CA2058863C - Golf driving mat - Google Patents
Golf driving matInfo
- Publication number
- CA2058863C CA2058863C CA002058863A CA2058863A CA2058863C CA 2058863 C CA2058863 C CA 2058863C CA 002058863 A CA002058863 A CA 002058863A CA 2058863 A CA2058863 A CA 2058863A CA 2058863 C CA2058863 C CA 2058863C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mat
- panels
- engagement means
- base
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3661—Mats for golf practice, e.g. mats having a simulated turf, a practice tee or a green area
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Road Paving Structures (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a golf driving mat comprising a plurality of panel members assembled in edge-to-edge abutting relationship, the panel members having releasable engagement means formed on the edges thereof for interlocking engagement of adjacent panel members, thereby permitting removal and replacement of panel members demonstrating wear.
Description
2p 5~8 63 __ This invention relates to a golf driving mat and, more particularly, to a mat simulating turf, in which the mat comprises a plur~~lity of interlocking panels.
Golf driving ranges, which provide facilities for practice driving) normally are equipped with simulated grass mats at each dri~Jing station, in which upstanding bristles, embedded in a backing, provide a surface similar to the turf normally encountered on fairways and tee stations at golf courses.
Tee-off conditions are duplicated by the incorporation of an upstanding flexible tube or 'tee' extending above the surface of the s~_mulated turf, upon which the practice ball may be positioned for driving. The tee is normally comprised of a flanged flexible tubular element, inserted ~ upwardly through an aperture formed in the backing of the mat.
Dimensional=ly, the mat is usually rectangular in shape, perhaps six feet to the side, in order to freely accommodate the user while assuming a practice position standing on the mat addressing the ball so positioned on the tee.
As can be expected, the impact of the club head on the bristles of thE~ mat ultimately results in the wearing or breakdown of the mat in the vicinity of the club head striking zone, which has heretofore necessitated the replacement of the golf practice mat, with attendant cost.
_ 2 _
Golf driving ranges, which provide facilities for practice driving) normally are equipped with simulated grass mats at each dri~Jing station, in which upstanding bristles, embedded in a backing, provide a surface similar to the turf normally encountered on fairways and tee stations at golf courses.
Tee-off conditions are duplicated by the incorporation of an upstanding flexible tube or 'tee' extending above the surface of the s~_mulated turf, upon which the practice ball may be positioned for driving. The tee is normally comprised of a flanged flexible tubular element, inserted ~ upwardly through an aperture formed in the backing of the mat.
Dimensional=ly, the mat is usually rectangular in shape, perhaps six feet to the side, in order to freely accommodate the user while assuming a practice position standing on the mat addressing the ball so positioned on the tee.
As can be expected, the impact of the club head on the bristles of thE~ mat ultimately results in the wearing or breakdown of the mat in the vicinity of the club head striking zone, which has heretofore necessitated the replacement of the golf practice mat, with attendant cost.
_ 2 _
2 0 5 8 8 6 3 __..
In partial response to the wear problem, a golf practice mat i~c depicted in United States Patent No.
In partial response to the wear problem, a golf practice mat i~c depicted in United States Patent No.
3,467,391 to Ele~sh, in which groups of bristles or tufts are replaceably mounted on the backing by means of anchoring rods, thereby providing for replacement of the tufts when necessary.
The structure of this invention addresses the wear problem in a novel fashion, by providing a mat comprises of interlocking panels which are readily assembled and allow for mat upgrading by simple removal of the panel exhibiting unacceptable weir, and its substitution with a replacement panel.
In its preferred embodiment, the panels are formed of molded plastic or an elastomeric substance such as hard rubber, with interlocking finger elements formed on the rectangular edges thereof, adapted f.or engagement with adjacent panels.
Another embodiment includes a perimeter frame into which the interlocking panels can be assembled, thereby to ensure a firm surface on which the golfer positions himself while driving.
Accordingly, it is a principle object of the invention to provide a golf practice mat comprised of panel members each adapted for replacement following unacr_.eptable wear thereof .
It is a further object of the invention to provide a golf practice mat comprising panel members having interlocking edge elements.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide a golf practice mat comprising panel members assembled in a frame defining a perimeter adapted to s securely retain the panel members in the desired configuration.
It is a fiuther object of the invention to provide an apparatus of the type described which is characterized by a simplicity of design and possesses the necessary ruggedness for durable and reliable use.
Additional. objects and advantages will become apparent from the following io description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a panel member depicting the backing plate, upstanding tufts comprising simulated turf and edge interlocking means;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the assembled mat, depicting the panels secured within the perimeter frame;
is Figure 3 is a perspective view of a typical tee suitable for use with the mat of the subject invention; and, Figure 4 is a partial enlarged perspective view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 2 without the panel members.
Referring to the drawings with initial reference to figure 1, the panel 20 member 10 is depicted comprising a backing plate 11, of unitary material such a~s hard rubber or plastic, of desirably square configuration.
The structure of this invention addresses the wear problem in a novel fashion, by providing a mat comprises of interlocking panels which are readily assembled and allow for mat upgrading by simple removal of the panel exhibiting unacceptable weir, and its substitution with a replacement panel.
In its preferred embodiment, the panels are formed of molded plastic or an elastomeric substance such as hard rubber, with interlocking finger elements formed on the rectangular edges thereof, adapted f.or engagement with adjacent panels.
Another embodiment includes a perimeter frame into which the interlocking panels can be assembled, thereby to ensure a firm surface on which the golfer positions himself while driving.
Accordingly, it is a principle object of the invention to provide a golf practice mat comprised of panel members each adapted for replacement following unacr_.eptable wear thereof .
It is a further object of the invention to provide a golf practice mat comprising panel members having interlocking edge elements.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide a golf practice mat comprising panel members assembled in a frame defining a perimeter adapted to s securely retain the panel members in the desired configuration.
It is a fiuther object of the invention to provide an apparatus of the type described which is characterized by a simplicity of design and possesses the necessary ruggedness for durable and reliable use.
Additional. objects and advantages will become apparent from the following io description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a panel member depicting the backing plate, upstanding tufts comprising simulated turf and edge interlocking means;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the assembled mat, depicting the panels secured within the perimeter frame;
is Figure 3 is a perspective view of a typical tee suitable for use with the mat of the subject invention; and, Figure 4 is a partial enlarged perspective view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 2 without the panel members.
Referring to the drawings with initial reference to figure 1, the panel 20 member 10 is depicted comprising a backing plate 11, of unitary material such a~s hard rubber or plastic, of desirably square configuration.
-4-B
Regularly spaced rows of holes 12, formed in the upper surface of the backing plate 11, receive the lower ends of a plurality of groups or tufts of bristles 13, anchored therein for example, by adhesive retention, in order to form a mat surfar_e l~l. It will be appreciated that there are many ways to anchor bristles 13 in hole 12, the indicated use of adhesive is purely exemplary.
In the preferred embodiment depicted, a plurality of grooves and fingE>rs 15 and 16, Figure 1, are formed on the edges of the panel members 10, adapted to engage in interlocking faahion with registering fingers and grooves formed in adjacent panel members, thereby to rigidly lock the panel members into a secure mat of desired dimensions.
A surrounding frame 1.7, Figure 2, dimensionally appropriate to the desired mat size, engages the edges of the mat formed by the assembled panel members by engagement of outstanding finger members 7_5, with the registering grooves formed on the perimeter edge of the mat, thereby retaining the frame and panel member~~ in solid unitary fashion, as depicted.
The golf i;ee 19, Figures 2 and 3, r_onventionally comprises an elongated tubular portion 20, and a disc-like base portion 21, adapted to be inserted upwardly through a hole formed in the mat. The tubular portion 20 will be of a length sufficient= to extend beyond the brush surface of the mat, in order to elevate the golf ball supported thereon in
Regularly spaced rows of holes 12, formed in the upper surface of the backing plate 11, receive the lower ends of a plurality of groups or tufts of bristles 13, anchored therein for example, by adhesive retention, in order to form a mat surfar_e l~l. It will be appreciated that there are many ways to anchor bristles 13 in hole 12, the indicated use of adhesive is purely exemplary.
In the preferred embodiment depicted, a plurality of grooves and fingE>rs 15 and 16, Figure 1, are formed on the edges of the panel members 10, adapted to engage in interlocking faahion with registering fingers and grooves formed in adjacent panel members, thereby to rigidly lock the panel members into a secure mat of desired dimensions.
A surrounding frame 1.7, Figure 2, dimensionally appropriate to the desired mat size, engages the edges of the mat formed by the assembled panel members by engagement of outstanding finger members 7_5, with the registering grooves formed on the perimeter edge of the mat, thereby retaining the frame and panel member~~ in solid unitary fashion, as depicted.
The golf i;ee 19, Figures 2 and 3, r_onventionally comprises an elongated tubular portion 20, and a disc-like base portion 21, adapted to be inserted upwardly through a hole formed in the mat. The tubular portion 20 will be of a length sufficient= to extend beyond the brush surface of the mat, in order to elevate the golf ball supported thereon in
- 5 -a fashion similar to that of a conventional golf tee on a grass tee station.
In assembly,. panel members 10 are conjoined by engaging the groove and finger elements on adjacent edges of registering pane=L members to form a mat assembly of desired dimension and configuration. The frame members are then assembled in per=meter fashion around the mat by engagement of fingers formed on the frame, while registering grooves on the perimeter edge of the assembled mat.
Consequent on excessive wear or other degradation occurring to the bristles at any specific location on the mat, as for example adjacent to the tee, the panel member or members on which the brush wear has occurred can be lifted upwardly and out of the assembly for replacement, the remainder of the panel members remaining in place within the frame .
While it ha~~ been found that fingers and grooves formed in the edges of i~he molded panel members are most suitable, other engagemeni:. means for securing adjacent panel members will readily occur to those familiar with the art to which this invention relates, such as spring clips engaging in apertures formed in adjacent panels.
Further modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the description.
In assembly,. panel members 10 are conjoined by engaging the groove and finger elements on adjacent edges of registering pane=L members to form a mat assembly of desired dimension and configuration. The frame members are then assembled in per=meter fashion around the mat by engagement of fingers formed on the frame, while registering grooves on the perimeter edge of the assembled mat.
Consequent on excessive wear or other degradation occurring to the bristles at any specific location on the mat, as for example adjacent to the tee, the panel member or members on which the brush wear has occurred can be lifted upwardly and out of the assembly for replacement, the remainder of the panel members remaining in place within the frame .
While it ha~~ been found that fingers and grooves formed in the edges of i~he molded panel members are most suitable, other engagemeni:. means for securing adjacent panel members will readily occur to those familiar with the art to which this invention relates, such as spring clips engaging in apertures formed in adjacent panels.
Further modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the description.
- 6 -2o5es s3 Accordingly,. the description is to be construed as illustrative onJ.y arid is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art, the manner of carrying out the invention. It ~_s understood that the form of the invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as the presently preferred embodiment, and that various changes may be made in the shape, size and general arrangement of the components.
Claims (16)
EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS
FOLLOWS:
1. A mat comprising:
an outer frame having a continuous outer perimeter;
a panel assembly disposed within said frame;
said panel assembly including a plurality of panels releasably joined with adjacent panels;
each of said panels including a base having a plurality of engagement means on each of the edges thereof for interlocking engagement with adjacent panels;
said engagement means on said panels extending vertically in relation to said base for permitting vertical separation of one panel from another;
said frame including a plurality of engagement means on the internal perimeter thereof for interlocking engagement with the engagement means of said panels; and, bristles anchored within said base in an upstanding relationship thereto for thereby forming a simulated grass turf thereon.
an outer frame having a continuous outer perimeter;
a panel assembly disposed within said frame;
said panel assembly including a plurality of panels releasably joined with adjacent panels;
each of said panels including a base having a plurality of engagement means on each of the edges thereof for interlocking engagement with adjacent panels;
said engagement means on said panels extending vertically in relation to said base for permitting vertical separation of one panel from another;
said frame including a plurality of engagement means on the internal perimeter thereof for interlocking engagement with the engagement means of said panels; and, bristles anchored within said base in an upstanding relationship thereto for thereby forming a simulated grass turf thereon.
