GB2330538A

GB2330538A - Golf practice apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2330538A
Application number: GB9722518A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Neary
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-10-25
Filing date: 1997-10-25
Publication date: 1999-04-28
Also published as: GB9722518D0

Abstract

Golf practice apparatus comprises a housing, a ball and a tether line, the housing comprising a reel 5 on which the tether line can be rolled up, a pressure wheel 4 and a transport wheel 3 arranged to pass the tether line into the interior of the housing when the transport wheel is driven manually by a cord-pull 7 operated free-wheel drive 6. The free-wheel drive is of a type well-known in lawn mowers.

Description

GOLF LEARNING & PRACTICE UNIT GENERAL DESCRIPTION This invention relates to a Golf Learning and Practice Unit.

Golf is difficult and costly to practice for both beginners and established players. At present it can only be practised and played in very open spaces, i.e. Golf Courses and Ranges. This can be very embarrassing for beginners because of their inability to hit the golf ball. This unit allows you to practice in confined areas such as back gardens or any other suitable area measuring 20 metres or more. This unit is also suitable for very early learners.

The unit comprises a bearing wheel, a recoil, a golf ball attached to a line, a pressure wheel and a reel, all housed within a secure unit.

Figure 1 attached describes this invention diagramatically.

This unit should be placed on the ground before use. Obtain the golf ball from the unit and then release the attached line from the reel, referring to the markers/colours of line to decide the length of line to be used for this practice or learning session. The golf ball can then be played using any golf club which will force the ball to travel the length of the line released.

Referring to the drawing, the recoil handle 7 is pulled, this forces the bearing wheel 3 into motion and the weight of the bearing wheel will then recoil the golf ball 1 by way of freewheeling the line 2. The pressure wheel 4 keeps the line in position against the main bearing wheel whilst being recoiled. The reel 5 is used to rewind the line at the end of the practice session The key factors of this unit, that allow both the free swing of the golf ball and it's retrieval, are i) the type of line being used ii) the way this line is released to allow for freedom of movement for the next play and iii) the relationship between the bearing wheel and pressure wheel which recoil this line again. It is essential that the line does not tangle, and this is achieved by utilising a lightweight coated fishing type line which is collected in a controlled manner.

GOLF LEARNING & PRACTICE UNIT COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION 1. GolfBall. This can be any make of golf ball adapted to attach to a line.

2. Line. This is a fine line as used for dry fly salmon fishing that can be adapted and colour coded for distance.

3. Bearing Wheel. This can be made from metal cast iron timber or plastic. The diameter and weight of the wheel may vary according to distance required.

4. Pressure Wheel. This can be made of metal cast iron, timber or plastic. Diameter and size will depend on the Bearing wheel.

5. Reel. This would be made from plastic with a metal handle to wind the line after use and is changeable if damaged.

6. Recoil. This is a standard recoil as used in a lawn mower, adopted to pull the bearing wheel.

7. Recoil Handle. This is made from plastic.

8. Housing. This can be constructed from any light materials such as plastic, timber or alloy metal.

COMPONENTS USE A housing unit in the form of a light weight box encasing a bearing wheel, a pressure wheel, a recoil, a reel, a line and a golf ball, designed to control the distance and easy retrieval of a golf ball.

Using the recoil to spin the bearing wheel means any distance of line can be collected at speed with out moving away from play position. This recoil can be effected by hand (recoil handle) or by foot (peddle) as preferred by the player.

The recoil will wind the line back to a start position however the line will be gathered loosely and in a fashion that will allow for a freeplay of the ball once again.

Losing a line that is very light means that it has little effect on the distance the ball will travel. This line has to be of a quality that does not easily tangle. Reel, line and ball are detachable and can be of different quality, according to the players ability.

Key: Figure 1 1. Golf Ball 2. Line 3. Bearing Wheel 4. Pressure Wheel 5. Reel 6. Recoil 7. Recoil Handle 8. Housing 9. Carry Handle

Claims

GOLF LEARNING & PRACTICE UNIT CLAIMS 1. Although this unit is made up of components that are not new, I claim that the way they are put together is new, and I know of no other unit that allows a person to learn to play and practise real golf in a distance of 20 metres.
2. I claim that using a recoil to spin a bearing wheel of about 300mm in diameter as shown in Figure 1 item 3, a fine line with a golf ball attached can be recoiled about 10 meters each time the recoil cord is pulled.
3. I claim that using a very fine fishing line is strong enough to stop a golf ball at full speed in a distance of 20 meters.
4. I claim that this type of fishing line can be recoiled in a controlled manner and that the subsequent re-play of the ball will not be hindered.
5. I claim that a golf ball can be played 50 meters plus, in a straight line from the tee or from the grass with little hindrance from the fine line attached.
6. I claim that the unit, being portable, can be used in very many places including university grounds, college grounds, back gardens, farm land, and any other open spaces with the permission of the owners.