Abstract: A method of playing a game on a rink including a center planar playing surface surrounded by end and side boards. Two goals are provided opposite to one another on the planar playing surface. Each player utilizes a modified lacrosse stick used to manipulate a ball into the opponent's goal. Unlike, lacrosse, the ball may be rolled on the ground as in hockey, although the main movement of the ball will be airborne from net to net. Passing maneuvers are caught, carried, rolled or thrown.

Abstract: In a playing-field enclosure, particularly for ball games, having a peripheral, vertical band-including a plurality of sheet-type band elements that can be connected to one another with a form-fit in order to assure simple assembly and storage connecting elements are disposed between two respective sheet-type band elements, the connecting elements having a support surface and a connecting rib that extends vertically upward from the support surface; the connecting rib has vertically-extending U profiles on opposite sides or sides that are offset from one another by 90°, the band elements being inserted into the profiles with a form-fit; and the support surface has upwardly-extending retaining mandrels in the positioning region of the band elements, the mandrels engaging corresponding retaining recesses of the band elements inserted into the U profiles.

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 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 scoring hood for a gaming table, such as an air hockey table, is provided comprising a top, and two sides defining a goal opening which extends into the playing area of the table wherein the sides curve concavedly outwardly from the goal opening to the edge of the playing area.

Abstract: A playing field for playing where the field includes marked sidelines, goal lines and cross-lines at a distance from the goal lines. The playing field includes a total of four goal structures, rather than the conventional two goal structures and thus there are two goal structures located along each goal line spaced from each other along that goal line. The overall soccer field complies with the international regulations governing the dimensions of the field and of the goal structures, however, a new and different game with enhanced excitement is possible with the use of the additional goal structure located along each goal line.

Abstract: A lacrosse-type stick provided with a frame including a top portion and two side portions. A netting is attached to the frame and a lip portion is attached to one of the side portions. The purpose of this lip portion is to direct a lacrosse ball into the netting. A flat portion is also attached to one of the side portions for the purpose of striking the ball when it is on the ground.

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: Equipment for use in training penalty taking. The equipment for use with a goal comprising goal posts and a cross bar defining a goal area. The goal area is partially occluded by a transparent or translucent barrier the areas harder to reach by a goalkeeper remaining unoccluded.

Abstract: A sports apparatus for bouncing back a sports object after the sports object strikes the sports apparatus is also disclosed. The sports apparatus includes a frame defining an opening therethrough and an elastomeric sheet stretched about the frame and covering the opening. The elastomeric sheet is perforated with a plurality of perforations through the sheet and is secured to the frame. The elastomeric sheet flexes upon being struck by the sports object and bounces the sports object back from the sports apparatus. A method of building a sports apparatus for bouncing back a sports object and a hand-held sports racket for striking a sports object are also disclosed. Other embodiments and features of the invention are also disclosed.

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: A portable soccer golf game in which the players arrange a course comprising a plurality of independent and successive stations each defined by a starting location and a goal location according to the available space and their particular skill level. The game is played by placing goals at the various goal locations, whereby a player kicks a soccer ball from the designated starting location along any desired path toward the given goal location with the intent of getting the ball in the goal. The player with the fewest number of kicks to complete the course is the winner.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have a single panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, the fabric assuming the unfolded orientation of the frame member. The single panel can further include an amusement feature provided thereon, or can be used as a cover for an object, a pool, pond, box, case or shelter, or can be used as a base with an opening provided in the fabric through which an object can be inserted. The single panels can even be combined to form structures having different configurations and utility.

Abstract: A method for playing a sport that includes the following steps: (1) a fee is paid by a player, (2) the player places a ball on the ground at the beginning of a course (the course contains a plurality of goals), (3) the player kicks the ball towards the first of the goals, (4) the player scores a goal by kicking his ball into the first goal, (5) the player tabulates the number of kicks required to score the goal, (6) the player records the results of his tabulation and assigns one point for each kick required, (7) the player moves to the next goal and repeats steps 3-6 for each successive goal until the course is complete, and (8) the player determines his final score by adding the number of points required to complete the course. The player with the lowest point total is the winner.

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 goalie training system for providing a realistic training system that accommodates a goalie and a plurality of shooters at different angles. The inventive device includes a goalie zone and a plurality of shooting lanes extending from the goalie zone at various angles. The goalie zone is comprised of a center member, a pair of side members adjacent the center member, a center surface above the center member, and a pair of side surfaces above the side members. The center surface, the side surfaces and the lane surface are comprised of a synthetic ice material that allows conventional ice skates to be utilized. The plurality of shooting lanes are comprised of at least one lane member and at least one lane surface positioned above the lane member. A goal is positioned behind the goalie zone for simulating a realistic hockey rink. At least one shooter is able to utilize the shooting lane for shooting pucks at the goal which the goalie attempts to deflect within the goalie zone.

