U.S. patent application number 16/720459 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-23 for apparatus and method of play for a golf chipping game.
The applicant listed for this patent is Chippo Golf LLC. Invention is credited to Brendan R. McAuley.
Application Number | 20200122009 16/720459 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61241314 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200122009 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McAuley; Brendan R. |
April 23, 2020 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PLAY FOR A GOLF CHIPPING GAME
Abstract
Disclosed is a golf chipping game and methods of play for a golf
chipping game. The golf chipping game includes an inclined playing
surface having a plurality of holes defined therein; an impact
absorbent material comprising or affixed to the playing surface;
and a chipping mat disposable a distance from the playing
surface.
Inventors: |
McAuley; Brendan R.;
(Massapequa, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chippo Golf LLC |
Massapequa |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61241314 |
Appl. No.: |
16/720459 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15454530 |
Mar 9, 2017 |
10543412 |
|
|
16720459 |
|
|
|
|
62381861 |
Aug 31, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 63/08 20130101;
A63B 69/3623 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 71/0669
20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B 67/02 20130101; A63B 2209/00
20130101; A63B 69/3661 20130101; A63B 57/20 20151001; A63B 69/36
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 63/08 20060101
A63B063/08; A63B 69/36 20060101 A63B069/36; A63B 67/02 20060101
A63B067/02 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A golf chipping game, comprising: a target (101) comprising a
solid playing surface (102) composed of material strong enough to
withstand multiple repeated strikes from golf balls (131) and
comprising impact absorbent material (106) including wood, plastic
or metal having a topmost layer of artificial turf secured thereon
and having a plurality of holes (104, 105) defined therein and
adjustable between prone and inclined positions with respect to the
ground; and a chipping mat (111) having a surface of artificial
turf (113) and disposable a distance from a lower inclined edge of
the inclined topmost layer of artificial turf and playing surface
(102).
23. The golf chipping game of claim 22, further comprising at least
one foldable leg affixed to the playing surface to provide the
incline of the playing surface when the at least one leg is in its
unfolded position.
24. The golf chipping game of claim 22, further comprising a ball
collecting means.
25. The golf chipping game of claim 24, wherein the ball collecting
means is a plurality of net baskets attached at or about the
underside of the playing surface, with one net basket positioned
below each of the plurality of holes.
26. The golf chipping game of claim 22, wherein a diameter of the
holes is greater than a diameter of a golf ball and are of at least
2 different sizes.
27. The golf chipping game of claim 22, further comprising at least
one of a golf ball sized ball.
28. The golf chipping game of claim 22, further comprising: a
second playing surface having a plurality of holes defined therein;
and a second chipping mat disposable a distance from the second
playing surface.
29. The golf chipping game of claim 28, wherein the playing
surfaces are disposed apart from and inclined toward each other,
and a chipping mat is positioned proximate to a playing
surface.
30. A method of play for a golf chipping game, comprising:
positioning a lower inclined edge of an inclined playing surface
having a plurality of holes a distance from a chipping mat, the
playing surface composed of material strong enough to withstand
multiple repeated strikes from golf balls (131) and comprising
impact absorbent material (106) including wood, plastic or metal
having a topmost layer of artificial turf secured thereon and
extending to the lower inclined edge; positioning a golf ball on
the chipping mat; and hitting the golf ball with a golf club toward
the playing surface.
31. The method of play for a golf chipping game of claim 30,
further comprising; scoring points based on the golf balls relation
to the playing surface and plurality of holes after hitting the
golf ball toward the playing surface.
32. The method of play for a golf chipping game of claim 30,
further comprising; positioning another playing surface opposing
the playing surface; and positioning another chipping mat opposing
the chipping mat.
33. The golf chipping game of claim 22, additionally comprising at
least one leg (103) pivotally attached to an upper inclined edge of
the playing surface (102), such that the playing surface (102) is
inclined and supported at different angles on the ground by the at
least one leg (103), and is stably supported on various types
ground surfaces.
34. The golf chipping game of claim 33, wherein the at least one
leg (103) is substantially C-shaped or U-shaped and comprises hinge
pins (107) at opposite ends thereof and attached to the upper
inclined edge of the playing surface (102).
