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 game maze for playing war games, combat games and the like is erected from a series of inflatable wall modules which can be deflated for transportation and storage. The wall modules are grouped together as desired to form passageways or cells within the maze. Some of the modules are formed with door openings through which game players can pass and window openings through which game players can view other parts of the maze and other participants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marking system comprising lighting devices, for example LEDs (11), that are used on a sport area (1) to indicate demarcations (100) of different games. By activating the associated lighting devices (11), the demarcations (100) of a particular game can selectively be made visible. The marking system may further comprise detection devices that can detect the occurrence of certain game events. Thus photodetectors (12) may for example detect if a ball (2) crosses a demarcation (100). A controller (13) may then activate the lighting devices (11) or separate signaling devices (14, 15) to indicate the detected event. The controller (13) may further communicate wirelessly with persons on the sport area, particularly with the referee to assist his/her decisions.

Abstract: A down marker for use in a football game includes a vertical support and a display panel that extends from the vertical support. This display panel carries an array of solid state lighting devices configured to optically display a down number. The array of solid state lighting devices is selectively controlled by a controller that is carried by the down marker, in response to an external input.

Abstract: In a flat road surface obstacle having a very thin profile and comprised of a malleable structure such as silicone rubber. The obstacle may be combined with a portion of adhesive to attach the obstacle to a play structure surface to be used in combination with wheeled conveyances such as skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates, tricycles and the like. The obstacle may further be used in combination with a skate park structure to provide markers and/or obstacles to be used in game play or instruction.

Abstract: A kit of ball equipment and methodology for game play involving two teams includes a ball having a frusto-spherical configuration, a bat with which a user may strike the ball in mid-air, and a ground marker configured to indicate a target on a ground surface to which a ball is to be returned after the ball is struck mid-air. The ground marker, e.g. a chalk circle, is preferably sized to encircle the batter when attempting to hit a ball. A batter, in turn, attempts to hit a ball initially positioned by the batter relative to or against his body and released therefrom. Outs may be recorded if a batter misses the ball while attempting to bat, if the fielding team catches a hit ball, or if the fielding team rolls a hit ball back to the ground marker. After a predetermined number of outs are recorded, the teams switch positions.

Abstract: A surface is selectively marked by using a coating containing quantum dots. When exposed to an energizing source, the quantum dots emit colored light to selectively mark the surface. In an embodiment, a green artificial turf field is marked with two sets of lines, white for football and yellow for soccer. The football lines are normally visible, but are also embedded with quantum dots that emit green light when energized. The soccer lines are normally invisible (clear), but emit yellow light when energized. The field can be used for football without energizing the quantum dots. To use the field for soccer, the field is exposed to a constant source of UVC energy. The quantum dots in the football lines emit green light when energized, causing them to become green, blending in with the normal green color of the artificial turf field. The quantum dots in the soccer lines emit yellow light when energized. Only the soccer lines are then visible, thus eliminating confusion for the players and officials.

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 movable frame may be positioned about a playing surface and defines a substantially straight pathway for a tool to follow while altering a playing surface, such as by cutting or marking the surface. A template that may be used to accurately define key positions of a playing surface, like a tennis court. Various pairs of the key positions may, in turn, be used to define each line that is to be marked or altered on the playing surface. Patterns of sensor circuits are defined for indentifying whether a ball impacts the tennis court at a position that is in play, or out of play.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated tool that comprises a stake and post assembly and a hollow sleeve in the form of a pounding member which, when slid in a reciprocating motion over the post and brought downwards with a velocity to strike a collar, imparts sufficient force to the stake for driving the stake into the ground or any other hard surface.

Abstract: A ball game system for training and/or play comprising one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each playing area including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and/or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and/or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).

Abstract: A modified soccer (“football”) field layout and associated modified method of playing soccer on the modified soccer field layout are described. The modified soccer field layout is approximately the same size as a conventional soccer field layout. In one example, the modified soccer field layout also has two Forward Areas and two Forward Lines. In one example, the method of playing soccer on the modified soccer field includes at least one associated Forward Area Soccer Rule.

Abstract: A net system pivotally displacing a net between a playing position in a vertical plane bifurcating a playing area and a nearly horizontal elevated storage position freeing the playing area for other uses. Parallel poles are located on opposite sides of the playing area with a net coupled to the pair of poles to lie in a plane including the pair of poles. Coupling members couple pivot members to ceiling structure over the playing area. Supports have proximal ends fixed to an upper end of each of the pair of poles and a distal end extending on a common side of the plane defined by the net and poles. The distal end of the supports are coupled to the pivot members to allow the poles and net to be pivoted about an axis lying parallel to but outside the plane defined by the net and poles, the position of the pivot members ensuring a downward force on the playing surface by lower ends of the poles when the poles are in the vertical playing position.