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: The present invention consists of an ice hockey training dummy adapted to be installed onto a playing field to simulate the presence of either a teammate or an adverse party player and comprising in combination a generally flat body having a general outline of a player and attached at its lower part to a support via cylindrical spring clips, the support maintaining the dummy support to maintain the dummy in upright position. One hand of the dummy is built in the body while the second lower hand extends out from said body. The upper part of a hockey stick is built in the body and extends between both hands. The lower freely protruding part of the hockey stick is attached to the dummy via a spring link allowing enough flexibility for the stick lower part to be slightly deflected about the spring link when hit.

Abstract: A method of playing a game on a rink including a center planar playing surface surrounded by a ramped area which in turn is surrounded by an upper platform area. Two goals are provided opposite to one another on the planar playing surface. Each player utilizes a modified lacrosse stick used to manipulate a ball into the opponent's goal. Unlike, lacrosse, the ball may be rolled on the ground as in hockey, although the main movement of the ball will be airborne from net to net. Passing maneuvers are caught, carried, rolled or thrown.

Abstract: A bounce back hockey net for use with a hockey puck is disclosed. The hockey net includes a three dimensional frame defining a target area and an elastomeric sheet secured to the frame. The elastomeric sheet is perforated with a plurality of perforations positioned over at least 50% of the surface area of the sheet. The elastomeric sheet flexes upon being struck by the hockey puck and bounces the hockey puck back from the hockey net. A sports apparatus for bouncing back a sports object after the sports object strikes the sports apparatus is also disclosed. The sports apparatus includes a frame defining an opening therethrough and an elastomeric sheet stretched about the frame and covering the opening. The elastomeric sheet is perforated with a plurality of perforations through the sheet and is secured to the frame. The elastomeric sheet flexes upon being struck by the sports object and bounces the sports object back from the sports apparatus.

Abstract: A practice area for children to sharpen their soccer skills, preferably taking place in an indoor arena or recreation room. A soccer goalkeeper is positioned in an aesthetically pleasing and inviting environment which will entice children to participate. For example, a castle can be erected having an entranceway to the castle which is actually a practice soccer goal. The goal may be varied in shape and size with varied net structures. A goalkeeper is positionable in front of a goal of the castle in an infinite number of positions. The arms, legs and torso of the simulated goalkeeper, in the form of a mannequin or a remotely controlled robot, can be varied in position so as to present various defensive postures. Once positioned, the soccer goalkeeper will maintain this position until manually repositioned or electrically manipulated to occupy a different position.

Abstract: A soccer type goal in which upon scoring a goal, the scoring player pulls on a release strap to allow a cover to uncoil across the goal. An athletic ball game includes a number of these goals at each end of a playing field.

Abstract: An applique is disclosed for placement on a hockey stick for improving the engagement of the stick with a game piece. The applique includes a base member having a first surface and a second surface. An adhesive is provided on a second surface for adhesively attaching the second surface to the stick. An ordered array of substantially non-deforming protrusions or recesses are formed on the first surface for engaging a surface of a game piece, such as a hockey puck. The protrusions are designed to maximize the frictional engagement between the applique and the puck, to increase the user's ability to control the puck. In an alternate embodiment, an applique is disclosed having a series of direction influencing protrusions formed on the first surface for influencing the direction of deflection of the hockey puck off the first surface toward a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A system to releasably anchor a post at a predetermined location on a playing surface comprising a hollow, upright post to be releasably anchored at the predetermined location on the playing surface having a bottom on the playing surface and a top remote from the bottom and the playing surface; a hollow, frustoconical member disposed within the hollow, upright post adjacent the bottom to anchor the hollow, upright post to the predetermined location on the playing surface and to enable a quick release of the hollow, upright post when forceful contact is made with the hollow, upright post; and an arrangement connected between an interior of the hollow, frustoconical member and the playing surface to secure the hollow, frustoconical member to the predetermined location on the playing surface.

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 hockey game apparatus including a playing surface defined by a rectangular enclosure. The rectangular enclosure has an open top end, an open bottom end and a peripheral boundary disposed therebetween. The enclosure has a plurality of openings therethrough. A pair of adjustably sized hockey sticks are included for slapping a ball. The ball is dimensioned for being received through the openings of the rectangular enclosure.

