Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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GOLF DRIVING MAT
The present invention relates to a golf driving mat and a golf driving mat
system
incorporating the same. The golf driving mat and golf driving mat system of
the present
invention are to be known as the TrueStrikeTM golf driving mat and golf
driving rnat
system.
Golf driving mats and golf driving mat systems are used at golf ranges and
golf tees, in
particular during the Winter. The construction of existing golf driving mats
is, however,
such that golfers can be given an unrealistic impression of shots struck
therefrom. With
existing golf driving mats, where a golfer hits a "clean" shot, that is, a
correct shot, the
resulting shot is substantially the same as would be achieved on a natural
ground
surface, but where a golfer hits a "fat" shot, that is, where the club head
hits the ground
behind the golf ball, typically about 20 mm behind the golf ball, the
resulting shot is
often an apparently good shot, instead of what should be a poor shot, as the
club head re-
bounds from the surface of the mat and meets the golf ball at a reasonable
angle and at
only a slightly reduced speed. On the natural surface of a golf course, where
a golfer
hits a "fat" shot, the club head digs into the ground, to a lesser or greater
extent
depending upon the condition of the ground surface, causing the club head to
be slowed
considerably and thereby produce a poor shot. Thus, when a golfer hits a "fat"
shot from
existing golf driving mats, the resulting shot would often appear to be a good
shot,
leading the golfer to believe that the swing is good, when, in fact, the swing
is poor, as
the same "fat" shot on a natural ground surface would produce a poor shot,
with the
consequence that poor swing technique is developed.
Golf driving mats have been developed which provide a cushioning effect, for
example,
as disclosed in GB-A-2315024, US-A-4955611 and US-A-5273285, but these golf
driving mats are still not considered adequately to provide a true impression
of the strike
of a golf ball from any given swing. It will also be noted that golf putting
mats axe
known, one such mat being disclosed in DE-A-3926052.
CONFIRMATION COPY
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2
It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved golf driving mat
and golf
driving mat system incorporating the same, in particular utilizing a viscous
material as
an energy-absorbing medium, whereby a golfer is given a true impression of the
strike of
a golf ball from any given swing.
In one aspect the present invention provides a golf driving mat, including: a
flexible
member over which a golf ball is in use located to be hit by a head of a golf
club; and a
viscous foam material disposed beneath the flexible member, wherein the
viscous foam
material is such as to slow the head of the golf club when the head of the
golf club is hit
into the flexible member.
Preferably, the flexible member is formed of a ruckable material such that,
when the
head of the golf club is hit into the flexible member, the flexible member
rucks up.
Preferably, the flexible member is formed of a resilient material.
Preferably, the flexible member is formed of a rubberised material.
Preferably, the viscous foam material is a visco-elastic foam material.
More preferably, the visco-elastic foam material is a memory foam.
Preferably, the cavity has a depth of up to about 20 mm.
In one embodiment the cavity has a depth of about 20 mm.
Preferably, the mat includes: a ball-receiving member located over the
flexible member on
which the golf ball is in use located.
In one embodiment the ball-receiving member is removable.
Preferably, the ball-receiving member is formed of a resilient material.
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Preferably, the ball-receiving member is formed of a fabric material.
In one embodiment the ball-receiving member has a smooth surface.
In another embodiment the ball-receiving member has a non-smooth surface.
Preferably, the ball-receiving member has a ribbed surface.
In one embodiment the mat comprises: a receptacle including the flexible
member at an
upper surface thereof and containing the viscous foam material.
Preferably, the mat further comprises: a body unit comprising a main body in
which the
receptacle is disposed.
The present invention also extends to a golf driving mat system, comprising: a
base unit
on which a golfer stands to hit a golf shot; and the above-described mat
provided to the
base unit.
In one embodiment the mat is removable.
Preferably, the base unit includes a recess in which the mat is in use
located.
More preferably, the base unit comprises a base including first and second
recesses in
one of which the mat is in use located according to whether the golfer is a
left-handed or
right-handed golfer, and a sheet located on the base including an aperture
through which
the mat is presented.
In another embodiment the mat is integrally formed with the base unit.
In another aspect the present invention provides a golf driving mat,
including: a flexible
member over which a golf ball is in use located to be hit by a head of a golf
club; and a
viscous material disposed beneath the flexible member, wherein the viscous
material
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comprises a resilient skeletal structure which is filled with a viscous medium
and is such
as to slow the head of the golf club when the head of the golf club is hit
into the. flexible
member.
Preferably, the flexible member is formed of a ruckable material such that,
when the
head of the golf club is hit into the flexible member, the flexible member
rucks up.
Preferably, the flexible member is formed of a resilient material.
Preferably, the flexible member is formed of a rubberised material.
Preferably, the resilient skeletal structure comprises a filamental structure.
More preferably, the filamental structure comprises an intertwined filamental
structure.
In one embodiment the viscous medium is a gel-like material.
Preferably, the gel-like material is a gel.
In another embodiment the viscous medium is a syrup.
In a further embodiment the viscous medium is an oil.
In a yet further embodiment the viscous medium is a paste.
In a still further embodiment the viscous material is a particulate material.
In yet another embodiment the viscous material comprises a particulate
material
dispersed in a carrier medium.
In one embodiment the tamer medium is a viscous liquid.
