Patent Publication Number: US-8992351-B2

Title: Golf club shoe device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/535,598, filed Sep. 16, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to golfing and golf devices and, more particularly, to embodiments of footwear configured to strike and propel a golf ball. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Golf traditionally requires individuals to use a club or other striking implement to propel a golf ball towards a hole. Conventional golf clubs have an elongated shaft on which a club head is positioned. The club head has a face that impacts the ball as the shaft is swung by the golfer. Variations in the face and the shaft can change the parameters of the golf ball travel (e.g., the distance, loft or height, spin, etc.). 
     Unfortunately, some people are unable to manipulate a golf club to perform a proper swing of the club and shaft to controllably direct the flight of the golf ball. For example, disabilities, old age, injuries and other factors may prevent certain individuals (such as military veterans or those confined to a wheel chair) from gripping, lifting and/or swinging the club. These factors can foreclose these individuals from participation in the sport altogether. To alleviate these issues, and to allow individuals with certain impairments the ability to enjoy the game of golf, alternatives to the traditional golf club are needed. Indeed, some people may retain sufficient strength and coordination in their legs and feet so as to permit them to kick or otherwise strike a golf ball using their feet. Thus, these individuals may enjoy the experience of golf without the need for clubs. 
     As such, there is a need for a device that enables and encourages the enjoyment of the game of golf for individuals who are unable to swing a traditional golf club by providing for a shoe-based device wherein wearers strike the golf ball with their feet. Additionally, there is a need for a device that provides for interchangeability of various striking heads mounted onto the foot. Further, there is a need for striking head interchangeability which is hands-free and is completed solely by using one&#39;s feet. The present invention addresses these and other needs. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure describes, in various embodiments, footwear and related implements that permit individuals to propel golf balls via motion of their legs (e.g., kicking motion). In one embodiment, the device comprises a mounting plate having a retaining member disposed on an article of footwear and a club head that is releasably secured to the retaining member. More particularly, examples of the retaining member require little interaction from the end user to remove and replace the club heads on the footwear. In certain embodiments, the retaining member provides an effectively “hands-free” solution in which the end user can remove and secure the club heads onto the mounting plate without (or with very limited) use of the hands. 
     Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will in part become apparent to those in the practice of the invention, when considered with the attached figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, wherein like reference numerals are employed to indicate like parts in the various views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a device for propelling a golf ball according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  shows side views of representative club heads used in a device for propelling a golf bail; 
         FIG. 2B  is a front view of an exemplary club head used in a device for propelling a golf ball; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a first mounting plate for use with the device of the first embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a corresponding club head for use with the device of the first embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a second mounting plate for use with the device of the first embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a second corresponding club head for use with the device of the first embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a third mounting plate for use with the device of the first embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5B  shows a side view of a third corresponding club head for use with the device of the first embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates a top view of a third mounting plate and corresponding club head for use with the device of the first embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of a device for propelling a golf ball according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of a device for propelling a golf ball according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a side view of a tongue plate for use with the device of the second embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a top view of a first embodiment of a tongue plate for use with the device of the second embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7C  is a top view of a second embodiment of a tongue plate for use with the device of the second embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a side view of a first embodiment of a retaining member for use with the device of the second embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8B  is a top view of a first embodiment of a retaining member for use with the device of the second embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a second embodiment of a retaining member for use with the device of the second embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a third embodiment of a retaining member, with a modified tongue plate, for use with the device of the second embodiment of the present invention shown on  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cart for transporting and positioning the club heads for use on the course, in addition to other golf equipment, as desired; 
         FIG. 12A  is a side view of an embodiment of golf bag that is adapted to carry the club heads; 
         FIG. 12B  is the opposite side view of  FIG. 12A ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a golf bag adapted to carry the club heads. 
     
    
    
     Where applicable like reference characters designate identical or corresponding components and units throughout the several views, which are not to scale unless otherwise indicated. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings in detail, and specifically to  FIG. 1 , a side view shows an exemplary embodiment of a device  100  that can be used to propel a golf ball. The device  100  is adapted to be worn on a footwear  110  (or “shoe  110 ”) and can include a club head  120  and a mounting plate (or bracket)  130  and/or another configuration that stabilizes the club head  120  on the footwear  110  at impact with the golf ball. The club head  120  includes a club face  122 , with the device including one or more of a series of club heads having varying degrees of loft to generate different trajectories of the golf ball during flight. In preferred embodiments, a retaining member, having a first element disposed on the club head  120 , and a second element disposed on the footwear  110  or mounting plate  130 , mates together to secure the club head  120  to the footwear  110 . 