2. The mat of claim 1 wherein said engagement means on said panels comprises fingers and grooves.
3. The mat of claim 1 wherein said engagement means are generally rectangular in shape.
4. The mat of claim 1 further including a golf tee.
5. A panel assembly for use with an outer frame of a mat, said panel assembly comprising a plurality of panels releasably joined with adjacent panels, each of said panels including a base having a plurality of engagement means on the edges thereof for interlocking engagement with adjacent panels, said engagement means extending transversely in relation to said base for permitting transverse separation of one panel from another and from said outer frame, and bristles anchored within said base in an upstanding relationship thereto to form a brushed mat surface.
6. The panel assembly of claim 5 wherein said engagement means on said panels comprises fingers and grooves.
7. The panel assembly of claim 5 wherein said engagement means are generally rectangular in shape.
8. The panel assembly of claim 6 wherein said fingers and grooves are generally rectangular in shape.
9. The panel assembly of claim 5 further including a golf tee.
10. In a mat having a frame with an outer perimeter, a panel assembly disposed within said frame comprises a plurality of panels releasably joined with adjacent panels, each of said panels including a base having a plurality of engagement means on the edges thereof for interlocking engagement with adjacent panels, said engagement means extending vertically in relation to said base for permitting vertical separation of one panel from another, and bristles extending from said base in an upstanding relationship thereto to form a brush surface.
11. The mat of claim 10 wherein said plurality of engagement means are adapted for interlocking engagement with said outer perimeter of said frame, and for permitting vertical separation of said panels from said frame.
12. The mat of claim 10 wherein said engagement means on said panels comprises fingers and grooves.
13. The mat of claim 11 wherein said engagement means on said panels comprises fingers and grooves
14. The mat of claim 10 wherein said engagement means are generally rectangular in shape.
15. The mat of claim 11 wherein said engagement means are generally rectangular in shape.
16. The mat of claim 10 further including a golf tee secured to said base of a panel.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002058863A CA2058863C (en) | 1992-01-07 | 1992-01-07 | Golf driving mat |
| US07/851,969 US5292130A (en) | 1992-01-07 | 1992-03-16 | Golf driving mat |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002058863A CA2058863C (en) | 1992-01-07 | 1992-01-07 | Golf driving mat |
| US07/851,969 US5292130A (en) | 1992-01-07 | 1992-03-16 | Golf driving mat |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2058863A1 CA2058863A1 (en) | 1993-07-08 |
| CA2058863C true CA2058863C (en) | 1999-11-02 |
Family
ID=25674916
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002058863A Expired - Lifetime CA2058863C (en) | 1992-01-07 | 1992-01-07 | Golf driving mat |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5292130A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2058863C (en) |
Families Citing this family (25)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5885168A (en) * | 1996-08-13 | 1999-03-23 | Bair; Carl J. | Golf playing surface assembly |
| US6746340B1 (en) * | 2001-10-22 | 2004-06-08 | Robert L. Dover | Golf divot practice mat |
| DE10202080B4 (en) * | 2002-01-21 | 2009-08-27 | Dietmar Fechner | Golf tee |
| US6709343B1 (en) * | 2002-09-11 | 2004-03-23 | Mystic Golf, L.L.C. | Golf putt training apparatus |
