Abstract:
A golf practice apparatus comprises a chipping mat and a target assembly. The chipping mat comprises a surface from which a user strikes golf balls. The target assembly comprises a frame and a target mat. The frame is further comprised of a lightweight, collapsible framework for supporting a target mat further comprising various markings indicated targets for a user. In a preferred embodiment, the frame is comprised of pipe segments, connecting joints, and a plurality of common fasteners. The target mat is suspended from the frame and attaches via corresponding common fasteners. The target assembly is disposed of various segments to allow a user to simulate short game aspects of golf by choosing a target based upon the desired angle and velocity that the user desires to emulate.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Nov. 23, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to golf, and in particular, to an apparatus which provides a means for adjustable short game and chipping training exercises. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The game of golf is one of the most popular in the world today. Due to the highly precise nature of the game play, golf also constitutes one (1) of the most technologically advanced sports in the world with regards to equipment. Success in the sport of golf is predicated upon the ability to perform highly accurate movements with a high level of repeatability. As a result, the equipment is engineered to provide a high level of control, and training routines generally involve extensive repetition of various motions including driving, chipping, and putting. 
     As noted, many aspects of golf such as driving are learned via continuous repeated motion and adaptation to increase the effectiveness of the motion. However, chipping represents an aspect of golf which is largely predicated upon the particulars of technique, accuracy, and consistency and less so on developing a powerful or efficient swinging method such as is the case in driving. Chipping practice generally consists of repeated striking of the ball from a flat surface in order to practice elevating the ball over a short range. 
     One (1) problem associated with chipping practice is that the efficiency and effectiveness of such short game exercises hinge upon having a suitable location for repeated chipping. Furthermore, if such a location does not provide a variety of suitable targets and positions, the exercise will not be of general use in properly evaluating and executing a wide range of short game shots. This, in turn, limits the practical effectiveness of the short game practice. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide golf stroke training target assemblies. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 920,907, issued in the name of Bolton, describes a golf practice net sloped towards a user for automatic return of a ball after chipping. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,677,442, issued in the name of Hall, describes an indoor golf apparatus with a plurality of target curtains for practicing variously angled shots. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,723,780, issued in the name of Vinzetta, describes a golf practice device with a single net enclosure with a canopy which catches and retains golf balls for practicing of driving strokes in a small or enclosed location. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,319, issued in the name of Lee, describes an indoor golf chip shot practice apparatus comprising a chipping mat and a frame enclosed on all sides by netting for automatic ball return. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices do not provide a wide range of targeting options without reconfiguration or repositioning. Also, many such devices do not provide realistic hitting surfaces. Furthermore, many such devices make it difficult to track the outcome of previous attempts in order to adjust future strokes as is desirable when training. In addition, many such devices do not provide guidance or indications which allow the user to accurately and consistently practice proper stance and positioning in order to form good habits. Accordingly, there exists a need for a golf short game practice apparatus without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a golf short game practice apparatus which provides realistic, repeatable, customizable, and consistent golf stroke practicing opportunities in an enclosed space and in a manner which allows the user to track their shots and adjust their technique accordingly. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a practice apparatus for improving golf chip shots or other short game shots. The apparatus comprises a chipping mat and a target assembly. A user stands on the chipping mat and strikes a golf ball toward the target assembly with a golf club. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a simulative chipping surface for use over an existing indoor or outdoor ground surface. The chipping mat comprises a material such as artificial turf which provides similar properties to golf course surfaces. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to assist the user in practicing their golfing stance and swing with a plurality of indicia disposed on an upper surface of the chipping mat. The indicia include left and right foot alignment indicia, balancing instructions, and visual indication of the user&#39;s center point. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of positions from which the ball may be struck from the chipping mat. The chipping mat comprises a plurality of ball indicia which provide repeatable positioning of the ball in a number of positions. Each ball indicia is further aligned with corresponding ball position indicia which aid the user in aligning their stance with the golf ball. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide visual targeting for the user with the target assembly. The target assembly comprises a target frame and a target mat. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to facilitate disassembly and storage of the target frame and target mat by removing the target mat from the frame and collapsing the frame. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a club holder located along a vertical member of the target frame for leaning retention of a golf club. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to construct the target mat of a material which enables a golf ball to temporarily leave an indentation so that the user can analyze the result of a previous shot. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of indicia located along a front surface of the target mat. The indicia comprise indicating matrix indicia and a center hit position indicium. The matrix facilitates analysis of the accuracy of a previously hit shot with regards to the center hit position indicium. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of acquiring an instance of the apparatus, assembling the target frame in a desired location, attaching the target mat to the target frame, positioning the chipping mat in a location in front of and aligned with the target assembly, placing a golf ball on a desired ball position indicium, aligning feet and stance in accordance with the indicia on the chipping mat, striking the golf ball with a golf club towards the target assembly, analyzing the outcome of the shot based upon the indentation left by the ball in the target mat, repeating shots from various positions as desired, stowing the golf club gains the target frame in a leaning manner as desired, and collapsing the target assembly for storage or transport during periods of non-use. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a golf short game practice apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a foot mat  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a target frame  31 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the target frame  31 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of a target assembly  30  depicting an attached target mat  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the target mat  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 golf short game practice apparatus 
               
