Abstract: A tray for holding golf balls is provided. The tray preferably contains three compartments, and each compartment is sized to hold a single golf ball. The balls are snap-fitted into the compartments and secured in place. The tray containing the balls can be inserted into a small box (sleeve) which then can be loaded into a larger packaging box. The sleeve and window preferably contain transparent windows that are aligned with each other. The outer surface of the balls can be printed with a logo, brand, or other marking that can be seen through transparent windows in the sleeve and packaging box. The packaging system protects the golf balls during shipment as well as providing a creative and attractive way for displaying the golf balls for sale at on-course and off-course facilities.

Abstract: A packaging assembly includes a container body defining an interior for housing a product and an opening leading to the interior. The assembly further includes a cap that moves with respect to the container body to move the assembly between a closed position in which the cap covers the opening, and an opened position in which the opening is exposed. A first seal (40) is defined between the container body and the cap. The first seal includes a protrusion (42) formed on one of the container body about the opening or the cap, and a groove (44) formed on the other of the container body about the opening or the cap. The protrusion is received by the groove when the assembly is in the closed position, such that contact is maintained in a sealing relationship around the opening between the groove and the protrusion.

Abstract: A backpack including a body and at least one shoulder strap. A haul handle to be grasped and including a hollow interior and a closure so as form a selectively openable rain cover storage compartment. A rain cover configured and sized to cover at least the backpack body, the rain cover having at least a deployed condition in which the rain cover extends from the top portion downwardly to cover over the entire backpack body to protect the backpack body and the articles contained within the backpack body from precipitation while the backpack is worn by the user during precipitation, and the rain cover having at least a stowed condition within the rain cover storage compartment of the haul handle to provide padding to the haul handle when the hand of the user grasps the haul handle to pick-up the backpack.

Abstract: A portable fishing rod holder is provided with a body that is buoyant and has first and second ends. The first end is constructed of a material that deforms upon contact by an object. A plurality of apertures is provided at the first end, the plurality of apertures include a large portion and a narrow portion that is oriented toward a center point of the body. The second end includes a base dimensioned to support the body in an upright orientation. Fishing rods are inserted into the apertures and are secured by a strap that urges the fishing rods toward the center point of the body. An angler may grasp the shaft of a fishing rod to safely transport multiple fishing rods using one hand. The portable fishing rod holder avoids the hassle of tangled lines, broken tips, or broken guides that occur when transporting multiple rods using one hand.

Abstract: A holster includes a backing, a pouch, a strap assembly, and a liner. The pouch includes a first securing element disposed along a front wall thereof. The pouch is coupled to the backing to cooperatively define a cavity configured to receive a communications device. The strap assembly is coupled to the backing and selectively couplable with the pouch. The strap assembly includes a cord, a handle, and a second securing element. The handle is coupled to the cord along a portion of the cord opposite the backing. The second securing element is disposed along a rear surfaces of the handle. The second securing element is couplable to the first securing element. The liner includes a fire resistant material and/or a fire retardant material and is disposed within the cavity along at least one of an interior surface of the backing and an interior surface of the pouch.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of closure devices for consumer products, including both liquid and dry products. More specifically, the present invention relates to a lid or closure for consumer goods packaging that provides a secure locking engagement to prevent spilling, leakage, and/or tampering of the contents of the packaging. The unique closure device utilizes a combination of a release tab and locking elements, which cooperate with one another in order to seal or unseal at least a portion of the lid or closure to allow for dispensing of the contents of the container.

