Receiver Or Projectile Responsive Indicator Patents (Class 473/180)
  • Patent number: 11938388
    Abstract: A modular game assembly includes a central platform and a plurality of peripheral boards removably attached to the central platform to facilitate a tossing game between two or more players. The central platform is supported upon a support surface such that a planar surface thereof is elevated with respect to the support surface. Each peripheral board includes a front edge that is raised and supported by the central platform such that each peripheral board is downwardly inclined. Each peripheral board is in an abutting arrangement with adjacent peripheral boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Richert Games LLC
    Inventors: Todd Michael Richert, Troy Douglas Richert
  • Patent number: 10835792
    Abstract: A putting training device adapted for insertion into a golf hole. The putting target may include a base comprising a circular lip comprising (i) an outer edge and an inner edge, wherein the inner edge defines a circular aperture, and (ii) a sidewall extending downward from the inner edge. The training device may also comprise a synthetic-turf component fixed to a top surface of the circular lip. The outer edge of the circular lip may be approximately 4.25 inches in diameter such that it may fit securely inside a standard golf hole. The inner edge of the circular lip is smaller in diameter than the diameter of a standard golf hole, thereby presenting a more difficult target for the user for training purposes. In one aspect, the diameter of the inner edge may be approximately one and a half times the diameter of a standard golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: Timothy K. Ludwick
  • Patent number: 10758810
    Abstract: A training apparatus for teaching and practicing skills for sports. The apparatus includes at least one removable electronic device having at least one proximity sensor, a playing surface having a cavity which receives the at least one removable electronic device, and a gamepiece, such as a ball. Each proximity sensor is adapted to sense the gamepiece and activates a visual or audio indicator on the at least one removable electronic device if the gamepiece is within a range of the at least one proximity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventor: Alfio Bucceri
  • Patent number: 10525321
    Abstract: A hollow, angled-cylindrical golf ring training device and method provides feedback on the clubface's starting and follow-through conditions. The participant pivots the device from a resting position into a stationary starting position before performing a follow-through motion. In one embodiment, the training device provides immediate feedback of clubface location and orientation by pivoting from an ellipsoid into a more circular appearance. A participant may then sweep the device accurately into the air to a target by controlling the clubface angle of attack and follow-through alignment. Less optimized conditions cause the training device to slide over or under the clubface without accurately reaching a target in the air or in a tumbling manner. Lofted clubs may be practiced solely with the device, or a ball may be placed on top of the device for use with the driver. Practice may occur independently or in a group game setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Inventor: John Jay Kvale
  • Patent number: 10434392
    Abstract: A tossing game using a gaming assembly with a central hub and a number of outwardly extending downwardly sloped gaming platforms connected to the central hub, each of the platforms having a hole in its playing surface, where a number of gaming pieces suitable for tossing are configured to be tossed toward the gaming assembly, the score of the tossing game being dependent upon what landing position on, in, or near the gaming assembly the various gaming pieces fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Timothy Edward Riegel
  • Patent number: 10335663
    Abstract: A golf putting training device with a portable golf hole cut through a unique multidimensional triangular shaped device, in which the longest edge of the triangle is flat and can lay flush on an underlying surface and receive a golf ball smoothly. The device will have one corner of the triangle that is elevated creating one highest point sloping down to two low or flat points, or one flat edge. The device has two functional faces or bases that are the mirror images of each other. The device can be flipped over and rest on either of the two largest faces (or triangular surface areas) to allow a practicing golfer to practice striking putts that break right to left, or left to right. The device can be positioned relative to the practicing golfer in such a manner that many different slope degrees or angles can change the break of the putt, even a slope that provides for a perfectly straight putt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph L DeMilio
  • Patent number: 9415292
    Abstract: An accessory for association with a standard golf up includes an adapter, a trapping portion and a rise. The adapter is configured to fit within the standard golf cup. The trapping portion is coupled to the adapter, has a recess and delimits a generally planar approach area that is greater in size than an approach area of a standard golf cup. The rise is coupled to the trapping portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Donald J. Reino, Michael Austin Miller
  • Patent number: 9327176
    Abstract: A kit that may be housed in a compact storage container has separate components which interactively produce an assembled golf putting training assembly to be placed upon a substantially flat surface and having a donut shaped receiving ramp, a central aperture that receives a golf ball which rolls over the ramp, and an aiming post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventors: John Thomas Goserud, Kenneth W. Byers
  • Patent number: 9320953
    Abstract: A stack-and-avoid game kit includes a container and game pieces held in the container. The game pieces include stackable figures and a soft projectile. Each stackable figure includes a base that forms a plug and an upper part that forms a cup. Each stackable figure is configured such that a plug of one is stackable in the cup of another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventors: Tewabtch Belete, Marechet Belete
