GB2525369A

GB2525369A - Golf practice apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2525369A
Application number: GB1403761.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Lyndon Eaton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-04
Filing date: 2014-03-04
Publication date: 2015-10-28
Also published as: GB201403761D0

Abstract

A golf practice apparatus 10 comprises: a body 12 locatable above a golf ball to be hit; the body 12 includes a player viewing arrangement 30 and a ball viewing arrangement; a golf ball 38 is viewable by the player via the viewing arrangements; the player viewing arrangement 30 and the ball viewing arrangement are mutually adjustable so that an apparent 40 position of golf ball 38 can be adjusted relative to the actual position. The viewing arrangements preferably include mirrors 32, 36 and a carriage 34 which allows movement of one of the mirrors 36. The viewing arrangements may include a camera (86, fig 7) and a display (92, fig 7) and the carriage may be adjusted via a motor.

Description

Golf Practice Apparatus This invention concerns golf practice apparatus, and particularly but not exclusively apparatus usable by a player who is trying to improve their golf swing.

Players often wish to improve their golf swing but encounter difficulties in trying to make appropriate improvements. One feature which is important during a golf swing is for a golfer to keep their head in a central position and looking at the ball as a shot is played.

With golf irons it is generally preferable to hit the ball whilst the club is still swinging downwardly. In contrast with a wood club a shot should be played as the club begins to swing upwardly. With a hybrid golf club the ball should be hit at the bottom of the swing (TDC). Many players struggle to manage to hit a ball at an appropriate part of the swing as outlined above.

The chart provided below indicates the spine angles, ball position angles and impact angles for different clubs. The ball position angles are measured from the upper centre of the swing (T3 Vertebra) from vertical, which determines the correct distance from the ball. The impact angles are measured from TDC and face on. The standard club lie angles and club lengths are provided for reference.

CLUB SPINE BALL ANGLE IMPACT CLUB LIE CLUB

ANGLE ANGLE ANGLE LENGTH

Driver c9deg 25.0 37 4.0-6.7 ATDC 50 44-45" Driver 25.0 37 TDC-1.5 BTDC 50 44-45" cl3deg 3 Wood (Tee) 30.0 35 2.0-4.0 ATDC 56 43" 3 Wood 30.0 35 TDC 56 43" Wood 31.0 33 TDC 57 42" 1 IRON 35.0 29 0.3 BTDC 56 40.0" 2 IRON 35.5 28 0.6 BTDC 57 39.5" 3 IRON 36.0 27 1.1 BTDC 58 39.0" 4 IRON 36.5 26 1.3 BTDC 59 38.5" IRON 37.0 25 1.6 BTDC 60 38.0" 6 IRON 37.5 24 2.0 BTDC 61 37.5" 7 IRON 38.0 23 2.3 BTDC 62 37.0" 8 IRON 38.5 22 2.6 BTDC 63 36.5" 9 IRON 39.0 21 3.0 BTDC 64 36.0" P. WEDGE 39.5 20 3.3 BTDC 65 35.5" S. WEDGE 39.5 20 3.3 BTDC 65 35.5" PUTTER N/A N/A 3-8ATDC N/A N/A According to the present invention there is provided golf practice apparatus, the apparatus comprising a body locatable above a golf ball to be hit by a player with a golf club, a player viewing arrangement and a ball viewing arrangement are provided on the body, which arrangements permit the golf ball to be viewed by the player through the apparatus, the apparatus being configured such that in combination the player viewing arrangement and ball viewing arrangement can be mutually adjusted such that the apparent position to the player of the ball as viewed through the apparatus is varied relative to the actual position of the ball.

The player viewing arrangement and ball viewing arrangement may be selectively movable relative to each other to adjust the apparent position to the player of the ball as viewed through the apparatus.

The body may include a carriage which mounts a one of the player viewing arrangement or ball viewing arrangement, and is movable relative to the remainder of the body. The carriage may be slidably movable relative to the remainder of the body.

