Abstract:
A golf practice device that can be utilized for both practice as well as playing of one or more games. The golf practice device includes a base member adapted to be conformable and removably fixable to a ground surface, preferably utilizing securing elements included with the golf practice device. In a preferred embodiment, the base member is formed as a typical green on a golf course and can be a circle, oval, or non-geometric shape. In a further preferred embodiment, the base member includes indicia such as rings, lines, letters, numbers, symbols or the like, with rings being most preferred. The golf practice device further includes an aiming point such as a flagstick. The golf practice device of the present invention is foldable for storage when not in use and can be stored in a case which is relatively small and is designed to be easily carried in a standard golf bag.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to the field of golf aids and, more particularly, to a golf aid device that is used to practice target accuracy. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a base member that is substantially conformable to a ground surface, is foldable, and can be stored in a relatively small package or case and is thus easily portable, such as in a golf bag.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     A variety of golf practice aids for target accuracy are commercially available. These prior art aids generally consist of multiple components requiring time to assemble and disassemble before and after use. Additionally, the prior art aids are generally cumbersome should one desire to include and store them with other golf accessories in their golf bag. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved golf practice device that offers quick set-up and compact portability.  
         [0003]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,076 discloses a golf practice apparatus which reportedly includes a foldable target in a carrying case that is sized to receive the folded target for transportation. The target has a base portion with the flag pole extending from the base portion. A plurality of arms is foldably connected to the base portion at a plurality of points. A flexible target area extends between the arms to form a surface onto which golf balls may be hit. The case has a main compartment sized to receive the folded target. A handle is coupled to the case to assist in transporting the case. A number of secondary compartments including a stake compartment and a ball compartment may be used to carry stakes and balls with a case.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,114 discloses an apparatus for collecting golf balls comprising a collection assembly having a canopy and a collection net selectively movable between an open position and a collapsed position. In design, the canopy is formed of a material having an outer radial portion engaging the distal ends of a plurality of support ribs. Similarly, the collection net has an outer radial portion engaging the distal ends of said support ribs such that the collection net is generally suspended in relation to an interior surface of the canopy. The collection net is preferably formed of a material capable of absorbing the impact of at least one projectile (e.g., golf ball) and distributing the impact force of the projectile through at least a section of the body of the collection net. An elongated shaft supportably engages the plurality of support ribs, thereby supporting the collection assembly. Operatively moveable in relation to the elongated shaft is an actuating assembly for selectively positioning the collection assembly between the open and collapsed positions. To support the collection assembly in the open position elative to an underlying surface, a support member is attached at the first end of the elongated shaft. A flag is also provided to serve as a visual target to a user when chipping and/or pitching into the collection assembly of the present invention.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,621 discloses a kit reportedly for use in practicing golf, comprising a putting target set, a lag putting target set, a chipping target set, and a general iron play target set. Each of the targets has a first substantially planar surface and second highly visible, substantially planar surface opposite and substantially parallel to the first substantially planar surface. The first substantially planar surface has a first surface area adapted to rest on a supporting surface, such as the ground, and the second substantially planar surface has a second surface area sufficient to carry at least a portion of a golf ball thereon when the first substantially planar surface rests on the supporting surface. Each of the targets is made of a material adapted to substantially conform to the supporting surface when the first surface rests on the supporting surface. Also, the overall sizes of targets in each of the sets are preferably different from each other. At least some of the targets include a plurality of eyelets having a size sufficient to receive a golf tee or golf ball marker to secure the targets to the ground. The targets in the lag putting kit also include substantially C-shaped cuts at their respective/centers, which form flap portions that can be received in a standard golf hole. One of the targets in the general iron play set may include a drawstring which enables that target to reportedly function as a carry sack to carry the remainder of the targets.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,590 discloses a scoring overlay in the form of a target and a system for reportedly improving golf putting. The overlay is designed for use after a golf putt to provide a score based on the position of the ball relative to the hole. The center of the overlay is placed over the hole on the golf green, and the overlay is oriented based on the direction from which the putt was made. A score is awarded based on the position of the ball on the overlay. Scores are based on how close the ball is to the hole; however, a higher score is awarded for a ball a given distance from the hole that was hit hard enough to reach or pass the hole than for a ball equally distant from the hole that was not hit hard enough to reach the hole. Similarly, lower scores are provided for golf balls hit off line from center, either far to the right or far to the left. This disclosure also includes a method for reportedly improving putting through a game using the overlay.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     According to one aspect of the invention, the golf practice device can be utilized for both practice as well as playing of one or more games. The golf practice device includes a base member adapted to be conformable and removably fixable to a ground surface, preferably utilizing securing elements included with the golf practice device. In a preferred embodiment, the base member is formed as a typical green on a golf course and can be a circle, oval, or non-geometric shape. In a further preferred embodiment, the base member includes indicia such as rings, lines, letters, numbers, symbols or the like, with rings being most preferred. The rings serve to divide the base member into various fields of accuracy from a center or target area. The golf practice device further includes an aiming point such as a flagstick. The flagstick includes a plurality of elongated preferably cylindrical segments and one or more connectors to connect the segments together. The golf practice device of the present invention is foldable for storage when not in use and can be stored in a case which is relatively small and is designed to be easily carried in a standard golf bag.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]     The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent by reading the detailed description of the invention, taken together with the drawings, wherein:  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a golfer relative to one embodiment of the practice device according to the present invention;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a partial perspective exploded view of one embodiment for securing the base member to a ground surface;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a partial perspective exploded view of an alternative embodiment for securing the base member to a ground surface;  
         [0012]      FIGS. 4A through 4C  are perspective views of a practice device illustrating an example method in which the device is folded for storage;  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example packing method of the kit within a portable case; and  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view illustrating an alternate packing assembly of the device of the invention in a portable case. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     This description of preferred embodiments is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, corresponding reference numbers are used throughout to identify the same or functionally similar elements. Relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not intended to require a particular orientation unless specifically stated as such. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.  
         [0016]     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, the golf practice device  10  relates to a golf game and practice kit in which multiple players can compete amongst each other or individuals practice their golfing skills, such as putting, chipping, or the like. The invention includes a base member  11  that is adapted to be affixed to a ground surface. The upper surface of base member  11  features indicia  12 , graphic rings as illustrated, designating fields of accuracy to target area  19 . A multi-piece flagstick  30  that breaks down into easily stored pieces passes through the center of the base member  11  and can be secured in ground surface  20 . A flag  34  is included and can be secured to the top end of flagstick  30 . Markers  36  in the kit provide a means of designating measured distances from the material. Base member  11  is constructed so that it can be folded, rolled and inserted within a case  50 , such as a tote sleeve, along with all other components of the device for compact storage and portability.  
         [0017]     In one embodiment of the invention, the golf practice device  10  includes a base member  11  preferably constructed of a material that can be woven, or non-woven, natural or synthetic, or combinations thereof, such as nylon, polyester, cotton, a polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene or the like, vinyl, tyvek, canvas, mesh netting or any other material suitable in providing the functionality as described herein. In one embodiment, base member  11  is constructed of a material which simulates the feel or other characteristics of a typical golf green. Although the base member  11  is illustrated in the shape of a circle, the general profile can be any one of a multitude of different geometric or non-geometric shapes to include, but not limited to, a square, triangle, hexagon, oval, etc. Edges of the base member  11  are preferably finish stitched or heat sealed, or the like as known to one of ordinary skill in the art, if the material characteristics permit, to prevent undesirable fraying of the edges. While the base member  11  can generally be any length or width, the base material length ranges generally from about 1 to about 10 feet, and preferably from about 3 to about 5 feet, and has a width of generally from about 1 to about 10 feet and preferably from about 3 to about 5 feet. As stated hereinabove, the base member is preferably circular and has a diameter generally of about 2 to about 10 feet, and preferably from about 3 to about 5 feet.  
         [0018]     In one embodiment, the upper surface  13  of base member  11  includes indicia  12 , such as rings, lines, letters, numbers, symbols, or the like.  FIGS. 1, 2  and  3  illustrate graphic rings which are preferably a different color than base member  11  material. The graphic rings, as illustrated, divide the base member into fields of accuracy to predetermined distances from target area  19  such as at about 6 inch or 1 foot intervals.  
         [0019]     Base member  11  is desirably attached to a ground surface  20  utilizing one or more securing elements  18 . The examples of suitable securing elements  18  include, but are not limited to, a golf tee, a nail, a screw, a stake, or the like. The preferred securing element includes a post which can be driven into the ground and a head which cannot pass through orifice  14  of base member  11 . In order to removably attach base member  11  to ground surface  20 , one or more apertures or orifices  14  are present on base member  11  at any desired location. In a preferred embodiment, orifices  14  are placed in base member  11  at spaced distances around the periphery thereof generally within the outside edge  16 . In one embodiment, orifice  14  is a buttonhole, preferably reinforced, of appropriate size such that a golf tee or other securing element  18  cannot pass completely therethrough. In order to secure the base member to ground surface  20 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the securing element is pushed through orifice  14  from the upper surface thereof into the ground. It is also illustrated in  FIG. 2  that securing element  18  has a head portion which cannot fit through aperture and, therefore, maintains the base member  11  removably connected to ground surface  20 . The base member  11  is preferably free of rigid members such as arms, links, or the like which could possibly interfere with movement of ball  41  across the upper surface  13  thereof. Accordingly, the base member  11  preferably simulates the surface of a golf green.  
         [0020]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an alternate embodiment to the affixing detail in  FIG. 2  is shown. In this embodiment, orifice  14  includes a grommet  22 . The grommet  22  includes an eyelet having a top  24  and bottom  26  that is placed and is sized such that a head of securing element  18  cannot pass through. As with the apertures  14 , the grommets are spaced apart from each other around the periphery of the outside edge  16 .  
         [0021]     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the base member  11  is also constructed to accommodate and allow a preferably multi-piece flagstick  30  to pass through an aperture of target area  19 . In one embodiment the flagstick is a single piece flagstick, but is preferably comprised of cylindrical segments  31  and connectors  32 . Cylindrical segments  31  are preferably elongated, having substantially any desired length, and can be solid or hollow, or a combination thereof. Any number of cylindrical segments  31  can be utilized, but preferably the flagstick  30  includes a number of cylindrical segments and connectors  31  and  32  respectively in order to give the flagstick  30  a height of generally from about 6 to about 60 inches, and preferably from about 36 to about 48 inches. Connectors  32  are generally formed as a tube so that cylindrical segments fit, preferably snugly, within the aperture of the tube connectors  32 . Individual cylindrical segments  31  have a length generally of about 6 to about 48 inches, desirably from about 8 to about 36 inches, and preferably from about 10 to about 12 or about 18 inches. Cylindrical segments  31  can be constructed generally of any materials, such as wood, metal, or polymers, such as fiberglass, polystyrene, ABS, polycarbonate, polyolefin, acetal, nylon or the like, with fiberglass being preferred. Connectors  32  are preferably made of a resilient material or elastomer, but can likewise be formed from wood, metal or polymer, such as described hereinabove with respect to cylindrical segments. In a preferred embodiment, connectors  32  are formed of nylon. The inside diameter of connector  32  aperture is sized to provide a fitted assembly with the outer diameter of cylindrical segments  31 . Flagstick  30  preferably includes a flag  34  comprising pocket  36  having an opening at one end into which a portion of a cylindrical segment  31  can be inserted. In a preferred embodiment, the flagstick comprises from about 2 to about 6 cylindrical segments and from 1 to about 4 connectors. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical segments include a first end having a projection and a second end with a recess capable of accepting a projection of another cylindrical segment.  
         [0022]     The golf practice device  10  additionally includes one or more markers  36 . Markers  36  are preferably constructed from the same material as cylindrical segments  31  and flagstick  30 . Markers  36  can be the same or different colors and provide means to mark off distances of play from the base member  11 . A golfer  40 , or a group of golfers can consistently return to the desired distance of practice or competition within the field of play  20 , to again practice or compete hitting golf balls  41  closest to target area  19  or “hole” indicated by flagstick  30 .  
         [0023]     Golf practice device  10  of the present invention in a preferred embodiment includes a storage case  50  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , which allows device  10  to be easily portable and even stored in a golf bag of the user when not in use, if desired.  FIGS. 4A through 4C  illustrate one method for preparing base member  11  for storage within case  50 . In this embodiment, the base member  11  is folded along pleats  42  which can be created at manufacture to aid the user fold and roll the golf practice device  10  for storage. As illustrated in the Figures, it is preferred that the outer portions of the material are folded a first time and yet again until the construction at  FIG. 4C  is attained. In a further embodiment, base member  11  is free of pleats and is rolled into a cylinder such as shown in  FIG. 5  before insertion into case  50 .  
         [0024]     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the folded base member from  FIG. 4C  or the unfolded base member  11  itself can be rolled in a preferably snug manner into a substantially cylindrical roll. The rolled or folded base member is placed in storage case  50  such as a bag, container, pouch, or the like preferably having a resealable opening at one end which can removably receive the remaining components of golf practice device  10  for storage therein. Case  50  is sized as appropriate to accommodate or house the remaining components of the golf practice device including, but not limited to, base member  11 , securing elements  18 , and flagstick  30 . In one embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , flag  34  can be rolled around group&#39;s cylindrical segments  31  and markers  36 . This group of components along with connectors  32  can be situated adjacent to base member  11  in case  50 . In one embodiment, case  50  includes two separate compartments formed utilizing a piece of material running the length of the interior of the case where in one side, the base member  11  is placed, and in the other side, the remaining components are stored. As stated hereinabove, case  50  preferably includes an end closure  54 , such as a zipper or drawstring, or the like as illustrated in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0025]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an alternative embodiment to construction of the golf practice device  10  and a packing method is shown. The base member  11  includes a storage flap portion  56  that is connected to and extends outward from a portion of base member  11  such as shown in  FIG. 6 , preferably in line with the aforementioned pleats  42 , if present. The flap portion  56  features a pocket  58  that is sized such to accommodate the aforementioned components of device  10  of the present invention. During use, flap portion  56  and pocket  58  can be folded underneath base member  11 , and maintained by securing elements  18 . In this manner, storage flap portion  56  is hidden from view and does not interfere with use of the remaining members of device  10  such as base member  11  during a game or practice session. In one embodiment, the device can be folded for storage within storage flap portion  56  as follows.  
         [0026]     Base member  11  is folded such as at pleats  42  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , so that the base member has a length narrower than the length of pocket  58 . An end portion of base member  11  opposite storage flap portion  56  is rolled toward storage flap portion  56 . The remaining portions of device  10 , such as cylindrical segments  31 , connectors  32  and flag  34  can also be rolled into base member  11  if desired. The components of device  10  are positioned within storage flap portion  56  and pocket  58  and can be secured by end closure  62 . In this manner, device  10  of the present invention is easily portable from one location to another.  
         [0027]     In accordance with the patent statutes, the best mode and preferred embodiment have been set forth; the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached claims.