DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GOLF ACCURACY TRAINING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally the present invention relates to golf devices. In particular, the present invention pertains to golf training and/or competition devices and related system and method.

BACKGROUND

Starting golf might be difficult for many people. Swinging a golf club and hitting the golf ball to the right direction can be challenging. There does not exist many means that allow golfers to practice accuracy independently and goal-oriented.

A golf range is typically used for practicing golf swings and hitting the ball. However, the problem with golf ranges today, is that a golfer may have several repetitive golf swings, but only few of those are goal-oriented. Today, on the golf range, a golfer rarely focuses where to hit the ball as much as is needed on a golf course. This practicing method may backfire on the golf course since the golfer gets used to having many golf swings without aim and focus. On the golf course every shot counts.

One problem with a golf range is that it is usually an open field where the golfer hits the golf balls. Usually the golfer has no target. The only things that mark the range are distance plates such as 50m, lOOm, 200m and so on. This, however, does not help the golfer to concentrate on the swings and figure out the right aim.

Another problem with golf ranges is the usage of the range. Today, many golf ranges may be empty or only serving a few golfers at the time. Hitting golf balls to an open field might not be too tempting for a longer period of time which might have an effect on the number of golfers visiting the golf range.

Today, following a golf competition may also be tedious. The viewers have to follow the players around the course to get a glimpse of the players. Sometimes it might be difficult to see the swings in the crowd when constantly moving around the course. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective is to at least alleviate the problems described hereinabove not satis- factorily solved by the known arrangements, and to provide a feasible device for golf accuracy training. One objective is to provide a device that allows golfers to hit golf balls goal-oriented. Another objective is to provide a device for which the distance and/or tilt angle is controllable. A further objective is to provide a device that allows various golf accuracy training and/or competition opportuni- ties.

The aforesaid objectives are achieved by the embodiments of a device in accord- ance with the present invention. The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 1.

The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 12.

The aforesaid objectives are achieved according to the present invention as claimed in claim 16.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention a device for golf accuracy training comprises

-a target area,

-a receiving part for receiving golf balls, and

-a movable platform, wherein the receiving part and target area are arranged to the movable platform. In one embodiment the receiving part is a tubular part comprising a number of substantially concentric circles which form the target area. In one embodiment the device comprises tilt adjustment means, preferably a tilt sensor and a tilt adjuster, for adjusting the tilt angle of the receiving part.

In one embodiment the device comprises a result section and result monitoring means for monitoring the amount of golf balls in the result section.

In one embodiment the result section comprises a plurality of compartments ac- cording to the substantially concentric circles of the receiving part, and wherein the result monitoring means are configured to recognize the amount of golf balls in different compartments for providing a correct result.

In one embodiment the device comprises guide tubes for guiding golf balls from the receiving part to the compartments of the result section. In one embodiment the device comprises at least one motor for driving the de- vice.

In one embodiment the device comprises a control unit for controlling remotely the tilting and/or movement of the device.

In one embodiment the control unit is configured to provide preset distances and/or tilt angles according to stored programs.

In one embodiment the device comprises support structures, wherein the receiv- ing part and target area is arranged to the movable platform with the support structures, and wherein the support structures comprise joints for folding and/or raising the support structures, receiving part and target area.

In one embodiment the device comprises golf ball receiving means such as strips/flaps and/or brush rings for receiving the golf balls.

In another aspect of the present invention, a system for golf accuracy training comprises -a device for golf accuracy training comprising

-a target area, -a receiving part for receiving golf balls, and -a movable platform, wherein the receiving part and target area are arranged to the mova- ble platform, and

-control means for controlling the device. In one embodiment the system comprises an electronic device configured to al- low remote controlling of the device.

In one embodiment the electronic device is configured to provide situation data such as results, hit time, number of hits to a certain distance and/or total number of hits.

In one embodiment the system comprises a golf ball feeding machine for provid- ing golf balls to a golfer. In a third aspect of the present invention, a method for golf accuracy training comprises at least the steps

-moving a device for golf accuracy training,

-tilting the device,

-providing a number of golf balls,

-receiving the golf balls in the device.

In one embodiment the golf balls are monitored and situation data, such as re- sults, hit time and/or number of hits, are provided.

In one embodiment the golf balls are provided according to a preset time interval and/or the device for golf accuracy training is controlled according to a program comprising preset distances and/or tilt angles. The utility of the present invention follows from a plurality of factors depending on each particular embodiment. The invention may assist approaching golf from a new perspective and creating a new way for golfers to practice and compete. Embodiments of the invention may make the sport more public-friendly because the competition can be viewed closely. The invention may increase the usage of golf courses. Embodiments of the invention may allow a modular structure so that a user may first use a basic model with basic features and upgrade it later to more advanced features. The in- vention may create a more goal-oriented approach to golf training and may in- crease the amount of goal-oriented swings. The invention may assist practicing concentration. The invention may assist people start golfing.

The expression“a number of’ refers herein to any positive integer starting from one (1), e.g. to one, two, or three.

The expression“a plurality of’ refers herein to any positive integer starting from two (2), e.g. to two, three, or four.

Different embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED DRAWINGS

Next the invention is described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings in which

Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a device for golf accuracy training in accord- ance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the device in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the device in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of a device for golf accuracy training in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 5 illustrates a closer view of the attachment of the receiving part to the sup- port structure.

Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the tilt adjustment means.

Figs. 7-12 illustrate a third embodiment of a device for golf accuracy training with folding support structures. Fig. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a system in accordance with the present in- vention.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of the internals of an embodiment of the system in ac- cordance with the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to figures 1-3, the device 100 for golf accuracy training comprises a target area 102. The device 100 comprises a receiving part 104 behind the target area 102 for receiving the golf balls. Preferably, the receiving part 104 comprises a tubular part 106. The tubular part is made of steel, metal, plastic and/or any other durable suitable material. Prefer- ably, the receiving part comprises a number of, such as five (5), substantially concentric circles 108 that form the target area 102. Alternatively or additionally, the target area 102 comprises paper, fabric or other material that may be pene- trated by a golf ball.

In this application the expression“substantially concentric circles” refers to cir- cle shape forms that are within each other so that the circle shape area decreases closer to the center. In some embodiments the target area may comprise other shapes such as oval, rectangular or polygons.

The device 100 comprises a movable platform 110. The receiving part 104 is ar- ranged to the platform 110 with support structures 112, 1 l2a such as pipes and/or plate structures.

Preferably, the rear end 114 of the receiving part 106 comprises shock-absorbing material such as foam or other cushion material to dampen the impact of the golf ball. Preferably, the shock-absorbing material prevents the golf ball from bounc- ing back out from the receiving part and/or protects the golf ball from damage.

Preferably, in the rear end 114 of the receiving part 104 at the bottom of each of the circles 108 there is a hole 116 that guides the golf balls to guide tubes 118. The guide tubes 118 are arranged to guide the golf balls to a result section 120. The result section 120 comprises a number of compartments 122. The guide tubes 118 are arranged to guide the golf balls from the circles of the receiving part 104 to the correct compartment 122 in the result section 120. The guide tubes can be made of rubber, flexible metal, plastic or other flexible material so that the golf balls move from the receiving part to the result section when the re- ceiving part 104 is arranged to different tilt angles. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving part 104 is emptied by tilting the receiving part so that the golf balls rolls out through the front end. Preferably, the bottom and top part of the result section is Plexiglas, plastic or other transparent material so that a camera 124 behind the bottom part can cap- ture the golf balls in the different compartments.

The device 100 comprises a control unit 130. The control unit allows controlling the device remotely, for example, from the driving area. The device may be con- trolled with an electronic device 140, such as a tablet or a smartphone, config- ured to be connected to the device 100. The control unit can be configured to provide preset training and/or competition programs, e.g. moving the device to different distances and/or providing different tilt angles of the receiving part.

Preferably, the device 100 comprises a tilt sensor (or inclinometer) for measuring the tilt angle of the receiving part 104. The tilt angle data can be used to control the tilt angle of the receiving part. The tilt angle data may be transmitted via the control unit to a tilt adjuster 126. The tilt adjuster can be mechanical, electric, hydraulic or other suitable adjuster for adjusting the tilt angle of the receiving part. The device may comprise a tilt stabilizer that controls the tilt adjuster. The tilt stabilizer may be configured to measure the inclination of the ground below. Additionally or alternatively, the device comprises a tilt meter that assists setting the receiving part manually in the correct tilt angle for each distance.

Preferably, the device 100 comprises a distance meter. The distance meter is con- figured to measure the distance for each training or competition program, and configured to provide sufficient data to the control unit for so that the control unit may control the tilt angle of the tilt adjuster accordingly.

Preferably, the device has at least one motor for driving the device. The motors may be electric motors, for example. Preferably, the device comprises batteries. Alternatively or additionally, the device comprises a first and/or second tow bar 128, 129 for pulling and/or pushing the device with a vehicle such as a golf cart, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or other suitable vehicle. Preferably, the device 100 comprises wheels 132 arranged to the movable platform 110. Preferably the device comprises a hand brake for holding the device still. Alter- natively or additionally, the device comprises weights for holding the device still in wind. For example, weight plates may be arranged in the platform 110 depend- ing on the wind velocity and/or wind direction. The device for golf accuracy training may be suitable as such for different golf accuracy competition, even though the device in this application is mostly re- ferred to as a device for golf accuracy training.

Referring to figures 4-6, the device 200 comprises a target area 202, a receiving part 204 and a tubular part 206. Additionally, the device 200 comprises golf ball receiving means 234 such as strips/flaps and/or brush rings. The receiving means may be plastic (e.g. PVC), rubber or other suitable material. The receiving means may be arranged in an angle (e.g. 45 degrees) towards the ball direction such that the resistance of the receiving means is decreased.

The tilt adjuster 226 comprises an electric motor 236, a first and a second gear wheel 238, 239 and a belt or chain 242. The tilt angle of the receiving part 204 is adjusted by rotating the first and second gear wheels 238, 239 with the electric motor 236. A tilt sensor or gyroscope 244 may be connected with the tilt adjuster 226 such that the tilt adjuster may automatically adjust a preset tilt angle. A golf range or other surface may have varying inclinations and therefore it may be beneficial to have an automatically adjusting tilt adjuster that adjusts the receiv- ing part accordingly towards the swing area. The device 200 comprises a movable platform 210. The receiving part 204 is ar- ranged to the movable platform with support structures 212. The device 200 comprises guiding tubes (not shown), a result section with compartments (not shown), a camera (not shown) and a control unit 130 respectively as presented in the first embodiment.

Referring to figures 7-12, the device 300 comprises a target area 302, a receiving part 304, a tubular part 306, guide tubes 318, a result section 320 and compart- ments 322. The receiving part 304 is arranged to the movable platform 310 with support structures 312. The support structures 312 comprise joints 346 for folding the support structures 312 and the receiving part 304 to the movable platform 310. The folding may be beneficial for transporting the device. The device may corn- prise electric and/or hydraulic means for controlling the folding and/or the raising of the support structures 312 and receiving part 304 back to the upper position. Additionally, the folding may be arranged by pushing a button, for example. Re- spectively, the support structures and receiving part may be raised back to the upper position by pushing a button.

Referring to figure 13, the system 400 comprises a device 100 (or 200, 300) for golf accuracy training, an electronic device 140 and a golf ball feeding machine 450.

Figure 14 illustrates the internal components of the system 400. The control unit 130, the electronic device 140 and the ball feeding machine 450 may comprise a processor 462a-c and memory 464a-c for executing different tasks. The tasks may include controlling the movement of the device 100 (or 200, 300) and/or controlling the tilt angle of the receiving part. The ball feeding machine 450 may control the pace for feeding the golf balls to a golfer 452 depending on different programs, for example. The electronic device 140 may transmit and/or receive situation data according to ongoing training or competition, for example. The control unit, electronic device and ball feeding machine may comprise a data interface 466a-c for allowing exchange of data. The data interface may enable WLAN, Bluetooth® or other wireless or wired connection. The camera 124 may be connected with the control unit 130 for monitoring results and for transmitting result data to the electronic device 140.

Additionally the electronic device 140 may comprise a user interface (UI) 468 such as a display for displaying data such as results, hit time, number of hits to a certain distance and/or total number of hits. The user interface may also comprise input means for selecting a training/competition program and/or for controlling the device 100 (or 200, 300) remotely.

Figure 15 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention. At method start-up 502, preparatory actions may take place. This may include setting up the device for golf accuracy training, a ball feeding machine and/or an electronic device.

At 504, the device is moved to the desired distance. The step may include mov- ing the device manually, remote controlling of the device and/or automatic movement of the device to the correct distance. At 506, the device is tilted to a desired tilt angle. The step may include tilting the receiving part of the device manually, remotely and/or automatically. The step may include measuring tilt angles, providing data to a control unit and/or adjust- ing a tilt adjuster. At 508, golf balls are provided to a golfer. This step may include feeding golf balls with a golf feeding machine.

At 510, golf balls are received in the device. At 512, results are monitored. The step may include monitoring the results with a camera and transmitting result data to an electronic device.

At 514, situation data is provided. The step may include providing situation data, such as results, hit time, number of hits to a certain distance and/or total number of hits, on an electronic device.

At 516, the method execution is ended.

Consequently, a skilled person may on the basis of this disclosure and general knowledge apply the provided teachings in order to implement the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims in each particular use case with necessary modifications, deletions, and additions.