Abstract: A net stabilizer that secures a baseball game net along the bottom border of the net to prevent the net from being blown around by the wind. The net stabilizer is releasably secured to the net at the game time and is conveniently assembled at the playing field.

Abstract: The present invention is an article and process for determining the site of impact of a movable object on a treated surface, where a tennis ball is treated with a striking composition, and a boundary line region is treated with a receiving composition such that when the striking composition and the receiving composition are in physical contact, a calorimetric indicator is left on the receiving composition to indicate the point of contact.

Abstract: An improved court perimeter boundary for volleyball or other sports comprises at least one indicator that indicates a hypotenuse distance to be used in squaring the court delimited by the boundary. Optionally, the perimeter boundary may be separated, facilitating the setup of the court and the winding of the boundary for storage. A method of setting up a volleyball court is also described.

Abstract: A temporary visible image, such as a first down reference line, corporate logo, or text is projected onto a target surface by an orientation-stabilized, fiber-fed laser projector. The projector may include at least one cylindrical lens or at least one pair of X-Y scanners. One or more remotely located lasers, supplying optical energy at a single wavelength to the projector, accommodate projection of a monochromatic line pattern. Multi-colored images are accommodated by supplying, to the projector, the output of a plurality of lasers operating at different wavelengths within the visible band. The projector is suspended and conveyed as a unitary assembly by a suspension system adapted to maintain the projectors angular orientation and dynamically stabilize the image. If desired, two or more independently-suspended projection modules or groups of modules adapted to move in unison or independently over the length of the field may be employed.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for supporting, installing, and removing a safety net or other partition in a multiple use facility. The support system is comprised of a number of linear or substantially linear segments that are coupled together in a configuration that approximates the shape of the area being partitioned. The support system may be easily assembled and the safety net or other partition secured thereto. The support system is attached at various points to a lifting system that can lift the support system, and safety net or other partition, into position. Similarly, the support system may be lowered, disassembled, and stored for further use.

Abstract: A sporting apparatus for use in football. The sporting apparatus is a system that measures the manner in which football downs and distance is calculated in football. The system includes two down markers, a ball marker, and a hand held device which are in visual contact with each other through a series of radio wave or light wave communications. The system eliminates the need for the traditional down markers used in today's football games in which distance must be frequently checked manually.

Abstract: A ball game system for training and/or play comprising a one or more playing areas suitably large to accommodate running and jumping players, each playing area including adjacent surface areas forming a court and having distinctly different properties, such as a first surface suitable for bouncing a ball and a second surface comprised of a deformable elastic material. The system includes an automatic ball feeder and sensors for monitoring the positions and trajectories of one or more players and/or balls on the court. Options include visual displays and/or audio outputs reflective of player performance, and payment-driven operation of the system components, including a means for adjusting the degree of rebound provided by the deformable elastic surface(s).

Abstract: An inflatable barrier for simultaneously substantially enclosing several areas comprising an elongated, hollow barrier member formed of connected elements of flexible substantially fluid impervious material joined to form a continuous configuration of sufficient size and shape to simultaneously demark several areas on a substantially flat surface; and a connector to a source of a fluid and for conducting said fluid into the interior of said hollow barrier member to inflate it, said barrier member having at least one interior transverse element and a plurality of end elements for substantially encompassing at least one of the surrounded areas, and said continuous configuration in the inflated condition supported on said substantially flat surface substantially defining a perimeter surrounding said areas. The barrier is capable of holding signage, and includes enclosures for players in an area.

Abstract: A method of playing a game comprises a number of steps. Initially, boundaries of a playing field are marked with the playing field including a plurality of playing zones, with at least one end of the playing field acting as a throwing line. The game is initiated by projecting a first throwing ring from behind the throwing line toward the playing field and into one of the playing zones. A second throwing ring is also projected from behind the throwing line toward the playing field and into one of the playing zones. At least one first ball and at least one second ball are projected from behind a throwing line toward at least one of the first and second throwing rings. Finally, points are assigned based upon the position of the first and second balls in relationship to the first and second throwing rings.

Abstract: An apparatus used to officiate sporting events in which the positioning of the ball on the field by the officials is critical to the play. The apparatus employs a laser beam which is directed by the official parallel to the field of play at a height below the width of the ball. In use, a first official directs the laser beam across the field to a second official who uses the laser beam illumination to properly “spot” the ball. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is mounted onto the shoe of the official; in another, the apparatus is placed on an edge marker.

Abstract: The invention is a projectile plaything, namely a boomerang-like toy that, if properly thrown, will fly in an arcuate path and return to the area of its release. The plaything will be formed to imitate the shape of the United States Air Force B2 Bomber, aka the Stealth Bomber.

Abstract: At least one temporary visible reference line is projected onto a target surface, as for example, an athletic field, by several laser sources. A first laser source emits optical energy—at a wavelength of between 380 nm and 750 nm—along at least a first selectable path upon the target surface so as to form a temporary line thereon. A second laser source disposed at a second elevated, stationary location relative to the target surface different from the first stationary location emits optical energy along at least a second selectable path upon the target surface so as to form a temporary line thereon. In some instances, each laser light source may be capable of traversing the entire width of the target surface, in which case each laser source covers a discrete region.

Abstract: A volleyball practice system that includes a generally rectangular first flexible panel supported from a pair of vertical supports, and at least one connector of adjustable length extending from at least one of the lower opposing corners of the first flexible panel. A second flexible panel that is smaller than the first flexible panel is supported in a generally parallel fashion from the first flexible panel. The first flexible panel extends below the second flexible panel, so that a trough area is created below the lower edge of the volleyball net when at least one of the lower opposing corners is suppported from the vertical supports.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing at least one temporary visible line on a surface within the view of at least one video camera. The system comprises a first laser source disposed at a first elevated, stationary location relative to the surface, and a second laser source disposed at second elevated, stationary location relative to the surface. The output of each laser source is synchronously deflected so as to repetitively sweep each output beam across the same region of the surface and thereby project a visible composite line that is, for example, transverse to the lateral sidelines of an athletic field. A controller comprising a synchronization module synchronizes the sweep frequency rate, at which the beams sweep the surface, to a scan rate of at least one camera arranged to receive an image of the composite temporary line.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a portable field game apparatus and method for playing the game. The apparatus comprises several ropes and spikes to delineate the playing field and a plurality of balls for playing the game.

Abstract: The surface of an athletic field is divided into multiple regions or zones. A first of these zones is served by a first group of laser sources. A second of the zones is served by a second group of laser sources. Each group includes at least two lasers arranged to project visible light onto the field from opposite lateral sides of the field. The output from each group is focused onto the field so as to form a composite line across the field—anywhere within the associated zone. A controller is operative, in response to receipt of a command from either a keyboard terminal or a wireless, hand held user interface device, to select one of the first group of laser sources and the second group of laser sources to project a composite temporary visible line. The zones may be contiguous or may be separated by one or more intermediate zones, with each intermediate zone having its own associated group of laser sources.

Abstract: A tensioned cable and two small nets system used on a tennis court to keep tennis balls that are hit into the tennis net from rolling out into the playing area. The two nets are approximately as long but not as high as the tennis net and are located parallel and on opposite sides of the tennis net. The smaller nets are connected to the cable that surrounds the net posts and the tennis net through the means of four horizontal posts with each pair of horizontal posts being connected by an adjustable metal strap and each pair of horizontal posts used on one net post. The adjustable metal strap joins each pair of horizontal posts at a width just wide enough to make them fit snugly against the sides of the vertical net posts forming a horizontal crossbar on each net post. An adjustable fastener is located on the same end but opposite side of the horizontal posts as the metal strap. The adjustable fastener is tightened to keep the horizontal posts in place temporarily until the cable is tightened.

Abstract: A net support rack assembly comprising two connectors, two longitudinal tubes, four transverse tubes, two elastic cords, two bottom tubes, two first connecting tubes, a second connecting tube, a net, an elastic lock, and two clamping members. Thus, the net is fully stretched and expanded on the two longitudinal tubes by the elastic force of the elastic lock. In addition, each of the two longitudinal tubes, each of the two connectors, each of the two bottom tubes, each of the two first connecting tubes and the second connecting tube are closely combined with each other by the elastic force of the elastic lock.

Abstract: A game court and method for playing a game thereon are disclosed. The game court comprises a playing surface suitably large for running and jumping players, having adjacent surface areas with distinctly different properties. A first area of the playing surface is substantially rigid and resilient, and suitable for bouncing a ball. Optionally, the first area of playing surface comprises a resiliently suspended floor. The second area is a deformable-elastic surface, such as a trampoline surface, that is tuned to greatly increase the heights that players may attain by jumping. The game court is optionally surrounded by a wall comprising at least a portion of the court boundary. A game for playing on the game court is disclosed, comprising a basketball-like game. The game court may also be used for other sports such as gymnastics or exhibition-style wrestling.

Abstract: A game court and method for playing a game thereon are disclosed. The game court comprises a playing surface suitably large for running and jumping players, having adjacent surface areas with distinctly different properties. A first area of the playing surface is substantially rigid and resilient, and suitable for bouncing a ball. Optionally, the first area of playing surface comprises a resiliently suspended floor. The second area is a deformable-elastic surface, such as a trampoline surface, that is tuned to greatly increase the heights that players may attain by jumping. The game court is optionally surrounded by a wall comprising at least a portion of the court boundary. A game for playing on the game court is disclosed, comprising a basketball-like game. The game court may also be used for other sports such as gymnastics or exhibition-style wrestling.

Abstract: A game court and method for playing a game thereon are disclosed. The game court comprises a playing surface suitably large for running and jumping players, having adjacent surface areas with distinctly different properties. A first area of the playing surface is substantially rigid and resilient, and suitable for bouncing a ball. Optionally, the first area of playing surface comprises a resiliently suspended floor. The second area is a deformable-elastic surface, such as a trampoline surface, that is tuned to greatly increase the heights that players may attain by jumping. The game court is optionally surrounded by a wall comprising at least a portion of the court boundary. A game for playing on the game court is disclosed, comprising a basketball-like game. The game court may also be used for other sports such as gymnastics or exhibition-style wrestling.

Abstract: An apparatus is moveable over a surface to affix a line to the surface by discharging fastening elements. Such an apparatus may be useful, for example, in laying tennis lines on a clay tennis court, alleviating the need to secure the lines to the court by hand. The apparatus comprises a frame and/or platform having one or more applicators (e.g., nail guns) to discharge fastening elements (e.g., nails).

Abstract: A device is described which has means to define and maintain different internal states, means to transition at regular or random intervals between those states, means to vary the minimum hold time in each state, means to vary the average time spent in each state, means to vary the order in which the states are visited, and means to externalize and transmit or display the internal state. Subsequently one or more athletes receive this information and react to it as a change in their athletic training or game environment.

Abstract: The unitary structure includes a rear frame member from which oppositely disposed side frame members extend forwardly. Laterally extending forward frame members are provided on the side frame members to define batting boxes for left and right hand batters. A pair of upstanding spaced apart posts are mounted on the rear frame member and include a center line extending forwardly through the strike zone. The guidepost adjacent the batter helps to define a swing path.

Abstract: A game court and method for playing a game thereon are disclosed. The game court comprises a playing surface suitably large for running and jumping players, having adjacent surface areas with distinctly different properties. A first area of the playing surface is substantially rigid and resilient, and suitable for bouncing a ball. Optionally, the first area of playing surface comprises a resiliently suspended floor. The second area is a deformable-elastic surface, such as a trampoline surface, that is tuned to greatly increase the heights that players may attain by jumping. The game court is optionally surrounded by a wall comprising at least a portion of the court boundary. A game for playing on the game court is disclosed, comprising a basketball-like game. The game court may also be used for other sports such as gymnastics or exhibition-style wrestling.

Abstract: A game court and method for playing a game thereon are disclosed. The game court comprises a playing surface suitably large for running and jumping players, having adjacent surface areas with distinctly different properties. A first area of the playing surface is substantially rigid and resilient, and suitable for bouncing a ball. Optionally, the first area of playing surface comprises a resiliently suspended floor. The second area is a deformable-elastic surface, such as a trampoline surface, that is tuned to greatly increase the heights that players may attain by jumping. The game court is optionally surrounded by a wall comprising at least a portion of the court boundary. A game for playing on the game court is disclosed, comprising a basketball-like game. The game court may also be used for other sports such as gymnastics or exhibition-style wrestling.

Abstract: A court for accommodating players in play of a game that employs a ball comprising a floor including a playing surface having ends, goals each supported proximate one of the ends, markings on the playing surface that define fields that govern the play of the game, a spring-loaded bias provided by the floor at each of the fields and padded fields proximate the goals for absorbing player falls.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for identifying the boundaries and indicia of a basketball court or street hockey rink, respectively. In a first embodiment, the measuring apparatus comprises the combination of an elongate measuring strip and the casing for containing the same. The casing is preferably attached to the base of a portable basketball backboard and hoop set such that the measuring strip may be extended therefrom and extended across the playing surface to identify the boundaries and indicia inherent to a conventional basketball court. The second embodiment likewise comprises the combination of an elongate measuring strip and the casing for housing the same, and is designed and configured to identify the boundaries and indicia of a street hockey rink. The casing is preferably formed upon the frame of a conventional street hockey goal net with the measuring strip being extensible therefrom to measure out and identify the placement of the boundaries and indicia inherent to a street hockey rink.

Abstract: A method of identifying perimeter markings for lines on athletic fields involves locating two or more perimeter points on a line of an earthen athletic field comprising a ground surface; drilling a vertical hole in the earth in said points; placing a flexible elongated marking rope with a ground anchor on one end thereof longitudinally into each of the holes so that the ground anchor is in the lower end of the hole, and so that the upper portion of the rope extends from the hole above the ground surface. Loose material, such as loose dirt, is packed into the hole around the rope whereupon the upper portions of the ropes above the ground surface will serve as visible indicators of the location of the points. The rope is a plastic rope of polyethylene or the like which is six to eight inches long. It has a ground anchor on one end.

Abstract: The apparatus a control box for controlling a plurality of basketball backstops, basketball height adjusters and curtains to separate arena courts. The control box includes a numeric or alphanumeric keypad and additional keys for activating control lines which further activate switch means which, in turn, activate power lines for controlling the basketball backstops, basketball height adjusters, curtains and auxiliary gymnasium equipment.

Abstract: An alternative to traditional basketball that enables the audience to enjoy faster action than provided by traditional basketball, and which challenges especially gifted players with a more demanding and rigorous game. The game court is nearly twice as large as a traditional NBA playing court and the hoop is smaller and higher than a standard hoop and is played without a backboard. New rules are provided playing and for scoring wherein there are three point areas under and away from the hoop. The number, positions of the players, and mode of play are different, including the use of a protected goalie with the freedom to move without dribbling the ball, a running substitution box, and rules wherein the location of the ball, not the player, determines if play is live or dead.

Abstract: A game for play between opposing teams on a field involves a resilient ring that is thrown by a team member to be caught by another member of the same team. The field is marked to display a rectangular playing area having a midfield location and scoring or URT areas extending across opposing ends of the playing area. Supplemental scoring or PAU areas are marked by fiat rings situated a predetermined distance beyond the ends of the playing area. Scoring occurs when a player on offense catches the resilient ring within the defense URT area. Supplemental scoring occurs when the player on the offense throws the ring from the defense URT area to come to rest in the defense PAU area.

Abstract: A game court and method for playing a game thereon are disclosed. The game court comprises a playing surface suitably large for running and jumping players, having adjacent surface areas with distinctly different properties. A first area of the playing surface is substantially rigid and resilient, and suitable for bouncing a ball. Optionally, the first area of playing surface comprises a resiliently suspended floor. The second area is a deformable-elastic surface, such as a trampoline surface, that is tuned to greatly increase the heights that players may attain by jumping. The game court is optionally surrounded by a wall comprising at least a portion of the court boundary. A game for playing on the game court is disclosed, comprising a basketball-like game. The game court may also be used for other sports such as gymnastics or exhibition-style wrestling.

Abstract: A device and method to quickly and easily layout various features of a basketball court, including the key area, free throw line, jump circle and three point line, in relation to the location of the backboard, including two cord-like members interconnected by a ring-like member having additional ring-like members at each end of the cord-like members. The cord-like members are flexible, facilitating easy transport and storage of the device, and inextensible. The various ring-like members can be colored or otherwise made to be distinguishable from each other to simplify the process of laying out the various basketball court features. A pivot tool is also provided to facilitate the user's use of the device. Additional cord-like and ring-like members can be provided to assist locating and designating the end and side lines.

Abstract: A method and playing field for a competitive paintball game that increases the amount of action occurring during the game period. The playing surface for the paintball competition includes a pair of goals located near opposite end lines of the playing surface, each of which is defended by an opposing team. The playing surface is divided into a plurality of individual zones and includes a series of field bunkers positioned along the playing surface. The paintball competition is played for a predetermined game time divided into separate periods. During each period, each of the opposing teams attempts to carry their flag through the opposing team's goal before being shot by a paintball from the opposing team. When one of the paintball teams scores, points are awarded to the scoring team based upon the position of the opposing team's flag at the time the goal was scored by the scoring team. The flag may be passed between members of each team during the game play.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting a tennis net of the kind that is supported by a cable or the like stretched between two supporting points, the apparatus comprising a tightening mechanism for adjusting the tension on the cable, and a tension indicator for sensing and giving an indication of the tension on the cable.