CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention: The disclosure relates generally to a mini-golf game apparatus for game play on artificial putting surfaces, and more particularly to a mini-golf game apparatus including use of magnets in both a ball and playing features that interact with one another during play to enhance the play experience.
Background Discussion: Commercial miniature golf has been a part of golfing communities for over a hundred years. The game—often, but not always outdoors—is typically played on artificial putting surfaces intended to simulate relatively “fast” (i.e., closely mowed) putting greens. The putting surface, such as faux grass carpet or “artificial turf” is incorporated into a 9-hole or 18-hole course design comprising geometrically designed hole layouts with curbs or boards defining the “in-bounds” and in play surface for each hole. The holes are characterized by exotic, often amusing putting lines calling for carom-like bank shots with countless obstacles never encountered on real putting greens—ramps, tunnels, windmills, and the like.
As noted, mini-golf is now over 100 years old, and in view of other gaming options available to young people, it is in need of refreshing and creative redesign, but course design and layout has been stagnant for decades. Electronic technology has also been incorporated into the physical holes in some courses, as well as creative approaches to providing a variation on the overall social experience (e.g., Urban Putt in San Francisco, where there are microbrews, good food, party space, and an environment suitable for corporate outings). These are more adult-themed and directed to attract only certain patrons, rather than the public more broadly.
In consequence, miniature golf courses and complexes are closing, not only as patronage has diminished, but also because leases have increased. Cost increases have to be offset by increased appeal, but in fact the kind of attention span needed for game engagement has shortened (or so the studies seem to suggest), and a lack of innovation has failed to bring mini-golf into the modern era.
A solution in keeping with the digital times is to include technology into the game experience. However, when technology breaks (e.g., a digital simulator) or doesn't work accurately, it detracts from the overall experience and prevents consistency. The activity itself is no longer self-sufficient as a standalone attraction.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a magnetic miniature golf system and apparatus. The system includes a putter including a shaft, a grip disposed on an upper end of said shaft, and a non-ferromagnetic putter head disposed on an opposing end of the shaft, and a ball including a spherical permanent magnet or a ferromagnetic sphere enclosed in a casing. The system also includes at least one hole defined by a tee area, a magnetic cup, a putting surface disposed therebetween, and at least one fairway magnet on or proximate to the putting surface and configured so as to exert a magnetic influence sufficient to move the ball when said ball is at or within a predetermined distance from the fairway magnet—namely, the distance at which the configuration and energy stored in the magnetic field around the magnet is greater than the inertia and kinetic energy in the moving ball and thus is influenced by the pulling force of the magnet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a highly schematic side view in elevation of an exemplary putter of a
magnetic miniature golf system and apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view in elevation of an exemplary putter of the magnetic miniature golf system and apparatus having a two-part shaft, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view in elevation of a golf ball of the magnetic miniature golf system and apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a hole of the magnetic miniature golf system and apparatus depicting an exemplary magnetic assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged view of the exemplary magnetic assembly of FIG. 4 having a plurality of V-gates, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of another exemplary magnetic assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 7 is the same view as that of FIG. 6, here showing a golf ball moving along a direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a schematic side-view in elevation of another exemplary magnetic assembly for a hole layout, this assembly including a plurality of stator gates, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of the stator gate of FIG. 8 taken along section line 9-9;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the stator gate of FIGS. 8-9 taken along section line 10-10 of FIG. 9, this view depicting the magnetic field lines of the stator gate;
FIG. 11 is a highly schematic partial cross-sectional side view in elevation of a hole of the magnetic miniature golf system depicting a target disposed at an elevation relative to the ground level of a putting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure; and
FIG. 12 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view in elevation showing another embodiment of the inventive system having an elevated target disposed apart from the putting surfaces.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The magnetic miniature golf system and apparatus of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a golf game apparatus) includes a miniature golf course layout where the game play is influenced by magnets and magnetic features incorporated into the physical elements of the game. The golf game components include a putter, one or more golf balls, one or more course features (possibly including magnetic hazards or alternatively directional aids), and one or more holes, each equipped with one or more magnets that interact with one another during play to enhance the overall playing experience of the players. The golf ball can comprise either a spherical permanent magnet or substantially uniformly distributed ferromagnetic material, and in consequence it can be diverted from its rolling path, and thus either be impeded or assisted by the one or more course aids in advancing the ball to the target. This creates a more magical, strategic, and immersive experience.
