Abstract: A goal-keeping game involves multiple competing goal-keepers. The source sport for the goal-keeping competition can be any sport based on shooting a ball or puck into an opponent's goal, such as soccer, lacrosse (outdoor or indoor), ice hockey or field hockey. Goalies do not compete directly against each other, but rather face non-competing certified players at multiple competition stations. At the competition stations, competing goalies undergo trials with respect to three goal-keeping skill areas: shot saving, passing and dodging. Points are awarded for saved shots, successful passes and effective ball/puck handling.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight soccer rebounding wall with good rebound characteristics, whereby the pace of the rebounding soccer ball is similar to that of the pace at which it was imparted against the wall. The system is easily assembled and disassembled and is sufficiently light to be carried by one person for several hundred yards. In a specific implementation, the rebounding wall includes a panel of pultruded, fiberglass cross bar grating.

Abstract: A goal-keeping game involves multiple competing goal-keepers. The source sport for the goal-keeping competition can be any sport based on shooting a ball or puck into an opponent's goal, such as soccer, lacrosse (outdoor or indoor), ice hockey or field hockey. Goalies do not compete directly against each other, but rather face non-competing certified players at multiple competition stations. At the competition stations, competing goalies undergo trials with respect to three goal-keeping skill areas: shot saving, passing and dodging. Points are awarded for saved shots, successful passes and effective ball/puck handling.

Abstract: An illuminating hockey puck and hockey goal monitoring system is provided. The hockey puck comprises a standard size hockey puck with an imbedded RF receiver, electrical circuit, and a power source therein. The receiver functions in coordination with the hockey goal monitoring system, which registers when the receiver passes over its threshold to energize a light source either in the puck or along the goal itself. The monitoring system comprises a transmitter connected to an energized wire disposed within the goal posts and over the threshold of the goal, whereby the proximity of the receiver to the wire can be measured and the system registers when the puck has entered the goal.

Abstract: An energy absorbing termination post padding for hockey rinks includes energy absorbing foam pads configured to absorb impacts from sports play such as hockey. Energy absorbing foam panels may include a rigid foam alone or in combination with a relatively softer foam or impact layer.

Abstract: We disclose an apparatus for improving passing skills in soccer, consisting of one or more triangles that can be placed on the ground to demarcate regions and boundaries on a playing field within which player movement is constrained or otherwise guided. The triangle edges are made from a flexible or extensible material and are attached at the triangle vertices by some type of joining device. The triangles can be placed on any surface suitable for soccer and held in place with stakes or other means. Multiple triangles can be placed on the ground to create a variety of demarcated regions and boundaries. This apparatus can be used for basic practice or to play various skill-enhancing games in which the ball is passed into and out of, or between, a triangle or a set of triangles.

Abstract: An energy absorbing termination post padding for hockey rinks includes energy absorbing foam pads configured to absorb impacts from sports play such as hockey. Energy absorbing foam panels may include a rigid foam alone or in combination with a relatively softer foam or impact layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to games and methods of playing the games, as well as kits for playing such games, and more particularly to ball toss games played on a playing field surface, by way of non-limiting example on a surface such as a turf field, tennis court, sand field or sand beach, for example.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detection of whether a movable object, such as a sports object, e.g. a football or an ice hockey puck, has passed goal plane. It is known to encircle the goal plane with conductors (1, 2, 3, 4) to produce an electromagnetic field to excite signal emitter means in the movable object, alternatively detect the signal emitted by the emitter means. With the present invention these circuits are sectioned into a plurality of separate circuits, which provides an improved spatial resolution of the system in particularly when the movable object is close to the conductors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a training device for training a person who uses the training device in a type of ball sport, said device having at least two ball receivers (11), which face the user and are intended to interact with a ball, and at least two ball dispensers (11) for conveying a ball to the user. The invention provides at least one optical and/or acoustic signal transmitter which, by emitting an optical and/or acoustic signal, indicates one of the ball receivers (11) to the user as the selected target for interacting with a ball conveyed to the user by one of the ball dispensers (11).

