Golf practice apparatus and method

A golf practicing apparatus is provided which includes a club with a latch member. A target is provided which is held by a mount. When the golf club is swung in a predetermined manner, the target is released from the mount and is connected with the golf club.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention is apparatuses for practicing golf and, more particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus utilized to reinforce the fundamentals of the swing of a wood or iron golf club.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To develop a consistent golf swing many fundamentals must be learned some of which include the following. The golf club must be swung along a correct swing plane that is an imaginary circular path that is parallel to the target line. The target line is a line from the golf ball to the flag or desired target point. The golf club must strike the ball with the leading edge of the clubface perpendicular to, or at a ninety-degree angle to the target line. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an apparatus that reinforces the aforementioned fundamentals by which a golfer can use to practice developing a consistent golf swing. Additionally, during inclement weather or seasonal weather conditions, it is desirable to provide an apparatus with which one can practice golf swing fundamentals year round in an indoor setting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus meeting the above noted desires in a manner that is an alternative to those revealed prior.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first hosel-clamping link or member10and a second hosel-clamping link or member20are provided in the embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 4. A top edge view (FIG. 4) of the first and the second hosel-clamping member show said hosel-clamping members10and20having a first pair2and a second pair4of coplanar edges. The opposing ends of the first and second pair of edges2and4respectively connect with a first curved edge3and a second curved edge5(FIG. 4). The first and second curved edges3and5has a radius R1with a horizontal coordinate midway between the outside extreme ends of said first and second pair of edges2and4. As depicted inFIG. 4, the vertical coordinate of the radius R1is outside of the longitudinal horizontal axis coincident with said first and second pair of edges2and4, respectively.

A top front view (FIG. 5) of the first hosel-clamping member10shows a left planar surface6and a right planar surface8. The left and right planar surfaces6and8of said first hosel-clamping member10each have a bore9. The location of the bore center on its respective planar surface is coincident with the intersection of diagonal lines connecting the corners specific to said left and right planar surfaces (FIG. 5). The bore diameters are sufficiently larger than the diameter of a ¼×20 thread pitch screw fastener thus providing sufficient clearance to receive said fastener (FIGS. 1 and 6).

A top front view (FIG. 5) of the second hosel-clamping member20shows a left planar surface11and a right planar surface12. The left planar surface11has an edge that extends below a projected line L1extending form a bottom edge15that intersects perpendicularly with a side edge17of said second hosel-clamping member. As shown inFIG. 1d, the left planar surface11has an upper bore13and a lower bore14. In the embodiment of the present invention the aforementioned bores each have an axis that is perpendicular with its respective planar surface. The upper bore13, center is coincident with the intersection of diagonal lines one of which has a point that intersects with a corner created by the intersection of extension line L1from bottom edge15to an edge18. The second diagonal line intersects a corner defined by the intersection of said extension line L1with edge17. The right planer surface12has a bore19with its center coincident with the intersection of diagonal lines connecting the corners of said planar surface12(FIG. 5). The bore diameters13and19of the second hosel-clamping member in the embodiment of the present invention are threaded with ¼×20 pitch threads. The center of the lower bore14is coincident with a vertical longitudinal axis that intersects with the center of the upper bore13(FIG. 5). The lower bore in the embodiment of the present invention is sufficiently large to provide clearance with a 10×32-thread pitch screw fastener (FIG. 1).

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, a removable L-shaped planar link or extension arm35is provided that attaches to a surface11of the second hosel-clamping member20. The extension arm35has a first straight section30and a second straight section31. The first and second straight sections30and31meet at a corner33having an obtuse angle A1that matches the lie-angle of a specific iron-golf club (FIG. 3). Accordingly, the section31is positioned adjacent to a face of the golf club. The first straight section30has an upper bore37that is not threaded and a lower bore39that have threads. The upper bore diameter in the embodiment of the present invention is sufficiently large to provide clearance with a ¼×20-thread pitch screw fastener (FIG. 1). The lower bore39has a smaller diameter that is threaded to receive a 10×32-thread pitch screw fastener (FIG. 1). The first and the second straight sections30and31form an angle A2about an imaginary line L2extending from a top edge40of the second straight section31(FIG. 2). The angle A2matches the loft angle of an iron-golf club and aligns the first straight section30parallel with the hosel when a rear face32(FIG. 3) of the second straight section31is resting against the clubface (FIG. 1). The length of the first straight section30is sufficiently long such that upon assembly onto an iron-golf club a bottom edge42(FIG. 1) is sufficiently close to the bottom or heel of the golf club. A top edge40of the second straight section31is parallel with groove lines commonly found in said clubface (FIG. 1). As shown inFIG. 2, a dowel45projects form the second straight section31of the extension arm35. The dowel45, location is such that its centerline coincides with the centerline of the clubface when the extension arm35and hosel-clamping members10and20are attached to an iron-golf club (FIG. 1). The hosel-clamping members and the extension arm in the embodiment of the present invention are formed using a low carbon flat stock steel 0.100-inch thick.

Referring toFIG. 1, a spherical knob50latch member is provided having a blind bore (not shown) that permit the spherical knob to be pressed onto the extreme end of the dowel45. The spherical knob50functions as an impact head as well as a target-hooking device given that its diameter is twice as large as that of the ¼-inch diameter dowel45.

Referring toFIG. 18a, a practice target150is provided. The practice target150is a planar member that is typically fabricated from polymeric or other suitable materials. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the practice target is made of an Ultra-High Molecular Weight (UHMW) polyethylene material having a thickness range of 0.085-0.135 inch. The practice target150has a width152slightly narrower than an inside dimension between a left-side face202and a right-side face204, of a target-mount rigid-frame member200(FIG. 14). A length154of the practice target is determined by the location of a lower aperture156relative to the top surface of a turf mat520. The lower aperture156is provided to receive the forward projecting portion of the dowel45and spherical knob50. The lower aperture156opens to or connects with an upper aperture158. The width of the upper aperture158equals the diameter of the dowel45. An optional straight slit144is located below the lower aperture156. The slit144is perpendicular with and bisected by the practice target longitudinal axis of symmetry. An optional semi-circular slit142is located below the straight slit144. The semi-circular slit142is also bisected by the practice target longitudinal axis of symmetry. The purpose of each slit is to increase a thicker practice target's range of flexibility and thus provides more forward bending after said thicker target was struck by a practice golf club. InFIG. 18, a thinner practice target190is shown without slits and having different lower aperture sizes. The greater the skill level, the smaller the lower aperture size.

Referring toFIGS. 12,13and14, a target-mount rigid-frame member200, a target-clamping screw205and a clamp-backing plate300are provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Symmetrical features of the rigid-frame member and the clamp-backing plate are given the same numerical reference. The target-mount rigid-frame member has a front face207, which is perpendicular with its left-side face202and right-side face204. A flange210extends perpendicularly from each side202and204. A bottom edge211of each flange210is coplanar with a bottom edge212of the side face and front face. The front face207has a bore threaded with ⅝×11-pitch threads (not shown) that receives a ⅝×11-thread pitch target-clamping screw205. The target-clamping screw205has a short length of threads203and a 1 inch diameter knob206having a knurled surface (FIG. 12). Referring toFIG. 20, the knurled knob206has a bore (not shown) that is provided to receive a swivel-torque handle275. The two flanges210each have a ¼ in. diameter bore215. The clamp-backing plate300also has two flanges310each having a ¼ inch diameter bore315. The bore centers of the clamp-backing plate and the target-mount rigid-frame member are spaced an equal distance apart. The bore centers are aligned during assembly upon which they receive a fastener410to mount them securely to a front face of a plywood swing-platform base500. The clamp-backing plate300has a ¼ inch polymeric rubber pad that is adhered to a front face307of said clamp-backing plate. A practice target150or190is inserted into the target-mount rigid-frame member between the friction pad and the leading front face of the target-clamping screw. The target-clamping screw205is tightened against a practice target using the swivel-torque handle275thus compressing the practice target against the friction pad. A thin nut201(FIG. 12) is provided that acts as a stop against the front face207of the rigid-frame member and can be adjusted to allow a preset clamp load against a practice target. The bearing area of the target-clamping screw against a practice target is a diametric area160(shown shaded inFIG. 18a).

Referring toFIGS. 19 and 20, a pair of ‘dummy’ targets170are provided one of which is mounted on either side of a practice target. In the embodiment of the present invention, each of the three targets is planar and all targets can be made from the same material. The targets in the embodiment of the present invention are made from Ultra-High Molecular Weight (UHMW) polyethylene sheets. Unlike the practice target which is stationary, the ‘dummy’ targets are free to rotate downward facilitated by a slot172located a short distance from a bottom edge174of said ‘dummy’ target (FIG. 19). A curved-target mount600has a curved section605that is tangent with a straight section607. The slot172within the ‘dummy’ target loops onto the curved section605thus following its contour as it pivots downward when struck by a practice club. The bottom edge174of the ‘dummy’ target contacts an inside surface609of the curved-target mount600near the tangent of the curved and straight sections of said curved-target mount when said ‘dummy’ target rear face177is resting against a front face521of a turf mat520(FIG. 20). The vertical length of the ‘dummy’ targets is sufficiently tall such that a top edge179is well above a top surface525of the turf mat520. The two lines of contact between the bottom edge174of the ‘dummy’ target and the line contact said ‘dummy’ target makes with the turf mat520is spaced apart such that the ‘dummy’ target leans rearward. The straight section607of the curved-target mount600has a pair of bores610near an extreme edge612(FIG. 19). The bores610receives fasteners (not shown) to securely attach a curved-target mount600to the bottom surface of the swing-platform base500.

In an embodiment of the present inventive practice golf club a polymer club head700is provided as shown inFIGS. 7,8,9and10. Referring toFIG. 10, the polymer golf-club head700has a hosel705of which a longitudinal blind bore710is concentric. The polymer club head has a front face715having a lower bore717near a bottom edge719and an upper bore721whose center align with that of the lower bore717. The upper bore721has a concentric counter bore723. The lower and upper bores717and721respectively opens to a rear face716of the polymer club head. The rear face716and the hosel705are parallel. Conversely, the front face715and the hosel intersect at an angle matching the lie angle of a golf club. The rear face716of the polymer club head700has a large counter bore725concentric with upper bore721. The lower bore717diameter is slightly less than one-quarter of an inch. A short dowel45is pressed into the lower bore717and extends forward from the front face715of the polymer club head700. The longitudinal axis of the dowel45is perpendicular with the rear face716of the polymer club head700. The extreme end of the dowel45projecting from the club head's front face receives a spherical knob50. The spherical knob50has a blind bore with a diameter slightly less than that of the dowel45to provide an interference fit with said dowel45. A dimension D1(not shown) between the polymer club-head front face715and a lower apex51of the spherical knob50is slightly greater than the maximum thickness of a practice target. The diameter of upper bore721is slightly greater than the diameter of a ¼×20-thread pitch fastener800. The diameter of the front face counter bore723is sufficiently large to receive a head802of the fastener800such that said head is below the surface of front face715(FIG. 7). The diameter of the rear face716counter bore725is sufficient large to receive a thin disk803having a ¼-inch diameter center bore805(FIG. 11). The ¼×20-thread pitch fastener800is sufficiently long such that a significant portion810extends beyond the rear face716of the polymer club head700to support multiple disks803, which adds weight to an inherently lightweight polymer club head. An alternative embodiment of the preferred inventive weighted polymer club head includes a single thicker disk820having a mass equivalent to numerous thin disks803. The single disk also has a ¼-inch diameter center bore822that receive the extended part810of fastener800. Disks are held to the polymer club head using a lock washer807and a wing nut809(FIG. 9). A standard golf club shaft100can be inserted into the bore710within the hosel705and secured with epoxy (FIG. 9).

Referring toFIGS. 15,16and17, a section of ¾-inch plywood530is attached to the top surface of the swing-platform base500. The plywood section530has an edge532the length of which equals the width of the turf mat520. When attached to the top surface of the swing-platform base500, the edge532of the plywood section530butts up against a rear edge523of the turf mat520. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a left-foot standing platform560and a right-foot standing platform565is attached to the swing-platform base500. The left-foot standing platform560is provided with a left-hand and a right-hand latch mechanism551and552, respectively. At an extreme end of the left and right-hand latch mechanism, a bore (not shown) is provided which allows said latch mechanisms to be pivotally attached to a side face555and556near diagonal corners of the left-foot standing platform550. The right-foot standing platform565has a non-pivotal, ninety-degree angle, latch553attached to a side557near a corner558of said right-foot standing platform. The left-hand latch mechanism551has an opened-ended slot571at an extreme end that pivotally engages a hanger bolt (not shown) perpendicularly projecting from a rear face559of the swing-platform base when a front edge561of the left-foot standing platform560butts up against a side edge529of the swing-platform base500. Likewise, the angled latch mechanism553and the right-hand latch mechanism552have an open-ended slot572and573, respectively. The slot572first engages a projecting portion of a hanger bolt574near a corner575of the swing-platform base500after which the slot573pivotally engages a projecting portion of a hanger bolt576pulling together edges577and578of the left and right-foot standing platforms, respectively (FIG. 15) The extreme end of each projecting hanger bolt have threaded thereon a nut (not shown) the inside face of which provides a gap (not shown) with the opposing face of which the hanger bolt extends. The gap width dimension is slightly greater than the thickness of the latch mechanisms it receives. Referring toFIG. 16, in an alternate embodiment of the preferred invention a single standing platform590connects with the swing-platform base500using an angle pivoting latching mechanism (not shown). The top surfaces of the swing-platform base and the standing platforms are covered with carpet900.

Referring toFIG. 21, a stationary target-holder is provided, consisting of a fixed target-holder frame1010, a fixed target-clamp plate1025, and a cam actuated target-clamp mechanism1035. The fixed target-holder frame1010has a front vertical part1011that is perpendicular with two opposing side parts, a left-side part1012and a right-side part1013. The left and right side parts,1012and1013, respectively, bend outwardly to form two coplanar front vertical parts, a left-front vertical part1014, and a right-front vertical part1015, that offset with the front vertical part1011. The planar area of the left-front and right-front vertical parts1014and1015, respectively, each has a centrally located tapered bore1016. The opposing left-side part1012and right-side part1013of the fixed target-holder frame1010has a slot1017that intersects with a top edge1018of said left and right side parts,1012and1013, respectively. The slots1017have a semi-circular bottom1020that becomes a fulcrum about which the cam actuated target-clamping mechanism1035is rotated.

Referring toFIG. 21, the inventive stationary target-holder, fixed target-clamp plate1025has a pair of bores1026. The fixed target-clamp plate1025has a bottom horizontal part1027that forms a ninety-degree angle adjacent with a vertical front part1028. A friction pad1045, made from a ¼-inch thick neoprene material, has a rear side1044that is adhered to a front side of the vertical part1028of the fixed target-clamp plate1025. The bottom horizontal part1027of the fixed target-clamp plate1025is planar and has a length equal to a length of the friction pad1045. The bottom horizontal part1027widthwise extends beyond a front side1043of the friction pad1045.

Referring toFIGS. 21,22,22aand23b, the inventive cam actuated target-clamp mechanism1035, of the stationary target-holder mechanism, has a pivot rod1050, having a circular cross section. An extreme end1051of the pivot rod1050is threaded with ¼×20 pitch threads, and an opposite extreme end1054is not threaded. A middle section1052of the pivot rod1050has spline-like projections1053about the circumference of said pivot rod1050. The pivot rod1050is sufficiently long and extends beyond a left side1094and right side1096of a swing-platform base1095. The circular bar1065, made from a polymeric material, is pressed onto the pivot rod1050. The circular bar1065has a longitudinal bore1064that has a center1063that is eccentric with a symmetrical axis1066of the circular bar1065. The spline-like projection1053of the pivot rod1050prevents the circular bar1065from rotating about the pivot rod1050.

Referring toFIG. 22, the inventive cam actuated target-clamp mechanism1035, of the stationary target-holder, has a left and a right pivot arm1075, that is approximately ¾-inch wide and 2.5-inches long. The pivot arm1075has a pair of bores1076, and a third bore1077. The pair of bores1076and the third bore1077have centers that are concentric and coaxial with a longitudinal symmetrical axis of the pivot arm1075. The third bore1077is located near an edge1078of the pivot arm1075.

Referring toFIGS. 21,22and24, the fixed target-holder frame1010, the fixed target-clamp plate1025and the cam actuated target-clamp mechanism1035are assembled to a front side1097of the swing-platform base1095, midway between the left side1094and the right side1096of said swing-platform base1095. The fixed target-clamp plate1025and the fixed target-holder frame1010are attached to the front side1097of the swing-platform base1095by means of a screw fastener1098inserted through the aligned bores1016and1026of said target-holder frame1010and said target-clamp plate1025, respectively. The cam assembly1067, left side1061and right side1062, fit between the left and right side parts1012and1013, respectively, of the fixed target-holder frame1010. The cam assembly1067is thereby supported on semi-circular fulcrum1020of slots1017. The extreme end1051and1054of the pivot rod1050extend beyond the left side1094and right side1096of the swing-platform base1095where said extreme ends1051and1054are received by the third bore1077of a pivot arm1075. The bores1076within the pivot arm1075are received by a pair of hanger bolts1099extending perpendicularly from the left and right sides1094and1096, respectively, of the swing-platform base1095. The pivot arms1075are subsequently secured against the respective sides of the swing-platform base1095with a nut screw fastener1100.

Referring toFIGS. 25aand25b, the inventive cam actuated target-clamp mechanism, of the stationary target-holder mechanism, has a steel cam lever1110, ⅛-inch thick by one-inch wide, that is screwed onto the threaded end1051of the pivot rod1050. The cam lever1110has a bore1111at a bottom edge1109. The bore1111is threaded with ¼×20-pitch threads and said bore center is perpendicular and concentric with a longitudinal axis of the cam lever1110. The cam lever1110other extreme end is covered with a cap1107made from a vinyl material or other suitable materials. The cam lever1110is prevented from rotating about the pivot rod1050with a pair of nut fastener1115that sequentially locks against a front side1113and a rear side1114of the cam lever1110. Referring toFIG. 23a, when the cam lever1110is rotated counter clockwise to a vertical upright position a practice target1265can be inserted into the fixed target-holder frame1010between the friction pad1045and the cam1065of the cam actuated target-clamp mechanism. The cam lever1110is then rotated clockwise to a horizontal position,FIG. 23b, thereby rotating the cam1065against the practice target1265frontal surface thus compressing said practice target1265against a front side1046the friction pad1045. The target1265is now frictionally held in position adjacent a lower end of the target1265.

Referring toFIGS. 25aand25b, cam lever1110of the inventive cam actuated target-clamp mechanism connects with a latch1120. The latch1120has a first straight part1121, a second straight part1122and a third straight part1123. The first straight part1121and the third straight part1123are parallel and form a ninety-degree angle with the second straight part1122. The first straight part1121has a pair of bores1124, the center of which are coaxial and concentric with a symmetrical longitudinal axis of said first straight part1121. The inside distance between the first part1121and second part1122is sufficiently wide to contain the width of the cam lever1110.

Referring toFIGS. 26 and 27, a vertically pivoting target-holder mechanism1300, comprises a pivoting target-holder frame1160, and a cam actuated target-clamp mechanism1185. The pivoting target-holder frame1160has a vertical front part1161that is perpendicular with two opposing side parts, a left-side part1162, and a right-side part1163. The vertical front part1161of the pivoting target-holder frame1160is also perpendicular with a forward projecting bottom horizontal part1164. Likewise, the vertical front part1161is perpendicular with a rearward projecting top horizontal part1166of the pivoting target-holder frame1160. The left-side part1162and the right-side part1163, each has a bore1167and1168, respectively. The rearward projecting top horizontal part1166of the pivoting target-holder frame1160also has a bore1169.

