U.S. patent application number 10/904506 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-02 for a mobile device to launch a golf ball pneumatically and play golf [robogolfer].
This patent application is currently assigned to Wilson, Charles Lindsay. Invention is credited to Wilson, Charles Lindsay.
Application Number | 20050115548 10/904506 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34622750 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050115548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson, Charles Lindsay |
June 2, 2005 |
A Mobile Device to Launch a Golf Ball Pneumatically and Play Golf
[Robogolfer]
Abstract
This invention discloses a mobile device similar to a
golf-club-bag pull cart that transports a golf-ball pneumatic
launcher [Robogolfer]. The launcher propels a golf ball in a manner
similar to striking it with a golf club. Robogolfer allows an
individual unskilled or physically handicapped in swinging a golf
club to play golf. The operator positions the device where a golf
shot is desired and points the barrel in the direction of the shot.
The trajectory and distance of the golf shot is controlled by the
angle of loft and pneumatic pressure of the golf-ball launcher.
Pressurized gas is instantaneously released into the barrel of the
launcher by a dump valve, thus propelling the golf ball forward on
the golf course. Since skill is required in selecting the
direction, loft, and distance for each golf shot launched,
individuals can use Robogolfer to play golf competitively on a
standard golf course.
Inventors: |
Wilson, Charles Lindsay;
(Shepherdstown, WV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES LINDSAY WILSON
BOX 1194
SHEPERDSTOWN
WV
25443
US
|
Assignee: |
Wilson, Charles Lindsay
Box 1194
Shepherdstown
WV
|
Family ID: |
34622750 |
Appl. No.: |
10/904506 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60481727 |
Dec 1, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
124/56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 11/68 20130101;
A63B 2102/32 20151001; F41B 11/57 20130101; A63B 69/409 20130101;
A63B 55/30 20151001; A63B 71/0036 20130101; F41B 11/62 20130101;
A63B 55/60 20151001; B62B 2202/404 20130101; F41B 11/71
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
124/056 |
International
Class: |
F41B 011/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mobile golf-ball launching device comprising a wheeled
transport means that can move the components of the golf ball
launcher over ground and a golf course; a means of launching a golf
ball pneumatically attached to the transport means; a means of
stabilizing and adjusting the loft angle the golf ball is launched;
a means to control the amount of pneumatic force used to propel the
golf ball and control the velocity and distance of the launch; and
a means of setting the direction that the golf ball will be
launched.
2. A mobile golf-ball launching device as set forth in claim 1
wherein the means of transportation over ground is a wheeled device
similar to a golf-bag pull cart.
3. A mobile golf-ball launching device as set forth in claim 1
wherein the means of launching a golf ball is a pneumatic launcher
that releases pressurized gas by means of a quick-release dump
valve into a barrel containing a golf ball.
4. A transport means as set forth in claim 2 in which the loft is
adjusted to a desired angle by a movable structure on the transport
means.
5. A pressure control means as set forth in claim 1 in which the
pressure released by a golf-ball launcher when a golf shot is made
is regulated by a pressure sensor on the accumulator and an on/off
switch on a compressor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] Golf is an exceedingly popular sport internationally. It
provides players healthy exercise and the pleasure of competition
and skill enhancement. Participation in the sport of golf requires
special skills on the part of the player. Because considerable time
and money is necessary to acquire these skills the opportunity to
play golf is not available to most individuals. Also, certain
handicapped individuals are prohibited from playing conventional
golf. The present invention provides an individual unskilled or
handicapped in swinging a golf club an opportunity to play golf on
a conventional golf course.
[0002] Robotics have been applied to golf for a variety of
purposes. Davies et al. [U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,711,388; 5,944,132] and
Romy [DE19941807] describe an autonomous personal service robotic
golf caddy. Toru [JP32446] describes a robotic caddy that in
addition to transporting the golfer's clubs displays useful
information for the golfer. Commercial versions of robotic golf
caddies are available that follow the golfer around the course
(Shedda Robotic Electric Golf Caddy/Cart (Gettig Engineering and
Manufacturing Company, Spring Mills, Pa.). A hands-free golf-ball
teeing device has been patented by Bacon [U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,804].
Andreae, Jr. et al. have patented a power assisted adapter for
pull-type golf club bag carrying carts [U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,470
B1].
[0003] A variety of patents relating to robotic control of a
golf-club swing have been issued [Hiroshi et al., JP2001190729;
Akio et al., JP2002224246; Hamilton, U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,030;
Kamato, JP6210038]. Golf club manufacturers utilize robots to test
their equipment. Kun-Lin Chien describes a golf bombarding testing
machine that propels golf balls toward a club to test club
durability [U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,497,650; 6,415,1671 B1]. Commercial
versions of ball cannon robotics are available to propel golf balls
at precise points on the golf clubface testing the dimensional
stability of the club. Loft, lie, and swinging robots are also
available commercially to test clubs and golf balls [Burrows Golf,
Inc., Valencia, Calif. 91355].
[0004] Robotics departments at universities have challenged
students to develop a variety of robotic devices in their
laboratories that play golf. These devices have generally been
constructed out of LEGO components and operate only in a small
area. Besson [FR2689409] and Rowland [U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,058] have
patented miniaturized robotic golf games. Plattsburgh University
challenges students to build a robotic golf ball locater and
retriever for the visually impaired. The University of Texas asks
students to build an autonomous robot capable of playing robo-golf
over a 4 by 6 foot playing area. MIT challenges its students to
build autonomous robots that can place golf balls in holes on a
pre-designed table. Robotics Trade Organization which represents
over 50 robotics manufacturers in the United States has challenged
their membership to build a robot that can play golf autonomously
on a conventional golf course. They have set down a number of
criteria including the requirement that the robot swing a
conventional golf club. Robots by Design (Louisville, Ky.) has
modified one of its robots to swing an iron and hit a golf ball.
The estimated cost of this robot is $250,000.
[0005] Handicapped golf has been played in the United Kingdom since
World War I and more recently in the United States organizations
have been formed to assist physically handicapped individuals play
golf. The focus of these organizations has been to assist amputees
swing a golf club. None of the previous art allows a severely
handicapped person unskilled or unable to swinging a golf club to
play on a golf course in a competitive manner.
[0006] Pneumatic launching devices (paint ball guns and air
cannons) have been used to propel a variety of missiles including
paint balls, potato plugs, T-shirts, and golf balls. All these
devices have basic similarities in that pressurized gas is abruptly
released by means of a valve into a barrel where it propels objects
out of the barrel at different velocities and distances. A variety
of patents have been issued covering pneumatic-gun devices to
propel balls [U.S. patents: Fujimoto, U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,176 B1;
Juan, U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,092 B2; Gardner, Jr., U.S. Pat. No.
5,881,707; Lotuaco, III, U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,736; Lucus, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,613,483; Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,982; Kotsiooulos, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,280,778; Henderson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,662,729]. Simpler
air cannons have been developed that do not have bolt actions like
a gun. Among these are Spudguns that can launch potato plugs,
tennis balls, and T-shirts by releasing compressed gas (air, carbon
dioxide, nitrogen) abruptly by the activation of a quick-release
dump valve into a barrel containing the projectile. Pneumatic
devices have been described for launching golf balls to strike golf
clubs in order to test their integrity [U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,497,650;
6,415,671 B1].
[0007] None of the present art describes a method of launching a
golf ball pneumatically in a manner similar to striking it with a
golf club where the direction, loft, and distance traveled by the
ball is controlled by the operator. Such a device would enable a
large population of individuals presently unable to play golf to
participate in this popular sport.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] This invention provides a means for individuals unskilled or
handicapped in swinging a golf club to play golf on a conventional
golf course. The mobile golf-ball launching device, Robogolfer 1,
in this invention allows an individual to simulate a conventional
golf shot by controlling the direction, loft, and distance of the
golf ball when it is launched. The golf-ball launcher (FIG. 2) is
attached to a transport means 42 (FIGS. 8,9,10,11) similar to a
golf-club bag pull cart that allows the golf-ball launcher (FIG. 2)
to be moved to appropriate places on the golf course where a golf
shot can be executed. Attached to the transport means 42 is a
cylindrical casing 3,5 (FIGS. 4,5) similar to a golf bag that
houses the components of the golf-ball launcher (FIG. 2) consisting
of the accumulator 13, compressor 7 with a rechargeable battery 7',
dump valve 19, and dump valve actuator 21. The cylindrical casing
3,5 besides containing the golf ball launcher (FIG. 2) can also be
used to transport golf clubs, golf balls, and other golf
accessories. Mounted on an upper cart frame member 43 of the
transport means 42 is a display screen 47 that holds the compressor
on/off switch 51, digital pressure readout 49 from accumulator
pressure sensor 13, ball-launch button 55, and inclinometer readout
53. If needed the transport means can be attached to a golf cart or
wheelchair and moved to a position where a golf shot can be made by
a handicapped person.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
transport means 42 has an adjustable loft means (FIGS. 16A and 16B)
at the rear that allows the selection of a desired loft angle for
launching the golf ball and provides stability to the launching
means (FIG. 2) during the execution of a golf shot.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
pneumatic golf-ball launcher (FIG. 2) is attached in a casing 3,5
(FIGS. 4,5) to the transport means 42 in such a manner that it can
be used to launch a golf ball B in varying directions, at varying
distances, and lofts. The direction and loft of the golf shot can
be controlled by pointing the barrel 29 of the golf ball launcher
in the desired direction and tilting the Robogolfer 1 backwards at
varying angles utilizing the adjustable loft means (FIGS. 16A, 16B)
in the rear. A degree of loft can be selected by the operator
through individual judgment or by observing readings on an attached
inclinometer 53. The distance of the shot can be controlled by
adjusting the pressure in the accumulator 13 as determined by the
accumulator pressure sensor 15 attached to the accumulator 13 with
a digital readout 49 on the display screen 47.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention,
Robogolfer 1 is equipped with a rapid-release dump valve 19,
pneumatically or electronically activated, by an actuator valve 21
that can instantaneously release pressurized gas into the air
release channel 25 propelling the golf ball B out through the
breech 27 and barrel 29. Such action allows a golf ball B to be
propelled from the launcher barrel at a rapid velocity and for a
considerable distance. In the preferred embodiment of this
invention golf balls can be launched over 300 yards. The dump valve
19 can consist of one of several configurations known to the art
such as a piston valve or diaphragm valve. The preferred valve for
this invention is a piston valve activated by an actuating
valve.
[0012] By utilizing the transport means 42, adjustable loft means
(FIGS. 16A,16B), golf-ball launching means (FIG. 2), and distance
control means 15, 51 of Robogolfer 1 an individual unskilled or
handicapped in swinging a golf club can launch a golf ball in a
desired direction, loft, and distance and play golf competitively
on a conventional golf course.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1. Perspective view of golf-ball launching means and
transportation means [Robogolfer].
[0014] FIG. 2. Side view/fragment section of golf-ball launching
means.
[0015] FIG. 3. Top view of golf-ball launching means.
[0016] FIG. 4. Front view of casing containing golf-ball launching
means.
[0017] FIG. 5. Rear view of casing containing golf-ball launching
means.
[0018] FIG. 6. View along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 which shows front view
of casing containing golf-ball launching means where barrel is
attached.
[0019] FIG. 7. Sectional view of barrel connection to golf-ball
launching means.
[0020] FIG. 8. Front view of transport means and adjustable loft
means.
[0021] FIG. 9. Side view of transport means and adjustable loft
means.
[0022] FIG. 10. Rear view of transport means and adjustable loft
means.
[0023] FIG. 11. Top view of transport means and adjustable loft
means.
[0024] FIG. 12. Section along line 11-11 of FIG. 9 which shows side
view of transport means and adjustable loft means.
[0025] FIG. 13. Section along line 12-12 of FIG. 10 which shows
rear view of transport means and adjustable loft means.
[0026] FIG. 14. Section along line 13-13 of FIG. 9 which shows side
view of transport means and adjustable loft means.
[0027] FIGS. 15A and 15B. Section along line 15-15 of FIG. 13 which
is a section along line 12-12 of FIG. 10 showing rear view of
transport means and adjustable loft means.
[0028] FIGS. 16A and 16B. View illustrating minimum and maximum
launch angle for the golf-ball launching means utilizing adjustable
loft means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The objective of this invention is to allow an individual
unskilled or handicapped in swinging a golf club to launch a golf
ball in a manner similar to striking it with a club and play golf
on a conventional golf course. In order to realize this objective a
mobile device has been invented consisting of a transport means 42
(FIGS. 8,9,10,11), a golf-ball launching means (FIG. 2), a
golf-ball adjustable loft means (FIGS. 12,13,14,15A,15B,16A,16B),
and a distance control means 15,49,51. Special skill is needed in
the operation of these various means which affords the opportunity
for competition among individuals utilizing this invention. Once an
individual's ball has reached the proximity of the golf green
utilizing Robogolfer 1 a conventional golf club such as a wedge or
putter can be used to finish the hole.
[0030] The Robogolfer 1 transport means 42 (FIGS. 8,9,10,11)
provides a way to move the golf-ball launcher of Robogolfer to
various sites on a golf course where a golf shot can be executed.
Robogolfer has wheels 107 and an axel 101 for transportation and an
adjustable loft means (FIGS. 12,13,14,15A,15B,16A,16B) that helps
adjust the loft and direction of the golf shot and stabilizes
Robogolfer 1 during a golf shot. The Robogolfer transport means
(FIGS. 8,9,10,11) is similar to a golf-bag pull cart to which a
casement 3,5 is attached to an upper 57 and lower 119 frame member.
The casement 3,5 houses the golf-ball launcher which consists of an
accumulator 13, compressor 7 with a removable/rechargeable battery
pack 7'. The compressor 7 is connected 11 to the accumulator 13
which has a dump valve 19 that regulates the discharge of
compressed gas from the accumulator 13 into the air release channel
25. An actuating valve 21 is connected to the dump valve 19. The
Robogolfer transport means also has a display screen 47 (FIG. 11)
attached to the handle 45 that contains the compressor on/off
button 51, golf-ball launching button 55, digital inclinometer
readout 53, digital pressure readout 49, and adjustment knob set
screw 61. Wires from the actuating valve for the dump valve 23,
pressure sensor on the accumulator 17, and compressor 9 run to an
electrical connector 35 in the casement 5 which connects to the
ball-launch button 55, compressor on/off switch 51, and digital
pressure readout 49 on the display screen 47.
[0031] The golf-ball launching means (FIG. 2) of Robogolfer can
consist of any of a variety of pneumatic gun or launcher
configurations known to the art to propel solid objects [eg. air
cannons and paint ball guns]. The preferred configuration of the
golf-ball launching means (FIG. 2) consists of an accumulator 13
connected 11 to a removable/rechargeable battery pack 7' powered
compressor 7. A rapid-release dump valve 19 separates the
compressed air generated by the compressor 7 in the accumulator
from the barrel 29 of the launcher. Connected to the dump valve 19
is an actuating valve 21 that releases pressurized gas and
activates the dump valve 19. When a small volume of pressurized gas
is released by the actuating valve 21 the piston in the dump valve
19 moves rapidly to the rear releasing the seal between the dump
valve 19 and air release channel 25 allowing the pressurized gas in
the accumulator 13 to be rapidly expelled out the barrel 29 thus
propelling the golf ball B out the end of the barrel. The launcher
barrel 29 which has an inside diameter (ID) that is machined to
just accommodate the diameter (1.68 inches) of a golf ball B is
designed so that it can be detached and inserted in a barrel
storage clamp 33 during transportation. The barrel can be removed
from the barrel storage clamp 33 and installed to the launching
means by a barrel quick connect 31 (FIG. 7) that involves the
insertion and removal of a locking pin 30 at the base of the barrel
29 into a locking groove 37, 37' and turning the barrel clockwise.
An O-ring 39 seals the barrel to the breech chamber 27.
[0032] The Robogolfer transport means 42 has an adjustable loft
means that allows the operator to precisely set Robogolfer 1 to
simulate the loft of various golf shots (FIGS. 16A,16B). As seen in
FIGS. 15A,15B this is accomplished by moving a launch angle
adjustable block 59 along an angle adjustment screw shaft 63 and
two guide rails 73 at the back of the transport means 42. Movement
of the launch angle adjustable block 59 along these three members
can be accomplished by pulling back the T-handle 77 which
disengages the rack 79 from the threads on the screw shaft 63
allowing the operator to move the adjustment block 59 up or down
the screw shaft 63. Such movement allows the operator to set
adjustable loft means at a desired loft for a golf shot (FIGS.
16A,16B). Once the T-handle 77 is released and the rack 79 is
reengaged, a fine adjustment for the loft angle can be made using
the angle adjustment knob 61 and adjustment knob set screw 61'.
[0033] The Robogolfer transport means 42 is constructed to
facilitate movement of Robogolfer 1 and provide the proper loft for
a golf shot, as well as, provide stability during the shot. To
accomplish these goals the transport means 42 consists of an upper
frame member 43 and lower transporter frame member 119 to which two
parallel guide rails 73 are attached. Between the guide rails 73
there is an angle adjustment screw shaft 63 which is attached to
the upper transport frame member 43 and lower transport frame
member 87. Movement of the launch angle adjustment member upward
causes the movement of the Robogolfer wheels 107 backward
subsequently increasing the angle of loft of the Robogolfer barrel
(FIGS. 16A,16B). Two upper struts 111 are attached to the upper
strut attachment ears 109 by means of a pin 113 and run to the
launch angle adjustment member 59. Lower struts 101 run from the
upper strut attachment ear 109 to the lower cart frame member 87.
At the base of the lower transport frame member 119 is a pivoting
flange 121 that penetrates the turf and anchors Robogolfer 1 during
the alignment and execution of a golf shot.
[0034] FIG. 12 shows in detail the attachment of the angle
adjustment shaft 63 and guide rails 73 to the upper transport frame
member 43 of Robogolfer. The bore 71 of the upper transport frame
member 43 has a bearing 67 at its top and bottom through which the
upper shaft section 65 passes. Washers 69, 69 are placed on both
ends of the upper shaft section. A key way 65' is between the fine
adjustment knob 61 and fine adjustment knob set screw 61'. Set
screws 75 hold the two guide rails 73 in place.
[0035] FIG. 13 shows a cross section of the launch angle adjustment
member 59 at a point where the upper struts are attached with pins
117 and the T-handle attached to the adjusting rack 79 which is
engaged with the angle adjustment screw shaft 63. A spring 81
inside the bearing surface 85 keeps the adjusting rack 79 engaged.
FIG. 15A shows the adjusting rack 79 engaged with the angle
adjustment screw shaft 63 and the T-handle 77, bore 80, adjusting
rack 79, bearing surface 83,85, spring 81, and launch angle
adjustment member 59. FIG. 15B shows the adjusting rack 79
disengaged from the angle adjustment screw shaft 63.
[0036] FIG. 14 shows the lower attachment of the angle adjustment
screw shaft 63 of the adjustable alignment means on the transport
means 82 of Robogolfer. The angle adjustment screw shaft 63 passes
through the bore 71 of the lower transport frame member 87 which
has a bearing 91 at both ends. Washers 93, 93' are placed on both
sides of the bore hole. The guide rails 73 are held in place with
set screws 97 in the lower transport frame member 87. The lower
strut 101 forms an upper strut attachment ear 109, 115 in which the
upper strut 111 is attached with a pin 113.
[0037] Pneumatic launching devices for solid projectiles can use
blow forward or blow back technology. Blow forward designs do not
use any hammers or bolts instead the gas that propels the
projectile is fed directly into a chamber with the piston. When the
launcher is fired the piston is released and the gas pressure
pushes the projectile forward in one stroke. When the piston
reaches the end of its travel, a spring pushes it back for another
shot. Blow back technology uses a hammer or bolt that strikes
against a valve. The valve releases two jets of gas. One jet blows
down the barrel, propelling the object, while the other pushes the
bolt back, re-cocking the launcher for the next shot.
[0038] A preferred embodiment of this invention (FIG. 2) utilizes
blow forward pneumatics. Execution of a golf shot by Robogolfer 1
is performed in the following manner. The transport means is used
to position Robogolfer 1 where a golf shot is desired. The golf
ball B is inserted into the breech 27 against the ball rest 41. The
barrel 29 is removed from the barrel storage clamp 33 and attached
to the barrel quick connect 31 by inserting the locking pin 30 at
the base of the barrel 29 into the locking groove 37,37' and
turning it clockwise until the barrel 29 is securely attached.
Holding the handle 45 of the transport means 42 the barrel 29 of
the launching means (FIG. 2) is pointed in the direction of the
desired shot and the pivoting flange 121 is inserted into the turf
to stabilize the alignment of the shot. A desired loft for the golf
shot is selected by pulling back on the T-handle 77 on the launch
angle adjustment member 59 and sliding it along the guide rails 73
and angle adjust screw shaft 63 until a desired angle of loft is
obtained. The selected loft of the golf shot can be determined by
utilizing the judgment of the operator or as determined by an
inclinometer reading 53. When a desired angle of loft is obtained
by moving the launch angle adjustment member 59, the T-handle 77 is
released causing the adjusting rack 79 to reengage the angle
adjustment screw shaft 63. Then the angle of loft can be more
finely adjusted by turning the fine adjustment knob 61 and fine
adjust knob set screw 61'. To control the distance the golf ball
will travel, the compressor button 51 on the upper cart frame
member 43 is turned on. The pressure in the accumulator 13 is
observed on the pressure digital readout 49 and when the desired
pressure is reached the compressor button 51 is turned off. With
the loft and pressure selected the ball-launch switch 55 on the
upper cart frame member 43 is pressed which fires the golf shot.
Following the golf shot, the barrel 29 is detached utilizing the
barrel quick connect 31 and the barrel is placed in the barrel
storage clamp 33. The Robogolfer adjustable loft means is returned
to its original transport position (FIG. 16A) by pulling back on
the T-handle and moving the launch angle adjustment member 59 and
then releasing the T-handle 77. Robogolfer 1 is now ready to be
transported to the next location where a golf shot is desired. It
can be moved from one location to another in a manner similar to a
golf-bag pull cart by pulling on the handle 45 and tilting it back
on its wheels 107. Once the new location has been reached the same
procedures are followed for the next golf shot. Robogolfer can be
pulled from one location to another by its transport means 42 or
placed on a golf cart and moved to the next desired position.
Robogolfer can be attached to a motorized golf cart or wheelchair
that can move both Robogolfer 1 and a handicapped person to the
position where a golf shot is desired.
[0039] The ball-launch switch 55 for Robogolfer can be either
electronically, mechanically, or pneumatically activated. The
ball-launch switch 55 activates the actuating valve 21 which
releases a small volume of pressurized gas behind the piston in the
dump valve 19 causing it to move rapidly backward opening the seal
between the dump valve 19 and the air release channel 25.
Consequently, the pressurized gas (air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen)
in the accumulator 13 is rapidly dumped into the barrel 29 and
propels the golf ball B out the barrel end. Following the shot the
piston in the dump valve 19 is repositioned into its original
position either by a spring or pneumatic force.
[0040] A manufacturer of Robogolfer can recommend predetermined
lofts and pressures for making various golf shots. Operators of
Robogolfer can also apply their own skills in selecting the proper
direction, loft, and distance in executing a golf shot.
[0041] This invention does not exclude the use of mechanical rather
than pneumatic force to propel the golf ball by the launching
means. It is within the scope of this invention to automate,
motorize, and computerize its launching means, transport means,
alignment and loft control means, and velocity and distance control
means. This invention also includes the adaptation of Robogolfer
for games other than golf and target shooting, Robogolfer can be
used to comparatively test golf balls. It is understood that new
rules may be necessary for playing golf utilizing Robogolfer on a
conventional golf course.
* * * * *