| US6913799B2 (en) * | 2002-12-20 | 2005-07-05 | Bruns Brush Inc. | Golf turf and method of manufacturing same |
| DE10320137B3 (en) * | 2003-05-06 | 2005-01-05 | Manfred Heberle | Tee mat system for the golf sport |
| US7155796B2 (en) * | 2004-01-20 | 2007-01-02 | Generalsports Turf, Llc | Method for assembling a modular sports field |
| SG148012A1 (en) * | 2004-04-26 | 2008-12-31 | Marketing Intellectual Propert | Golf advertising system |
| US8353640B2 (en) | 2008-01-22 | 2013-01-15 | Brock Usa, Llc | Load supporting panel having impact absorbing structure |
| ES2633118T3 (en) | 2007-01-19 | 2017-09-19 | Brock International | Base for a lawn system |
| US7470458B1 (en) * | 2007-05-30 | 2008-12-30 | Fern Loo | Synthetic ground covering |
| DE202008011404U1 (en) | 2008-08-27 | 2008-10-23 | Trofil Sportbodensysteme Gmbh & Co. Kg | Golf tee mat |
| US8303430B2 (en) * | 2009-05-26 | 2012-11-06 | Ching-Cheng Li | Combination base for a golf practice artificial sod |
| WO2011005747A2 (en) | 2009-07-06 | 2011-01-13 | Brock International | Structural underlayment support system for use with paving and flooring elements |
| US9464388B1 (en) * | 2012-03-13 | 2016-10-11 | Perfect Tuff LLC | Modular turf system and method of turf installation |
| US9103076B2 (en) * | 2012-12-31 | 2015-08-11 | Playsafer Surfacing LLC a division of Rubberecycle | Unitary safety surface tiles and associated structures |
| ITTO20130125A1 (en) * | 2013-02-14 | 2013-05-16 | Roberto Guala | EXTENDED SYNTHETIC ELEMENT FOR SUPPORTING SURFACES FOR THE GOLF PRACTICE, A SYNTHETIC MODULAR ELEMENT COMPOSED OF A PLURALITY OF SUCH SYNTHETIC ELEMENTS, AND A MAT FOR THE GOLF PRACTICE CONSISTING OF A PLURALITY OF SUCH ELEMEN |
| CA2900714C (en) * | 2014-08-18 | 2023-01-24 | Fiberbuilt Manufacturing Inc. | Golf practice mat modules and assembly |
| CA2938473A1 (en) | 2015-08-04 | 2017-02-04 | Fiberbuilt Manufacturing Inc. | Golf practice device |
| USD866800S1 (en) | 2015-10-26 | 2019-11-12 | Brock Usa, Llc | Turf underlayment |
| USD810465S1 (en) | 2016-01-19 | 2018-02-20 | Parallax Group International, Llc | Reversible floor mat |
| US10060082B2 (en) | 2016-05-18 | 2018-08-28 | Brock Usa, Llc | Base for turf system with vertical support extensions at panel edges |
| GB2583444A (en) * | 2019-02-06 | 2020-11-04 | Seeley Anthony | Golf tee unit |
| US20210108376A1 (en) * | 2019-04-30 | 2021-04-15 | Tarkett Sports Canada, Inc. | Artificial turf field apparatus and methods |
| US11306443B2 (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2022-04-19 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Polymer panels for walkway and paving |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2680698A (en) * | 1949-12-03 | 1954-06-08 | Schnee Robert Francis | Plastic floor coverings |
| US3459107A (en) * | 1966-10-24 | 1969-08-05 | Brunswick Corp | Means for simulating the rough on a golf course |
| US3735988A (en) * | 1971-06-17 | 1973-05-29 | D J Palmer | Practice putting surface |
| IT1226345B (en) * | 1988-07-11 | 1991-01-11 | Dell Orto Gianni S | MODULAR MODULAR ELEMENT DOOR |
| US5054253A (en) * | 1989-12-18 | 1991-10-08 | Pawling Corporation | Rigid grating mat with unidirectional elements |
| US5190799A (en) * | 1991-05-09 | 1993-03-02 | Reese Enterprises, Inc. | Floor covering with integral walking surface |
-
1992
- 1992-01-07 CA CA002058863A patent/CA2058863C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-03-16 US US07/851,969 patent/US5292130A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2058863A1 (en) | 1993-07-08 |
| US5292130A (en) | 1994-03-08 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |