Abstract: A contact location identification apparatus and method consists of a marking device with a first side and a second side. An attachment device is connected with the first side, where the attachment device removably attaches to an object. A marking receptor surface is provided on the second side, where the marking receptor surface holds a transferable marker substance.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing golf balls having a core and a cover of at least one layer encasing the core includes the steps of producing a core by molding and vulcanizing a rubber composition containing (A) a base rubber, (B) an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and (C) an organic peroxide; and heat-treating the core for 1 to 24 hours at between 175 and 300° C. Golf balls which undergo little energy loss and have a high initial velocity can be obtained by this method.

Abstract: Described are a carcass for a sports ball having a textile element, which has at least two segments joined by a seam and defines a shape of the carcass, and wherein the at least two segments and the seam are warp-knitted or weft-knitted in a single piece, and a method of making a carcass for a sports ball.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided that includes a pair of congruous, opposing, spherical hemispheres, each having a hemispheric diameter and a hemispheric planer surface; at least one spacer attached to each hemispheric planer surface; and at least one central disk positioned between each hemispheric planer surface and each spacer, said central disk having a circular planer surface with a diameter of approximately 95-99% of said hemispheric diameter, said central disk having opposing planer surfaces equidistantly positioned offset from each hemispheric planer surface by a distance relative to said hemispheric diameter of about 9.1 and 13.5 percent.

Abstract: A device, system and method for managing swinging effectiveness of a sports related striking object configured to strike a struck object, is disclosed. The struck object may have a struck object diameter. The device may include a chalklike material, a substantially spherical shape, and a diameter of between approximately ? to ? the struck object diameter.

Abstract: A putting practice tool with a storage case includes a storage case with a cylindrical storage body, a storage space formed hollowly inside the storage body and a connective portion having a size enabling a golf ball to be caught on both sides of the storage body, and a cap, which is detachably coupled to the connective portion. The putting practice tool with a case includes a cylindrical storage case and caps. A golfer may practice putting with the putting practice tool in which golf goods are stored. A golfer can practice putting by pushing the golf ball as if sweeping it with a putter, practice putting against inclines and unevenness of an actual green, learn a delicate putting form, improve accuracy of putting by correcting inaccurate habits and posture, and also correct defects by checking the trajectory of the struck ball though accurate perception of the putting direction.

Abstract: A golf ball has indicia adapted to allow a user to align the indicia with at least one of an intended direction of travel of the ball and a club head of a club the user will use to strike the ball. The indicia can be three parallel lines extending around a portion the golf ball. A golf club can be provided with a marking on the club head adapted to align with the indicia on the golf ball.

Abstract: A training golf ball is a truncated sphere having a continuous spherical portion and two truncated sides. The training golf ball has an equator extending around the spherical portion that divides the training golf ball into two congruent sections. The two truncated sides are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially parallel to a plane passing through and intersecting the equator of the spherical portion.

Abstract: A golf ball has indicia adapted to allow a user to align the indicia with at least one of an intended direction of travel of the ball and a club head of a club the user will use to strike the ball. The indicia can be three parallel circles extending around the golf ball. A golf club can be provided with a marking on the club head adapted to align with the indicia on the golf ball.

Abstract: A sports ball for stroke training is provided which comprises one or more designated energy-absorbing zones and one or more energy-responsive zones adjacent the one or more designated energy-absorbing zones wherein the one or more energy-responsive zones are positioned at one or more sweet spots of the sports ball, such that a stroke that strikes an energy-responsive zone results in the sports ball travelling further than the sports ball will travel from a similar stroke that strikes an energy-absorbing zone.

Abstract: This swing training tool is an simulated golf ball 42 mm, rubber casing (outside) and a sponge/foam insert (inside) along with an removable adherent element that will discharge onto the club face when struck with a golf club.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a golf training aid comprising a spheroid segment comprising a dimpled outer circumferential surface, a first substantially flat base surface, and a second substantially flat base surface, wherein the first substantially flat base surface and the second substantially flat base surface are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially equal in size.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments is a golf training aid comprising a spheroid segment comprising a dimpled outer circumferential surface, a first base surface, and a second base surface.

Abstract: A golf putting practice ball having visually contrasting lighter and darker sections and a visually contrasting aiming line going across a lighter color section in a 90 degree angle to the borderline of the lighter and darker color sections, and a visually contrasting mark located on the border of the different color sections of the ball, at a location 90° away from the midpoint of the aiming line, and a weight located in an asymmetric position in relation to the internal center of the ball.

Abstract: A coffee machine has a flow sensor located upstream of the boiler or thermal block for the purpose of sensing changes in flow rate in a system for automating dose control.

Abstract: A golf training device comprising a cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end, a groove formed in the cylindrical body, and a roll ring configured to circumscribe the cylindrical body by releasably engaging the groove.

Abstract: A golf training method and device having at least one flat surface and an annular surface, wherein the annular surface is configured to receive contact with a golf club and the flat surface is configured to contact the surface on which the device is disposed. The device may have a radius greater than the height. The device may be sized to have the diameter of a standard regulation golf ball, and a height approximately 0.25 inches to require the user to swing within 0.25 inches precision in order to hit the training device. The device maybe made from a soft, resilient material suitable for use indoors.

Abstract: A practice golf ball has a core made of a rubber composition which includes a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, a crosslinking initiator and a metal oxide, and has a cover which encases the core and is made of a resin material. The co-crosslinking agent is methacrylic acid. The resin material has a breaking strength of 20 to 80 MPa and an elongation of 150 to 600%. The ball is endowed with the properties required of practice balls intended for long-term use, including better durability to cracking and durability of appearance than ordinary game balls, and also better durability to ball surface loss than the one-piece golf balls which are commonly used as practice balls.

Abstract: A practice golf ball has a core and a cover. The core is made of a rubber composition which includes a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent which is methacrylic acid, a crosslinking initiator and a metal oxide. The respective ingredients in the rubber composition are formulated in specific amounts, and the core has an optimized hardness profile. The cover includes a resin component which is composed primarily of polyurethane. The cover has a thickness of 0.3 mm to 1.9 mm, and a material hardness, expressed as the Shore D hardness, of 30 to 48. The respective deflections of the core and the ball under a specific load, and the relationship therebetween, are optimized. The volume ratio VR of dimples on the surface of the ball is optimized.

Abstract: A practice golf ball has a core and a cover. The core is made of a rubber composition which includes a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, a crosslinking initiator and a metal oxide. The base rubber is a mixture of polybutadiene with styrene-butadiene rubber and/or isoprene rubber, and the co-crosslinking agent is methacrylic acid. The core has a specific deflection under a specific load, and the ball has a specific initial velocity. The dimples on the surface of the ball have a volume ratio VR of from 0.95 to 1.7.

Abstract: A practice golf ball has a core and a cover. The core is made of a rubber composition which includes a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent which is methacrylic acid, a crosslinking initiator and a metal oxide. The respective ingredients in the rubber composition are formulated in specific amounts, and the core has an optimized hardness profile. The cover is made of a resin component which is composed primarily of polyurethane. The cover has a thickness of 0.3 mm to 1.9 mm, and a material hardness, expressed as the Shore D hardness, of 30 to 57. The respective deflections of the core and the ball under a specific load, and the relationship therebetween, are optimized.

Abstract: In a practice golf ball having a core and a cover encasing the core, the cover has a material hardness, expressed as the Shore D hardness, of from 30 to 57. The core has an initial velocity CV (m/s) and the ball has an initial velocity BV1 (m/s) such that the value CV?BV1 satisfies the condition (CV?BV1)=0.7×(cover thickness)?b, where 0.1?b?1.0. The ball has a soft feel on impact like that of a one-piece golf ball and thus is able to reduce strain on the player's body, in addition to which it has much better durability to cracking than commonly used game balls, good retention of appearance even with long-term use, and a distance that is controlled so as to be appropriate for a driving range.

Abstract: A practice golf ball with a core and a cover has, upon initial measurement, a deflection BH1 (mm) when compressed under a final load of 1,275 N from an initial load of 98 N and an initial velocity BV1 (m/s), and also has, when measured again after being left to stand for 350 days following initial measurement, a deflection BH2 (mm) when compressed under a final load of 1,275 N from an initial load of 98 N and an initial velocity BV2 (m/s), such that the difference BH2?BH1 is not more than 0.2 mm and the difference BV2?BV1 is not more than 0.3 m/s. The ball has excellent durability to cracking and durability of appearance, and also maintains a stable feel and flight performance over a long period of time.

Abstract: A golf putting practice ball having visually contrasting lighter and darker sections and a visually contrasting aiming line going across a lighter color section in a 90 degree angle to the borderline of the lighter and darker color sections, and a visually contrasting mark located on the border of the different color sections of the ball, at a location 90° away from the midpoint of the aiming line, and a weight located in an asymmetric position in relation to the internal center of the ball.

