Abstract: A hosel for a golf club composed of a low-mass material coated with a nano-metal is disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein is a golf club having a hosel composed of a low-mass material coated with a nano-metal. The nano-metal is preferably composed of a nickel-alloy material. The low-mass material is preferably a nylon material.

Abstract: A golf club stand made from one piece of round rod that sticks into the ground providing many services. The stand can be used for many purposes, the device will hold up to 8 plus clubs along with the flag stick, the device will hold a wet towel and club covers. The device can be used during many instances such as when carts are not allowed in the fairway during winter months and you need to take three or more clubs, when the grass is wet and you do not want to get your grips wet, when you have to take multiple clubs to the green for a chip or sand shot, when you have a bad back and do not want to bend over, when you go to the driving range during a tournament and you take four or five clubs as you can not take your entire bag. With this device and the way you stick it into the ground you can virtually hang everything on the stand during your time on the green and not have to bend over to pick up any equipment including the flag during your trip to the green.

Abstract: A golf ball teeing device includes a base adapted to mount to a golf club grip end and a ball carrier on the base. The ball carrier is positionable between an operational position for carrying a golf ball and a stowage position wherein a golf club on which the golf ball teeing device is mounted may be used to make a golf shot. During use, a golfer positions the ball carrier in the operational position and places a golf ball thereon. Using the golf ball teeing device, the golfer places the golf ball on a golf tee, then disengages the ball carrier and positions it in the stowage position. A self-righting golf tee may be used with the golf ball teeing device so that the golfer is not required to bend down to the ground at any time during the teeing operation. The self-righting golf tee may be tossed on the ground and tamped as necessary (e.g., using the golf club) to place it in a stable golf ball-receiving position.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a striking plate, a shell together with the striking plate to form a main body, and a power zone disposed on the shell is provided. The power zone satisfies equations that (S/W)=4˜40 and ((d1+d2)/d1)=1.6˜6, wherein S is a distance from a center of the striking plate to an edge of the power zone, W is a width of the power zone, d1 is a thickness of the shell, and d2 is a thickness of the power zone. By forming the power zone on the main body, the coefficient of reaction of the golf club head can be enhanced. Moreover, the contact time between the golf ball and the striking plate as using the golf club head to hit the ball can be prolonged. Therefore, the effect of ball controlling and hitting is improved.

Abstract: A golf club shaft 2 made of a fiber-reinforced resin having a weight W of 30 to 55 g calculated as a shaft having a length of 46 inches and an average flexural rigidity EIa of 1.5 to 4.0 kgf·m2 and satisfying the equation: EIa?0.1W?1.5. Since it is light weight but has a relatively high flexural rigidity, a golf club can be swung at high speed without deteriorating the flight direction performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polyolefin compositions having variable hardness and/or toughness properties. The polyolefin compositions include: a polyolefin prepared by the metathesis of an olefin monomer using a ruthenium or osmium carbene catalyst; and one or more hardness and/or toughness modulators. The polyolefin is preferably poly(dicyclopentadiene), or poly-DCPD. Also provided are articles of manufacture, such as molded parts, produced from the polyolefin compositions. The disclosed compositions are useful in marine, recreational and sports products.

Abstract: A device is provided to assist a golfer in keeping the golf grip of their clubs dry if they are compelled to lay a club on the ground. In particular, a disk-like member is adapted to be received on the shaft of a golf club in such a way that when the golf club is laid down on the ground, the disk-like member prevents the golf grip from contacting the ground, and thereby helps to keep the grip dry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for prescribing overall club length for iron-type golf clubs for an individual player wherein the method comprises measuring the erect height (PH) of a player to be fitted, providing the player with a fitting ball club (FBC) having a spherical ball with a hosel bore therein, one end of a golf club shaft in the hosel bore and a golf club grip on the other end of the shaft, having the player hold the fitting ball club in address position as if about to hit a golf ball therewith, measuring the wrist-to-floor distance (WFM) vertically from the player's higher wrist to the floor, locating in the first two columns of the FIG. 4 table data corresponding to the PH and WFM measurements, respectively, for the player, deriving an incremental length LCC from the third, length control club column of FIG. 4, and adding that incremental LCC length to 37-½ inches, thereby giving a prescribed overall club length for that player.

