Abstract:
A golf ball hitting platform for practicing a variety of golf shots having a base upon which a golfer stands and interchangeable teeing panels at the teeing area, including a fairway teeing panel, a rough teeing panel, a bunkerboard teeing panel, a bunker tray teeing panel and a special fairway panel for use with sloped platform settings. The platform also includes training attachments including a knee brace, a shank preventing upright wall, a swing limiter to limit the length of the golfer&#39;s backswing and a swing plane guide to insure a proper take-away and define an inside plane of the swing path. Elevating blocks allow the platform to be oriented to simulate a variety of slope conditions.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a golf practice apparatus. More particular, the invention relates to a golf ball hitting platform having a variety of interchangeable practice and training devices used therewith. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There are a wide variety of prior art golf practice mats designed to enable a golfer to practice his swing and to simulate various playing situations and conditions encountered on a golf course during the playing of a game of golf. 
     Specific examples of prior art golf ball hitting mats are disclosed in a variety of U.S. patents. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,348,847 to Fischl and 4,932,663 to Makar disclose golf mats including structure for simulating the taking of a divot during a golf swing. The Makar patent includes a rigid frame and an artificial turf structure attached to the frame. The turf structure is held under tension in such a way that the turf moves downward upon impact with a golf club to simulate conditions found on a natural golf course. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,630,828 to Lovin and 5,803,820 to McCarty are both directed to portable sand trap devices including a receptacle which is filled with sand to enable the golfer to practice sand shots. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,243 to Dlouhy shows a golf practice mat including a base having a cavity to position and support a removable tee pad formed of a polyfoam material. The tee pad is capable of removably receiving and supporting a conventional golf tee at any selected depth. The patent further teaches that an artificial turf sheet may also be used to allow fairway type shots to be practiced. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,685 to Ballinger et al. shows a golf practice apparatus including a main frame platform and a fairway turf component. The apparatus includes a removable continuous belt having a turf simulating surface. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,033,747 to Young, 5,354,064 to Toikka and 5,803,826 to Perrine disclose golf swing practice mats having a variety of different simulated ball striking surfaces. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,896 to O&#39;Brien shows a golf practice mat having a slidable synthetic grass hitting surface within a rectangular frame to provide a more natural feel to the golfer. The mat simulates the action that natural turf assumes as a divot is taking when the club head strikes the grass surface. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,263,719 to Bunn, 5,346,220 to Cooper et al., 5,478,082 to De Knight et al. and 5,676,604 to McCormick disclose a variety of guides for preventing an improper swing path as a golfer strikes a golf ball. Each guide includes a barrier which extends above the support surface for guiding the golf club, whereby the golf club will contact the barrier if an improper swing path is made. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,659,084 to Vuick, 4,895,372 to Muller, 5,591,090 to Kauffman, Jr., 5,616,085 to LaCoste, Jr. et al. and 5,634,858 to Bellagamba all disclose a variety of barrier devices to be positioned adjacent a golfer&#39;s forward knee to form a barrier against improper or unwanted movement during the execution of a golf swing. 
     While a variety of golf training devices are disclosed above, a need continues to exist for improved training devices. The present invention provides such an improved training device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a golf ball hitting platform including a base frame upon which the golfer stands and interchangeable teeing panels located at an adjacent teeing area. The interchangeable teeing panels include a fairway teeing panel, a rough teeing panel, a bunkerboard panel, a bunker panel and a special fairway panel for use with sloped platform settings. In addition, the platform may include elevating blocks allowing the platform to be positioned in various orientations simulating, for example, a downhill lie, an uphill lie, a side hill lie with the ball above the golfer&#39;s feet or a side hill lie with the ball below the golfer&#39;s feet. 
     Training attachments are also provided to give a golfer feedback in response to a number of common swing faults. One training attachment available in accordance with the present invention is an upright wall positioned adjacent the teeing area which prevents a golfer from extending the club head beyond the golf ball during the execution of a swing to prevent a shanked shot. 
     Another training attachment is a knee brace positioned on the platform. The knee brace prevents the golfer&#39;s knee from laterally sliding toward the target, a common swing error. 
     Still another training attachment is a swing limiter which attaches to the hitting area of the platform to limit the length of a golfer&#39;s backswing by providing feedback to the golfer. The swing limiter is adjustable along the backswing path. 
