Golf platform with adjustable inclination

Abstract

The present invention provides a golf practicing device having a platform with adjustable tilt on two independent axial creating a variety of inclination thus allowing a player to simulate variety of lies of the golf course in a driving range. In its first embodiment, the device comprising of a hitting surface 20 covered with artificial turf 21, mounted on a base 10 with a double-cross joint 30. On the hitting surfaces 20 are switches 70a 70b 70c 70d wired to a pair of linear actuators 50 51 affixed to a cable 80 running through a conjugated pulley cable guide 40 41 42 43 so that pressing the switches 70a 70b 70c 70d will cause one side of the hitting surface 20 to lower and the opposite side to lift up, causing the golf platform to tilt toward the direction of activated switch.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This present invention relates to a golf platform and, more particularly, to a golf platform with adjustable inclination.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Golf is a popular sport with a steep learning curve, a majority of practice is done in a driving range instead of in an actual course due to its cost and time requirements. Practice ranges provide an opportunity to practice swings conveniently and affordably. However, the practicing platforms in today's driving range are all flat and level. In contrast, the real golf courses pit the player against a variety of different inclinations of terrain, also referred to as “lies” in golf terminology. These lies require special swings that are just as important to master as the regular swing for flat ground. Players who spend a majority of time in ranges may find themselves frustrated by the variety of lies, for which they never had a chance to prepare in the range. Even a player who can afford the time and money ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The present invention provides a golf practicing device having a platform with adjustable angle. The platform can be tilted on two independent axial creating a variety of inclination thus allowing a player to simulate the vast variety of lies of the golf course in a driving range or practice site.

[0014]In one embodiment, we provide a hitting surface mounted on a base with a double-cross joint, allowing it to tilt at two degrees of freedom, simulating a combination of uphill and down hill lies. The golfer can adjust the tilt by standing on the platform and stepping on a switch. The switch will activate a linear actuator, which pull or release a cable running through a conjugated pulley system in the device. The will cause one side of the device to lower and the opposite side to life up, causing the golf platform to tilt toward the direction of activated switch.

[0016]1. The device is adjustable within approximately 15 degrees toward all possible direction because the use of cables eliminates interferences of mechanical parts.

Problems solved by technology

Golf is a popular sport with a steep learning curve, a majority of practice is done in a driving range instead of in an actual course due to its cost and time requirements.

However, the practicing platforms in today's driving range are all flat and level.

Players who spend a majority of time in ranges may find themselves frustrated by the variety of lies, for which they never had a chance to prepare in the range.

However, the exact nature and material of its joint and drive system are not disclosed.

Although the abovementioned devices relate to a golf practicing platform that allows one to practice at variable lies, each of these designs suffer from drawbacks that limit the functionality of the device, compromise the convenience to their user, and more importantly, make such devices difficult to produce on a reasonable cost:1. Although Stipan's device offers 2 degrees of freedom, in practice, the platform cannot tilt around both of its axes at the same time.

This technical limitation severely limits the range of inclinations that can otherwise be achieved with the device.2. Hutchon's device allows two degrees of freedom by placing only one actuator for tilting.

However, the introduction of a turning axis made it difficult to adjust the platform to the desired inclination.

Rams with such large diameter or strong material are prohibitively expensive and challenging to manufacture.4. The devices by Hutchon and the devices by Stipan both incorporate angled placement of linear actuators.

Furthermore, this will place a tremendous stress of 550 pounds acting sideways on the pivot block.

Bending it in such a way that makes stability impossible to ensure.

Making such powerful actuator and durable pivot block is expensive and challenging.

Images