CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 63/310,851, filed February 16, 2022, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present technology relates to sports equipment, and, more particularly, to a training device that simulates conditions that may be found in a golf hazard.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] The game of golf is often played in locations with various hazard areas and/or difficult condition areas that provide an obstacle for the player. As an example, a bunker or other area may include sand or other debris making it difficult to hit the ball. While players try to avoid such areas, it is common for the ball to end up in a bunker or other difficult condition area during play. Extracting the ball from a bunker or other area may be difficult and require repeat attempts that negatively impact the player’s score. Thus, improving these types of shots is a goal of many golfers.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described therein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings and each claim.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a golf training device having a cover defining a volume, the cover including an upper portion configured to support a golf ball, a lower portion positioned opposite the upper portion, and a filling material contained within the volume of the cover. When a golf ball is positioned on the upper portion and the device is struck by a golf club, the device is configured to move such that the golf ball is displaced from the upper portion of the cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The disclosure will be readily understood by following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bunker training device in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bunker training device of FIG. 1 with a golf ball positioned on an upper portion of the device.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a top view of the bunker training device of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the bunker training device of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a top view of the bunker training device of FIG. 1 including a plurality of decals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Each example is provided by way of illustration and/or explanation, and not as a limitation. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a further embodiment. Upon reading and comprehending the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily conceive many equivalents, extensions, and alternatives to the specific, disclosed devices, all of which are within the scope of embodiments herein.

[0013] In the following description, positional terms like “above,” “below,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “bottom,” “top,” and the like are sometimes used to aid in explaining and specifying features illustrated in the figures as presented, that is, in the orientation in which labels of the figures are read normally.

[0014] Described herein are golf training devices, such as bunker training devices, for simulating the positioning a golf ball in a difficult condition area and for facilitating training of hitting the golf ball in such conditions. According to some embodiments, a bunker training device includes a cover housing a filling material and defining a support feature for supporting a ball on the cover. The cover may be constructed from various materials as desired. In certain embodiments, the cover may be constructed from materials having various levels of elasticity or firmness for simulating various types of bunkers or condition areas. In various embodiments, the cover is not a rigid material and has some degree of elasticity or deformability. The filling material may be various materials as desired, and in some embodiments, the filling material may be varied to simulate various types of bunker or condition areas. The bunker training devices provided herein may be used in various areas as desired by the user.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a bunker training device 100. The bunker training device 100 is configured to simulate hitting a golf ball 101 out of a hazard, such as a bunker, and generally includes a cover 102 that may house a filling material. As shown in FIG. 2, a user may position the golf ball 101 on the bunker training device 100 prior to striking the bunker training device 100, allowing for the user to simulate hitting a golf ball out of a hazard. The bunker training device 100 is depicted having a generally circular shape; however, the bunker training device 100 may have any desirable shape, including, but not limited to, triangular, rectangular, square, etc. Moreover, while the bunker training device 100 is shown as symmetrical, it need not be.

[0016] The cover 102 may include an upper portion 104 and a lower portion 106 that may form a volume which houses a filling material. The upper portion 104 is configured to hold or secure the ball while the lower portion 106 is positioned opposite the upper portion 104 and is configured to be positioned on a surface such as grass, a golf mat, etc. An edge 108 is defined where an outer edge 104a of the upper portion 104 meets an outer edge 106a of the lower portion 106. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper portion 104 and the lower portion 106 may be secured together at said edge 108 using a variety of coupling methods, such as stitching or adhesives. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the upper portion 104 and the lower portion 106 may be formed from a unitary structure such that the upper portion 104 and the lower portion 106 do not have to be secured together. Optionally, the cover 102 may include a sealable/resealable opening or access feature providing selective access to the interior of the cover 102, thereby allowing a user to adjust the volume of the filling material within the cover 102, to replace damaged or old filling material, and/or interchange the filling material to mimic a variety of bunker conditions. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the cover 102 may not be designed to permit replacement or interchangeability of the filling material (i.e., the filling material remains within the cover 102 absent damage to or destruction of the cover 102).

[0017] In some embodiments, the cover 102 may have a cross-wise dimension d (e.g., diameter) between 4 inches and 12 inches, inclusive; between 4 inches and 10 inches, inclusive; between 4 inches and 8 inches, inclusive; between 5 and 8 inches, inclusive; or between 5 inches and 7 inches, inclusive. However, other dimensions are envisioned. A cross-wise dimension d (e.g., diameter) of approximately 4 inches, 4.5 inches, 5 inches, 5.5 inches, 6 inches, 6.5 inches, 7 inches, 7.5 inches, 8 inches, 8.5 inches, or 9 inches may be suitable in some embodiments.

[0018] In some embodiments (see FIG. 4), the dimensions of the cover 102 may be chosen such that a distance Xi from the edge of the golf ball 101 when placed on the bunker training device 100 to an edge 108 of the cover 102 may coincide with a distance at which the user may strike behind the golf ball 101 when using a proper bunker shot technique. Though the recommended distance varies depending on conditions and technique, it is envisioned that the distance Xi between the outer edge 101a of the golf ball 101 and the edge 108 of the cover 102, may be in the range of 1 inch to 3 inches (or 25 mm to 75 mm), such as approximately 2 inches.

[0019] The cover 102 may be constructed from various materials as desired, and in certain embodiments the cover 102 is constructed from a flexible or stretchable material (e.g., fabric) such that the bunker training device 100 assumes a flexible or pliable shape (i.e., it is not rigid and can change its shape). A variety of materials including, but not limited to, various fabrics, woven materials, nonwoven materials, plastics, rubbers, natural materials, synthetic materials, combinations thereof, and/or various other materials or combinations of materials may be suitable. In some embodiments, the cover 102 is constructed from a neoprene fabric. In certain embodiments, the cover 102 is constructed from a material to simulate various types of condition areas for a golf ball 101. As some non-limiting examples, the cover 102 may be constructed from an elastic material to simulate a first condition area, a firm material to simulate a second condition area, and a material with an intermediate firmness (i.e., between the elastic material and the firm material) to simulate a third condition area. In some cases, the cover 102 is made from a material that a user can shape as desired. Further, it is envisioned, that the upper portion 104 and the lower portion 106 may be constructed of different materials. Because the bunker training device 100 is intended to replicate a bunker shot, it will generally be devoid of turf or other grass-like structures. For example, at least the upper portion 104 (and typically also the lower portion 106) will typically be “substantially smooth” in that it will be devoid of turf or other grass-like structures.

[0020] The cover 102 is configured to house a filling material. The filling material may be used to simulate the conditions of a bunker and also allow for shaping of the bunker training device 100 as desired. While the filling material may be formed of a deformable fluid material (e.g., liquid, gel, etc.), in some embodiments the filling material is of a pellet or granular nature, for example, to simulate sand. The pellets/granules may be of any size, shape, and consistency. In some embodiments, they are about the size of a grain of rice. They may be formed of any material, including, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, sand, foam, plastic beads, natural materials, micro-beads, combinations thereof, and/or other materials as desired. The pellets/granules may have different shapes; for example, cylindrical, rectangular, spherical, ovular, etc., shaped materials may be used. Additionally, materials having varying densities, textures, and compressibility may be used. In some embodiments, the filling material includes rubber granules/pellets having an ovular shape. In some embodiments, the filling material may be homogenous or, instead, may be a mixture of various types of filling materials.

[0021] In some embodiments, the weight of the bunker training device 100 may be designed to mimic the weight of sand hit during a typical bunker shot. In some embodiments, the weight of the bunker training device 100 may be between 100 grams and 300 grams. In some embodiments, the weight of the bunker training device 100 may be about 180 grams (+/- 5). However, this is merely exemplary, and a variety of different weights for device 100 are envisioned, including, but not limited to, 50 grams, 100 grams, 150 grams, 200 grams, 250 grams, 300 grams, 350 grams, 400 grams, 450 grams, or 500 grams, or any weight in between. The weight of the bunker training device 100 may be adjusted by adjusting the weight of the cover or by adjusting the weight of the filling material.

[0022] In some embodiments, the cover 102 may additionally include a support feature 110 positioned on the upper portion 104 and configured to support and/or maintain the position of the golf ball 101 on the bunker training device 100. The support feature 110 may be located centrally or offset on the upper portion 104. While the support feature 110 may be as simple as a depression in the upper portion 104, FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment where the support feature 110 is a toroidal-shaped (i.e., doughnut-shaped) disc that has been secured to the center of the upper portion 104 whereby the golf ball 101 can be positioned and retained within the disc opening 112 during use. The support feature 110 as depicted in the figures is merely exemplary and various other methods and features for maintaining and supporting the golf ball 101 are contemplated. For example, the support feature 110 may take the form of an aperture that extends partially or entirely through the bunker training device 100 from the upper portion 104 to the lower portion 106. Further, the support feature 110 may take other forms or methods of securing the position of the golf ball 101 relative to the bunker training device 100, including stitching, adhesives, textures, or other structures known in the art. Additionally, embodiments of the bunker training device 100 are envisioned that do not include a support feature 110.

[0023] In operation, the user may position the bunker training device 100 on a surface (i.e., the ground, a golf mat, etc.) such that the lower portion 106 rests on the surface. The user then positions a golf ball 101 on the cover 102 (such as on the support feature 110 if one is provided). As noted, the support feature 110 may hold or secure the position of the golf ball 101 relative to the cover 102. With the position of the golf ball 101 secured, the user may then swing a golf club such that the head of the club contacts the bunker training device 100. More specifically, the head of the club contacts the region of the bunker training device 100 between the user and the ball (e.g., the region defined by the distance Xi shown in FIG. 4). After contact, the bunker training device 100 may move, simulating debris that is generated during a typical bunker shot, and displacing the golf ball 101 from the upper portion 104 of the cover 102. The golf ball 101 will fly in response to the strike in a similar pattern to how a ball moves when struck in an actual bunker, allowing for the user to practice realistic bunker shots. In some embodiments, the head of the club does not make contact with the ball. Rather, movement of the ball is caused entirely by movement of the bunker training device 100.

[0024] In some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 5, the bunker training device 100 may further include visual graphics. For example, the visual graphics may include training information or alignment tools, such as arrows suggesting the direction in which a user should swing, marking lines or other indicators of where the bunker training device 100 should be struck and/or where the bunker training device 100 is struck, and/or information facilitating placement of the golf ball 101. Various other types of graphics are envisioned and may be used in combination with the device described herein.

[0025] The various aspects, embodiments, implementations, or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. In particular, it should be appreciated that the various elements of concepts from FIGS. 1 - 4 may be combined without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0026] A collection of exemplary embodiments, including at least some explicitly enumerated as “Examples” providing additional description of a variety of example types in accordance with the concepts described herein are provided below. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive; and the invention is not limited to these examples but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0027] Example 1. A golf training device including a cover defining a volume, the cover including an upper portion configured to support a golf ball and devoid of turf or grass-like structures; a lower portion positioned opposite the upper portion and connected to the upper portion; and a filling material contained within the volume of the cover, wherein, when a golf ball is positioned on the upper portion and the device is struck by a golf club, the device is configured to move such that the golf ball is displaced from the upper portion of the cover.

[0028] Example 2. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein a distance between an edge of the cover and an outer surface of the golf ball when positioned on the upper portion is between 1 inch and 3 inches.

[0029] Example 3. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the golf training device has a substantially circular shape.

[0030] Example 4. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the golf training device further includes a diameter between 5 inches and 8 inches, inclusive.

[0031] Example 5. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the golf training device further includes a weight of between 100 grams and 300 grams. [0032] Example 6. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the filling material includes pellets.

[0033] Example 7. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the pellets are rubber.

[0034] Example 8. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, further including a support feature positioned on the upper portion of the cover, the support feature configured to maintain a position of the golf ball relative to the golf training device prior to the golf training device being struck by a golf club.

[0035] Example 9. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the support feature comprises a toroidal-shaped disc.

[0036] Example 10. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the support feature includes an aperture which extends through the golf training device from the upper portion of the cover to the lower portion of the cover.

[0037] Example 11. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are directly connected using stitching or adhesives.

[0038] Example 12. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein at least one of the upper portion or the lower portion is formed of a flexible fabric.

[0039] Example 13. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are formed of different materials.

[0040] Example 14. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the cover further comprises a re-closeable opening providing access to the volume defined by the cover. [0041] Example 15. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the cover further includes visual graphics.

[0042] Example 16. A golf training device including a cover defining a volume, the cover including: an upper portion configured to support a golf ball and devoid of turf or grass-like structures; a lower portion positioned opposite the upper portion and connected to the upper portion; and a filling material contained within the volume of the cover and including pellets, wherein the golf training device has a weight between 100 and 300 grams, inclusive, and wherein a distance between an edge of the cover and an outer surface of the golf ball when positioned on the upper portion of the cover is between 1 inches and 3 inches.

[0043] Example 17. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the golf training device is configured to move when struck by a golf club such that the golf ball is displaced from the upper portion of the cover.

[0044] Example 18. The device of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, further including a support feature positioned centrally on the upper portion of the cover, the support feature configured to maintain a position of the golf ball relative to the device.

[0045] Example 19. A method for training a golf swing, including positioning a swing training device on a surface, the swing training device including: a cover defining a volume, the cover including an upper portion devoid of turf or grass-like structures, and a lower portion positioned opposite the upper portion; and a filling material contained within the volume of the cover; positioning a golf ball on the upper portion of the swing training device; and striking the swing training device with a golf club; wherein, when the swing training device is struck, the swing training device is configured to move such that the golf ball is displaced from the upper portion of the cover.

[0046] Example 20. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the golf ball is displaced from the upper portion of the cover without the golf club impacting the golf ball. [0047] The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, or gradients thereof, unless otherwise indicated herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0048] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall results as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

[0049] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. The invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, and certain shown exemplary embodiments there are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. Variations of those preferred embodiments, within the spirit of the present invention, may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claim appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.