FRAME ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR GOLF SIMULATOR

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to impact absorbing panels for use in a golf simulator. The present disclosure also relates to a frame assembly and a method for assembling the frame assembly for use in a golf simulator.

BACKGROUND

When constructing a golf simulator, it is necessary to assemble multiple impact panels for absorbing energy created during an impact of a golf ball on a wall, floor, or ceiling. An impact panel of a golf simulator typically consists of a specialized material that is designed to absorb the energy of a golf ball (traveling at high speeds) when the golf ball makes contact with the impact panel. The impact panel is designed for durability, safety, and minimal rebound for simulating real golf shots while protecting the surrounding environment of the golf simulator. The impact panel may be constituted of materials such as polyester or nylon mesh material having a high tensile strength, withstands repeated impacts, and reduces noise during the impacts.

During the construction of a golf simulator, the impact panel is covered with a covering material. The covering material may surround an impact screen, provide additional protection, and contribute to sound absorption. The covering material may be constituted of synthetic fabrics such as polyester, vinyl or leatherette material. With passage of time and regular/sporadic use of the golf simulator, there is a possibility that the covering material becomes damaged through the wear and tear of the golf ball repeatedly striking the impact panel whilst the golf simulator is being used. When the condition of the damaged covering material is such that it is no longer usable and requires replacement or refurbishment, it is necessary to completely remove the covering material from the impact panel of the golf simulator.

The problem with replacing the damaged covering material of an impact panel is that the whole impact panel, which comprises a supporting board, a foam layer and a covering material. Therefore, the impact panel will have to be removed from the wall of the golf simulator before the damaged covering material can be replaced.

Therefore, considering the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY

The aim of the present disclosure is to provide a frame assembly and a method for assembling the frame assembly for use in a golf simulator. The frame assembly includes a plurality of extrusion members which may be connected to each other to facilitate the framing of an impact panel for use in the golf simulator. Each extrusion member can retain a silicon edge of a Silicon Edge Graphic (SEG) which provides a removeable covering material for an impact panel. Additionally, a profile in each extrusion member is adapted to accommodate and retain the silicon edge of the SEG covering fabric. The adaptation of the profile also facilitates replacement of the SEG covering fabric through removal of the silicon edge from the profile. Thus, the profile of each of the plurality of extrusion members allows replacement of the SEG covering fabric without any risk of causing damage to the impact panel during the replacement of the SEG covering fabric. The aim of the present disclosure is achieved by the provided frame assembly and the method for assembling the frame assembly for use in the golf simulator as defined in the appended independent claims to which reference is made to. Advantageous features are set out in the appended dependent claims.

Therefore, the problem to be overcome is to refurbish the covering of an impact panel which is installed within an assembled golf simulator, without damaging the panel.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise”, “include”, “have”, and “contain” and variations of these words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to”, and do not exclude other components, items, integers, or steps not explicitly disclosed also to be present. Moreover, 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary golf simulator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary components of the frame assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary frame assembly comprising of a plurality of extrusion members of square dimension, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary frame assembly comprising of a plurality of extrusion members arranged in a plurality of rows, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary frame assembly comprising of a plurality of extrusion members arranged in a plurality of columns, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 illustrates steps of a method for assembling a frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a frame assembly comprising a plurality of extrusion members which when assembled together form an aperture within the frame assembly, wherein each extrusion member is adapted to hold a SEG covering fabric; characterised in that the frame assembly further comprises an impact panel with a resilient foam body that cooperates with the formed aperture, wherein a first face of the resilient foam body provides a support to a Silicon Edge Graphic (SEG) covering fabric; and wherein each extrusion member comprises a profile adapted to accommodate and retain a silicon edge of the corresponding SEG covering fabric.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for assembling a frame assembly, the method comprising: assembling a plurality of extrusion members to form an aperture within the frame assembly; locating an impact panel within the formed aperture; supporting a Silicon Edge Graphic (SEG) covering fabric on a first face of a resilient foam body of the impact panel; retaining a silicon edge of the corresponding SEG covering family within a profile arranged within an extrusion member.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an extrusion member for use in the frame assembly provided in the first aspect.