Abstract: A golf ball retrieval apparatus for retrieving a golf ball from a cupped hole is provided. The golf ball retrieval apparatus comprises an outer tube and an inner shaft slidably receivable within the outer tube. A retrieval mechanism is mounted to the inner shaft and capable of releasably grasping the golf ball. A cam system is mounted to the inner shaft for substantially centering the inner shaft within the outer tube and impeding the movement of the inner shaft within the outer tube. Interaction of the cam system and the outer tube impedes movement of the inner shaft within the outer tube and releasably, frictionally secures a desired position of the inner shaft relative to the outer tube. Golfers are enabled to facilitate expedient retrieval of a golf ball from a cupped hole or other location while remaining in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: A locator mechanism for checking dimensions of a component includes a stationary base that has sides that define a pocket that opens upwards. A locator block is disposed in, and moveable in, the pocket. At least one spring biases the locator block toward one of the sides of the stationary base. The locator block carries either a recess or a portion of a pin for engaging, respectively, either a boss or a hole of a component to be checked. The spring biases the locator block, and thus also the component, toward the one side of the stationary base to remove play in positioning of the component.

Abstract: A method and a bowling ball enclosure are provided for encasing and reducing temperature fluctuations of and within a bowling ball. The bowling ball enclosure includes an inner layer and an outer layer that are made of a polymer material, the inner layer forming an interior region that receives the bowling ball, at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer being monolithic. The bowling ball enclosure also includes a bottom portion and a top portion, the top portion being reinforced with a stiffener to support the top portion, the stiffener being connected to at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer, the top portion being positionable from a first position to a second position to encapsulate the bowling ball. In the first position, the top portion being in an open position to receive the bowling ball into the interior region.

Abstract: A flywheel device includes structures allowing the flywheel system to be assembled offsite, transported safely, and installed with relatively few steps. The flywheel includes a rotor and a housing enclosing the rotor, where the housing includes a bottom plate, a top plate and side walls. The bottom plate and the top plate each includes a hole aligned with the center axis of the rotor. The flywheel also includes multiple bearing housings substantially covering the holes of the bottom plate and the top plate that are aligned to the center axis of the rotor. The flywheel also includes posts that physically contact the primary rotational mass of the rotor to prevent motion of the rotor during transport of the flywheel system. Some or all of these posts may be repositioned or removed during installation so that the rotor can spin freely.

Abstract: A non-liquid food container device comprises: a container for housing the non-liquid food product; and an actuator, wherein the actuator is self-actuated to move the non-liquid food product through the container. The food product can be self-actuated through the container by applying a force to the actuator. The food product can be moved towards an opening in the container for consumption of the food product by a consumer.

Abstract: A golf ball storing/releasing device is formed of a single length of rod having a modulus of elasticity and bent to form a golf-ball-supporting track. The track having back and front sections. Each section including first and second spaced-apart portions, the first portions of the back and front sections forming a first side portion and the second portions of the back and front sections forming a second side portion. The spaced-apart portions all being dimensioned less than the diameter of a golf ball. The first and second side portions converging toward one another from the turnaround sections to a ball-entry juncture section.

Abstract: A golf training device and method of using the same for improving the aim and accuracy of a golfer's putting stroke may be provided. The golf training device may include a plurality of panels coupled together in an accordionlike manner to form a putting tunnel. Each panel may have a main body with visual indicium disposed on a front-facing surface thereof to indicate a line of putt. The golf training device may be extended along a proper trajectory of a golf ball for putting the golf ball toward an intended target. Orienting the golfer's putting stance so that the visual indicium of each panel appears to form a continuous straight line may ensure the golfer's eyes are directly over the intended line of the putt.

Abstract: A baseball holder for an autograph seeker includes a hollow housing having a bottom wall, a planar top wall, a pair of sidewalls and a pair of end walls. The bottom wall includes a pair of spaced slots that allow a celebrity to more easily grasp the housing when signing a baseball. On the top wall is a circular opening in communication with an interior chamber having a pair of reciprocal gripping members therein for securing a baseball to the housing. Accordingly, when a baseball is secured within the opening, the planar top wall provides a comfortable support surface for the celebrity's writing hand.

Abstract: A lock for a ball display case includes a plate having a plurality of recessed areas spaced radially about the plate. A plurality of posts extend away from the plate in a direction generally perpendicular to the plate. Each post is in general radial alignment with one of the recessed areas of the plate and spaced radially inward from the recessed area. The lock has frangible portions connecting the posts to the plate. The lock is suitable for engagement with a ball display case in a manner that limits access to an object in the display case. The lock is suitable for use by professional graders and/or authenticators to prevent tampering after the object has been graded and/or authenticated and then locked in the display case.

Abstract: The novelty gift container is a container that is adapted for use in containing and transporting objects. The novelty gift container is decorated with a plurality of motivational symbols and a plurality of instructional messages that, in concert with the object contained within the novelty gift container, are intended to improve the psychological state of a person receiving the novelty gift container. The novelty gift container comprises a container, a plurality of motivational symbols, and a plurality of instructional messages.

Abstract: A package for a prolate spheroidal ball having a longitudinal axis. A back plate is disposed between a first end and a second end of the package. A first cradle extends from the back plate adjacent the first end, and is operative to receive a first portion of the prolate spheroidal ball along the longitudinal axis. A wing portion extends from the back plate adjacent the second end, and at least partially circumscribes the longitudinal axis of the prolate spheroidal ball. A flap portion extends from the wing portion and defines an end surface of the package. The longitudinal axis intersects the flap portion.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing hockey pucks includes a box defining an interior capable of receiving a plurality of the hockey pucks, wherein the box comprises a first door opening and a second door opening disposed approximately perpendicular to the first door opening, a first door pivotably attached to the box within the first door opening, wherein, when closed, the first door encloses the interior when closed, and wherein, when open, the first door forms a ramp for receiving the hockey pucks through the first door opening and into the interior, and a second door pivotably attached to the box within the second door opening, wherein, when closed, the second door encloses the interior, and wherein, when open, the second door dispenses the hockey pucks from the interior through the second opening.

Abstract: An anchor and shelter system is shown and described. In one embodiment, the anchor includes a pair of collapsible walls and opposing sidewalls to define a bladder opening. The anchor may include a plurality of parallel engagement apertures and side apertures to secure the anchor to a shelter. The result is an anchor that provides efficient and secure support for an adjacent shelter.

Abstract: An exercise device including a body and a handle extending from and offset from the body where the handle includes two different pairs of angled gripping portions.

Abstract: There is set forth herein one or more feature for providing illuminated golf. The one or more feature can comprise e.g., a golf cup apparatus having a light source bank, a golf flag apparatus having a light source bank, a wearable apparatus having a light source bank, an illumination providing golf ball and an apparatus for charging a golf ball having a light source bank.

Abstract: A method and golf ball incorporating a surface penetrating color composition comprising a colorant (e.g. dyes, tints, color effects, etc.) in a portion (surface or region) of a golf ball component or coating (substrate). The substrate is formed from a homogenous composition having a color C1 which may comprise any color within the spectrum of visible light, or be clear colorless, and alternatively, may also be opaque, translucent, or clear colored, for example. An outer surface of the substrate is treated with or otherwise exposed to a surface penetrating color composition having a C2 that is different than C1 in some respect such as hue, chroma, saturation and/or opacity. The surface penetrating color composition penetrates the golf ball substrate surface to a target depth and becomes embedded within the surface, thereby forming a surface penetrating color composition-treated component or coating having a treated region and an untreated region.

Abstract: A method and golf ball incorporating a surface penetrating color composition comprising a colorant (e.g. dyes, tints, color effects, etc.) in a portion (surface or region) of a golf ball component or coating (substrate). The substrate is formed from a homogenous composition having a color C1 which may comprise any color within the spectrum of visible light, or be clear colorless, and alternatively, may also be opaque, translucent, or clear colored, for example. An outer surface of the substrate is treated with or otherwise exposed to a surface penetrating color composition having a C2 that is different than C1 in some respect such as hue, chroma, saturation and/or opacity. The surface penetrating color composition penetrates the golf ball substrate surface to a target depth and becomes embedded within the surface, thereby forming a surface penetrating color composition-treated component or coating having a treated region and an untreated region.

Abstract: Wall mount assemblies with partially elastic augmentation bands or inelastic bands. The augmentation bands and inelastic bands interact with seams running from one pole to another pole on a ball. The ball may be a football, basketball, or other type of ball. A football may be further connected to the wall mount assembly via a lace engagement component that engages the laces on the football. The various wall mount assemblies provide an illusion that the ball is floating near the flat surface without support. A wall mount component connected to the flat surface by a set of fasteners is out of the line-of-sight of an observer as the wall mount component is behind the ball and the connection between the ball and the wall mount component is designed to be difficult to see.

Abstract: A golf caddie device is disclosed that is designed for carrying golf equipment. The golf caddie device comprises a support rod having a spike and an ergonomically shaped handle. The golf caddie device also comprises a ball holder, a first cylinder comprising up to five openings for retaining golf clubs, and a second cylinder comprising up to five openings for retaining golf club shafts. Golf clubs are inserted into the golf caddie device by inserting the shaft part of the golf club through one of the first cylinder openings and into one of the openings of the second cylinder, thus, retaining the golf clubs within the golf caddie device.

Abstract: A package for golf balls, commonly known as a “sleeve”, includes a body having a plurality of side walls and end walls that define a hollow interior for receiving and containing the golf balls. The end walls close off ends of the body. At least one of the side walls contains a plurality of openings spaced apart from one another along a length of the side wall, Each opening is formed at a location that corresponds to and is in registration with a portion of one golf ball that is in closest proximity to the inner surface of the side wall, so as to allow each golf ball to be marked individually (by stencil or otherwise), from the outside of the body, or sleeve, by the user (golfer) by accessing the surface of the ball through the corresponding opening in the side wall.

Abstract: A reconfigurable golf ball container includes a sleeve that is formed from a paperboard material and that defines an interior volume configured to hold a plurality of golf balls. The sleeve includes a perforated line disposed between a tool portion of the sleeve and a remainder of the sleeve. The tool portion of the sleeve is configured to be separated from the remainder of the sleeve along the perforated line to form a golf tool. The golf tool includes a first end configured to be inserted into a soil media, and includes a second end that is capable of supporting a golf ball more than 2.0 cm away from a surface of the soil media.

Abstract: The general purpose of the disclosed device is to ergonomically store athletic and sports equipment in a vertical, space-friendly way. The device is adjustable, in that it can be raised and lowered, allowing for people of all ages and sizes to be able to access its various storage components. The main system includes a base at the top allowing attachment to a ceiling. It then extends vertically down with straps with enough tension to be used to secure various sports balls. The straps come together at a bottom base. The bottom base has slots allowing for items to be hung there. Along the straps are various slots allowing different types of sports items to hang.

Abstract: A packaging for at least one ball includes at least one opening that is configured to expose a portion of the ball. The openings are configured to restrict movement of the ball by engaging a surface of the ball. This packaging reduces the amount of the packaging material needed to produce the packaging while maximizing the amount of shelf space needed to display the packaging to increase visibility of the packaging.

Abstract: A portable golf ball retaining plate includes a plate body provided with multiple grooves, wherein two opposite adjusting portions are arranged at upper side of each of the grooves, wherein the opposite adjusting portion at adjacent ones of the grooves are alternatingly arranged longitudinally and transversely. Thereby, the grooves can expand for receiving golf balls. When the golf ball is being retained in one of the grooves, the corresponding adjusting portions expand first and then contract such that the golf ball is retained. When the golf ball is being taken out, the corresponding adjusting portions first expand to the surrounding space and then contract to the original state.

Abstract: A ball bag having an interior formed of a stretchable material that pulls the bag exterior towards its own center, shaping the bag and locking the balls in place. This technique enables the bag to be used as a ball backpack.

Abstract: A golf club holding assembly includes a panel that has a perimeter edge including top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a front side and a back side. A plurality of club pockets is attached to the front side. Each of the club pockets is vertically orientated and is laterally aligned with each other. The club pockets each have an upper end form an access opening configured to receive a golf club handle. The plurality of club pockets includes at most four club pockets and at least two club pockets. A coupler is attached to the panel and is configured to releasably secure the panel to a golf bag.

Abstract: A packaging is provided for the transport, storage and display of rounded articles. The packaging may include an elongated arm, a gripping portion and a mounting portion. The packaging may be configured to be stacked onto other packagings of like structure. The packaging may also be configured for mounting to a vertical surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for the conditioning, storage and transportation of tennis balls. The tennis ball conditioning, storage, and transportation apparatus is used to condition tennis balls, primarily by heating to a desired operating temperature. Conditioning modifies the internal pressure of the balls and warms the composition of the balls to the desired playing temperature. The tennis ball conditioning, storage, and transportation apparatus includes a housing which may have handles and which has an interior which contains heating and/or cooling elements and which functions as a conditioning and storage chamber. The chamber is divided by a screen upon which the balls rest. A thermostatically controlled heater, cooler and fan achieve the desired temperature then stabilizes the balls at the desired temperature.

Abstract: A bag including a racquet compartment coupled to an accessory compartment.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional conforming global carrier including a primary panel bidirectionally bonded a secondary panel. Bidirectional bonding allows the expansion in any direction around the carrier contents allowing the carrier to conform closely to the outside surface of the contents. The carrier itself may be made of an expansible material, and be sized to have an inner volume that is slightly smaller than the proposed contents when empty, such that when the content are placed in the inner volume of the carrier, the material of the carrier will stretch around the contents, in some cases resembling a “second skin” around such contents. In various embodiments, the carrier may have cooperating panel enlargements and recesses, may include an opening which may further be closed with various fastening devices, may be formed of panels of differing sizes and materials, may have bidirectionally elastic panels, and may be at least partially water resistant.

Abstract: A container for equipment, particularly basketballs, being an open box comprising a rigid frame covered by a fitted cloth cover. In one embodiment, the container is open. In another embodiment, the container has a lid that covers the top opening to the container and may be locked in that position. The frame has means for bolting the frame to a vertical wall.

Abstract: A ball bag having an interior formed of a stretchable material that pulls the bag exterior towards its own center, shaping the bag and locking the balls in place. This technique enables the bag to be used as a ball backpack.

Abstract: A ball display case has base and a cover that is securable to the base. The cover and base at least partially enclose a space for holding a ball when the cover is secured to the base. The cover can be moved to a position in which the cover cannot be non-destructively removed from the base without moving the cover relative to the base away from this position. A lock is adapted for selective application to at least one of the base and the cover. The lock prevents non-destructive movement of the cover away from the position. The lock is adapted for selectively and irreversibly converting the display case from an unlocked condition in which the cover is releasably secured to the base to a locked condition in which the cover cannot be non-destructively removed from the base.

Abstract: A container or can- for balls or the like for a racket sport, in particular for tennis balls or badminton shuttlecocks, is provided. The container or can includes a hollow tube containing the balls or shuttlecocks, to which a cap is fastened. The cap includes a ring suitable for being secured to the hollow tube and a cover that hinged relative to the ring. The joint between the cover and the ring includes at least one hinge and a return member suitable for moving the cover into a position oriented at an angle of more than 90° relative to the ring when opening the cover.

Abstract: A portable golf-ball retaining plate includes a retaining plate provided with multiple grooves, wherein two opposite adjusting portions are arranged at an upper side of each of the grooves, wherein the opposite adjusting portions at adjacent ones of the grooves are alternatingly arranged longitudinally and transversely. Thereby, the grooves can expand for receiving golf balls. When the golf ball is being retained in one of the grooves, the corresponding adjusting portions expand first and then contract such that the golf ball is retained. When the golf ball is being taken, the corresponding adjusting portions first expand to the surrounding space and then contract to the original state.

Abstract: A display for an article of sports memorabilia, where the display is configured to resemble a seat from a sports venue at a substantially reduced scale. The display includes a generally horizontal shelf member for receiving an article of sports memorabilia, and a support structure for supporting the shelf member at a raised elevation. The display is particularly useful for displaying various hems of sports memorabilia and other similar collectibles, including balls, pucks, and sports equipment.

Abstract: A golf ball storage system is provided herein. The system may be configured on an exterior of a golf bag and generally includes an upper aperture and a lower aperture that may be substantially vertically aligned. The first and second apertures are connected by an internal sleeve. The sleeve may have a generally tubular configuration to contain golf balls within the storage system in a single file, stacked arrangement. The sleeve may be substantially vertical when the golf bag is in an upright position such that gravity will force balls inserted into the upper aperture to fall to a bottom portion of the sleeve, adjacent the lower aperture, for ease of removal.

Abstract: A ball display case has base and a cover that is securable to the base. When the cover is secured to the base, the cover and base at least partially enclose a space for holding a ball. The case has a pedestal for supporting a ball in the enclosed space. The elevation of the pedestal relative to the base is optionally adjustable. An irreversible lock is adapted for selective application to at least one of the base and the cover such that the lock assumes a locking position that prevents non-destructive removal of the cover from the base. One suitable lock includes a plate having a plurality of recessed areas spaced radially about the plate and a plurality of posts extending away from the plate. Each post is in general radial alignment with one of the recessed areas of the plate and spaced radially inward from the recessed area.

Abstract: A recharging apparatus for luminescent golf balls comprising an outer housing capable of containing and simultaneously recharging a plurality of luminescent golf balls is herein disclosed. The housing comprises an internal cavity, a lid, and a battery powered internal illumination source. The illumination source is provided in vertical rows disposed on inner surfaces of the inner cavity to provide a recharging light to the golf balls contained within. The illumination source preferably comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED's) positioned behind light-diffusing inner walls.

Abstract: A ball carrier having a hollow tubular support member for holding a plurality of balls stacked axially therein and a ball release tab configured to release one ball at a time from an open end of the hollow tubular support member. The ball release tab may have a first stopper portion, a second stopper portion, and a manipulation portion. The ball release tab may be biased in a first position in which the first stopper portion impedes exit of the balls and may be actuated via the manipulation portion to a second position in which the first portion is rotated away from the balls and the second stopper portion impedes exit of the balls. When the ball release tab moves from the second position to the first position, the second stopper portion rotates away from the balls, allowing the ball resting on the second stopper portion to drop out of the ball carrier, while the first stopper portion rotates back toward the balls, impeding the next ball from dropping out of the ball carrier.

Abstract: A baseball bucket stand. A bottom section has a horizontal bottom plate and a vertical tube connected to the top of the horizontal bottom plate. An upper section for extending the height of the bottom section is positioned above the bottom section. A ball bucket is positioned above the upper section. The upper section extends into the ball bucket balancing the ball bucket and supporting the weight of the ball bucket and its contents. In a preferred embodiment, the upper section and lower section can be placed inside the ball bucket so that the user can carry the ball bucket, the upper section and lower section to a desired location for easy assembly. Preferably baseballs are placed in the ball bucket.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and a basket for use with a golf ball range picker having a support frame. The basket may include a pair of inwardly offset handles in the basket side walls for ease of lifting when a series of two or more like baskets are arranged in a closely spaced side by side configuration. A pair of front edges of front side wall sections are each tapered outwardly toward the front to minimize or at least greatly reduce the surface area formed by abutting vertical edges with a like basket, to help guide the golf balls being thrown by the range picker into the baskets, and not deflect them inadvertently away from entering the baskets by otherwise providing thick abutting vertical edges which could block the path of travel of the golf balls. A front flange is disposed substantially along the entire length of the front of the basket for resting securely on a front portion of the support frame, and a rear flange is adapted for resting securely on a back portion of the support frame.

Abstract: A container for equipment, particularly basketballs, being an open box comprising a rigid frame covered by a fitted cloth cover. In one embodiment, the container is open. In another embodiment, the container has a lid that covers the top opening to the container and may be locked in that position. The frame has means for bolting the frame to a vertical wall.