               
                 11 
                 user 
               
               
                 12 
                 golf club 
               
               
                 13 
                 golf ball 
               
               
                 20  
                 chipping mat 
               
               
                 21 
                 chipping mat upper surface 
               
               
                 22 
                 left foot indicia 
               
               
                 23 
                 right foot indicia 
               
               
                 24 
                 directional indicia 
               
               
                 25 
                 ball indicia 
               
               
                 26  
                 training block indicia 
               
               
                 27 
                 center position indicia 
               
               
                 28 
                 ball position indicia 
               
               
                 30 
                 target assembly 
               
               
                 31 
                 target frame 
               
               
                 32 
                 horizontal member 
               
               
                 33 
                 vertical member 
               
               
                 34 
                 footing member 
               
               
                 35 
                 attachment member 
               
               
                 36 
                 attachment member aperture 
               
               
                 40 
                 target mat 
               
               
                 41 
                 target mat upper surface 
               
               
                 42 
                 target mat aperture 
               
               
                 43 
                 fastener 
               
               
                 44 
                 indication indicia 
               
               
                 45 
                 center hit position indicia 
               
               
                 46 
                 club holder 
               
               
                 47 
                 target mat lower surface 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a golf practice apparatus (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a practice system for improving chip shots or other short game shots in the game of golf. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a chipping mat  20  and a target assembly  30  which enables a user  11  to stand upon said chipping mat  20  and strike a golf ball  13  toward said target assembly  30  via a golf club  12 . The apparatus  10  is utilized with various golf clubs  12 . The apparatus  10  is transported to a desired level surface indoors or outdoors. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front view of a chipping mat  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a chipping mat  20  which provides a means to prefect the user&#39;s  11  golfing stance, swing, and striking of the golf ball  13 . The chipping mat  20  is preferably comprised of a rectangular pad of artificial turf, yet other materials and shapes may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The chipping mat  20  is situated approximately fifty-five (55) inches away from a target assembly  30  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) in a parallel orientation to enable the golf ball  13  to properly strike said target assembly  30 . A chipping mat upper surface  21  comprises a plurality of indicia which assist the user  11  in perfecting their golfing stance, swing, and strike. 
     The chipping mat upper surface  21  comprises left foot indicia  22  and right foot indicia  23  which provide a means to properly align the user&#39;s  11  feet. The foot indicia  22 ,  23  is located on a distal portion of the chipping mat upper surface  21 , yet other locations may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The foot indicia  22 ,  23  may also comprise alphanumeric indicia comprising statements such as, but not limited to: “Left 70% Weight Shift,” “Right 30% Weight Shift,” or the like which remind the user  11  how to balance their weight during movements which pertain to striking the golf ball  13 . Positioned between the heel portions of the foot indicia  22 ,  23  is a center position indicia  27  which provides a visual indication of the user&#39;s  11  center point. The center position indicia  27  comprises a solid circular form with a diameter similar to that of a golf ball  13 . 
     The chipping mat upper surface  21  also comprises directional indicia  24  which enables the user  11  to visualize the path of the golf ball  13  and the swing path of the golf club  12 . The directional indicial  24  comprises an arrow form, yet other forms may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The directional indicia  24  is located on an proximal portion of the chipping mat upper surface  21 , yet other locations may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . Positioned within the directional indicia  24  is a plurality of ball indicia  25  which provide a position to place the golf ball  13 . The ball indicia  25  are comprised of circular forms which comprise a diameter similar to the diameter of a golf ball  13 . Each of the ball indicia  25  is aligned with a corresponding ball position indicia  28  which provides a means to assist the user  11  in aligning their stance with the golf ball  13 . The ball position indicia  28  comprises parallel dashed lines located from a distal intermediate portion of the foot indicia  22 ,  23  to an intermediate portion of the directional indicia  24 . 
     The chipping mat upper surface  21  further comprises a plurality of training block indicia  26  which provides a means to control the user&#39;s  11  swing of the golf club  12 . Each training block indicia  26  comprises a rectangular-shape and are located above and below the directional indicia  24 . The training blocks  26  enable the user  11  to refine desired short game shots. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of a target frame  31  and  FIG. 4 , an exploded view of the target frame  31 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a target assembly  30  which provides a collapsible target for the user  11  to aim the golf ball  13 . The target assembly  30  comprises a target frame  31  and a target mat  40  (also see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) which provides an upright structure for the golf ball  13  to strike. The target frame  31  comprises an “L”-shape and is able to be disassembled for storage means. The target frame  31  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), metal, or the like. The target assembly  32  comprises a pair of horizontal members  32 , a pair of vertical members  33 , a pair of footing members  34 , and a plurality of attachment members  35 . The horizontal members  32 , vertical members  33 , and footing members  34  each preferably comprise tubular-shaped male pipes which engages the attachment means  35 , each preferably comprising of a ninety degree (90°) female elbow member. The horizontal members  32  each measure approximately thirty (30) inches in length, the vertical members  33  each measure approximately twenty-seven (27) inches in length, and the footing members  34  measure approximately twelve (12) inches in length. Each attachment means  35  comprises a pair of attachment member apertures  36  which enable the horizontal members  32 , vertical members  33 , and footing members  34  to engage via a slip fitting means, yet other fitting means may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The diameter of the attachment member apertures  36  is slightly larger than the diameter of the vertical members  33 , and footing members  34 . 
     Each vertical member  33  comprises a club holder  46  which provides a means to lean a golf club  12 . The club holders  46  comprise an arcuate shape and are preferably integrally molded into each vertical member  33  along an upper rear surface of said vertical members  33 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a rear perspective view of a target assembly  30  depicting an attached target mat  40  and  FIG. 6 , a front view of the target mat  40 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The target assembly  30  also comprises the target mat  40  which comprises a rectangular form further comprised preferably of common visco-elastic polyurethane foam which enables an indentation of a struck golf ball  13  to temporarily remain upon said target mat  40  for analyzing the shot, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The target mat  40  is suspended from the upper horizontal member  32  via a pair of fasteners  43  inserted through corresponding target mat apertures  42  and positioned around said horizontal members  32 . The fasteners  42  are illustrated herein as conventional zip ties or cable ties, yet other fastening means may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     The target mat  40  comprising an upper surface  41  and a lower surface  47  is positioned in a draping manner with a target mat upper surface  41  oriented upwardly and provides a plurality of indicia to assist the user  11  during use. Positioned on an upper portion of the mat upper surface  41  is a plurality of indication indicia  44  and center hit position indicia  45 . The indication indicia  44  comprises a matrix further comprising alphanumeric characters which correspond to the golf ball  13  struck area upon the mat upper surface  41  which enables the user  11  to visually determine where said golf ball  13  struck. The center hit position indicia  45  comprises a circular form which informs the user  11  where the center point on the upper portion of the mat upper surface  41  is located. Although the indication indicia  44  and center hit position indicia  45  are depicted as abovementioned it is known that various indicia, shapes, photographs, or the like which may increase the user&#39;s  11  short game shot without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10  may be utilized. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing target assembly  30  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the target assembly  30 ; positioning a horizontal member  32  on the desired level surface with an attachment means  35  attached to each end; inserting the footing members  34  into the previously attached attachment means  35  oriented in a perpendicular manner; inserting a pair of attachment means  35  onto each end portions of the previously attached footing members  34 , thereby enabling the vertical members  33  to be inserted within said attachment means  35  in a perpendicular orientation with the club holders  46  positioned rearwardly; installing attachment means  35  to each end portions of the vertical members  33  to enable attachment of the other horizontal member  32 ; attaching the target mat  40  with the target mat upper surface  41  oriented upwardly onto the upper horizontal member  32  via inserting the fasteners  43  through each target mat aperture  42  and fastening around said horizontal member; leaning golf clubs  12  upon the club holders  46 ; and utilizing the target mat upper surface to strike the golf ball  13  upon. 
     The method of installing and utilizing the chipping mat  20  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the chipping mat  20 ; positioning the chipping mat  20  with the chipping mat upper surface  21  positioned upwardly upon a desired level surface approximately at the desired distance away from the target assembly  30 ; enabling the user  11  to stand upon the foot indicia  23 ,  24 ; enabling the user  11  to position the golf ball  13  upon the ball position indicia  28 ; utilizing the directional indicia  24 , center position indicia  27 , and training block indicia  26  to perfect short game shots as desired; striking the golf ball off of the chipping mat  20  toward the target assembly  30 ; and repeating as desired. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.