Practice Projectile Addressing Surface (e.g., Driving Mat, Etc.) Patents (Class 473/278)
  • Patent number: 11219813
    Abstract: Proposed is an apparatus for checking a golf divot, which checks a position where a golf club comes into contact with the ground, a ground contact area, or a trace of the golf club when a user hits a golf ball with a golf club, so as to enable improvement of the user's swing, the apparatus including: a ball resting plate body having multiple pin-holes formed therethrough; multiple pins which are inserted into the pin-holes of the ball resting plate body, respectively, to vertically move and installed to allow upper end portions thereof to protrude upward from the ball resting plate body; and a ball resting plate body support means which supports the ball resting plate body in a state where the ball resting plate body is spaced a predetermined height apart from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: KS ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Hyun Shin, Jin Hee Heo, Eun Hye Park, Hye Ji Woo, Sun Ho Min, Bok Cheon Mun
  • Patent number: 10994185
    Abstract: A putt ruler is a device that separates the skills of straight-line putting from reading the green. The putt ruler may be affixed to the golf green and may be rotated to align with the identified target line. Through placement of two golf balls atop the putt ruler, a golfer may produce a putt that follows a straight line, when the stroke used may not have produced a straight-line putt on a single golf ball. The golfer may then evaluate the chosen target line in relation to the resultant putt and evaluate the speed of the putt as the ball travels along the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Robert H. Walton
  • Patent number: 10918930
    Abstract: A golf mat that has a natural feel and mitigates injury during mat striking includes: a base, the base including a main structure with an upper surface and an open topped cavity in the upper surface; and an insert sized to be accommodated in the cavity, the insert including a layer of solid polymeric material selected to have shock absorption properties greater than the main structure; and artificial turf installed on the base and overlying at least a portion of the main structure and the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: FIBERBUILT MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: Michael Hooper, Scott Nichol, Daniel Fletcher
  • Patent number: 10888741
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to lightweight, portable robot for analyzing golf balls for short game performance attributes. The preferred robot is specifically designed to be lightweight and portable and to be able to hit a golf ball off of the ground or a mat that simulates the ground such that realistic short game performance of clubs and balls can be evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Toupin, Paul A. Furze, Richard Daprato, Glenn Grenier, Anthony J. Couto, William Souza
  • Patent number: 10828546
    Abstract: A golf swing practice mat including a ball practice area and a resistance area is disclosed to provide a physical resistance to the club head at the time of ball impact and through the follow through. In one embodiment, the golf mat comprises a generally rectangular rubber base and a simulated grass material overlying the rubber base. The simulated grass upper layer may be a typical fairway length simulated grass. The mat has a central ball placement area which may include a tee and a resistance area in front of the ball placement area, i.e. in the follow-through area immediately after striking the ball. The spacing of the resistance area from the ball placement area, and or tee may be variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Smart Body, LLC
    Inventor: Othili Park
  • Patent number: 10786723
    Abstract: Portable, lightweight golf practice device from which to hit golf balls comprises a base having an opening extending therethrough, a pan having a flat interior portion surrounded by a border portion, the border portion having a lip and an inner slanted portion that slopes downwardly to the flat interior portion, the pan being mounted on the top surface of the base and having a bottom surface that substantially matches the shape of the top side of the base, a rubber layer affixed to the bottom side of the base, and at least one anchoring device. The inner slanted portion and the flat interior portion are covered with driving range artificial grass that simulates fairway, and the lip of the pan and a portion of a border of the base not covered by the lip of the pan are covered with driving range artificial grass that simulates rough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventor: Kevin Loftus