In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a SEG covering fabric for use in the frame assembly provided in the first aspect.

In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides an impact panel for use in the frame assembly provided in the first aspect.

The present disclosure provides the aforementioned first aspect and the aforementioned second aspect to provide a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes the plurality of extrusion members, each of which can be connected to other extrusion members. The plurality of extrusion members allows the framing of an impact panel within a wall or a ceiling assembly for use in a golf simulator.

The impact panel may include two faces that are adapted to provide support to a SEG covering fabric. The SEG covering fabric covers and protects the impact panel. Furthermore, each of the plurality of extrusion members are adapted to hold the SEG covering fabric. The SEG covering fabric is having one or more silicon edges that are accommodated and retained in a profile belonging to each of the plurality of extrusion members. Specifically, the profile may include one or more slots into which the silicone edges of the SEG covering fabric may be inserted. The silicone edges are inserted into the one or more slots for attaching the SEG covering fabric such that the SEG covering fabric is accommodated and retained in a profile. When the SEG covering fabric is required to be replaced or refurbished, the silicone edges may be removed from the one or more slots arranged in the profile. Thus, an assembled frame assembly does not require removal of the impact panel when an existing SEG covering fabric of the impact panel requires a replacement. This prevents potential damage to the impact panel which may be caused during the removal of the SEG covering fabric (e.g. in scenarios where the impact panel is permanently covered with a covering material).

Throughout the disclosure the term “golf simulator” refers to a system that facilitates players to have an experience of playing golf in an indoor environment as though they have played golf in an outdoor environment. The golf simulator includes an “impact screen” that is designed to absorb impacts of the golf ball when the players strike the golf ball. The impact screen may render a virtual representation of a golf course and a virtual trajectory followed by the golf ball in the virtual representation after being struck by a golf club in the indoor environment. The golf simulator further includes an “impact panel” that serves as a safety measure. The impact panel may be positioned behind the impact screen or around the impact screen. The impact panel is designed to absorb the impacts of the golf ball while minimizing wear, noise (caused by the impacts), and rebound (of the golf ball). The impact screen and/or the impact panel may be covered by a fabric constituting of a specific/specialized material.

Additionally, the golf simulator may include a projector for projecting the virtual representation of the golf course onto the impact screen, a launch monitor for tracking metrics such as ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, distance, and so on, sensors for capturing motion of the golf club (used to hit the golf ball) and the golf ball, software for simulating golf courses and driving ranges, a hitting mat for recreating an experience of a turf on which the players may strike the golf ball, and a console that runs the simulator software and displays shot data and analytics.

The frame assembly includes the impact panel onto which the golf ball may impact after a player strikes the golf ball using the golf club. The impact screen may include a plurality of impact panels, wherein each impact panel comprises an impact face, which in use, absorbs the direct impact of a struck golf ball.

Optionally, the impact panel comprises a first face that is an inner face of the frame assembly and a second face pointing towards a second direction opposite to a first direction. The first direction is towards a wall or a ceiling in the indoor environment where the golf simulator is stationed. Thus, the first face (inner face of the impact panel) is facing the wall or the ceiling. The second face may be an outer face of the frame assembly. The second direction is towards the player who strikes the golf ball. Thus, the second face may face the player and may absorb the energy of each impact of the golf ball on the impact panel.

The impact panel is designed to withstand repeated high-speed golf ball impacts. Therefore, a material that is used as the impact panel may be a resilient foam body. The resilient foam body is selected for its durability, flexibility, shock-absorbing properties (especially noise and rebound), and resilience to punctions and abrasion. In accordance with an embodiment, each of the first face and the second face of the impact panel may be constituted of the resilient foam body. For example, the resilient foam body of the impact panel is constituted of a memory foam material.

The frame assembly further includes the plurality of extrusion members that form the aperture within the frame assembly. The aperture is formed after the assembly of the extrusion members (on the wall and/or the ceiling of the indoor environment).

Optionally, the face comprises a resilient foam body that cooperates with the aperture formed within the frame assembly.

Optionally, the resilient foam body may be cut to a shape which is sized to fit within the aperture formed within the frame assembly.