The carriage may be selectively movable by a motor, which motor may drive any of a belt, tooth belt, gear, worm gear, rack and pinion, or wheel.

Remote control means may be provided for the motor, and the remote control means may provide an indication of the relative position of the carriage.

The remote control means may also store and display data relating for instance to individual golf players and their strokes.

Alternatively or in addition, the carriage may be manually movable relative to the remainder of the body.

A sight tube may be provided on the outside of the body down which a user can look through, to correctly orientate the apparatus prior to mutual adjustment of the player viewing and ball viewing arrangements.

A spirit level may be provided on the housing to permit correct alignment thereof.

The body may be configured such that a player using the apparatus can't directly see the actual golf ball.

A visual indication means may be provided on the body to indicate the position of the carriage, and the visual indication means may comprise a window in the body through which a part of the carriage is visible.

Alternatively a magnet may be provided on the carriage which moves a marker on the outside of the body.

The player viewing arrangement may include a tube down which a player looks to see the ball through the apparatus.

The player viewing arrangement tube may be selectively removable from the body, and a plurality of interchangeable tubes may be provided, which tubes may be of different lengths.

In one embodiment the player viewing arrangement includes a reflector which receives an image from the ball viewing arrangement and directs the image towards a player.

The player viewing arrangement may include three reflectors for receiving and directing an image of the ball from the ball viewing arrangement.

The player viewing arrangement may be mounted on the carriage so as to be movable relative to the remainder of the body.

The ball viewing arrangement may include a reflector for directing an image of the ball to the player viewing arrangement.

The ball viewing arrangement may be mounted on the carriage so as to be movable relative to the remainder of the body.

Some or all of the reflectors may comprise mirrors.

Some or all of the reflectors may deflect an image through substantially 900.

An indicator may be provided to indicate where a ball should be placed relative to the body to be played.

The indicator may provide a visual indication on the ground as to where a ball should be placed, and the indicator may include one or more lasers.

In one configuration the visual indication from the indicator may be directed by one or more of the reflectors in the player viewing arrangement and/or ball viewing arrangement onto the ground. The indicator may be mounted on the carriage.

A laser may be provided on the apparatus directable at a target for a golf ball to be hit at by a player, such that the apparatus can be correctly aligned relative to the target.

One or more lasers may be provided on the apparatus directable onto the ground to indicate where a player should locate their feet when taking a shot.

In a further embodiment the ball viewing arrangement includes a camera, and the player viewing arrangement includes a screen. The screen may be an LCD screen.

The camera may use a CMOS or CCD sensor. The camera may be mounted on the carriage with the screen mounted on the remainder of the body.

The apparatus may be arranged such that the image of a golf ball seen by a player through the apparatus can be selectively rotated relative to the actual orientation of the golf ball. A rotatable tube may be provided within the player viewing arrangement to permit rotation of the ball image.

In one embodiment the or a part of the camera may be selectively movable to tilt and/or rotate the apparent position of the ball. A servo motor controlled device for selectively tilting and/or rotating the camera sensor may be provided.

The apparatus may include a ground engageable mounting arrangement for mounting the body in a required position. The mounting arrangement may include a ground engageable base with a first frame part extending upwardly therefrom and at an inclination relative thereto such that the body is not mounted directly above the base.

The body may be adjustably mounted on the first frame part.

The mounting arrangement may include a counter balance member, which counter balance member may be mounted to the base by a second frame part, which second frame part extends upwardly and at an at least generally opposite inclination to the base relative to the first frame part.

The base and/or counter balance member may be hollow and may be fillable with a liquid or other flowable material.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view from above of a first golf practice apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of part of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic cross sectional side view of the part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view from behind of part of a second golf practice apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the part shown in Fig. 4, shown in operation; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of part of a third golf practice apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the part of the third apparatus shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic side view of apparatus according to the invention in use; Fig. 9 is a schematic view from above of the apparatus of Fig. 8 in use; and Fig. 10 is a similar view to Fig. 8 of modified apparatus according to the invention in use.

