WO1992007632A1

WO1992007632A1 - Golf practice apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1992007632A1
Application number: PCT/GB1991/001923
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Edward Chatburn
Original assignee: John Edward Chatburn
Priority date: 1990-11-03
Filing date: 1991-11-01
Publication date: 1992-05-14
Also published as: GB9023929D0; AU8843291A

Abstract

Golf practising apparatus (10) comprises spaced shot-distinguishing structures (14). The first of these comprises an area of generally vertically disposed netting (16) formed with a relatively large central aperture (28) to define a range of acceptable ball trajectories. The second (and others) may comprise a similar apertured generally vertical net (17) with the aperture (30) sized and located to correspond to the trajectory of a desired range of golfing drive or iron shots. Alternatively, the second shot-distinguishing structure may be constructed to provide chipping shot practice or bunker shot practice. For driving shot practice an end target (12) is suitably aligned with the apertures (28, 30) in the nets (16, 17), and has ball return or ball onward delivery means (34, 36, 38). Where the golf practice apparatus is provided in successive bays, the ball collection and delivery means is arranged to distinguish between shots of greater and lesser accuracy so that the former pass onward to the next or further bays, while the latter may be returned to the player.

Description

GOLF PRACTICE APPARATUS

This invention relates to golf practice apparatus. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus whereby golf strokes can be practised using the golfer's own clubs if he or she so desires, utilising these in a manner permitting, for example, driving of the golf ball with the full velocity which would be adopted on an outdoor course, while carrying out such practice strokes (if so desired) within a relatively confined space, and typically in an indoors situation.

Many prior proposals have been made by way of apparatus for practising golfing strokes. Amongst these are the following.

There is disclosed in GB-A-2,163,964 a golfing cage having spaced areas of generally vertical netting 31 and 33, but this arrangement has significant limitations in relation to its ball trajectory requirements and versatility.

There is disclosed in W088/04944 golf practice apparatus in which, as shown in Fig 2, a target 7 may comprise a succession of zones surrounding a central hole and having a generally concave aspect. However, the target itself is of very limited depth in the direction of the travel of the golf balls, and offers little scope for distinguishing between golfing shots of greater and lesser accuracy.

US-A-4,215,865 discloses a golf game having a target area at one end of the fairway including a shock absorbing curtain assembly that stops balls which do not hit the target and delivers them to a collecting trough. A target box is located behind an opening in the shock absorbing curtain, and has an inlet opening for receiving balls, and an outlet opening through which the balls are discharged. Again, this target arrangement provides very little scope for distinguishing between golfing shots of varying accuracy.

There is disclosed in O85/02549 a golf practice net including a generally funnel-shaped open mesh net having an open mouth at its front end, and tapering to a restricted target area at the rear.

Most of the prior proposals in respect of golf practice apparatus suffer from the shortcoming that they do not offer the possibility to practice golf strokes in such a manner that there is a requirement both for accuracy of delivery and (for example) full driving power, as on the outdoor golf course. Also, the prior proposals offer little scope for distinguishing between golf shots of varying accuracy, trajectory and direction. Obviously, in order to enable the assiduous golfer to improve his or her technique, there is a considerable need for information feed back to distinguish good shots from bad ones, so that the former can be repeated, emphasised and learned.

According to the invention there is provided practice apparatus as defined in the accompanying claims.

In a preferred embodiment, there is provided golf practice apparatus in which apertured nets are suitably supported and located with respect to a golf ball delivery location so as to intercept golf balls delivered by the player and to arrest these for convenient collection and return. The apertures provided in the nets define target areas. The relative disposition and locations of the apertures in the nets enable the apertures to correspond to a particular kind of trajectory and direction for a golf ball, for example the trajectory of a drive or the trajectory of a mid-iron shot. Thus, for example, where two or more vertical nets are employed at horizontally spaced positions with generally centrally located apertures therein, the apertures are aligned so as to correspond to the trajectory of the particular golfing shot in question, whereby when a golfer produces the correct trajectory, the golf ball can pass through two or more nets until it reaches a final target. According to the accuracy of the delivery of the golf ball, it will pass one, two or more nets before being arrested. The location of the golf ball when arrested provides an immediate indication, and one which does not disappear (as in the case of a golf ball striking a target and falling away)*, of the degree of accuracy of the shot.

It will thus be appreciated, that the invention permits the user to practice a variety of different golfing shots, according to the relative dispositions of the apertures in the nets. The nets can be provided in suitable indoor bays, the lengthwise extent and walls of which are defined by further areas of netting. By providing a series of such bays, each having such golfing practice apparatus arranged for the practice of differing golf shots, the user can pass from one bay to another and thus effectively simulate progress around a hole on a conventional outdoor golf course.

In the case of practising golfing shots of the kind in which the golf ball follows a more or less steeply upwardly inclined trajectory, and is required to drop close to a required location, for example as in a bunker shot, or on a chipping green, such situations can be simulated in accordance with the invention by the provision of the combination of a generally vertical apertured area of netting or curtain located in front of a generally upwardly facing structure corresponding to the green onto which the ball is to be played from the bunker or by a chip shot. In the latter case, inner and outer endless walls surrounding a central target serve to intercept and locate the chipped ball so as to identify for the user the accuracy of his or her shot.

In the embodiments, the provision of spaced and distinct shot-distinguishing structures enable golfing shots to be categorised at two or more locations, so that the user has a clear idea of the degree of accuracy achieved in a given shot. By suitably arranging the size, disposition and attitude of the structures, particularly the second and subsequent such ones, provision can be made for practising different kinds of golfing shots, as on a real outdoor course. By providing ball return or ball onward transmission means in association with each of the shot-distinguishing structures, further clarification of the observed accuracy of a given shot is provided.

In the case of a sequence of generally vertically disposed apertured curtains, for example of netting, the sizes of the aligned openings are generally arranged to diminish in a direction away from the golfer, so as to achieve a progressive elimination of less accurate shots, so that finally, only shots which (on a real course) would land on or close to the fairway or to the hole on the green, can strike the target.

By providing for the ball return/delivery means associated with the shot-distinguishing structures to deliver collected balls either back to the user in the same bay, or onwards to the next bay, or further still, according to the accuracy achieved in the preceding shot, the user progresses in his practice game in much the same way as occurs on an outdoor course.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :-

Figs 1 and 2 show, respectively, perspective and longitudinal sectional views through a first embodiment of the apparatus, showing a single golfing practice bay, for practising driving;

Figs 3 and 4 show, in views similar to those o^'f Figs 1 and 2, corresponding apparatus for practising iron shots;

Figs 5 and 6 show corresponding views of apparatus for practising chipping;

Figs 7 and 8 show similar views of corresponding apparatus for practising bunker shots;

Fig 9 shows a front elevation view of the apparatus of Fig 1, the direction of viewing being indicated by arrow IX in Fig 1, and illustrating the progressive size change of the apertures formed in the curtains of the apparatus;

Fig X shows a corresponding view of the apparatus of Fig 5; and

Figs 11 and 12 show plan views of a series of golfing practice bays indicating the path of the balls provided by ball return means and ball onward transmission means.

As shown in Figs l and 2, golf practice apparatus 10 comprises target means 12 defining a location at which a golfing shot is to be aimed, and intercepting means 14 located in front of target 12 and capable of intercepting and stopping certain shots.

The intercepting means 14 comprises three distinct shot distinguishing structures 16, 17, 18 which are spaced apart in the lengthwise direction 20 of apparatus 10, and thus of the golfing bay 22 which it forms, and thus likewise in the lengthwise direction of golfing shots. Such shots are played in the direction S from a teeing area 24 towards target 12.

The shot distinguishing structures 16, 17, and 18 are each in the form of an upright curtain formed of a netting material providing a degree of transparency for observational purposes, and each supported on the frame 26 of bay 22 so as to be generally planar in form. Each of the curtains 16, 17 and 18 has a generally centrally located opening 28, 30, 32 (see Fig 9) , whereby a range or band of good golfing shots are distinguished from less good shots, the latter being identifiably stopped by the netting, while the former can pass towards target 12.

Target 12 itself is in the form of a generally rectangular opening having secured thereto a tube or hose 34 of netting material to catch balls on target and to deliver same to a ball return conduit 36 through which balls are returned by gravity to a pocket 38 in front of teeing area 24. The general construction of bay 22 is in the form of a rectangular framework of metal, plastics or wood. The framework supports side and top sheets of netting or corresponding curtain material to define an enclosed space for the safe practising of golf shots by all standards of player. The floor or base of the bay may be provided as an integral part of the structure or (with omission of the ball return conduit 36) may be provided by the floor or surface on which the bay is supported. In order to minimise ball bounce when a golf shot is intercepted by a curtain and falls onto the floor or base, there may be provided a bounce-reducing surface or material. Thus, for example, where the golf bay is to be used on an existing surface, such as that of a sports hall, in order to minimise bounce of the golf balls there may be provided a suspended net or other sheet material above the floor in order to intercept the golf balls as they fall. The net or other sheet material can be inclined in order to provide an automatic ball return function.

In Fig 1 there is shown at 40 a cantilever-form support for curtain 16. The angled form of the support whereby the main upright structural member thereof is located rearwardly of the curtain avoids or reduces the possibility of inaccurate golf shots striking such a structure and rebounding dangerously. Likewise in Fig 1 there is indicated a transverse board 42 extending across the full width of the floor or base of bay 22, in front of curtain 17, in order to receive balls intercepted by that curtain, and to restrict same and any other balls within the confines of the structure or base. The board 42 assists in confining the balls and in directing them towards central conduit 36 for return from all curtains.

In use, the apparatus is utilised as follows.

The golfer commences practising driving shots in bay 22 from teeing area 24. Shots with significant shortcomings in terms of direction of trajectory reach no further than curtain 16. Better shots reach curtain 17, or 18. Accurate shots which, in use, might well have reached the fairway leading to the green or might have reached the green surrounding the hole, are likely to enter target 12. In such a case, the ball is returned via conduit 36 to pocket 38 for re-use or, in accordance with a modification described below, the ball may be forwarded to the next bay, or onwards for practice in a bay simulating the putting green.

Where ball return arrangements, such as board 42 and the cooperating conduit 36, are provided, the interception of balls by curtains 16, 17 and 18 likewise results in the return of the balls to pocket 38. In the embodiment of Figs 3 and 4, the only significant difference from the above-described embodiment resides in the relative disposition of the openings 28A, 30A, and 32A in the curtains 16A, 17A, and 18A, and likewise the corresponding position of the target 12A.

In this embodiment, the relative dispositions of the openings and the target in the curtains are chosen to meet the requirements of mid-iron shots. Otherwise, this embodiment is constructed as described previously, and the use of the bay 22A corresponds to that of the embodiment of Figs 1 and 2.

Reference numerals in this embodiment correspond to those of Figs 1 and 2 with the addition of the suffix A.

In the embodiment of Figs 5, 6 and 10 the structure of the bay is otherwise as described above, except as mentioned below. Reference numerals of parts corresponding to those of Figs 1, 2 and 9 are given the same reference numerals as in that embodiment, with the addition of a suffix B. The significant differences from the preceding embodiments will now be described.

In this embodiment, the shot distinguishing structures corresponding to those at 16, 17 and 18 in the embodiment of Figs 1 and 2, are formed by an upright curtain 50 having a central opening 52, and by a generally upwardly facing open structure 54, to be described below and which in use serves to constitute a "green" for chipping practice.

Curtain 50 is constructed and arranged generally in a manner similar to the curtains 16, 17 and 18 described above. However, its generally central opening 52 is of different disposition and proportions from the openings 28, 30 and 32 of that embodiment. As can readily be seen from Fig 5, the bay 22A of this embodiment is itself of somewhat slightly different proportions from those described above in that its height is greater. This is to accommodate the necessarily greater height involved for practising chipping shots. Accordingly, opening 52 is correspondingly of greater height and extends practically to the full height of the bay, so as to accommodate the generally steepwardly upwardly and downwardly inclined trajectories of practice chipping shots.

Structure 54, corresponding to a "green" comprises spaced endless outer and inner walls 56 and 58 respectively, of generally rectangular form, and surrounding a central target 60. The walls 56 and 58, and indeed the walls of target 60, are constructed from netting material corresponding to that used for curtain 50 and for the walls 62 and roof 64 of bay 22A in this embodiment (as in the preceding ones.) Suitable rectangular supporting structures for the walls 56 and 58, and target 60 are provided on which the netting is supported.

As best seen in Fig 6, structure 54 is essentially contained within the outer walls 56 as unitary whole, having an inwardly and downwardly sloping base 66 leading to a central ball-return conduit 68, terminating in a pocket 70.

As shown in Fig 5, there is provided in addition a further ball return conduit 72 and pocket 74, for returning balls from the rear wall 74 of the bay, which has inwardly sloping ball guide means 76 leading to conduit 72, whereby shots chipped from teeing area 24B, but with too much velocity are collected and returned.

In use, bay 22B is used in much the same way as in the previous embodiments apart, of course, from the fact that the user practises chipping shots from the teeing area 24B through opening 52 in curtain 50 onto the "green" structure 54. Depending upon the direction, trajectory and velocity of the shot, it either enters target 60, or is stopped by inner wall 58, or outer wall 56, or else hits rear wall 74 and passes to return conduit 72.

Attention is drawn to the fact that walls 56 and 58 perform a function analogous to that of the curtains 17 and 18 in the first embodiment, in the sense that the walls serve to distinguish a range or band of shots which have passed through opening 52, from less good shots. In this embodiment, these latter shots are those which hit rear wall 74. As shown in Fig 6, balls entering structure 54 are all funnelled to return conduit 68. In a modification, not shown, the return conduit could be fed solely by the central target, so that the user can readily determine from the location where the balls come to rest, the exact degree of accuracy with which he or she executed the shot. Alternatively, separate return conduits could be provided for each of the three regions of the "green" structure 54.

The embodiment of Figs 7 and 8 represents a modification of that of Figs 5 and 6, so as to provide the user with practice for bunker shots.

In this embodiment, structures corresponding to those of Figs 5 and 6 will be given the same reference numerals as in that embodiment, with the addition of the suffix C, and differences from that embodiment will now be described.

So far as curtain 50C is concerned, this is substantially the same as curtain 50, with respect to its size and disposition, having regard to the common element of the two bays so far as concerns the height to which practice shots are likely to travel.

In place of structure 54 in the embodiment of Figs 5 and 6, there is provided a generally upwardly facing sloping surface 80, which corresponds to the "green" onto which a player intends to hit his shots from the bunker.

The bunker itself is constituted by an area 82 of sand located in front of the vertical lower portion 84 of curtain 50C. Thus, the player has, effectively, a "wall" over which his shot must be aimed in order to land on the "green" 80, from whence it is collected and delivered back to the player via a rear transverse collecting channel 86 at the end of the "green" 80, which feeds into a side channel 88.

In order to distinguish shots from the bunker 82, which land on the green 80, from those which pass over the green, there is provided the rear wall 62C and an associated transverse collecting channel 90 feeding to a side return channel 92, which likewise delivers balls back to the bunker 82 .

It can now be seen that, in this embodiment, curtain 50C functions, as in previous embodiments, to distinguish a certain range of shots from the remainder which pass through aperture 52C. Likewise, surface 80 and its return channels 86, 88 function as target means. Rear wall or curtain 62C serves to return overhit shots to the user via channels 90 and 92. In this function, wall 62C effectively distinguishes those shots which are overhit from the remainder which are within that band of velocities whereby they land on surface 80 ie the green.

Surface 80 may be a timber structure, for example, covered with artificial turf to simulate a green, and likewise to moderate the rolling of balls landing on the surface. Alternatively, surface 80 may be of netting tensioned between vertical supports to simulate a green.

Turning now to the embodiments of Figs 11 and 12, it will be seen that these show, generally diagrammatically, the overall layout of two golf practice areas comprising facilities for a wide variety of golfing shots.

In the embodiment of Fig 11 there is provided a driving bay 100, a mid-iron bay 102, a chipping bay 104, and a putting green 106. The general construction and arrangement of bays 100, 102 and 104 is as described above in relation to the embodiments of Figs 1 and 2 and 9, 3 and 4, and, 5 and 6 and 10, respectively.

In this embodiment there is provided a ball return conduit or channel 108 which, by a gravity feed system, returns balls lengthwise of bay 100 to a discharge location 110 at the teeing end of bay 102. Thus, channel 108 receives balls from each of the regions between the curtains 112. If a ball reaches the target 114 it is delivered via a similar conduit or channel 116, and a gravity feed system to a discharge 118 at the teeing end of chipping bay 104. In other words, a completely accurate shot in the driving bay bypasses the mid-iron bay and takes the player straight to the chipping bay.

Likewise, in the mid-iron bay 102 all shots passing into the shot-distinguishing apertured curtain zone, but not entering the target 119 are collected by a channel 120 and delivered to conduit 116 and thus to outlet 118. For those shots which enter the target 119, there is a direct by-pass passage 121 delivering the balls outwards onto putting green 106.

Chipping bay 104 has a target region 120 having a structure similar to the structure 54 in the embodiment of Fig 5, but with the following modification. Three ball collection and delivery systems are provided, one for the central target region, and one each for the inner and outer zones. Each delivers collected balls through a respective chute shown at 122. The disposition and angular inclination of these is such that the velocity of delivery of the balls is greatest from the central target, and decreases by two steps for the outer two zones of target region 120, whereby the proximity at which the balls comes to rest on the putting green with respect to its hole 124 is regulated to reward accuracy in the chipping bay. A ball-return channel 126 returns balls in the chipping bay to its' teeing end if they land in the outermost region of target 120.

In the embodiment of Fig 12, the arrangement is somewhat analogous to that of Fig 11. Channel 130 returns all balls from mid-iron bay 132 to a bunker bay 134, unless the shot reaches target 136. In this latter case, the ball is transferred to putting green 138 via conduit/channel 140.

In bunker bay 134, a target region 142 is constructed similarly to target 120 in Fig 11 and discharges onto putting green 138 likewise. All shots from the sand 144 which do not reach the centre of inner two regions of the target are returned to the player via channel 146.

Use of the above embodiments is believed to be clear from the above description. Interestingly, the above embodiments provide several advantages with respect to prior proposals in this field. The user has the opportunity to practice the full range of golfing shots in conditions closely simulating a normal golf course. Shots can be played with full velocity. Accuracy is rewarded by progress from bay to bay. The accuracy of delivery is also clearly determinable by the shot- distinguishing structures and their associated ball return arrangements. Convenient repetition of shots to be practised is readily achievable. Interest in what is inevitably a repetitious operation is maintained by the relatively close simulation of the stages in a hole on a real golf course, aided by automatic transfer of golf balls when shot accuracy justifies it.

In the above embodiments, amongst other modifications which could be made while remaining within the scope of the invention are the following :-

1 With regard to the curtains or nets for intercepting the golf shots, these may be constructed of a variety of flexible sheet materials as an alternative to netting, including a variety of woven or non-woven sheet materials. The curtains or nets need not be tensioned in order to have a suitable arresting effect on golf shots.

2 As regards the openings in the ball-intercepting curtains, these need not necessarily be rectangular. Other shapes may be adopted according to requirements, such as circular or oval openings, or even polygonal openings;

3 With regard to the dimensions and spacings of the ball-intercepting structures, these are, in the above embodiments, generally at spacings of about 1200 millimetres. This could be reduced to about 600 millimetres if desired, though this would increase the number of such curtains needed, in order to be effective. Greater spacing than 1200 millimetres could be adopted, but this would affect the length of the bay. In the above embodiments the bay length is 9 metres with a bay height in the first embodiment of 3.6 metres. The bay length could be increased to, for example, 20 metres if desired, but such elongation is affected by the trajectory of the shot concerned, in view of the height requirements for certain shots.

4 Alternative mechanical means may be provided for returning the balls to the player, for example by means of a driven conveyor belt in place of conduit 36.

5 Electronic means may be provided for counting the balls which are successfully hit into the target. Such electronic apparatus may display the number of such successful shots, and may be reset at each new player's turn.

6 In order to vary the conditions for striking the ball, a mechanical table may be provided in teeing area 24 to enable all positions of a course to be simulated. Such a mechanical table is able to move to creat sloping conditions as experienced on a course, thereby creating "up hill lies", "down hill lies", "ball above the feet", and "ball below the feet". Such a mechanical table can be arranged for manual or electronic operation.

7 The golf practice bay may be provided as a fόld-away structure for use, for example, in sports halls. A folding framework supporting the curtain material is provided, together with suitable fold-away or removable side, end and roof walls. To minimise ball bounce and to faciliate return, a suspended sheet material floor may be provided in the curtain/target area to minimise ball bounce and facilitate ball return.

Claims

CLAIMS :-

1 Golf practice apparatus comprising :- a) target means defining a location at which a golfing shot is to be aimed; and b) intercepting means located in front of said target means and capable of intercepting and stopping certain shots; characterised in that c) said intercepting means is in the form of two distinct shot-distinguishing structures spaced apart in the lengthwise direction of said golfing shot; d) at least the first of said shot distinguishing structures comprises upright curtain means; and e) at least the first of said shot distinguishing means having a generally centrally located opening whereby a range or band of good shots is distinguished from less good shots, the latter being identifiably stopped by said curtain means while the former can pass to said target means.^'

2 Golf practice apparatus comprising two spaced shot- distinguishing structures of which one comprises upright curtain means having a generally centrally located opening to distinguish good shots from less good shots.

3 Golf practice apparatus according to claim l or claim 2 characterised in that said shot distinguishing structures comprise at least two upright curtains spaced apart in the direction of the length of said golfing shots and each having an opening of a size different from that of the other, in order to define a zone of acceptable ball trajectories and directions, which zone tapers towards said target means in order to provide practice for driving shots.

4 Golf practice apparatus according to claim 3 characterised by ball return means associated each of said curtain means to return balls intercepted thereby to the user for re-use.

5 Golf practice apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised by another of said shot distinguishing structures comprising a generally upwardly-facing open structure having a generally centrally located opening defined by spaced endless outer and inner walls to intercept said golf shots, and having said target located generally centrally therein, whereby the apparatus provides practice for chipping shots.

6 Golf practice apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised by the second of said shot distinguishing structures comprising a generally upwardly facing surface to constitute a green, and sand or an equivalent material being provided on the forward side of said curtain means, and at a lower level from said green, to enable a user to practice bunker shots.

7 Golf practice apparatus comprising :- a) at least two lengthwise extending bays in which users can practice golf shots; b) each bay comprising target means for said golf shots; c) at least the first of said bays comprising spaced shots-distinguishing intercepting means to intercept and identifiably distinguish less good shots from better shots; and d) ball return and delivery means associated with said target means and said intercepting means and having ball delivery locations to deliver balls back to a player either in the same bay or to another bay, depending on the accuracy of the shot.

8 Golf practice apparatus according to claim 7 characterised by said shot distinguishing means being spaced apart in the direction of said golfing shots, and said ball return means being arranged to deliver balls collected from the shot distinguishing means closer to the player, back to the player.

9 Golf practice apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8 characterised by said shot distinguishing means having ball . delivery means to selectively deliver a ball either to a -next bay, or to a further bay, depending on the accuracy of the shot. 10 Golf practice apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9 characterised by said ball return/delivery means comprising transverse gutter means in front of said shot intercepting means to collect balls stopped thereby.