Abstract: An inverted dunk tank including a frame attached to a trailer. The frame supports a plurality of water tanks in an upper section of the frame. The plurality of water tanks is each connected to a water release valve respectively. At least one sidewall is attached to the frame. The at least one sidewall has a plurality of holes located therein. Each of the plurality of holes has a sensor therein. The sensors detect when an item passes through the hole. The sensor will send a signal to the water release valve and dump water from the tank.

Abstract: A system and method for more efficient tracking and automatically recommend an optimizing pinhole locations on putting greens are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and method may be directed to identifying a global position of a pinhole location using a turf analysis device having a global positioning system (GPS) module configured to collect and assimilate pinhole location data and condition data to a server database. The server may then determine an optimal location of a new pinhole location based on all previously collected pinhole location data and all previous condition data. By tracking and analyzing the pinhole locations for one or more greens as well as corresponding condition data, follow-on pinhole locations can be optimized. In some embodiments, measurements of turf conditions may be used to influence the optimization of determining pinhole location.

Abstract: A ball tracking system is disclosed which includes a display, sensors, a launch monitor and a processor that receives data from the sensors and from the launch monitors and outputs a rendering to the display. Specifically, the sensors are positioned to detect a plurality of observed ball flight paths, each in the plurality originating from a different ball strike at a different location. The sensors' field of view is correlated to three-dimensional space. The launch monitor is positioned to detect one of the ball strikes and to measure the launch parameters of that ball strike. The processor performs several processing steps to match the ball strike detected by the launch monitor to the ball flight paths observed by the sensors, and creates a rendering using both the predicted and the observed data.

Abstract: A configurable flexible putting green system and methods provide a golf putting experience on a highly configurable simulated putting green surface. A movable, flexible turf belt is tensioned between storage devices at each end of the turf belt. A portion of the turf belt is configured as a putt spot, supporting the player's weight and simulating a real putting experience. The system is provided with actuators underneath the turf belt for creating a variety of undulations, inclinations, and declinations so as to simulate a wide variety of golf putting scenarios. A golf computer is provided for controlling the turf belt and undulators to simulate golf putting conditions according to a database of simulated golf putting terrain matching existing golf courses.

Abstract: A golf putting apparatus that is portable and designed to enhance a golfer's skill level is presented. The apparatus includes a strip made of a flexible material and a carrier unit configured to detachably couple with the strip, the carrier unit having a first wall around which the strip is wound for storage, the first wall defining a cavity that is configured to hold a ball.

Abstract: A device for practicing putting of a golf ball includes: an elongate base with opposed first and second ends and an upper surface; an elongate rail with an upper surface and opposed first and second ends, the rail mounted to the base such that the upper surface of the rail is positioned above and generally parallel with the upper surface of the base; a locating feature positioned adjacent the first end of the rail, the locating feature configured to provide a resting place for a golf ball; and a target area positioned near the second end of the base panel located adjacent the second end of the rail. Such a device can provide immediate and accurate feedback on putting errors committed by the user.

Abstract: A foamed polymer having a top portion with ruptured cells and a bottom portion of non-ruptured cells is provided. The ruptured cells are formed using mechanical or chemical abrasion to form a plurality of fibrous members that simulate a grass-like surface. The abrasion may be accomplished using sanding or solvents that rupture the cells of the top portion.

Abstract: A golf practice device having a simulated putting green surface having artificial turf that is approximately the same height and an appearance similar to an actual grass putting surface. Surrounding the putting surface is a collar of artificial turf with grass blades that are longer than the putting surface portion. The turf surfaces may have the ability to float or a floatable substrate can be disposed below the turf for using the device as a floating target for golf shots.

Abstract: The training aid for practicing the skill of putting a golf ball in a straight direction is comprised of a kit which provides developmental drills to allow the avid golfer or participant an opportunity to improve their putting skills. The kit comprises a playing surface with various indicia and a set of target balls which enables the participant(s) to play various games which correspond to golfing. A base mat is placed underneath the playing surface and further has a perimeter rim to retain errant golf balls when exiting the playing surface. An auxiliary attachable backstop, a plurality of removably attachable standing platforms, and a detachable putter are also provided.

Abstract: A somewhat flexible floor assembly is supported by a matrix of spaced-apart vertically-adjustable devices, such as electrically-operated jacks operated by servo motors. The devices are centrally individually controlled whereby height of the devices may be individually varied so that the floor surface may have its contour varied as desired. Somewhat flexible metal rods are supported by the jacks, and they in turn support joist assemblies which support a subfloor and flooring surface. The vertically-adjustable devices may be controlled by a computer, which may access data corresponding to a number of selectable pre-configured contours, such that selection of one of the pre-configured contours causes the height of the devices to vary so as to move the floor surface to a configuration corresponding to the selected pre-configured contour. The pre-configured contour may be, for example, a simulation of a real-life golf green.

