Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a training apparatus for training the striking of a ball in a confined space, such as in an indoor environment.

[0002] The training apparatus of the disclosure is particularly suitable for use as a golf training apparatus, and it will be convenient to describe the training apparatus herein in this exemplary context. It will be appreciated, however, that the training apparatus is not limited to that use or application, and that it may be employed in training for a number of other ball-striking sports, such as hockey, lacrosse, and baseball.

Background Art

[0003] Any reference to background art, including to any document, herein is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure only and shall not be considered as an admission that the background art forms part of the prior art or that it is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the relevant field in Australia or in any other country.

[0004] Golf simulators are known to simulate physical golf play in an at least partially virtual environment. An example of a golf simulator is described in US patent application publication no. US 2011/118040 A1. In some cases, a golf simulator includes a striking enclosure provided for a person using the simulator to swing a physical golf club and to strike a physical golf ball. One or more sensors may be used to obtain information about the physical swing or “stroke” and the information may be input into a computer system. The computer system includes a computer program that uses the information about the physical swing to generate a virtual stroke and/or a resulting virtual golf ball trajectory on a virtual golf course within the computer program. In this way, the golf simulator can simulate the actual, physical golf stroke in the form of a virtual golf stroke created within the computer system using information obtained from the physical stroke performed by the person using the simulator.

[0005] Efforts continue to be made to improve the design, manufacture, assembly and use of golf training apparatuses and golf simulators. In this context, it would therefore be desirable to provide a new training apparatus for training striking of a ball in a confined space, especially a new golf training apparatus. For example, it would be desirable to provide such a training apparatus that is easily manufactured and assembled. It would also be desirable to provide a training apparatus that is durable and can substantially avoid unwanted damage to the striking enclosure during use.

Summary

[0006] According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a training apparatus for training striking of a ball in a confined space, such as in an indoor environment. The training apparatus comprises: a striking enclosure having laterally opposite side panels interconnected by an end panel and an upper panel adjoining the side panels and end panel. Each of the laterally opposite side panels, the end panel, and the upper panel is comprised of flexible material, such as a flexible textile material. The striking enclosure includes a plurality of elongate frame members that support and tension each panel at or along a periphery thereof. The elongate frame members that support and tension the end panel are, when the enclosure is in an assembled state, spaced or offset from the end panel, especially from a plane of the end panel. In this way, the frame members are desirably positioned or located within the assembled striking enclosure such that they will not be impacted or struck by the ball during normal use of the training apparatus.

[0007] In an embodiment, the elongate frame members that support and tension the end panel are, in the assembled state, spaced or offset from peripheral edges of the end panel, preferably in a rearward direction, i.e., such that they are located rearwardly of, or behind, the end panel. In this regard, the elongate frame members that support and tension the end panel are, in the assembled state, arranged to extend substantially parallel to peripheral edges of the end panel. This arrangement provides for an efficient and economical design for the striking enclosure.

[0008] In an embodiment, the elongate frame members are, in the assembled state, spaced or offset from the end panel by a distance of at least 50 mm, preferably at least about 100 mm, and more preferably by at least about 200 mm. The distance of the spacing or offset provides or allows for a degree of deformation of the flexible panels of the striking enclosure upon impact by a ball struck by the user of the apparatus without the ball being able to impact the frame member. The distance of the spacing or offset can be selected depending upon the expected deformation caused by likely or expected intensity of impact during use, which will, in turn, depend upon the ball size, ball speed, and the flexibility of the panels. The end panel of the enclosure is preferably configured and supported to absorb the impact and kinetic energy of the ball within the distance of the spacing or offset from the frame members and in such a manner that the ball does not rebound significantly, but simply drops down into the area within the enclosure.

[0009] In an embodiment, the striking enclosure further comprises a plurality of bands or straps for tensioning the end panel, and preferably also the side panels and upper panel, with respect to the frame members spaced or offset from the end panel. When the striking enclosure is in the assembled state, the bands or straps are preferably arranged to extend horizontally and/or vertically between peripheral edges of the end panel and the spaced or offset frame members. The bands or straps are preferably adjustable for adjusting the tensioning of the end panel of the enclosure with respect to the frame members that are spaced or offset from the end panel. In this way, slackness or wrinkles in the end panel can be pulled smooth via the bands or straps. This is particularly advantageous for the end panel as the end panel may comprise or form a screen on which images may be projected or displayed to enhance or assist the training experience. A smooth or flat end panel therefore provides for better visual impression for the user.

[0010] In an embodiment, the plurality of bands or straps are attached to and extend from locations at or near the peripheral edges of the end panel and are configured for releasable attachment to the frame members spaced or offset from the end panel. To this end, each of the bands or straps includes attachment means, such as a hook or a clip, for releasable attachment to the frame members. The length of each of the bands or straps is preferably adjustable to adjust the tensioning of the end panel with respect to the frame members.

[0011] In an embodiment, each of the side panels, the end panel, and the upper panel is substantially rectangular. In this way, the striking enclosure preferably encompasses four sides of a rectangular prism configuration. The ground or the floor upon which the striking enclosure is supported then corresponds to a fifth side of the rectangular prism configuration. Thus, the open (sixth) side or face of the rectangular prism configuration forms the front of the striking enclosure at which the user will position themselves when using the training apparatus and training the striking of a ball into the enclosure, as will be understood by persons familiar with this field. [0012] In an embodiment, three of the peripheral edges of the laterally opposite side panels and/or of the upper panel include one or more sleeve(s) or loop(s) for receiving a respective one of the elongate frame members. In this way, each sleeve or loop forms a channel or elongate pocket for accommodating a respective frame member along the peripheral edge of the panel. In this context, the three peripheral edges comprise the front edge and the two rearwardly extending edges of the respective panel, whereby each of the two rearwardly extending edges of the upper panel is shared or common with a respective adjoining side panel. In this way, the shared or common peripheral edges preferably include a single sleeve that accommodates an elongate frame member that supports and tensions both panels; i.e., the upper panel and the respective side panel. The one or more sleeve(s) or loop(s) for receiving a respective one of the elongate frame members is preferably arranged at or along each said peripheral edge of the respective panel such that the frame member received within the sleeve(s) or loop(s) is then spaced from that peripheral edge. Again, this arrangement may operate to prevent the frame members from being impacted or struck by the ball during normal use of the training apparatus.

[0013] In an embodiment, the opposite side panels, the end panel, and the upper panel of the striking enclosure are formed of a flexible material, and preferably a flexible textile material. The flexible material may comprise a woven or a non-woven textile material. The flexible material may be a mesh-type material and/or have an open or perforated structure. The flexible material may have ‘stretch’ or elastic or resilient properties.

[0014] In an embodiment, the opposite side panels, the end panel, and the upper panel of the striking enclosure are formed or provided as a unitary or integral arrangement of interconnected panels. In this regard, the opposite side panels, the end panel, and the upper panel may be formed integrally with one another or may be integrally connected, e.g., by stitching. That is, the panels of the enclosure may be formed or combined in a one-piece construction. The striking enclosure is preferably configured to be assembled by combining the elongate frame members with the panels. In this regard, assembly of the enclosure may comprise inserting the elongate frame members into sleeves or loops provided along the peripheral edges of the panels. The elongate frame members are substantially rigid and are preferably in the form of rods or poles for supporting and tensioning the flexible panels of the striking enclosure. The elongate frame members are preferably collapsible for storage and transport. For example, each frame member may include a number of separate interconnectable elements that are configured to be assembled in use. In this context, the elongate frame members may be telescopic. The frame members may be formed as rods or tubes of a relatively strong and stiff material, such as metal (e.g., steel or aluminium), fibre-reinforced polymer, or even plastic.

[0015] In an embodiment, an end of each elongate frame member is, in the assembled state, interconnected with an end of an adjacent or adjoining elongate frame member. To this end, the enclosure preferably includes connector elements for interconnecting the ends of adjacent or adjoining elongate frame members, especially at the corners or vertices of the enclosure. The connector elements are preferably configured to receive two or more ends of the frame members, which may extend in mutually perpendicular directions or orientations. The connector elements may define each corner or vertex of the enclosure and are preferably angled or pitched towards the corner or vertex to apply additional tension to the flexible panels of the enclosure in the assembled state.

[0016] In an embodiment, the training apparatus further comprises a computer system and a graphical display system in electrical communication with the computer system. In this regard, the graphical display system is configured to display one or more images generated by the computer system in the striking enclosure, and preferably on the end panel of the striking enclosure, to assist training of the striking of the ball in the striking enclosure. Preferably, therefore, the end panel may comprise or form a screen and the graphical display system is preferably configured to project the display images on the screen of the end panel to assist training in the striking enclosure. The display system may be configured to project the display images onto a front surface or front side of the screen. In an alternative arrangement, however, the display system may be configured to project the display images onto a rear surface of the screen, with the rear-projected display images being designed for viewing from the front side of the screen I enclosure.

[0017] In an embodiment, the training apparatus further comprises a sensing system in electrical communication with the computer system and configured to sense at least one characteristic of physical striking of a ball in the striking enclosure, and to input information relating to the characteristic into the computer system. In this context, the training apparatus is preferably a golf simulator configured to simulate the striking of a golf ball on a golf course. [0018] According to another aspect, this disclosure provides a golf training apparatus for training striking of a golf ball in a confined space, such as in an indoor environment, comprising: a striking enclosure having laterally opposite side panels interconnected by an end panel and an upper panel which adjoin each of the side panels; wherein each of the side panels, the end panel, and the upper panel comprises a flexible material, such as a flexible textile material, wherein the striking enclosure includes a plurality of frame members that, in use, support and tension each of the panels along a periphery thereof, and wherein the frame members that, in use, support and tension the end panel are, when the enclosure is in an assembled state, spaced or offset from peripheral edges of the end panel.

[0019] In an embodiment, the frame members that, in use, support and tension the end panel are, in the assembled state, arranged to extend generally parallel to the peripheral edges of the end panel and are spaced or offset from those peripheral edges in a rearward direction, i.e., rearwardly of or behind the end panel.

[0020] According to a further aspect, the disclosure provides a training apparatus for training the striking of a ball, e.g., in an indoor environment, the apparatus comprising: a striking enclosure having a plurality of interconnected panels of flexible material, such as a textile material, and a frame comprising a plurality of frame members for supporting and tensioning each of the panels when assembled. The plurality of interconnected panels include side panels, an end pane, and an upper panel, which, when supported on the frame, form the striking enclosure. The frame members, especially the rear frame members, that support and tension the end panel are, in an assembled state, spaced or offset from a plane of the end panel.

[0021] In an embodiment of the disclosure, one or more sleeve or loop is provided at or along each peripheral edge of the laterally opposite side panels and the upper panel for receiving the frame members.

[0022] In an embodiment, the training apparatus further comprises a plurality of bands or straps attached to and extending from locations at or near the peripheral edges of the end panel for tensioning the end panel with respect to the frame members spaced or offset from the end panel. Preferably, each of the bands or straps includes attachment means, such as a hook or a clip, for releasable attachment to the frame members that are spaced or offset from the end panel. A length of each of the bands or straps is preferably adjustable, e.g., via hook-and-loop type fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) or a buckle, to adjust the tensioning of the end panel with respect to the frame members.

[0023] In an embodiment, the training apparatus further comprises a projector support structure configured to be mounted on the frame members, in use, for supporting or mounting a projector of a graphical display system adapted to project display images on a screen of the end panel. The projector support structure preferably comprises a strut or rod which is configured to be mounted to extend between the frame members at the front and rear peripheral edges of the upper panel, preferably generally centrally of the striking enclosure. The strut or rod may extend forwardly of the striking enclosure for frontal projection on the screen or may extend rearwardly of the striking enclosure for rear projection on the screen. The upper panel of the striking enclosure preferably includes one or more sleeve or loop for receiving therein the strut or rod of the projector support structure.

[0024] In an embodiment, the training apparatus further comprises lateral guide panels extending forwardly from the front edges of the side panels towards a user of the apparatus for catching a ball struck on a trajectory outside of the space enclosed by the side panels, the end panel, and the upper panel. These lateral guide panels are preferably tapered in shape (i.e., tapering in height as they extend forward from the side panels) and may preferably comprise a netting material.

[0025] According to yet another aspect, this disclosure provides a training enclosure for training the striking of a ball, the training enclosure comprising: a projection surface oriented to receive a projected image, such as a golf simulation projection; and a frame for holding or supporting the projection surface substantially perpendicular to the ground or in a substantially vertical orientation. The frame is configured to hold or support the projection surface spaced or offset by a distance from a rear of the frame, such that the projection surface provides an impact absorption or ‘give’ when struck with the ball or other expected projectile traveling at an expected range of speed, the impact absorption or ‘give’ being less that the distance spaced or offset from the rear of the frame.

[0026] In an embodiment, the training enclosure includes a plurality of straps oriented or arranged behind the projection surface mounted on the frame. The projection surface is preferably substantially flat or smooth and is preferably substantially planar. [0027] In an embodiment, the plurality of straps of the training enclosure are arranged behind the projection surface in a crossing pattern, such that the straps assist to provide the projection surface with the impact absorption or ‘give’ when struck with the ball or other expected projectile. To this end, the straps may subdivide the projection surface into smaller portions with a lesser degree of flexion or give. The smaller portions prevent the screen from extending beyond the rear of the striking enclosure frame by a distance that would cause the ball to rebound or dent a wall behind the enclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] For a more complete understanding of the disclosure and advantages thereof, exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a training apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the training apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of a training apparatus of another embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of the training apparatus of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of a training apparatus pursuant to another example or embodiment of the disclosure;

Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of the training apparatus of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a detailed rear perspective view of a top of the training apparatus of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a detailed front perspective view of a top of the training apparatus of Fig. 5;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the base of the end panel in the training apparatus of Fig. 5; and

Fig. 10 is a detailed perspective view of the base of the end panel in Fig. 9. [0029] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate particular embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and many of the attendant advantages will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description.

[0030] It will be appreciated that common and/or well understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a more abstracted view of the embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily illustrated to scale relative to each other. It will also be understood that certain actions and/or steps in an embodiment of a method may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrences while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0031] Disclosed herein are configurations of an advantageous golf training apparatus providing a projectable surface (sometimes referred to as “Golf TAPPS” or “TAPPS”). In many embodiments, the TAPPS provides not just for an enclosure that receives and dampens the velocity of a sports object fired, launched, thrown, or hit into the TAPPS, but also provides a projectable surface. The projectable surface is oriented in an offset position from the back or rear of the enclosure, so that a wall, or other object behind the enclosure is not damaged by the sport object when launched into the enclosure and the projectable surface deflects or ‘gives’ in response to the object. The projectable surface is generally oriented perpendicular to the ground or vertically, so that a simulation may be projected onto the projectable surface. The projectable surface is generally flat and is usually white in color to receive the projection.

[0032] With reference firstly to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, an example of a training apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure is shown. In this instance, the training apparatus 1 is provided in the form of a golf simulator apparatus for training striking of a golf ball B and includes a striking enclosure 10, a computer system 20, and a graphical display system 30. This golf training apparatus 1 is designed for use in a confined space and typical examples include: a yard or garden of a private home, or an indoor environment, such as a basement or a garage in a domestic context, or a golfing products store in a commercial context. As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, the striking enclosure 10 defines a space within which the golf ball B may be struck with full force without fear of the ball doing damage to people or property. In this regard, the striking enclosure 10 both confines the travel of the golf ball B and also serves to absorb and dissipate its kinetic energy. In this context, a user or person P stands at the open or “front” face of the striking enclosure 10 and may swing a golf club C as if driving from a tee or playing from a fairway to strike the golf ball B into the enclosure 10. To this end, a mat M is provided to simulate a grass playing surface and to protect the club C while training. Although in other training systems a netting may be used in front of the user, this has the disadvantage of not providing for a projectable surface. One feature of the training apparatus is to provide for a flat, clean projectable surface that a golf simulation may be projected on, making the user feel like they are on a golf course; for example, when combined with a launch monitor and projectable golf simulation software. In non-TAPPS systems, the screen or projectable surface may be coextensive or approximately coextensive with a back of the frame that holds the screen in place. This has a disadvantage, however, of the screen potentially not absorbing all of the kinetic energy of the golf ball and ejecting the ball back towards the user and/or denting the wall behind the screen. Therefore, the screen or projectable surface is offset from the back of the frame so that it may deflect or ‘give’. That is, this offset is designed to provide an estimated amount of ‘give’ or flexion to dissipate the energy of the ball.

[0033] The striking enclosure 10 of the golf training apparatus 1 comprises two laterally opposite side panels 11 interconnected by an end panel 12 and an upper panel 13, with the upper panel 13 adjoining both the side panels 11 and the end panel 12. Each of the laterally opposite side panels 11 , the end panel 12, and the upper panel 13 is comprised of a flexible textile material, which may be a soft mesh material and preferably also has some elastic properties. The striking enclosure 10 includes a plurality of elongate frame members 14 in the form or rods or poles that, when the striking enclosure 10 is in an assembled state as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, are arranged to extend substantially parallel to peripheral edges of the panels 11 , 12, 13, such that they support and tension each panel 11 , 12, 13 at or along its periphery. Each of the side panels 11 , the end panel 12, and the upper panel 13 is substantially rectangular, such that the striking enclosure 10 defines four sides of a rectangular prism configuration. The ground or the floor F upon which the striking enclosure 10 is erected and supported then corresponds to a fifth side of that rectangular prism, with the open (i.e., sixth) side or face forming the front of the striking enclosure 10 at which the user P positions themselves when striking the ball B, as seen in Fig. 1. The dimensions of the striking enclosure 10 may be selected to suit that space available. In this example, the width w is 4000 mm, the height h is 3000 mm and the depth d is 3000 mm.

[0034] Each of the laterally opposite side panels 11 and the upper panel 13 has a front edge 15 and two rearwardly extending edges 16, with two of the rearwardly extending edges 16 being shared or common between the upper panel 13 and a respective one of the adjoining side panels 11. In this case, some of the elongate frame members 14 for supporting and tensioning the opposite side panels 11 and upper panel 13 are arranged in sleeves 17 extending along the peripheral edges 15, 16. In the assembled state, an end of each elongate frame member 14 is interconnected with an end of an adjoining frame member 14 by a connector element 21 arranged at each corner or vertex of the striking enclosure 10. That is, the connector elements 21 are configured to receive two or more ends of the frame members 14 extending in mutually perpendicular directions or orientations at each corner or vertex of the striking enclosure 10. As is perhaps better seen in Fig. 2, the elongate frame members 14 that support and tension the end panel 12 are arranged spaced or offset from the end panel 12 in a rearward direction, i.e., such that they are located rearwardly of, or behind, the end panel 12. That way, in the assembled striking enclosure 10, those frame members 14 are desirably positioned or located such that they may not be impacted or struck by the golf ball B during training. The distance of offset or spacing O in this embodiment is preferably at least 100 mm; for example, in this case about 300 mm.

[0035] The striking enclosure 10 further comprises a plurality of bands or straps 18 for tensioning the side panels 11 , end panel 12, and upper panel 13 with respect to the frame members 14 that are spaced or offset from the end panel 12. As is seen in Fig. 2, the bands or straps 18 are arranged to extend horizontally and vertically between peripheral edges 19 of the end panel 12 and the frame members 14 that are spaced or offset by distance O behind the end panel 12. The bands or straps 18 are adjustable, preferably via hook-and-loop type fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), for tensioning the panels 11 , 12, 13 of the enclosure 10, but especially the end panel 12, with respect to the frame members 14 spaced or offset from the end panel 12. This, and the fact that the striking enclosure 10 is fabricated as a unitary arrangement of integrally interconnected textile panels 11 , 12, 13, e.g., by stitching, provides for a compact configuration that is easily assembled and disassembled.

[0036] The graphical display system 30 comprises a projector 31 which is configured and arranged to project images generated by the computer system 20 onto a screen 32 that is provided on or carried by the end panel 12 of the striking enclosure 10. This display system 30 is in electrical communication with the computer system 20 which has a computer program or software for generating images to assist in training the striking of the golf ball in the striking enclosure 10. The graphical display system 30 is therefore designed or configured to display the images generated by the computer system 20 in the striking enclosure 10 to assist the training process. The golf simulator apparatus 1 of this embodiment further includes a sensing system 40 in electrical communication with the computer system 20 and configured to sense one or more characteristics (e.g., velocity, trajectory, direction, speed) of the physical striking of the golf ball in the striking enclosure 10, and to input information relating to those one or more characteristics into the computer system 20. The computer system 20 is then able to calculate or generate corresponding images for the graphical display system 30 to display via the projector 31 onto the screen 32. Those images can simulate a real golf course environment and can provide the user with an impression of how the stroke or ball strike would have ‘played’ in an open outdoor environment. Although the projector 31 shown in Fig. 1 is configured to project images onto a front side of the screen 32 on the end panel 12 of the striking enclosure 10, it may alternatively be configured for rear side projection.

[0037] Referring now to the drawing Figs. 3 and 4, another embodiment of a training apparatus 1 of this disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the drawings focus on the striking enclosure 10, and like numerals designate like features described in reference to Figs. 1 and 2. The primary differences in the training apparatus 1 of this embodiment compared to the first embodiment reside in the dimensions. In this example, the width w is 3000 mm, the height h is 2600 mm and the depth d is 1600 mm. The offset or spacing O in this embodiment remains about 300 mm. It will be appreciated that the training apparatus 1 with the striking enclosure 10 as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 may also include a computer system 20 and/or a graphical display system 30, as shown in Fig. 1 .

[0038] With reference now to drawing Figs. 5 to 10, a further embodiment of a training apparatus 1 of the disclosure comprising a striking enclosure 10 is shown. In this case, the striking enclosure 10, with its side panels 11 , end panel 12, and upper panel 13 set or mounted on frame members 14, is of generally the same dimensions h, w, d as in the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4. In this embodiment, however, one difference which is immediately apparent is that the striking enclosure 10 in Figs. 5 and 6 includes lateral guide panels 22 extending forwardly from the front edges 15 of the side panels 11 towards a user P (see Fig. 1 ) at the front of the apparatus 1 . These guide panels 22 comprise netting material and are designed to catch a ball B that is hit (or mishit) on an oblique trajectory outside of the space enclosed by the side panels 11 , end panel 12, and upper panel 13. These guide panels 22 are therefore especially useful for beginner players who do not yet have good control over the direction of the ball B. Each of the guide panels 22 includes a lower edge region 23 that may be connected to the floor F via releasable fastening means, such as a strip of hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) and a front or leading end may be anchored by a weight 24, such as a sandbag. The vertical edge of each of the guide panels 22 may be connected to the front edge 15 of each of the side panels 11 via a releasable fastening means, such as a strip 25 of hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®). Other types of fasteners, like clasps or press-studs, are also contemplated.

[0039] Referring further to drawing Figs. 5 and 6, but also to drawing Figs. 7 and 8, it will be seen that another difference of this embodiment concerns the configuration of the bands or straps 18. In particular, the bands or straps 18 are still arranged to extend horizontally from the peripheral edges 19 of the end panel 12 to the frame members 14 that are spaced or offset by distance O behind the end panel 12. In this case, however, the bands or straps 18 are shorter and extend only to the nearest or the immediately adjacent frame member 14. Further, each band or strap 18 has a hook or clip 28 for easy releasable attachment to the respective frame member 14. The bands or straps 18 are still adjustable, e.g., by being doubled over and secured via hook-and-loop type fasteners (e.g., Velcro®) or a buckle, for adjusting the tensioning of the end panel 12 of the enclosure 10, as before. In this embodiment, however, the bands or straps 18 are much simpler and easier to attach to and release from the frame members 14, and also easier to adjust. The design of the bands or straps 18 in this case also helps to avoid over tensioning and wrinkling of the end panel 12.

[0040] With further reference to Figs. 5 to 8 of the drawings, another feature of the training apparatus 1 of this embodiment concerns the provision of a strut or rod 26 that forms support structure for a projector 31. Thus, it will be appreciated that the training apparatus 1 having striking enclosure 10 shown in Figs. 5 to 10 may include a computer system 20 and/or a graphical display system 30, as shown in Fig. 1 . The strut or rod 26 is mounted centrally of the striking enclosure 10 on the frame members 14 provided at the front and rear peripheral edges of the upper panel 13 via respective couplings or brackets 27. In this particular example, the strut or rod 26 extends forwardly of the front edge 15 of the upper panel 13 of the enclosure 10. In this way, the strut or rod 26 is adapted to support or mount a projector 31 of a graphical display system 30 for the frontal projection of display images onto a screen 32 provided on the end panel 12. In an alternative arrangement, however, the strut or rod 26 could extend rearwardly of the enclosure 10 for rear projection onto the screen. As is apparent from Figs, 7 and 8, the upper panel 13 of the enclosure 10 includes two sleeves 17 for receiving the strut or rod 26 therein.

[0041] In many embodiments, the straps 18 have a checkerboard crossing pattern or other crossing pattern. As seen in Fig. 2, straps 18 have a checkerboard like crossing pattern. By distributing the straps 18 accordingly, the end panel 12 and screen 32 can be braced and slowed from extending beyond a rear of the striking enclosure 10. In alternatives, the straps 18 may have different positionings or different patterns, but by having a regular distribution, the end panel 12 or screen 32 is effectively subdivided into smaller portions having a lesser degree of flexion or give, preventing the screen from extending beyond the back of the striking enclosure 10 by a distance that would cause the ball to rebound or dent a wall behind the enclosure. In operation, is it important to remember that even if the striking enclosure 10 is erected spaced from a wall, repeated striking of a golf ball into screen 32 may move the striking enclosure 10 slowly and imperceivably towards the wall, such that if the screen 32 did not have the offset O, a rebound or denting would eventually occur.

[0042] Finally, with reference to Figs. 9 and 10 of the drawings, it will be seen that this embodiment includes an additional feature for stabilising a lower edge region 12’ of the end panel 12. In particular, an elongate band or strap 29 is provided which is arranged to extend across the floor F below the lower edge region 12’ of the end panel 12. The elongate band or strap 29 includes releasable fastening means, preferably in the form of a strip of hook-and-loop type fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), for securing or holding the lower edge region 12’ of the end panel 12 fixed to it. The elongate band or strap 29 includes hooks or clips 28 at either end for releasable attachment to the frame members 14 at or along the lower edges 16 of the side panels 11 .

[0043] In some embodiments, a training enclosure, providing for a projectable surface, includes a flat projection surface, the flat projection surface being oriented to receive a golf simulation projection. The training enclosure further includes a frame, the frame holding the flat projection surface substantially perpendicular to the ground, the frame holding the flat projection surface a distance offset from a back of the frame, such that give and/or flexion in the flat projection surface when struck with an expected projectile traveling at an expected range of speed is less that the distance from the back of the frame. In some preferred embodiments, the training enclosure includes a plurality of straps oriented behind the flat projection surface mounted on the frame. Alternatively, the plurality of straps are arranged in a crossing pattern, such that the plurality of straps subdivide the space behind the flat projection surface and provide support to the flat projection surface. In preferred embodiments, the plurality of straps prevent I ensure that the expected projectile traveling at an expected range of speed will not reach a distance that will exceed the back of the frame.

[0044] Although specific embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that each exemplary embodiment is an example only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those persons skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0045] It will also be appreciated that the terms "comprise", "comprising", "contain", "containing", "have", "having", and any variations thereof, used in this document are intended to be understood in an inclusive (i.e. non-exclusive) sense, such that the process, method, device, apparatus, or system described herein is not limited to the features, integers, parts, elements, or steps recited but may include other features, integers, parts, elements, or steps not expressly listed and/or inherent to such process, method, device, apparatus, or system. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an" used herein are intended to be understood as meaning one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise. In addition, reference to positional terms, such as “lower” and “upper” and “front” and “rear”, used in the above description are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by a skilled addressee in the appropriate context.