AU2007202926A1 - A Golf Assembly and a Game Utilising the Assembly - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor Address for service is: Karl Robert Hillier Karl Robert Hillier WRAY ASSOCIATES Level 4, The Quadrant 1 William Street Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: A Golf Assembly and A Game Utilising The Assembly The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- "A Golf Assembly and A Game Utilising The Assembly" Field of the Invention This invention relates to a golf assembly and a game. In particular this invention relates to a golf game which allows players of all skill levels to play together.

Background Art The conventional game of golf is a well known game in which players attempt to hit a ball from a tee into a hole. At the end of the game, the number of shots required to complete the played holes is tallied with the winning player being that player with the least number of shots.

As a result of the games popularity, there have been numerous variations developed to encourage people of all ages and skill levels to participate in the sport. These changes have been to rules governing how the game is played, as well as changes in the equipment. For example a popular variation to the game utilises a bigger club to hit a bigger ball into a bigger hole.

A particularly recent variation utilises RFID (radio frequency identification) and GPS (global positioning system) technology. This game is particularly suited to golf ranges where a target has been set a distance from the tee. The object of the game is to hit the ball with the most accuracy, with points being allocated according to the position of the ball relative to the target. In these variations RFID sensors sense the position the ball landed, note the identification of the ball and record the allocated points. Once all the balls have been hit at the target, a computer system tallies and displays the results. This game is, however, skill based and is not particularly suited to those novice players seeking a fun day out.

The reference to the abovementioned prior art is for the purposes of background only and is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the general knowledge.

-3- It is an object of this invention to at least provide the public with an alternative choice over the prior art which can be readily set up.

Disclosure of the Invention The present invention provides a golf assembly for use in a suitable area such as a golf course, the assembly comprising a plurality of playing regions, each playing region being tailored according to a playing sequence, each playing region comprising: a first region from which a ball is hit by a club, the first region having a first sensor means, the first sensor means identifying when the ball is hit; at least one second region comprising a second sensor means, the second sensor means identifying when the ball has come to rest for a predetermined period of time upon the at least second region, a ball receiving means in which the ball is receivable, the ball receiving means having a third sensor means to identify when the ball is received therein, the ball receiving means being positioned within one of the at least second regions; and a recording means to record the information collected by the respective sensor means.

Each playing region may be tailored according to the hole being played and, whilst comprising the same components, those components may be of a different configuration. For instance the first region of one playing region may be different in shape to that of another playing region.

The assembly may also include one or more golf balls having a first identification means to allow the ball to be allocated to a player. The ball may incorporate a fourth sensing means to detect velocity and position of the ball. The ball may -4incorporate RFID and/or GPS technology, as would be known to the person skilled in the art.

The golf club used to strike the ball may incorporate a second identification means to allow the club to be allocated to a player. Preferably the club also incorporates a sixth sensing means to sense when the club strikes the ball and to record the action.

The first region may be in the form of a strike pad. The strike pad may be mobile. The same strike pad may be used with each playing region. The strike pad may be made from a flexible material. In one aspect of the invention the strike pad is moved and positioned relative to the ball for each stroke in which the ball is struck from the at least one second region, such that the first sensor means of the strike pad identifies and records when the ball is struck.

The second region may be mobile. The second region may be in the form of a flat flexible material. The second region may be rolled into a cylindrical shape for storage.

The second region and/or the strike pad may contour to the surface upon which it is placed.

Preferably the second sensor means divides the at least one second region into a plurality of subregions. Preferably points are allocated to each sub region.

The second sensor means may identity the position of the ball on the at least one second region and record the relevant points. Each sub region may be in the form of an annulus of different diameter.

The at least one second region may be in the form of a drop target pad. The second sensor means may also record when the ball is struck.

The ball receiving means may comprise at least one receiver for the ball to enter.

The at least one ball receiver may be in the form of a tube. When in use the tube may be horizontally orientated.

The ball receiving means may be mobile. The ball receiving means may be Nintegral with the second region.

r In one aspect of the invention the at least one receiver is housed within a dome.

IIn one aspect of the invention the ball receiving mean may allow the ball to enter N 5 and pass therethrough.

O

N In another aspect of the invention the ball receiving means may further comprise a ball return, returning the ball for collection at a point remote from the at least one receiver. The at least one receiver may have points allocated thereto, the points being recorded and allotted to the ball as it passes the third sensor means of the ball receiving means.

The number of ball receivers may correlate with the hole number. For instance, the fourth hole may have four ball receivers.

Each sensor means may incorporate RFID technology as would be known to the person skilled in the art.

The playing region may have a fifth sensing means which detects when a ball has been moved without having been struck by the club. In one aspect of the invention the fifth sensing means maybe incorporated in the ball. In another aspect of the invention the fifth sensing means is located between the position of where the ball is first struck and the ball receiving means. The fifth sensing means may monitor the velocity and location of the ball.

The assembly may also comprise a computer database system in communication with the various sensor means, the database recording the information sent thereto by the various sensor means. The computer system may also comprise display means to allow the players to keep track of their progress. The computer system may vary the points allocated to the sub regions of the second region as well as those allocated to the at least one receiver of the ball receiving means at regular or random intervals.

-6- The present invention further provides a method of playing a game of golf utilising the aforementioned golf assembly, the game comprising the steps of: having at least one ball allocated to each player; placing the ball on a first region, the first region having a first sensor incorporated therein; striking the ball with a club towards a second region, whereby the first sensor means identifies and records that the ball has been struck; whereupon landing on the second region, a second sensor means of the second region identifies that the ball is positioned thereon and records points according to the position of the ball on the second region; the ball is then struck towards a ball receiving means in which is incorporated a third sensor means, the third sensor means identifying and allocating points to the ball as it passes therethrough.

It is to be understood that in those rare occasions in which the ball lands in the ball receiving means upon the first strike, the need to play the ball from the second region to the ball receiving means is not required.

The game may further comprise the step of collating and recording on a computer database system information collected by the respective sensor means. The information may then be displayed for players review.

The computer system may allocate points to the second and third sensor means.

These points may be altered at set periods or randomly.

The first region may be in the form of a strike pad.

The game may further comprise the step of moving the strike pad and placing it adjacent or around the ball in the event that additional strokes are required between the initial hit and reaching the second region. In this regard the strike -7pad may be shaped to accommodate the ball or may have a hole therein so that N it may be placed over the ball without it being disturbed.

;Z

t' Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description INO 5 of a several embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a second region and a ball receiving means of a fourth playing region according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a view similar to figure 1 but having a ball return; Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a second region and a ball receiving means having a ball return and which is located at a ninth playing region according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a rear view of figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a ball receiver with a ball passing therethrough; Figure 6 is a view of a ball according to an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 7 is a flow chart schematically setting out the logic of a golf game according to an embodiment of the invention.

-8- Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention The invention provides a golf assembly 11 and a game utilising the assembly.

Referring to figures 1 to 6 the assembly 11, according to an embodiment of the invention, comprises nine playing regions 12, representing a nine hole golf course.

Each playing region 12 comprises a first region, in the form of a strike pad 13 (not shown). The strike pad 13 is placed relative to a ball 15 before the ball 15 is struck by a club 17. The strike pad 13 incorporates a first sensor means 51 which identifies when the ball 15 is hit.

Each playing region 12 also comprises a second region, in the form of a drop pad 19. The drop pad 19 is set a distance from where the ball 15 is to be first struck. The drop pad 19 incorporates a second sensor means 52 which identifies when the ball 15 has come to rest for a predetermined period of time thereon.

The drop pad 19 is divided into sub regions 21 which, during play, are allocated different points. In the embodiments shown in the figures the sub regions 21 are in the form of concentric annulus. The position of the ball 15 with respect to the subregions 21 is also detected by the second sensor means 52.

Each playing region 12 also comprises a ball receiving means 23 through which the ball 15 is received. The ball receiving means 23 has a number of ball receivers according to the playing region 12. For instance, and as shown in figure 2, the fourth playing region 12 has four ball receivers Each ball receiver 25 incorporates a third sensor means 53 to identify when the ball is received therein. The ball receiver 25 is in the form of a tube 26 horizontally orientated. In the embodiments shown, the tube 26 is connected to a passage 31. It is, however, understood that the tube 26 may be open at both ends with the ball 15 being able to pass therethrough.

-9- As shown in figures 1 to 4, the ball receiving means 23 is positioned centrally with respect to the drop pad 19. The ball receiving means 23 shown in figures 2, 3 and 4 further comprise a ball retumrn 27 which directs the ball 15, once hit into a ball receiver 25, to a remote pick up location 28. Obviously having a ball return 27 may require the surface to be excavated to accommodate the return 27. So this feature may not be practical in all applications, particularly those requiring more mobility.

The ball receiving means 23 as shown in figures 1 and 2 is incorporated in a dome 35. The ball receiving means as shown in figure 3 and 4 has the ball receivers 25 located in a side by side arrangement.

The golf assembly 11 also comprises the ball 15. The ball 15 incorporates a first identification means 33 to allow the ball 15 to be allocated to a player. The ball may incorporate RFID technology as would be known to the person skilled in the art.

To quickly rectify those situations in which a ball 15 can not be found once struck, several replacement balls 15 may be sequentially identified and allocated to each player before the start of a game.

The golf assembly 11 also comprises a recording means, in the form of a computer system 29, which records the information collected by the respective sensor means 51, 52, 53.

The computer system 29 also comprises a display means 37 (not shown) to allow the players to keep track of their progress.

Each sensor means 51, 52, 53 incorporates RFID technology.

Once the desired amount of playing regions 12 have been set out and are in communication with the computer system 29 the game may commence. A method of playing the game according to an embodiment of the invention commences by having at least one ball 15 allocated to each player with that allocation recorded on the computer system 29.

The player may then place the strike pad 13 relative to the ball 15 before striking the ball 15 in the direction of the drop pad 19. The hit is detected by the strike pad 13 and the information is recorded by the computer system 29.

If the ball 15 does not land on the drop pad 19, the ball 15 may be hit again in a fashion similar to that described above.

When the ball 15 becomes stationary upon the drop pad 19 its position thereon is detected and the points allocated to that position are recorded.

The ball 15 may then be struck towards the ball receiver 25. Again, once the ball passes through the ball receiver 25 the points allocated to that receiver 25 are recorded.

The ball 15 may then be collected and the player may move to the next play region 12.

During play the computer system 29 provides constant updates as to the progress of each player via a display means 37.

Once all playing regions have been completed the game is finished.

Numerous variations using the assembly exist. For instance, a ball landing in a certain sub region 21 on the drop pad 19 may not be allowed to play through to the ball receiving means 23.

The logic flow of how a game may proceed is shown in figure 7.

The computer system 29 may be programmed so that the game is based on a formula that takes to account the following:- -time -11 -number of strokes number of team members number of balls the team starts out with number of balls the team ends up with number of strokes distribution amongst team members Rules of the Game may take any form, for instance: The game can be played as an individual or as a team.

As an individual, same ball must be used until the end of the game, unless is deemed lost.

As a team, a maximum of three lost balls may be allowed at a penalty, thereafter the 'lost ball' rule does not apply. The team must continue with the reduced number of balls till the end of the game, however the lost ball or balls will be factored into the equation that produces the net score for that team.

If the ball is struck and lands out of bounds, the ball is considered lost and the player is allowed to play an additional ball. A ball is also deemed lost if it lands on a building, is wedged on a tree, lands in a location/position where it cannot be played, or disintegrates or falls apart.

If the second ball lands out of bounds, then a third ball may be used In all of the cases, points will be deducted for the number of balls out of bounds and in the case of all three balls being out of bounds, the player will walk to the next pad and continue the game from there. In this case zero points will be recorded for that hole.

-12- The number of shots taken to reach the drop pad will depend on the skills level of the player and the strategy that may be used to calculate the time that is required to play the number of shots in order to gain the maximum points available.

If the ball lands within the subregion that entitles the play to be made through the ball receiving means then that play will score the points on which the ball initially lands as well as the points received for the ball entering/passing through the ball receiving means.

The player will continue playing in this manner, scoring points according to the rules and points available at the individual drop pad location.

Each team must assign a Captain.

The captain will receive a display means in the form of a hand held scoring/data storage electronic device that will automatically display the score.

The hand held device will also have available the rules and options for the approaching drop pad.

The Captain must make his decision known to a keeper allocated to the playing region prior to following through with his strategy e.g. In the case of a pad that is designated optional, strategic, The assigned ball must be used by that player throughout the game.

Captain may decide to forfeit points received and in order to gain time and reduce strokes and give himself/team an advantage over his opponents.

The final hole will consist of a series of tubes with varying tubes with hidden varying values that are constantly shuffled.

-13- In the case of a team, the number of balls remaining in the play can be driven into any selected hole, adding the combine score to that teams tally.

If the ball lies/rests in a position where a reasonable shot cannot be taken or if taken may result in an unfavourable stroke, in which case the ball may be moved to a position within a 1m radius of the original position so as to enable a favourable stroke. This will result in a penalty.

Points are scored on the time taken to complete the course. Points are deducted from teams that undercut the course time, or come in over the course time.

The formula which calculates the end tally is set such that on a sliding scale the maximum points are awarded for teams that finish the course on the set "course time". Teams coming under or over the course time will on a sliding scale receive points at the relevant reduce percentage.

At certain drop pads teams are given the opportunity to forfeit points in order to gain time to enhance competition.

The game can be played individually, and as teams. In the case of individual play, the game can be played as a single player including children solely for pleasure with a chance of winning prizes assigned to the tubes at various drop pad locations.

The game is also designed to be played as a fund raising challenge where ball receivers are sponsored by various groups or individuals.

Each feature of the golf assembly may be fixed or mobile.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

-14- Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (32)

1. A golf assembly for use in a suitable area such as a golf course, the assembly comprising a plurality of playing regions, each playing region being tailored according to a playing sequence, each playing region comprising: a first region from which a ball is hit by a club, the first region having a first sensor means, the first sensor means identifying when the ball is hit; at least one second region comprising a second sensor means, the second sensor means identifying when the ball has come to rest for a predetermined period of time upon the at least second region, a ball receiving means in which the ball is receivable, the ball receiving means having a third sensor means to identify when the ball is received therein, the ball receiving means being positioned within one of the at least one second regions; and a recording means to record the information collected by the respective sensor means.

2. The golf assembly according to claim 1 wherein each golf ball has a first identification means to allow each ball to be allocated to a player.

3. The golf assembly according to claim 2 wherein each ball incorporates a fourth sensing means to detect velocity and position of the ball.

4. The golf assembly according to claim 2 or 3 wherein each ball incorporates RFID and/or GPS technology. The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the golf club used to strike the ball incorporates a second identification means to allow the club to be allocated to a player. -16-

6. The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the club incorporates a sixth sensing means to sense when the club strikes the ball and to record the action.

7. The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first region may be in the form of a strike pad.

8. The golf assembly according to claim 7 wherein the strike pad is mobile such that it can be used with each playing region.

9. The golf assembly according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the strike pad is made from a flexible material. golf assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the strike pad is shaped to accommodate the ball or has a hole therein so that it can be placed over the ball without it being disturbed, the strike pad being moved and positioned relative to the ball for each stroke in which the ball is struck from the at least one second region, such that the first sensor means of the strike pad identifies and records when the ball is struck.

11. The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second region may be mobile.

12.The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second region is in the form of a flat flexible material and can be rolled into a cylindrical shape for storage.

13.The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second region and/or the strike pad accommodates the contours of the surface upon which it is placed.

14.The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second sensor means divides the at least second region into a plurality of subregions to which points are allocated to each sub region. -17- golf assembly according to claim 14 wherein the second sensor means identifies the position of the ball on the at least one second region and records the relevant points.

16.The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one second region is in the form of a drop target pad.

17.The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second sensor means records when the ball is struck.

18.The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ball receiving means comprises at least one receiver for the ball to enter.

19.The golf assembly according to claim 18 wherein the at least one ball receiver is in the form of a tube. golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ball receiving means is mobile.

21.The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ball receiving means is integral with the second region.

22.The golf assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 21 wherein the at least one receiver is housed within a dome.

23.The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ball receiving means allows the ball to enter and pass therethrough.

24.The golf assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 23 wherein the ball receiving means further comprises a ball return, returning the ball for collection at a point remote from the at least one receiver. -18- The golf assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 24 the at least one receiver has points allocated thereto, the points being recorded and allotted to the ball as it passes the third sensor means of the ball receiving means.

26.The golf assembly according to any one of claims 18 to 25 wherein the number of ball receivers correlates with the hole number.

27.The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each sensor means incorporates RFID technology.

28.The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the playing region has a fifth sensing means which detects when a ball has been moved without having been struck by the club.

29.The golf assembly according to claim 28 wherein the fifth sensing means is incorporated in the ball. golf assembly according to claim 28 wherein the fifth sensing means is located between the position of where the ball is first struck and the ball receiving means.

31.The golf assembly according to claims 28, 29 or 30 wherein the fifth sensing means monitors the velocity and location of the ball.

32.The golf assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the assembly comprises a computer database system in communication with the various sensor means, the database recording the information sent thereto by the various sensor means, the computer system comprising a display means to allow the players to keep track of their progress.

33.The golf assembly according to claim 32 wherein the computer system varies the points allocated to the sub regions of the second region as well as those allocated to the at least one receiver of the ball receiving means at regular or random intervals. -19-

34.A method of playing a game of golf utilising the aforementioned golf assembly, the game comprising the steps of: having at least one ball allocated to each player; placing the ball on a first region, the first region having a first sensor incorporated therein; striking the ball with a club towards a second region, whereby the first sensor means identifies and records that the ball has been struck; whereupon landing on the second region, a second sensor means of the second region identifies that the ball is positioned thereon and records points according to the position of the ball on the second region; the ball is then struck towards a ball receiving means in which is incorporated a third sensor means, the third sensor means identifying and allocating points to the ball as it passes therethrough. method of playing a game of golf according to claim 34 wherein the game further comprises the step of collating and recording on a computer database system information collected by the respective sensor means.

36.The method of playing a game of golf according to claim 35 wherein the computer system allocates points to the second and third sensor means, which may be altered at set periods or randomly.

37.The method of playing a game of golf according to claim 34 or 35 wherein the first region is in the form of a strike pad, the game further comprising the step of moving the strike pad and placing it adjacent or around the ball in the event that additional strokes are required between the initial hit and reaching the second region.

38.A golf assembly as substantially herein described with reference to the drawings.

39.A method of playing a game of golf as substantially herein described.