Abstract: A golf club rest removably securable to the golf bag of a golfer, and utilized to support a plurality of golf clubs in a substantially vertical position when the golfer must venture a distance from the golf cart, the golf club rest comprising a vertical leg portion having a first end for insertion into the ground, the second end being bent into a horizontal plain perpendicular to the vertical leg section and arcuately formed and covered with a resilient grip, an attachment finger secured to said vertical leg proximate said second end, the attachment finger spaced apart from the vertical leg a distance sufficient to allow the upper peripheral edge of a golf bag to be slidably inserted there between, the arcuate upper end of the vertical leg-coextensive with the curvature of the peripheral edge of the golf bag when so positioned thereon.

Abstract: A golf putter, ball retriever and retainer configured to retrieve and hold a golf ball. The putter defines a substantially symmetrical configuration from heel to toe. The ball retriever and retainer is defined by a spherical recess formed in the sole of the putter and an opening defined on the top surface thereof. At least one resilient tab is defined in the sole to enlarge the sole opening. Ball alignment indicia are disposed on the top surface of the golf putter head, the ball alignment indicia defining at least a C-shaped configuration, whereby a ball is visually aligned between said first and second ends to center the ball on said striking face. The ball alignment indicia may further include at least one line segment disposed coincidentally to the initial direction of travel of the golf ball.

Abstract: A game apparatus is able to drop the balls one by one on the ground and to pick-up the balls on the ground one by one. The game apparatus includes a ball guide to store a plurality of balls to be movable by their own weight, an upper support provided at an upper portion of the ball guide, a lower housing provided at a lower portion of the ball guide, a ball stopper mechanism provided in the lower housing to stop and release the movement of the ball in the vertical direction, a drive part to stop and release the movement of the ball by the ball stopper mechanism, and a lever to operate the drive part from outside. The lever includes a ball picking mechanism for picking balls on the ground when the game apparatus is turned upside-down and pressed on the ball on the ground.

Abstract: A golfing accessory for supporting a golf club away from a ground surface. The golf club has a shaft. The accessory includes a substantially elongated body defining a body first end and a substantially longitudinally opposed body second end. The body is provided with a shaft receiving recess for receiving at least partially therein the shaft, the recess being provided substantially adjacent the body first end. A ground engaging member is pivotably attached to the body substantially adjacent to the body second end for pivotal movement between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The ground engaging member defines a member distal tip for insertion at least in part into the ground. In the retracted configuration, the member distal tip is substantially in register with the body, and in the extended configuration, the member distal tip extends substantially outwardly from the body.

Abstract: A ball drop mechanism for a game apparatus has a mechanism allowing to drop balls one by one on a desired location. The ball drop mechanism includes a housing that stores balls, a cylindrical ball passage connected to the housing, and a cogged stopper that is located in the housing near the ball passage. One side of the cogged stopper has a hollowed portion that matches a circumference of the ball passage. A golf ball dispenser is established by installing the ball drop mechanism for a game apparatus. The golf ball dispenser has a plurality of ball cylinders which install and guide a large number of golf balls and has a golf ball placer with a seesaw movement mechanism to place a ball accurately on the ground.

Abstract: A method (250) and apparatus (20) for measuring the face angle of a golf club (300), golf club head (302) or face component (304) of a golf club head is disclosed herein. The method (250) and apparatus (20) use a non-contact displacement measuring assembly (24) to determine the face angle. The method (250) and apparatus (20) is utilized with right-handed and left handed golf clubs (300), golf club heads (302) and face components (304). The apparatus (20) generally includes a base assembly (22), a non-contact displacement measuring assembly (24), a shaft center sensor assembly (26), a base plate assembly (28), a lie adjustment assembly (30) and a shaft support assembly (32).

Abstract: A golf accessory apparatus includes an elongated trough coupled to an elongated rod. The elongated trough is configured to receive a golf club so that its handle end is held off the ground when a first end of the elongated rod is coupled to the ground. The elongated trough can be pivotally coupled to the elongated rod and it can frictionally engage the golf club. The elongate trough has one or both of its ends shaped so that it can be easily inserted into a golf bag.

Abstract: A display for supporting and displaying golf clubs is configured to support the golf clubs by their heads such that the club shaft is oriented downwardly. The display includes a support member and at least one cradle mounted to the support member. The cradle has first and second upwardly curving arcuate support arms separated from one another by a trough. Each of the support arms defines an uppermost portion with the trough between the support arms. The cradle is configured such that the support arms uppermost portions are non-linear relative to one another through the trough. The golf club is positioned in the cradle resting one the support arms and with the shaft extending downwardly from about the trough.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a golf club head comprises: hot forging a material of a beta titanium alloy into the face plate, slow cooling the forged face plate; and assembling a golf club head from the face plate and other component(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf club putter and more specifically a putter head configuration which incorporates a golf ball receiving/retreieving and retaining aperture, which will permit a golfer to accomplish virtually effortless ball retrieval from a hole, green, water hazard or other portions of a golf course without bending over. The configuration allows a wide variety of golf ball sizes to be retrieved. Furthermore, the invention provides a means for a golfer to retrieve a golf club or a flag stick from the ground without the necessity of bending over.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rest for the handle of a golf club which rest can be placed in a supporting surface; e.g., the ground, and the handle rested thereon so that the handle of the golf club does not get wet from the dew or other moisture on the grass or the ground. The present invention discloses a plate having a plurality of semi-circular apertures on its top edge for supporting the handle of a golf club along with a spike-like member disposed on its bottom edge which can be used to stick into the ground so that the present invention is supported by the ground.

Abstract: A tool mounted to the end of a golf club or other handle serves as means for retrieving a golf ball, for repairing a golf ball or club mark on the playing surface and for preventing the club grip from contacting the ground when the club is laid horizontally. The tool comprises a head detachably connected to the grip end of a golf club. In a preferred embodiment, the head includes a tang which fits into a slotted plug in the end of the club shaft under the grip. In an alternate embodiment, the head includes a yoke that cups over the outer radius of the golf club grip and is held in place by an external strap. The head has three flat surfaces serving as a shelf for lifting the golf ball and two walls forming a corner for the ball to rest against and for keeping the ball captive during the retrieval process. Two prongs protrude from the shelf for repairing ball marks. These two prongs or the body of the tool also serve to hold the grip off the ground when the club is laid horizontally.

Abstract: A weed cutting golf club includes a shaft terminating in a clubhead, the clubhead defining a compartment having a downwardly directed opening. A power source is carried by one of the clubhead and the shaft. A motor is carried within the compartment and coupled to the power source. A drive shaft extends in a downward direction from the motor through the opening and terminates in a hub. Cutting members extend from the hub.

Abstract: A rigid or semi-rigid, one-piece, shaped, planar golf club shaft support is provided for supporting the grip of a golf club above wet ground and/or grass on the golf course. The support has at least one lead-in entry and circular cutout positioned opposite an essentially flat base edge for receiving a golf club shaft. When the support is placed on the ground with the cutout containing the shaft upward and the base edge sitting on the ground, the grip end of the shaft is securely supported above the wet ground and/or grass and stays dry, and the club head rests on the ground to form a very stable support system that cannot be overturned or dislodged easily. The planar opposed front and back surfaces of the support may be imprinted with appropriate information and the support also used as a bag tag, promotional item, or drink coaster.

Abstract: A compact golf accessory which may function as a cigar holder, golf club rest or golf ball retriever. The golf accessory is conveniently carried in a golf bag.

Abstract: A thin elongated plastic member has at one end a golf club shaft receiving groove that is disposed between two opposite finger like supporting arms which extend longitudinally outward. The groove is integral with a first short slot extending longitudinally inward in opposite direction from the arms. Two oppositely disposed spaced apart scissor like prongs extend longitudinally outward and are separated by a second short slot extending longitudinally inward in opposite direction from the prongs.

Abstract: A golf putter, ball retriever and retainer configured to retrieve and hold a golf ball. The putter defines a substantially symmetrical configuration from heel to toe. The ball retriever and retainer is defined by a spherical recess formed in the sole of the putter and an opening defined on the top surface thereof. The spherical recess is further defined by an opening on the sole of the putter, the sole opening defining a diameter slightly less than the diameter of a conventional golf ball. In order to receive a golf ball into the ball retriever and retainer, at least one resilient tab is defined in the sole to enlarge the sole opening. The top surface of the putter defines a shaft retriever proximate the trailing edge for engaging a golf club shaft or flag for lifting the same from the ground.

Abstract: The device according to the invention uses the chemical energy stored in an explosive charge to increase the speed of a golf ball at impact with a golf club head. The device serves also as a training tool for the golf swing precision since the charge is set off only when the golfer hits the “sweet spot” on the club's head. Otherwise, the golfer experiences a regular swing. A golf club head has a cavity accepting a .22 caliber blank. The blank charge is set off upon impact with the golf ball. The high pressure of the gas thus released causes the golf club to propel the golf ball farther and faster than the regular golf club impact. Furthermore, since the discharge creates a loud “bang”, this sound confirms that the hit was perfect.

Abstract: A golf grip is formed by the crosslinking of a rubber composition obtained through the kneading of a base rubber and a rubber-polyolefin-nylon ternary copolymer. This ternary copolymer is obtained by the graft polymerization of a rubber component, a polyolefin component and a nylon component. This ternary copolymer is a fine fiber reinforced composite having fine nylon fibers dispersed in a matrix composed of the rubber component and the polyolefin component. The amount of the rubber-polyolefin-nylon ternary copolymer to be blended is from 1 part by weight to 50 parts by weight on the basis of 100 parts by weight of the base rubber.

Abstract: A telescopic rod retainer is disclosed. A protecting sleeve is located above a tip-end post of an outer tube and a press resists against the protecting sleeve to prevent it from sliding down. When the press is pressed inwards, the press moves along an inner groove in the protecting sleeve and then to a buckling hole in the protecting sleeve so as to be ejected out so that the tip-end post is protected. In storing the rod retainer; the inner tube is rotated to further move into the outer tube. When the outer tube is near the buckling ring, the inner tube is further rotated so that a threaded rod at the lower end of the inner tube is rotated into the buckling ring. When the buckling ring approaches the inner rod body, the buckling ring will expand so as to be tightly combined with the outer tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for prescribing overall club length for iron-type golf clubs for an individual player wherein the method comprises measuring the erect height (PH) of a player to be fitted, providing the player with a fitting ball club (FBC) having a spherical ball with a hosel bore therein, one end of a golf club shaft in the hosel bore and a golf club grip on the other end of the shaft, having the player hold the fitting ball club in address position as if about to hit a golf ball therewith, measuring the wrist-to-floor distance (WFM) vertically from the player's higher wrist to the floor, locating in the first two columns of the FIG. 4 table data corresponding to the PH and WFM measurements, respectively, for the player, deriving an incremental length LCC from the third, length control club column of FIG. 4, and adding that incremental LCC length to 37½ inches, thereby giving a prescribed overall club length for that player.

Abstract: A golf club includes a shaft and a head attached to the shaft. The head has forward and rear ends and a ball-striking face positioned adjacent the forward end. The golf club is also provided with a movable member having a propellant charge therein. The movable member is positioned in the head and is movable between a first position, in which it is positioned adjacent the rear end of the head, and a second position, in which is it positioned adjacent the front end of the head. A detonating mechanism is provided for detonating the charge when the movable member moves from its first position to its second position during the movement of the head. The charge causes the head to accelerate in a generally forward direction when the charge is detonated by the detonating mechanism.

Abstract: A method (100) and system (20) for predicting a coefficient of restitution (COR) of a golf club (30) or golf club head (36) is disclosed herein. The system (20) and method (100) are able to predict the COR in a non-destructive manner for a particular golf ball and impact speed. The system (20) and method (100) utilize a vibration sensor (24) attached to the face (34) of a golf club (30). The vibration sensor (24) is excited with an excitation device (26), and data is transmitted to an analyzer (22). A mathematical model of the golf club (30) is created allowing for the coefficient of restitution to be predicted without destroying the golf club (30).

Abstract: A golf club protective cover is proposed which can protect golf clubs in a golf bag and the hood of the golf bag from damage resulting from e.g. rough handling of the golf bag or the fall of the golf bag. The cover includes an outer bag having a single opening and an inner bag having a single opening and inserted in the outer bag. The edges defining the openings of the outer and inner edges are fused together to define a hermetically sealed air chamber between the outer and inner bags. Either of the outer and inner bags is formed of a flexible, airtight sheet. The outer bag has an air valve through which air can be introduced into and discharged from the air chamber.

Abstract: A compact golf accessory which may function as a cigar holder, golf club rest or golf ball retriever. The golf accessory is conveniently carried in a golf bag.

Abstract: Systems of affecting sports performance are disclosed that provide sensory stimulation and induce a response, such as a psychological or physiologic response, including performance enhancement through sports equipment configuration. Equipment configuration may include sensory stimulation configurations, such as color, image, business designation, or other indicia, provided to sports equipment, potentially through paint processes, and may utilize color psychology to make color or other customized visual, psychological, or physiological dependent choices, creating indicia to produce consistent performance, a vehicle for self-expression, or brand awareness. Marketing systems are further disclosed incorporating indicia configured to sports equipment, such as golf clubs, serving as custom expressive indicia. Further, systems are disclosed that assist consumers in making configuration determinations and purchases employing any or all of the above elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing a striking-type sports implement such as a bat is disclosed. In terms of apparatus, a system according to the invention includes a bat-swinging module, a ball-delivery module, and one or more programmed computers. The bat-swinging module includes means to grip a bat at its handle end, and an independent, computer servo-controlled motor to swing the bat. The ball-delivery module includes a ball support and a second, independent, computer servo-controlled motor to place the ball into the swing of the bat along a delivery path such that the bat is able to strike the ball and cause the ball to travel along a precise trajectory path. Various sensors are disposed to measure swing speed, “pitch” speed and exit velocity, with the computer(s) being operative to construct a database of bat performance characteristics based upon swing speed, pitch speed and exit velocity, and display selected portions of the database in accordance with a user input.

Abstract: A method (100) and system (20) for predicting a coefficient of restitution (COR) of a golf club (30) or golf club head (36) is disclosed herein. The system (20) and method (100) are able to predict the COR in a non-destructive manner for a particular golf ball and impact speed. The system (20) and method (100) utilize a vibration sensor (24) attached to the face (34) of a golf club (30). The vibration sensor (24) is excited with an excitation device (26), and data is transmitted to an analyzer (22). A mathematical model of the golf club (30) is created allowing for the coefficient of restitution to be predicted without destroying the golf club (30).

Abstract: A method (100) and system (20) for predicting a coefficient of restitution (COR) of a golf club (30) or golf club head (36) is disclosed herein. The system (20) and method (100) are able to predict the COR in a non-destructive manner for a particular golf ball and impact speed. The system (20) and method (100) utilize a vibration sensor (24) attached to the face (34) of a golf club (30). The vibration sensor (24) is excited with an excitation device (26), and data is transmitted to an analyzer (22). A mathematical model of the golf club (30) is created allowing for the coefficient of restitution to be predicted without destroying the golf club (30).

Abstract: An improved golf club support is disclosed which comprises an elongated shaft having an upper end portion and a lower end portion. A handle is provided connected to the upper end elongated shaft whereby a golfer may grasp the improved golf club support and insert it into the ground. A ground penetrating spike is disclosed connected to the lower end of the elongated shaft and a golf club support is attached to the upper portion of the improved golf club support at a height to support a golf club placed within it. An upright support is disclosed which is annularly disposed around the elongated shaft and extends outwardly from the elongated shaft and supports the improved golf club support in the upright position.

Abstract: A unitary golf club rest includes a golf club support at one end and a turf piercing element at the other end. A foot press is situated between the two ends. The golf club support is roughly V-shaped with a cushioned surface, and also acts as a handle for the golf club rest. The turf piercing element has a blunted tip. The foot press also acts to stabilize the golf club rest when placed in the ground, as well as a stop for the golf club rest.

Abstract: Detailed are highly durable and abrasion-resistant composite diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings with controllable color ideally, but not exclusively, suitable as decorative coatings for metal substrates, for example. The composite DLC coatings typically include at least a layer of Si-DLC which comprises the elements C, H, and Si, and color choices include light yellow, bronze, copper-gold, burgundy, bluish-black, and black.

Abstract: A golf putter is provided. The golf putter includes a head having a cavity. An insert member is supported within the cavity by Neoprene resilient O-rings and a shaft or hosel member is connected to the insert. Because the insert member is insulated from the head by the resilient O-rings, less impact energy is dissipated within the head. The insert member is arranged to be at the sweet spot of the head.

Abstract: A multi-purpose golf tool including a body member having a top, a bottom, a first lateral side, a second lateral side, a front surface and a rear surface is provided. The body member is equipped with means for selectively supporting a plurality of golf club grips off a golf playing surface. An elongate base extends from the bottom of the body member for engaging the golf playing surface.

Abstract: A device for determining a neutral point on a golf club head. The device comprises a base. A calibration block is attached to the base. The calibration block comprises an index dial and the index dial comprises a neutral indicator. A head aligner is rotatably attached to the base opposite to the calibration block. The head aligner comprises a groove aligner and a sole plate. When the sole plate is in contact with a club sole of the golf club head and the groove aligner is aligned with a club groove of the golf club head the neutral point is aligned with the neutral indicator.

Abstract: A flexible, transparent, water-resistant, tubular-shaped rain shield for covering and keeping a golfer's hands, glove and golf club grip dry while using the golf club during the course of play in the rain.

Abstract: Compositions and related methods are disclosed for improved laser marking of sports equipment. The compositions incorporate laser-sensitive additives into the compositions to allow for enhanced marking of the equipment using laser marking technology. Laser light is used to mark the equipment, leading to durable, clear markings. Use of the additives allows for marking without causing damage to the marked surfaces. Particular equipment incorporating the invention includes golf ball covers, golf ball containers, and golf club grips.

Abstract: A method (100) and system (20) for predicting the coefficient of restitution of a golf club (30) or golf club head (36) is disclosed herein. The system (20) and method (100) are able to predict the COR in a non-destructive manner for a particular golf ball and impact speed. The system (20) and method (100) utilize a vibration sensor (24) attached to the face (34) of a golf club (30). The vibration sensor (24) is excited with an excitation device (26), and data is transmitted to an analyzer (22). A mathematical model of the golf club (30) is created allowing for the coefficient of restitution to be predicted without destroying the golf club (30).

Abstract: Disposable novelty sports apparatus has the appearance of authentic sports equipment and has a resilient shaft material allows a frustrated or stressed sports player to selectively determine whether to permanently break or to dramatically bend the sports equipment in a cartoon-like manner, thus alleviating pent up stress or frustration.

Abstract: A spherical object drop mechanism for a game apparatus has a mechanism allowing to drop spherical objects one by one on the desired position on the ground. The spherical object drop mechanism includes a ball guide to store a plurality of spherical objects movable in vertical direction by gravity, an upper housing provided at an upper portion of the ball guide, a lower housing provided at a lower portion of the ball guide, a ball stopper ring to stop and release the movement of the spherical object in the vertical direction, a drive part to transmit the movement to the ball stopper ring, and a lever to operate the drive part from outside.

Abstract: An assembly for propping a golf club so that its grip remains elevated above the ground is installed in the end of a golf club. The assembly telescopes in and out of a retainer that fits within a vent hole in a golf club grip. The assembly is stowed during play and is extended and pivoted to elevate the grip-end of the club. The prop and retainer are keyed to prevent relative rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a matched set of golf clubs, wherein each club in a set of golf clubs, irons, woods, or a combination thereof, provides the golfer with precisely the same feel, related to the golfer's swing when the club is swung, and to the contact between the head of the club and golf ball when the ball is hit. In the present invention the clubs are matched dynamically. The clubs with one or all of the following characteristics: (1) a constant flexural rigidity of each complete iron and/or each complete wood, (2) a substantially constant moment of inertia, and (3) a verifying center of gravity which is calculated by using a constant force for the shortest club in the set.