Referring toFIG. 26, the rectangular friction pad1045rear face is adhered to the vertical front part1161of the pivoting target-holder frame1160. In the embodiment of the inventive vertically pivoting target-holder mechanism1300, a pivot arm1171has a pivot bore1172and a pair of bores1173of which a pair of screw fasteners1174are received to mount said pivot arm1171to a top surface1097of the swing-platform base1095. The pivot bore1172, of the pivot arm1171, receives a pivot pin1175of which an extreme end has a head1176and another extreme end1177is threaded. The pivot pin1175assembles initially through the bore1169of the rearward projecting horizontal top part1166of the pivoting target-holder frame1160and secondly through the pivot bore1172of the pivot arm1171. A nut fastener1178is provided to complete the assembly of the vertically pivoting target-holder mechanism1300.

Referring toFIGS. 26 and 27, the inventive cam actuated target-clamp mechanism1185, of the vertically pivoting target-holder mechanism1300, has a pivot rod1180having a short length of ¼×20 pitch threads at both extreme ends. The previously described circular bar1065is used for assembly onto the short pivot rod1180. The spline-like projections1181of the pivot rod1180provides a tight fit with the bore1064of the circular bar1065, thus preventing said circular bar1065from rotating about said pivot rod1180. In the present embodiment of the vertically pivoting target-holder mechanism1300, the inventive cam actuated target-clamp mechanism1185has a first nut1182that is welded to a left outside face1170of the pivoting target-holder frame1160after said first nut1182is threaded onto the pivot rod1180. A second and a third nut1183and1184, respectively, are threaded onto a right extreme end1186of the pivot rod1180. The third nut1184is welded onto the extreme end1186of the pivot rod1180.

Referring toFIGS. 28 and 29, an alternate embodiment of a vertically pivoting target-holder mechanism1350, consists of a target-holder frame1230, a pivoting target-clamp plate1250and a target-clamp screw1270. The target-holder frame1230has a vertical front part1190that is perpendicular with two opposing side parts, a left-side part1191, and a right-side part1192. A left-front part1193and a right-front part1194are coplanar and adjacent with the left and right side parts1191and1192, respectively, of the target-holder frame1230. The left-front and right-front parts1193and1194, respectively, are parallel with the front part1190. The planar area of the left-front part1193and the right-front part1194have a bore1195centrally located there about. The forward projecting front face1190has a ⅝×11 pitch threaded bore1196that receive a target-clamp screw1270. The target-clamp screw1270having a knob1272, has likewise at an extreme end ⅝×11 pitch threads1271. A thin disk1274having a threaded bore is screwed onto the target-clamp screw1270and said disk1274has a surface1275that stops against a frontal surface1190of the target holder1230. The disk1274is provided to set a predetermined clamp load against a practice target.

Referring toFIGS. 28 and 29, the inventive pivoting target-clamp plate1250, of the alternate embodiment of a vertically pivoting target-holder mechanism1350, has a pair of bores1200within a vertical front part1201. The pivoting target-clamp plate1250has a horizontal top part1202that has a bore1204, and a horizontal bottom part1205, both of which are planar. The top part1202forms a ninety-degree angle adjacent with a rear side of the vertical front part1201. The bottom part1205forms a ninety-degree angle adjacent with a front side of the vertical front part1201. The bores1200of the vertical front part1201of the target clamp-plate1250and the bores1195of the target-holder frame1230align to each receive a fastener1210. The assembly of the target clamp-plate1250with the target-holder frame1230is held together with a nut fastener1209screwed onto an extreme end of each said fastener1210.

Referring toFIGS. 28 and 29, the alternate inventive vertically pivoting target-holder mechanism1350, has a pivot arm1225that has a pivot bore1211and a pair of bores1212. The bores1212receive a screw fastener1213to attach the pivot arm1225to the top surface1097of a swing-platform base1095. The pivot bore1211of the pivot arm1225align with the bore1204of the target clamp-plate1250to receive a pivot pin1214. The assembly of the pivot arm1225and the target-clamp plate1250is held pivotally together with a nut fastener1215screwed onto an extreme end of the pivot pin1214.

Referring toFIG. 30, a practice target1265is typically planar and fabricated from a polymeric or other suitable material. In the embodiment of a present inventive practice target, a practice target1265is made of an Ultra-High Molecular Weight (UHMW) polyethylene material having a thickness range of 0.085-0.135 inch. The practice target1265has a width slightly narrower than an inside dimension of opposing left and right sides of a target-holder frame. A length of the practice target is determined by the location of a lower aperture1267relative to the top surface of a turf mat attached to a top surface of a swing-platform base. The lower aperture1267along an upper edge thereof opens to with a preferably smaller upper aperture1268by means of a narrowing or slot1269.

Referring toFIG. 30, a stationary target-holder mechanism1200is provided, with optional ‘dummy’ targets1280that are made from Ultra-High Molecular Weight (UHMW) polyethylene material. Unlike the practice target1265, which is fixed from rotation in the embodiment of the present inventive stationary target-holder mechanism1200, the ‘dummy’ targets1280are free to rotate about the pivot rod1050. The dummy targets1280give an indication to the user that their swing is grossly off the mark. The dummy targets1280are highly useful when instructing child golfers.

Referring toFIGS. 31 and 32, a practice golf club head1130, is provided made of a polymeric material. Compliantly mounted or spring loaded with respect to the shaft of the golf club (not shown) via the head1130is a target-hook latch mechanism. The shaft (not shown) may be plastic, metal, composite, or other suitable material. The polymer-club head1130has a hosel1131that has a longitudinal blind bore1132about the symmetrical axis of said hosel. The polymer-club head1130has a front face1133having a lower bore1134near a bottom edge1135and an upper bore1136the center of which aligns with that of the lower bore1134. The upper bore1136has a concentric counter bore1137. The lower and upper bores1134and1136, respectively, open to a rear side1139of the polymer-club head1130. The rear side1139and the longitudinal axis of the hosel1131are parallel. Conversely, the front face1133and the longitudinal axis of the hosel1131intersect at a shallow angle. The rear side1139of the polymer-club head1130has a shallow counter bore1138concentric with lower bore1134.

The second bore1136of the polymer-club head1130receives a fastener1155having ¼×20 pitch threads. The fastener1155has a head1156that is received by the bore1137of the polymer club-head1130when an extreme end1157of said fastener1155is inserted through the bore1136of said polymer club-head1130. The extreme end1157of the fastener1155extends form the rear side1139of the polymer-club head1130a sufficient length. A disk1158having a ¼-inch diameter center bore and a one-inch outer diameter is sufficiently thin such that many disks1158can be received by the length of the fastener1155that extends perpendicularly beyond the rear side1139of the polymer club-head1130. In the embodiment of the present inventive polymer-club head1130, multiple thin disks1158are externally mounted to increase the weight of an otherwise inherently lightweight polymer-club head1130. The disks1158are securely fastened to the extended part of the fastener1155against the rear side1139of the polymer-club head with a nut fastener1159.

The spring loaded target hook latch mechanism, has a ¼-inch diameter steel dowel rod1140, having a series of spline-projections (not shown) at an extreme end and ¼-20 pitch threads at an opposite end1142. A spherical knob1141is provided having a blind bore (not shown) that allows the spherical knob1141to be pressed over the spline-projections1143at the extreme end of the dowel rod1140. The spherical knob1141has a diameter that is preferably at least two times larger than the ¼-inch diameter of the dowel rod1140. The diameter of the lower bore1134within the polymer-club head1130is larger than the diameter on the dowel rod1140thereby when the dowel rod1140is inserted within the lower bore1134a clearance fit is provided. The extreme end1142of the dowel rod1140is sufficiently long such that the extreme end1142projects a significant distance from the rear side1137of the polymer-club head1130. The shallow counter bore1138within the rear side of the polymer-club head1130, is sufficiently large to receive an outer diameter of a compression spring1150. The counter bore1138also has a sufficient depth to pilot a lower coil of the compression spring150. The compression spring1150has a free length that is sufficiently long such that an extreme end1151extends beyond the extreme end1142of the dowel rod1140. The compression spring1150is variably compressed to an installed height using a nut fastener1152whereby the nut fastener1152is threaded onto the extreme end1142of the dowel rod1140. At a given installed height of the compression spring1150, a spring force maintains contact of the spherical knob1141with the front face1133of the polymer-club head1130.

In operation, upon a proper swing at a defined level of expertise, the spherical knob1141will penetrate the aperture1267and as the club swing continues, the spherical knob1141will pull upward on the target1265. The target, as it is being pulled upon, causes the spherical knob1141to be displaced outward from the club face compressing spring1150and allowing the dowel rod1140to pass through the slot1169. The dowel rod1140then enters the aperture1268as the compression spring1150returns the spherical knob1141against the club face. The aperture1268is ideally larger than the diameter of the dowel rod1140and smaller than the diameter of the spherical knob1141. The spherical knob captures the target1265removing it from its target-holder mechanism. The spring compresses and thereby retains the target1265against the club face1133of the polymer-club head1130along an interface greater than180degrees.

Referring toFIGS. 33-36, a golf club2001with a ring member or target-hook clasp2010is shown having a slot2012and a predefined opening2014. The opening2014intersects with a front side, depicted by an edge2020, of the target-hook clasp2010and connects with the slot2012through a front side, depicted by an edge2016of the slot2012. The centerlines of the opening2014and the slot2012are perpendicular with a longitudinal axis2022and coincident with a symmetrical axis2024of the target-hook clasp2010. The opening2014and the slot2012are parallel lengthwise with the longitudinal axis2022of the target-hook clasp2010. The slot2012has a length2013that is greater than a length2015of the opening2014thus providing a left and a right portion2017and2019, respectively. A transverse width2039of the slot2012is slightly greater than a transverse2056thickness of a connection member provided by a reduced portion of a practice target2060. A longitudinal bore2036is located between a rear side of the target-hook clasp2010, corresponding to an edge2035, and a rear side of the slot2012, corresponding to an edge2037. The longitudinal bore2036has a square-cross section the extreme end of which intersects with a left and a right side of the target-hook clasp2010, corresponding to an edge2030and2032, respectively. The slot2012and the opening2014intersect with a top and bottom face of the target-hook clasp10, corresponding to an edge2038and an edge2041, respectively. The longitudinal bore2036is located midway between the top and bottom edges2038and2041, respectively.

The practice target2060is provided having an enlarged top extreme portion2055, a juxtaposing reduced portion2056, and an enlarged bottom extreme portion2057. The reduced portion2056has a lateral width that is slightly less than the length of the opening2014of the target-hook clasp2010allowing the reduced portion to be inserted within the opening2014(upon a proper swing of the practice club). The reduced portion2056transitions to the wider bottom portion2057such that the bottom portion2057fits within a target-mount mechanism. The top portion2055has an upper top portion2058and a lower top portion2059. The lower top portion2059has a width that is slightly less than the length of the slot2012of the target-hook clasp2010. The height of the lower top portion2059is slightly greater than the vertical height of the target-hook clasp2010. The upper top portion2058has a lateral width that is greater than the length of the slot2012within the target-hook clasp2010. The lateral width transition between the upper top portion2058and the lower top portion2059of the top portion2055provides a left and right bottom edges2061and2062, respectively.

In operation, (if the club2001is swung in a proper predetermined manner) the opening2014of the target-clasp2010will encircle the reduced portion2056. The further outward movement of the club2001swing causes the reduced portion2056to enter the slot2012and for the lower top portion2059to be captured with in the opening2012and for the bottom edges2061,2062to rest on the top of the top edge2038of the target-hook clasp. In another embodiment the connection member can be connected with the club2001and the ring member can be connected on a mount to provide a target.

Referring toFIGS. 37-38, an embodiment2100of the present invention as shown having a mount2102having latched retention with a target2104. The characteristic material, size, and shape of the target are similar or identical to those described for targets150,190, or1265. However, the target2104has holding apertures2106for receipt of spring elbows1240.

The target2104has two lower holding apertures2106. The mount2108includes a front plate2110and a rear plate2112. Setscrews2118pass through the bores2120and2116of the front, rear plates, and connect them with a platform2121. The rear plate2112has a forward abutting face2122that abuts against the front plate2110. The rear plate is also provided with a longitudinal slot2114. The slot2114provides a gap between the portion of the rear plate2112and front plate2110for receipt of the target2104. The rear plate2112also has two parallel spaced generally transverse spring slots2124. Intersecting the spring slots2124is a hole or bore2126. The bore2126receives a pin2128. The pin2128passes through openings2130of springs2132to mount the springs2132within the spring slots2124. Springs2132are coil springs. The springs2132have a lower legs2136and upper legs2138. Both upper legs2138have an elbow2140.

A bottom end on target2104is brought under the elbows2140of the springs2132. The target is pivoted to a more vertically upward aligned position causing the elbows2140of the springs to ride up on a rear surface2142of the target. As the target is further pushed down into slot the2114the elbows2140will finally come to a point wherein they will enter into the holding apertures2106of the target. The target2104now has snap-fit engagement with the springs2132to provide for latched retention. The target2104will have further engagement with the springs2132by virtue of engagement with the lower legs2136. The engagement of the target with the lower legs2136causes the springs110,112to be torsionally loaded about their coiled portion. Therefore, the target2104is also compliantly retained. The target2104is now connected with the mount.

When a practitioner swings the golf club in a proper predetermined manner, the latch member (not shown) will enter into the target aperture2103to pull the target2104upward causing the spring elbows120to be pulled out of the retention apertures2106, to thereby release the target2104from the mount.

FIG. 39illustrates an embodiment2200of the present invention wherein a mount2202has a pivot body2204. The pivot body2204(formed by the front and rear plates) has a predetermined vertical pivot axis2206with a base portion provided by the platform2121. The pivot body has a bored flange2220. Flange2220is pivotally mounted to a cantilever support bean2222by a pivot pin2224. A vertical pivot axis2206extends into a bay2230of the platform2121. The pivot axis2206is fixed with respect to the platform2121and is offset rearward from the target2104.

A combination vertically and horizontally pivoting target-holder with clamping mechanism2300is provided inFIGS. 40-42. The combination vertically and horizontally pivoting target-holder2300includes a pivot body including outer and inner-frame member2304,2306. The outer-frame member2304rotates independently of the inner-frame member2306about a vertical axis. Conversely, the inner-frame member2306rotates within the outer-frame member2304about a horizontal axis. The frame members in the embodiment of the present invention are preferably formed from a steel material having an optional thickness of ⅛-inch. The outer-frame member2304has a rear vertical planar part2308that has ninety-degree angular bends at both extreme ends thus forming a left and right sides2310that are also planar. The left and right sides2310of the outer-frame member2304each has a bore2312having a ¼-inch diameter. The bore centers are concentric with respect to each other and the bores are coincident with a horizontal longitudinal axis of the outer-frame member2304. The outer-frame member2304has a horizontal planar flange2314that projects rearward from an outside face of the outer-frame member2304. The flange2314is centrally located between the left and right sides near a top edge of the outer-frame member2304. The horizontal part has a ⅜-inch diameter bore having a vertical axis generally perpendicular with a top and bottom face of the horizontal part.

The inner-frame member2306is formed such that its outside width dimension provides a loose fit between the inside dimension of the left and right sides2310of the outer-frame member2304. The inner-frame member2306also has a ¼-inch diameter bore2320in a left and a right side2322. The side bores of the inner and outer-frame members2320,2310are aligned to receive a pivot pin2324when the inner-frame member2306is assembled within the outer-frame member2304. A rear planar part of the inner-frame member2306has a ¼-inch diameter bore that is located midway between the sides and near a top edge of the inner-frame member2306. The rear bore of the inner-frame member2306is threaded with ¼×20-pitch threads. A planar clamp plate2326is provided having a width dimension that is sufficient to fit within the inside dimension of the opposing sides2322of the inner-frame member2306. The clamp plate has a centrally located bore having a diameter slightly greater than a ¼ of an inch to loosely receive a screw fastener post2327. A ¼×20-pitch thread wing-nut fastener2329is provided to apply a clamping force to a rear face of the clamp plate.

Friction pads2328having a thickness range of 1/16-¼ of an inch are adhered to a rear face of the clamp plate and an inside face of the rear vertical part of the inner-frame member2306. The rear face of the clamp plate2326and the inside face of the rear part of the inner-frame member2306are opposing when the clamp plate2326is received by the fastener post2327perpendicularly projecting from the inside rear face. A cantilevered support beam2330(FIG. 40) is provided having a pivot bore and a pair of ¼×20-pitch threaded bores (not shown). The beam2330is typically connected with a platform (not shown). The pivot bore of the pivot arm has a ⅜-inch diameter that when aligned with the pivot bore in flange2332of the outer-frame member2304the bores receive a pivot pin2334.

Referring toFIGS. 40-48an alternative embodiment2400of the present invention is provided having a mount2401. The mount2401includes an outer-frame member2404having a flange2432, a rear planar part2408, and two forward extending sides2410with bores2412. The outer-frame member2404pivotally mounts for 360° movement an inner-frame member2406. The inner frame-member2406is similar to the inner frame number2306previously described and in a similar manner has a fastener post2427, clamp plate2426, friction pads2428, sides2422with bores2420. A pivot pin2434supports the inner frame number2406on one side. On the opposite side the inner frame number2406is supported by a pivot pin2435. The pivot pin2435is torsionally fixed with the inner frame-member2406.

The pivot pin2435has a circular profile with an indent2444(facing downward inFIG. 45) at its extreme end that is planar. The indent2444is both parallel and perpendicular with a longitudinal axis of the pivot pin2435.

The inner-frame member2406supports a practice target (not shown) generally parallel to a front inside face2450. The inside face2450preferably leans forward at a predetermined angle ranging from 1-9 degrees. A torsion spring2452has a leg2454capturing the indent2444at the extreme end and positions the inner-frame member2404at the predetermined angle thereby preventing the inner-frame member2406from rotating within the outer-frame member2404in the absent of an impact force applied against a practice target mounted within the inner-frame member2404.

An inner diameter of the torsion-spring coil2456receives a threaded fastener2460that is received by a threaded bore of the outer-frame member2404. The torsion spring2452has legs2454and2462both of which pivot about the axis of the threaded fastener2460when acted thereon by a force applied thereto by a rotation of the indent2444. The crisscross configuration of the legs2454,2462of the torsion spring provides a preload of opposing torsional forces to the extreme outboard end of the pivot pin2435. This preload forces the leg2454of the torsion spring to be coplanar against the indent2444of the pivot pin thereby holding the inner-frame member2406at the predetermined angle.

A swing platform2121is provided having legs2470, a front bay2476, and a top surface2472. Pivotally supporting the outer-frame2406via a pivot pin2433is a cantilever support beam2430. Provided in a cut out in surface2472is a scuff pad2484preferably provided by elastomeric material. The scuff pad2484protects a club from damage from hitting the beam2430. Connected to the platform2121is an indicator dial2478. The indicator dial2478has a cut out2479to provide room for a rotating inner-frame member2406. The outer-frame member2404has pointer tips2488.

In operation, a target (not shown) is held by the inner-frame member2406. The target top end will be approximately 1-9 degrees forward with respect to its bottom held end. The outer-frame member2404is positioned so that the indicator tips2488align with the indicator markings as shown inFIG. 46. If the golf practitioner hits the target with the club in an improper manner, the target will simultaneously pivot about pivot2433and the pivot ends2434and2435. A swing at a first level expertise will cause the target to be removed from the inner-frame member2406and will cause the outer-frame member2404to pivot. The amount of angular rotation about pivot2433will be indicated by a reading of the indicator tips2488relative to the markings2490of the indicator dial2478. The indicator dial2478allows the practitioner to realize the angle of the club face at the point of impact with the target. The amount of pivot of the indicator dial2478, indicates to the practitioner if the club face was square (FIG. 46), open (FIG. 47for a right hand user) or closed (FIG. 48for a right hand user) during the swing. At a more expert level of expertise, the target will be joined to the club and the outer member will still be centered as shown inFIG. 46.

The present invention has been shown in various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the various modifications that can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as it is encompassed by the following claims.