U.S. patent application number 11/351565 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-16 for golf swing training apparatus.
Invention is credited to Francisco T. Tirol.
Application Number | 20070191128 11/351565 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38369348 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070191128 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tirol; Francisco T. |
August 16, 2007 |
Golf swing training apparatus
Abstract
A golf training apparatus for practicing golf strokes using
either irons or woods and from both even and uneven lies with
training apparatus including a base coupled to a selectively
tiltable platform having a standing section adjacent a striking
section covered with a replaceable striking mat defining an
uppermost and further including a tee with a neck projecting at
least partially through the mat and terminating in an uppermost
incline rim operable to releasably hold a golf ball in a pre-strike
position with the platform in a tilted orientation.
Inventors: |
Tirol; Francisco T.; (El
Centro, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADVANTAGE IP LAW FIRM
3020 OLD RANCH PARKWAY
SUITE 340
SEAL BEACH
CA
90740
US
|
Family ID: |
38369348 |
Appl. No.: |
11/351565 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/150 ;
473/160; 473/161; 473/278; 473/279; 473/386; 473/396 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3652 20130101;
A63B 69/3661 20130101; A63B 57/10 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/150 ;
473/160; 473/161; 473/278; 473/279; 473/386; 473/396 |
International
Class: |
A63B 67/02 20060101
A63B067/02; A63B 69/36 20060101 A63B069/36; A63B 57/00 20060101
A63B057/00 |
Claims
1. A golf swing training apparatus comprising: a base; a platform
including a striking section and a standing section operable to
support a golfer; at least one platform tilt adjusting element
coupled to said base and said platform and selectively operable to
tilt the angle of said platform relative to said base; a striking
mat overlying at least a portion of said striking section and
defining an uppermost grass line; and a tee including a neck region
projecting at least partially through said striking mat and
terminating in an uppermost inclined rim operable to releasably
retain a golf ball in a pre-strike position with said platform
adjusted to a tilted orientation whereby a user may adjust said
platform to a desired tilt angle and strike a golf ball releasably
retained on said inclined rim from said standing section.
2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said rim of said
tee includes a high point and a low point with said high point
being positioned below said uppermost grass line of said striking
mat.
3. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said platform is
rectangular; and said adjusting element includes a set of four
hydraulic pistons in fluid communication with a hydraulic pump,
each of said pistons being coupled to a corner of said
platform.
4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 further including: an
electric motor coupled to said hydraulic pump; and a controller in
communication with said electric motor and operable to selectively
actuate said motor to adjust said adjusting element to tilt said
platform.
5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said tee includes
an enlarged flange positioned against an undersurface of said
striking mat and said neck tapers outwardly from said enlarged
flange to said inclined rim.
6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein: said inclined rim
of said tee is inclined at an angle of 20 to 45 degrees relative to
a plane passing through said high point of said inclined rim and
parallel to a plane passing through said enlarged flange of said
tee.
7. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said rim of said
tee includes a high point and a low point with said low point being
positioned below said uppermost grass line of said striking
mat.
8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said striking
section and said standing section are removably retained on said
platform and interchangeable.
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said replaceable
striking mat is an artificial turf with a fairway simulated
grassline.
10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said replaceable
striking mat is an artificial turf with a rough simulated
grassline.
11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said standing
section is covered with an artificial turf surface.
12. The apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein: said
replaceable striking mat is covered with an artificial turf surface
of a different height than said artificial turf surface of said
standing section.
13. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said platform
may be selectively actuated to position a golf ball on said tee in
an uneven lie.
14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said adjusting
element includes a pair of pistons beneath said striking section
and a second pair of pistons beneath said standing section with
said pistons in each pair crossing one another.
15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said adjusting
element includes a set of four pistons with each piston including a
universal joint joining said piston to said platform.
16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said tee is
constructed of an elastomeric material constructed to hold the
weight of a golf ball in compression and flex in a shear
direction.
17. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said adjusting
element includes a hydraulic pump in fluid communication with a
directional valve which is turn in fluid communication with at
least two pistons coupled to said base and said platform whereby
said directional valve may be selectively actuated to transfer
hydraulic fluid to and from one or both pistons.
18. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said adjusting
element includes a central universal joint disposed beneath said
platform and coupled between said platform and said base.
19. A golf ball tee for use in conjunction with a golf swing
training apparatus operable to simulate an uneven lie, said tee
comprising: an enlarged base flange; an elongated neck projecting
from said base flange and terminating in an uppermost golf ball
supporting rim with said rim being inclined to said base flange,
said neck being formed of an elastomeric material constructed to
support a golf ball in compression and flex in a shear
direction.
20. A golf swing training apparatus comprising: a base frame having
a lower surface positionable on a relatively flat ground surface,
said base frame including a pair of opposing anchor plates; a
four-cornered platform frame; a standing deck placed over a portion
of said platform frame and operable to support a golfer throughout
a golf club swinging motion, said standing deck being covered with
a first artificial grass surface; a striking section having an
underside and placed over a complementary portion of said platform
frame adjacent said standing deck, said striking section being
covered by a replaceable striking mat constructed of a second
artificial grass surface and defining an uppermost grassline; a
platform tilt adjusting element including a hydraulic pump and an
electric motor coupled to a plurality of telescoping cylinders with
each of said cylinders being coupled to at least one of said anchor
plates of said base and to a corresponding number of corners of
said platform; a controller coupled to said electric motor and
selectively operable to actuate said motor to drive said pump to
actuate at least one of said cylinders to tilt said platform
relative to said base to orient said platform in an uneven lie; and
a tee including an enlarged flange abutting said underside of said
striking mat and a tapered neck region projecting at least
partially through said striking mat and terminating in an uppermost
inclined rim with a highest point of said rim being positioned at a
height equal to or below said uppermost grassline, said inclined
rim being operable to releasably hold a golf ball in a pre-strike
position with said highest point of said rim being positioned on a
downhill side of said golf ball with said platform in an uneven lie
orientation.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention:
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for practicing
golf strokes and more specifically to an apparatus for supporting a
golfer during the striking of a golf ball from a variety of
lies.
[0003] 2. General Background and State of the Art:
[0004] The game of golf is enjoyed around the world, both leisurely
and as a serious competitive sport. Both dedication and practice
are necessary to obtain consistency and improve one's score. To
gain an edge, many golfers seek the assistance of a golf
professional or instructor. A typical practice session involves
striking a large quantity of golf balls one at a time directly off
of a level practice mat constructed of a rubber pad covered by an
artificial turf material or off of a tee projecting through the mat
at a driving range. The tee typically includes an enlarged circular
base flange and a cylindrical neck that terminates at its height in
a level rim parallel with the base flange. The practice mat
includes a hole through which the neck of the tee is inserted and
the base flange is placed underneath the mat. The base flange
prevents the tee from being ejected out of the mat when struck. The
tee is typically constructed of a rubber material rigid enough to
support a golf ball under compressive forces but flexible enough in
the shear direction to minimize its impediment to a golf club head
during contact with the ball and tee during the golfer's swing. At
some ranges, golf balls may be struck off real grass instead of a
mat and a conventional wooden tee may be used to practice tee
shots.
[0005] During the practice session, the professional watches the
golfer strike golf balls and provides tips to improve the golfer's
swing and striking motions. While such practice sessions may help
considerably, many on course scenarios are omitted from such a
training session. For instance, while a typical initial drive from
the tee box occurs with the ball placed at a particular height
above the ground on a tee or on a flat patch of short cut grass,
most of the shots occurring during a round after the tee shot
require the golfer to strike the ball from an uphill, downhill, or
sidehill lie, such lies being commonly referred to as an uneven
lie. Even more difficult uneven lies resulting from a combination
of an uphill/sidehill lie or a downhill/sidehill lie are also
frequently encountered during play. However, the conventional
practice mat only allows the golfer to practice shots from an even
lie or tee shots and does not allow the golfer to simulate
difficult shots from an uneven lie. To address these more difficult
but commonly occurring scenarios, a number of golf training devices
have been developed.
[0006] Examples of tilting platforms used for practicing golf
strokes from difficult uneven lies may be found in U.S. Pat. No.
6,663,498 to Stipan; U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,881 to. Lee; U.S. Pat. No.
6,033, 317 to Beam; U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,615 to Lee; U.S. Pat. No.
5,820,478 to Wood et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,522 to Chang; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,527,042 to Spriddle; U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,074 to
Hotchkiss et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,379 to Cleland; U.S. Pat. No.
5,358,251 to Ashton; U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,111 to Froelich; U.S. Pat.
No. 5,005,837 to Urra Martinez; U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,684 to Benilan;
U.S. Pat. No. 3,633,918 to Smiley; and U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. US 2002/0128084 to Lee et al. The tilting platforms
are typically covered with an artificial turf material. While the
mechanisms for tilting the platforms are generally the focus of
each patent and vary somewhat from patent to patent, in general,
the golfer may alter the slope of the hitting surface by either
shifting his or her own weight while standing on the platform,
manually lifting or sliding the platform to the desired tilt and
locking it into place, or using a hydraulic or pneumatic lift
actuated by a control panel or foot switch. The golfer then will
stand upon the tilted surface to strike the golf ball from an
uneven lie. Of course, the respective platforms may be leveled so
as to strike the ball from a flat or even lie as well and thus
provide the same functionality as the conventional practice
mat.
[0007] As for the mechanism for holding the golf ball after the
platform is tilted or as the platform is tilted, this varies from
patent to patent as well, that is, when such feature is even
addressed. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No.
6,033,317 to Beam or FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,478 to Wood et
al., the golf ball is struck from a raised tee and thus does not
accurately simulate an iron shot from an uneven grass lie. Similar
raised tee shots are illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 of U.S. Pat. No.
5,549,522 to Chang; FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,042 to Spriddle;
and FIG. 20 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,074 to Hotchkiss et al. In
Hotchkiss, the golf ball is supported on a conventional,
cylindrical, rubber driving tee and doesn't even contact the
surrounding turf again removing the capability of practicing iron
shots directly off the turf from an uneven lie. These golf ball
holding devices defeat the purpose of simulating real golf
conditions. More specifically, when using a tee to elevate the golf
ball off the surrounding turf, such turf is typically level and
thus striking a golf ball off of a tee from an uneven lie is not an
accurate game scenario. The converse of this is also true. Should
an uneven lie be presented to the golfer, a tee will not be used to
elevate the golf ball off the ground prior to striking the golf
ball.
[0008] Another method of holding a golf ball in place on a tiltable
platform is shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,837 to
Urra Martinez. In that patent, the golf ball is purportedly held in
place by a dimple in the mat. A set of dimples is situated in a
circle around the outer perimeter of the platform so the golfer has
some options in placing the golf ball relative to the platform
tilt. However, the material defining the dimples is not flexible
and does not allow the golfer to strike down through the ball.
Furthermore, should the dimples be too large, the true flight of
the golf ball once struck is impacted and, conversely, should the
dimples be too shallow or too small in diameter, this leads to a
dimple with poor retention capacity and the golf ball will roll off
the platform when tilted.
[0009] Others of these patents simply rely on the mat itself to
purportedly hold the ball in place when the platform is tilted.
Examples of such mats are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,460,379;
5,340,111; and 4,875,684. However, from a review of these
constructions, it is apparent that if the simulated grass or
artificial turf is short as for simulating a fairway shot, the golf
ball will roll off the mat when the platform is tilted. It is
telling in U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,379 that a retaining ledge is used
to prevent the ball from rolling completely off the tilted
platform. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,478 to Wood, a deep pipe fiber
matting is used to purportedly hold the golf ball in place.
However, this precludes a true simulation of short fairway grass
and also remains susceptible to releasing the ball when the
platform is tilted severely as when simulating a steep uneven lie.
Some of the patents listed above do not even address how the ball
is maintained in place on the tilted platform. As discussed above,
merely placing a golf ball directly on a practice mat has
drawbacks.
[0010] In Patent Application Publication No. US2002/0128084, a
variable height tee is described to allow the user to practice both
tee shots and iron shots and putting from an angled platform.
However, it has been found that a standard rubber tee with a level
upper rim is inadequate to inhibit a golf ball from rolling off a
practice mat as the underlying platform is tilted through a wide
range of angles. Thus, the use of such a standard tee reduces the
range of shots the golfer can practice.
[0011] Thus, there exists a need for a platform capable of
simulating a wide variety of golf shots commonly encountered during
play for both woods and irons in conjunction with a holding device
for maintaining a golf ball on an uneven lie while imparting no
adverse effects on the flight of the ball.
INVENTION SUMMARY
[0012] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a golf swing training apparatus has a base coupled to a
platform by a selectively operable angle adjusting element with the
platform including a standing section operable to support a golfer
and a striking section for positioning a golf ball and at least
partially covered by a replaceable striking mat that defines an
uppermost grass line and further includes a tee having a neck
projecting at least partially through the mat and terminating in an
uppermost inclined rim operable to releasably hold a golf ball in a
pre-strike position. With such training apparatus, a user may stand
on the platform within the standing section, place a golf ball on
the inclined rim and selectively actuate the adjusting element to
tilt the platform through a range of slopes and then strike the
golf ball once a desired tilt angle is set without the golf ball
inadvertently falling off the tee prematurely.
[0013] Another feature of the present invention is that the
striking section and standing section are interchangeable to
accommodate both left handed and right handed golfers.
[0014] Yet another feature of the present invention is that the
adjusting element is selectively operable to tilt the platform into
an uneven lie orientation including an uphill lie, downhill lie,
sidehill lie, or a combination of a downhill/sidehill lie or an
uphill/sidehill lie.
[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is that the
adjusting element comprises a hydraulic pump and electric motor
coupled to a set of telescoping cylinders to control the angle of
the platform.
[0016] Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent
with further reference to the following drawings and detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a right handed golfer
standing upon a simplified representation of a golf swing training
apparatus in accordance with the present invention while preparing
to strike a golf ball from a sidehill lie with the golf ball
releasably retained above the golfer's feet;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 1 with the
golfer preparing to strike a golf ball from a sidehill lie with the
golf ball releasably retained below the golfer's feet;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a golf tee according to the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of the tee shown in FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a top view of the tee shown in FIG.3;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a close up side view of a section of the striking
platform having a longer blade artificial turf covering and a tee
releasably retaining a golf ball in an even lie orientation in
accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a close up side view of the platform, tee, and
ball arrangement shown in FIG. 6 with the platform in a tilted
uneven lie orientation;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a close up side view of a section of the striking
platform having a simulated fairway short blade turf and a tee
releasably retaining a golf ball in an even lie orientation in
accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a close up side view of the platform, tee, and
ball arrangement shown in FIG. 8 with the platform in a tilted
uneven lie orientation;
[0026] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the training apparatus
construction in accordance with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an alternative training
apparatus construction in accordance with the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary
hydraulic and electrical component system for adjusting the angle
of the platform in accordance with the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 1 with the
golfer preparing to strike a golf ball releasably retained in an
uphill lie; and
[0030] FIG. 14 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 1 but
rotated ninety degrees and depicting the golfer preparing to strike
a golf ball releasably retained in a downhill lie.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 and 10, a golf swing training
apparatus, generally designated 20, is provided for simulating both
even and uneven lies commonly encountered during a round of golf
while maintaining a golf ball 22 in a pre-strike position whereby a
golfer 24 may practice striking golf balls with the head 26 of a
golf club 28 from such lies. In general terms, the golf swing
training apparatus has a base section 30 coupled to an upper
platform 32 by a selectively operable tilt adjusting element,
generally designated 34. The platform includes a standing section
36 operable to support a golfer and a striking section 38 at least
partially covered by a striking mat 40 from which to hit a golf
ball and that defines an uppermost grass line 42 (FIGS. 6-9) and
further includes a tee 44 having a neck region 46 projecting at
least partially through the striking mat and terminating in an
uppermost inclined rim 48 operable to releasably retain a golf ball
in a pre-strike position from an even or uneven lie. With such
training apparatus 20, a golfer may selectively actuate the
adjusting element to tilt the platform to the desired slope and
strike a golf ball releasably retained on the inclined rim while
standing in the standing section without the golf ball
inadvertently falling off the tee.
[0032] While simplified representations of the base 30 and platform
32 are shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 13-14 for purposes of showing some
exemplary lies, a more detailed view of the base and platform is
shown in reverse view in FIG. 10. Also, in these figures, the
anticipated flight of the golf ball 22 after being struck by the
golf club head 26 is in the direction of directional arrow 31
assuming a golfer using right handed clubs is the user. Should a
golfer using left handed clubs use the training apparatus, the
directional arrow 31 would face in the opposite direction in FIG.
10, for example.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 10, the base section 30 has two outer
elongated members 50 and 52 connected to two outer short side
members 54 and 56 using brackets or other suitable fasteners to
form a four cornered rectangular framework. Outer member 50 is
positioned on the leading edge side of the base also referred to as
the follow through side. Outer member 52 is positioned on the
trailing edge side of the base also referred to as the backswing
side. Short side member 54 faces the back side of the golfer while
short side member 56 faces the front side of the golfer. Connected
between the leading edge and trailing edge members 50 and 52,
respectively, of the base section 30 are four parallel stiffening
ribs 58, 60, 62, and 64 positioned at spaced apart intervals. A
first lateral stiffener rib 66 is positioned at an intermediate
position between the leftmost stiffening rib 58 and the first
intermediate stiffening rib. A second lateral stiffening rib 68 is
aligned with the first stiffening rib and connects the second
intermediate stiffening rib 60 with the rightmost stiffening rib
64.
[0034] As viewed in FIG. 10, the leftmost stiffening rib 58
cooperates with the front side outer member 56 to support a first
base anchor plate 70 along the top edges of the respective rib and
outer member. In a similar manner, the rightmost stiffening rib 64
cooperates with the right outer member 54 to support a second base
anchor plate 72. Both anchor plates are located at a central
position in relation to the length of the respective outer members
and adjacent stiffening ribs. each base anchor plate 70 and 72
includes a pair of piston retention members 74 in the form of a
hook, bolt, clamp or other suitable retention device for pivotally
coupling the base end of a hydraulic telescoping cylinder or piston
110a, 110b and 112a, 112b as will be described below. The piston
retention members are spaced sufficiently apart to enable the
pistons freedom of movement while raising and lowering the
platform.
[0035] Continuing with FIG. 10, the two intermediate stiffening
ribs 60 and 62 cooperate to support along their respective top
edges a motor and pump support plate 76. The motor and pump support
plate is situated centrally within the base section and fastened to
the base section framework using suitable fasteners. Set atop this
support plate are an electric motor 78 and a hydraulic pump 80 with
reservoir (not shown) for extending and retracting the pistons
110a, 110b and 112a, 112b as described below. The motor and pump
are bolted to the motor support plate and a retaining strap 82 may
be used for extra security. The electric motor 78 and hydraulic
pump 80 assembly has a capacity to move up to 500 lbs and the
platform 32 through the entire range of tilt angles. A preferable
electric motor, hydraulic pump, and reservoir assembly may be
purchased from Monarch Hydraulics of Grand Rapids, Mich.
[0036] With continued reference to FIG. 10, positioned above the
base section 30 is the variable angle striking platform 32. The
striking platform is constructed as a frame similar in dimension to
the base section. The striking platform frame is comprised of outer
elongated support members 84, 86, 88, and 90 defining a four
cornered rectangular frame where member 84 is in the leading edge
position, member 86 is in the trailing edge position, member 88 is
in the back side position, and member 90 is in the front side
position. The outer members of the striking platform are reinforced
at spaced intervals with a set of parallel platform stiffening ribs
92, 94, 96, 98, and 100 that span and connect the leading and
trailing edge members 84 and 86. Each corner of the striking
platform includes an upper anchor plate 102, 104, 106, and 108,
respectively. As viewed in FIG. 10, the top left upper anchor plate
102 is connected to the trailing edge platform member 86, front
side short member 90 and left upper stiffening rib 92. The lower
left upper anchor plate 104 is connected between the leading edge
platform member 84, front side short member 90 and left stiffening
rib 92 and positioned at the lower left corner of the striking
platform. The top right upper anchor plate 106 is secured to the
trailing edge platform member 86, the back side member 88, and the
rightmost platform stiffening rib 100 in the top right corner of
the striking platform 32. The lower right upper anchor plate 108
is' secured to the leading edge member 84, back side member 88, and
rightmost platform stiffening rib 100 on the lower right corner of
the striking platform. The anchor plates are constructed of metal,
preferably steel or a steel alloy. The undersurface (not shown) of
each upper anchor plate includes a mounting hook, bolt, or clamp
similar to the piston retention member 74 on the base anchor plates
70, 72 for pivotally coupling to the upper end of a cylinder 110a,
110b, 112a, 112b as described below. The striking platform is
constructed to hold up to approximately 500 lbs.
[0037] The base and striking platform frames 30 and 32,
respectively, are preferably constructed of a metal material such
as steel or aluminum or an alloy thereof. Other suitable materials
such as wood will also occur to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Should a metal framework be used, the anchor plates 70, 72 and
support plate 76 may be welded to the base section. The overall
dimensions of the base section 30 and the striking platform unit 32
are a length of 5.5 feet, a width of 3 feet, and an overall height
of ten inches when the striking platform is in a level orientation
abutting the base section. The striking platform may have a recess
opposite the pump and motor assembly described below to maintain a
lower overall profile. Alternatively, it will be appreciated the
overall height may be reduced to approximately 4 inches by moving
the pump and motor assembly completely outside the base section
30.
[0038] Connecting the base section 30 to the striking platform 32
is a tilt adjusting element, generally designated 34, for altering
the tilt, angle, or slope of the platform in relation to the base
section 30 to simulate uneven lies. With continued reference to
FIGS. 10 and 12, the adjusting element in this exemplary embodiment
includes two dual telescoping piston sets 110a, 110b and 112a, 112b
with piston set 110a, 110b being disposed beneath the front side of
the striking platform and piston set 112a, 112b being disposed
beneath the back side of the striking platform. It will be
appreciated that reference numeral 34 only points to one piston for
illustrative purposes but that the adjusting element may include
one or more pistons as it does in this exemplary embodiment. The
bottom or base end 111 of each piston of the front side piston set
110a, 110b is pivotally coupled to the left side lower anchor plate
70 by piston retention member 74. In similar fashion, the bottom
end of each piston of the back side piston set 112a, 112b is
pivotally coupled to the right side lower anchor plate 72. The top
or platform end 113 of each piston 110a, 110b, 112a, 112b is
connected to a corresponding left upper, left lower, right upper,
and right lower anchor plate 102, 104, 106, 108 as viewed in FIG.
10 near each respective corner of the striking platform.
[0039] The pistons are preferably hydraulic and a suitable piston.
The pistons are approximately 12.5 inches to 13 inches long in a
retracted state and capable of extending an additional four inches
approximately. A suitable piston may be purchased from Hypower
Hydraulics of Turlock, Calif. However, it will be appreciated that
a pneumatic or electro-mechanical piston system may be used
alternatively.
[0040] With the front side pistons 110a, 110b fully extended and
back side cylinders 112a, 112b fully retracted, the striking
platform 32 may be placed at a forty-five degree angle relative to
the base section 32 and provide an uphill/sidehill lie as shown in
FIG. 1. The same angle is attainable by reversing the retraction
and extension of the front side and back side cylinders to obtain a
downhill/sidehill lie as in FIG. 2. Likewise, if the leading edge
pistons 110a, 112a are extended and the trailing edge pistons 110b,
112b are retracted, an uphill lie may be created as in FIG. 13.
With the trailing edge pistons extended and leading edge pistons
retracted, a downhill lie as illustrated in FIG. 14 may be set. A
platform tilt angle or lie relative to the base section from zero
degrees (platform parallel to the base section) to approximately 45
degrees may be attained by varying the extension and retraction of
the pistons. In addition, by actuating one or more of the pistons,
the slope of the platform may be varied about one or two axes.
Thus, for example, by actuating either the pistons in pairs,
individually, or in an odd combinations of pistons, artificial
uphill, downhill, and sidehill lies and combinations of uphill and
sidehill or downhill and sidehill orientations may be created.
Thus, the striking platform 32 may be tilted to provide a
multi-directional hitting surface. An angle indicator (not shown)
may be placed on the side of the platform or as a controller
readout to provide a visual indication of the angle of the platform
relative to the base section.
[0041] Using such pistons 110a, 110b, 112a, and 112b, the platform
32 may be mechanically adjusted by the golfer by shifting his or
her own weight on the platform and using a mechanical lock (not
shown) to lock the platform at the desired angle. However, it is
preferable to actuate and control the pistons using the hydraulic
pump and motor system. Referring now to FIG. 12, a simplified
electro-hydraulic diagram is illustrated. The hydraulic pump 80 is
connected to a directional valve 114 such as a three or four
position electric solenoid valve through a high pressure hydraulic
hose 116. Other suitable directional valves or combinations of
valves will also occur to one of ordinary skill in the art so as to
be able to actuate the pistons individually, in pairs, or in odd
combinations as desired. The directional valve is in turn connected
via similar high pressure hydraulic hoses 118, 120, 122, and 124 to
the respective pistons 110a, 110b, 112a, and 112b. A controller 126
is hardwired to the electric motor 78 via wire 128 and to the
directional valve 114 via wire 130. The controller may be a foot
switch or hand control unit for transmitting signals to the
electric motor to power up the hydraulic pump and move the
directional valve to the proper location for delivering the
hydraulic fluid under pressure from the pump to the desired piston
or pistons to tilt the striking platform to the desired slope. Such
construction is well known in the art. Wireless communication
between the controller and the motor and valve are also
contemplated. A suitable controller such as a control joystick may
be purchased from Walvoil S.p.A. A four valve unidirectional
control lever unit available from Parker Hannifin is also suitable
as a controller.
[0042] With continued reference to FIG. 12, a power source 130 is
connected to and provides power to the controller 126 via wire 132,
the electric motor via wire 134, and the directional valve via wire
136. The power source 130 may be a local wall outlet, a battery and
transformer, if necessary, or other suitable power source for
supplying the necessary power to the electric motor, controller,
and directional valve. If a non-electric directional valve 114 is
used, then wire 136 may be omitted. It will be appreciated that the
angle adjusting element 34 may comprise one or more cylinders 110a,
110b, 112a, 112b as well as include one or more of the components
shown in FIG. 12.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 10, covering the open framed
striking platform 32 is a two piece mat covering the standing
section 36 and the striking section 38. The standing section mat 39
measures approximately 4.5 feet by 3 feet and covers the underlying
standing section 38 of the platform. The standing section mat
includes a rubber base while the upper surface of the standing
section is preferably covered in an artificial turf 37 or
artificial grass-like material although grass sod may also be used.
The striking section of the platform is constructed to hold the
golfer's weight throughout the swing of a golf club. The size of
the standing section mat also enables to golfer to shift his
position laterally in relation to the tee and golf ball so that the
entire repertoire of golf shots may be practiced.
[0044] In a similar manner, the striking section 36 of the platform
is covered by the second mat that is a replaceable striking mat 40
that measures approximately 1 foot by 3 feet and complements the
standing section mat 39 in covering the upper surface of the
striking platform 32. The striking mat includes a striking board
138 or rubber base covered by an artificial turf 140 as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7. In FIGS. 6-7, the artificial turf 140 simulates a
lie from the rough or longer grass fairway cut while in FIGS. 8-9,
the artificial turf covering is cropped short simulating a fairway
or tee box lie and is not shown in the illustration. The highest
point of the artificial turf forms an upper grassline 42 upon which
the golf ball 22 would normally settle. This grassline may vary
slightly due to the construction of the artificial turf but
approximates a straight line. An aperture 142 (FIG. 10) projects
through the striking mat 40 with its upper edge surrounded by the
artificial turf. The aperture is located near the front side edge
of the mat at an intermediate position between the front edge and
rear edge of the platform. The aperture is constructed to receive
and closely fit around a portion of the neck of the tee 44.
[0045] Both mat sections 36 and 38 covering the platform include a
rubber base and are preferably covered with an artificial turf
surface. The artificial turf 140 covering the striking board 138
and the turf 37 of the standing section mat 36 may be the same or
of different lengths and thicknesses to simulate standing in
varying course conditions such as, for example, standing in the
rough while striking a ball on the fairway or fringe of the green
for example. The standing section portion of the mat may omit the
artificial turf surface altogether. Both mats 36 and 38 are readily
removable so that different turf facades may be selected and to
replace the sections due to wear and tear. Also, both mats may
simply be placed on the platform 32 with the weight of the mats
inhibiting their shifting movement on the platform. The upper side
of the platform may include a raised border as well with the mats
nesting inside the border. If desired, the mats may be removably
secured to the top surface of the platform. The mats 36 and 38 may
also be reversed to accommodate both left and right handed golfers.
Alternatively, one or both mats could be formed as trays and
include sand instead of turf from which to strike balls or stand
in.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the specifics of the tee 44 will
now be discussed. The tee includes a circular base 144 from which a
narrow neck 46 projects upwardly. The neck is hollow and centrally
located on the base and has relatively thin side walls
approximately 0.08 inches (0.2 cm) thick. The uppermost end of the
neck is open and its edge forms an inclined rim defining a golf
ball supporting surface 48 and defines a high point 150 forming a
retention lip and a low point 152 relative to the base. The rim is
chamfered inwardly while the neck tapers outwardly from the base
144 to the rim 48. The tee base measures approximately 0.08 inches
(0.2 cm) thick and approximately 2.4 inches (6.0 cm) in diameter.
The neck is approximately 0.69 inches (1.75 cm) in diameter at its
lowest point 154 where it connects to the base and approximately
0.91 inches (2.3 cm) at its largest diameter at the rim 48. The
height of the neck is approximately 1.6 inches (4.0 cm) from the
base to the high point 150 and 1.2 inches (3.0 cm) from the base to
the low point 152 of the rim for a thirty degree angle incline but
these dimensions change with the incline angle.
[0047] With reference to FIG. 4, for supporting the golf ball 22
from an uneven lie, the angle alpha (.alpha.) of the incline as
measured from a plane 156 passing through the uppermost tip 150 of
the golf tee and parallel to the base 144 of the tee preferably
ranges from 20 to 45 degrees and may encompass any angle
therebetween. This range is not meant to be limiting and angles
smaller than 20 degrees may also be used.
[0048] The golf tee 44 is preferably made from a flexible rubber
material that is sufficiently rigid to hold a golf ball 22 under
compression without collapsing but offer little resistance to the
head of a golf club head 26 striking through it in the shear
direction. The rubber tee will not mar the head of the golf club
head and has a useable life of approximately 100 shots before
requiring replacement. The material is the same as that used for
conventional rubber tees used at driving ranges.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 and 10, in use the golfer 24
approaches the training apparatus 20, lifts the striking mat 38,
and inserts the neck 46 of a selected tee 44 through the aperture
142 in the striking mat. A smooth turf (FIGS. 8-9) generally
requires a shorter neck version of the inclined tee while a
"shaggier" longer grassed turf (FIGS. 5-6) may require a longer
neck version of the inclined tee. With the tee inserted into the
aperture 142, the golfer replaces the striking mat on the platform
32. When the tee is placed properly, the upper surface 146 (FIGS.
3-5) of the base 144 of the tee is placed flush against the
interior surface 148 of the striking board 138 (FIGS. 6-9). The
tapering of the tee neck 46 inhibits the tee from falling out as
the mat is replaced and the base flange 144 prevents the tee from
being ejected out of the mat when struck. With the mat in place,
the base of the tee is sandwiched between the interior surface 148
of the striking board and the upper surface of the underlying
striking platform 32.
[0050] With a particular shot to be practiced in mind, the golfer
24 grasps the neck 46 of tee 44 about the rim 48 and twists the tee
within the aperture 142 to align the uppermost point 150 of the
inclined rim 48 with the bottom of the anticipated slope of the
platform 32. With the tee positioned properly, the golfer uses the
controller 126 (FIG. 12) to selectively actuate the adjusting
element 34 to alter the slope of the platform 32. The angle of
incline alpha of the tee may or may not match or approximate the
angle of the platform 32 to be set but, if desired, the golfer may
closely match the platform angle with the incline angle alpha by
viewing an angle indicator on the platform or controller or by
approximating the platform angle using an "eyeballing" method. The
tees may be marked with their incline angle to facilitate this
process.
[0051] Continuing with this exemplary process, if an uphill lie is
desired, the golfer 24, using the controller 126, selectively
actuates the cylinder pair 110a, 112a connected to the leading edge
of the platform section 38 to extend an equal length. This causes
the leading edge of the platform to rise (FIG. 13). Likewise, if a
downhill lie is desired, then the golfer selectively actuates the
cylinder pair 110b, 112b connected to the trailing edge of the
platform to extend an equal distance to raise the trailing edge of
the platform (FIG. 14). Should an uphill/sidehill lie be desired,
the golfer, again using the controller, selectively actuates the
front side cylinders 110a, 110b to extend an equal length for an
uphill/sidehill lie as in FIG. 1 or the back side pair of cylinders
112a, 112b to extend an equal length for a downhill/sidehill lie as
in FIG. 2. For safety purposes, the angle of the platform is
preferably selected prior to the golfer stepping on the platform
although this is not meant to be limiting.
[0052] With the desired platform slope set, the golfer 24 may then
step on to the platform 32 and place the golf ball 22 on the
inclined rim 48 of the tee 44. As a central lower portion 158 of
the golf ball 22 will nest within the hollow open end of tee, the
surrounding portions 160 of the ball adjacent the nested portion
158 will rest on the artificial turf 140 particularly on the back
side of the ball (FIGS. 5-9) as the inclined rim rocks the golf
ball back into contact with the turf. The high point 150 of the tee
which faces the downhill side of the striking platform, as
indicated by directional arrow 162 (FIGS. 7 and 9), inhibits the
golf ball from rolling off the tee 44 and surrounding turf 140.
[0053] To avoid a "teed up" placement wherein the golf ball 22 is
elevated completely off the artificial turf 140, at least the low
point 152 of the golf ball supporting surface 48 is preferably
recessed beneath the uppermost extent or grass line 42 of the
artificial turf (FIGS. 6-9). When placed on the tee 44, the lower
surface of the golf ball rests on the golf ball supporting rim 48
and due to the inclined rim rocks backward to rest partially on the
artificial turf 140 due the recessed lower portion of the rim as
shown in FIGS. 5-9. It may also be preferable to choose a slightly
shorter neck height recessing the entire rim 48 beneath the upper
grassline 42 so that the golf ball 22 contacts the inclined rim 48
but primarily rests on the artificial turf 140 as shown in FIGS.
6-7. It will be appreciated, however, that the high point 150 of
the tee may also project slightly above the upper grass line 42 as
in FIGS. 8-9. By avoiding a "teed up" elevation, an accurate
simulation of an uneven lie is produced from which the golfer 24
may strike the golf ball 22. This is particularly effective in
providing an in game simulation for iron shots.
[0054] With the golf ball 22 placed on the tee 44 , the golfer 24
addresses the ball, and upon establishing the proper foot position,
the golfer may then strike the golf ball 22 of the striking mat 40
from the angle set by the controller 126. This may be repeated with
additional golf balls. With repeated practice, the golfer gains
experience at striking a golf ball from the angle selected and
using different stances if desired. Other platform angles may be
selected as desired throughout the practice session. It will be
appreciated that the use of the flexible, soft rubber tee 44 and
the inclined rim construction creates minimal, if any, impact to
the flight path or spin of the golf ball 22 other than that
purposefully imparted by the golfer. Moreover, the golfer may
practice striking down through the ball as both the tee and
practice mat 38 give way to the downward and forward motion of the
club head 26. The recessed tee enables golfers to practice iron
shots from the angled upper platform 32. Even at severe platform
angles, the golf ball is maintained in a pre-strike position by the
inclined tee 44. Should conventional tee shots be desired, the
golfer may merely substitute the tee 44 for a standard rubber
driving range tee and set the platform at an even lie. Likewise, if
the golfer wishes to strike even lie golf balls directly off the
mat, no tee is needed. It will be appreciated that the terms even
or flat lie and uneven lie as well the terms uphill, downhill,
sidehill, uphill/sidehill, downhill/sidehill as referring to the
lie of the ball respective to the golfer's position are terms well
known in the art.
[0055] In an alternative embodiment of the golf swing training
apparatus 220 as shown in FIG. 11, wherein like components are like
numbered, the base end 74 of the pistons 210a, 210b, 212a, 212b are
pivotally coupled to individual anchor plates 270a, 270b, 272a,
272b, respectively. The top or platform end 213 of each piston
210a, 210b, 212a, 212b includes a universal joint 215a, 215b, 217a,
and 217b, respectively joined to the same anchor plates 102, 104,
106, and 108 of the platform 32 as with the first embodiment 20
using a suitable fastener to pivotally couple the top end of each
cylinder to its respective platform anchor plate. In contrast to
the first embodiment, the piston pairs in this embodiment 220 cross
another instead of diverging from one another. This may enable a
lower overall size of the training apparatus. A suitable piston
with this construction is available from Hypower Hydraulics.
[0056] With continued reference to FIG. 11, in place of the pump
and motor assembly, a central support plate 276 spans the two
intermediate members 60 and 62 and supports a central, universal
joint support plate 231. A conventional universal joint, known to
one of ordinary skill in the art and schematically illustrated in
FIG. 11, includes a lower portion 233 mounted on the support plate
231 and an upper portion 235 pivotally connected to the upper end
of the lower portion 233 and mounted to a central platform anchor
plate 290 that is, in turn, fixed to the underside of the platform
32. A suitable universal joint or gear may be purchased from
Hypower Hydraulics. This provides additional structural rigidity in
the middle of the striking platform and may facilitate a smoother
transition between tilt angles. The pump and motor assembly may be
located external to the platform/base assembly or moved to an
alternate location within the base. The operation of this training
apparatus 220 is similar to that described for the first embodiment
20 except that the piston operation to create an uphill or downhill
slope of the platform is reversed.
[0057] While the present invention has been described herein in
terms of a number of preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated
that various changes and improvements may also be made to the
invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. For
example, the platform 32 may include a single integral mat covering
both the standing section 36 and the striking section 38.
Furthermore, one or mats could be used to cover the platform and
include a striking section at either end with a central standing
section and an inclined tee 44 at each end to accommodate both
right handed and left handed golfers hitting the ball in the same
direction. In addition, the striking mat may include more than one
aperture for receiving multiple inclined tees. For example, one
aperture could receive a tee having a first incline angle while
another aperture receives a tee with a different incline angle.
This may reduce the golfers' time ordinarily spent in switching
tees. It will further be appreciated that golf swing training
apparatus 20, 220 may be placed at a hitting position at an outdoor
or indoor golf range or may be used in conjunction with a golf
net.
* * * * *