US3869128A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Driving mat for practicing golf shots
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-07-22
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Granted: 1975-03-04
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Expires: 1994-07-22
Abstract
Abstract A driving mat used for practicing golf shots made of flexible material formed in tapering thickness so that it is substantially thicker at the front end then at the rear end, with the thick end being transversely relieved along the underside to define a cantilevered lip which overhangs, and is spaced above, the supporting surface. A tee may be inserted into the mat near the edge of the cantilevered lip for supporting a golf ball. When a golf club swung at the ball is swung too low, the lip, in the face of the impact, is free to yield by deflecting downwardly toward the supporting surface thereby to minimize damage to the mat and the club and discomfort to the player.
Inventors
- 👤 Reiji Ohashi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 22:14
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B69/00; A63B69/36; A63B69/3661
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A driving platform for practicing golf shots in the form of a mat having a body of flexible rubber-like material intended for resting on a flat supporting surface, the body being of smoothly tapering configuration having limited thickness at the rear end and substantially greater thickness at the front end, the front of the mat having a transversely extending relief on the underside to define a cantilevered lip several inches in extent which overhangs and is substantially uniformly spaced above the supporting surface, the top surface of the lip having means thereon for non-rolling support of a golf ball in striking position, the cantilevered lip being sufficiently thin so that when a golf club swung at the ball is swung too low, the lip, in the face of the impact, is free to yield by deflecting harmlessly downward toward the supporting surface thereby to minimize damage to the mat from the club head and to preclude any stinging or numbing sensation in the hands of the player.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A driving platform for practicing golf shots in the form of a mat having a body of flexible rubber-like material intended for resting on a flat supporting surface, the body being of smoothly tapering configuration having limited thickness at the rear end and substantially greater thickness at the front end, the front of the mat having a transversely extending relief on the underside to define a cantilevered lip several inches in extent which overhangs and is substantially uniformly spaced above the supporting surface, the top surface of the lip having means thereon for non-rolling support of a golf ball in striking position, the cantilevered lip being sufficiently thin so that when a golf club swung at the ball is swung too low, the lip, in the face of the impact, is free to yield by deflecting harmlessly downward toward the supporting surface thereby to minimize damage to the mat from the club head and to preclude any stinging or numbing sensation in the hands of the player.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
87 words
The combination as claimed in claim 1 in which the body of rubber-like material is covered with artificial bladed turf formed of tough, flexible plastic bonded to the body to provide a durable surface layer which flexes with the body for protection against impact and to provide a deeply textured surface for direct non-rolling support of the ball in a position raised above the body permitting striking of the ball without use of a driving tee thereby more nearly to simulate driving conditions on the open fairway.
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) | 1978-03-03 | 1978-09-02 | 1979-03-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-03 | 1982-09-02 | 1983-03-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-03 | 1986-09-02 | 1987-03-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |