Abstract: A table-tennis training apparatus for training a player to apply spin to a table-tennis ball when using a racket to hit the ball. The table-tennis training apparatus has a ball holder for rotatably holding a table-tennis ball. When the ball thereon is hit by a racket, the ball holder pivots about an axis and an elastic structure coupled to the ball holder dampens the speed of the ball holder to prolong the contact time between the racket and the ball and consequently help the player to more clearly experience the feeling of applying spin to the ball and thus facilitate the player's training of applying spins to the ball.

Abstract: A net system comprising a first net module including a first housing, a first net and a first connector connected to the first net. The first net being retractably connected to the first housing. The net system additionally includes a second net module including a second housing, a second net and a second connecter connected to the second net, the second net being retractably connected to the second housing. The first connector is connectable to the second connector to detachably connect the first net module to the second net module.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed provide a solution to detect a rally in a sports game. One or more stroke actions or non-stroke actions are detected based on motion data detected by a sensor attached to a sports instrument of a user. Using a trained stroke classification model, each detected stroke action is classified into a plurality of classes. Additionally, a determination is made whether each detected non-stroke action is an intentional special user action. The determination whether a non-stroke action is an intentional special user action is made based on a customized set of definitions defining one or more special user actions. One or more rallies are then detected based on the classified stroke actions and intentional special user actions.

Abstract: A ping pong table for playing ping pong on a variably configurable table includes a center panel that is rectangularly shaped. A pair of side panels is hingedly coupled singly to and extends from opposing sides of the center panel. The side panels extend between opposing ends of the center panel. A plurality of legs is coupled to and extends perpendicularly from a bottom of the center panel. The legs are positioned on the center panel such that the center panel is supportable on a substantially horizontal surface. The side panels are configured to be positioned in angled positions relative to the center panel.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an extended playing surface for paddle/racquet-based games, in particular table tennis. A playing surface is provided comprising four curved rebounding surfaces each with a vertical rebounding side wall configured so that two curved surfaces attach or extend on each side of a substantially horizontal playing surface thereby forming a continuous rebounding playing surface. A net is positioned perpendicular to the length of the horizontal playing surface at its mid point, allowing two or more opposing players to use the curved, vertical sidewall and horizontal surfaces as rebounding surfaces to serve, return and rally a spherical target object over the net.

Abstract: An accessory for the game of beer pong and related games. The accessory includes two separate net assemblies that attach to both ends of a beer pong table. The netting assembly catches ping-pong balls that go over the edges of the game table during game play to prevent the ping pong balls from touching the floor. This netting system will reduce the amount of dirt and contamination on the ping pong balls, which will reduce the amount of dirt and contamination dirty ping pong balls spread to beverages containers used in game play.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for packetization of content for transmission over a network. A method is provided that includes generating one or more content packets from the multimedia content, wherein the content packets are associated with a time reference, and adding a sync header to the one or more content packets to form one or more application layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to the time reference. An apparatus includes encoding logic configured to generate one or more content packets from the multimedia content, wherein the content packets are associated with a time reference, and packetization logic configured to add a sync header to the one or more content packets to form one or more application layer packets, respectively, wherein the sync header comprises a time indicator that indicates time relative to the time reference.

Abstract: A bottle pong table tennis system uses a plurality of sinker balls placed on bottle pong bottles in a novel variant of a table tennis game where multiple balls are in simultaneous play. The system has a regulation table tennis ball that is white in color. The system has a plurality of sinker balls that are orange in color. The system has a regulation table tennis table, a plurality of regulation table tennis rackets, and a plurality of bottle pong bottles. For use, a first bottle pong bottle is placed on a white center line about 19½ inches from a table tennis table first edge and a second bottle pong bottle is placed on the white center line about 19½ inches from a table tennis table second edge. A sinker ball is placed on each bottle top.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an extended playing surface for paddle/racquet-based games, in particular table tennis. A playing surface is provided comprising four curved rebounding surfaces each with a vertical rebounding side wall configured so that two curved surfaces attach or extend on each side of a substantially horizontal playing surface thereby forming a continuous rebounding playing surface. A net is positioned perpendicular to the length of the horizontal playing surface at its mid point, allowing two or more opposing players to use the curved, vertical sidewall and horizontal surfaces as rebounding surfaces to serve, return and rally a spherical target object over the net.

