JPS6055975A - Improved golf exercise apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention relates to golf practice equipment, and more particularly to golf practice equipment for prior art golfers after driver/batting practice on a golf course, when attempting to practice tee shots or fairway shots. It is common to use a number of golf balls and hit them on a driving range or practice area of a golf course. However, this also means that, for example, it takes time and money to go to a nearby golf course, you may lose some golf balls at the golf course's driving range, or the golf course's driving range is already closed. This is very inconvenient as there is a possibility that it is being used by another golfer.

To solve some of these problems and allow golfers to practice at home, a device was developed in which a golf ball is supported at the end of a rotor, which rotates around a vertical axis when hit. has been done. However, such a configuration has the disadvantages, firstly, that the part of the device that supports the rotor can be hit and damaged by wild (or bad) shots, and secondly, the rotor is It has the disadvantage that it is supported only on one side, which makes the device inherently unstable due to its construction.

Other devices are known in which a golf ball is supported at the end of an off-weight rotor, thereby preventing free rotation. A disadvantage of this device is that the golfer does not get the feel of a regular golf ball when hitting the pole.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention It is an object of the present invention to eliminate or alleviate the above-mentioned problems, to provide a golf ball that provides the same feel as when hitting a regular golf ball, and to be able to be set in all geographical situations. To provide a compact, durable, and inexpensive golf practice device.

A golf practice device according to one aspect of the present invention holds a ball member near the middle of a base structure, and allows substantially free rotation of the ball member in a vertical plane. to allow,
The golf ball member is integral with a mounting member that is rotatably attached to a base structure about a horizontal axis.

Such devices are simple in design, easy to use, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

The overall arrangement and construction of the device is such that it can be used many times without damage and still provides the golfer with the feel of a normal golf ball when the ball member is struck.

In particular, the one-piece configuration of the golf ball member and mounting member provides the necessary inherent strength to the device and facilitates absorbing the energy of "impacts" on the pole, while at the same time ensuring that the ball member and mounting member are aligned with the horizontal axis. Because of the pivoting structure around the ball, no other parts of the device, except the ball member itself, protrude above the striking surface, preventing any damage, and allowing the ball to rotate freely. With this structure, a feel exactly like that of a normal golf ball can be obtained.

Preferably, the imitation golf ball and integral mounting member include:
It is pivotably attached to the base structure via a shaft member, preferably a steel rod, extending along an axis horizontal to the ground. Preferably, this arrangement supports both ends of the shaft member to counteract the stresses created when a golfer hits the ball member.

In another variation, the golf ball member is attached to the base structure by a means, preferably a ball and socket joint, that allows transverse and rotational movement of the golf ball member when struck, thereby reducing stress on the device as a whole. Alleviate.

The base structure is provided with adjustment means for varying the height of the ball member above the base structure to simulate an upwardly sloping or downwardly sloping ground surface and/or to simulate a tee or ground shot. You can also do that. Means may also be provided for placing the imitation golf ball in its resting state directly above the top surface of the base structure so that it is immediately ready to be hit.

The imitation golf ball may also be provided with means on the ball to indicate the actual point of contact of the ball with the golf club/wood so that the golfer knows whether he has hit the ball correctly.

The base structure may also be provided with means for measuring and indicating how hard the ball has been hit and/or the distance the ball would have traveled if it were not attached. can.

Such golf practice devices are highly praised for their ability to imitate the feel of a normal golf ball by providing the appropriate weight, elasticity and rotational properties of each element, and are capable of improving the feel of a normal golf ball. Hold the ball near the middle of the device so that it can be immediately re-hit in the event of a hit.

Clearly, such a device would be useful in many ways, and could be used in almost any location, including the home or office, without the need for a driving range on a golf course;
There is also no fear of losing the ball there.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a golf practice device includes a base structure whose top surface is flush with the ground in use and a golf ball member that, when struck by a golf club/wood, faces a vertical surface. a golf ball member that is free to rotate freely at the base structure and pivotably mounted to the base structure so as to be substantially below ground level.

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more detail while describing some examples of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a partially sectional perspective view showing an embodiment of the device according to the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are a partially front view and a partially side view, respectively.

The golf practice device shown in FIG. 1 consists of a base structure 12 and a rotating body 14 attached to it. The rotating body 14 has two imitation golf ball members 16 and 18, each ball member at each end of the stem attachment member 20 being balanced against each other to provide a counterbalance weight. 16, 18 and 20 are integrally integrated to provide the necessary stiffness against the forces and stresses/strains encountered when striking a ball member with a golf club/wood.

The rotating body 14 is attached to the base structure 12 so as to be pivotable about a horizontal axis 22, and in particular via a steel rod 24 extending along the axis. The steel rod 24 is inserted through a through hole 26 provided in the solid bearing portion 28 of the mounting member 20, so that the rotating body 14
is substantially free to rotate about axis 22 in vertical plane 23. Preferably, the rotating body 140 through-hole 26 is lined with a steel filler 29 to prevent wear and cracking of the rotating body 14 on the steel rod 24.

The base structure 12 has two main parts; an upper part 30 which forms the "play ink" surface on which the golfer swings his golf club/wood, and a hollow body with steel rods inserted therein. 24 extends across and comprises a lower part 32 with both ends of the rod 24 being positively supported by the lower part 32, thus forming a rigid device 10.

Preferably, the upper part 30 is made of rubber with embedded linen to prevent rapid wear and tear, while the lower part 3
2 is also preferably made of rubber. The use of rubber as the member is advantageous in that it "absorbs" the various stresses and strains caused to the device by the struck ball member, and there are no problems with rust/corrosion.

The lower portion 32 has a rectangular outer edge (see numeral 34), and the "squareness" of the front end provides rigidity and stability to the device 10 when struck by a ball member. On the other hand, the side walls of the lower part 32 are filled with metal plates, firstly to give a better hitting feel when hitting the ball, and secondly to give the device extremely high solidity and stability. Money power - arranged.

In use, a hole 3 in a size corresponding to the width and length of the lower part 32 is made in the ground 3 in order to embed the device 10.
6 to firmly secure the device 10 to the ground, thereby bringing the upper part 30 substantially level with the top surface of the ground 36. Therefore, a golfer who wants to practice golf shots should use the ball member 16 or 1 protruding above the upper part 30.
8 can be easily struck, and the ball then rotates 9 about axis 22 while being maintained near the middle of base structure 12 within lower part 32 (see arrow A). The rod 24 has a securing means (e.g. split pin and washer) 40 at the lower part 32.
Both ends thereof are vertically and firmly connected to the slot 38.

The bar 24 and securing means 40 are arranged to vary the height of the ball member 16 or 18 above the upper portion 30 to simulate an upwardly sloping or downwardly sloping ground surface and/or to simulate a tee or ground shot. can be adjusted between various variable positions within the slot 3g.

A lug 41 is provided on the outer side wall of the lower part 32, against which a fastening means 40 latches, thereby preventing further rotation of the bar 24.

The rotating body 14 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is preferably formed by single mold molding of a hard plastic material having a hardness in the range of 30 to 500 D (as measured by Durometer D Method 15054868). More preferably, the plastic material is polyurethane, especially polyurethane 4492 AC, +92 or 150. Polyurethane 4492 AC was found to be an ideal rotating body material, with a hardness of 42 and a tensile strength of 42-4 MPa (
Method +50 S 3777 (E)) and tear strength angle) +2'/, KI'J'C method DIN 5351
5>.

The weight of the rotating body 140 is preferably in the range of 3.8 to 4.2 centimeters, more preferably in the range of 4 centimeters, in order to provide the necessary "feel" similar to a conventional golf ball when hit. Set. Polyurethane 44 due to its elasticity and density
92 AC was found to be ideal in this regard.

The rotating body 14 is also integrally provided with reinforcing lips 27 extending from the central portion 28 of the stem member 20 to the ball members 16 and 18 in order to impart very high rigidity to the rotating body 14.

These lips 27 extend substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis 22 and are further located in a vertical plane containing said axis 22, thereby preventing damage when the golf club/wood strikes the ball member. It will not be done.

In addition, a small reinforcing lip 3 extends in a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis 22 in order to provide a certain degree of resistance to the effects of forces acting when the ball member is struck.
1 is provided integrally with the rotating body 14.

FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention. The golf practice device 44 of this embodiment is shown disposed in a hole in a land 45, and includes a base structure 46 and a ball member imitating a normal golf ball at both ends of a stem mounting member 480. 50. The stem attachment member 48 has an integral ball portion 52 that moves and engages within half sockets 54 disposed on either side of the base structure 460 to form a ball and socket joint. . The stem attachment member 48 and the ball member 50 rotate laterally (see arrow C) within the base structure 46 about a horizontal axis 56, while the ball joint simultaneously relieves and eliminates stress within the device as a whole. Transverse and rotational movements also occur. The integral stem mounting member 48 and ball member 50 are
Made of strong molded plastic (e.g. polyurethane).

When the ball member 50 is struck, the ball joint (52°54)
In order to prevent significant lateral distortion which may occur in the
It is also possible to arrange a supporting shaft 64 (shown by a broken line) such as i-keyaki along the horizontal axis 56, and this is the fixing means 66.
(shown in dashed lines) and hold the two half-sockets 54 opposite each other. In this particular arrangement, the ball portion 52 is provided with a through hole 6g (indicated by a broken line) having a diameter larger than that of the support shaft 64, thereby allowing only partial traversal and rotation.

These "single-turn balls" include a ball that is used to indicate whether the ball sliced, hooked, or was properly hit when hit, and also to indicate the speed and amount by which the ball rotates. Indicating means, such as a fixed visible line around the ball, may also be provided. Similarly, a chalk or wood can be used to indicate the actual point of contact with the club/wood head when hit, and also to give the golfer information such as whether the ball sliced, hooked, or topped. It is also possible to coat the ball with other materials.

The stem attachment member 48 is provided with a lip 58 that engages a lug 60 attached to the base structure 46 on each rotation. The lip 58 and the lug also act as a measuring device, each time the lip measures half a revolution and acts on the lug.

Alternatively, the lip 58 can be in the form of a ring movable on the shaft of the stem attachment member 48 such that only one ring can be placed in contact with the lug 60, thereby causing the ball member 50 to one can be specifically positioned and the -(total) rotation measured instead.

Instead of the lips 58 and lugs 60, the device 10 can also be equipped with strain gauges, photovoltaic beams or magnetized strips for measuring the rotational speed.

This information may then be calculated to provide an indication of either yards flown, revolutions per minute, speed, or total revolutions.

Means in the form of a stopper (not shown) may also be disposed on the base structure in order to position the resting imitation golf ball immediately above the top surface of the base structure for immediate hitting. I can do it.

In this regard, however, it has been found that due to the balance weight and arrangement of the rotating body, there is an inherent ability of the rotating body to stop in the correct position for ready re-strike in all cases.

The top surface 62 of the device 44, which is flush with the top surface of the land 45, can be adjusted to imitate ground sloping upward or downward, or to imitate a 7-yacht from the tee or rough. (see ) in the form of a plate.

In the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the aged rotating body can be replaced by a new rotating body after wear and tear.

Any of the golf practice devices described above may form a portion of a platform that is adjustably sloped to ground level and upon which the golfer stands. The top surface of the device is flush with the level of the platform, so that a golfer on the platform hitting the imitation golf ball can practice on an upward or downward slope.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 is a partially sectional perspective view showing an embodiment of the golf practice device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of a rotating body of the device shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a side view of the rotating body, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another embodiment of the golf practice device according to the present invention. 12.46... Base structure, 16.18.50...
Ball member, 20.48... Stem mounting member, 22.
56...Horizontal axis line, 24...Steel bar, 26.68...
・Through hole, 52...Ball part, 54...Socket. Applicant Golfic, Way, Limited Agent Patent Attorney Masaaki Yonehara Patent Attorney Tadashi Hamamoto

Claims (11)

[Claims] (1) The ball member is held near the middle of the base structure and is attached to the base structure so as to be pivotable about a horizontal axis so as to allow substantially free rotation of the ball member in the vertical plane. A golf practice device consisting of a golf ball member integrated with a mounting member. (2) Claim 1, wherein the integrated golf ball member and attachment member are attached to the base structure by means that allow transverse and/or rotational movement of the golf ball member.
Equipment described in Section. (3) The device according to claim 2, wherein said means is a ball and socket joint. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the integral golf ball and mounting member are pivotally mounted to the base structure via a shaft extending along the horizontal axis. (5) The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising means for placing the golf ball member immediately above the base structure so that the golf ball member can be immediately hit again after being hit. (6) Means are provided on the golf ball member for indicating the actual point of contact of the golf ball member with the golf club/wood.
Apparatus according to any of paragraphs. (7) how hard the ball member was hit, and/or
7. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, including means for measuring and indicating the distance the ball would have traveled if it were not installed. (8) Imitating an upwardly sloping or downwardly sloping ground;
and/or adjustment means are provided on the base structure to vary the height of the golf ball member above the base structure to mimic a tee shot or a shot from the rough. The device according to any one of Items 1 to 7. (9) The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the integral golf ball member and mounting member are provided with reinforcing means extending substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis. . (10) The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the golf ball member is integrated with each end of the mounting member so as to function as a balance weight. (11) A base structure whose upper surface is flush with the ground during use, and a base structure which is free so that the golf ball member rotates freely in a vertical plane when hit by a golf club/wood. , and a golf ball member pivotally mounted to the base structure so as to be substantially below ground level.