Abstract: Methods are provided for at least two teams to play a game with a ball on a playing surface having a plurality of zones and at least two goals. Zones have distinct rules for handling passing, receiving, and shooting of a ball during a game. A goal provides two distinctly defined types of scoring zones through which to score the ball from within a peripheral line of the playing surface. One type of scoring zone is at least one open ring shaped opening, and the other is an arced rectangularly shaped opening. The ball may be scored through either of the scoring zones. Points are awarded differently for scoring in either of the two zones and for throwing or kicking the ball through the two zones. Ball comprises at least two panels having arms attached along a contiguous seam.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detection of whether a movable object, such as a sports object, e.g. a football or an ice hockey puck, has passed goal plane. It is known to encircle the goal plane with conductors to produce an electromagnetic field to excite signal emitter means in the movable object, alternatively detect the signal emitted by the emitter means. With the present invention these circuits are sectioned into a plurality of separate circuits, which provides an improved spatial resolution of the system in particularly when the movable object is close to the conductors.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing hitting in a restricted zone during game play includes a signal generator for signaling the location of a restricted zone in a playing area contained by a barrier. A proximity detector receives the signal generated by the signal generator. An indicator indicates when the proximity detector is within the restricted zone, the signal generator and the indicator being carried by a player.

Abstract: This invention relates to a basketball inspired game of skill where people at parties can create games or have competitions revolving around attempting to throw a light weight ball into a beverage cup to which a backboard is attached. The components of the game and the method for playing the game are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A disc tossing game with a goal and a disc. Each player possesses a goal comprising of a plurality of goal openings each backed with the goal net. The plurality of goal openings are positioned vertically in succession separated by rungs and formed by a left side bar and a right side bar. A player tosses the disc towards the other player's goal in attempts to land the disc into the goal net to be awarded points. Points can also be awarded by hitting the plurality of rungs, the left side bar, or right side bar.

Abstract: A method of playing a Press soccer game on a field having a width of between 80 yards more or less for adult players to 60 yards more or less for children ten or younger. The field has touch lines that extend from a first goal arch line to a second goal arch line where the touch lines have a length of between 100 yards more or less for adults to 60 yards more or less for children ten or younger. The field has a goal zone area and a penalty arch line. One of the rules of play provides that a goal made without touching any other offensive player will count as two points when made from a goal zone area, three points when made within the penalty arch line, and four points when made from beyond the penalty arch line.

Abstract: A plurality of articles for playing a sport game, the plurality of articles including a game ball, a plurality of goal rods and a sport court having a court top, a court base, two court sides and two court ends which define a game space, wherein the court top includes open areas on each end of the court top, wherein the open areas are separated by a studded area, the court base is divided into four sections, wherein the four sections include a goal zones separated by neutral zones, each of the two court sides include a flat portion and a studded portion, and each of the two court ends includes a goal opening.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a sport and a game and comprises a sport court that accommodates a number of players in the play of the game, a set of rules and regulations by which the game is played, and a method of playing the game by an inflated leather ball. The sport court is a square with four equal-sized goalposts at each side enclosed by a perimeter fence. The floor of the sport court and the inward side of the perimeter fence are demarcated with lines such that respectively, they serve as horizontal and vertical playing surfaces for the ball.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detection of whether a movable object, such as a sports object, e.g. a football or an ice hockey puck, has passed a flat plane in space, such as a goal plane defined e.g. as a vertical plane extending from a goal line or a horizontal plane defined by the upper rim of the basketball basket.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: An apparatus for training sports skills for games conducted on a playing surface having a goal using one or more 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 into the goal. 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: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.

Abstract: A wheeled cart like ball dispensing device for storing, transporting, and dispensing soccer balls by delivering soccer balls to a player in a variety of delivery modes for simulating game conditions for a player to practice responding to a variety of different shots.

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

Abstract: A mechanical joint is formed from a hollow structure of material that can be shaped so that bringing opposite sides of the external walls forming the hollow together forms a socket. For example, by compressing together opposite external sides of a hollow structure, such as a tube, a socket with a continuous double wall is formed. The socket is configured to provide a snap fit with a moveable member. A flexible member is positioned in the socket and attached to the moveable member, so that the moveable member can be controlled for placement in an out of the socket. The flexible member may also twist to permit the moveable member to be located in any position necessary to allow the moveable member to be engaged in the socket or disengaged from the socket, reducing the need for precise component tolerances. The joint is useful in structures that have multiple configurations.

Abstract: A method of play is provided that includes (a) identifying a starting position from which each individual player attempts to kick a ball into a goal area, (b) having each individual player attempt to kick a ball from the starting position into the goal area to obtain a goal, (c) awarding scores for each goal that is kicked by a player, and (d) determining a winner based on the highest score. In some exemplary embodiments, the method of play may be a single round of play between any number of opposing teams, or the method may between individual players. In other exemplary embodiments, the method of play may include one or more subsequent rounds of play that comprise additional steps.

Abstract: Many people are now playing soccer in the United States. To make this more enjoyable, the air soccer goal is being introduced. The air soccer goal is made in an adult size allowing a goalie to stand up under the goal frame, just as in a real soccer match. The soccer goal is built by inflating it with the included air pump. The soccer goal can be deflated for easy portability and is made of strong PVC material so it will be able to stand up to strong soccer kicks as wells as strong winds.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: A game apparatus is disclosed including a barrier member, a net, and a frame. The barrier member has two opposed major surfaces and an aperture passing through the opposed major surfaces. The net is positioned adjacent one of the major surfaces of the barrier member such that the net covers the aperture. The frame supports the barrier member in a generally planar and substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A portable goal assembly that folds in two dimensions is disclosed. The goal assembly includes tubular members, most of which are connected by hinges to facilitate movement between expanded and collapsed configurations. The hinges may be of the releasable lockable sleeve type to provide bracing when the goal assembly is in its expanded configuration. The goal assembly includes a pair of U-shaped, open-ended frames pivoted together by hinges at their open ends and also connected by two diagonal braces mounted to the frame by rotating tee fittings. The diagonal braces fold on hinges when the frames are pivoted substantially parallel to each other to make the goal assembly nearly flat. The center members of each frame also fold on hinges to reduce the size of the goal still further. Once folded for transport or storage, the goal assembly may be carried by a shoulder strap.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: A portable goal assembly that folds in two dimensions is disclosed. The goal assembly includes tubular members, most of which are connected by hinges to facilitate movement between expanded and collapsed configurations. The hinges may be lockable to provide bracing when the goal assembly is in its expanded configuration. The goal assembly includes a pair of U-shaped, open-ended frames pivoted together by hinges at their open ends and also connected by two diagonal braces mounted to the frame by rotating tee fittings. The diagonal braces fold on hinges when the frames are pivoted substantially parallel to each other to make the goal assembly nearly flat. The center members of each frame also fold on hinges to reduce the size of the goal still further. Once folded for transport or storage, the goal assembly may be carried by a shoulder strap.

Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional goal structure comprised of two congruent, generally horizontally-oriented hoops, which are adjoined to three equally spaced vertically oriented goal posts. This solid tubular frame structure has three distinct outside openings, and one circular basket-like opening at its top. The openings in the tubular framework are separated from one another by netting or the like, so that a game ball or similar sized object may not easily pass into one opening without being stopped from exiting via an adjacent opening.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: A collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first side that is stitched to the fabric of the second panel by a stitching. Another collapsible structure has a first panel and a second panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The second panel has an opening provided in its fabric, with a first side of the first panel inserted through the opening to couple the first panel to the second panel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a recreational game that promotes coordination, provides a form of exercise, and is an enjoyable pastime. A game box includes a floor, side walls and end walls, wherein each end wall includes a goal formed therein. A center wall extends up from the center of the floor to divide the game box into a plurality of playing areas, and includes one or more passages formed therein to allow a puck to pass from one side of the center wall to the other. Each player utilizes a hockey stick to manipulate a hockey puck. The game is started with a face-off procedure between the players, and once the puck is in play the object is to send the puck through the opponent's goal, which may first require sending the puck through a hole in the center divider. After a goal is made, the face-off procedure is repeated and play resumes until one of the players reaches a predetermined number of goals.

Abstract: There are described articles bearing indicia applied with an ink composition which comprises two or more color-changing or color-forming components which combine, or become diluted, upon exposure to water for a sufficient period of time to cause a change in the appearance of the indicia. Also described are printing ink compositions for forming such indicia and methods for forming such articles.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: Collapsible structures include one or more add-on panels chat are coupled to the underlying collapsible structure to improve the variety of play, entertainment value, and utility of these collapsible structures. Each of these collapsible structures incorporate at least one foldable frame member, and fabric covering portions of the frame member. The collapsible structures can be collapsed into a smaller configuration by twisting and folding the at least one frame member.

Abstract: A portable hockey or soccer goal that can be readily converted between a fully open configuration and a fully closed storage or transport configuration without requiring any assembly or disassembly and having a rear and side stabilizing assembly such that the goal has improved strength while still being collapsible into a compact carrying bag.

Abstract: A collapsible frame supports a first and second net useful for practicing various volleyball maneuvers. The first net is attached such that it acts as a standard volleyball net and the second net is attached behind the first net such that it catches and holds volleyballs hit over the first net. The entire apparatus can be disassembled making it convenient for storing and portable to any desired location.

Abstract: A practice goal apparatus comprises a box-like structure having an open face and providing plural interior faces adapted to rebound a resilient ball upon impact. The plural interior faces are set at selected angles such that the resilient ball, upon forcefully entering the box-like structure through the open face, from any direction will rebound in a manner resulting in forceful exit from the box-like structure back to the kicker. The apparatus has a hollow base that may be filled with water or sand to anchor it in place.

Abstract: A practice goal apparatus comprises a box-like structure having an open face and providing plural interior faces adapted to rebound a resilient ball upon impact. The plural interior faces are set at selected angles such that the resilient ball, upon forcefully entering the box-like structure through the open face, from any direction will rebound in a manner resulting in forceful exit from the box-like structure back to the kicker. The apparatus has a hollow base that may be filled with water or sand to anchor it in place.

Abstract: A link which facilitates forming a collapsible structure which has a shell at least one attachable portion and at least one socket portion. The socket portion has a flexible, preferably twistable, member which connects to a frame member. The frame member moves into and out of the socket portion of the shell to erect and collapse the structure. The walls of the socket portion may be formed a constant distance apart for at least a portion of the circumference of the shell to permit fabricating the shell from non-resilient material. Caps, detents and protrusions can be used to secure the member to the shell in the erect position by positioning the socket and attachable portions at desired angular relationships and placing the socket portions at any desired position in the circumference of the shell, virtually any collapsible structure can be configured.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.

Abstract: A foldable net includes a flexible frame that may be formed from a single wire or form a plurality of flexible tubes connected end-to-end. The frame is arranged to have an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion. The lower frame portion forms a base that supports the upper frame portion in a generally upright orientation on a generally horizontal surface with the base extending in a forward direction relative to the upper frame portion. A fabric section is connected to the frame and arranged for a projectile to be incident thereon. A plurality of straps is connected between portions of the frame to constrain it to a predetermined configuration for supporting the fabric in a position for receiving the projectile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hockey training device. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a hollow vertical housing with both a loading end and a discharge end. The intermediate extend of the housing is adapted to store a number of hockey pucks. A discharge device, such as a solenoid actuated plunger or spring urged driving bar, is employed in forcing pucks out through the discharge end of the housing. In this manner, the device can be used in driving pucks, one at a time, vertically and flat across the ice.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a support guide consisting of a frame with two side bars (1-1′) of suitable dimensions which are attached, by bolts for example, to the sides of the front of a wheelchair, and between which there is a transversal rod (3) which forms the support guide in itself and is affixed to the bottom ends of the side bars (1-1′). The transversal rod has two lateral projections pointing backwards and closing over each other in the form of a transversal extension forming a raided loop or semi-ring (11) that is located along an imaginary plane angled forward and downward in such a way that the loop (11), located centrally, is suitable in terms of its dimensions and position to act laterally on a ball pushing it over a field of play when a wheelchair is moved. This therefore forms a type of housing for a ball at the front of a wheelchair as it makes it possible to receive and drive the ball over a field of play.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.

Abstract: A flying ball stopping net device having a plurality of legs arranged side by side one ht ground. The legs extend in one direction substantially horizontal with a frame extending upward away from the legs. The frame has supports that support lower portions of the frame body at longitudinally intermediate portions of the legs. A net surrounds the outer edge of the frame body to which it is attached. Each support includes a first support pipe projecting upward from the longitudinal intermediate portion of the leg. A second support pipe projects downwardly from the lower portion of the frame body and is removably fitted to the first support pipe for relative turning movement around the axis thereof. An elastic locking body having one end fitted in one of the first and second support pipes and is locked therein. The other end of the elastic body is removably fitted in the other one of the first and second support pipes to be pressed against the inner peripheral surface thereof.