Portable golf training mat

Abstract

A portable golf mat with adjustable anchors built directly in or secured onto the mat substrate. The anchors are used to secure the golf mat to various underlying surfaces. The anchors stay securely connected to the substrate when the golf mat is moved and secured to the next location make it one step process to secure the golf mat to the next location. The anchor spike segments interconnect with one another to form various size lengths and shapes. Optional hinged anchors that fold into the mat can be used. Adjustable swing arms mark swing limits for various club types

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates in general to a portable golf mat, and more particularly it relates to a golf mat with removable retention devices that can be used on a variety of surfaces, both indoor and outdoor. In addition, it includes additional elements that assist a golfer when practicing the correct way to swing a golf club to execute different types of skilled golf shots.

2. Background of the Invention

As golfers realize, practice is an important element in playing golf proficiently. Players typically practice their swing in three main areas: driving, chipping, and putting. An important part of practice is the ability to practice swings from a surface that has the feel of an actual grass area, such as those used on golf courses. Most courses have separate putting greens for golfers to practice this component of their game. This is relatively easy to do since putting greens tend to be relatively small, and comparatively inexpensive to maintain. However, due to the large amount of land required for a driving range, many golf courses have eliminated driving ranges due to the high land cost and high maintenance cost of natural grass. Both public golf courses and private residential golf communities limit golf driving ranges for this reason. Natural grass in the swing practice areas is quickly destroyed by repeated golf shots resulting in divots. In an attempt to resolve this problem, artificial grass mats are often used to simulate the well manicured conditions on the golf course.

In addition to the cost of providing and maintaining driving ranges at present golf facilities, it is also expensive and time consuming to travel to them and pay for their use. As a result, it would be desirable to provide a way for the public to find alternative places and ways to enjoy practicing the game of golf without the expense and inconvenience.

One attempt to address this problem provides a portable golf mat that simulates fairway grass. This allows a golfer to use any open area, regardless of surface conditions. Unfortunately, this type of golf practice mat does not provide a secure anchor system. As a result, the mat will move when being struck by the golf club, and thereby interfere with the golfer's ability to know if the ball was properly struck. It would be desirable to have a method of temporarily securing the golf mat such that it remains stationary while the club is swung, can be easily moved to the next location following the shot, and is easy to re-secure to the ground for the next play. It is also beneficial to have a one piece golf mat that is lightweight and compact for carrying and storage.

When practicing golf swings for drives, it may be preferable to practice outdoors. However, the swing used for driving is different than the swing used for chipping. Proper chipping uses a much smaller stroke, and as a result, it does not necessarily have to be practiced outdoors. In addition, the ability to practice chipping swings indoors allows a golfer to practice in any weather. Of course, those skilled in the art will realize that indoor practice would require the use of a soft lightweight substitute ball that would not do any impact damage, or a net that would catch the ball, or a tether attaching the ball to the mat such that it is prevented from damaging anything.

The use of golf mats provide a synthetic surface for practice, but typically do not provide very good feedback as to the quality or, or defects in, the swing. As a result, the golfer can spend substantial time practicing without realizing much benefit. It would be desirable to provide feedback to a golfer for the purpose of identifying defects in the golf swing so that the golfer's skill level can be improved.

While the prior art has provided basic golf practice mats, it has failed to provide a golf practice mat that can be used outdoors and secured to a variety of surfaces, can be used indoors without damaging floor surfaces, and can provide feedback related to a variety of swing types.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention has a removable anchor system that has adjustable anchors whose size and shape can be altered such that the golf mat can be secured to various underlying surfaces that may require longer or shorter anchors due to current ground conditions. The anchors can optionally be removed such that the mat also can be used indoors without damaging the flooring. The mat has a non-skid bottom surface that prevents the mat from slipping when used without the anchors.

The mat provides several swing feedback mechanisms. First, the mat has an optional longitudinal stripe having a width that is approximately the size of a golf club head. This gives the golfer visual feedback as to whether or not the club was swung straight or at an angle. This teaches the golfer how to swing the club head down the line toward the target and assists with aligning oneself to this intended target.

Second, the mat has an optional strike angle bar that obstructs the club head when the club is not swung in a proper downward direction. This teaches the golfer how to hit down on the ball in order to hit a golf shot properly.

Third, the mat has optional front and rear retractable swing arms with swing arm markers. The swing arms also fold up for convenient storage. A problem related to chipping is that golfers often over swing, under swing, or flip the club head. The front and rear swing arms have swing arm markers that are adjustable to allow the golfer to set the limits for a swing when practicing an assortment of different types of golf shots that require a shorter swing for more accuracy. Missing the swing arm bar to the left for right hand golfers or right for left hand golfers helps train golfers in the proper swing path to hit flop or sand shots.

Fourth, the mat has optional adjustable swing path bars to provide further feedback to a golfer when the golfer does not swing on his intended plane.

In addition, the mat has optional removable lateral ball position bars to show the golfer how where the ball position is located in relation to his stance.

The mat also has an optional carrying handle to allow the mat to be easily transported.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a transparent side view of a preferred embodiment of the mat and anchors.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the mat and anchors.

FIGS. 3A-C are side views of a preferred embodiment of adjustable anchors.

FIGS. 4A-B are top views of a preferred embodiment of the mat.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the mat.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the mat having hinged anchors.

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of an alternative preferred embodiment that shows various optional features.

FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of an alternative preferred embodiment that shows various optional features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Prior to a discussion of the figures, an overview of the invention will be presented. The invention is an improved portable golf mat with an integrated adjustable anchoring system that has removable or collapsible anchors built into the mat. The present invention provides a golf mat that is lightweight in construction and will accommodate connection of anchors to firmly connect the mat to the ground. In the preferred embodiment, these anchors are preferably fabricated from material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, plastics, etc., such that they are protected from weather and environmental conditions. The only material requirement is that they have sufficient durability and strength to serve their intended purpose. In a preferred embodiment, the anchors have adapters that connect directly to connectors located on the bottom of the mat. Since surface conditions vary, the anchors can be adjusted for different lengths and/or shapes to allow the mat to be used in any type of surface condition. The anchors can be made up of multiple segmented pieces that interlock with each other (via threaded connections or any other suitable connection means) to form different sized and shaped anchors that are best suited to secure the mat to the underlying surface.

Another optional feature of the invention is that it can have ramped outside edges to assist in positioning the ball on the top of map. In an optional alternative embodiment, the edges of the mat surface can be pitched at an angle from the bottom of the mat to the artificial turf layer on top of the mat. This creates a top surface of the mat that has a sunken middle area and is surrounded by sides that are higher.

Another optional embodiment of the invention provides a handle, or two handles on the opposite sides of the golf mat, to assist in carrying it to different locations.

An advantage of the invention is the anchors stay firmly engaged with the mat when engaging or disengaging the mat from the underlying surface. With the anchors firmly engaged, all the golfer has to do is drop the golf mat on the ground with the anchors facing down at a desired location and press down with a foot or hand to firmly secure mat to the underlying surface. The mat uses a substantially rigid substrate. As a result, while prior art golf mats cannot do this because the anchors would protrude through the mat with any downward force that is not directly on the anchors themselves. The instant mat avoids this problem and allows the golfer to install the mat with relative ease. This connection method creates a simple method of securing the mat to the ground by just pushing down on any part of the mat when driving the anchor into the underlying surface.

Another feature of this invention is the location of the anchor connectors located on the bottom of the golf mat. The choice in anchor connector locations gives the golfer the best and quickest way to secure the mat to various conditions that best suit the needs of the user. Using one anchor spike in the anchor connector located substantially in the middle of the mat allows the user to turn the mat 360 degrees while maintaining a secure connection with the underlying surface. Likewise, using multiple connectors located at different locations allows the mat to be secured uneven, rough or long grass areas. Preferably, the anchor connectors have re-enforced coils to prevent excessive wear from the attachment and removal of the anchors.

Another advantage of having removable anchors is that it makes the mat easy to transport and store. Also by disengaging the anchors the mat can be used on hard or interior surfaces such as asphalt, wood, tile, carpet etc. Preferably, the mat has a non skid rubber (or other suitable material) bottom surface that prevents it from sliding on most surfaces that the anchors cannot be used with. As a result, this makes the golf mat usable indoors and outdoors.

