Abstract: A retrofit trampoline into a gazebo, covered shelter, or the like is created by attaching upward-oriented and/or sideways oriented poles to existing vertical poles of a trampoline. A removable cap is attached to the top of the vertical poles onto which the upward-oriented and/or sideways oriented poles can attach. The sideways oriented polls can be a rollable fabric which can be unrolled to form sidewalls. The upward-oriented poles can meet and/or cross at a horizontal center of the trampoline and/or support a canopy cover which is solid and/or mesh. Seats, such as circumferential seats, which extend around the perimeter of the trampoline inside of the side walls can be added. In some embodiments, a tensioning rope attaches the removable cap to a lower section of the trampoline or ground for support and in some embodiments a tensioning rope is used to hold the cap to the vertical poles.

Abstract: Trampolines may include a frame, a bounce mat coupled to the frame, and a plurality of poles coupled to the frame. A cover may be disposed over at least a portion of the bounce mat and retained in an at least partially suspended position utilizing the plurality of poles. Trampoline may be utilized by coupling a bounce mat to a frame. A plurality of poles may also be coupled to the frame. A cover may be disposed over at least a portion of the bounce mat utilizing the plurality of poles to retain the cover suspended over the at least a portion of the bounce mat. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: A volleyball training device for practicing spiking of a volleyball includes a base that is configured to position on a substantially horizontal surface. A plurality of nested rods, which is selectively vertically extensible, is coupled to and extends perpendicularly from a first end of the base. A first rod is coupled to and extends perpendicularly from an upper end of the nested rods. The first rod is opposed to the base. A coupler is coupled to and extends downwardly from the first rod distal from the nested rods. A lattice is selectively couplable to and extends from the plurality of nested rods. The lattice is selectively positionable between the base and the coupler. The coupler is configured to selectively couple to a volleyball to position the volleyball to be spiked by a user. The lattice is configured to simulate a volleyball net.

Abstract: A badminton play set in which all components is illuminated, comprising a boundary line, a net, a pair of racquets, and a shuttlecock. The play set provides a means for participating in the game of badminton during not only daytime, but also nighttime via an illumination means on each component of said play set.

Abstract: A net or barrier has strategically located pocket(s) attached to the net over holes(s) in the net/barrier in order to catch a ball or projectile that passes through the hole(s). A computer-assisted method displays information, more particularly advertisement, onto a net or barrier. The computer-assisted display is viewable by a TV or video audience.

Abstract: A volleyball spike training system comprises a ball holder and an optional net. The training holder comprises a wheeled chassis supporting a vertical stanchion projecting upwardly that supports a hopper and a ball feeding apparatus. The stanchion includes a crank system for vertically adjusting telescoped stanchion segments. Balls dropping from the hopper travel by gravity down an inclined ramp at the top of the frame towards a discharge throat. Balls travelling down the ramp are indexed by a Z-shaped lever that serially separates them. A pair of downwardly projecting hands, one fixed and one pivoted, receive dropping balls and temporarily hold them for shooting. The pivoting hand controls the indexing lever to jam successive balls when the device is loaded. When a ball is shot and removed from between the feed hands, another ball is freed by the indexing lever to automatically drop into a shooting position between the hands.

Abstract: A stack-and-avoid game kit includes a container and game pieces held in the container. The game pieces include stackable figures and a soft projectile. Each stackable figure includes a base that forms a plug and an upper part that forms a cup. Each stackable figure is configured such that a plug of one is stackable in the cup of another.

Abstract: A multiple player team sport, rules and equipment combining features of volleyball, dodge ball, hand ball and table tennis. Two player teams are positioned opposite one another with multiple elevated playing surfaces between them. A tennis ball sized spheroid having a leather cover and resilient inner core for bounce is initially served by one team from one of its elevated playing surfaces toward and onto the opposing team's playing surface. The defending team may then strike the ball with any part of the body to return it, or it may be passed from one teammate to another to set up a kill shot onto either the opposing teams playing surface or by attempting to strike one of the opposing team's players. When the ball is not successfully returned, the last team successfully striking the ball is awarded a point. During play the ball may only be struck by a player's hand or body.

Abstract: A portable ping pong set having a net assembly comprising a first post having a first base member, a second post having a second base member, and a net fixedly secured within each of the first and second posts and extendible therebetween, the first and second base members operatively arranged to form an assembly base when the first and second base members are proximate one another, the assembly base having a first shape when the first and second base members are proximate one another; and, a paddle having a blade and retractable handle, the blade having a second shape, wherein the first shape and the second shape are substantially similar when the handle is retracted into the blade.

Abstract: A net standard for attachment to basketball rims to which nets of games such as volleyball or badminton can be attached.

Abstract: A multiple player team sport, rules and equipment combining features of volleyball, dodge ball, hand ball and table tennis. Two player teams are positioned opposite one another with multiple elevated playing surfaces between them. A tennis ball sized spheroid having a leather cover and resilient inner core for bounce is initially served by one team from one of its elevated playing surfaces toward and onto the opposing team's playing surface. The defending team may then strike the ball with any part of the body to return it, or it may be passed from one teammate to another to set up a kill shot onto either the opposing teams playing surface or by attempting to strike one of the opposing team's players. When the ball is not successfully returned, the last team successfully striking the ball is awarded a point. During play the ball may only be struck by a player's hand or body.

Abstract: A volleyball practice system that includes a support frame with an attached reduced size volleyball practice net, a catch net, a removable and selectively positionable suspended ball attached to the support frame by a plurality of tethers, and a selectively removable electronic speed sensor and indicator device attached to the support frame for indicating the speed of the volleyball as it travels transversely to a vertical planar surface of the practice net.

Abstract: A recreational cooler with a hollow accessory shaft is disclosed. The hollow shaft extends completely through the cooler from top to bottom. The hollowed area of the shaft is completely independent from the product receiving area of the cooler allowing for insertion of recreational cooler accessories. Recreational cooler accessories may include: umbrellas, fishing poles, radios, tables, cooking stands, seats, chairs, beverage bottles, cans, cups, basketball standards, and/or racks for drying beach towels. Two coolers may also be used to support each side of a volleyball net, badminton net, or tennis net.

Abstract: A facility for playing a ball game includes a playing surface, as well as a net which divides the playing surface into two halves. The halves are each at least partly formed by a water basin filled with water. The halves each include a vertical rear wall, which is in each case provided on the side of that half which is remote from the net.

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 method of playing a team sport in which two teams attempt to score goals at opposite ends of a court, the method includes providing a court and rules determining the layout of the court, the length of time for a game and various plays during the game, and penalties. The game is started on the court with a game ball and two teams and either of the two teams upon gaining possession of the game ball becomes the possessing team and the other of the two teams becomes the opposing team. The possessing team must pass the ball between the possessing team's players a minimum number of times before an attempted shot on the opposing team's goal is made, and any player on the possessing team must not possess the ball for a time greater than a time specified by the rules.

Abstract: A multiplayer game, having rules with aspects of the games of Four Square and Volleyball, is played with an apparatus that can optionally be respectively disassembled and set up.

Abstract: A ball game platform and a method to play a ball game on said platform are disclosed. The ball game platform comprising a rectangular surface divided into two sections with boundary lines and a middle line, and a dual pole set on one end of the middle line. The method of playing a ball game for two teams of players to play on one section of the platform comprising providing a soft ball being bouncable; setting a set of rules for the game, judging the score according to the rule, breaking tie score by using dual pole and declaring a winner. The rules for the game do not allow the player to touch the ball by hands except in the services and duels. The rules may include the rules of starting the gaming, serving the ball, shooting, and exchanging of field, as well as rules of violations.

Abstract: An apparatus for playing a game of footbag is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a playing surface, a net, a first side wall, and a second sidewall. The net, together with the first and second sidewalls, divides the playing surface into first and second playing zones. A court boundary provides the rear-most ends of the first and second playing zones. The net is supported in substantially vertical position by a first support post and a second support post. The first and second support posts, together with the first and second sidewalls, are held in place by a series of support brackets and counterweights that are spaced along opposing first and second sides of the court.

Abstract: A golf club head has a head main body, an elastic body, and a lid body. The head main body has a back surface and a sole surface, and defines a recess portion depressed from one of the back surface and the sole surface. The elastic body is fixed in the recess portion in an compressed state and defines an empty portion. The lid body is attached to an entrance portion of the recess portion.

