WO2005011822A1

WO2005011822A1 - Tee-off mat for a golf ball

Info

Publication number: WO2005011822A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/008308
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Engelmann; Richard S. Marcy
Original assignee: Thomas Engelmann; Marcy Richard S
Priority date: 2003-08-01
Filing date: 2004-07-24
Publication date: 2005-02-10
Also published as: DE112004001264D2; DE112004001264B4; DE20311917U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a tee-off mat for a golf ball. Said tee-off mat comprises at least one attenuating layer with a tee-off top surface, especially an artificial turf surface, whereon at least one tee-off point is marked for the golf ball. According to the invention, means which are used to detect the tee-off point of the percussion head of a golf club are provided in or on the tee-off mat, as well as means which are used to analyse at least the length of the swing path on the tee-off mat. Said means generate dependent electric signals.

Description

Tee mat for a golf ball

The invention relates to a tee mat for a golf ball, which has at least one damping layer with a tee face, in particular an artificial turf surface, on which at least one tee point for the golf ball is marked.

Tee mats of the generic type are known in various designs for the tee training of golf balls indoors and outdoors. In a known embodiment, the bottom of the mat consists of a special air cushion damping layer made of rubber with approximately 10,000 elastic air cushions per square meter. An artificial turf surface made of linked fibers is applied to this damping layer. The special composition dampens the surcharges very strongly. This largely avoids overloading the joints of the hitting person, and the mat is particularly durable.

There are also tee mats, which are placed on a steel grate or lattice frame and form a unit with it, which ensures an absolutely flat surface. The steel grille also dampens the impact. Artificial turf is used as the mat material.

Other tee mats are made of rubber. These have a single tee frame with an inserted turf part and a turf part. The tee point for the golf ball is on the striking part. In addition, tee mats in the form of rubber ring mats are known. Furthermore, rubber bump mats are known which have fields of application in which different inserts can be used interchangeably. The mat itself consists of a textile knitted fabric or 'artificial turf. Other tee mats have a shock-absorbing damping layer made of elastic polymer plastics, which is installed as a kind of strut between the reinforced nylon artificial grass with a turf structure and the elastic underside made of rubber. This layer structure means that the person playing has a secure footing. Furthermore, when the foot rolls off, the feeling of an elastic natural floor is reproduced.

There are also tee mats, which consist of a base part and a slidable tee. When hitting the ball and hitting the club head, iron or wood, the hitting surface is moved relative to the base part against the force of springs. The club head can also be made of other materials. This also absorbs the impact forces.

Furthermore, golf swing analysis systems are known in the case of golf simulation devices, which make use of video recording and enable a detailed analysis of the swing or the swing path via slow motion. Such simulators are very expensive and complex.

From DE 695 26 367 T2 a device and method for training golf is known, in which the movement of the exercising person is recorded. For this purpose, first signal means are provided in order to provide a signal at the beginning of the critical phase, as well as a screen and a computer which communicates with the signal means and the screen, the unit being characterized by a body movement sensor which communicates with the computer and provides an output signal indicating the movement of the subject's center of gravity over a period of time that includes the start of the critical phase, and wherein the computer causes the screen to both indicate a trajectory of the person's center of gravity as well as the beginning of the critical phase in relation to an area of the trajectory. A detection of the swing movement is also known from WO 03/024544 AI.

The vibration path through the air is also determined using a device according to WO 88/09689. Furthermore, the swing movement can also be detected by light barriers which are arranged on a floor. A similar device for analyzing the swing is also known from WO 03/024552 AI.

Furthermore, it is known from US Pat. No. 6,007,169 to provide foot markings on the floor mat and to measure the pressure forces exerted.

When learning to play golf, it is important that, taking into account the length of the golf club when swinging the golf club, the person not only hits the golf ball, but that the ball hits the ground after the ball strikes and the path of the service is analyzed to make corrections to be able to learn when exercising a swing.

It is therefore the object of the invention to design a tee mat so that a trainer or the learner can use it to correct the swing of the racket and thus the swinging path. Another goal is to be able to carry out a swing analysis in a simple manner and with simple means, also via impact sequences.

The invention solves the problem by designing the tee mat according to the technical teaching specified in claim 1.

In, on or on the mat are means for detecting the point of impact of the golf club's striking head, ie of iron, metal or wood, and further those provided for analysis of at least the length of the swing-out travel, these means generating electrical signals as a function of the physical quantity detected. These signals are fed to a circuit arrangement for registration, evaluation and display.

These signals can be digitally coded or analog signals, depending on how the electronics of the processing system are designed. The circuit arrangement can have logical links or else at least one programmable microprocessor which, in cooperation with programs stored in a memory, undertakes the registration and evaluation of the data. It goes without saying that such a microprocessor is also assigned a memory, e.g. an EEPROM to be able to temporarily store and delete data. Other memories can also be used.

The display means showing the impact point and / or the swing-out travel or an evaluation criterion, e.g. "Good, bad, mediocre" or those with symbols or colors can be provided in, on or on the mat. By "in the mat" is meant that the display means are integrated, e.g. a walk-in display with a row of LEDs. Instead of visual display means, an acoustic announcement "good, bad, mediocre" can also be provided. However, these means can also be applied "on the mat", for example in a display housing fastened thereon, in which the remaining electronics are also accommodated, or in a frame-shaped housing with strip-shaped longitudinal housings applied or inserted into the mat.

In any case, the circuit arrangement has the effect that a display takes place depending on the signals determined. If the display means are "on the mat", they can also be on a mat, for example Stand attached and include visual or audible indicators or a combination thereof. It goes without saying that the circuit arrangements connected to the sensors are either integrated in a housing next to the mat or on the mat or in the mat itself or are also provided in the column or in the display device. Corresponding interfaces must then be provided towards the mat, in or on or on which the sensors are located. In the simplest embodiment, pressure sensors are used as sensors. These can be pressure detection foils with matrix-shaped or row-arranged pressure sensors, the columns and rows of which are read out by a microprocessor, so that the electrical signals derived therefrom can be evaluated for display and the microprocessor can then output display signals which are dependent on the determined and analyzed impact point and swing path data are, or also capacitive sensors.

In principle, the circuit arrangement and the detection and analysis system can be activated by connecting the circuit arrangement to a current source e.g. is created via a switch. However, it is also possible to activate it only when the golf ball is placed on the tee point. For this purpose, it is provided that a pressure sensor is installed on the marked tee point or in the mat. This pressure sensor issues a switch-on control command to the circuit arrangement as soon as the golf ball approaches. This control command is evaluated and activates the circuit arrangement.

So that an assessment can now be made depending on the length of the racket and on the other hand also the

Clubs can be brought to the tee point in a certain assignment depending on the size of the person, foot marks are laterally offset from the tee point or marked foot fields in or on the mat or placed next to the mat on the floor on which it rests, so that the local assignment can be taken into account to optimize the stroke.

In a further embodiment, it is then also possible in such an embodiment that the system is activated by entering these marked fields. For this purpose, it is provided in a further embodiment that at least one activation pressure sensor is integrated in at least one field of a pair of feet in the mat or in the footprint on the floor, which outputs a signal for activating the circuit arrangement.

However, the invention is also applicable to those embodiments in which light barriers are provided in the mat in the longitudinal direction of the ideal trajectory of the golf ball, instead of pressure sensors or capacitive sensors, which are arranged above the surface of the mat in longitudinal rails that run parallel to the ideal flight - and swing curve run. At least one row of light-emitting diodes on one side in the first strip-shaped housing and reflectors or optoelectronic transducers on the other side in the other strip-shaped housing are arranged in these strip-shaped housings, so that the light barriers can work in a known manner to both To be able to record the point of impact of the racket on the mat as well as the swing-out distance in length. These light barriers are connected to the microprocessor via a bus. Your conditions are recorded, e.g. read out, registered and prepared for display.

In the case of such an arrangement, but also in the case of an arrangement with pressure sensors provided in the longitudinal direction, which are arranged either in a row or in a matrix, it is advisable, for simple representation, in the mat or in the strip-shaped housing parallel to the ideal one To introduce the baseline for the throwing parabola of the golf ball and the swing path of the club. These should be provided in the direction of the shot both over a certain distance before the tee point and behind the tee point of the golf ball. These light-emitting diodes can be colored green, for example, behind the tee point, and yellow and / or red before the tee point. It is also possible to subdivide the areas in front of the ideal impact point into a zone which can still be regarded as a satisfactory impact zone and a precursor zone which is further away. This zone can then be marked in yellow and the zone further away can be marked by red colored light-emitting diodes.

The person who uses this tee mat for training and practice purposes or also during the learning phase of the golf game or in normal operation, immediately recognizes from the indicating, lighting-up LEDs whether the shot and the swing curve are ideal, less ideal or bad. Of course, this can also be indicated by other display means, for example on a display or in rows of light strips, which are controlled accordingly by the microprocessor or a fixed logic circuit.

In a further embodiment and using a sensor matrix, the curve of the swing-out curve can also be determined, recorded and also evaluated. If, for example, the racket is pulled to the left, i.e. towards the person, this can be used as an additional criterion in the evaluation. It is also possible to use pressure sensors to determine the impact force at the impact point and also use it for evaluation. It is also possible to determine and evaluate the swing speed based on the swing path and the determined time. Basically, the tee mat can be delimited in a larger mat, limited by markings or the introduction of frame parts. However, it is also possible to use a frame and to only integrate the tee mat in this frame, while the positions that have to be taken in relation to this frame in order to achieve an ideal tee must be marked on the installation floor at prescribed intervals, or a film is put on, which contains these markings, in order to be able to assign an ideal standing position to a person, taking into account the length of the racket.

A tee mat according to the invention can also be used together with an exercise net in a closed room; but it can also be used outdoors with and without a network. The memory used in the electronics also makes it possible, for example, to register the number of serves of a person during a training hour and to carry out an average and / or total evaluation, from which it can be seen, for example, in chronological order whether an improvement in the serve has been achieved or a deterioration. During the evaluation, a score can also be compared or determined with a maximum number in order to be able to make a statement as to whether the premiums as a whole or individually were to be classified as "good", "satisfactory" or "bad".

Of course, this system can also be used as a golf betting game in which several golfers play against each other and each serve is evaluated; the scores obtained in this way can be compared and evaluated. The scores of the individual players can, for example, be shown visually on a display or verbally, for example using a vocoder via a loudspeaker are reproduced. The winner can be determined by the microprocessor based on the points.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in simplified form in the drawing.

In Figure 1, a tee mat according to the invention is shown in perspective. In a large mat 1, delimited by a frame 4, the tee mat field is provided. This frame 4 consists of a plastic frame with an inlet and outlet zone in the form of cross members 8, 9. Approximately in the middle, the tee mat is incorporated as part of the large mat 1 or inserted or clamped in the frame as a separate mat. On the mat 1 there is a tee point for the golf ball 2, which is in a certain position with respect to the foot fields marked in the secondary area of the mat. The foot fields 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b are each arranged in pairs with respect to one another and can be distinguished from one another, for example, by colored areas or outline markings, so that depending on the size of the person and thus the length of the golf club used, a firm positioning the person is given opposite the tee point of the golf ball 2. The delimited field is - as stated earlier - defined by frame 4. This frame 4 has lateral longitudinal frame parts 4a, 4b, which run parallel to the base line, which lies below the ideal throwing parabola of the golf ball and the settling curve of the golf club. The electronics can be accommodated in the frame 4, which is used for evaluating the signals from the pressure sensors and controls the driver circuit for the light-emitting diodes 3 shown. In the side parts 4a, 4b of the frame are in series LEDs 3 arranged. From the ideal point of impact, which is at the level of the point of impact on the golf ball, the diodes are colored green towards the front, while in a section behind, which can still be considered as a point of impact, but does not correspond to an ideal area of impact, they are yellow are colored and colored red in a region behind them, so that after the golf ball 2 has been tapped, the player and the coach receive the teeing point and the swing-out distance for a certain period of time or until the circuit arrangement is switched off and on again, in order to be able to draw conclusions about the performance Take a discount and make corrections if necessary. Such frame parts can have, for example, sizes of approximately 700 mm x 900 mm, but they can also be elongated and, for example, approximately 500 mm x 1000 mm long.

In Figure 2, the frame 4 is shown highlighted in a sectional drawing along the section line A-B. In particular, the transverse parts 8 and 9 are visible with their surfaces rising obliquely in the direction of the swing.

Claims

claims

1. tee mat (1) for a golf ball (2), having at least one damping layer with a tee surface, in particular artificial turf surface, on which at least one tee point for the golf ball (2) is marked, characterized in that in, on or on the tee mat ( 1) Means are provided for detecting the point of impact of the club head of a golf club and for analyzing at least the length of the swing-out path on the tee mat (1), which means generate electrical signals as a function thereof.

2. tee mat according to claim 1, characterized in that in, on or on the tee mat (1) display means (3) are provided which, depending on the generated electrical signals, the impact point and / or swing in the form of a light band or a row lengthways of the swing-out path of arranged light elements or numerically or symbolically by light fields, illuminated symbols or acoustically at least for a certain period of time.

3. tee mat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the tee point, a sensor, in particular a pressure sensor, is integrated, which activates the means for detecting, analyzing, generating and displaying when placing the golf ball (2).

4. tee mat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that transverse to the longitudinal swing path of the golf club and laterally spaced from the tee point and in a certain lateral depth position for this purpose foot markings (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) and / or marked foot fields or are provided in the tee mat, which are arranged in pairs, each assigned to a certain length of the golf club.

5. tee mat according to claim 4, characterized in that in one of the marked fields (5a,

5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) of a pair of feet, at least one sensor is used, which activates the means for detecting, analyzing, generating and displaying as soon as a person stands on the paired fields.

6. tee mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for detecting and analyzing before and after the tee point in the tee mat (1) in the longitudinal vibration direction or are part of an overlaid, under or inserted layer, the Means are arranged at least in series and have sensors, in particular resistance sensors or capacitive sensors, or that the means consist of at least one row of light barriers, the sensors or the light barrier means being connected to a circuit arrangement for generating the electrical signals and for displaying assigned values.

7. tee mat according to claim 6, characterized in that the sensors are arranged in a matrix in a pressure point detection mat or in a mat intermediate layer and that the lateral curve of the vibration path is additionally analyzed.

8. tee mat according to claim 6, characterized in that additional means for detecting and evaluating the impact force and / or club speed are provided on or in the mat, which are connected to the circuit arrangement.

9. tee mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means comprise electronic circuits.

10. tee mat according to claim 9, characterized in that a microprocessor circuit is provided which is connected to the sensors of the detection means and the drivers of the display means directly or via logic see circuits.

11. tee mat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mat (1) has a frame (4), preferably a plastic frame delimitation frame, or a frame marking that limits the tee box in the mat, and that the foot markings (5a, 5b; 6a, 6b; 7a, 7b) are provided outside the frame (4) on the mat (1) or on a floor.

12. Tee mat according to claim 11, characterized in that at least in one of the long sides (4a, 4b) of the frame (4) the display means (3) and / or in both long sides light barrier elements, in particular light-emitting diodes, reflectors and / or optoelectronic elements, is provided are.

13. Tee mat according to claim 12, characterized in that the display means (3) are a row of light-emitting diodes or light bars or a light strip, these having different colors in sections, namely a row section in front of the tee point deviates in color from that of a further row section and this in turn from a row section behind the tee point, the light-emitting diodes and / or the light intensity indicating at least the hit point and the swing-out travel and its length.

14. Tee mat according to claim 1, 9 or 10, characterized in that an electronic memory is provided in which the number of tee and at least the position of the respective impact point and the swing-out distance are registered on a personal basis.

15. Tee mat according to claim 14, character- ized in that an impact profile can be determined, displayed and / or printed out on the basis of the data.

16. tee mat according to claim 1, 2, or 14, characterized in that interfaces are provided for the connection of display ads as sole or additional display means.

17. tee mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be used as an in-room trainer in conjunction with an exercise network or as an outdoor trainer with or without an exercise network.

18. Tee mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a detection device as a game device, which detects the rated surcharges of individual people playing and which is displayed by calling or automatically on a display.

19. tee mat according to claim 11, characterized in that the frame (4) has a front transverse part (9) - in the swing direction - with an obliquely increasing surface and a rear transverse part (8) with an increasing surface from the impact plane.