A bowling-ball cleaning pad that removes residue from a bowling ball includes a first debris-collecting layer, a second debris-collecting layer, and at least one liquid-absorbing layer. The at least one liquid-absorbing layer is sandwiched in between the first debris-collecting layer and the second debris-collecting layer. The first debris-collecting layer, the second debris-collecting layer, and the at least one liquid-absorbing layer are coextensive with each other. The first debris-collecting layer and the second debris-collecting layer are perimetrically connected to each other. Depending upon different embodiment of the bowling-ball cleaning pad, the at least one liquid-absorbing layer can absorb only oil, only water, or water and oil.

A ball, sphere or article holding system includes a first hollow semi-hemisphere or shell formed of a resilient material and having therein a plurality of apertures, the semi-hemisphere or shell including a first hinge element and, diametrically opposed, a first selectable closure element. The system also includes a second hollow semi-hemisphere or shell formed of a resilient material and also having a plurality of apertures, the second semi-hemisphere or shell including a second hinge element which is complementally proportioned, disposed and engagable relative to the first hinge element. Diametrically opposed therefrom is a second closure element which is complementally and press or snap-fittably engagable by the opposing closure element of the first semi-hemisphere or shell. Closure between the responsive closure elements may be enhanced by the use of a ring slip-fittably passing between complementally disposed apertures within and between the closure elements. The surface of an article held within the system is offset from interior surfaces of the semi-hemispheres or shells by nubs, stubs of the like. Articles held within the sphere may include bells and treats for pets.

A label includes a body including a front surface configured to display graphics with the label attached to the sports netting and a rear surface including a central adhesive region, a plurality of tabs extending radially outward from the body, and a plurality of foldable regions wherein each of the plurality of tabs is connected to the body by one of the plurality of foldable regions, respectively. Each of the plurality of tabs have a rear surface including a second adhesive region, respectively. Each of the plurality of foldable regions includes an adhesive-free rear surface configured to contact the sports netting with the label securely attached to the sports netting. The central adhesive region and each of the respective second adhesive regions are sized and located such that contact is absent between the adhesive regions and the sports netting with the label securely attached to the sports netting.

A basketball net includes a multi-layer cord including each of an outer layer formed of a first antimicrobial, moisture wicking fiber and an inner layer including a second antimicrobial, moisture wicking fiber. The outer layer is woven from a first antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn to form a wall that defines a central opening, and at least one cord is located within the central opening, the at least one cord formed by a second antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn. The at least one cord includes a plurality of cords including a first cord formed by the second antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn and a second cord including a third antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn. The plurality of cords includes: the first cord; the second cord including the third antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn and at least one monofiber yarn; and a third cord formed by a plurality of monofiber yarns.

An apparatus has a golf ball holder including a receiver assembly having a resilient wall. The resilient wall is configured to: (A) form a stressed shape in response to the application of a stressing force to the resilient wall of the receiver assembly, and in the stressed shape, a golf ball is releasable from the receiver assembly; and (B) form an unstressed shape in response to the removal of the stressing force from the resilient wall of the receiver assembly, and in the unstressed shape, the receiver assembly is ready to receive and to hold the golf ball.

Systems and apparatus for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) golf ball testing include, in at least one aspect, an apparatus including: one or more RFID readers having associated read zones; a star wheel unit defining cavities to receive golf balls; golf ball sensors including at least one sensor for each respective path through the read zones; kickers including at least one kicker positioned after each respective path through the read zones and arranged to change a golf ball's direction of travel when the at least one kicker is activated; and a controller coupled with the kickers, the golf ball sensors, and the one or more RFID readers, wherein the controller is configured to activate any of the kickers responsive to the one or more RFID readers inadequately reading an RFID tag in a golf ball detected by the at least one sensor for that kicker's associated path through a read zone.

Systems and apparatus for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) golf ball testing include, in at least one aspect, an apparatus including: one or more RFID readers having associated read zones; a star wheel unit defining cavities to receive golf balls; golf ball sensors including at least one sensor for each respective path through the read zones; kickers including at least one kicker positioned after each respective path through the read zones and arranged to change a golf ball's direction of travel when the at least one kicker is activated; and a controller coupled with the kickers, the golf ball sensors, and the one or more RFID readers, wherein the controller is configured to activate any of the kickers responsive to the one or more RFID readers inadequately reading an RFID tag in a golf ball detected by the at least one sensor for that kicker's associated path through a read zone.

A training device for ball sports comprises a launching structure comprising an aperture sized and shaped to allow balls to pass linearly through the aperture along the central axis of the aperture, and a launching means configured to contact a ball within the aperture at a plurality of contact locations spaced around the surface of the ball, and to drive the ball through the aperture, and; a supporting means configured to support the launching structure above a surface; the launching structure and supporting means configured such that in use the launching structure can be rotated about the central axis to alter the position of the contact locations.

A training device for ball sports comprises a launching structure comprising an aperture sized and shaped to allow balls to pass linearly through the aperture along the central axis of the aperture, and a launching means configured to contact a ball within the aperture at a plurality of contact locations spaced around the surface of the ball, and to drive the ball through the aperture, and; a supporting means configured to support the launching structure above a surface; the launching structure and supporting means configured such that in use the launching structure can be rotated about the central axis to alter the position of the contact locations.

A device, method and kit for replacing the lid and brush assembly of a conventional golf ball washer to easily convert it to an eco-friendly item washing device is provided. The invention involves a top having an insert sized to fit on top of the head of the conventional golf ball washer and having a pump assembly releasably secured thereon. The lid/brush assembly of the conventional washer is removed and the contaminated water of the head is drained and a cleaning solution is poured therein. The invention is then positioned on top of the head and releasably secured thereon. The invention includes a nest to receive a dirty golf ball therein. When placed in the nest, the user activates a pump to dispense the cleaning solution directly onto the ball or other golf item, in a limited delivery of cleaning solution to the dirty item to reduce waste.