This invention relates to the field of sport projectiles, and more particularly, to a non-standard or practice sport projectile that includes a though-hole whose linear axis is generally centered within the non-standard sport projectile, such that when properly struck the projectile rotates around the center cross section of the through-hole allowing airflow through the opening during part of its rotation and blocking airflow during part of its rotation (i.e., in a tumbling action instead of a spiral action).
In many sports it is desirable to repeatedly practice a physical motion. In various sports, an object strikes a projectile. For example, it may be desirable to practice striking a golf ball type projectile, baseball type projectile, or a football type projectile.
In the sport of golf, practicing the physical motion of swinging a golf club and striking a golf ball typically allows one to become a successful golfer. In particular, the ability to consistently repeat a golf swing, so as to obtain a consistent flight of a golf ball, is important to becoming a successful golfer.
In the sport of golf, there are many ways to in which practice the art of striking a golf ball. A method most similar to actually playing golf on a golf course is to hit or drive standard or regulation golf balls at a driving range. However, practice-driving ranges are often inconveniently located, and they are expensive. Alternative to the use of a driving range, one can use standard golf balls to practice in the backyard of a home, in a vacant lot, or in an open field. However, practicing a full golf swing in this type of a geographic area leaves much to be desired. Often a backyard is not large enough to enable a golfer to use long distance golf clubs, and vacant lots or fields are often not readily available. Further, unless a golf swing is somewhat consistent, retrieving standard golf balls can be a tedious and time-consuming activity. Another alternative is to hit standard golf balls into a net. However, this option prevents observation of the ball's flight through the air. While a golfer can practice his or her swing using this option, it is difficult to judge whether a swing actually produces a desired flight of a standard golf ball. Another alternative is to hit a non-standard, lightweight golf ball, such as a foam or hollow plastic golf balls. However these non-standard golf balls are so light that the “club's feel”, as the golf club impacts this type of non-standard golf ball, is insignificant when compared to striking a standard golf ball. In addition, the flight of such a lightweight, non-standard golf ball is not a realistic experience. Furthermore, wind currents that may have little influence on a standard golf ball can greatly influence the flight of these non-standard, lightweight practice golf balls. Yet another option is to practice hitting a standard golf ball into a net using expensive tracking devices. These devices can monitor the ball's speed, trajectory and spin, and then report a theoretical flight path for the standard golf ball. None of the above options are satisfactory, leaving most serious practice to the driving range.
Thus, it is desirable to provide a practice or non-standard sport projectile to be used when practicing a golf swing, when practicing a football kick, and/or when practicing a baseball swing. The non-standard sport projectile should mimic the “impact feel” of a standard sport projectile. It should also mimic the flight path of a standard sport projectile. Finally, the non-standard sport projectile should be capable of use within a relatively small geographic area.
In an embodiment, there is provided a non-standard practice sport projectile for use within a relatively small geographic area, the non-standard projectile for practicing a striking motion associated with a sport, the non-standard sport projectile comprising a generally rigid body comprising a material with a high flexural modulus, the generally rigid body having an external surface and a geometric center; at least one linear through-hole extending completely through the generally rigid body, the at least one linear through-hole defining a longitudinal axis extending therethrough; and axle extending through the at least one linear through-hole, the axle defining an axis therethrough, the axis of the axle disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the at least one linear through-hole, and the axis of the axle located at an axis of rotation after striking the generally rigid body; and at least one strike surface on the external surface of the generally rigid body, such that striking the strike surface causes a rotation of the non-standard sport projectile to have a more aerodynamic phase and a less aerodynamic phase.
In another embodiment, there is provided a method of practicing a physical movement that is associated with a sport in which a projectile is hit by an object, comprising the steps of arranging a non-standard sport projectile having at least one linear through hole and an axle extending through the at least one through-hole so as to align the axle with an object to hit the projectile, the non-standard sport projectile comprising a high flexural modulus; hitting the non-standard sport projectile with the object; and causing rotation of the non-standard sport projectile, and the axle providing an indication about alignment of the object upon hitting the non-standard sport projectile.
In yet another embodiment, there is provided a non-standard practice sport projectile for use within a relatively small geographic area, the non-standard projectile for practicing a striking motion associated with a sport, the non-standard sport projectile comprising a generally rigid body comprising a material with a high flexural modulus, the generally rigid body having an external surface and a geometric center; at least one linear through-hole extending completely through the generally rigid body; a cover for disposition on the generally rigid body and having a region of a cushion material at interfaces of the at least one linear through-hole with the generally rigid body, the cushion material having a hardness less than the generally rigid body; and at least one strike surface between the interfaces of the cover, such that striking the strike surface causes a rotation of the non-standard sport projectile to have a more aerodynamic phase and a less aerodynamic phase, and the cushion material reducing an impact force at the interfaces of the at least one linear through-hole with the generally rigid body.
In still another embodiment, there is provided a method of practicing a physical movement that is associated with a sport wherein a projectile is hit by an object, comprising the steps of placing a cover on a non-standard sport projectile, the non-standard sport projectile comprising a material with a high flexural modulus; arranging the non-standard sport projectile having at least one linear through-hole to be hit by an object; hitting the non-standard sport projectile with object; and causing rotation of the non-standard sport projectile, such that the non-standard sport projectile has a more aerodynamic phase and a less aerodynamic phase.
In another embodiment, there is provided a system having a non-standard practice sport projectile for use within a relatively small geographic area, the non-standard projectile for practicing a striking motion associated with a sport, and a tee for use with the non-standard practice sport projectile, the system comprising the non-standard sport projectile comprising a generally rigid body comprising a material with a high flexural modulus, the generally rigid body having an external surface and a geometric center; at least one linear through-hole extending completely through the generally rigid body; and at least one strike surface on the external surface of the generally rigid body, such that striking the strike surface causes a rotation of the non-standard sport projectile to have a more aerodynamic phase and a less aerodynamic phase; and the tee comprising an inclined ramp between a first end and a second end, the first end disposed higher than the second end, the first end configured to support the non-standard practice support projectile for striking by an object.
Other embodiments are also disclosed.
Illustrative embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings, in which:
As shown in
Non-standard sport projectile 10 may have an external spherical shape, or one of a number of external tubular shapes. Generally, non-standard sport projectile 10 works better with radiused sidewalls. While the majority of the description that follows relates to non-standard or practice golf balls, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative non-standard sport projectiles constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention are possible. For example, non-standard sports projectiles may include non-standard baseballs, non-standard footballs, non-standard hockey pucks, non-standard soccer balls, non-standard tennis balls, etc. Non-standard sports projectiles may include ball or sports projectile that, when struck, may have in-flight top spin or back spin as a desired result.
Side surfaces having other shapes will satisfy the spirit and scope of the invention, for example elliptical shapes, hour-glass shapes, etc. Further, while the above embodiments are shown having circular-cylinder through-holes, other shapes for through-holes are possible. These may include, but are not limited to, through-holes shaped square, rectangular, elliptical, triangular, etc.
Also, while three dimensional polymeric bodies such as shown in
The body of a non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, is formed of a material that is strong enough to absorb the propelling force that is applied thereto when the non-standard sports projectile is stuck, such that the non-standard sports projectile does not break or shatter as a result of this striking force. Thus, for example, a stronger material may be needed when making a non-standard golf ball type projectile, in accordance with the invention, than would be needed when making a non-standard football type projectile, in accordance with the invention, due to the fact that the impact of a golf swing usually generates a greater propelling force than does a football kick.
Further, in order to obtain a proper rotation or tumble of the non-standard sport projectile after the projectile is hit, it is desirable, but it is not required, that the non-standard sports projectile be made of an elastic material that elastically deforms at the point of impact, which material thereafter substantially restores to its original shape after the non-standard sport projectile leaves the surface of a striking body, be it a golf club or the foot of a kicker.