Abstract: The invention is for a weighted ball designed to be hit or struck where the ball has a resilient, flexible, nonburstable outer shell, a hollow inner chamber and a filler hole where a weighted filler material is inserted into the hollow inner chamber through the filler hole and where the air inside the hollow inner chamber that displaces the remaining space inside the hollow inner chamber and where the inside air pressure is equal to the outside air pressure, and where a hole plug seals the filler hole after filling the hollow inner chamber with the weighted filler material, and where a hole plug sealant is used to fill the vacant hole plug space and to reinforce and strengthen the hole plug.

Abstract: A golf ball includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a cavity therebetween. A fluid, such as a viscous damping fluid, is placed in the cavity. When the ball is struck, the inner and outer layers rotate independently of one another. Indicia are provided on the inner and outer layers. An examination of the relative position of the indicia before the ball is struck and after the ball is struck can yield data that indicate the shear force of the stroke.

Abstract: A golf training method and device having at least one flat surface and an annular surface, wherein the annular surface is configured to receive contact with a golf club and the flat surface is configured to contact the surface on which the device is disposed. The device may have a radius greater than the height. The device may be sized to have the diameter of a standard regulation golf ball, and a height approximately 0.25 inches to require the user to swing within 0.25 inches precision in order to hit the training device. The device maybe made from a soft, resilient material suitable for use indoors.

Abstract: A golfer training aid for use in teaching a golfer how to square up the face of the golf club at impact resulting in golf shots having substantial accuracy. The device is a one-piece or multi-piece flat-face practice golf ball. The one-piece or multi-piece practice golf ball is shaped with a flat face 2 on one side. (FIG. 1B). The flat face has a 90-degree or right angle cut 4 to the radial portion or circular embodiment 3 of the semi-sphere 1. The importance of this unique feature is that it enables the golfer to position the flat side of the club face with the flat face of the practice golf ball and contact the ball flush and correctly. The flat face practice golf ball helps teach the golfer to hit a variety of controlled fades and a variety of controlled draws, a straight shot, as well as a backspin or descending blow, or a flop shot.

Abstract: This application relates to a single camera monitoring system useful for determining parameters relating to a striking instrument as it approaches an object. The monitoring system may be used to determine the swing characteristics of a golf club as it approaches and impacts with a golf ball. The accuracy of the single camera system may be comparable to the accuracy of more complex, multi-camera systems. The application also relates to methods for calibrating a single camera system.

Abstract: A visual aid for use in a ball game, such as golf, consists of a ball or disc on which a ball can be placed provided with markings on the surface comprising cross-hairs and a circle, which circle in the case of the ball is of a smaller diameter than the diameter of the ball or in the case of the disc is equal to or greater in diameter than the diameter of the golf ball so as to be used in combination with the periphery of the ball to enable the player to position the player's eyes relative to the ball and in respect of the cross-hairs facilitate the adoption by the player of a targeted mode of vision as well as facilitating the alignment of the direction in which the golf ball is to be propelled.

Abstract: An asymmetrically shaped golf ball that can be used to practice putting is disclosed. By way of a brief summary, the asymmetrically shaped golf ball has a “long axis” and a “short axis”, such that when placed with its “long axis” in a horizontal position, it will roll without a wobble only if pushed in line with the short axis. If pushed by even a few degrees off “center” the ball takes a wobbly path and the error in the golfer's putting stroke becomes obvious.

Abstract: Golf ball 2 of the present invention has a group 4 of multiple marks which are visible at one view. This group 4 of marks includes a target mark t consisting of single or multiple marks provided along one great circle, and an inclined mark k which appears to be inclined with respect to this target mark t. The inclined mark k may be provided as a linear mark which appears to be inclined with respect to the target mark t. The group of marks may include a target mark t consisting of single or multiple marks provided along one great circle, and a side mark s provided on the side of this target mark t. This side mark s preferably has a dot shape. The group of marks may include a target mark t consisting of single or multiple marks provided along one great circle, and an accompanied mark h provided on the same great circle on which the target mark t is provided.

Abstract: A putting training system is described which includes a modified putter head and may include a modified golf ball. The putter head includes sensor prongs which project from the putter head face.

Abstract: Putting is a very important factor in golf playing. Above all, a putting distance feeling is the hardest to master, and many rounds in golf courses are said to be required for improving putting. Nevertheless, a putter mat is normally only 2- to 3-m long, and a carpet surface or the like that offers the same rolling as by golf greens is hardly available. Many smooth floor surfaces found in homes and firms cannot be used for putting practice due to excessive rolling of golf balls. It is an object of the present invention to eliminate these drawbacks. A ball implement for practicing golf putting is invented which includes a disc provided at the center thereof with a hole, and a main body having a cylindrical portion.

