FR2587228A1 - Multi-function apparatus for training in playing golf - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for training in ball games and, particularly, golf. The invention relates to a device made up of modules, which can be rapidly and easily set up, making it possible to perform all golf strokes in a restricted surface area and to do so in complete safety. It consists of a first casing 1 used preferably for the swing and of a second casing 11 used for putting. The first casing 1 comprises a captive golf ball 5 resting on a removable tee 6, attached to an internal rolling-up system and two protection flaps 8. The second casing 11, which comprises a hole 13 which may or may not be covered by a movable screen 14, is positioned in various positions by means of hooks or slides 12 as well as by means of a movable part 25, either to another similar casing or to the first casing 1. The flatness of the playing surface may be modified by means of an internal system and the difficulty of the course may be modified by means of obstacles 16. The device according to the invention is intended particularly for playing golf.

Description

 The present invention relates to a modular training device for ball games and more particularly aolf.

 In the current state of the art, the existing devices only make it possible to work exclusively with a golf movement, either the swing for large strokes and approach strokes, or the putting for final short strokes. Furthermore, these devices often do not allow golf to be played at home or in a restricted area without danger to the player and third parties, and without risk of object breakage.

 The device according to the invention, very easy to set up, makes it possible to play golf in complete safety, at home or in a limited surface area as it would be possible to do under real conditions, depending on its arrangement, this device combined all possibilities of golf shots.

 Its weight, its dimensions and its speed of installation make it a system answering the present need of the practitioners.

 The device is composed of a first box (1) for the practice of large strokes and approach shots and a second box for putting.

 The first housing (1) is made up of a container preferably made of rigid plastic material produced by molding partially or entirely covered with synthetic grass (2) or with a non-slip material on the upper playable part. Folded up, this case, which is longer than it is wide and thin, opens around a hinge (3) placed in the direction of the width, thereby increasing the total length of this case. One of the parts has a contactor (4) as well as a golf ball (5) placed on a tee (6) raising it relative to the surface of the case.

The shape of the tee (6) can wrap on the front of the ball (5) to mid-height. A step (7) is necessary so that the player is at the same height as the ball (5).

 I1 is preferably the same thickness as the main ready-to-use box, made of the same material and similarly covered.

Figure 1 shows the first box (1!
device ready for use.

Two flaps (8) are on each side in
the direction of the length of the receiving part of the ball. Yes
a player not succeeding, could send the ball (5) to the right or to the left, it collides
rait to the shutters (8) of Drotection Protecting at mid-height
surrounding objects.

For transport, they fold over the part
ball receiver. Folded and fixed by closures (9),
this case is easily transportable thanks to its lightness.

A handle (10) positioned on one of the sides fa
ci lite transport. The step (7) is placed on the par
tie possessing the ball in order to protect it, it should be aus
if incorporated in this case.

Figure 2 shows the first box (1! Of the dis
positive folded and firm.

The second box (11) of the same thickness as the
first case (1) is made just like the latter, of
the same material as well as the same upper surface. Se
lon a variant, the poitier can exceed in height of cha
sides of the playable area so that the ball (5)
sort of his play area. The second box (11) is attached
che by slides (12) or hooks to one or more first box (1) or, to one or more boxes of the same
type. According to a variant, the second box (11) has
on one of its two ends, a movable part (25) of
triangular shape, allowing it to be positioned obliquely
lie to another box. Interlocking with each other in different
layout possibilities, they will allow to increase
ment the total surface of the device. On the upper part
laughter of the second case (11) appears a hole (13), one of which
movable cover (14) obstructs it. Depending on the game, the
practitioner can use this case (11) with or without a hole.

-According to a va-riantey this hole (13) can lead to the side of the
case so as to allow rapid recovery of the
ball (5).

Figure 3 shows several second boxes
(11) linked in different possibilities.

 Adjustable screws (15) placed under the surface, will modify its flatness. Obstacles (16) positioned on the surface, will allow the player to choose the difficulty of his course.

 Figure 4 shows in section of the second housing (11) of the device.

 The device uses for the first case a normal ball or a plastic training ball.