  • Patent number: 9259635
    Abstract: A golf training system includes at least one target/connecting member having a top wall defining a central opening and a perimeter wall defining a plurality of openings spaced apart from each other about the circumference of the perimeter wall. The target/connecting member is configured to be used as a target by fastening the target/connecting member to the ground using a golf tee or to other surfaces using an integrated anchoring system. Alignment rods are configured to be inserted through the openings in the perimeter wall. Target/connecting members can attach multiple alignment rods together in predetermined configurations for use as golf training aids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: SDGI, LLC
    Inventor: Scott J. Downing
  • Patent number: 8192294
    Abstract: A golf target apparatus for improving a golfer's technique, the apparatus comprising a plurality of hingable arms hingedly connected to a connecting member, and a bearing connecting upper and lower members of the connecting member, wherein the arms are rotatable about the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Lynch
  • Patent number: 8187114
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Russell Joseph Cirincione
  • Publication number: 20110118041
    Abstract: A golf target apparatus for improving a golfer's technique, the apparatus comprising a plurality of hingable arms hingedly connected to a connecting member, and a bearing connecting upper and lower members of the connecting member, wherein the arms are rotatable about the bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Lynch
  • Patent number: 7744479
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Richard A. Whitfield
  • Patent number: 7611418
    Abstract: A golf putting practice device comprising a disc, the disc having an annular top portion and an annular bottom portion, the annular top portion having a top edge and the annular bottom portion having a bottom edge, the annular top and bottom portions forming an outer annular peripheral edge, the disc optionally provided with a central opening extending through from the top edge to the bottom edge, the central opening at the top edge having a diameter substantially greater than the central opening at the bottom edge and the outer annular peripheral edge projecting between the bottom edge and the top edge and spaced a substantial distance from said top and bottom edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Owen M. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20090176591
    Abstract: A putting aide device that can be used with or without an existing golf cup or hole and has a perimeter lip for nesting on the surface edge of the hole or cup. Without the use of a hole, the device can be placed on a practice green surface of grass or a carpet or any other substitute surface for putting practices. The device has an elevated circular body with a lateral opening in a side thereof that allows a limited ball entry to itself or to the hole beneath (when used). The device includes a tuning fork feature that is struck by a properly delivered golf ball. When struck, the fork emits a sound dependent on the ball's aim, force and/or contact. This way, the golfer receives visual and audible feedback as to the quality and effectiveness of the putting stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas R. Kershaw
  • Publication number: 20080102970
    Abstract: Provided is an indoor golf putting training apparatus, which includes a golf putting pad, a target block, an effective target portion, and a stand-alone erect mirror. The golf putting pad has a flat and extensive surface, which including a first golf putting reference point which is formed at the rear side of a virtual golf putting line in the lengthy direction, a collimating point which is formed on the virtual golf putting line at the front of the first golf putting reference point, a collimating line which connects the first golf putting reference point and the collimating point, and a second golf putting reference point which is formed at the rear side of the first golf putting reference point in order to perform a high-level golf putting operation. The target block made of a hard material is installed at the most leading position of the virtual golf putting line on the golf putting pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Jong Soo PARK
  • Patent number: 7347789
    Abstract: A golf putting practice device comprising a disc, the disc having an annular top portion and an annular bottom portion, the annular top portion having a top edge and the annular bottom portion having a bottom edge, the annular top and bottom portions forming an outer annular peripheral edge, the disc optionally provided with a central opening extending through from the top edge to the bottom edge, the central opening at the top edge having a diameter substantially greater than the central opening at the bottom edge and the outer annular peripheral edge projecting between the bottom edge and the top edge and spaced a substantial distance from said top and bottom edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Owen M. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20080026862
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: John Morrison Rosen
  • Patent number: 7309290
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the putting target includes a rectangular base portion, a circular center depression, a center fencing wall, at least one overrun depression, and at least one overrun fencing wall. The circular center depression is formed in a raised upper surface of the base portion and simulates an actual golf hole. The center fencing wall, overrun depression or depression and overrun fencing wall or walls act to affect and collect golf balls that have been putted toward the putting target with the incorrect speed or precision. The putting target may be included in a kit that includes one or more putting mats with each putting mat defining a putting surface and each putting surface defining a selected texture to simulate actual putting conditions. The putting target may also be used to play a competitive putting game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Earl C. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 7278924
