GB2468499A

GB2468499A - Golf practise device

Info

Publication number: GB2468499A
Application number: GB0904147A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Seamus Higgins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-03-10
Filing date: 2009-03-10
Publication date: 2010-09-15
Also published as: GB0904147D0

Abstract

A golf practice device 1 comprises a target 9 suitable for being struck with a face of a golf club; support means 10; and connecting means 11 for attaching the target 9 to the support means 10. The support means 10 and connecting means 11 being arranged to allow the target 9 to rotate about the support means 10 in a generally vertical plane. The height of the target above the ground is preferably adjusted by a hinge forming part of the support means, the connecting means is preferably a flexible cord and a covering means 4 may be provided.

Description

Golf Practice Device The present invention relates to a golf practice device, in particular, but not exclusively a device which may be used on the teeing area of a golf course.

A standard golf course comprises eighteen holes. Each hole comprises a teeing area from where a player takes his first stroke towards the green. The types of shot that a player may use between the tee shot on the teeing area and the green depend on the distance that the player intends to hit the ball and also on the other hazards, e.g. bunkers and rough, that are present on the golf course.

On the green, for example, a club such as a putter is used in order to roll the ball along the ground into the cup. In contrast, a wood or an iron with a shallow loft may be used for hitting the ball from the teeing area such that the ball travels as far as possible from the teeing area.

Before commencing a game of golf and also once a player has finished a particular hole, he progresses to the teeing area of the next hole where a tee shot is taken. Generally a tee shot is taken by placing the golf ball on a tee, i.e a small peg with a concave top to support the ball. The tee may be partially inserted into the ground and the height of the concave top relative to the ground may be adjusted by selecting the depth by which the tee is inserted into the ground. The height that the ball is set on the tee depends on an individual player's preference. The use of a tee allows a player to cleanly strike the ball without inadvertently striking the ground during the swing of the stroke. This enables a player to strike the ball in an optimum manner.

As different stokes of the ball require different playing techniques, a player who is starting a round of golf or has just finished at the putting green of a previous hole, may well wish to practise a teeing off stroke. Whilst a player is permitted to practise his golf swing in the teeing area, a player may not strike the ball in play without it counting towards the number of stokes for that hole and the game. However, swinging the club without striking a ball does not accurately simulate the action and feeling of hitting a real golf ball. In addition, if the player should choose to make a practice swing in longer grass, so that some resistance to the motion of the club is provided to better simulate striking a ball, there is a risk that a player may damage his club by hitting stones or other objects present in the longer grass.

A problem also arises on a golf range, where a player may not wish to waste his allocation of golf balls, before he has had an opportunity to practise his golf swing.

The present invention seeks to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the aforementioned problems.

According to the present invention, there is provided a golf practice device comprising: a target suitable for being struck with a face of a golf club; support means for supporting the target spaced from the ground; and connecting means for attaching the target to said support means; the support means and connecting means being arranged to allow the target to rotate about the support means in a generally vertical plane.

In this way a player can strike a target with a golf club and therefore more accurately simulate hitting a golf ball.

Preferably, the target is rotatable through an angle of at least 360 degrees about the support means. This allows to target to move freely once hit.

Preferably, the target is formed substantially in the shape of a golf ball. This provides a more realistic simulation of hitting a real golf ball.

Preferably, the support means comprises a substantially horizontal rigid arm. This allows the target to be supported at a spaced predetermined horizontal distance.

Preferably, the target hangs downwards in its rest position from the support means on the connecting means. In this way, the target is positioned in substantially the same position before each time a player strikes the target.

Preferably, the connecting means comprises a flexible cord. A flexible cord prevent damage to the club when the target is struck.

Preferably, the connecting means is attached to the support means by a freely rotating joint. This allows the target to rotate about the support means with reduced resistance.

Preferably, the support means is adjustable to adjust the height of the target relative to the ground. This allows a player to set the height of the target similar to that by using a golf tee.

Preferably, the support means is provided with a hinge at one end thereof for adjusting the height of the target relative to the ground. This allows a simple connection to adjust the height of the target.

Preferably, the length of the connecting means between the support means and the target may be adjusted to adjust the height of the target relative to the ground. This allows the height of the target to be set similar to that by using a golf tee.

Preferably, the device further comprises a covering means for protecting at least part of the device. This serves to protect the device from rain or from physical impact for

example.

Preferably, the target is located under the covering means and offset from an end thereof. This enables to ball to rotate under the covering means with reduced risk of the target coming into contact with a user or an end of the covering means.

Preferably, the covering means has a substantially semi-circular cross section and is located relative to the device such that the target may rotate fully about the support means. As such, the dimensions of the device are reduced.

Preferably, the covering means is formed of a transparent material. This allows a player to view the target when using the device.

Preferably, the device is provided with a further such target. This allows two players to use the device simultaneously.

The invention therefore seeks to provide a player with a golf practice device which may be used either on the teeing area or on a golf range so that a player may strike a target with his golf club in order to simulate hitting a real golf ball.

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, where like parts are provided with like reference numerals, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an end view of the device as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of a device according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a support means for an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a support means for an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1, a practice device of an embodiment of the present invention shown generally at 1 comprises two generally vertical planar side walls 2, 5 connected at their midpoints via a generally vertical planar web 12. Side walls 2, 5 and the web 12 provide a solid structure. The side walls 2,5 and web 12 may be connected using any conventional means, The side walls 2,5 may be provided with a vertical slot adapted to receive the web 12 to improve the rigidity of the device. Alternatively, the side wall 2, 5 and the web 12 may be formed integrally from a single material.

Suitable materials for the side walls and web include wood, plastics, metal etc. The material may be chosen to be resistant to inadvertent impact from a golf club of a user.

The material may also be chosen to absorb any inadvertent impact from a player's golf club to avoid damage to the club.

A covering means, in the form of roof section 4 with a generally semi-circular cross-section is provided and located atop the upper longitudinal generally horizontal edges of side walls 2, 5. The planar web 12 is provided with a semi-circular upper section that extends into the semicircular cavity formed under the roof section 4. In this way, no gap is present between the web 12 and the inner surface of the roof section 4 such that objects may not pass between different sides of the device. The overall dimensions of the device are around 40 cm across the web, 35 cm across the side walls and 45 cm to the peak of the roof section.

In the embodiment shown, the roof section 4 is formed of a transparent material, for example a transparent acrylic material, such that a player using the device can see through the roof section 4. The roof section may be made of a rigid or flexible material.

A flexible material serves to resist inadvertent impact from a golf club.

In the embodiment shown, the roof section 4 is provided at each end of the roof section 3 with a transparent vertical planar end face 22 of semicircular form,. When in use, the end faces or caps 22 shield a player from risk of injury from objects moving within the confines of the device defined by the roof section 4, the side walls 2, 5, and the web 12.

The roof section 4 and end faces 22 provide a weatherproof cover to the device. The transparent roof section 4 and end faces 22 may be provided with a non-stick coating with a view to keeping the surface clean of dust and mud etc. The roof section may be formed to accept signage, e.g. advertising or instructions for use.

The side walls 2, 5, web 12 and the roof 4 form a housing for the device. The housing may be fixed firmly to the ground via a side flange 7 provided at the base of the outer surface of the side walls 2, 5 on either side of the device. A bolt or other suitable fixing means 8 may be used to firmly locate the device on the ground or into a concrete base.

Further fixing points may also be provided on the housing. The housing may be formed as a single piece. A base section (not shown) may be provided, e.g. in the form of an artificial turf, under the side walls 2, 5 to prevent damage to the turf of teeing area.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the roof section 4 overlaps the vertical end sides of the side walls 2, 5 such that the roof protrudes beyond these ends of the side walls 2, 5. The indent formed by the side walls 2, 5 with respect to the roof section 4 allows a player to position a club under the roof section when using the device. Each side of the roof section furthest from the peak, may also be provided with a cut-out 6a, 6b of generally triangular form, to reduce the risk that a player strikes the roof section when using the device.

In the embodiment shown, a target 9 in the form of a golf ball shaped object is supported by support means. The support means comprises a rigid arm 10, formed of any suitable material, i.e. wood, metal, plastic etc, connected at a first end thereof to the web 12. Jn the embodiment shown, the support arm is an elongate rod with a circular cross-section. The second end of the rigid arm 10 is connected by connecting means in the form of a cord 11, which in turn is connected to the target 9. The first end of the rigid arm 10 is connected to the housing in the semi-circular section of the web portion 12. The rigid arm 10 extends from the web 12 towards the end face of the roof section 4 along a generally horizontal axis with respect to the ground in order to maintain the target spaced from the web 12.

