Golf Like Game With Multiple Projectiles

Abstract

An equipment set and golf game are provided. The equipment set includes at least one golf club and a plurality of balls. The balls are designed to travel differing distances or be putted. Thus, each shot includes a ball selection and, in some cases, a club selection.

Description

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/359,331, filed Feb. 5, 2003, titled PRACTICE SPORT PROJECTILE HAVING A THROUGH HOLE, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/359,415 filed Feb. 23, 2002 entitled AERODYNAMIC PROJECTILE WITH THROUGH HOLE, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of sport games, and more particularly, to a golf like game having multiple projectiles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf is a very popular sport. Traditionally, the game of golf consists of playing 18 holes using a predefined set of golf clubs and a golf ball. Generally, all golf balls are designed aerodynamically to facilitate the ball's flight down each fairway. Moreover, because the same golf ball must be used from the tee shot to the putt, traditional golf balls are designed round to facilitate travel over the ground for putting.

Because regulations require the using the same ball from the tee to the hole, golf clubs are designed to provide particular loft, spin, and the like to a golf ball to cause the golf ball to travel towards the golf hole. The lower clubs, both irons and woods, are designed with flatter strike surfaces to cause the golf ball to travel further in the air and reduced backspin, which allows the ball to roll more after striking the ground. The higher clubs are designed with more pitch at the strike surface to cause the ball to travel shorter distances and with increased backspin. Drivers and woods tend to propel a golf ball several hundred yards in distance, which similarly long fades and draws whether desired or not. Longer irons also tend to provide long distance and roll after the golf ball strikes the ground. Shorter irons and some woods tend to provide more loft and backspin causing the golf ball to travel a shorter distance. Moreover, the backspin tends to cause the ball to have less roll.

Gold clubs and balls today are consistently being designed so hitting a golf ball with a golf club causes the golf ball to travel further and further. However, the length of a golf course is becoming an increasingly inhibiting feature. Moreover, owning multiple clubs is expensive and carrying multiple clubs over the increasingly long distances associated with golf courses has become more and more of a burden. Additionally, the sheer length of today's golf courses adds to the amount of time required to play a round of golf.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a golf like game that would reduce the distance required for a golf course, reduce the amount of clubs required to play a round of golf, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application provides an improved golf game comprising multiple projectiles. The improved golf game includes a golf equipment set to play golf. The set comprising includes at least one golf club and a plurality of different golf balls, each of the plurality of different golf balls designed to travel a predetermined range, wherein at least one of the different golf balls is designed to travel a distance less than the other golf balls. The one golf ball comprises at least one linear through hole. The golf balls have a strike surface on the plurality of different golf balls, wherein the for the at least one golf ball having at least one linear through hole, the at least one strike surface is substantially parallel the axis of the through hole and perpendicular an axis of rotation, such that striking the strike surface induces the at least one golf ball to rotate when struck through a more aerodynamic phase and a less aerodynamic phase, wherein at least two of the plurality of different golf balls are used from a golf tee to a golf hole

Various features, utilities and advantages of a golf like game, in accordance with the invention, will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present invention will be apparent upon considering the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B provide top perspective views of non-standard spherically-shaped golf balls, in accordance with the present invention, wherein each of the two non-standard golf balls includes a relatively large diameter, center-located, circular-cylinder through hole in accordance with the invention, and wherein the two non-standard golf balls are provided with different external texturing.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C provide a number of side views of different types of non-standard golf ball, in accordance with the present invention, wherein the axis of the through holes that are provided within the non-standard golf ball extend in a horizontal direction in the figures.

FIG. 2A provides a side view of six different size non-standard golf balls having a circular-cylinder external surface and a relatively small-size center-located through hole.

FIG. 2B provides a side view of five different size non-standard golf balls having a radiused external surface and a relatively small center-located through hole.

FIG. 2C provides a top view of four different size-non-standard golf balls having a spherical external surface and a relatively small size center-located through hole.

FIGS. 3A-3F show five sequential views that depict the striking of a non-standard golf ball of the type shown in FIG. 1 and the subsequent flight of the non-standard golf ball.

FIG. 3A shows the non-standard golf ball sitting on the ground with the axis of its through hole facing upward as the head of a golf club is about to strike the non-standard golf ball.

FIG. 3B shows the compression of the non-standard golf ball as the club's head strikes the non-standard golf ball.

FIG. 3C shows the non-standard golf ball as it begins its flight and as the non-standard golf ball begins to spin in a counterclockwise direction due to the force applied thereto by the club's head.

FIG. 3D shows the continued flight and spinning of a non-standard golf ball.

FIG. 3E shows the least-aerodynamic position of the spinning non-standard golf ball during its flight through the air.

FIG. 3F shows the most-aerodynamic position of the spinning non-standard golf ball during its flight through the air.

FIG. 4A shows a non-standard golf ball as shown in FIG. 2B as it sits on the ground with its through hole facing upward, and as the non-standard golf ball awaits the arrival of the head of a golf club.

FIG. 4B shows a non-standard golf ball as shown in FIG. 2B as it sits on a tee with its through hole facing up, as the non-standard golf ball awaits the arrival of the head of a golf club.

FIG. 5A is a side cross-section view of a non-standard golf ball of type shown in FIG. 2A wherein the non-standard golf ball includes six center-located and parallel through holes, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the non-standard golf ball of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a side cross section view of a non-standard golf ball of type shown in FIG. 2B wherein the non-standard golf ball includes six center-located and parallel through holes, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6B is a top view of the non-standard golf ball of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a side cross section view of a non-standard golf ball of type shown in FIG. 2C wherein the non-standard golf ball includes six center-located and parallel through holes, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the non-standard golf ball of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a cross section view of a non-standard golf ball as shown in FIG. 2A having a cylinder through hole.

FIG. 8B is a cross section view of a non-standard golf ball as shown in FIG. 2B having a through hole whose diameter is greater at the center of the through hole than it is at the two ends of the through hole.

FIG. 8C is a cross section view of a non-standard golf ball as shown in FIG. 2C having a through hole whose diameter is smaller at the center of the through hole than it is at the two ends of the through hole.

FIG. 9A is a cross section view of a non-standard golf ball of the type shown in FIG. 2A wherein the non-standard golf ball includes a cylinder insert that is made of spring steel or of a high modulus polymer, the axis of this internal cylindrical member being coincident with the axis of the non-standard golf ball's through hole.

FIG. 9B is a cross section view of a non-standard golf ball of the type shown in FIG. 2B wherein the non-standard golf ball includes a circular-cylinder insert that is made of spring steel or of a high modulus polymer, the axis of this internal cylindrical member being coincident with the axis of the non-standard golf ball's through hole.

FIG. 9C is a cross section view of a non-standard golf ball of the type shown in FIG. 2C wherein the non-standard golf ball includes a circular-cylinder insert that is made of spring steel or of a high modulus polymer, the axis of this internal cylindrical member being coincident with the axis of the non-standard golf ball's through hole.

FIGS. 10A to 10C show an alternative hitting surface in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a cross sectional view of a non-standard golf ball with an obstruction in the through hole.

FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of playing a conventional golf game.

FIG. 13 shows a flow chart of playing a golf game with a golf equipment set in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description relates to non-limiting embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the present invention provides a non-standard golf ball that is in the form of a three-dimensional, rigid polymer, ball-shaped or spherical-shaped body 10 having an annular void, through hole or opening 11 that extends entirely through the center body 10. In the embodiment of the invention that is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B through hole 11 has a circular cross section and the linear central axis of the through hole 11 passes through the geometric center of body 10. As will be apparent, such a non-standard sport projectile 10 can have an external spherical shape or it may have a number of external tubular, cylindrical, spheroid shapes or the like. Generally, the non-standard sport projectile 10 works better with radiused sidewalls. However, any ball or sports projectile that when struck can have top spin or back spin in flight as a desired result. FIGS. 2A-2C shows other shapes of non-standard or practice sport projectiles, in accordance with the invention, that have different external shapes. FIG. 2A provides a top view of six different size non-standard golf balls 12, each of which has a flat top surface 13, a flat bottom surface 14 that is generally parallel to top surface 13, a circular-cylinder side surface 15 and a circular-cylinder through hole 16 that extends through non-standard golf ball 12 from its top surface 13 to its bottom surface 14. The linear central axis of non-standard golf ball 12 extends perpendicular to top surface 13 and bottom surface 14, the geometric center of non-standard golf ball 12 lies on this center axis, and the linear axis of through hole 16 is coincident with this center axis.

FIG. 2B provides a top view of five different size non-standard golf balls 15 having a somewhat flattened top surface 17, a somewhat flattened bottom surface 18 that is generally parallel to top surface 17, a slightly convex-curved side surface 19, and a circular-cylinder through hole 20. The linear central axis of non-standard golf ball 15 extends perpendicular to top surface 17 and bottom surface 18, the geometric center of non-standard golf ball 15 lies on this center axis, and the linear axis of through hole 20 is coincident with this center axis.

FIG. 2C provides a top view of four different size non-standard golf balls 21 having a somewhat flattened top surface 22, a somewhat flattened bottom surface 23 that is generally parallel to top surface 22, a spherically-curved side surfaces 24, and a circular-cylinder through hole 25. The linear central axis of non-standard golf ball 21 extends perpendicular to top surface 22 and bottom surface 23, the geometric center of non-standard golf ball 21 lies on this center axis, and the linear axis of through hole 25 is coincident with this center axis.

Side surfaces having other shapes will satisfy the spirit and scope of the invention, for example elliptical shapes, hour-glass shapes, etc. Further, while the above embodiments are shown having circular-cylinder through holes, other shapes for through holes are possible, such as square, rectangular, elliptical, triangular, etc.

Also, while three dimensional polymeric bodies such as shown in FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2C closely match the look-and-feel of a standard golf ball, materials other than polymers can be substituted to make non-standard sports projectiles in accordance with the invention. For example, in the manufacture of non-standard sport projectiles spring steel can be used to make non-standard golf ball type projectiles, etc.

The body of a non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, is formed of a material that is strong enough to absorb the propelling force that is applied thereto when the non-standard sports projectile is stuck, such that the non-standard sports projectile does not break or shatter as a result of this striking force. Moreover, the modulus of elasticity should be chosen depending on the characteristics of flight desired. For example, spongy matter may be used for non-standard golf balls designed to travel less distance and more resilient materials may be used for more distance. In other words, a low modulus of elasticity or rebound characteristic polymer may be used for short distance travel balls, a medium modulus of elasticity or rebound characteristic polymer may be used for medium travel balls, and a high modulus of elasticity or rebound characteristic polymer or rebound characteristic polymer for long travel balls. For example, depending on the polymer, the flexural or tensile modules could be for the following distances: low of 50,000-150,000, medium of 150,000-300,000, and high of 300,000-600,000.

Table 1 shows some sample materials, but others are possible.

				Nylon	Nylon	Nylon			Poly-	Polycarbonate
Property	Units	ABS	Noryl	MD	NSM	GSM	HDPE	UHMW	propylene	aka Lexan
Elongation	%	20	30	50	20	50	55	325	—	100
at Break
(73° F.)
Tensile	PSI	320K	350K	400K	410K	400K	170K	90K	190K	320K
Modulus
of
Elasticity
(73° F.)
Flexural	PSI	330K	360K	400K	475K	400K	200K	110K	180K	375K
Modulus
of
Elasticity
(73° F.)

As described above, non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with the invention, include an annular (or ring shape) void or through hole that penetrates completely through the non-standard sport projectile. This annular void creates a surface-opening at two opposite surfaces of the non-standard sport projectile, for example an opening at both the “top” and an opening at the “bottom” of the non-standard sport projectile. While shown above as generally equal size opening in the top and bottom of the non-standard sport projectile, the openings can have different sizes.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, this annular void or through hole 26 can be circular or non-circular in cross sectional shape, having straight walls that run the length of through hole 26 as is shown in FIG. 8A, having walls that taper inward to provide a narrow opening at the center or middle of through hole 26 as is shown in FIG. 8C, or having walls that taper outward to provide a wider area or flare at the center or middle of through hole 26 as is shown in FIG. 8B. In each case, the central axis 27 of through hole 26 extends through the geometric center 28 of the non-standard sport projectile. As one of skill in the art would recognize on reading the disclosure, the through hole is not necessarily aligned with the center axis, but it is believed the simulation to a standard projectile is closer with the through hole aligned with the center.

The most non-aerodynamic flight of a non-standard golf ball 30 that is constructed and arranged, in accordance with the invention, is shown in FIG. 3E wherein the direction of the non-standard golf-ball's spin is shown by arrow 31 and wherein the axis 33 of the non-standard golf ball's through hole is aligned with the direction of flight shown by arrow 32. In this attitude of non-standard golf-ball 30, air flows through the non-standard golf ball's through hole. The most aerodynamic flight of non-standard golf ball 30 is shown in FIG. 3F wherein the axis 33 of the non-standard golf ball's through hole extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of flight 32. In this attitude of non-standard golf ball 30 little or no air flows through the non-standard golf ball's through hole.

As will be appreciated, due to the continuous spinning of non-standard golf ball 30, the two conditions that are shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F repeat as non-standard golf ball 30 flies through the air. This oscillation between an air foil shape and an air brake shape makes a very distinct “turbine” or whirring sound. The oscillation can be as fast as about 10,000 revolutions per minute.

