Abstract: Ball collection apparatus and methods for forming ball collection apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, a ball collection apparatus includes a netting body that includes netting, edges around a perimeter of the netting, and corners along the perimeter of the netting at intersections of the edges, the edges including a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, a plurality of connectors attached to the netting body at the corners of the netting body, a plurality of fasteners attached to the netting body, and a guiding device operably coupled to the netting proximate an aperture defined by the netting, the guiding device having a weight to produce a slope in the netting sufficient to guide a sport ball to exit the netting body via the aperture.

Abstract: An arrow golf system has a bow having a bowstring, an arrow having a shaft with a ball on one end with a fletching and a string nock on an opposite end, a starting location, a finishing location, and a capturing apparatus at the finishing location. A player shoots the arrow from the starting location with the bow, to a second location closer to the finishing location, retrieves the arrow at the second location, and shoots the arrow toward the capturing apparatus from the second location.

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 golf training apparatus is provided that includes one or more components, such as a chipping mat, a putting mat, and a chipping basket. The chipping mat includes a base and at least one section of artificial turf disposed over the base and at least one section of artificial turf includes at least one simulated divot disposed therein. The chipping mat may include a plurality of sections of artificial turf, each simulating a different type of grass found on a golf course, such as the fairway, rough, and deep rough. The putting mat has a section in a first geometric shape that tapers toward or into a section in a second geometric shape smaller than the first geometric shape having the hole disposed therein. The chipping basket has a plurality of sides with at least one of the sides having a variable sized hole disposed therein.

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 electronic sensor module for us in an interactive system, such as an interactive sports training device, for accurately detecting a projectile brought within close proximity of a target. The sensor module includes a plurality of light sources arranged in a housing such that the light sources are visible through a surface of the housing when activated. A plurality of sensors are also arranged in the housing for detecting the presence of a projectile. In one aspect, the sensors are arranged in a polar array about a center of housing with spaces between adjacent sensors, and with a light source positioned in each space between adjacent sensors.

Abstract: A golf hole enlargement device is provided. The golf hole enlargement device includes a collar and a flange. The collar includes a first surface extending from a first edge to a second edge, a second surface extending from a first edge to a second edge, and a bottom surface extending from a first edge to a second edge. The first surface slopes upwards from the first edge to the second edge is configured to rest on a horizontal surface. The second surface slopes downwards from the first edge to the second edge and mounts to the first surface. The first edge of the bottom surface is mounted to the first edge of the first surface. The flange is mounted to the second edge of the bottom surface and the second edge of the second surface and forms an open ring in a center of the collar for positioning over a golf hole of a golf green.

Abstract: Multiple variations on a novel device and method for improving golf-putting skills are disclosed. Specifically, the present invention relates to the construction and use of an asymmetrical golf-putting target zone that encourages users to direct putts to land within a specific two-putt range on the high-percentage side of the cup, where the high-percentage side is determined by the slope and pitch of the putting surface. The motivation for the asymmetry is disclosed, as are the principles for constructing, implementing, and using the asymmetrical zone. Specifically, the axis separating the asymmetrical subregions of the zone is placed either approximately perpendicular to, or approximately coincident upon, an ideal line of the ball's approach and is oriented such that the larger subregion is placed on the side of the cup with the higher elevation, or on the side of the cup further away from the putting location if the putting surface is flat.

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 practice apparatus a generally circular disc, said disc having a centrally located opening, said central located opening forming a golf hole and a method of improving one's golf swing by aiming at the apparatus.

Abstract: A golf putting practice device adapted to serve as a substitute for a floor vent that fits into a floor duct of a forced air circulation system of a building and includes a ball receiving enclosure and at least one flat support plate member extended outwardly from the ball receiving enclosure. The front wall of the ball receiving enclosure includes a notched portion that provides a golf ball open access to the enclosure when the device is installed into a floor duct. A plurality of apertures are formed in the support plate member to allow for air flow through the plate. A floor air vent cover includes a centrally located closed bottom depression the size of a golf putting cup for receiving and retaining a putted golf ball. The opposite ends of the cover contain air passage openings having tapered sides for directing the air flow away from said depression.

Abstract: A practice device suitable for practicing golf putts, especially one provided in a mat, the device comprising a target and an upstanding shock absorber. When provided in a mat the device has a flush entry point thus accurately simulating an actual golf hole. Preferred embodiments include an essentially straight shock absorber which is higher in the centre than at its edges thus retaining more centrally struck putts adding further to the realism of the device. Certain embodiments include a light emitting means to define the target and means to detect the presence, speed and direction of balls moving into or out of the target.

Abstract: A portable training device is used for improving putting skills of a player by putting a ball. A plurality of sections are removably connected with one another to define an upper section and a lower section presenting an inclined axis. At least one compartment is defined in each of the sections for receiving the ball. A channel defined in at least one of the sections extends parallel the inclined axis and communicates with the at least one compartment to receiving the ball and returning the ball trough at least one of the channels.

Abstract: An indoor golf putting green is disclosed comprising base panels (12), base-panel spacers (14), stand-board spacers (54), rails, a stand-board (18) and a putting surface (24). The putting surface is fully contourable providing a large variety of slopes which can be configured on the surface, allowing the user to practise a variety of putts. The stand-board is also contourable, and can be placed around the base panels at a variety of locations thus allowing the user to practise putts of differing length.

Abstract: A golf practice apparatus a generally circular disc, said disc having a centrally located opening, said central located opening forming a golf hole and a method of improving one's golf swing by aiming at the apparatus.

Abstract: A convertible golf bag base and putting green includes a base plate, a ramp surface, a raised lip, a sidewall and a cup. A convertible golf bag base and putting green includes a circular incline with a perimeter rim wherein said perimeter rim defines a circle with an open arc and a depression within said incline within the perimeter of said rim. A convertible golf bag base and putting green includes a base, an incline rising up from said base, said incline including a rectangular ramp rising from the level of said base and spreading into a circular incline upon said base, a perimeter rim along two parallel edges of said rectangular ramp and encircling a portion of said circular incline; and a depression within said incline within the perimeter of said rim.

Abstract: A golf practice device that can be utilized for both practice as well as playing of one or more games. The golf practice device includes a base member adapted to be conformable and removably fixable to a ground surface, preferably utilizing securing elements included with the golf practice device. In a preferred embodiment, the base member is formed as a typical green on a golf course and can be a circle, oval, or non-geometric shape. In a further preferred embodiment, the base member includes indicia such as rings, lines, letters, numbers, symbols or the like, with rings being most preferred. The golf practice device further includes an aiming point such as a flagstick. The golf practice device of the present invention is foldable for storage when not in use and can be stored in a case which is relatively small and is designed to be easily carried in a standard golf bag.

Abstract: The golf practice apparatus has a large target supported by two supports connected at diametrically opposed areas on the large target. For stability, the two supports are connected to one another by a cross member and ground stakes engaging the supports can be inserted into the ground. Successively smaller targets are connected to the larger target. The smaller targets are connected to the large target by a pair of straps. Each pair of straps consists of two sections. The straps are sewn to the middle sized target and have two ends extending radially in each direction from the large target. The straps are wrapped around and secured to both the large target and smaller target. Once wrapped around the respective target, the strap is secured to itself by such conventional means as snaps. In this manner, the smaller target can be removed from the middle target and the middle target can be removed from the larger target.

Abstract: An apparatus for playing two games, one at a time, in a swimming pool. The apparatus comprises a floating support having first and second portions, a first game target disposed in the first portion and a second game target disposed in the second portion, wherein the support may be disposed first portion up or first portion down, and is shaped and arranged to float stably in either orientation, so that of the first or second games my be played accordingly.

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: 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 method for selecting a golf club suitable for a golfer includes step (a) of obtaining at least one of head speed and hit-ball data (initial velocity, launch angle, backspin, side spin, and travel distance) when a golfer hits a golf ball with a golf club; step (b) of obtaining ideal hit-ball data of the golfer on the basis of the head speed and hit-ball data obtained in step (a); step (c) of providing a guideline for showing a way of modifying the golf club used in step (a) in order to obtain hit-ball data close to the ideal hit-ball data obtained in step (b); and step (d) of obtaining head speed and hit-ball data when the golfer hits a golf ball with a golf club for trial hit which matches, to the extent possible, the guideline provided in step (c).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method of game play for an amusement game wherein participants attempt to project a game piece into a receptacle and may include a game piece adapted to be projected by the at least one participant, a plurality of game figures, and a game base. The game base may include a plurality of first receptacles disposed in an upper surface of the game base, and each first receptacle may be adapted to receive one of the game figures and to retain the corresponding figure alternately in an upwardly extended position and in a retracted position, and may also include a second receptacle adapted to receive the game piece.

Abstract: A golf game employing r.f.-tag coded golf balls has a playing area (14) with r.f. antennae (20) located underneath to enable the number of strokes taken by a player to be counted. Separate antennae (22 and 26) are provided for the tee area (12) and hole (16), respectively, and the antennae (21) around the hole are smaller to improve resolution. The antennae (20, 21, 22, 26) are connected to a computer (30) which monitors successive moving and stationary phases of a golf ball to count the number of strokes taken by a player.

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.

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: Millenn Golf is a recreational form of golf played indoors or outdoors in a yard, field, gymnasium or basketball court or other hard surface, in which players use ordinary golf clubs to strike the Nium Flyer from a portable strip of synthetic turf, causing the Nium Flyer to fly toward a goal called the Netty Millenn in the fewest number of strokes until the Nium Flyer lands in and rests in the Netty Millenn. Each player then removes the Nium Flyer, places it on the synthetic turf and proceeds to repeat the game process completing the course as determined by the players and/or the game master. The object of the game is to complete the course in the fewest strokes as possible as in regular golf. The player with the fewest strokes, as in regular golf, is the winner. Millenn Golf is an economical, portable and flexible form of golf which can be enjoyed by people of differing ages in all types of weather, even indoors.

Abstract: A catching device for spherical objects with flexible foam material 12 and of the type having at one side a scored face of flexible foam material 10 with the side opposite said scored face of flexible foam material 10 adhered to a base 14. The flexible foam material 12 is of sufficient density and compression to retain the spherical object upon impact and penetration through the scored face of flexible foam material 10. The base 14 is composed of a rigid material.

Abstract: A golf green trainer comprises a mainframe chest, an immovable putt plate, and an electronic control chest. The mainframe chest further comprises an angular adjusting device, a ball sweeping device, a ball collecting device, and a ball supplying device such that users can set the angular adjusting device by means of the electronic control chest for adjusting the inclination angle of the golf green plate so as to simulate a real golf green surface. By means of the ball sweeping device, the golf ball which can not be putted into the hole nor to the out-of-bounds but remain on the golf green plate will be swept into the ball collecting device. By means of the ball collecting device, the ball which is putted into the hole and the ball which is swept into the ball collecting device will be collected for replenishing the ball supplying device. By means of the ball supplying device, the golf ball will be supplied to one end of the immovable putt plate for users to putt.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting golf balls comprising a collection assembly having a canopy and a collection net selectively movable between an open position and a collapsed position. In design, the canopy is formed of a durable material having an outer radial portion engaging the distal ends of a plurality of support ribs. Similarly, the collection net has an outer radial portion engaging the distal ends of said support ribs such that the collection net is generally suspended in relation to an interior surface of the canopy. The collection net is preferably formed of a sufficiently durable material capable of absorbing the impact of at least one projectile (e.g., golf ball) and distributing the impact force of the projectile through at least a section of the body of the collection net. An elongated shaft supportably engages the plurality of support ribs, thereby supporting the collection assembly.

Abstract: A golf training device including flat, web material having a transverse dimension of about 1/2 to 3 feet, and a single internal target hole having a diameter of about 4 1/4 inches. The softness, flexibility and thinness of the web material is such that, with the web material placed on a holeless surface, a golf ball rolling thereto by a putting stroke, will be only slightly impeded by both the peripheral boundary of the web material, and the circumferential boundary of the target hole.

Abstract: A golf game and training device which involves pitching and chipping golf balls at a target that has a plurality of numbered scoring positions. The device includes a target base having target walls the define an upper target area mounted on top of three legs which also function as targets. The target legs are associated with a target skirt that defines a lower target area. A vertical beam target extends upward from a back target wall and an aperture in the target base allows a ball to pass from the upper target area into a ball receptacle. An indoor ball and pitching/chipping mat allow the device to be used indoors or out without damaging the playing surface.

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 golf game apparatus with multiple targets which are individually identifiable by symbols in a recognizable sequence marked thereon. Prior to a game, the targets are placed, in successive relationship, in a playing field. The targets include cups, the upper edges thereof being disposed level with the surface of the ground during play. Flags and markers are deployed to help guide players through the sequence of the cups to be played and to supply information as to the direction the ball needs to be struck to reach the next cup. Means for removably mounting one of the flags on each of the cups is provided; the markers, on the other hand, are self-supporting. After the game, the cups are removed and stored together. Stackable, the cups can be placed end to end form a hollow tube. End caps can be secured to the tube so as to close it. The resultant closed container can then be used to store a putter and golf balls as well as the flags and markers.

Abstract: A golf practice hole with a variable diameter rim provides a flexible material positioned over a series of radially-movable supports that each define a portion of an edge or rim of a hole. The flexible material is typically provided with expansion areas that can include slits that define separate flaps of material. The flaps of material are tensioned beneath the movable supports to maintain the flaps in engagement with the supports. As the supports are moved radially-inwardly and radially-outwardly, the material follows the supports and defines a continuous surface above the rim throughout a range of movement of the supports. The range of movement defines a corresponding range of hole rim diameters. The flexible surface remains free of discontinuities and breaks despite diametral changes in the rim and provides an improved playing surface.