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 ball has colored lines emanating from colored visual impact zones of the ball to form a useful alignment tool as well as directional indicators. The visual impact zones are located on opposite ends of the golf ball. The utility of such a colored design on the golf ball aids the golfer in seeing the ball to improve with eye-hand coordination and proper alignment of the golfer's body to the ball in order to produce a better ball striking result.

Abstract: A golf swing training device including a training ball constructed of a compactable, resiliently deformable foam material, the training ball including at least two generally flat club impact surfaces each formed along a chord plane angled between approximately five degrees and twenty-five degrees from vertical and spaced from the center of the training ball with each of the at least two generally flat faces being substantially covered with a releasable adhesive material. A club face releasable adhesive material is removably mounted on and substantially covers the ball striking face of a golf club and the releasable adhesive materials on the training ball and the ball striking face cooperatively operate to releasably engage with one another upon impact of the ball striking face with the training ball thereby generally causing the training ball to be releasably retained on the ball striking face at the location of impact.

Abstract: Non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with this invention, include at least one linear through hole. As this non-standard sport projectile passes through the air, after being hit by, for example, a golf club, the non-standard sport projectile spins. When the above-mentioned through hole is generally aligned with the projectile's direction of flight, air passes through the through hole, and the aerodynamic characteristics of the non-standard sport projectile are enhanced. When the through hole is not aligned with the projectiles direction of flight the aerodynamic characteristics are reduced. As a result, the non-standard sport projectile experiences rapidly repeating intervals of relatively high aerodynamic flight and relatively low aerodynamic flight as the non-standard sport projectile spins around the center cross section of the through hole.

Abstract: In a golf ball having a plurality of dimples, a groove having a certain width and depth is formed on a surface of the golf ball, the depth of the groove extending below the surface. A belt having a certain width and height may be formed on a surface of the golf ball, the height of the belt extending above the surface. It is possible to implement an efficient putting practice where a groove or belt is formed on a surface of a golf ball to affect the rolling and movement of the golf ball. The width of the groove or belt may be changed, so that a user selects a certain golf ball based on his practice level. A certain number or symbol may be formed on the groove or belt, so that a user can select a golf ball for practice based on his ability level.

Abstract: An illuminated golf ball comprised of an outer translucent layer and cover, and a spherical inner core of translucent plastic, filled with chemiluminescent liquid, such as Cyalume.TM. The two components of the chemiluminescent liquid are held separate by a membrane or partition within the inner core. The chemiluminescent liquids are activated by being mixed with each other by the pulling of a cord, or the pulling or pushing of metal pin, or by impact from a golf club, which breaks or tears the membrane or partition. In a preferred form the golf ball will be made to comply with USGA guidelines. Thus, the golf ball will provide improved visibility in low light conditions and be of near equal weight distribution to provide performance and flight characteristics similar to standard, non-luminescent, golf balls.

Abstract: A golf mat similar to the type used at a driving range, including a hole for inserting a golf tee, with the addition of a pressure sensor (transducer) embedded in one corner of the mat, sandwiched between a top artificial grass and a bottom rubber backing of the mat, for use in activating an alarm when the golf club head strikes the area just behind the ball, above the pressure sensor, before striking the ball. When the golf club strikes the area above the sensor, an electrical signal is sent to the input of a timer circuit, which then provides a signal of a few seconds in time to the input of a visible alarm. Lines are included on the top surface of the mat to mark off the boundaries directly above the pressure sensor so a golfer will not step in this area and set off a false alarm. In use, when the golfer makes a good swing with the club head striking the ball solidly, without hitting the ground first, then the alarm will not flash a light.

Abstract: A golf practice and exercise system having a practice ball and a target assembly, using either a conventional or practice golf club. The practice ball is any generally spherical shape made of a flexible material and having an internal pressure of approximately atmospheric, for example an uninflated soccer ball. The weight of the practice ball is sufficient to provide muscle development, but is limited to allow the golfer to complete the follow-through of the golf swing. The target assembly has an energy absorbing surface attached to a rigid frame held in place by a frame support structure. Alternatively, the target assembly is a flat surface made of a hard material. The practice golf club has a substantially oversized club head with a peripheral rim defining a large opening through the club head. The club head may be selectively weighted. The grip of the club has alternating annular ridges and recesses.

