Abstract: A portable tennis playing apparatus allows players to play the game of tennis in various indoor environments. The portable tennis playing apparatus can be assembled and disassembled easily, and provides the opportunity for the players to not only enjoy the game of tennis but also to improve and hone their skills.

Abstract: An improved anchor fitting (10) for anchoring a tether cord (22) to a hollow ball (12). The anchor fitting (10) includes an anchor body (16) comprising a shank portion (18) and a head (20) at one end of the shank portion. The anchor body is received in a hole (14) in the wall of the ball and defines an axial passage through which the tether cord extends. The anchor fitting includes two rigid shoulder-defining bodies (26) and (28) which are located within the ball and which extend perpendicularly relative to one another when assembled. The shoulder-defining bodies define holes in which the shank portion of the anchor body is received, with the head (20) abutting an inner side of the shoulder-defining body (28). A flexible resilient rubber washer (34) is located between the shoulder-defining bodies and an interior side of the wall for absorption of impact forces acting on the wall of the ball when the ball is struck by a bat.

Abstract: A hand therapy kit includes a housing having a lid that is expandable from a folded position to an unfolded position to expose a working surface on an inside of the lid. An elastic cord is attached at two or more anchor points on the working surface to define at least one gap for receiving a finger. The finger can be therapeutically exercised by moving from a first position proximal to the working surface to a second position distal to the working surface. The hand therapy kit can also include removable hand therapy modules.

Abstract: A net includes lower fixed and upper vertically adjustable parts. The net parts extend across a playing area. Ends of the net parts are fastened to posts at sides of the playing area. The lower net part is fixedly mounted at a lower post part. The upper net part is doubly folded along a line along a longitudinal direction, forming a fold along the line. The upper net part exhibits a downwardly-hanging portion on each side of the fold. The ends of the upper net part are fastened to a vertically adjustable upper post part. The fold of the upper net part is arranged across the lower net part in a longitudinal direction with a portion hanging down on each side of the lower net part, so that the upper net part at least between a lower part of the hanging portions encloses an upper part of the lower net part.

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 sport court that is configured for platform tennis includes a concrete slab. A heating element may be disposed within the slab that is configured to heat the slab in order to melt snow and evaporate water on a top surface of the slab. Melted snow and other water, such as from rain, may drain from the top surface. The slab may be made of a permeable material that includes pores. The water on the top surface may drain from the top surface, through pores in the permeable slab, to a bottom surface of the slab, where the water exits to a drainage area below the slab.

Abstract: An image morphing method is suitable for generating an intermediate image sequence. First, a control point CP={(pi,qi)}i=1 . . . N is specified and marked in a source image Is({right arrow over (x)}) and a destination image Id({right arrow over (x)}?). Next, an edge gradient parameter (Ise({right arrow over (x)}), Ide({right arrow over (x)}?) is computed according to the source image Is({right arrow over (x)}) and the destination image Id({right arrow over (x)}?). Next, a total objective function E(Df,Db) is computed according to the above-mentioned control point CP and edge gradient parameter (Ise({right arrow over (x)}), Ide({right arrow over (x)}?)). The above-mentioned intermediate image sequence is generated by using the total objective function E(Df,Db). The present invention utilizes the edge gradients of the source image Is({right arrow over (x)}) and the destination image Id({right arrow over (x)}?) to enhance the constraint of image morphing. Thus, the image morphing effect is promoted.

Abstract: A device for playing with a water balloon includes a target area which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the water balloon. A plurality of water balloon-bursting teeth are disposed around the target area. A player holds the device and attempts to position the target area so that an incoming airborne water balloon lands completely within the target area and does not land on one or more of the teeth. If the water balloon does land on one or more teeth it will burst.

Abstract: A target ball game kit is provided that is easily carried and readily assembled to facilitate play in recreational areas such as parks or beaches. The kit includes a container housing a plurality of paddles, a plurality of balls having varying weights, and at least one target assembly. The target assembly is appointed to be set-up on a ground surface and secured thereto by way of securing means. Concentric rings having assigned point values are constructed within the target assembly. The target assembly preferably is constructed of a continuous rope or cord-like member. The kit can be readily and accurately adjusted for singles to doubles play by including at least two target assemblies therein. Glow in the dark properties may be provided to the target assembly, paddles, and/or balls for play in dimly lit or foggy conditions.

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 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: A system for training to play better at tennis includes indicia for indicating desired target areas of a tennis court and rules for determining points to be given for striking a desired target area. Preferably, points are given only on the last shot of a play.

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 ball game assembly is disclosed for a ball game to be played with a tennis-type racquet, a net and a foam ball, whose speed and/or action is reduced to increase play activity. The tennis racquet is smaller than a conventional adult tennis racquet, e.g., a junior tennis racquet, and the game is played on a tennis court of reduced size, with a net dividing the court into halves. The ball is larger and lighter in weight than a tennis ball, and it moves slower and has a softer bounce than a tennis ball. Preferably the net is supported across the playing area by net supports that are positioned at mid-court on either side of the court.

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: Provided herein is a shading device useful in conjunction with wheeled carts which are used by tennis instructors to train students. A shading device according to the invention is adapted to be retrofitted to existing tennis ball storage carts. Use of the present invention provides a tennis ball storage cart having a shaded area external to the left or the right side of the cart, where an instructor may stand, shaded from the sun while serving balls to a student or otherwise observing court activity. By use of the invention, an instructor may spend many hours instructing students on sunlit days without being effected by the harmful effects of the sunlight.

Abstract: A ball game assembly is disclosed for a ball game to be played with a tennis-type racquet, a net and a foam ball, whose speed and/or action is reduced to increase play activity. The tennis racquet is smaller than a conventional adult tennis racquet, e.g., a junior tennis racquet, and the game is played on a tennis court of reduced size, with a net dividing the court into halves. The ball is larger and lighter in weight than a tennis ball, and it moves slower and has a softer bounce than a tennis ball. Preferably the net is supported across the playing area by net supports that are positioned at mid-court on either side of the court.

Abstract: An improved surface for a tennis court, the playing surface will have designated on it one or more locations to enable greater placement and accuracy in tennis shots. These physical locations are rectangular in nature and correspond in size to sectors or a combination of sectors whose locations are determined by equally dividing a court between the single side lanes and the net and the base line to three lanes vertically and zones horizontally. Smaller rectangular locations within the sectors may also be identified. These rectangular locations may be combinations of one or more subsectors defined by defining a sector into three sublanes and three subzones.

Abstract: An exercise device for learning to guide a tennis racquet which includes an upwardly open ball track that is curved approximately like a horseshoe from a top view, and a support device by which the ball track is supported inclined on the ground in such a manner that the lowermost point of the ball track lies in an apex area of the curved track.

Abstract: A golf, tennis or baseball training apparatus to align the eyes, striking implement and stationary or moving ball to be struck, upon impact. A cap for the user has radiation emitting means mounted to project radiation along the vision path. A radiation detector, an impact detector and a light signaling means are mounted on the striking implement. Processing and decoding circuitry and sound signaling means are mounted on the striking implement or the user. A light or sound signal can signal proper alignment to the user on impact (i.e., essentially simultaneous actuation of radiation and impact detection), and/or can signal improper alignment to the user on impact. The sound signal may be a high or low frequency signal or words from a voice clip. Adjustable radiating beam widths may be used for different levels of skills.

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: Two posts have a thin, flexible barrier attached there-between. The barrier spans a hard playing surface which may be a driveway. Each post is supported from the ground in a substantially vertical position. The barrier includes a cord laced through grommets along the top edge of the barrier to hold the barrier in position. Two players use paddles to hit a projectile back and forth. A method of playing the paddle ball game is disclosed.

Abstract: A competitive recreational game including: a foam game ball with symmetrical air holes therethrough; at least one paddle, racquet or mitt per player; a vertical net attached to a frame with support posts; a ball return to player net for each opposing player; at least one opposing basketball hoop with attached net to at least one common backboard on the forehand and backhand side; a central located basketball hoop attached to the top center portion of the vertical frame common to both players and a playing court with boundaries, scoring rules and regulations for all level of play based on at least 1 opposing player. Points are scored by subtracting from 15 down to zero in several strategic rewarding ways. The AIR BALL game is NO BOUNCE NO DUNKING and designed to be played on the beach, in the backyard or indoors on a floor surface.

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.