GB2293771A

GB2293771A - Putting practice aid

Info

Publication number: GB2293771A
Application number: GB9419941A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Malcolm Eley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-10-04
Filing date: 1994-10-04
Publication date: 1996-04-10
Also published as: WO1996010448A1; GB9419941D0; AU3612395A

Abstract

The putting practice aid comprises a detector for detecting deviation of a putting clubhead from a substantially straight path; and an alarm arranged to initiate an identifiable warning signal following a predetermined deviation of the clubhead from the straight path. Telescopic arms C1 C2 carry photoelectric devices to detect the clubhead and signal any deviation from a straight line through an alarm. A putting surface dispenser is also disclosed (Fig. 2 not shown) to unroll a surface which may be used in conjunction with the practice device. <IMAGE>

Description

Putting Practice Aid The present invention relates to a putting practice aid for use by a golfer when practising the putting stroke.

It is important for a golfer to develop a putting stroke incorporating a straight backward and forward movement (or swing) of the putter head so that when a golf ball is struck by the putter head, it travels in the direction of the hole. The most frequent problem encountered by golfers during the putting stroke is an inconsistent backward or forward swing of the putting stroke.

Accordingly, it is the purpose of the present invention to alleviate such problems and to provide a practice putting aid facilitating the development of a straight backward and forward putting swing.

Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a putting practice aid comprising means for detecting deviation of a putting clubhead from a substantially straight path wherein an identifiable alarm is initiated following a predetermined deviation from the straight path. Thus, advantageously, when a golfer deviates the putting stroke from a predetermined path an alarm will be initiated, so as to warn the golfer to adjust his putting stroke.

In one embodiment of the invention, the means for detecting the putting stroke deviation comprises a single light source mounted on a first arm and a corresponding receiver mounted on a second arm substantially parallel to said first arm, said arms being spaced apart sufficiently to accommodate a putter clubhead therebetween, the light source being arranged to emit a single light beam for contact with a plurality of reflective surfaces for subsequent reception by said receiver mounted on its respective arm.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for detecting the putting stroke deviation comprises two light sources mounted on respective substantially parallel arms spaced apart sufficiently to accommodate a putter clubhead therebetween, each of the light sources being arranged to emit a light beam for reception by a respective receiver mounted suitably distant from the light source on the respective parallel arm. Thus, two parallel beams of light can be established and interruption of either light path by the putter head actuates an alarm.

Preferably, the parallel arms further comprise conductors to transport a signal initiated by interruption of the light beams, to signal detection means capable of emitting an alarm upon receipt of the signal.

Preferably, the light beams are transmitted outside the visual spectrum and may be infra-red, thus enabling the golfer to perfect the stroke without any visual reference aids, which advantageously will be the situation encountered on a putting green.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the putting aid further comprises a golf ball target detachably connectable to the ends of the parallel arms. Preferably, the target is mounted on mounting arms, which are typically adjustable in length. Thus advantageously, the swing of the putting stroke can be practised to simulate varying distances from a golf hole and to ascertain the force of the swing required to reach the golf hole.

There is further provided by the present invention a putting surface dispenser suitable for use with a putting aid of the type hereinbefore described. The putting surface dispenser is itself believed to be novel and accordingly, there is further provided by the present invention, a putting surface dispenser comprising a substantially cylindrical housing having along its length an aperture to accommodate a length of putting surface, and a rotatable shaft detachably connected to an end of said putting surface such that upon rotation of said shaft the putting surface may be dispensed or retrieved through said aperture. The housing is, preferably, closed at each end, thus sealing the dispenser.

Preferably, the central shaft is connected to an external handle located on an end of said housing for rotating said shaft. Preferably, the handle is hinged such that it may comfortably fit a corresponding storage recess in the housing. Thus, when not in use the handle may be neatly stored, thus facilitating storage of the dispenser.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing further comprises on an end thereof, a plurality of indentations for holding a plurality of golf balls. Thus, advantageously, the dispenser also comprises a convenient storage facility for golf balls.

Preferably the indentations may be sealed by a lid or cap or the like, covering the golf balls whilst kept in storage, thus, advantageously avoiding any loss or misplacement of the golf balls when not in use.

Preferably, the putting surface further comprises a series of distance markers situated along the length of the putting surface at predetermined intervals. Thus, the putting surface facilitates in assessing the distance of a golf ball from the hole, and the corresponding force of the putting swing required to propel the golf ball a required distance.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the putting surface texture strongly resembles the putting surface normally encountered on a natural golf green.

For example, the putting surface may be of an artificial turf material or the like, such as that available under the trade mark "ASTROTURF". Thus, the putting surface enables the user to become familiar with and to gauge the force of the swing required in order to propel a golf ball the required distance towards a hole on a natural putting surface.

An embodiment of this invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a perspective view of a putting practice aid according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a putting surface dispenser according to a further aspect of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a putting practice aid comprising a flat panel A consisting of two rectangular portions hinged together at B. On one of these portions there is mounted a housing F containing an electronic control system for the practice aid. Two parallel arms C1 and C2 extend from the panel A, one from each of its hinged portions. Arm C1 is fixed to the panel A and arm C2 is adjustably screwed to the panel so that its spacing from the arm C1 may be selected; thus the panel A is formed with a series of grooves D into which teeth carried at the end of arm C2 selectively engage.

At the opposite ends of each arm C1, C2, there are provided fixings El, E2 which house light transmitters or senders and receivers respectively. Preferably the light transmitted is outside the visible spectrum and conveniently may be infra-red. Conductors H extend between the electronics housing F and the infra red senders and receivers, for carrying power and signals. An on/off switch G is provided on the housing F and this housing is also provided with an alarm (e.g. an audible or visual alarm).

Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a putting surface dispenser R comprising a cylindrical housing V with an aperture Q running along its length to accommodate the width of a length of putting surface Y. A central rotatable shaft W is located within the housing V and the putting surface Y may be attached to it. A handle Z is connected to the shaft W such that rotation of the handle Z leads to a corresponding dispensing or retrieving of the putting surface Y via the action of the rotatable shaft W to which the surface is connected.

Located at one end of the housing V is a plurality of indentations S, suitable for holding golf balls (not shown). The golf balls may be covered with a cap or lid U for storage in the dispenser when not in use.

A further handle T is situated on the dispenser housing V such that the dispenser R may be carried easily. The dispenser may be constructed of suitably lightweight plastics to facilitate its easy transport.

In use, the practice aid illustrated in Figure 1 is laid out on top of the putting surface Y as shown. The arm C2 is positioned at an appropriate spacing from arm C1, according to the width of the putter head being used. The practice ball is placed on the putting surface Y between the two arms C1, C2 and the golfer practises his putting by trying to move the putter so that its head moves in a straight line parallel to and between the arms Cl, C2. If the putter head deviates by a predetermined amount from a straight path, it will interrupt one or other of the parallel light beams established between the two pairs of fixings El, E2, thus producing an alarm from the electronics control.

It will be appreciated that panel A may be folded up about the hinge B to reduce the overall size of the aid ready for storing or transit.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A putting practice aid comprising means for detecting deviation of a putting clubhead from a substantially straight path; and an alarm arranged to initiate an identifiable warning signal on detection of a predetermined deviation of said clubhead from said straight path.

2. A putting practice aid according to claim 1, wherein said deviation detecting means comprises a light source mounted on a first arm and a corresponding receiver mounted on a second arm, said second arm being substantially parallel to said first arm, and being sufficiently spaced therefrom to accommodate a putter clubhead between said arms, said light source being arranged to emit a single light beam to a plurality of reflective surfaces for reception of the reflected light beam by respective receivers each mounted on a respective one of said first and second arms.

3. A putting practice aid according to claim 1, wherein said deviation detecting means comprises a first light source mounted on a first arm and a second light source mounted on a second arm substantially parallel and sufficiently spaced from said first arm to accommodate a putter clubhead therebetween, and a respective receiver mounted on each of said arms, each of said light sources being arranged to emit a light beam for reception by a corresponding one of said receivers.

4. A putting practice aid according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said first and second arms further comprise conductors to transport a signal initiated by interruption of a respective light beam, to signal detection means arranged for initiation of said alarm on receipt of said signal.

5. A putting practice aid according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said light beams are infra red.

6. A putting practice aid according to any preceding claim wherein said first and second arms are adjustable in length.

7. A putting practice aid according to any of claims 1 to 6, which further comprises a golf ball target detachably connectable to the ends of said first and second arms.

8. A putting surface dispenser for use with a putting practice aid according to any of claims 1 to 7, said putting surface dispenser comprising a substantially cylindrical housing having along its length an aperture to accommodate a length of a putting surface, and a rotatable shaft detachably connected to an end of said putting surface such that upon rotation of said shaft said putting surface may be dispensed or retrieved through said aperture.

9. A putting surface dispenser according to claim 8, wherein said housing is closed at each end.

10. A putting surface dispenser according to claim 8, wherein said rotatable shaft is connected to an external handle located on an end of said housing.

11. A putting surface dispenser according to claim 10, wherein said handle is hinged such that it may comfortably fit a corresponding storage recess in said housing.

12. A putting surface dispenser according to any of claims 8 to 11 wherein said housing further comprises on an end thereof, a plurality of indentations each for holding a respective golf ball.

13. A putting surface dispenser according to claim 12, wherein said indentations are sealed by a lid or a cap, covering said golf balls whilst kept in storage.

14. A putting surface dispenser according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein said putting surface further comprises a series of distance markers situated along its length at predetermined intervals.

15. A putting practice kit which comprises a putting practice aid according to any of claims 1 to 7, together with a putting surface dispenser according to any of claims 8 to 14, arranged such that said path is above said surface.

16. A putting practice aid substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

17. A putting surface dispenser substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.