U.S. patent application number 16/794131 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-11 for configurable flexible golf putting green system and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Albertus Maria Kuiper Claessen. Invention is credited to Albertus Maria Claessen, Jan Lucas Kuiper.
Application Number | 20200179756 16/794131 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58639001 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200179756 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Claessen; Albertus Maria ;
et al. |
June 11, 2020 |
Configurable Flexible Golf Putting Green System and Methods
Abstract
A configurable flexible putting green system and methods provide
a golf putting experience on a highly configurable simulated
putting green surface. A movable, flexible turf belt is tensioned
between storage devices at each end of the turf belt. A portion of
the turf belt is configured as a putt spot, supporting the player's
weight and simulating a real putting experience. The system is
provided with actuators underneath the turf belt for creating a
variety of undulations, inclinations, and declinations so as to
simulate a wide variety of golf putting scenarios. A golf computer
is provided for controlling the turf belt and undulators to
simulate golf putting conditions according to a database of
simulated golf putting terrain matching existing golf courses.
Inventors: |
Claessen; Albertus Maria;
(Oakwood, GA) ; Kuiper; Jan Lucas; (Gainesville,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Claessen; Albertus Maria
Kuiper; Jan Lucas |
Oakwood
Gainesville |
GA
GA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58639001 |
Appl. No.: |
16/794131 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16209877 |
Dec 4, 2018 |
10610734 |
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16794131 |
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15828255 |
Nov 30, 2017 |
10357686 |
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16209877 |
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15462628 |
Mar 17, 2017 |
9861854 |
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15828255 |
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62599689 |
Dec 16, 2017 |
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62315813 |
Mar 31, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/02 20130101;
A63B 2024/0034 20130101; A63B 24/0021 20130101; A63B 69/3697
20130101; A63B 2071/0638 20130101; A63B 47/002 20130101; A63B
2024/0031 20130101; A63B 2220/62 20130101; A63B 2220/12 20130101;
A63B 2225/54 20130101; A63B 2220/10 20130101; A63B 43/004 20130101;
A63B 71/0622 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00; A63B 43/00 20060101 A63B043/00; A63B 67/02 20060101
A63B067/02; A63B 71/06 20060101 A63B071/06 |
Claims
1. A configurable flexible golf putting green system, the system
comprising: a) a turf belt tensioned between a first storage device
and a second storage device, said turf belt comprising a simulated
putting green surface adhered to a flexible substrate, said turf
belt not configured into a continuous loop; b) at least one golf
putting hole disposed in said turf belt; c) the turf belt further
comprising: i) a stored portion that is stored in at least one of
said first storage device or said second storage device; ii) a
playable portion defined between said first and said second storage
devices; d) said first and second storage devices operable under a
control system to move said turf belt in both a forward direction
and a backward direction, said forward direction characterized in
that the playable portion of the turf belt moves in the direction
from said first storage device toward said second storage device,
said backward direction characterized in that the playable portion
of the turf belt moves in the direction from said second storage
device toward said first storage device; e) said first storage
device operable to store a portion of said turf belt when said turf
belt is moved in said backward direction; f) said second storage
device operable to store a portion of said turf belt when said turf
belt is moved in said forward direction; g) the system further
characterized in that the control system is operable to control the
position of said turf belt to move said golf putting hole to a
desired location.
2. The system of claim 1 further characterized in that the control
system is operable to control the turf belt to return a putted ball
to a player by moving said turf belt toward said player, and then
control the position of said turf belt to move said golf putting
hole to a desired location.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a support structure
underneath a portion of said turf belt configured to support the
weight of one or more players.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a) a plurality of
undulator modules disposed underneath said turf belt, further
characterized in that a portion of the turf belt is in contact with
at least one of said plurality of undulator modules; b) at least
one of said plurality of undulator modules comprising: i) a support
plate configured to allow said flexible substrate to move across
it, the support plate having an aperture; ii) an undulator actuator
configured to raise and lower an undulator body through said
aperture, wherein raising said undulator body lifts a portion of
the turf belt above said support plate.
5. The system of claim 3 further characterized in that at least one
of the plurality of undulator modules has an elongated undulator
body coupled to a drive unit, said drive unit operable to create a
variable rotation of said undulator body, said variable rotation
operable to raise and lower a portion of the turf belt above said
support plate.
6. The system of claim 3 further characterized in that at least one
of the plurality of undulator modules is a rotating direction
undulation module comprising: a rotation drive coupled to an
elongated undulator body and operable to rotate said elongated
undulator body in a plurality of directions parallel to said
support plate.
7. The system of claim 3 further comprising a control system
operable to control the position of each of said plurality of
undulator modules thereby creating a desired shape of said
simulated putting green surface.
8. The system of claim 1 further characterized in that at least one
of the first or second storage devices comprises an elongated
rotating element on which the turf belt is rolled onto and from
which the turf belt is unrolled from under the control of a
computer controlled drive unit, said computer controlled drive unit
operable to move said turf belt in said forward direction and in
said backward direction without creating a un-tensioned portion in
said playable portion of said turf belt.
9. The system of claim 1 further characterized in that both the
first and second storage devices each comprise an elongated
rotating element on which the turf belt is rolled-up and from which
the turf belt is unrolled-from, both said rolling-up and said
unrolling-from under the control of a computer controlled drive
unit, said computer controlled drive unit operable to move said
turf belt in said forward direction and in said backward direction
without creating a un-tensioned portion in said playable portion of
said turf belt.
10. A method of providing a configurable flexible golf putting
green system, the system comprising: a turf belt that comprises a
simulated putting green surface adhered to a flexible substrate,
the turf belt not being configured into a continuous loop; a first
storage device; a second storage device; a plurality of undulator
modules; and, a control system operable to move the turf belt in a
forward direction and a backward direction, the method comprising
the steps of: a) tensioning said turf belt between said first
storage device and said second storage device, the turf belt
further comprising: i) a stored portion that is stored in at least
one of said first storage device or said second storage device; ii)
a playable portion defined between said first and said second
storage device; b) disposing at least one golf putting hole in said
turf belt; c) configuring said control system to control said first
and second storage devices to move said turf belt in both said
forward direction and said backward direction, said forward
direction characterized in that the playable portion of the turf
belt moves in the direction from said first storage device toward
said second storage device, said backward direction characterized
in that the playable portion of the turf belt moves in the
direction from said second storage device toward said first storage
device; d) storing a portion of said turf belt in said first
storage device when said turf belt is moved in said backward
direction; e) storing a portion of said turf belt in said second
storage device when said turf belt is moved in said forward
direction; f) controlling the position of said turf belt to move
said golf putting hole to a desired location.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of: a)
returning a putted ball to a player by moving said turf belt toward
said player, and thereafter, controlling the position of said turf
belt to move said golf putting hole to a desired location.
12. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of: a)
configuring a support structure underneath a portion of said turf
belt to support the weight of one or more players.
13. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of: a)
disposing the plurality of undulator modules under said turf belt,
further characterized in that a portion of the turf belt is in
contact with at least one of said plurality of undulator modules,
at least one of said plurality of undulator modules comprising a
support plate having an aperture, the method further comprising the
steps of: i) configuring said support plate to allow said flexible
substrate to move across it; ii) configuring an undulator actuator
to raise and lower an undulator body through said aperture, wherein
raising said undulator body lifts a portion of the turf belt above
said support plate.
14. The method of claim 13, the step of disposing a plurality of
undulator modules under said turf belt further characterized in
that at least one of the plurality of undulator modules comprises
an elongated undulator body coupled to a drive unit operable to
create a variable rotation of said undulator body, the method
further comprising the step of creating a said variable rotation to
raise and lower a portion of the turf belt above said support
plate.
15. The method of claim 13, the step of disposing a plurality of
undulator modules under said turf belt further characterized in
that at least one of the plurality of undulator modules is a
rotating direction undulation module comprising: a rotation drive
coupled to an elongated undulator body, the method further
comprising the step of rotating said elongated undulator body in a
plurality of directions parallel to said support plate.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of: a)
controlling the position of each of the plurality of undulator
modules to create a desired shape of said simulated putting
surface.
17. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of coupling
to at least one of the first or second storage devices an elongated
rotating element on which the turf belt is rolled onto and from
which the turf belt is unrolled from under the control of a
computer controlled drive unit, said computer controlled drive unit
operating to move said turf belt in said forward direction and in
said backward direction without creating a un-tensioned portion in
said playable portion of said turf belt.
18. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of coupling
to both the first and second storage devices an elongated rotating
element on which the turf belt is rolled-up and from which the turf
belt is unrolled-from, both said rolling-up and said unrolling-from
under the control of a computer controlled drive unit, said
computer controlled drive unit operating to move said turf belt in
said forward direction and in said backward direction without
creating a un-tensioned portion in said playable portion of said
turf belt.
19. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of coupling
to at least one of the first or second storage devices two
elongated rotating elements on which the turf belt is rolled onto
and from which the turf belt is unrolled from under the control of
a computer controlled drive unit.
20. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of coupling
to both the first and second storage devices two elongated rotating
elements on which the turf belt is rolled onto and from which the
turf belt is unrolled from, both said rolling-up and said
unrolling-from under the control of a computer controlled drive
unit, said computer controlled drive unit operating to move said
turf belt in said forward direction and in said backward direction
without creating a un-tensioned portion in said playable portion of
said turf belt.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional utility application is a continuation
of and claims the benefit of prior filed U.S. application Ser. No.
16/209,877, filed Dec. 4, 2018, entitled "Configurable Flexible
Golf Putting Green System and Methods". Application Ser. No.
16/209,877 claimed the benefit of prior filed US provisional
application No. 62/599,689, filed Dec. 16, 2017, entitled
"Configurable Flexible Putting Green and Methods". Application Ser.
No. 16/209,877 is also a continuation-in-part of and claimed the
benefit of application Ser. No. 15/828,255, filed Nov. 30, 2017 and
entitled "Virtual Golf System and Methods". Application Ser. No.
15/828,255, is a continuation of non-provisional utility
application Ser. No. 15/462,628, filed Mar. 17, 2017, entitled
"Virtual Golf System and Methods". Application Ser. No. 15/462,628
claimed the benefit of provisional application 62/315,813, filed
Mar. 31, 2016. Application Ser. Nos. 16/209,877, 15/828,255,
15/462,628, 62/315,813, and 62/599,689 are incorporated herein by
reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND
[0004] The present invention is related to a system for playing
golf and corresponding methods for playing golf.
[0005] The worldwide sport of golf is suffering. Baby boomers are
aging, declining in number, and many can no longer enjoy the sport
due to disabilities. Young individuals stay away because the sport
is not attractive to them. They perceived the sport as too slow,
too expensive, too difficult to learn, too stressful to play,
elitist and too time consuming. Furthermore, the game is weather
dependent. Courses stay empty because of rain, heat, and cold, and
can only be played during daylight hours.
[0006] Golf courses occupy a lot of real estate and capital
investment. An average a course requires 150 acres (60 hectares),
of which, 50% is turf that requires intensive maintenance. Golf
turf requires mowing, seeding, watering, aeration, fertilizers,
pesticides etc. Adding to the capital investment are the
maintenance equipment and golf cart inventories.
[0007] Worldwide, golf courses are closing at a rate of more than
150 per year, whereas only a few new courses are built. As a
consequence of the factors previously described, the sport is
looking for options to attract new players, to attract young
players, and to keep existing players. The golf industry has
reacted with new variations of the sport like 9 holes only courses,
indoor golf with golf simulators, and target golf where balls are
hit from central locations towards "dart board" like targets.
[0008] Current solutions only deal with some aspects of the
concerns. Nine-hole golf courses still require a considerable time
investment and physical abilities of the players. Golf simulators
only provide a very limited golf experience as they do not allow
the player to actually follow the ball after it has been hit. Other
previous embodiments of putting simulators use either a modular
system consisting of sections that are laid out on a fixed surface
with a fixed putting hole (cup) location or use a continuous belt
where the putting hole is moved to a location determined by the
golf game software. Furthermore, target golf does not provide a
complete game because an important part of the game, the putting,
is missing.
[0009] There is an unmet need, therefore, for a configurable,
flexible golf putting green system and methods which closely
resemble a standard golf game played on a traditional golf putting
green.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present invention relates to a flexible and configurable
putting green system (Flexgreen) and corresponding methods. The
various embodiments described herein may be used in combination
with any type of system and golf balls or as a stand-alone practice
tool. The various embodiments described herein may be used in
combination with video or radar based tracking systems, golf
simulators and target systems. In addition, standard regulation
golf balls or proprietary golf balls designed for these systems,
such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/462,628, may be used. The combination of the Flexgreen with any
of the golf drive game systems allows playing a complete game of 9
or 18 holes golf including tee off, approach, chipping, bunker
shots and putting, all from one location.
[0011] Flexgreen embodiments, represented in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4
of the present disclosure comprise an arrangement of modules 100,
101, 102, 103. On top of one or more of the modules is positioned a
flexible artificial turf 120, mimicking the grass of a golf green.
A cup 121 in the middle of the turf, riding in a slot between the
modules, provides the putting hole. Multiple putting holes may be
located in the turf. The position of a putting hole may be moved by
rolling the artificial turf on and off two storage devices 110 and
111 located at opposite ends of the Flexgreen. The embodiments
herein do not require a return of the artificial turf underneath
the playing surface. The modules therefore can rest on the ground
surface and can be designed with a low profile. The sides of the
Flexgreen may be closed with panels covered with artificial fringe
grass. The panels may be sloped. The fringe grass may slightly
overlap the turf to prevent the ball from rolling off of the
Flexgreen.
[0012] Before playing, a putting hole is moved to the required
position by rolling and unrolling, respectively, the artificial
turf from the two storage devices 110 and 111 located at opposite
ends of the Flexgreen. The storage devices may include computer
controlled drive units 123. The modules 100, 101, 102, 103 may be
equipped with actuators which push up the artificial turf in
various locations thereby providing a wide variety of turf
configurations resulting in a wide variety of putting conditions.
Furthermore, it can be seen that the systems described herein
provide a putting surface with a highly configurable degree of
difficulty.
[0013] After the Flexgreen turf 120 has moved into position, the
player positions himself/herself on the Flexgreen on a putt spot
122 area that is supported by a support plate installed under the
turf. Under the direction of the Flexgreen system, a player is
positioned on the green to avoid transitions in the surface from
the putt spot to the artificial green and putting hole. On the putt
area the ball is placed on a putt spot indicated by some kind of
marker, for example, a light beam in some embodiments. The
Flexgreen system is equipped with sensors and safety interlocks to
prevent the artificial turf from moving when a player is standing
on the green.
[0014] After the player has struck the ball the system determines
the position of the ball on the Flexgreen. If the ball has arrived
in the putting hole, the game is complete. If not, then the system
calculates the distance from the ball to the putting hole. After
the player steps down from the Flexgreen the ball is returned to
player by moving the Flexgreen. Next, the putting hole is moved to
the next position for the next put stroke. It can be seen that
moving the turf in one direction is accomplished by simultaneously
unrolling turf from storage device 110 while rolling turf onto
storage device 111, while moving the turf in the opposite direction
is accomplished by simultaneously unrolling turf from storage
device 111 while rolling turf onto storage device 110. The
coordinated action required by simultaneous rolling and unrolling
to achieve the desired turf motion may be coordinated by computer
controlled drive units 123. This process continues until the game
is complete.
[0015] If the ball ends up off of the Flexgreen or hits the fringe
grass on the side panels, the system can calculate the ball
position based on trajectory and speed of the ball before the ball
left the Flexgreen. In this situation a calculated ball position
may be used to determine how to continue the game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings
where:
[0017] FIG. 1 shows an overhead plan view of an embodiment of a
configurable flexible golf putting green system according to the
present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the system of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a configurable flexible
golf putting green system according to the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a a side view of the system of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 5A shows an overhead plan view of an embodiment of a
golf putting hole according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 5B shows a side view of the golf putting hole of FIG.
5A.
[0023] FIG. 6A shows an overhead plan view of another embodiment of
a golf putting hole according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 6B shows a side view of the golf putting hole of FIG.
6A.
[0025] FIG. 7 shows a side view of another embodiment of a golf
putting hole according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 8 shows an overhead plan view of an undulator module
having an extra support means bridging across a central slot.
[0027] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.
[0028] FIG. 10 shows an overhead plan view of a first storage
device having a single roll configuration at one end of the
Flexgreen.
[0029] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 10.
[0030] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 10.
[0031] FIG. 13 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 10.
[0032] FIG. 14 shows an overhead plan view of a first storage
device having a two roll configuration at one end of the
Flexgreen.
[0033] FIG. 15 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 14.
[0034] FIG. 16 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 14.
[0035] FIG. 17 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 14.
[0036] FIG. 18 shows an overhead plan view of a fixed direction
undulator module.
[0037] FIG. 19 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 18.
[0038] FIG. 20 shows an overhead plan view of a fixed direction
undulator module.
[0039] FIG. 21 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 20.
[0040] FIG. 22 shows an overhead plan view of a rotating direction
undulator module.
[0041] FIG. 23 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 22.
[0042] FIG. 24 shows an overhead plan view of a rotating direction
undulator module.
[0043] FIG. 25 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 24.
[0044] FIG. 26 shows an side plan view of an eccentrically mounted
undulator body in three different positions.
[0045] FIG. 27 shows a side plan view of another eccentrically
mounted undulator body in three different positions.
[0046] FIG. 28 shows an overhead plan view of a first storage
device having a two roll configuration at one end of the
Flexgreen.
[0047] FIG. 29 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 28.
[0048] FIG. 30 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 28.
[0049] FIG. 31 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 28.
[0050] FIG. 32 shows an embodiment of a virtual golf system that
may integrate into its operation the various embodiments of
configurable flexible golf putting green system of the present
disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 33 shows a shows a schematic representation of a
portion of a driving range or golf facility comprising a plurality
of hitspots.
[0052] FIG. 34 shows a a schematic view of an embodiment of a
virtual golf system for playing golf.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS APPEARING IN THE FIGURES
[0053] 1--configurable flexible golf putting green
[0054] 100--fixed putt location
[0055] 101--fixed direction undulator module
[0056] 102--rotating direction undulator module
[0057] 103--flat module
[0058] 110--first storage device
[0059] 111--second storage device
[0060] 112--first dual roll storage device
[0061] 113--second dual roll storage device
[0062] 120--turf belt also referred to as Turfbelt
[0063] 121--golf putting hole
[0064] 122--putt spot
[0065] 123--computer controlled drive unit
[0066] 201--support ring
[0067] 203--collapsible cup
[0068] 204--mounting ring
[0069] 300--reinforcing material
[0070] 301--stiffener rods
[0071] 400--tilting actuator
[0072] 401--first support plate
[0073] 402--second support plate
[0074] 403--artificial turf simulating fringe grass
[0075] 500--opening or aperture
[0076] 501--cylindrical body undulator actuator
[0077] 501a--cylindrical body undulator actuator in a first
position
[0078] 501b--cylindrical body undulator actuator in a second
position
[0079] 501c--cylindrical body undulator actuator in a third
position
[0080] 502--undulator drive unit with integrated position
sensors
[0081] 503--supports
[0082] 504--rotating module
[0083] 505--drive unit
[0084] 506--top plate
[0085] 507--surface mounting plate
[0086] 508--simple support plate
[0087] 509--support plate
[0088] 510--bearings
[0089] 511--position sensors
[0090] 512--drain
[0091] 513--sprocket ring
[0092] 601--undulator body
[0093] 601a--undulator body in a first position
[0094] 601b--undulator body in a second position
[0095] 601c--undulator body in a third position
[0096] 700--Fringe grass
[0097] 701--tilting device
[0098] 801--trackable golf ball
[0099] 811--fairway terrain
[0100] 812--rough terrain
[0101] 813--sandy terrain
[0102] 814--putting terrain
[0103] 821--virtual golf system
[0104] 822a, 822b, . . . --first ball locating system, second ball
locating system,
[0105] 823--communications network
[0106] 824a, 824b, . . . --first Hitspot, second Hitspot,
[0107] 825BPI--ball pairing interface
[0108] 825D--display
[0109] 825N--hitspot network
[0110] 825P--processor running interactive game application
[0111] 826--system location server
[0112] 827--player data
[0113] 828--golf course data
[0114] 829--system server
DESCRIPTION
[0115] The present invention is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may
be evident, however, that the present invention can be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to
facilitate describing the present invention.
[0116] In an embodiment for a configurable flexible golf putting
green system 1, shown in an over head plan view in FIG. 1 and in a
side plan view in FIG. 2, the artificial turf (hereafter turf or
turf belt) is arranged on a supporting structure that consists of a
number of modules that can be arranged and rearranged in multiple
configurations. The resulting system (hereinafter called a
Flexgreen) creates a golf putting surface with a variety of
controllable wavelike bends, curves and elevations (undulations) in
simulation of real golf greens. Shown in overhead plan view in FIG.
3 and corresponding side plan view of FIG. 4 is another embodiment
of a configurable flexible golf putting green system of the present
disclosure.
[0117] A golf putting hole 121 in turf belt 120 with a cup 121
underneath that is mounted towards the middle of the turf belt
provides the putting hole (hereafter putting hole, golf hole, or
hole) for the game. The putting hole is moved by rolling the turf
belt onto and off storage units at both ends of the Flexgreen. The
embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 shows a number of standard modules
in this Flexgreen arrangement. Shown in the figures are the
features: fixed putt location 100 configured to support the weight
of the player who is making a putt from putt spot 122; a first
fixed direction module 101 to shape the turf into an undulation in
longitudinal direction (longitudinal being defined to be roughly in
the direction of the putted ball); a rotating direction undulator
module 102 supporting the artificial turf and shaping the turf into
an undulation in a plurality directions; a second fixed direction
module 101 oriented at 90 degrees to shape the turf into an
undulation in transverse direction with respect to said first fixed
direction module 101; a filler module 103 that provides support for
the belt and extends the length of the Flexgreen configuration.
[0118] First and second fixed direction modules may be constructed
with an actuator that is mounted offset from the center of the
module to provide more configuration options by rotating the module
180 degrees. The modules 101, 102, 103 are configured such that in
the middle of their supporting surfaces, respectively, a slot
allows cup 121 to travel as the turf belt is moved forward or
backward.
[0119] The modular construction also provides a means to adjust the
length of the Flexgreen by inserting a variable number of modules
for different applications. Each undulation module 101, 102, 103 is
an integrated self-contained unit comprising: an extendable and
retractable undulating mechanism to push up the artificial turf
(undulator); bearings; drives and safety features. Typically all
power and control wire connections use off the shelf standard
connectors for quick installation and maintenance. This also allows
for easily changing the configuration of the Flexgreen and promotes
ease of maintenance.
[0120] Turf 120 comprises a base material in which plastic fibers
are arranged to mimic golf green grass. Turf 120 may be an off the
shelf product obtainable with various qualities (color, material,
backing material, thickness, stiffness, speed of the golf ball on
the material) as needed by the application. Alternatively a custom
made belt material can be used wherein various colors can be used
to aid play. In one embodiment markers may be inserted into the
turf at fixed distances from the hole to aid in determining the
distance of the ball from the hole. In another embodiment marketing
or product logos may be inserted, woven, or printed on the surface
of the material.
[0121] Turf 120 may be provided as a pre-manufactured belt
(Turfbelt) with length and width and thickness determined by the
configuration of the Flexgreen. In the Turfbelt one or more
standard golf-hole size cups 121 are arranged similar to the way a
cup is arranged in a real golf green.
[0122] Turning now to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, shown are an overhead
plan view and side view, respectively, of a golf putting hole 121
turf 120. Golf putting hole 121 may be attached to mounting ring
204 at time of installation of the Flexgreen. Alternatively, golf
putting hole may be inserted into turf 120 when the Turfbelt is
manufactured. In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 6A and
FIG. 6B, ring 201 may be inserted in turf 120 to allow for easier
putting. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, golf putting hole
may be constructed to be a collapsible cup 203. Collapsible cup 203
may be mounted during manufacturing of turf 120 or may be inserted
into turf 120 at time of installation of the Flexgreen. Collapsible
cup 203 allows the rolling up of the turf belt without removing the
cup. Collapsible cup 203 may also be configured to expand when the
Turfbelt is unrolled from a storage device.
[0123] FIG. 8 shows an overhead plan view of a fixed direction
undulator module 101, with FIG. 9 showing a side view of the same
module 101. As shown in FIG. 8, the center of the turf 120 may be
reinforced with a spring-like material 300 and/or stiffener rods
301 to prevent sagging of the Turfbelt in the opening between the
support surfaces where the cup travels. Reinforcements may be
laminated against the back of the belt by means of adhesive tape or
attached by some other durable means. Reinforcements may be metal
or any suitable material arranged such that it stiffens the
Turfbelt in the transverse direction while being flexible in the
direction along which the Turfbelt travels.
[0124] Systems comprising a first storage device and a second
storage device allow for moving the Turfbelt back and forth
smoothly and in a controlled manner over the plurality of modules.
The speed of the first and second storage device drive units are
matched by the controller to maintain tension and thereby to avoid
unwanted wrinkling of the Flexgreen Turfbelt. According to the
embodiments shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, and FIG. 10 through
FIG. 13, at a first end of the Flexgreen, the Turfbelt is attached
to a first storage device 110. The first storage device may
comprise a computer or programmable logic controller (PLC)
controlled drive unit operable to roll and unroll the Turfbelt. At
a second end of the Flexgreen is attached a second storage device
111 with the same function as the first storage device. First and
second storage devices may each be configured as a cylindrical drum
that is operable to roll, unroll, and store the Turfbelt. In
operation, when first storage device is fully rolled up, storage
device two is unrolled, and vice-versa. This system allows moving
the Turfbelt back and forth over the undulation modules. The speed
of the first and second storage device drive units are matched by
the controller to avoid unwanted wrinkling, bunching or stretching
of the Flexgreen Turfbelt.
[0125] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14 through FIG. 17, a
storage device may have a two-roll configuration 112. The two roll
configuration, which may be used at either end of the Flexgreen, or
at both ends, has the advantage of allowing storage of the
artificial turf with a lower total height enabling the overall
Flexgreen to maintain a lower profile. In the two roll
configuration of the storage device, a first roller and a second
roller are both controlled by a computer or PLC controlled drive
unit operable in a coordinated manner so that the Turfbelt may be
rolled and unrolled by the coordinated action of both rollers
within the storage device. The speed of both first and second
rollers within the two roll configuration are matched by the
controller to avoid unwanted wrinkling, bunching or stretching of
the Turfbelt.
[0126] Undulations and inclinations in the Flexgreen are created by
undulators that are arranged in a plurality of supporting modules.
A fixed direction undulation module 101, shown in FIG. 18 through
FIG. 21, may have a rectangular box shaped construction on which a
top plate 506 is arranged. An extensible and retractable undulator
mechanism is mounted under an opening 500 in the top plate 506
through which the undulator can be raised. The undulator mechanism
comprises a moving body 501 that is rotated by a drive unit 502
around supports 503. The drive unit may comprise one or more
integrated position sensors, or, one or more position sensors may
be located elsewhere on the assembly to monitor the position of the
moving body 501.
[0127] A rotating direction undulator module 102 shown in FIG. 22
through FIG. 25 may be implemented by mounting the undulator module
in a rotating module 504 that is mounted in and flush with the
surface mounting plate 507 of the rotating direction undulator
module 102. The moving body 501, drive unit 502, sprocket ring 513
and supports 503 are mounted in a rotating module 504. The rotating
module 504 is supported and guided by bearings 510 to provide a
smooth rotational motion. The rotating undulator can be positioned
in any direction relative to the motion of the Turfbelt 120 by
rotating the top plate 504 with drive unit 505. Position sensors
511 provide feedback to a control unit of the position of rotating
module 504 using markers on the body of rotating module 504.
[0128] Both fixed direction undulator module 101 and rotating
direction undulator module 102 may be mounted on a simple support
plate 508 or alternatively on a support plate 509 with integrated
drain 512 for outdoor applications.
[0129] Turning now to FIG. 26, shown from the side is a schematic
view of an embodiment of an undulator actuator. The undulator
actuator 501 is shown comprising a cylindrical body that is rotated
around an eccentrically located support 503. A cam body with a
non-cylindrical profile may be used instead of the cylindrical
body. FIG. 26 shows three different positions of the cylindrical
body in order to show differing amounts of undulation produced in
the overlying turf 120. Shown at varying degrees of lift are:
cylindrical body in a first position 501a shown in solid line;
cylindrical body in a second position 501b shown in dotted line;
and, cylindrical body in a third position 501c shown in dotted
line. The shaft of the undulator may be driven by a motorized drive
unit which positions the undulator actuator from a zero elevation
position, which is flush with the top plate of the supporting
module, to a maximum elevation the height of which is determined by
the diameter of the cylindrical body and the eccentric position of
support 503. The figure makes clear that any position between
minimum and maximum may be repeatably produced by undulator
actuator 501. When the undulator is rotated from its zero elevation
position it will lift the Turfbelt 120 to a height related to the
degree of elevation of the cam body or cylindrical body.
[0130] Other shapes of the undulator actuator are possible, such as
a cut off cylinder 601 as shown in various positions in FIG. 27,
with Turfbelt 120 in the lowest position, may be used to increase
the maximum undulation height or to provide more complex shapes.
Shown at varying degrees of lift are: cut off cylinder in a first
position 601a shown in solid line; cut off cylinder in a second
position 601b shown in dotted line; and, cut off cylinder in a
third position 601c shown in dotted line. Alternative embodiments
of the undulator actuator are envisioned consistent with the
teachings of the present disclosure. Alternatives include: a
camshaft and cam followers that push up a plate on which the
Turfbelt rests; a compressed air bellows: a hydraulic actuator; and
others.
[0131] Depending on the installation of the supporting module under
the Turfbelt, a fixed direction undulator module may be installed
so that an undulator actuator is aligned parallel to the motion of
the Turfbelt, or in other installations, is aligned transverse(i.e.
orthogonal) to the motion of the Turfbelt. In the parallel case
lifting the Turfbelt will create a longitudinal undulation in the
Turfbelt. In the orthogonal case lifting the Turfbelt will create a
transverse undulation or inclination in the Turfbelt.
[0132] An wide variety of undulator modules may be constructed by
combining fixed and rotating actuator technologies to move various
parts of the Turfbelt overlying the undulator module surface. The
combination and configuration of supporting modules can create any
type of undulations and inclinations over the length of the
Flexgreen. The undulations/inclinations can be changed after each
putt thereby adapting the surface of the Flexgreen to the new
situation that developed as a result of the putt stroke. It can be
seen that creating undulations configures portions of the turf belt
that incline up to one or more peaks and other portions of the turf
belt that decline from those same one or more peaks.
[0133] At one end of the Flexgreen a fixed putt location module may
be used that is designed to support the weight of the player and
does not have a slot for the cup to travel. A basic embodiment of
the player support plate and fixed putt location module 100 is
shown in the configurations of the Flexgreen of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.
However, more sophisticated embodiments are envisioned as now
described. Many golf greens have areas that have a slope. For this
situation a player support module with a first support plate 401
mounted underneath the Turfbelt is envisioned that may be tilted by
one or more tilt actuators 400 as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 for
a single drum storage device and, in other embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 for a dual drum storage device.
[0134] With reference to FIG. 15, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, in some
embodiments the player may desire to put from the fringe grass
around the golf green. For this situation optionally a second
support plate 402 may be arranged such that it can be lowered on
top of the Turfbelt. This plate is covered with artificial turf 403
to simulate fringe grass. This plate can be lowered either manually
or automatically under computer control.
[0135] In an another embodiment, shown in FIG. 28 through FIG. 31,
a fringe grass 700 may be attached to the top of the storage unit
112 at the player's end of the Flexgreen. Furthermore, this unit
may be mounted on tilting devices 701 to provide the desired slope
and is designed to support the weight of a player.
[0136] A plurality of modules may be assembled to provide a
Flexgreen with many variations. As an example, the plurality of
assembled modules shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 shows, starting the
description at one end of the Flexgreen: a first storage device
110; a support putt plate 100, two longitudinally oriented fixed
direction undulator modules 101; two rotating direction undulator
modules 102; two transversely oriented fixed direction undulator
modules 101, two flat modules 103, another longitudinally oriented
fixed direction undulator module 101, another transversely oriented
fixed direction undulator module; two more flat modules 103; two
more two rotating direction undulator modules 102; and a second
storage device 111. The cup travels longitudinally along the space
between the modules. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
4, a similar configuration of a plurality of undulations modules is
shown having using dual roll storage units 112 and 113 at opposite
the ends of the Turfbelt.
[0137] With continuing reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4,
depending on the direction of the Turfbelt's movement, the cup
moves either toward the putt spot 122 or away. Once the desired
distance between the putt spot and the cup is realized the Turfbelt
stops. Safety interlocks may be provided so that the Turfbelt can
only be moved when nobody is present on the Turfbelt. When the
Turfbelt has stopped the software may move several undulators in
order to provide the required undulation and inclination for that
putt. Once the undulator positions are set, one of the two storage
unit's drives are powered to tension the Turfbelt such that the
Turfbelt has a smooth gradual undulations. After setting the
desired undulations and setting the desired tension in the
Turfbelt, the player may step on the supporting putt plate to put
the ball on the putt spot and play.
[0138] After the player has struck the ball, the location of the
ball is determined by the system. One preferred embodiment is a
single camera arranged such that it can view the entire system.
Vision software in the camera system determines the location of the
ball and forwards that information to the game control software of
the system. In other embodiments, the ball location and tracking
system as described in patent application Ser. No. 15/462,628 may
be used to determine the location of the ball.
[0139] A game control software operating in a golf computer as part
of a computerized control system may then determine the next
action, instruct the player using the game display, and reposition
the Turfbelt and actuators according to the game's instructions.
Multiple cameras may be needed in certain configurations where
lighting conditions are such that they are beyond the capabilities
of a single camera, for instance when the player's part of the
Flexgreen is installed in a covered area to protect the players
from weather and the rest is outdoors in full sunshine.
[0140] To facilitate the installation of the Flexgreen on an
existing golf driving range, the top of the back storage module can
be set at the same height as the rest of the Flexgreen by partly
recessing a portion of the first storage device or the second
storage device, or both, below ground level. To accommodate use in
wet conditions provisions for water drainage may be installed in
one or more of the storage devices.
[0141] In case of harsh weather conditions like: heat; freezing
cold; snow; and, frozen slurry conditions; the modules may be
covered with transparent housing through which warm and/or cold air
can be blown from an air heating and/or cooling unit. Thus, the
modules and Turfbelt may thereby be protected from freezing and
snow will melt so that even in these conditions the ball stays
visible for the player and cameras so that even in those conditions
the golf game can be played.
[0142] Turning now to FIG. 32, shown is an embodiment of a virtual
golf system that may integrate into its operation the various
embodiments of configurable flexible golf putting green system and
methods previously described. FIG. 32 shows an overhead plan view
of a hitspot 824 comprising multiple regions of varied terrain:
fairway terrain 811; rough terrain 812; sandy terrain 813; putting
terrain 814. Golf strokes can be played from each of the terrain
regions. It can be understood that the term playing a golf stroke
means striking a golf ball with a golf club, as is conventional
activity in the game of golf. Hitspot 824 is the location from
where all the balls are played and may consist of multiple terrain
regions from which balls can be hit towards an area suitable for
that purpose such as a golf driving range. Fairway terrain 811 may
be made with artificial or real grass as is common on a fairway of
a conventional golf course. Rough terrain region 812 may be made
with artificial or real grass as is common adjacent to the fairway
grass area on a conventional golf course. Sandy terrain 813 may be
configured to simulate commonly encountered bunkers and/or sand
traps on a conventional golf course. This arrangement of varied
terrains comprising hitspot 824 creates the possibility of
practicing all golf strokes from the hitbox that are commonly used
on a conventional golf course. Configurable flexible golf putting
green systems of the present disclosure may provide the putting
terrain 814 of a virtual golf system thereby providing a wide
variety of putting configurations.
[0143] A typical game is conducted by playing a combination of
driving and approach shots from the hitspot. Each shot that a
player takes results in an update to the position of the ball on a
virtual golf course. Eventually, the player's ball will be played
onto the virtual green. The virtual golf system keeps track of the
distance between the ball and the virtual golf hole, updating that
distance with each shot the player takes. When the ball has reached
the virtual green the virtual golf system is effective for
positioning the turf belt to create a desired position of the golf
hole. The virtual golf system is also effective for positioning
various actuators and undulators so as to create undulation and
inclination of the flex green according to the location of the ball
on the virtual green. The terrain of the virtual golf hole may
thereby be recreated on the the flex green. Once the turf belt is
positioned and the actuators and undulators have been set, the
player may continue playing the hole by putting. In this way a
complete 9 or 18 hole game can be played including actual
putting.
[0144] FIG. 33 shows a schematic representation of a portion 810 of
a driving range or golf facility comprising a plurality of hitspots
824a, 824b, . . . 824n. Multiple players can be active
simultaneously on more than one of the plurality of hitspots. In
addition, hitspots may be embodied in a static configuration or a
flexible configuration. In the flexible configuration of a hitspot,
the terrain regions may be constructed in such a way that they can
be placed mechanically under an inclination simulating the
inclination of certain areas in a conventional golf course. The
degree of inclination as well as the direction of inclination can
be set under the control of a system controller. Also under the
control of a system controller, the turf belt of a Flexgreen may be
moved to any desired position to facilitate various strokes of the
putting phase of the golf game. Furthermore, the undulator
mechanisms of the Flexgreen putting terrain module 814 may be
controlled by the system controller to take on a wide variety of
undulations, inclinations, and declinations.
[0145] Turning now to FIG. 34, shown is a schematic view of an
embodiment of a virtual golf system 821 for playing golf in
accordance with the present disclosure. A plurality of ball
locating systems 822a, 822b, 822c, 822d, 822e and 822f may be
placed around the golf facility. One or more hitspots 824a, 824b, .
. . , 824n are disposed within the operational area of the
plurality of ball locating systems 822a, 822b, . . . 822f.
Trackable golf ball 801 is shown within the operational area of the
virtual golf system. The exact location of the each of the
plurality of ball locating systems in relation to the golf facility
is recorded in system location server 826. In some embodiments, the
ball locating systems may each use one or more cameras to determine
the location of a golf ball within the playable area. Each ball
locating system may then update a system location server 826 with
ball location information for use in maintaining the virtual golf
game.
[0146] System location server 826 may use information received over
communication network 823 from the plurality of ball locating
systems 822a, 822b, . . . to calculate the position of trackable
golf ball 801 on any of the playable terrain types, including
embodiments of the configurable flexible gold putting green.
[0147] Each hitspot 824a, 824b, . . . 824n comprises: a display
825D for displaying information to one or more players using that
hitspot; a processor 825P operable for running an interactive game
application and a user interface; a ball paring interface 825BPI;
and a bidirectional networked connection to a hitspot network 825N
which transmits and receives data to and from system server
829.
[0148] Operation of the system according to FIG. 34 may proceed as
follows. Before every stroke, the player who is about to strike the
ball identifies himself/herself by selecting from a menu on the
monitor at the Hitspot. The turf belt may then be advanced in
either a forward or reverse direction and the undulators set to
varying degrees of undulation thereby providing a putting
experience according to the simulated green condition for that
player.
[0149] A plurality of ball locating systems 822a, 822b, . . . ,
822f may be set up on the golf facility to receive the data from
the wirelessly trackable golf ball 801. Ball locating systems are
networked and send the direction data and the received ball data to
a server that, based on the data from several ball locating
systems, computes the location of the golf ball on the golf
facility.
[0150] System server 829 comprises a location server 826 that
maintains a database of golf balls (identity) and their association
with the Hitspot, player, game (golf course) and sends the location
and identity information to the golf game application that has been
paired with the golf ball. The golf game application may be running
on the game controller 825P on the computer at the Hitspot or on
another computer on the network. System server also comprises golf
course data 828 and player data 827 for use during the game. In
communication with the system server is a golf computer that has
access to a database comprising geographic features of a plurality
of simulated golf greens comprise elevation, inclination and
distance data effective for setting the positions of a plurality of
undulators under the turf belt and the distance of a golf hole from
the putt spot.
[0151] After each golf stroke, location information for the
resulting position of a putted golf ball may be sent to the
location server. The location server can detect each hit of the
ball and report that information to the game controller. The game
controller may then move the turfbelt to position the golf cup for
the next stroke and change the position of one or more undulators,
thereby allowing the simulation of a great variety of putting
terrains and situations. When a putted ball drops in the golf cup
the system may further detect that the ball has been sunk.
Alternatively, a detector in the hole can signal the presence of a
ball.
[0152] Aspects of the operational flowchart and associated methods
are now described. The system software consists of several
applications and databases. Typically a hitspot processor and
hitspot display at the driving location will implement the
processes required to interact with the players at that location.
The location server application maintains ball information data for
each of the players on the driving range and correlates ball
position data with the proper player application processes. The
location server and ball information (Ball in Play) will be located
on central system server in the system.
[0153] A database maintains membership status and golf results and
unfinished game(s) by player. The membership status affects which
type of game and what global interaction can be played. It could
for instance be used to elevate the player status to a higher level
depending on his activity level and results.
[0154] One or more of the following records may be kept in a player
information database: membership status; handicap; statistics;
games played; golf course; script; strokes (club, distance, ball
id, weather conditions); game id; can be shared by multiple players
and if shared the id will be identifiable as multiple
player/tournament id.
[0155] One or more of the following records may be kept in a games
database: database of available golf courses, either actual or
fictitious, and scripts for the games to be played (various rules
and scoring scripts, tournaments); golf courses; game &
tournament scripts.
[0156] Operational software may be structured in various modules
such that the system can be distributed over a number of physically
separate computers as needed. A module for game user interface may
contain: graphical front end for the game server module; user menus
and inputs; graphical representation of the current game status;
view of the golf course, looks up golf course data to calculate
view; game scores and statistics; and ball pairing input, collects
data of the ball presented to the ball pairing interface and pairs
the data with the current active player. Sends the ball data to
game server.
[0157] The game application module may comprise the following
functionalities: one instance per player, set up such that it can
interact with remote players; interacts with player database to
collect status from other players and games database to compute
game status; player login; game setup; available choices dependent
on membership status of player; multiple player set up for games
with multiple players; other players to log in have to look up that
game in a list of current multiple player games for the same or
remote locations; alternatively multiple player games can be set up
at the club house desk or a tournament organizer; matching, equal
level partners can be selected via "dating" sites with possibility
to chat, for instance using a Facebook Application or other social
media; set up record in player information database; record status
information (strokes and ball position per player); sends ball
pairing data to ball-in-play database; get data from ball location
server; compute game status and send it to game user interface;
update player information database with stroke data.
[0158] A location server module may comprise the following
functionalities: get messages from the ball locating systems and
calculate ball position; maintains ball-in-play database; look up
ball in ball-in-play database; create message with ball data (id,
position and status information) and send it to the game
server.
[0159] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state "means
for" performing a specified function, or "step for" performing a
specific function, is not to be interpreted as a "means" or "step"
clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In
particular, the use of "step of" in the claims herein is not
intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Section 112,
Paragraph 6.
* * * * *