Abstract: A collapsible target stand includes a base support assembly having a plurality of legs rotatable between an expanded position wherein the legs are radially arranged and an unexpanded position wherein the legs are disposed adjacent with each other; an upright support frame detachably connected with the base support assembly, the upright support frame including a first support frame connected to a second support frame and a third support frame connected to the second support frame; a locking assembly configured to lock the first support frame in an unfolded position; a target plate being detachable and suspended on the third support frame; wherein the first support frame is rotatable between a folded position wherein the first support frame has one side being coincident with the second support frame and the unfolded position wherein the first support frame is disposed in alignment with the second support frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tennis wall (100), comprising a frame that can be erected on the ground (101) and a cloth (102) stretched in said frame (101), wherein the cloth (102) is stretched such that a level cloth surface (104) is formed and that a tennis ball hitting the cloth surface (104) rolls or slides up the cloth surface (104) and then rolls or slides down again, characterized in that a recess (105) is provided on the upper end (103) of the cloth (102), the recess (105) being designed and positioned such that a tennis ball, once it has rolled or slid up the cloth surface (104), then enters the recess (105), subsequently rolls or slides out of the recess (105) again and only then rolls or slides down the cloth surface (104). The invention also relates to the use of this tennis wall as an aid in tennis training.

Abstract: A golf flagstick device comprising a rigid support member combined with a plurality of jacks. The components are encapsulated by a material, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, using an injection molding process. The jacks have one or more arms extending outward from a center portion. The arms are adapted to contact the inner wall of the mold's cavity to help hold the rigid support member in one place and away from the inner wall during the molding process. The flagstick includes a ferrule attached to a lower end which is adapted for placement into a putting cup and a tip fitting attached to an upper end which is adapted to be combined with a flag. The ferrule and/or tip fitting may be combined with the rigid support member before the injection molding process resulting in the ferrule and/or tip fitting being at least partially filled with and/or encapsulated by the material to help hold the components together without requiring a secondary attachment operation.

Abstract: A portable working light apparatus has a station bracket, a first light module and a second light module. The station bracket comprising handle bar, a middle bar and a bottom base. The first light module and the second light module are placed at two sides of the bracket station. The first light module and the second light module are rotatable with respect to a surface ground and with respect to the bracket station with a first joint rotator and a second joint rotator. The first light module and the second light module may also be detached from the bracket station.

Abstract: The batting cage comprises a portable backstop and a batting tee. The portable backstop may be assembled at a practice field from a plurality of frame pole sections, elbows, braces, and mesh screen covering. The frame pole sections assemble into uprights, crossbars, and sidebars that form a frame which the mesh screen covering is stretched over. The batting tee is placed in front of the portable backstop. A ball is placed on a post rising from the batting tee base and the ball is hit into the backstop by a batter. The backstop restricts the ball's travel. The height, forward position, and lateral position of the post are adjustable. An optional target on the rear wall of the portable backstop provides an aiming point for a perfectly hit ball.

Abstract: A vertically draining, particulate confinement structure may prevent side to side migration of particulate materials and may provide a way to ensure a consistent fill depth of the particulate materials. The particulate materials may include rubber granules. The vertical draining feature of the system may prevent water from accumulating on the turf surface by providing adequate vertical drainage. The vertical draining feature may be attributed to the combination of the turf surface with a confinement structure and the particulate materials that support this turf surface. The confinement structure and particulate materials also inhibit underlayment migration of the turf surface.

Abstract: This disclosure is drawn to methods and apparatuses related to a golf game and training apparatus. Specifically, the disclosed apparatus relates to a ramped plane with a plurality of holes sized to hold golf balls. Some example apparatuses may include at least one ramped plane with a leading end in contact with a playing surface and rising at an angle to a trailing end; a plurality of holes located on the surface of the at least one ramped plane sized to allow golf balls to rest partially in each of the plurality of holes; where the plurality of holes are arranged according to a scoring system; a receptacle sized to contain a plurality of golf balls, where the receptacle is coupled to the bottom surface of the ramped plane; and at least one support extending from the at least one ramped plane and elevating the trailing end above the playing surface.

Abstract: A golf course sand bunker comprising a soil layer, a base layer of playing sand covering at least 40% of the exposed area of the soil layer, a liquid-applied MDI urethane having a pre-cured viscosity within a selected range, a top layer of playing sand, and wherein the base layer of playing sand is adhered to the soil layer with the MDI urethane composition.

Abstract: A penetration type screen for screen golf is provided. A golf ball struck by a golfer is allowed to penetrate through the screen such that the struck golf ball disappears from view, thereby increasing the pleasance of golfing environments and a flying image of the golf ball is allowed to be displayed in the simulation image as the struck golf ball disappears from view, thereby further improving the realism of virtual golf, and wherein screen elements which constitute the penetration type screen are prevented from being opened even when golf balls repeatedly pass between the screen elements, thereby improving product reliability. To accomplish this, the penetration type screen includes a plurality of screen elements, each being formed of spandex, the plurality of screen elements being arranged side by side such that the screen elements at least partially overlap each other and are each inclined at a specific angle.

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 method is disclosed, including providing a first mixture of cement and particulate stone material; mixing the first mixture with a predetermined amount of water for forming a second mixture; applying a layer of the second mixture to a surface located at the place where the sports area is intended to be situated; curing/setting the layer of the second mixture applied to the surface, wherein the cured layer is porous and allows water to flow through the cured layer; and applying a layer of a particle size fraction onto the cured layer after the step of curing. A mixture is also disclosed including cement and particulate stone material, wherein the mixture comprises ca. 15-40% by dry weight cement and 60-85% by dry weight particulate stone material, and wherein at least 75% of the particles of the particulate stone material are of sizes within the range 0.1-10 mm.

Abstract: A golf course bunker (10) comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal and staggered layers (11)of artificial grass turf is disclosed. The layers (11) may each be pre-impregnated with sand. The layers of artificial grass define an exterior surface of the bunker and the interior (5) of the bunker may be formed of different material. A method of construction is also disclosed which may include steps of excavating a bunker and laying artificial grass in horizontal layers (11) to face the exterior surface of the excavation.

Abstract: An electronic sensing device includes a blanket, at least a sensor unit, and a display unit. The blanket has a circuit unit thereon and a plurality of couplers electrically connected to the circuit unit. The sensor unit is detachably fastened to the blanket and electrically connected to the couplers. The sensor unit has an impact surface. The display unit is electrically connected to the circuit unit of the blanket to show a message when the impact surface of the sensor unit receives an external force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for catching a golf ball is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a compact golf ball catching apparatus having a first energy absorbing layer located at a frontal portion of the apparatus, a second energy absorbing layer located at a rear portion of the apparatus, and a frame adapted to connect the first and second energy absorbing layer as well as provide structural integrity to the first energy absorbing layer; wherein the first energy absorbing layer slows down the speed of a golf ball as it enters and penetrates the apparatus and hinders the golf ball's ability from exiting the apparatus post impact.

Abstract: A golf training device for utilization within a dwelling having a mounting frame of a general height carried by a floor. The golf training device includes resilient tarp flexibly carried by the mounting member via a plurality of suspension members at a location proximate the general height of the mounting member. The suspension members enabling the resilient tarp to hang from the mounting member in a manner enabling the tarp to deflect upon impact from a golf ball. The resilient tarp has indicia indicative of a golf course fairway.

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: A sand bunker construction having different porous layers that are built up upon the ground and internal drainage. The first layer is a layer of aggregate. The aggregate is gravel having an aggregate size large enough to avoid displacement from rain and irrigation spray. A porous matrix is placed upon the first layer. The porous matrix is made from gravel aggregate that is coated with a binding agent, such as asphalt, tar, or cement. The binding agent is added in amounts only sufficient to bind the aggregate. The result is a porous matrix having numerous voids between the various pieces of aggregate. A covering of sand is applied over the porous matrix. The sand fills the top voids in the porous matrix and buries the porous matrix. Due to the rough texture and porosity of the porous matrix, the porous matrix holds the sand in place and greatly inhibits erosion.

Abstract: The present invention is an instructional golf device allowing a golfer to bring a golf club back correctly. The device is portable, can be used on level or rough terrain and on a variety of surfaces including grass, artificial ground, or even concrete or pavement. The golfer can hear the device make a sound when the golf club follows the correct path during the back swing.

Abstract: A method for building and renovating golf course sand bunkers to improve infiltration of water through a drainage system reduces the chance of contamination of the sand and to reduce erosion and maintenance and provide consistent playable sand for golf. The bunker is built to slopes based on the sand selected for use. A drainage system and a layer of fine pea gravel is installed over the entire floor of the bunker. A pre-polymer is sprayed onto the layer of pea gravel to secure it in place. The polymer sprayed bunker is permitted to cure for approximately 24 hours. A sufficient amount of bunker sand is added and compacted so the entire bunker is covered. Washed sod is placed around the bunker to stabilize the edge of the bunker.

