Patent US3861680A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3861680A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Driving range
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-07-19
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Granted: 1975-01-21
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Expires: 1993-07-19
Abstract
Abstract A golf driving range is provided that may be used in different weather conditions. Thus, a stall has a front viewing window through which the range can be seen, which can be opened in hot weather or closed in cold weather. A bottom doorway section permits driving the ball when the window is closed. The range has a set of inclined screens forming ball receiving troughs at various specified driving distances from the stall and a conveyer system returns balls. Several stalls are placed as side by side cubicles in a hut which may be left unattended and is thus operable from coin actuated mechanisms for access, heat, balls and conveyer return.
Inventors
- 👤 William F Mowrer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 16:38
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04H; E04H3/00; E04H3/10; E04H3/14; A; A63; A63B; A63B69/00; A63B69/36; A63B69/3691; A63B69/3694; A63B47/00; A63B47/02; A63B47/025; A63B2225/00; A63B2225/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
A year round golf driving range comprising in combination, a clubhouse with attached enclosure containing a walkway providing access into a plurality of individual stalls each having a partially closed transparent front window with a lower doorway opening for egress of a golf ball driven from inside the stall and each adapted to be heated individually, a driving range provided with a plurality of target areas arranged at different distances from said clubhouse to receive balls driven through said opening by a person inside said stall and a teeing mat positioned within the stall in a position aligned with the opening and the driving range such that a golfer may freely swing a club to impact a ball on the teeing mat and send it out said opening toward said range while the person has unobstructed view out said transparent front window.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
A year round golf driving range comprising in combination, a clubhouse with attached enclosure containing a walkway providing access into a plurality of individual stalls each having a partially closed transparent front window with a lower doorway opening for egress of a golf ball driven from inside the stall and each adapted to be heated individually, a driving range provided with a plurality of target areas arranged at different distances from said clubhouse to receive balls driven through said opening by a person inside said stall and a teeing mat positioned within the stall in a position aligned with the opening and the driving range such that a golfer may freely swing a club to impact a ball on the teeing mat and send it out said opening toward said range while the person has unobstructed view out said transparent front window.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
A driving range as defined in claim 1 wherein said driving range comprises a target structure with a plurality of ball receiving inclined screens arranged to provide a continuous series of peaks and troughs disposed in generally inverted V relationship with inclined faces disposed at visually identifiable specified distances from said stalls to receive balls driven from said stalls.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A driving range as defined in claim 2 including means communicating with said troughs to accumulate balls and return them to said clubhouse.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
A driving range as defined in claim 3 including a motorized conveyer system for moving balls from said target to said clubhouse with control means at said clubhouse for selectively energizing the conveyer system for a predetermined time when a golfer is driving balls.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
A driving range as defined in claim 2 wherein the target structure has a width in the order of 20 to 100 yards and including a pair of side screens disposed along the ends of said target structure of a height greater than the peaks to intercept balls which may tend to curve outside the target area width.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A driving range as defined in claim 1 wherein said stalls include a radiant heat unit positioned at a height sufficient to be above a golfer inside said stalls, and coin operated means for operating said unit a predetermined time.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A driving range as defined in claim 1 wherein said front window includes a doorway section which may be folded back to provide an open front in good weather conditions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A driving range as defined in claim 1 wherein angular protective fenders are provided on each side of the doorway opening to guide errant balls through said doorway opening.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-20 | 1978-07-22 | 1979-01-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-20 | 1982-07-22 | 1983-01-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-20 | 1986-07-22 | 1987-01-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |