FI20185140A1

FI20185140A1 - Device, system and method for golf accuracy training

Info

Publication number: FI20185140A1
Application number: FI20185140A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Mika Kuusisto
Original assignee: Humanic Oy
Priority date: 2018-02-16
Filing date: 2018-02-16
Publication date: 2019-08-17
Also published as: WO2019158684A1

Description

DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GOLF ACCURACY TRAINING

20185140 PRH 16 -02- 2018

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5

Generally the present invention relates to golf devices. In particular, the present invention pertains to golf training and/or competition devices and related system and method.

BACKGROUND

Starting golf might be difficult for many people. Swinging a golf club and hitting the golf ball to the right direction can be challenging. There does not exist many 15 means that allow golfers to practice accuracy independently and goal-oriented.

A golf range is typically used for practicing golf swings and hitting the ball. However, the problem with golf ranges today, is that a golfer may have several repetitive golf swings, but only few of those are goal-oriented. Today, on the golf 20 range, a golfer rarely focuses where to hit the ball as much as is needed on a golf course. This practicing method may backfire on the golf course since the golfer gets used to having many golf swings without aim and focus. On the golf course every shot counts.

One problem with a golf range is that it is usually an open field where the golfer hits the golfballs. Usually the golfer has no target. The only things that mark the range are distance plates such as 50m, 100m, 200m and so on. This, however, does not help the golfer to concentrate on the swings and figure out the right aim.

Another problem with golf ranges is the usage of the range. Today, many golf ranges may be empty or only serving a few golfers at the time. Hitting golfballs to an open field might not be too tempting for a longer period of time which might have an effect on the number of golfers visiting the golf range.

Today, following a golf competition may also be tedious. The viewers have to follow the players around the course to get a glimpse of the players. Sometimes it might be difficult to see the swings in the crowd when constantly moving around the course.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective is to at least alleviate the problems described hereinabove not satis5 factorily solved by the known arrangements, and to provide a feasible device for golf accuracy training. One objective is to provide a device that allows golfers to hit golf balls goal-oriented. Another objective is to provide a device for which the distance and/or tilt angle is controllable. A further objective is to provide a device that allows various golf accuracy training and/or competition opportuni10 ties.

The aforesaid objectives are achieved by the embodiments of a device in accordance with the present invention.

The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 1.

The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 10.

The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 14.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention a device for golf accuracy 25 training comprises

-a target area,

-a receiving part for receiving golfballs, and

-a movable platform, wherein the receiving part and target area are arranged to the movable platform.

In one embodiment the receiving part is a tubular part comprising a number of substantially concentric circles which form the target area.

20185140 PRH 16 -02- 2018

In one embodiment the device comprises tilt adjustment means, preferably a tilt sensor and a tilt adjuster, for adjusting the tilt angle of the receiving part.

In one embodiment the device comprises a result section and result monitoring 5 means for monitoring the amount of golfballs in the result section.

In one embodiment the result section comprises a plurality of compartments according to the substantially concentric circles of the receiving part, and wherein the result monitoring means are configured to recognize the amount of golf balls 10 in different compartments for providing a correct result.

In one embodiment the device comprises guide tubes for guiding golf balls from the receiving part to the compartments of the result section.

In one embodiment the device comprises at least one motor for driving the device.

In one embodiment the device comprises a control unit for controlling remotely the tilting and/or movement of the device.

In one embodiment the control unit is configured to provide preset distances and/or tilt angles according to stored programs.

In another aspect of the present invention, a system for golf accuracy training 25 comprises

-a device for golf accuracy training comprising

-a target area,

-a receiving part for receiving golfballs, and

-a movable platform, wherein the receiving part and target area are arranged to the movable platform, and

-control means for controlling the device.

20185140 PRH 16 -02- 2018

In one embodiment the system comprises an electronic device configured to allow remote controlling of the device.

In one embodiment the electronic device is configured to provide situation data such as results, hit time, number of hits to a certain distance and/or total number of hits.

In one embodiment the system comprises a golfball feeding machine for provid10 ing golfballs to a golfer.

In a third aspect of the present invention, a method for golf accuracy training comprises at least the steps

-moving a device for golf accuracy training,

-tilting the device,

-providing a number of golfballs,

-receiving the golfballs in the device.

In one embodiment the golf balls are monitored and situation data, such as results, hit time and/or number of hits, are provided.

In one embodiment the golfballs are provided according to a preset time interval and/or the device for golf accuracy training is controlled according to a program 25 comprising preset distances and/or tilt angles.

The utility of the present invention follows from a plurality of factors depending on each particular embodiment.

The invention may assist approaching golf from a new perspective and creating a new way for golfers to practice and compete. Embodiments of the invention may make the sport more public-friendly because the competition can be viewed closely. The invention may increase the usage of golf courses. Embodiments of the invention may allow a modular structure so that a user may first use a basic model with basic features and upgrade it later to more advanced features. The invention may create a more goal-oriented approach to golf training and may increase the amount of goal-oriented swings. The invention may assist practicing concentration. The invention may assist people start golfing.

20185140 PRH 16 -02- 2018

The expression “a number of’ refers herein to any positive integer starting from one (1), e.g. to one, two, or three.

The expression “a plurality of’ refers herein to any positive integer starting from two (2), e.g. to two, three, or four.

Different embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED DRAWINGS

Next the invention is described in more detail with reference to the appended 15 drawings in which

Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a device for golf accuracy training in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment ofthe device in accordance with 20 the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the device in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the internals of an embodiment of the system in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to figures 1-3, the device 100 for golf accuracy training comprises a target area 102. The device 100 comprises a receiving part 104 behind the target 35 area 102 for receiving the golfballs.

Preferably, the receiving part 104 comprises a tubular part 106. The tubular part is made of steel, metal, plastic and/or any other durable suitable material. Prefer

20185140 PRH 16 -02- 2018 ably, the receiving part comprises a number of, such as five (5), substantially concentric circles 108 that form the target area 102. Alternatively or additionally, the target area 102 comprises paper, fabric or other material that may be penetrated by a golfball.

In this application the expression “substantially concentric circles” refers to circle shape forms that are within each other so that the circle shape area decreases closer to the center. In some embodiments the target area may comprise other shapes such as oval, rectangular or polygons.

The device 100 comprises a movable platform 110. The receiving part 104 is arranged to the platform 110 with support structures 112 such as pipes and/or plate structures 112a.

Preferably, the rear end 114 of the receiving part 106 comprises shock-absorbing material such as foam or other cushion material to dampen the impact of the golf ball. Preferably, the shock-absorbing material prevents the golf ball from bouncing back out from the receiving part and/or protects the golfball from damage.

Preferably, in the rear end 114 of the receiving part 106 at the bottom of each of the circles 108 there is a hole 116 that guides the golfballs to guide tubes 118. The guide tubes 118 are arranged to guide the golfballs to a result section 120. The result section 120 comprises a number of compartments 122. The guide tubes 118 are arranged to guide the golfballs from the circles of the receiving part 104 to the correct compartment 122 in the result section 120. The guide tubes can be made of rubber, flexible metal, plastic or other flexible material so that the golfballs move from the receiving part to the result section when the receiving part 104 is arranged to different tilt angles. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving part 104 is emptied by tilting the receiving part so that the golfballs rolls out through the front end.

Preferably, the bottom and top part of the result section is Plexiglas, plastic or other transparent material so that a camera 124 behind the bottom part can capture the golfballs in the different compartments.

The device 100 comprises a control unit 130. The control unit allows controlling the device remotely, for example, from the driving area. The device may be controlled with an electronic device 140, such as a tablet or a smartphone, config

20185140 PRH 16 -02- 2018 ured to be connected to the device 100. The control unit can be configured to provide preset training and/or competition programs, e.g. moving the device to different distances and/or providing different tilt angles of the receiving part.

Preferably, the device 100 comprises a tilt sensor (or inclinometer) for measuring the tilt angle of the receiving part 104. The tilt angle data can be used to control the tilt angle of the receiving part. The tilt angle data may be transmitted via the control unit to a tilt adjuster 126. The tilt adjuster can be mechanical, electric, hydraulic or other suitable adjuster for adjusting the tilt angle of the receiving 10 part. The device may comprise a tilt stabilizer that controls the tilt adjuster. The tilt stabilizer may be configured to measure the inclination of the ground below. Additionally or alternatively, the device comprises a tilt meter that assists setting the receiving part manually in the correct tilt angle for each distance.

Preferably, the device 100 comprises a distance meter. The distance meter is configured to measure the distance for each training or competition program, and configured to provide sufficient data to the control unit for so that the control unit may control the tilt angle of the tilt adjuster accordingly.

Preferably, the device has at least one motor for driving the device. The motors may be electric motors, for example. Preferably, the device comprises batteries. Alternatively or additionally, the device comprises a first and/or second tow bar 128, 130 for pulling and/or pushing the device with a vehicle such as a golf cart, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or other suitable vehicle. Preferably, the device 100 25 comprises wheels 132 arranged to the movable platform 110.

Preferably the device comprises a hand brake for holding the device still. Alternatively or additionally, the device comprises weights for holding the device still in wind. For example, weight plates may be arranged in the platform 110 depend30 ing on the wind velocity and/or wind direction.

The device for golf accuracy training may be suitable as such for different golf accuracy competition, even though the device in this application is mostly referred to as a device for golf accuracy training.

Referring to figures 4, the system 200 comprises a device 100 for golf accuracy training, an electronic device 140 and a golfball feeding machine 150.

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Figure 5 illustrates the internal components of the system 200. The control unit 130, the electronic device 140 and the ball feeding machine 150 may comprise a processor 162a-c and memory 164a-c for executing different tasks. The tasks may include controlling the movement of the device 100 and/or controlling the 5 tilt angle of the receiving part. The ball feeding machine 150 may control the pace for feeding the golfballs to a golfer 152 depending on different programs, for example. The electronic device 140 may transmit and/or receive situation data according to ongoing training or competition, for example.

The control unit, electronic device and ball feeding machine may comprise a data interface 166a-c for allowing exchange of data. The data interface may enable WLAN, Bluetooth® or other wireless or wired connection.

Additionally the electronic device 140 may comprise a user interface (UI) 168 15 such as a display for displaying data such as results, hit time, number of hits to a certain distance and/or total number of hits. The user interface may also comprise input means for selecting a training/competition program and/or for controlling the device 100 remotely.

Figure 6 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention.

At method start-up 302, preparatory actions may take place. This may include setting up the device for golf accuracy training, a ball feeding machine and/or an 25 electronic device.

At 304, the device is moved to the desired distance. The step may include moving the device manually, remote controlling of the device and/or automatic movement of the device to the correct distance.

At 306, the device is tilted to a desired tilt angle. The step may include tilting the receiving part of the device manually, remotely and/or automatically. The step may include measuring tilt angles, providing data to a control unit and/or adjusting a tilt adjuster.

At 308, golf balls are provided to a golfer. This step may include feeding golf balls with a golf feeding machine.

At 310, golfballs are received in the device.

At 312, results are monitored. The step may include monitoring the results with a camera and transmitting result data to an electronic device.

At 314, situation data is provided. The step may include providing situation data, such as results, hit time, number of hits to a certain distance and/or total number of hits, on an electronic device.

At 316, the method execution is ended.

Consequently, a skilled person may on the basis of this disclosure and general knowledge apply the provided teachings in order to implement the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims in each particular use case 15 with necessary modifications, deletions, and additions.

Claims

Claims

1. A device for golf accuracy training, characterized in that the device comprises

-a target area,

-a receiving part for receiving golfballs, and

10 -a movable platform, wherein the receiving part and target area are arranged to the movable platform.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the receiving part is a tubular part compris15 ing a number of substantially concentric circles, which form the target area.
3. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises tilt adjustment means, preferably a tilt sensor and a tilt adjuster, for adjusting the tilt angle of the receiving part.
4. The device of any preceding claim, comprising a result section and result monitoring means for monitoring the amount of golfballs in the result section.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the result section comprises a plurality of 25 compartments, and wherein the result monitoring means are configured to recognize the amount of golf balls in different compartments for providing a correct result.
6. The device of claim 4-5, comprising guide tubes for guiding golfballs from 30 the receiving part to the compartments of the result section.
7. The device of any preceding claim, comprising at least one motor for driving the device.

35
8. The device of any preceding claim, comprising a control unit for controlling remotely the tilting and/or movement of the device.

20185140 PRH 16 -02- 2018
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to provide preset distances and/or tilt angles according to stored programs.
10. A system for golf accuracy training, characterized in that the system com5 prises

-a device for golf accuracy training comprising

-a target area,

-a receiving part for receiving golfballs, and

-a movable platform,

15 wherein the receiving part and target area are arranged to the movable platform, and

-control means for controlling the device.

20
11. The system of claim 10, comprising an electronic device configured to allow remote controlling of the device.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the electronic device is configured to provide situation data such as results, hit time, number of hits to a certain distance

25 and/or total number of hits.
13. The system of claim 10-12, comprising a golf ball feeding machine for providing golfballs to a golfer.

30
14. A method for golf accuracy training, characterized in that the method comprises at least the steps of

-moving a device for golf accuracy training,

-tilting the device,

3 5 -providing a number of golf balls,

-receiving the golfballs in the device.
15. A method of claim 14, wherein the golfballs are monitored and situation data, such as results, hit time and/or number of hits, are provided.