U.S. patent application number 13/161071 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-20 for retractable golf training apparatus.
Invention is credited to JOSEPH MANIERI.
Application Number | 20120322567 13/161071 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47354108 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120322567 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MANIERI; JOSEPH |
December 20, 2012 |
RETRACTABLE GOLF TRAINING APPARATUS
Abstract
An apparatus for assisting in the training of various sporting
pursuits, such as golf, is described. In some examples, the
training apparatus is a retractable apparatus configured to attach
to a ceiling of an indoor space in order to move a net into a
suitable position via a rotatable support bar or other similar
mechanism.
Inventors: |
MANIERI; JOSEPH; (Berkeley
Heights, NJ) |
Family ID: |
47354108 |
Appl. No.: |
13/161071 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/151 ;
473/197 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/22 20151001;
A63B 2063/006 20130101; A63B 2102/02 20151001; A63B 2243/0025
20130101; A63B 2210/56 20130101; A63B 2243/0037 20130101; A63B
69/36 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 71/022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/151 ;
473/197 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Claims
1. A golf training apparatus, comprising: a center net section
having: a center support bar configured to rotate about its
longitudinal axis; and a center net that is attached to the center
support bar at a first end and is configured to wrap around the
center support bar when the center support bar rotates in a first
direction and is configured to unwrap from the center support bar
when the center support bar rotates in a second, opposite
direction; and two side net sections, each of the two side net
portions having: a side support bar pivotally attached to one end
of the center support bar; and a side net that is attached to the
side support bar at a first end and is configured to wrap around
the side support bar when the side support bar moves in a first
direction and is configured to unwrap from the side support bar
when the side support bar moves in a second, opposite
direction.
2. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a
rotation mechanism connected to the center support bar, wherein the
rotation mechanism is configured to cause the center support bar to
rotate in the first direction in order to retract the golf training
apparatus and is configured to cause the center support bar to
rotate in the second direction in order to protract the golf
training apparatus.
3. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the side support
bars are pivotally attached to the center support bar via hinges
that facilitate the side support bars to move inwardly towards the
center support bar such that the side support bars are positioned
proximate and parallel to the center support bar when the center
support bar is rotating.
4. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the side support
bars are pivotally attached to the center support bar via hinges
that facilitate the side support bars to move outwardly from the
center support bar such that the side support bars are positioned
along the longitudinal axis of the center support bar when the
center support bar is rotating.
5. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a
top net attached to the side support bars such that a top net
section is formed when the side support bars are positioned away
from the center support bar.
6. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a
base section that includes a playing surface and securement devices
that secure the base section in a configuration parallel to the
center net when the center support bar is rotating.
7. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the center
support bar is configured to be attached to a ceiling of an indoor
space.
8. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the center net
is formed of nylon.
9. The golf training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the center is
formed of a material suitable to display images from a golf
simulator.
10. A golf training system, comprising: a retractable net having: a
rotatable support bar configured to be connected to a ceiling of an
inside space; and a net attached to the support bar; and a rotation
component configured to cause the support bar to rotate in order to
extend the net from the support bar to a floor of the inside
space.
11. The golf training system of claim 10, further comprising: a
golf simulator configured to track movement of a golf club swung by
a user associated with the golf training system and project a
simulation based on the tracked movement onto the retractable
net.
12. The golf training system of claim 10, further comprising: a
side retractable net having: a side support bar configured to be
pivotally connected to rotatable support bar; and a side net
attached to the side support bar.
13. The golf training system of claim 10, wherein the rotation
component is a motor configured to rotate the rotatable support
bar.
14. The golf training system of claim 10, wherein the rotation
component is a motor configured to rotate the rotatable support
bar.
15. The golf training system of claim 10, wherein the net is formed
of nylon and is longer than a length between the ceiling and floor
of the inside space.
16. A ball catching apparatus, comprising: a support bar removably
attached to a structure of an inside space; and a net attached to
the support bar at a first end of the net; wherein the support bar
is configured to rotate such that the net wraps around the support
bar in a first position of the ball catching apparatus and extends
away from the support bar in a second position of the ball catching
apparatus.
17. The ball catching apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a
left side support bar pivotally attached to the support bar; a left
side net attached to the left side support bar at a first end of
the left side net; a right side support bar pivotally attached to
the support bar; and a right side net attached to the right side
support bar at a first end of the right side net.
18. The ball catching apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a
motor coupled to the support bar and configured to rotate the
support bar in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise
direction.
19. The ball catching apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: a
mechanical crank coupled to the support bar and configured to
rotate the support bar in a clockwise direction and in a
counterclockwise direction.
20. The ball catching apparatus of claim 16, wherein the structure
of the inside space is a ceiling of the inside space.
21. The ball catching apparatus of claim 16, wherein the structure
of the inside space is a wall of the inside space.
22. The ball catching apparatus of claim 16, wherein the structure
of the inside space is a housing within the inside space.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Golf is a game that for most people requires practice in
order to play proficiently, much less well. For example, in a given
round of golf, a golfer will utilize many different clubs, from
drivers, to woods, to irons, to wedges, to putters, and so on, with
each golf club being designed to enable a specific golf shot at a
specific distance. Some clubs, like drivers and woods, are designed
to hit a golf ball a long distance with accuracy, while others,
like irons and wedges, are designed to hit a ball a short distance
with even more accuracy. Thus, in order to achieve proficiency, a
golfer should be able to effectively strike a golf ball with all
the different clubs at his/her disposal.
[0002] The ability to correctly and accurately strike a golf ball
with the many different golf clubs is generally acquired by a
golfer after years of practice. However, it can be difficult for a
golfer to sufficiently practice, as the time commitment and the
cost involved with playing golf courses and going to driving ranges
often prohibits or hinders the golfer from spending enough time
practicing and bettering his/her game.
[0003] In order to remedy these problems, many devices and systems
in the prior art have attempted to provide a golfer with a
home-based golfing environment in which to practice. For example, a
first reference, U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,760, entitled "Portable Golf
Driving Net Assembly" to Bednardczuk, discloses a portable golf
driving net assembly for use, for example, within a golfer's
backyard. Although the assembly of Bednardczuk provides a net in
which to hit golf balls in a home environment, it requires legs to
be secured to the ground with stakes or staples, which may be
burdensome to set up and/or take down, among other drawbacks.
[0004] Other devices have attempted to facilitate use of golf
training apparatuses within indoor spaces. Turning to second and
third references, U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,230, entitled "Booth for
Practicing Golf Indoors" to Dunaway et al. and U.S. Pat. No.
5,116,056, entitled "Indoor Golf Practice Apparatus" to Schmutte,
devices are disclosed that provide complicated and/or net
deployment mechanisms.
[0005] For example, the Schmutte patent discloses a device that
requires movement of a net from one side of the device to another
without fully storing a net when the net is not in use, while the
Dunaway patent discloses a movable practice booth that relies on
hoisting cables to move a putting pan and walls into a usable
position.
[0006] These devices, while providing an indoor practice
environment, may not be easy to assemble or disassemble, and can be
obstructive when not is use, as their disassembled or inactive
positions still require the utilization of some of he space within
the indoor space in which they provide the practice environment
when in use, among other drawbacks.
[0007] A fourth reference, U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,112, entitled
"Retractable Sports Net" to Betz, discloses a retractable net for
indoor use. Although the assembly of Betz may be attached to a
ceiling, it requires a mounting plate, a draw cord, and a base tray
that gathers a net during retraction of the assembly to the
ceiling.
[0008] Therefore, conventional golf training devices, such as net
assemblies, simulators, and so on, suffer from various drawbacks
with respect to assembly, disassembly, ease of use, effectiveness,
and other problems.
[0009] While aforementioned training devices are generally suitable
for a particular purpose, such devices are not sufficiently
suitable for the purpose discussed in the present invention. Thus,
it is clear that there exists a need in the art for a golf training
device that overcomes these problems and progresses the state of
the art, as well as one that provides the additional benefits
enumerated in the present application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the art,
in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, an apparatus for use as a golf trainer, such as a
retractable golf training apparatus for use as a golf trainer
within an indoor space, such as a garage, is described. In an
active position, the retractable golf training apparatus provides a
partial enclosure in which to receive, catch, block, restrain, or
otherwise ensnare golf balls hit into the apparatus. In a storage
position, the retractable golf training apparatus wraps around
itself to form a compact configuration that does not impede the
indoor space in which the golf training apparatus is used and
stored.
[0011] In some examples of the present invention, the golf training
apparatus includes a rotatable support bar that is mounted to a
ceiling or other overhead structure within an indoor space, and a
net attached to the rotatable support bar such that the net extends
from the support bar to a floor in a first, active position, and
wraps around the support in a second, closed position. The
retractable golf training apparatus facilitates simple assembly and
disassembly of the apparatus as well as simple mounting and
dismounting of the apparatus, enabling the use or storage of the
apparatus within a smaller indoor space, such as a garage, and/or
use or storage of the apparatus within a variety of different
spaces, while providing other inherent benefits.
