An Improved Apparatus for the Practise of the Strokes and Positions of Golf.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Jan.. 1896
Complete Specification Left, 6th Nov., 1896-Accepted, 12th Dec., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Apparatus for the Practise of the Strokes and
Positions of Golf.
DOUGLAS ANDERSON, Middleboro. Road, Coventry, Warwickshire Art Student,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
To provide for golf-players a perfected device for the practise of golf.
According to my invention and by its use, a player, without going to the "links"
or to any specially open space, may practise the actual strokes of golf, and the
positions for making the aforesaid strokes. My apparatus may be used in any
room or confined space, and it automatically records the truth or error of the
strokes made.
"
According to my invention, I provide a base of wood or metal A, Figs. 1 and 2,
upon which base affix a frame of wood or metal of any form or section, preferably
of light steel (" strip" or tubing), suitably braced together as suggested at, B,
Figs. 1 and 2. The said frame is firmly fastened to the base A, Figs. 1 and 2.
This frame is provided with two bosses or sockets C and D, Fig. 1, of such design
as shall adequately support the central arm E, Figs. 1 and 2, and also the indicator
arm F, Figs. 1 and 2.
The central arm E Figs. 1 and 2, is a spindle projecting at right angles to the
frame, and standing from about 9 to 18 inches from the base A, Figs: 1 and 2, and
supports a golf-ball G, Figs. 1 and 2, suspended by a string, rod, or chain H,
Figs. 1 and 2, dependent from the spindle, and reaching to within about of an inch of
the base A, Figs. 1 and 2, when at its highest point from that base. This central
arm E, Figs. 1 and 2, which is adjustable in its boss, is so attached to that boss that
the golf-ball can be set down to just contact with the base A, Figs. 1 and 2, or be
raised from it to any desired elevation by a device to be further described.
The indicator arm F, Figs. 1 and 2, is a second spindle also at right angles to
the frame, being from about 6 to 12 inches in length. This arm is also adjustable
in its boss, and carries the indicating apparatus to be further described.
The method of raising or lowering the golf-ball may be provided for by altering
the length of the chain to which the golf-ball is attached, by a link contrivance or
adjustable screw; or an eccentric or cam to throw the central arm E, Figs. 1
and 2, towards or from the base A, Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 3 shows the link
attachment for varying the length of the chain; Fig. 4 shows the adjustable-screw
method of altering the length of the chain; and J Fig. 1 shows the eccentric or
cam method of raising or lowering the chain.
The indicating apparatus suspended by the indicator arm F, Figs. 1 and 2,
consists of two pieces K and L, Fig. 2, of leather, or other suitable material.
These indicator pieces may be of any desired form and each is swivelled to the
indicator arm F, Figs. 1 and 2, in such a manner that they are free to revolve
around that arın, and yet by their own weight always to gravitate back to their
normal position. These two indicator pieces are placed at any desired distance
apart on the indicator arm F', Figs. 1 and 2, leaving a central vacant space through.
which the ball passes when struck accurately.
The attachment of the ball to the chain or cord is also the subject of one of my
claims. I place at the point of juncture a washer or covering of indiarubber or

page_text: other suitable material, preferably of the shape of a truncated cone for the purpose
of receiving the impact of the club in the case of the false stroke known as
"topping" the ball, and for further security against "topping" I provide at the
point of suspension of the ball an elastic device which permits the ball to be forced
down to contact with the base A, Figs. 1 and 2; the force of the stroke is thus
thrown on the ground instead of tending to separate the ball from its chain or
support. The topping cone" is shown at M Figs. 1 and 2.
The working of my invention is as follows:-The ball, having been struck with
the golf-club, describes a circle around its point of suspension, and if struck
accurately will pass through the vacant central space between the indicator pieces,
but if struck inaccurately, i.e. to the right or to the left, it strikes the right or left
indicator as the case may be, and by setting it in motion around the indicator arm,
or swaying it, according to the strength of the stroke, indicates to the player the
error of direction of his stroke. Both the ball and the indicator, after having been
set in motion, fall back by the power of gravitation to their normal positions. The
function of the devices on the ball and at the point of suspension is to prevent
the ball being separated from the chain, rod, or cord by the force of the false
blow.
In order that my invention may be clearly understood and easily applied I have
appended a sheet of drawings which show the various parts and arrangements of
the appliance.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what, manner the same is to be performed, I declare that I
claim :-
1. The circular motion of a ball as applied to an apparatus for the practise of
the strokes and positions of golf, and the automatic return of the said ball to its
normal position.
2. An apparatus placed somewhere in the path that the ball takes when struck,
for automatically indicating whether the ball be struck accurately, or to the right,
or to the left, and the automatic return of the said indicators to their normal
positions.
3. The raising and lowering of the ball to suitable heights for the different
strokes of golf.
4. The use of a so-called "topping cone," and of an elastic suspension of the
ball for the protection of the ball and apparatus in the case of false strokes.
Dated this 25th day of January 1896.
DOUGLAS ANDERSON,
Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Apparatus for the Practise of the Strokes and
Positions of Golf.
I, DOUGLAS ANDERSON of Middleboro' Road, Coventry, in the County of
Warwickshire, Art Student, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
To provide for golf-players a perfected device for the practise of golf.
According to my invention and by its use, a player, without going to the links
or to any specially open place, may practise the actual strokes of golf and the
positions for making the aforesaid strokes. My apparatus may be used in any

page_text: made.
room or confined space and it automatically records the truth or error of the strokes
According to my invention, I provide a base of wood, or metal, or wood and
metal A, Figs. 1 and 2, upon which base I affix a frame of wood or metal, of any
form or section, preferably of light steel ("strip" or tubing), suitably braced
together as suggested at B, Figs. 1 and 2. The said frame is firmly fastened to
the base A, Figs. 1 and 2. It may be fastened to the base permanently, by bolts
or screws, or in such a manner (as by bolts) as to be easily detachable from that base,
in order that the player may detach it therefrom and peg it into his garden, yard,
or to the floor of a spare room. In this case it might be advisable to have a
second base consisting of a narrow strip of sheet metal attached permanently to the
feet of the frame. This frame is provided with two bosses or sockets of such
design as shall adequately support the central arm E, Figs. 1 and 2, and the
indicator arm F, Figs. 1 and 2.
The central arm E, Figs. 1 and 2, is a spindle projecting at right angles to the
frame and standing from about 9 to 18 inches from the base A., Figs. 1 and 2, and
supports a golf-ball G, Figs. 1 and 2, suspended by a string, rod, or chain H,
Figs. 1 and 2, dependent from the spindle and reaching to within about of an inch
of the base A, Figs. 1 and 2, when at its highest point from that base. This central
arm E, Figs. 1 and 2, which is adjustable in its boss is so attached to that' boss, or
the boss is so arranged, that the golf-ball can be set down to the base A, Figs. 1
and 2, or he raised from it to any desired elevation, by a device to be further
described.
The indicator arm F, Figs. 1 and 2, is a second spindle also at right angles to
the frame, being from about 6 to 12 inches in length. This arm is also adjustable
in its boss, and carries the indicating apparatus to be further described.
The method of raising or lowering the golf-hall may be provided for by altering
the length of the chain or cord to which the golf-ball is attached, by a link
contrivance or adjustable screw, or by an eccentric or can to throw the central
arm E, Figs. 1 and 2, to or from the base A Figs. 1 and 2; or by the boss, in
which the central arm is adjustable, being supported by a short rod (preferably of
steel) of any section, which fits into a corresponding hole in the central socket or
boss at C Fig. 1. This hole is in a vertical position, and, being secured by a set
pin, enables the rod to be raised or lowered at will.
Fig. 3 shows the link attachment for varying the length of the chain. Fig. 4
shows the adjustable screw method of altering the length of the chain. At J,
Fig. 1. is shown the eccentric or cam method of raising or lowering the ball.
The indicating apparatus suspended by the indicator arm F Figs. 1 and 2,
consists of two pieces K and L, Fig. 2, of composition rubber, vulcanite, fibrous
material, leather, or other suitable material. The indicator pieces may be of any
desired form, and each is swivelled to the indicator arm F, Figs. 1 and 2, is such a
manner that they are free to revolve around that arm, and yet, by their weight,
always to gravitate back to their normal positions. These two indicator pieces are
placed at any desired distance apart on the indicator arm F, Figs. 1 and 2, leaving
a central vacant space through which the ball passes when struck accurately.
