U.S. patent application number 10/760105 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-28 for golf practice target system.
Invention is credited to Simpson, Brian.
Application Number | 20040214648 10/760105 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33302884 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040214648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simpson, Brian |
October 28, 2004 |
Golf practice target system
Abstract
An elevated golf target provides a portable and adjustable
target for practicing golf. The elevated golf target consists of a
concave target, a vertical support and a portable base unit. The
elevated target preferably has a turf-like surface and can include
a target hole, a collector hole and an upwardly projecting
perimeter wall. A target surface presentation angle is adjustable
with respect to the ground. When the golfer hits the target, the
combination of a concave target surface, the target presentation
angle and the perimeter wall increase the likelihood of the ball
being retained on the target. The vertical support can allow for
vertical adjustment of the target while the portable base allows an
operator to easily change the location of the elevated golf target.
The elevated golf target can be used individually or a plurality of
targets can be utilized in a golf target system.
Inventors: |
Simpson, Brian; (Shakopee,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON, THUENTE, SKAAR & CHRISTENSEN, P.A.
4800 IDS CENTER
80 SOUTH 8TH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Family ID: |
33302884 |
Appl. No.: |
10/760105 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60440533 |
Jan 16, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/172 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/02 20130101;
A63B 2071/025 20130101; A63B 69/3691 20130101; A63B 57/40 20151001;
A63B 57/357 20151001; A63B 69/3623 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/172 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A golf target apparatus comprising: a portable base unit having
at least a pair of wheels; a vertical support member having a
bottom end mounted to the portable base unit such that the vertical
support member projects upward from the portable base unit and
wherein the vertical support member has a top end having a mounting
assembly; and a target assembly having a target support structure,
a target surface and a tilt assembly, wherein the tilt assembly
operably connects the mounting assembly and the target support
structure such that a target profile has an adjustable tilt range
from 0 degrees to 90 degrees.
2. The golf target apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable base
unit comprises a self-contained motor for propelling movement of
the golf target apparatus.
3. The golf target apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable base
unit further comprises a towing member for towing the golf target
apparatus.
4. The golf target apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable base
unit has a frame adapted for receiving weighting means to fix the
position of the golf target apparatus.
5. The golf target apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable base
unit comprises a plurality of extensions attached to the portable
base unit.
6. The golf target apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
display apparatus, the display apparatus being rotatably couplable
to the target structure such that the display apparatus is viewable
throughout the tilt range of the target structure.
7. The golf target apparatus of claim 6, wherein the display
apparatus comprises an electronic display.
8. The golf target apparatus of claim 7, wherein the electronic
display displays an electronic message selected from the group
consisting essentially of: a target yardage, a stock ticker, an
advertisement, a listing of sports results, a tee box status, and a
video broadcast.
9. The golf target apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical
support comprises a first support member and a second support
member, wherein the first support member is attached to the
mounting assembly and the second support member is attached to the
portable base unit, and wherein the first support member is
slidably adjustable with respect to the second support member for
adjusting an overall height of the target assembly.
10. The golf target apparatus of claim 1, wherein the target
support structure has an internal, concave shape defined by a
plurality of support ribs, a plurality of cross-members and a
perimeter wall and wherein the target surface is fixedly attached
to target support structure at the perimeter wall.
11. The golf target apparatus of claim 10, wherein an internal
portion of the target surface is adjustably attached to the target
support structure such that the target surface and the target
support structure cooperatively retain a golf ball that hits the
target surface.
12. A method for practicing golf using at least one portable target
comprising: selecting a tee area such that at least one golfer has
space for hitting a golf ball; positioning the at least one
portable target such that the target resides within view of the tee
area; and presenting a target surface on the portable target to the
golfer such that the golfer has an aiming point when hitting the
golf ball, the target surface including a tilt adjustment means for
selectively varying a profile of the target surface with respect to
the tee area.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein a plurality of portable targets
are positioned such that the plurality of targets are within view
of the tee area.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of
portable targets are selectively adjustable using the adjustment
means to present a plurality of differing target profiles.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein positioning the at least one
portable target comprises towing the at least one portable target
to a desired location.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein positioning the at least one
portable target comprises propelling the at least one portable
target to a desired location using a self-contained drive means on
the at least portable target.
17. The method of claim 12, further comprising displaying visual
information to the at least one golfer with a display means
attached to the at least one portable target.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the display means is a printed
media or an electronic display
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the visual information
communicated to the at least one golfer is selected from the group
consisting essentially of: an advertisement, a target distance, a
stock ticker, a listing of sports results, a tee box status, and a
video broadcast.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/440,533, filed Jan. 16, 2003 and entitled,
"GOLF PRACTICE TARGET SYSTEM," and hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to golf practice targets. More
specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and
method for practicing golf including a system of portable, dish
shaped golf targets having an energy absorbing structure, the
targets being individually and selectively positionable, as to
height and target angle, with respect to the ground.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Golf courses have overbuilt over the last few years in
relationship to demand. Consequently, the golf market is highly
competitive. Many golf facilities recognize this and are adding
products and services to attract golfers to their facility. An
example of one such product is the Global Positioning System (GPS)
on golf carts which helps golfers with yardage, pace of play, and
golf course information.
[0004] Golf is a target sport. When a golfer is playing a longer
hole such as a par 4, on the first shot the target is the fairway,
then the target for the second shot is the green, and then the
target for the third shot is the golf hole which potentially
results in a birdie. There are some drawbacks to current golf
ranges and practice areas with respect to providing suitable
targets. The typical golf range has small yardage signs that are
difficult to see as the yardage increases. There are also not
enough yardage signs. Most ranges have little or no visible
targets. The visible targets tend to be too small, poorly
positioned on the ground, and incapable of retaining a golf ball
that hits the target. When the golf target or target green is
positioned on the ground, or even a few feet above the ground, the
golfer from the tee-line can only see parts of the target or target
green. The target becomes less visible as distance increases. Many
people start having difficulty seeing the entire target starting at
as little as 50 yards under good conditions of weather and no
terrain undulation.
[0005] There are a number of targets previously disclosed in the
art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,320 discloses a target green
configured to appear as a full-scale green when viewed from a
distance. U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,547 discloses a movable golf green on
a predetermined track. U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,389 discloses a system
where a golf game can be played on the driving range by the hit
golf ball going into a hole on stationary ground targets. U.S. Pat.
No. 6,083,114 discloses a foldable and movable golf target. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,439,224 discloses a scoring system for driving ranges
that use universal product codes on each golf ball passing through
the targets to record pertinent information. U.S. Pat. No.
5,782,700 discloses a golf target ring with a flat circular area
for practicing golf shots. However, none of these examples provide
for a target that is clearly visible from the tee line.
[0006] There is a need for an elevated golf target that is shaped
for a realistic golf experience and that simultaneously provides
the golfer with visual feedback during practice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The elevated golf target of the present invention provides
golfers with maximum visibility of the target and an ability to
immediately determine the success of their golf shot. The elevated
golf target comprises a dish shaped target assembly, a vertical
support assembly and a base assembly. A golf ball is retained
within the perimeter of the target assembly through the combination
of an impact absorbing target surface, the concave shape of the
target and an projecting perimeter wall. In addition, the target
assembly can include a visual display providing information to a
golfer. The target assembly is attached to the vertical support
assembly such that both the angle of the target assembly with
respect to the ground as well as the height of the target assembly
are adjustable.
[0008] The base assembly includes at least two wheels such that a
range operator can easily change the location of the elevated golf
target on the range. The base assembly can further include towing
means such that the base assembly can be positioned using a manual
or motorized golf range implement. In an alternative embodiment,
the base assembly can comprise a drivable cart with a
self-contained drive source for positioning the elevated golf
target.
[0009] Furthermore, the present invention is a method for
adjustably configuring a driving range using one or more portable,
elevated golf targets. Variables such as distance, target
presentation angle and target height can be manipulated to provide
golfers with a plethora of target presentations. In addition, a
plurality of elevated golf targets can be used simultaneously to
provide the golf range with a configurable and adjustable target
system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an elevated
golf target of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front view of the elevated golf target of FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the elevated golf target of FIG.
1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of the elevated golf target of FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the elevated golf target of FIG.
1.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the elevated golf target of FIG.
1.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
motorized, elevated golf target of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an elevated
golf target of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a driving range utilizing a
plurality of elevated golf targets of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
elevated golf target of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] As depicted in FIG. 1, an elevated golf target 100 of the
present invention comprises a target assembly 102, a vertical
support assembly 104 and a base assembly 106. In general, elevated
golf target 100 is configurable in a multitude of positions
including tiltable adjustment of the target assembly 102 with
respect to the ground and vertical adjustment of the target
assembly 102 with respect to the ground. In addition, base assembly
106 provides portability to the elevated golf target 100. All of
these features are further discussed in the following
description.
[0021] In an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-6, target assembly 102
is preferably dish shaped with a diameter of between 5-20 feet. The
target assembly 102 comprises a target surface 108, an upwardly
projecting perimeter wall 110 and a support structure 112. Target
surface 108 can comprise at least one target hole 114 including a
target flag 116. Preferably, target hole 114 has a diameter of 4-16
inches. An adjustable flag bracket 117 extends across the target
hole 114 for receiving, retaining and positioning the target flag
116 in an upright position with respect to the ground. In addition,
target surface 108 can include at least one collector hole 118.
Preferably, collector hole has a diameter of 4-16 inches. In a
preferred embodiment, target surface 108 comprises artificial turf,
for example field turf, resembling natural grass that includes
means to promote water drainage and allow wind to pass through.
[0022] Support structure 112 comprises an exterior wall 120, a
plurality of support ribs 122 extending from exterior wall 120 to a
common rib intersection 124, and a plurality of cross-members 126
arranged between the support ribs 122. The support ribs 122 and
cross-members 126 are spaced apart so as to define a plurality of
support openings 128. Rib intersection 124 is coupled to a tilt
bracket 130 having a tilt bracket throughbore. Tilt bracket 130 can
include a grooved surface. Target surface 108 is placed over and
attached to the support structure 112 at the exterior wall 120. A
rear side 131 of target surface 108 includes a plurality of spaced
apart attachment clips 133. A plurality of attachment straps 135
are wrapped through the attachment clips 133 and attached around
the cross-members 126 to loosely retain the target surface 108 to
the cross-members 126. By loosely retaining the target surface 108,
the target surface 108 can sag which helps to absorb the impact
energy of golf balls that hit the target surface 108 as well as
allowing the target surface 108 to flutter with the wind as opposed
to retaining wind and acting as a sail. Once target surface 108 is
fully attached, an air gap 132 is defined between the bottom of the
target surface 108 and the support ribs 122 and the cross-members
126. The upwardly projecting perimeter wall 110 is attached to and
projects upwardly from the exterior wall 120. The support structure
112 can be manufactured of any material possessing characteristics
including strength, low weight and durability. Suitable materials
could include metals such as aluminum, polymers such as fiberglass
or ceramic composite materials.
[0023] Target assembly 102 can further include a visual display
134. Visual display 134 can be supported from exterior wall 120
with a pair of display supports 136a, 136b. As depicted, visual
display 134 includes a visual symbol 138 indicating target yardage.
Visual display 134 can be configured to display visual symbol 138
either continuously, i.e., a sign, or visual display 134 can be
electronic and capable of adjustably changing the visual symbol 138
through an electronic input. Whether continuous or electronically
adjustable, visual symbol 138 can display a variety of visual
information for example, advertising, teaching slogans, video
broadcasts, stock tickers, tee box status and/or sports
results.
[0024] As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, vertical support assembly 104 is
adjustable and comprises a telescoping interior vertical support
140 and an exterior vertical support 142. Alternatively, vertical
support assembly 104 can comprise a single vertical support
available in either a plurality of differing lengths or including a
plurality of throughbores for adjusting height. Both interior
vertical support 140 and exterior vertical support 142 are shown as
tubular members having circular cross-sections. Members having
alternative cross-sectional configurations could be used with the
only requirement being that the interior vertical support 140 have
an exterior dimension less than the interior dimension of the
exterior vertical support 142 such that the interior vertical
support 140 is adjustably slidable within the exterior vertical
support 142. A top end 144 of the interior vertical support 140
includes an end plate 146. Attached to the end plate 146 is an
attachment bracket 148. Attachment bracket 148 includes an
attachment throughbore 149 and can include a grooved surface
corresponding to the grooved surface on the tilt bracket 130. A
tilt fastener 153, for example a spring loaded pin or a nut and
bolt combination, inserts through attachment throughbore 149 and
the tilt bracket throughbore while the grooved surfaces of the tilt
bracket 130 and attachment bracket 148 intermesh such that the
target assembly 102 is coupled to the vertical support assembly
104. Interior vertical support 140 includes a plurality of interior
coupling throughbores 150 corresponding to an exterior coupling
throughbore 152 on the exterior vertical support 142. A vertical
positioning fastener 154, such as a nut and bolt or a spring loaded
retaining pin, extends through the aligned exterior coupling
thorughbore 152 and the desired interior coupling throughbore 150
to fix the vertical height of the vertical support assembly 104. A
bottom end 156 of the exterior vertical support 142 is attached to
the base assembly 106.
[0025] Base assembly 106 comprises a base 158 having a generally
rectangular configuration defining a front 160, a rear 162 and a
pair of sides 164a, 164b. Base assembly 106 comprises a pair of
front wheels 166a, 166b and a pair or rear wheels 167a, 167b. The
wheels 166a, 166b, 167a, 167b can be individually mounted to the
base frame 158 or can share a common axle. Wheels 166a, 166b, 167a,
167b are positioned such that the wheel travel is parallel to sides
164a, 164b. Base 158 includes a top surface 168 and a bottom
surface 170. Base 158 preferably has a hollow interior that can be
filled with material such as sand or water to provide additional
weight for anchoring the position of the elevated golf target 100.
Base 158 further includes a plurality of extensions 174 hingedly
attached to the base frame 158 to provide additional stability to
the elevated golf target 100. Extensions 174 can include an
adjustable landing pad 175, for example a screwable foot, to allow
for leveling of the base 158. When not in use, extensions 174 can
fold up or to the side. As shown in FIG. 5, front 160 and bottom
surface 170 can be adapted to include a towing receiver 176 to
allow towing by a golf range implement such as a tractor or a
manual dolly.
[0026] An alternative embodiment of an elevated golf target 200 is
depicted in FIG. 7. Elevated golf target 200 comprises a target
assembly 202, a vertical support assembly 204 and a motorized base
assembly 206. In general, target assembly 202 and vertical support
assembly 204 are substantially similar to target assembly 102 and
vertical support assembly 104 respectively.
[0027] In general, elevated golf target 200 is configurable in a
multitude of positions including tiltable adjustment of the target
assembly 202 from a parallel orientation with respect to the ground
to a perpendicular position with respect to the ground. Target
assembly 202 is also vertically adjustable with respect to the
ground in conjunction with the vertical support assembly 204.
Similarly, to elevated golf target 100, the elevated golf target
200 is portable. However, the use of motorized base assembly 206
provides the elevated golf target 200 with a self-contained power
source to provide the portability feature.
[0028] Tiltable adjustment of the target assembly 202 is
accomplished through the interaction of an angle bracket 207, an
adjustment member 208 and a coupling bracket 210. Angle bracket
207, comprising a pair of brackets or a channel member, is attached
to the rear of the target assembly 202. Angle bracket 207 includes
a plurality of angle throughbores 212 as well as an angle
attachment thorughbore 214. Adjustment member 208 includes a first
end 216 and a second end 218. Second end 218 can have an external
thread or other suitable surface treatement such as grooves or
teeth. First end 216 can include an attachment throughbore
corresponding to the angle throughbores 212 such that an angle
fastener 219 can be slidably inserted to attach angle bracket 207
and adjustment member 208. Alternatively, first end 216 can include
a pair of attachment members, for example spring loaded pins,
adapted to individually insert into angle throughbores 212.
Coupling bracket 210 is attached to the vertical support assembly
204. Coupling bracket 210 includes an adjustment means 220, such as
a threaded receiver or a mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic jack,
adapted to receive the second end 218. Coupling bracket 210 also
includes a coupling throughbore 222 corresponding to the angle
attachment thorughbore 214. A coupling fastener 224 is slidably
inserted through the coupling bore 222 and the angle attachment
thorughbore 214 such that the coupling bracket 210 and angle
bracket 207 are fixedly attached. The tilt angle of the target
assembly 202 is adjusted by attaching the an adjustment member 208
to a selected angle throughbore 212. Once the adjustment member 208
is attached to the angle bracket 207, additional adjustment is
accomplished by varying the position of the adjustment member 208
with the adjustment means 220.
[0029] As depicted, vertical support assembly 204 includes a bottom
end 226 operably connected to a golf cart 228. Golf cart 228
includes a plurality of support arms 230 connecting a cart floor
232 to the vertical support assembly 204 for supporting and
maintaining the position of the vertical support assembly 204 with
respect to the golf cart 228. The golf cart 228 is preferably a
standard golf cart design with cart floor 232 being reinforced to
hold and secure the vertical support assembly 204. Golf cart 228
includes an engine, for example a battery powered or internal
combustion engine, providing drive power such that the physical
location of the elevated golf target 200 can be varied.
[0030] Another alternative embodiment of an elevated golf target
300 is depicted in FIG. 8. Elevated golf target 300 comprises a
target assembly 302, a vertical support assembly 304 and a base
frame assembly 306. In general, target assembly 302 and vertical
support assembly 304 are substantially similar to target assembly
102 and vertical support assembly 104 respectively.
[0031] In general, elevated golf target 300 is configurable in a
multitude of positions including tiltable adjustment of the target
assembly 302 and vertical adjustment of the target assembly 302 in
conjunction with the vertical support assembly 304. Similarly, to
elevated golf target 100, the elevated golf target 300 is
portable.
[0032] As depicted, vertical support assembly 304 includes a bottom
end 307 operably connected to the base frame assembly 306. Base
frame assembly 306 includes a box frame 308 defining a front 310, a
rear 312 and a pair of sides 314a, 314b. Box frame 308 is comprised
of a plurality of welded or similarly attached frame members 316.
Box frame 308 has an open top 318 and a floor 320 which are defined
by a plurality of vertical frame members 322. Open top 318 allows
for heavy objects, such as sandbags, weights, bricks, or blocks, to
be placed within the box frame 308 such that the heavy objects
reside on the floor 320 and assist with anchoring and retaining the
elevated golf target 300 in position. Bottom end 307 attaches to
floor 320 while a plurality of support members 324 support and
retain the vertical support assembly 304. A plurality of extensions
326 project outward from the box frame 308 to provide increased
stability to the elevated golf target 300. Extensions 326 are
preferably hingedly attached to the box frame 308 for upward or
sideway retraction. Extensions 326 can include a leveling foot 327.
Attached proximate the rear 312 is a pair of wheels 328a, 328b
mounted such that their wheel path is parallel to the sides 314a,
314b. The front 310 can include one or more leveling members 330 in
proximity to the sides 314a, 314b such that when the elevated golf
target 300 is positioned, the box frame assembly 306 can be
adjusted to be generally level or parallel with the ground. A
towing member 332 is attached to the front 310 such that the
elevated golf target 300 can be towed to a desired location by a
golf range implement, such as a tractor or manual dolly.
[0033] In actual use, the elevated golf target 100 can be used
individually or a plurality of elevated golf targets 100, 200 and
300, in any combination, can be used to provide multiple targets as
shown in FIG. 9. Generally, a worker tows or drives the elevated
golf target 100 to a desired location on a golf range 170, most
typically based on a distance measurement from a tee area 172, for
example 25 to 250 yards from the tee area 172.
[0034] Once positioned on the golf range 170, the configuration and
presentation of the target assembly 102 can be adjusted with
respect to a golfer at the tee area 172. Based upon a variety of
factors such as distance to the elevated golf target 100 and the
level of difficulty an operator desires a golfer to confront, the
height and display angle of the target assembly 102 can be
adjusted. For example, the display angle is adjusted by adjusting
the position of the tilt bracket 130 with respect to the attachment
bracket 148 and fixing the tilt position using the tilt fastener
153 when the desired display angle is achieved. Tilt bracket 130
and attachment bracket 148 are positionally fixed due to the
intermeshing of their corresponding grooved surfaces. The height of
the target assembly 102 is adjustable by removing the vertical
positioning fastener 154, adjustably sliding the interior vertical
support 140 either into or out of the exterior vertical support 142
and reinserting the vertical positioning fastener 154 when the
target assembly 102 is at a desired height and the interior
coupling throughbores 150 and exterior coupling throughbore 152 are
suitably aligned.
[0035] Once the elevated golf target 100 has been positioned and
configured with respect to the tee area 172, a golfer can begin
aiming for and hitting golf balls at the elevated golf target 100.
The combination of the target surface 108, support structure 112,
target hole 114 and target flag 116 present a target substantially
resembling a putting green that a golfer might experience during a
round of golf.
[0036] In addition to resembling a putting green, the construction
of the target assembly 102 provides performance characteristics
that help to promote the retainment of golf balls on the target
surface 108 thus providing the golfer with a practice experience.
The sag of the target surface 108 along with the air gap 132 allows
the target surface 108 to absorb the impact energy of the golf ball
such that the bounce of a golf ball hitting the target surface 108
is reduced. Second, the dish shaped internal structure defined by
the support structure 112 helps to focus the bounce path of the
golf ball within the perimeter defined by the upwardly projecting
perimeter wall 110. Once the size and path of the golf ball bounce
has been effectively controlled, the upwardly projecting perimeter
wall 110 retains the golf ball on the target surface 108. In some
instances, the dish shape of the target assembly 102 will cause the
golf ball to be directed into the target hole 114. The target hole
114 can be equipped with a sensor or switch to provide an
indication of when such a hole-in-one occurs. In the event that the
golf ball is retained within the target surface 108 but does not
enter the target hole 114, the golf ball can roll downward into the
collector hole 118 such that it falls to the ground or into a net
400, as shown in FIG. 10, such that the ball can be recovered by a
standard ball recovery device.
[0037] In addition to presenting the target surface 108 to the
golfer, the elevated golf target 100 can simultaneously provide
visual information to golfers on the tee area 172 through the use
of the visual display 134. The visual display 134 can include a
fixed message such as an educational theme being taught by a
professional on the golf range, advertisements for products, a
course or tournament sponsor or the yardage from the tee area 172
to the elevated golf target 100 as shown in FIG. 9. In addition,
the visual display 134 can be electronic, for example a liquid
crystal display, a plasma display or other electronic display in
which the visual symbol 138 can be continuously changed. For
example, the visual display could display a live stock ticker,
sports results, the tee box status for the first hole at a golf
course or even live or recorded video broadcasts. The visual
display can be battery powered or include a plug style connector
for being attached to a remote power supply. Alternatively, the
visual display 134 could be powered by the engine of golf cart 228
or through a battery pack mounted on the base assembly 106 or base
assembly 306.
[0038] When positioned on the golf range 170, the elevated golf
target 100 is maintained in an upright position through a
combination of features on the target assembly 102 and the base
assembly 106. First, the support openings 128, air gap 132 and
target surface 108 allow wind to blow through the elevated golf
target 100 rather than being captured like a sail. Secondly, the
base 158 can be filled with weighting means to anchor the elevated
golf target 100 in position. Finally, the extensions 174
effectively increase the size of the base assembly 106 such that
the elevated golf target 100 cannot be blown or knocked over.
[0039] While the aforementioned embodiments have been described
with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be obvious to one
skilled in the art that various alternative embodiments are
possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. It will be understood that the preferred embodiments are
for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the
scope of the present invention.
* * * * *