A narrowing of the non-standard sport projectile's through hole 28 as shown in FIG. 8C, or a flaring of through hole 26 as shown in FIG. 8B, either restricts or enhances airflow through through hole 26 as the non-standard sport projectile flies through the air after being hit, thereby controlling the non-aerodynamic flight of the non-standard sport projectile for the results desired. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, obstruction or obstructions 29 may be provided in through hole to restrict or enhance airflow through through hole 26, further causing alteration in travel distance. Obstruction 29 may be any number of devices, but foam practice balls as shown inserted in through hole 26 function well to allow longer travel.

Further, any of the through holes 26 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C can be partially blocked, for example by placing an air filter within a through hole 26, by placing an air-flow regulator within a through hole 26, by placing debris of some sort within a through hole 26, or by providing a whistle within a through hole 26, and the through hole 26 modified in this manner will continue to function properly, although the total flight of an unobstructed ball would be shorter.

Moreover, instead of providing only one through hole, a non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, can include several such through holes whose axes are arranged in parallel. In addition, these several through holes can have different cross sectional shapes, and/or these several through holes can have axes are that placed at an angle to each other, depending upon the flight characteristic that is desired of a particular non-standard sport projectile.

FIG. 5A is a side cross section view of a non-standard golf ball 40 of type shown in FIG. 2A wherein non-standard golf ball 40 includes six center-located and parallel through holes 41, in accordance with the invention. FIG. 5B is a top view of non-standard golf ball 40, wherein it is shown that the six through holes 41 are symmetrically arranged around the central axis 42 of non-standard golf ball 40. As shown in these figures, central axis 42 of non-standard golf ball 40 passes through the geometric center 43 of non-standard golf ball 40.

FIG. 6A is a side cross section view of a non-standard golf ball 44 of type shown in FIG. 2B wherein non-standard golf ball 44 includes six center-located and parallel through holes 45, in accordance with the invention. FIG. 6B is a top view of non-standard golf ball 44, wherein it is shown that the six through holes 45 are symmetrically arranged around the central axis 46 non-standard golf ball 44. As shown in these figures, central axis 46 of non-standard golf ball 44 passes through the geometric center 47 of non-standard golf ball 44.

FIG. 7A is a side cross section view of a non-standard golf ball 48 of type shown in FIG. 2C wherein non-standard golf ball 48 includes six center-located and parallel through holes 49, in accordance with the invention. FIG. 7B is a top view of non-standard golf ball 48, wherein it is shown that the six through holes 49 are symmetrically arranged around the central axis 50 of non-standard golf ball 48. As shown in these figures, central axis 50 of non-standard golf ball 48 passes through the geometric center 51 of non-standard golf ball 48.

The above-described through hole or through holes allow air to flow through the non-standard sport projectile after the sport projectile is hit, after it begins its flight, and as it spins. This spinning movement generally creates a lifting force as the sport projectile moves through the air. The amount of air that flows through the sport projectile's through hole or through holes, along with the non-standard sport projectile's speed of spin, influences the flight behavior of the non-standard sport projectile.

FIGS. 3A-3F are sequential view that show the striking and the subsequent flight of a non-standard golf ball 30 that is constructed and arranged consistent with the invention.

FIG. 3A shows a non-standard golf ball 30 of the present invention as the non-standard golf ball 30 (in this case a nonstandard golf ball as shown in FIG. 2B) sits with the axis 33 of its through hole 25 pointing vertically upward as the head of the golf club is about to strike non-standard golf ball 30. Where the club strikes the non-standard golf ball 30 may be referred to as a strike surface. In this position, non-standard golf ball 30 is in its least-aerodynamic position.

FIG. 3B shows the compression of non-standard golf ball 30 as the head of the club strikes non-standard golf ball 30 on the strike surface.

FIG. 3C shows non-standard golf ball 30 as it begins its flight and as non-standard golf ball 30 begins to spin in a counterclockwise direction as shown by arrow 31.

FIG. 3D shows the continued spinning 31 of non-standard golf ball 30.

FIG. 3E shows the least-aerodynamic position of the spinning non-standard golf ball 26 during its flight as shown by arrow 32, wherein the axis 33 of through hole 25 is generally aligned with flight direction 32.

FIG. 3F shows the most-aerodynamic position of the spinning non-standard golf ball 30 during its flight 32 wherein the axis 33 of through hole 25 extends generally perpendicular to flight direction 32.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3F, when non-standard sport projectile 30 is struck, non-standard sport projectile rotates rapidly in a reverse or counterclockwise direction 31 around a central axis of rotation that includes the geometric center of non-standard sport projectile 30, this being demonstrated by spin arrow 31. Rotation 31 creates a periodic high airflow through the through hole 25 that is located generally at the center of non-standard sport projectile 30, as the projectile's through hole 25 moves into an out of alignment position with the projectile's direction of flight 32.

However, because through hole 25 is moving away from club head 31 at a high rate of speed, rotation 31 of non-standard sport projectile 30 also creates a braking effect, as the outer surface of non-standard sport projectile 30 and the sides of through hole 25 create a resistance-to-flight force, thereby reducing the distance that non-standard sport projectile 30 will travel as a result of club head 31 striking non-standard sport projectile 30.

More simply stated, as a spinning non-standard sport projectile constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention flies away from a point of impact with the club's head, movement of the non-standard sport projectile is slowed during the less-aerodynamic portion of the sport projectile's rotation shown in FIG. 3E. Because a non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, experiences generally equal parts airflow through its through hole (see FIG. 3E) and airflow restriction through its through hole (see FIG. 3F), the non-standard sport projectile generates a turbine-like whirring sound when it flies through the air, as airflow through through hole 25 repeatedly stops and starts at a relatively high rate of speed or frequency.

As mentioned above, the body of a non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, is sufficiently strong to prevent breakage of the non-standard sport projectile upon impact, and the body of the non-standard sport projectile has sufficient elasticity to provide hoop strength and rebound after striking. Thus, for a non-standard golf ball in accordance with the invention, the body is typically formed of a high strength polymer material, non-limiting examples of which are high density polyethylene, polyester elastomers, urethane, acetyls, and thermoplastic elastomers. Further, the inner core of non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with the invention, can be formed of thin gauge tubular spring steel or high modulus polymer, with the non-standard sport projectile having a soft polymer outer coating.

FIG. 9A is a cross section view of a non-standard golf ball 55 of the type shown in FIG. 2A wherein non-standard golf ball 55 includes a circular-cylinder insert 56 that is made of spring steel or of a high flexural modulus polymer, the axis 57 of insert 56 being coincident with the axis of the non-standard golf ball's through hole 58.

FIG. 9B is a cross section view of a non-standard golf ball 59 of the type shown in FIG. 2B wherein non-standard golf ball 59 includes a circular-cylinder insert 60 that is made of spring steel or of a high flexural modulus polymer, the axis 61 of insert being coincident with the axis of the non-standard golf ball's through hole 62.

FIG. 9C is a cross section view of a non-standard golf ball 63 of the type shown in FIG. 2C wherein non-standard golf ball 63 includes a circular-cylinder insert 64 that is made of spring steel or of a high flexural modulus polymer, the axis of this insert being coincident with the axis 65 of the non-standard golf ball's through hole 66.

The size of a non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, can be similar to the size of a corresponding standard sport projectile, but this size relationship is not required. That is, non-standard sport projectiles, of the invention, are usually of a size that is similar to a standard golf ball. However, larger or smaller non-standard sport projectile sizes can be provided, in accordance with the invention.

In particular, and when considering different types of golf club swings, larger size non-standard golf balls that satisfactorily mate with conventional golf club heads may be appropriate for use by beginning golfers, whereas smaller size non-standard golf balls that are more difficult to strike properly may be appropriate for use by expert golfers.

During use, as is shown in FIG. 4A, a non-standard golf ball sport projectile 40, in accordance with the invention, may be placed on the ground, or as shown in FIG. 4B the non-standard golf ball 40 may be on a golf tee 41, so that the central axis 35 of the non-standard golf ball's annular through hole extends generally upward or vertical. This places the two through hole openings on the top and on the bottom of non-standard golf ball 40. In other words, its through hole sits upright. Note that in some instances an especially flared golf tee 41 may be desirable due to presence of the through hole that may make it inconvenient to use a conventional small-top tee 41 because of the tendency of the non-standard ball to fall to the ground. An alternative hitting surface will be explained below with respect to FIG. 10. Alternatively, with certain obstructions 29, such as the foamed plastic golf ball, tee 41 may be a conventional tee where the obstruction rests on the top. With reference to FIG. 4B, which shows a non-standard golf ball 40 sitting on a tee.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-D, a golf club head having a positive loft produces a reverse or counterclockwise spin of non-standard golf ball 40 when the head of the golf club strikes non-standard golf ball 40, and when non-standard golf ball 40 subsequently leaves club head 31. This spin is created by the positive loft of the head, by friction that exists at impact with non-standard golf ball 40, and by deformation of non-standard golf ball 40 as is shown in FIG. 3B. Further, upon initial impact by head 31, non-standard golf ball 40 is in its least aerodynamic orientation. The vertical position of the axis 35 of the though-hole at club head impact provides the “feel” of a standard golf ball due to the non-aerodynamic resistance that is provided by nonstandard golf ball 40, which in turn adds a component of force to the club's head 31.

When a non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, is in this through hole axis upright position, the leading surface of the sport projectile, whether it be an aerodynamic surface or a flattened surface, facilitates a spin of the non-standard sport projectile, and the rate of spin of the non-standard sport projectile is reduced as the non-standard sport projectile becomes less aerodynamic as its through hole begins to take-in air.

As rotation of the non-standard sport projectile continues, air no longer flows through the through hole, and air now hits the outside surface of the non-standard sport projectile, thus creating a braking or slowing force to the non-standard projectile's flight or horizontal motion.

Airflow into the non-standard projectile's through hole first acts as a brake, and when air no longer flow through the though-hole air flowing over the non-standard sport projectile acts as an aerodynamic lift or boost. Thus airflow through the through hole creates a slowing/braking force for the non-standard sport projectile. Therefore, the non-standard sport projectile is alternately aerodynamic and then non-aerodynamic during its rotation and its flight. Thus causing a whirring sound, somewhat like a turbine reversing, when the non-standard sport projectile is struck by an object such as golf club and then flies through the air.

As a result, flight of the non-standard sport projectile is shortened, but the nonstandard sport projectile mimics the feel and flight path of a standard sport projectile. That is, using a non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, such a non-standard golf ball, is satisfying to the golfer. The flight that is provided by non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with the invention, are perfect for practicing the art of golf ball hitting, or the art of striking any standard sport projectile whose use requires a large geographic area, such as, for example, kicking a football to practice field goals, or hitting a baseball. A non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, can be struck without requiring the use of a net or the like within neighborhoods and parks. Further, similar to a standard golf ball, a non-standard golf ball, in accordance with the invention, will slice when the club's head is open at impact, and it will draw when the club's head is closed at impact. However, because a non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, provides a reduce flight distance, retrieval time is reduced and retrieval is less tedious. On reading this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the non-standard golf ball can be designed to increase or decrease the ability to fade or draw. In particular, if one or more ribs or ridges, similar to a gear shape cross-section, are place in the through hole or on the external surface, the non-standard golf ball can be designed to fade or draw. Further, altering the shape of the non-standard ball such that the shape is more oval instead of cylindrical may also alter the fade or draw of the non-standard ball.

Referring specifically to non-standard sport projectiles of the golf ball type, for simplicity, the weight of a non-standard golf ball, in accordance with the invention, is usually only a fraction of the weight of a standard golf ball. The weight of a nonstandard golf ball in accordance with the invention is a function of the physical size of the non-standard golf ball and is a function of the type of material that is used in its construction. In general, the heavier the non-standard sport projectile, the greater the inertia of the non-standard sport projectile that must be overcome on impact. However, the configuration of the non-standard sport projectile's through hole, and the proportion of the through hole relative to the overall height and diameter of the non-standard sport projectile, is also important when enhancing or restricting flight of the non-standard sport projectile. Because a non-standard golf ball, in accordance with the invention, is intended for use in practicing various golf swings, such a nonstandard golf ball is effective through a wide range of projectile weights.

A USGA conforming standard golf ball weighs 1.6 ounces. A non-standard golf ball of the present invention can also have a weight of 1.6 ounces. However, the weight of a non-standard golf ball of the invention is usually less due to the presence of the above-described through hole. Thus, a non-standard golf ball, in accordance with the invention, may be significantly lighter than a standard golf ball. However, in some instances, longer distances are desired with the non-standard golf ball (although still typically reduced from a standard golf ball). In these instances, a metal ring MR may be molded into the non-standard golf ball (as shown in phantom in FIG. 1A) as it is optional. The increased mass of the non-standard golf ball allows the non-standard golf ball to travel further. Moreover, the metal ring may be a spring steel or other elastic metal. The elastic metal can facilitate the rebound of the non-standard golf ball deformation and return, which assists with overall flight characteristics. Thus, as can be appreciated, longer traveling non-standard golf balls may weigh more (and even significantly more) than a standard USGA golf ball.