The chain may be attached to the ball by being itself embedded in the ball, with
a short piece of wire attached to or passing through the last link of the chain in
the ball, the position of this short piece of wire being at right angles to the chain;
or it may be attached to the ball, by being fastened to a loop of wire or stamped
metal which would project from the surface of the ball, the ends of this loop of
wire or stamped metal being embedded in the ball, the extremities of which ends
would be turned up towards the loop, thus preventing the loop from being drawn
out of the ball.
At the point of attachment of the ball to the chain or cord there is the subject
of one of my claims. I place at the point of juncture a washer, series of rings, or
covering, of indiarubber or other suitable material, preferably of the shape of a
truncated cone, for the purpose of receiving the impact of the club in the case of

page_text: the false stroke known as "topping the ball." The "topping-cone," as I term it,
through which the chain or cord passes, is, preferably, very firmly secured to the
ball by means of a steel washer being placed on the top of the cone, pressed down.
and held in that position by a bit of steel, or other suitable material, passing
through a link of the chain; or it might be secured by screwing the washer down
on to the cone, or by other suitable arrangements. For further security against
"topping," I provide at the point of suspension of the ball, an elastic device, as a
small strong spring, which permits the ball to be forced down to contact with the
base A, Figs. 1 and 2, the force of the stroke thus being thrown on the ground
instead of tending to separate the ball from its chain or support. The "topping-
cone" is shown at M, Figs. 1 and 2.
The base A, Figs. 1 and 2, may be inlet with some material, as cocoa-nut
matting, linoleum, felt, leather, cork, or other suitable material, in order that the
jar on the club, consequent to the stroke being too low and the club coming into
contact with the base, may be mitigated. This material may be let into the base
so that its surface is exactly level with that of the base, and should extend fron
about 2 inches in front of the ball, i.e. to the players left as he stands to make a
stroke to from 6 to 12 inches behind the ball, being from 4 to 8 inches wide as width
of base may permit.
A second base or piece of wood is provided of the exact thickness of the first
base A, Figs. 1 and 2, for the player to stand on in order to bring him to the same
level as that of the ball when that is in contact with the base. This second base
or standing-board may be, for the sake of convenience, of the same dimensions "as
the first base, so that when not in use it may be placed underneath that base A,
Figs. 1 and 2, and secured thereto by small catches.
In order to indicate more clearly to the player the direction in which he is to
strike a small flag or distinctive mark may be placed in front of the striking-board
or base A, Figs. 1 and 2, at any distance from that base.
The working of my invention is as follows:-The ball, having been struck with
the golf-club, describes a circle around its point of suspension, and if struck
accurately, will pass through the vacant central space between the indicator pieces,
but if struck inaccurately, i.e. to the right or to the left, it strikes the left or right
indicator as the case may be, and, by setting it in motion around the indicator arm,
or swaying it, according to the strength of the stroke, indicates to the player the
error of direction in his stroke. Both the ball and the indicator after having been
set in motion, fall back, by the power of gravitation, to their normal positions.
The function of the devices on the ball and at the point of suspension is to prevent
the ball being separated from the chain or cord by the force of the false blow. The
function of both the central and indicator arins being adjustable in their bosses, is
to enable the ball to be brought out further from the frame in order that beginners
may not strike the said frame; and also the adjustibility of the ball in a vertical
direction is to enable the player to raise the ball to any desired height for the
practise of the "drives" or strokes from the "tee."
The letters and figures mentioned in the foregoing description refer to the sheet
of drawings left with the Provisional Specification; which sheet was appended to
that specification in order that my invention might be clearly understood and
easily applied.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
claim is :-
1. The circular motion of a ball applied to an apparatus for the practise of the
strokes and positions of golf, and the automatic return of the said ball to its
normal position.
2. An apparatus placed somewhere in the path that the ball takes when struck
for automatically indicating whether the ball be struck accurately, to the right

page_text: or to the left, and the automatic return of the said indicators to their normal
positions.
3. The raising and lowering of the ball to suitable heights for the different
strokes of golf.
4. The use of the so-called "topping-cone," and of an elastic suspension of the
ball for the protection of the ball and apparatus in the case of false strokes.
Dated this 26th day of October 1896.
DOUGLAS ANDERSON,
Applicant.