    Abstract: A putting training system for practicing putting outdoors on a putting green or indoors on a carpeted surface comprised of a circular toroid putting target which by design has the ability to distinguish between a correctly or incorrectly struck putt with the rule that all putts should be struck with enough force to leave the golf ball approximately seventeen inches past the hole if the hole was not there. The training aid target is visually realistic, 360 degree, three dimensional depiction of a real hole on a putting green. This is accomplished by distinguishing the color of the outer half of the target from the inner half of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Robert D. Weidlich
  • Patent number: 7255648
    Abstract: A practice putting cup which teaches a golfer correct putting speed as well as correct putting direction. To overcome imperfections on actual putting greens it is recognized that a putt must be struck with enough speed to not just reach the hole, but be capable of rolling approximately one to two feet past the hole. Further, if a putt is missed, ideally the putt will stop within two to three feet of the hole. Finally, a firmly struck centered putt will fall into the hole even if its speed could carry the ball as much as six to eight feet past the hole. This putting cup recognizes these ball putting speed (or distance) conditions and accordingly accepts or rejects holing putts. Thus the cup uniquely teaches correct speed as well as direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: David Joseph Romeo
  • Patent number: 7140971
    Abstract: A practice putting device according to the present invention is an annular collar sized for a snug friction fit onto a conventional golf ball. The collar in use is placed on a putting surface so that the golf ball may be aimed at the collar opening when the collar is laid on its side. Upon a successful putt, a golf ball becomes frictionally lodged within the collar. The collar has a one inch depth which, when the putt has the correct weight, and is aimed exactly so as to lodge in the collar, the collar will flip up so that its opening is in a horizontal plane, and so as to hold the golf ball in the manner of an egg sitting in an egg cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Larry C Trudeau
  • Patent number: 7128655
    Abstract: A novel putting practice golf cup provides greater development of muscle memory the more aimpoint, clubhead squaring and pacing are practiced resulting in higher confidence and better putting performance during actual play. The putting practice golf cup of the presently preferred and exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a monolithic body having a first target portion shaped as a golf cup and a second foot portion integrally formed with the first target portion to allow manual placement of the monolithic body upon any indoor or outdoor surface so that the first target portion shaped as a golf cup may be used as an aboveground putting practice target cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: William Jones
  • Patent number: 7052407
    Abstract: A golf putting practice device comprising a disk, the disk having an annular bottom portion, an annular central portion and an annular top portion, the annular bottom and the annular top portion being substantially similar in height, the central portion forming an annular outwardly extending member extending from said bottom and top portion and forming in cross section a substantially truncated conical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Owen M. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6939240
    Abstract: An improved portable putting cup is disclosed that more effectively reproduces an accurate representation of a regulation putting cup for practice putting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Richard A. Daley
  • Patent number: 6926614
    Abstract: A golf ball putting practice member has a main body portion provided with one or more golf ball receiving pockets. Each of the pockets has a pocket shape which inhibits a ball rolled into the pocket from rebounding back out of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Inshes Avenue Office & Storage Limited
    Inventor: Frank Van Oirschot
  • Patent number: 6884180
    Abstract: The present invention provides a self-recording golf ball having an inner core defined by an outer cover, said golf ball further comprising a microprocessor, a power source, a receive and transmit device, and a piezo sensor electrically connected to one another and housed within said inner core of said golf ball; wherein the microprocessor further is programmed to record data corresponding to strokes received by the ball and to transmit the data, via the receive and transmit device, to a second microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventors: Brian S. Corzilius, Luis Perez
  • Publication number: 20040077429
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Elizabeth Ann Moorehead, Jeffry Thomas Russell
  • Patent number: 6663495
    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 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Wey Fun
  • Patent number: 6638174
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Brendon Ford
  • Patent number: 6626767
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for golf putting practice wherein the present invention is an insert having at least one regulation size golf hole disposed therein wherein the insert is complementarily sized and shaped to be inserted into the outlet opening of a conventional heating and ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system as might occur in the floor of a home or office building replacing a standard vent register. The insert is sized to be removably secured internal of the HVAC outlet so that it can be easily inserted and removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Daniel A. Lawlyes
  • Patent number: 6607449
