FR2718974A1 - Golf practice device with automatic tee and ball positioning - Google Patents

Abstract

The device includes inserting a coin into a slot (43) to release balls from a store (14) positioned under a seat (13). The seat is located on a preferably rectangular base (11) which is partly covered by a mat (16). A smaller mat (17) is inset into the far end of the mat for additional strength against blows from the club. Each ball falls into a selection box and rolls down an inclined plane to the top of the tee, which can be adjusted in height using a hand lever. One ball at a time is released by operation of a pedal under the main mat.

Description

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  The present invention essentially relates to a device for

  training to practice golf.

  Currently golf courses, practice practices for golf practice only have rubber mats in which a brush mat is inserted, all placed on the ground, to position its

  ball on the mat the golfer must lower and get up.

  In addition, for the purchase of tokens the golfer must leave the driving range to go to the clubhouse, often located at a considerable distance. This avoids maximum profitability of the practice. Raised and adjustable positioning of the ball is excluded. No seat, close to the place of practice is available. This constitutes serious disadvantages for the profitability of

  the company and also the comfort of the practitioner.

  The present invention therefore aims to solve the new technical problem of providing a device for training to

  playing golf to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks.

  Thus the present invention provides a device for the practice of golf, comprising a basic body, a built-in mat, a reserve of balls, a magazine for quantitative selection of ball, a chute, a mechanism authorizing the stopping of the rolling of the ball on the tee, an adjustable tee in high or low position or in positions

  intermediaries and controls operated by the golfer.

  According to a particular embodiment, the base platform is preferably of substantially rectangular shape, at one of its ends is fixed a trunk forming the main reserve of golf balls, with this said trunk is also molded a rest seat. The volume of the reserve is sufficient to accept the autonomy of a day of operation. Under the reference action of a token, the coin-dispenser releases a stop finger and allows a determined number of balls to be rolled in the store

quantitative selection.

  Under the main reserve of golf balls is fixed a quantitative selection store, allowing the golfer to select a determined number of balls. Said balls are released one by one under the action of a pedal located under the mat of the device. A ball thus released falls into a downspout forming a gutter presenting

  a slope carefully studied, and rolls up to the top of the tee.

  -2- At the base and on the lower side of the downspout, there is mounted a device allowing the rolling ball to rise and stabilize at the top of the tee. Said device is itself preferably composed of a linkage forming a "fork" with two branches, articulated in its axis and driven by a pedal. On the two branches of this fork is disposed the end of rolling guide itself animated by the linkage and the pedal. Said guide is semi-circular in shape at one end, with a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of a golf ball. This circular side is extended by two bearing flanges, of a

  spacing substantially equal to that of the diameter of the downspout.

  On the rolling surface of these edges is applied a grainy abrasive material preventing the skid of the ball during the

  climb. On the outer side of these edges are adapted lugs, themselves

  same axes crossed by two axes ensuring the vertical sliding of the climb guide. To animate the ascent and descent of this guide, it is also fixed on the outer side two pins, themselves articulated and crossed by the two branches of the fork. A linkage system is fitted to the pedal arm, which, under the action of the golfer's foot, releases a ball from the quantitative selection store. This action

  the foot also drives the bearing guide uphill.

  This description makes it easy to understand that the ball coming

  of the downspout, by its inertia is propelled on the bearing guide, and falls at the top of the tee. When the pedal is released, the rolling guide descends and lets the ball appear

  position to be hit by the golfer.

  Inside the semi-circular part of the rolling guide is preferably fixed to the base of the box, a cylindrical tee, of diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of a ball and preferably molded in synthetic material allowing the absorption of many violent shocks. Said tee is screwed onto a spring, itself actuated preferably by a

  cable, itself actuated by the tee height adjustment lever,

  even fixed on the reserve column. It is thus easy to understand that the golfer intervening on the adjustment lever, the tee is positioned at the desired height under the action of the spring. At the base of the synthetic part of the tee, a metal part is inserted allowing to fix

  and to remove, in the event of wear or other, the said tee.

  3 - Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear

  clearly in light of the following explanatory description made in

  reference to the appended requirements representing a currently preferred embodiment of the invention given simply by way of illustration and which in no way limits the scope of the invention. In the drawings: - Figure 1 is a schematic overview of the embodiment currently preferred to the device for training in the practice of

  golf. According to the invention in the preferred application as a golf practice.

  - Figures 2 and 3 are a side view and sectional view of the platform

  body and reserve trunk, seat, controls and base box.

  - Figures 4 and 5 are a sectional view from above of the magazine

quantitative selection.

  - Figures 6 and 7 are a sectional view and a side view of the

downspout.

  - Figure 8 is a sectional view from above of the mechanism of the guide

  end of climb bearing and pedal mechanism.

  - Figures 9 and 10 are a sectional view of the ball lifting mechanism 1) pedal in support 2) pedal released - Figures 11 and 12 are a sectional view of the tee mechanism 1) in the high position 2) in the position bass With reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, a device for training in the practice of golf according to the invention is represented by the general reference number 10. This device is here represented in an embodiment

  particularly suitable, but it can take a new form.

  This device for training in the practice of golf comprises a coin mechanism (43) allowing a golf ball to come out of a reserve (14) and fall into a quantitative selection store (FIGS. 4 and 5), and by its inertia, to roll in a downspout having a judiciously studied slope (Fig. 6 and 7), and to stabilize, using a pedal (20) and an end of roll guide (Fig. 9 and 10), at the top of a

  tee (Fig. 11 and 12). This tee itself is adjustable in height.

  4- According to the invention, this device comprises a base platform (11) on which is arranged a seat (13) forming a reserve of balls (14). A number of bales determined by the coin mechanism - distributor (21) falls into a magazine (Fig. 4/5). Released by unit, under the action of the pedal (20), a ball rolls up to the top of the end-of-roll guide (Fig. 9/10). The said guide disappearing again under the action of the pedal, reveals the ball positioned on the tee (Fig. 11/12), itself adjustable in height by

  via a lever (43).

  Device characterized in that it comprises a basic body (11) a trunk with hinged cover (12) a molded seat (13) on the side and around which is arranged a main bale reserve (14) a quantitative selection store ( 3/7) a downspout (4/7) an end of roll guide (5/7 and 6/7) and a tee (7/7) adjustable from the high position to the

low position.

  Device characterized in that on the base body (11) and preferably rectangular in shape (Fig. 2) on part of its surface is fixed the trunk and the incorporated seat (13/14) on the surface of the base (11) adjusts, and inside the perimeter of the bevelled sides (15), a mat (16) covering a part of the upper base of the device. In one end of said mat is inserted a second mat (17) of preferably rectangular shape and of substantially smaller dimension, than those of the mat covering the base, this mat allows violent shocks and

repeated from the golf club.

  At a defined location is cut in this second carpet an orifice (18) at a

  another chosen location (19) is placed at the top of the pedal (20).

  Device characterized in that a main reserve (14) of balls is preferably arranged around and alongside the rest seat (13). The said reserve is of sufficient volume to accept an autonomy of one day of play. Its base and its periphery are of inclined plane. At one end of its base is pierced an orifice of diameter substantially greater than the diameter of a golf ball. This orifice is closed by the finger actuated by the coin mechanism - distributor (22). The mechanism closing the orifice is fixed on

  the upper part of the quantitative selection magazine (Fig. 4/5).

  The opening of the released orifice, a selected quantity of bullets, falls

  in the quantitative selection store.

  -5- Device characterized in that a quantitative selection store is fixed under the main reserve. This quantitative magazine (Fig. 4/5) is preferably semi-circular in shape at one end, this so-called shape is extended by wings, respecting an inclined plane allowing the descent of the balls. The storage portion (24) has a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of a golf ball, thereby forming a gutter. At the highest end of the selection magazine, a shutter finger (22) is itself actuated by the coin-operated distributor (22) under the impulse of a token. At the lower end of said store is an orifice (23) with a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of a bale, this said orifice is closed by a finger (28) itself actuated by the movement of the pedal (25) (Fig.8 / 9/10) releasing the bales from the quantitative selection magazine per unit. This opening and closing of the finger is preferably animated by a cable fixed on the arm of the

  pedal (Fig. 8/9/10 - (45)). The length of the arm of this so-called pedal is tra-

  poured at a point defined by an axis (26) allowing the end-of-roll guide

  also describe an upward movement under pressure from the golfer's foot

  and descend by its own weight when the foot is released.

  Again, the length of the pedal arm (27) is determined by the gap between the pedal fulcrum and the end

  opposite the end of roll guide when it is in the low position.

  Its section is preferably circular with a diameter sufficient to

bear the effort.

  Device characterized in that under the lowest end of the quantitative selection magazine (23) is arranged a downspout (Fig. 6) itself formed by an inclined plane. This so-called chute appears in two opposite parts, of identical shape which interconnected advantageously define sectional view (Fig. 7) preferably a chute, of substantially semicircular shape with a diameter less than the diameter of a bale. of golf, the judiciously defined inclined plane, allows the ball to roll at a sufficient rolling speed to force it to

roll at the top of the tee (9/10).

  Device characterized in that at the lower end of the downspout is fitted an end-of-roll guide (9/10). This said end-of-roll guide is of substantially semi-circular shape at a

  end, of a diameter of a golf ball, and empty in its center.

  The opposite end to the semicircular shape is formed by two edges, of inclined plane (29), spaced apart by a distance substantially less than the diameter of a golf ball on the surface of these said edges is applied or encrusted preferably a grainy material

  abrasive type, preventing the ball from slipping during the ascent.

  On each side of the guide, are arranged pins (30), movable, crossed by the branches of the fork (27). This said fork is of a spacing substantially greater than the diameter of the end-of-roll guide. At a defined location, between the pedal and the guide, is fixed an axis (26) allowing the fork to a lever movement, from bottom to top. The top of the end-of-roll guide, and in its semi-circular part, substantially forms a funnel which at its highest part is of diameter substantially greater than the diameter of a golf ball and at its lowest part, substantially smaller than the diameter of a golf ball. Said part being hollow, it allows the passage of the tee. On each side of the bearing guide is fixed a lug (32), crossed by an axis (33) itself secured to the base of the bodywork. This axis allows to guide the

  up and down trajectory of the end of roll guide.

  Device characterized in that inside the half-part

  circular of the bearing guide appears a tee (Fig. 11/12) preferably of cylindrical shape, of a height sufficient to touch the surface of the mat when the pedal is released, and of a diameter substantially less than the diameter of a golf ball. At its base (34) is formed a tip (35), itself having at its base a threaded lug (36), which can be screwed into a support (37). Said support is itself crossed by an axis (38) holding the tee in its up or down position. The axis of

  support is integral with a base (39) itself fixed on the box (44).

  Between the end of the tee and the base, a spring (41) is arranged, a lever (43) intervenes, allowing the tee to move in a high position.

  and intermediate positions defined by the golfer.

  Device characterized in that it is a device for training in the practice of golf and that it may include means

  self-propelled preferably electric.

  Device characterized in that the coin mechanism - dispenser may include supply means preferably chip card or card

magnetic.

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Claims (10)

  1. Device for training in the practice of golf, comprising means for automatic positioning of the tee and automatic positioning of the ball on the tee, characterized in that it comprises a basic bodywork (11), a chest with hinged cover (12), a molded seat (13) on the side and around which a main bale reserve (14) is fitted, a quantitative selection magazine, a downspout, a end of rolling guide (31) and a tee, adjustable from the high position to the low position (21). 2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that, on the basic body (11) of preferably rectangular shape and on a part of its surface is fixed the trunk and the incorporated seat. (13) On the surface of the base (11) is adjusted, and, inside a part of the perimeter of the beveled sides (15) a mat (16) covering a part of the upper base of the device. In one end of said mat (16), a second mat (17) is inserted, preferably rectangular in shape and of dimensions substantially smaller than those of the mat covering the base, this mat allows violent and repeated shocks from the golf club. . At a defined location is cut in this second carpet (17) an orifice (18). Has a   another chosen location is placed at the top of the pedal (20).   3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims   characterized in that a main bale reserve (14) is preferably arranged around and at the sides of the rest seat (13). The said reserve is of sufficient volume to accept an autonomy of one day of play. Its base and its periphery are of inclined plane. At one end of its base is pierced an orifice of diameter substantially greater than the diameter of a bullet   golf. This orifice is closed by a finger (22) actuated by the coin mechanism   distributor (43), the mechanism closing the orifice releases a selected quantity of bales which thus fall into the quantitative selection magazine.   4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,   characterized in that a quantitative selection magazine is fixed under the main - t - reserve (14). This quantitative magazine is preferably semi-circular in shape at one end, this so-called shape is extended by wings, respecting an inclined plane, authorizing the descent of the balls. The storage portion is of a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of a golf ball, thus forming a gutter. At the end   higher of the selection magazine is fixed a shutter finger (22) itself   even actuated, (preferably by a token), by the coin mechanism   distributor (43). At the lowest end of said store is an orifice (23) with a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of a golf ball, this said orifice (23) is closed by a finger (28), itself actuated by the movement of the pedal (20) thus releasing the balls from the quantitative selection magazine, per unit. This opening and closing of the finger is preferably animated by a cable fixed on the pedal arm. The length of the arm of this so-called pedal is crossed, at a defined point, by an axis (26) allowing the end-of-roll guide (31) to describe an upward movement, under the pressure of the golfer's foot on the pedal, and go down   by its own weight, when the foot is released.   Again, the length of the arm (27) of the pedal (20) is determined by the interval formed between the fulcrum and the opposite end of the end-of-roll guide when the latter is in the low position. Its section is   preferably circular with a diameter sufficient to support the effort.   5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims   characterized in that under the lower end of the quantitative selection store is disposed a downspout itself formed in an inclined plane. This said chute appears in two opposite parts, of identical shape which interconnected advantageously define a sectional view preferably a chute of substantially semi-circular shape with a diameter less than a golf ball. The inclined plane, judiciously defined, allows the ball to roll at a sufficient rolling speed   to force it to roll to the top of the tee.   6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims   characterized in that an end-of-roll guide (31) is arranged at the lowest end of the downspout. Said end-of-roll guide is of substantially semicircular shape at one end (31), of a diameter greater than the diameter of a golf ball, and empty in its center. The opposite end to the semicircular shape is formed by two edges (29) of inclined plane, spaced apart by a distance substantially less than the diameter of a golf ball. On the surface of these said flanges (29 is preferably applied or embedded a grainy abrasive material, advantageously preventing the slippage of the ball during the rise. On each side of the guide, are arranged movable pins (30), crossed by the branches of the fork (27). Said fork is of a spacing substantially greater than the diameter of the end-of-roll guide (31). At a defined location, between a pedal and the guide, is fixed an axis (26) allowing the fork to lever movement, from bottom to top. The top of the end-of-roll guide (31) and its semi-circular part form substantially and preferably a funnel, which at its highest part is of substantially diameter greater than the diameter of a golf ball and its lowest part, appreciably less than the diameter of a golf ball, said part being hollow, it allows the passage of the tee on each side of the end of roll guide (31) is fixed a lug (32) crossed by an axis (33) itself integral with the base of the bodywork casing (44). This axis allows to guide the climb slope and   lowering of the end-of-roll guide.   7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims   characterized in that inside the semi-circular part of the end-of-roll guide appears a tee, preferably of cylindrical shape, hollow in its center, with a diameter substantially less than the diameter of a golf ball, and molded in an advantageously elastic material, preferably rubber. At its base (34) is shaped, a tip (35), itself having at its base a threaded lug (36) which can be screwed into a support (37). Said support is itself crossed by an axis (38), maintaining the tee in its up or down position. The axis of the support is integral with a base (39) itself fixed on the box (44). Between the end of the tee and the base (44) is disposed a spring (41). A lever (21) allows the tee to move from the high position to the positions   intermediaries defined by the golfer.   8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in that   that a body of form judiciously studied protects and supports the said device. Said bodywork is preferably molded in material - 10 - synthetic.   9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims   characterized in that it is a device for training in the practice of golf and that it may include self-driving means preferably of the electric type.   10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims   characterized in that the coin-operated distributor (43) may include   feeding means preferably smart card or magnetic card.