A retractable sports goal includes a base housing and a goal frame. The housing includes first and second post sections and a crossbar housing section. The goal frame includes first and second goal posts and a crossbar. The goal frame has a playing position and a retracted position. In the playing position the crossbar is extended vertically away from the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively extended from the first and second goal post housing sections. In the retracted position the crossbar is disposed in the crossbar housing section and the first and second goal posts are respectively disposed in the first and second goal post housing sections. A cover plate includes portions that surround the goal posts. Wheels may be attached to the bottom portions of the goal posts. A counter-weight may be provided to bias the goal frame towards the playing position.

A simple and convenient multiuse use golf tool enables several valuable functions using an elongated ground stake that is slidably received into an elongated u-channel member. In this way, the ground stake may be held within the u-channel when not in use, for example during transport, and may be removed for use. In a first use, the ground stake has a divot repair tool at one end, and may be extended such that the u-channel and the ground stake cooperate as an extended lever to assist in easy divot repair. In the second use, the ground stake has a golf ball channel, and when the ground stake is placed on the ground, the golf ball channel may assist the golfer in achieving a consistent putt swing. In third use, the u-channel has a void in its base for perpendicularly receiving the ground stake. In this way, the golfer is enabled to practice proper position relative to a pin. In a forth use, the ground stake is made from a magnetic metal, or coated with a magnetic surface, such that a magnet attached to a phone or camera allows easy positioning of a camera relative to the golfer.

A method for the continuous ranking of a competitor during a race of a slalom skiing type sports discipline includes the following iterative steps: a step of measuring the variation in the lateral angle of the gliding board about a predefined axis, a step of detecting the moment when the angle passes through a predefined value, a step of recording the competitor's run time corresponding to the detected moment, a step of comparing the stored run time with those of the preceding competitors for the corresponding detected moment, and a step of ranking the competitor with respect to the preceding competitors as a function of the run time of each competitor. A ranking system implements the method.

A method for the continuous ranking of a competitor during a race of a slalom skiing type sports discipline includes the following iterative steps: a step of measuring the variation in the lateral angle of the gliding board about a predefined axis, a step of detecting the moment when the angle passes through a predefined value, a step of recording the competitor's run time corresponding to the detected moment, a step of comparing the stored run time with those of the preceding competitors for the corresponding detected moment, and a step of ranking the competitor with respect to the preceding competitors as a function of the run time of each competitor. A ranking system implements the method.

An exercise device consisting of a housing having a rope extending therethrough and wherein the rope is wound about a spool mounted on a driveshaft driven in a forward direction by a motor. The spool includes a one-way clutch for engaging the driveshaft in the forward direction and freely rotating on the driveshaft in the reverse direction. A recoil mechanism is coupled to the spool to rotate the spool in the reverse direction and rewind the rope.

An exercise device consisting of a housing having a rope extending therethrough and wherein the rope is wound about a spool mounted on a driveshaft driven in a forward direction by a motor. The spool includes a one-way clutch for engaging the driveshaft in the forward direction and freely rotating on the driveshaft in the reverse direction. A recoil mechanism is coupled to the spool to rotate the spool in the reverse direction and rewind the rope.

A portable pitching mound with a plurality of mound sections. The plurality of mound sections are assembled by inserting a lower edge of one mound section into a receiving slot of another mound section. The configuration of the receiving slot forms an opening larger than the lower edge of the mound section to be received therein. The larger size of the opening allows the lower edge to be positioned anywhere above the opening of the receiving slot and upon lowering the weight of the mound section and gravity causes the lower edge to slide downwards and towards the adjoining mound section. Assembly does not require any tools or connection members such as screws, bolts, clamps, clasps, pins, adherent or adhesive surfaces, or the like.

A portable pitching mound with a plurality of mound sections. The plurality of mound sections are assembled by inserting a lower edge of one mound section into a receiving slot of another mound section. The configuration of the receiving slot forms an opening larger than the lower edge of the mound section to be received therein. The larger size of the opening allows the lower edge to be positioned anywhere above the opening of the receiving slot and upon lowering the weight of the mound section and gravity causes the lower edge to slide downwards and towards the adjoining mound section. Assembly does not require any tools or connection members such as screws, bolts, clamps, clasps, pins, adherent or adhesive surfaces, or the like.

A bucket caddy stably holds a bucket or container above a horizontal support surface or ground for easier access to the contents of the bucket or container. The bucket caddy has a retainer with slots into which at least three legs are movably joined. The legs each have a shelf surface and a hook (U-shaped or crimped) or upstanding wall disposed at their proximal ends. When splayed apart, the shelf surfaces point radially inwardly toward the retainer with their top surfaces in a common plane onto which the bottom of the bucket may be positioned. The hooks receive straps or elastic bands, each of which has a fastener at its opposite end adapted to join a portion of a rim of the bucket. Length-adjustable means are associated with straps that are not elastic. Alternatively, belts or screws provide three point connection between the legs and the sidewall of the bucket. After the bucket or container is separated from the caddy, the legs rotate so that their central axes are parallel or substantially parallel to one another in a storage configuration. A hook and loop fastener tape wraps around the legs in the storage configuration.

A fitness device contains a strap, a handle, and a plate. The strap is substantially inelastic and flexible. The plate is substantially rigid. The handle at least partially envelopes the strap. A method of exercising with such a fitness device is also described herein. Other fitness devices and other methods of use are also described herein.