tennis backboard design. The backboard includes a firm backing layer underlying a soft deadening layer. The rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard is reduced as compared to rebound from a rigid hard-surface backboard. This allows a player to stand fairly close to the backboard, which reduces misses. The player can stand fairly close and hit balls hard against the backboard. Because the rebound is reduced, the ball simply bounces back softly and easily to the player, allowing the player to hit hard again from a fairly short distance. Thus, long rallies without missing are easily achieved. Since the bounce is reduced, the player can stand closer to the backboard, and therefore the backboard can be smaller than conventional backboards without the player missing the backboard. This allows the backboard to be light, portable, and easily stored.

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: A mobile tennis training device consisting of a light weight frame capable of easy assembly and disassembly from which a tennis ball can be suspended in mid air through use of a bungee cord and ball harness allowing for unencumbered release of said tennis ball upon impact with a tennis racket so as to simulating real court conditions.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus provide multiple players with a unique competitive game. According to one implementation described herein, a game partition has opposing side edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge. Transparent or translucent partition material spans the area defined by these edges and includes at least one aperture sized to allow a game ball to pass through. The game partition may include numerous apertures of various shapes and sizes. The game partition may be utilized in conjunction with a trampoline or inflatable jumping device to provide teams of players to attempt to tag opposing players with balls thrown through the apertures in the game partition while maneuvering on the jumping surface. According to one implementation, points are scored and accumulated according to point values assigned to each aperture when a ball is thrown through an aperture and tags an opposing player.

Abstract: A golf swing training device. A warning device is connected to a foot actuated switch and a sound actuated switch. A power source provides power to the warning device via the sound actuated switch and the foot actuated switch. The warning device emits a warning when it senses the sound of a golf club hitting a golf ball while simultaneously the foot actuated switch senses the pressure of the golfer's back foot heel. In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a battery. In a preferred embodiment the golf swing training device also includes a toggle switch that allows the golfer to bypass the sound actuated switch so that when the golfer lifts his heel the foot actuated switch allows power to flow to the warning device so that the golfer knows more precisely when he is lifting his heel. In another preferred embodiment a pneumatic bulb is connected to the foot actuated switch via tubing and the golfer activates the foot actuated switch by stepping on the pneumatic bulb with his heel.

Abstract: A tennis ball holder, including a frame having legs joined with at least one upper rail; a carriage having at least one support and a bin, the at least one support joined to the legs and being rotatably joined to the bin, the bin being rotatable within approximately a range of rotation, engaging the at least one upper rail at the extreme points of the range; and tennis balls disposed within the bin.

Abstract: Various devices for controlling errant ping pong balls during play are disclosed. A first embodiment may be construed as a device, positioned underneath a ping pong table, the device comprising a plurality of faces extending vertically from the ground and meeting at an apex to form a pyramid. Errant ping pong balls become deflected upon striking the plurality of faces.

Abstract: A collapsible ball game practice device is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section above a lower section being substantially collapsible into the lower section. Detent structure is provided on an upper portion of each lower section and a lower portion of each upper section to secure each upper section when raised to its raised condition. A mounting structure is provided on the bottom of the lowermost section for releasably securing the device to a basketball playing surface. Arms may be angularly adjusted to various positions in two orthogonal directions. These adjustments may be made by two angularly adjustable structures located near the upper end of the arms. The arms may be collapsed and slid on a carrier into the uppermost section. A head structure may also be slid into the uppermost section. The sections may be collapsed such that all of them may be collapsed into the lowest section. A handle is provided in the top of the head structure for carrying the entire assembly.

Abstract: A tennis ball delivery device for use in practicing one's tennis stroke. The device includes an adjustable frame, at least one declining ball delivery conduit carried by the frame in an upper portion thereof, a declining ball discharge shoot carried by and communicating with the delivery conduit and a ball release mechanism carried by the discharge conduit. The release mechanism allows a single ball to fall from the shoot in response to the activation thereof. A depending handle that can be easily struck by the player's racket in initiating their tennis stroke is operatively connected to the release mechanism so as to effect the release of the ball.

