Transportable golf putting green apparatus

Abstract

A transportable golf putting green apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame and a rigid planar platform which cooperates with and is supported by the frame. Artificial turf is disposed coplanar and coextensive with the platform, the arrangement being such that the platform is disposed between the frame and the turf. Also, an edge rail is removably fastened to the frame, the rail extending around the turf.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a transportable golf putting green apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a transportable golf putting green apparatus which is easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] Many hotels and motels include covered recreational facilities such as swimming pools, table tennis boards and the like. Also, many guests enjoy miniature golf or putting. The present invention provides a readily transportable putting green which is easy to assemble by non skilled hotel personnel so that the putting green can be installed within a few minutes in the recreational lounge of a hotel or the like. Although, in the prior art, golf greens have been proposed, such greens have been relatively complex and have required skilled installation. The golf green according to the present invention is quickly assembled and provides a durable and sturdy arrangement for persons of all ages to practice putting shots.

[0005] Therefore, it is a primary feature of the present invention to provide a a transportable golf putting green apparatus that overcomes the problems associated with the prior art arrangements.

[0006] Another feature of the present invention is the provision of a transportable golf putting green apparatus that is easy to assemble.

[0007] A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a transportable golf putting green apparatus that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention contained herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a transportable golf putting green apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame and a rigid planar platform which cooperates with and is supported by the frame. Artificial turf is disposed coplanar and coextensive with the platform, the arrangement being such that the platform is disposed between the frame and the turf. Also, an edge rail is removably fastened to the frame, the rail extending around the turf.

[0010] In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the frame is fabricated from metal and the frame includes a first and a second member, the members being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other. The first member has a first and a second side and the second member has a first and a second edge. A first cross brace has a first and a second end with the first cross brace extending between the members. A second cross brace has a first and a second extremity, the second cross brace extending between the members. The first and second cross brace are disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

[0011] Furthermore, the first and second members each have a L-shaped cross sectional configuration. Also, the first member defines a first ledge for supporting the platform. The second member defines a second ledge which is also used for supporting the platform. The first and second cross brace each have a L-shaped cross sectional configuration with the first cross brace defining a first step for supporting the platform. Additionally, the second cross brace defines a second step for supporting the platform.

[0012] The apparatus further includes a cross strut having a first and a second termination. The cross strut extends between the members and is disposed between the cross braces, the cross strut defining a support surface. Also, the cross strut is disposed spaced and parallel relative to the cross braces and the support surface supports the platform.

[0013] Moreover, a bracket extends normal relative to the first end of the first cross brace and a further bracket extends normal relative to the second end of the first cross brace. The bracket defines an aperture and the further bracket defines a further aperture. Additionally, an extension extends normal relative to the first extremity of the second cross brace and a further extension extends normal relative to the second extremity of the second cross brace. The extension defines a slot and the further extension defines a further slot.

[0014] Additionally, the apparatus includes a first fastener which includes a first block and a first and second threaded stud extending from the first block, the studs being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

[0015] A second fastener includes a second block and a third and fourth threaded stud extending from the second block, the studs being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

[0016] Also, a third fastener includes a third block and a fifth and sixth threaded stud extending from the third block, the studs being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

[0017] Furthermore, a fourth fastener includes a fourth block and a seventh and eighth threaded stud which extends from the fourth block, the studs being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first stud extends through the aperture, the third stud extends through the further aperture, the fifth stud extends through the slot and the seventh stud extends through the further slot. Also, a plurality of nuts are provided, with each nut threadably cooperating with a stud so that the members and the cross braces are fastened together.

[0019] Additionally, the first side of the first member defines a first and a second bore, the bores being spaced relative to each other, the bores cooperating with the studs of the first fastener. The second side of the first member defines a first and a second opening, the openings being spaced relative to each other.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus also including a supplemental first member which extends in line from the second side of the first member. Also, a supplemental second member extends in line from the second edge of the second member. The arrangement is such that extending a length of the apparatus is permitted, the length depending on how many supplemental members are added.

[0021] More particularly, a fastener which is identical to the first fastener is used for joining together the second side of the first member to the first side of the supplemental first member. Also, a further fastener identical to the first fastener is used for joining together the second edge of the second member to the first edge of the supplemental second member.

[0022] Preferably, the platform is fabricated from an acrylic plastics material.

[0023] Moreover, the platform defines an orifice and the apparatus further includes a pocket insert which cooperates with the orifice so that in use of the apparatus, a player tries to strike a golf ball such that the golf ball is received within the pocket insert.

[0024] The artificial turf includes a resilient base which contacts the platform and is supported thereon. Also, an artificial green extends from the base such that the base is disposed between the platform and the green.

[0025] The edge rail includes a plurality of sections, each section extending adjacent to and along the members and the cross braces so that the sections overlap the artificial turf and are locked together so that movement of the artificial turf relative to the platform is inhibited.

[0026] Many modifications and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, such modifications and variations fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0027] Included in such modifications would be the provision of a putting green including a first sheet of polystyrene having a thickness of approximately 4 inches. The first sheet has a peripheral edge which includes a curved portion and a flat portion. Furthermore, the first sheet defines an orifice for the reception therein of a pocket insert. A second sheet of polystyrene having the same thickness as the first sheet is of rectangular configuration with one of the sides thereof of the same length as the length of the flat portion of the first sheet. A layer of artificial turf is connected by adhesive to the upper surfaces of the first and second sheets so that the sheets can be folded together like the leaves of a book for easy transportation thereof. The peripheral edges of the sheets are covered with a plastic rail in order to hide the joint between the peripheral edge of the turf and the sheets.

[0028] The present invention also envisages a putting green which includes a sheet of foam plastic. The peripheral edge of the sheet defines spaced slots for the reception therein of wooden inserts. The inserts are fastened within the slots by an adhesive. A rail including four sections is fastened to the peripheral edge of the sheets by means of screws or the like which extend through the sections and which are screwed into the wooden inserts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a transportable golf putting green apparatus according to the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the turf and platform removed;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an assembled transportable golf putting green apparatus shown in FIG. 3 according to the present invention; and

[0033] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the assembled apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0034] Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various views and embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a transportable golf putting green apparatus generally designated 10 according to the present invention. The putting green apparatus 10 includes a frame generally designated 12 and a rigid planar platform 14 which cooperates with and is supported by the frame 12. Artificial turf 16 is disposed coplanar and coextensive with the platform 14, the arrangement being such that the platform 14 is disposed between the frame 12 and the turf 16. Also, an edge rail generally designated 18 is removably fastened to the frame 12, the rail 18 extending around the turf 16.

[0036] In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the frame 12 is fabricated from metal and the frame 12 includes a first and a second member 20 and 22 respectively, the members 20 and 22 being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other. The first member 20 has a first and a second side 24 and 26 respectively and the second member 22 has a first and a second edge 28 and 30 respectively. A first cross brace 32 has a first and a second end 34 and 36 respectively with the first cross brace 32 extending between the members 20 and 22. A second cross brace 38 has a first and a second extremity 40 and 42 respectively, the second cross brace 38 extending between the members 20 and 22. The first and second cross brace 32 and 38 respectively are disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

[0037] Furthermore, the first and second members 20 and 22 respectively each have a L-shaped cross sectional configuration. Also, the first member 20 defines a first ledge 44 for supporting the platform 14. The second member 22 defines a second ledge 46 which is also for supporting the platform 14. The first and second cross brace 32 and 38 respectively each have a L-shaped cross sectional configuration with the first cross brace 32 defining a first step 48 for supporting the platform 14. Additionally, the second cross brace 38 defines a second step 50 for supporting the platform 14.

[0038] The apparatus 10 further includes a cross strut 52 having a first and a second termination 54 and 56 respectively, the cross strut 52 extending between the members 20 and 22 and being disposed between the cross braces 32 and 38, the cross strut 52 defining a support surface 58.

[0039] Also, the cross strut 52 is disposed spaced and parallel relative to the cross braces 32 and 38 and the support surface 58 supports the platform 14.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the frame 12 with the turf 16 and platform 14 removed. As shown in FIG. 2, a bracket 60 extends normal relative to the first end 34 of the first cross brace 32 and a further bracket 62 extends normal relative to the second end 36 of the first cross brace 32. The bracket 60 defines an aperture 64 and the further bracket 62 defines a further aperture 66. An extension 68 extends normal relative to the first extremity 40 of the second cross brace 38 and a further extension 70 extends normal relative to the second extremity 42 of the second cross brace 38. The extension 68 defines a slot 72 and the further extension 70 defines a further slot 74.

[0041] Additionally, the apparatus 10 includes a first fastener generally designated 76 which includes a first block 78 and a first and second threaded stud 80 and 82 respectively extending from the first block 78, the studs 80 and 82 being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

[0042] A second fastener generally designated 84 includes a second block 86 and a third and fourth threaded stud 88 and 90 respectively extending from the second block 86, the studs 88 and 90 being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

[0043] Also, a third fastener generally designated 92 includes a third block 94 and a fifth and sixth threaded stud 96 and 98 respectively extending from the third block 94, the studs 96 and 98 being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

[0044] Furthermore, a fourth fastener generally designated 100 includes a fourth block 102 and a seventh and eighth threaded stud 104 and 106 respectively which extends from the fourth block 102, the studs 104 and 106 being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

[0045] The first stud 80 extends through the aperture 64, the third stud 88 extends through the further aperture 66, the fifth stud 96 extends through the slot 72 and the seventh stud 104 extends through the further slot 74. Also, a plurality of nuts 108, 109, 110 and 111 are provided, with each nut 108-111 threadably cooperating with a stud so that the members 20 and 22 and the cross braces 32 and 38 are fastened together.

[0046] Additionally, the first side 24 of the first member 20 defines a first and a second bore 112 and 114, the bores 112 and 114 being spaced relative to each other, the bores 112 and 114 cooperating with the studs 80 and 82 of the first fastener 76. The second side 26 of the first member 20 defines a first and a second opening 116 and 118 respectively, the openings 116 and 118 being spaced relative to each other.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus 10a includes a supplemental first member 120 which extends in line from the second side 26a of the first member 20a. A supplemental second member 122 extends in line from the second edge 30a of the second member 22a. The arrangement is such that extending a length L of the apparatus 10a is permitted, the length L depending on how many supplemental members 120 and 122 are added.

[0048] A fastener 124 identical to the first fastener 76 is used for joining together the second side 26a of the first member 20a to the first side 24′ of the supplemental first member 120. Also, a further fastener 126 identical to the first fastener 76 is used for joining together the second edge 30a of the second member 22a to the first edge 24″ of the supplemental second member 122.

[0049] Referring back to FIG. 1, preferably, the platform 14 is fabricated from acrylic plastics material. Moreover, the platform 14 defines an orifice 128 and the apparatus 10 further includes a pocket insert 130 which cooperates with the orifice 128.

[0050] The artificial turf 16 includes a resilient base 132 which contacts the platform 14 and is 20 supported thereon. Also, an artificial green 134 extends from the base 132 such that the base 132 is disposed between the platform 14 and the green 134.

[0051] The edge rail 18 includes a plurality of sections 136, 137, 138 and 139, each section 136-139 extending adjacent to and along the members 20 and 22 and the cross braces 32 and 38 so that the sections 136-139 overlap the artificial turf 16 and are locked together so that movement of the artificial turf 16 relative to the platform 14 is inhibited.

[0052] The cross braces 32 and 38 are either 3 foot or 4 foot in length and the members 20 and 22 are preferably 4 foot in length. The arrangement is such that a putting green can be installed in which the length thereof L is either 4 foot, 8 foot, 12 foot, 16 foot or longer.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an assembled transportable golf putting green apparatus 10a shown in FIG. 3 according to the present invention and shows the edge rail 18 including sections 136-139.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the assembled apparatus of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the pocket insert 130 is shown extending through the turf 16 and platform 14. The platform is shown supported on the first and second steps of the cross braces 32 and 38.

[0055] In operation of the apparatus, when for example a 8 foot putting green is to be built, as shown in FIG. 3, the members 20a and 22a are placed on the floor and the cross brace 32 is positioned so that the end 34 of the cross brace 32 is disposed adjacent to the side 24 of the member 20. The stud 80 is inserted through the bore 112 and the aperture 64 and nut 108 is used to draw together and lock the member 20 to the cross brace 32. The stud 82 extends into the hollow section of the cross brace 32. Next, the stud 88 is threaded through the bore of the first edge 28 and further aperture 66 and nut 109 is used to fasten the second end 36 of the cross brace 32 to the first edge 28 of the second member 22.

[0056] The block of the fastener 124 is then inserted into the second side 26a of the member 20a with the stud of the fastener extending outwardly through the first opening 116 and a nut is used to secure the fastener 124 to the member 20a. The supplemental first member 120 is then secured to the member 20a so that the members 20a and 120 are in line with the other stud of the fastener 124 extending outwardly through a bore defined by the supplemental first member 120 and a nut is tightened on the stud to lock the members 20a and 120 together.

[0057] The supplemental second member 122 is then added in the same manner with the further fastener 126 linking the member 122 to the second edge 30a of the member 22a.

[0058] The second cross brace 38 is then secured in the same manner as the cross brace 32. More specifically, the fifth stud 96 extends outwardly from the block 94 disposed within the hollow section of the member 120, through the opening 118 of the member 120 and through the slot 72 so that the member 120 and cross brace 38 are locked together when a nut is tightened on the stud 96. Also, the seventh stud 104 is threaded through an opening of the member 122 and the further slot 74 so that locking of the member 122 and cross brace 38 is permitted.

[0059] Cross struts 52 are then laid parallel to the cross braces 32 and 38. The terminations 54 and 56 may be located between adjacent studs of the fasteners 124 and 126 used to connect members together. The studs in this case will inhibit movement of the struts 52 relative to the cross braces 32 and 38. Preferably, the struts 52 are spaced 1 foot apart to provide adequate support for the platform 14.

[0060] The platform 14 is then laid on the frame 12 so that the periphery of the platform rests upon the ledges 44 and 46. In the case of an 8 foot putting green having a depth of 4 foot, a further platform is provided with each platform being approximately 4 foot long and 4 foot wide.

[0061] With the platforms in place, the artificial turf 16 is laid on top of the platforms and the pocket insert 130 is located within the orifice 128.

[0062] The sections 136-139 are then fastened with the section 136 disposed along the cross brace 32 and the section 137 extending along the members 20a and 120 so that the edge of the turf 16 is hidden below the overlapping sections 136 and 137. The section 138 is then fastened adjacent to the cross brace 38 and the section 139 is fastened to the members 22a and 122 so that all the sections 136-139 are locked together to hide the edge of the turf 16 and to enclose the outside edges of the putting green to provide an aesthetic appearance to the finished putting green. Preferably, the sections 136-139 are fabricated from wood and include corner joints that facilitate the assembly of the green. Preferably, the corner joints are secured to the sections 136 and 138 so that when sections 136 and 138 are correctly located, the sections 137 and 139 are secured and locked in place relative to the sections 136 and 138.

[0063] Also, in the case of a green having a depth of 3 foot, cross braces and struts of 3 foot replace the 4 foot elements. Also, in the case of a 3 foot depth, the members, cross braces and struts can be of a lesser sectional dimension.

[0064] The frame of the apparatus according to the present invention includes a very small number of parts. The members 20, 22 and supplemental members 120 and 122 are identical in construction. Also, the cross braces 32 and 38 are identical. Furthermore, the struts 52 are identical to each other and each of the fasteners 76, 84, 92, 100, 124 and 126 are each identical with each other for the 4 foot deep version. The same is true with regard to the parts for the 3 foot deep version. Consequently, the manufacturing costs for the apparatus according to the present invention is minimized.

[0065] The present invention provides a unique readily assembled putting green which is durable and transportable.

Claims

1. A transportable golf putting green apparatus, said apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a rigid planar platform cooperating with and supported by said frame;

artificial turf disposed coplanar and coextensive with said platform, the arrangement being such that said platform is disposed between said frame and said turf; and

an edge rail removably fastened to said frame, said rail extending around said turf.

2. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein

said frame is fabricated from metal.

3. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein

said frame includes:

a first and a second member, said members being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other, said first member having a first and a second side, said second member having a first and a second edge;

a first cross brace having a first and a second end, said first cross brace extending between said members;

a second cross brace having a first and a second extremity, said second cross brace extending between said members, said first and second cross brace being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

4. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein

said first and second members each have a L-shaped cross sectional configuration.

5. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein

said first member defines a first ledge for supporting said platform;

said second member defines a second ledge for supporting said platform.

6. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein

said first and second cross brace each have a L-shaped cross sectional configuration.

7. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein

said first cross brace defines a first step for supporting said platform;

said second cross brace defines a second step for supporting said platform.

8. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 3 further including:

a cross strut having a first and a second termination, said cross strut extending between said members and being disposed between said cross braces, said cross strut defining a support surface.

9. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein

said cross strut is disposed spaced and parallel relative to said cross braces.

10. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein

said support surface supports said platform.

11. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 3 further including:

a bracket extending normal relative to said first end of said first cross brace;

a further bracket extending normal relative to said second end of said first cross brace;

said bracket defining an aperture;

said further bracket defining a further aperture;

an extension extending normal relative to said first extremity of said second cross brace;

a further extension extending normal relative to said second extremity of said second cross brace;

said extension defining a slot;

said further extension defining a further slot.

12. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 11 further including:

a first fastener including:

a first block;

a first and second threaded stud extending from said first block, said studs being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other;

a second fastener including:

a second block;

a third and fourth threaded stud extending from said second block, said studs being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other;

a third fastener including:

a third block;

a fifth and sixth threaded stud extending from said third block, said studs being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other;

a fourth fastener including:

a fourth block;

a seventh and eighth threaded stud extending from said fourth block, said studs being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

13. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein

said first stud extends through said aperture, said third stud extends through said further aperture, said fifth stud extends through said slot and said seventh stud extends through said further slot;

a plurality of nuts, each nut threadably cooperating with a stud so that said members and said cross braces are fastened together.

14. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein

said first side of said first member defines a first and a second bore, said bores being spaced relative to each other, said bores cooperating with said studs of said first fastener;

said second side of said first member defines a first and a second opening, said openings being spaced relative to each other;

said apparatus including:

a supplemental first member extending in line from said second side of said first member;

a supplemental second member extending in line from said second edge of said second member, the arrangement being such that extending a length of said apparatus is permitted, said length depending on how many supplemental members are added.

15. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 14 further including:

a fastener identical to said first fastener for joining together said second side of said first member to said first side of said supplemental first member;

a further fastener identical to said first fastener for joining together said second edge of said second member to said first edge of said supplemental second member.

16. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein

said platform is fabricated from acrylic plastics material.

17. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein

said platform defines an orifice;

said apparatus further including:

a pocket insert which cooperates with said orifice.

18. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein

said artificial turf includes:

a resilient base which contacts said platform and is supported thereon;

artificial green extending from said base such that said base is disposed between said platform and said green.

19. A transportable golf putting green apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein

said edge rail includes;

a plurality of sections, each section extending adjacent to and along said members and said cross braces so that said sections overlap said artificial turf and are locked together so that movement of said artificial turf relative to said platform is inhibited.

20. A transportable golf putting green apparatus, said apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a rigid planar platform cooperating with and supported by said frame;

artificial turf disposed coplanar and coextensive with said platform, the arrangement being such that said platform is disposed between said frame and said turf;

an edge rail removably fastened to said frame, said rail extending around said turf;

said frame including:

a first and a second member, said members being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other, said first member having a first and a second side, said second member having a first and a second edge;

a first cross brace having a first and a second end, said first cross brace extending between said members; and

a second cross brace having a first and a second extremity, said second cross brace extending between said members, said first and second cross brace being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

21. A transportable golf putting green apparatus, said apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a rigid planar platform cooperating with and supported by said frame;

artificial turf disposed coplanar and coextensive with said platform, the arrangement being such that said platform is disposed between said frame and said turf;

an edge rail removably fastened to said frame, said rail extending around said turf;

said frame including:

a first and a second member, said members being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other, said first member having a first and a second side, said second member having a first and a second edge;

a first cross brace having a first and a second end, said first cross brace extending between said members;

a second cross brace having a first and a second extremity, said second cross brace extending between said members, said first and second cross brace being disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other;

a supplemental first member extending in line from said second side of said first member; and

a supplemental second member extending in line from said second edge of said second member, the arrangement being such that extending a length of said apparatus is permitted, said length depending on how many supplemental members are added.