  • Patent number: 10639538
    Abstract: A golf practise mat including a stance section and a ball strike section. The stance section is segmented into a plurality of planar components so that the golf may can be disassembled for shipping and storage. A kit is disclosed including the components and instructions for assembly. A golf practise mat may also have one or more swing training devices for installation of golf training rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: FIBERBUILT MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: Michael Hooper, Scott Nichol
  • Patent number: 10328306
    Abstract: A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112), normally appears along it as a principal color, and includes impact-sensitive color-change structure (132) and protective structure (242) lying at least partly between the zone and the impact-sensitive color-change structure. A segment (142) of the impact-sensitive color-change structure responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by causing an impact-dependent portion (138) of the variable-color region to temporarily appear, typically via light emission, along a print area (118) of the zone as changed color materially different from the principal color if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. The print area closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Ronald J. Meetin
  • Patent number: 10052543
    Abstract: A sports mat system incorporating a reversible thermochromic leuco dye includes an impact pad portion having a reversible thermochromic leuco dye incorporated into it in order to provide a temporary visual indication of the path of a sports apparatus swing. The impact portion changes color with a temperature change due to frictional contact between the pad and the equipment being swung, in order to visually illustrate the swing path of the club along with the club head/face orientation during impact. In another implementation, a racquet is provided incorporating a reversible thermochromic leuco dye into a portion of racquet strings to temporarily visually illustrate the contact area between the racquet face and a ball being struck, in order to provide the user with feedback relating to characteristics of their swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventors: Raymond Steele, Sherry Deanna Richardson
  • Patent number: 9724581
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable pitching mat having a first side with a first end and a second end, wherein the first side is substantially flat and has a weight attached proximal to the first end; a second side, wherein the second side engages an artificial turf substrate with a plurality of anchors; and a pitching rubber on the first side proximal to the first end. Also provided is a portable mat having a first side with a first end and a second end, wherein the first side is substantially flat; a second side, wherein the second side has a plurality of recessed regions; and a plurality of substrates, wherein each of the plurality of substrates comprises a first face that reversibly engages one of the plurality of recessed regions on the second side; and a second face that engages an artificial turf surface with a plurality of anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Lauren Tyndall
  • Patent number: 9387358
    Abstract: A balance board adapted for riding rail-to-rail, preferably so that at least a portion of a rider's feet will be placed on the board over the elongated roller. The balance board includes an elongated, planar board having a length that exceeds a width. The balance board further includes two pair of stops mounted to an underside of the board, each pair of stops being mounted near opposite ends of the board, and each stop of the pair of stops being mounted near opposite sides of the board. The balance board further includes a traction region between each stop of each pair of stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GOOFBOARD PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Armin Brown
  • Patent number: 9278273
    Abstract: A golf practice device having a simulated putting green surface having artificial turf that is approximately the same height and an appearance similar to an actual grass putting surface. Surrounding the putting surface is a collar of artificial turf with grass blades that are longer than the putting surface portion. The turf surfaces may have the ability to float or a floatable substrate can be disposed below the turf for using the device as a floating target for golf shots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: INTELLITURF, INC.
    Inventor: Stan Pennington
  • Patent number: 9242160
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable pitching mat having a first side with a first end and a second end, wherein the first side is substantially flat and has a weight attached proximal to the first end; a second side, wherein the second side engages an artificial turf substrate with a plurality of anchors; and a pitching rubber on the first side proximal to the first end. Also provided is a portable mat having a first side with a first end and a second end, wherein the first side is substantially flat; a second side, wherein the second side has a plurality of recessed regions; and a plurality of substrates, wherein each of the plurality of substrates comprises a first face that reversibly engages one of the plurality of recessed regions on the second side; and a second face that engages an artificial turf surface with a plurality of anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Lauren Tyndall
  • Patent number: 9028338
    Abstract: A training equipment usable to check the quality of the putt stroke comprising a base arrangeable on the ground and adapted to receive a golf ball in a predetermined position, magnetic flux detecting means applied to the base at least in front of and behind said predetermined position and so as to be visible from above the base, of the type adapted to visually show a trace depending on the variation of the pattern of the flux lines of the magnetic field applied to the base even after its removal; and at least a first magnet, preferably a permanent magnet, applied to the head base of a putter in correspondence of a part of the head intended in use to hit the ball, oriented so as to have while performing the putt stroke one of the poles facing the flux detecting means; a second magnet is available towards the flux detecting means with polarity opposite to the first so as to cancel the trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Roberto Chiono
  • Patent number: 9011264
    Abstract: A tiltable/adjustable golf practice device includes multiple height adjusters mounted on the respective corners of the teeing ground. By means of lifting or lowering the height adjusters, the teeing ground can be tilted to simulate the landform of a real golf course in accordance with the requirement of a user in practice. The tiltable/adjustable golf practice device is free from any electronic control or hydraulic device so that the manufacturing cost is greatly lowered. Also, a user can freely remove the tiltable/adjustable golf practice device so that the application of the tiltable/adjustable golf practice device is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Chen-Chung Tang
  • Patent number: 8998741
    Abstract: A swing training system for improving muscle memory and weight transfer during a swinging motion. The swing training system comprises a first device and a second device for a user to stand upon raised flat summits on each device placed approximately shoulder width apart. The user then performs a swinging motion corresponding to a sport such as golf, tennis or baseball while maintaining balance on the devices. Such balance will be committed to muscle memory and will allow for better swings when in actual play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Walter Viramontez
  • Publication number: 20150051010
    Abstract: The golf divot simulator apparatus for simulating the making of the divot associated with striking a golf ball with a golf club, when the golf ball is resting on natural grass turf, incorporates a pivoting structure. The pivoting structure, which includes complementary pivot points, allows the apparatus to rotate away from the path of a swinging golf club that makes contact with the apparatus. The pivoting structure comprises a calculated center of gravity for resetting the apparatus to a ready position via the force of gravity. Thus, subsequent to golf-club-induced rotation of the apparatus, gravity-induced counter rotation resets the apparatus for continued use. The apparatus also incorporates a turf covering for blanketing the pivoting structure. The apparatus further incorporates a fastening mechanism for securing the turf covering to the pivoting structure. The result of the apparatus is a self-resetting practice device that simulates the making of a golf divot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Scott Allen Schroer
  • Patent number: 8911300
    Abstract: A golf training aid assembly simulates taking a divot while swinging a golf club. The assembly includes a platform having a top surface. A resiliently flexible member is coupled to the platform. A panel has a first end pivotally coupled to the platform wherein the panel is pivotable relative to the platform. The panel is supported on the resiliently flexible member in spaced relationship to the first end of the panel such that a top surface of the panel is coplanar with the top surface of the platform when the panel rests upon the resiliently flexible member. The panel is downwardly pivotable relative to the top surface of the platform such that the top surface of the panel is configured for being urged downwardly when contacted by a golf club head. The resiliently flexible member is deformable and provides resistance to downward pivoting of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Matilde G. Alvarado
  • Publication number: 20140357396
