Abstract: A golf hole cup setter for inserting a cylindrical golf hole cup into a golf hole so that its longitudinal axis is in vertical alignment. The cup setter has a base plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. A cup insertion member extends downwardly from the lower surface of the base plate, and is configured to contact the upper rim of the cup. A level is attached to the base plate and is positioned to allow a user to step on the base plate without interference during cup insertion, and to determine whether the longitudinal axis of the golf hole cup inserted into the golf hole by the cup setter is in vertical alignment.

Abstract: A receptacle for receiving a disc thrown in a disc game includes a vertically extending cylindrical sidewall presenting upper and lower portions, an upper edge, a lower edge, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a floor. The inner surface and the floor cooperatively define an open-topped interior chamber configured for receiving and retaining the disc. When the receptacle is installed in the ground surface or an elevated playing surface, the lower portion of the cylindrical sidewall extends approximately 3 to approximately 10 inches below the ground surface or playing surface and the upper portion of the cylindrical sidewall extends approximately 0.125 to approximately 5 inches above the ground surface or playing surface to block and reject discs sliding along the ground surface or playing surface or travelling lower than the upper edge of the cylindrical sidewall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for painting, which might be used to paint the soil in a golf hole are provided. A spraying device can comprise a first masking apparatus, a second masking apparatus coupled to the first and a paint dispersing device, between the first and second masking apparatus. The paint may disperse from a single nozzle that can include multiple individual exit points for the spray. In another embodiment, the single nozzle includes an exit point and a flat or curved plate to direct the spray. Alternatively, the paint dispersing apparatus may comprise multiple nozzles. The nozzles may be provided with paint using tubes connecting from a paint source, such as an aerosol paint can, to each nozzle. The first masking apparatus can be a golf cup mask and the second masking apparatus can be a putting green mask.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to golf cups and flag sticks. More particularly, the subject matter described herein relates to a system for improved golf flag stick stability and reduced golf cup and/or flag stick ferrule wear. The invention provides a ferrule, golf cup and methods to improve golf flag stick stability and reduce golf cup and/or flag stick ferrule wear. As such, the subject matter described herein relates to providing more consistent golf ball entry due to the stabilization of the flag stick.

Abstract: A one piece, golf accessory formed from a flexible thin flat plastic sheet which assembles into a three dimensional golf target structure and maybe disassembled. The three dimensional golf target structure includes a rounded cup with a backboard above it having wings extending to either side of the cup capable of guiding a golf ball to the cup. The wings each have a ground insertion spike to hold them in position on the ground above the cup. The cup has a bottom to capture a golf ball. The is cup sized and designed to fit into a regulation sized golf hole with a target on the center of the backboard for a golfer to aim at.

Abstract: An insert for a golf cup which includes: a base having a central hole and one or more drainage apertures; a cylindrical wall; wherein the insert has a shape which substantially corresponds to the internal region of the cup in which the insert fits the insert characterised in that the base and wall both include indicia thereon.

Abstract: A golf green for a patio, deck, floor, substrate or supporting surface with access from below to cut a hole therein includes a U-shaped cup retaining structure mounted to the substrate underside adjacent the hole and into which a cup is slidably inserted and seated in alignment with the hole and the cup having a passageway into which a plug is inserted with the plug having a through hole for receiving the lower end of the golf flag staff, a plurality of ring inserts for placement within the cup to alter the cup diameter and refine golf putting practice, a cover for placement over the cup to conceal the hole so that the substrate, such as the patio, can be safely traversed, and a ball collection apparatus disposed underneath the substrate and into which balls fall by gravity for collection and eventual retrieval.

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: A golf putting device that comprises: (a) a rotating head that includes a retractable line, a clip that attaches the retractable line to a golf club, and a first connecting member; and (b) a base that can be inserted in a golf hole and includes a second connecting member located on top of the base. The rotating head is attached to the base by engaging the first connecting member onto the second connecting member, and the rotating head rotates on the second connecting member. In embodiments for off-hole use, the golf putting device may further include a plurality of removable legs attached to the base. The rotating head may also include a housing which encloses the retractable line. This housing includes an aperture through which the retractable line passes through. The retractable line is wrapped around a spool that includes a spring wound on an arbor.

Abstract: An illuminated golf cup is internally lighted by a light source disposed within the cup. The light source is suspended in the bottom of the cup by being secured to the underside of an insert in the cup. The light source is directed upward from the bottom of the cup to cast light up and out of the cup. The light illuminates the opening of the cup and the flag in the cup, making the golf cup more visible from a distance and in low light.

Abstract: A golf cup is provided that has a cylindrical wall defining an interior. The golf cup includes an insert formed from a non-metallic material positioned in the interior to form two chambers. The insert and chambers are arranged and configured to effect an audible indication upon an object, such as a golf ball, being dropped into the interior of the golf cup through the receiving opening. In one form, the audible indication is similar to that obtained from a golf ball being dropped into a metallic golf cup that is buried in the ground.

Abstract: A golf cup is provided that has a cylindrical wall defining an interior. The golf cup includes an insert formed from a non-metallic material positioned in the interior to form two chambers. The insert and chambers are arranged and configured to effect an audible indication upon an object, such as a golf ball, being dropped into the interior of the golf cup through the receiving opening. In one form, the audible indication is similar to that obtained from a golf ball being dropped into a metallic golf cup that is buried in the ground.

Abstract: A golf hole advertising apparatus comprises a housing countersunk in ground. The housing defines a cylindrical chamber with an opening for receiving a golf ball (not shown). The apparatus further comprises an annular display disc which is configured to fit through opening into chamber. The housing and annular display disc are provided with corresponding profiles which interengage through relative axial rotation to releasably secure the annular display disc to the raised floor of the housing. The annular display disc has a pair of diametrically opposed tabs on the radially inner periphery thereof. Each tab has a drive surface—which is accessible through opening—for transmitting applied torque to the annular display disc to engage/disengage the profiles.

Abstract: A metal golf cup of a cylindrical shape includes a severable, plastic sleeve disposed therein. The plastic sleeve has a conical shape couples with the golf cup in an interference fit. The sleeve further includes a top sleeve portion at a top surface of the sleeve, and the top sleeve portion rests on a top surface of the metal golf cup.

Abstract: A metal golf cup of a cylindrical shape includes a severable, plastic sleeve disposed therein. The plastic sleeve has a conical shape couples with the golf cup in an interference fit. The sleeve further includes a top sleeve portion at a top surface of the sleeve, and the top sleeve portion rests on a top surface of the metal golf cup.

Abstract: A golf cup insert has an integral annular outer flange resting on an inner annular ring molded into a vertical hole in a portable golf practice panel. The vertical hole has an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the golf cup insert and flange. Multiple exterior arches along an outside annular wall of the golf cup insert engage slots in the inner annular ring so that by dropping the golf cup insert into the vertical hole the arches slide through the slots. A turn of the golf cup insert locks the insert in place, but permits the cup insert to move transversely in the vertical hole.

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: A golf cup insert has an integral annular outer flange resting on an inner annular ring molded into a vertical hole in a portable golf practice panel. The vertical hole has an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the golf cup insert and flange. Multiple exterior arches along an outside annular wall of the golf cup insert engage slots in the inner annular ring so that by dropping the golf cup insert into the vertical hole the arches slide through the slots. A turn of the golf cup insert locks the insert in place, but permits the cup insert to move transversely in the vertical hole.

Abstract: An above-ground golf cup for synthetic turf and carpeted golf greens. Its regulation sized cup fits snugly into any synthetic surface. Because it features a removable flag stick and nylon flag, it looks more like what a golfer would expect visually. The cups base includes a cup ring that will maintain the integrity of the greens cut cup edges for the life of the green. The unique design includes a clear flange which in action stops the momentum of the golf ball and helps retain the ball within the cups base. This action creates an appealing “plopping” sound normally found on traditional golf cups.

Abstract: A method of using a golf cup advertising device includes providing a golf course hole cup advertising device including a removable annular advertising member having viewable advertising; and inserting the removable annular advertising member into a golf course hole cup. The golf course hole cup includes a central cylinder with a central hole to receive a pin and an inner ring and an outer ring separated by multiple holes having a substantially arcuate outer portion. The removable annular advertising member is sized so that the entire substantially arcuate outer portion of all the holes is exposed when the golf course hole cup advertising device is within the golf course hole cup.

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: An indoor/outdoor, portable, modular practice golf simulation apparatus that can be modified to be used as a putting green or driving mat. The apparatus includes a plurality of modular frame pieces that are coupled together to form a frame. These modular frame pieces may be unitary structures or urethane foam supported structures. A golf simulation surface having varying length and color simulation grass is attached to the frame to allow for use as a putting green or a driving mat. A plurality of cups, with or with ball clearing ducts, may be molded in the frame pieces to provide a wide variety of golf practice situations.

Abstract: A method of using a golf cup advertising device includes providing a golf course hole cup advertising device including a removable annular advertising member having viewable advertising; and inserting the removable annular advertising member into a golf course hole cup. The golf course hole cup includes a central cylinder with a central hole to receive a pin and an inner ring and an outer ring separated by multiple holes having a substantially arcuate outer portion. The removable annular advertising member is sized so that the entire substantially arcuate outer portion of all the holes is exposed when the golf course hole cup advertising device is within the golf course hole cup.

Abstract: A golf course hole cup advertising device includes an annular base, a replaceable annular advertising insert disposed on the annular base, and a removable annular transparent cover disposed on the annular advertising insert. The removable annular transparent cover allows advertising on the annular advertising insert to be viewed by an observer looking into the cup and is removable to allow the replaceable annular advertising insert to be replaced.

Abstract: A golf course hole cup advertising device includes an annular base, a replaceable annular advertising insert disposed on the annular base, and a removable annular transparent cover disposed on the annular advertising insert. The removable annular transparent cover allows advertising on the annular advertising insert to be viewed by an observer looking into the cup and is removable to allow the replaceable annular advertising insert to be replaced.

Abstract: A method of using a golf cup advertising device includes providing a golf course hole cup advertising device including a removable annular advertising member having viewable advertising; and inserting the removable annular advertising member into a golf course hole cup. The golf course hole cup includes a central cylinder with a central hole to receive a pin and an inner ring and an outer ring separated by multiple holes having a substantially arcuate outer portion. The removable annular advertising member is sized so that the entire substantially arcuate outer portion of all the holes is exposed when the golf course hole cup advertising device is within the golf course hole cup.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for a billiard bowling game. The apparatus includes a bowling pin distributing section and a bowling ball returning section. The bowling pin distributing section is constructed such that, while bowling pin distributing means is driven by driving means, respective bowling pins transferred from bowling pin collecting means are sequentially set in bowling pin setting holes defined in a bowling pin setting plate. The bowling ball returning section is constructed such that the bowling ball rolling on a sloped plate which is fastened to a fixed plate of a base section is raised between a curved inner edge of a bowling ball-guiding curved plate and a bowling ball-driving wheel fitted around a driving shaft and between inner surfaces of a pair of side plates, so as to be placed at an entrance to bowling ball returning rails.

Abstract: A golf cup retaining system for use with artificial putting greens. The golf cup retaining system includes a retaining tube positioned in the ground at a selected area of the artificial green. An anchor plate secures with the upper portion of the retaining tube to secure it against lateral movement. Flaps of artificial carpet extend into the upper opening of the retaining tube and the golf cup is positioned against the carpet and into the retaining tube. The carpet acts to secure the cup in position while the cup acts to retain the carpet about the opening into the retaining tube in a taut and smooth condition.

Abstract: A golf cup retaining system for use with artificial putting greens. The golf cup retaining system includes a retaining tube positioned in the ground at a selected area of the artificial green. An anchor plate secures with the upper portion of the retaining tube to secure it against lateral movement. Flaps of artificial carpet extend into the upper opening of the retaining tube and the golf cup is positioned against the carpet and into the retaining tube. The carpet acts to secure the cup in position while the cup acts to retain the carpet about the opening into the retaining tube in a taut and smooth condition.

Abstract: A golf hole cup has a synthetic plastic cup component molded as a single, monolithic unit. This includes a cylindrical outer liner tube, a central ferrule support core tube and a mounting structure, including a cone support flanges supporting the core tube in the center of the liner tube. Molded into the cup component is a cylindrical metallic insert that forms the inner surface of the core tube to resist wear and damage from the ferrule of a flagstick. The insert is preferably formed from bearing bronze.

Abstract: A multi-part liner for a golf hole comprised of a component visible to a golfer, an interior transverse component which can support a golf ball and a sleeve component depending from the transverse component which can support a golf flag pin in an upright position. It is further characterized in that the components may be made from different materials and are removably mounted with respect to each for replacement of worn or abused components.

Abstract: A metal golf cup of a cylindrical shape includes a severable, plastic sleeve disposed therein. The plastic sleeve has a conical shape couples with the golf cup in an interference fit. The sleeve further includes a top sleeve portion at a top surface of the sleeve, and the top sleeve portion rests on a top surface of the metal golf cup.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens and the like is disclosed, designed as a system and method by which holes in natural or synthetic playing surfaces can be created and then covered when not in use. The present invention comprises an hollow, cylindrical insert. One end of the insert is open. Holes are located on the other end to allow water to pass out of the insert. The insert is placed permanently into the ground at a location where a hole is desired by pressing the insert into a hole created by a standard auger tool. A pointed protrusion keeps the insert from rotating once the insert is placed in the ground. The insert is designed to be used as a golf cup on a green or with stanchion supports for other sporting equipment that may be used with soccer, baseball, football, and the like. A flat, circular cap screws into the top of the insert. The cap has a covering of synthetic grass which matches the surrounding surface area.

Abstract: A golf putting cup that includes an outer cylindrical wall and a bottom portion disposed therein. The bottom portion forms a ferrule socket and includes at least one passage for directing sand and other debris away from the ferrule socket. The ferrule socket is of minimal surface area to prevent sand or other material from becoming trapped between the ferrule and ferrule socket.

Abstract: A golf putting cup that includes an outer cylindrical wall and a bottom portion disposed therein. The bottom portion forms a ferrule socket and includes at least one passage for directing sand and other debris away from the ferrule socket. The ferrule socket is of minimal surface area to prevent sand or other material from becoming trapped between the ferrule and ferrule socket.

Abstract: An image display device and method allow an advertisement or message to be displayed within a golf cup, while permitting the golf cup to maintain sufficient drainage capability. An image carrying member is located between upper and lower members to form a display device which is attached to the bottom wall of a golf cup by prongs extending into the drainage holes of the golf cup. The shape of the display device is readily visible and catches the eye of an observer retrieving a golf ball from within the golf cup.

Abstract: A training device for golf putting, said device being removably securable to a golf putter having a putter face and vertically disposed shaft, said device comprising:clamping means for removably securing said teaching device in a generally horizontally plane,said alignment member including an elongate portion for longitudinally axial alignment with a longitudinal axis of the putter face;elongated flexible guide means secured to said elongate portion of said alignment member for guiding a golf ball to a target; andmeans for tensioning said guide means and maintaining tension on said guide means from said alignment member to the target during a stroke of the putter.