Abstract: A fun and entertaining backyard lawn game related to the traditional game of golf. Players take turns striking their ball with a golf club from a plurality of designated tees towards a singular cup. Each player's ball is of a non-traditional design and changes the strategy and dynamics of play. The cup is also a non-traditional design with mechanical obstructions to the ball and on occasion may be adjusted by each player to impede the chances of a subsequent opponent from holing his ball in the cup. A winner is determined by a unique method of scoring.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for computing and outputting a putting backstroke instruction for a planned putt of a golf ball during recreational play. A computing means includes means for initializing or customizing according to a specific golfer putting on a specific golf green, the golfer putting at least one initializing putt a pre-selected distance on a level area of a green. During recreational play thereafter, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the golfer, for each segment of a planned putt enters the applicable grade and length. The computing means outputs to the golfer an instruction for the length of the backstroke recommended, i.e., required for the planned putt. Another embodiment of the invention requires the inputting of the length of the planned putt but excludes the inputting of the grade of the green.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid and simplify collection of substantially non-deformable balls scattered across a field or small area, and to provide a place for easy storage and retrieval. The apparatus utilizes stretchable and resilient members located in a ball intake area to transfer the substantially non-deformable balls from the ground or surface, into the apparatus. This disclosure describes methods, specific devices, and mechanisms embodying the present invention and useful in the collection or storage of baseball-like objects, and which provides easy access to stored baseball-like objects.

Abstract: A portable golf practice game consisting of a wall having a front face, rear face, and base. The wall includes a plurality of openings along the base for the entry of an object there-through. Each opening includes an opening sensor to detect the presence of an object there-through. The wall further includes proximity sensors along the base to detect the presence of an object not passing though an opening. The sensors emit a signal which is detected by a processor connected to the wall. Each opening has a corresponding graphic element which displays a value interpreted by the processor. A user chooses a game on the input device, then propels an object toward the wall, a sensor emits a signal, the processor interprets the signal and the graphic element displays an assigned value.

Abstract: Game apparatus for playing a baseball-like and golf-like game to be played on a golf course or a sports field or yard with rules of play for golf courses and sports fields or yards. The game apparatus includes a unitary bat-putter that resembles a baseball bat but has a flat surface at at least one end of the bat-putter, to be used to putt a ball. The game apparatus for sports field or yard play includes a targets including flagsticks inserted through stackable above ground target bodies set in advance of play on a sports field or yard to create a course of play.

Abstract: The present invention provides weather and use-protected golf course equipment, and methods of extending the useful life golf course equipment by protecting it against weather and use, via application of a heat shrinkable material onto the equipment.

Abstract: A miniature golf course device that is in the shape of an elephant. An internal frame provides support for a ball guide with moving parts and an external body covering. A golf ball enters the trunk opening, the pivoting trunk is raised, and the golf ball travels through the interior of the elephant. The ball exits the rear end to simulate the elephant pooping the ball. The trunk is raised by operating a tail lever. Operation of the tail lever is accompanied by visual and acoustic effects.

Abstract: Various apparatus, methods, and arrangements are provided for a ball house. In one embodiment, an arrangement for aiming a ball toward a predetermined target is provided that comprises a playing surface including the predefined target; and a ball house on the playing surface, the ball house configured to form a ball runway when adjacent to the playing surface, wherein the ball runway is substantially aligned with the predetermined target such that the ball will intersect the predetermined target after passing through the ball runway.

Abstract: This invention is a ?? to ¾? thick plastic or wood board which is hinged in the middle to fold up to 18? by 11½? for easy carrying, portability, and storage. Carrying is facilitated by a slot handle at each end. When laid out flat on the floor, the long edge facing the golfer contains three U-shaped “cup” openings which replicate the same diameter holes found on a golf course. The golfer putts the golf ball into one of the three cups to practice his or her putt. Because each cup opening is at a different angle, the golfer is forced to practice the direction of his or her stroke as well as the length of his or her stroke.

Abstract: A golf practice assembly includes a first surface which has three target areas displayed thereon and the target areas are located in a vertical axis passing through a center of the first surface. A ball has a second surface which can be attached with the first surface of the golf practice assembly. The users use different golf clubs to send balls toward the first surface. The lower target area is designed for the lower number of golf club or for shorter distance between the position that the users stand and the first surface.

Abstract: A green complex comprising of a universal design concept and entities that support this concept are disclosed therein. The universal design concept is to stimulate a golfer by offering a method of operation that combines traditional golf and disc golf that can be played at any time; day or night. These design entities are inclusive to, but not limited to, the variation of colors of the target structure, flag, and corresponding synthetic green, and the illuminating concept for the green perimeter, cup, structure, and flag. A golf course with a plurality of holes, that includes the present invention, would be arranged as to where each hole contains a theme that is inclusive to the universal design concept.

Abstract: A putting practice aid includes a light source to provide a virtual golf hole putting target and a detector to detect a golf ball with respect to the virtual golf hole.

Abstract: A golf-like, short-hole, pitch-and-chip target game has an elongated course of predetermined length and width and at least one lie location at one end of the course and at least one sand trap that is divided into at least first and second divisions, the first division having a first scoring value and the second division having a second scoring value wherein the sand trap is located a predetermined distance from the lie so that a chip shot or a pitch shot of a ball from said lie can land in one of the divisions of the sand trap which has a sand composition such that a ball falls essentially dead upon striking the sand.

Abstract: Kits and methods for playing a golf-like game provide golfers with a fun and challenging alternative to conventional golf. A kit comprising three T-joints, three tubes, three poles, three flags, a mat of artificial turf, a marker, and six plastic golf balls is disclosed. The opposing ends of the tubes are inserted into the opposing ends of the T-joints to form rings, and the flags are attached by the poles to the middle of the T-joints. Each of the flags has a different color, with one flag being red, one being yellow, and one being blue. Various methods of play using the kit and standard commercially available golf clubs are disclosed, including horseshoes, traditional golf, and “Golf 500.

Abstract: A golf teaching technique is enclosed, in addition to golf equipment for teaching and recreation. The equipment includes golf clubs, balls, and targets, and also includes a method for teaching students how to properly use these items.

Abstract: A device for practicing putting a golf ball, with an audible feedback signal that indicates that a golf ball has successfully hit the device. The device has a flat circular base with a printed circuit board attached, and a sensor or array of sensors contacting the entire outer rim of the base. An elastomeric membrane covers the device and the circular sensor, and transmits shock to the sensor when a golf ball impacts the device. The sensor or array of sensors produces a trigger signal upon impact of the ball, but is not activated by shaking, tipping, or pressure which might be associated with travel or handling. The audible feedback sound is stored in digital format.

Abstract: A method of teaching a golfer to execute proper chip shots including a height bar that being placed in front of a golfer the golfer being on the fairway and the height bar being placed at the edge of a rough. The height bar is adjustable horizontally. The golfer being taught to loft the ball over the eight bar with an apex of the ball flight coinciding with the height bar. By virtual visualization, the various successive chip shots will be embedded in the golfer's mind to remember the type of club that was used, the loft of the ball and the fading trajectory toward the hole.

Abstract: A miniature golf course device that is in the shape of an elephant. An internal frame provides support for a ball guide with moving parts and an external body covering. A golf ball enters the trunk opening, the pivoting trunk is raised, and the golf ball travels through the interior of the elephant. The ball exists the rear end to simulate the elephant pooping the ball. The trunk is raised by operating a tail lever. Operation of the tail lever is accompanied by visual and acoustic effects.

Abstract: A putting device that includes a target, legs and bumpers. The target is a sheet of clear material which has a target pattern applied to the sheet. The sheet has a front edge, rear edge, and right side edge and a left side edge, all of which forms an outside edge of the sheet. The sheet includes a top face and a bottom face defined by the outside edge. The target pattern can be a series of concentric circles. There is a rear leg and two side legs to hold the sheet above floor level. A groove is cut into each leg to allow the outside edge of the sheet to fit firmly into the groove of each leg. There is a rear bumper and two side bumpers. The rear bumper is mounted to the rear leg and the side bumpers are mounted to the side legs.

Abstract: A golf cup assembly is disclosed. The golf cup has a lower cylinder assembly having a cylindrical housing and a transverse member positioned within the interior of the cylindrical housing. A generally cylindrical sleeve depends from and is supported by the transverse member and is adapted to receive and support a flagpole. An upper cylinder has a sidewall adapted to slidably engage the upper portion of the lower cylinder assembly and extends above the upper rim of the lower cylinder housing. The overall assembly has a means for securing the upper cylinder to the lower cylinder assembly. Preferably, the upper cylinder is plastic and the lower cylinder assembly is metal.

Abstract: A golf practice device, for use in combination with a golf ball which simulates the performance of a real hole of a conventional golf course. The device has a planar base support with a base aperture formed in its top surface to accommodate an appropriately sized base rim for either stationary or rotational engagement therein. A deflector attached to the base rim with an inner surface curved to dissipate a determined amount of the total kinetic energy from the golf ball struck toward the device redirects the ball into or away from a base cavity depending upon the amount of force the ball possesses at when it strikes and travels over the curved deflector. Additional dissipation of energy from the golf ball may be achieved by forming the deflector from material which will absorb some of the balls energy when striking the deflector.

Abstract: A target device includes a rear sheet member and a front sheet member each having one or more conductor members aligned with each other, and an intermediate member disposed between the sheet members for separating the conductor members from each other. The intermediate member is compressible or deformable, or includes one or more openings having an area large enough for allowing the conductor members to be contacted with each other when the sheet members are deformed and hit by balls. The target device may be supported in any place or position with a frame.

Abstract: A method of adapting a golf course for playing golf at night using a glow-in-the-dark golf ball includes selecting an elongated flexible light source and placing it around the perimeter of a golf course putting green, fairway, bunkers, and other hazards and anchoring the placed elongated flexible light source to the earth with anchoring stakes. The golf hole may have the rim illuminated and may have a night visible flag. The selected and placed elongated flexible light source is partially buried to provide a smooth surface thereover. The elongated flexible light source, such as a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDS), may be placed in a flexible transparent polymer tube or channel and may be an electro-illuminescent wire or incandescent bulbs or LED spaced within a polymer tube or an elongated fiberoptic lighted from one end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a box for storing golf balls and practicing putting, which can be used to store golf balls and related accessories such as tees, and the box is composed of an upper casing and a lower casing each having a handle on it. In the lower casing, it has an appropriate accommodation space, and a supporting member being disposed at an appropriate location on the edge of the lower casing and extending towards the accommodation space. Further, the upper casing has a concave surface being disposed at the corresponsive side of the lower casing, and a groove hole being disposed in the concave surface and extended outwards. A passage is disposed at the edge of the concave surface extending outwards and is corresponsive to the supporting member. When such box is in use, golf balls and accessories can be stored in the accommodation space, which is very convenient for the user to carry and access.

Abstract: A golf practice apparatus includes a foldable target in a carrying case that is sized to receive the folded target for transportation. The target has a base portion with the flagpole extending from the base portion. A plurality of arms are foldably connected to the base portion at a plurality of points. A flexible target area extends between the arms to form a surface onto which golf balls may be hit. The case has a main compartment sized to receive the folded target. A handle is coupled to the case to assist in transporting the case. A number of secondary compartments including a stake compartment and a ball compartment may be used to carry stakes and balls with a case. The case may also a number of club brackets for securing golf clubs to the outside of the case.

Abstract: A portable sand trap for use as a golf instructional for teaching and practicing golf shots from sand. The portable sand trap is placed in various locations and at various distances from a target or hole on a driving range, golf course, indoor practice facility or personal property. The apparatus includes a base having a bottom section, a sidewall, and an open top. The bottom section and the sidewall form an internal retention area in the base. The internal retention area is designed for holding sand. The apparatus is rendered mobile through a plurality of ground engaging wheels attached to the base. The base may be pushed or towed about by an individual or by a vehicle.

Abstract: A wind direction indicating and time display unit is provided for use at the tee areas of a golf course. The unit wind direction indicating device is mounted on an upper surface of a support structure and extends upwardly therefrom. The wind direction indicating device includes a support pole, a sleeve mounted for rotation on the pole at the top thereof, a wind direction indicating element, such as a flag, secured to the sleeve and movable in response to changes in wind direction, and a pole support fitting. Secured to the upper surface of the support structure. A time display device, such as a clock, is secured in a laterally facing wall surface of the support structure.

Abstract: A safety device is used to protect golfers located in blind areas of a golf course from balls being driven, for example, off the tee. The safety device is manually activated by a push-button switch once the golfers enter the blind area. The switch initiates a low current drain, high-intensity, strobe light blinking at a 1 Hz rate that is visible from both the tee and blind areas even in bright sunshine. An electronic timer deactivates the strobe after N minutes. A wireless transmitter link located outside the blind area can be used to recycle the timer prior to the elapsed time (minutes) for those golfers who play more quickly.

Abstract: A method and a facility for playing a game with a golf club and golf balls, the facility comprising:a site having a range area visibly divided into a plurality of contiguous target regions, each said target region being associated with a target identifier, and a tee area having a plurality of contiguous tees from which golf balls may be hit toward said range area;scoring means located at said site for scoring a game, said scoring means setting out a sequence of said target identifiers so as to establish a corresponding sequence of designated target regions to which golf balls are to be hit from the tee with a golf club in order, and said scoring means providing means for recording a point score for each time a player hits a golf ball; anda scoring system associated with said scoring means for awarding a point score according to the observed resting position of the golf ball relative to the designated target region.