GOLF TRAINING APPARATUS

Abstract

The disclosure relates to golfing equipment and, more particularly, to golf training equipment. In some examples, a golf training apparatus includes two standoffs coupled at a first end to a head. The head may resemble the bottom of a golf hole. Further, each of the two standoffs is coupled at a second end to a corresponding first rail. The standoffs are configured to distance the head from the first rails by a predetermined distance. In addition, each of the first rails are coupled to a first end of a corresponding second rail. Furthermore, each of the second rails are coupled at their second end to an end of a corresponding third rail. The head, standoffs, and first rails form an opening to a landing area defined by the first rails, second rails, and third rails.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to golfing equipment and, more particularly, to golf training equipment.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a popular sport all around the world, and is played at all levels. In golf, players use golf clubs to hit a golf ball into a hole using as few strokes of the club as possible. Often, when the ball is near a targeted hole, a player may use a club, such as a putter, to putt the ball into or closer to the hole. The goal of the putt is to provide the ball with a smooth, controlled roll towards and into the hole. If the ball is not hit with enough force, the ball may not make it into the hole. If the ball is hit with too much force, the ball may roll right over the hole, or may roll around the edge of the hole without falling in (e.g., a lip-out).

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a plurality of standoffs coupled at a first end to a head and at a second end to a first plurality of rails. The plurality of standoffs are configured to distance the head from the first plurality of rails by a predetermined amount. In addition, the first plurality of rails are coupled to a second plurality of rails, and the second plurality of rails are coupled to a third plurality of rails.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a plurality of standoffs coupled at a first end to a head and at a second end to a first plurality of rails. The first plurality of rails are of a first color. In addition, the first plurality of rails are coupled to a second plurality of rails of a second color, and the second plurality of rails are coupled to a third plurality of rails of a third color. The first color, second color, and third color differ from each other.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a plurality of standoffs coupled at a first end to a head and at a second end to a first plurality of rails. In addition, the first plurality of rails are coupled to a second plurality of rails, and the second plurality of rails are coupled to a third plurality of rails. The plurality of standoffs, first plurality of rails, and head are configured to form an opening through which a golf ball can pass. In some embodiments, the first plurality of rails are configured to form at least part of a landing area through which the golf ball can pass or land, the opening being to the landing area.

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first standoff and a second standoff, where each of the first standoff and the second standoff are coupled at a first end to a circularly shaped head. The first standoff is coupled at a second end to a first rail, and the second standoff is coupled at the second end to a second rail. In addition, the first rail is coupled to a third rail, and the second rail is coupled to a fourth rail. Moreover, the third rail is coupled to a fifth rail, and the fourth rail is coupled to a sixth rail. The first rail, third rail, and fifth rail are configured to define a first side of a landing area, and the second rail, fourth rail, and sixth rail are configured to define a second side opposite the first side of the landing area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.

FIG. 1 illustrates a golf training apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of the golf training apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the golf training apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the golf training apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the golf training apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments

FIG. 4A illustrates a first side view of the golf training apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4B illustrates a second side view of the golf training apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5A illustrates top exploded view of the golf training apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom exploded view of the golf training apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the assembly of portions of the golf training apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments; and

FIG. 7 illustrates another top view of the golf training apparatus, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are intended to be non-limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest reasonable interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless otherwise specified, and that the terms “includes” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top,” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “above” versus “below,” “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral,” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling, and the like, such as “connected”, “interconnected,” and “coupled to” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The terms “operatively connected,” “operably connected,” and the like are such attachments, couplings, or connections that allow the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a golf training apparatus that can conveniently be taken apart and put back together, and that allows for the practicing of golf shots, such as putting. Among other advantages, the golf training apparatus can allow a golf player to conveniently practice putting from just about anywhere, such as the player's home, and can assist in improving the player's putting abilities. Persons of ordinary skill in the art may recognize these and other advantages as well.

For example, in some embodiments, a golf training apparatus includes two first rails, where each first rail is coupled to a corresponding standoff. In addition, the standoffs are coupled to a head. The head can be circular and resemble the bottom of a golf hole, such as a golf holes at golf courses. In some examples, the head has a diameter of a predetermined length, such as between 4″ (i.e., 4 inches) and 5″ (i.e., 5inches), inclusively. In some examples, the head has a diameter of 4.25″. In addition, in some examples, a length of each of the first two rails is the same as, or nearly the same as (e.g., within 5%), of the diameter of the head. For example, the diameter of the head and the length of each of the first rails can be 4.25″. The standoffs are configured to hold the head above the first rails, such that the first rails, standoffs, and head make an opening (e.g., with the ground) to a landing area (e.g., lane). The standoffs can hold the head above the first rails by a predetermined amount. For example, the first rails and standoffs can hold the head above the first rails by a distance in any of the inclusive ranges from 1″ to 3″, 2″ to 2.5″ (e.g., 2″), or any other suitable distance to allow a golf ball to roll under the head.

In addition, each of the first rails can be coupled at an end to a first end of a corresponding second rail. For instance, the end of each first rail and the first end of each corresponding second rail can include an interlocking mechanism (e.g., snap-fit mechanism) that can couple the first rail to the second rail. In some examples, to connect the first rail to the second rail, a locking pin protruding from the first end of the second rail is inserted (e.g., at an angle) into the bottom of the first rail near its end. Once inserted, the second rail is “lifted” to align to the first rail, thereby causing the locking pin to protrude and lock into an opening at the end of the first rail. Each of the second rails can have a predetermined length, such as a length in the range of 4″ to 12″, inclusively. In some examples, each of the second rails has a length of 9″.

Moreover, each of the second rails can be coupled, at a second end, to an end of a corresponding third rail. For instance, an end of each third rail and the second end of each corresponding second rail can include an interlocking mechanism (e.g., snap-fit mechanism) that can couple the second rail to the third rail. In some examples, to connect the second rail to the third rail, a locking pin protruding from the end of the third rail is inserted (e.g., at an angle) into the bottom of the second rail near its second end. Once inserted, the third rail is “lifted” to align to the second rail, thereby causing the locking pin to protrude and lock into an opening at the second end of the second rail. Each of the third rails can have a predetermined length, such as a length in the range of 6″ to 10″, inclusively. In some examples, each of the second rails has a length of 8″.

As described above, the first rails, standoffs, and head can make an opening (e.g., with the ground) to a landing area. The first rails, second rails, and third rails can define the landing area. For instance, one side of the landing area can be defined by a first set of connected first, second, and third rails. The other side of the landing area can be defined by a second set of connected first, second, and third rails. The golf training apparatus can be configured to receive a golf ball through the opening defined by the first rails, standoffs, and head, and into the landing area defined by the first, second, and third rails.

In some examples, the first rails, standoffs, and head can be of a first color, such as white, thereby defining a “white zone”. The “white zone” can indicate a golf hole target. The second rails can be of a second color, such as black, thereby defining a “black zone.” Further, the third rails can be of a third color, such as green, thereby defining a “green zone.” If a golf ball lands in either the “white zone” or “black zone,” this can indicate that the golf ball was not hit with enough force (e.g., the putt requires more pace). If, however, the golf ball lands in the “green zone,” this can indicate that the golf ball was hit with an appropriate amount of force to have the golf ball land in the golf hole (e.g., as defined by the “white zone”). For example, the golf ball landing in the “green zone” can indicate that a desired pacing for a putt has been achieved. Further, if the golf ball lands past the “green zone,” this can indicate that the golf ball was hit with too much force (e.g., to allow it to land in the golf hole).

In some examples, the third rails, which define the “green zone” described above, can include a marker indicating a perfect putt. For example, each third rail can include a marker on its top surface, where the marker is a predetermined distance from an endline of the head that extends perpendicular to the third rails. If a golf ball lands in line with the opposing markers, this can indicate that the golf ball was hit with an optimum amount of force (e.g., perfect putt). In some examples, the third rails include the markers such as that they are in the range from 10″ to 16″, inclusively, from the end of the “white zone.” In some examples, each of the third rails include the marker at a distance of 12″ from the end of the “white zone.”

In some examples, the golf training apparatus can be manufactured from any suitable plastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, polycarbonate, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane, etc. For example, the head, standoffs, first rails, second rails, and third rails can be manufactured using an injection molding process. In some examples, the golf training apparatus can be manufactured using a 3D printing process, and be made from 3D printing material, such as thermoplastics or thermosetting plastics. The golf training apparatus can, alternatively, be manufactured using any other suitable material and manufacturing process.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a golf training apparatus 100 that can be used by a golfer 101 to practice golf. For example, the golf training apparatus 100 can allow the golfer 101 to practice putting by providing an indication of not only of where a golf ball 105 would land, but also whether the golf ball 105 would land in a desired hole, after the golf ball 105 is hit by the golfer 101 with a golf club 103.

As illustrated, the golf training apparatus 100 includes a head 110 that is supported by a first standoff 112A and a second standoff 112B that is opposite the first standoff 112A. In this example, the head 110 is circular in shape and resembles the bottom of a golf hole that is typically found in golf courses. The first standoff 112A and second standoff 112B are each coupled to the head 110 at respective first ends 113A, 113B. For instance, in some examples, the first standoff 112A and second standoff 112B are attached to the head 110 at respective first ends 113A, 113B using, for instance, glue or an interlocking mechanism, such as a snap-fit connection. In some examples, the first standoff 112A and second standoff 112B are integral with the head 110 at respective first ends 113A, 113B.

The golf training apparatus 100 also includes first front rail 104A, second front rail 104B, first middle rail 106A, second middle rail 106B, first end rail 108A, and second end rail 108B. The first front rail 104A and second front rail 104B support, respectively, the first standoff 112A and second standoff 112B. For example, the first standoff 112A and second standoff 112B are respectively coupled to the first front rail 104A and second front rail 104B at respective second ends 115A, 115B (second end 115A is identified in at least FIG. 2B). For example, in some examples, the first standoff 112A and second standoff 112B are attached to the first front rail 104A and second front rail 104B at the respective second ends 115A, 115B using, for instance, glue or an interlocking mechanism, such as a snap-fit connection. In some examples, the first standoff 112A and second standoff 112B are integral with the first front rail 104A and second front rail 104B at the respective second ends 115A, 115B.

Further, the first front rail 104A is coupled to one end of the first middle rail 106A, and the first end rail 108A is coupled to the other end of the first middle rail 106A. Similarly, the second front rail 104B is coupled to one end of the second middle rail 106B, and the second end rail 108B is coupled to the other end of the second middle rail 106B. As described further herein, the first middle rail 106A can be coupled to each of the first front rail 104A and the first end rail 108A using an interlocking mechanism. For example, the first front rail 104A can include a locking pin that is inserted into an opening at the end of the first middle rail 106A. Similarly, the first middle rail 106A can include a locking pin that is inserted into an opening at the end of the first end rail 108A. Likewise, the second middle rail 106B can be coupled to each of the second front rail 104B and the second end rail 108B using an interlocking mechanism.

As illustrated, the first end rail 108A and second end rail 108B can define a target area 121, also referred to herein as the “green zone.” A golf ball that lands in this target area 121 can indicate that the golf ball was hit with an appropriate amount of force to have the golf ball land in a golf hole that would be directly underneath the head 110. For example, when golfer 101 hits the golf ball 105 with the golf club 103, the golf ball 105 can proceed through an opening 139 defined by the head 110, the first standoff 112A, the second standoff 112B, the first front rail 104A, and the second front rail 104B (e.g., and the ground upon which the golf training apparatus 100 rests).

Assuming the golf ball 105 is hit with enough force, the golf ball 105 can proceed through the opening (e.g., under the head 110 and between the first standoff 112A and second standoff 112B) and into a landing area 127 defined by the first front rail 104A, first middle rail 106A, and first end rail 108A on a first side, and the second front rail 104B, second middle rail 106B, and second end rail 108B on a second side opposite the first side. Within the landing area 127 is the target area 121 which, in this example, is defined as the area between the first end rail 108A and second end rail 108B. If a hit golf ball 105 lands in this target area 121 (i.e., “green zone”), this can indicate that the golf ball 105 was hit with an appropriate amount of force to have the golf ball land in the golf hole that would be directly underneath the head 110. In other words, the head 110 can be seen as an “overhead” hole that is designed to indicate where an otherwise target hole would be beneath it (e.g., in the ground).

In some examples, each of the first end rail 108A and second end rail 108B can include a respective marker 116A, 116B. These markers 116A, 116B can be positioned a predetermined distance from the first standoff 112A and second standoff 112B, respectively (e.g., 12″), and indicate an ideal landing line 123 that lies within the target area 121. For example, a golf ball 105 that is hit through the opening 139 and lands at least partially in line with the ideal landing line 123 can be considered a “perfect putt,” indicating that optimum force that the golf ball 105 should be hit with to land in the golf hole that would be directly underneath the head 110.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the golf training apparatus 100, while FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the golf training apparatus 100. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first standoff 112A and second standoff 112B can hold the head 110 a predetermined distance 207 from the resting surface of the golf training apparatus 100 (e.g., the ground). In some examples, the predetermined distance can be in any of the inclusive ranges of 1.7″ to 3″, 2″ to 2.5″ (e.g., 2″), or any other suitable distance (e.g., at least the diameter of the golf ball 105 to allow the golf ball 105 to roll under the head 110). In addition, the first front rail 104A, first middle rail 106A, and first end rail 108A are distanced a predetermined distance 205 from the second front rail 104B, second middle rail 106B, and second end rail 108B, respectively. The predetermined distance 205 can be, for example, the diameter of the head 110. For instance, the predetermined distance can be in the range from 3″ to 6″ (e.g., 4.25″), inclusively.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the first front rail 104A includes a cavity 272A on the bottom side (e.g., the side towards the resting surface of the golf training apparatus 100). The cavity 272A can extend nearly the length of the first front rail 104A. Similarly, the first middle rail 106A can include a cavity 274A on its bottom side that extends nearly the length of the first middle rail 106A, and the first end rail 108A can include a cavity 276A on its bottom side that extends nearly the length of the first end rail 108A.

The first middle rail 106A is coupled to each of the first front rail 104A and the first end rail 108A using a locking mechanism. For example, the first middle rail 106A includes a locking pin 252A that extends through an end opening 262A that leads into the cavity 272A of the first front rail 104A. When inserted, a backside of the locking pin 252A may contact an inside surface of an area around the end opening 262A. As such, the locking pin 252A and end opening 262A can operate as a “snap-fit” connection, for instance. Similarly, the first end rail 108A includes a locking pin 254A that extends through an end opening 264A that leads into the cavity 274A of the first middle rail 106A. When inserted, a backside of the locking pin 254A may contact an inside surface of an area around the end opening 264A.

In addition, the second front rail 104B includes a cavity 272B on the bottom side that extends nearly the length of the second front rail 104B. Similarly, the second middle rail 106B can include a cavity 274B on its bottom side that extends nearly the length of the second middle rail 106B, and the second end rail 108B can include a cavity 276B on its bottom side that extends nearly the length of the second end rail 108B.

The second middle rail 106B is coupled to each of the second front rail 104B and the second end rail 108B using a similar locking mechanism (e.g., a “snap-fit connection) as described above. For example, the second middle rail 106B includes a locking pin 252B that extends through an end opening 262B that leads into the cavity 272B of the second front rail 104B. When inserted, a backside of the locking pin 252B may contact an inside surface of an area around the end opening 262B. Similarly, the second end rail 108B includes a locking pin 254B that extends through an end opening 264B that leads into the cavity 274B of the second middle rail 106B. When inserted, a backside of the locking pin 254B may contact an inside surface of an area around the end opening 264B.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the golf training apparatus 100. As illustrated, the head 110 includes a rim 302 and multiple surfaces 312 that surround multiple openings 310. The design of the head 110, including the rim 302, multiple surfaces 312, and multiple openings 310, can resemble the bottom of a golf hole at a golf course. As further illustrated in FIG. 3A, the markers 116A, 116B can be positioned at a predetermined distance 317 from an endline 329 of the head 110 that extends perpendicular to the first end rail 108A and second end rail 108B, respectively. The predetermined distance 317 can be in the range from 10″ to 16″, such as 12″, inclusively, for example. Furthermore, in some examples, the first end rail 108A and second end rail 108B can extend from the respective markers 116A, 116B and away from the head 110 by a predetermined length 319. The predetermined length can be, for example, in the range from 4″ to 12″, inclusively, such as 5″. In some examples, the predetermined distance 317 and predetermined length 319 can sum to be in the range of 10″ to 20″, inclusively, such as 17″.

FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the golf training apparatus, which illustrates additional views of the locking mechanism employed between the first middle rail 106A and the first front rail 104A, and between the first middle rail 106A and the first end rail 108A. For example, as described herein, the locking pin 252A of the first middle rail 106A extends into the end opening 262A of the first front rail 104A. Similarly, the locking pin 254A of the first end rail 108A extends into the end opening 264A of the first middle rail 106A.

FIG. 3B also illustrates additional views of the similar locking mechanism employed between the second middle rail 106B and the second front rail 104B, and between the second middle rail 106B and the second end rail 108B. For example, as described herein, the locking pin 252B of the second middle rail 106B extends into the end opening 262B of the second front rail 104B. Similarly, the locking pin 254B of the second end rail 108B extends into the end opening 264B of the second middle rail 106B.

FIG. 4A illustrates a first side view of the golf training apparatus 100, while FIG. 4B illustrates a second side view of the golf training apparatus 100. As illustrated, each of the standoffs 112A, 112B have a respective predetermined height 402A, 402B. In some examples, the predetermined heights 402A, 402B can be in the range of 1″ to 3″, inclusively, such as 2″.

FIG. 5A illustrates top exploded view of the golf training apparatus 100, and further illustrates, among other things, the locking mechanism employed between the first middle rail 106A and the first front rail 104A, and between the first middle rail 106A and the first end rail 108A. As illustrated, to couple the first middle rail 106A to the first front rail 104A, the locking pin 252A of the first middle rail 106A can extend into the end opening 262A of the first front rail 104A. Similarly, to couple the first middle rail 106A to the first end rail 108A, the locking pin 254A of the first end rail 108A can extend into the end opening 264A of the first middle rail 106A.

FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom exploded view of the golf training apparatus 100, and further illustrates, among other things, the locking mechanism employed between the second middle rail 106B and the second front rail 104B, and between the second middle rail 106B and the second end rail 108B. As illustrated, to couple the second middle rail 106B to the second front rail 104B, the locking pin 252B of the second middle rail 106B can extend into the end opening 262B of the second front rail 104B. Similarly, to couple the second middle rail 106B to the second end rail 108B, the locking pin 254B of the second end rail 108B can extend into the end opening 264B of the second middle rail 106B.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the assembly of exemplary rails 106, 108 of the golf training apparatus 100. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, to connect a middle rail 106 to an end rail 108, the locking pin 252 of the end rail 108 can be positioned at an angle into the cavity 274 of the middle rail 106. The locking pin 252 can be maneuvered to “snap” into the end opening 262 of the middle rail 106, thereby coupling the rails at a junction 602 as illustrated in FIG. 6B. For instance, the locking pin 252 (e.g., the “male end”) can be inserted into the cavity 274 of the middle rail 106 at a 45 degree angle and, while keeping pressure on the end rail 108 into the cavity 274, the rails 106, 108 can be rotated until they are aligned and the locking pin 252 snaps into the end opening 262 of the middle rail 106.

FIG. 7 illustrates another top view of the golf training apparatus 100. As illustrated, when assembled, the golf training apparatus 100 can define a white zone 711, a black zone 713, and a green zone 715 onto which a hit golf ball can land. As described herein, if the golf ball lands in either the white zone 711 or black zone 713, this can indicate that the golf ball was not hit with enough force (e.g., the putt requires more pace). If, however, the golf ball lands in the green zone 715, this can indicate that the golf ball was hit with an appropriate amount of force to have the golf ball land in the golf hole which, as described herein, would be directly underneath the head 110. Further, if the golf ball lands past the green zone 715, this can indicate that the golf ball was hit with too much force (e.g., to allow it to land in the golf hole).

More specifically, the area between the first front rail 104A and the second front rail 104B can be a “white zone” that has a width 731. The width 731 can be in the range from 3″ to 6″ inclusively, such as 4.25″ (e.g., the diameter of a golf ball). In some examples, the first front rail 104A and second front rail 104B can include a directional marker 702A, 702B, respectively. The directional markers 702A, 702B can be arrows, for instance. Furthermore, a front end 704A, 704B of each respective the first front rail 104A and second front rail 104B can be angled, for instance.

As further illustrated in FIG. 7, the area between the first middle rail 106A and the second middle rail 106B can be a “black zone” that has a width 733. The width 733 can be in the range from 6″ to 10″, inclusively, such as 9.″ In addition, the area between the first end rail 108A and the second end rail 108B can be a “green zone” that has a width 735. The width 735 can be in the range from 6″ to 10″, inclusively, such as 8″ (e.g., 17″ from the end of the white zone 711).

For instance, in some examples, the white zone 711 can have a width 731 of 4.25″. Further, the black zone 713 can include an area that begins at the end of the white zone 711 (e.g., at the end of the head 110), and extends to a distance that is 9″ from the end of the white zone 711. In addition, the green zone 715 can include an area that begins at the end of the black zone 713, and extends to a distance that is 8″ from the end of the black zone 713 (and thus 17″ past the end of the white zone 711). As described herein, each of the first end rail 108A and second end rail 108B can include a marker 116A, 116B, respectively. The markers 116A, 116B can identify a target line for an optimum hit golf ball during a putt. Each of the markers 116A, 116B can be positioned at a distance that is 12″ past the end of the white zone 711 (and thus 3″ past the end of the black zone 713).

As described herein, in some examples, a golf training apparatus includes two standoffs coupled at a first end to a head. The head may resemble the bottom of a golf hole. Further, each of the two standoffs is coupled at a second end to a corresponding first rail. The standoffs are configured to distance the head from the first rails by a predetermined distance. In addition, each of the first rails are coupled to a first end of a corresponding second rail. Furthermore, each of the second rails are coupled at their second end to an end of a corresponding third rail. The head, standoffs, and first rails form an opening to a landing area defined by the first rails, second rails, and third rails.

The disclosure relates to golfing equipment and, more particularly, to golf training equipment. In some examples, a golf training apparatus includes two standoffs coupled at a first end to a head. The head may resemble the bottom of a golf hole. Further, each of the two standoffs is coupled at a second end to a corresponding first rail. The standoffs are configured to distance the head from the first rails by a predetermined distance. In addition, each of the first rails are coupled to a first end of a corresponding second rail. Furthermore, each of the second rails are coupled at their second end to an end of a corresponding third rail. The head, standoffs, and first rails form an opening to a landing area defined by the first rails, second rails, and third rails.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A golf training apparatus, comprising: a head;a first plurality of rails;a second plurality of rails;a third plurality of rails; anda plurality of standoffs coupled at a first end to the head and at a second end to the first plurality of rails, wherein: the plurality of standoffs are configured to distance the head from the first plurality of rails by a predetermined amount;the first plurality of rails are coupled to the second plurality of rails; andthe second plurality of rails are coupled to the third plurality of rails.

2. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the first plurality of rails are of a first color;the second plurality of rails are of a second color; andthe third plurality of rails are of a third color, wherein the first color, the second color, and the third color differ from each other.

3. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of standoffs, the first plurality of rails, and the head are configured to form an opening through which a golf ball can pass.

4. The golf training apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first plurality of rails, the second plurality of rails, and the third plurality of rails form a landing area through which the golf ball passes, the opening being to the landing area.

5. The golf training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the head is circularly shaped.

6. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of rails have a length the same as a diameter of the head.

7. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of rails comprise a locking pin, wherein the locking pin protrudes through an opening at an end of a corresponding one of the second plurality of rails.

8. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the second plurality of rails comprise a locking pin, wherein the locking pin protrudes through an opening at an end of a corresponding one of the third plurality of rails.

9. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the third plurality of rails comprise a marker that is positioned a predetermined distance from an endline of the head that extends perpendicular to the third plurality of rails.

10. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the first plurality of rails comprise two first rails that are spaced apart by a distance and define a first zone;the second plurality of rails comprise two second rails that are spaced apart by the distance and define a second zone; andthe third plurality of rails comprise two third rails that are spaced apart by the distance and define a third zone.

11. A golf training apparatus, comprising: a circularly shaped head;a first plurality of rails;a second plurality of rails;a third plurality of rails; anda plurality of standoffs coupled at a first end to the circularly shaped head and at a second end to the first plurality of rails, wherein: the first plurality of rails are coupled to the second plurality of rails;the second plurality of rails are coupled to the third plurality of rails; andthe plurality of standoffs, the first plurality of rails, and the circularly shaped head are configured to form an opening through which a golf ball can pass.

12. The golf training apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of rails are configured to form a landing area through which the golf ball passes, the opening being to the landing area.

13. The golf training apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of standoffs are configured to distance the circularly shaped head from the first plurality of rails by a predetermined amount.

14. The golf training apparatus of claim 13, wherein the predetermined amount is in a range from 1.7 inches to 3 inches, inclusively.

15. The golf training apparatus of claim 11, wherein the circularly shaped head has a diameter in a range of 4 inches to 5 inches, inclusively.

16. The golf training apparatus of claim 11, wherein the circularly shaped head has a diameter the same as a length of the first plurality of rails.

17. The golf training apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second plurality of rails have a length in a range of 4 inches to 12 inches, inclusively.

18. The golf training apparatus of claim 11, wherein the third plurality of rails comprise a marker that is distanced 12 inches from an endline of the circularly shaped head that extends perpendicular to the third plurality of rails.

19. A golf training apparatus, comprising: a head;six rails comprising a first rail, a second rail, a third rail, a fourth rail, a fifth rail, and a sixth rail;a first standoff; anda second standoff opposite the first standoff, wherein: each of the first standoff and the second standoff are coupled at a first end to the head;the first standoff is coupled at a second end to the first rail, and the second standoff is coupled at the second end to the second rail;the first rail is coupled to the third rail, and the second rail is coupled to the fourth rail;the third rail is coupled to the fifth rail, and the fourth rail is coupled to the sixth rail;the first rail, the third rail, and the fifth rail are configured to define a first side of a landing area; andthe second rail, the fourth rail, and the sixth rail are configured to define a second side opposite the first side of the landing area.

20. The golf training apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first standoff, the second standoff, the first rail, the second rail, and the head are configured to form an opening to the landing area.