Abstract: The invention relates to sports training devices and can be used for training a volleyball spike-motion. The inventive device comprises a bearing frame, a ball, and a unit for returning the ball to the initial position thereof, which unit is provided with an elastic stretching connected to the frame by one end thereof, a rod whose one end is fixed to the frame in such a way that it has at least two degrees of freedom, whereas the second end of the rod is connected to the ball, and the second end of the stretching is connected to the rod. The frame is also provided with a limiter of traveling the rod. The device enables the ball to be moved along an arc, thereby increasing the quality of the spike-motion training, and improves effectiveness and safety of the training.

Abstract: An apparatus for training sports skills for games including ice hockey, soccer, tennis and volleyball using one or more opponents or simulated opponents on the playing surface to train a player to strike the game object away from an opponent in addition to practicing striking the game object. A game object machine(s) can be used to project game objects to one side of the playing surface. A controller can be provided to control operation of the simulated opponent(s) and the game object machine(s) to train placement memory and reaction time in addition to muscle memory. For ice hockey and soccer, the controller can receive input from sensor(s) on the game object, player being trained or the goal to locate the game object and/or player to position the simulated opponent(s) to train the player to strike the game object past the simulated opponent into the goal.

Abstract: A tennis ball delivery device for use in practicing one's tennis stroke. The device includes an adjustable, moveable frame, a tennis ball carrier assembly comprising an array of ball delivery conduits carried between an upper carrier section and a lower carrier section, a ball discharge chute carried by the lower carrier section, and a rotating ball release mechanism that incrementally rotates and aligns with the next successive ball delivery conduit each time it is activated by an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism is positioned and configured to be struck by the player's tennis racket to activate the ball release mechanism.

Abstract: A table tennis robot system characterized in that all the motion control mechanisms of the robot are digitally controlled and fully user programmable and the robot can be positioned in a wide space range of the machine side of the playing field using a unique design of ball catching and recycling net (MB).

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 collapsible ball game practice device is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section above a lower section being substantially collapsible into the lower section. Detent structure is provided on an upper portion of each lower section and a lower portion of each upper section to secure each upper section when raised to its raised condition. A mounting structure is provided on the bottom of the lowermost section for releasably securing the device to a basketball playing surface. Arms may be rotated to various positions. The arms may be collapsed and slid on a carrier into the uppermost section. A head structure may also be slid into the uppermost section. The sections may be collapsed such that all of them may be collapsed into the lowest section. A handle is provided in the top of the head structure for carrying the entire assembly. The collapsed device may be easily transported and/or stored. The device is particularly useful as a defensive dummy in practicing the games of basketball and volleyball.

Abstract: An apparatus for training sports skills for games including ice hockey, soccer, tennis and volleyball using one or more opponents or simulated opponents on the playing surface to train a player to strike the game object away from an opponent in addition to practicing striking the game object. A game object machine(s) can be used to project game objects to one side of the playing surface. A controller can be provided to control operation of the simulated opponent(s) and the game object machine(s) to train placement memory and reaction time in addition to muscle memory. For ice hockey and soccer, the controller can receive input from sensor(s) on the game object, player being trained or the goal to locate the game object and/or player to position the simulated opponent(s) to train the player to strike the game object past the simulated opponent into the goal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the training of tennis strokes are provided that allow the user to develop spin and consistency in each stroke. The stroke training apparatus consists of a ball; a housing member comprising a first side, wherein the first side comprises a planar area and an opening that is circumscribed by the planar area; and an attachment means for attaching the ball to the housing member, wherein the ball can rotate around an axis and a non-zero volume less than or equal to one-half of the total volume of the ball protrudes through the opening on the first side. The method comprises contacting a racquet to the stroke training apparatus, guiding the racquet along the lower planar area, guiding the racquet along the surface of the ball after guiding the racquet along the lower planar area; and guiding the racquet along the upper planar area after guiding the racquet along the surface of the ball.

Abstract: A racket swing training apparatus providing a user-chosen static positioning of a tennis racket in the hand, at angles to the forearm, which are determinable and repeatable. The device further provides components to set the face angle of the racket engaged to the device and visual indica to allow for the same positioning in subsequent uses. A planar member is removably engageable in a translatable engagement with a cuff adapted for engagement to the user's forearm. The planar member has an aperture opposite the cuff which is adapted to encircle the grip of a racket and sized to prevent rotation of the racket axis past predetermined limits relative to the axis of the planar member.

Abstract: A tennis net lifter system includes first and second portable lifter posts positioned adjacent to existing tennis net anchor posts in various positions. A mechanism is included for connecting the lifter posts to the anchor posts. A mechanism is included for telescopically locking the lifter posts at selected heights above the anchor posts. A mechanism is included for raising and lowering the lifter net section along a vertical plane aligned parallel with the existing net such that the player can uniformly bias the lifter net section along a width of the tennis court. In addition to providing at least four alternate net section embodiments, the present invention further includes a portable dolly and a hand-operable winding apparatus for storing and transporting the net sections, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gate apparatus for a paddle and ball game, to a game including the same and to methods for playing the game. The gate apparatus comprises a frame for delimiting a closed region above the ground for a ball to be transferred therethrough and a base element for elevating and stabilizing the frame above the ground. The gate can be permanently installed or can be a portable gate. Preferably the gate is assembled from components disengageably connected to each other.

Abstract: A system for capturing and analyzing a trajectory of a tennis ball or other object associated with a play of a game of tennis and providing feedback is described. The system may be designed to capture and analyze a trajectory of a tennis ball during various activities related to the play of a game of tennis including serves and ground-strokes. The system may be configured to provide immediate feedback that may be utilized by a player to improve their performance as well as provide entertainment value above and beyond what is normally associated with the play of a game of tennis. The analysis and feedback system may be portable. Further, the system may be operable for use in an area where tennis is normally played during normal playing activities, such as player playing a game or practicing on an outdoor tennis court. The system may be operable to account for factors associated with its ambient environment, such as wind, temperature and humidity.

Abstract: Described is a system and apparatus for swing instruction in any sport in which players use a swinging apparatus including T-ball, baseball, softball, tennis, racquetball, golf and hockey. The apparatus comprises a body comprising a substantially planar upper surface and positionable on a support surface, a home plate marking on said body, at least one step target marking adjacent to said home plate marking and at least one foot placement marking adjacent to said step target marking.

Abstract: This invention, called Serve Assist, is an electro-mechanical ball machine for practicing the tennis serve. It helps a tennis student to practice serves by consistently tossing the ball in the desired location. It operates in one of two modes, an Auto-feed mode in which it tosses the balls in the magazine via an overhead toss canister at regular intervals or in an Auto-sense mode where the ball is tossed by the detection of the student's rising tossing arm. The invention also marks the desired height of contact on the dropping ball with a laser and provides visual feedback if the ball is being struck lower than optimum. It aids the student by developing a kinetic and visual memory of the correct ball toss position and point of contact.

Abstract: This invention, called Serve Assist, is an electro-mechanical ball machine for practicing the tennis serve. It helps a tennis student to practice serves by consistently dropping the ball in the desired location. It operates in one of two modes, an Auto-feed mode in which it drops the balls in the magazine via an overhead ball release canister at regular intervals or in an Auto-sense mode where the ball is released by the detection of the student's rising tossing arm. The invention also marks the desired height of contact on the dropping ball with a laser and provides visual feedback if the ball is being struck lower than optimum. It aids the student by developing a kinetic and visual memory of the correct ball toss position and point of contact.

Abstract: A racquet stroke training device adapted to “fix” a user's forehand racquet stroke comprises, in one embodiment, a band adapted to be worn on a user's arm above the user's elbow, a glove adapted to be worn on a user's hand, and a tether having a first end attachable to the band and a second end attachable to the glove. The tether has (or is dimensioned to have) a given length such that, during a practice stroke, the user's elbow is bent at a substantially 90° angle and the user's wrist is fixed in an upwardly-extending, wrist-locked position.

Abstract: By providing a playing surface which is dimensioned for enabling a desired game to be played with all competitors positioned thereon, with the playing surface being rotated, a competitive game and/or playing system/environment is created which enables all individuals to compete equally and fairly regardless of their physical capabilities. In the preferred embodiment, the rotation of the playing surface is maintained at a constant rate of speed, although added dimensions and difficulties can be added to the game by altering the rotational speed of the playing surface during the competition. By providing a playing surface upon which any desired game can be played, particularly an action oriented game, with the playing surface being continuously rotated throughout the play of the game, forces previously unknown to each competitor are continuously imposed on each competitor, effectively rendering each competitor to possess equal capabilities, regardless of their strength, agility, proficiency, or size.

Abstract: A tennis ball holder, including a frame having legs joined with at least one upper rail; a carriage having at least one support and a bin, the at least one support joined to the legs and being rotatably joined to the bin, the bin being rotatable within approximately a range of rotation, engaging the at least one upper rail at the extreme points of the range; and tennis balls disposed within the bin.

Abstract: A racket grip training apparatus providing user chosen static positioning of a tennis racket in the hand at angles to the forearm that are determinable and repeatable. The device further provides components to set the face angle of the racket engaged to the device and visual indica to allow for the same positioning in subsequent uses. A planar member is removably engageable to the user's forearm at a first end and has an aperture at an opposite end adapted to encircle the grip of a racket and sized to prevent rotation of the racket axis past predetermined limits relative to the axis of the planar member.

Abstract: A tennis training device for training a user proper tennis strokes with a means for attaching the tennis training device to an upper arm of a tennis player, a means for connecting the means for attaching to a tennis racquet, and a means for restricting the position of the tennis racquet in relation to the tennis player.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for training sports skills for games including ice hockey, soccer, tennis and volleyball using one or more opponents or simulated opponents on the playing surface to train a player to strike the game object away from an opponent in addition to practicing striking the game object. A game object machine(s) can be used to project game objects to one side of the playing surface. A controller can be provided to control operation of the simulated opponent(s) and the game object machine(s) to train placement memory and reaction time in addition to muscle memory. For ice hockey and soccer, the controller can receive input from sensor(s) on the game object, player being trained or the goal to locate the game object and/or player to position the simulated opponent(s) to train the player to strike the game object past the simulated opponent into the goal.

Abstract: A training grip that can be installed onto a tennis racquet handle for positioning a tennis player's hand or hands correctly on the racquet to teach or train the player individual tennis strokes. The training grip is adapted to be easily and removably installed onto the eight-sided handle of a tennis racquet directly over an existing grip that is permanently affixed to the racquet. The training grip is an elongated cup having a slit that runs lengthwise from the first end of the grip to the opposing second end of the grip and through the bottom of the grip through which the grip may be installed onto the racquet handle. The outer surface of the grip is molded to have ridges and depressions creating contours for receiving and positioning the player's fingers and thumbs of the player's hand or hands.

Abstract: A tennis ball delivery device for use in practicing one's tennis stroke. The device includes an adjustable frame, at least one declining ball delivery conduit carried by the frame in an upper portion thereof, a declining ball discharge shoot carried by and communicating with the delivery conduit and a ball release mechanism carried by the discharge conduit. The release mechanism allows a single ball to fall from the shoot in response to the activation thereof. A depending handle that can be easily struck by the player's racket in initiating their tennis stroke is operatively connected to the release mechanism so as to effect the release of the ball.

Abstract: A tennis ball holding apparatus includes a central tubular shaft that has a bore formed therein and has apertures formed along a length thereof. A base has legs radially extending outward from a central shaft bottom end and is monolithically formed with the central shaft. A non-linear boom is spaced above the central shaft and has an eyelet mated to a proximal end thereof. The proximal end of the non-linear boom is linearly offset from a distal end thereof. A support bracket has a bottom arm telescopically engaged with the central shaft and includes a tubular top sleeve that is adjustably connected to the linear bottom arm. A mechanism is included for automatically returning the boom to an equilibrium height. A cord is tethered to the eyelet, includes a fastener attached to a bottom end thereof for holding a tennis ball, and is spaced proximal to the automatic returning mechanism.