Golf practice apparatus

• US 20080032811A1
• Filed: 08/01/2006
• Published: 02/07/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/01/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: John H. Bearden
• Original Assignee: John H. Bearden
• Inventors: Bearden, John H.
• Application Number:
  US11/461,519
• Publication Number:
  US 20080032811A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/278
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3661 Mats for golf practice, e.g. mats having a simulated turf, a practice tee or a green area

Abstract

An apparatus for allowing golfer to practice their golf swings thereupon is provided. The apparatus includes a base mat having a void space within it. A flexible beam is atop the base mat, spanning over the open space. A synthetic turf surface that simulates natural grass covers the apparatus. When a golfer swings a golf club to strike a golf ball that is resting on the turf above the beam and, in the process, strikes the turf as well, the elasticity of the beam allows the apparatus'"'"'s hitting surface to deflect downward, absorb much of the impact of the golf club and give the golfer the sensation of taking a divot from a natural playing surface.

Claims

1. A golf swing practice apparatus comprising:

a horizontally disposed base member, the base member having a void area;

a deflectable beam disposed above the void area, wherein a first end portion and an opposing second end portion of the beam are in contact with the base member, and an intermediary portion of the beam is suspended over the void area without underlying support, wherein the intermediary portion may be manually deflected downward within the void area; and

an artificial turf layered over the base member and the deflectable beam.

2. The practice apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tee element for holding a golf ball, the tee element being comprised of a base portion and a tee portion, wherein the base portion is anchored within said base member, and the tee portion extends upwardly therefrom and protrudes said turf.

3. The practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein said void area is generally defined by a tapered trough within said base member.

4. The practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein said void area is generally defined by an opening through said base member.

5. The practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base member has a frictional bottom surface, whereby said apparatus will remain in fixed relation to the surface upon which it rests during normal golf swing practice use.

6. The practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein said deflectable beam comprises a generally rectangular sheet of material having an elastic modulus of at least 30,000,000 psi.

7. The practice apparatus of claim 1, wherein said deflectable beam is removable from said apparatus.

8. A golf swing practice apparatus comprising:

a horizontally disposed base member, the base member having a void area;

a deflectable beam disposed above the void area, wherein a first end portion and an opposing second end portion of the beam are in contact with the base member, and an intermediary portion of the beam is suspended over the void area without underlying support, wherein the intermediary portion may be manually deflected downward within the void area;

an artificial turf layered over the base member and the deflectable beam; and

an intermediate sheet sandwiched between the artificial turf and the deflectable beam, wherein the intermediate sheet is fabricated from resilient and slip-resistant material.

9. The practice apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a tee element for holding a golf ball, the tee element being comprised of a base portion and a tee portion, wherein the base portion is anchored within said base member, and the tee portion extends upwardly therefrom and protrudes both said cushioning member and said turf.

10. The practice apparatus of claim 8, wherein said void area is generally defined by a tapered trough within said base member.

11. The practice apparatus of claim 8, wherein said void area is generally defined by an opening through said base member.

12. The practice apparatus of claim 8, wherein said base member has a frictional bottom surface, whereby said apparatus will remain in fixed relation to the surface upon which it rests during normal golf swing practice use.

13. The practice apparatus of claim 8, wherein said deflectable beam comprises a generally rectangular sheet of material having an elastic modulus of at least 30,000,000 psi.

14. The practice apparatus of claim 8, wherein said deflectable beam is removable from said apparatus.