Golf teeing device

Claim 2

A golf practice device closely simulating the conditions normally found on a natural surface, said device comprising; housing means having upstanding sidewalls a generally horizontal upper surface secured to the housing, said securement being such that the upper surface translates or moves in a horizontal direction when struck such that a golf ball may be placed upon the upper surface and driven by a golf club incorporating the normal swing.

Claim 3

A golf practice device as in claim 1 wherein the upper surface includes upstanding, closely spaced elements closely approximating the consistency of turf.

Claim 4

A golf practice devicE as in claim 1 wherein the upper surface is further adapted to move in a generally vertical direction, said surface being supported by resilient means whereby the upper surface both flexes and moves when struck closely approximating the reaction when removing a divot in natural turf.

Claim 5

A golf practice device as in claim 1 comprising an endless belt mounted on horizontal rollers whereby the surface subjected to wear is translated as a result of each practice swing.

Claim 6

A golf practice device in claim 4 wherein the upper portion of the belt is supported by a platform which has its upper surface slightly above the upper surface of the rollers, protecting the rollers from damage by the golf club.

Claim 7

A golf practice device as in claim 5 wherein the platform has one end pivotally mounted to the housing and the other end resiliently supported to absorb the shock during the driving of a ball.

Claim 8

A golf practice device as in claim 1 wherein the housing includes outwardly flared lips at its upper portion permitting placement within a depression such that the upper surface is approximately coplanar with the surrounding area.

Claim 9

A golf practice device as in claim 1 wherein the housing is generally portable and includes a second surface approximately coplanar with the translatable surface whereupon a golfer may stand when driving the ball.

Claim 10

A golf practice apparatus comprising a housing containing an endless belt, said belt having an inner and outer surface, said outer surface containing a plurality of projections of such geometry and density to approximate the consistency of turf, said inner surface being substantially smooth for free translation over rollers, a plurality of rollers disposed with their long axes essentially horizontal and mutually parallel, said rollers mounted in said housing for rotation and positioned with their peripheral surfaces engaging the inner surface of said belt, said rollers spaced so as to hold said belt essentially taut, a platform positioned under the upper segment of said belt, said platform having an upper surface faced with a pad of resilient material, said pad faced on its upper surface with a pad cover of substantially smooth material to permit translation of said belt along the upper surface of said pad cover, said platform containing a pivoting means at one end, said pivoting means providing rotational mounting of said platform in said housing, said pivoting means having a pivotal axis parallel to axes of said rollers, said platform having a means of elastically returning the non-pivoted end of said platform to a horizontal position after being deflected from horizontal by an externally applied force, said supporting structure containing means for supporting in essentially fixed relationship the rollers, platform pivoting means and platform elastic return means, said housing providing for rotational mounting of said rollers and said platform pivoting means.

Claim 11

A golf practice apparatus comprising a housing containing an endless belt, said belt having an inner and outer surface, said outer surface containing a plurality of projections of such geometry and density to approximate the consistency of turf, said inner surface being substantially smooth for free translation over rollers, a plurality of rollers disposed with their long axes essentially horizontal and mutually parallel, said rollers mounted in said housing for rotation and positioned with their peripheral surfaces engaging the inner surface of said belt, said rollers spaced so as to hold said belt essentially taut, a platform positioned under the upper segment of said belt, said platform having an upper surface faced with a pad of resilient material, said pad faced on its upper surface with a pad cover of substantially smooth material to permit translation of said belt along the upper surface of said pad cover, said platform containing a pivoting means at one end, said pivoting means providing rotational mounting of said platform in said housing, said pivoting means having a pivotal axis parallel to axes of said rollers, said platform having a means of elastically returning the non-pivoted end of said platform to a horizontal position after being deflected from horizontal by an externally applied force, said supporting structure containing means for supporting in essentially fixed relationship the rollers, platform pivoting means and platform elastic return means, said housing providing for rotational mounting of said rollers and said platform pivoting means.

Claim 12

A golf practice apparatus as in claim 9 wherein the housing is a receptacle with a bottom member connecting the vertical members, said vertical members having outwardly turned flanges for vertical support of the apparatus when placed in a recess in a horizontal surface as might be provided on a golf practice range.

Claim 13

A golf practice apparatus as in claim 9 wherein the housing is integral with a horizontal platform, said platform containing a surface on which the golfer stands, said platform connecting to vertical supporting side members, said platform surfaced with material to provide secure footing for the golfer.