Abstract: A light charger charges a plurality of luminescent balls to emit light for use in dim lighting. The charger is a housing subdivided into a hopper section, a transport and light charging section, and a base section. The transport and light charging section includes a transport assembly integrated with a light charging assembly, with the transport assembly configured to receive and transport luminescent balls from the hopper into and through the light charging assembly, which comprises at least one light source. The light source comprises at least one LED and an illuminating light panel interposed between the LED and the luminescent ball when operating. The base section comprises an ejection exit point for the charged luminescent ball to exit the light charging assembly and a sensor for activating the system to eject at least one luminescent ball.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for using a plurality of golf balls to train a person to swing a golf club are described. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a ramp, a golf ball holder and a trigger, which may be mechanical or electrical. The ramp conveys the plurality of golf balls, one at a time, from a first end of the ramp to a second end of the ramp. At least a portion of the ramp is angled downward from the first end to the second end. The holder contains the plurality of golf balls. It is arranged near the first end of the ramp to release one of the plurality of golf balls at a time onto the ramp. The holder further has an input. The trigger is connected to the input of the holder and arranged so that it can sense the golf swing, wherein when the trigger senses the golf swing, it triggers the input of the holder to cause the holder to release one of the plurality of golf balls into the ramp.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for using a plurality of golf balls to train a person to swing a golf club are described. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a ramp, a golf ball holder and a trigger, which may be mechanical or electrical. The ramp conveys the plurality of golf balls, one at a time, from a first end of the ramp to a second end of the ramp. At least a portion of the ramp is angled downward from the first end to the second end. The holder contains the plurality of golf balls. It is arranged near the first end of the ramp to release one of the plurality of golf balls at a time onto the ramp. The holder further has an input. The trigger is connected to the input of the holder and arranged so that it can sense the golf swing, wherein when the trigger senses the golf swing, it triggers the input of the holder to cause the holder to release one of the plurality of golf balls into the ramp.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing storage at indoor golf driving ranges. In various embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods permit golfers to store their baggage in close proximity to the golfers while the golfers practice their swing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, and more specifically to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, which helps a golfer keep his or her eyes on the place where a golf ball to be struck is located, by making the ball ascend just before the impact only if the swing speed exceeds a pre-set value. According to the apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon especially during the golf tee-shot training, a golf ball either ascends above the ground or descends toward the ground from above just before the impact only if a down-swing is performed or only if the swing speed exceeds the pre-set value, such that the user may not suffer too much burden when swinging the golf ball placed on the tee.

Abstract: A novel device for automatically supplying golf balls. A stopper, a golf ball lifting part, an inclined guide part and an inclined lifting part disposed inside a main body cooperate with each other to automatically lift a golf ball from a rear portion of the main body by placing the golf ball on a lifting tee so that a golfer can hit the ball using a driver. An iron shot hitting part is further provided at one side of the main body so that the golfer can practice driver shots and iron shots concurrently and conveniently at the same time. The lifting tee is inclined to the left in order to supply a ball seated on the inclined lifting part to the iron shot hitting part. The iron shot hitting part has a plurality of detection recesses with which a golfer or a beginner can correct his/her posture.

Abstract: The present invention comprises: a frame; an ascending and descending vertical carrier; a motor; a first rod for performing a forwards rotation or backwards rotation movement; a second rod linked in movement to the other end of the first rod; a separating type of pressed-member which separates from the ascending and descending vertical carrier when the ascending and descending vertical carrier is ascending, and which collides with and is pressed by a pushing plate formed in the other side surface of the ascending and descending vertical carrier when the ascending and descending vertical carrier is descending; a rotational force transmission means for converting the pressing force of the pressed-member into a rotational force; and a golf ball guide member means for nudging the golf ball and settling it on a tee member of the ascending and descending vertical carrier when the vertical carrier has descended.

Abstract: A ball supply device where a ball is automatically supplied to a designated position is provided. The ball supply device includes a mat unit having an inclined surface and a hole, where a ball provided along the inclined surface is positioned; a tee member lifted up and down along an axial line of the hole in the mat unit and moving the ball positioned in the hole to a tee shot position at a spot that is upwardly spaced from a plane of the mat unit; a loading unit located on a plane lower than the mat unit and moving the ball loaded thereon to the mat unit; and a feeding member positioned between the loading unit and the mat unit and providing balls, which are provided from the loading unit one by one, to the inclined surface of the mat unit by performing a swing motion within a range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, and more specifically to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, which helps a golfer keep his or her eyes on the place where a golf ball to be struck is located, by making the ball ascend just before the impact only if the swing speed exceeds a pre-set value. According to the apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon especially during the golf tee-shot training, a golf ball either ascends above the ground or descends toward the ground from above just before the impact only if a down-swing is performed or only if the swing speed exceeds the pre-set value, such that the user may not suffer too much burden when swinging the golf ball placed on the tee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feed unit 10 mounted at one side of an interior of a body 1 so as to feed a golf ball 40 and an adjustment unit 20 mounted at an other side of the interior of the body 1 so as to adjust a height of a golf tee 30, wherein the feed unit 10 includes: a main body 11, a pulley 14, movable plates 15, and a feed motor 18. The adjustment unit 20includes: an upper plate 21, a lower plate 22, a support rod 23, guide rods 24, an elevating board 25, golf tee 30, gears 26a, 26b, a stepping motor 27, a power gear 28, and a timing belt 29whereby the golf ball 40 dispensed through the outlet port 13 of the feed unit 10 is teed up on the golf tee 30 of the adjustment unit 20.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic golf ball supply device, being an automatic golf ball supply device which automatically supplies golf balls to a position where the golf balls will be hit with a golf club by the user, which comprises: a frame on the upper part of which is formed a golf ball withdrawal hole; an ascending and descending mount which ascends and descends by means of a motor, and on the upper surface of which is provided a tee member where a golf ball rests, and which is provided so as to ascend and descend freely in the withdrawal hole direction following a guide provided in the frame; and a golf ball conveying loader which conveys golf balls towards the tee member of the ascending and descending mount as the outer circumferential surface rotates and makes contact with the golf balls inside a golf-ball-waiting chamber in such a way as to be able to push each golf ball and to rest the same on the tee member.

Abstract: An automatic tee-up device including a golf ball reservoir, a platform with a groove for a golf ball to travel from the reservoir to a tee, and a ball ejector disposed to eject golf balls one at a time from the reservoir onto the groove. The tee is movable from below a level of the golf ball in the groove to above the level of the golf ball in the groove. After the golf ball is ejected by the ejector, the golf ball travels on the groove to the tee and is raised by the tee into a position suitable for striking with a golf club.

Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information for use in solving various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a unique RFID band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

Abstract: A golf ball carrying apparatus is used to carry golf balls to swing compartments at a single-floor or multi-floor driving range. The golf ball carrying apparatus of the present invention includes a chain, connected between a drive unit provided with a motor and a driven unit spaced apart from the drive unit, so that the chain is reversibly rotated, and a guide rail, provided around the chain and having a shape with reduced width from top to bottom. A plurality of ball supply ports and holes is formed in the guide rail in a longitudinal direction. A first detecting sensor is provided on an end of the guide rail. The carrying apparatus further includes a connection guide, provided in each of tee-up devices, with a second detecting sensor provided at a predetermined position, and a pushing device, provided at a position corresponding to each of the connection guides.

Abstract: The ball detection apparatus is for detecting when a golf ball is hit off a golf tee of an automatic golf ball teeing machine. The detection apparatus comprises a radar device for producing a first signal in response to detecting movement of a golf club towards the tee, a directional microphone for producing a second signal in response to detecting the sound of a golf club striking a golf ball and monitoring means for detecting a coincidence between the first and second signals. An automatic golf ball teeing machine including such ball detection apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A golf ball dispensing device is disclosed. The device body includes an elevating device, a ball seat and a railing device. The ball seat, corresponding to the end side of the railing device, is mounted to the elevating device, allowing up and down movement. When the ball seat moves upward, golf ball is loaded and when the ball seat moves downward, golf ball is placed onto the ball seat from the railing device. The elevating device, the railing device are respectively mounted with a plurality of sensors and motor. The dispensing device can automatically provide golf balls ready for practicing.

Abstract: A storage means holds a quantity of golf balls for automatic placement upon a tee. An gating mechanism releases a single ball to roll by gravity power to a ball holder. Upon activation by the user an extendable arm causes the ball holder to be positioned over the tee, then the extendable arm rotates downwardly, leaving the ball upon the tee. A sensor signals a controller to reverse a motor, retracting the extendable arm fully. Upon full retraction a next golf ball is released to the ball holder. The user activates a new cycle by placing a golf club head in the vicinity of the invention. The invention may be battery powered and is small enough to be used anywhere.

Abstract: A portable device capable of placing a golf ball on a tee repeatedly without the interaction of the user. The device consists of a base, a ball storage hopper, a ball scoop leading to an arm, a control system including a control panel, a rechargeable battery, an artificial turf mat with a rubber tee, a handle and wheels, and a housing to enclose the device. The user loads golf balls into the storage hopper where they roll down a track to the ball scoop. A sensor signals when a new ball is needed, and a motor lowers the arm which is connected to the ball scoop. When the arm is at its lowest position the ball rolls down the arm to the tee. When the ball is hit off the tee, a new ball is automatically placed on the tee.