     Examples of the footwear  110  include golf shoes, as well as other shoes and sneakers including athletic style shoes (e.g., running shoes). The footwear  110  can include spikes (not shown) that protrude from the underside of the footwear  110 , although certain configurations of the footwear  110  may be devoid of all or some spikes so as to reduce drag with the ground during a kicking motion. In one example, spikes may be used on only one of the pieces of footwear and, more particularly, the piece of footwear that is not used to strike the golf ball. Construction of the footwear  110  may utilize a variety of known materials such as leather, fabric and the like. The footwear  110  may incorporate the mounting plate  130 . For example, portions of the footwear  110  may integrate the mounting plate  130  to hide the mounting plate  130  from sight. In other examples, the mounting plate  130  secures to the sole of the footwear  110 . Further examples secure the mounting plate to the top of the footwear through use of the shoe&#39;s laces or straps. These configurations may benefit embodiments of the device  100  that retrofit existing shoes, thereby preparing the shoes to receive the club head  120  thereon. 
     Additionally, the mounting plate  130  may support a portion of the retaining member. However, this disclosure also contemplates configurations in which footwear  110  incorporates the second element (and/or the retaining member) directly, for instance, onto the toe of the footwear  110 . Examples of the mounting plate  130  can comprise stainless steel or other materials of high strength and stiffness, such as composites, plastics or other metals (e.g., aluminum) which have properties suitable for use herein. 
     The retaining member forms an interface to permit releasable engagement of the footwear  110  and the club head  120 . Operating this interface may not require the use of tools, let alone the hands, feet or extremities of the end user. For example, the first element and the second element can have features that lock and unlock with one another by manipulation (e.g., twisting, turning, screwing, snapping, etc.) or through non-manipulative coupling such as through magnetic interactions between the footwear  110  and the club head  120 . Although not necessarily shown, the interface may include various intermediary pieces, such as plates, blocks and the like, which facilitate secure connection of the footwear  110  to the club head  120 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , examples of various club heads for use with the present device are generally indicated by reference numeral  200 . While a limited selection of club heads is referenced by numeral  200 , it is envisioned that club heads used with the device of the present invention have similar features as generally available golf clubs, such as drivers, fairway woods, irons, wedges, putters, hybrids and rescue clubs. Referring now to  FIG. 2A  specifically, side views of examples of club heads include a driver ( 200   a ), a five wood ( 200   b ), a nine wood ( 200   c ) and a putter ( 200   d ). As seen by the side view, and using driver  200   a  as an example, each club has a bottom edge  124  which, when viewed from the side, is parallel to a horizontal plane created by the ground when the golf ball is impacted by the club head. A rear face  126  has an angle of generally about 120 degrees (120°) between the horizontal plane and the bottom edge  124 . This angle assists in positioning the club head flush to the external “toe” surface of footwear  110 . A flush fit improves the consistency and quality of the strikes as the user has improved control, and the foot and footwear impart maximum kinetic energy to the ball upon impact. Although an angle of 120° is preferred, it is within the scope of this invention to have club heads with additional varying angles depending upon the footwear associated with the device. 
     Each club also has a club face  122  at an angle relative to the horizontal plane created by the bottom edge  124 . By way of example, driver  200   a  has a club face  222   a  having an angle of approximately 70°, while five wood  200   b  has an angle of approximately 55°, nine wood  200   c  with an angle of approximately 43° and a putter  200   d  with an angle of approximately 90°. Generally, as the degree of the angle decreases, the struck ball will have a higher loft trajectory and shorter distance of travel. For instance, assuming each strike is equal, a ball struck by the driver (70°) will have a flatter, lower trajectory but travel a farther distance than a ball struck by the five wood (55°) or nine wood (43°). In this way, a user can control the height and distance of each shot by selecting an appropriate club head having the desired performance characteristics. 
     An exemplary front view of any one of club heads  200  is shown in  FIG. 2B . As can be seen in  FIG. 2B , bottom edge  124  of the club head has a convex profile when viewed from the front yielding a club head with a curved lower surface. The curved surface allows the user to contact the ground with a smaller impacted surface area (i.e. at the apex of the curve rather than the entire lower surface). This reduced impact permits the user to impart more of the energy generated by the kick to the ball (making it fly farther) rather than wasting energy by transferring it to the ground at impact. Additionally shown in  FIG. 2B , all or a portion of club heads  200  may further by configured with one or more shallow horizontal grooves  128  traversing across the club face  122 . These grooves provide the ability for the user to impart spin on the ball on impact. This spin can change the trajectory of the ball while in flight or upon contacting the ground after flight. For instance, a user may impart back spin on the ball to cause it to stop where it lands or even roll backwards from where it lands rather than bounce or roll forward. In addition to the club face  122 , the club heads  120  may include a body portion that includes the respective part of the retaining member. Each club head  120  may be constructed of any suitable materials including cast metal and/or other lightweight materials, such as plastics and composites, to reduce the weight of the club head  120 . 
     Adverting now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , an example of a mounting plate  330  (e.g., the mounting plate  130  of  FIG. 1 ) and a club head  320  (e.g., the club head  120  of  FIG. 1 ) of one embodiment of a device for propelling a golf ball according to the present invention is shown. In this example, the mounting plate  330  includes an elongated base  332  and an upright portion  334 . The first element of the retaining member includes a boss  336  which extends from the upright portion  334 . On the boss  336 , one or more locking members  338  protrude radially outward away from the surface of the boss  336 . The club head  320  includes a receptacle  324  (the second element of the retaining member), which can receive the boss  336  and the locking member(s)  338  therein. When implemented on footwear (e.g., footwear  110  of  FIG. 1 ), the elongated base  332  extends into the body of the footwear, such as into the sole and below where the bottom of the foot rests. The upright portion  334  sits at the toe portion of the footwear thereby position the boss  336  to protrude from the toe portion and away from the footwear. The club head  320  is positioned to align the receptacle  324  with the boss  336 . Sliding the boss  336  into the receptacle  324  and, in one example, rotating the club head  320  will effectively secure the club head  320  to the mounting plate  330 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , an alternative embodiment of a device for propelling a golf ball according to the present invention comprises a mounting plate  430  and a club head  420 . A boss  436  extends outwardly from the upright portion  434  of mounting plate  430  and is configured with one or more threads  438  (the first element of the retaining member). The club head  420  includes corresponding interlocking threads  424  (the second element of the retaining member), which can receive the boss  436  and the thread(s)  438  therein. Rotating the threaded connector of the club head  420  onto threads  438  effectively secures the club head  420  to the mounting plate. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5C , an additional embodiment of a device for propelling a golf ball according to the present invention comprises a mounting plate  530  and a club head  520 . A boss  536  extends outwardly from the upright portion  534  of mounting plate  530  and is configured with a locking member  538  protruding radially outward away from the surface of the boss  536  (the first element of the retaining member). The club head  520  includes corresponding receptacle  524  which includes a slot  526  (the second element of the retaining member) to receive a portion of the boss  536 . To mount the club head  520  onto the mounting plate  530 , the receptacle  524  slides along the boss  536  relative to the mounting plate  530 . Although not shown, one or more of the boss  536  and the receptacle  524  may include additional features that interlock or snap together to secure the club head  520  to the mounting plate  530 . Various concepts can be used to secure the two components together, including but not limited to friction, pressure, spring force and magnetic force. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  show alternative embodiments of a device  600  that can used to propel a golf ball. The device  600  is adapted to be worn on a footwear  610  and can include a club head  620  and a mounting plate (or bracket)  630  and/or other configuration that stabilizes the club head  620  on the footwear  610  at impact with the golf ball. As shown in this embodiment, mounting plate  630  comprises a retaining member  636  affixed to a tongue plate  632 . Club head  620  has a club face  622  and a rear face  626 . Secured to the rear face  626  is a support  624 . Support  624  has a generally L-shaped side profile and is adapted to slide into and be releasably secured within retaining member  636  (as discussed in greater detail with regard to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , below). In this embodiment, mounting plate  630  may be secured to the top surface of footwear  610  by any suitable means, for example, by lacing the shoe laces about the plate as described with reference to  FIGS. 7A-7C  below. The club head  620  is releasably attached to the retaining member, and by extension to the shoe, such that a kicking motion of the foot will cause the club head to strike a golf ball and propel the ball in a forward direction. 
       FIG. 6B  shows an alternate embodiment wherein the bracket includes a sole piece  633  that extends around the toe of the shoe and along the forward segment of the shoe sole  611 . Holes are provided therein which align with the existing cleat pattern of the golf shoe. Removal of the cleats at the location of the bracket holes allows a respective securing member  635  to be passed therethrough for securing the bracket to the shoe. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7A through 7C , tongue plate  632  of mounting plate  630  is a generally flat member having a curved profile. Tongue plate  632  is a rigid yet flexible member having a first end worn generally along the “tongue” portion of a shoe and a second end resting proximate the “toe” portion of a shoe, where the second end is adapted to securely affix a retaining member  636  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ) Tongue plate  632  is rigid enough such that it can securely mount retaining member  636  and withstand the repeated forces exerted on the retaining member through multiple impacts with the golf ball, while also being flexible enough to be worn on a variety of styles or brands of footwear and at the same time ensuring wearer comfort when worn on top of the foot. Tongue plate  632  can be a simple rectangular member ( FIG. 7B ) or be adapted to include one or more scalloped recesses  733  about which shoe laces can be passed so as to provide additional security by preventing or minimizing side-to-side shifting of the mounting plate when worn on the footwear. Tongue plate  632  may be constructed of any suitable material possessing the performance characteristics described above, including but not limited to a thin metal such as stainless steel, steel or aluminum, or a composite, plastic or other suitable polymeric material. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  provide a more detailed view of a retaining member  636  (and associated environs) used in one embodiment of the present invention. Retaining member  636  is fixedly attached to tongue plate  632  so as to create a horizontal recess  642  between the two. Tongue plate  632  and retaining member  636  are ideally positioned on the shoe such that the open end of the horizontal recess  642  rests generally at the outer edge of the toe end of the footwear. Support  624  (mounted to club head  620 , not shown) has a generally L-shaped side profile comprising a generally vertical member  627  and a generally horizontal member  628 . Horizontal member  628  is proportioned so as to slidably fit within horizontal recess  642 . As shown in  FIG. 7B , horizontal member  628  is generally T-shaped so that the narrow upright portion  628   a  slides within the recess while the wider transverse  628   b  transitions into the vertical member  627  and provides increased surface on the support  624  for mounting the club head. As further shown in  FIG. 7B , the closed end of the horizontal recess  642  may be equipped with a fastener  644 . In a preferred embodiment, fastener  644  is a generally c-shaped spring clip secured in place using a pin  645 . Alternatively, retaining member  636  may be manufactured such that the spring clip is held in place through a specifically dimensioned enclosure within the retaining member. Upright portion  628   a  of support  624  has a corresponding fastener prongs  629  which engages with the spring clip and releasably attaches the club head (via support  624 ) to the footwear (via mounting plate  630 ). 
     In a preferred embodiment, release of support  624  from retaining member  636  is through a pivoting lever  646 . Pivoting lever  646  is mounted onto retaining member  636  so that when the support mounted onto a club head is inserted within the horizontal recess  642 , pivoting lever  646  moves generally upwardly about pivot pin  648 . To release the support  624 , a downward force (for instance by pushing with a hand or a foot) is applied to the lever  646  such that it pivots downwardly about pin  648  thereby dislodging fastener prongs  629  on support  624  from spring clip fastener  644  within retaining member  636 , thus allowing horizontal member  628  to slide out of the horizontal recess  642 . A user may then change club heads in a hands-free manner by simply sliding the support of a newly selected club head within the horizontal recess until the fastener on the support is properly seated within the clip on the retaining member. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , a more detailed view of a retaining member  936  (and associated environs) used in a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, retaining member  936  is fixedly attached to tongue plate  932  so as to create a horizontal recess  942  between the two. Tongue plate  932  and retaining member  936  are ideally positioned on the shoe such that the open end of the horizontal recess  942  rests generally at the outer edge of the toe end of the footwear. Support  924 , mounted to club head  920 , has a generally L-shaped side profile having a generally vertical member  927  and a generally horizontal member  928 . Horizontal member  928  is proportioned so as to slidably fit within horizontal recess  942 . 
     Similar to horizontal member  628  described above with reference to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , horizontal member  928  is generally T-shaped so that the narrow upright portion slides within the recess while the wider transverse transitions into the vertical member  927  and provides increased surface on the support for mounting the club head. Horizontal member  928  is adapted to have a chamfered recess  929  which corresponds to and engages a spring plunger  944  mounted within retaining member  936 . Spring plunger  944  is comprised of a body portion  944   a  in which a spring loaded ball bearing  944   b  is housed. Thus, as horizontal member  928  is inserted with the horizontal recess  942 , ball bearing  944   b  is pressed into body portion  944   a  until such time as chamfered recess  929  is in vertical alignment with the downward force exerted by the spring within the plunger  944 . Once the chamfered recess  929  is in alignment, the stored spring force of the spring within the body portion  944   a  pushes ball bearing  944   b  partially out of the body portion  944   a  to rest within the recess  929  thereby releasably securing support  924  within retaining member  936 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, release of support  924  from retaining member  936  is through a pivoting lever  946 . Pivoting lever  946  is mounted onto retaining member  936  so that when the support mounted onto a club head is inserted within the horizontal recess  942 , pivoting lever  946  moves generally upwardly about pivot pin  948 . To release the support  924 , a downward force (for instance by pushing with a hand or a foot) is applied to the lever  946  such that it pivots downwardly about pin  948  thereby providing a generally upward force on ball bearing  994   b  via the distal end of horizontal member  928 . With application of sufficient upward force by the horizontal member, the downwardly applied spring force applied by a spring within body portion  944   a  is overcome causing the ball bearing to enter the body portion  944 , and thus freeing horizontal member  928  so that it may slide out of the horizontal recess  942 . Thus, a user may then change club heads in a hands-free manner by simply sliding the support of a newly selected club head within the horizontal recess until the support is properly seated within the recess and retained by the ball bearing. 
     Adverting now to  FIG. 10 , a more detailed view of a retaining member  1036  (and associated environs) used in an alternative embodiment of the present invention is provided. In this embodiment, retaining member  1036  is fixedly attached to tongue plate  1032  so as to create a horizontal recess  942  between the two. Tongue plate  932  and retaining member  936  are ideally positioned on the shoe such that the open end of the horizontal recess  942  rests generally at the outer edge of the toe end of the footwear. Tongue plate  1032  is further adapted to have a generally downwardly extending support  1033 . In one embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 10 , extending support  1033  has a magnet  1050  fixedly attached to the outwardly directed face of the support. Club head  1020 , having a rear face  1026  with an incorporated recess  1021 , is releasably secured to the support  1033  by aligning recess  1021  with the outwardly projecting magnet  1050 . In this embodiment, all or at least the portion immediately surrounding recess  1021  of club head  1020  is comprised of magnetic material so as to be attracted to, and be bound by, magnet  1050 . While this embodiment is preferred as requiring only one magnet, alternative embodiments may have individual club heads fixedly mounted with magnets on their rear faces with these magnets being attracted to a magnetic downwardly extending support of the tongue plate. Additionally, while the magnet is shown and described as extending outwardly from the extending support  1033  and engaged within recess  1021 , it is envisioned that the magnet may be flush with exterior surface of the support with the recess within rear face of the club head removed such that the magnet and rear face interact without additional physical lateral restraints (i.e. side walls of recess  1021 ). Further, while described as a single magnet, additional embodiments envision the use of two or more magnets or a magnet or magnets of various sizes or shapes so long as the recess or recesses on the rear face of the club head conform with these alternative designs so as to firmly yet releasably mount the club head on the footwear. 
     In a preferred embodiment, release of club head  1020  from extending support  1033  (and magnet  1050 ) is through a pivoting lever  1046 . Pivoting lever  1046  is mounted onto retaining member  1036  so that when a club head is mounted onto magnet  1050 , pivoting lever  1046  moves generally upwardly about pivot pin  1048  through a rearwardly directed force applied by release member  1044 . To release the club head  1020 , a downward force (for instance by pushing with a hand or a foot) is applied to the lever  1046  such that it pivots downwardly about pin  1048  thereby providing a generally horizontal force to release member  1044 . With sufficient force applied to the lever, the magnetic interaction between magnet  1050  and club head  1020  is overcome thereby releasing the club head  1020  from the device. A user may then change club heads in a hands-free manner by simply aligning the magnet on the footwear with the recess within the rear face of a newly selected club head. 
       FIG. 11  shows an embodiment of a golf cart  1200  that includes a platform  1202  which is configured to hold and transport the club heads (not shown in  FIG. 11 ). It is seen that the platform  1202  lies close to the ground such that the golfer may face the platform and use the motion of their leg and respective foot to attach and detach the desired club head to and from their shoe in the manner described above, with or without the help of their hands, as desired. Other golf equipment such as balls and tees and the like may also be carried by cart  1200  in bags and holders such as seen at  1204  and  1206 , for example, as desired. The cart may include a handle  1208  configured to be pulled by a strap (not shown) attached to the golfer&#39;s waist, for example, so as to free the hands while pulling the cart, if necessary. The cart may also be made as a remote controlled powered cart. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  show an embodiment of golf bag  1300  that may hold the club heads in individual compartments  1302  located on the outside of the bag. The compartments may be visually marked as shown to indicate which club head is meant to be held within the respective compartment. If desired, holders for tees may be provided at the opposite side of the bag as indicated at  1304 , for example, as seen in  FIG. 12B . 
     In an alternate embodiment, a golf bag  1300 ′ may include a platform  1400  provided on the bag exterior as seen in  FIG. 13  where the club heads may be positioned with support  624  facing the outside to allow hands-free alternate attachment and detachment of the club heads to the shoe as described above. The golfer simply places the bag on the ground and maneuvers the foot and golf shoe against the desired club head on the platform. In this instance, the club heads may be removably held in place on the platform via magnets. 
     Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain aspects thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the aspects contained herein. 
     All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.