35. The golf chipping game of claim 22, comprising three holes
defined in the playing surface (102), two holes (105) laterally
adjacent one another and a third hole (104) longitudinally spaced
therefrom and situated laterally-equidistantly therebetween; and
nets (108) affixed to an underside of the playing surface (102) and
underneath each said hole (104, 105) to catch golf balls (121) hit
into the respective hole (104, 105).
36. The golf chipping game of claim 22, wherein the chipping mat
(111) comprises a base (112) on which the surface of artificial
turf (113) is affixed, with the base (112) formed from material
sufficiently heavy to prevent unwanted movement of the chipping mat
(111) on sand, grass or concrete.
37. The golf chipping game of claim 22, wherein the target (101) is
adjustable between 15 to 30 degrees off the ground.
38. The golf chipping game of claim 22, wherein the lower inclined
edge of the inclined playing surface (102) also forms an edge of
the target (101).
39. The golf chipping game of claim 37, wherein the playing surface
(102) is supported by the at least one leg (103) from horizontal to
30.degree. off the ground surface and is stably supported on soft
surface or sand.
40. The golf chipping game of claim 22, additionally comprising a
frame surrounding said playing surface (102), with said frame
having an expanded portion at one end thereof.
41. The golf chipping game of claim 40, wherein said expanded
portion of said frame is located at an end opposite the lower
inclined edge of said playing surface (102) when said target (101)
is inclined.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a golf game that combines
different aspects of golf in a portable and compact form, and also
to a golf chipping practice and/or training apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Backyard games abound. They are enjoyable and build
relationships. Some of the more common backyard games include
horseshoes, bocce ball, cornhole (i.e. bean bag toss), lawn darts,
ring toss, and washer toss. These games are generally portable and
compact for ease of transport. These games can all be played in a
relatively small outdoor space, such as a backyard, a park, a
parking lot tailgate, or at the beach, and often are played by two
teams of two players. Most games in this tradition, and certainly
all of the games named above, involve using only one's hands to
advance a projectile towards a target in order to obtain points and
win the game. What these games do not possess is a golf theme for
those who seek a golf game that is portable, compact and fun.
[0003] The present invention solves these and other problems in the
prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A golf chipping game and method of play for a golf chipping
game are provided herein.
[0005] According to one embodiment, disclosed is a golf chipping
game, comprising a playing surface having a plurality of holes
defined therein; and a chipping mat disposable a distance from the
playing surface.
[0006] According to another embodiment, disclosed is a method of
play for a golf chipping game, comprising positioning a playing
surface having a plurality of holes a distance from a chipping mat;
positioning a golf ball on the chipping mat; and hitting the golf
ball with a golf club toward the playing surface.
[0007] According to yet another embodiment, disclosed is a golf
chipping game, comprising an inclined playing surface having a
plurality of holes defined therein; an impact absorbent material
comprising or affixed to the playing surface; and a chipping mat
disposable a distance from the playing surface.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present disclosure will become more readily apparent
from the specific description accompanied by the following
drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf chipping game
according to the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of a target of a golf chipping
game according to the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side plan view of a chipping mat of a golf
chipping game according to the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an underside of a golf
chipping game according to the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a single target play of a
golf chipping game according to the present disclosure; and
[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a double target play of a
golf chipping game according to the present disclosure.
[0015] Like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout
the figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0016] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure
taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which
form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this
disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods,
conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that
the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended
to be limiting of the claimed disclosure.
[0017] Also, as used in the specification and including the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes
at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or
"approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or
"approximately" another particular value. When such a range is
expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular
value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values
are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,"
it will be understood that the particular value forms another
embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, such
as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom,
left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be
varied within the scope of the disclosure.
[0018] The present disclosure describes a novel golf chipping game
and method of play, which overcomes one or more of the drawbacks of
known games. More specifically, according to some embodiments, the
invention provides for a compact and portable golf chipping
game.
[0019] The golf chipping game enables people to experience the
challenges, rewards and entertainment associated with playing a
full, competitive round of golf, but will allow people to do so in
much less time, in a much smaller space, requiring much less
talent, and requiring much less physical effort and/or strain. The
golf chipping game will enable people to experience the challenges,
rewards and entertainment associated with backyard games. The golf
chipping game will enable people to practice an important golf
skill--the chip shot--in a way that is fun, competitive and
unique.
