Multi-pocket golf net assembly with multiple target sheath configurations

A golf net assembly including a plurality of target holes and target sheaths for tracking the flight of hit golf balls is disclosed. The golf net assembly includes a light framework for providing a shape for securing a fabric assembly to the framework by using flexible connectors. The fabric assembly includes a first target sheath secured to a first target hole for collecting golf balls, in which the first target sheath includes at least one target closed end and an access hole. A second target sheath, third target sheath, fourth target sheath, and fifth target sheath can be included in which each target sheath can be secured to a target hole and can include at least one target closed end and an access hole for removing the hit golf balls. The target holes and target sheaths can vary in shape and size and can be arranged into multiple configurations.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/055,273 filed on Feb. 10, 2005, which claims priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/550,290 filed on Mar. 5, 2004, entitled “Multi-pocket Golf Net Assembly”, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to a multi-pocket golf net assembly with a plurality of target sheaths for tracking the flight of hit golf balls. The assembly also relates to kits for adapting an existing golf net assembly to an improved practice net.

BACKGROUND

Golf is popular sport and recreational past time. Every year, millions of golfers devote significant time and resources toward improving their golf swings, particularly full swings with woods and irons. While actually playing a round of golf on a golf course is, of course, the most pleasurable method to develop these skills, a round of golf can consume a significant amount of time and money.

In order to practice, most golfers utilize so-called driving ranges, where the golfer can repeatedly practice drive or tee shots from a driving station. Even though the driving range is less time consuming and costs less than playing a round, driving ranges suffer from the limitations of access and availability to many golfers.

Many solutions to this problem have been proposed. One solution has been the development of frame and net structures that can be used at or near the golfer's home. Such nets may include a circular or square frame forming a periphery to which is attached a mesh or net material. Such frames usually comprise a set of interlocking right-angle poles that, when fully assembled, form a rectangular shape across. A vertical screen or net is disposed onto the rectangular shape into which a golf ball may be driven. These frames and nets of the prior art are, however, usually fairly expensive and complex to assemble, particularly when assembled alone. In addition, there are usually an inadequate amount of pockets positioned to accurately track the flight of the hit golf balls. Also, the loss of even a single pole segment renders the entire net useless. Such nets further typically consume significant storage space when not in use.

Other frames comprise self-erecting flexible loops that can be folded upon themselves and are attached about their periphery to a net or mesh. Although easier to deploy, such frames likewise tend to consume significant space and are typically smaller when deployed and hence of lower utility. Thus, golf practice nets that expand to a larger target area are desired.

Other suggestions are disclosed in Yoon U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,444; Yoon U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,149; Kim U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,288; Cho U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,894; Macaluso U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,130; Cho U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,023; Macaluso U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,094; and Kitzhaber U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,990.

A need has existed to track practice swings of golfers by the type of flight of the golf balls. A need has existed for ascertaining whether a golf ball has been hit consistently too high and to the left, or too low and to the left, too high and to the center, too low and to the center, too high and to the right and so on.

A need has existed for an assembly with target hole and target sheath configurations that are designed to track patterns of the hitting of golf balls and to capture the hit golf balls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the detailed description of the embodiments presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a golf net assembly for adapting an existing golf net assembly to an improved practice net.

FIG. 2 depicts an isolated front view of a framework with two rectangular metal shapes.

FIG. 3 depicts an isolated perspective view of a front target hole and a target sheath.

FIG. 4 depicts an isolated front view of two target sheaths secured to a rectangular target hole of a golf net assembly.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of a golf net assembly having five target sheaths secured to five rectangular target holes respectively arranged in a rectangular configuration.

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of a golf net assembly in a rectangular configuration including twelve rectangular target holes and three target sheaths, in which each target sheath is secured to four rectangular target holes.

FIG. 7 depicts an isolated front view of a front target hole and a target sheath with no access hole.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the particular descriptions and that it can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

The present embodiments generally relate to a multi-pocket golf net assembly with a plurality of target sheaths secured to a plurality of target holes for tracking the flight of hit golf balls. The assembly also relates to kits for adapting an existing golf net assembly to an improved practice net.

The embodiments of the golf net assembly include a non-collapsing light framework to provide a rigid shape and support for a fabric assembly. Alternatively, the light framework can be a collapsible light framework that can fold for storing and, then, can expand fully to provide a rigid shape for supporting the fabric assembly, which is secured to the light framework. Flexible connectors can be fixedly attached to the light framework for attaching the light framework to an existing golf practice frame.

The fabric assembly can be a collection of target sheaths, in which the target sheaths can be secured to target holes and can be adapted to remove weight from the golf net assembly, due to the presence of golf balls. The golf net assembly can accommodate a variety of existing golf practice frame sizes as a kit attachable to existing structures. In an embodiment, the golf net assembly can be attached to an existing golf practice frame, and the fabric of the golf net assembly can include target sheaths secured to target holes made into the fabric assembly. In one embodiment, the fabric assembly can be adapted to provide the target holes, and a light framework can surround each target hole for further forming the target hole. In another embodiment, the fabric assembly can be adapted to provide the target holes without including the light framework surrounding each target hole.

The golf net assembly can be designed to track practice swings of golfers by the type of flight of the golf balls. The golf net assembly tracks the patterns of hit golf balls, and captures the hit golf balls into target sheaths to prevent the need for having to find or locate the hit golf balls and to show the golfer where the golf ball is being hit as a result of the golfer's swing.

The golf net assembly can ascertain whether a golf ball is being hit consistently too high and to the left, too low and to the left, too high and to the center, too low and to the center, too high and to the right and so on.

The embodiments generally relate to a golf net assembly that includes a plurality of target sheaths secured to a plurality of target holes for tracking the flight of hit golf balls. The plurality of target sheaths can range from about 2 target sheaths up to a desired number of target sheaths for a particular fabric assembly of the golf net assembly. The plurality of target holes can range from about 2 target holes up to a desired number of target holes for a particular fabric assembly of the golf net assembly.

The first target hole in relation to the second target hole can be arranged in a plurality of configurations on the fabric assembly, such as a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a circle, a row, a diagonal, and other configurations or combinations of configurations. Additional target holes can be included to further form the desired configuration, such as a circle or a square. Each target sheath can be secured to a light framework by using, for example, a tape, a Velcro® made by Velcro Industries, an adhesive, a glue, a fastener, and combinations thereof.

The golf net assembly includes a light framework that can vary in shapes and sizes, such as small, medium, and large light frameworks. In an embodiment, the light framework can be a non-collapsing light framework for providing a rigid shape to which the fabric assembly can attach. In another embodiment, the non-collapsing framework can be a small non-collapsing framework for carrying, such as in a small truck or a trunk of a car.

In one embodiment, the light framework can be a large framework that is fully foldable or collapsible for storing in a small container or a small storage space. The folding or breaking down and disassembling of the light framework allows the light framework to be easily carried and stored. In this embodiment, the light framework can be transformed from the fully foldable configuration to an upstanding fully expanded configuration to form a rigid and firm shape to which the fabric assembly can be secured for providing the golf net assembly.

The fabric assembly can include a first target sheath secured to a first target hole for collecting golf balls, in which the first target sheath includes at least one target closed end and can include a first access hole for removing the hit golf balls. The first target sheath can include a top, a bottom, a right, and a left to form the target sheath.

A second target sheath can be included in the fabric assembly and can be secured to a second target hole for collecting golf balls. The second target sheath can include at least one target closed end and a second access hole for removing the hit golf balls. The second target sheath secured to the second target hole can be connected to the first target sheath secured to the first target hole by, for example, connecting the light framework surrounding the first target hole to the light framework surrounding the second target hole. Alternatively, the first target hole can be separate from the second target hole on the fabric assembly. In an embodiment, two or more target sheaths can be secured to one target hole of the golf net assembly.