    Abstract: A golf training device comprising a plastic sheet of material having a first golf ball mounting location surrounded by the plastic sheet and a method of using the same. The plastic sheet is sufficiently dense so that golf clubs skid towards the ball when the golf club hits short of the golf ball during a normal golf swing. The golf balls can also be located in front of an edge of the golf training device a distance selected so that the golf club skids off of the training device when the golf club hits short of the golf club during a normal golf swing. The training device may have a recess that defines a second mounting location for the golf balls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: John Steven Wallace, II
  • Publication number: 20140309052
    Abstract: A putting training device includes a base having a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion for supporting an inclined, interchangeable elongate putting path member having a variety of widths and lengths for use by a user for improving the users putting stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Frederick Joseph LIGROW, Joseph Matthew MIKLA
  • Patent number: 8858367
    Abstract: A reusable target device is used on with a golf swing practice mat having a teeing aperture formed therein to take the place of the collapsible tee conventionally used for teeing a practice golf ball thereon. The target device has i) a base flange portion received below the practice mat, ii) a stem portion extending upwardly from the base flange portion through the teeing aperture in the practice mat, and iii) a target portion supported at the top of the stem portion to simulate a golf ball to be struck during a practice swing. The base flange portion, the stem portion and the target portion are integrally and seamlessly formed with one another of a resilient material with a hollow passage arranged to be externally vented and collapsed upon impact by a swinging golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Brun
  • Patent number: 8852017
    Abstract: A golf sand bunker simulator which mimics the feel of sand by using beaded chains that are attached to a mat. The golf sand bunker simulator creates a sand-like experience which can assist a golfer to develop their sand shot technique. The golf sand bunker simulator is portable and because it does not generate dust or debris provides a clean golf training experience for both indoor and outdoor practice. The golf sand bunker simulator can also have a grass turf attached to enable a golfer to practice both sand and grass shots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Zambrello
  • Patent number: 8814716
    Abstract: A golf practice device having a simulated putting green surface having artificial turf that is approximately the same height and an appearance similar to an actual grass putting surface. Surrounding the putting surface is a collar of artificial turf with grass blades that are longer than the putting surface portion. The turf surfaces may have the ability to float or a floatable substrate can be disposed below the turf for using the device as a floating target for golf shots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Intelliturf, Inc.
    Inventor: Stan Pennington
  • Patent number: 8790190
    Abstract: A golf training device may include a base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface for placing on a surface; a ball positioning sensor positioned adjacent to the top surface; and a light source for transmitting visible light from the base, the light source being in operable communication with the ball positioning sensor to respond to a signal from the ball positioning sensor that a ball has been moved from a resting position to transmit light for a finite predetermined period of time after the ball is moved from the resting position. A method of training may include receiving a ball on a training device in a resting position; detecting the presence of the ball on the top surface; detecting that the ball has been moved; transmitting light from a light source for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting that the ball has been moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph A. Kamnikar
  • Patent number: 8764577
    Abstract: Driving board for training golf comprising a basal plane (2), the first inclined plane (3, 4) which is supported by the supporting rolls being located on top of the basal plane and is adjusted to revolve in relation to the basal plane and comprises a second inclined plane (5,6) which is supported by the supporting rolls being located on top of the first inclined plane and is adjusted to revolve both in relation to the basal plane and in relation to the first inclined plane. Regarding the three mentioned plane (2); (3, 4) and (5, 6) at least one plane has nests (8) into which the rolls (7) belonging to the adjacent plane get settled while locking their reciprocal rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kivini Consutling Oy
    Inventor: Tapani Kivini
  • Patent number: 8758150
    Abstract: The present invention is a golf training aid designed to completely and effectively instruct a golfer how to setup for a successful golf shot. The golf training aid includes a substrate having a predetermined geometrical shape, preferably rectangular, having visual indices, preferably imprinted on a top surface of the substrate, to aid the golfer in addressing a golf ball or setting up to execute a golf shot. The visual indices include a plurality of club head/ball alignment indices, a hand alignment indicator, a feet alignment indicator, an eye alignment indicator, a stance width indicator, and a directional indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Simply Play Better LLC