The cord 11 may be formed of a rope, a rubber or elastomer flex or any other suitable material. In the embodiment shown, the cord is a flexible material to allow the target to swing freely, but embodiments are also envisaged in which the cord is rigid andlor formed integrally with the support arm 10.

Proximate the end face 22 of the roof section 4, the connecting means, in the form of the cord, is attached at a first end to the second end of the rigid arm 10. At the second end of the cord 11 a target 9 in the form of a golf ball shaped object is provided, although other shapes are envisaged. The connecting means is connected to the target using any suitable means such that the target 9 remains attached to the connecting means during use. The diameter of the connecting means is small relative to the diameter of the target so that a user is more likely to strike the target rather than the connecting means. Before the target is struck, the target hangs below the support means, spaced from the ground.

The target 9 may be formed to simulate a golf ball with a rubber or elastomer core and hard dimpled coating. The target 9 may be of a hard rubber or elatomer material.

The first end of the cord 11 is connected to the second end of the rigid arm 10 by a joint 13. This joint may be a ring, bearing or other form of freely rotating connection such that the target 9 and cord 11 may rotate freely about the support arm 10.

The first end of the rigid arm 10 may be connected via a hinge, socket joint, or other connection to the web section 12 such that the height or vertical distance of the second end of the rigid arm 10 relative to the ground, or a base of the device, may be adjusted to in turn adjust the height of the target 9, which is attached to the second end of the rigid arm by the cord 11, with respect of the ground. In this way, a player can provide the target at a height comparable with that of a conventional tee used for a teeing shot.

Alternatively, the connecting means can be adjusted, i.e. by adjusting the length of the cord, in order to adjust the height of the ball relative to the ground, when the target is at rest.

In Figure 2, an end view of the device of Figure 1 is shown. The target 9 is in the form of a golf ball shaped object. The target is provided on the cord such that it may swing or rotate on the cord about the rigid support arm 10. The roof section 4 is provided over the target 9 to protect the target 9 from the weather, e.g. rain. The roof section 4 also serves to protect a player from a target which has been hit by a user and is rotating about the support arm.

As shown in Figure 2 by the ghost lines, the target 9 is provided on the connecting means or cord 11 at a distance from the support means or rod 15, such that when the target 9 rotates, the target may freely rotate around the support means 10 and into the cavity of the roof section 4. To facilitate the free rotation of the target about the support means, the connecting means may be connected to the support means by a freely rotating connection. Alternatively, the target may be fixedly connected to the support means by the connecting means.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the support means and connecting means are formed rigidly connected and the support means is connected to the web by a rotatable joint to permit rotation of the support means and connecting means about the joint.

As shown in Figure 3, the second end of the support arm 10 from which the target 9 is suspended is off-set from the end face 22 under the roof section 4 to reduce the risk that the target 9 contacts the end faces 22 of the roof section 4 when the target 9 rotates about the support arm 10.

In the embodiments shown, a further support arm 15 and target 16 is provided such that a second player may use the device simultaneously with the first player. However, embodiments are envisaged where only one target is provided.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

The device shown comprises two targets 9 and 16 provided on either side of the device.

With regard to a first side of the device, the device is provided with cut-out 6 to reduce the risk that a player using the device contacts the housing or the roof section with a golf club 18. For the sake of example, with regard to the second opposite side of the device, no cut-outs are provided. By providing two targets 9 and 16, the device allows two players to use the device simultaneously, whilst still being a compact device.

The roof section 4 and side walls 2, 5, and web 12 may be made of materials and formed such that they are easily replaced in case of damage.

As shown in Figure 3, in order to use the device 1, a player stands aside the device I in a conventional golf stance facing an end face 22 of the roof section 4. The player sets the height of the target 16 by adjusting the angle of the support means in the form of a rigid rod 15, as shown by the ghost lines. The player adjusts his distance from the device and holds a golf club such that the face 18 of the club is in line with the target 16 at the bottom of the swing. As the roof section 4 extends beyond the ends of the side walls 2, the face 18 of the golf club is positioned under the roof section 4.

Before the target 16 is struck, the target rests vertically below the support arm 15 by connecting means in the form of cord 17 due to the force of gravity. A player swings the club back as if playing a conventional shot and then performs a down swing to contact the target 16 with the face 18 of the club at the bottom of the swing. If the target 16 is correctly hit, the target 16 at least partially rotates around the support means 15. Due to the freely rotating joint, the target 16 may rotate fully, i.e. rotable through an angle of at least 360 degrees, around the support means. The support means 15 and the connecting means 17, in particular the form of joint used to connect the connecting means 17 to the support means 15, may be configured to permit the target 16 to rotate in a plane which is at an angle to the vertical, depending on how the target 16 is struck by the club.

In Figure 2, which shows an end view of the device 1, the ghost lines show the position of the target 9 after it has been struck by the golf club. The target continues to rotate around the support means 10 until it comes to rest again vertically under the support means.

If the player considers that the ball has not been optimally hit, for example if the target does not rotate in an optimum plane about the support means, the player may either adjust his swing or adjust the height of the target above the ground. Once a satisfactory shot has been performed, a player can note the height of the target above the ground and accordingly set his game ball at the same height using a golf tee.

Because the target is allowed to rotate freely around the support means, a more realistic simulation of striking a golf ball is provided. In addition, because the target 9 is attached to the support means, golf balls are not lost or used in the practice swing. A further advantage is that by supporting the target is the manner described, a user can hit the target with a club, with a reduced risk of damage to his club that may be caused if the support means is struck.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the support means 23. In the embodiment shown, the support means comprises a support arm 23 provided with a hinge means 25 at a first end thereof. A target 26 is connected via a connecting limb 24 to the support arm 23.

Depending on the type of materials used, the support means and also the target 26 may be formed of the same material. The support arm 23 is generally formed of a rigid material in order to allow the target to be supported at a distance from the hinge 25. A connecting limb may be formed of a flexible material which is able to absorb some of the impact as a result of striking the target 26. The hinge 25 allows the height of the target 26 above the ground to be adjusted. The limb 24 may be connected to the arm 23 via a further hinge or joint such that the limb 24 remains in a generally vertical orientation when the device is at rest. The target 26 may be formed of a rubber or elastomer material integrally formed with the limb 24 and the arm 23. Alternatively, the target 26 may be formed similarly to a conventional golf ball with a rubber core and a hard shell coating and attached. In this way, the device can more accurately simulate the hitting of a golf ball with a golf club.

In Figure 5, a further embodiment is shown in which a target 28 may be connected via a rotating ball joint 29 to the support arm 31. This allows the target 28 to freely rotate about the support arm 31 in both a generally vertical plane and also planes at a angle to the vertical. The support 31 may be connected to the housing of the device via a further ball socket 32 to allow the orientation of the support arm 31 to be adjusted in order to adjust the height of the target 28 above the surface of the ground 33.

The present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modifications can be made within the spirit of the invention, which extends to equivalents of the features described. The invention also consists in any individual features described or implicit herein or shown or implicit in the drawings or any combination of any such features or any gerieralisation of any such features or combination.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A golf practice device comprising: a target suitable for being struck with a face of a golf club; support means for supporting the target spaced from the ground; and connecting means for attaching the target to said support means; the support means and connecting means being arranged to allow the target to rotate about the support means in a generally vertical plane.
2. A golf practice device according to claim 1, wherein the target is rotatable through an angle of at least 360 degrees about the support means.
3. A golf practice device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the target is formed substantially in the shape of a golf ball.
4. A golf practice device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the support means comprises a substantially horizontal rigid arm.
5. A golf practice device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target hangs downwards in its rest position from the support means on the connecting means.
6. A golf practice device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means comprises a flexible cord.
7. A golf practice device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means is attached to the support means by a freely rotating joint.
8. A golf practice device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support means is adjustable to adjust the height of the target relative to the ground.
9. A golf practice device according to claim 8, wherein the support means is provided with a hinge at one end thereof for adjusting the height of the target relative to the ground.

10. A golf practice device according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the length of the connecting means between the support means and the target may be adjusted to adjust the height of the target relative to the ground.
10. A golf practice device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises a covering means for protecting at least part of the device
11. A golf practice device according to claim 10, wherein the target is located under the covering means and offset from an end thereof.
12. A golf practice device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the covering means has a substantially semi-circular cross section and is located relative to the device such that the target may rotate fully about the support means.
13. A golf practice device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the covering means is formed of a transparent material.
14. A golf practice device according to any one of the preceding claims, provided with a further such target.
15. A golf practice device, substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.