Projectile Return Patents (Class 473/163)
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Patent number: 12109470Abstract: A modular mini-golf obstacle kit to allow individual creativity by enabling users to design their own miniature golf hole. The kit may have a number of various types of pieces and obstacles, each including uniform connecting mechanisms so that the pieces can interlock with one another in a variety of combinations. This allows for flexibility in design so each user can construct their own perfect mini golf hole anywhere they take the kit.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2024Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Inventor: Cody J. Skacan
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Publication number: 20150038247Abstract: A turf-like putting green is described herein with an upper flat portion that leads to an elevated ramped-up portion where a simulated golf hole is located. Markings on the flat portion indicate how a user should align their putter head when striking the ball and also how far of a back stroke and forward stroke to take to sink putts from different distances. An exit hole out of the golf hole directs made putts to a return track that is configured with either a flat surface and two angled side arms, an entirely curved surface that complements the curvature of a golf ball, or a flat surface and multiple curved portions—all of which keep golf balls on the return track. The return track is situated adjacent to the horizontal portion and directs golf balls back to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: August Eltz, III, Terry Franklin
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Patent number: 8376871Abstract: A golf putting game apparatus comprises a ramp, a plurality of selectable rings, and a ball return mechanism. The ramp comprises a durable body having a horizontal surface portion at an upper end. The ramp is disposed with a suitable golf putting surface. The plurality selectable rings further comprise a large round target hole, a support assembly, and a plurality of concentric targets. The support assembly comprises a plurality of small horizontal supports which extends inward from a bottom edge of the target hole. The plurality of concentric targets comprise a plurality of flat concentric rings which fit inside each other, with the largest fitting correspondingly inside the inner perimeter of the target hole. The ball return mechanism comprises a return chute which returns a golf ball to the side of the ramp upon successfully placing the ball in the target. By selectively placing a desired number of concentric targets, a user may shrink the diameter of the target in order to increase the difficulty.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Inventor: Ira L. Cloud
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Patent number: 7749092Abstract: A device for practice putting of golf balls is provided comprising a platform covered by a synthetic matting simulating a putting surface 2, a standing area 1 for the golfer with first 16 and second 19 foot operated electrical on/off switches for operating an electromagnetic return means such that the golfers can retrieve each golf ball without ever changing their putting position.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Inventor: Lamar Anthony Rutherford
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Patent number: 7563171Abstract: A portable training device is used for improving putting skills of a player by putting a ball. A plurality of sections are removably connected with one another to define an upper section and a lower section presenting an inclined axis. At least one compartment is defined in each of the sections for receiving the ball. A channel defined in at least one of the sections extends parallel the inclined axis and communicates with the at least one compartment to receiving the ball and returning the ball trough at least one of the channels.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Inventor: William Barz
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Publication number: 20090176590Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides a putting mat including a mat portion, a ball returning net portion, and a pair of bumps. The mat portion is configured for a ball to travel along. The ball returning net portion includes an entrance, a confining net portion, and a slope portion configured to guide the ball in the confining net portion toward and beyond the entrance. The pair of bumps along the two side portions of the mat portion are configured to limit the ball on the central path portion of the mat portion. The mat portion is tilted downward from the first end portion to the second end portion such that the ball is fallen off the entrance of the ball returning net and rolls toward the second end portion of the mat portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventor: Kwang Han Cho
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Publication number: 20090054170Abstract: An apparatus for practicing putting at home. Such apparatus comprises a foldable enclosure member being formed of two substantially identical portions, each of the substantially identical portions having a base member forming a floor for the foldable enclosure. A first portion having a back end, a left side and a right side engageable with such base member, a second portion having only a left side and a right side engageable with the base member. A preselected material is disposed on top of the base member for use as a putting surface. A predetermined number of holes are disposed in such preselected material and such base member and are positioned at preselected locations. A hinge mechanism is engageable with an underside closely adjacent abutting edges of each of the substantially identical portions of said foldable enclosure for folding said apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: Joseph A. Probst
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Patent number: 7070511Abstract: A golf practice mat is formed by a circular or rectangular golf mat with a sufficiently large playing surface to support a golfer for address of a golf ball on a tee located in a contiguous outer peripheral margin of the playing surface. The spaced apart golf ball hitting areas each include the golf club approach path and a golf club follow through path intercepted by the golf tee mounting aperture. The golf mat is rotated about an axle within spandrels or filler pieces supported on a platform about the outer periphery of the golf mat.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventor: Floyd L. Gustine
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Publication number: 20040152529Abstract: A golf training device for training player's both approaching skill and putting skill has a main member, a board, an alley, an assisting board and a cage. The main member has two lateral walls and a back wall and the board, the alley and the assisting board are secured on the base member in sequence and a hole is provided thereon to be the goal. The cage consists of a frame and a net wherein the frame is mounted on the walls of the base member and the net is secured to the frame. Three elevating assembly are provided between the base member and the board to change slopes of the board. If a ball flies over the base member, the cage will stop it so that player can practice the approaching skill.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventor: David Chen
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Publication number: 20040137995Abstract: An adjustable golf putting practice device that a user can mechanically adjust the height and gradient near the golf hole without using power. The adjustable golf practice device has a base with a ball return gutter therein. Plural springs installed in the base. At least one ramp plate supported by the springs, the ramp plate has a hole therein corresponding to the ball return gutter. Plural means are used for positioning the ramp plate in desired height and slope and plural means are used for releasing the means for positioning the ramp plate. Thereby a user can adjust the height and gradient of the ramp plate near the golf hole simply by pushing the ramp plate and the push button of the means for ramp plate releasing means.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventor: Chen Te Chang
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Publication number: 20040097294Abstract: A putter training device has a putting green surrounded by a “hazard” . The putting green slants upwardly from the front edge of the device and is provided with a cup as a target for the golfer. If the ball is successfully putted into the cup, a channel extends from the cup, through the hazard, and to a ball return ramp on one side of the device. If the ball is hit beyond the putting green, the ball falls into the hazard and returns to the player via the ball return ramp.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2002Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventor: Steven Caramico
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Patent number: 6672970Abstract: Multiple molded polymeric panels are mechanically fastened together in a lengthwise configuration with a backboard at one end opposite the starting position for a putting stroke. Each panel has a planar top surface and a bottom integral grid supporting structure. The side edges of the panels are raised and the panels are attached together end to end. A simulated grass overlies the joined panels and a receptacle for receiving a golf ball is provided in one panel. A first carrying case contains the panels and backboard and a second carrying case contains the simulated grass and simulated flag stick.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: David R. Barlow
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Patent number: 6638174Abstract: An apparatus for golf putting practice including a golf ball return sheet with a trough running from a lower first end of the sheet to an upper second end of the sheet and along a center line. The first end is for locating on a putting surface and a support supports the sheet inclined to the putting surface. The support has an upwardly extending wall to stop a ball, and the ball will then roll back down the trough of the sheet. The upwardly extending wall can also have a small target aperture and semi-circular tongue. The apparatus can be returned to a flat condition for storage purposes.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Brendon Ford
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Patent number: 6569027Abstract: A portable putting green for practicing putting which includes an elongate putting mat elevated at one end by an inclined putting structure with a target hole. The putting structure includes an inclined central ramp with the target hole. The angle of inclination and lateral tilt of the putting structure is adjustable using arms pivotally connected to the putting structure which are used to selectively elevate the rear and opposite sides of the putting structure, so as to simulate different holes of a golf course.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventor: Raymond J. Florian
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Patent number: 6497625Abstract: A golf putting green and associated ball return system are disclosed. The ball return system returns a ball generally to the original point of the putt. As a ball is hit and rolls into a target hole or gutter, it falls by gravity through an air gate and enters an air duct channel. The gate closes after the ball falls through it. A gutter is provided for missed putts. The gutter slopes to a hole that also includes an air gate, which momentarily opens to allow missed putt balls to enter the air duct channel. Using the force of air generated by an air producing unit, the ball is gently propelled through the channel, which extends uprange along the putting surface, and returns the ball at the end of the channel onto the putting area. As the ball exits the channel with momentum generated by the airflow, it follows along a curved frame structure, positioned around the periphery of one side edge of the putting area, which acts to deliver the ball to the point of the original putt.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Inventor: Richard W. Newby
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Patent number: 6428420Abstract: A putting practice apparatus for practicing putting a golf ball on sloped surfaces. The putting practice apparatus includes a plurality of base members being detachably connected end-to-end to form a continuous artificial putting green upon which a user can practice one's putting with each of the base members having a front end, a back end, sides, a top surface with the top surfaces of the base, members being contoured uniquely relative to one another with at least one of the base members,including a hole disposed in the top surface thereof and being adapted to receive a golf ball; and also includes a cover removably and securely disposed upon the top surfaces of the base members; and further includes a ball return assembly for returning a ball from said hole to the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Inventor: Grant Durnell