Abstract: A combination including a frame defining at least one of a hockey and a soccer goal, a blocking element, and first structure for moving the blocking element in front of the frame so as to expose and block different parts of the goal as the blocking element is moved. The first structure moves the blocking element in two different manners in front of, and relative to, the frame.

Abstract: A free-standing goal tending apparatus permitting unlimited planar adjustments of the upper and lower limb joints is presented. The joints pivotally rotate about axis points. Slots found in the preselected joints allow pivotal and sliding adjustments. The goal tending figure is affixed to a frame which allows height adjustments to keep both feet of the apparatus on the ground and is collapsible for storage or transport. Also provided is a base having a lower surface which permits forward movement of the device yet keeps it from moving backward when struck by a puck or other playing piece and wheels for movement.

Abstract: A new electronic goal detector for accurately detects and signals when a hockey puck passes through the goal line between the goal posts of a hockey goal. The inventive device includes a set of goal sensors for mounting on the goal posts and cross bar of a hockey goal to act as a goal sensing means for detecting a puck passing through the goal line. A goal sensor is also embedded within the hockey playing surface along the goal line. At the bottom end of one of the goal posts is a two-part connector that separates when the hockey goal is moved off of the goal line to deactivate the goal sensors. A sound generating device and a light source provide an indicating means for indicating when a puck passes into the hockey goal.

Abstract: A ball for use in street hockey comprised of a hollow sphere and a freely moving liquid contained within a volume of the sphere. The sphere having a smooth, unobstructed and spherical inner surface and being constructed of a bounce resistant material. The liquid, most preferably non-toxic liquid antifreeze, occupying less than one-half of the volume of the sphere and serving to dampen energy and to lower the center of gravity of the ball below its geometric center.

Abstract: A multipurpose game device comprises a stand having a plurality of detachable standards, each standard containg a webbed hoop with a central aperture and a plurality of plastic spider balls with colored streamers. The balls can be tossed into one of the respective targets in the hoops by the designated player or any one of the standards with its hoop can be detached from the stand with the standard being used as a mallet for hitting one of the plastic balls into a hoop positioned on the ground as in golf, or all of the hoops can be stacked together to form a vertical support with a hoop on the elevated stack for playing basketball. Baseball would be played outdoors with four standards forming a diamond. The homeplate standard would be without a hoop and serves to hold the spiderball, which would be hit with a lightweight bat.

Abstract: A collapsible game goal, such as for lacrosse, has joints at the intersections of the uprights with the crossbar and the lower frame members. The net is configured such that a portion of the net is installed inside the frame members. The goal can therefore be easily collapsed, such as for transport to a different location. The goal can then be easily put in place, by unfolding the frame members.

Abstract: A toy hockey game which includes a stick and a projectile that both have hook and loop material which releasably attach the projectile to the stick, so that the participants can maintain the projectile in contact with the stick while playing a game of hockey.

Abstract: A competitive sport, and a facility for playing the same, the facility having a raised planar playing field formed of a plurality of rectangular trampoline-like channels held together edgewise by supporting cables with all of the adjacent edges and cables being covered by padding. The rectangular planar field is preferably circumscribed by additional similar panels angled upwardly and outwardly from the edges of the planar field with goals being provided in each of the end angled panels. The playing field may be divided and marked in predetermined ways depending upon the rules of the game. In one form, the game may involve two teams; one provided for each half of the field, with each team taking turns for prescribed periods in attempting to project a ball into a goal at the angled panels projecting upwardly from the end of the opponents' side of the field, while the defendant's attempt to thwart the defensive team's attempts to make a goal.

Abstract: A new Electronic Goal Detecting System for accurately detecting and signaling if an object, such as a hockey puck or a hockey ball, passes through the goal posts of a hockey goal thereby preventing disagreements between players, and for displaying the total goals scored. The inventive device includes a hockey goal, a sensing means mounted to the hockey goal, an object such as a hockey puck or a hockey ball received by the hockey goal, a pickup means positioned within the hockey puck or the hockey ball detected by the sensing means, a power supply electronically attached to the sensing means, and a goal signal means electronically attached to the sensing means.

Abstract: A method of playing a ball game is disclosed wherein two opposed teams play within an enclosed area in which the width is greater than the length; a goal is scored by placing the ball into a recessed area behind the goal line. An offensive player may not stay within a two second box located about the goal mouth and any player engaging in rough play shall sit out for a designated time period and his or her team shall play a man down during that time.