Because the golf club's “feel” at impact is important when learning to hit a golf ball properly, a weight of at least 0.3 ounces adequately simulates the feel of a standard golf ball, however lower weights are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, generally, the flight distance of a standard sport projectile is dependent not only on the striking force, but it is also dependent upon a spring-back of the materials or materials that make up the standard sport projectile, as well as the weight of the standard sport projectile, with lower weight standard sport projectiles generally traveling a shorter distance. Non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with the invention, are non-aerodynamic for about one-half of the non-standard sport projectile's travel or flight time, and as a result the non-standard sport projectile travels a fraction of the distance that a standard sport projectile, such as a golf ball, travels. However, because a rotating non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, acts as an air foil for about one-half of its flight time, the non-standard sport projectile has an aerodynamic lift, and it replicates the trajectory of a standard sport projectile such as a golf ball, although the non-standard sport projectile's trajectory is significantly shortened by the braking action that occurs during the non-aerodynamic portion of the non-standard projectile's rotation. Therefore, non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with the invention, can be struck in backyards, neighborhoods and parks without requiring a net. Once again referring to a non-standard golf ball, in accordance with the invention, it has been found that a proportion or ratio of the solid outer surface of the non-standard golf ball to the open through hole surface can be as high as about 12 to 1 or a low as about 4 to 1.

A surface ratio that is more than 4 to 1 does not function as well for most materials because such a larger ratio creates a smaller size through hole that provides less airflow. The ratio of the area of the through hole to the height or length of the through hole can vary. However it has been found that when a non-standard golf ball of the invention is in its upright or striking position, with the central axis of the through hole extending generally vertical, a through hole area that is about the equal to the height of the through hole works satisfactorily. However, this through hole diameter to through hole height ratio can be much lower, for example to up to 12 times or more. As will be appreciated, the flight and distance of a non-standard golf ball, in accordance with the invention, is a function of the loft that is provided by the golf club head and the speed at which the golf club head strikes the non-standard golf ball.

The polymeric material from which the non-standard golf ball is made, if it is high in flexural modulus, will rebound off of the golf club's face much like a standard golf ball. This polymeric material should have sufficient strength to provide hoop strength and spring back. This spring back effect is important because the resulting rebound action is required as the non-standard sport golf ball leaves the club's head.

As mentioned above, a novel and unobvious hitting surface can be constructed for the non-standard golf ball type projectile. FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show an alternative hitting surface 100. Hitting surface 100 can be made of many types of material, like plastic, natural grass, Astroturf, or the like, but it has been found that plastics (similar to the polymers used to make the golf type projectile) work well. Generally, as shown in FIG. 10B, hitting surface 100 has an incline. Placing non-standard golf ball 102 on hitting surface 100 progressively up the hitting surface simulates a higher and higher “teeing” of the non-standard golf ball. Because the non-standard golf ball has somewhat flattened top and bottom surfaces (as explained above), the non-standard ball 102 will not role down the inclined hitting surface. This hitting surface has been found useful because it is difficult to obtain golf tees having especially flared tee surfaces to support the non-standard golf ball. Also, using the hitting surface allows use of the non-standard golf balls in the backyard without causing undue divots in the yard.

As can now be appreciated, the travel distance of the non-standard golf ball can be controlled in part on the ball shape. Thus, while a conventional golf equipment set typically has a standard, homogenous, or substantially homogenous golf ball and a plurality of golf clubs, typically including a driver, 1-3 wood, 2-9 iron, pitching wedge, sand wedge, and a putter. A golf equipment set using may be replaced with a single club and potentially a putter, where the travel distance of the golf ball is derived from a plurality of different balls. For example, you may have a driver ball, a fairway ball, a short game ball, and a putting ball. Each ball is specifically designed to travel a particular set distance or range of distances by either altering the material the ball is comprised of, altering the airflow through the through hole, providing an obstruction or the like. While predetermined range typically means, for example, 50 yards to 60 yards, predetermined range or ranges in this case should be considered broader in a first range may simply be predetermined to be longer than the second range. Moreover, for dog leg holes, non-standard golf balls could be pre-configured to fade or draw as desired to facilitate play. For example, as shown by the flow chart in FIG. 12, playing a game of golf conventional comprises initially placing a golf ball a tee box and optionally on a tee, step 120. Next a club is selected and the golf ball is struck, step 122. A subsequent club is selected and the golf ball is struck, step 124. Step 124 is repeated until the golf ball lands on the green. Once on the green, a putter is selected and the golf ball is struck with the putter, step 126. Step 126 is repeated until the golf ball falls in the hole. Referring to FIG. 13, playing a game of golf would initially comprise selecting an original golf ball and placing it in a tee box, and optionally on a tee or a specially designed strike surface (see FIGS. 10A-C), 130. Next the golf ball is struck with the club, step 132. Optionally, the club could be selected from a plurality of clubs, step 131. At the next shot, the golfer would selected a subsequent golf ball, different from the original golf ball, to strike, step 134. The subsequent golf ball would be selected to traditional methods to select clubs, generally length and type of shot necessary. Once the subsequent golf ball is selected, the original golf ball is replaced with the subsequent golf ball and the subsequent golf ball is struck, step 136. Optionally, if available, the golfer could also selected a subsequent golf club, step 135. Steps 134 to 136 are repeated where the subsequent golf ball become the original golf ball until the golf ball reaches the green. Once the golf ball reaches the green, it is envisioned the golf ball will be replaced with a final golf ball, step 138, which is envisioned as a spheroid. The golfer would select the putter, step 139, and the final golf ball would be putted until it enters the golf hole, 140.

