Golfing Practice Device

Description

The present invention relates to training aids. In particular, the present invention relates to a floor mountable device (eg a golf practice aid) bearing indicia of variables associated with the approach to and address of a golf ball which enables golfers to perform repeatedly a consistent pre-shot and set-up routine.

When a golfer practises hitting golf balls, there is no way of knowing precisely where to stand relative to the golf ball. A golfer may have clubs of fifteen different lengths to choose from making it even more difficult to know where to position the target foot and non-target foot relative to the golf ball. Even before addressing the golf ball, as a golfer approaches the golf ball he may experience difficulties in knowing consistently where to place the non-target foot, and how to achieve a correct position repeatedly.

The present invention seeks to address these shortcomings by providing a device bearing indicia of variables associated with the approach to and address of a golf ball.

Thus viewed from a first aspect the present invention provides a floor mountable device for assisting the repeatable performance of a consistent approach to and address of a golf ball by a golfer, said device bearing indices of at least two variables selected from the group consisting of: the position of the golf ball, the direction to a target of the golf ball, the position of the non-target foot in the approach to the golf ball, the angle of the non-target foot in the approach to the golf ball, the position of the non-target foot in the address of the golf ball, the angle of the non-target foot in the address of the golf ball, the position of the target foot in the address of the golf ball and the angle of the target foot in the address of the golf ball.

The invention advantageously enables golfers to perform repeatedly a consistent pre-shot and set-up routine.

The device may be floor mounted adjacent to the golfer's feet. Typically the device is small enough to be floor mounted in the gap between golfer and golf ball. Alternatively the device may be large enough to hit golf balls from. Preferably the floor mountable device is in the form of a mat.

In a preferred embodiment the device comprises:

a floor mountable main body bearing indices of at least two variables selected from the group consisting of: the position of the golf ball, the direction to a target of the golf ball, the position of the non-target foot in the approach to the golf ball, the angle of the non-target foot in the approach to the golf ball, the position of the non-target foot in the address of the golf ball, the angle of the non-target foot in the address of the golf ball, the position of the target foot in the address of the golf ball and the angle of the target foot in the address of the golf ball.

Particularly preferably the floor mountable main body bears indices of at least two variables selected from the group consisting of: the position of the golf ball, the position of the non-target foot in the approach to the golf ball, the angle of the non-target foot in the approach to the golf ball, the position of the non-target foot in the address of the golf ball, the angle of the non-target foot in the address of the golf ball, the position of the target foot in the address of the golf ball and the angle of the target foot in the address of the golf ball.

Particularly preferably the floor mountable main body bears indices of at least two variables selected from the group consisting of: the position of the non-target foot in the approach to the golf ball, the angle of the non-target foot in the approach to the golf ball, the position of the non-target foot in the address of the golf ball, the angle of the non-target foot in the address of the golf ball, the position of the target foot in the address of the golf ball and the angle of the target foot in the address of the golf ball.

Advantageously, the device further comprises a first arm slidably connected to the main body; and a second arm dependent from the first arm, wherein the first arm provides an index of the position of the golf ball and the second arm provides an index of the direction to a target of the golf ball.

Preferably the arm is slidable in a direction so as to form an angle of less than 90° to the second frame arm. Preferably the angle is between 30° and 80°. More preferably, the angle is between 45° and 75°. Still more preferably the angle is substantially 60°.

This feature has the advantage that the arm may be readily deployed for use and then stowed away when not in use. The ball may be placed in a precise position with reference to the arm. Thus, a user of the device is not left to attempt to align the ball by eye with one or more indicia remote from the ball. Rather, the arm provides a physical point of reference close to the desired location of the ball.

Preferably the first arm comprises at least one telescopic member operable to move the second arm away from or towards the main body. This feature greatly simplifies operation of the device and reduces the overall size of the device.

Preferably the main body comprises a board bearing at least some of said indices.

The main body may further comprise a frame to which said board may be removably attached. This feature allows one board to be exchanged for another board of a different size, or having different indices provided thereon.

The frame may bear at least some of said indices.

Preferably the frame comprises a first frame arm attached to a second frame arm, said second frame arm having a slot formed therealong suitable for receiving a rear edge of the board. Thus, the board can be conveniently attached to the frame. The slot may be formed such that in use, with the frame lying on a substantially flat playing surface, the rear edge of the board is raised above the playing surface and the board may pivot such that a front portion of the board contacts the playing surface. This feature has the advantage that the device is more stable and less prone to lateral movement when in use.

Preferably the device may be flipped over to assume an inverted condition wherein an opposite side of the board is uppermost. This has the advantage that the device may be used by both left-handed and right-handed players. Corresponding sets of indicia may therefore be provided on opposite sides of the board, suitable for either right or left-handed players.

