GOLF TARGET APPARATUS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This Application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/719,734, filed on Nov. 13, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to golf target apparatuses.

BACKGROUND

The game of golf involves precision and accuracy in order to obtain the desired lowest score. Practicing can help improve a golfer's swing consistency and pinpoint areas for improvement, as well as achieve the low scores a golfer desires. Practice areas are often found at golf courses, but indoor/outdoor commercial facilities have also become prevalent in the last several years. Players of all skill levels are able to enjoy the game of golf by using these practice areas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a front view of a golf target apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a side view of a golf target apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a back view of a golf target apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a side view of a golf target apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a perspective view of a golf target apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a back view of a target of a golf target apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a top view of a target of a golf target apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a front view of a golf target apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to golf target apparatuses. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to apparatuses having an angled target surface for golf, among other benefits. Discussed herein are embodiments of the present disclosure that provide novel advantages over the prior art.

Commercial facilities focusing on hitting shots to targets at varying distances (e.g., hitting a golf ball as far as you can) often have targets marked by a flag at such varying distances. However, these targets can be hard to see as they are typically far off in the distance and may be identical in size and shape to a hole on a standard golf course. Such issues can cause lack of interest in the game because of a lack of visual and/or audible feedback for a shot to a target, which may lead to decreased accessibility for the game of golf.

In order to address the above shortcomings, the present disclosure includes golf target apparatuses including an apparatus having a rectangular target surface including a top face and a bottom face and a plurality of outer edges, support structures vertically mounted on a back outer edge such that the support structures extend downward from the bottom face of the target surface, a base having a rectangular shape oriented to contact a ground surface, wherein the target surface is mounted on a first end of the base and the support structures are mounted between a second end of the base and the back outer edge of the target surface such that the target surface is oriented at an angle to the base, and a cup mounted to the target surface, wherein the cup has an opening through the target surface such that a golf ball can pass through the target surface and into the cup.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. The drawings show by way of illustration how one or more embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced.

These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice one or more embodiments of this disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that mechanical, and/or process changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein can be added, exchanged, combined, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. The proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

As used herein, “a”, “an”, or “a number of” something can refer to one or more such things, while “a plurality of” something can refer to more than one such things. For example, “a number of components” can refer to one or more components, while “a plurality of components” can refer to more than one component.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a front view of a golf target apparatus 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the golf target apparatus 100 includes a rectangular target surface 106 with a top surface 104. The top surface 104 of the rectangular target surface 106 includes a plurality of outer edges 102.

In FIG. 1, the golf target apparatus 100 includes an opening (e.g., circular) 108 through the rectangular target surface 106 such that a golf ball can pass through the rectangular target surface 106 and into a cup (e.g., a cylinder such as one having a circular cross-section) defined by the opening 108. A circular opening is preferred as it, although being larger than a standard golf cup, mimics the look of a standard golf cup for the golfer to target, among other benefits. The circular opening 108, being larger than a standard golf cup, provides a visual target for a player to aim for, as well as visual recognition when the ball lands within the opening. The size of the opening 108 is large enough for a player to visually see the ball passing through the opening of the rectangular surface.

Audible indication is also provided when the ball lands within the circular opening and makes contact with a surface of the cup (e.g., barrel) below. For example, an audible indication is produced when the ball makes contact with a metal surface of the cup below. The opening 108 includes a target pin (e.g., pin flag) 110 with a flag attached on one end for marking the target and allowing a golfer to precisely determine the location of the center of the cup as their target.

The rectangular target surface 106 of the golf target apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 can measure, in some examples, 12 feet by 8.5 feet (e.g., 12′×8.5′). The dimensions of the rectangular target surface 106 can be large enough to be visible from a far distance (e.g., the distance of a standard driving range found at a golf course, approximately 200 yards). Embodiments are not limited to a particular size of the rectangular target surface 106 and may be smaller or larger than 12 feet by 8.5 feet.

Preferably, the rectangular target surface 106 is made of a maintenance free material (e.g., such as a plastic and/or lumber material) that produces an audible sound when a golf ball makes contact with the surface. A first sound may be produced when a golf ball makes contact with any portion of the rectangular target surface 106. The material also increases wear resistance by natural elements such as sunlight, heat, rain, snow, and/or dirt.

The opening 108 through the rectangular target surface 106 allows a golf ball to pass through the surface and into a cup mounted below the golf target apparatus. The cup may be made of a half barrel with a circular cross-section, in some embodiments. When a golf ball lands in the cup, a second sound is produced by the ball making contact with the cup. The second sound produced can be distinctive from the first sound produced by a golf ball making contact with the rectangular target surface 106. For example, the second sound produced from the golf ball making contact with the rectangular target surface 106 may be different from the first sound because the rectangular target surface 106 is of a different material than that of the cup that produces the first sound when hit by a golf ball. This can allow a golfer to hear which surface their ball struck, for example, if they lose track of their ball after it has been struck.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a side view of a golf target apparatus 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of FIG. 2 includes a top surface 204 and a bottom surface 214 of the rectangular target surface of the golf target apparatus 200.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the golf target apparatus 200 includes a plurality of support structures 212 vertically mounted on a back outer edge 202 of the rectangular target surface such that the plurality of support structures 212 extends downward from the bottom surface 214 of the rectangular target surface. The plurality of support structures 212 may be made of a sturdy, weather-resistant material such as aluminum or stainless steel, among other suitable materials. Four support structures are illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2, but more or fewer support structures may be utilized, and embodiments are not limited to a particular number of support structures.

The plurality of support structures 212 may be securely mounted to an outer edge 202 of the rectangular target surface such that the plurality of support structures 212 are in contact with the bottom surface 214 and the outer edge 202 of the rectangular target surface. The plurality of support structures 212 may be fixedly attached to the rectangular target surface by connecting (e.g., welding) the plurality of support structures to the bottom surface 214 of the rectangular target surface.

In FIG. 2, the golf target apparatus 200 includes a base 216 having a rectangular shape oriented to contact a ground surface. The rectangular target surface is mounted on a first end of the base 216 and the plurality of support structures 212 are mounted between a second end of the base 216 and the back outer edge 202 of the rectangular target surface such that the rectangular target surface is oriented at an angle to the base 216. The base 216 may be made of the same material as the plurality of support structures 212. The plurality of support structures 212 may be securely attached to the base by welding the plurality of support structures to the base 216 such that a 90-degree angle is formed between the plurality of support structures 212 and the base 216. In some embodiments, the base 216 may be made of a different material than the plurality of support structures 212.

FIG. 2 also includes a circular cup (e.g., cylinder with a circular cross-section) 218 mounted to the rectangular target surface. In some embodiments, the cup 218 has an opening through the rectangular target surface such that a golf ball can pass through the rectangular target surface and into the cup 218. Preferably, the cup 218 is made of a half barrel. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the cup 218 also includes a target pin 210 for locating the cup 218 within the rectangular target surface.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a back view of a golf target apparatus 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom surface 314 of the rectangular target surface of the golf target apparatus 300 with a plurality of support structures 312 vertically mounted on a back outer edge 302 of the rectangular target surface. The bottom surface 314 of the rectangular target surface may include additional framing support structures to provide additional stability to the rectangular target surface. For instance, additional support may be added near the opening to the cup 318 to reduce potential warping of a portion or portions of the rectangular target surface. The additional framing support structures may be mounted flush with the bottom face of the rectangular target surface and may be made of the same material as the plurality of support structures 312.

FIG. 3 also includes a base 316 having a rectangular shape oriented to contact a ground surface. The base 316 is directly connected to the rectangular target surface on a first end of the base 316. The base 316 is connected to the rectangular target surface via the plurality of support structures 312 mounted on a back outer edge 302 of the rectangular target surface. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of support structures 312 are spaced approximately equally along the base 316 of the golf target apparatus 300. The rectangular target surface is mounted on the base 316 such that the rectangular target surface is oriented at an angle to the base 316.

A cup 318 is mounted to the rectangular target surface and extends down from the bottom surface 314 of the golf target apparatus 300. In some examples, the cup 318 can contact a ground surface on which the golf target apparatus 300 sits. The cup 318 may include a plurality of additional support structures surrounding a base and/or a top of the cup 318 to provide additional stability, but embodiments are not so limited.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a side view of a golf target apparatus 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment of FIG. 4 includes a top surface 404 of the rectangular target surface of the golf target apparatus 400 oriented at an angle to the base 416.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the golf target apparatus 400 includes a plurality of support structures 412 vertically mounted on a back outer edge 402 of the rectangular target surface such that the plurality of support structures 412 extend downward from the rectangular target surface.

In FIG. 4, the golf target apparatus 400 includes a base 416 having a rectangular shape oriented to contact a ground surface. The rectangular target surface is mounted on a first end of the base 416 and the plurality of support structures 412 are mounted between a second end of the base 416 and the back outer edge 402 of the rectangular target surface such that the rectangular target surface is oriented at an angle to the base 416.

FIG. 4 also includes a cup 418 mounted to the rectangular target surface. In a preferred embodiment, the cup has an opening through the rectangular target surface such that a golf ball can pass through the rectangular target surface and into the cup. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the cup also includes a target pin 410 for locating the target within the rectangular target surface.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a perspective view of a golf target apparatus 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates the rectangular target surface of the golf target apparatus 500 positioned atop a base structure 516. The top surface 504 of the rectangular target surface is positioned such that a first outer edge 502 is mounted directly to a first end of the base 516 and a second outer edge opposite the first outer edge is mounted atop a plurality of support structures 512 connected to a second end of the base 516.

The rectangular target surface is positioned such that the first outer edge creates an angle with the base 516. The plurality of support structures is oriented at approximately 90 degrees from the base 516.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a back view of a target of a golf target apparatus 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The golf target apparatus 600 includes a cup 618 mounted on a bottom surface 614 of the rectangular target surface. The cup 618 is positioned such that it is in contact with the bottom surface 614 of the rectangular target surface and the base structure 616 of the golf target apparatus 600.

Additional support structures 620 may be mounted surrounding a base of the cup 618. The additional support structures may be positioned such that they are flush with an outer surface of the cup. The additional support structures may be made of the same material as the base structure 616. For example, the additional support structures may be made of a metal material.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the additional support structures 620 may be oriented such that they form a rectangular base structure that supports a bottom surface of the cup 618 so that the cup does not make contact with a ground surface below. The additional support structures 620 may be positioned such that they are parallel to a ground surface that the golf target apparatus 600 sits upon. The additional support structures 620 may be parallel to the base structure 616 of the golf target apparatus 600 and may be included as part of the base structure. The additional support structures 620 may also be fixedly mounted to the base structure 616 such that they are not removable from the golf target apparatus 600. Embodiments are not limited to a particular type or configuration of additional support structures and the additional support structures may not be included in a particular embodiment of the golf target apparatus.

Any additional support structure discussed herein can be made from multiple parts and can utilize one or more attachment mechanisms to attach the support structure parts together. Additionally, the additional support structures 620 can include adjustment mechanisms to elongate or shorten the length of an additional support structure to improve the positioning of the golf target apparatus 600.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a top view of a target of a golf target apparatus 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The target illustrated includes an opening 708 through a top surface (e.g., top face) 704 of the rectangular target surface through which a golf ball may pass through to land in a cup 718 mounted below the surface.

The cup 718 can include a second, smaller cup 722 with a pin holder mounted within to hold the pin flag 710. The pin holder may be welded to the second, smaller cup 722 to secure it to the golf target apparatus 700. The pin holder and smaller cup 722 may provide a solid base on which to mount the pin flag 710. The pin flag 710 may be removable from the second, smaller cup 722 in some embodiments for ease of transport or added variation when using the golf target apparatus 700. In some embodiments, the smaller cup 722 is selectively removable such that it can be exchanged with a separate pin/flag. In some embodiments, the second, smaller cup 722 may be the size of a standard hole on a golf course and may be made of similar materials. The addition of the second, smaller cup 722 allows for an additional target to aim for with increased difficulty. In some embodiments, the second, smaller cup can be made from a material that makes a third different sound to indicate the golf ball contacted the smaller cup.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a front view of a golf target apparatus 800 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the golf target apparatus 800 includes a rectangular target surface 806 with a top surface 804. The top surface 804 of the rectangular target surface includes a plurality of outer edges 802.

In FIG. 8, the golf target apparatus 800 includes an opening (e.g., circular) 808 through the rectangular target surface 806 such that a golf ball can pass through the rectangular target surface 806 and into a cup (e.g., a cylinder such as one having a circular cross-section). The opening can be larger than a standard golf cup so as to mimic the look of a standard golf cup for the golfer to target but while allowing the ball to more easily pass through the opening, among other benefits. The circular opening 808, being larger than a standard golf cup, provides a visual target for a player to aim for, as well as visual recognition when the ball lands within the opening. The size of the opening 808 is large enough for a player to visually see the ball passing through the opening of the rectangular surface. Audible indication is also provided when the ball lands within the circular opening and makes contact with a surface of the cup (e.g., barrel) below. The opening 808 includes a target pin (e.g., pin flag) 810 with a flag attached on one end for marking the target and allowing a golfer to precisely determine the location of the center of the cup as their target.

The opening 808 through the rectangular target surface 806 allows a golf ball to pass through the surface and into a cup mounted below the golf target apparatus. The cup may be made of a half barrel with a circular cross-section, in a preferred embodiment. When a golf ball lands in the cup, a second sound is produced by the ball making contact with the cup. The second sound produced is distinctive from the first sound produced by a golf ball making contact with the rectangular target surface. This can allow a golfer to hear which surface their ball struck, for example, if they lose track of their ball after it has been struck.

In some embodiments, the opening 808 may also include an outer ring 824. The outer ring 824 can aid the golfer in visual recognition of the target. Further, the outer ring may 824 be made of various colors to aid in visual recognition and provide a visual contrast between the rectangular target surface and the opening 808. For example, the outer ring 824 may be a different color and/or a different finish than the rectangular target surface 806.

The outer ring may be made of a flexible rubber molding, for example. The outer ring may be fastened to the top surface 804 of the rectangular target surface 806 and/or an inner surface of the cup below (e.g., cup 718 as described in connection with FIG. 7). The outer ring 824 may also provide an additional means for securing the cup to the rectangular target surface 806. Additionally, the outer ring may provide a more finished look for the golf target apparatus 800. The outer ring 824 is not limited to a particular width and wider or thinner materials may be used to accentuate the opening 808. Further, the outer ring may 824 be made of various colors to aid in visual recognition.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same techniques can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments of the disclosure.

It is to be understood that the above description has been made in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combination of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure includes any other applications in which the above structures and methods are used. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in example embodiments illustrated in the figures for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of the disclosure require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.