To increase complexity, a combination of a plurality of different balls designed to travel different distances by providing relatively more or less aerodynamic flight along with a plurality of different clubs designed to provide more or less loft and backspin. Thus, for a particular range of 40 yards, a player may select a low loft club with a short distance ball or a high loft club with a long distance ball.

Depending upon of the non-standard sport projectile's ratio of through hole diameter to through hole length, as well as on how well the non-standard sport projectile is struck, the non-standard sport projection may spin until it lands, or until it stalls and then floats to the ground.

Claims

1. A golf equipment set to play a single golf hole, the set comprising:

at least one golf club;

a plurality of different golf balls, each of the plurality of different golf balls designed to travel a predetermined range, at least one of the plurality of different golf balls designed to travel a distance less than the other of the plurality of different golf balls;

at least one golf ball of the plurality of different golf balls comprising at least one linear through hole; and

a strike surface on the plurality of different golf balls; the at least one golf ball having at least one linear through hole having at least one strike surface causing the at least one golf ball to rotate when struck through a more aerodynamic phase and a less aerodynamic phase, wherein

at least two of the plurality of different golf balls are used from a golf tee to a golf hole.

2. The golf equipment set of claim 1, wherein the at least one golf club comprises at least two golf clubs.

3. The golf equipment set of claim 2, wherein one of the at least two golf clubs is a putter.

4. The golf equipment set of claim 2, wherein the at least two golf clubs are designed to provide different loft to the plurality of golf balls.

5. The golf equipment set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of golf balls comprises at least one golf ball designed for the golf tee, at least one golf ball designed for the fairway, and at least one golf ball designed for putting.

6. The golf equipment set of claim 5, wherein the golf ball designed for the golf tee has a first through hole and the golf ball designed for the fairway has a second through hole and the first through hole has a smaller diameter than the second through hole.

7. The golf equipment set of claim 1, further comprising an obstruction to insert in the at least one linear through hole of the at least one golf ball.

8. The golf equipment set of claim 7, wherein the obstruction comprises a foamed practice golf ball.

9. A method of playing golf with a reduced number of golf clubs comprising the steps of:

providing a first golf ball;

striking the first golf ball with a golf club to propel the golf ball towards a golf hole;

selecting a next golf ball; different than the first golf ball; and

striking the next golf ball with the golf club to propel the golf ball towards the golf hole; wherein

at least one of the first golf ball and the second golf ball has a linear through hole.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first golf ball is struck with a first golf club and further comprising the step of selecting a next golf club to strike the next golf ball.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first golf club and the next golf club are the same golf club.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the first golf club and the next golf club are different golf clubs.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of:

replacing the next golf ball with a final golf ball when the green is reached; and

providing a putter to put the final golf ball into the golf hole.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the first golf ball is provided with a through hole, the method comprising the step of inserting an obstruction into the through hole.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the inserting the obstruction comprises the steps of compressing a foam practice golf ball into a compressed foam practice golf ball, inserting the compressed foam practice golf ball into the through hole, and expanding the compressed foam practice golf ball to obstruct the through hole.

16. A golf equipment set to play a game of golf, the set comprising:

at least one golf club;

a plurality of different golf balls, the plurality of different golf balls comprising at least a longer distance golf ball, a shorter distance golf ball, and a putting golf ball;

the longer distance golf ball having a more restricted airflow through hole;

the shorter distance golf ball having a less restricted airflow through hole; and

the putting golf ball being generally spherical in shape; wherein

at least two of the three plurality of different golf balls are used between a golf tee and a golf hole.

17. The golf equipment set of claim 16, wherein the longer distance golf ball through hole is obstructed by an obstruction such that striking the longer distance golf ball tends to cause the longer distance golf ball to travel further than either the shorter distance golf ball or the putting golf ball.

18. The golf equipment set of claim 17, wherein the longer distance golf ball has a first modules of elasticity and the second golf ball has a second modules of elasticity different than the first modules of elasticity.

19. The golf equipment set of claim 16, where the more restricted airflow is caused by a narrower through hole.

20. The golf equipment set of claim 16, wherein the less restricted airflow is caused by a wider through hole.