     A further training attachment is a swing plane guide which forces a proper take-away and defines the inside plane of a golfer&#39;s swing through the impact area where the golf ball is struck. 
     It will be appreciated that the various teeing panels and training attachments may be used interchangeably to simulate a number of golf shots found on a golf course during the playing of a game of golf. Initially, a golfer may use the training device of the present invention oriented in a flat planar configuration with a teeing panel having a simulated grass, mat surface and/or a conventional tee for use with golf clubs used to hit golf shots when the ball is teed up. A golfer may use the elevating blocks in combination with a simulated grass panel teeing attachment to produce an uneven lie with the ball above his feet, below his feet, on a downhill slope, and on an uphill slope. 
     Another use of the training device of the present invention allows a golfer to prevent the shanking of a golf shot by the addition of an upright wall adjacent the end of the teeing surface. This enables golfers who often shank to acquire the feel of a correct golf swing where the golf club head does not extend outwardly past the ball. This results in the ball being hit on the center of the club face rather than on the shank or hosel of the club head. 
     Still another use of the training device of the present invention, allows a golfer to practice his swing against a knee brace. The knee brace prevents a golfer from sliding his knee toward the target, a common swing error. The training device of the present invention also includes interchangeable teeing panels for practicing sand or bunker shots. Another attachment is a bunker board, having a slightly concave upper surface filled with sand to enable a golfer to practice sand shots. A similar attachment is a bunker tray which may be filled with sand to also allow a golfer to practice sand or bunker shots. 
     It will be appreciated that a wide variety of teeing panel attachments may be provided for simulating various turf and rough conditions normally found on the golf course during the playing of a game of golf. 
     Among the objects of the present invention is the provision of a golf practice platform which simulates a wide variety of conditions found on a golf course during the playing of a game of golf. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf practice platform having a plurality of training attachments which train a golfer to swing a golf club along a predetermined swing path for optimum ball contact and energy transfer. 
     Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a golf teeing platform having a plurality of interchangeable attachments to simulate various conditions found on a golf course. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the practice platform in accordance with the present invention with a first teeing panel partially inserted in place. 
     FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the practice platform of FIG. 1 with a teeing area accessory panel in place. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the golf practice platform of FIG.  1  and attachments and accessories therefor. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate teeing panel used with the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of still another teeing panel used in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another teeing panel used in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a view of the practice platform of FIG. 1 with a first attachment member. 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the golf platform of FIG. 1 with a second attachment member. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a detail of Figure B. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the golf platform of FIG. 1 with a third attachment member. 
     FIG. 10 a  is a side view showing the mounting structure for the attachment member shown in FIG. 10 in detail. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the golf platform of FIG. 1 with a forth attachment member. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the practice platform of FIG. 1 disposed at a first simulated lie position. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the practice platform of FIG. 1 disposed at a second simulated lie position. 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the practice platform of FIG. 1 disposed at a third simulated lie position. 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the practice platform of FIG. 1 disposed at a fourth simulated lie position. 
     FIG. 16 is a partial view of the underside of the practice platform of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. 
     Referring to the drawings, the golf training apparatus takes the general form of a golf ball hitting platform  10 . The platform  10  includes a main support frame  12  having an upper planar support surface  14 . The upper planar support surface  14  is preferably formed of a simulated grass mat  16  which is generally rectangular in shape, approximately 2′×3′ in size and formed in one or two sections. The mat  16  is supported by overlapping flanges  18  of the main support frame  12  and is replaceable with another mat if it becomes worn. The underside (not shown) of the platform  10  is recessed inwardly for purposes described hereinbelow. 
     One lateral edge of the main support frame  12  is formed with a lowered, or recessed, planar surface  20  and a slotted channel  22  formed by the main support frame  12  and upper flanges  21  in order to receive a selected one of a plurality of teeing area panels  24 . The teeing area panels  24  are interchangeably connected to the main support frame  12  by slidably fitting into the channel  22  such that the teeing panel  24  rests on the planar support surface  20 . Preferably, the channel  22  is sized to provide a loose friction fit with the teeing area panel  24 . Teeing area panel  24  is a planar simulated grass support surface, which is used as a teeing area for hitting golf balls. 