The fabric assembly can include a third target sheath, that can include at least one target closed end and a third access hole for removing the hit golf balls. The third target sheath can be secured to a third target hole in which the third target hole can be connected to the first target hole, the second target hole, and combinations thereof. A fourth target sheath can be included, in which the fourth target sheath includes at least one target closed end and a fourth access hole for removing the hit golf balls. The fourth target sheath can be secured to a fourth target hole, in which the fourth target hole can be connected to the first target hole, the second target hole, the third target hole, and combinations thereof. The fabric assembly can include a fifth target sheath, that can include at least one target closed end and a fifth access hole for removing the hit golf balls. The fifth target sheath can be secured to a fifth target hole, in which the fifth target hole can be connected to the first target hole, the second target hole, the third target hole, the fourth target hole, and combinations thereof. Each target sheath is adapted to remove weight from the golf net assembly due to the presence of the hit golf balls, and each target sheath is secured to at least one target hole. The at least one target closed end can be centrally located within the target sheath. In an embodiment, one target sheath can be secured to two or more target holes.

The embodiments of the golf net assembly enable the target holes and the target sheaths to be arranged, in relation to each other, in configurations on the fabric assembly, that include: rectangular, circular, square, trapezoidal, a row, a diagonal, other configurations, and combinations thereof.

The embodiments of the golf net assembly permit the openings of the target sheaths, that are secured to the target holes, to match the shape of the target hole. The shapes of the target holes and openings of the target sheaths can include: a square, a circle, a triangle, a trapezoid, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, an irregular shape, other shapes, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the size of the target sheath opening matches or is identical to the size of the target hole that is secured to the target sheath. Alternatively, the target sheath opening can be slightly larger than the target hole.

A plurality of flexible connectors are fixedly attached to the framework for engaging an existing golf practice frame, such that the flexible connectors can be used for attaching the fabric assembly and target sheaths to the various sizes of golf practice frameworks.

With reference to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a front view of the golf net assembly for adapting an existing golf net assembly to an improved practice net. The golf net assembly can be made of a framework (31), a fabric assembly attached to the back of the framework, and flexible connectors (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64).

The framework (31) can be a non-collapsing light framework (31) adapted to provide a shape for the fabric assembly. Alternatively, the light framework can fold or collapse for storing and, then, can be extended fully for providing a rigid and firm shape for the fabric assembly. The framework (31) can be made of a durable and suitable material, such as stainless steel, steel, other durable metals, hard plastics, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a man-made product, or other suitable materials. The material can be used to maintain the shape of the framework when impacted by a golf ball.

The fabric assembly used in the golf net assembly can be secured to the framework (31 using tape, tie-wraps, hooks, a rope, fasteners such as straps, or other similar attachments. The fabric assembly can be attached to an existing golf practice frame by using connectors such as a rope for tying the fabric assembly material to the golf practice frame. A range of about 8 to about 100 or more connectors can be used to secure the fabric assembly to the existing golf practice frame. Examples of rope usable herein are sisal, hemp, or combinations of polymer and organic rope material.

The fabric assembly can come in a range of sizes. The fabric assembly can have an overall width of from about 2 feet to about 10 feet or more and an overall height of from about 2 feet to about 10 feet or more. The fabric assembly can be used for people of any height, including people with a height less than 48 inches.

The fabric assembly can be formed of fabric material that has openings that prevent the passage of a golf ball. The fabric material also permits the passage of wind and water. For example, the fabric material can be a nylon mesh.

The fabric assembly can be made of a number of sheaths: a center target sheath (12), a first target sheath (17), a second target sheath (19), a third target sheath (15), and a fourth target sheath (13).

The center target sheath (12) can be located at the center of the fabric assembly behind the center target hole (24) and can extend to the size of the center target hole (24). The target sheaths (12, 17, 19, 15, and 13) can be for collecting golf balls (14a, 14b, and 14c) and can extend behind the respective center target hole (24), first target hole (26), second target hole (32), third target hole (38), and fourth target hole (44).

The opening of the target holes can have a range of dimensions. For example, the dimensions can be about 30 inches by about 30 inches when the fabric assembly has a width of about 8 feet and a height of about 8 feet. The target holes can be a variety of shapes including: a square, a circle, a triangle, a trapezoid, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, an irregular shape, other shapes, and combinations thereof. FIG. 3 depicts the embodiment of a rectangular shape for the center target hole (24).

Returning to FIG. 1, the center target hole (24) has a center closed end (23) and a center access hole (21). The first target hole (26) has a first closed end (28) and a first access hole (30). The first target hole (26) can be adjacent to the top of the center target hole (24). The second target hole (32) has a second closed end (34) and a second access hole (36). The second target hole (32) can be located adjacent to the right of the center target hole (24). The third target hole (38) has a third closed end (40) and a third access hole (42) disposed adjacent to the left of the center target hole (24). The fourth target hole (44) has a fourth closed end (46) and a fourth access hole (48). The fourth target hole (44) can be located adjacent the bottom of the center target hole (24).

The target sheaths (12, 17, 19, 15, and 13) stop the flight of the golf ball.

Once the flight of the golf ball is stopped, gravity pulls the golf ball towards the closed end of the respective target hole. The closed end of the target hole directs the golf ball towards the area of the sheath hanging onto the side of a target hole, which can be identified as the catching area. All of the golf balls, that are hit into a single target hole, will be collected in the hanging area of the target sheath where the access holes (21, 30, 36, 42, and 48) can be used to remove the golf balls.

The target sheaths are adapted to remove weight from the net assembly due to the presence of the hit golf balls. The target sheaths can be made of ultraviolet (UV) resistant materials, water resistant materials, polymer woven materials, or combinations of these and other materials. The target sheath material needs to be durable enough to withstand the impact of a golf ball and to withstand being in an outside setting, such as a netting material. The target sheaths can be in the shape of a tube and can be of a length sufficient to contain up to 100 or more golf balls without providing weight into the fabric assembly.

Returning to FIG. 1, the golf net assembly includes one or more flexible connectors (50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64). The flexible connectors are fixedly attached to the extended light framework (31). The connectors are adapted to engage an existing golf practice frame (66). The flexible connectors can accommodate a variety of existing golf practice frame sizes. The connectors can be rope for tying the fabric assembly to the existing golf practice frame or to two poles, or to the frame itself. Types of rope usable herein are sisal, hemp, and combinations of polymer and organic rope material.

An embodiment can be a kit using a multi-pocket golf net assembly using the described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a light framework that includes two rectangular shapes (31a and 31b) bonded, connected, or fitted together. The two rectangular shapes can be made of a metal tubular frame or other suitable material for making a frame, with an opening located where the two rectangular metal shapes over lap, and the over lapping area can be where the target access hole (24) shown in FIG. 1 is located. Other suitable materials in which the light framework can be made from include a stainless steel, a steel, a plastic, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and other suitable man-made products.

The two rectangular metal shapes can be bonded together by welding, use of an adhesive, use of a sticky tape, use of fitted corresponding and interlocking grooves, or by use of other similar methods that can keep the shapes bonded or connected together when impacted by a golf ball. As a size example of the framework, the rectangles (31a and 31b) can have a short side from about 1 feet to about 10 feet or more and a long side that can be at least 20% longer than the short side.

FIG. 3 depicts a center target hole (24) surrounded by a light framework (31).

The center target hole (24) includes the center target sheath (12) stretched behind the center target hole (24) and extending to the side of the center target hole (24) to form a catching area with a closed end (23). The catching area contains the golf balls (14a, 14b, 14c) that travel through the center target hole (24). The golf balls (14a, 14b, 14c) can be removed from the catching area of the center target sheath (12) through the center access hole (21).

FIG. 4 depicts an isolated front view of two target sheaths (74 and 76) secured to a rectangular-shaped target hole (70) of the golf net assembly. A framework (72) includes the rectangular-shaped target hole (70), which has a first target sheath (74) stretched behind the target hole (70) and extending to the left side of the target hole (70) to form a catching area with at least one closed end (82) and a first access hole (78). The catching area contains a golf ball (86a) that travels through the target hole (70) and into the first target sheath (74). The golf ball (86a) can be removed from the catching area of the first target sheath (74) through the first access hole (78). The rectangular-shaped target hole (70) includes a second target sheath (76) stretched behind the target hole (70) and extending to the right side of the target hole (70) to form a catching area with at least one closed end (84) and a second access hole (80) for removing the collected golf balls (86b).

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of an embodiment of the golf net assembly having five target sheaths secured respectively to five rectangular-shaped target holes arranged in a rectangular configuration on the fabric assembly. An existing golf practice frame (90) includes a light framework (92) with a fabric assembly that includes five rectangular target holes (94, 102, 108, 114, and 120). The first target hole (94) is secured to a first target sheath (96) that is stretched behind the first target hole (94) and that extends to the side of the first target hole (94) to form a catching area for collecting the hit golf balls (100). The first target sheath (96) includes a first access hole (98) for removing the golf balls (100) that have traveled through the first target hole (94) to enable a golfer to track the flight of the golf ball and the pattern of his golf swing.

The second target hole (102) is secured to a second target sheath (104) that is stretched behind the second target hole (102) and that extends to the side of the second target hole (102) to form a catching area for collecting the hit golf balls (105). The second target sheath (104) includes a second access hole (106) for removing the golf balls (105) that have traveled through the second target hole (102). The second target hole secured to the second target sheath can be connected to the first target hole secured to the first target sheath.

The third target hole (108) is secured to a third target sheath (110) that is stretched behind the third target hole (108) and that extends to the side of the third target hole (108) to form a catching area for collecting the hit golf balls (111). The third target sheath (108) includes a third access hole (112) for removing the golf balls (111) that have traveled through the third target hole (108). The third target hole secured to the third target sheath can be connected to the first target hole secured to the first target sheath or the second target hole secured to the second target sheath.

The fourth target hole (114) is secured to a fourth target sheath (116) that is stretched behind the fourth target hole (114) and that extends to the side of the fourth target hole (114) to form a catching area for collecting the hit golf balls (115). The fourth target sheath (116) includes a fourth access hole (118) for removing the golf balls (115) that have traveled through the fourth target hole (114). The fourth target hole secured to the fourth target sheath can be connected to the first target hole secured to the first target sheath, the second target hole secured to the second target sheath, or the third target hole secured to the third target sheath.

The fifth target hole (120) is secured to a fifth target sheath (122) that is stretched behind the fifth target hole (120) and that extends to the side of the fifth target hole (120) to form a catching area for collecting the hit golf balls (121). The fifth target sheath (122) includes a fifth access hole (124) for removing the golf balls (121) that have traveled through the fifth target hole (120). The fifth target hole secured to the fifth target sheath can be connected to the first target hole secured to the first target sheath, the second target hole secured to the second target sheath, the third target hole secured to the third target sheath, or the fourth target hole secured to the fourth target sheath.

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of an embodiment of the golf net assembly arranged in a rectangular configuration that includes twelve rectangular-shaped target holes and three target sheaths. In this embodiment, each target sheath is secured to four rectangular target holes. An existing golf practice frame (150) includes a light framework (151) with a fabric assembly that includes twelve rectangular target holes, in which a first set of four target holes (152a, 152b, 152c, and 152d) are secured to a first target sheath (154), a second set of four target holes (162a, 162b, 162c, and 162d) are secured to a second target sheath (164), and a third set of four target holes (170a, 170b, 170c, and 170d) are secured to a third target sheath (172).

The first target sheath includes at least one target closed end (158) for forming a catching area in the first target sheath (154) for collecting the hit golf balls (160). The first target sheath (154) includes at least one access hole (156) for removing the collected golf balls (160). The second target sheath (164) includes at least one target closed end (168) for forming a catching area in the second target sheath (164) for collecting the hit golf balls (165). The second target sheath (164) includes at least one access hole (166) for removing the collected golf balls (165). The third target sheath (172) includes at least one target closed end (178) for forming a catching area in the third target sheath (172) for collecting the hit golf balls (175). The third target sheath (172) includes at least one access hole (174) for removing the collected golf balls (175).

FIG. 7 depicts an isolated front view of an embodiment of the golf net assembly having a rectangular-shaped target hole (182) and a target sheath (184) with no access hole. A framework (180) includes the rectangular-shaped target hole (182), that has one target sheath (184) stretched behind the target hole (182) and extending to the side of the target hole (182) to form a catching area with a closed end (186) for collecting the hit golf balls (188a, 188b, and 188c) to track the flight of the golf balls and the practice swing of the golfer. In this embodiment, the hit golf balls (188a, 188b, and 188c) that are collected into the target sheath (184), can be exited from the target sheath (184) by traveling back through the opening of the target sheath (184) and the rectangular-shaped target hole (182). For example, a golfer can raise and/or shake the target sheath to move the collected golf balls from the catching area of the target sheath through the opening of the target sheath and target hole to exit the golf balls from the golf net assembly.

The golf net assembly can be designed as a stand alone game for accurate golf swinging. As a game, the rules of the game can have one player alone keeping score on where the balls hit the net, or two players can bet against each other, forming a gaming device using golf balls and golf clubs on where the balls can fly and how many in a defined time limit.

The golf net assembly can be used as an educational device for teaching children how to swing accurately at a target using a golf club and golf balls, the golf net assembly can show where on the net the golf balls are being hit by collecting the balls in a target sheath corresponding to a target hole. Scoring can be accomplished using the number of hit golf balls found in a particular target sheath and/or the color of the hit golf balls found the particular target sheaths.

The embodiments include multiple configurations of a plurality of target sheaths secured to a plurality of target holes. For example, one target hole can be secured to one target sheath and arranged in a row with a second target hole secured to a second target sheath. Other configurations include from about two to five or more target sheaths secured to from about two to five or more target holes, respectively, and arranged in a configuration on the fabric assembly, such as a square, rectangle, circle, a trapezoid, a diagonal, or other configurations.

In an embodiment, a golf net assembly adapted to track the flight of golf balls includes: a light framework for providing a shape, a fabric assembly secured to the light framework, a first target sheath secured to a first target hole for collecting golf balls and including at least one target closed end and a first access hole, and a second target sheath with at least one target closed end and a second access hole, wherein the second target sheath is secured to a second target hole which can be connected to the first target hole. Each target sheath comprises a top, a right, a left, and a bottom. Each target sheath is adapted to remove weight from the net assembly due to the presence of golf balls. A plurality of flexible connectors are fixedly attached to the light framework for engaging an existing golf practice frame. The plurality of flexible connectors can accommodate a variety of existing golf practice frame sizes.

The embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to certain embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the embodiments, especially to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A golf net assembly adapted to track a flight of golf balls comprising:

a. a light framework for providing a shape;
b. a fabric assembly secured to the light framework, wherein the fabric assembly comprises: i. a first target sheath secured to a first target hole for collecting golf balls, wherein the first target sheath comprises a top, a right, a left, and a bottom with at least one target closed end and a first access hole; ii. a second target sheath with at least one target closed end and a second access hole, wherein the second target sheath is secured to a second target hole, wherein the second target hole is connected to the first target hole; iii. a third target sheath with at least one target closed end and a third access hole, wherein the third target sheath is secured to a third target hole, wherein the third target hole is connected to a member selected from the group consisting of: the first target hole, the second target hole, and combinations thereof; iv. a fourth target sheath with at least one target closed end and a fourth access hole, wherein the fourth target sheath is secured to a fourth target hole, wherein the fourth target hole is connected to a member selected from the group consisting of: the first target hole, the second target hole, the third target hole, and combinations thereof; v. a fifth target sheath with at least one target closed end and a fifth access hole, wherein the fifth target sheath is secured to a fifth target hole, wherein the fifth target hole is connected to a member selected from the group consisting of: the first target hole, the second target hole, the third target hole, the fourth target hole, and combinations thereof; and vi. each target sheath is adapted to remove weight from the fabric assembly due to a presence of golf balls, wherein the at least one target closed end is centrally located in each target sheath; and
c. a plurality of flexible connectors fixedly attached to the light framework for engaging an existing golf practice frame, wherein the plurality of flexible connectors accommodate a variety of existing golf practice frame sizes.

2. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein at least two target sheaths are secured to each target hole.

3. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein the first target hole in relation to the second target hole comprises a configuration selected from the group consisting of: a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a circle, a row, a diagonal, and combinations thereof.

4. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein each target hole is shaped in a configuration comprising a member selected from the group consisting of: a square, a circle, a triangle, a trapezoid, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, an irregular shape, and combinations thereof.

5. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein a target sheath opening is secured to a target hole, wherein a size of the target sheath opening is identical to a size of the target hole.

6. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein a shape of the target sheath opening comprises a member selected from the group consisting of: a square, a circle, a triangle, a trapezoid, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, an irregular shape, and combinations thereof.

7. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein the light framework is made from a member of the group consisting of: a stainless steel, a steel, a metal, a plastic, a polyvinyl chloride, a man-made product, and combinations thereof, that holds a rigid shape when impacted by a golf ball.

8. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein the light framework comprises two rectangular shapes, wherein the two rectangular shapes are bonded together, wherein the bonding together comprises a member selected from the group consisting of: a welding, an adhesive, and combinations thereof.

9. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein from about 8 connectors to about 100 connectors are used to secure the fabric assembly over an existing golf practice frame.

10. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein the connectors are rope for tying the fabric assembly to the existing golf practice frame.

11. The golf net assembly of claim 10, wherein the rope is sisal, hemp, or combinations of polymer and organic rope material.

12. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein each target sheath is made from a suitable material, wherein the suitable material comprises a member selected from the group consisting of: water resistant netting, polymer woven netting, nylon mesh, and combinations thereof.

13. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein the fabric assembly is formed from polymer netting comprising openings that prevent passage of golf balls.

14. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein fabric assembly material permits the passage of wind and water.

15. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein at least two target holes are secured to each target sheath.

16. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein each target sheath is netting formed in a shape of a tube, wherein the tube comprises a length to contain up to 100 golf balls.

17. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein each target sheath is secured to the light framework by using a member selected from the group consisting of: a tape, a Velcro®, an adhesive, a glue, a fastener, and combinations thereof.

18. The golf net assembly of claim 1, wherein the light framework is fully foldable for storing, wherein the light framework transforms from a fully foldable configuration to an upstanding fully expanded configuration to form a shape for supporting the fabric assembly.

19. A kit comprising the golf net assembly of claim 1 attachable to an existing golf net frame.

20. A golf net assembly adapted to track a flight of golf balls comprising:

a. a light framework for providing a shape;
b. a fabric assembly secured to the light framework, wherein the fabric assembly comprises: i. a first target sheath secured to a first target hole for collecting golf balls, wherein the first target sheath comprises a top, a right, a left, and a bottom with at least one target closed end and a first access hole; ii. a second target sheath with at least one target closed end and a second access hole, wherein the second target sheath is secured to a second target hole, wherein the second target hole is connected to the first target hole; and iii. each target sheath is adapted to remove weight from the fabric assembly due to the presence of golf balls, wherein the at least one target closed end is located in the target sheath; and
c. a plurality of flexible connectors fixedly attached to the light framework for engaging an existing golf practice frame, wherein the plurality of flexible connectors accommodate a variety of existing golf practice frame sizes.
Patent History
Publication number: 20060199658
Type: Application
Filed: May 4, 2006
Publication Date: Sep 7, 2006
Inventor: Willie Leonard (Waller, TX)
Application Number: 11/417,722
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 473/197.000
International Classification: A63B 57/00 (20060101);