As described above, non-standard sport projectiles may include an annular (or ring shape) void or through hole that penetrates completely through the non-standard sport projectile. This annular void creates a surface-opening at two opposite surfaces of the non-standard sport projectile, for example an opening at both the “top” and an opening at the “bottom” of the non-standard sport projectile. While shown above as generally equal size opening in the top and bottom of the non-standard sport projectile, the openings can have different sizes.
As shown in
The most non-aerodynamic flight of a non-standard golf ball 30 that is constructed and arranged, in accordance with the invention, is shown in
As will be appreciated, due to the continuous spinning of non-standard golf ball 30, the two conditions that are shown in
A narrowing of the non-standard sport projectile's through-hole 28 as shown in
Further, any of the through-holes 26 shown in
Moreover, instead of providing only one through-hole, a non-standard sport projectile may include several such through-holes whose axes are arranged in parallel. In addition, these several through-holes may have different cross sectional shapes, and/or these several through-holes may have axes are that placed at an angle to each other, depending upon the flight characteristic that is desired of a particular non-standard sport projectile.
The above-described through-hole or through-holes allow air to flow through the non-standard sport projectile after the sport projectile is hit, after it begins its flight, and as it spins. This spinning movement generally creates a lifting force as the sport projectile moves through the air. The amount of air that flows through the sport projectile's through-hole or through-holes, along with the non-standard sport projectile's speed of spin, influences the flight behavior of the non-standard sport projectile.
As shown in
However, because through hole 25 is moving away from club head 31 at a high rate of speed, rotation 31 of non-standard sport projectile 30 also creates a braking effect, as the outer surface of non-standard sport projectile 30 and the sides of through hole 25 create a resistance-to-flight force, thereby reducing the distance that non-standard sport projectile 30 will travel as a result of club head 31 striking non-standard sport projectile 30.
More simply stated, as a spinning non-standard sport projectile constructed and arranged in accordance with the invention flies away from a point of impact with the club's head, movement of the non-standard sport projectile is slowed during the less-aerodynamic portion of the sport projectile's rotation shown in
As mentioned above, the body of a non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, is sufficiently strong to prevent breakage of the non-standard sport projectile upon impact, and the body of the non-standard sport projectile has sufficient elasticity to provide hoop strength and rebound after striking. Thus, for a non-standard golf ball in accordance with the invention, the body is typically formed of a high strength polymer material, non-limiting examples of which are high density polyethylene, polyester elastomers, urethane, acetyls, and thermoplastic elastomers. Further, the inner core of non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with the invention, can be formed of thin gauge tubular spring steel or high modulus polymer, with the non-standard sport projectile having a soft polymer outer coating.
For a non-standard football, in accordance with the invention, the football's body is typically formed of a soft leather or leather-like material. For a non-standard baseball, in accordance with the invention, the baseball's body is typically formed of a material having characteristics that lie somewhere between the characteristic of a material that is used to make a non-standard golf ball and the characteristics of a material that is use to make a non-standard football.
The size of a non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, can be similar to the size of a corresponding standard sport projectile, but this size relationship is not required. That is, non-standard sport projectiles, of the invention, are usually of a size that is similar to a standard golf ball, a standard football, a standard soccer ball, a standard baseball, etc. However, larger or smaller non-standard sport projectile sizes can be provided, in accordance with the invention.
In particular, and when considering different types of golf club swings, larger size non-standard golf balls that satisfactorily mate with conventional golf club heads may be appropriate for use by beginning golfers, whereas smaller size non-standard golf balls that are more difficult to strike properly may be appropriate for use by expert golfers.
During use, as is shown in
As shown in
When a non-standard sport projectile, is in this through hole axis upright position, the leading surface of the sport projectile, whether an aerodynamic surface or a flattened surface, facilitates a spin of the non-standard sport projectile. The rate of spin of the non-standard sport projectile is reduced as the non-standard sport projectile becomes less aerodynamic as its through-hole begins to take-in air.
As rotation of the non-standard sport projectile continues, air no longer flows through the through-hole, and air now hits the outside surface of the non-standard sport projectile, thus creating a braking or slowing force to the non-standard projectile's flight or horizontal motion.
Airflow into the non-standard projectile's through-hole first acts as a brake, and when air no longer flows through the though-hole, air flowing over the non-standard sport projectile acts as an aerodynamic lift or boost. Thus, airflow through the through-hole creates a slowing/braking force for the non-standard sport projectile. Therefore, the non-standard sport projectile is alternately aerodynamic and then non-aerodynamic during its rotation and its flight. Thus, a whirring sound, somewhat like a turbine reversing, may be caused when the non-standard sport projectile is struck by an object such as golf club and then flies through the air.
As a result, flight of the non-standard sport projectile is shortened, but the non-standard sport projectile mimics the feel and flight path of a standard sport projectile. That is, using a non-standard sport projectile, in accordance with the invention, such a non-standard golf ball, is satisfying to the golfer. The flight provided by non-standard sport projectiles are suitable for practicing the art of golf ball hitting, or the art of striking any standard sport projectile use requires a large geographic area, such as, for example, kicking a football to practice field goals, or hitting a baseball. A non-standard sport projectile may be struck without requiring the use of a net or the like within neighborhoods and parks. Further, similar to a standard golf ball, a non-standard golf ball will slice when the club's head is open at impact, and it will draw when the club's head is closed at impact. However, because a non-standard sport projectile provides a reduce flight distance, retrieval time is reduced and retrieval is less tedious. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the non-standard golf ball can be designed to increase or decrease the ability to fade or draw. In particular, if one or more ribs or ridges, similar to a gear shaped cross-section, are place in the through-hole or on the external surface, the non-standard golf ball can be designed to fade or draw. Further, altering the shape of the non-standard ball, such that the shape is more oval instead of cylindrical, may also alter the fade or draw of the non-standard ball.
Referring specifically to non-standard sport projectiles of the golf ball type, for simplicity, the weight of a non-standard golf ball is usually only a fraction of the weight of a standard golf ball. The weight of a non-standard golf ball is a function of the physical size of the non-standard golf ball and of the type of material used in its construction. In general, the heavier the non-standard sport projectile, the greater the inertia of the non-standard sport projectile that must be overcome on impact. However, the configuration of the non-standard sport projectile's through-hole, and the proportion of the through-hole relative to the overall height and diameter of the non-standard sport projectile are also important when enhancing or restricting flight of the non-standard sport projectile. Because a non-standard golf ball is intended for use in practicing various golf swings, such a non-standard golf ball is effective through a wide range of projectile weights.
A USGA conforming standard golf ball weighs 1.6 ounces. A non-standard golf ball of the present invention can also have a weight of 1.6 ounces. However, the weight of a non-standard golf ball of the invention is usually less due to the presence of the above-described through hole. Thus, a non-standard golf ball, in accordance with the invention, is usually significantly lighter than a standard golf ball.
Because the golf club's “feel” at impact is important when learning to hit a golf ball properly, a weight of at least 0.3 ounces adequately simulates the feel of a standard golf ball, however lower weights are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, generally, the flight distance of a standard sport projectile is dependent not only on the striking force, but it is also dependent upon a spring-back of the materials or materials that make up the standard sport projectile, as well as the weight of the standard sport projectile, with lower weight standard sport projectiles generally traveling a shorter distance. Non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with the invention, are non-aerodynamic for about one-half of the non-standard sport projectile's travel or flight time, and as a result the non-standard sport projectile travels a fraction of the distance that a standard sport projectile, such as a golf ball, travels. However, because a rotating non-standard sport projectile acts as an air foil for about one-half of its flight time, the non-standard sport projectile has an aerodynamic lift, and it replicates the trajectory of a standard sport projectile such as a golf ball, although the non-standard sport projectile's trajectory is significantly shortened by the braking action that occurs during the non-aerodynamic portion of the non-standard projectile's rotation. Therefore, non-standard sport projectiles may be struck in backyards, neighborhoods and parks without requiring a net. Once again referring to a non-standard golf ball, it has been found that a proportion or ratio of the solid outer surface of the non-standard golf ball to the open through hole surface can be as high as about 12 to 1 or a low as about 4 to 1. However this is a non-limiting function of design choice.
A surface ratio that is more than 4 to 1 does not function as well because such a larger ratio creates a smaller size through-hole that provides less airflow. The ratio of the area of the through-hole to the height or length of the through-hole can vary. However, it has been found that when a non-standard golf ball of the invention is in its upright or striking position, with the central axis of the through-hole extending generally vertical, a through-hole area that is about the equal to the height of the through-hole works satisfactorily. However, this through-hole diameter to through-hole height ratio can be much lower, for example, up to 12 times or more. As will be appreciated, the flight and distance of a non-standard golf ball is a function of the loft that is provided by the golf club head and the speed at which the golf club head strikes the non-standard golf ball.
The polymeric material from which the non-standard golf ball is made, if it is high in flexural modulus, will rebound off of the golf club's face much like a standard golf ball. This polymeric material should have sufficient strength to provide hoop strength and spring back. This spring back effect is important because the resulting rebound action is required as the non-standard sport golf ball leaves the club's head.
As mentioned above, a novel and unobvious hitting surface can be constructed for the non-standard golf ball type projectile.
Depending upon of the non-standard sport projectile's ratio of through hole diameter to through hole length, as well as on how well the non-standard sport projectile is struck, the non-standard sport projection may spin until it lands, or until it stalls and then floats to the ground.
Referring to
Referring now to
Ball 1100 with single through-hole 1106 (or with multiple parallel through-holes extending from top to bottom) will allow side wall 1114 to collapse into hole 1106. Ball 1110 may be made of a sufficiently resilient material so as to spring back from this collapsed position into roughly its original shape. It is this springing back that creates forward velocity and a high rate of reverse spin off of club face 1112.
When in flight ball 1100 spins around axis 1102, and it oscillates between leading travel with through-hole 1106 and side wall 1104. Hole orientation during forward travel is a wing type orientation and facilitates aerodynamic lift and flight. Side wall orientation is a non-aerodynamic orientation. The high rate of reverse spin is generally created by the cavitation of the bottom half of ball 1100 along with the loft of golf club 1110. Spin rates may vary, but reach 10,000 revolutions per minute.
When in flight, unless ball 1110 is gently hit creating little spin, through-hole 1106 is undetectable to the eye. As ball 1110 spins and oscillates between the hole (i.e., air foil) and side of the ball (i.e., air brake) a distinct noise may be made as the flight “turns on” and “turns off” in rapid succession. The sound is the air flow being restricted as ball 1100 rotates into the air braking orientation. Because of this trade off between phases of flight, ball 1100 slows to a shortened distance. Like a regular golf ball, distance and shape of ball flight for ball 1100 are effected by forward velocity, spin rate and orientation of axis 1102. Regular golf balls, when in flight, spin around one axis. Before ball strike, the choice of axis is unlimited. Ball 1100 spins around one axis 1102 when in flight, and before being hit the choice of axis 1102 is limited to this particular one and must be placed in that position before striking. It is the orientation of this axis 1102 at impact that determines if a regular golf ball or ball 1100 hooks, slices, draws or fades. Hook generally means a severe right to left ball flight for a right handed golfer. Slice generally means a severe left to right ball flight. Draw generally means a moderate right to left ball flight. Fade generally means a moderate left to right ball flight. These ball flights are a function of the position of the golf club at impact. An open club face tilts the axis, slightly open means slightly tilted, severely open means severely tilted. A square club face at impact means an axis that is horizontal to the ground and, as a result, causes a straight ball flight. Ball 1100 shares these attributes with a regular golf ball if through-hole 1106 has been positioned perpendicular to the ground so that as it spins axis 1102 will be parallel to the ground. Further, an axle 1116 of projectile 1100, whether a real axle piece 1116 or whether a hypothetical axle, will always spin parallel to the circumference of the exit and entrance of through-hole 1106.