Abstract: The automatic ball collection system contains a blower sub-system and a collection device. The blower sub-system drives the balls on the ground towards the collection device, and the balls are then automatically collected by the collection device. The blower sub-system contains a number of blowing devices configured at the corners capable of producing air flow substantially along ground surface so as to push the balls to roll towards the collection device. As such, the players' time and effort in constant bending and picking up balls, and the possible injury resulted as such are avoided.

Abstract: A table tennis game table may include one or more automated ball serving guns and an automated score announcing system. Remote control actuators may be provided for one or more users to operate the features of the table. The system may be adjusted manually or remotely to correct mistakes, and may be used in multiple modes. Alternatively, the automated ball serving guns and automated score announcing system may be adapted to a standard after market table.

Abstract: The automated table tennis referee includes sensors that detect bounces of a table tennis ball on first or second side of a table tennis table, the sides being divided by a net. The sensors detect when the ball touches the net. A digital signal processor acquires and processes the sensor data to determine ball hits unique to each sensor. A logic processor determines whether the ball hit occurred on the table's first side, second side, or net. The logic processor subsequently processes the sequence of ball bounces to determine the winner of the last volley, the count of points each player has accrued, who the server for the next serve should be, and the winner at the end of the game. A display unit shows the number of points counted for each player, which player owns the serve, which player won the last serve and the winner of the game.

Abstract: A target device and method of training for table tennis, and providing a variation of table tennis. Target devices, comprising a target portion and a base portion, are placed on a playing surface. The target portion may be self-repositioning and/or interchangeable. Target devices are placed at predetermined locations on a playing surface to encourage user to practice a swing for aiming at specific locations. The user will be able to visually estimate how far they were from the target device, and compensate for the distance the next time, if the user does not hit the target device. Different difficulty levels of target devices, due to differences in weight or size of the target portion, may be used. Target devices are also placed on a playing surface to provide variations to a table tennis game, wherein the object of the game is to knock down the opponent's target devices.

Abstract: A system for tethering a ping-pong ball comprising: a ping-pong table, where said ping-pong table includes a net extended across the center of the table; an arch support attachment, where said support attachment includes two vertical posts, where said posts are attached to each end of the net and an arched center portion that extends between the two vertical posts; a tether line; a line attachment clip, where said clip is attached to the center of the support attachment and provides a means to secure one end of the tether line; and a ball attached to the opposite end of the tether line.

Abstract: A system for tethering a ping-pong ball comprising: a ping-pong table, where said ping-pong table includes a net extended across the center of the table; an arch support attachment, where said support attachment includes two vertical posts, where said posts are attached to each end of the net and an arched center portion that extends between the two vertical posts; a tether line; a line attachment clip, where said clip is attached to the center of the support attachment and provides a means to secure one end of the tether line; and a ball attached to the opposite end of the tether line.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a playing surface which should be substantially rectangular in nature and oriented at the height of a standardized table, the playing surface having an adjustable transverse angular divider or barrier bisecting the playing area and side deflector walls extending upwardly from the lateral sides of the playing surface, the game being played by propelling a perforated hollow ball from one side of the playing surface to the other by means of paddles, the playing surface, transverse barrier, and side walls all being part of the playing surface.

Abstract: A table tennis game table may include one or more automated ball serving guns and an automated score announcing system. Remote control actuators may be provided for one or more users to operate the features of the table. The system may be adjusted manually or remotely to correct mistakes, and may be used in multiple modes. Alternatively, the automated ball serving guns and automated score announcing system may be adapted to a standard after market table.

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

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

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

Abstract: The present invention is an electronic table tennis apparatus including an electronic scoreboard, a plurality of touch sensors disposed on a table tennis table for sending sensor signals to the scoreboard. A plurality of laser scanner/locators create a locator field to identify the location of the ball and send location signals to the scoreboard. The apparatus also includes a table tennis ball having an identifying code imprinted upon its surface. The electronic scoreboard integrates the sensor signals from the touch sensors and the location signals from the laser scanner/locators for calculating and displaying the score. The electronic scoreboard can also have an alerting system to notify of score changes.

Abstract: A ball return mechanism for use with a table tennis table for returning a ball to a player. The table tennis table includes a net, a first side and a second side located on opposite sides of the net. The ball return mechanism includes a first return line including a net end and a terminal end. The net end is mounted to the net at a first joint and the terminal end is located proximate a first end edge of the first side. A first guide mechanism holds the first return line in position away from a playing area of the table tennis table.

Abstract: A method for strengthening coordination between a person's hand muscles and muscles of the lower part of a person's body involves (a) the person jumping into the air while holding a hanging article; and (b) placing while in the air the hanging article on an elevated, substantially horizontal flexible support, so that the hanging article is retained on the support after the person releases the article from his hold. The support is positioned above the extended height of the person. An exercise system for strengthening coordination between a person's hand muscles and muscles of the lower part of a person's body thus includes (a) an elevated substantially horizontal flexible support; and (b) a hanging article, wherein the support is positioned above the extended height of the person.

Abstract: Table tennis table including a frame, a pivot linkage, and two table halves which are secured to the frame by the pivot linkage to be pivotable between a substantially vertical storage position and a substantially horizontal play position. A releasable safety device is provided for each of the table halves that includes two safety levers each assuming an open position for changing the position of said table half. The table also includes at least one safety lever per table half having a locking device for holding purposes in the open position thereof.

Abstract: An automatic table tennis ball serving device is disclosed as having a generally vertically extending enclosure with a table tennis ball feeding passageway including a lower ball entrance and an upper ball dispensing outlet. Ball feeding arms are mounted to the enclosure adjacent the lower ball entrance for feeding table tennis balls upwardly in the ball feeding passageway against the force of gravity. A ball dispensing head is mounted to the enclosure adjacent the upper ball dispensing outlet for serving table tennis balls to a player at selected rates and trajectories. The ball dispensing head includes a ball size adjustment mechanism to enable table tennis balls of at least two diameters to selectively pass through the ball dispensing head when one or another diameter of the at least two different ball diameters is selected by the player.

Abstract: A control grid for an automated scorekeeping device for table tennis or ping pong includes a voice recorder that is used to announce the score before each serve of the game. The scorekeeping device further includes optional visual displays. The scorekeeping device is actuated by means of a grid system attached to the ends of the table. The grid is activated by the players' touching the grid with a conductive strip affixed to the end of their paddles. The scorekeeper can be adjusted manually to correct mistakes, and can be used in multiple modes.

Abstract: An illuminated ping pong game comprises a table which comprises at least one table leg. The illuminated ping pong game further comprises a net securely fastened to a the table along a median thereof. The illuminated ping pong game further comprises at least two player's paddles utilized by at least one first player and second player. At least one player's paddle comprises a first player's paddle which comprises a first player's paddle handle having a first player's paddle handle ON/OFF cap positioned at a bottom distal end of a first player's paddle handle cylinder forming a first player's paddle handle cavity therein. The first player's paddle handle further comprises a first player's paddle handle illuminator integrally associated therewith. The first player's paddle handle illuminator comprises a first player's paddle handle illuminator light positioned at a top distal end within the first player's paddle handle cavity.

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 scoring apparatus for scoring a table tennis game includes three sensors secured to two tables and a net device of the table tennis game for sensing the striking of a table tennis ball to the tables and to the net device. A processing device is coupled to the sensors for receiving signals from the sensors, and a displayer device is coupled to the processing device for displaying the scores of the players. The displayer device includes two displayer screen fors displaying the scores of two players. The displayer device includes one or more press buttons for calibrating the displayer screens.

Abstract: A side basketball style backboard with attached hoop and net assembly is herein designed for mounting on both sides of a table tennis style table. The backboard has an upper surface area that can be used to deflect the game ball into the opposing playing area. The backboard is secured to the table by a bracket with screws or bolts as an attachment means. The upper end of the bracket attaches to the backside of the backboard and the lower end of the bracket attaches to the outside edge and the underside of the table. The game ball is made of foam and the ball striking instrument can be selected from a paddle, a racquet with strings or foam mitts with one on each hand.