Another advantage of this invention is its thin lightweight construction. The average person can pick the mat up and carry it using just one hand. The anchors will stay intact when the mat is picked up since they are firmly secured to the anchor connectors built into the mat itself.

Another feature of this invention is the colored stripe that runs from the mat's back edge to its front edge showing the golfer target direction and swing path. For the colors to show properly the mat surface and the stripe must be in contrasting colors. It is also possible to have one line down the middle from front to back. To avoid wear in one area of the mat, it is also possible to use multiple stripes to allow the ball to be struck from different locations.

In the event that the mat is fabricated from materials (e.g., plastics, etc.) having reduced strength, reinforced metal rods can be placed in the interior of the mat around the base to prevent warping of the mat. This also provides extra durability to the mat.

Optional side clips can also be provided for attaching a tray to the mat to hold balls.

An advantage provided by the invention is that other golf training aids can be easily connected to the mat using the same connector ports located on the sides of the golf mat.

Having discussed the invention in general, we turn now to a detailed discussion of the drawings.

Regarding FIG. 1, the golf mat 1 has a substrate 20 that is rectangular in shape when viewed from the top. Those skilled in the art will realize that the shape can vary. In the preferred embodiment, the substrate 20 is made out of lightweight durable plastic with reinforced metal insert rods. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that any other suitable material can be used. The sides of the substrate 20 slant from just below the surface of the artificial turf 10 to the bottom of the substrate 20 at an angle. In this embodiment, all four sides are raised slightly above the center of the substrate 20 making a depression in the middle of the top surface of the substrate 20 into which the artificial turf 10 fits. Of course, variations, such as raising only two sides of the substrate 20 can also be implemented. The artificial turf 10 backing is secured to the substrate 20 at this position with any suitable means, such as adhesives, hook and loop material, etc. A thin frictional surface 28 located on the bottom of the substrate 20 is envisioned as a non-skid material, such as rubber, that is adhered to the substrate 20 using an adhesive. Apertures are cut in frictional surface 28 to allow anchor segment 22A (Shown in FIG. 2) to secure via threaded connector 24 to anchor connectors 26 which are inserted into anchor points 18A-B, and fit tightly against the bottom of substrate 20. For ease of discussion, anchor connectors 26 and anchor points 18A-B are shown as separate components. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that they can be combined into a single component. An optional reinforcement bar 36 is also shown embedded in substrate 20. Reinforcement bar 36 provided added rigidity to prevent the mat 1 from warping.

FIG. 2 depicts the bottom view of substrate 20. There are several anchor points 18A-B with anchor connectors 26 located on the bottom. There are optional handle apertures 34 in the substrate 20 on opposite sides for attachment of handles 12 (Shown in FIG. 4A).

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of anchor segment 22A and a bullet shaped anchor nose 22B. The anchor segment 22A and the anchor nose 22B are preferably fabricated from aluminum or steel, but can be made from any other suitable material. The anchor segment 22A is connected to anchor connectors 26 and to anchor nose 22B via threaded connections. For illustrative purposes, the figure shows threaded apertures 23A-B in the center on both ends to show that threaded connector 24 can be located on anchor segment 22A or on anchor connector 26. However, in the preferred embodiment, the anchor segment 22A has a threaded connector 24 on one end that secures to the anchor connector 26, and a threaded aperture 23B that secures to a threaded connector 24 on the anchor nose 22B. Multiple anchor attachments 22A can be joined together to form a longer anchor 25.

FIG. 3B-C show perspective views of an alternative anchor noses 22C-D. Anchor noses 22C-D can be used to connect to the anchor segment 22A or directly to the anchor connectors 26. Anchor nose 22C has a sharp point for penetrating hard surfaces such as ice or frozen ground. Anchor nose 22D is flat to provide more width for resistance in sand or snow.