Abstract: The present invention is a golf swing training apparatus comprising, an elongated shaft having a lower end and an upper end, wherein the upper end includes a handgrip. A club head having a ball striking face, a backside face and a ball-capturing cavity within the club head is attached to the shaft's lower end. The club head's cavity opens to a ball-receiving aperture centered on the ball-striking face, wherein the ball receiving aperture is sized to receive a golf ball sized object, and wherein the ball-capturing cavity is decreasingly tapered such that a golf ball sized object entering the ball-receiving aperture as a result of a proper golf swing will be lodged within the ball-capturing cavity.

Abstract: A practice putting kit and training method for practicing the aiming a golf ball, aiming the putter, and keep returning the putter to a square position to the golf ball. The kit includes a laser golf ball that produces a planar, laser beam of light. Printed on the outer surface of the golf ball is a centrally aligned reference line aligned with the laser. The laser is connected to a control switch, an optional timer, and a battery that enables the golfer to selectively control its activation. The golfer practices aiming the reference line at the target line and then uses the laser to verify if aiming was correct. The kit also includes a stand that holds the golf ball in an elevated position behind the golfer. During use, a standard putter and golf ball is placed in front of the golfer and the stand and laser golf ball are positioned behind the golf ball and aimed at the golf ball so that the laser beam illuminates the top of the golf ball and the target line.

Abstract: The present invention includes an instructional golf ball including a spherical body having an outer surface with a plurality of dimples formed therein. Situated on the outer surface of the body is instructional indicia. Such instructional indicia include text for providing guidance as to the manner in which a user should play the golf ball. During use, a user might read the instructional indicia while addressing the golf ball, and address and/or strike the golf ball in the manner indicated by the instructional indicia.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a golfer's putt is provided. Included is a ball, putter, and ball marker, each of which bear directional indicia, such as arrows or triangles. The indicia of the various elements are aligned toward the hole, with the indicia of each element creating a desired directional path. The golfer uses the directional path created by the proper alignment of one or more elements to aim his or her putt. Furthermore, the directional indicia of the golf ball are designed to blend together when the ball is hit in the direction of the indicia, but create a swirl pattern when the ball is mis-hit for visualization of proper and improper putting.

Abstract: A short-range golf ball made of one or more of a variety of materials in such a manner that upon exposure to natural weather conditions (such as ultraviolet solar radiation, dew, rain, wind, or dirt), the golf ball material will quickly oxidize, degrade, disintegrate, melt or otherwise decompose to leave products harmless to, or beneficial to, the natural environment. Such breakdown products should be non-toxic to animals and plants and should not contaminate water supplies, soil or other parts of the ecological system. The short-range golf ball preferably has a maximum range of less than 100 yards.

Abstract: A golf swing practice apparatus comprises a playing surface for a golfer to thereon practice a swing, and a reflector positioned adjacent the playing surface, the reflector comprising a curved reflecting surface adapted for focusing a reflection of a golf ball so as to produce an image of the golf ball appearing adjacent the playing surface for a golfer to swing a golf club therethrough. An associated method of the invention comprises reflecting the image of a golf ball from a curved reflecting surface to form an image of the golf ball adjacent the reflecting surface, and swinging a golf club through the image of the golf ball to thereby practice the golf swing.

Abstract: A practice putting kit and training method for practicing the aiming a golf ball, aiming the putter, and keeping the putter head square. The kit includes a laser golf ball that produces a planar, laser beam of light. Printed on the outer surface of the golf ball is a centrally aligned reference line aligned with the laser. The laser is connected to a control switch, an optional timer, and a battery that enables the golfer to selectively control its activation. The golfer practices aiming the reference line at the target line and then uses the laser to verify if aiming was correct. The kit also includes a stand that holds the golf ball in an elevated position behind the golfer. During use, a standard golf ball is placed in front of the golfer and the stand and laser golf ball are positioned behind the ball and aimed at the golf ball so that the laser beam illuminates the top of the ball and the target line.

Abstract: A golf ball having direction-sighting indications, with which a golfer can easily sight a direction for the golf ball to fly when he/she strikes the ball with one of golf clubs, and a mold for manufacturing such golf balls. The golf ball according to the present invention has a first indicating line having a plurality of indicating holes distinguishable in shape and dimension from normal dimples formed on an outer surface of the golf ball. The first indicating line establishes a straight line extending along an equator on the surface of the golf ball to form a first direction indicating line, on which a starting point and an ending point are identical. A second indicating line, having a plurality of indicating holes identical in shape and dimension to those of the first indicating line, is formed on the surface of the golf ball.