Abstract: A putting cup. A base portion has a ramp that is adjacent to the cup. A backboard is attached to the base portion and includes a hoop that is positioned over the cup. A user can hit a golf ball up the ramp so that the golf ball will fall through the hoop into the cup. In a preferred embodiment the user hits the golf ball so that it contacts the backboard and falls through the hoop. In another preferred embodiment the user hits the golf ball so that it falls through the hoop directly without hitting the backboard. In another preferred embodiment the user hits the golf ball so that it rolls up the ramp and into the cup without falling through the hoop. In another preferred embodiment the user hits the golf ball so that it travels into the cup through a passageway in the ramp. In a preferred embodiment, the ramp is a concave ramp that is circular in shape and surrounds the cup.

Abstract: A portable golf training apparatus for enhancing a player's skills relating to overcoming a golf course hazard includes a substantially flexible base and at least first and second regions formed on an upper surface of, and supported by, the base. The first region has a first cross-sectional thickness and the second region has a second cross-sectional thickness. An opening is formed in at least one of the first and second regions, the opening being adapted to receive a ball with which the golf training apparatus is used. The player, shooting the ball from an area outside of the golf training apparatus, is assigned a prescribed point value as a function of a location on the golf training apparatus on which the ball lands.

Abstract: A form for constructing a thrower's circle includes a pair of half sections. Each half section has an upper surface and a base surface and two full length members and two half length members. The full length members and the half length members are connected together substantially at right angles to form a rectangle with four corners. A corner brace is located in each of the four corners. An inside cross member and an outside cross member extend between the half length members and are generally parallel to the full length members. A pair of semi-circles, each having substantially the same diameter that is larger than the length of the half length members and less than the length of the full length members. Means are provided for securing the half sections together so that the semi-circles form a full circle. Tubes extend from the circle toward the base to drain water from with in the circle.

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 portable training device to be used by one practicing the game of tennis or golf. The training device includes a stand to rest on a flat surface, an adjustable hoop through which a tennis ball or a golf ball is hit, and a hoop support extending between the stand and the hoop. The adjustable hoop is rotatable between a vertical position, standing upwardly from and in axial alignment with the hoop support, and a horizontal position, facing the flat surface in perpendicular alignment with the hoop support. The length of the hoop support is adjustable so that the distance between the hoop and the stand can be correspondingly adjusted to meet the needs of the user.

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: A method for installing a thrower's circle in the ground of an athletic field includes assembling a form for constructing a thrower's circle dimensioned for a player throwing at least one of a hammer, a shot put, and a discus from a plurality of sections having mounted thereto a plurality of arcuate portions. When the plurality of sections are assembled together, the plurality of arcuate sections together form a full circle, and wherein a portion of the plurality of sections is disposed outside the full circle and a portion of the plurality of sections is disposed inside the full circle. The method further includes excavating the ground, placing the assembled form in the excavated ground, placing cement in the assembled form, and allowing the cement to dry.

Abstract: A paintball target holder includes a frame having plural parts that are movable relative to one another in order to fold the frame and thereby reduce a volume encompassed by the frame. The plural parts include a front part, a back part, and a bottom part. The paintball target holder includes a target mounted to the front part, layers of material mounted between the target and the back part, where the layers of material receive a paintball through the target, and a paintball loader mounted to the bottom part. The paintball loader receives the paintball from the layers of material via the bottom part.

Abstract: A form for constructing a thrower's circle includes a pair of half sections. Each half section has an upper surface and a base surface and two full length members and two half length members. The full length members and the half length members are connected together substantially at right angles to form a rectangle with four corners. A corner brace is located in each of the four corners. An inside cross member and an outside cross member extend between the half length members and are generally parallel to the full length members. A pair of semi-circles, each having substantially the same diameter that is larger than the length of the half length members and less than the length of the full length members. Means are provided for securing the half sections together so that the semi-circles form a full circle. Tubes extend from the circle toward the base to drain water from with in the circle.

Abstract: A portable training device to be used by one practicing the game of tennis or golf. The training device includes a stand to rest on a flat surface, an adjustable hoop through which a tennis ball or a golf ball is hit, and a hoop support extending between the stand and the hoop. The adjustable hoop is rotatable between a vertical position, standing upwardly from and in axial alignment with the hoop support, and a horizontal position, facing the flat surface in perpendicular alignment with the hoop support. The length of the hoop support is adjustable so that the distance between the hoop and the stand can be correspondingly adjusted to meet the needs of the user.

Abstract: A swing training apparatus includes an upright target portion and a ball capturing net. The target portion has a hit surface to be hit by golf balls. The hit surface has at least one ball inlet to receive the golf balls and a ball outlet at a lower section of the target portion. The ball capturing net is fastened to a side of the target portion to form a ball collection space therebetween. The ball collection space communicates with the ball inlet and ball outlet. The ball capturing net includes a ball guide slope leading to the ball outlet to direct the golf balls to leave the ball collection space through the ball outlet. Hence once the golf balls enter the ball inlet they can be retrieved easily for swing practice again without users going to the swing training apparatus to fetch the golf balls.

Abstract: A golf training aid which incorporates a standard golf club, with a Nerf golf ball or a whiffle golf ball, and a target which is hung on the wall at adjustable heights, the target having a backboard removable secured to the wall, a face board positioned forward of the backboard, the face board having an aperture there through, the aperture in communication with a cavity positioned between said face board and said backboard for the collection of a Nerf golf ball or whiffle golf ball whose trajectory from the golf club has carried it through the aperture and into the cavity.

Abstract: A paintball target holder includes a frame having plural parts that are movable relative to one another in order to fold the frame and thereby reduce a volume encompassed by the frame. The plural parts include a front part, a back part, and a bottom part. The paintball target holder includes a target mounted to the front part, layers of material mounted between the target and the back part, where the layers of material receive a paintball through the target, and a paintball loader mounted to the bottom part. The paintball loader receives the paintball from the layers of material via the bottom part.

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: A target is provided for hitting or throwing balls and other objects for sport practice sessions or games. The target includes a plurality of foldable arms with a connected net which can be moved between open and closed positions by pulling and pushing a handle connected to the arms. In the open position, the target forms an inverted umbrella. A front face is attached to the net and has a plurality of openings through which the balls or objects can pass forth.

Abstract: A method for training for improving a user's play of a golf short game by providing first and second trajectory targets at different heights and with first and second visual attributes, and providing first and second distance targets with the first and second attributes respectively. A first golf shot is hit through the first trajectory target at the first height at a first trajectory. A second golf shot is hit through the second trajectory target at the second height with a second trajectory. The user associates the first attribute with the first trajectory and the second attribute with the second trajectory. The user then attempts to hit a third shot to the first distance target having the first attribute using the first trajectory and a fourth shot to the second distance target having the second attribute using the second trajectory.

Abstract: There are disclosed non-standard sport projectiles having a material with a high flexural modulus, and an axle at the axis of rotation. The axle extends through at least one linear through hole. Non-standard sport projectiles are disclosed with cushioned ends. A tee device is disclosed for driving the non-standard sport projectiles. Inflatable targets are disclosed for golf games with non-standard sport projectiles.

Abstract: A golf system that includes a tee or other area for striking a golf ball; and a golf green having a concave surface with a ball receptacle located at the lowest point in the surface so that a ball landing and remaining on the green will roll into the ball receptacle. The green includes a resiliently compressible layer coinciding with the concave surface. The resiliently compressible surface may include at least one layer of corrugated plastic material and may be covered with an artificial turf surface. The concave surface may be angled at approximately a 1:4 pitch, and the rear of the green may be approximately one-half times higher than the front thereof. The golf system may include a ball sensor that senses when a ball has been received in the receptacle. The golf green may be mounted on a portable frame.

Abstract: A golf putter and putting aid. The golf putter comprises a putter head, a shaft and a grip. The head includes a face, a sole and a handle attachment. The shaft includes a first end, a second, a reinforcing means and an interior region having a fill assembly positioned therein. The grip is coupled to the second end of the shaft. The putting aid comprises a base, opposing leg members and securing means. The base includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The opposing leg members extend upwardly from the upper surface of the base and are separated from each other a distance at least slightly greater than the diameter of a golf ball. The securing means secures at least one of the base and the opposing leg members to a putting surface.

Abstract: An installation that is useful in learning to play golf, in training, or in evaluating the level of a golf player, the installation being characterized in that it comprises: a zone (1) marked on the ground and preferably comprising a mat, for monitoring the positioning of the player, and equipment representing an obstacle (3) over which the player must cause the ball to pass, the equipment being at a height of at least 2 m, and preferably of at least 5 m, and being at a distance of 5 m to 200 m, and preferably of at least 10 m.

Abstract: Techniques for training and correcting a golf swing are described. A golfer places a ball at a teeing point on a teeing surface which is tiltably adjustable about a horizontal tilt axis. A catch device is aligned with a target direction passing through the teeing point and extending perpendicularly to the tilt axis. The golfer aims along the target direction and executes a golf swing to strike the ball from the teeing point. The actual direction of travel of the struck ball is determined. An azimuth difference is determined between the target direction and the actual direction of travel of the struck ball. The tilt angle of the teeing surface is varied about the tilt axis based upon the azimuth difference between the target direction and the actual direction of travel of the struck ball.

Abstract: A ball launching device which eliminates the need for golf clubs so that disabled individuals can play golf without having to swing a golf club. The ball launching device is configured in the form of the rifle so that it can be carried by a player while the player is walking or riding a golf cart. Alternatively, the golf ball launcher can take any suitable shape in addition to that of a rifle. A preferred version of the golf ball launcher uses a piston assembly that impacts a golf ball and shoots it toward a golf green. The golf ball can be caught on the golf green by a container, or by a receptacle or net which is integrated with the flag pole on the golf green. Alternatively, the player in use the golf ball launcher until the ball reaches the green, and at that point the player can use a conventional putter while on the golf green.

Abstract: A golf putting aid is provided that includes first and second attachment structures. Upper and lower alignment members are each disposed between and attached to the attachment structures. The alignment members are also vertically aligned to define a vertical plane which is perpendicular to a putting surface. The putting aid also includes at least one longitudinal support member disposed between and fixedly attached to the attachment structures, and a target attached to the first attachment structure, such that the target defines an opening that is at least as large as a regulation size golf ball.

Abstract: A putting aid is provided that has a first and a second attachment structure, an upper alignment member disposed between and attached to the attachment structures and a lower alignment member disposed between and attached to the attachment structures, such that the alignment members are vertically aligned to define a vertical plane which is perpendicular to a putting surface. In use, a golf ball is positioned on the putting surface such that a centerline of the golf ball is aligned with the vertical plane, and thus is also aligned with the target line. The golfer then aligns the golfer's line of sight with the vertical plane such that the upper alignment member obscures the lower alignment member, aligns an aim line of a putter such that the alignment members obscure the aim line of the putter and maintains both the alignment of the golfer's line of sight and the alignment of the aim line of the putter during a putting stroke.

Abstract: A ball launching device which eliminates the need for golf clubs so that disabled individuals can play golf without having to swing a golf club. The ball launching device is configured in the form of the rifle so that it can be carried by a player while the player is walking or riding a golf cart. Alternatively, the golf ball launcher can take any suitable shape in addition to that of a rifle. A preferred version of the golf ball launcher uses a piston assembly that impacts a golf ball and shoots it toward a golf green. The golf ball can be caught on the golf green by a container, or by a receptacle or net which is integrated with the flag pole on the golf green. Alternatively, the player in use the golf ball launcher until the ball reaches the green, and at that point the player can use a conventional putter while on the golf green.

Abstract: Golf game to practice putting and pitching. Pitching unit extends vertically from putting unit or can be separated. Multiple units represents multiple playing holes. Upper tier receives pitched ball and lower tier receives putted ball. Indoor or outdoor use.

Abstract: Golf practice apparatus comprises a structure having a back wall (16) representing at least part of a golf course, including a green and a hole (11), said structure having at least one upper shelf (12) including means to represent the hole on a real golf course, means (24) removably attachable to said structure to represent hazards, and a location in front of the structure from which a player may hit a golf ball towards the structure.

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.

Abstract: A Golf Short Game Training, Practice and Contest Game assemblage, which is easy to assemble, disassemble and transport from location to location (in, for example, the provided carrying bag) and which includes a main frame which is assembled from various steel pipes and connecting parts, a netting which is supported by the frame and which includes an inclined chute-shaped floor net which is affixed to or integral with the bottom floor of the netting, the front side of which is lower than the back portion of the netting; and a target which is suspended from the top portion of the netting and has at least one hole in it which is larger than a golf ball.

Abstract: A putting practice device having a first circular plate being generally parallel to and vertically offset from a second circular plate. The second circular plate is positionable upon a putting surface. The first circular plate and the second circular plate are spaced apart from each other by an intermediate circular member. This arrangement defines a golf ball receiving channel, which is capable of receiving and retaining a golf ball therein.

Abstract: A new golf game for practicing one's golf shots. The inventive device includes a game target used in association with a golf club and a game ball. The game target has a playing surface with a plurality of scoring regions provided on the surface. A scoring point value is assigned to each of the scoring region. The game is generally played by each player having a set of turns, each player taking alternating turns hitting a game ball with a golf club from a distance from the playing surface to strike a scoring region on the playing surface. The scoring point value of the scoring region the game ball first strikes is recorded and at the end of the set, the recorded scoring points of are totaled for each player respectively. The winning player is the player with the highest scoring point value total.

Abstract: A new golf practice system for helping a golfer improve their grip on a golf club and fundamentals of golf. The inventive device includes a compact golf club having a standard size club head, a standard size grip, and a reduced shaft therebetween. A golf club container is dimensioned for receiving the grip and shaft of the compact golf club therein. The golf club container has a cylindrical configuration defined by an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The open upper end has an arcuate recess extending downwardly thereof for engaging the club head of the compact golf club when positioned within the container. The open upper end has a chain secured thereto. The chain has opposed free ends secured to the open upper end in a diametrically opposed orientation.

Abstract: An improved golfing target device (11), as shown in FIG. (1), in the preferred embodiment having a flat, uniformly thick, substantially circular target area (10), being 1.12 meters (44 inches) in outer diameter, with a centered hole (1) approximately the 108 mm (41/4 inches) size of a regulation golf hole. Support device (2) causes target area (10) to be inclined toward the vertical with respect to the horizontal plane, with the lowest edge of target area (10) touching the same plane as the bottom of support device (2). Permanent attachment by rivets or weld maintains the position of target area (10) on support device (2). Flag pin receptacle (9) in the preferred embodiment is positioned properly and permanently attached, by rivets or weld, to the bottom of support device (2), which causes an inserted flag pin (6), with flag (6a), to protrude up thru the center of the golf size hole (1).

Abstract: A putting trainer having a planar base with a cover rotatably disposed over the planar base. The base has a plurality of target openings therein, with each of the openings having a different width. The cover has a single opening, and can be rotatably attached to the planar base so that an opening of a desired size can be selected as a target for putting training.

Abstract: A new and improved yard golf game comprised of a plurality of golf clubs. Included in the game are a plurality of hazards each having two spikes extending from a bottom portion thereof. The two spikes serve to embed the hazards into the yard. Included in the game are a plurality of golf holes each having a bottom portion and a cylindrical side wall extending perpendicularly upward therefrom. The cylindrical side wall terminates in an open upper periphery. The bottom portion has an aperture formed therethrough. Included in the game are a plurality of lids. Each lid is adapted to be received within open upper periphery of the plurality of golf holes. Included in the game are a plurality of golf balls. The golf balls are adapted to be received within the plurality of golf holes.