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Preferably, the viscous liquid is an oil.
In another embodiment the carrier medium is a gel.
5 Preferably, the particulate material comprises particles selected from at
least one of the
group consisting of plastic particles, metal particles and plastic-coated
metal particles.
Preferably, the cavity has a depth of up to about 20 mm.
In one embodiment the cavity has a depth of about 20 mm.
Preferably, the mat includes: a ball-receiving member located over the
flexible member on
which the golf ball is in use located.
W one embodiment the ball-receiving member is removable.
Preferably, the ball-receiving member is formed of a resilient material.
Preferably, the ball-receiving member is formed of a fabric material.
In one embodiment the ball-receiving member has a smooth surface.
In another embodiment the ball-receiving member has a non-smooth surface.
Preferably, the ball-receiving member has a ribbed surface.
Preferably, the mat comprises: a receptacle including the flexible member at
an upper
surface thereof and containing the viscous material.
More preferably, the mat further comprises: a body unit comprising a main body
in which
the receptacle is disposed.
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The present invention also extends to a golf driving mat system, comprising: a
base unit
on which a golfer stands to hit a golf shot; and the above-described mat
provided to the
base unit.
In one embodiment the mat is removable.
Preferably, the base unit includes a recess in which the mat is in use
located.
More preferably, the base unit comprises a base including first and second
recesses in
one of which the mat is in use located according to whether the golfer is a
left-handed or
right-handed golfer, and a sheet located on the base including an aperture
through which
the mat is presented.
In another embodiment the mat is integrally formed with the base unit.
In a further aspect the present invention provides a golf driving mat,
comprising: an
upper, flexible member over which a golf ball is in use located to be hit by a
head of a
golf club; a lower member; and a viscous material disposed between the upper
and lower
members, wherein the viscous material comprises a resilient skeletal structure
filled with
a viscous medium and is such as to slow the head of the golf club when the
head of the
golf club is hit into the flexible member.
Preferably, the skeletal structure comprises a skeletal foam structure.
In one embodiment the skeletal foam structure comprises an open-cell foam
structure.
Preferably, the skeletal foam structure includes a plurality of perforations
in which
viscous medium is contained.
In another embodiment the skeletal foam structure comprises an open-cell foam
structure including a plurality of perforations in which viscous medium is
contained.
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In yet another embodiment the present invention provides a golf mat component
which
is removably fitted to a body unit, the golf mat component comprising: a
frame; and a
ball-receiving member which is attached to the frame, wherein the ball-
receiving
member is oversized such as to be loose when removed from body unit and
tensioned
when fitted to the body unit.
In a yet further aspect the present invention provides a golf mat component
which is
removably fitted to a body unit, the golf mat component comprising: a frame;
and a ball-
receiving member which is attached to the frame; wherein the frame includes at
least one
clip for fixing the golf mat component to the body unit, the at least one clip
comprising a
supporting member which is connected to a main body of the frame, and supports
an
outwardly-extending projection which is configured to engage at least one
aperture in
the body unit, and an outwardly-tapering release element which tapers
outwardly in the
direction from the connection, such that, when sliding a releasing tool
thereover, the
supporting member is deflected inwardly, releasing the projection from the at
least one
aperture in the body unit and enabling removal of the golf mat component.
Preferably, the frame includes a plurality of clips disposed in spaced
relation along an
edge thereof.
More preferably, the frame includes a plurality of clips disposed in spaced
relation along
opposed edges thereof.
Preferably, the supporting member includes at least one recess for receiving a
corresponding proj ection on a releasing tool.
In a still yet further aspect the present invention provides a releasing tool
for releasing a
golf mat component from a body unit, the releasing tool comprising: a support
member;
and a plurality of blade members disposed in spaced relation along the length
of the
support member, each being commonly directed and being located at such
positions as to
fit into slots in releasing the golf mat component.
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Preferably, the blade members each include at least one projection thereon for
engaging
respective recesses on the golf mat component.
The golf driving mat of the present invention provides a true impression of
the strike of a
golf ball by utilizing a viscous material to effect the speed and position of
the club head
in the manner as would occur if the shot were made on the natural surface of a
golf
course. The golf driving mat is configured such as to slow the club head
through the
golf ball where the swing path of the club head is one which would produce a
"fat" shot.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described
hereinbelow by
way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a golf driving mat system including
a golf
driving mat in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates the base of the base unit of the golf driving mat of
Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates the sheet of the base unit of the golf driving mat of
Figure l;
Figure 4 illustrates a first exploded perspective view of the golf driving mat
of Figure 1;
Figure 5 illustrates a second exploded perspective view of the golf driving
mat of Figure
1;
Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
receptacle of one
embodiment;
Figure 7 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
receptacle of
another embodiment;
Figure 8 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
receptacle of
another embodiment;
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Figure 9 illustrates a fragmentary vertical sectional view through the golf
driving mat of
Figure 1 where a golfer makes a "clean" strike of a golf ball resting thereon;
Figure 10 illustrates a fragmentary vertical sectional view through the golf
driving mat
of Figure 1 where a golfer makes a "fat" strike of a golf ball resting
thereon;
Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of a golf driving mat system
including a golf
driving mat in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 12 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the golf driving mat of
Figure 11;
Figure 13 illustrates a side view of the golf driving mat of Figure 1 l;
1 S Figure 14 illustrates a vertical sectional view (along section I-I) of the
golf driving mat
of Figure 1 l;
Figure 15 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view (region
A in Figure
14) of the golf driving mat of Figure 1 l;
Figure 16 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view (region
B in Figure
14) of the golf driving mat of Figure 11;
Figure 17 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
receptacle of one
embodiment;
Figure 1 ~ illustrates an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
receptacle of
another embodiment;
Figure 19(a) illustrates a perspective view of a releasing tool in accordance
with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention of the golf driving mat of
Figure 1 l;
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Figure 19(b) illustrates a side view of the releasing tool of Figure 19(a);
Figure 19(c) illustrates an enlarged fragmentary side view of one blade member
of the
releasing tool of Figure 19(a);
5
Figure 19(d) illustrates an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view
(along section II-
II) of one blade member of the releasing tool of Figure 19(a);
Figure 20 illustrates a fragmentary vertical sectional view through the golf
driving mat
10 of Figure 11 where a golfer makes a "clean" strike of a golf ball resting
thereon;
Figure 21 illustrates a fragmentary vertical sectional view through the golf
driving mat
of Figure 11 where a golfer makes a "fat" strike of a golf ball resting
thereon;
Figure 22 illustrates a perspective view of a golf driving mat system
including a golf
driving mat in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 23 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the golf driving mat of
Figure 22;
Figure 24 illustrates a side view of the golf driving mat of Figure 22;
Figure 25 illustrates a vertical sectional view (along section III-III) of the
golf driving
mat of Figure 22;
Figure 26 illustrates an end view of the golf driving mat of Figure 22;
Figure 27 illustrates a vertical sectional view (along section IV-IV) of the
golf driving
mat of Figure 22;
Figure 28 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view (region
C in Figure
25) of the golf driving mat of Figure 22;
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Figure 29 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view (region
D in Figure
27) of the golf driving mat of Figure 22;
Figure 30 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
receptacle of one
embodiment;
Figure 31 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the
receptacle of
another embodiment;
Figures 32(a) and (b) illustrate enlarged front and rear perspective views of
one clip
member of the ball-receiving unit of the golf driving mat of Figure 22;
Figure 33 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the ball-
receiving
member of the golf driving mat of Figure 22;
Figure 34(a) illustrates a perspective view of a releasing tool in accordance
with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention for use with the golf driving
mat of
Figure 22;
Figure 34(b) illustrates a side view of the releasing tool of Figure 34(a);
Figure 34(c) illustrates an enlarged fragmentary side view of one blade member
of the
releasing tool of Figure 34(a);
Figure 34(d) illustrates an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view
(along section V-
V) of one blade member of the releasing tool of Figure 34(a);
Figure 35 illustrates a fragmentary vertical _sectional view through the golf
driving mat
of Figure 22 where a golfer makes a "clean" strike of a golf ball resting
thereon; and
Figure 36 illustrates a fragmentary vertical sectional view through the golf
driving mat
of Figure 22 where a golfer makes a "fat" strike of a golf ball resting
thereon.
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Figures 1 to 8 illustrate a golf driving mat system including a golf driving
mat in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
The golf driving mat system comprises a base unit 1 on which a golfer stands
to hit a
golf shot, and a golf driving mat 3 which is mounted in the base unit 1 and
from which
golf balls are struck by a golfer.
The base unit 1 comprises a base 5 which is located on a ground surface, and a
sheet 7
which is located on the base 5 and on which a golfer stands to hit golf shots.
In this
embodiment the base 5 includes first and second mat recesses 9a, 9b located at
respective sides thereof in which the golf driving mat 3 is selectively
disposed, and a
sheet recess 11 in which the sheet 7 is located, and the sheet 7 includes a
clearance
aperture 15 through which the golf driving mat 3 is presented, with the sheet
7 being
locatable in the sheet recess 11 in one of two positions such that the
clearance aperture
15 therein overlies one of the first and second mat recesses 9a, 9b. With this
configuration, the golf driving mat system can be easily configured for both
left-handed
and right-handed golfers, with the golf driving mat 3 being located in the
first mat recess
9a for use by a left-handed golfer and the second mat recess 9b for use by a
right-handed
golfer, and the sheet 7 being disposed such that the clearance aperture 15
therein overlies
the respective one of the first and second mat recesses 9a, 9b.
The golf driving mat 3 comprises a body unit 17, a receptacle 19 which is
disposed
within the body unit 17 and includes an upper, flexible member 21, a lower
member 22
and a cavity 23, filled with a viscous material 25, therebetween, and an
upper, ball-
receiving unit 27 disposed over the flexible member 21 of the receptacle 19.
The body unit 17 includes a main body 29 within which the receptacle 19 is
disposed.
The main body 29 includes first and second anchor pins 33a, 33b at one, the
rear, end
thereof in the direction of hitting to which the receptacle 19 is fixed such
as to prevent
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movement of the receptacle 19 forwardly on hitting golf balls from the golf
driving mat
3.
