WO1997004839A1

WO1997004839A1 - Sports practice apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1997004839A1
Application number: PCT/GB1996/001869
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Kevin Donovan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-07-28
Filing date: 1996-07-26
Publication date: 1997-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 1998-01-28
Also published as: AU6626996A; GB9515521D0

Abstract

Golf practice apparatus (10) comprising a body (14) mounted on a frame (12). The body (14) comprising downwardly facing optical sensors (18) and light sources (20), arranged such that a visible and/or audible signal is provided when an article such as a golf ball passes beneath the body (14) so that light from the sources (20) is reflected back to the sensors (18).

Description

SPORTS PRACTICE APPARATUS

This invention concerns sports practice apparatus, particularly but not exclusively practice apparatus for golfers, and especially apparatus usable when practising putting .

Golfers often wish to practice their putting other than on a golf course, either indoors or outdoors. A number of aids have been devised for this. For instance, outdoor practice holes which require location in the ground can be provided in gardens and elsewhere. Other aids are available which can be used both indoors and out. However, such aids do not generally indicate the speed a ball is travelling upon reaching the aid, and/or how close to the centre of the aid the ball is hit.

According to the present invention there is provided sports practice apparatus, the apparatus comprising means for sensing and indicating if an article passes beneath a detector part of the apparatus.

The indicating means may provide an audible and/or visual signal when an article passes beneath the apparatus, and the indicating means may be arranged such that the signal indicates where beneath the detector part an article passes. The indicating means may comprise a lamp to provide a visual signal. The indicating means may comprise a plurality of lamps arranged such that one or more of the lamps light in response to an article passing beneath the detector part to provide a visual signal indicating that an article has passed beneath the sensing means, and where therebeneath the article has passed. The apparatus is preferably arranged such that the or each respective lamp is lit for a predetermined period of time after an article has passed beneath the detector part.

The sensing means preferably comprises an optical sensor, and desirably also a light source arranged such that the optical sensor can detect light from said source when reflected off an article passing beneath the detector part. A plurality of optical sensors are preferably provided, and light sources corresponding to each of the optical sensors may also be provided. The or each optical sensor may comprise a photo transistor.

The detector part preferably comprises means for defining an area therebeneath corresponding to a golf hole. The detector part may comprise a cylindrical member with the axis thereof substantially vertically aligned. The internal diameter of the member is preferably substantially equal to the standard diameter o f a go l f h o l e .

The apparatus preferably also comprises a frame upon which the cylindrical member is mounted such that a golf ball can pass freely therebeneath, the frame comprising one or more ground engaging members spaced from the cylindrical member. Markings may be provided on the outside of the cylindrical member to aid a person making a shot. The or each lamp is preferably provided on, or visible through, the exterior of the cylindrical member .

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a similar view to Fig. 1 with the apparatus in use; and

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view from below of part of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

The drawings show golf practice apparatus 10 comprising a generally "U" shaped frame 12. The free ends of the limbs of the "U" of the frame 12 are sufficiently broad, or feet or other stabilising means (not shown) are provided, to permit the frame to stably rest on the ground in an inverted arrangement.

A cylindrical body 14 is mounted centrally on the base of the "U" of the frame 12, with its axis substantially vertical. The body 14 is positioned such that when the frame 12 is resting on the ground as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 there is sufficient space below the body 14 for a golf ball to pass therebeneath.

The body 14 has an internal diameter of substantially the same size as a golf hole. The body 14 is of a bright colour such as white to represent a golf hole directly therebeneath. Markings (not shown) may be provided on the body 14 in the form of a central vertical line and/or a horizontal line. Guides (not shown) in the form of thin metal plates may be provided to hang down from the lower edge of the body 14 beneath the base of the frame 12 to reach substantially to the ground. Such guides will be of generally light material so as not to substantially impede the travel of a golf ball, and can help to represent the imaginary golf hole beneath the body 14.

Electronic controls (not shown) are provided in an upper part of the body 14. A member 16 extends diametrically across the inside of the body 14 towards the lower end thereof. Three equispaced optical sensors 18 in the form of photo transistor sensors are provided on the member 16 pointing downwardly. The central one of the sensors 18 is positioned substantially on the mid-point of the member 16, which member 16 extends parallel to the base of the frame 12. Four light sources 20 are provided, one pair located each on the outer side of a respective one of the outer sensors 18, and the other two provided on either side of the central sensor 18. The light sources 20 are arranged such that light therefrom cannot be detected directly by the sensors 18, but can be detected thereby if reflected upwardly from an article located therebeneath.

Two sets of three spaced lamps 22 are provided on the exterior of the body 14. The sets of lamps 22 are provided on respective sides of the body 14 relative to the base of the frame 12. The lamps 22 are provided in spacings generally similar to those of the sensors 18. Each of the sensors 18 is connected to a respective lamp 22 on either side of the frame 12 such that when light is detected by a one of the sensors 18 the respective lamps 22 on either side of the frame 12 will be lit for a short predetermined period such as a few seconds. A buzzer (not shown) is also provided in the apparatus 10. The buzzer is connected to sound if light is detected by any one of the sensors 18.

The apparatus 10 may be battery powered and/or mains operated, or rechargeable as is required. In use, the apparatus 10 is placed on the ground either indoors or outdoors. A golfer can then attempt to putt a golf ball at an imaginery hole located directly beneath the body 14. If the ball passes beneath the body 12, light from one or more of the sources 20 will be reflected back onto one or more of the sensors 18 causing appropriate ones of the lamps 22 to light for the predetermined period of time. The buzzer will also sound. If the ball passes substantially directly beneath the centre of the body 14 only the central lamps 22 will light, as shown in Fig. 2. If the ball passes generally between the centre of the body 14 and a one of the optical sensors 18, the central lamps 22 as well as the respective side lamps 22 will all light. If the ball passes beneath a one of the outer optical sensors 18 or therebeyond but still beneath the body 14 only the respective outer lamps 22 will light.

There is thus described golf practice apparatus which provides for a number of advantageous features. As the apparatus 10 does not stop a ball nor hinder its movement in any way, the final point of rest of the ball will be apparent, thereby indicating the strength of the shot. It is generally acceptable for the ball to stop within about thirty or forty centimetres of the hole to ensure that the ball lies within reasonable putting distance from the hole. This sort of strength of shot also reduces the danger that the ball may bounce over the hole. The apparatus 10 also indicates how accurately the ball has been hit i.e. whether it passes over the hole dead centre, slightly to one side, or quite well over to one side.

The apparatus 10 is of relatively simple construction and can thus be robustly manufactured at a reasonable price. The apparatus 10 is suitable for use on any surface whether outdoors or indoors, without damaging the surface in any way. The apparatus 10 with the body 14 provides the appearance of a golf hole without the requirement for forming one. As noted above guides may be provided hanging from the side of the body 14 to aid in indicating where the hole is to be aimed at. The provision of an audible sound by the buzzer means that it is not necessary for the player to lift their head to see whether their putt has been successful .

This apparatus also permits a game to be played whereby for example three points are provided if the centre lamps only indicate, two points if the centre and a one of the side lamps lights, and one point for just the outside lamps lit.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, different light detection means may be used with different optical sensors. The frame may be differently constructed. The apparatus could also include means for indicating where and by how far a ball misses the imaginary hole below the apparatus. Extra sensors could be provided for this, perhaps connected to additional differently coloured lamps. The apparatus suitably modified could be uses with different sports such as for example bowls.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon .

Claims

riaims:

1. Sports practice apparatus, characterised in that the apparatus (10) comprises means for sensing (18, 20) and indicating (22) if an article passes beneath a detector part (14) of the apparatus.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the indicating means (22) provides an audible and/or visual signal when an article passes beneath the apparatus.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that the indicating means (22) is arranged such that the signal indicates where beneath the detector part (14) an article passes.

4. Apparatus according to claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the indicating means comprises a lamp (22) to provide a visual signal.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, characterised in that the indicating means comprises a plurality of lamps (22) arranged such that one or more of the lamps (22) light in response to an article passing beneath the detector part (14) to provide a visual signal indicating that an article has passed beneath the sensing means (18, 20), and where therebeneath the article has passed.

6. Apparatus according to claims 4 or 5, characterised in that the apparatus (10) is arranged such that the or each respective lamp (22) is lit for a predetermined period of time after an article has passed beneath the detector part (14).

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensing means comprises an optical sensor (18).

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterised in that the sensing means comprises also a light source (20) arranged such that the optical sensor (18) can detect light from said source (20) when reflected off an article passing beneath the detector part (14).

1

9. Apparatus according to claims 7 or 8, characterised in that a plurality of optical sensors (18) are provided.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 8, characterised in that light sources (20) corresponding to each of the optical sensors (18) are provided.

11. Apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 10, characterised in that the or each optical sensor (18) comprises a photo transistor.

12. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the detector part (14) comprises means for defining an area therebeneath corresponding to a golf hole.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterised in that the detector part comprises a cylindrical member (14) with the axis thereof substantially vertically aligned.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterised in that the internal diameter of the member (14) is substantially equal to the standard diameter of a golf hole.

15. Apparatus according to claims 13 or 14, characterised in that the apparatus (10) also comprises a frame (12) upon which the cylindrical member (14) is mounted such that a golf ball can pass freely therebeneath, the frame (12) comprising one or more ground engaging members spaced from the cylindrical member (14).

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterised in that markings are provided on the outside of the cylindrical member (14) to aid a person making a shot.

17. Apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 16 when dependent on at least claim 4, characterised in that the or each lamp (22) is provided on, or is visible through, the exterior of the cylindrical member (14).