Abstract: A portable machine for delivering golf balls one at a time onto a tee or a surface simulating a fairway. A bin holds a quantity of practice balls and has a turntable underlying it. An opening on the turntable provides a ball pocket which receives one ball at a time and carries the ball around a circular path to a position aligned above a chute. Each ball delivered by the chute is discharged onto a fairway area or into an inclined trough, depending on how the chute is oriented. At the bottom end of the trough, a tee is raised to tee each ball up at a high or low height, depending upon the setting of a selector switch. A platform which provides a surface on which the user stands is detachable to allow the machine to be carried and stored in two separate pieces.

Abstract: In an athletic ball server, a collapsible tripod supports an elongated inclined tray containing a linear array of balls. A gate at the low end of the tray cyclically releases balls one at a time from the array to gravity. One edge of a trampoline is pivoted on the tripod. The central portion of the trampoline is aligned to bounce a ball released from the tray. An eye-bolt is connected between the tripod and the trampoline allowing the angular position of the trampoline to be varied. By adjusting the eye-bolt, it is possible to achieve any desired trajectory of the bounced ball from a pop-up or slow pitch trajectory to a ground ball trajectory.

Abstract: A golf simulator has a flooring system comprising a tee area, a green area, a green-side area and a ball feed system adjacent the flooring system. From measurements taken when the ball is hit, the computer control system computes the next shot position of the ball after it is hit and the corresponding location on the flooring system. A ball feed system collects the ball into a ball feed chute and moves the ball toward a return gutter. When the ball contacts a gutter sensor, the sensor signals a gutter door to open, corresponding to a feed tube. The ball is sent down the return gutter and drops, at the position where the gutter door opened, into a feeding tube and a ball lifting mechanism positions a ball at the appropriate location on the flooring system. This process continues until a player finishes the hole. Accordingly, a player need not touch the golf ball, except when under penalty, more similar to an actual round of golf.

Abstract: A golf teeing device includes a one-piece singulation arm having a ball-receiving region that is connected to a ball-seating region by a ramp region. The unitary singulation arm has a raised rest position and a lowered delivery position. The configuration of the ramp region channels a golf ball to the ball-seating region when the singulation arm is in its delivery position. The configuration of the ball-seating region inhibits horizontal movement of the ball in any direction when the ball reaches this region. In one embodiment, all three regions of the singulation arm have dimensions that are consistent with the channel of the ramp region. A ball-striking mechanism within a supply path to the singulation arm is activated to provide dislodging forces to at least two balls, thereby ensuring a consistent flow of balls to the singulation arm.

Abstract: A ball housing and dispensing apparatus comprises a housing container capable of housing a plurality of golf balls and a ball dispenser having a gate member to allow a golfer to selectively control the dispensation of a single golf ball at a time, without requiring the golfer to alter his stance prior to each swing or putt. The gate member has first and second portions attached through a connecting member, so as to allow the first and second portions to reciprocate in unison with each other across a passageway. The ball dispenser has a hold position and a dispensing position, according to which one of the reciprocating portions of the gate member is retracted from a passageway and which enters into the passageway. In one embodiment, the reciprocation of the gate member is driven by a solenoid which is attached to the gate member by a spring. In an alternative embodiment the dispenser is adapted to place a golf ball on a tee at the striking location.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inclination-adjustable golf training device capable of optionally changing the inclination of its platform, on which a player stands to practice his golf swing, in order to simulate the condition of a real golf course, thereby obtaining an enhanced training effect. The golf training device includes an upper plate assembly, to which a ball supply unit and a controller are internally mounted, the upper plate assembly including an upper plate, on which a player stands to practice his golf swing, a lower plate assembly adapted to support the upper plate while being spaced apart from the upper plate, a vertical reciprocating unit mounted on the lower plate assembly while including driving and driven parts operating to adjust the inclination of the upper plate with respect to the lower plate assembly in all radial directions.

Abstract: An automatic golf ball dispensing device includes a base, motor, drive link, slide arm, pivot arm, control circuit, dispenser cover, and handle. The base preferably includes two pivot feet on a first end and an adjustable foot on a second end thereof. One end of a drive arm is connected to the shaft of the motor. The other end of the drive arm is pivotally attached to a first end of the drive link. A second end of the drive link is pivotally attached to a second end of the slide arm. The slide arm is slidably attached to a top of the base. A ball stop is formed on a first end of the slide arm and a notch is formed under the ball stop. A first end of the pivot arm is sized to fit under the notch such that the pivot arm is level relative to the top of the base. A ball support extends from a first end of the pivot arm. A bottom of the dispenser cover is attached to a top of the base.

Abstract: A golf ball teeing device includes a rotatable shaft driven through an approximately 180 degree arc by a forwardly and reversely rotating motor. A pair of flexible and parallel arms are mounted on the shaft with an end projecting therefrom. The ends of the arms when in a first position opposed to the tee, secure a ball therebetween from a ramp supply of balls. At this time a forward and reversing switch causes the motor to reverse thereby moving the arms approximately 180 degrees to place the ball on the tee.

Abstract: A ball dispensing apparatus comprises a container capable of housing a plurality of golf balls and a ball dispenser having a gate member to allow a golfer to selectively control the dispensation of a single golf ball at a time, without requiring the golfer to alter his or her stance prior to each swing or putt. The gate member has first and second gate portions attached by a connecting member, so as to allow the first and second gate portions to reciprocate in unison with each other across an inclined passageway within the ball dispenser. The ball dispenser has a hold position and a dispensing position. In the hold position the first gate portion is retracted from the passageway and the second gate portion extends into the passageway, while in the dispensing position the first gate portion extends into the passageway and the second gate portion is retracted from the passageway.

Abstract: A golf ball supply system which is capable of reducing its failure, increasing its lifetime and performing an accurate operation by improving the switch for sensing the rotating angle of the operation handle of the system and the circuit of the system. The golf ball supply system contains an operating handle which is operated by a selective adjusting angle of a rotating angle control switch, a rotating angle sensing switch and an initial position switch which are composed of lead switches and are respectively installed in predetermined angular positions. A permanent magnetic piece is attached to the rear end of the operation handle so that an IC circuit receives and sorts an ON/OFF signal from the lead switches and the pedal switch and transfers the signal to respective timers. The timers receive the signals from the IC circuit and operate the solenoid through a first switch IC and further receive the signals from the IC circuit and operate the static motor through a second switch IC.

Abstract: An automatic golf ball teeing up device has an upper plate formed with a ball passing opening. A ball receiving box is positioned just below the ball passing opening. Golf balls are fed into the ball receiving box one after another. A ball push-up mechanism is employed, which includes a ball push-up member movable in parallel with a major surface of the upper plate into the box to push up the ball in the box to a given upper position, and a tee member movable with the ball push-up member and puts thereon the ball when coming into the box just below the ball-passing opening. A lift mechanism is further employed for lifting up the tee member together with the ball to a predetermined height through the ball-passing opening when the action for putting the ball onto the tee member is completed in the box. A drive mechanism is employed for actuating the ball push-up mechanism and the lift mechanism in order.

Abstract: An automatic batting tee apparatus includes a housing having a top opening, a chute for feeding balls one at a time to above the top opening, a drive member mounted upright in the housing for rotation about a vertical axis aligned with the top opening, and a tube disposed upright in the housing surrounding the drive member and aligned with the top opening. The tube is drivingly engaged with the drive member and coupled to the housing so that in response to rotation of the drive member in one and the other of opposite rotational directions the tube will undergo upward and downward reciprocal movement along the vertical axis relative to the rotating drive member through a ball receiving and positioning cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for automatically teeing up golf balls having a hopper, a teeing up device and a control panel. The hopper is operatively connected to the teeing up device to supply golf balls to the automatic teeing up device. The teeing up device comprises a piston moving between a lowermost and an uppermost position within a guide cylinder below the ground level. Golf balls are selected and allowed on a tee one at the time. The tee is adjustable in height to simulate a tee off lie or a fairway lie. A detector is located under the tee to detect the presence of a golf ball on the tee to automatically tee up another golf ball when needed. The control panel activates, controls or deactivates the automatic teeing up device.

Abstract: A golf ball setting apparatus for feeding onto a tee a golf ball advanced by gravity to a forward end of a ball supply chute via a rotating ball feeder disk having a feed pawl in accordance with a signal from a ball sensor which indicates no golf ball on the tee, comprising a ball stopper disposed above the chute, the ball stopper having a front end pivotable between a lower position at which the front end lockingly engages a golf ball adjacent the forward end of the chute and an upper position at which the front end does not lockingly engage the ball, the ball stopper being held in engagement with a spring urging the front end to move so as to constantly assume the lower position, and with a ball releasing solenoid for moving the front end to the upper position against the force of the spring when the solenoid is excited.

Abstract: An automatic golf ball dispenser includes a housing having a substantially horizontal top and a plurality of substantially vertical sides. Within the housing is a storage bin and track configured to receive a plurality of golf balls and to deliver the golf balls to a feed mechanism. The feed mechanism includes a meter configured to dispense a single golf ball for each movement of the meter. An arm mounted on a pivot retrieves the single golf ball from the feed mechanism and places the golf ball at a predetermined location for a golfer to hit the golf ball. A sensor is located nearby to indicate when another golf ball should be dispensed. A controller is also contained within the housing and configured to accept currency, where the controller is electrically connected to the sensor and responsive to the sensor, and where the controller is also electrically connected to an arm motor to control the movement of the arm.