Preferably, with the device in said inverted condition on a surface said rear edge of the board is raised above the surface and the front portion of the board may pivot to contact the surface. Thus the device is operable in substantially the same manner in either a normal or said inverted condition.

Preferably an end edge of the board is substantially parallel to the first frame arm.

Preferably said end edge of the board has a tongue projecting therefrom at a location corresponding to a slot of the first frame arm to constrain movement of the board away from the frame when the board is overlying a surface. This has the advantage that the board is less likely to slip out of the slot formed in the second frame arm.

Preferably the second arm further comprises a recess suitable for receiving at least a portion of a golf ball. Thus, a user is able to position the golf ball precisely with respect to the measuring arm at the location of the recess.

The second arm may be provided with means for gripping the ball.

In another preferred embodiment the device further comprises: a measuring member fastenable to the main body so as to provide an index of either or both of the position of the golf ball and the direction to a target of the golf ball.

The measuring member may be detachably retained in the main body for storage purposes. For example, the measuring member may be detachably retained in a cut-away portion of the main body.

Particularly preferably the measuring member is selectively fastenable to a plurality of parts of the main body so as to provide an index of the position of the golf ball.

Particularly preferably the measuring member is selectively fastenable to a plurality of laterally spaced apart fastening portions on the main body so as to provide an index of the position of the golf ball being the distance of the golf ball to target.

More preferably the fastening portions are elongate in a direction substantially square to the golfer.

Particularly preferably the measuring member is selectively fastenable to a plurality of portions along a portion of the main body which extends in a direction substantially square to the golfer so as to provide an index of the position of the golf ball being the distance of the golf ball to the golfer.

Preferably the measuring member comprises:

a first arm fastenable to the main body; and

a second arm dependent from the first arm, wherein the first arm provides an index of the position of the golf ball and the second arm provides an index of the direction to a target of the golf ball.

Particularly preferably the first arm and second arm are substantially perpendicular.

Particularly preferably the junction of the first arm and second arm is adapted to seat the golf ball. More preferably the junction is a quadrant capable of seating the golf ball.

Preferably the index of the position of the non-target foot in the approach to the golf ball is a cut-away portion.

Preferably the index of the angle of the non-target foot in the approach to the golf ball is a cut-away portion.

Particularly preferably the cut-away portion is part circular or part ovoid. More preferably the cut-away portion conforms substantially to the shape of the front of a golf shoe. A shoe sole template is advantageous in indicating precisely where the non-target foot should be positioned in the golfers approach to the golf ball. Particularly preferably the cut-away portion is skewed towards the target.

Preferably the or each index is one or more markings, particularly preferably a plurality of markings. The or each marking may be any visually recognisable marking and examples include dots, lines and crosses. A plurality of markings advantageously accommodates variation in foot span for individual preference and different club sizes.

Preferably the angle of the non-target foot in the address of the golf ball is substantially square to the golf ball.

Preferably the main body is a mat.

In a preferred embodiment the or each index is visibly coded. Particularly preferably the or each index is colour coded. By colour coding the or each index, the correlation between a change in club and the variables effecting the approach to and address of a golf ball can be advantageously remembered and repeated.

Particularly preferably the or each index of the position of the golf ball is visibly coded.

Particularly preferably the index of the position of the non-target foot in the address of the golf ball and/or of the angle of the non-target foot in the address of the golf ball is visibly coded.

Particularly preferably the index of the position of the target foot in the address of the golf ball and/or of the angle of the target foot in the address of the golf ball is visibly coded.

In a preferred embodiment, the main body is substantially rectangular. Preferably the main body has a leading edge parallel to a trailing edge separated by a front edge. The or each edge may be tapered downwardly. The or each tapered edge helps to ensure that the mat remains static during use. The front edge is preferably parallel to the line of ball to target. Preferably the front edge is tapered to allow the golfer to stand with feet in contact with the front edge and hit golf balls without interfering with the foot movements and without the mat moving.

The device may be made readily portable by the inclusion of a convenient carrying handle such as a cut-out portion. Alternatively the device may be made permanently positionable.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference shall now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the measuring device of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in isolation;

FIG. 3 shows the main body and the measuring device of the embodiment of FIG. 1 fastened during the positioning of a golf ball;

FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 and a first step of a golfer's approach to a golf ball;

FIG. 5 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 and a second step of a golfer's approach to a golf ball; and

FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 and a golfer's address of a golf ball;

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention with a measuring device in a retracted condition;

FIG. 8 shows a side elevation of the second embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention with a measuring device in an extended condition;

FIG. 10 shows a side elevation of the second embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention with the measuring arm in an extended condition;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention with the measuring arm in a retracted condition;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention in a flipped condition suitable for use by a left-handed golfer.

According to a first embodiment of the invention a mat “a” is provided as shown in FIG. 1. The size of the mat “a” permits it to be positioned between a golfer's feet and a golf ball for all types of golf shot to a target. The mat “a” is made easily portable with a carrier space 7. The mat “a” is a substantially planar rectangular shape tapering towards the ground on the front, leading and trailing edges 3b, 3c and 3a respectively. The tapered edges 3a, 3b and 3c help to keep the mat “a” in place on the ground when hitting golf balls to the target.

Located on the front edge 3b of the mat “a” is a cut out 5 with the outline of a sole of a shoe which is large enough to accommodate the non-target foot of any golfer performing the first step of an approach to a golf ball in a pre-shot routine (see FIG. 4). The cut out 5 is located to the non-target side of the golf ball and is skewed towards the target. The illustrated embodiment is suitable for right-handed golfers. If required, the arrangement can be inverted for left-handed golfers.

Markings 4 are located on the front edge 3b of mat “a” as a guide to the position of the non-target foot in the golfers address of a golf ball. The markings 4 may be used as a reference if the golfer wishes to angle the non-target foot square to the ball. Markings 6 are located on the front edge 3b of mat “a” as a guide to the position of the target foot in the golfers address of the golf ball. The markings 6 may be used as a reference if the golfer wishes to angle (splay) the target foot towards the target.

FIG. 2 shows a measuring device “b” which is stored on the mat “a” in a storage space 2. The measuring device “b” is removed from the storage space 2 and selectively fastened to the mat “a” to establish a spatial relationship between the golf ball and the golfers feet and a direction to target. In particular, three markings 1 are located to the ball side of mat “a” and an arm 10 connects device “b” to a selected marking 1 to choose the distance of ball to foot (as might be demanded by a selected club length). Markings 11 on measuring device “b” can be selectively lined up with a rear edge 3d of mat “a” to establish the golfers distance away from the ball. An arm 8 of the measuring device “b” is used as a guide to the direction to target and sits parallel to the front edge 3b of mat “a”. Feet positions will run parallel to arm 8 when arm 8 is attached by any of the three markings 1 on mat “a”. Between arms 8 and 10 is a quarter circle junction 9 conforming to the dimensions of an average golf ball. A golf ball 12 can be seated adjacent to the junction 9 when positioning mat “a”.

FIG. 3 shows mat “a” attached to measuring device “b” with the golf ball 12 in contact with junction 9. The measuring device “b” is fastened to a centre one of the markings 1 and a centre one of the markings 11 is lined up with the rear edge 3d. Arm 8 can be aimed directly at the target.

Markings 1 on mat “a” are colour coded to assist golfers to correlate consistently a change in the chosen golf club with an alteration to the set-up routine. In particular, markings 4 and markings 6 are colour coded to assist golfers to correlate the positions of the target and non-target foot with a change made to the selected marking 1 (which might have been occasioned by a change in club). The markings 11 are also colour-coded to correlate the golfers distance away from the ball with any change in club and/or a change in the position of the target and non-target foot (using markings 1, 4 and 6).

FIG. 4 shows a right-handed golfer 13 and the mat “a” resting in the area between the golf ball 12 and golfer 13. The measuring device “b” is located in its storage place 2 on mat “a”. The cut-out 5 on mat “a” can be consistently used as reference to position the non-target foot 14 in the first step of the approach to the golf ball 12 during the pre-shot routine. Mat “a” will not interfere with the club 15 hitting the golf ball and is narrow enough to leave space between the golf ball 12 and its rear edge 3d.

FIG. 5 shows the golfer 13 with the non-target foot 14 in the cut-out 5 of the mat “a”. In the second step of the approach to the golf ball 12, target foot 16 is positioned by the front edge 3b of the mat “a” using one of the markings 6. The target foot 16 is splayed slightly using the marking 6 as a guideline.

FIG. 6 shows the golfer 13 in the address position using markings 6 and markings 4 as guides. Non-target foot 14 is set adjacent to markings 4 with target foot 16 set adjacent to markings 6. Non-target foot 14 is set square to the ball 1 using markings 4 as a reference. Target foot 16 is splayed using markings 6 as a guide. The golf club 15 is positioned with the club head behind the golf ball 12. The golf ball 12 is positioned in line with one of the markings 1.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, a mat “a” is provided as shown in FIG. 7. The mat a comprises a frame 50 comprising a first arm 50A and a second arm 50B, fixedly connected to one another such that the internal angle X between the frame arms is substantially 120°. In alternate embodiments of the invention this angle may be any other suitable angle.

A telescopic measuring device “b” is mounted within arm 50A of the device. Measuring device b comprises three concentric bars 10A, 10B and 10C operable to slide with respect to one another and to be locked in a given position by levers 110A, 110B and 110C respectively. The angle Y between the first arm 10 and the second frame arm 50B is substantially 60°. A second arm 8 having a recess 8A provided therein suitable for receiving and constraining the movement of a golf ball is fixedly attached to an end of leading concentric bar 10A. The second arm is substantially parallel to second arm 50B of the frame 50. In use the device is oriented such that the second arm 8 of the measuring device b points in the direction of the target of the ball 12 with respect to the ball 12. To assist in positioning the levers in the correct configuration for a given set of foot markings 4, 6, the levers and foot markings may be colour coded. In the present embodiment levers 110A, 110B and 110C are colour coded red, yellow and green, respectively.

It may be understood that there are at least three readily defined extended positions of the telescopic arm, and therefore ball recess 8A, in addition to a fully retracted position suitable for storage of the device, depending upon whether the three levers 110A 110B and 110C are in retracted or sequentially extended positions. The device may be configured with only the first lever 110A extended, or only the first and second levers 110A and 110B extended, or with each of the three levers 110A, 110B, and 110C extended. The positions of the ball recess 8A so produced correspond to positions of the golf ball with respect to a golfer's feet obtained using a device according to the first embodiment of the invention.

The second embodiment has the advantage that the measuring device “b” may be conveniently extended and stowed away by a simple sliding action. Furthermore, since the position of the ball recess 8A of the second arm 8 is adjusted by a simple sliding action of the first arm 10, which is constrained to extend in a telescopic fashion, the operation of the device is greatly simplified.

Second arm 50B of the measuring device b has a recess 52 formed in an outside edge 51C of the second arm 50B. The recess is shaped to correspond to the shape of the recess 8A second arm 8 of the measuring device b.

Arm 50B of frame 50 has a channel 55 formed along an inside edge 51B of arm 50B into which an edge 62 of a board 60 may be slotted. The board 60 is shaped such that adjacent edge 64 of board 60 lies parallel to arm 50A when the board 60 is slotted into arm 50B. A tongue 65 projects from edge 64 of board 60 and is adapted to be inserted into a recess 57 of inside edge 51A of arm 50A when the board 60 is installed in the frame 50. A cross-sectional view of the device with board 60 slotted into arms 50A and 50B is shown in FIG. 8. The device is configured such that, with frame 50 lying on a substantially flat playing surface, edge 3b of board 60 is substantially in contact with the playing surface, whilst edge 62 of board 60 is raised away from the playing surface. This feature enhances the grip between the device and the playing surface, thereby enhancing the lateral positional stability of the board.

If a right-handed player and left-handed player both desire to use the device, the device may be flipped over such that the opposite face of board 60 is now uppermost (FIG. 13). Edge 3b of board 60 will again lie in contact with the playing surface, with edge 62 of board 60 raised away from the surface by channel 55. Markings are provided on both sides of the board 60 as can be seen by reference to FIGS. 7 and 13.

Furthermore, it may be appreciated that board 60 may be readily removed from the frame 50 and a different board inserted into frame 50. This feature allows the frame to be used with boards of different sizes and having different markings, corresponding for example to different approach and address positions of the golfer relative to the ball 12. Thus, where a shorter ball 12 to foot distance is required, a board of shorter width may be used. Different boards can therefore be provided for use when performing types of play, such as bunker play, short game play etc. Boards for golfers of different physical dimensions such as children and adults can also be provided, for use with the same frame 50 or a modified frame. It will be appreciated that the size of the board and the layout of the markings on the board may be designed to correspond to a correct position of the golfer relative to positions of the ball established by the telescopic measuring arm 10 of a frame 50 without the need to provide frames with different measuring arms.

In the present embodiment, markings are provided on each board corresponding to ‘average’ positions of the feet of a golfer with respect to the ball for different sizes of golf club. However in alternate embodiments the markings may be in positions customised to the physical dimensions and characteristics of a given player.

As described in the context of the first embodiment of the invention, markings 1 along the second frame arm 50B correspond to the position of a line through the ball 12 perpendicular to the target line for a given ball position established by extending arms 10A, 10B and 10C in sequence from retracted to extended positions.

In some embodiments, markings 6 are colour coded to correspond to colour coding of levers 110A, 110B and 110C. For example, as the ball position is moved further from the board 60 by sequentially extending levers 110, the golfer's target foot might be aligned with a marking 6 further away from arm 50A of frame 50. Markings 4 may also be colour coded to correspond to a given extension of measuring arm 10.

A cut-away 5 in the front edge 3b of the board 60 is also provided. The recess is shaped in a splayed manner to assist the golfer in correctly positioning the non-target foot. Markings are also provided on the board to indicate more precisely the position of the non-target foot with respect to the recess 5.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, means “including but not limited to”, and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.