US 6,663,498 B2 · Tiltable golf platform

Abstract

The present invention provides a golf practice device having a tiltable golf platform. In one embodiment, the platform is supported by an assembly that allows the platform to be controllably adjusted to simulate various golf lies. The device (200) includes a platform surface (250) mounted in a platform frame (202) that is affixed to a base frame (204) through a pair of actuators (205 and 206), each mounted to the base frame by a pivot block assembly (212) and affixed to the platform frame by an end block assembly (400). The platform frame is pivotally affixed to the base frame by a double cross-joint (203) mounted on the platform frame. The pivot block assemblies allow each actuator to adjust to the side angle relative to the actuator, thus allowing the platform to move freely in two different angles preventing unnecessary stress on the double cross-joint and the positions of attachment of the actuators to the base and platform frames.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A device having a tiltable platform, consisting essentially of:

(a) a platform pivotally attached to a base through a joint assembly, wherein the joint assembly comprises a double cross-joint assembly that provides the platform with two perpendicular axes of rotation whereby the platform is continuously tiltable with respect to the base;
(b) a first adjustable linear actuator having a positionally fixed end mounted to the base and an extendable/retractable end attached to the platform;
(c) a second adjustable linear actuator having a positionally fixed end mounted to the base and an extendable/retractable end attached to the platform;
(d) a first pivot block assembly for connecting the first actuator to the base;
and
(e) a second pivot block assembly for connecting the second actuator to the base.

3 more elements

A device having a tiltable platform, comprising:

(a) a platform pivotally attached to a base through a joint assembly, wherein the joint assembly comprises a double cross-joint assembly that provides the platform with two perpendicular axes of rotation whereby the platform is continuously tiltable with respect to the base;
(b) a first adjustable linear actuator having a positionally fixed end mounted to the base and an extendable/retractable end attached to the platform;
(c) a second adjustable linear actuator having a positionally fixed end mounted to the base and an extendable/retractable end attached to the platform;
(d) a first pivot block assembly for connecting the first actuator to the base, wherein the first pivot block assembly comprises:
(1) a housing having an aperture therethrough;
(2) an elongated axle member slidably insertable into the aperture;
and
(3) a clevis attached to one end of the elongated axle member and to the first actuator;
and
(e) a second pivot block assembly for mounting the second actuator to the base, wherein the pivot block assembly comprises:
(1) a housing having a channel therethrough;
(2) an elongated axle member slidably insertable into the aperture;
and
(3) a clevis attached to one end of the elongated axle member;
and to the base.

12 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tiltable golf platform

Life of this patent

Tiltable golf platform

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22