Golf Practice Device

Abstract

A golf device having a housing. The housing having a top, bottom and a cavity within the housing. The cavity is for containing other functional components of the device. The device includes a pulley support mounted to the top of the housing and a pulley attached to the pulley support. The device has at least one spring movably mounted with the cavity to provide resistance. The device includes a cable adapted for attachment of a golf ball. The cable running into the cavity and attached to the at least one spring. The cable extending from the housing and over the pulley to change direction of the cable.

Description

BACKGROUND

The field of invention generally relates to golfing. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices for the practice of driving a golf ball in a confined area not conducive for driving the ball without a device.

There are several devices available to allow practicing driving a golf ball in small and confined areas, due to the lack of space available to the user that is practicing elsewhere from a golf course. For example, nets of all sizes and shapes to hit the ball into, ground stakes that only allow the ball to travel in a circle with no control of the final movement and stationary devices that limit the flight of the ball to a small arc.

The need exists for, and it is the object of the invention, to provide an easy to carry, rugged and durable device that when used with a tethered practice golf ball, can be used safely in small practice area to provide simulation of hitting a real but tethered golf ball, while measuring swing technique by observing the ball inflight and measuring the trajectory using a pointer and protractor. By engineering a device that allows a real golf ball to be hit with the same force as a golfer would on an actual golf course without the risk of the ball springing back and contacting the golfer, and allowing the golfer to track the trajectory of the ball through visual and physical measurement, the golfer is able to measure the swing technique and thereby yield the opportunity to analyze and improve on their swing. These objectives of this invention are accomplished by the construction and engineering design of the device and associated parts.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for the practice of driving a golf ball in a confined area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A golf device having a housing. The housing having a top, bottom and a cavity within the housing. The cavity is for containing other functional components of the device. The device includes a pulley support mounted to the top of the housing and a pulley attached to the pulley support. The device has at least one spring movably mounted with the cavity to provide resistance. The device includes a cable adapted for attachment of a golf ball. The cable running into the cavity and attached to the at least one spring. The cable extending from the housing and over the pulley to change direction of the cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf practice device according to the present

invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golf practice device according to the present

invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a golf ball according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plug according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a golf practice device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cut away side view of a golf practice device according to the present

invention.

FIG. 7 is a side and top view of a housing according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a golf practice device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a protractor according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a multiview of a cap according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a support according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a multiview of a pulley bracket according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fasteners according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a pulley according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a washer according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a multiview of a cable guide according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cable according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a spring ball plunger according to the present

invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a guide tube system according to the present

invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a guide tube system according to the present

invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a cylinder according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a shoulder head washer according to the present

invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a washer and E-clip combination according to

the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a grommet according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a guide tube according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a shoulder washer according to the present

invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a spring according to the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a shoulder washer according to the present

invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a cotter pin and nut combination according to

the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a rod according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a side view of a golf practice device according to the present

invention.

FIG. 32 is a top view of a golf practice device according to the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a side view of a safety device according to the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a safety device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-29 show a golf practice device with a tethered golf ball and components of the device. The primary use of the device is for practicing driving techniques in the game of golf. It allows one to obtain well-developed set of driving skills which includes control of accuracy and consistency of driving a golf ball. Through repetitious practice of the essential techniques of the swing, an optimum swing is accomplished when the ball is driven in the anticipated directional path which follows at the point of impact by a club head. Uncontrolled hooking or slicing, leads to unpredictable paths of flight and therefore to overall inaccuracy. Only repetitious practice, seeking to minimize the amount of uncontrolled hooking or slicing, is effective in remedying the problem. The device allows practice to be carried out in a small and confined area.

FIG. 1 shows the device 40 tethered to a golf ball 36 by a nylon cord 35. FIG. 2 shows the ball 36 on a tee 42 and tethered to the device 40 by the cord 35. FIG. 3 shows the ball 36 attached to the cord 35. The cord 35 includes a carabiner 38 attached to the cord 35 to the opposite end of the cord 35 from the ball 36. FIG. 4 shows a cord anchor 37 that plugs into the ball as shown in FIG. 3. The cord anchor includes two semi circular ends 44 with a cord slot 46 between the semi circular ends 44. Within the cord slot 46 is a cord bar 48 to receive the cord 35.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the device 40. FIG. 6 shows a cutaway of the device 40 showing the various components of the device 40. The device 40 includes housing 19 to house the most of the components of the device 40 within a cavity 50 of the housing 19, as shown in FIG. 7. The housing 19 has two sections, which are a ground screw section 52 and a head section 54. The ground screw section 52 includes screw blades 56 about the outside of the ground screw section 52. The cavity 50 is open ended at the top of the head section 54 of the housing 19 and runs through the head section 54 on thru to the ground screw section 52. The cavity 50 ends in a closed end at the bottom of the ground screw section 52 of the housing 19. The ground screw section 52 is the bottom end of the housing 19 and has the shape of a screw with blades 56, so the device 40 can be screwed into the ground, as shown in FIG. 2.

The device 40 includes a cap 17 that fits over and secures to the head section 54 of the housing 19. FIGS. 6 and 8 show the cap 17 in more detail. The cap 17 includes thumbs screws 15 to secure the cap 17 to the head section 54. The thumb screws 15 screw into nuts 16 that are mounted to the inside of the head section 54 within the cavity 50 to secure the cap 17 to the head section 54, as shown in FIG. 7. The cap 17 includes a protractor 10 with degree markings attached to the cap 17, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The cap 17 includes cord support bracket 18 extending up from the cap 17, as shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and 10. The cord support bracket 18 includes a cord slot 56 

The cap 17 includes a center hole 58 to receive a stainless steel bushing 11 having a main body 60 and rim 62, shown in FIG. 10. The bushing 11 has a through hole 64 from the rim 62 to the bottom of the main body 60. The through hole 64 provides a pathway for cable 26 from the top of the cap 17 into the cap 17 and housing 19. The cap 17 includes a pulley bracket support 9 shown in FIGS. 6, 8 and 11 with a bushing hole 66 and cord support bracket stops 68. The bushing hole 66 fits over and around the rim 62 of the bushing 11. The pulley bracket support 9 supports the pulley bracket 1 and supports any downward force that may be placed on the pulley bracket 1. FIGS. 8 and 12 shows the pulley bracket 1 having a base 70. The base 70 has a spring ball plunger hole 72 on one end and a pointer 74 on the other end of the base 70. Extending upward from the base 70 are two arms 76. FIG. 12 shows two shaped versions of the arms 76, one set is more curved vs straight. Extending downward from the base 70 is a shaft 78. The shaft 78 includes a through hole 80 and a clip groove 82. The arms 76 each includes a pulley hole 84 that aligns with each other. The arms 76 each includes a cable guide hole 86 that aligns with each other. FIG. 13 shows a barrel fastener 4 that fits through the pulley holes 84 and a barrel fastener 3 that fits through the guide holes 86. Fastener 4 rotatably secures a pulley 5 shown in FIG. 14 between the arms 76. FIGS. 6 and 15 show a washer 6 on each side of the pulley 5 between the pulley 5 and the arms 76. Fastener 3 rotatably secures a cable guide 2 shown in FIG. 16 between the arms 76. The cable guide 2 includes a fastener barrel 92 that fits between the arms 76 to receive fastener 3. Extending from the barrel 92 is a cable guide tube 94. FIGS. 1-2, 5-6, 8 and 17 show a stainless cable 26 with a loop 96 at one end and a threaded stud 98 on the other end. The threaded stud 98 includes a cotter pin hole 99. The cable 26 runs through the guide tube 94 and over the pulley 5 and down through the hole 64 of the bushing 11. The cap 17 includes ball retention holes 8 to receive a ball 102 from a spring ball plunger 7, shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. The retention holes 8 and the spring ball plunger 7 provides directional locking device to lock the pulley bracket 1 in place after the ball 36 takes flight. The plunger 7 is shown in FIG. 18 having a main body 100 and a spring-loaded ball 102. The plunger 7 is secured into spring ball plunger hole 72 of the pulley bracket 1 so that the ball 102 extends from the bottom of the base 70 to engage holes 8. The body 100 of the plunger 7 is press fitted from the bottom of the pulley bracket 1 into spring ball plunger hole 72.

FIGS. 19-20 show an internal tube system that fits within the housing 19. The internal tube system includes a cylinder 20, bushing 21 and guide tube 27. The cylinder 20 includes external threads and is open from end to end. The cap 17 includes a tube receiver 104 that is a sleeve with internal threads. The cylinder 20 threads into the receiver 104 so that the cylinder 20 is secured to the inside of the cap 17, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. Bushing 21 is a travel path for cable 26 and made of nylon for low resistance. Bushing 21 includes a main body 106, through hole 108 and rim 110, as shown in FIG. 21. There is an opening in the bottom of cylinder 20 and bushing 21 is pressed into this opening. The guide tube 27 fits down into the through hole 108 of the bushing and extends downward to the closed end of the housing 19. FIGS. 6 and 24 show a rubber grommet 22 with duckbill valves 112 and through hole 114. The grommet 22 is secured in the housing 19 between a top ridge 105 and a bottom ridge 107, as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 shows the top ridge 105 and a bottom ridge 107 as internal ridges running the internal circumference of the housing 19. The top ridge 105 and a bottom ridge 107 hold the grommet 22 in place. The cylinder 20 slides into the hole 114 of the grommet 22 and provides a seal between the cylinder 20 and the inside wall of the housing 19. The grommet 22 restricts air from leaving the inside of the housing 19, yet allows air to enter the inside housing 19 when the cable 26 is extended and then restricts air flow from leaving the housing 19 when the cable 26 retracts back to resting position. The grommet 22 creates a damper effect slowing down the speed of retraction of the cable 26.

There are three compression springs used in the housing 19 to work with cable 26, as shown in FIG. 6 as 23, 24 and 25. The compression springs provide different levels of resistance when the cable 26 is extended away from the device 40. Spring 25 provides a first stage of resistance and for example is 1.5mm thickness x 12mm diameter x 100mm length in size. Spring 24 provides a second stage of resistance and for example is 1.8mm thickness x 12mm diameter x 100mm length in size. Spring 23 provides a third stage of resistance and for example is 2.3mm thickness x 25mm diameter x 100mm length in size.

There is an upper shoulder washer 12 which fits around the outside of the body of the bushing 11, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 22. The washer 12 has a body 116 and a shoulder 118 around the body and may be made of plastic. The washer 12 holds the top of spring 23 in place, where the spring 23 fits over the body 116 and against the shoulder 118. The washer 12 includes a cable hole 120 to provide a pathway within the housing 19 and down through the center of the spring 23. FIGS. 6 and 23 shown an E- clip 14 that slips into the groove 82 of the pulley bracket 1, to secure the pulley bracket 1 to the cap 17. FIGS. 6 and FIG. 23 show a washer 12 between the E-clip 14 and the bushing 11.

FIGS. 6 and 25 show the guide tube 27. The guide tube 27 has a main body 122 with a top and a bottom. The guide tube 27 includes spring retention cap 124. The spring retention cap 124 includes a top shoulder 126, bottom shoulder 128, groove 130, spring body 132 and cable hole 134 in the spring body 132 through the bottom of the retention cap 124, that together act as a shoulder washer. The spring body 132 and top shoulder 126 receive the bottom of spring 23, where the spring body 132 fits into the opening in the bottom of the spring 23 and the bottom of the spring 23 rests against the top shoulder 126. The bottom shoulder 128 acts as a stop when the guide tube 27 is placed in bushing 21, so that the rim 110 of bushing 21 supports the spring retention cap 124 in position. An O-ring 30 is placed about the groove 130. As the guide tube 27 is pushed down into bushing 21, the O-ring 30 creates an airtight seal with the inside wall of cylinder 20. O-ring 30 may be made of silicone.

FIG. 6 shows spring 24 and spring 25 within the guide tube 27. FIGS. 6 and 26 show a shoulder washer 28 having a body 136 and a shoulder 138. The shoulder washer 28 provides separation and support for spring 24 and spring 25. The body 136 of the shoulder washer 28 fits into the bottom of spring 24 so that the shoulder 138 catches the bottom of spring 24. The top of spring 25 pushes against the bottom of the shoulder washer 28. FIG. 6 shows the cable 26 deployed all the way to the bottom of the guide tube 27. The cable 26 is attached to the springs as shown in FIGS. 6 and 27 using the threaded stud 98 at the bottom of the guide tube 27. The cable 26 is attached using two nuts 32, extended shoulder washer 29, O-ring 31 and a cotter pin 33. The extended shoulder washer 29 is shown in FIG. 28. The nut 32 and cotter pin 33 are shown in FIG. 29. The extended shoulder washer 29 includes a top shoulder 140, bottom 142, groove 144, spring body 146 and cable hole 148 in the spring body 146 through the bottom 142. The spring body 146 and top shoulder 140 receive the bottom of spring 25, where the spring body 146 fits into the opening in the bottom of the spring 25 and the bottom of the spring 25 rests against the top shoulder 140. A first nut 32 is pre-threaded onto the threaded stud 98 and then the threaded stud 98 is inserted into the cable hole 148 so the threaded stud 98 extends from the bottom 142 of the extended shoulder washer 29. The second nut 32 is threaded onto the threaded stud 98 and the cotter pin 33 is secured in the cotter pin hole 99. The O-ring 31 is placed about the groove to control airflow in the guide tube 27.