    Abstract: A target for practicing golf strokes is provided, the target formed of a substantially circular member. The member includes a ramp portion with an outer edge and an inner edge, and a substantially flat central portion disposed within the inner edge of the ramp portion. The member also includes a plurality of stake holes, at least one elongate hole, and a plurality of alignment indicia. At least one of the alignment indicia is disposed about a diameter of the member. A flat edge may extend along a portion of the outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Terrill R. McCabe
  • Publication number: 20030153394
    Abstract: A combination putting green for golf putting training of the present invention has a base, which has two convex blocks at two sides thereof. A ball path unit disposes on the base, which has three supporting devices at bottom side thereof. The supporting devices respectively pivot to three supporting bases on the base, whereby the supporting devices can be turn to change the slopes of the ball path. A goal mounts on the ball path unit. Three press-typed inductors dispose on the base under the ball path unit. The inductors will be activated when a ball runs over the ball path unit. A speaker mounts in the base for broadcasting an audio message while the inductor is activated, and a power supply installs in the base to provide the necessary power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: David Chen
  • Patent number: 6575842
    Abstract: A kit containing all the materials necessary to assemble a putting and chipping training unit that may be used in total darkness since a putting cup, golf balls, and direction labels for a golf club head are all equipped with phosphoric markings that glow in the dark for about eight hours before recharging is necessary by light exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: David Tidwell
  • Patent number: 6506123
    Abstract: A putting training system for practicing putting outdoors on a putting green or indoors on a carpeted surface comprising of a circular toroid putting target which by design has the ability to distinguish between a correctly or incorrectly struck putt with the rule that all putts should be struck hard enough force to leave the golf ball approximately seventeen inches past the hole if the hole was not there. The training aid target is a visually realistic, 360 degree, three dimensional depiction of a real hole on a putting green. This is accomplished by distinguishing the color of the outer half of the target from the inner half of the target. By coloring the outer half of the training aid target green and the inner half of the target black, one sees relatively the same view as a real hole when viewed from a distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Robert D. Weidlich
  • Patent number: 6491590
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage device including a container having a first opening. An optional cover is in releasable engagement with a container to cover the first opening. The storage device additionally includes a base having a target for receiving an object and a member having a first end attached to the container and a second end attached to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph Vigorita, David Newns
  • Patent number: 6482098
    Abstract: A golf ball target device of unitary construction includes a hub portion and a plurality of arms radiating outwardly from the hub portion. The hub portion and arms form a number of target pockets. At least one projection projects into each target pocket to impede movement of a golf ball within the target pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick D. Yates
  • Publication number: 20020169028
    Abstract: A target for practicing golf strokes is provided, the target formed of a substantially circular member. The member includes a ramp portion with an outer edge and an inner edge, and a substantially flat central portion disposed within the inner edge of the ramp portion. The member also includes a plurality of stake holes, at least one elongate hole, and a plurality of alignment indicia. At least one of the alignment indicia is disposed about a diameter of the member. A flat edge may extend along a portion of the outer edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Terrill R. McCabe
  • Patent number: 6398661
    Abstract: A Putting Box comprising a frame defining a putting target and a ball storage area for housing numerous balls therein, said frame having a bottom plane for placement onto flat surfaces. The putting box further including a ball aperture defined within a side of said frame adapted to allow golf balls to pass there through, said ball aperture providing an entry way for balls to rollably enter into said ball storage area of said frame when said frame is placed onto a flat surface. The putting box further including and a ball diverter including a rolling surface lying substantially parallel and along a bottom plane, and adapted to rollably receive balls rolling through said entry way and rollably diverting and maintaining balls away from said entry way. Preferably the rolling surface includes a convex surface which directs balls away from said entry way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Larry Llewellyn
  • Publication number: 20020045488
    Abstract: A golf putting practice device comprising a disk, the disk having an annular bottom portion, an annular central portion and an annular top portion, the annular bottom and the annular top portion being substantially similar in height, the central portion forming an annular outwardly extending member extending from said bottom and top portion and forming in cross section a substantially truncated conical configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Owen M. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6287213
    Abstract: A putting surface having a ball receptacle with a cup wall of a predetermined height is defined within the putting surface for receiving a moving ball. A force absorbing member extends vertically within the ball receptacle for absorbing the force of a moving ball. The force absorbing member has a first undeformed position prior to engaging the moving ball and a second deformed position when engaging the moving ball within a force absorbing zone for absorbing the force of a moving ball. Additionally, the force absorbing member is offset from the cup wall enabling a golf ball to enter the ball receptacle prior to engaging the force absorbing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel E. Selton
  • Patent number: 6283873
    Abstract: A putting cup may be used not only to practice putting, but also as a promotional item, having a transparent element closing off a depression in the body of the putting cup, and with a printed sheet visible through the transparent element. The printing on the sheet may be promotional indicia, such as promoting a company, product, etc., and the putting cup may be disassembled so as to allow replacement of the printed sheet. A ramp leads up from a surface on which the putting cup is mounted to a depression in the body, which will retain a golf ball therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Brendon G. Nunes
  • Patent number: 6279245
    Abstract: A ball controller (10) is in the form of a rigid mat having a central cavity (12) for the reception of a golf ball (11) for checking the diameter of a golf ball (11), the ball controller (10) having sectionally (13, 14, 15) differing wall thicknesses (a, b, c) in the radial direction of the controller (10) and preferably having an optimal thickness in a radially innermost, annular portion (15) around the cavity (12). The cavity (12) has a cylindrical inner face (14a) having an axial dimension (1) of 3 mm minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Erling Johnsen
  • Patent number: 6241621
    Abstract: A kit for use in practicing golf, comprising a putting target set, a lag putting target set, a chipping target set, and a general iron play target set. Each of the targets has a first substantially planar surface and a second highly visible, substantially planar surface opposite and substantially parallel to the first substantially plainer surface. The first substantially planar surface has a first surface area adapted to rest on a supporting surface, such as the ground, and the second substantially planar surface has a second surface area sufficient to carry at least a portion of a golf ball thereon when the first substantially planar surface rest on the supporting surface. Each of the targets is made of a material adapted to substantially conform to the supporting surface when the first surface rests on the supporting surface. Also, the overall sizes of targets in each of the sets are preferably different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy M. Maher
  • Patent number: 6183373
    Abstract: A golf putting practice accessory having two adjustable markers for defining and simulating a conventional golf hole and for permitting a golf ball to pass therethrough, there being attached to these markers, a flexible member for defining a circumscribed area with said two markers whereby a golf ball stopping within the circumscribed area and not exiting the circumscribed area is indicative of a putting stroke made with optimum force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony F. Falvo
  • Patent number: 6179722
    Abstract: A putting practice device for practicing the velocity of a putt which has a ramp section and two trough sections. A ball having a predetermined speed will travel up the ramp and fall into the first trough section. If the ball has insufficient velocity to climb a ridge which defines the rear of the trough, it will be momentarily retained in the first trough section and fed to a lateral side of the device. Balls traveling with greater velocity may pass over the ridge and enter a second trough area where they will be momentarily retained and fed to a lateral side of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas M. Bond
  • Patent number: 6015352
    Abstract: An apparatus for practicing chip shots in the game of golf includes a base member that is secured to the ground by a stake. A pair of reels are rotatably mounted on the base member and an elongate flexible cord is wound about each reel. A preselected amount of each cord is unwound from its reel and extended at a preselected angle relative to the base member to a remote target area defined by an annular ring of predetermined diameter. A hook is secured to the free end of each cord, and the hook is detachably connected to an upright stake positioned within the preselected target area. Chip shots are practiced by hitting a special, light weight ball along a path of travel denoted by the cords. In a preferred method, the special ball is placed in the vicinity of a preselected target area and hit toward the base member along a first path of travel denoted by a cord means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: D.J. Damapold, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Leopold, John T. D'Ambra
  • Patent number: 6001033
    Abstract: A putting aid comprising two arms converging to an apex such that an acute angle is formed therebetween is herein described. The two arms have inner faces that include markings, such as a center stripe opposite the apex, that act to improve the visibility of the putting aid. Specifically, the putting aid is arranged to be positioned on a putting green such that the golf cup is between the two arms and the center stripe is approximately four inches behind the golf cup. The putting aid is then oriented such that the apex is opposite the direction of putting relative to the golf cup. The golfer then uses the center stripe as a target when aiming for the golf cup. As a result of this arrangement, the location of the golf cup is more visible and a golfer aiming for the center stripe will tend to putt harder, that is, so that the putt will travel approximately four inches further. The end result is a stronger and more accurate putt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel Patrick Tucker
  • Patent number: 5997406
    Abstract: A ball receiver for being positioned on a generally horizontal surface for receiving a moving ball. The ball includes an outer wall of a general height which is sloped which is interconnected with a ball receptacle for receiving a moving ball. A force absorbing member extends vertically from the central receptacle base to a height at least equal to the outer wall for absorbing the force of a moving ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel E. Selton