Abstract: A putting training device having an elongate section with a ball receiving area and a visual target reference or aim point that is positioned in the desired direction of travel of the golf ball. The visual target reference is located a distance from the golf ball receiving area that is selected so that a golfer can focus on the visual target reference when making their swing, thus maintaining their attention on the desired direction of travel of the ball to improve their aim while still being able to see the orientation of the head of the putter during the latter portion of the golfer's stroke and as it hits the ball to be able to provide better club control during the putting swing.

Abstract: A device for practicing putting of a golf ball includes: an elongate base with opposed first and second ends and an upper surface; an elongate rail with an upper surface and opposed first and second ends, the rail mounted to the base such that the upper surface of the rail is positioned above and generally parallel with the upper surface of the base; a locating feature positioned adjacent the first end of the rail, the locating feature configured to provide a resting place for a golf ball; and a target area positioned near the second end of the base panel located adjacent the second end of the rail. Such a device can provide immediate and accurate feedback on putting errors committed by the user.

Abstract: There is disclosed a practice putting apparatus. The practice putting apparatus has a putting target, and a light source for lighting a guide path on a practice surface, the guide path being parallel to a putting line along which a golf ball is intended to be struck at said target to thereby provide a visual aid to alignment of the putter head when making a putting stroke along the putting line.

Abstract: An alternative to the game of golf utilizing any conventional golf course while incorporating a plurality of elevated target disks having a vertical planar attitude and a circular central opening, a ball having an outer diameter substantially lesser than that of the circular central opening in the target disks, and a variety of ball launchers each having the ability to accept various handle implements. The goal of the game is to either strike or penetrate the target disks in as few tosses as possible from the T-off point.

Abstract: A miniature golf hole system includes an expanded polystyrene foam base having a downwardly facing surface which is received on a supporting surface, and an upwardly facing surface having a predetermined surface contour; a laminated layer disposed over said expanded polystyrene foam base layer and having a generally uniform thickness which conforms to the predetermined surface contour of said base layer; and a turf-like surface layer applied to an upwardly facing surface of said laminated layer, said surface layer providing a smooth upwardly facing putting surface upon which a golf ball can be putted.

Abstract: A golf putting practice device and ball is provided, wherein the ball has a flat end and a friction face which allow the putting practice ball to slide across the level putting surface of the putting practice device. The specific coefficient of friction provided by the friction face of the putting practice ball reduces the speed and the distance the putting practice ball travels over a putting surface of the putting practice device. This allows a golfer to practice a complete range of putts on a conveniently sized portable device.

Abstract: Provided is a putting-training tool for enabling a user to train the putting while realizing that the error of a ball hitting angle may be confined within about 2 degrees. The putting-training tool is characterized in that a golf ball rolling groove has a width of 9 mm to 5 mm and has a transverse section gently-recessed into a curved face for supporting a golf ball at one point, so that the golf ball may not leave, in case a putting force to roll the golf ball by about 1.5 m to 2 m on the green is applied, the golf ball rolling groove for errors of the ball hitting angle less than 2 degrees.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable putting practice device, which is constructed so that a mat 30 is wound up in a roll to be stored in a box 20, and is unwound and pulled out of the box for use. The device includes foldable flexible guide walls which are provided on both side ends of the mat in a longitudinal direction thereof and prevent a golf ball from escaping from the mat when it is in use. When a user desires to store the mat in the box, the guide walls 40, 50 are unfolded outwards relative to left and right ends of the mat such that they are on the same plane as the mat. In this a state, the guide walls are wound. Meanwhile, when the user desires to use the mat 30, the mat is unwound and pulled out of the box 20. The guide walls are folded up along the left and right ends of the mat, thus serving as a fence for preventing the golf ball from escaping from the mat during putting practice.

Abstract: A golf putting game that will test a player or players skill while attempting to putt a ball on a floor like surface into a uniquely shaped putting cup. The player or players will take turns putting from one (1) of five (5) different hole location markers towards the uniquely shaped putting cup and receive a score according to the rules of play. Each hole location marker represents two (2) holes, except the 9th hole which is singular location marker. The game will include a score pad with columns for a player or players names, score per hole, distance between the hole location markers and the putting cup and a total score of the game for each player. Rules of Play and game set up sheet along with a golf ball and pencil are also included in the game package.

Abstract: A golf game apparatus which provides a unique form of swing measurement, scaled course maps for play, and interchangeable club heads to play with. The apparatus is particularly suited to indoor play with the scaled maps. The apparatus features recordable ball distance measurement which is reset after each swing, thereby enabling a player to progress along the course map.

Abstract: A carpet putting surface having a longitudinal length longer than its lateral width and comprising a predetermined putting location marking, and a plurality of substantially “V” shaped markings placed apart from the predetermined putting location marking, with each substantially “V” shaped marking having the open end of the “V” closer to the predetermined putting location marking than the closed end of the “V.” An apparatus for practicing golf ball putting comprising a carriage having a spool of carpet putting surface and a golf ball retriever is also disclosed and adapted for use on a bowling alley lane.

Abstract: An indoor miniature golf game is provided with a plurality of environmentally realistic simulated fairways and greens with an optional plurality of tee off positions. Sequential visual activity segments with intermediate target areas are provided on the fairways between the tees and the greens. Various materials both visually and physically simulate the accompanying landscape, so that the golf ball travels quickly over the greens, but is slowed down and caught by rough or water simulated areas. Further, the course is enhanced with simulations of actual scenery and real world playing conditions. Various configurations allow for customized play, which is proportional to the ability of the player.

Abstract: A putting practice tool and game for PURPOSE includes a mat having an upper surface. The mat has a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A tee area is defined adjacent to the back edge. A plurality of green indicia is positioned on the upper surface of the mat. Each of the green indicia defines a green. Each of the greens is spaced from each other and is positioned between the tee area and the back edge. A player utilizes a putter and ball such that the ball may be putt with the putter. The player hits a selected series of putts to designated areas from the tee area by the player for each of the greens in turn. The player adds additional strokes for putts going errant with respect to the designated area. At least one putt of the series of putts is directed into the green for which the series of putts is being played.

Abstract: An adjustable contour and slope practice putting green assembly having a base (22) and a practice putting green platform (21) mounted to the base for support of the platform (21) and a player standing on a support area (28) of the platform (21) over the base (22). The base (22) is formed for selective tilting of the platform (21). The weight of a player standing on the putting green platform (21) is used to hold or fix the platform (21) to the base (22) in an adjusted position. The platform (21) is cantilevered away from the base (22) and preferably the base assembly (22) includes a spherical surface structure (34,51) and a ring (23) cooperatively formed to enable universal adjustment of the slope of the platform (21) about the center of a spherical surface (34,51) when the player is not standing on the platform.

Abstract: A method for playing a putting game on a golf green surface is disclosed. Each player is provided a like plurality of golf balls, each ball having a unique feature for association with one player. In each round, all balls are placed on the circumference of a circle of a selected radius, with the cup at the circle center. Each player putts the balls having that player's associated unique feature until each ball enters the cup or each ball is putted twice. All balls failing to enter the cup in two putts are removed from play after the second putt. A score value is provided to each player for each ball remaining in play at the end of the round. In each subsequent round, the above steps are repeated with each circle radius greater than the prior circle radius, until all balls are out of play. The score value for each player is totaled to determine a winner.

Abstract: The game is a putting pool game played by a plurality of players. The putting pool game includes a game frame, a plurality of ball receiving holes, at least two sets of balls where each set of balls is a different color, at least one striker ball and a plurality of ball striking clubs. Each of the players is assigned a particular set of balls. The game is started by dumping the sets of balls out of a storage bucket into an open area inside of the game frame. One player places the striker ball at one end of the game frame for a first shot and each player takes alternating shots by hitting the striker ball into his particular set of balls in an attempt to project his set of balls through the ball receiving holes.

Abstract: An impact absorbing surface covering adapted for use with a high impact traffic area is provided. A shock pad of post industrial, recycled closed cell foam is used in conjunction with an impervious wear surface, such as rubber, sprayed polyurethane, or artificial turf, in order to provide a durable, impact absorbent area, which can be easily adapted to varying shapes and sizes in a seamless manner to create an economical and resilient alternative for indoor/outdoor, commercial or recreational use. A method for installing an impact absorbing surface covering is also provided in which shock pads comprised of foam, fabric, and mesh layers are positioned on the ground, cement, or a floor, and are covered by a substantially impervious wear surface, thereby creating a non-purous, impact-absorbent, product with an extended life span.

Abstract: Multiple molded polymeric panels of various configurations are mechanically fastened together along a side surface having alternating upright and downward facing steps containing fastening elements to provide putting greens of different dimensions and shape. Each panel has a planar top surface and a bottom integral grid supporting structure. A simulated grass overlies the joined panels. Raised pads are optionally placed between the top surface of the panels and the simulated grass to provide a contoured green.

Abstract: There is provided an improved jigsaw puzzle which comprises polyfoam based puzzle pieces each having a drawing surface such as high quality drawing paper surface, a casing with a cover lid pivoted at one end of the casing for opening and closing a space within the casing, said space behind wide enough to hold the puzzle pieces whether assembled or disassembled, a puzzle frame unit for holding the puzzle pieces assembled therein. The resilient spacer is interposed between the puzzle pieces and the casing.

Abstract: A chipping and putting golf training facility for practice, education, competition, and recreational use. The golf training facility is comprises a plurality of strip greens and fringe grass aprons specifically designed and arranged in an order to provide a systematic training method in chipping and putting. Each strip green of the plurality exposes the golf trainee to a different putting circumstance naturally encountered in chipping and putting on a golf course. Each strip green is essentially planar and has an uphill or downhill longitudinal inclination and a left to right or right to left transverse downhill inclination. The preferred embodiment utilizes a combination of small, medium, and large inclinations along both axes. The preferred embodiment also includes two strip greens with level upper and lower tiers and an inclined planar surface separating the two level tiers.

Abstract: A transportable golf putting green apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame and a rigid planar platform which cooperates with and is supported by the frame. Artificial turf is disposed coplanar and coextensive with the platform, the arrangement being such that the platform is disposed between the frame and the turf. Also, an edge rail is removably fastened to the frame, the rail extending around the turf.

Abstract: The putting trainer includes a substantially flat plate upon which a golfer may place and strike a golf ball. The plate includes a first end having a recess shaped and dimensioned for receiving a golf ball and maintaining the golf ball in position adjacent the first end until such a time that the golfer strikes the golf ball toward a second end of the plate. The plate further includes a central alignment groove extending from the recess toward the second end of the plate. The putting trainer also includes a plurality of obstacles respectively and selectively positioned within a plurality of indents formed within the plate. The indents are positioned on opposite sides of the central alignment groove to define a passageway through which a golf ball is desirably struck.

Abstract: A golf hole for a miniature golf course is formed of a plurality of components, these components being divided into three distinct types: platform base panels, side rails, and riser feet. Each platform base panel is constructed or molded with attachments for side rails and riser feet. The riser feet are first attached to platform base panels. The platform base panels are laid out in any desired hole configuration within the parameters of the invention, one platform base panel containing the golf cup. Carpet or artificial turf, continuous or in sections, is then cut to fit and laid over platform base panels. The side rails and metal start rails are placed over the edge of the carpet along the perimeter of the hole and secured to the platform base panels. Obstacles may be bolted to the platform base panels at various points on the putting surface.

Abstract: A water golf game comprising at least one floating portable green surrounded by at least one floating circle is disclosed. The floating green has a circle that sits on top of the green or is molded into the green. Both the floating circle and the circle on the green have lights so the game may be played at night.

Abstract: A golf green trainer comprises a mainframe chest, an immovable putt plate, and an electronic control chest. The mainframe chest further comprises an angular adjusting device, a ball sweeping device, a ball collecting device, and a ball supplying device such that users can set the angular adjusting device by means of the electronic control chest for adjusting the inclination angle of the golf green plate so as to simulate a real golf green surface. By means of the ball sweeping device, the golf ball which can not be putted into the hole nor to the out-of-bounds but remain on the golf green plate will be swept into the ball collecting device. By means of the ball collecting device, the ball which is putted into the hole and the ball which is swept into the ball collecting device will be collected for replenishing the ball supplying device. By means of the ball supplying device, the golf ball will be supplied to one end of the immovable putt plate for users to putt.

Abstract: A golf practice apparatus comprising a cavity used to hold synthetic and other types of recreational sports turf in place, the cavity having a plurality of openings to allow water to drain from the cavity, and said turf comprising interstitial spaces filled with sand to create an artificial hitting surface having a realistic feel.

Abstract: To permit playing golf from a wheel chair or exercising a dog, a tennis ball throwing apparatus includes: (1) a safety feature to prevent the throwing device from being used for throwing small sharp items; (2) a sling arrangement that permits easily throwing of balls a long distance; and (3) an apparatus that permits balls to be picked up without either bending down or touching them with the hands. In the case of a dog exerciser, a storage compartment is provided for storing tennis balls to dry the tennis balls may be loaded in the storage compartment and later put in a pouch one by one to throw them without touching them. Balls that a dog retrieves may be picked up using the sling without touching the ball and it is automatically put into a storage compartment where it is exposed to air for drying purposes. In the case of the golf game a club is mounted to the throwing device.

Abstract: Golf practice apparatus, comprising two sphere segments of a simulated golf ball mounted on opposing sides of a pivotal structure, strain gauges mounted on the structure to measure strains caused by a strike force to the simulated ball, means to digitally encode voltages resulting from the strains, and software for determining a three-dimension strike force, torque content thereof, and strike force duration. Strain gauges mounted on the structure between the ball segments determine one component of the strike force and torque about both horizontal and vertical axes. Strain gauges mounted on a support column of the pivotal structure determine the remaining strike force components. Additional software is disclosed for deriving an initial three-dimension velocity vector and spin rates about both horizontal and vertical axes of a free ball similarly struck whereby a three-dimension trajectory of a free golf ball may be computed.

Abstract: A golf practice system is provided including a supporting surface having at least one set of concentric rings. Also included is a base positioned on the supporting surface in spaced relationship with the concentric rings.

Abstract: A golf game is played with a standard golf club in and around a swimming pool having a surrounding deck. The game contains a floating green made of a sheet of floating foam having a cross-sectional area of at least about 10 square feet with an upper surface covered with a loop-type fabric upper surface. The game also contains a plurality of floating golf balls covered with a hook-type fabric. The game is played by hitting the floating golf balls with the golf club from the deck to the floating green in the pool.

Abstract: A miniature golf hole system includes an expanded polystyrene foam base having a porous rubberized material applied to an upper exposed side of the expanded polystyrene base, and a porous outdoor carpeting applied to the exposed surface of the rubber material. The system is designed for improving drainage of water from the carpeting. The system further includes a plurality of drainage channels selectively cut in the expanded polystyrene base for emptying any accumulated water out a bottom of the miniature golf hole system. A second embodiment is also disclosed wherein a polyurethane coating is substituted for the rubberized material.

Abstract: A golf game, for one or more participants, played on a plurality of tables, a single golf hole played upon each table including providing of multi-sided, substantially non-symmetric playing tables, each table having a playing area to simulate a golf hole, each table having a playing surface with raised peripheral side edges with both resilient and non resilient bumpers surrounding the playing surface defining the overall boundary of the golf hole, a single ball receiving hole. The game further includes providing a playing ball for each participant and a cue stick for striking the playing ball within the boundary of each golf hole. In turn, each participant, using the cue stick, propels a ball from a tee-off area on the table to the ball receiving hole.

Abstract: A golf putting teaching aid includes a putting surface that has disposed thereon a cup near one end and a number of patterns disposed along the length thereof. Each of the patterns has parallel lines aligned with the desired putting path, the two parallel lines being separated by a predetermined distance, preferably the width of a typical golf ball. The length of the two parallel lines in each of the patterns increases as the pattern is moved away from the cup. At a predetermined location along each of the two parallel lines in each of the patterns, a ball location area is defined. The golf ball is disposed at this location and then the club first aligned with the ball such that the face thereof is perpendicular to the desired path of travel and then moved back to the most distal end from the cup.

Abstract: A Training Putter and Rug consisting of tugging with two short lines drawn on the top surface of and near one end of the rugging parallel with the long central axis of symmetry of the rug and one center line co-extensive with the central axis equidistant from and between each of the two short lines which center line extends to a point in a circle drawn near the other end of the rugging and a putter with a bowed shaft affixed to a rectangularly shaped putter head, hollow in the center with three thin bars at the base of the hollowed center that are parallel with and co-extensive with the three lines on the rugging when the putter is placed flat on the rugging during proper use of the device and with two identical milled lateral faces on the putter head and two identical etched lines that are co-extensive with the middle one of the three bars and which are found one each on the topsides of the lateral portions of the putter head.

Abstract: A compact golf ball driving range net apparatus has a rigid frame with a substantially fabric ramp 14 having a lower leading edge 60 releasably connected to a lower portion of the frame and an upper trailing edge releasably connected to an upper end of the frame. The ramp 14 curves upwardly from the leading edge 60 to the trailing edge and is supported on the frame in a substantially tensioned state. A generally cylindrical ball receiving member 12 supported generally horizontally at an upper end of the frame has a longitudinal opening 110 adjoining the ramp trailing edge for receiving a ball thereinto. Golf balls hit from an adjacent teeing area 82 impact the ramp and are guided upward thereby to enter and rotate along the interior of the ball receiving member a number of times under observation of the golfer. The path of the rotating ball indicates the manner in which it was hit.