Did You Know...
...that the Eveready Battery began as an invention called the "electric flowerpot," which was a tube with a battery and light bulb inside? The idea was to fasten this gizmo to the side of a flowerpot so it would illuminate the flowers from the bottom. The idea died on the vine and the businessman who licensed the flower pot, Conrad Huber, was left with a pile of useless tubes -- until he found a way to market them as batteries to light the world!
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| Number | Title | Issue Date |
| 8162781 | Training apparatus, glove and method for promoting basketball shooting skills A system and training method adapted to assist an individual in improving his or her basketball shooting skills and accuracy. The system includes an apparatus and glove that can be used independently or together. The apparatus is adapted for mounting to a basketball... | 04/24/2012 |
| 7427244 | Basketball training device A basketball training device adapted to be detachably mounted directly on a basketball goal to provide a target at which the player aims and strikes with the basketball in order to improve the form and accuracy of the player's shooting. The device comprises a base w... | 09/23/2008 |
| 7335136 | Training device for swimmers A training device for use in a pool having a lane guide. The training device comprises a base member shaped to cooperate with at least a portion of the lane guide, an elongated member adapted to pivot relative to the base member, and a resilient member coupling the ... | 02/26/2008 |
| 7311618 | Basketball rebound training apparatus The present invention is a basketball rebound training apparatus including a rebound unit and an installation tool. The rebound unit includes a dome portion as well as a rim mount structure including a rim catch tab and a latch mechanism. The dome portion is shaped ... | 12/25/2007 |
| 7300365 | Assembly for training hand/eye coordination An assembly for training the hand/eye coordination of an individual. The assembly comprises an unobstructed region where an individual maneuvers a training member through the unobstructed region. ... | 11/27/2007 |
| 7247105 | Convertible game apparatus A reconfigurable multi-sport, game apparatus is disclosed. The reconfigurable multi-sport, game apparatus includes multiple, separate target portions and a ball return portion. The multi-sport, game apparatus a basketball basket, a first target portion configured to... | 07/24/2007 |
| 7229367 | Quick connect basketball practice device A basketball practice device is for use with a basketball rim having a diameter. The practice device includes an annular body, the body having a diameter substantially lesser than the rim diameter, and at least one and preferably a plurality of supports. Each suppor... | 06/12/2007 |
| 7223186 | Apparatus, assemblies and methods for training athletes An athletic training assembly and methods suitable for use in training basketball players. The training assembly allows a ball to be suspended at a selectable height by a suspension member that is attached to a spring loaded reel. The spring loaded reel urges the ba... | 05/29/2007 |
| 7214147 | Batting training apparatus A practice batting training apparatus is disclosed, which can accurately and consistently deliver balls to a desired location at a desired speed. The apparatus includes a base with a removable a post, and at least one feeder hingedly attached to the post for deliver... | 05/08/2007 |
| 7201676 | Game apparatus A sports-themed game apparatus convertible from a storage configuration to a deployed configuration, and vice versa is disclosed. The sports-themed game apparatus includes a rim and a defense mechanism operable to move from a first position in which the defense mech... | 04/10/2007 |
| 7175549 | Basketball training method to improve jump shooting A basketball training aid and method requires a player to jump to sufficient height to see a basket over a curtain, and to shoot over the curtain. The training aid comprises an easily adjustable stand for positioning the curtain. The curtain blocks the player's view... | 02/13/2007 |
| 7147579 | Pass rush trainer A pass rush trainer has a rigid base that is height adjustable. Two coil torsion springs are mounted on the base and extend upwardly therefrom. At their upper extents, the springs are coupled to a frame including two outwardly extending arms which support the arms o... | 12/12/2006 |
| 7134977 | Sports training target system A sports training target system is disclosed. The system includes a target anchor having a support post that includes a slight angle in the forward direction. The system includes a target section having at least one target arm which is rotatably secured to the ancho... | 11/14/2006 |
| 7094164 | Trajectory detection and feedback system A trajectory detection and feedback system is described. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving objects in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each object and providing immediate feedback information to a human that has launched tile object into fl... | 08/22/2006 |
| 7090598 | Basketball training device A basketball training apparatus for use with a basketball goal is secured to a backboard, the apparatus including a blocking element secured to the backboard. In an embodiment, the blocking element is a generally planar ledge secured to the backboard at a height sub... | 08/15/2006 |
| 7090596 | Sport training and game device A device is disclosed which includes a base and a pair of substantially vertical members supported by the base. A horizontal member extends substantially horizontally between the vertical members. A first mechanism selectively adjusts the vertical position of the ho... | 08/15/2006 |
| 7077766 | Basketball training device Basketball training apparatus uses a first vertical support member having a lower end adapted to rest on a supporting surface. An elongated guide rod extends in longitudinal direction. An adjustable wrist support is adapted for manual engagement and disengagement of... | 07/18/2006 |
| 7066848 | Goaltender training appliance A training appliance for a goaltender is used in training goaltenders in a sport of the type having a goal including two, spaced apart upright posts and a crossbar joining the posts to define a goal mouth, foe example ice hockey. The appliance includes a band of sti... | 06/27/2006 |
| 7056237 | Portable basketball rebound apparatus and method A portable basketball practice system or apparatus and method are shown having a plurality of pads situated on a plurality of adjustable arms that provide a toggle assembly, respectively. A position of the pads can be adjusted relative to a box-out area and can be e... | 06/06/2006 |
| 6976927 | Basketball training device A basketball training device can create a mental “target” when shooting a basketball. The device includes an annular shaped member that can be removably attached on top of a rim of a regulation basketball hoop. The annular shaped member includes a flange portion... | 12/20/2005 |
| 6949034 | Basketball shooting trainer and method An apparatus is used to implement a method for training a person to accomplish a basketball shot. A lower body positioning member is located in front of a leg area of the person when that person is in a position to attempt the shot. When the person so attempts the s... | 09/27/2005 |
| 6932723 | Basketball shooting accuracy aid A basketball shooting accuracy aid includes a loop member including a top edge, a bottom edge and a peripheral wall extending between the top and bottom edges. The peripheral wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The loop member has circular shape. An inne... | 08/23/2005 |
| 6929569 | Foldable basketball game assembly A foldable basketball game assembly includes a base, an extendable upright frame connected to an end of the base and an extendable end frame connected to the other end of the base. A board is connected to the upper section of the upright frame and a sound producing ... | 08/16/2005 |
| 6913551 | Basketball training aid An improved basketball training aid comprising a barrier over which a basketball shot must be lofted in order to pass through the basketball goal. The basketball training aid is intended for attachment to a basketball backboard and basketball goal. The basketball tr... | 07/05/2005 |
| 6881161 | Basketball training apparatus A basketball training apparatus for improving shooting skills and accuracy on all playing levels. The basketball training apparatus is adapted for use with a basketball rim placed above a playing surface, and comprises a base on the playing surface beneath the baske... | 04/19/2005 |
| 6843738 | Sharp shooter basketball apparatus A basketball apparatus is provided that teaches basketball players to make the perfect basketball shot when shooting backboard shots from any location on the basketball court. The basketball apparatus consists of a backboard, a basketball hoop, a supporting bracket ... | 01/18/2005 |
| 6544132 | Basketball practice system A basketball practice system for providing a portable assembly positionable between the shooter and the basketball hoop for teaching proper arcing when shooting a basketball. The basketball practice system includes a base assembly, a support assembly, and... | 04/08/2003 |
| 6312349 | Sports training device A training aid and method for basketball and other sports having a large hoop or "halo" supported on a vertical post for adjustment. The vertical post is mounted on a T-shaped base which supports the large hoop in such a way that a player can take shots t... | 11/06/2001 |
| 6264572 | Sports equipment Equipment for use in training penalty taking. The equipment for use with a goal comprising goal posts and a cross bar defining a goal area. The goal area is partially occluded by a transparent or translucent barrier the areas harder to reach by a goalkeep... | 07/24/2001 |
| 5842699 | Basketball game apparatus A collapsible playing section is removably attached to a player console and include casters as a stand alone amusement unit. A background includes three vertically aligned hoops, the medially one being rotated in a plane periodically out of alignment with... | 12/01/1998 |
| 5833556 | Game for perfecting basketball arc The game for perfecting the arc of a basketball as it travels toward a hoop includes a vertically oriented ring which is positioned a predetermined height above and distance away from the basketball, the ring defining a target area through which the baske... | 11/10/1998 |
| 5827136 | Basketball backboard and hoop assembly including an enlarged secondary training rim A children's basketball backboard and hoop assembly includes a backboard, and a hoop having a rim which is pivotably attached to the backboard, and a net attached to the rim. The assembly further includes an enlarged secondary training rim pivotably attac... | 10/27/1998 |
| 5823896 | Basketball device A basketball device for improving a player's shooting accuracy and concentration. The device comprises a removable rim that is placed over a regulation rim to decrease the inside diameter of the regulation rim. The device can easily be installed and remov... | 10/20/1998 |
| 5813926 | Method and means for practicing free throws A basketball free throw training apparatus has a frame having a top horizontal bar. The horizontal bar is adjustably mounted for vertical positioning on the frame, so that the bar can be raised in a horizontal position with respect to the frame and with r... | 09/29/1998 |
| 5803837 | Basketball practice device A basketball practice device wherein an auxiliary target ring or hoop is supported above a standard horizontal basketball hoop or ring in a plane that is disposed at an acute angle from the plane of the supporting ring. A curved basketball guide chute dep... | 09/08/1998 |
| 5738600 | Basketball shooting improvement apparatus A basketball shooting improvement apparatus includes a base member which includes a front side, a rear side, and two transverse sides extending between the front side and the rear side. The base member is oriented in a first plane, and hook members are co... | 04/14/1998 |
| 5642879 | Sports practice apparatus Two net support assemblies each comprise a sleeve and a telescoping member configured to slidingly fit within the sleeve. A net is configured to be stretched between the net support assemblies. The sleeves are each separably attachable to a plate such tha... | 07/01/1997 |
| 5599016 | Muscle-memory method and basketball training aid A muscle memory basketball training aid and method is provided. The training aid includes a pair of base assemblies and a rectangular frame detachably coupled to the base assemblies. The frame includes a pair of shooting bars and a pair of end bars detach... | 02/04/1997 |
| 5558323 | Basketball practice device A basketball practice device wherein an auxiliary target ring is supported above a standard horizontal basketball hoop or ring in a plane that is disposed at an acute angle from the plane of the supporting ring. An adjustment mechanism as provided for sel... | 09/24/1996 |
| 5527185 | Athletic training device An athletic training device comprising a base, an upright supported by the base, and a planar training shape simulative of a human athlete, including head, torso, arms and legs, mounted on said upright. The vertical height of the training shape is adjusta... | 06/18/1996 |