     FIG. 3 shows a plurality of interchangeable teeing area panels  26 ,  28  and  30  which may be used in accordance with the present invention. Teeing area panel  26  is a simulated grass, planar support surface having a slot  46  along an outer longitudinal edge  32  to accommodate another accessory as described hereinbelow. Teeing area panel  28  is a simulated grass, planar support surface having a bunker board accessory  34 . Teeing area panel  30  is a simulated grass, planar support surface having a bunker tray accessory  36 . 
     A knee brace accessory  38 , described in detail hereinbelow, is removably mountable to the main support frame  12 . In addition, an upright wall accessory  40  is removably attachable to the main support frame  12  when used in combination with teeing area panel  26 , as described in detail hereinbelow. 
     It will be appreciated that each of the teeing area panels  24 ,  26 ,  28  and  30  are identically sized so as to be interchangeable and frictionally fit into the channel  22 . As such, different panels may be used to present a golfer with a variety of simulated conditions such as would be found on a golf course, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Another feature of the practice platform  10  is portability. With this in mind, an edge of the main support frame  12  of the platform  10  is provided with wheel casters  42 . Side edges of the platform  10  are provided with handles  44  to enable the platform  10  to be placed upon its side and rolled, for example, from a storage to a use position. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, teeing area panel  26  is shown in detail. The teeing panel  26  is generally rectangular in shape and includes a slot  46  along an outer lateral edge  32  for positioning of an upright swing path wall accessory  40  described hereinbelow. Preferably, the teeing area panel  26  is provided with a simulated grass, mat surface  48  and may also include an opening  50  to accommodate a conventional rubber driving range tee (not shown) which would project upwardly through the opening  50  to present a raised tee upon which a ball may be placed. It will be appreciated that the simulated grass may be short to simulate a fairway cut or it may be longer to simulate rough. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates in detail the second teeing area panel  28 , which is identical in peripheral size to the other panels and fits onto the recessed planar surface  20  on the platform  10  in the same way as described hereinabove. This teeing panel  28  includes an integrally formed bunker board  34  having a slightly concave upper surface  52 . The concave upper surface  52  is designed to accommodate natural sand so that it may be used to simulate a sand trap environment for the execution and practice of sand shots. 
     FIG. 6 shows still another interchangeable teeing area panel  30  in detail. The teeing area panel  30  includes a shallow sand tray  36 . This panel  30  is also interchangeable with the other panels and fits onto the recessed planar surface  20  of the platform  10 . The tray  36  is structured to receive sand so that a golfer may practice sand shots. 
     The platform  10  may be used with several training attachments. FIG. 7 illustrates a swing guide attachment in the form of an upright swing path wall  40 . The upright wall  40  is shaped and positioned to prevent shanking of golf shots caused by a golf ball being hit by the hosel of the club head. 
     The upright wall  40  has one side covered in mat fabric  54 . The upright wall further includes a pair of support brackets  56  extending downwardly from a lower edge  58  thereof. Each support bracket includes an aperture  57  shaped and dimensioned to receive a locking bolt  59  which may be passed through the aperture  57  and screwed into holes (not shown) formed along the edge of the main support frame  12  to lock the upright wall  40  in position adjacent the hitting area. While a specific attachment structure is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, various attachment structures may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     When properly positioned, the mat surface  54  of the wall  40  prevents outward movement of a club head as it is being swung. By properly locating a ball to be struck, the possibility of a golfer hitting a shanked shot is totally eliminated. 
     FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a training attachment which serves as a knee brace attachment  38  to prevent a golfer&#39;s knee from moving laterally forward during the execution of a golf shot. The knee brace attachment  38  is formed by three flat planar members  60  configured into a triangle and extending upwardly against a golfer&#39;s leading leg. This prevents the golfer&#39;s leg from moving laterally during the execution of a golf swing and promotes weight shift and a leg turn. 
     The flat planar members  60  of the knee brace attachment  38  is preferably lightweight aluminum. The knee brace attachment  38  has a base  68 , an upright leg  70  formed at 90° thereto and an angular support member  72 . The members  60  are attached at 90°, 60° and 30°, respectively, although these angles may be increased or decreased, depending upon the overall height of the upright knee brace  38 . A soft flexible shock absorbing material  74 , such as a piece of carpet or synthetic turf, is attached to the outer side of the upright leg  70  to form a cushion for the golfer&#39;s leg. 
