Abstract: A novelty golf club with a smoking pipe attachment adaptable for smoking. A pipe bowl assembly is inserted into the hollow shaft of a golf club, and a mouthpiece assembly is inserted at the top of the shaft. The hollow shaft carries pipe smoke from the bowl assembly to the pipe assembly.

Abstract: A slender projection temporarily attached to the grip end of a golf club the purpose of which is to hold a golf club in an upright(vertical) position when the golf club is inverted and the slender projection is pressed into the ground. Attachment of the slender projection to and removal from the grip end of the golf club can be accomplished with the slender projection as part of a slip on holder, as part of a clip on holder or as part of a strap on holder.

Abstract: A device for measuring alignment of a golf club is provided, and allows measurement of the lie angle and loft angle simultaneously. The strike face of the club is placed against an abutment member that is fixed to a base member, and held in place with a clamping member. An alignment member is coupled to the base member and spaced from the clamping member in generally opposing relation thereto. The alignment member is movable with respect to the clamping member to receive the golf club shaft in a cradle.

Abstract: The golf club has a head and a shaft. A three axis linear accelerometer is mounted on the shaft adjacent to the head. The axis of one accelerometer is in parallel alignment with an axis of the shaft. A circuit board is attached to the shaft and the accelerometer. The circuit board includes a calibrator for calibrating at least the accelerometer with an axis parallel to the axis of the shaft. The circuit board also has a wireless transmitter. Data from the accelerometer is transferred to a processor by the transmitter. The measured velocity of the club head is displayed by a display device carried by the golfer.

Abstract: A game apparatus has a mechanism allowing to drop spherical objects one by one on the desired positions on the ground. The spherical object drop mechanism includes a housing for storing a plurality of spherical objects to allow vertical movements of the spherical objects therein by their own weight, a first stopper provided in the housing for stopping the vertical movement of the spherical objects, a second stopper provided in the housing located at a location lower than the first stopper by the distance corresponding to the diameter of the spherical object for stopping the vertical movement or releasing the stop operation of the spherical objects, a stopper drive mechanism to operate the first stopper and the second stopper opposite to each other, and a knob to operate the stopper drive mechanism from outside.

Abstract: A golf club holder adapted for removably supporting a golf club above a ground surface in such manner that the club has a head which contacts the surface and the club has a shaft which extends above the surface.

Abstract: A receptacle for personal items, such as car keys, coins, etc., or refuse, such as cigarette and cigar butts, comprises a body having a shape of a golf club head with a cavity and an opening to the cavity; and a cover disposed at the opening to gain access to the cavity.

Abstract: A receptacle device for propping and supporting, above ground, the elevated golf club grip handle of a grounded golf club, preventing the golf club grip handle from coming in contact with ground surface moisture.

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: A receptacle device for propping and supporting, above ground, the elevated golf club grip handle of a grounded golf club, preventing the golf club grip handle from coming in contact with ground surface moisture.

Abstract: An alarm system is provided for alerting a golfer about a forgotten club. A divot tool incorporates a radio transmitter powered by a rechargeable power source for transmitting a coded transmission. A radio receiver tuned to receive the coded transmission includes logic circuitry that generates an alarm signal whenever power associated with the coded transmission drops below a threshold level. One or more alarm devices are coupled to the logic circuitry to generate alarm(s) when the alarm signal is supplied thereto. A power source is coupled to the radio receiver for supplying power thereto and for supplying a charging current for the rechargeable power source via an electrical coupling. When a golfer places a club or other accessory on the ground, the divot tool is placed near the club. As long as the golfer remains within a prescribed range, no alarm will be activated. However, if the golfer moves further from the divot tool than the prescribed range, an alarm is produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for selling putters at the critical point of purchase. The purchaser of a putter first selects an un-customized putter having the club head, offset, and shaft length characteristics desired. Then the purchaser is instructed on how to bend the hosel at the point of purchase to create a putter with a desired lie angle and desired loft angle.

Abstract: A metal golf cup of a cylindrical shape includes a severable, plastic sleeve disposed therein. The plastic sleeve has a conical shape couples with the golf cup in an interference fit. The sleeve further includes a top sleeve portion at a top surface of the sleeve, and the top sleeve portion rests on a top surface of the metal golf cup.

Abstract: A golf club includes an assembly that can be contained within the shaft of the golf club or can extend from the shaft of the golf club. The assembly includes a tine support and a tine attached to the tine support. When the assembly is within the shaft, the tine is positioned against the tine support. When the assembly extends from the shaft, the golf club can be positioned with the tine inserted into the ground. The insertion of the tine into the ground prevents the grip of the golf club from coming in contact with the ground. The tine and the tine support can be engaged by an insert structure, the insert structure being attached to the interior of the golf club shaft.

Abstract: A golf club features a hollowed club head having an insert movably mounted therein. The insert is weighted so that it works like a pendulum during a user's swing of the club. The insert has a flat face that shifts to present a face to the ball that corrects for improper technique.

Abstract: The present invention, a golf club caddy apparatus allows for the convenient transportation and support, of golf clubs and golf accessories around a golf course putting green or practice tee. The apparatus releasably retains one or more golf clubs in a secure and convenient manner to facilitate play around a putting green or practice tee. The golf club caddy apparatus further facilitates play by being securely, yet releasably connected to the exterior of a golf bag when not in use. The golf club caddy apparatus allows a player to conveniently transport other associated golf accessories such as a personal towel, a pencil and golf tees.

Abstract: A method of coating an article wherein the method includes placing a large number N of non-industrial stock pieces in a vacuum chamber where N is a function of the cost of each stock piece, generating a plasma about the stock pieces, and supplying a current to the stock pieces at a level tailored to sufficiently coat each of the plurality of stock pieces with ion from the plasma and wherein the current level depends on the number N of stock pieces.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for measuring the loft angle and the lie angle of a golf club. The present invention allows for comparisons to known values, and removes operator bias from the measurements. The apparatus has an encoder assembly with a loft mechanism and a lie mechanism. The encoder assembly is capable of five axial movements. The apparatus has securing means for securing a golf club in an address position during measurement of the loft angle and the lie angle.

Abstract: A line of golf clubs tailored to the swing speed of the golfer. The basic principles of the present invention can be applied to a single club, but optimally these principles are applied to a plurality of different club heads designed to the specific speed range of the golfer; namely, 50 to 65 mph, 66 to 80 mph, 81 to 95 mph, 96 to 105 mph, and 106 to 140 mph. Maximum ball exit speed from the club head is achieved from club face deflection in each of these ranges near the maximum at which the face wall reaches its permanent elastic deformation. To achieve these principles, the face wall firstly is designed so that the face wall modulus of elasticity increases from a low modulus for the low swing speed range to progressively higher moduli for the higher swing speed ranges. Face modulus can be altered by a variety of a techniques including face wall thinning and face wall reinforcement or a combination of both.

Abstract: A golf club stand is a single rod member which includes the following segments in series: a point at the lower end of the rod; a leg extending up from the point, a 180° bend; an arm depending from the bend; a first lateral member extending from the depending arm; a loop at the end of the first lateral member; a second lateral member extending from the loop; an upright arm extending from the second lateral member; and a coil at the end of the upright arm. The 180° bend between leg and arm forms a hook to hang the device on the upper rim of a golf bag, for storage. The first and second lateral members are spring biased against each other by the loop to releasably hold a towel between them. The arms and said second lateral member together form a U-shaped enclosure to confine the handle of a standing golf club. The coil provides a temporary holder for a smoker's pipe, cigar, cigarette, or the like. A club face cleaner brush is removably hung on the loop.

Abstract: A low-profile display rack for at least one golf club, where the golf club includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. The first end of the shaft is attached to a golf club head and the second end of the shaft merges with a grip portion for allowing a user to hold the golf club. The display rack is comprised of a display housing having a top wall with at least one opening and a support member mounted within the opening. The support member is comprised of a support cap with an aperture for receiving the second end of the golf club, a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end of the support member is further comprised of support side wall that includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the support side wall is connected to the top end of the support member and the lower portion of the support side wall merges with a bottom wall. The grip portion of the golf club is inserted into the aperture in the support cap and rests on the bottom wall of the support member.

Abstract: An iron golf club set comprises a plurality of iron golf clubs having respective club numbers different from each other. Face progressions of the iron golf clubs become gradually smaller from the club having the smallest club number toward the other club having the largest club number in at least one group comprising a series of consecutively numbered clubs of the plurality of iron golf clubs.

Abstract: A holder for a golf club employing two joined but relatively adjustable members for detachably receiving and holding the club and a vertical spike suspended between the members.

Abstract: A support and alignment implement for supporting an article such as a golf club in an upright or elevated position comprises a pair of leg members, each leg member having a stretched “C” shaped proximal end and a ground engaging distal end, a spring element disposed between the proximal ends and means for joining the proximal ends such that the spring element is retained therein and maintains the proximal ends of the leg members in contact with one another in a closed position. In operation, the user extends the proximal ends of the leg members away from one another to an open position, such as by bringing. together the distal ends of the leg members, inserts the shaft of the golf club between the stretched “C” shaped proximal ends, and returns the proximal ends to the closed position, thereby securing the shaft between the proximal ends.

Abstract: A method of determining the frequencies of a golf club entails suspending the golf club in a substantial free state and thereafter striking or engaging the golf club to cause the same to vibrate or oscillate. Once the golf club has been excited, the method entails measuring the natural frequencies of the golf club. More particularly, in the substantial free state, the club is suspended by a flexible connector which is secured to the grip end of the club.

Abstract: The invention consists of a combination of a golf club and a telescoping support assembly. The support assembly has an inner tube connected to a support section which is designed to be inserted into an outer tube that is inserted into the hollow handle end of a golf club at the vent hole of a grip. The purpose of the support assembly is to hold the grip of the club above the ground at a height sufficient to keep the grip from becoming wet. The outer tube is retained inside the handle end of the golf club by a barbed shoulder integral to the outer tube which engages with the vent hole of the grip. This prevents the outer tube from being inadvertently pulled out of the grip. The outer tube is of sufficient length to prevent the hinge between the inner tube and support section when stowed inside the outer tube from excessive movement inside the club grip and shaft.

Abstract: A cartridge holder for a ballistic impeller golf-club of the type having a piston and a explosive charge disposed within the head of the golf club. The piston is adapted to travel outwardly from the club head in response to a rapidly expanding gas produced by the explosive charge. A golf-ball, disposed proximate to the club, is struck by the piston, thereby causing the golf-ball to travel a predetermined distance. The cartridge holder is adapted to be rotatably disposed on the golf club to rotated about an axis of symmetry with a plurality of cartridges retained by the cartridge holder so as to produce a rapidly expanding gas along a direction transverse to the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A golf club identification device for engagement with a golf club grip and a golf club shaft. A tubular element having a longitudinal slot engages the golf club shaft through the slot. A flange, integrally formed with respect to the tubular element, engages with the golf club grip. A label containing printed identification information may then be inserted within the tubular element or positioned on the tubular element. A lens may also be added to the tubular element to position and/or protect the label.

Abstract: A device for protecting a putter head and repairing ball marks includes a body having a substantially planar face for abutting a face of the putter head, prongs extending from the body for repairing ball marks and a clip projecting from the body for detachably securing the device to the putter head to protect the putter face. In the preferred embodiment an rear face of the body is provided with an absorbent pad for cleaning a golf ball.

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 golf equipment organizing device for use at a golf range. The device provides organized storage of items used during a practice session. The device operates as a storage unit for over two hundred golf balls. Release of the golf balls is controlled by a sliding cover shield connected to a spring-loaded handle. A water storage tank is located adjacent to the golf ball storage area and contained within the device housing. The device also includes a golf tee holder, a towel-holding hook, a club cleaner, a drink cup dispenser, and a waste receptacle.

Abstract: A golf club having a retractor system disposed in the club head. The retractor system may be pneumatic, which allows pressure from an expanding gas to alternatingly operate on opposite sides of a seal ring attached to a piston. The golf club includes a hollow shaft extending from one end and terminating in a club head. The club head includes a piston cylinder extending from a gas injection port terminating proximate to a front face of the club head. A feed chamber is disposed on each side of the piston cylinder, each of which is in fluid communication therewith. A piston is disposed within the cylinder and includes a ring seal at one end. The ring seal forms a fluid tight seal with the walls of the piston cylinder. A receptacle, adapted to provide a rapidly expanding gas, is disposed proximate to the injection port to direct expanding gas therethrough, moving the piston away from the injection port.

Abstract: A golf club support for raising a golf club grip above a golf green or fairway. The golf club support comprises an elongated support member having a distal end. The support member is hingedly attached to the golf club shaft intermediate the golf club head and the golf club grip. The support member is moveable between a first position, in which the distal end of the support member is remote from the golf club shaft so that the golf club grip is supported above the golf green or fairway, and a second position in which the distal end of the support member is proximate the golf club shaft. The golf club support includes a coiled spring for biasingly urging the support member to the second position when the golf club grip is not being supported above the golf green or fairway.

Abstract: A leaning support structure that is lightweight, expandable by a single hand and has a sturdy base without the need for insertion into the ground. The leaning support structure includes first and second elongated support members offset from each other, each support member having upper and lower ends and a predetermined connecting point. A handle may be placed on the upper end of the first elongated support member to cover the offset portion between the first and the second elongated support members, improving the feel and the aesthetic appearance. At the predetermined connecting points, a connector connects the elongated support members. A groove and a female securing portion are located in the upper half of the first elongated support member. A rod, which fits into the groove to limit the relative angle between the elongated support members, and a male securing portion are located in the upper half of the second elongated support member.

Abstract: A golf swing trainer includes a substantially transparent tubular body having ends for mounting on a free end of a handle of golf club, transverse to the handle. Two chambers within the body are respectively defined by opposed co-axial transparent inner cylinders. A circumferential guide track at an interior surface of the body between opposed ends of the cylinder provides a path for a metal ball. During swinging of a golf club, the ball moves between the chambers and the track, providing an audible indication of movement between the track and the two cylinders, alerting a golfer to alter the golf swing.

Abstract: An impeller golf club of the type having a piston with a face plate mounted on the club head which stikes a golf ball when a cartridge in the club head is detonated wherein the improvement is a safety feature which prevents the cartridge from being detonated unless the club is positioned in substantially the required position for striking the ball. The safety feature includes three balls, each free to roll in its own groove. Any one of the balls may interfere with actuating depression of the trigger button unless the club is located in the safe range of positions. The cartridges are retained in a cartridge holder that is insertable in the club head and secured by a cam that is released by the user turnng a cam handle.

Abstract: A sports implement including an electroactive element, such as a piezoceramic sheet attached to the implement and a circuit attached to the electroactive element. The circuit may be a shunt, or may include processing such as amplification and phase control to apply a driving signal which may compensate for strain sensed in the implement, or may simply alter the stiffness to affect performance. In a ski, the electroactive element is located near to the root in a region of high strain to apply damping, and the element captures between about one and five percent of the strain energy of the ski. The region of high strain may be found by modeling mechanics of the sports implement, or may be located by empirically mapping the strain distribution which occurs during use of the implement. In other embodiments, the electroactive elements may remove resonances, adapt performance to different situations, or enhance handling or comfort of the implement.

Abstract: A golf club handle support for keeping handles of golf clubs lying on the ground in a raised position above the ground. The handle support comprises a stiff sheet defining a central foldline to form sidewalls on each side of the foldline. This permits the sheet to assume a substantially inverted V-shape in cross section so that the remote edges parallel to the foldline may engage the ground and a golf club may rest on the sidewalls at or adjacent to the foldline.

Abstract: A golf putter leveling system including a shoe level adapted for securement to a golf shoe. A putter level is provided that is adapted for securement to a shaft of a golf putter. The putter level includes a base portion having a lower arcuate recess and an upper arcuate recess. The lower arcuate recess has a pair of detents disposed on opposing sides thereof. The lower arcuate recess snapidly engages the shaft of the golf putter. The upper arcuate recess has a level portion disposed therein. A putter leveler is adapted for securement to the shaft of the golf putter. The putter leveler has an upper portion defined by an arcuate recess for engaging the shaft of the golf putter. The putter leveler has a lower portion defined by outwardly extending legs for supporting the golf putter at an even level so as to zero the putter level.

Abstract: A golf club holder defined by an elongate rod, the distal end of which is insertable into a support surface. A club shaft receiver block is attached to the rod's proximal end, and that block includes at least one aperture formed therethrough in substantially parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of the rod. A slot communicates through the side of the block with the aperture such that a golf club shaft may be passed through the slot, and the exterior of the club shaft will engage the interior of the aperture to hold the club therein with the club head above the support surface. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the receiver block may include more than one aperture/slot combination so that the holder may retain a corresponding number of golf clubs.

Abstract: A ballistic impeller golf club includes a piston and a explosive charge disposed within the head of the golf club. The piston is adapted to travel outwardly from the club head in response to a rapidly expanding gas produced by the explosive charge. A golf-ball, disposed proximate to the club, is struck by the piston, thereby causing the golf-ball to travel a predetermined distance. A range control system is disposed within the club head which allows varying the force that will be imparted on a golf-ball by the piston.

Abstract: A stand assembly for use during golf is described. The stand assembly comprises a post having one end suitable for fixed insertion in the ground and a second end. The stand assembly also includes a support member that is designed and sized for selectively carrying a cigarette or cigar, or golf club grip.

Abstract: An adaptive physical education device has a frame with a variety of attachable components so that the device may be adapted to a variety of sporting applications, such as golf, baseball, and hockey. The frame, in the preferred embodiment, attaches to the front portion of a wheelchair using a pair of adjustable wheelchair brackets. A pivotable "L" shaped post is attachable to the frame so that the pivotable post may be attached pointing upwards or downwards to accommodate different swinging motions of a bat or a club. An elastic spring is attached to the pivotable post at one end and to the club or bat at the opposite end. A handle is attached to the club or bat, so that the wheelchair participant may grasp the handle while seated in the wheelchair, pull back the handle, extending the elastic spring, and let go of the handle, the elastic spring propels the club or bat forward.

Abstract: A golf accessory is provided for supporting a cigar in spaced relationship to the turf for preventing the cigar from contacting chemicals applied to the turf. The accessory includes a bottom supporting surface for placement on the turf. The accessory further includes a top surface characterized by at least one array of corrugations. Each array of corrugations includes an arcuately concave corrugation extending entirely across the accessory and a pair of arcuately convex corrugations on opposite respective sides of the concave corrugations. The concave corrugation has a radius dimensioned to support a cigar of a selected ring size.

Abstract: A stand which supports a golf club in a highly visible and easily retrievable position above a grassy surface. The stand has a top plate with two spaced spikes extending downward from an under side of the top plate and adapted to be driven into the grassy surface. A column extends vertically upwardly from an upper surface of the top plate and internally engages and supports the club. A cylindrical securing means is attached to the top plate which encircles the club and cooperates with the column for maintaining the club in a vertical disposed position.

Abstract: A device for supporting a golf club includes a generally rigid and elongate support member for providing an angular support for a golf club to be supported. A rubber shaft clamp with a channel for receiving and gripping a shaft portion of a golf club is attached to a first end of the support member while a cross member is attached generally perpendicularly to a second end of the support member for providing lateral support for the support device and the golf club when they are coupled together. A spring clip permits attachment of the support device to a golf bag. The spring clip also detachably retains a ball mark repair tool. A spike wrench is formed integrally with a first end of the cross member while a cleaning brush is coupled to a second end of the cross member. A portion of the support member is surrounded by a rubber sleeve to provide an improved grip on the support device.

Abstract: A golfer putter is provided which includes a ball mark repair tool which is integrally stored on a grip of the putter. The repair tool has at least two tines which are received in the grip so that they remain outside of the putter shaft.

Abstract: A manufacturing process of a golf club head for tightly and firmly affixing a striking plate, which is preferably made of titanium or titanium alloy, on a head body made of other metal material includes the following steps of (1) forming a receiving groove on a head body of a golf club which has a predetermined original size and shape; (2) heating the head body until the head body expands to slightly enlarge the size of the receiving groove; (3) planting a striking plate, which is made of titanium or titanium alloy and has a size and shape slightly larger than the original size and shape of the receiving groove of the head body before heating, into the heated receiving groove of the head body; and (4) moving the head body with the striking plate to room temperature until the receiving groove will shrink back to the original size.

Abstract: A golf training device adapted for attachment to a golf club grip for training a golfer to pivot and maintain a solid leading arm is disclosed. The device includes a body contacting arm having a first end adapted for attachment to the golf club grip and a free second end which contacts the body of a golfer when the golfer fails to pivot or maintain a solid leading arm as the golfer strikes a golf ball. The body contacting arm is shaped to lie adjacent, but not touch, the front hip of a golfer when the body contacting arm is properly attached to the golf club grip and the golfer addresses the golf ball. In use, the second end of the body contacting arm moves adjacent, but does not contact, the front hip of the golfer when the golfer pivots and maintains a solid leading arm as the golfer strikes the golf ball. However, the second end of the body contacting arm contacts the golfer if the golfer fails to properly pivot or maintain a solid leading arm as the golfer strikes the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf club holder can be folded up to be carried in a golfer's pocket and can then be unfolded or extended so that its ground-piercing legs can be pushed into the ground. The golf club holder includes a clamp, having first and second clamping surfaces, at least one of which is movable relative to the other for clamping the golf club onto the golf club holder. The golf club holder is clamped onto the club and is then pushed into the ground simply by holding the grip of the club and pushing the club down until the head of the club rests on the ground. To remove the holder, the golfer simply pulls the club by its grip, pulling the holder out of the ground, and then removes the holder from the club. In this way, the golfer can keep a spare club handy without its grip getting wet and without having to bend down to pick up a club from the ground.