The golf practice device is used as follows. The main housing 19 is screwed into the ground using a rod 34 shown in FIGS. 30-32. The rod 34 has a cap end and a cord end. The cap end has a cap 148 to use as a stop and the cord end has a cord hole 150. The rod 34 is placed through rod holes 152 in the housing 19 shown in FIG. 7. The rod 34 is used as a handle to screw the housing 19 into the ground. Once the housing 19 is secure in the ground, rod 34 is pulled through the rod holes 152 until the cap 148 of the rod 34 is stopped against the housing 19, as shown in FIG. 32. A user will then attach a cord 154 to the cord end using a hook 156 on the cord 154 and the cord hole 150. The user will stretch the cord 154 out from the housing 19, keeping the cord in line with the rod 34. The user will then place a tee in the ground at the designated location represented by the X at the other end of the cord 154.

The tethered ball 36 is placed with nylon cord 35 stretched out behind device 40 on the ground or tee. The nylon cord 35 near connection point with cable 26 rest in the cord slot 56 on the support bracket 18 to keep the nylon cord 35 in the proper position during beginning of ball travel. The cable 26 rests over pulley 5, whereby the pulley 5 provides a change of direction for the cable 26. The tethered ball 36 is hit and takes flight over the device 40, pulling nylon cord 35 in the path of travel of the ball 36. The nylon cord 35 leaves cord support bracket 18 and the ball 36 continues to travel until the nylon cord 35 reaches the maximum length of the cord 35. The cord 35 is attached to steel cable 26 using the carabiner 38. The force generated by the ball 36 in flight begins to extend the cable 26 from the device 40. The extension of the cable 26 from the device 40 causes the extended shoulder washer 29 attached to the threaded stud 98 of the cable 26 to travel up the guide tube 27 compressing spring 25. The O-ring 31 creates an airtight seal on the inside of guide tube 27, as spring 25 compresses and air inside the tube 27 is forced out the top of the device 40 following the path of cable 26, while air is drawn into the housing 19 through the rubber grommet 22 due to the duckbill valves 112.

If the ball 36 is hit with enough force, the cable 26 will continue to be extracted from the device 40 and continuing to compress spring 25. The shoulder washer 28 holds spring 25 and spring 24 in position inside guide tube 27. Once spring 25 begins to reach maximum compression while the force from hitting the ball 36 continues extracting cable 26, the force will cause spring 24 to compress. As spring 25 and spring (24) are reaching maximum compression inside the guide tube 27, the force will be transferred to the top section of tube 27. As the cable 26 continues to extend from the device 40, the force compresses spring 25, spring 24, and begins to pull the guide tube 27 up inside cylinder 20 causing compression of spring 23. As spring 23 compresses, O-ring 30 creates an airtight seal on the inside of cylinder 20 and forces the air inside the cylinder 20 out the top of the device 40 following the path of cable 26, while air is drawn into the housing 19 through the rubber grommet 22 with duckbill valves 112. The resistance created by the springs will slow down and then stop the inertia of the ball 36 in flight. Once the flight of the ball 36 stops, the springs start to expand and pull the cable 26 and associated parts back into the device 40. O-ring 30 and O-ring 31 pushes air into housing 19. Rubber grommet 22 will restrict the air from leaving the inside of housing 19 and create backpressure and the slowing down of the expansion of springs. Controlling the backpressure during cable retraction allows for the cable 26 to retract back into the housing slowly preventing kickback on the attached cord 35 and potentially springing the ball 36 back towards the user. As cable 26 is extending from the device 40, the cable 26 travels around pully 5 and through the cable guide tube 94 of the cable guide 2. The shaft 78 and E-clip 14 design on the pulley bracket 1 and the bushing 11 allows pulley bracket 1 to pivot in place. As pulley bracket 1 pivots during flight of the ball 36, the ball spring plunger 7 rides across the path of blind ball retention holes 8 located in the top of the cap 17. The friction between the spring plunger 7 and holes 8 reduces unwanted movement in pulley bracket 1 and locks the bracket in a directional position when ball 36 come to rests and the ball 102 of the spring plunger 7 locks into one of the holes 8. The protractor 10 is used to read the direction pulley bracket 1 pivots. The pulley bracket 1 with the pointer 74 pivots along the top of the device 40 in the trajectory of where the ball 36 was hit. The protractor 10 mounted under the pulley-bracket records the angle of the trajectory of the ball 36. One can measure their swing technique by observing the trajectory of the ball 36 when inflight, and when the ball 36 comes to rest by reading the degree of angle of the ball's trajectory using the pointer 74 and protractor 10. Using the visual trajectory of the ball and observing the measured angle of flight gives the golfer the opportunity to analyze and improve on their swing.

The device allows a real golf ball to be hit with the same force as a golfer would on an actual golf course without the risk of the ball springing back and contacting the golfer. The device allows the golfer to track the trajectory of the ball through visual and physical measurement and the golfer is able to measure the swing technique and thereby yield the opportunity to analyze and improve on their swing. The device allows the user to easily secure the device by screwing it into the ground. Using a metal rod, designated holes in the body of the ground screw, the user will screw the device into the ground before use. Once secured in the selected location, the user will use a predetermined length of cord to find the desired location to place the ball or golf tee. The ball location will place the ball in line with the zero point on the protractor. This placement of the ball will give an accurate measurement on the trajectory of the ball when struck by the golf club. When the ball takes flight and reaches the extended length of the attached cord, the double action shock and damper system will slow down the inertia of the ball and stop the ball without springing back towards the user. At this stage, the user can read the trajectory of the ball by reading the location of the pointer in reference to the protractor.

When the device is left in the ground through a time of rain, it can fill with water. To resolves this, the device 40 includes cover made to go over the top of the device 40. The cover serves two purposes by keeping rainwater from entering the device 40 and for safety which colored in a safety color to serve as a caution marker to prevent a trip hazard. FIGS. 33 and 34 show the cover 152 having a main body 154 and a cone shaped top 156. The cover 152 is hollow inside to receive the top of the device 40, including the cap 17. The cone shape top 156 prevents water entry and is large enough to be seen. The main body 154 extends from the bottom of the top 156. The main body 154 fits over the cap 17 and incudes thumb screw slots 158. The thumb screws 15 are loosened enough to allow the slots 158 to slip over the screws 15. The screws 15 can be tighten to secure the cover 152 to the device 40.

While different embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to the embodiments could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements are illustrative only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention that is to be given the full breadth of any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A golf device comprising:a housing having a top, bottom and a cavity within said housing, said cavity for containing other functional components of said device;a pulley support mounted to said top of said housing;a pulley attached to said pulley support;at least one spring movably mounted with said cavity to provide resistance;a cable adapted for attachment of a golf ball, said cable running into said cavity and attached to said at least one spring, said cable extending from said housing and over said pulley to change direction of said cable.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one spring includes a first spring, a second spring and a third spring mounted head to head from said top to said bottom of said housing, where said first spring starts at said bottom of said housing with said second spring between a top of said first spring and a bottom of said third spring; and wherein said cable is attached to a bottom of said first spring and said cable runs from said top to said bottom of said housing within an open center of said third spring, said second spring and said first spring.

3. The device of claim 2, further including having a shoulder washer between said first and said second spring, a shoulder washer between said second and said third spring and as shoulder washer between said third spring and said top of said housing.

4. The device of claim 1, further including at least one O-ring between moving and non-moving parts said functional components to provide at least one seal and airflow control within said cavity.

5. The device of claim 1, further including an internal tube system within said cavity to contain said at least one spring and said cable within said housing.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said at least one spring includes a first spring, a second spring and a third spring mounted head to head within said internal tube system from a top to a bottom of said internal tube system, where said first spring starts at said bottom of said internal tube system with said second spring between a top of said first spring and a bottom of said third spring; and wherein said cable is attached to a bottom of said first spring and said cable runs from said top to said bottom of said housing within an open center of said third spring, said second spring and said first spring.

7. The device of claim 6, further including having a shoulder washer between said first and said second spring, a shoulder washer between said second and said third spring and as shoulder washer between said third spring and said top of said housing.

8. The device of claim 6, further including at least one O-ring between moving parts of said functional components and an inside surface of said internal tube system to provide at least one seal and airflow control within said cavity.

9. The device of claim 5, further including a grommet with at least one duck bill valve between said internal tube system and an inside surface of said housing with said cavity.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said pulley support rotates about said top of said housing.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said pulley support includes a pointer to indicate ball flight direction.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein said pulley support includes a directional locking device to lock said pulley support and said pointer from rotating once the golf ball takes flight.

13. The device of claim 1, further including a cord support bracket at said top of said housing to adapted to support a cord attached to the golf ball, said cord support including a cord slot adapted to receive the cord and said cord support backet adapted to support the cord above the device.

14. The device of claim 1, further including a cap mounted to said top of said housing, said cap providing support for said pulley support.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein said pulley support rotates about said top of said housing.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein said pulley support includes a directional locking device to lock said pulley support from rotating once the golf ball takes flight.

17. The device of claim 14, further including a cord support bracket at said top of said housing to adapted to support a cord attached to the golf ball, said cord support including a cord slot adapted to receive the cord and said cord support backet adapted to support the cord above the device.

18. The device of claim 1, further including a cable guide at said top of said housing to guide the cable from said pulley to the golf ball.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein said cable guide includes a cable guide tube.