     The knee brace attachment  38  is mounted to a support bracket  76  by connectors  78  and, in turn, is supported to the main support frame  12  by the support bracket  76 . While a specific attachment structure is disclosed in accordance with the present invention, various attachment structures may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention that the base  68  be formed with multiple holes to permit ready adjustment of the knee brace&#39;s position. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates another training attachment for use in accordance with the present invention. A swing plane attachment  80  is used to train a golfer the proper inside swing plane position a golf club should traverse through the impact area when striking a golf ball. The swing plane attachment  80  is formed of a solid, rectangular reference board  82  preferably having an upper padded surface. 
     Referred to FIG. 10 a , the swing plane attachment  80  is pivotally mounted to a bracket  84  shaped and dimensioned for secure attachment to the main support frame  12  of the platform  10 . The bracket  84  is secure to the main support frame  12  by a pair of locking bolts  86 . 
     The swing plane attachment  80  rotates to accommodate all sizes and swing shapes of golfers. Using the swing plane attachment  80 , a golfer having an excessive inside-out or outside-in swing plane will be given immediate feedback as the club strikes the padded surface of the rectangular reference board  82 . With this in mind, the reference board  82  is pivotally supported for angular adjustment. Specifically, a support bar  83  extends between the bracket  84  and the reference board  82  with a first end  83   a  of the support bar  83  being pivotally attached to the bracket  84  and a second end  83   b  of the support bar  83  being releaseably secured to the reference board  82  to allow for attachment of the second end  83   b  at various points along the reference board  82 . In this way, the support bar  83  may be adjusted along the reference board  82  to facilitate angular adjustment of the reference board  82 . While a specific attachment structure and pivoting structure are disclosed in accordance with the present invention, various attachment and pivoting structures may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 shows a swing limiter attachment  90  made of a padded cylindrical stop member  92  which is supported and positioned on an L-shaped, upright rod  94  so as to lie across the swing plane. The upright rod  94  is releaseably secured to the main support frame  12  in much the same manner as the upright wall accessory  40 , although a variety of mounting structures may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Preferably, the upright rod  94  is telescoping to allow the height of the stop member  92  to be readily adjusted. The padded cylindrical stop member  92  of the swing limiter attachment  90  acts as a stop to engage the shaft of a golf club as the golfer executes the backswing portion of a golf swing. The padded cylindrical stop member  92  may be placed in various backswing positions to provide feedback to the golfer as to the length of a particular backswing. 
     The teeing panels and attachments described above may be used alone or in combination. For example, A golfer using a simulated grass teeing panel  24  may also use the knee brace  38 , the swing slot guide  80 , the swing limiter  90  and the anti-shank wall  40  at the same time to perfect a golf swing. 
     Referring to FIGS. 12 to  15 , the platform  10  is designed to be positioned at a variety of support angles by using a pair of support blocks  99  which may be placed on adjacent, inner corners of the support platform to raise a particular edge depending upon the ground angle to be simulated. By selecting the location of the support blocks  99 , it will be appreciated that the platform  10  may be sloped upwardly, downwardly and to either side depending upon the location of the blocks  99 . This enables a golfer to hit golf shots simulating uphill lies, downhill lies, lies where the ball is below the golfer&#39;s feet, and lies where the ball is above the golfer&#39;s feet. The blocks  99  may be of a variety of sizes to simulate a smaller or greater slope of the simulated ground surface. 
     FIG. 12 illustrates a practice platform  10  wherein the elevating blocks  99  are positioned on a forward edge of the practice platform  10 , thereby simulating an uphill lie condition for the golfer. 
     FIG. 13 illustrates a practice platform  10  wherein the elevating blocks  99  are located along a rearward edge of the platform  10 , thereby simulating a downhill lie condition for the golfer. 
     FIG. 14 illustrates a golf practice platform  10  of the present invention using a pair of support blocks  99  which elevate a side of the platform  10  above ground surface to simulate a lie condition where a golf ball is above the feet of a player. 
     FIG. 15 illustrates a practice platform wherein the elevating blocks  99  are located on the opposite side of the platform  10 , thereby simulating a position where a golf ball is below the feet of the golfer. 
     FIG. 16 illustrates a corner  100  of the underside of the platform  10 . The edges  102  of the main support frame  12  cooperate with a corner bracket  104  to locate a supporting block (not shown) in position. Each corner  100  has the same structure permitting any two corners to be used with supporting blocks to simulate the lie conditions described with reference to FIGS. 12 to  15  hereinabove. 
     While various preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.