Tilting golf practice platform

A tilting platform assembly comprises a base member having a dome shaped upper surface portion, and a platform member having an upper playing surface and a concave shaped lower surface portion, the concave shaped lower surface portion corresponding substantially with the dome shape upper surface portion of the base member and being movable relative thereto. A mechanism is provided for selectively fixing and releasing the dome shaped upper surface portion of the base member relative to the concave shaped lower surface portion of the platform member to permit the top playing surface to be disposed at a plurality of different orientations.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a golf practice platform. More particularly, the invention relates to a golf practice platform which can be adjusted by the user so that at least a portion of the surface can be adjusted to be at different orientations relative to the horizontal. In this way, the golfer is able to practice on a surface which can more accurately emulate the conditions on a regular golf course and tailor his or her golf game to the actual environmental variations commonly found on golf courses.

In the past, there have been several attempts to create a golf tee-off practice device where the surface thereof can be adjusted in some way so as to vary its angle relative to the horizontal in order to provide a reality based practice device for golfers. For the most part, it appears that these devices are unwieldy, difficult to operate and are usually so heavy that they must essentially remain in one location because of the difficulty in moving them. They may require complicated and expensive hydraulic mechanisms to operate, electrical power for motors associated with the device, and metal framework to support the weight of the platform surface as well as the golfer when practicing. The golf practice platform of the present invention has a configuration and manner of operation which avoids many of the cumbersome features of existing golf practice platforms.

Therefore, various devices for tilting golf practice platforms have been proposed although there does not seem to be any presently in use at golf driving ranges. This absence of such tiltable platforms is probably due to their complexity, the high expenses for manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance. They are, for these reasons alone, too expensive to be popular at conventional facilities for golfers. The devices which can be identified, as mentioned, use means such as hydraulics, belts, pulleys, motors, gears, shafts, multiple wedge shaped rings and the like to achieve their ability to vary the platform surface angle in some way. However, this complexity of construction will add unwanted height to the platform. Not only are they expensive to make but they also do not lead to zero or minimal maintenance or longevity. This is aggravated by the fact that these types of devices tend to spend their lifetime in the open, exposed to the elements, sun, rain, snow, dirt, sand and other degrading factors. Their parts and operation therefore deteriorate over time, making an investment in this type of apparatus questionable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a tilting platform assembly comprising: a base member having a dome shaped upper surface portion; a platform member having an upper playing surface and a concave shaped lower surface portion, the concave shaped lower surface portion corresponding substantially with the dome shape upper surface portion of the base member and being movable relative thereto; and means for selectively fixing and releasing the dome shaped upper surface portion of the base member relative to the concave shaped lower surface portion of the platform member to permit the top playing surface to be disposed at a plurality of different orientations.

Preferably, the lower surface portion of the platform member comprises thereon a plurality of non-slip rubber feet, and a plurality of spring-loaded bar assemblies formed on the lower surface portion of the platform member.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a tilting platform assembly comprising: a base member having a substantially dome shaped portion and a substantially central opening in the dome shaped portion; a platform member which is substantially flat and mounted on the base member so as to be movable relative thereto to permit the platform member to be disposed at a plurality of different orientations; and a release and secure assembly operable between a first unlocked position wherein the platform member can be moved relative to the base member and a second locked position wherein the platform member is fixed relative to the base member.

In one embodiment, the release and secure assembly comprises a locking wheel having a threaded shaft which extends through the central opening in the dome shaped portion, and a locking plate below the dome shaped portion of the base member which has a threaded bore for receiving the threaded shaft, wherein the tightening of the locking wheel causes the locking plate to move toward the platform member and abut and engage the dome shaped portion of the base member to prevent relative movement between the base member and platform member, and the loosening of the locking wheel causes the locking plate to move away from the platform member and disengage the dome shaped portion of the base member to permit relative movement between the base member and the platform member.

In another embodiment, the release and secure assembly comprises a locking plate, a handle movable between a first locking position and a second unlocking position, the handle having a cam surface, and a connector portion between the handle and the locking plate, wherein rotation of the handle between the first locking position and second unlocking position moves the locking plate into and out of engagement with the base member to respectively prevent and permit relative movement between the platform member and the base member.

In yet another form, the release and secure assembly comprises a lock plate in the dome shaped portion of the base member, a locking lever accessible to a user of the platform assembly, and a cable extending between the lock plate and the locking lever, the locking lever being movable between a first locked position wherein the cable is tensioned to cause engagement of the lock plate against the base member to prevent relative movement between the base member and the platform member, and a second unlocked position wherein the tension in the cable is slackened to cause disengagement of the lock plate from the base member and permit relative movement between the base member and the platform member.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of adjusting the orientation of a golf practice platform, the method comprising: placing a base member having a dome shaped upper surface on a substrate; mounting a platform member on the base member, the platform member having a top plane surface and a concave shaped lower surface portion which corresponds with the dome shaped upper surface portion of the base member; and selectively fixing and releasing the dome shaped upper surface of the base member relative to the concave shaped lower surface portion of the platform member so that the top playing surface can be selectively disposed at a plurality of different orientations.

This present invention therefore comprises a practicing aid for use by golfers who can, using the invention, practice driving golf balls while effectively standing on uneven or sloping ground surfaces as often happens in reality on the golf course fairway. Many golf courses will also have a “driving range” where golfers can practice driving golf balls as if from the starting tee-off position on the golf course itself. But these driving positions are almost always on substantially level ground. The only time the golfer may get to practice shots in an off level situation is actually during a golf game, where normal fairway conditions prevail.

The present invention therefore comprises an adjustable and tilting golf practice platform, that is preferably placed at or near a driving range, or in any other location for that matter, where the golfer can adjust the platform or surface thereof to various selected angles, stand on the platform, place the ball on the platform as well, and then practice driving such golf balls. This will allow and help the golfer to acquire the proper motor skills and expertise to cope with his body adjusting to an uneven stance, without having to be on an actual golf course. The golfer can continue to practice the same or similar shots on the uneven platform many times over to improve his or her skills, without being on a golf course where this type of activity would not be appropriate. Golfers are under constant pressure to keep moving on the golf course to prevent backups and delays for other golfers coming up behind them, so that repeatedly practicing shots from an uneven surface is for all practical purposes not possible on a regular golf course.

In one embodiment of the invention, the golf practice platform may comprise two basic components, namely, a base member and a movable platform mounted on the base member. The platform itself will preferably have no bearings, shafts, wires, motors, hydraulics or other unwieldy hardware on or attached to it, which tends to make its use impractical and expensive. Preferably, the base may be comprised of a lightweight but strong material such as for example stainless steel or aluminum, while the platform may be made of a material such as fiberglass. Both of these materials have properties which are well adapted to surviving and weathering the gamut of outdoor conditions.

In one form, the base may be a symmetrical dome-shaped structure with tabs appropriately placed thereon to be mounted to the ground in order to provide stability to the device. The platform will preferably be mounted on top of the dome shaped base structure. The platform will conveniently have a concave underside which will substantially match with and correspond to the curve and configuration of the dome. The platform may, in accordance with one aspect of the invention be held slightly raised from and off the surface of the dome by a plurality, preferably at least three, sliders which can be made of a material such as Teflon®.

In one form of the invention, these sliders are comprised of roller balls that are spring loaded, as will be described, with just enough force to lift the weight of the platform off the dome shaped structure. This will allow sufficient clearance between the dome and a plurality of rubber non-slip pucks or feet which are mounted to the underside of the platform. This combination of sliders and feet or pucks will allow the platform to be manually moved by effortlessly sliding it over the dome to a desired degree of tilt both in pitch or roll axes, as long as no person is standing on the platform. When the golfer has thus set the angle and orientation of the platform relative to the base, he or she then stands on the platform. The weight of the golfer will thereafter compress the spring loaded sliders until the rubber feet or pucks make contact with the dome. Due to the pressure of the multiple non-slip pucks exerted on the fairly gentle curve of the dome, the platform is then effectively locked in place on the dome, and relative movement between the dome structure and the platform is effectively prevented.

When the golfer steps off the platform, the platform is raised off the surface of the dome by the sliders and is freely movable thereover to be located to another position and angle. The drawings to be described show one embodiment of a typical layout of the slider units and the rubber pucks or feet mounted on the underside of platform to facilitate the action and operation of the invention in one of its forms.

Note that on the top surface of the platform there may be an area or portion where synthetic lawn or other suitable material can be glued or otherwise applied in order to simulate a golf course playing surface. This will provide a more realistic and true to life playing condition for the golfer to practice his drives. Furthermore, the top surface of the platform may have a sunken area or recess in order to hold a supply of golf balls ready for use by the golfer without having to change his position too significantly in order to make the practice session more useful.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The tilting golf practice platform of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. With reference toFIG. 1of the drawings, the tilting golf practice platform10of the invention is essentially comprised of a dome base12and a platform14. The dome base12of the practice platform10is placed on a surface16and may be secured thereto by fastening mounting tabs18formed on the dome base12to the surface16so as to prevent any sliding or movement of the dome base12on the surface16. The dome base12, while movable in the sense that it can be placed in any desired position without being permanently fixed to it, is, during operation of the practice platform10, at least temporarily secured to the surface16.

The platform14rests upon the dome base12and can be moved relative thereto. The platform14has an upper surface20and when the platform14is moved relative to the dome base12, the orientation of the upper surface20relative to the horizontal, which would typically be the surface16, a selected orientation of the upper surface20can be achieved. A golfer then stands on the upper surface20of the platform14and the selected orientation of the upper surface20will emulate the lie of the golf course thus enabling the golfer to practice shots, such as at a golf driving range, in a manner which would more accurately reflect actual conditions on a golf course.

FIG. 2of the drawings shows the dome base12resting on a surface16. The dome base12has a circumferential rim24, with a plurality of tabs18extending outwardly from the circumferential rim24. Each tab18has an aperture42therein and, using a nail, screw or other type of fastener, the dome base12can be releasably attached to the surface16, as desired.

It will be seen inFIG. 2of the drawings that the dome base12includes a dome support surface28generally of arcuate shape, and preferably shaped so as to correspond in part to the circumference of a circle. The dome base12may be comprised of a metal, strong plastic or other suitable material, which is able to adequately support not only the platform14, but also the weight of a person standing on the platform14.

The platform14has a lower surface46, which is concave in shape, and, like the dome support surface28, has a shape which corresponds in part to the circumference of a circle. It will be seen from the drawings that the arcuate shape of the dome support surface28and the lower surface46of the platform14are substantially the same, thus enabling the platform14to slide over the dome support surface28in a manner to be described.

The lower surface46of the platform14has mounted thereon a plurality of non-slip rubber pucks or feet50. These are more or less equi-spaced in a circular configuration at a position near the edge of the lower surface46. Each of the feet50is preferably mounted within an appropriate recess54in the lower surface46of the platform14. Each of the feet50extends outwardly from the lower surface46by a small distance so that when the platform14is mounted on the dome support surface28a contact surface56of the feet50rests on the dome support surface28. Since the feet50are comprised of a non-slip, preferably rubber material, the platform14will not move relative to the dome base12when the contact surface56of the feet50is resting on the dome support surface28. While the size of each of the feet50is small, there are sufficient feet50located on the lower surface46of the platform14to ensure that the combined effect of the contact surfaces56on the dome support surface28keeps the platform14from moving relative to the dome base12. InFIG. 3of the drawings, the relative size and number of the feet50is illustrated in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Furthermore, the location of these feet on the lower surface46is also shown. However, it will be appreciated that different embodiments of the invention may show a different number of feet50, and their location and size may also vary according to specific design parameters. Further, any one platform14may have on its lower surface46feet50of different sizes and shapes, selectively located to provide optimal effect.

The platform14has formed therein a plurality of chambers62, as shown inFIG. 2of the drawings. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3of the drawings, there are four equi-spaced chambers62. Each of the chambers62has an opening64in the lower surface46of the platform14. Each of the chambers62accommodates a spring-loaded bar assembly34. The spring-loaded bar assembly34comprises a spring36and a bar38. The bar38may comprise a roller ball or some other suitable structure which will serve the purpose, to be described below.

As best seen inFIG. 2the drawings, the spring-loaded bar assembly34is configured so that the spring36is located in the chamber62, and the bar38is located partially inside of the chamber, and extends partially outside the chamber62beyond the opening64. The spring36urges the bar38outwardly from the chamber62. Preferably, in one embodiment of the invention, the bar38may include tabs or stops which prevent the bar38from falling out of the chamber62. Generally, the bar38is movable between a first position in which it extends out from the chamber62, and a second position wherein it is pushed more into the chamber62against the bias of the spring36.

The spring36is selected so as to have sufficient force so as to raise the platform14off the dome support surface28when no additional weight is placed on the upper surface20of the platform14. Furthermore, the bar38, or at least a portion thereof, is preferably coated with Teflon® or some other suitable material so as to enable it to slide easily over the dome support surface28. In this way, a user of the golf practice platform10can easily move the platform14of the dome support surface28of the dome base12by lightly pushing it in the desired direction so that the upper surface20of the platform14will be in the desired orientation so as to emulate many of the non-horizontal surfaces typically encountered on a conventional golf course.

When the platform14is situated relative to the dome base12in a suitable position favored by the user, the user will then step onto the upper surface20of the platform14. The weight of the user will cause the bars38to be pushed by the dome support surface28into the chambers62, against the bias of the spring36. When this happens, the contact surfaces56of the feet50will engage the dome support surface28, and since the feet50are comprised of a non-slip material, the platform14will become fixed relative to the dome base12. In this way, the upper surface20of the platform14will be situated at the desired orientation by a simple adjustment, and will become fixed in that position when the user stands on the upper surface20of the platform14. Conversely, as soon as the user steps off the platform14, the action of the springs36will push the bars38toward the outside of the chambers62thus raising the feet50off the dome support surface28of the dome base12. The platform14will, in this situation, once more the cable of orientation adjustment when the user pushes or pulls the platform14relative to the dome base12to another desired position.

As will best be seen inFIG. 2of the drawings, the platform14has a projection68extending downwardly from the lower surface46thereof. The height of the projection68measured downwardly from the lower surface46is greater than the distance between the dome base12and the platform14which is normally created by the action of the spring-loaded bar assembly34when it is raising the platform14off the dome base12. The dome support surface28has a circumferential opening70therein and the projection68is able to move around in the opening70which is of larger dimension than the projection68. The projection68and opening70interaction provides limits to the extent of movement of the platform14on the dome base12. In essence, the opening70is bordered by an edge72, which represents the thickness of the dome base12. The projection68is free to move within the opening70, but eventually, the projection68will come into contact with the edge72defining the opening70. It will be appreciated that the projection68will not be able to move beyond the opening70, and this in turn limits the extent of movement of the platform14on the dome base12, to which the projection68is connected.

The upper surface20of the platform14may have formed thereon synthetic lawn30. However, any alternative covering, such as carpeting, plastic or other material may be used. Preferably, the lawn30may be easily removed and replaced in order that it may be periodically cleaned or completely replaced when worn.

FIG. 7of the drawings shows a top view of a golf platform in accordance with one aspect of the invention. In this figure, there is shown an alternative locking mechanism by means of which the platform can be secured to the dome base, as will be described further below. However, this figure also shows the upper surface of the golf platform10of the invention which includes a defined ball tray78and80, which can also be utilized by the golf player to temporarily hold in a convenient manner those objects which may be related to golf practice.

InFIG. 4of the drawings, another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. In this figure, there is shown a golf practice platform90compromising a platform92and a dome base94, the dome base94preferably being comprised of a stainless steel material. The platform92has an upper surface96, a lower surface98and a fake grass or covering100formed thereon. The platform92is substantially planar or flat. The dome base94includes an outer rim102having a plurality of apertures therein, and through which a nail, bolt or screw102may be placed in order to temporarily secure the dome base94to a surface106. The dome base94has substantially centrally located therein an opening108through which at least a part of a release and secure assembly110can pass. By appropriate operation of the release and secure assembly110, to be described below, the position of the platform92can be selectively adjusted so that the orientation of the upper surface96can be varied according to the user's need.

The platform92has on its upper surface96a recess114, and on its lower surface98a circular wall116.

The release and secure assembly110is comprised of a locking wheel threaded shaft120which connects to a locking plate122. The locking wheel threaded shaft120is comprised of a wheel126, which is received within the recess114of the platform92, and a threaded shaft128which passes through an aperture127in the platform92and engages the locking plate122. The locking plate122comprises a plate132and a housing134, the housing134having an internal threaded bore136which receives the threaded shaft128. The housing134is received within the space142defined by the circular wall116. A rubber bumper146is located about the outside of the circular wall116.

The position of the platform92relative to the dome base and94can be easily and effectively adjusted using the release and secure assembly110. In order to move the platform92relative to the dome base94, the user will rotate the wheel126which has the effect of lowering the locking plate122. The platform92is then manually moved to the desired orientation. At that point, the wheel126is turned so that the shaft128engages more tightly and more securely within the internally threaded bore136. As it does so, the locking plate122is raised and eventually the edges150and152engage the lower surface154of the dome base94. When the wheel126has been sufficiently turned and tightened, the locking plate122will engage the dome base94with sufficient force so as to prevent further movement of the platform92relative to the dome base94.

The size of the opening108limits the extent of movement of the platform92relative to the dome base94. When the platform92has been moved to a position wherein the rubber bumper146engages the edge of the opening108, further movement of the platform92will be prevented. It should be appreciated that the size of the opening108will determine the extent of orientation from the horizontal which may be permitted by a particular golf practice platform90.

FIG. 5of the drawings shows yet a further embodiment of a golf practice platform in accordance with the invention. In this figure, there is shown a golf practice platform150comprising a platform152and a dome base154. The platform150has a recess156on its upper surface158and a circular wall160extending from the lower surface162. A release and secure assembly164is provided, and comprises a handle166, a connector mechanism168, and a locking plate170. The handle166is pivotable and has a cam surface171which engages with the connector mechanism168. The connector mechanism168includes a first portion172which engages with the cam surface171, a tie rod174, and a connector bolt176. The tie rod174principally connects to the locking plate170, the locking plate170having edge178. As was the case shown inFIG. 4of the drawings, the edge178of the locking plate170can selectively engage with the lower surface118of the dome base154. A rubber bumper182surrounds the circular wall160, and contacts the dome base154at the edge of an opening188which is substantially centrally located in the dome base154. As previously described, the opening188determines by its size and shape the limits of movement of the platform152relative to the dome base154.

In operation, the mechanism illustrated inFIG. 5of the drawings is operated by moving the handle166between a first locked position which is illustrated inFIG. 5of the drawings, and an unlocked position, which is achieved by rotating the handle166through approximately 90° in a clockwise direction. When moved between the first locked position and the second unlocked position, the cam surface171formed on the handle166will cause the connector mechanism168to be raised or lowered. It is raised in the first locked position, and lowered in the second unlocked position. By raising and lowering the connector mechanism168, the locking plate170is correspondingly raised and lowered. When in the raised position, the edge178of the locking plate170will engage the lower surface180of the dome base154, fixing the platform152relative to the dome base154. When the handle166is moved upward to the unlocked position, the locking plate170will be lowered away from the dome base154, allowing the user to move the platform152to the desired position and orientation, and then fix it in that position and orientation by rotating the handle166and thereby causing the edges178to engage the dome base154and thereby secure the platform152relative to the dome base154.

Other features to note in respect of the golf practice platform150illustrated inFIG. 5of the drawings include a tab192which abuts against the floor of the recess156thereby ensuring a space194below the handle166when in the locked position, enabling the user to more easily grip the handle166. The platform152has fake grass196, a carpet, or other suitable material on the upper surface158. Further, the rubber bumper182engages the dome base154at the edge of the opening188, absorbing energy when bumping into the dome base154, to facilitate the comfort of the user when moving the platform152into the desired position.

Reference is now made toFIG. 6of the drawings which shows yet a further embodiment of a golf practice platform in accordance with another aspect of the invention. The golf practice platform210comprises a platform212and dome base214, as in previous embodiments described herein. Note thatFIG. 7of the drawings shows for the most part a top view of the golf practice platform shown in thisFIG. 6, with certain components, to be described, exposed for clearer illustration of this embodiment of the invention.

The embodiment shown inFIG. 6of the drawings includes a release and secure assembly216by means of which the platform212can be moved relative to the dome base214by the user, and locked in the desired position. The release and secure assembly216comprises a lock plate218, a spring220, a cable222, a first pulley224, a second pulley226, and a lever lock228. It will be seen that the lock plate218has slightly concave ends, and has an edge230which engages the undersurface232of the dome base214as has been described in previous embodiments. The locking plate218further comprises a substantially central cylindrical wall236and a rubber bumper238which surrounds at least a part of the cylindrical wall236, having a function already described above.

The spring220is connected to the center of the lock plate218by means of a pin or bolt240. At its other end, the spring220is connected to one end of the cable222. The other end of the cable222is pivotally connected to the lock lever228, at about its center. Between the spring220and the lock lever228, the cable222passes over the first pulley224and around the second pulley226before it reaches the lock lever228. As will be seen inFIG. 7of the drawings, the cable222is accommodated in a slot244so that it is below the surface of the platform212.

A recess area246is formed in the upper surface of the platform to212, and the recess area246accommodates the second pulley226as well as a part of the lock lever228. The lock lever228is connected pivotally at its one end250, and is rotatable about the end250between a first locked position252and a second unlocked position254. It will be seen by the relative positioning of the second pulley226and the lever lock228that when the lever lock228is in the lock position252it will provide additional tension to the cable222. When moved to the unlocked position254, that tension will be released, slackening the cable222. When the lock lever228is in the lock position252, the edge230of the lock plate218will engage the dome base214, and when the lock lever228is in the unlocked position254, the lock plate218will not be in contact with the dome base214. It therefore follows that the platform212can be moved relative to the dome base214when the lock lever228is locked, and such movement will be prevented when the lock lever228is in the unlocked position.

Is to be noted that the platform212has attached thereto a puck260which is designed and selected so as to easily slide over the dome base214. Other structural features of the golf practice platform210include a through hole264which accommodates the first pulley224, and allows the cable222to pass from the lower side of the platform212to the upper side thereof. Further, the dome base214includes the opening268of the type described in previous embodiments to limit the extent of movement of the platform212relative to the dome base214. The rubber bumper238absorbs and softens any shockwaves which may otherwise result when the cylindrical wall236impacts the edge of the dome base214which borders the opening268.

It will also be seen, based inFIG. 7of the drawings, that a portion of the locking lever228extends beyond the outer periphery of the platform212thereby placing it in easy and convenient reach of the user. The dome base214itself has a peripheral rim with attachment mechanisms which can be used to releasably secure the dome base214to the ground or other surface. The upper surface of the platform212may be covered with grass268, carpet or other suitable material, as desired.

The invention is not limited to the details described herein, and various modifications and embodiments may be made to the golf practice platform of the invention.