Abstract: An outdoor game system includes a pole adapted for anchoring to the earth. A water-carrying conduit extends upwardly through the pole and is rotatable within the pole. A sprinkler is mounted atop the pole and is connected to the conduit. A reel is affixed to the conduit within the pole adjacent an opening in the pole. The reel is rotatable with the conduit. A net, capable of extension from the opening in the pole, is wound upon the reel. An elongated cover is provided for closing the opening in the pole. The cover is connected to the net for supporting the net above the earth, when the net is extended from the opening in the pole. A handgrip, for rotating the conduit to rewind the net upon the reel, is affixed to the conduit beneath the reel.

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 game of throw and catch where the object is for one team to get another team to drop or not catch a ball a predetermined number of times. A playing field has a first scoring area and a second scoring area distal from the first scoring area and an out-of-bounds area surrounding and between the first and second scoring areas. The first and second teams occupy the first and second scoring areas, respectively, and one of the teams attempts a scoring chance by throwing a ball from one of the first and second scoring areas across the out-of-bounds area toward another of the first and second scoring areas. A point is awarded if the scoring chance results in the ball landing untouched in the other of the first and second scoring areas or is touched and not caught by any of the one or more players on the other of the first and second teams before the ball lands on the field.

Abstract: There is provided a golf putting training apparatus that is portable and operable with standard USGA golf equipment. The apparatus include parallel channels each emanating from a respective dimple. The channels are separated by a distance such that a golf ball placed on each dimple can be simultaneously using a standard putter, but also so that the golf balls do not contact each other. A chamfered portion allows the golf balls to roll continously off of the apparatus and onto an undersurface. By measuring the distance that each golf ball travels, a golfer gauges the accuracy of his swing. An obverse surface of the apparatus contains indicia that assists a golfer in aligning his positioning and stroke.

Abstract: A volleyball practice system that includes a support frame with a pair of post supports. Each of the post supports being mounted on a base that is supported on wheels, and the pair of post supports being connected to one another by a telescoping or adjustable horizontal member. A backdrop net with a pair of opposite ends along a lower edge that are adapted for tethering to an anchoring point supported by the post supports, so that the opposite ends of the lower edge of the backdrop net may be raised or lowered relative to the upper edge of the backdrop net, so that the backdrop may be used to retain or release balls by adjusting the height of the opposite ends of the backdrop net.

Abstract: A volleyball training apparatus is disclosed that generally includes a standard assembly, a support assembly mounted on the standard assembly, a ball assembly, and a ball suspension assembly mounted on the support assembly and supporting the ball assembly. The ball assembly may be secured to the ball suspension assembly in a manner such that the ball assembly remains secured to the ball suspension assembly upon spiking of the ball assembly by a user. In some embodiments of the invention, the ball suspension assembly comprises an elongate elastic member having opposite ends attached to the ball assembly. In some embodiments, the support assembly comprises a support member having a passage therethrough, and the ball suspension assembly comprises an elongate elastic member with a portion of the elongate elastic member extending through the support member.

Abstract: An apparatus for teaching a person a technique for striking a volleyball. The apparatus has a chute with first and second side walls for directing volleyball toward a pivotable arm attached to the chute. A passage in the arm connects a cone thereon with a source of vacuum while the weight of a valve on the arm positions the arm in a vertical position. An indexing member sequentially retains volleyballs in the chute and sequentially presents a volleyball to the cone. An input acts to release a lock on the indexing member and thereafter allow a volleyball to roll from the chute toward the cone where the vacuum sucks the volleyball onto the cone. The weight of the volleyball causes the arm to pivot from the vertical position and rotate the volleyball to a position for a player to spike the volleyball.

Abstract: A team trampoline game includes an elongate rectangular enclosure having parallel side walls, a first end wall and a second end wall. A first team goal is positioned on the first end wall which is adapted to permit a game projectile to pass through. A second team goal is positioned on the second end wall which is adapted to permit the game projectile to pass through. A first team offensive trampoline is spaced from the second team goal. A second team defensive trampoline is positioned between the first team offensive trampoline and the second team goal. A second team offensive trampoline is spaced from the first team goal. A first team defensive trampoline is positioned between the second team offensive trampoline and the first team goal. Protective barriers are positioned between the trampolines to prevent collisions between players.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, a mantle and a cover, the solid core is made of a rubber composition comprising a base rubber containing a polybutadiene synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst, a small amount of organic peroxide, an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, an organic sulfur compound and an inorganic filler. The mantle is made of a thermoplastic resin composition. The cover is made primarily of a mixture of an ionomer resin-containing resin composition and an inorganic filler. This construction provides the golf ball with a combination of outstanding flight performance and soft feel with cover's scuff resistance and crack durability, that is unprecedented.

Abstract: A volleyball game net or the like includes an elongate and rectangular net having rigid side marginal strips attached to its opposed sides. Each rigid side marginal strip includes a closed hollow body having a closed hollow cross-sectional configuration at an outer side thereof for reinforcing the structure, and an open hollow cross-sectional configuration at an inner side thereof for receiving one side of the net. The side of the net is secured to the hollow body by a lock member, a plurality of pins or a side band enclosing a rod, in a manner such that the net can be substantially evenly tensioned while being supported in a tensioned condition. The rigid side marginal strip can be easily and conveniently attached to the net and provides an aesthetically pleasing presentation to the net assembly.

Abstract: A volleyball game net or the like includes an elongate and rectangular net having rigid side marginal strips attached to its opposed sides. Each rigid side marginal strip includes a closed hollow body having a closed hollow cross-sectional configuration at an outer side thereof for reinforcing the structure, and an open hollow cross-sectional configuration at an inner side thereof for receiving one side of the net. The side of the net is secured to the hollow body by a lock member or a plurality of pins in a manner such that the net can be substantially evenly tensioned while being supported in a tensioned condition. The rigid side marginal strip can be easily and conveniently attached to the net and provides an aesthetically pleasing presentation to the net assembly.

Abstract: An overhead supported net system including a net and a spaced pair of masts pivotally connected to an overhead structure to pivot about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the net between a stored position and a play position. A pair of braces are connected to the overhead structure and the masts to lock the masts in the play position. The mast terminates short of the floor.

Abstract: A game is played by providing at least two hitting devices, a resilient projectile and at least two eight foot squares spaced twelve feet apart on a sand or grass surface. Two or four players hit the resilient projectile back and forth between opposed or diagonal squares until a mistake is made by a player. If the mistake is made by the non-serving player or team, the serving player or team is awarded a point. If the mistake is made by the serving player or team, the non-serving player or team gets to serve. Play is continued until a game is won by at least two points by the player or team to first reach 21 or higher. One or more sets of games may also be played.

Abstract: A putter, comprising a head comprising an offset hosel; a heel; a toe; and a planar striking face; wherein the head comprises a first reference line is spaced from and parallel to said planar striking face; and a ladder comprised of a plurality of second reference lines, wherein the ladder is located substantially between the hosel and the heel and the second reference lines are perpendicular to the striking face.

Abstract: A method of playing a sports game with the use of a ring as a game element comprises a competition between two teams on playing ground divided by a net. Players of teams disposed on opposite sides of the net pass the ring over the net until it touches the other team's base ground within the borders of the area or beyond it. The ring can be received and passed by hands, feet, head or body without fixing it in an non-rotary state. Players may pass the ring to teammates a predetermined number of times before propelling the ring over the net. The playing ground may be fenced over its perimeter by an elastic barrier such that rebounds of the ring off of the barrier are in play. The ring may be made of a elastic material in the shape of a polygon, particularly equilateral polygon, in longitudinal section. A ring with luminescent coating or internal sources of light may be used.

Abstract: A sole of a head is inclined upwardly toward a side of a hosel section. A proximal section of the hosel section, which is continuous to a top, is set to be low. Accordingly, the weight of the head on the side of the hosel section is reduced, while the weight is distributed to circumferential portions of the head. Thus, the moment of inertia is set to be increased, and the sweet area is substantially enlarged.

Abstract: An overhead supported net system including a net and a spaced pair of masts pivotally connected to the overhead structure to pivot about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the net between a stored position and a play position. A pair of braces are connected to the overhead structure and the masts to lock the masts in the play position. The mast terminates short of the floor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a net scoring system for accurate and convenient scoring of a sporting contest. The net scoring system has a game net which is of a generally rectangular shape and has a periphery defined by a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposing side edges. The net scoring system also includes at least one indicating device for displaying a game score that is connected to the game net. The indicating device may be located on at least one of the top edge, the bottom edge, and the opposing side edges. The indicating device includes a plurality of scoring symbols and a symbol indicating assembly that selectively emphasizes one of the plurality of scoring symbols to represent a score.

Abstract: A volleyball player training device especially useful for teaching volleyball players to block and tip a volleyball at the volleyball net is disclosed. The device includes a frame which may be removably fastened to the volleyball net, a volleyball, and a pedestal or support extending upwardly from the frame for holding a volleyball above the volleyball net. During use, a player may block or tip the volleyball causing it to be pivoted from its supported position above the net. A return mechanism returns the volleyball to its supported position placing it in position to be blocked or tipped again.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a gameboard, especially for playing table ball games, e.g. table tennis, having a playing surface which touches the ball during play and a support base supporting the playing surface and placed on the floor.Gameboard characterized by that the support base (1) is formed as a frame-like support base (1), and having an open play field (13) formed by three playing surfaces (8,9,10), which playing surfaces (8,9,10) are supported by the support base (1).

Abstract: A new baseball and softball practice device for improving a ball player's skills in pitching, throwing, and hitting. The inventive device includes a length of protective nylon netting. A support frame is provided that is comprised of a pair of opposed folding legs. The support fame includes a top panel and a pair of lower support panels. The support frame is positionable in front of the protective nylon netting. A target is secured between the pair of opposed folding legs of the support frame.

Abstract: The invention is a novel athletic filed and outdoor game played thereon. The game uses bats, mitts, and a ball on a rectangular playing field where each team attempts to score points by hitting the ball into the other team's end zone. Specifically, the defensive team pitches to the offensive team whereby the present hitter for the offensive team swings at the pitch and in some cases hits the ball. When the ball is hit it either may either be hit into fair or foul territory. When hit into foul territory, the ball is out play, or alternatively the defensive team attempts to catch the ball so as to force the movement of home plate to a point adjacent the catch which is back toward the hitting team's goal line. In contrast, when the ball is hit into fair territory, the defensive team uses bats to attempt to reverse the direction of the moving ball and hit it over the offensive team's goal line. Whenever the ball crosses a goal line, points are scored by the other team.

Abstract: A new Kick Bag Game and Apparatus Kit for playing a footbag game between opposing teams divided into two zones by a medially positioned portable reticulated net, wherein the players must kick the footbag back and forth over the net to score points. The inventive device includes a court boundary marker which displays the court, a portable reticulated net positioned across the center of the court supported vertically by a first and second support poles in a position to one another, and a footbag which is kicked back and forth over the portable reticulated net.

Abstract: A game playing apparatus includes a center pole having at least first, second and third nets radially extending therefrom and attached at their ends to end poles. A boundary line extends between the end poles so as to define a circular playing surface divided into three equal area sectors, each sector defining a court for a team. The game is preferably volleyball by which one team competes against the other two teams via conventional volleyball rules. Each team may hit the volleyball over either one of the two nets defining its sector in a manner to preclude return by the other team. The extensible center pole and end poles include collars slidable therealong allowing for adjustment of the net heights. A guide on the center pole indicates a path of initial extension of each net away from the center pole preferably at 120.degree..

Abstract: A game system includes two uprights formed of three telescoping sections. The lower section extends into a base which is positioned into the supporting surface or related ground. A plurality of securing structures are positioned along the length of each upright to receive a net. The net has at least two elastically-deformable straps extending away therefrom for securing the net to the uprights for use at least two sports. Alternate game structure may be secured to the upright, including a tetherball, a soccer ball, a soccer net, a golf ball receiving net, and a baseball practice structure. Also, net-securing structure may be secured to one of the uprights to receive a net for storage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a net scoring system for accurate and convenient scoring of a sporting contest. The net scoring system has a game net which is of a generally rectangular shape and has a periphery defined by a top edge, a bottom edge, and opposing side edges. The net scoring system also includes at least one indicating device for displaying a game score that is connected to the game net. The indicating device may be located on at least one of the top edge, the bottom edge, and the opposing side edges. The indicating device includes a plurality of scoring symbols and a symbol indicating assembly that selectively emphasizes one of the plurality of scoring symbols to represent a score.