[0020] The golf chipping game differs from other golf chipping
apparatuses in that it is designed to be a fun and competitive game
that mimics many aspects of real golf and yet can incorporate
aspects popular traditional backyard games such as two versus two
gameplay, having two targets and offering suggested scoring
parameters. The golf chipping game differs from other backyard
games in that it mimics many aspects of golf and that players hit
golf balls using a golf club off of a turf chipping mat at a turf
covered target which is propped up at an angle and includes
strategically placed and sized holes designed for different scoring
options.
[0021] The golf chipping game combines aspects of golf with aspects
of traditional backyard games. It enables one to achieve the
enjoyment, entertainment, as well as the physical and psychological
challenges and rewards often sought after in golf in a much smaller
space. The weighted chipping mats enable play on any surface, such
as grass, sand, concrete, and prevent damage to both the surface
below and the golf club that is being used. The turf covered
targets mimic the look and feel of an actual golf green. The
targets are set up at an angle to the ground that is ideal for
play. The targets include holes that are strategically sized and
placed and designed for scoring systems that may mimic the scoring
of actual golf.
[0022] The golf chipping game introduces the involvement of
golf--specifically, the chip shot often used in golf--to this
tradition of backyard competitive games.
[0023] Although the prior art includes golf chipping practice
apparatuses and targets, much of the prior art in the golf chipping
space are designed and utilized simply for practice, and does not
include any golf chipping apparatuses or targets that combine
chipping a golf ball at a target with the competitive two versus
two aspect or the unique scoring system of the novel golf chipping
game according to the present disclosure.
[0024] Further, the target disclosed herein and the presence of a
chipping mat, and/or the presence of two such targets and/or the
presence of two chipping mats so as to facilitate the two versus
two competitive nature of traditional backyard games, are also all
unique properties of the golf chipping game according to the
present disclosure.
[0025] A detailed description will now be provided with reference
to the drawings.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a golf chipping game 100
according to the present disclosure. Included in the golf chipping
game are a target 101 and a chipping mat 111. Optionally, but
preferably, one or more golf balls 121 are also included in golf
chipping game 100.
[0027] Target 101 includes a playing surface 102 and a leg 103.
Playing surface 102 is preferable rectangular in shape, although
other shapes are contemplated. Preferably playing surface 102 is
24'' in width and 40'' in length to provide a large playing area.
Playing surface 102 can be made from one or more materials,
including, for example, wood, plastic, metal, or other material
strong enough to withstand multiple repeated strikes from golf
balls 121. Playing surface 102 defines holes 104/105 there-through.
The holes can be the same sizes and/or shapes, or different sizes
and/or shapes. One requirement for the size of a hole 104/105 is
that its diameter be greater than the diameter of golf ball 121,
and preferable greater than or equal to the diameter of a
regulation golf hole of 4.25'' for a more realistic play.
[0028] Although playing surface 102 can be parallel with the ground
surface during play, leg 103 provides means to incline playing
surface 102 at an angle toward chipping mat 111 during regular
play. Leg 103 can be designed to move, allowing for different
angles according to user preference, but generally, 15 to 30
degrees off the ground surface is preferable. Leg 103 is preferable
a single U-shaped unit that spans the width of playing surface 102
and is rotatably attached to playing surface 102 via a hinge pin
107 at either end of leg 103. The rotatable connection permits leg
103 to be folded away against the underside of playing surface 102
for compact storage and transportation. In an alternate embodiment,
leg 103 can be comprised of 2 individual posts (not shown). In
addition, although described as being rotatably attached to playing
surface 102, leg 103 (in any embodiment) can be detachably
connected to playing surface 102 for easy connection and removal
during play and storage, respectively. The preferred configuration
of leg 103 permits target 101 to be supported by leg 103 on various
surfaces, including soft surfaces like sand. Leg 103 can be made
from one or more materials, including, for example, wood, plastic
metal, or other material capable of supporting playing surface 102
at its preferred position.
[0029] Target 101 can be configured to store chipping mat 111 and
golf balls 121 when not in use. For example, and as shown in FIG.
4, an underside of playing surface 102 can include a chipping mat
receptacle 108 and a golf ball receptacle 109 for receiving
chipping mat 111 and golf balls 121, respectively. In a preferred
embodiment, chipping mat receptacle 108 is sized to snug fit
chipping mat 111 such that when target 101 is carried chipping mat
111 remains in chipping mat receptacle 108; other configurations
are contemplated. In a preferred embodiment, golf ball receptacle
109 is sized to retain golf balls 121 such that when target 101 is
carried, golf balls 121 remain in golf ball receptacle 109; other
configurations are contemplated.
[0030] Playing surface 102 is comprised of or is affixed with an
impact absorbent material 106 to allow for a more realistic play
when golf ball 121 hits playing surface 102. impact absorbent
material 106 can include a rubber mat, artificial turf, artificial
grass, a combination thereof, or the like. If impact absorbent
material 106 is structurally sufficient, playing surface 102 itself
can be comprised of impact absorbent material 106; if impact
absorbent material 106 is not structurally sufficient, impact
absorbent material 106 can be affixed to an upper surface of
playing surface 102. Either way, impact absorbent material 106
provides impact damping when golf ball 121 hits playing surface
102.
[0031] Affixed to playing surface 102 are nets 108 positioned
beneath holes 104/105 to catch golf balls 121. Other means to catch
golf balls 121 are contemplated, for example, a lower tray (not
shown) can be affixed under playing surface to catch golf balls and
direct them to the front of target 101.
[0032] Chipping mat 111 is preferably made of artificial turf 113
attached to a base 112. In a preferred embodiment, artificial turf
113 is a high quality artificial turf to more closely resemble real
golf play. Base 112 is preferably a heavy rubber material being
heavy enough to prevent chipping mat 111 from unwanted movement on
various surface conditions, such as sand, grass or concrete.
Artificial turf 113 can be attached to base 112 using any known
means, such as adhesives or mechanical fasteners. The size and
shape of chipping mat 111 can vary, but a 12-inch by 10-inch
chipping mat 111 size is preferred. The thickness of chipping mat
111 should be such as to be able to compactly fit in chipping mat
receptacle 108, without extending substantially from the underside
of playing surface 102. Chipping mat 111 can include an anchor or a
spike to keep chipping mat 111 in place when played on surfaces
that enable one to drive a spike into the ground.
[0033] Golf balls 121 are preferably manufactured from a
high-density foam, for example polyurethane. This material will
enable the game to be played anywhere without fear of injuring
nearby people with an errant shot. The density of golf balls 121
also allows a player to feel like they are using a real golf ball.
Real golf balls can be used.
[0034] Target 101 can also include a flag or a pin 131, which can
be inserted into or attached to target 101 to facilitate depth
perception for the players, to improve the overall aesthetic of the
target, and to again, mimic the look and feel of an actual green on
a real golf course.
[0035] Method of Play
[0036] As stated above, the golf chipping game can be played with a
single target and a single chipping mat as shown in FIG. 5. In a
preferred embodiment, the golf chipping game is played with 2
opposing targets and 2 opposing chipping mats as shown in FIG.
6.
[0037] In the double target play of FIG. 6, the golf chipping game
consists of two targets (101A and 101B) and two chipping mats (111C
and 111D); other embodiments include the high-density foam golf
balls 121 described above. Players can use their own golf clubs
and/or golf balls. Other clubs and balls are contemplated and can
be used in the game. A four player game with 2 players on each or 2
teams will now be described.
[0038] Targets 101A and 101B are set up approximately 15 feet apart
(other distances are contemplated), with a top surface of targets
101A and 101B facing each other. Chipping mats 111C and 111D are
placed in front of a respective target and preferably aligned with
a center of each target. Players 1 and 3 are on opposing teams and
play from either side of target 101A. Players 2 and 4 are also on
opposing teams and play from either side of target 101B. Players 1
and 2 are on the same team and Players 3 and 4 are on the same
team. Each team starts with 3 golf balls. One or more golf clubs is
used at each target. Golf clubs can be shared or each player can
have their own.
[0039] To start the game, Players 1 and 3, who are on opposing
teams and are positioned next to target 101A, will play the first
hole. Player 1 will stand next to chipping mat 111C and hit all
three of his golf balls toward target 101B. Player 1 will take the
total or net score of his three shots. Player 3, player 1's
opponent, who is standing on the same side as player 1, will then
approach chipping mat 111C. Player 3 will also take 3 shots toward
target 101B and will take his total or net score. Between players 1
and 3, the player (and therefore, the team) with the best total or
net score will win that hole. That will be Hole #1. The winner of
Hole #1 will be marked on a scoring device, which may be a
scorecard or may be a scoreboard. The action will then shift to
players 2 and 4 who are positioned next to target 101B. The player
whose team won the prior hole can go first, similar to/mimicking
the Honors system as played in golf. Assuming player 1 had the
better score on Hole #1, and therefore won the hole, his teammate,
player 2, will go first. The same sequence of events that occurred
for Hole #1 will follow for Hole #2. Once a winner for Hole #2 has
been determined, the scoring device will be marked, and players 1
and 3 will go again, playing Hole #3. This will continue, with each
side alternating turns until one team wins 10 holes, or has won
more holes than there are holes remaining to be played, whichever
comes first. If the score is tied after 18 holes, a sudden death
tiebreaker hole will be played.
[0040] A shorter version of the same game can be played until one
team wins 5 holes or has won more holes than there are holes
remaining to be played, whichever comes first. In fact, any number
of holes can be played. Also, whereas this method of scoring mimics
"match play" in real golf, players may also choose to play a game
that mirrors "stroke play" in real golf, wherein each player will
simply keep track of his own score for each hole. In fact, while
the game will come with "suggested or recommended scoring" any
variation of scoring can be played, which is a unique and fun
aspect of this game, as it is a unique and fun aspect of golf.
Other variations of play are contemplated.
[0041] While having many different variations is desirable, unique
and fun, one of the recommended/suggested scoring option may be
golf themed. For example, least points (or negative points) awarded
for missing the target. More points (or even points) for hitting
the target, but not achieving one of the holes. Most points for
hitting the ball in one of the holes, with different holes of
different sizes being awarded points based on the diameter of the
holes; the smaller the diameter of the hole, the more points
awarded should the player achieve that hole.
[0042] One example of specific scoring rules will now be described.
If a chip misses the target altogether, a score is Bogey (+1) for
that shot. If a chip hits the target on a fly but does not go in
any of the holes, a score is Par (E) for that shot. If a chip goes
in the largest hole in the middle, a score is Birdie (-1) for that
shot. If a chip goes in the smaller hole, a score is Eagle (-2) for
that shot.
[0043] Since each player gets three shots per hole, the player will
add up the scores from all three shots to get his score for that
hole. For example, for a player's first shot, he chips the ball and
misses the target completely for a Bogey (+1). His second shot hits
the target and rolls off without going into a hole for a Par (E).
His third shot goes into the largest middle hole for a Birdie (-1).
He then adds his score (+1, -1, E) to get his score for that hole,
which is E. Since this is golf themed scoring, the lowest score
wins the hole. So his opponent goes next, trying to beat a score of
E. He hits the target the first two shots (E, E) and misses the
target completely on his third shot for a Bogey (+1). His overall
score is +1 and so he would lose to Player 1's score of E.
[0044] Another scoring method can be, for example, a score is zero
(0) points. If a chip hits the target on a fly but does not go into
any of the holes, a score is one (1) point. If a chip goes into the
larger middle hole, a score is three (3) points. If a chip goes
into either of the smaller, top corner holes, a score is five (5)
points.
[0045] Since each player gets three shots per hole, the player will
add up the scores from all three shots to get his total score for
that hole. The player with the highest total score for that hole,
wins that hole.
[0046] Although game play is described herein, variations and
modifications of play are contemplated and encouraged to enhance
player enjoyment.
[0047] Where this application has listed the steps of a method or
procedure in a specific order, it may be possible, or even
expedient in certain circumstances, to change the order in which
some steps are performed, and it is intended that the particular
steps of the method or procedure claim not be construed as being
order-specific unless such order specificity is expressly stated in
the claim.
[0048] While the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods
have been described in reference to the environment in which they
were developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of
the inventions. Modification or combinations of the above-described
assemblies, other embodiments, configurations, and methods for
carrying out the invention, and variations of aspects of the
invention that are obvious to those of skill in the art are
intended to be within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *