JP2011528599A - Target assembly for golf putting game - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a target assembly for receiving a golf ball comprised of a plurality of parallel golf ball receiving elongated routes. Each route has substantially the same width as the other routes, and each route comprises a plurality of individual golf ball receiving zones. A plurality of golf ball receiving routes, each having approximately the same width as the other routes, each route having an individual golf ball receiving zone, to adjust or adapt the route, and the player with the golf ball put practice device Can provide one or more integrated targets to target. The subdivision of each route and the plurality of routes form a lattice structure. By assigning different scores to different subdivisions of each route, one or substantially multiple targets can be formed. These targets can then be changed to prevent a “muscle memory” effect so as not to assist the player in obtaining a high score.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a target assembly for a golf putt game. In particular, the present invention relates to a target assembly for a golf pad game that can be used on any suitable plane, preferably a pad mat.

  There are various target assemblies for golf putt games and their assistive devices. These assemblies are roughly divided into two different types. One is a target assembly that has one target and is intended to be used by one person to improve the putt, and the other is that many players use the golf ball pad assembly at the same time, A target assembly that can be played in a graded scoring system.

  In general, target assemblies that have one target and are intended to be used by one person to improve their pat are equipped with a golf hole or golf ball capture mouse that is intended for players to put golf balls into. Yes. Usually, the apparatus is equipped with a ball return system or a kickback system using a mechanically operated plunger so as to return the golf ball to the player. This device is intended to be used by one person at a time to repeatedly practice putting techniques.

  While such devices are suitable for improving the pad technology, they are not designed to be used by more than one player at a time, and this device competes in a pad game among multiple players. It is not possible. In addition, this device can only use a simple scoring system for putting a golf ball into a hole or a capture mouse, or not to put a golf ball into a hole or a capture mouse. Not recommended to play.

  The second type of target assembly is one where multiple players can use the target assembly to play a fun competition game. In general, these target assemblies have graded scoring areas. Usually, such a scoring area is composed of a plurality of concentric circles with different diameters forming a center circle of the target and a plurality of adjacent rings around the center circle. The target center circle and each ring are assigned a specific scoring system score or value, usually the target center circle has the highest value, the outermost ring has the lowest value, and the target center circle An intermediate ring between the outermost ring and the outermost ring is assigned a lower value as the distance from the center circle of the target increases. Thus, all rings adjacent to the center circle of the target are different scoring zones. The size of the scoring zone can be changed by changing the diameter of the concentric circle and / or the center circle of the target.

  Many players can participate in the use of the target assembly by alternately putting golf balls from a predetermined location on the playing surface to a target area by grade. Each player attempts to put the golf ball at a sufficient speed or alternatively a so-called weight so that the golf ball rolls on the surface of the platform and stops at the center circle of the target. If a player puts a golf ball at a speed or load that is too fast, the golf ball will either pass through the center circle of the target and enter one of the rings, or completely exit the graded target area. In addition, the player must put the ball in a relatively straight line toward the center circle of the target. If it deviates too much from the straight line, the golf ball stops at the adjacent ring on the side of the center circle, or the golf ball completely deviates from the target area by grade. Points are awarded to each player based on the scoring zone where the golf ball has stopped. By a subsequent comparison of the accumulated points of each player and the total accumulated points between players, a fun competitive game can be played. Such a device is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,607,360 (Shiffman).

  Usually, these types of golf ball pad practice devices include a pad mat, on which a target area by grade is printed in advance, and this printed line represents a boundary line between different scoring zones. Thus, the golf ball may partially stop on the boundary between two different scoring zones and / or in two adjacent scoring zones. Thereby, the score determination during the game becomes ambiguous or uncertain.

  Furthermore, the scoring zone structure used in these golf ball putt exercise devices does not have a scoring system that can be easily adapted in that it has a center circle of the target and a plurality of adjacent concentric rings. Although you can reallocate different values to the target circle and the adjacent ring, if you reallocate one value of the adjacent ring to the highest value, the entire ring becomes this value, and there is no integrated target that the player should aim at End up. Since the highest scoring zone is a ring, the main target will be separated. Therefore, in practice, there is a restriction that the player must make the target center circle the highest target. This can be a problem as players continue to target the same target points. Therefore, after a certain period of time, the player will learn the pace and line necessary to put the golf ball into the center circle of the target by so-called “muscle memory” rather than putt technology. . Therefore, these second types of golf ball putting practice devices do not lead to a significant improvement in player putting skills.

  US Patent Publication US 3,722,889 discloses a portable golf pad apparatus. The instrument has two separate targets. Each target has 5 routes, each route has multiple score pockets, and each route's score pocket is adjacent along the length of each route, with raised bulkheads separating parallel routes Defined by boundary ramps that separate the pockets. The number of pockets for each route is different for adjacent routes, and the width of each route is also different.

  One problem with the portable golf pat apparatus disclosed in US 3,722,889 is that players repeatedly practice the same pat stroke with the portable golf pat apparatus, which is based on "muscle memory" rather than the player's true pat technique. The pad technology will be improved artificially. This is due to the fact that the target route is shaped to prevent meaningful changes to the score pattern. In particular, the central route is considerably wider than the other routes and has three pockets that allow the golf ball to rest inside. The remaining routes also differ in the number and width of pockets they contain.

  The probability of a golf ball entering one of the pockets is calculated based on certain characteristics of the structure forming the roots and pockets of different widths and lengths. These probabilities generate a certain scoring pattern as shown by references (1), (2), (3) and (5) in the US 3,722,889 figure. In US 3,722,889, each time you set up a putt device with a non-elastic cord length, the two targets are set at the same distance from each other, so the player puts the golf ball from the same predetermined distance toward the target each time It should be noted that Each of the two players stands adjacent to each of the targets, and puts on opposite targets in turns from a distance defined by a non-resilient code. In this way, the scoring system is based on mathematical probabilities, and this mathematical probability is now based on a certain target structure, so if you readjust the scoring pattern without readjusting the root or pocket structure, It becomes a scoring system without meaningless sensitivity that deviates greatly from the game.

  The scoring system disclosed in US 3,722,889 cannot be changed, and players are supposed to pat the target from the same distance each time. Therefore, according to the portable golf putting apparatus disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,722,889, the player repeatedly practices the same putting stroke, resulting in artificial improvement of the player's putting technique.

  In addition, a problem with the portable golf pad apparatus disclosed in US 3,722,889 is that the central route has a much wider width than a normal golf ball. As a result, even if the player aimed at the middle of the central route along the center line and the golf ball rolls off the line due to an inaccurate pat, the golf ball will follow the length of the central route. Sometimes it ends up in one of the pockets. Even if the putter is inaccurate, there is no penalty for the target disclosed in US 3,722,889.

  It is an object of the present invention to improve the player's putting technology while simultaneously enjoying a competitive game for a large number of players. Therefore, according to the present invention, at least one of the above problems is overcome.

  The present invention is a target assembly for receiving a golf ball comprised of a plurality of parallel golf ball receiving elongate routes, each route having substantially the same width as the other route, each route having a plurality of routes. Targeted at a target assembly comprised of individual golf ball receiving zones.

  In the following description and claims, the term “individual golf ball receiving zone” should be construed to define a zone that is designed to receive golf balls within the scoring zone, not within the scoring zone. It is. The boundary between adjacent zones is formed to place the golf ball directly into one of the multiple adjacent zones, but the golf ball is over one or more adjacent zones and / or the boundary itself. It can't stop in part. Similarly, a scoring zone is formed to place a golf ball directly into one of a plurality of adjacent zones, but the golf ball is partially over one or more adjacent zones and / or its boundaries themselves. You can't stop in.

  The advantage of providing such a target assembly is that the scoring system associated with the individual golf ball receiving zone can be adjusted or adapted to target one or more “hole in one”, such as a target that the player aims with a golf ball putting practice device. It is possible to provide an integrated target. The individual golf ball receiving zone and the plurality of routes of each route form a lattice structure. By assigning different scores to different individual golf ball receiving zones for each route, one or substantially multiple targets can be formed. Next, these target and scoring systems can be modified to avoid the "muscle memory" effect so as not to assist the player in obtaining a high score. Rather, players can improve their putting skills through different paces, lines, weights and / or speeds of putting while enjoying a fun competitive game without suffering from ambiguous scoring structures.

  In a further embodiment, each route is defined by a pair of adjacent cooperating rails that form a golf ball receiving guide track.

  In a further embodiment, adjacent routes share a common rail that is used to form guide tracks for both the adjacent routes.

  In a further embodiment, each route has its own pair of rails that are used to form a guide track for that route.

  In a further embodiment, the individual golf ball receiving zone is defined by protrusions that occur along the length of each elongate route.

  The advantage of using multiple protrusions spaced along each route to divide each route and define the boundaries between adjacent zones is that the route uses the protrusions so that individual scoring zones Is to be divided into

  In a further embodiment, the protrusions are peripheral protrusions formed around each rail.

  In a further embodiment, the peripheral protrusion is composed of a rubber ring attached along each rail.

  In a further embodiment, the peripheral protrusion is composed of a radially extending portion of the rail formed along each rail.

  In a further embodiment, the individual golf ball receiving zone is at least formed from a depression that partially develops along the length of each elongated route.

  The advantage of using the depression is that the golf ball enters the depression itself. Thus, if the depression forms an individual golf ball receiving zone, or forms part of the golf ball receiving zone along the leading or trailing portion of the rail, the depression along the length of the rail will mark the scoring zone. Used to define. In such an embodiment, considerable control of the speed or weight of the golf ball may be required.

  In a further embodiment, the recess is a peripheral groove formed around each rail.

  In a further embodiment, the recess is formed on a golf ball support surface of the golf ball receiving passage.

  In a further embodiment, each rail of the route is comprised of a plurality of serrated deflections that define a boundary between a plurality of individual golf ball receiving zones on the route.

  An advantage of using multiple serrated deflections is that the serrated deflections decelerate the golf ball in addition to forming individual golf ball receiving zones.

  In a further embodiment, each of the plurality of serrated deflections on any of the plurality of rails is coincident with the corresponding serrated deflection on each of the other rails.

  In a further embodiment, each rail of the route is comprised of vertical undulations along the rail, with each vertical undulation trough forming one of a plurality of individual golf ball receiving zones on the route. .

  The advantage of using vertical undulation is that the golf ball slows down considerably, except that the vertical undulation forms a separate golf ball receiving zone.

  In a further embodiment, each of the plurality of vertical undulations on any of the plurality of rails is coincident with a corresponding vertical undulation on each of the other rails.

  In a further embodiment, individual golf ball receiving zones are defined by changing the width of each elongate route along the length of each route using horizontal undulations along each rail.

  The advantage of using horizontal undulation is that the golf ball slows down considerably, except that the horizontal undulation forms a separate golf ball receiving zone.

  In a further embodiment, each horizontal undulation along each rail coincides with a horizontal undulation along an adjacent rail so as to form a route whose width expands and contracts along the length of each route. ing.

  In a further embodiment, horizontal undulation ensures that an increase in the width of one route coincides with a reduction in the width of the adjacent route along a rail common to adjacent routes.

  In a further embodiment, each route is defined by a pair of adjacent bulkheads that form a golf ball receiving passage.

  In a further embodiment, the individual golf ball receiving zone is defined by protrusions that occur along the length of each elongate route.

  In a further embodiment, the protrusion is formed on the golf ball support surface of the golf ball receiving passage.

  In a further embodiment, the target assembly is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are operative to indicate respective score values for individual golf ball receiving zones.

  In a further embodiment, the target assembly is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that operate to indicate which of a plurality of individual golf ball receiving zones is the center of the target.

  In a further embodiment, changing the characteristics of the LED creates a respective score value or new target center for the individual golf ball receiving zone.

  In a further embodiment, a new score value or a new target center for each individual golf ball receiving zone is arbitrarily selected.

  In a further embodiment, each LED is mounted substantially below each individual golf ball receiving zone.

  In a further embodiment, the LED is attached to the rear plate of the target assembly.

  In a further embodiment, a portion of each route is inclined.

  The advantage of tilting part of each route is that the ramp is formed so that the player must consider the ramp when aiming at the target assembly. The ramp increases the difficulty for the player, the pace of the golf ball aimed at the target assembly becomes important, and the player is forced to improve his putting technology.

  In a further embodiment, the sloped portion of each route is located at the foremost portion of the route.

  In a further embodiment, the target assembly further comprises a return groove at the rearmost portion of each route for collecting the golf ball and returning the wolf ball to the player.

  In a further embodiment, the target assembly further comprises at least one sensor for detecting a stop position of the golf ball received by the target assembly.

  In a further embodiment, the sensor transmits the golf ball stop location received by the target assembly to a scoring system comprised of a processor, memory and output equipment.

  In a further embodiment, the output device is a display.

  In a further embodiment, the output device is a light emitting diode (LED) array.

  In a further embodiment, the output device is an audio unit.

  In a further embodiment, each of the plurality of routes has a predetermined width that allows the golf ball to traverse the length of the initial route without contacting a stationary golf ball in an adjacent route.

  The present invention is directed to a putter game with an elongated mat that has a lower surface for placement on a flat support surface and an upper surface made of a fibrous material that substantially reproduces the characteristics of normal golf greens. And the target assembly according to the preceding claim is substantially disposed at one end of the top surface of the mat, and the plurality of markers are at different lengths from the target assembly at the opposite longitudinal end of the top surface of the mat. Is substantially disposed in the section.

  In a further embodiment, the plurality of markers represent different put points.

  In a further embodiment, there are a large number of nine markers on the mat.

  In a further embodiment, the target assembly can be tilted with respect to the mat to adjust the difficulty of the put game.

  An advantage of providing a target assembly that can be tilted relative to the mat is that the difficulty of the put game that includes the target assembly is adjusted by tilting the target in a direction toward or away from the player.

  The present invention is further directed to a target assembly for receiving a golf ball comprised of a plurality of individual golf ball receiving zones and comprising an elongated route having a width that is relatively smaller than the diameter of a normal golf ball.

  The invention will be more clearly understood from the several embodiments described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is a perspective view of a target assembly according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of the target assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view of the target assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view of a target assembly of a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view of a target assembly of a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the target assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a portion of the target assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a top view of a target assembly of a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a target assembly of a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the target assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a top view of the target assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of two rails, each consisting of a plurality of saw-like deflections of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a portion of four adjacent rails, each consisting of a plurality of horizontal undulations of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view of a part of rail constituted from a plurality of vertical undulations of an embodiment of the present invention.

  1-3, a target assembly according to the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 100, is provided. Target assembly 100 is comprised of a plurality of side-by-side golf ball receiving routes, generally designated by reference numerals 102A-102K. Each golf ball receiving route 102A-102K is subdivided into a plurality of individual golf ball receiving zones, generally indicated by reference numbers 104A-104K. Golf ball receiving routes 102A-102K are formed by a plurality of parallel rails 106A-106L mounted on substrate 110. The rails 106A to 106L are attached at positions above the substrate 110 between the front column 112 and the rear column 114. The rails 106A to 106L are prepared as the rails 106A to 106L pass substantially horizontally between the front column 112 and the rear column 114. Further, the foremost portion of each rail 106A to 106L is angled downward from the front column 112 with respect to the substrate 110, and forms an inclined portion 108 with respect to each golf ball receiving route 102A to 102K. The end of each rail is dimensioned to provide a plane adjacent to either the substrate 110 or a flat playing surface (not shown). The rear plate 116 is fixed to the rear column 114 and the substrate 110. In a further embodiment (not shown), the rear plate is made of an energy absorbing material such as plastic to reduce the amount of golf ball bounce from the rear plate 116.

  In use, a player (not shown) pads a golf ball from a predetermined position on the playing surface toward a target assembly 100 disposed on the playing surface. The golf ball enters one of the plurality of golf ball receiving routes 102A to 102K. Each golf ball receiving route 102A to 102K is assigned a specific score or value. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 7 points are allocated to the route 102F, 5 points are allocated to the routes 102E and 102G, 4 points are allocated to the routes 102D and 102H, and 3 points are allocated to the routes 102C and 102I. Points are allocated, 2 points are allocated to the routes 102B and 102J, and 1 point is allocated to the routes 102A and 102K. When the golf ball enters the routes 102A to 102K, the golf ball reaches the inclined portion 108 of the route on the condition that the player (not shown) puts the golf ball at a sufficient pace and makes a certain distance along the route. Move and stop in one of the individual golf ball receiving zones 104A-104K of the route. A specific score or value is assigned to each individual golf ball receiving zone 104A-104K of each golf ball receiving route 102A-102K. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 10 points are allocated to the individual golf ball receiving zone 104A, 9 points are allocated to the individual golf ball receiving zone 104B, and 8 points are allocated to the individual golf ball receiving zone 104C. 7 points are allocated to the individual golf ball receiving zone 104D, 6 points are allocated to the individual golf ball receiving zone 104E, 5 points are allocated to the individual golf ball receiving zone 104F, and the individual golf ball receiving zone 104G is allocated. 4 points are allocated, 3 points are allocated to the individual golf ball receiving zone 104H, 2 points are allocated to the individual golf ball receiving zone 104I, 1 point is allocated to the individual golf ball receiving zone 104J, 0 points are allocated to the individual golf ball receiving zone 104K.

  In this manner, the player puts the golf ball from the predetermined distance toward the target assembly 100 and the golf ball stops in one of the individual golf ball receiving zones 104A-104K of the golf ball receiving route 102A-102K. A score is given to the player based on the golf ball receiving routes 102A to 102K and the individual golf ball receiving zones 104A to 104K where the golf ball has stopped. If the golf ball does not have sufficient pace to reach the foremost portion of each rail 106A-106L, the player is not scored. If the golf ball has sufficient pace and reaches the foremost portion of each rail 106A-106L, passes through all of the individual golf ball receiving zones 104A-104K for that route and stops at the rearmost portion of the target assembly 100 Does not give the player a score. Players can in turn place a golf ball from a predetermined position toward the target assembly 100 and compare the given scores to determine the player with the highest score and declare the winner. Each player can make multiple putts from different predetermined distances from the target assembly 100. The score given in each order is added for each player, and a cumulative score for each player can be created. Preferably, each player is given 3 golf balls in a round to put them on. The scores given by putting golf balls on different routes 102A-102K and different individual golf ball receiving zones 104A-104K can be changed.

  In a further embodiment, unspecified light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted on the substrate 110 below each individual golf ball receiving zone 104A-104K. LED characteristics such as color, brightness, lighting sequence, etc. can be used to indicate score values for each individual golf ball receiving zone 104A-104K. The score pattern of the target assembly 100 can be easily changed by changing the LED. Thus, the center of the target can be moved to a different location on the target assembly 100 for each pad so that the player can help improve their putting technique by providing different distances and angles to put the golf ball on the player. it can.

  Each LED can be mounted substantially below each individual golf ball receiving zone, or can be placed side-by-side on the rear plate 116 of the target assembly 100. In a further embodiment, the LED is used in combination with one or more sensors that are used to detect the stopping position of the golf ball within the target assembly. In this case, the sensor can detect the score given by the player and can display various scores of different players using an automatic scoring system. Central processor, memory, and input / output devices such as switches, ports, displays, audio output units can be used to control target assembly 100 LEDs, automatic scoring system and pseudo-random, or random generation of score patterns . The same effect can also be achieved by changing the points that the player puts. A mat (not shown) is connected to the target assembly 100, which has three groups of pat points numbered 1-18, each group numbered with a different shape such as square, triangle, star, etc. It is distinguished by doing. By placing three different put points numbered 1-18 on the mat, three different put games can be formed. In a further embodiment, one or more score sheets (not shown) can be placed below the transparent plate (not shown) of the target assembly 100. The score sheet displays the scores belonging to the different individual golf ball receiving zones 104A-104K of the target assembly 100. Providing multiple score sheets allows the player to change the scores belonging to different individual golf ball receiving zones 104A-104K of the target assembly 100.

  With reference to FIG. 4, a further embodiment of the target assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 400, is provided, with the same reference numerals as in the previous section. The target assembly 400 is composed of a plurality of golf ball receiving routes (not shown) formed by a plurality of rails (not shown) attached between the front column 112 and the lower rear column 402. Both the front strut 112 and the lower rear strut 402 are mounted on the substrate 110, and the rear plate 116 is also vertically mounted on the rear end of the substrate 110. An inclined portion 108 of a route (not shown) is formed in the foremost section of each route. In each of the rearmost sections of the route, a groove indicated as a whole by reference numeral 404 is formed.

  In use, the individual golf ball receiving zone of each golf ball receiving route assigned 0 points is located in the groove 404, which receives the rebounding golf ball from the rear plate 116 and returns the golf ball to the player. Provide assistance. A player who puts a golf ball that stops at the groove 404 is given 0 points regardless of the point value of the golf ball receiving route in which the golf ball is received and moved.

  With reference to FIGS. 5-7, a further embodiment of the target assembly, generally designated by the reference numeral 500, is provided, with the same reference numerals as in the previous sections. This target assembly is somewhat different in structure from the target assembly shown in FIGS. Target assembly 500 is comprised of a plurality of rails 106A-106L that define a plurality of golf ball receiving routes. The rails 106 </ b> A to 106 </ b> L are attached on the substrate 110 by the front column 112 and the lower rear column 114. A rear plate 116 is also vertically attached to the rear end of the substrate 110. The inclined portion 108 of each golf ball receiving route is disposed in the foremost section of each golf ball receiving route. The golf ball receiving route is inclined downward toward the substrate 110 from an intermediate position between the front column 112 and the rear column 114. Further, the target assembly 500 is comprised of half struts 502 that are used to support the rails 106A-106L along the sloped portion 108 of each golf ball receiving route.

  In use, the target assembly 500 is placed over the playing surface 504. The playing surface 504 may be a pad mat composed of an elongated mat having a lower surface for placement on a flat support surface and an upper surface made of a fibrous material that substantially reproduces the characteristics of normal golf green. Furthermore, the game surface 504 includes a plurality of markers (not shown) preprinted at a predetermined distance from the target assembly 500 as described above. Three golf balls 506 are displayed in different individual golf ball receiving zones of several golf ball receiving routes. In particular, with reference to FIG. 7, three golf balls 506 are shown stopped in different individual golf ball receiving zones of several golf ball receiving routes. The leftmost golf ball 506 is stopped on the golf ball receiving route 102G formed by the rails 106E and 106F. Each rail is subclassified using a plurality of peripheral protrusions along the length of each rail. As seen in rail 106F, rubber rings 700A, 700B and 700C form a perimeter protrusion along the length of rail 106F.

  For clarity, only three of the rubber rings shown in FIG. 7 are assigned reference numbers. Fortunately, references to rubber rings 700A-700C are considered to indicate all rubber rings used in target assembly 500. The rubber rings 700A to 700C are arranged at equal intervals along the rail 106F. Adjacent rubber rings 700A-700C on adjacent rails 106A-106L are positioned coincident with each other to form the lattice structure of the target assembly 500. The peripheral protrusions can also be formed as radially extending portions of each rail during the molding process of each rail.

  With reference to FIG. 8, there is provided a further embodiment of the target assembly, generally designated by the reference numeral 800, with the same reference numerals as in the previous section. Single rails 106A-106L are not used to define two adjacent golf ball receiving routes 802A-802F. Each golf ball receiving route 802A-802F is defined by two parallel adjacent rails that are not used to define the other golf ball receiving routes 802A-802F. In such an embodiment, the leftmost rail of one golf ball receiving route 802A to 802F and the rightmost rail of the adjacent golf ball receiving route 802A to 802F are unnecessary routes on which the golf ball may roll. Will be formed. In order to avoid this situation, the free end of the most distal rail of the target assembly 800 forms a capture mouse 804A-804F for each golf ball receiving route 802A-802F, making the golf ball unnecessary and inappropriate It is formed so as to be separated from the root of the shape.

  With reference to FIGS. 9-11, there is provided a further embodiment of the target assembly, generally designated by the reference numeral 900, with the same reference numerals as in the previous sections. Target assembly 900 is comprised of a single golf ball receiving route 902 that is less than the diameter of a normal golf ball 506. A plurality of horizontal undulations (undulations) 904 are formed along the sides of the route 902 to form individual golf ball receiving zones. A plurality of horizontal undulations 904 appear on the left and right sides of the route 902. The horizontal undulation 904 on the left side of the route 902 is horizontally symmetric with the horizontal undulation 904 on the right side of the route 902 with respect to a symmetry line that runs along the center line at the center of the route 902. Target assembly 900 is comprised of a ramp ramp 906 that connects to an individual golf ball receiving zone and a golf ball capture mouse 908. A return groove 404 is provided in the rearmost portion of the target assembly 900 adjacent the rear plate 116. In further embodiments, multiple routes 902 may be provided.

  Referring to FIG. 12, there are shown a plurality of serrated deflections consisting of valleys and tops along a portion of two adjacent rails 106 forming routes 102, 802, 902. The tops of the sawtooth bends along one rail 106 coincide with the corresponding tops of the sawtooth bends along the other rail 106.

  Referring to FIG. 13, a plurality of horizontal undulations along a portion of four adjacent rails 106 forming three routes 102, 802, 902 are shown. This horizontal undulation forms wide and narrow sections, i.e. expansion and contraction portions of the routes 102, 802, 902. A golf ball (not shown) cooperates with horizontal undulation because of its spherical shape, and moves up and down when the golf ball moves in a wide section and a narrow section, respectively. Then, the momentum of the golf ball is reduced, and the golf ball is settled in the individual golf ball receiving zone formed by the wide sections of the routes 102, 802, and 902. On a horizontal line crossing the routes 102, 802, and 902, a wide section of the routes 102, 802, and 902 and a narrow section of the routes 102, 802, and 902 are alternately generated in the adjacent routes 102, 802, and 902. The bending angle of the horizontal undulation can be selected to provide a gentle undulation along the rail or a severe undulation along the rail. If the undulation bending angle is different, the difficulty level of the player will also change.

  Referring to FIG. 14, vertical undulation along a portion of rail 106 is shown. It is assumed that the top of the vertical undulation along rail 106 coincides with the corresponding top of the vertical undulation along another rail (not shown).

  Fortunately, the lattice structure formed by the plurality of individual golf ball receiving zones 104A-104K and the plurality of golf ball receiving routes 102A-102K allows for an adaptable scoring system. For example, in the example described above, the individual golf ball receiving zone 104A of the golf ball receiving route 106F is a target that is mainly aimed. However, the score value of the individual golf ball receiving zones 104A to 104F is maintained and decreased from 10 points to 5 points, the score value of the individual golf ball receiving zone 104K is maintained at 0 points, and the individual golf ball receiving zones 104G to 104J are maintained. When the score value is changed from 6 points to 10 points, both the individual golf ball receiving zone 104A of the golf ball receiving route 106F and the individual golf ball receiving zone 104J of the golf ball receiving route 106F become target targets . The structure of the target assembly 100, 400, 500, 800, 900 can easily provide different scoring systems that increase or decrease the difficulty of the game. The substrate 110 may be comprised of a receiving hole for a marker that is used to indicate the score value of the individual golf ball receiving zone directly above the receiving hole. Therefore, the player can move the marker to change the scoring system of the target assembly.

  In another embodiment, it is understood that the plurality of golf ball receiving routes are formed by a partition wall defining a plurality of boundaries and a running surface between the partition walls. This partition wall is the wall of each route, and the running surface is the floor between the walls in each route. The running surface ramps upward at the foremost end of the golf ball receiving route to form a ramp as described above, and the golf ball support between adjacent partition walls and the protruding portion of the running surface Individual golf ball receiving zones within each of the receiving routes can be defined. Similarly, objects defining other individual golf ball receiving zones, such as relatively small ramps and depressions, can be used in place of the protrusions.

  It is also understood that the protrusions or depressions can be matched on adjacent rails, or that only one of the adjacent rails can be composed of protrusions or depressions.

  As used herein, the terms “comprise, composed”, “comprised”, “comprising” or variations thereof, and “include, includes”, “include”, The term “including” or variations thereof are considered to be entirely interchangeable and these terms can be interpreted as broadly as possible and vice versa.

  The invention is not limited to the embodiments described which may vary in structure and details of the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (41)

  A target assembly for receiving a golf ball comprised of a plurality of parallel golf ball receiving elongate routes, each route having substantially the same width as the other route and from a plurality of individual golf ball receiving zones A configured target assembly.   The target assembly of claim 1, wherein each route is defined by a pair of adjacent cooperating rails forming a golf ball receiving guide track.   3. A target assembly according to claim 2, wherein adjacent routes share a common rail used to form guide tracks for both the adjacent routes, respectively.   3. A target assembly according to claim 2, wherein each route has its own pair of rails used to form a guide track for that route.   5. A target assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the individual golf ball receiving zone is defined by protrusions that occur along the length of each elongated route.   6. The target assembly according to claim 5, wherein the protrusion is a peripheral protrusion formed around each rail.   7. A target assembly according to claim 6, wherein the peripheral protrusion comprises a rubber ring attached along each rail.   7. The target assembly according to claim 6, wherein the peripheral protrusion is composed of a radially extending portion of a rail formed along each rail.   The target assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the individual golf ball receiving zone is formed at least from a depression part of which occurs along the length of each elongated route.   10. The target assembly according to claim 9, wherein the recess is a peripheral groove formed around each rail.   10. The target assembly according to claim 9, wherein the recess is formed on a golf ball support surface of a golf ball receiving passage.   5. A target assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein each rail of the route is composed of a plurality of serrated deflections and defines a boundary between a plurality of individual golf ball receiving zones on the route.   13. The target assembly of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of serrated deflections on any of the plurality of rails is coincident with the corresponding serrated deflection on each of the other rails.   5. Each of the rails of the route is composed of a plurality of vertical undulations along the rails, and the valleys of each vertical undulation form one of the plurality of individual golf ball receiving zones of the route. A target assembly according to claim 1.   15. The target assembly of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of vertical undulations on any of the plurality of rails is coincident with a corresponding vertical undulation on each of the other rails.   6. The individual golf ball receiving zone is defined by changing the width of each elongate route along the length of each route using horizontal undulation along each rail. The target assembly described.   Each of the horizontal undulations along each rail coincides with a horizontal undulation along an adjacent rail so as to form a route whose width expands and contracts along the length of each route. 16. Target assembly according to 16.   18. A target assembly according to claim 17, wherein the horizontal undulation allows an increase in the width of one route to coincide with a reduction in the width of an adjacent route along a rail common to adjacent routes.   The target assembly of claim 1, wherein each route is defined by a pair of adjacent bulkheads forming a golf ball receiving passage.   20. The target assembly of claim 19, wherein the individual golf ball receiving zone is defined by protrusions that occur along the length of each elongate route.   21. The target assembly of claim 20, wherein the protrusion is formed on a golf ball support surface of a golf ball receiving passage.   22. A target assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the target assembly is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are operative to indicate respective score values of the individual golf ball receiving zones.   23. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the target assembly comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that operate to indicate which of the plurality of individual golf ball receiving zones is the center of the target. Target assembly.   24. A target assembly according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the characteristics of the LEDs are altered to form respective score values or new target centers for the individual golf ball receiving zones.   25. A target assembly according to claim 22, 23 or 24, wherein a new score value or a new target center for each of the individual golf ball receiving zones is arbitrarily selected.   26. A target assembly according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein each of the LEDs is mounted substantially below each of the individual golf ball receiving zones.   26. A target assembly according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the LED is attached to a rear plate of the target assembly.   28. A target assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein a portion of each route is inclined.   29. A target assembly according to claim 28, wherein the inclined portion of each route is located at the foremost portion of the route.   30. The target assembly according to any of claims 1 to 29, wherein the target assembly further comprises a return groove at the rearmost portion of each route for collecting the golf ball and returning the golf ball to the player.   31. A target assembly according to any of claims 1-30, wherein the target assembly comprises at least one sensor for detecting a stop position of a golf ball received by the target assembly.   32. The target assembly of claim 31, wherein the sensor transmits a golf ball stop location received by the target assembly to a scoring system comprised of a processor, a memory and an output device.   The target assembly of claim 32, wherein the output device is a display.   The target assembly of claim 32, wherein the output device is an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs).   The target assembly of claim 32, wherein the output device is an audio unit.   36. Any of the claims 1-35, wherein each of the plurality of routes has a predetermined width and the golf ball can traverse the length of the first route without contacting a stationary golf ball in the adjacent route. A target assembly according to claim 1. A pad game with an elongated mat, the mat having a lower surface for placement on a flat support surface and an upper surface made of a fibrous material that substantially reproduces the characteristics of normal golf greens,
37. A target assembly according to any of claims 1-36 is disposed substantially at one end of the top surface of the mat, and a plurality of markers are located at different lengths from the target assembly and on the top surface of the mat. A put game that is substantially arranged at the end opposite to the longitudinal direction.   38. The putting game according to claim 37, wherein the plurality of markers represent different putting points.   39. The put game according to claim 38, wherein a large number of nine markers are provided on the mat.   39. A put game according to claim 37 or 38, wherein the target assembly can be tilted with respect to the mat to adjust the difficulty level of the put game.   A target assembly for receiving a golf ball comprised of a plurality of individual golf ball receiving zones and comprising an elongated route having a width that is relatively smaller than the diameter of a normal golf ball.

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