[0012] In some examples, the golf training apparatus may include
side sections that include side nets are pivotally attached to the
support bar. That is, the side sections may be attached such that
they align with the support bar during retraction of the apparatus
from an active position to a storage position, enabling the side
nets of the side sections to wrap around the support bar when the
apparatus is in the storage position.
[0013] Also, it is contemplated by the present invention that the
golf training apparatus may include other net sections that
facilitate alternate use configurations. In some examples, the golf
training apparatus includes a retractable top section. In some
examples, the golf training apparatus includes a retractable bottom
section, such as a playing surface section.
[0014] Further, it is contemplated by the present invention that
the golf training apparatus may include or be part of a golf
simulation system. In some examples, the golf simulation system
includes a golf simulator, a video projection system, and/or the
golf training apparatus.
[0015] Thus, there has been summarized and outlined, generally in
broad form, a plurality of the most important features of the
present invention. While this summary is presented so that the
novelty of the present contribution to the related art may be
better appreciated, it will further be apparent that additional
features of the invention described hereinafter (which will form
the subject matter of the claims appended hereto) will further
define the scope, novelty, and in certain instances the
improvements upon any existing art. The following description
provides specific details for a thorough understanding of, and
enabling description for, various examples of the technology. One
skilled in the art will understand that the technology may be
practiced without many of these details and it is to be readily
understood that the invention presented herein is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and to the
arrangements of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the various figures integrated and
categorized herein. For example, in some instances, well-known
structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail
to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the examples of
the technology. It is intended that the terminology used in the
description presented below be interpreted in its broadest
reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with
a detailed description of certain examples of the technology.
Although certain terms may be emphasized below, any terminology
intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly
and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description
section. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
disclosure of the present invention may readily be utilized as a
basis for the designing of other similar structures, methods and
systems for carrying out the various purposes and objectives of the
present invention. Thus, the claims as set forth shall allow for
such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from
the spirit and scope of the present invention as described
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A further understanding of the present invention and the
objectives other than those set forth above can be obtained by
reference to the various embodiments set forth in the illustrations
of the accompanying figures. Although the illustrated embodiments
are merely exemplary of the present invention, apparatus and method
of use of the invention, in general, together with further
objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by
reference to the drawings, examples, and the following description.
The examples and figures are not intended to limit the scope of
this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims
as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and
exemplify the invention. The detailed description makes reference
to the accompanying figures wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retractable golf training
apparatus.
[0018] FIGS. 2A-2D are schematic views of the retractable gold
training apparatus in various positions.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the golf training apparatus
having outward positioned side net sections.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the golf training apparatus
having a movable top net section.
[0021] FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of the golf training
apparatus having a movable base section.
[0022] FIGS. 6A-6B are perspective views of the training apparatus
having a housing.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a wall mounted training
apparatus.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a golf simulation system
employing the golf training apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0025] A detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention
is disclosed herein. However, techniques of manufacture and
resulting structures in accordance with the present invention may
be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may
be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment.
Consequently, the specific structural details disclosed herein are
merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to
afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to
provide a basis for the claims herein, which define the scope of
the present invention. The following presents a detailed
description of several examples of the present invention.
[0026] Moreover, well known methods, procedures, and substances for
both carrying out the objectives of the present invention and
illustrating the preferred embodiment are incorporated herein but
have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure
novel aspects of the present invention.
[0027] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense
of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms
"connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof, means any
connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or
more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can
be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the
words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when
used in this application, shall refer to this application as a
whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where
the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using
the singular or plural number may also include the plural or
singular number respectively. The word "or," in reference to a list
of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations
of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the
list, and any combination of the items in the list.
[0028] The apparatus or device ("training apparatus") described
herein is a novel device configured to catch or stop a projectile,
such as a golf ball, during training or a simulated games, among
other things. The training apparatus is a retractable apparatus
capable of moving into a first, retracted position when not is use
(a "storage position") and moving into a second, usable position
when in use or otherwise desired (an "active position") to assist
during golf training and/or other similar exercises.
[0029] Turning to FIG. 1, provided is a perspective view of a golf
training apparatus 100. The golf training apparatus 100 includes a
center section 110, a left side section 120, and right side section
130. Each of the sections includes a support bar and a net. For
example, the center section 110 includes a main or center support
bar 114 and a center net 112 attached at one end to the main
support bar 114, the left side section 120 includes a left side
support bar 124 and a left side net 122 attached at one end to the
left side support bar 124, and the right side section 130 includes
a right side support bar 134 and a right side net 132 attached at
one end to the right side support bar 134.
[0030] The nets 112, 122, 132 may be formed of a variety of high
impact materials, such as nylon, polyethylene, and/or other
synthetic materials, knotted materials, knotless materials, and/or
other materials. The nets 112, 122, 132 may be configured into
lengths that facilitate coverage from ceiling to floor, such as 8
feet, 9 feet, 10 feet, and/or other lengths. For example, the nets
112, 122, 132 may be sized such that they extend from the ceiling
105 to the floor and overlap the floor, which may assist in
catching balls where the nets 112, 122, 132 meet the floor, among
other things.
[0031] The left side section 120 and the right side section 130 are
pivotally attached to the center section 110 by way of hinges 126
or other connection devices that facilitate a side section from
moving away or towards the center section 110. For example, the
left side support bar 124 may be attached to one end of the main
support bar 114 via a hinge 126, and the right side support bar 134
may be attached to another end of the main support bar 114 via a
hinge 126. During or before the apparatus is retracted, the side
support bars 124, 134 may be positioned such that they are aligned
with a longitudinal axis of the main support bar 114, and may be
fixed in place via attachment mechanisms 152, such as clamps,
straps, and so on.
[0032] The apparatus may be mounted or removably attached to a
ceiling 105 or other overhead structure via support brackets 150.
The support brackets 150 may be positioned in various locations
along the apparatus, such as shown in the FIGURE, and may be
configured or chosen to facilitate the removable attachment of the
apparatus from the ceiling 105.
[0033] A motor 140, activated by a switch 142, may also be attached
to the ceiling 105. The motor 140 is attached and/or coupled to the
apparatus 100, via the main support bar 114, such that the motor is
capable of rotating the main support bar 114 both clockwise and
counterclockwise. The rotation facilitates movement of the golf
training apparatus from a first, active position, where the nets
112, 122, 132 extend down from the support bars 114, 124, 134 to a
floor, to a second, storage position, where the nets 112, 122, 132
wrap around the support bars 114, 124, 134. In some examples,
devices other than a motor, such as cranks and levers, may cause
the main support bar 114 to rotate. Further, devices other than a
switch, such as a remote control, may initiate operation of the
golf training apparatus 100.
[0034] In certain embodiments, including in the preferred
embodiment, the golf training apparatus 100 provides an enclosure
or partial enclosure in which to direct projectiles during
training. For example, the center section 110 and side sections
120, 130 form a partially enclosed space in which a golfer may
direct golf balls during a practice or training session. Utilizing
support brackets 150, the golf training apparatus 100 may be
mounted to an overhead support surface, such as a ceiling 105, of
many different indoor spaces, such as garages, recreation rooms,
basements, and so on.
[0035] As described herein, the golf training apparatus 100 is
configured to easily retract and protract, depending on the needs
of a user. FIGS. 2A-2D are schematic views of the retractable gold
training apparatus in various positions.
[0036] FIG. 2A depicts the golf training apparatus 100 in a storage
position 210. In the storage position 210, the nets 112, 122, 132
are wrapped around the main support bar 114 and side support bars
124, 134, which are positioned next to and aligned with the main
support bar 114 to facilitate rotation of the apparatus 100.
[0037] Upon activation of the apparatus 100 via a switch 142, the
motor causes the main support bar 114 to rotate in a clockwise
direction (or, in a counterclockwise direction). FIG. 2B depicts
the golf training apparatus in an intermediate position 220. During
the rotation of the main support bar 114 caused by the motor 140,
the nets 112, 122, 132 begin to extend from the main support bar
114 downwards towards the floor.
[0038] FIG. 2C depicts the golf training apparatus 100 in a fully
extended position 230. The nets 112, 122, 132 are fully unwrapped
and extend from the main support bar 114 to the floor.
[0039] Once the apparatus 100 is unwrapped, the side support
sections may be positioned in order to form a partial enclosure in
which to direct balls during a training exercise. FIG. 2D depicts
the golf training apparatus 100 in an active and/or fully
protracted position 240. The left side support bar 124 is pivoted
away from the main support bar 114 to form a left side wall, and
the right side support bar 134 is pivoted away from the main
support bar 114 to form a right side wall.
[0040] Thus, once the side support bars 124, 134 are in place, the
golf training apparatus 100 is configured into its active position
240, where the center net 112, the left side net 122, and the right
side net 132 form a partial enclosure in which a user may direct
golf balls and other balls during training and simulation
exercises.
[0041] In alternative embodiments, the golf training apparatus 100
may collapse the side sections 120, 130 in different ways. Turning
to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the golf training apparatus 300
having outward positioned side net sections 120, 130 is shown.
[0042] In preparation of rotation from an active position to a
storage position, the golf training apparatus 300 may include
hinges 310 that facilitate movement of side support bars 124, 134
outwardly from the main support bar 114. For example, the left side
support bar 124 moves outwardly from an open position to a rotation
position, which is shown in the FIGURE. Similarly, the right side
support bar 134 moves outwardly from an open position to a rotation
position. Because the right side support bar 134 is on the same
side of the motor 140, the right side support bar 134 may be formed
such that it does not impede rotation of the main support bar 114
when in the rotation position shown in the FIGURE. For example, the
right side support bar 134 may be hollow or partially hollow,
enabling the right side support bar 134 to rotate without impeding
the motor 140 or the main support bar 114 during rotation of the
golf training apparatus 100.
[0043] Thus, in certain embodiments, the golf training apparatus
100, as described herein, may collapse various sections, such as
side sections 120, 130, into different configurations that
facilitate rotation of the main support bar 114 and the wrapping
and/or unwrapping of the attached nets 112, 122, 132 of the
apparatus 100. In addition to the configurations depicted in the
FIGURES, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
golf training apparatus 100 may employ other configurations of the
support bars during rotation of the apparatus 100, as long as the
configurations enable the wrapping and/or unwrapping of attached
nets during the rotation.
Other Training Apparatus Configurations
[0044] In alternative embodiments, the training apparatus 100
described herein may be configured to facilitate the catching
and/or blocking of various projectiles, such as balls used in
sports, among other things. Turning to FIG. 4, a perspective view
of a training apparatus 400 having an additional top net section
410 is shown.
[0045] In addition to supporting side nets 122, 132, the side
support bars 124, 134 may also support and assist in forming a top
net section 410. That is, when the side support sections are opened
to form an active configuration of the golf training apparatus 400,
the side support bars 124, 134 assist in forming the top net
section 410. Furthermore, when retracted and in a rotation
position, the retracted side support bars 124, 134 may also
facilitate the top net section to wrap around the main support bar
114 during rotation of the apparatus 100 to a storage position.
[0046] Thus, the training apparatus 400 may include, in addition to
a center section 110, a left side section 120, and a right side
section 130, a top section 410, which may provide a more secure
and/or enclosed catching space without adding complexity to the
apparatus, among other benefits. Although the other configurations
100, 300 of the training apparatus are suitable for various
different uses and sports, the enhanced catching space of the
training apparatus 400 may enable the training apparatus 400 to be
especially suitable for other sports and uses, such as sports where
a ball is often kicked, thrown, or struck in vertical or partially
vertical directions, among other things.
[0047] In alternative embodiments, the training apparatus may
include a bottom or base portion, such as an integrated training
surface. Turning to FIG. 5A, a perspective view of a training
apparatus 500 having a base section 510 is shown.
[0048] The training apparatus 500 includes a base section 510 with
optional base section components 520, such as a ball striking area,
as well as base section securement devices 525. When the training
apparatus 500 is in an active position, as shown in the FIGURE, the
base section may be laid down perpendicularly to the nets 112, 122,
132, and may be attached to the center net 112, or unattached.
Thus, a user may stand on a surface 530 of the base section 510
during use of the training apparatus 500.
[0049] The surface 530 of the base section 510 may be formed of
materials that simulate an actual playing surface, such as
artificial turf, field turf, and so on. The surface 530 may include
various base section components 520 that facilitate different
training exercises and/or facilitate the connection of other
training components. For example, the base section component 520
may be or may facilitate connection of a tee box, small sand trap,
or various different textured surfaces for when the training
apparatus 500 is a golf training apparatus, may facilitate
connection of a batting tee for when the training apparatus is a
baseball training apparatus, may be a raised area for when the
training apparatus is a kick training apparatus, and so on.
[0050] Before and during rotation of the training apparatus 500,
the base section 510 may be moved into a position that is parallel
to the center section 110, with the securement devices 525 acting
to secure the base section in position during rotation of the
training apparatus 500. The securement devices 525 may be a variety
of different attachment devices, such as hooks, straps, fasteners,
and so on.
[0051] In certain embodiments, the training apparatus may retract
into a wrapped position, and vice versa, without the reliance on
attachment devices to attach the base section 510 to the
apparatus.
[0052] FIG. 5B depicts a first position 540 of a retractable
training apparatus. The training apparatus retracts upwards, with
the base section 510 attached to and hanging below the center net
112. That is, once the center net 112 wraps around the main support
bar 114, the base section 510 will wrap around the center net 112
and the main support bar 114. FIG. 5C depicts such a position 550,
where the center net 112 is fully retracted and wrapped around the
main support bar 114, and the base section 510 is partially wrapped
and in the process of wrapping around the center net 112 and the
main support bar 114.
[0053] Thus, the training apparatus 500 may include a base section
or other similar section that provides a playing surface for a user
of the apparatus while maintaining a simple configuration in which
to store the apparatus when not in use, among other benefits.
Other Mounting Configurations
[0054] In addition to mounting or attaching the training apparatus
to a ceiling, such as via brackets 150, in certain embodiments, the
training apparatus may be mounted in a variety of manners, such as
within a housing, to a wall or other upright structure, and so
on.
[0055] FIGS. 6A-6B depict a training apparatus 600 attached or
mounted within a housing, such as a decorative structure. A housing
610 may be attached to a wall 620 in an indoor space, such as a
recreation room, living room, office, and so on. The housing 610
may be configured to hide or obscure the inner machinations of the
training apparatus 600, such as the main support bar 114, motor
140, and so on. When assembled, such as in the position shown in
FIG. 6A, the nets, such as the center net 112, may hang below the
housing 610 to facilitate use of the apparatus.
[0056] When in a fully retracted position 630, as depicted in FIG.
6C, the training apparatus 600 is hidden from view within the
housing 610. Because it retracts out of view and into the housing
610, the training apparatus 600 may be integrated into a living
space, such as a space having various decor 625 surrounding the
housing 610. Thus, the training apparatus 600 may be integrated
into living spaces without detracting from their normal, living
appearance.
[0057] In addition to overhead configurations, such as those
described herein, in certain embodiments, the training apparatus
may be mounted to a wall or other upright structures. FIG. 7
depicts a training apparatus 700 mounted to a wall 710 of an indoor
space.
[0058] In order to facilitate attachment, such as removable
attachment, the training apparatus 700 may include or be coupled to
a mounting bracket 720, which may provide an electrical coupling to
a switch 725 to facilitate the operation of the training apparatus
700.
[0059] Thus, what is contemplated is a training apparatus capable
of being mounted or attached to an indoor space, such as to a
ceiling, to a wall, within a housing, and so on, and/or a training
apparatus capable of being removably mounted or attached to the
indoor space to facilitate an easy dismounting of the training
apparatus from one space and mounting into a variety of other
spaces.
Integration with Simulation Systems
[0060] In addition to alternative configurations that facilitate
integrated training and/or playing surfaces, the training apparatus
described herein may be integrated with simulation systems, such as
golf simulators. Turning to FIG. 8, a golf simulation system 800
employing a golf training apparatus is shown.
[0061] The golf simulation system 800 includes a golf simulator
810, which may include one or more sensors 815 that detect,
measure, and/or capture information associated with movement of a
golf club 817 during a swing of the golf club 817 by a golfer 819.
The golf simulator 810 transmits the captured information to a
display component 820, such as a projector and associated computing
device. The display component 820 projects a simulated shot on a
surface 805 of a center net 112 of the golf training apparatus
100.
[0062] The surface of the center net 112 (or, in some cases, other
nets not shown in the FIGURE), may be formed of materials that
facilitate the display of images, such as flexible vinyl materials
and other synthetic materials. In some examples, the golf training
apparatus may include a net 112 that is formed of one or more
materials capable of withstanding the impact of projectiles as well
as capable of displaying an image associated with a simulation.
[0063] Thus, the golf training apparatus 100 may be configured for
use with golf simulators by providing a partial enclosure suited to
catching golf balls and suited to display images from a simulator.
In addition to golf simulators, one of ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate that a training apparatus may be configured and/or
adapted for use with other sport simulators, such as baseball
simulators, soccer simulators, hockey simulators, tennis
simulators, and so on.
[0064] While certain aspects of the golf training apparatus are
presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates
the various aspects of the system in any number of claim forms.
Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional
claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim
forms for other aspects of the system.
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