The singularity of axis 1102 facilitates the functionality of axle 1116 on ball 1100. Axle 1116 may perform a several different functions. If axle 1116 is put through parallel sidewalls 1104 and perpendicular through through-hole 1106, ball flight characteristics may be observed more readily. When hitting ball 1100 with axle 1116 in place it is important to line axis 1102 parallel with face 1112 of golf club 1110. By doing so, one can determine whether face 1112 of club 1110 is open closed or square at impact. As ball 1100 is struck while axle 1116 is in this perpendicular position, a user may observe the flight of ball 1100 and the orientation of axle 1116 as it leaves club 1110. Axle 1116 typically helps move ball 1110 more aggressively toward a slice, hook, draw or fade bias as it flies. Axle 1116 may be viewed tilting in one direction or the other as it flies. For a right handed golfer, axle 1116 tilt from left to right in relationship to the horizon when club head 1108 is open on impact. For the right handed golfer, axle 1116 will tilt from right to left in relation to the horizon when club head 1108 is open on impact. If a golfer has club head 1108 square at impact, axle 1116 flies true and parallel with the horizon.
Axle 1116 may be configured in multiple shapes and configurations. Referring to
Balancing, or putting an actual axle 1116 in projectile 1100 is all that is required nearly balance the spin. Generally, nothing more is required to implement these axle designs. When axle 1116 is made from a bright, translucent or fluorescent material, the characteristics of the flight ball 1100 are enhanced when struck at dusk or in the dark. Looking at
An alternative embodiment to simple axle 1400 through the middle of projectile 1100, is figure eight axle 1600 (see
Looking now at
When teeing ball 1100, a tee 2100 may be used. Tee 2100 keeps ball 1100 in an upright position. A regular golf ball may be placed with the bottom of the ball on top of a tee 2100. As such, the placement of the bottom of the ball is of course random. Ball 1100 has hole 1106 in the bottom of ball 1100. The size of this hole 1106 is sufficiently big to allow a conventional wooden golf tee to go through such hole 1106. Therefore, a special tee which supports ball 1100 at the bottom without going through this hole is required. This can be accomplished by using a tee that will bridge the gap of through-hole 1106, or by using a sponge type material to elevate the ball while allowing the ball with through-hole 1106 to be struck before striking tee.
When ball is teed up, it is usually teed up to accommodate the larger drivers which require ball 1100 to be elevated in order to hit it below the center line. When teeing ball 1100, it may be teed in a straight up configuration or, for maximum distance, it may be tilted with through-hole 1106 also tilted slightly forward on tee 2100. The loft of a driver 2105 is relatively small (within 10 degrees of perpendicular to the ground) and because hitting less of ball 1100 at impact creates more compression, a smaller percentage of ball 1100 creates more deformation or cavitation into through-hole and, therefore, more springback. Higher ball velocity off of the club head is generally achieved in this tilt forward position. An asymmetrical shape, like ball 1100, may have through-hole 1106 tilted forward on impact. A round ball or other symmetrical shapes without a singular through-hole can not induce such a forward tilt orientation. This forward tilting motion is unique to a ball in that it has a single through-hole, or multiple parallel through-holes, which create a place for the side wall to cavitate. This single point loading on ball 1100 creates higher unit loading and, therefore, greater cavitation around the lower circumference of ball 1100. This, in turn, creates higher initial ball speed and rotation. When practicing with a driver away from a driving range or practice facility, it is optimal to have a ball with limited travel. However, such a ball should travel farther with a driver than with the other golf clubs that a golfer is practicing with. The driver is the most difficult golf clubs to learn how to hit well. The reduced loft of the face of the golf club creates less reverse spin and more tendency to tilt the axis away from the optimal horizontal position. Further, by tilting projectile 1100 forward on this angled tee shape 2100, only the bottom is impacted by the face of driver 2105 creating a higher unit load and more cavitation, more rebound and more distance.
An additional feature of the cylindrical shape of ball 2100 is that as it lands on the ground it the limited potential for forward roll. The forward roll of device 1100 with figure eight axel 1600 on the ground is limited by the squarish corners created by the through-hole. This non-round shape when spinning in reverse creates a great deal of stopping friction. In fact, with an extremely lofted golf club to create additional spin, it is not uncommon for ball 1100 to move in reverse for a short distance, move forward for a short distance or stop when it hits the ground or other object. To this end, targets may be created that contain projectile 1100. Unlike golf, where the round ball rolls and bounces excessively, projectile 1100 will stay in the general area where it lands.
Referring to
The limited flight of this projectile 1100, along with the limited forward roll, allows many types of targeting systems. For example, targeting systems may be firm and fixed in the ground or transportable and inflatable. As such, constrained golf-like experiences may now be created in very small areas at low cost.
Referring to
Point scoring systems may be implemented to simulate play of a typical golf hole. For example, scoring systems like the one described below are engaging, entertaining, challenging and allow for practice with a purpose.
Inflatable target 2200 may be used for stroke play with a positive points as follows. In an embodiment, yellow projectiles in addition to the more standard white projectiles may be required. Par for the hole is determined by the player with honors. The number of balls played determines par for the hole. A par four means everyone plays four balls. From a single location, the players may each play all balls at one time. Shooting from multiple locations, shots may be alternated. As many people as desired may play at any one time. Order may determined by highest score, which in this game is the better score. Highest score goes first. Points are accrued as follows. Red hole 2205, which is furthest away and the smallest hole, is 5 points. Orange hole 2210, second furthest and the next smallest hole, is 3 points. Yellow hole 2215, third furthest and the next smallest, is 1 point. Green hole 2200, fourth furthest and the next smallest, is 0 points. White holes 2225 and 2230 are “bunkers” near high value holes 2205 and 2210. White holes 2225 and 2230 may be slightly smaller and slightly off line. White holes 2225 and 2230 are each −2 points.
Any ball played off of the surface of inflatable 2200 is −1 point.
Each round is played with one yellow ball 1100. Yellow ball 1100 scores at a rate of twice the points, both positive and negative points. Yellow ball 1100 may be used at any time. It is most commonly used on the final shot, for instance as the fourth ball on a par four.
An example of one hole of a two player game might go as follows. Player #1 wins the coin toss and goes first. Player # 1 takes five balls 1100, four balls 1100 and a yellow ball 1100, and announces that it is a par five. First ball is white and does not stay on the inflatables surface. Player #1 has a score of minus one. With two hitting surfaces, Player #2 goes next and puts his first white ball into orange hole 2210. Player #2 has three points. Player #1 goes next and hits a white ball into green hole 2220. This hole 2220 is zero points. Player #1 still has a score of minus one. Player #2 then hits a white ball into green hole 2220. Player #2 stays at three points. Player #1 hits his third white ball into red hole 2205. Player #1 now has a score of four points. Player #2 hits a third shot into orange hole 2210. Player #2 now has six points. Player #1 hits a fourth white ball into yellow hole 2215 for a total of five points. Player #2 hits a fourth white ball into yellow hole 2215 for a total score of seven points. On the final shot, with yellow ball for a double rate of scoring, Player #1 hits into orange hole 2210. This is worth three points multiplied by two or six additional points. Player #1 has a final total for the hole of eleven points. Player #2 goes next with a yellow ball and also hits into orange hole 2210. Player #2 has a total of twelve points.
After the first hole, Player #2 leads by one stroke and starts the next hole by calling it out as a par three. Player #2 pulls our two white and one yellow ball, and takes the first shot on the next hole. This scoring continues for 18 holes. The player with the most points wins.
