Golf driving range platform
OwnerDavid S. Froelichinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A golf practice apparatus that includes a platform that is pivoted about a universal Joint by a pair of hydraulic actuators. The universal joint couples the platform to a centrally located post which extends from a base structure. The universal joint is located in close proximity to the platform so that a centrally located player is not laterally displaced when the platform is rotated about the joint. The apparatus also has a spherically shaped cowling that cooperates with a cylindrically shaped shroud to completely enclose the underside of the platform. Movement of the actuator pistons is controlled by a pair of solenoid control valves which receive input signals from a foot switch. The foot switch has a plurality of buttons which can be depressed by the user to move the platform into a number of different positions.
Claims7
A golf practice apparatus, comprising:
- a base structure;
- a platform having an outer edge and being defined by first, second, third and fourth quadrants;
- a post that extends from said base structure;
- a universal joint that couples said platform to said post;
- a first actuator that has a first piston coupled to said platform in said first quadrant;
- a second actuator that has a second piston coupled to said platform in said second quadrant;
- control means for moving said first and second pistons relative to said base structure, wherein said platform pivots about said universal joint;
- a cylindrical shroud attached to said base structure;
- and,
- a spherical cowling attached to said outer edge of said platform, said cowling cooperating with said shroud to enclose said universal joint and said actuators.
A golf practice apparatus, comprising:
- a base structure having an outer edge;
- a frame;
- a platform attached to said frame and being defined by first, second, third and fourth quadrants, said frame having an outer edge;
- a post that extends from said base structure;
- a universal joint that couples said platform to said post, said universal joint being located within said frame;
- a first actuator that extends from said base structure, said first actuator having a first piston;
- a first spherical joint that couples said first piston to said platform in said first quadrant;
- a second spherical that extends from said base structure, said second actuator having a second piston;
- a second spherical joint that couples said second piston to said platform in said second quadrant;
- a first solenoid control valve operatively connected to said first actuator;
- a second solenoid control valve operatively connected to said second solenoid control valve;
- a pump operatively connected to said first and second solenoid control valves;
- a foot switch operatively connected to said first and second solenoid control valves;
- a cylindrical shroud attached to said base structure;
- and
- a spherical cowling attached to said outer edge of said platform, said cowling cooperating with said shroud to enclose said valves and said actuators.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.