    Inventor: Mark L. Parker
  • Patent number: 8747246
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems to custom fit golf clubs are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Swartz, Roger J. Cottam
  • Publication number: 20140155189
    Abstract: A reusable target device is used on with a golf swing practice mat having a teeing aperture formed therein to take the place of the collapsible tee conventionally used for teeing a practice golf ball thereon. The target device has i) a base flange portion received below the practice mat, ii) a stem portion extending upwardly from the base flange portion through the teeing aperture in the practice mat, and iii) a target portion supported at the top of the stem portion to simulate a golf ball to be struck during a practice swing. The base flange portion, the stem portion and the target portion are integrally and seamlessly formed with one another of a resilient material with a hollow passage arranged to be externally vented and collapsed upon impact by a swinging golf club.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Brun
  • Patent number: 8727903
    Abstract: A putting stroke training system identifies a preferred putting stroke and facilitates training for a golfer to repeat the preferred putting stroke. The training system includes a grid box with a fixed side wall and a movable side wall. The movable side wall is positionable relative to the fixed side wall into alignment with the preferred putting stroke. The training system also includes an alignment sensor attachable to a putter head. In some embodiments, the alignment sensor signals when the putter head deviates from the preferred stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Norman Douglas Bittner
  • Patent number: 8702528
    Abstract: The training aid for practicing the skill of putting a golf ball in a straight direction is comprised of a kit which provides developmental drills to allow the avid golfer or participant an opportunity to improve their putting skills. The kit comprises a playing surface with various indicia and a set of target balls which enables the participant(s) to play various games which correspond to golfing. A base mat is placed underneath the playing surface and further has a perimeter rim to retain errant golf balls when exiting the playing surface. An auxiliary attachable backstop, a plurality of removably attachable standing platforms, and a detachable putter are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Neil E. Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20140106893
    Abstract: A golf practice mat includes an impact sensor disposed in a vicinity bounding the location of where a golf ball would be placed for striking. The golf practice mat may also include, for example, a “crosshair” target imprint that is disposed on a golf club impact sensor portion of the practice surface and indicates the point/line of contact that the club face should hit the ground after the ball has been struck with the club head in a descending blow. A microcontroller receives and analyzes the output of the impact sensor and generates a display/output message that is coupled to a display that is, for example, embodied on the golf practice mat to provide user shot-related feedback. The display may indicate, for example, the user's golf club, the estimated distance the ball will travel depending upon the impact data analyzed, the club chosen by the user, input backswing data and/or a three-dimensional simulation of the resulting golf stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Mark E. Nusbaum
  • Publication number: 20140038739
    Abstract: A club-swing practice apparatus includes a tee and a bar assembled to the tee. The tee has a positioning portion and a ball supporter. The bar is assembled to the tee and has a coupling portion capable of being coupled with the ball supporter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Pin-Hui Chiang
  • Publication number: 20140011603
    Abstract: A golf practice device having a simulated putting green surface having artificial turf that is approximately the same height and an appearance similar to an actual grass putting surface. Surrounding the putting surface is a collar of artificial turf with grass blades that are longer than the putting surface portion. The turf surfaces may have the ability to float or a floatable substrate can be disposed below the turf for using the device as a floating target for golf shots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: IntelliTurf, Inc.
    Inventor: Stan Pennington
  • Publication number: 20130344975
    Abstract: A synthetic putting green includes a crown, skirt and trough. The putting green includes a support surface shaped to define a crown, a skirt circumferentially positioned about the crown and a trough circumferentially positioned about the skirt. Landscape edging is applied to the support surface about a perimeter of the crown so as to define an interior space functioning as a putting surface. A containment layer is applied upon the support surface within the interior space and an open cell foam material applied over the containment layer within the interior space. A layer of synthetic turf is then applied to cover the containment layer and the open cell foam material within the interior space. A method for making the synthetic putting green is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: David T. Pelz
  • Patent number: 8613678
    Abstract: A golf practice mat includes an impact sensor disposed in a vicinity bounding the location of where a golf ball would be placed for striking. The golf practice mat may also include, for example, a “crosshair” target imprint that is disposed on a golf club impact sensor portion of the practice surface and indicates the point/line of contact that the club face should hit the ground after the ball has been struck with the club head in a descending blow. A microcontroller receives and analyzes the output of the impact sensor and generates a display/output message that is coupled to a display that is, for example, embodied on the golf practice mat to provide user shot-related feedback. The display may indicate, for example, the user's golf club, the estimated distance the ball will travel depending upon the impact data analyzed, the club chosen by the user, input backswing data and/or a three-dimensional simulation of the resulting golf stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Edward Nusbaum
  • Patent number: 8608584
    Abstract: A golf swing training device including a mat having a contact plate disposed therein over which the golf club passes during correct ball contact and a plurality of apertures disposed at predetermined locations in the mat in which pegs are inserted to arrange a desired swing path for a right-handed or left-handed golfer's club swing for either the woods and the driver or the irons. An alignment tube, which is fixed and alternately telescopic, attached to a cylindrical female connector on either of the mat right and left sides and a T-shaped tube connector to which a pair of alignment rods is attached align the golfer's feet in a position parallel to the mat sides. An alignment arrow on the mat top surface provides a visual cue for a correct forward follow through. Stakes driven through holes in the mat secure the mat to a ground surface for outdoor use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Terry L. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20130288814
    Abstract: A golf mat includes a frame having a central channel between left and right side shoulders. A hitting pad, such as an artificial turf pad, is slidable within or on the central channel. At least one elastic element, such as a rubber cord, extends laterally across the channel, and with the elastic element attached directly or indirectly to the artificial turf pad. Impact of the golf club head on the pad causes the pad to slide forward, absorbing impact forces and providing a feel to the golfer closer to hitting off of real grass. The elastic element decelerates the pad, and returns to the pad to its original position after the impact. The elastic element may be an elastic cord having plugged or knotted ends secured between inner and outer walls of the side shoulders of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: PRO PERFORMANCE SPORTS, LLC.
    Inventor: Allen Holland
  • Publication number: 20130267341
    Abstract: A golf sand bunker simulator which mimics the feel of sand by using beaded chains that are attached to a mat. The golf sand bunker simulator creates a sand-like experience which can assist a golfer to develop their sand shot technique. The golf sand bunker simulator is portable and because it does not generate dust or debris provides a clean golf training experience for both indoor and outdoor practice. The golf sand bunker simulator can also have a grass turf attached to enable a golfer to practice both sand and grass shots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Zambrello
  • Patent number: 8545341
    Abstract: An eight-directional controlled dynamic plate based on one-point allows a central portion of a forward side of the dynamic plate with feet of the golfer being positioned thereon to be connected in one-point to the swing plate body, and the dynamic plate to be inclined in eight directions including a forward, a rearward, a leftward, and a rightward direction and four edge directions, so that the dynamic plate is to be positioned corresponding to an inclination surface and an inclination angle of actual outdoor golf course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: RD-Tek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Song Hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 8506416
    Abstract: An adjustable golf surface system having first and second platforms pivotally connected via a hinge wherein a golf surface is on the top surface of the first platform, the platforms can rotate about a base and base stud in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. A lifting mechanism operated by a jackscrew allows the first platform to pivot upwardly with respect to the second platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventors: James D. Radel, Sr., Joshua D. Radel
  • Publication number: 20130184096
    Abstract: A golf putting training aid includes a base frame having a sidewall, a collimator plate defining a collimator face, a positioning mechanism for holding the collimator plate and moving it in a parallel manner toward or away from the sidewall and locking the collimator plate in the desired position, a ball-hole table having a tabletop, a sliding groove extending around the tabletop and ball holes located on the tabletop in communication with the sliding groove, a ball lane covering the bottom panel of the base frame and the tabletop, and a track connected between the sliding groove and the end plate of the base frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicants: CHEN GIANT TECHNIC CO., LTD., EURO AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL CORP., RUCA CORP.
    Inventors: CHIH-YUAN CHEN, KUO-HUI CHIEN, CHENG-CHIH YU
  • Patent number: 8475290
    Abstract: A golf training system includes a wedge training aid adapted to help the user control the hitting range of each wedge accurately so that the user can drive the ball to the green easily for putting into the hole when playing a golf game at a golf course. The golf training system further includes a putting green training aid, a mat arranged between the wedge training aid and the putting green training aid, a ball collector arranged at the rear side of the wedge training aid, a track connected between the putting green training aid and the ball collector, and a guard net mounted at the putting green training aid. Thus, each ball been hit onto the putting green training aid or intercepted by the guard net can be collected by the ball collector for a next hitting practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Cheng-Chih Yu, Kuo-Hui Chien
  • Patent number: 8469839
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for analyzing a golf swing, and an associated apparatus for use in the method. More specifically, this disclosure relates generally to a method of analyzing a golf swing by impacting a deformable medium with a golf club head. In the method, a club head impacts the deformable medium, causing the deformable medium to change shape. The change in shape may then be correlated to the value of a swing profile characteristic. Alternatively, the deformable medium may include a sensor, such that the sensor senses a measurement that is correlated to a value of a swing profile characteristic. Also disclosed are a deformable medium and a kit for use in the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Ishii
  • Patent number: 8465377
    Abstract: A putting training device includes a base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface for placing on a putting surface. The top surface is a tapered surface tapering to the putting surface. A ball receiving recess can be defined on the top surface. The device also includes a ball positioning sensor positioned adjacent to the ball receiving recess and a light source for transmitting light visible from the top surface of the base. The light source is in operable communication with the ball positioning sensor to respond to a signal from the ball positioning sensor that a ball has been impacted from the ball receiving recess. When the light source receives the signal from the ball positioning sensor, the light source will transmit light for a finite predetermined period of time after the ball is impacted from the ball receiving recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph A. Kamnikar, Lyle Chamberlain
  • Publication number: 20130109485
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing storage at indoor golf driving ranges. In various embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods permit golfers to store their baggage in close proximity to the golfers while the golfers practice their swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Brendan O'Grady, Sam S. Han
  • Publication number: 20130102406
    Abstract: A golf training system includes a wedge training aid adapted to help the user control the hitting range of each wedge accurately so that the user can drive the ball to the green easily for putting into the hole when playing a golf game at a golf course. The golf training system further includes a putting green training aid, a mat arranged between the wedge training aid and the putting green training aid, a ball collector arranged at the rear side of the wedge training aid, a track connected between the putting green training aid and the ball collector, and a guard net mounted at the putting green training aid. Thus, each ball been hit onto the putting green training aid or intercepted by the guard net can be collected by the ball collector for a next hitting practice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: CHENG-CHIH YU, KUO-HUI CHIEN
  • Patent number: 8414414
    Abstract: A swing training system for improving muscle memory and weight transfer during a swinging motion. The swing training system comprises a first device and a second device for a user to stand upon raised flat summits on each device placed approximately shoulder width apart. The user then performs a swinging motion corresponding to a sport such as golf, tennis or baseball while maintaining balance on the devices. Such balance will be committed to muscle memory and will allow for better swings when in actual play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Viramontez
  • Patent number: 8409027
    Abstract: A system and method for a player to play golf includes a member having a surface. A colored area is disposed on the surface of the member, the colored area is yellow which when stared at will produce a violet afterimage. Prior to hitting a golf ball, the player stares at the colored area for a few seconds, closes his/her eyes and sees the violet afterimage, then opens his/her eyes. The player then hits the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Carl R. Gagnon
  • Patent number: 8409023
    Abstract: A golf ball dispensing and teeing device is provided which allows a single golf ball to be metered from a supply tube and travel therefrom to rest within an elevated ball tee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Dave W. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20130045817
    Abstract: A portable, compact and adjustable apparatus that deploys to assimilate a golf course tee box setting. The apparatus is designed to house and protect a video display panel strategically located at a position that allows the user to view a real time video stream of their body alignment and club position, from address to follow through while maintaining the proper stance to effectively strike a golf ball. The hitting surface adjusts to accommodate a variety of club lengths and ball placements. As many cameras can be placed in different view points to instantly analyze and adjust the golfers swing by viewing the swing in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Irwin