Golf Practice Assemblies and Methods
Modifiable platform assemblies are provided that can include at least two frame assemblies configured to reside one above the other and be rotatably connected in relation to one and the other along an axis extending substantially normal to an interface between the two assemblies. These platforms can be used to develop the golf swing. Accordingly, golf ball hitting practice methods are also provided.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/678,494 which was filed on Aug. 1, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure provides sporting equipment and in particular embodiments golf practice assemblies and methods.
BACKGROUNDPerfecting a golf swing is a decade long process that is enjoyed by millions of people throughout the world. However, it is not enough to simply perfect a swing. The player must also perfect a swing that is unique to specific terrains of the golf course. For example, the ball can have a particular lie; on the uphill of the feet, downhill of the feet, on an angled lie, and other difficult configurations that support the golf ball being played. To perfect a swing suited for these specific instances, it is impractical to simply place a ball at different terrains throughout a course and practice hitting balls from those positions. It is more practical to practice hitting balls from a fixed position that can be manipulated to emulate other alternative lies throughout golf courses. The present disclosure provides golf practice assemblies and methods that can be utilized to emulate golf ball lies.
SUMMARYModifiable platform assemblies are provided that can include at least two frame assemblies configured to reside one above the other and be rotatably connected in relation to one and the other along an axis extending substantially normal to an interface between the two assemblies.
Golf ball hitting practice methods are provided. The method can include: providing a practice platform in a first position aligned with a target, the practice platform being in a first location in the relation to the target and the target being in a second location in relation to the practice platform; striking a ball from the platform in the first position, the first position providing a first lie of the golf ball; and repositioning the platform to a second position different from the first position, the second position providing a different lie of the golf ball in the relation to the striking golfer.
Golf swing practice platforms are also provided. The platform can include: a first frame residing above a second frame, the first and second frames rotationally-fixedly coupled to one another; a hitting platform pivotably coupled to the first frame via at least one hinge; a positioning assembly between the hitting platform and first frame, the positioning assembly configured to fixedly engage the hitting platform in a plurality of physical relations with the first frame; and a rotation assembly between the first frame and the second frame, the rotation assembly configured to lock the relation of the first frame to the second frame when the first frame is in the down position, but allow the first frame to rotate about the second frame when the first frame is in the up position.
A golf practice platform including a frame having a platform and a sub-frame coupled thereto, the platform hingedly engaged to the upper portion of the frame and pivotable along the hinge and the sub-frame pivotally engaged to the main frame and pivotable in relation to the main frame.
Embodiments of the disclosure are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
This disclosure is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).
The assemblies and methods of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
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Assembly 10 can also include positioning members 20. Positioning members 20 can be configured to allow the user to position the upper surface, such as a hinged upper surface, of assembly 10 in multiple angled positions relating to a hinge associated with assembly 10. Positioning member 20 can be a member that includes multiple slots that can be utilized to engage a cross-member raising one edge relative to another edge of the upper surface of assembly 10. The upper surface can be considered a support or hitting platform and may be coupled to sub-frame 30 via hinges 40, for example.
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In accordance with additional embodiments of the disclosure, the hitting platform can include hitting tees that may be utilized therewith. These tees can be rubber for example, such as those used for hitting golf balls with a driver.
In accordance with an example implementation, the assembly can be used with every club in the golfer's bag, from driver to wedges and all clubs in between. Additionally, the area occupied by the platform can be sufficient to safely accommodate most stances of golfers. For example, 5′×5′ can accommodate most stances.
In compliance with the statute, embodiments of the invention have been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the entire invention is not limited to the specific features and/or embodiments shown and/or described, since the disclosed embodiments comprise forms of putting the invention into effect.
Claims
1. A modifiable platform assembly 10 comprising at least two frame assemblies configured to reside one above the other and be rotatably connected in relation to one and the other along an axis extending substantially normal to an interface between the two assemblies.
2. The platform of claim 1 further comprising a support platform pivotably coupled to one of the frame assemblies.
3. The platform of claim 2 wherein the support platform comprises an edge that is hinged to an edge of the one of the frame assemblies.
4. The platform of claim 2 further comprising a positioning assembly between the support platform and the frame assembly coupled to the support platform.
5. The platform of claim 4 wherein the positioning assembly comprises:
- at least one member extending from the support platform; and
- another member extending from one of the frame assemblies, the one member configured to engage the other member at a plurality of positions.
6. The platform of claim 5 wherein the one member defines a plurality of recesses configured to individually receive the other member.
7. The platform of claim 1 further comprising a rotation assembly engaged between the two frame assemblies.
8. The platform of claim 7 wherein the rotation assembly comprises a spindle.
9. The platform of claim 8 wherein the spindle comprises a hood and ball, the hood being coupled to one frame and the ball being coupled to the other frame, the assembly being configured to rotate the one frame about the other frame as the hood rotates about the ball.
10. The platform of claim 7 wherein the rotation assembly is configured to lock in a resting position and allow for movement in the raised position.
11. A golf ball hitting practice method, the method comprising:
- providing a practice platform in a first position aligned with a target, the practice platform being in a first location in relation to the target and the target being in a second location in relation to the practice platform; and
- striking a ball from the platform in the first position, the first position providing a first lie of the golf ball; and
- repositioning the platform to a second position different from the first position, the second position providing a different lie of the golf ball in relation to the striking golfer.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the repositioning the platform maintains the distance relationship between the practice platform and the target.
13. The method of claim 11 further comprising after repositioning, again striking another ball from the platform in the second position.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the first position of the platform is substantially level and the second position of the platform is substantially tilted.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the first position of the platform is substantially tilted and the second position is substantially tilted and rotated about an axis in relation to the first position.
16. The method of claim 11 wherein the repositioning comprises disengaging the platform from a locked position and rotating the platform about an axis.
17. The method of claim 11 wherein the repositioning comprises depressing a lever to disengage the platform from the locked position.
18. The method of claim 11 wherein the first lie of the golf ball is about level with the feet of the practice player.
19. The method of claim 11 wherein the first lie of the golf ball is above the feet of the practice player.
20. A golf swing practice platform, the platform comprising:
- a first frame residing above a second frame, the first and second frames rotationally-fixedly coupled to one another;
- a hitting platform pivotably coupled to the first frame via at least one hinge;
- a positioning assembly between the hitting platform and first frame, the positioning assembly configured to fixedly engage the hitting platform in a plurality of physical relations with the first frame; and
- a rotation assembly between the first frame and the second frame, the rotation assembly configured to lock the relation of the first frame to the second frame when the first frame is in the down position, but allow the first frame to rotate about the second frame when the first frame is in the up position.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 15, 2013
Publication Date: Feb 6, 2014
Inventors: David Wanner (Mead, WA), John Helliwell (Spokane Valley, WA)
Application Number: 13/842,108
International Classification: A63B 69/36 (20060101);