The hole in the inventive system may include a magnetic assembly and a target which itself may be a powerful magnet configured and positioned to be flush with the playing surface; it may be located on the ground, in bordering curvatures, in walls, islands, rails, ceilings, ramps, obstacles, or it may even be suspended in the air or in other highly unusual and exotic locations and orientations. The goal in completing the hole is to magnetically “stick” the magnetic ball to the magnetic target in as few strokes as possible.
Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Also, wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts.
Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a putter 100 for the golf game apparatus is shown. The putter 100 includes a putter head 102 having a tip portion 104, a rear portion 106, and a shaft 110 (i.e. a shaft) attached to the putter head 102. The putter head 102 is employed to strike a golf ball 200 (shown in FIG. 3 and described in detail below) to move the ball 200 towards a target or hole disposed on the golf course. The tip portion 104 may include a resilient bumper 112 projecting outwardly from a face (preferably the toe) of the putter head 102. In an embodiment, the bumper 112 may be made of rubber, synthetic rubber, or any of a number of other suitable plastic, nylon, or polymeric materials. Further, the putter head 102 may be made of a non-magnetic or non-ferromagnetic material to prevent any attraction or repulsion force between the putter head 102 and the ball 200 when hitting the ball 200. The face 114 of the putter head 102 may also include a non-magnetic material, for example, plastic, urethane, aluminum, fiberglass, lead, etc. Also, in an embodiment, the tip portion 104 may include a highly resilient composition, such as that employed in the original Super Ball, a highly elastic ball fabricated from synthetic polymer polybutadiene also containing hydrated silica, zinc oxide, stearic acid, and other ingredients, thus obviating the need for the bumper.
Further, the shaft 110 is attached to the rear portion (i.e., proximate the heel) 106 and extends upwardly in the customary fashion. The shaft 110 thus includes a first end 120 attached to the putter head 102 and a second end 122 having a grip portion 126. The views show the shaft substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the putter head, but this is highly schematic and does not in any way illustrate a preferred or even desirable embodiment. Rather, this view is agnostic as to the shaft/putter head angle to cover all practical angles in ordinary use, as in nearly all instances, the shaft will be angled to suit the height of the typical user, i.e., an angle typically between 75-80 degrees on the heel side of the shaft and 100-105 degrees on the toe side of the shaft.
In an embodiment, the shaft 110 may be single and unitary cylindrical body. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the shaft 110 may include two elongated shafts, for example, a first shaft portion 130 attached to the rear portion 106 of the putter head 102 and a second shaft portion (or upper shaft portion) 132 pivotably connected to the first shaft portion 130 and including the grip portion 126 for holding by the golfer. As the second shaft portion 132 is adapted to pivot relative to the first shaft portion (or lower shaft portion) 130, the putter 100 may enable multiple types of shot making, for example, a standard putting stroke and a croquet style swing between the player's legs. Additionally, or optionally, the putter 100 may include a suction cup or grabber 136 attached to the second (upper) end 122 of the shaft 110 to facilitate retrieving the ball 200 from the target once a player has completed the hole (e.g., if hole is on ceiling, ramp, high on the wall). In an embodiment, the grabber 136 may be a suction cup 138. In another embodiment, the grabber 136 may be defined by a metal portion of the shaft 110 disposed proximate to the second end 122 or a metal cup attached to shaft 110 to facilitate removing the ball 200 from the hole.
Referring next to FIG. 3, a sectional view of the inventive golf ball 200 is shown. The golf ball 200 includes an outer shell 202 or casing defining a substantially spherical cavity 204, and one or more magnets or a volume of ferromagnetic material 206 disposed inside the cavity 204. In an embodiment, a single spherical permanent magnet may be disposed inside the cavity 204. In another embodiment, two or more magnets connected to each other may be disposed inside the cavity 204. In still other embodiments, the spherical body may be ferromagnetic material, rather than a magnet. In yet other embodiments, the volume within the interior of the casing may simply include ferromagnetic materially generally uniformly and evenly distributed to ensure a true roll when not under the influence of an external magnet. The one or more magnets or ferromagnetic materials 206 are arranged within the cavity 204 such that an orientation of the one or more magnets or ferromagnetic materials remains fixed. When the interior material is one or more magnets, this will ensure that the north pole and the south pole of the magnetic ball also remains fixed during play. When the interior material is ferromagnetic material, the fixed orientation is simply a fixed position, and this will ensure that the ball rolls true and that the effects of external magnets are not substantially different when imposed on any side or at any angle relative to the ball.
Further, in an embodiment, the golf ball 200 may include a rubber winding 208 filling a space between the outer shell 202 and the one or more magnets 206. In an embodiment, the outer shell 202 or the housing is made of any conventional material used for making a golf ball, and the one or more magnets 206 may be a grade N42 neodymium magnet. Indeed, the inclusion of the spherical permanent magnet is compatible with essentially all known contemporary golf ball wound or solid two-piece constructions.
In an embodiment including one or more magnets, the one or more magnets 206 may provide a magnetic pull force above a threshold value, for example 14 pounds. Further, an outer surface 210 of the outer shell 202 may include surface features, such as dimples (not shown) as with conventional golf balls. In other embodiments dimples may be omitted.
Further, the ball 200 may include markings or indicators to indicate the north and south poles, thereby denoting a polarity of the magnet to enable a visual observation by the golfer of interactions of the ball 200 with the elements and environmental features found within the putting surface.
As noted above, the game apparatus, including the golf course itself, may include various magnetic and metal objects or hole features placed under, in front of, behind, around, above, and to the side of the playing surface (i.e., the putting surface) to affect the motion of the golf ball 200 as it passes near or through the magnetic field of the objects. That is, the features may be “hazards”, as that is commonly understood in golf, or directional aids, positively assisting the player in advancing the ball toward the target. As will be understood, the degree of influence the feature exerts on the ball depends on magnet strength, the speed of the golf ball 200, the proximity of the golf ball 200 to the object, etc. Depending on the polarity of the ball 200 as it passes the object, the object may pull the ball, repel the ball, induce a wobble in the ball, or entirely stop and magnetically capture the ball. Further, it may be appreciated that non-magnetic metals, such as copper, or diamagnetic or paramagnetic materials may also be utilized. Although copper is not magnetic, copper does have a relationship with magnets due to electricity such that the ball can slowly crawl or slide down an object of the playing surface. Copper may also slow a fall of the ball when the ball falls onto a copper-faced plate or surface, which would slightly suspend the ball prior to landing on this surface. It will be understood, moreover, that all of the features may be either permanent magnets or electromagnets, as appropriate to the setting and the use.
Further, and referring now to FIG. 4, the golf game apparatus includes at least one hole 300 defined by a tee area, a magnetic cup (i.e., target) 302 to which the ball is attracted and sticks. The hole includes a tee area 304 and a putting surface 306, and one or more magnetic assemblies, for example a magnetic assembly 310 (shown in FIG. 4), for guiding the ball towards the target 302. In an embodiment, the target 302 may be a large magnet or a metal object to which the magnetic ball can stick. The target, putting surface, and both magnetic and non-magnetic features may be colored, lighted, or otherwise marked and/or identified so as to differentiate them from adjoining structures and features and to assist the player in understanding where magnetic effects may be “felt” by the ball as it passes over the playing surface.
Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in an embodiment, a magnetic assembly 310 may be configured to assist in directing the golf ball 200 towards the target 302. As shown, the magnetic assembly 310 may include a plurality of V-gates 320 arrayed linearly about a central longitudinal axis 322 such that the axis of each V-gate 320 aligns with an adjacent V-gate. Each V-gate 320 may include a first row 324 of a plurality of magnets 326 disposed under the putting surface, and a second row 330 having a plurality of magnets 332 similarly disposed under the putting surface and spaced apart and opposing the first row 324 equidistant from the central axis. As shown, the first row 324 and the second row 330 are arranged such that a distance between the first row 324 and the second row 330 decreases or tapers in a direction ‘A’ towards the target 302. Further, the magnets 326 of the first row 324 are arranged such that an upper face of each magnet 326 has a first pole (e.g., a north pole 334), while a lower face of each magnet has the south pole 336. Further the magnets 332 of the second row 330 are arranged such that an upper face of each magnet 332 has a first pole having a polarity opposite to that of the first pole of the magnet 326. As illustrated, the first pole of each magnet 332 of the second row is a south pole 338, while a lower face of each magnet 332 of the second row 330 is a north pole 340. In this manner, the magnetic field of each V-gate 320 is oriented such that the ball 200 moves forward in the direction ‘A’ when it is moving generally along the central axis 322. However, the ball is pulled towards the first row 324 or the second row 330 if it veers sufficiently off the central axis 322 toward the first row 324 or the second row 330, respectively.
Referring next to FIGS. 6 and 7, a top plan view of yet another exemplary magnetic assembly 400 is shown. The magnetic assembly 400 is an exchange force pulse system and may include two rows of magnets including, for example, a first row 402 and a second row 404, disposed in a spaced-apart relationship wherein the second row is substantially parallel to the first row 402. The first row 402 includes a plurality of first magnets 410 arranged linearly and spaced apart from each other such that a north pole 412 of one first magnet 410 is disposed facing a south pole 414 of the adjacent first magnet 412. As shown, each first magnet 410 of the first row 402 includes a first face 434 disposed proximate to a first longitudinal end 430 of the first row 402 and a second face 436 disposed proximate to a second longitudinal end 432 of the first row 402. The first face 434 of each first magnet 410 is a north pole 412, while the second face 436 is a south pole 414. Further, the first row 402 may include a plurality of second magnets 420 arranged linearly and spaced apart from one another. The second magnets 420 are configured such that a single second magnet 420 is positioned between two adjacent first magnets 410, contacting both the adjacent first magnets 410. As shown, each second magnet 420 is positioned between two neighboring first magnets 410 such that the end faces of each second magnet 420 are disposed at an inclination relative to the end faces of the respective two neighboring first magnets 410. Further, the north pole 422 of the second magnet 420 abuts the south pole 414 of the first magnet 410, while the south pole 424 of the second magnet 420 abuts the north pole 412 of the first magnet 410.
Similar to the first row 402, the second row 404 includes a plurality of first magnets 450 arranged linearly and spaced apart from one another such that the north pole 452 of each first magnet 450 is disposed facing the south pole 454 of the adjacent first magnet 450. As shown, each first magnet 450 of the second row 404 includes a first face 458 disposed proximate to a first longitudinal end 462 of the second row 404 and a second face 460 disposed proximate to a second longitudinal end 464 of the second row 404. The first face 458 of each first magnet 450 has the south pole 454, while the second face 460 has the north pole 452. Further, the second row 402 may include a plurality of second magnets 470 arranged linearly and disposed spaced apart from one another. The second magnets 470 are arranged in such a manner that a single second magnet 470 is arranged between two consecutive neighboring first magnets 450, contacting both the consecutive first magnets 450. As shown, each second magnet 470 is arranged between the two consecutive first magnets 450 such that the end faces of each second magnet 470 are disposed at an inclination relative to the end faces of the respective two consecutive first magnets 450. Further, the north pole 472 of the second magnet 470 abuts the south pole 454 of the first magnet 450, while the south pole 474 of the second magnet 470 abuts the north pole 452 of the first magnet 450.
Such an arrangement of magnets 410, 420, 450, 470 facilitates an orientation of a magnetic field between the first row 402 and the second row 404 such that the golf ball 200 having a north pole 480 disposed proximate to the second row 404 and a south pole 482 disposed proximate to the first row 402 is propelled forward in a direction ‘B’ as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
Looking now to FIGS. 8 and 9, in another exemplary magnetic assembly 800 there may be included a plurality of stator gates 802 arrayed linearly and spaced apart from one another to propel the golf ball 200 in one direction along a predetermined path represented by line 804. To ensure that the ball is propelled along the line 804, pole faces of the ball are orientated properly relative to a direction of magnetic field formed by magnets of the stator gates 802.