The main body 29 further includes an impact element 35 which extends along the
lower
surface thereof in the direction of hitting, which impact element 35 acts to
provide an
impact surface such that, should a golfer hit down through the receptacle 19,
the golf
club re-bounds from the impact element 35 without any significant jarring. In
this
embodiment the impact element 35 is formed of a ntbberised material,
preferably a
rubber.
The receptacle 19, in this embodiment an enclosed, flexible bag, is a planar
rectangular
member having a predetermined depth, in this embodiment of about 20 mm, such
that,
where filled with a viscous material 25, in this embodiment a viscous foam
material, the
upper, flexible member 21 of the receptacle 19 simulates a ground surface,
typically a
turfed ground surface. In this embodiment the receptacle 19 is fabricated from
a
ruckable material, such that, when a golfer hits a "fat" shot, the flexible
member 21 is
rucked up, which rucking up, together with the action of the underlying
viscous material
25, causes the speed of the club head to be slowed in the same manner as when
hitting a
"fat"~ shot on a turfed ground surface.
In one embodiment the receptacle 19 is formed of a synthetic material,
preferably
polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In another embodiment the receptacle 19 can be
formed of a
rubberised material, preferably a rubber, and more preferably a synthetic
rubber. In a
preferred embodiment the receptacle 19 is formed of a resilient material.
The receptacle 19 includes first and second rear apertures 47a, 47b at the
rear end
thereof in which the anchor pins 33a, 33b on the main body 29 are located to
fix the
position of the receptacle 19 in the main body 29.
In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 6, the viscous material 25 is a
viscous foam
material, here a block of viscous foam material. In a preferred embodiment the
viscous
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foam material is a visco-elastic foam material, for example, a memory foam
material,
such as supplied by Tempurpedic.
In an alternative embodiment the viscous material 25 could comprise a
resilient skeletal
structure which is filled with a viscous medium.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 7, the resilient skeletal
structure comprises
an intertwined filamental structure, such as comprising irregular filaments,
typically
coiled filaments, for example, coiled plastic filaments.
In another embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 8, the resilient skeletal
structure
comprises a regular filamental structure, typically formed of a plastics
material.
In one embodiment the viscous medium comprises a gel, for example, an aqueous
gel.
In a preferred embodiment the gel comprises a petroleum jelly. In an
alternative
embodiment the viscous medium could be a syrup, such as a corn syrup. In
another
alternative embodiment the viscous medium could be an oil, such as a silicone
oil. In a
further alternative embodiment the viscous medium could be a paste. In a yet
further
alternative embodiment the viscous medium could comprise a particulate
material in a
carrier medium, for example, a gel or an oil, such as a silicone oil. In yet
another
alternative embodiment the viscous medium could be a particulate material.
Examples
of particulate materials include plastic particles, metal particles and
plastic-coated metal
particles.
The ball-receiving unit 27 comprises a frame 51 which is removably attached,
in this
embodiment by screws 54, to the main body 29 of the body unit 17, and a ball-
receiving
member 53 which is attached to the frame 51 and on which golf balls to be hit
are
located. In being removable, the ball-receiving unit 27 allows for replacement
when
damaged, typically through wear.
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In this embodiment the upper surface of the ball-receiving member 53 is a
smooth
surface. In an alternative embodiment the upper surface of the ball-receiving
member 53
can be a non-smooth surface, for example, a roughened or ribbed surface.
5 In this embodiment the ball-receiving member 53 comprises a resilient
material,
typically a fabric material containing Lycra°, for example Cordura~ as
available from
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, US.
With this construction, when a golfer makes a good swing and hits a golf ball
with a
10 "clean" strike, the golf driving mat 3 reacts in the same manner as would a
natural
ground surface, as illustrated in Figure 9. However, when a golfer makes a
poor swing
which is such as to cause the club head to hit the ball-receiving member 53 of
the ball-
receiving unit 27 behind the golf ball, and hence the flexible member 21 of
the
receptacle 19, that is, hits the shot "fat", the flexible member 21, under the
reaction of
15 the viscous material 25, acts to cause the club head to dig into the golf
driving mat 3,
which causes the club head to be slowed down and make little or no contact
with the
golf ball, as illustrated in Figure 10.
By altering the thickness of the flexible member 21 of the receptacle 19 and
the ball-
receiving member 53 and the characteristics of the viscous material 25, the
golf driving
mat 3 can be configured to simulate different ground conditions, from firm to
heavy
turfed ground, and even sand bunkers. In this embodiment, a golfer is able to
select
between a plurality of different golf driving mats 3 which are representative
of different
ground conditions.
Figures 11 to 1 ~ illustrate a golf driving mat system including a golf
driving mat in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
The golf driving mat system comprises a base unit 101 on wluch a golfer stands
to hit a
golf shot, and a golf driving mat 103 which is provided to the base unit 101
and from
which golf balls are struck by a golfer.
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The base unit 101 comprises a base 105 which is located on a ground surface,
and a
sheet 107 which is located on the base 105 and on which a golfer stands to hit
golf shots.
In this embodiment the base 105 comprises first and second interlocking base
parts lOSa,
lOSb. In one embodiment a third interlocking base part can be disposed between
the
first and second base parts 105a, lOSb to allow for the width of the mat
system to be
extended as required.
The base 105 includes a sheet recess 111 in which the sheet 107 is located,
and the sheet
107 includes a clearance aperture 115, in this embodiment of rectangular
shape, which is
located to one side of the sheet 107 through which the golf driving mat 103 is
presented.
The golf driving mat 103 comprises a body unit 117, in this embodiment
integrally
formed with the base 105, a receptacle 119 which is disposed within the body
unit 117
and includes an upper, flexible member 121, a lower member 122 and a cavity
123,
filled with a viscous material 125, therebetween, and an upper, ball-receiving
unit 127
wluch is disposed within the body unit 117 and over the flexible member 121 of
the
receptacle 119.
The body unit 117 includes an outer frame 129, in this embodiment rectangular
in shape,
to which the ball-receiving unit 127 is fastened. In this embodiment opposed
sides of
the outer flame 129 in the direction of hitting each include a plurality of
apertures 131,
133 spaced along the length thereof which receive counterpart projections 155,
161 on
the ball-receiving unit 127, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
In this
embodiment the inner side of the outer frame 129 includes vertical slots 134
in
registration with each of the apertures 133, which slots 134 are provided to
accommodate a releasing tool, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
The body unit 117 further includes an inner frame 135, in this embodiment
rectangular
in shape, which is located inwardly of the outer frame 129 and defines an
upstanding
flange 136 which engages the ball-receiving member 153 of the ball-receiving
unit 127
in tensioning the same, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
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The body unit 117 further includes anchor members 137, 139 at the opposed ends
thereof in the direction of hitting to which the receptacle 119 is fixed such
as to extend
the upper, flexible member 121 of the receptacle 119.
The body unit 117 further includes an impact element 141 which extends along
the
lower surface thereof in the direction of hitting, which impact element 141
acts to
provide an impact surface such that, should a golfer hit down through the
receptacle 119,
the golf club re-bounds from the impact element 141 without any significant
jarnng. In
this embodiment the impact element 141 is formed of a rubberised material,
preferably a
rubber.
The body unit 117 further includes a support member 143 which is disposed
within the
inner frame 135 and includes a receptacle recess 145 in which the receptacle
119 is
located.
The receptacle 119, in this embodiment an enclosed, flexible bag, is a planar
rectangular
member having a predetermined depth, in this embodiment of about 20 mm, such
that,
where filled with a viscous material 125, in this embodiment a resilient
skeletal foam
structure filled with a viscous medium, the upper, flexible member 121 of the
receptacle
119 simulates a ground surface, typically a turfed ground surface. In this
embodiment
the receptacle 119 is fabricated from a ruckable material, such that, when a
golfer hits a
"fat" shot, the flexible member 121 is rucked up, which rucking up, together
with the
action of the underlying viscous material 125, causes the speed of the club
head to be
slowed in the same manner as when hitting a "fat" shot on a turfed ground
surface.
In one embodiment the receptacle 119 is formed of a synthetic material,
preferably
polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In another embodiment the receptacle 119 can be
formed of a
rubberised material, preferably a rubber, and more preferably a synthetic
rubber. In a
preferred embodiment the receptacle 119 is formed of a resilient material.
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The receptacle 119 includes apertures 147, 149 at the ends thereof in which
the anchor
members 135, 137 on the body unit 117 are located to anchor the upper,
flexible member
121 of the receptacle 119.
In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 17, the skeletal foam structure
comprises an
open cell foam element in which the viscous medium is impregnated. In one
embodiment the skeletal foam structure can include an array of apertures, in
the manner
of perforations, in which the viscous medium is present.
In another embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1 ~, the skeletal foam
structure comprises
a closed cell foam which includes an array of apertures, in the manner of
perforations, in
which the viscous medium is present.
In one embodiment the viscous medium comprises a gel, for example, an aqueous
gel.
In a preferred embodiment the gel comprises a petroleum jelly. In an
alternative
embodiment the viscous medium could be a syrup, such as a corn syrup. In
another
alternative embodiment the viscous medium could be an oil, such as a silicone
oil.
The ball-receiving unit 127 comprises a frame 151, in this embodiment
rectangular in
shape, which is removably attached to the outer frame 129 of the body unit
117, and a
ball-receiving member 153 which is attached to the frame 151 and on which golf
balls to
be hit are located. In being removable, the ball-receiving unit 127 allows for
replacement when damaged, typically through wear.
In this embodiment the frame 151 comprises first and second frame parts 151a,
151b
between which the ball-receiving member 153 is clamped in a loose state.
In this embodiment the frame 151 includes a plurality of fixed outwardly-
extending
projections 155 on an outer side thereof in the direction of hitting which are
configured
to engage in corresponding ones of the apertures 131 in the outer side of the
outer frame
129 of the body unit 117, and a plurality of clips 157 on an inner side
thereof in the
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19
direction of hitting which are configured to engage with respective ones of
the apertures
133 in the inner side of the outer frame 129.
In this embodiment each clip 157 comprises a supporting member 159 which is
connected, here resiliently hinged, at one end to the upper, first frame part
151 a of the
frame 151, and supports an outwardly-extending projection 161 at the other,
free end
which engages a respective one of the apertures 133 in the inner side of the
outer frame
129, and a release element 163 on an outer surface thereof intermediate the
hinged
connection and the proj ection 161 which provides for release of the ball-
receiving unit
127, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
In this embodiment the release elements 163 each comprise an outwardly-
tapering
element which tapers outwardly in the direction from the hinged connection,
such that,
when sliding a releasing tool thereover, the supporting member 159 is
deflected
inwardly, releasing the respective projection 161 from the aperture 133 in the
inner side
of the outer frame 129 and enabling the removal of the ball-receiving unit
127.
In this embodiment the supporting member 159 includes a pair of recesses (not
illustrated) therein for receiving respective projections on a releasing tool
when the
releasing tool is fully inserted in the respective slot 134 in the outer frame
129, as
required to release the projections 161 from the respective apertures 133 in
the inner side
of the outer frame 129. Through the provision of the recesses, the releasing
tool engages
the frame 151 of the ball-receiving unit 127 to allow the frame 151 to be
hinged out of
the body unit 117, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
In this embodiment the ball-receiving member 153 is oversized such as to be
loose in the
frame 151 when not fitted, and, when the frame 151 is fitted to the body unit
117, be
tensioned by engagement with the peripheral flange 136 of the inner frame 135.
With
this configuration, the ball-receiving member 153 is not required to be
tensioned prior to
fitting of the frame 151.
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In one embodiment the upper surface of the ball-receiving member 153 can be a
smooth
surface. In an alternative embodiment the upper surface of the ball-receiving
member
153 can be a non-smooth surface, for example, a roughened or ribbed surface,
such as
grid-shaped ribs.
5
In this embodiment the ball-receiving unit 127 is fitted to the body unit 117
by locating
the fixed projections 155 on the outer side of the frame 151 in the apertures
131 in the
outer side of the outer frame 129 of the body unit 117, and hinging the ball-
receiving
unit 127 downwards to the body unit 117 such as to engage the clips 157 on the
inner
10 side of the frame 151 in the apertures 133 in the inner side of the outer
frame 129 of the
body unit 117.
As discussed hereinabove, in this embodiment the ball-receiving unit 127 is
released
from the body unit 117 by using a releasing tool.
Figures 19(a) to (d) illustrate a releasing tool 181 for use in releasing the
ball-receiving
unit 127 from the body unit 117, such as required for replacement.
The releasing tool 181 comprises a handling member 182, in this embodiment in
the
form of a bar, and a plurality of blade members 183 which are disposed in
spaced
relation along the length of the handling member 182 at such positions to fit
into the
slots 134 along the inner edge of the outer frame 129 of the body unit 117.
The blade members 183 are configured to engage the release elements 163 of the
respective clips 157 and have a thickness which is such that, on insertion
fully into the
slots 134 along the inner edge of the outer frame 129 of the body unit 117,
the
supporting members 159 of the clips 157 are deflected such that the
projections 161 are
released from the apertures 133 in the inner side of the outer frame 129 of
the body unit
117, allowing for the removal of the ball-receiving unit 127.
The blade members 183 include first and second pairs of projections 185, 187
on each of
the opposite sides thereof. Depending on the orient, ones of the pairs of
projections 185,
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21
187 engage in the pairs of recesses in the respective supporting members 159
of the clips
157. With this configuration, the releasing tool 181 engages the frame 151 of
the ball-
receiving unit 127 to allow the ball-receiving unit 127 to be hinged out of
the body unit
117.
In this embodiment the ball-receiving unit 127 is removed from the body unit
117 by
inserting the blade members 183 of the releasing tool 181 fully into
respective ones of
the slots 134 in the inner side of the outer frame 129 of the body unit 117,
subsequently
raising the releasing tool 181 to hinge the inner side of the ball-receiving
unit 127
upwards, and then releasing the fixed projections 155 on the outer side of the
frame 151
from the apertures 131 in the outer side of the outer frame 129 of the body
unit 117.
With this construction, when a golfer makes a good swing and hits a golf ball
with a
"clean" strike, the golf driving mat 103 reacts in the same manner as would a
natural
ground surface, as illustrated in Figure 20. I3owever, when a golfer makes a
poor swing
which is such as to cause the club head to hit the ball-receiving member 153
of the ball-
receiving unit 127 behind the golf ball, and hence the flexible member 121 of
the
receptacle 119, that is, hits the shot "fat", the flexible member 121, under
the reaction of
the viscous material 125, acts to cause the club head to dig into the golf
driving mat 103,
which causes the club head to be slowed down and make little or no contact
with the
golf ball, as illustrated in Figure 21.
By altering the thickness of the flexible member 121 of the receptacle 119 and
the ball-
receiving member 153 and the characteristics of the viscous material 125, the
golf driving
mat 103 can be configured to simulate different ground conditions, from firm
to heavy
turfed ground, and even sand bunkers. In this embodiment, a golfer is able to
select
between a plurality of different golf driving mats 103 which are
representative of
different ground conditions.
Figures 22 to 33 illustrate a golf driving mat system including a golf driving
mat in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
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22
The golf driving mat system comprises a base unit 201 on which a golfer stands
to hit a
golf shot, and a golf driving mat 203 which is provided to the base unit 201
and from
which golf balls are struck by a golfer.
The base unit 201 comprises a base 205 which is located on a ground surface,
and a
sheet 207 which is located on the base 205 and on which a golfer stands to hit
golf shots.
In this embodiment the base 205 comprises first and second interlocking base
parts 205a,
205b. In one embodiment a third interlocking base part can be disposed between
the
first and second base parts 205a, 205b to allow for the width of the mat
system to be
extended as required.
The base 205 includes a sheet recess 211 in which the sheet 207 is located,
and the sheet
207 includes a clearance aperture 215, in this embodiment of rectangular
shape, which is
located to one side of the sheet 207 through which the golf driving mat 203 is
presented.
The golf driving mat 203 comprises a body unit 217, in this embodiment
integrally
formed with the base 205, a receptacle 219 which is disposed within the body
unit 217
and includes an upper, flexible member 221, a lower member 222 and a cavity
223,
filled with a viscous material 225, therebetween, and an upper, ball-receiving
unit 227
which is disposed within the body unit 217 and over the flexible member 221 of
the
receptacle 219.
The body unit 217 includes an outer frame 229, in this embodiment rectangular
in shape,
to which the ball-receiving unit 227 is fastened. In this embodiment the
opposed sides
of the outer frame 229 in the direction of hitting each include a plurality of
apertures 231
spaced along the length thereof which receive counterpart clips 257 on the
ball-receiving
unit 227, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. In this embodiment
the
opposed sides of the outer frame 229 include vertical slots 234 in
registration with each
of the apertures 231, which slots 234 are provided to accommodate a releasing
tool, as
will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
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23
The body unit 217 further includes an inner frame 235, in this embodiment
rectangular
in shape and formed or a resilient material, which is located inwardly of the
outer frame
229 and defines an upstanding flange 236 which engages the ball-receiving
member 254
of the ball-receiving unit 227 in tensioning the same, as will be described in
more detail
hereinbelow.
The body unit 217 further includes anchor members 237, 239 at the opposed ends
thereof in the direction of hitting to which the receptacle 219 is fixed such
as to extend
the upper, flexible member 221 of the receptacle 219.
The body unit 217 further includes an impact element 241 which extends along
the
lower surface thereof in the direction of hitting, which impact element 241
acts to
provide an impact surface such that, should a golfer hit down through the
receptacle 219,
the golf club re-bounds from the impact element 241 without any significant
jarring. In
this embodiment the impact element 241 is formed of a rubberised material,
preferably a
rubber.
The body unit 217 further includes a support member 243 which is disposed
within the
inner frame 235 and includes a receptacle recess 245 in which the receptacle
219 is
located.
The receptacle 219, in this embodiment an enclosed, flexible bag, is a planar
rectangular
member having a predetermined depth, in this embodiment of about 20 mm, such
that,
where filled with a viscous material 225, in this embodiment a resilient
skeletal foam
structure filled with a viscous medium, the upper, flexible member 221 of the
receptacle
219 simulates a ground surface, typically a turfed ground surface. In this
embodiment
the receptacle 219 is fabricated from a ruckable material, such that, when a
golfer hits a
"fat" shot, the flexible member 221 is rucked up, which rucking up, together
with the
action of the underlying viscous material 225, causes the speed of the club
head to be
slowed in the same manner as when hitting a "fat" shot on a turfed ground
surface.
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24
In one embodiment the receptacle 219 is formed of a synthetic material,
preferably
polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In another embodiment the receptacle 219 can be
formed of~a
rubberised material, preferably a rubber, and more preferably a sylthetic
rubber. In a
preferred embodiment the receptacle 219 is formed of a resilient material.
The receptacle 219 includes apertures 247, 249 at the ends thereof in which
the anchor
members 237, 239 on the body unit 217 are located to anchor the upper,
flexible member
221 of the receptacle 219.
In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 30, the skeletal foam structure
comprises an
open cell foam element in which the viscous medium is impregnated. In one
embodiment the skeletal foam structure can include an array of apertures, in
the manner
of perforations, in which the viscous medium is present.
In another embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 31, the skeletal foam
structure comprises
a closed cell foam which includes an array of apertures, in the manner of
perforations, in
which the viscous medium is present.
In one embodiment the viscous medium comprises a gel, for example, an aqueous
gel.
In a preferred embodiment the gel comprises a petroleum jelly. In an
alternative
embodiment the viscous medium could be a syrup, such as a corn syrup. In
another
alternative embodiment the viscous medium could be an oil, such as a silicone
oil.
The ball-receiving unit 227 comprises a frame 251, in this embodiment
rectangular in
shape, which is removably attached to the outer frame 229 of the body unit
217, and a
ball-receiving member 254 which is attached to the frame 251 and on which golf
balls to
be hit are located. In being removable, the ball-receiving unit 227 allows for
replacement when damaged, typically through wear.
In this embodiment the frame 251 comprises a first, inner frame member 252 and
a
plurality of second, outer frame members 253a, 253b between which the ball-
receiving
member 254 is clamped in a loose state.
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W this embodiment the ones of the outer frame members 253a disposed to the
respective
sides of the frame 251 in the direction of hitting each include a clip 257,
which clips 257
are configured to engage in corresponding ones of the apertures 231 in the
outer sides of
5 the outer frame 229 of the body unit 217.
In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 32(a) and (b), the clip members
253a each
include a clip 257 which comprises a supporting member 259 which is connected,
here
resiliently hinged, at one upper end, and supports an outwardly-extending
projection 261
10 at the other, free end which engages a respective one of the apertures 231
in the opposed
sides of the outer frame 229 of the body unit 217, and a release element 263
on an outer
surface thereof intermediate the hinged connection and the proj ection 261
which
provides for release of the ball-receiving unit 227, as will be described in
more detail
hereinbelow.
In this embodiment the release elements 263 each comprise an outwardly-
tapering
element which tapers outwardly in the direction from the hinged connection,
such that,
when sliding a releasing tool thereover, the supporting member 259 is
deflected
inwardly, releasing the respective projection 261 from the aperture 231 in the
respective
side of the outer frame 229 of the body unit 217 and enabling the removal of
the ball-
receiving unit 227.
In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 32(a) and (b), the supporting
member 259
includes a pair of recesses 264 therein for receiving respective projections
on a releasing
tool when the releasing tool is fully inserted in the respective slot 234 in
the outer frame
229, as required to release the projections 261 from the apertures 231 in the
respective
side of the outer frame 229. Through the provision of the recesses 264, the
releasing
tool engages the frame 251 of the ball-receiving unit 227 to allow the frame
251 to be
hinged out of the body unit 217, as will be described in more detail
hereinbelow.
In this embodiment the ball-receiving member 254 is oversized such as to be
loose in the
frame 251 when not fitted, and, when the frame 251 is fitted to the body unit
217, be
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26
tensioned by engagement with the peripheral flange 236 of the inner frame 235.
With
this configuration, the ball-receiving member 254 is not required to be
tensioned prior to
fitting of the frame 251.
In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 33, the ball-receiving member 254
is a
spacer fabric as supplied by Scott & Fyfe, Tayport, Scotland, which comprises
a first,
lower fabric element 265, a second, upper fabric element 266 spaced from the
lower
fabric element 265 and a plurality of fibre elements 267, here monofilaments,
which
interconnect the first and second fabric elements 265, 266. In this embodiment
the upper
fabric element 266 is patterned, here as defined by a hexagonal weave. With
this
configuration, the fibre filaments 267 act to support a golf ball when the
upper fabric
element 266 is worn through.
In this embodiment the ball-receiving unit 227 is fitted to the body unit 217
by locating
the clips 257 on the respective outer sides of the frame 251 in the apertures
231 in the
respective outer sides of the outer frame 229 of the body unit 217.
As discussed hereinabove, in this embodiment the ball-receiving unit 227 is
released
from the body unit 217 by using a releasing tool.
Figures 34(a) to (d) illustrate a releasing tool 281 for use in releasing the
ball-receiving
unit 227 from the body unit 217, such as required for replacement.
The releasing tool 281 comprises a handling member 282, in this embodiment in
the
form of a bar, and a plurality of blade members 283 which are disposed in
spaced
relation along the length of the handling member 282 at such positions to fit
into the
slots 234 along the respective sides of the outer frame 229 of the body unit
217.
The blade members 283 are configured to engage the release elements 263 of the
respective clips 257 of the ball-receiving unit 227 and have a thickness which
is such
that, on insertion fully into the slots 234 along the respective sides of the
outer frame
229 of the body unit 217, the supporting members 259 of the clips 257 are
deflected
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27
such that the projections 261 are released from the apertures 231 in the
respective sides
of the outer frame 229 of the body unit 217, allowing for the removal of the
ball-
receiving unit 227.
The blade members 283 include first and second pairs of projections 285, 287
on each of
the opposite sides thereof. Depending on the orient, ones of the pairs of
projections 285,
287 engage in the pairs of recesses 264 in the respective supporting members
259 of the
clips 257. With this configuration, the releasing tool 281 engages the frame
251 of the
ball-receiving unit 227 to allow the ball-receiving unit 227 to be removed
from the body
unit 217.
In this embodiment the ball-receiving unit 227 is removed from the body unit
217 by
first inserting the blade members 283 of the releasing tool 281 fully into
respective ones
of the slots 234 in one side of the outer frame 229 of the body unit 217, and
subsequently inserting the blade members 283 of the releasing tool 281 fully
into
respective ones of the slots 234 in the other side of the outer frame 229 of
the body unit
217.
With this construction, when a golfer makes a good swing and hits a golf ball
with a
"clean" strike, the golf driving mat 203 reacts in the same manner as would a
natural
ground surface, as illustrated in Figure 35. However, when a golfer makes a
poor swing
which is such as to cause the club head to hit the ball-receiving member 254
of the ball-
receiving unit 227 behind the golf ball, and hence the flexible member 221 of
the
receptacle 219, that is, hits the shot "fat", the flexible member 221, under
the reaction of
the viscous material 225, acts to cause the club head to dig into the golf
driving mat 203,
which causes the club head to be slowed down and make little or no contact
with the
golf ball, as illustrated in Figure 36.
By altering the thickness of the flexible member 221 of the receptacle 219 and
the ball-
receiving member 254 and the characteristics of the viscous material 225, the
golf driving
mat 203 can be configured to simulate different ground conditions, from firm
to heavy
turfed ground, and even sand bunkers. In this embodiment, a golfer is able to
select
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28
between a plurality of different golf driving mats 203 which are
representative of
different ground conditions.
Finally, it will be understood that the present invention has been described
in its
preferred embodiments and can be modified in many different ways without
departing
from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