It is attached by a thread or a hook (18) to a cable (17) which crosses the surface of the box to join an internal winding system.

 The cable (17) is wound on a cylinder (19) driven by a motor (20). The tee (6) swings forward, facilitating the total clearance of the cable (17) and straightens out thanks to an electromagnet (21) acting on a metal part (24) attached to the tee (6) and maintained in place by a shim (P3). The electrical components are supplied by the mains or by batteries (22).

 When the practitioner plays the ball (5) of the device, it is stopped in its course by the cable (17) which unwinds according to the power of the blow. The ball (5) then falls back onto the ball receiving part. The player by manipulating the contactor (4) brings the ball (5) back to its initial position and can start playing again.

 Figure 5 shows in section the first housing (1) of the device.

 The practitioner can play without the tee (5) which happens to be removable. For this he unscrews the ball (5) then the tee (6), releases it from the cable (17) and finally reassembles the ball (5) on its cable (17). The second case (11) can be used with or without the first case (1) when you want to work on small strokes. In this case, the player practices as on a golf course, seeking to reach the hole (13) released from its cover, with the ball.

 The device can be improved by adding electronics. Alternatively, a dynanometer in contact with the cylinder of the winding system will define the distance to which the ball would be sent in real conditions and depending on the club used.

 According to a variant, the trajectory of the ball can be defined by a light barrier analyzing the movement of the club at the time of impact, or by a sensitive surface by contact. According to a variant, all of this information (distance, orientation) will appear on an electronic liquid crystal screen placed on the case or outside of it. According to a variant, a microprocessor can record the scores obtained by one or more players.

 The device according to the invention is particularly intended for the practice of golf.

Claims (13)

QEVENDICATI0NS  1) Device for training in ball games and more particularly in the practice of golf, characterized in that it consists of a first housing (1) and a second housing (11) partially or entirely covered by '' a synthetic grass (2), that the first housing (1) comprises two foldable protective flaps (8), of a golf ball (5) resting on a removable tee (6), connected by a cable (17 ) thus making it captive to an internal winding system consisting of a cylinder (19) driven by a motor (20) by means of a contactor (4) and an electromagnet (21) as the second case (11) has a hole (13) of which a movable cover (14) can obstruct the orifice, which it is fixed by hooks or slides (12) as well as by a movable part (25) in different positions either to another similar box, or to the first box (1) that the flatness of its surface can be modified by adjustable screws (15) and that obstacles (16) can be placed on the game surface.  2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the first housing (1) and the second housing (11) independent of use, can be combined in a single housing.  3) Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that the first case (1) and the second case (11) can receive in different positions one or more other cases, making the device infinitely modular.  4) Device according to claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the first housing (1) comprises protective flaps (8) preventing the ball (5) from leaving its field of activity.  5) Device according to claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the first housing (1) comprises electrical or electronic mechanical elements contained therein.  6) Device according to claims 1 and 5 ca acterized in that the internal winding system crosses the surface of the first housing (1) via the cable (17) which is attached to the winding cylinder (19! And the ball (5) thanks to a thread or a hook (18)  7! Device according to claims 1, 5 and 6 characterized in that the tiller (5! Attached by a cable (17) to the winding cylinder (19) driven by a motor (20), returns to its initial position upon manipulation of the contactor (4 ).  8) Device according to claims 1, 5, 6 and 7 characterized in that the tee (6) is unscrewable allowing the practitioner to play flush with the surface of the housing.  9) Device according to claims 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8 characterized in that the tee (6) tilts forward facilitating the release of the cable (17) and straightens thanks to an electromagnet (21)  10) Device according to claims 1, 2 and 3 characterized in that the second housing (11) has a hole (13) allowing the practice of putting.  11) Device according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 10 characterized in that the hole (13) can be obstructed by a movable cover (14) so as to increase, by this housing (11), the playing surface.  12) Device according to claims 1, 2, 3.10 and 11 characterized in that inside the second housing (11), adjustable screws (15) allow to modify the flatness of the playing surface.  13) Device according to claims 1, 2, 3, 103 11 and 12 characterized in that obstacles (16) of all shapes and all kinds can be positioned on the playing surface so as to complicate the course as desired. -