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Publication number: 20020094877Abstract: A golf putting green and associated ball return system is disclosed. The ball return system returns a ball general to the original point of the putt. As a ball is hit and rolls into a target hole or gutter, it falls by gravity through an air gate and enters an air duct channel. The gate closes after the ball falls through it. A gutter is provided for missed putts. The gutter slopes to a hole that also includes an air gate, which momentarily opens to allow missed putt balls to enter the air duct channel. Using the force of air generated by an air producing unit, the ball is gently propelled through the channel, which extends uprange along the putting surface, and returns the ball at the end of the channel onto the putting area. As the ball exits the channel with momentum generated by the airflow, it follows along a curved frame structure, positioned around the periphery of one side edge of the putting area, which acts to deliver the ball to the point of the original putt.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventor: Richard W. Newby
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Patent number: 6287212Abstract: Lifting golf balls in a vertical tube from a lifting station using spaced apart motorized wheels with finger projections for projecting into side openings in the vertical tube. The golf balls are allowed to fall by gravity from an apex of the vertical tube to a diverter for directing the golf balls to a particular dispenser apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Inventors: Bruce B. Wetherell, Ken Ko, William Betts
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Patent number: 6152830Abstract: A putting practice system for aiding golfers in maintaining putting skill levels. The practice system includes a surface contour that is adaptable by a user by inflating one or more air bladders to offer putting challenges not provided by a smooth even putting surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Inventor: Samuel L. J. Archie
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Patent number: 5725438Abstract: A golf putting practice green with a conventional golf cup and at least one simulated golf hazard. The practice putting green includes a putting mat with a realistic putting surface, a wedge shaped incline, a conventional golf cup and at least one simulated golf hazard. The golf hole and the hazards are formed from openings in the putting mat and cavities in the incline. The incline, and the golf hole and hazards, are positioned proximate to a distal end of the putting mat. An accurately putted golf ball will successfully enter the golf cup and come to rest underneath the putting mat. An errant putt, on the other hand, may enter one of the simulated hazards which protect the golf cup, but will still come to rest at the same resting place as the accurately putted ball.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Dennco, Inc.Inventor: James J. Dennesen
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Patent number: 5655971Abstract: A practice putting green which includes a generally planar slab of rigid light weight material;a foam rubber pad installed on the upper surface of said pad;a covering layer of artificial turf attached to an upper surface of said pad;at least one target hole in said turf layer and pad; andat least one variable contour installation comprising a sealed cavity in said rubber pad and means for selectively pressurizing said cavity to cause upward bulging of said turf layer to provide a variable contour putting surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1996Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Inventor: Ronald Wayne
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Patent number: 5595543Abstract: A golf putting practice system which is a complete golf putting system to train a golfer in the fine points in putting a golf ball. The putting practice system comprises an elongated putting track and a training device. The putting track is used to simulate a true golf course turf for putting the golf ball. The training device is provided for line of sight for the golfer. The elongated putting track is made from three pieces which comprises a front uphill ramp including a width adjustable channel, a middle uphill ramp and a rear uphill ramp including a cooperating ball return gutter and cup hole. The training device comprises two L-shaped attachment deflection members with two adjustable guide pointers, removably attached to a face of a conventional golf putter.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1995Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Inventor: Roger S. Wolk
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Patent number: 5547186Abstract: A limited space enclosed driving range is provided having a field, a multiplicity of golfing bays, golf bay enclosing netting, a golf ball collection device and an enclosure raising, holding and lowering device. The multiplicity of golfing bays from which golfers hit golf balls is arranged on a front part of the field. The golf bay enclosing netting has three side nets that surround the field and has a top net that extends over the field and above the multiplicity of golfing bays for substantially enclosing the field and the multiplicity of golfing bays to contain golf balls being hit by the golfers. The golf bay enclosing netting is made from material that is lightweight, durable and flexible enough to contain the golf balls being hit by the golfers. The golf ball collection device for collecting golf balls being hit by the golfers is arranged on a back part of the field.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1994Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Inventors: Michael J. Papp, Kevin W. Whalen
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Patent number: 5529304Abstract: A practice putting range has a runway and an adjacent inclined surface, the runway having a putting runway surface, the putting runway surface in flush abutment with an entrance end to the inclined surface, the entrance end of the inclined surface gently curving upwards towards a raised end of the inclined surface opposed to the entrance end, the raised end having therein an aperature through which a golf ball may drop, a golf ball return chute co-operating with the aperature so as to feed the golf ball dropping through the aperature from beneath the inclined surface onto the runway surface, the chute having a golf ball exit aperture engaging the runway surface and aligned relative to the runway surface so as to direct the golf ball exiting the golf ball exit aperture onto the runway surface to a point on a longitudinal medial line along the runway surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1994Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Inventor: Ronald Wood