As shown in FIG. 9, each of the stator gates 802 includes four bar magnets 810 interconnected at corners by non-magnetic elements, such as triangular wooden blocks, to form a rectangular enclosure. The gates in series are configured as a kind of portal through which the ball struck to progress down the fairway of the hole. A stationary magnetic field extends between pole faces 812 and 814, which are formed on the bar magnets 810 and which are substantially aligned in parallel spaced planes perpendicular to the path line 804, which should be understood to be the desired path of the ball on the fairway. The pole face 812 of one polarity (north) magnetically interacts with the magnetic field of the golf ball to cause a propulsion of the ball in one direction. Such magnetic interaction may be influenced by the pole face 814 of the opposite polarity (south) abutting and fixed to an annular or circular ring magnet 820.
The ring magnet 820 has an annular inner pole surface 822 of the same polarity (north) as that of the pole face 812 to interact with the other pole face 814, to the exclusion of the annular outer pole surface 824.
Referring now to FIG. 10, the spins of the bar magnet 810 are in an opposite direction as the spins of the curved magnet 820, and the repulsion between the north poles of the stator gate is therefore nullified. Further, as the spins of the stator gates 810 are in the direction opposite the lead north spin of the golf ball, the north poles attract each other, thereby driving the ball through the stator gates 802. In this manner, the arrangement of magnets exerts a net magnetic force on the ball, causing an observed continuous, unidirectional propulsion through the stator gates 802. The stator gates 802 are spaced apart at a distance dependent on the magnetic field intensity or strength of the magnets 810 and 812 which dictate the effective axial extent of the magnetic fields associated with the stator gates 802 and the golf ball.
In embodiments, an elaborate magnetic assembly from the tee area to the hole may be omitted. Referring to FIG. 11, one such hole 1100 is shown. As shown, the hole 1100 may include a target (corresponding to a “cup”) 1102 that is disposed above the ground level of the putting surface 1104. The target 1102 may be large metal object having ferromagnetic properties or a magnet that captures and retains the golf ball 200. As shown, the target 1102 may be disposed interior to an upwardly curving and extended fairway surface 1106 having a first end 1108 continuous and flush with the putting surface a second end 1110 disposed at a height from the putting surface 1104. In an embodiment, the upwardly curving fairway portion 1106 includes curvature configured to promote smooth passage of a ball along the surface if the ball is traveling at a sufficient velocity. As the golfer strikes the golf ball 200 using the putter 100, the golf ball 200 may remain on the fairway surface 1112 and may stick to the target during the travel of the golf ball 200. In an embodiment, the golf ball 200 may be retrieved by using the grabber 136 of the putter 100.
Referring to FIG. 12, another exemplary hole 1200 is shown. The hole includes a target 1202 suspended from an overhead structure, such as a ceiling. In an embodiment, the target 1202 may be a magnet or a large metal sphere that captures a golf ball traveling sufficient proximate at a suitable speed. In certain implementations, the target 1202 may be an electromagnet or a permanent magnet, as in all above-described alternative embodiments. Further, the hole 1200 may include a ramp having a one or more exemplary magnetic assemblies 300, 400, 800 (as discussed above) to guide the ball towards the target 1202 and facilitating ball capture by the target 1202 (which in this instance is the functional equivalent of “sinking” the putt). In embodiments, non-magnetic structures and features—such as ramps, guides channels, pipes, and so forth—may be disposed around the target 1202 to facilitate movement of the ball towards the target 1202.
Although few exemplary holes are shown and described, it may be appreciated that various types of holes and a layouts of the golf course may be designed by using various magnets or magnetic assemblies, and non-magnetic structures to assist or obstruct the movement of the golf ball across the playing surface. Any magnet is positioned on the putting surface so that the magnet exerts a force on the golf ball to assist, deflect, guide, or repel, a movement of the golf ball when the golf ball is within a predetermined distance from the magnet to provide an immersive playing experience.
Patent Application
20240157211