Figs. 1 to 3 show a first golf practice apparatus 10 suitable for practising a golfer's swing. The apparatus comprises a body 12 mounted on a mounting arrangement 14. The mounting arrangement 14 comprises a hollow semi circular cross section base 16 which can be filled with water or another liquid or flowable material to act as ballast. A cranked first elongate frame part 18 extends upwardly and to the right as shown in Fig. 1 and adjustably mounts the body 12 at the upper end thereof. The first frame part 18 may include a quick release arrangement 20 to enable the apparatus 10 to be readily dismantled.

A pair of second frame parts 22 extend upwardly from the base 16 and at an opposite inclination to the first frame part 18. The second frame parts 22 extend for a shorter distance to the first frame part 18, and mount extending between their upper ends a hollow counter balance member 24 which again can be filled with water or other ballast material.

Fig. 2 shows the body 12 with a main cylindrical part 26 with selectively removable end caps 28 on each end thereof. A hollow tube 30 extends upwardly from the main part 26, forming part of a player viewing arrangement.

Fig. 3 diagrammatically shows that an inclined mirror 32 is provided at a lower end of the tube 30 to direct images thereto through 9Qo A carriage 34 is provided longitudinally slidably movable within the body main part 26. The carriage 34 can be slidably movable for instance by a projection extending through a slot in the main part 26, and/or can be selectively moved by a motor driving for instance a rack and pinion, belt, geared belt, gear, worm gear or other similar arrangements. The carriage 34 mounts a second mirror 36 parallel to the first mirror 32. The mirrors 32, 36 are movable towards or away from each other, and are aligned so as to direct images therebetween and respectively turn the images through 9Qo A golf ball 38 is shown in Figs. I and 3. An image 40 of the golf ball 38 is directed up to a player looking through the tube 30, as indicated in Fig. 3.

This image 40 will suggest that the golf ball 38 is actually at the location indicated in Fig. 3.

Accordingly a player trying to hit the golf ball 38 when using the apparatus 10 will in fact aim to hit a golf ball at the location 40. This can be used to provide the feel for instance to a player's muscles and stance of hitting a ball in a correct part of their swing when they have been tempted to swing as if the ball was located at the position 40. The apparent position 40 of the golf ball 38 can be varied by moving the carriage 34 and hence second mirror 36. A laser or light can be shone down the tube 30, or for instance through the first mirror 32, to indicate on the ground where the golf ball 38 should be located, as will be hereinafter described in relation to other embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 8 shows a player 39 using an apparatus 11 which is generally similar to the apparatus 10, and corresponding reference numerals have been used. The player 39 is swinging a club 41. The player 39 is looking down the tube 30 to see the image of a golf ball 38 which appears to be at the location 40. This arrangement is shown schematically in Fig. 9 such that the player 39 thinking the ball is at 40 will hit the ball 38 on the downward part of his swing as is preferable for instance with an iron shot.

A sight tube 31 is provided on the body 12 adjacent to the tube 30.

The sight tube 31 can be used to line up the apparatus 11 with for instance the golf ball 38, the golf ball 38 prior to adjustment of the apparatus to move the image.

Figs. 4 and 5 show a second practice apparatus 50 which is similar in many respects to the first apparatus 10. Again a body 52 is provided, and a mounting 54 is provided on the body 52 to permit mounting to a similar arrangement 14 as shown with the first apparatus 10. A player viewing arrangement tube 56 is provided mounted in a housing 57 above a main part of the body 52.

A first mirror 62 is again provided immediately below the tube 56, and this directs images to a pair of mirrors 64 arranged perpendicularly to each other and facing towards the first mirror 62 such that an image is turned through 180° to pass back towards and below the first mirror 62. A second mirror 66 is provided on a carriage 58 slidably movable in the main part 60.

Fig. 5 shows the mirror 66 located to the right hand side as shown relative to the tube 56. This means that whilst the ball is located at 70 as shown, it will appear to a user to be located at 68. This arrangement means that by movement of the carriage 58 an image 68 of the golf ball 70 can be provided as shown in Fig. 5 to the left or right of the actual golf ball 70.

The mirror 62 is mounted on a further tube (not shown) which is a sliding fit in the housing 57. The further tube has a hole in it corresponding to the tube 56. When the further tube is rotated by for instance the lever 59 shown in Fig. 4, the image seen by a player can be tilted.

A ball position indicator 72 is provided in the form of a laser module 74 located immediately behind the first mirror 62 adjacent a part of the mirror 62 with the backing removed, such that the laser beam from the module 74 is directed onto the pair of mirrors 64, onto the second mirror 66 and onto the ground to provide a visual indication as to where the ball 70 should be located on the ground.

The apparatus 50 can be used in a similar manner to the apparatus 10, as indicated permitting an image to be provided to either side of the location of the actual golf ball 70. The laser module 74 provides a clear indication as to where the golf ball 70 should be located.

The carriage 58 can be driven by a motor (not shown) as indicated above and/or manually moved relative to the main part 60 of the body 52. An indication may be provided on the outside of the body 52 as to the relative position of the carriage 58 and hence position of the image 68. This could be provided by a window in the body 52 or carriage 58, with a marker in the other illustrating the relative position. Alternatively a magnet may be provided on the carriage 58 which makes a marker move on the outside of the body 52.

In some instances the apparatus may be controlled remotely, using a remote controller, which controller can also indicate the relative position of the carriage, and therefore whether the image 68 of the golf ball is actually in front of, or behind the golf ball 70, or aligned therewith. With the remote controller in particular, a trainer could set the apparatus without a player knowing the relative positions, thereby allowing the player to feel for instance a correct shot without knowing the precise position of the ball. The player could then learn the feel of a correct shot, and then learn the correct relative position of the ball to achieve such a correct shot.

The remote controller may also include a multi-data computer useable to store and display information relating for instance to particular users and their golf strokes, and will permit such data to be input.

Figs. 6 and 7 show a third apparatus 80 which again could be mounted on a similar mounting arrangement 14, and a mounting 82 is provided on a body 84. In this instance rather than using mirrors, a camera 86 using a CMOS or CCD sensor is mounted on a carriage 88 movable relative to a main part 90 of the body 84, and an opening 91 is provided extending across a lower part of the main part 90. A flexible cover or material may be provided on either side of the carriage 88 to close the opening 91 in the lower part of the body either side of the carriage 88.

The camera 86 can be rotated and/or tilted on the carriage 88 to vary the image seen by a user. Rotating the image gives a player the impression that the face of the club head is different, i.e. open or closed, relative to what is actually the case. This will mean that the user will automatically change the position of the club head to compensate. This can be particularly useful for a player who tends to slice or hook their shots.

Tilting the image gives the impression that the golf ball is either further away or nearer, and can be used to make a player hit the ball towards the heel or toe of the golf club.

The rotation and tilting of the camera 86, and sliding of the carriage 88 can be driven by servos which are controlled by digital proportional radio controlled system with a multi-data computerised display to accurately indicate the position orientation and image size of the apparent golf ball being seen by a user.

An LCD monitor 92 is provided at a lower end of a viewing arrangement tube 94 to receive an image from the camera 86 to be viewed by a player. The camera 86 would typically magnify the image taken by around 3 to 5 times to provide an appropriate sized image on the monitor 92. A white LED light 96 is provided on the carriage 88 to illuminate a ball.

A laser 98 is provided on the carriage 88 to give an indication as to where a ball should be located. A first position of a laser switch 100 is shown in Fig. 6 on an end cap, whilst a second position 102 for a laser switch is shown in Fig. 7. An on/off switch 104 is illustrated in Fig. 7, and a control switch 106 is shown in Figs. 6 and 7 for controlling movement of the carriage 88 and hence camera 86. Again if required a remote controller could be provided for controlling movement of the carriage 88, and also operation of the laser 98.

Located within the body main part 90 at each end thereof are micro switches 108 to limit maximum movement in either direction of the carriage 88. A battery pack 110 is also shown, which could be rechargeable if required. A rotatable monitor tube 112 is located within the tube 94 to permit the image shown on the monitor 92 to be rotated relative to the actual orientation of a ball.

Fig. 10 shows a similar view to Fig. 8 with a player 39 using an apparatus 13 which is generally similar to the apparatus 10 and 11. In this instance a target laser 120 is provided on the body 12 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the body 12. The target laser 120 and hence apparatus 13, can be aligned with a target 122 which in this instance is shown as a golf flag. The target laser 120 enables the apparatus 13 to be correctly aligned relative to the target 122.

A pair of stance lasers 124 are also provided on the underside of the body 12 aligned downwardly and towards the player 39. The stance lasers 124 indicate where the player 39 should place their feet to play a correct shot.

There are thus described golf practice apparatus which permit a player to see a golf ball image which can be adjusted so as to not actually correspond to the location of a ball to be hit. As indicated this can be very useful in training a person in hitting a ball in the correct part of their swing. If required the apparatus may be remotely controlled by for instance a trainer enabling a person to learn the feel of correct shots without knowing at the time precisely the shot they are playing.

It is to be realised that any combination of the above features can be used, and a wide range of other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance movement of the carriage may be achieved in a different manner. A different indication of the relative position and/or orientation of the carriage may be provided. A spirit level could be provided on the apparatus to ensure a correct alignment is made upon set up.

A different number of reflectors may be used. A plurality of lasers may be used to clearly locate the correct locations for a ball to be placed. Different control arrangements may be provided for the apparatus. The body may take a different form and may be adjustable in different ways, as it is important to ensure that the apparatus is pointing at a user such that the user maintains a correct stance during use.

The hollow tube provided on the body down which a player looks may be removably mounted on the body, and a plurality of different tubes may be provided interchangeably mountable on the body. Tubes of for instance different lengths may be provided such that a shorter tube shows more of the image of the ball and could be more suitable for a player who tends to have excessive head movement.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

Claims 1. Golf practice apparatus, the apparatus comprising a body locatable above a golf ball to be hit by a player with a golf club, a player viewing arrangement and a ball viewing arrangement are provided on the body, which arrangements permit the golf ball to be viewed by the player through the apparatus, the apparatus being configured such that in combination the player viewing arrangement and ball viewing arrangement can be mutually adjusted such that the apparent position to the player of the ball as viewed through the apparatus is varied relative to the actual position of the ball.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the player viewing arrangement and ball viewing arrangement are selectively movable relative to LU each other to adjust the apparent position to the player of the ball as viewed -15 through the apparatus. (4

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3. Apparatus according to claim 2, in which the body includes a carriage (.0 which mounts a one of the player viewing arrangement or ball viewing ("4 arrangement, and is movable relative to the remainder of the body.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which the carriage is slidably movable relative to the remainder of the body.
5. Apparatus according to claims 3 or 4, in which the carriage is selectively movable by a motor.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, in which the motor drives any of a belt, tooth belt, gear, worm gear, rack and pinion, or wheel.
7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, in which remote control means are provided for the motor.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, in which the remote control means provide an indication of the relative position of the carriage.
9. Apparatus according to claims 7 or 8, in which the remote control means stores and displays data relating for instance to individual golf players and their strokes.
10. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 9, in which the carriage is manually movable relative to the remainder of the body.
11. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 10, in which a visual indication means is provided on the body to indicate the position of the carriage. IC)

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12. Apparatus according to claim 11, in which the visual indication means comprises a window in the body through which a part of the carriage is visible.

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13. Apparatus according to claim 11, in which a magnet is provided on the C'1 carriage which moves a marker on the outside of the body.
14. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which a sight tube is provided on the outside of the body down which a user can look through, to correctly orientate the apparatus prior to mutual adjustment of the player viewing and ball viewing arrangements.
15. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which a spirit level is provided on the housing to permit correct alignment thereof.
16. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the body is configured such that a player using the apparatus can't directly see the actual golf ball.
17. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the player viewing arrangement includes a tube down which a player looks to see the ball through the apparatus.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, in which the player viewing arrangement tube is selectively removable from the body.
19. Apparatus according to claim 18, in which a plurality of interchangeable tubes are provided.
20. Apparatus according to claim 19, in which the interchangeable tubes are of different lengths.
21. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the player -15 viewing arrangement includes a reflector which receives an image from the ball viewing arrangement and directs the image towards a player.

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22. Apparatus according to claim 21, in which the player viewing arrangement includes three reflectors for receiving and directing an image of the ball from the ball viewing arrangement.
23. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the ball viewing arrangement includes a reflector for directing an image of the ball to the player viewing arrangement.
24. Apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 23, in which some or all of the reflectors comprise mirrors.
25. Apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 24, in which some or all of the reflectors deflect an image through substantially 90°.
26. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 20, in which the ball viewing arrangement includes a camera, and the player viewing arrangement includes a screen.
27. Apparatus according to claim 26, in which the screen is an LCD screen.
28. Apparatus according to claims 26 or 27, in which the camera uses a CMOS or CCD sensor.
29. Apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 28 when dependent on claim 3, in which the camera is mounted on the carriage with the screen mounted on the remainder of the body. IC)

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30. Apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 29, in which the or a part of the camera is selectively movable to tilt and/or rotate the apparent position of 0 the ball. (0

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31. Apparatus according to claim 30, in which a servo motor controlled device for selectively tilting and/or rotating the camera sensor is provided.
32. Apparatus according to claim 3 or any of claims 4 to 31 when dependent on claim 3, in which the player viewing arrangement is mounted on the carriage so as to be movable relative to the remainder of the body.
33. Apparatus according to claim 3 or any of claims 4 to 32 when dependent on claim 3, in which the ball viewing arrangement is mounted on the carriage so as to be movable relative to the remainder of the body.
34. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which an indicator is provided to indicate where a ball should be placed relative to the body to be played.
35. Apparatus according to 34, in which the indicator provides a visual indication on the ground as to where a ball should be placed.
36. Apparatus according to claim 35, in which the indicator includes one or more lasers.
37. Apparatus according to any of claims 34 to 36 when dependent on any of claims 21 to 25, in which the visual indication from the indicator is directed by one or more of the reflectors in the player viewing arrangement and/or ball viewing arrangement onto the ground.
38. Apparatus according to claim 37 when dependent on claim 3, in which LU the indicator is mounted on the carriage. *-15

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39. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which a laser is O provided on the apparatus directable at a target for a golf ball to be hit at by a (Q player, such that the apparatus can be correctly aligned relative to the target. (4
40. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which one or more lasers are provided on the apparatus directable onto the ground to indicate where a player should locate their feet when taking a shot.
41. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus is arranged such that the image of a golf ball seen by a player through the apparatus can be selectively rotated relative to the actual orientation of the golf ball.
42. Apparatus according to claim 41, in which a rotatable tube is provided within the player viewing arrangement to permit rotation of the ball image.
43. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims] in which the apparatus includes a ground engageable mounting arrangement for mounting the body in a required position.
44. Apparatus according to claim 43, in which the mounting arrangement includes a ground engageable base with a first frame part extending upwardly therefrom and at an inclination relative thereto such that the body is not mounted directly above the base.
45. Apparatus according to claim 44, in which the body is adjustably mounted on the first frame part.
46. Apparatus according to any of claims 43 to 45, in which the mounting LU arrangement includes a counter balance member. *-15
47. Apparatus according to claim 46, in which the counter balance member 0 is mounted to the base by a second frame part. (0

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48. Apparatus according to any of claims 44 to 47, in which the base and/or counter balance member are hollow.
49. Apparatus according to claim 48, in which the base and/or counter balance member are fillable with a liquid or other flowable material.
50. Golf practice apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
51. Golf practice apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.
52. Golf practice apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figs. 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings.
53. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims. IC) (4 (0