Patent Application
20080102968
The invention relates to a course for a golf putting game, said course being arranged to be placed on a floor or the like, and where the course has a first end part, a second end part and an intermediate part. The first end part is arranged as the end to be played from, and the second end part is arranged with a target area comprising a number of sub areas.
The invention also relates to a golf putting game comprising such a course.
Several different examples of games, equipment etc. relating to the game of golf are known, by means of which the skills connected with the striking of a golf ball towards a target area, i.e. corresponding to the putting of a golf ball, can be exercised.
Thus, a putting game is known from WO 2004/09872 1 A2, which is exercised on an existing golf course, i.e. a green, and whereby the object is that the player(s) are able to train their putting skills in an enjoyable manner. Each player starts with a number of balls which are identifiable, for example each spiller getting five balls of a certain colour, a certain number or the like. In a first round, these balls are putted towards the hole from a circle with a first diameter, and balls which do not go down the hole with one or two putting strokes are removed, while the remainder give points.
Hereafter, the game continues with the balls which have not been eliminated being played towards the hole from a second circle with a greater diameter. Again, the balls which are not sent down the hole with two putting strokes are eliminated, while those remaining give points and so on. The points are recorded on a special score card for each player. This score card is thus the only equipment necessary apart from normal golf equipment.
As will appear, this known game requires access to a green.
From US 2004/0204256 A1 a putting game is known which is based on the game of pool, but where instead of a pool table use is made of a rectangular frame which is placed on the floor. The frame has a number of holes (six) through which the balls can pass, corresponding to what is known from a pool table. The two players, which during the game stand outside the frame, and which each have a number of balls placed inside the frame, use golf clubs, putters, with which to strike their golf balls into the holes in a similar manner as with a pool game.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,288 describes a similar putting game where use is likewise made of a rectangular frame with four corner holes and two side holes, said frame being placed on the floor or on the ground. The frame, which is relatively extensive, is configured in such a manner that it can be dismantled and assembled relatively easily.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,590 B1 relates to a portable target field for use with a golf putting game, where by means of the target field, which is divided into different points areas, points can be awarded to several players depending on how close their balls are to the hole.
Use is made of a normal green, where from a given distance each of the players puts a ball towards the hole. When they have all putted, the positions are marked and the transparent target field is placed with its centre over the hole and oriented in the playing direction. Hereafter, the respective points can be recorded.
GB 418,046 relates to a target area for use with a golf or bowling game, said target area consisting of a piece of paper or fabric with rings, squares or triangles which are placed within one another, and which are marked with point values. The target area is placed on the ground and, from a position some distance away, each participant plays a number of balls towards the area, for example with a putter, after which the points can be counted.
Further from JP 2001231903, a kind of curling game is also known, where use is made of an elongated mat which is placed on a flat surface such as a floor, and where with a golf putter the participants play a number of mini-curling stones, i.e. disk- or ring shaped elements, towards a target area.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,682 Bi relates to an artificial putting green. The user stands on the green itself, where the user may position himself or herself above or below the cup. The deck of the green is adjustable, e.g. the deck may be elevated front to back and vice versa, and the deck may be canted from side to side. In this manner the deck may assume an inclination between the user and the cup. Further, by means of adjustable feet the contour of the deck may be adjusted in the intervening distance between the user and the cup.
DE 197 43 198 A1 discloses a portable mini-golf course which is adjustable. The portable mini-golf course has a fairway made from a flexible material with a circular green clipped onto one end. The green is supported on a rigid base and can be tilted by means of a strut located in a hole on the underside. The green is separated from the fairway by an obstacle formed by a base board onto which pins in various layouts are located. The lateral sides of the fairway are secured by clip fastening edge strips and a circular lateral edge strip is clipped around the green.
Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,420 A relates to a table golf course, which is used in connection with a special, portable table golfer. The table golfer comprises a miniature shaft and two golf heads, i.e. a golf head and a putter head, by means of which a ball can be played at the tee area and the putting area, respectively. The miniature golf course comprises three components, i.e. a tee component, a putting component and a fairway component. The putting component comprises a hole for receiving a ball and the tee component and the curved fairway component are provided with upstanding lateral side support.
Finally, from U.S. Pat. No. 2,900,189 A a table curling game is known where a play-table is configured with a mini-curling course with target markings, and where each participant plays with mini-curling stones. The table-top itself is substantially flat and has side edges, but in the longitudinal direction the top has two longitudinal furrows disposed on each their side of a longitudinal rib in the centre. Hereby, a “curling” effect is achieved, in that a mini-curling stone which slides along the play-table close to the centreline will “curl” away from the centre, while a mini-curling stone which slides along the table further out towards the side of the plate will “curl” towards the centre.
Quite clearly, this last-mentioned prior art is not related to a golf putting game, since what is involved is a table game without any use of balls or the like, and neither is any use made of golf clubs.
The invention provides a golf putting game, including especially a course for such a game, with which golf players can exercise and improve their putting skills in an effective and entertaining manner.
The invention particularly provides such a course and such a game which does not require a golfing green, but which can be used on an ordinarily flat support such as a floor.
The invention further provides such a course and game with which the game can be augmented with further possibilities and variants which can contribute towards making the game more exciting and varying, and which makes it possible for a far greater spectrum of tactics to be used.
The invention also provides such a course and such a game which can be produced in a cost-effective manner, and which thus can be produced and marketed at a competitive price.
The invention further provides such a course which can be easily stored when not in use.
The invention relates to a course for a golf putting game, said course being arranged to be placed on a floor or the like, and where the course has—a first end part which is arranged to be played from,
According to the invention, such a course is characterised in that the target field is arranged with a target area comprising a number of sub areas, and in that the intermediate part of the course is a substantially flat centre course extending between the first end part and the target field, and where on both sides there are sloping side pieces.
Hereby, a course for a game is provided which can be produced in an economically expedient manner, and with which one or more players, preferably two or a number of players which are divided into two teams, can train their putting technique in an entertaining and exciting manner, without there being any need for special means apart from normally-used golf clubs/putters and golf balls. This is achieved by the course not only being arranged with a single target area corresponding to the hole on a green, whereby the participants shall merely endeavour to hit this hole-marking, but the course is also arranged with a target area with several sub areas which in various ways can be given different point values, so that the participants' playing/putting skills can be directly reflected through an awarding of points. In combination herewith, the course is provided with sloping side pieces in such a manner that a ball can be played up and over these sloping side pieces, whereby it can be achieved that the ball runs back towards the centre course and the target area again. Collision with balls already played and lying at the target area can hereby be avoided, and a ball can, for example, be placed behind an already-played ball which lies in front of the target area, so that a ball which has just been played can achieve a better placing and points award. It is obvious that there will be innumerable possibilities of being able to utilise the effect of the sloping side pieces, which will also depend on the rules of the game which can be used in connection with the course and the game. It shall also be pointed out that there will hereby be further possibilities of being able to play the ball precisely and in a desired way by combining the power of the stroke and the angle at which a ball is played, so that further training in the correct application of the power of the stroke is also achieved.
Moreover, the invention provides the possibility of being able to determine playing tactics in a far more varied manner than with the known putting games.
The golf course may be used outdoors or indoors.
Preferably said sloping side pieces may be located substantially along the whole length of the intermediate part.
The possibilities of using the sloping side piece during the game will hereby be innumerable, since the place where the golf ball crosses from the flat part to the sloping part can, for example, be placed very freely, whereby the curvature of the path of the ball can also be greatly varied. It will be obvious that the sloping side pieces may also be placed so that they overlap the first end part and/or the second end part of the course.
According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, said sloping side pieces may be configured so that they assume an angle in the order of 30-100, preferably approx. 50 in relation to said centre course.
Hereby, the influence on the path of the ball will be relatively modest, and it will be obvious that the sloping side pieces will not prevent the ball from running off the course if the stroke is too violent or the angle is too great, (whereby the ball is lost in accordance with generally prevailing rules). The side pieces will thus not serve as “cushions”, and a greater demand will hereby be placed on the finesse and skills of the players when the sloping side pieces shall be utilised in an appropriate manner.
The putting skills of the participants, including the ability to exercise a stroke of a precise strength, will hereby also be trained.
The sloping side pieces that may be configured to assume an angle in the order of 3°-100, preferably approx. 5° in relation to said centre course, may also be seen as defining an obtuse angle in relation to the part of the centre course located between the sloping side pieces, e.g. an angle in the order of 170°-177°, preferably approx. 175°.
According to a special embodiment, said sloping sidepieces can be configured with a substantially constant inclination in the transverse direction of the course.
Hereby, a particularly simple embodiment will be provided, where the sloping sidepieces may be configured as wedge-shaped items or layers made of suitable materials such as foam, textile, rubber, plastic materials etc. According to another advantageous embodiment, said sloping side pieces may be configured with an inclination which can vary in the transverse direction of the course.
With this embodiment it can be achieved that even greater skills are required in order to be able to utilise the effect of the sloping side pieces in an optimum manner, so that an even higher degree of skill in the game and putting training can be exercised, and whereby an even higher degree of entertainment is achieved in the playing of the game. Also here the sloping side pieces can be configured as wedge-shaped items or layers made of a suitable material such as foam, textile, rubber, plastic materials etc. According to yet a further expedient embodiment, said sloping side pieces may have a breadth corresponding approximately to the breadth of the said centre course.
Hereby, it can be achieved that the course is given an advantageous size, which will not be too extensive for most applications, and a suitable dimensional relationship between the flat parts and the sloping parts of the course.
The sub areas of the target area may expediently comprise a centre circle with a number of circle rings lying around it. Hereby, a relatively simple division of the target area into areas which can be given different point values is achieved, and in such a manner that is easy to observe the awarding of points to the individual balls. Moreover, there can hereby be achieved a method of awarding points which can correspond to that known from curling, and whereby there can be set up playing rules which result in a higher degree of variety and entertainment value, and which at the same time can enable the participants to utilise a wide range of playing strategies, whereby at the same time the putting training can also be optimised.
However, it is obvious that the target area may be divided into areas in innumerable other ways.
According to a further advantageous embodiment, the surface of the course may consist of a material which, out of regard for roll resistance, is comparable with the grass coverage on a golf course.
Hereby, it is achieved that the training which is exercised by means of the putting game will be of immediate value for a participant, and can be transferred to the participant's game of golf, which will thus be improved.
Expediently, the surface of the course may consist of a carpet-like material, and the sloping side pieces may comprise items which are disposed in a relatively fixed manner under the carpet-like material.
Hereby, the course can be produced in a particularly simple and cost-reducing manner, so that the course can thus be offered at a competitive price. Moreover, the advantage can be achieved that the course will have only a small thickness, so that the player(s) will directly have the same impression as that when playing on a golf course/green. Also, the possibility will arise that the course can easily be folded and/or rolled together, and thus it will be easy to store and/or to transport.
According to an alternative embodiment, the elements which form the sloping side pieces may, however, be lying on top of the carpet-like material, which can offer advantages corresponding to those mentioned above.
Expediently, the first end part of the course may comprise a starting-mark field which extends in the longitudinal direction, said start-marking field comprising a special starting area, preferably placed near the first end of the course.
Hereby, a course is provided where the game can be played from a random place on the elongated starting-mark field, but where there may be established special playing rules such as, for example, if the game is to be played from a place other than the special start field, that ball must be played across a boundary marker for the sloping side pieces. The game can hereby be given still more possibilities of variation and finesse in the achieving of a high entertainment value and a high training effect.
Moreover, the course may comprise a tray designed to be placed at said second end part for collection of balls/golf balls.
Balls which have been played outside the end of the course, and have thus been eliminated from the game, can easily be collected, and the balls which are lying in the target area after the end of the game can easily be pushed into the tray and moved down to the first end part for use in the next round (“end”) of the game.
Preferably, the course may comprise substantially longitudinal marking lines for marking a transition between the centre course and the sloping or angled side pieces.
Advantageously, the course may comprise a substantially transverse marking line for marking the boundary between the intermediate part and the target area on the second end part.
The invention also relates to a golf putting game which comprises a course and-for each participant or team-a putter and a predetermined number of golf balls with a specific marking for identification of the participant or the team.
In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, where
a-c show the cross-sections of the course shown in
a-d shows an example of the awarding of points, and
In
The first end part 3 has a marking area 20 which is used to indicate the place from where a ball shall be played. As shown, this marking area 20 may be an elongated stripe, a “stroke line”, which preferably has a special start area 21, a so-called “stroke spot” which, for example, may be placed at the rearmost end of the marking area 20.
The marking area will normally be placed along a centreline for the course 1 and at a certain distance from the end of the course. The significance of said areas will be explained in more detail later.
The second end part 5 comprises a target field 7 with a target area 8 which may be arranged in many different ways, but which for example may be configured as shown in
The intermediate part 4, which extends between the two end parts 3 and 5, has a centre course 10 which is substantially flat and lies in the same plane as the two end parts 3 and 5. The centre course 10 may have substantially the same breadth as the first end part 3. On both sides of the centre course 10 there are side pieces 12 and 14 which slope upwards from the centre course 10, for example by the side pieces 12 and 14 assuming a certain angle, as will be explained later with reference, for example, to the
The side pieces 12 and 14 may lie along the whole length of the intermediate part 4 as shown, or outside only part of this. Moreover, the side pieces may also extend into the area for both the first end part 3 and the second end part 5, or only one of these.
Finally it is seen in
The substantially transverse marking line 30, which may also be coloured, for example blue (“blue line” or “zone line”), marks the boundary between the intermediate part 4 and the target area, also called “game zone”, on the second end part 5. The further significance of these marking lines will be explained in more detail later on.
In
In
According to this embodiment, the breadth of the side pieces 12 and 14 will increase to a certain value, after which the breadth will be more or less constant at least along a substantial part of the intermediate part 4. This is illustrated by the section shown in
Finally, in
The playing course described above is illustrated in perspective in
According to an embodiment of the invention, the course 1 may be configured with a length of approx. 3.5 metres and a breadth at the first end part 3 of approx. 40 cm, and at the second end part 5 and the intermediate part 4 approx. 80 cm. The side pieces 12 and 14 may thus each have a breadth, for example at 12b and 14b, of approx. 20 cm. The marking field 20 may, for example, be arranged as a stripe with a breadth of approx. 2 cm and a length of approx. 20 cm, placed at a distance of approx. 20 cm from the first end of the course 1. The extent of the side pieces 12 and 14 may, for example, start approx. 80 cm from the first end and widen out to the full breadth approx. 130 cm from the first end. Hereafter, the side pieces 12b and 12c will extend with a constant slope and breadth forward to the marking line 30, after which the side pieces 12c and 14b will slope both inwards towards the centre of the course and forwards towards the second end, such as explained above, and so that a resulting inclination downwards towards the target field 7 is achieved. The marking line 30 may, for example, be placed at a distance of approx. 85 cm from the second end, whereby the part of the course where the side pieces 12 and 14 are configured with full breadth will be of approx. 135 cm.
With the course dimensions given above, the greatest height of the side pieces 12 and 14 may be in the order of 8-12 mm, 10-12 mm or the like, and/or be configured so that the side pieces assume an angle in relation to the plane areas of approximately 5. Other angles are possible, for example within a range of approx. 30-100 or with even greater angles, e. g. angles in the order of 30-150, 30-18°, 30-200, 3-25°.
Moreover, it will be obvious that the sloping side pieces 12 and 14 may be configured in such a maimer that they curve in the transverse direction and/or the longitudinal direction of the course, for example with a downwards curvature in the transverse direction and an upwards curvature in the longitudinal direction or vice versa etc. It may also be noted that the target area 8 itself, as shown in
The surface of the course itself may be in the form of a carpet or the like, for example a carpet of artificial grass, which preferably is configured with a rolling resistance to golf balls which corresponds that of a normal green.
The markings on the course 1, e.g. the stroke line, stroke spot etc., may be in the form of colour markings or the like. The course itself may thus in general be provided with a green colour, while the markings may have one or more deviating colours.
In the following, there will be described an example of how the course may be used in the playing of a putting game.
16 golf balls are used in the game, 8 of which are provided with one kind of marking, e.g. colours, symbols etc., and in such a manner that they can be recognised at a distance. The 8 remaining balls are provided with another kind of marking, also so that they can be recognised at a distance. Use is also made of a golf puffer, i.e. a putter which is approved for golf, and each participant or team can have such a putter.
The game may be played as a singles game, where two players compete against each other, and where they each play 8 balls per “end” (round).
With doubles, two teams each with two players will play against one another, where two players on a team take turns in playing four balls each in a sequence which must be maintained during the whole of the game.
The game may also be played in teams, where two teams each with four players play against one another, and where four players on a team take turns in playing two balls each in a sequence which must be maintained during the whole of the game.
During the game, an “end” (round) may be defined as having been played in the situation where both teams have played 8 balls, after which points are counted.
Before the game is started, it is agreed how many “ends” shall be played, e.g. whether 4, 6 or 8 rounds are to be played.
During the game, the course shall only be touched with putters but, however, also with the fingers when balls are placed on the “stroke line” 20 and “stroke spot” 21.
The game may be opened with a drawing of lots where the winner chooses balls and determines who shall start the first round. Subsequent rounds are started by the team which has won the preceding round. If an equal number of points have been won after an agreed number of rounds, a further round is played until a winner has been found.
As mentioned, the ball is played with a putter. The ball must be struck, not led.
The teams take turns in playing a ball. If a wrong ball is played, or if it is not the team's turn to play, the relevant end is lost.
The ball is played from the “stroke spot” 21 or from a random place on the “stroke line” 20. If the ball is played from a random place on the “stroke line”, the ball must pass the “red line” 26 or 28. The “red line” is passed when the ball does not touch the line when it has passed.
When the ball is lying still after having been played, it must be in the “game zone” for it to be in the game. If the ball is not in the “game zone” @ast “blue line 30—not touching the line), it is removed. If a ball is played out of the course, either to the side or at the end, it is out of the game.
The game can be played with “take out”, i.e. where the ball which has been played hits one or more balls, which are sent out of the game, on all balls which are lying in the “game zone”. However, “take out” must not be played before both teams have played two balls. An exception hereto are balls which lie in “the eye” 8. If this happens, the ball which is hit must be replaced, and the played ball removed.
When all 16 balls have been played, points are counted up. That team whose ball lies nearest the centre in “the eye” 8 is awarded points. The team gets 1 point for each ball which lies nearer to the centre than the opponents' best ball, i.e. the opponent's ball which lies nearest the centre.
The points awarding system is illustrated in
In
In
c shows a situation where none of the teams have any balls lying within the target area 8. Therefore, neither team is given any points for this round.
In
Only balls which lie in “the house”, i.e. lying inside or touching the outermost ring 9d, can count as points. If it can not be determined which ball lies closest to the centre, none of the teams are awarded points for the relevant round.
The team which has most points after the agreed number of ends has won the game.
If a team is too far behind on points, the relevant team can give up before the agreed number of rounds has been played.
Several different tactics can be utilised in connection with the game. For the team which is lying behind, it may be in their interest that there are many balls in play.
Moreover, the game can be played with “guards”, i.e. the positioning of balls which protect other balls which lie in The Eye. Hereby, there is a possibility of a high score, but on the other hand there is also a great risk that the opponent can reach a high score with many balls in play. For a team which is in the lead, it can be an advantage that there are not many balls in play. Therefore, it can be an advantage for the leading team to hold the target area clean, i.e. to play “take out” on “guards” and balls which lie in The Eye.
It is obvious that there will be innumerable other ways of using the course according to the invention so that a more varied game is achieved, and such that many different tactics can be used in connection with the game.
The balls which are lying in the target field 7 may merely be pushed into the tray, so that one is spared having to pick these up. The tray 40 will preferably have a breadth which corresponds to the breadth of the second end part 5 of the course.
It will also be obvious that when use is made of a course according to the invention, there will be innumerable possibilities for defining the rules of the game and tactics in relation with such rules other than those described by way of example above.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA 2005 00608 | Apr 2005 | DK | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/DK06/00223 | 4/26/2006 | WO | 10/25/2007 |