FIG. 4A shows a top view of the portable mat 1 with the artificial turf top layer 10. The dual lines 16A-B extend from the proximal end to the distal end of mat 1 in a straight line. Their purpose is to assist the golfer with direction and swing path. With the dual line 16A-B being side by side they should also have colors that contrast, and also a different color than the artificial turf to layer 10 in order for it to be seen. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more lines may be used so long as they provide visual feedback to the golfer. The handles 12 on each elongated side of mat 1 are shown secured to apertures 34.

FIG. 4B shows the top view artificial turf with three indicia lines 17. The indicia lines 17 on the outside edges are set in from the outside edge of the turf 10 and the middle indicia line 17 is preferably centered for the specific size mat 1 being used.

FIG. 5 shows an exploded side view of substrate 20. In this example, substrate 20 is approximately 16 inches long by 8 inches wide. However, size is not critical and can vary. It can also be fabricated from any suitable material, such as plastic, polycarbonate, etc. In the preferred embodiment, the frictional surface 28 is secured to the bottom of substrate 20 using adhesive. Two anchor noses 22B are secured to the anchor connectors 26 at anchor points 18A. An anchor segment 22A and anchor nose 22B are combined to form a longer anchor that connects to the anchor point 18B via anchor connector 26.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a mat 1 with a hinged anchor 50. Anchor 50 pivots on hinge 52 from an extended position (as shown) to a retracted position in which the anchor 50 is moved into opening 54. When anchor 50 is retracted, the mat 1 can be used indoors, or on surfaces that will not allow the use of an anchor. While this figure illustrates a single piece anchor 50, adjustable length anchors, such as those discussed previously, can also be used.

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of an alternative preferred embodiment that shows various optional features. In particular, the figure shows a strike angle bar 33 and opposing swing arms 31. The placement of the strike angle bar 33 forces the golfer to swing the club such that the club head does not hit the strike angle bar. In particular, it forces the golfer to learn how to swing down on the ball.

FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the mat that shows various optional features. The strike angle bar 33 is shown. Likewise, the swing arms 31 are shown. Swing arm markers 32 are also shown. When the golfer is practicing chipping, the adjustable swing arm markers 32 are set to the positions where the golf clubs should not extend past during a swing. The swing arm markers 32 are adjustable so that they can be set to practice an assortment of different type of golf shots.

Other features shown include mat handle 12.

Swing pitch bars 34 and indicia 17 can be used in conjunction with one another to help the golfer learn to swing straight and on plane by providing visual and tactile feedback.

Lateral bars 38 extend from the side of the mat 1 to help the golfer position themselves in relation to the ball. The lateral bars 38 are preferably adjustable to allow them to be used for different types of golf shots that will be practiced on the mat.

In operation anchor segments 22A and anchor noses 22B are secured directly into or onto the bottom of the mat 1. The anchor can be a single anchor nose 22B-D or combined with one or more anchor segments 22A to make the desired length anchor. After the anchor or anchor segments are securely attached to the mat 1, they can be placed on the ground with the anchor down and pressed into the underlying surface by applying downward pressure to the top of the mat 1. Hitting golf balls off the mat 1 with an artificial turf top layer 10 will react similar to natural turf. When the golf club strikes the ball, and then the turf, the anchors that are in the ground have a natural give similar to that of a divot in normal turf. To move the mat 1 to another location all one has to do is pick it up using the handles 12 and then place it at the next location anchor down. The golfer then puts downward force on the top layer until it is firmly secured to the underlying surface. When storing the mat 1 the anchors can be disengaged by simply detaching them from the anchor connectors 26 located on the bottom of the substrate 20. The anchors can be stored along with the mat 1 until next season.

While specific embodiments have been discussed to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations in the embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention shall be limited to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A portable golf mat with an integrated anchor system comprising: a golf mat substrate with a plurality of connectors built directly into the substrate for attaching adjustable anchors; and a plurality of anchor segments and anchor connectors that interlock with each other to form different size and shape anchors that can be attached directly to the connectors located on the substrate; and when the anchors are affixed to the golf substrate connectors, the anchors stay firmly in place when the golf substrate is picked up and moved to another location and do not have to be reconnected in order to conveniently secure the substrate to the next location.

2. Connector ports located on the sides of the golf mat that allow several different training aids and ball trays to be attached to assist the golfer to improve different types of golf shots.