GOLF PRACTICE DEVICE

Abstract

A golf practicing device includes a golf ball and a ball anchoring assembly which includes a restraining cord and an elastic cord. The restraining cord, which is made of non-elastic material, has an affixing end affixed to the golf ball and an anchoring end. A maximum traveling distance of the golf ball is restrained by a maximum length of the restraining cord between the affixing end and the anchoring end. The elastic cord is provided along the restraining cord that shortens a distance between the golf ball and the anchoring end of the restraining cord. When the golf ball is hit to fly at the maximum traveling distance, the elastic cord absorbs a tension of the restraining cord and pulls the golf ball back toward its spot position.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a sports training tool. More particularly, the present invention relates to a golf practicing device for practicing driving techniques in a game of golf, wherein the golf ball can be automatically returned back to the golfer or to a near proximation thereof.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Golf is very popular sport throughout the world. Some golfers have a strong desire to improve their game by having professionals give them training and lessons. Some golfers use by a variety of golf training aids to improve their game. Therefore are different existing golf training aids for the golfers to practice their golf swing in a confined space.

For example, a golf training aid comprises a back net setup in front of the golfer with a short distance from the golfer, wherein the golfer hits one or more golf balls against the back net. The major disadvantage of the back net is that the golfer is unable to aid the projected target far away from the golfer as he or she in the golf game. The golfer may aid the target at the back net which is close to him or her. If the golfer losses the control of the golf club and mishit the golf ball away from the back net, other people may be hit by the stray ball accidentally.

Another golf training aid comprises a tethering cord that one end is attached to the golf ball and another end is affixed on the ground. After hitting the golf ball, the tethering cord will limit the hitting distance of the golf ball. The tethering cord must be long enough to achieve a free flight characteristic of the golf ball. However, the golfer must pull the tethering cord in order to retract the golf ball from a far distance after every swing. Shortening the tethering cord will help the golfer to pull back the golf ball easily. But, the life span of the tethering cord will be shortened by the full golf shots. It is known that the golf ball will fly in a high speed by the full golf shot. Therefore, the tethering cord will be pulled in a full tension to stop the flying golf ball and such full tension at the tethering cord will break the tethering cord after a period of continuous use. The shortened tethering cord will also pull the golf ball back to the golfer by a swivel and hit the golfer accidentally.

An improved tethering cord may constructed to have a non-elastic cord and an elastic cord attached thereto end-to-end, wherein the non-elastic cord allows the initial free flight of the golf ball and the elastic cord can pull back the golf ball after every swing. Likewise, the length of the non-elastic cord must be long enough to achieve a free flight characteristic of the golf ball. However, golf ball can never return back to the golfer or even near the golfer via the length of the non-elastic cord. To shorten the non-elastic cord, the elastic cord will provide strong elastic force to pull back the golf ball all on a sudden.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for new and improved devices for practicing a golf swing in a confined space.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks and limitation by providing a golf practicing device, which is a simple, compact and inexpensive device.

The primary objective of the present invention is to have a golf practicing device for practicing driving techniques in a game of golf, wherein the golf ball can be automatically returned back to the golfer or to a near proximation thereof.

Another objective of the present invention is that the golf ball will never hit the golfer when it is returned. Therefore, it is safe for the golfer to practice a full golf shot.

Another objective of the present invention is that the ball anchoring assembly comprises a restraining cord to provide a maximum length and an elastic cord to shorten the maximum length of the restraining cord.

Another objective of the present invention is that the tension of the restraining cord is absorbed by the elastic cord to prolong the life span of the retraining cord.

Another objective of the present invention is that the ball anchoring assembly allows the golfer to spot the golf ball at any practicing surface or even on a tee.

Another objective of the present invention is that the golf practicing device is extremely light and portable, so that the golfer is able to carry the golf practicing device from places to places.

Another objective of the present invention is that the golf practicing device is an effective and economical training kit.

Another objective of the present invention is that the golf practicing device allows the golfer to save time and money by being able to practice the golf swing at home instead of having to practice in golf course or driving range.

Another objective of the present invention is that the golf practicing device can be setup in areas of limited space, such as indoors, back yards, and garage.

Another objective of the present invention is that the golf practicing device is inexpensive in manufacturing cost.

Another objective of the present invention is that the visor device contains the advantages of high portability and extremely long service life.

The invention comprises the following, in whole or part:

• • a golf ball and a ball anchoring assembly.

The ball anchoring assembly comprises a restraining cord and an elastic cord.

The restraining cord is made of non-elastic material to define a maximum length of the restraining cord.

The restraining cord has an affixing end affixed to the golf ball and an anchoring end. A maximum traveling distance of the golf ball is restrained by a maximum length of the restraining cord between the affixing end and the anchoring end. The elastic cord is provided along the restraining cord that shortens a distance between the golf ball and the anchoring end of the restraining cord. When the golf ball is hit to fly at the maximum traveling distance, the elastic cord absorbs a tension of the restraining cord and pulls the golf ball back toward its spot position.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention with its objectives and distinctive features and advantages, reference is now made to the following specification and to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a golf practicing device in accordance with the presently embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial view of the ball anchoring assembly in accordance with the presently embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows the operation of the golf practicing device in accordance with the presently embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows the maximum traveling distance of the golf ball and the stretched elastic cord in accordance with the presently embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a modification of the ball anchoring assembly in accordance with the presently embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a golf practicing device for practicing driving techniques in a game of golf. The golf practicing device of the invention can be used at any confined area.

FIG. 1 depict the golf practicing device as a presently embodiment, wherein the golf practicing device comprises a golf ball 100 and a ball anchoring assembly 200 which comprises a restraining cord 300, an elastic cord 400, and a cord holder 600.

The restraining cord 300 is made of non-elastic material to define a maximum length of the restraining cord 300. It is preferred that the restraining cord 300 is made of double strand of nylon cord and is non-stretchable to restrain a maximum travelling distance of the golf ball 100.

FIG. 1 further depicts the restraining cord 300 having an affixing end 310 affixed to the golf ball 100 by any means and an anchoring end 320. The affixing end 310 of the restraining cord 300 can be affixed to a wall surface of the golf ball or can be penetrated through the golf ball 100 at the center thereof to secure the attachment between the restraining cord 300 and the golf ball 100. The anchoring end 320 of the restraining cord 300 is used for attaching to a golf practicing surface such as a real grass surface, an artificial grass surface, or even a carpet surface. An anchor unit 500 can be used for attaching the anchoring end 320 of the restraining cord 300 at the golf practicing surface. The anchor unit 500 comprises a pivot mount 510 provided at the anchoring end 320 of the restraining cord 300 and a stake 520 affixing the pivot mount 510 at the golf practicing surface.

The maximum length of the restraining cord 300 is defined between the affixing end 301 and the anchoring end 302. The maximum traveling distance of the golf ball 100 is restrained by the maximum length of the restraining cord 300 between the affixing end 310 and the anchoring end 320. Therefore, the golf ball 100 can fly with the maximum traveling distance which is a fixed distance by the maximum length of the restraining cord 300.

The elastic cord 400 is provided along the restraining cord 300 that shortens a distance between the golf ball 100 and the anchoring end 320 of the restraining cord 300 with respect to the maximum length of the restraining cord 300. The elastic cord 400 is not connected to the restraining cord 300 end-to-end but is extended along the restraining cord 300 side-by-side. If the elastic cord 400 is connected to the restraining cord 300 end-to-end, the maximum traveling distance of the golf ball 100 will not be a fixed distance because the traveling distance of the golf ball 100 will be varied by the stretching of the elastic cord 400. Therefore, regarding to the invention, the elastic cord 400 is provided along the restraining cord 300 side-by-side.

A safety distance is defined by a distance between the golf ball 100 and the anchoring end 320 of the restraining cord 300 when the elastic cord 400 is in a non-stretching condition. Therefore, the safety distance is the shortened distance of the restraining cord 300 by the elastic cord 400.

FIG. 2 depicts the relationship between the restraining cord 300 and the elastic cord 400. The elastic cord 400 has a first end 410 and a second end 420. A total length of the elastic cord 400 is shorter than the maximum length of the restraining cord 300. The total length of the elastic cord 400 is a distance between the first end 410 and the second end 420 when the elastic cord 400 is in a non-stretching condition. Therefore, a distance between the affixing end 310 and the anchoring end 320 of the restraining code 300 is longer than a distance between the first end 410 and the second end 420 of the elastic cord 400.

The first end 410 of the elastic cord 400 is affixed to a first point 330 of the restraining cord 300 toward the affixing end 310 thereof. It is preferred that the first end 410 of the elastic cord 400 can be secured and tied at the first point 330 of the restraining cord 300.

The second end 420 of the elastic cord 400 is affixed to a second point 340 of the restraining cord 300 toward the anchoring end 320 thereof. It is preferred that the second end 420 of the elastic cord 400 can be secured and tied at the second point 340 of the restraining cord 300.

A length of the elastic cord 400 in a non-stretching condition is shorter than a length of the restraining cord 300 between the first point 330 and the second point 340. Therefore, a distance between the first end 410 and the second end 420 of the elastic cord 400 in a non-stretching condition is shorter than a distance between the first point 330 and the second point 340 of the restraining cord 300.

A distance between the first end 410 and the second end 420 of the elastic cord 400 in a stretching condition is longer than a distance between the first point 330 and the second point 340 of the restraining cord 300. Therefore, when the elastic cord 400 is stretched, the restraining cord 300 is able to fully extend at its maximum length.

Therefore, after affixing the first end 410 and the second end 420 of the elastic cord 400 to the first point 330 and the second point 340 of the restraining cord 300 respectively, the maximum length of the restraining cord 300 will be shortened. However, the maximum length of said restraining cord 300 can be obtained when the elastic cord 400 is stretched. The distance between the golf ball 100 and the anchoring end 320 of the restraining code 300 will be shortened by the elastic cord 400 when the elastic cord 400 is in a non-stretching condition.

At least an attachment portion 430 of the elastic cord 400 is affixed to a third point 350 of the restraining cord 300. The attachment portion 430 is defined between the first end 410 and the second end 420 of the elastic cord 400. The third point 350 of the restraining cord 300 is located between the first point 430 and the second point 440 thereof.

A length of the elastic cord 400 between the first end 410 and the attachment portion 430 in a non-stretching condition is shorter than the length of the restraining cord 300 between the first point 330 and the third point 350 thereof.

A length of the elastic cord 400 between the attachment portion 430 and the second end 420 in a non-stretching condition is shorter than a length of the restraining cord 300 between the third point 350 and the second point 340 thereof.

The cord holder 600 is used for holding the elastic cord 400 along the restraining cord 300. The cord holder 600 comprises one or more tubular holders 610 receiving the elastic cord 400 and the restraining cord 300 therein.

In the presently embodiment, only the portion of the restraining cord 300 between the first point 330 and the second point 340 is loosely held in the tubular holder 610. Two or more tubular holder 610 can be used for holding the restraining cord 300 between the first point 330 and the third point 350. Two or more tubular holder 610 can also be used for holding the restraining cord 300 between the third point 350 and the second point 340. No tubular holder 610 will be used at the restraining cord 300 between the affixing end 310 and the first end 330 or between the anchoring end 320 and the second end 340.

A knot 360 or tying element is preferred to be formed at the restraining cord 300 between every two adjacent tubular holders 610. Therefore, when the restraining cord 300 is pulled and the elastic cord 400 is stretched, the knot 360 will limit the sliding movement of the tubular holder 610 to ensure the restraining cord 300 and the elastic cord 400 to be held by the tubular holder 610.

In the presently embodiment, the elastic cord 400 is able to be stretched when the elastic cord 400 is held by the tubular holder 610. The cross section of the tubular holder 610 must be larger than a total diameter size of the restraining cord 300 and the elastic cord 400. Therefore, the restraining cord 300 and the elastic cord 400 can be freely moved within the tubular holder 610, especially when the elastic cord 400 is stretched to obtain the maximum length of the restraining cord 300. The cord holder 600 can be a holding ring for holding the elastic cord 400 along the restraining cord 300 side-by-side.

FIG. 3 depicts the operation of the golf practicing device of the invention. The golfer is able to affix the anchoring end 320 of the restraining cord 300 at the golf practicing surface via the anchor unit 500. The golf ball 100 can be placed at the spot position (at point A). The golfer must stand in a position that a distance between the golfer and the anchoring end 320 of the restraining cord 300 must be larger than the safety distance. However, the distance between the golfer and the anchoring end 320 of the restraining cord 300 can be the same or shorter than the maximum length of the restraining cord 300. The golf ball 100 should be placed behind the anchoring end 320 of the restraining cord 300 and the direction of the restraining cord 300 should be aligned with the flying direction of the golf ball 100. When the golf ball 100 is hit, the golf ball 100 will fly in the direction toward the anchoring end 320 of the restraining cord 300.

When the golf ball 100 is hit to fly, the elastic cord 400 will be stretched to enable the restraining cord 300 to obtain its maximum length thereof (at point B). The distance between the anchor unit 500 and point B is the maximum length of the restraining cord 300. When the golf ball 100 is hit to fly at the maximum traveling distance, the elastic cord 400 absorbs a tension of the restraining cord 300 and pulls the golf ball 100 back at point C toward its spot position (point A). It is noted that point A and point C is close to each other. Therefore, when the elastic cord 400 is stretched, the stretching force of the elastic cord 400 will cancel out the tension of the restraining cord 300.

When the restraining cord 300 is fully extended at its maximum length, the elastic cord 400 will pull the restraining cord 300 by the elastic force to shorten the distance between the golf ball 100 and the anchoring end 320 of the restraining cord 300. The length of the restraining cord 300 will be shrunk back with respect to the safety distance. At the mean time, the golf ball 100 will be automatically returned back at the spot position (point A) and to the golfer or to a near proximation thereof (point C).

FIG. 5 shows the modification of the ball anchoring assembly 700 which comprises a restraining cord 800 and an elastic cord 900. The restraining cord 800 is made of non-elastic material to define a maximum length of the restraining cord 800. The restraining cord 800 has an affixing end 810 affixed to the golf ball 100 and an anchoring end 820 for attaching to a golf practicing surface. The maximum length of the restraining cord 800 is defined between the affixing end 801 and the anchoring end 802. The maximum traveling distance of the golf ball 100 is restrained by the maximum length of the restraining cord 800 between the affixing end 810 and the anchoring end 820.

The elastic cord 900 is provided along the restraining cord 800 that shortens a distance between the golf ball 100 and the anchoring end 820 of the restraining cord 800 with respect to the maximum length of the restraining cord 800. Regarding to the modification, the elastic cord 900 is coaxial with and received in the restraining cord 800. Therefore, the elastic cord 900 is extended along the interior cavity of the restraining cord 800 and is concealed within the restraining cord 800.

The elastic cord 900 has a first end 910 and a second end 920. A total length of the elastic cord 900 is shorter than the maximum length of the restraining cord 800. The total length of the elastic cord 900 is a distance between the first end 910 and the second end 920 when the elastic cord 900 is in a non-stretching condition. Therefore, a distance between the affixing end 810 and the anchoring end 820 of the restraining code 800 is longer than a distance between the first end 910 and the second end 920 of the elastic cord 900.

The first end 910 of the elastic cord 900 is affixed to a first point 830 of the restraining cord 800 toward the affixing end 810 thereof. The second end 920 of the elastic cord 900 is affixed to a second point 840 of the restraining cord 800 toward the anchoring end 820 thereof.

A length of the elastic cord 900 in a non-stretching condition is shorter than a length of the restraining cord 800 between the first point 830 and the second point 840. Therefore, a distance between the first end 910 and the second end 920 of the elastic cord 900 in a non-stretching condition is shorter than a distance between the first point 830 and the second point 840 of the restraining cord 800.

A distance between the first end 910 and the second end 920 of the elastic cord 900 in a stretching condition is longer than a distance between the first point 830 and the second point 840 of the restraining cord 800. Therefore, when the elastic cord 900 is stretched, the restraining cord 800 is able to fully extend at its maximum length.

At least an attachment portion 930 of the elastic cord 900 is affixed to a third point 850 of the restraining cord 800. The attachment portion 930 is defined between the first end 910 and the second end 920 of the elastic cord 900. The third point 850 of the restraining cord 800 is located between the first point 930 and the second point 940 thereof.

A length of the elastic cord 900 between the first end 910 and the attachment portion 930 in a non-stretching condition is shorter than the length of the restraining cord 800 between the first point 830 and the third point 850 thereof.

A length of the elastic cord 900 between the attachment portion 930 and the second end 920 in a non-stretching condition is shorter than a length of the restraining cord 800 between the third point 850 and the second point 840 thereof.

When the golf ball 100 is hit to fly, the elastic cord 900 will be stretched within the restraining cord 800 to enable the restraining cord 800 to obtain its maximum length thereof. When the golf ball 100 is hit to fly at the maximum traveling distance, the elastic cord 900 absorbs a tension of the restraining cord 800 and pulls the golf ball 100 back toward its spot position. Therefore, when the elastic cord 900 is stretched, the stretching force of the elastic cord 900 will cancel out the tension of the restraining cord 800.

When the restraining cord 800 is fully extended at its maximum length, the elastic cord 900 will pull the restraining cord 800 by the elastic force to shorten the distance between the golf ball 100 and the anchoring end 820 of the restraining cord 800. The length of the restraining cord 800 will be shrunk back with respect to the safety distance. At the mean time, the golf ball 100 will be automatically returned back at the spot position and to the golfer or to a near proximation thereof.

It should be appreciated that the maximum length of the restraining cord 300 and 800 can be customized to fit the need of the golfer. For example, the maximum length of the restraining cord 300 and 800 can be set at 4 feet long and the safety distance can be set at 3 feet or less. Therefore, the elastic cord 400 and 900 can shorten or shrink the length of the restraining cord 300 and 800 from 4 feet to 3 feet or less. The golf ball 100 can fly up to 4 feet away from the anchoring end 620 and 820 of the restraining cord 300 and 800, and the golfer can stand 3 feet away from the anchoring end 620 and 820 of the restraining cord 300 and 800. Once the golf ball 100 returns, it will not hit the golfer by the safety distance.

While the embodiments and alternatives of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A golf practicing device, comprising a golf ball and a ball anchoring assembly which comprises a restraining cord and an elastic cord, said restraining cord, which is made of non-elastic material, having an affixing end affixed to said golf ball and an anchoring end for attaching to a golf practicing surface, a maximum traveling distance of said golf ball being defined between said affixing end and said anchoring end as a maximum length of said restraining cord, said elastic cord provided along said restraining cord that shortens a distance between said golf ball and said anchoring end of said restraining cord, wherein when said golf ball is hit to fly at said maximum traveling distance, said elastic cord absorbs a tension of said restraining cord and pulls said golf ball back toward its spot position.

2. The golf practicing device in claim 1 wherein a length of said elastic cord is shorter than the maximum length of said restraining cord.

3. The golf practicing device in claim 1 wherein a first end of said elastic cord is affixed to a first point of said restraining cord toward said affixing end and a second end of said elastic cord is affixed to a second point of said restraining cord toward said anchoring end.

4. The golf practicing device in claim 2 wherein a first end of said elastic cord is affixed to a first point of said restraining cord toward said affixing end and a second end of said elastic cord is affixed to a second point of said restraining cord toward said anchoring end.

5. The golf practicing device in claim 3 wherein a length of said elastic cord is shorter than a length of said restraining cord between said first point and said second point.

6. The golf practicing device in claim 4 wherein the length of said elastic cord is shorter than a length of said restraining cord between said first point and said second point.

7. The golf practicing device in claim 4 wherein an attachment portion of said elastic cord between said first end and said second end is affixed to a third point of said restraining cord, wherein said third point of said restraining cord is located between said first point and said second point.

8. The golf practicing device in claim 6 wherein an attachment portion of said elastic cord between said first end and said second end is affixed to a third point of said restraining cord, wherein said third point of said restraining cord is located between said first point and said second point.

10. The golf practicing device in claim 7 wherein a length of said elastic cord between said first end and said attachment portion is shorter than a length of said restraining cord between said first point and said third point, wherein a length of said elastic cord between said attachment portion and said second end is shorter than a length of said restraining cord between said third point and said second point.

11. The golf practicing device in claim 8 wherein a length of said elastic cord between said first end and said attachment portion is shorter than a length of said restraining cord between said first point and said third point, wherein a length of said elastic cord between said attachment portion and said second end is shorter than a length of said restraining cord between said third point and said second point.

12. The golf practicing device in claim 1 further comprising means for holding said elastic cord along said restraining cord.

13. The golf practicing device in claim 6 further comprising means for holding said elastic cord along said restraining cord.

14. The golf practicing device in claim 11 further comprising means for holding said elastic cord along said restraining cord.

15. The golf practicing device in claim 13, wherein said holding means comprises one or more tubular holders receiving said elastic cord and said restraining cord therein, wherein only a portion of said restraining cord between said first point and said second point is loosely held in said tubular holder, wherein said elastic cord is able to be stretched when said elastic cord is held by said tubular holder.

16. The golf practicing device in claim 14, wherein said holding means comprises one or more tubular holders receiving said elastic cord and said restraining cord therein, wherein only a portion of said restraining cord between said first point and said second point is loosely held in said tubular holder, wherein said elastic cord is able to be stretched when said elastic cord is held by said tubular holder.

17. The golf practicing device in claim 1 wherein said elastic cord is coaxial with and received in said restraining cord.

18. The golf practicing device in claim 2 wherein said elastic cord is coaxial with and received in said restraining cord.

19. The golf practicing device in claim 4 wherein said elastic cord is coaxial with and received in said restraining cord.

20. The golf practicing device in claim 6 wherein said elastic cord is coaxial with and received in said restraining cord.