Match play with positive points is the objective similar to the game above. Scoring is similar to stroke play above for each hole. Instead of an accumulated score at the end of 18 holes, holes are individually won and this number is tracked. This is usually a two person competition but it can work with a larger number of people.
Another derivative of the proposed configuration is keeping the score like baseball. Baseball is played by keeping track of where balls 1100 land on inflatable 2200. Red hole 2205 is home run. Orange hole 2210 is a triple. Yellow hole 2215 is a double. Green hole 2200 is a single. White hole 2225 or 2230 is a double. Each of inflatable 2200 is an out. Each ball 1100 on inflatable 2200, but not in any hole, is a strike.
At three outs, a player is done for the inning. Each three strikes is an out. Like regular baseball, keep track of runs, outs and innings. The player with the most runs wins.
These games have great appeal because of the golf-like feel without having to leave the shot area. With an automatic water return system, this becomes a continuous event. In addition, very little maintenance is required for either indoor or outdoor settings.
Inflatables 2200 and 2300 may be configured for a small number of players or for a large number of players. This is generally a function of the side of inflatable 2200 and 2300 and capacity of one or more blower 2310. Blower(s) 2310 associated with targets 2200 and water return system 2305 are activated for use not being used targets 2200 are deflated and water return system 2305 are each turned off. This water return system could be contained as part of the inflatable or a separate shallow irrigation like system dug into the ground for a more permanent installation. These larger systems could replace conventional golf driving ranges as land becomes more and more costly. Even now, golf courses near residential areas are under pressure to do away with the driving range for housing opportunities.
Various features, utilities and advantages of non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with the invention, will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
When actually playing golf on a golf course, a golfer use a standard golf ball or sphere, because the roll of the standard golf ball after the ball lands, and the roll of the standard golf ball when putting, which are as much a part of the game of golf as is the driving of the standard golf ball and the subsequent flight of the ball. However, practicing a golf club swing, to thereby strike a golf ball, and then observing the subsequent flight of the ball, can be accomplished when using a non-standard golf ball having an external spherical shape or non-spherical shape as is provided by the present invention. This invention provides a new, unusual and unobvious non-standard practice sport projectile that simulates the “feel” and the flight of a standard sports projectile, of which a standard golf ball is a non-limiting example. This invention provides a non-standard sport projectile that is constructed and arranged to “feedback” a “striking feel” to an individual that is generally consistent to the striking of a standard sport projectile, such as a golf club for golfing, a foot for football, or a bat for baseball.
Non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with this invention, include at least one linear through hole. As this non-standard sport projectile passes through the air, after being hit by, for example, a golf club, the non-standard sport projectile spins. When the above-mentioned through hole is generally aligned with the projectile's direction of flight, air passes through the through hole, and the aerodynamic characteristics of the non-standard sport projectile are lessened. As a result, the non-standard sport projectile experiences rapidly repeating intervals of relatively high aerodynamic flight and relatively low aerodynamic flight as the non-standard sport projectile spins. Thus, non-standard sport projectiles, in accordance with the invention, provide a satisfactory “feel” on impact, they mimic the flight of a standard sport projectile, but the length of flight of the non-standard sport projectile is considerably shorter than the length of flight of a standard sport projectile.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/909,682, filed Apr. 2, 2007, by Richard C. Breaker, et al., for PRACTICE SPORT PROJECTILE HAVING A THROUGH-HOLE WITH TRANSVERSE INDICATOR, and this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/737,636, filed Apr. 19, 2007, by Richard C. Breaker, et al, for GOLF LIKE GAME WITH MULTIPLE PROJECTILES, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/359,331, filed Feb. 5, 2003, by Richard C. Breaker, et al, for PRACTICE SPORT PROJECTILE HAVING A THROUGH HOLE, which in turns claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/359,415, filed Feb. 23, 2002, by Richard C. Breaker, et al, for AERODYNAMIC PROJECTILE WITH THROUGH HOLE, each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
60909682 | Apr 2007 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 11737636 | Apr 2007 | US |
Child | 12061279 | US |