In accordance with an embodiment, the resilient foam body may be inserted into the frame assembly via the aperture formed within the frame assembly. After the insertion of the resilient foam body through the aperture, the resilient foam body is attached or adhered directly on to the wall or the ceiling. However, for the resilient foam body, to attach or adhere to the wall or the ceiling, it is necessary that the plurality of extrusion members is attached to the wall or the ceiling.

Optionally, the resilient foam body is formed from a polyurethane material.

The resilient foam body may be formed from a synthetic, visco-elastic polyurethane foam which reacts to heat and pressure by changing shape and moulding to the body of the impacting golf ball. Once the golf ball has impacted the panel, the resilient foam body will return to its original shape.

Optionally, the first face of the resilient foam body protrudes from a first face of the of the frame assembly.

When assembled, the plurality of extrusion members provides a frame assembly with a frame depth in the region of 16 millimetres (mm), however in other embodiments of the invention, other frame depths may be provided. The resilient foam body has body depth in the range of 20 mm to 50 mm, however in other embodiments of the invention, other resilient foam body depths may be provided. Therefore, when the resilient foam body is adjacent a frame supporting surface, a portion of the resilient foam body protrudes from a face of the 16 mm frame assembly. Therefore, a 20 mm deep resilient foam body will protrude 4 mm from the first face of the from a 16 mm deep frame assembly. Alternatively, a 50 mm deep resilient foam body will protrude 34 mm from the first face of the from a 16 mm deep frame assembly. Therefore, the protruding resilient foam body protects prevents a golf from directly impacting upon the frame assembly, thereby prevents golf balls from causing physical damage frame assembly.

Optionally, each extrusion member further comprises a flange member that projects inwardly into the formed aperture.

The flange member provides a fixing bracket for attaching the frame assembly to a supporting surface which is in close proximity to the aperture within the frame assembly.

In accordance with an embodiment, the flange member of each extrusion member may project inwardly along the edges of the corresponding extrusion member.

Optionally, the resilient foam body is located upon a surface of the flange.

The resilient foam body may be placed or positioned upon the inwardly projecting flange (i.e. the surface of the flange) of each of the plurality of extrusion members. In accordance with an embodiment, after the resilient foam body is inserted through the aperture within the frame assembly, the resilient foam body is placed on the surface of the flange member of each extrusion member.

In accordance with an embodiment, the flange member of each extrusion member of the plurality of extrusion members further comprises a slot or an aperture. An attachment means (such as a screw) is used for attaching each extrusion member of the plurality of extrusion members to the wall or the ceiling. The attachment means is inserted into the slot/aperture such that the corresponding extrusion member clings to the wall or the ceiling.

The resilient foam body, which is placed or located within the aperture defined by plurality of connected extrusions connected, is attached or adhered to the wall or the ceiling after the corresponding extrusion members are attached to the wall or the ceiling.

The resilient foam body, which is placed or located on the flange member of each extrusion member of the plurality of connected extrusion members, is attached or adhered to the wall or the ceiling after the corresponding extrusion members are attached to the wall or the ceiling.

The face (i.e., the second face or the outer face that is facing a player) of the impact panel is adapted a support to a Silicon Edge Graphic (SEG) covering fabric. The SEG covering fabric, which is hereinafter referred to as “fabric”, may be used for covering (the second face of) the impact panel. The fabric may be constituted of a durable and flexible material (such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, an impact-resistant textile, leather, leatherette, Vinyl or other printable substrates and the like). In some embodiments, the fabric may include prints. The fabric may comprise information, which in use communicates a message from the second face of the impact panel. The information may be in the form of a message embroidered, molded or embossed into the fabric material.

Optionally, the SEG covering fabric is formed from a synthetic or fibrous material.

The edges of the fabric may be sewn with a silicon beading. Specifically, a thin strip of silicon is attached to the perimeter of the fabric (hence the “fabric” is referred to as SEG covering fabric). The impact panel may support the (SEG covering) fabric as the fabric is placed upon/over the impact panel. The fabric shields the impact panel from undergoing wear and tear, which may be caused by repeatedly absorbing the impacts of the golf ball.

Furthermore, each extrusion member (of the plurality of extrusion members) is adapted to hold the (SEG covering) fabric. The adaption allows the corresponding extrusion member to hold a silicone edge (i.e., the strip of silicone at the edges or perimeter) of the fabric in place (i.e., in the corresponding extrusion member). Specifically, each extrusion member comprises the profile which is adapted to accommodate and retain the silicon edge of the (SEG covering) fabric. In accordance with an embodiment, the panel of each extrusion member of the plurality of extrusion members is adapted to include a groove or a slot. The groove or the slot, located in the corresponding extrusion member, may allow accommodating and retaining the silicon edge of the (SEG covering) fabric. The silicon edge of the fabric (i.e., the material used for covering the impact panel) is inserted into or located in the groove or the slot of the corresponding extrusion member for retaining the fabric. In some embodiments, there is a push fit mechanism employed, whereby the silicon edge of in the fabric pushes into the panel and stretches the SEG over the top of the resilient foam body. Therefore, the SEG is neatly inserted into the slot corresponding extrusion member and thereby neatly covering the top face of the resilient foam body.

When the fabric is required to be replaced or refurbished, then the silicon edge of the corresponding SEG fabric may be removed from the slot or the grove of the panel of each extrusion member. The removal may lead to the releasing of the fabric from the second face of the impact panel. Thus, installation of the impact panel is simplified, the (SEG covering) fabric may be replaced or refurbished without having to remove the entire impact panel, and the replacement or refurbishment is cost effective. Therefore, the covering fabric can be either updated, or replaced, without requiring an installation to be carried out by a required skilled person.

Optionally, the frame assembly is assembled to provide a supporting member of a structure.

Optionally, the frame assembly is assembled to provide a wall or a ceiling structure.

The frame assembly may be obtained after the assembling of the plurality of extrusion members on the wall or the ceiling, insertion of the resilient foam body into the aperture, and retaining the silicone edge of the fabric at the profile of each extrusion member of the plurality of extrusion members.

Each extrusion member of the plurality of extrusion members may be connected to at least two other extraction members. Each extrusion member may be attachable to multiple neighbouring extrusion members.

Optionally, the plurality of extrusion members comprises a first extrusion member that is releasably attached to a second extrusion member and a third extrusion member of the plurality of extrusion members.

In a first scenario, the second extrusion member and the third extrusion member may be neighbouring extrusion members of the first extrusion member. The releasable attachment between the first extrusion member with the second extrusion member and the third extrusion member is necessary to assemble the plurality of extrusion members together and creation of the frame assembly of the golf simulator that supports the impact panel. However, in some scenarios, the first extrusion member is releasably attached to multiple extrusion members.

In accordance with an embodiment, the plurality of extrusion members of the frame assembly may be arranged in multiple rows or columns. Based on the number of extrusion members arranged in each row or column, a dimension of each extrusion member, and a position of each extrusion member in the frame assembly, each of the plurality of extrusion members may be releasably attached to either two extrusion members or more than two extrusion members.

Optionally, the plurality of extrusion members is arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein each row comprises at least one extrusion member of the plurality of extrusion members.

For example, the plurality of extrusion members is arranged in six rows. A first of the six rows may include six extrusion members, a second of the six rows may include one extrusion member, and a third of the six rows may include six extrusion members. In another example, each of the first, second, and third rows include six extrusion members (i.e., equal number of extrusion members in each row).

Optionally, the plurality of extrusion members is arranged in a plurality of columns, wherein each column comprises at least one extrusion member (306, 506) of the plurality of extrusion members.

For example, the plurality of extrusion members is arranged in six columns. A first of the six columns include one extrusion member six extrusion members and a second of the six columns includes a single extrusion member. In another example, each of the first and second columns include six extrusion members (i.e., equal number of extrusion members in each column).

Optionally, an extrusion member of the plurality of extrusion members is of a square dimension.

If all of the plurality of extrusion members are of a square dimension, then each row of the plurality of rows or each column of the plurality of columns may include an equal number of extrusion members. Furthermore, if an extrusion member is positioned at a corner of the frame assembly, comprising of the plurality of rows and the plurality of columns, then the extrusion member is releasably attached to two extrusion members. If an extrusion member is positioned in a row or column at an edge of the frame assembly, then the extrusion member is releasably attached to three extrusion members. On the other hand, if an extrusion member is positioned in a row that is between two other rows of the plurality of rows, then the extrusion member is releasably attached to four extrusion members.

Optionally, an extrusion member of the plurality of extrusion members is of a rectangular dimension.

If all of the plurality of extrusion members are of a rectangular dimension, then the number of extrusion members in the frame assembly is equal to the number of rows or number of columns in the frame assembly. If some of the plurality of extrusion members are of a square dimension and some are of a rectangular dimension, then each row and each column can include any number of extrusion members, and each extrusion member is releasably attached to at least two extrusion members.

Optionally, the resilient foam body further comprises a second face pointing towards a second direction opposite to the first direction for abutting a frame supporting surface.

Optionally, the second face further comprises an adhesive layer for attaching the impact panel to a frame supporting surface.

The resilient foam body has a first face which provides the golf ball impacting surface of the impact panel. The resilient foam body also provides a second face which abuts a wall or ceiling surface which supports the frame assembly. The second face of the resilient foam body can be fixed to the wall via a fastening means such as screw, tape or an adhesive material applied to the wall. The second face of the resilient foam body may comprise an adhesive layer which when exposed, attaches the foam body to the frame supporting surface. The Adhesive layer may also be covered by a protective cover/backing sheet, which is removed to expose the adhesive layer prior to fixing the foam body to the frame supporting surface.

The present disclosure also relates to the second aspect as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned first aspect, apply mutatis mutandis to the second aspect.

Optionally, the method further comprises the step of attaching the impact panel to a flange member that projects inwardly into the formed aperture.

The impact panel is attached to the flange member, projecting inwardly into the formed aperture, for supporting the impact panel within the aperture of the frame assembly. The aperture is formed due to the assembling of the plurality extrusion members.

Optionally, the method further comprises the step of attaching the impact panel to a surface which is accessible through the formed aperture.

The surface may be a wall or a ceiling. The impact panel is initially inserted through the aperture formed due to the assembling of the plurality extrusion members. After the insertion, the impact panel is positioned upon a surface of the flange such that a face of the impact panel gets access to the surface and attached to the surface.

Optionally, the method further comprises the step of attaching the resilient foam body to a flange member of the extrusion member that projects inwardly into the formed aperture.

The assembly of the frame may involve locating a resilient foam body on to the upper surfaces of each flange member of each extrusion member which defines an aperture within the frame assembly. Therefore, the resilient foam body can be positioned and retained within the aperture prior to the frame assembly being attached to a supporting surface.

Optionally, the method further comprising the step of attaching the resilient foam body to a frame supporting surface which is accessible through the formed aperture.

The assembly of the frame may involve locating a resilient body directly on to a supporting surface. This simplifies the construction of the impact panel and the subsequent fixing of the impact panel to the frame assembly, via the attachment of the impact panel to the supporting surface. Thus, no supporting panel will be required to support and hold the resilient foam body to the frame assembly.

The resilient foam body has a body depth which is greater that the depth of the frame assembly. Therefore, when the resilient foam body is adjacent the frame supporting surface, a portion of the resilient foam body protrudes from an inner face frame assembly. Therefore, the protruding resilient foam body protects prevents a golf from directly impacting upon the frame assembly, thereby prevents golf balls from causing physical damage frame assembly.

Optionally, the method further comprises the step of assembling a frame assembly, further comprising the step of attaching a first extrusion member to a second extrusion member to form a frame assembly.

The assembling of the plurality extrusion members may involve releasably attaching different extrusion members of the plurality extrusion members with each other. The different extrusion members are releasably attached to each other to form a metal frame.

Each plurality extrusion member is attached to the supporting surface (i.e., the wall or the ceiling) by use of an attachment means (such as a screw). Each attachment means may be inserted through an aperture located within the flange member of each extrusion member. Each attachment means is subsequently inserted into a hole drilled into the supporting surface.

The present disclosure also relates to the third aspect as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned first aspect, apply mutatis mutandis to the third aspect.

The present disclosure also relates to the fourth aspect as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned first aspect, apply mutatis mutandis to the fourth aspect.

The present disclosure also relates to the fifth aspect as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned first aspect, apply mutatis mutandis to the fifth aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an exemplary golf simulator 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The golf simulator 100 may facilitate players to have an experience of playing golf is in an indoor environment. The golf simulator 100 includes an impact screen 102 that renders a virtual representation of a golf course and a virtual trajectory followed by the golf ball in the virtual representation after being struck by a player using a golf club in the indoor environment. The golf simulator 100 further includes a frame assembly 104 comprising of a plurality of extrusion members and an impact panel. The impact panel is designed to absorb the impacts of the golf ball. The impact panel may be positioned behind the impact screen 102 and/or in an area that is around the impact screen 102 (such as a wall 106 and a ceiling 108 adjacent to the impact screen 102). The frame assembly 104 (i.e., the plurality of extrusion members and the impact panel) is supported by the wall 106 and the ceiling 108. The golf simulator 100 further includes a hitting mat 110. The hitting mat 110 facilities recreating an experience of standing on a turf for the players.

FIG. 1 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated exemplary components of the frame assembly 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a building block of the frame assembly 104 includes extrusion subassembly 202, an impact panel member 204, and a fabric 206. The extrusion subassembly 202 comprises of four extrusion members of equal length, which are attached end-to-end in a substantially square configuration. The frame assembly 104 is obtained based on assembling of the plurality of extrusion members that includes the extrusion subassembly 202. In an embodiment, the extrusion subassembly 202 is constituted of aluminium. In an embodiment, the impact panel member 204 may be a resilient foam body (such as a memory foam). The resilient foam body is preferably of a closed cell construction. Preferably, the resilient foam body is formed form a polyurethane material, which is also known as a “memory foam”. The impact panel member 204 may include a first face 204A and a second face 204B. The first face 204A is an inner face facing a first direction towards the wall 106 or the ceiling 108. The second face 204B is an outer face that is facing a second direction towards a player. The second face 204B of the impact panel member 204 is designed to absorb impacts of the golf ball. The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

There is an aperture 208 formed within the frame assembly 104 through which the impact panel member 204 may be inserted. The extrusion member 202 may further include a flange member 210 that projects inwardly into the aperture 208. The flange member 210 of the extrusion subassembly 202 may project inwardly along the edges or perimeter of the extrusion subassembly 202. After the insertion of the impact panel member 204 (i.e., the resilient foam body) through the aperture 208, the resilient foam body is positioned upon a surface of the flange member 210 and attached or adhered directly on to the wall 106 or the ceiling 108.

The second face 204B of the impact panel member 204 is adapted to provide support to the fabric 206. The fabric 206 may be placed on the impact panel member 204 to cover the impact panel member 204. The fabric 206 may be constituted of a synthetic or fibrous material. In an embodiment, the fabric 206 is a Silicon Edge Graphic (SEG) covering fabric. The edges or the perimeter of the fabric 206 is covered with a thin strip of silicone. Once the fabric 206 has been placed on the impact panel member 204, the fabric 206 may shield the impact panel member 204 from undergoing wear and tear caused by repeated absorption of energy of the impacts of the golf ball.

The extrusion subassembly 202 is adapted to accept and retain a silicone edge the fabric 206 in the extrusion subassembly 202. The extrusion subassembly 202 comprises a profile which is adapted to accommodate and retain the silicon edge of the fabric 206. In accordance with an embodiment, the panel is adapted to include a slot. The slot, located in the extrusion subassembly 202, allows accommodating or retaining the silicon edge of the fabric 206. The silicon edge of the fabric 206 may be inserted into the slot for retention of the fabric 206. The high friction surface of the silicon edge of the fabric 206 cooperates with the inner surface of the slot. Therefore, the silicon edge is retained within the slot via a friction fitting means. When the fabric 206 is required to be replaced or refurbished, then the silicon edge of the fabric 206 may be removed from the slot of the panel of the extrusion subassembly 202. The removal may lead to the releasing of the fabric 206 from the impact panel member 204. Preferably, each strip of silicone is sewn to an edge or perimeter of the fabric 206. The sewn strip silicone has the effect of providing a neat edge, which can be easily inserted into the slot.

FIG. 2 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated illustrates an exemplary frame assembly 300 comprising of a plurality of extrusion subassemblies of square dimension (as shown in FIG. 2), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The frame assembly 300 may include the plurality of extrusion subassemblies arranged in a plurality of rows/columns. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of extrusion subassemblies is arranged in six rows 302A-302F or six columns 304A-304F. Each of the plurality of extrusion subassemblies are of a square dimension. Each of the plurality of rows or each of the plurality of columns include equal number of extrusion subassemblies (six extrusion subassemblies for example). Furthermore, each of the plurality of extrusion subassemblies may be releasably attached to at least two other extrusion subassemblies. The releasable attachment of each extrusion subassembly with at least two other extrusion subassemblies allows assembling of the plurality of extrusion subassemblies to provide the frame assembly 300.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, an extrusion subassembly 306, positioned at a corner of the frame assembly 300, is releasably attached to two extrusion subassemblies, i.e., an extrusion subassembly 308 and an extrusion subassembly 316. The extrusion subassembly 308, positioned in the row 302A or the column 304B at an edge of the frame assembly 300, is releasably attached to three extrusion subassemblies, i.e., the extrusion subassembly 306, the extrusion subassembly 310, and an extrusion subassembly 312. The extrusion subassembly 310, positioned in the row 302B or the column 304B, is releasably attached to four extrusion subassemblies, i.e., the extrusion subassembly 308, an extrusion subassembly 314, an extrusion subassembly 316, and an extrusion subassembly 318.

FIG. 3 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. The extrusion subassemblies 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316 and 318 may be formed into other shaped dimensions and sizes.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is illustrated an exemplary frame assembly 400 comprising of a plurality of extrusion subassemblies arranged in a plurality of rows 402A-402E, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the frame assembly 400 includes the plurality of extrusion subassemblies arranged in the plurality of rows 402A-402E (i.e., five rows). Each row comprises at least one extrusion subassembly of the plurality of extrusion subassemblies. Each of the rows 402A,402B and 402D,402E includes six extrusion subassemblies. The row 402C includes one extrusion subassembly, i.e., an extrusion subassembly 404. Furthermore, the plurality of extrusion subassemblies includes extrusion subassemblies of both square dimension (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) and rectangular dimension. The rectangular extrusion subassembly 404 comprises of two side extrusion members of long equal length, which are attached end-to-end with two end extrusion members of short equal length. Therefore, extrusion subassembly 404 is of rectangular dimension whereas an extrusion subassembly 406 is of square dimension.

FIG. 4 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. The extrusion subassemblies 404, 406, may be formed into other shaped dimensions and sizes.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is illustrated an exemplary frame assembly 500 comprising of a plurality of extrusion subassemblies arranged in a plurality of columns 502A-502F, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the frame assembly 500 includes the plurality of extrusion subassemblies that are arranged in the plurality of columns 502A-502F (i.e., six columns). Each column comprises at least one extrusion subassembly of the plurality of extrusion subassemblies. Each of the columns 502A and 502F includes one extrusion subassembly. The column 502D includes six extrusion subassemblies. Furthermore, the plurality of extrusion subassemblies includes extrusion subassemblies of both square dimension and rectangular dimension. As illustrated in FIG. 5, extrusion members 504 and 506 are of rectangular dimension whereas an extrusion member 508 is of square dimension.

FIG. 5 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. The extrusion subassemblies 504, 506, 508 may be formed into other shaped dimensions and sizes.

Referring to FIG. 6, depicted are steps of a method for assembling a frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 602, a plurality of extrusion members are assembled to form an aperture within the frame assembly. At step 604, a Silicon Edge Graphic (SEG) covering fabric is supported on a face of an impact panel. At step 606, the impact panel is supported within the aperture of the frame assembly. At step 608, a silicon edge of the corresponding SEG covering family is retained within a profile arranged within an extrusion member. The impact panel is attached to a flange member that projects inwardly into the formed aperture. The impact panel is may also be attached to a surface which is accessible through the formed aperture.

The aforementioned steps are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein.