US20100197421A1

US20100197421A1 - Putting aid

Info

Publication number: US20100197421A1
Application number: US12/700,855
Authority: US
Inventors: Zachary J. Buchenau; Matthew G. Buchenau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-05
Filing date: 2010-02-05
Publication date: 2010-08-05

Abstract

The present invention in several embodiments comprises a straight crosspiece approximately 24″ long that is supported by two perpendicular recessed support members. The crosspiece may extend out over the putter's sight line. Several adjustable brightly colored clips may be attached to the crosspiece. These pieces may slide apart or together into varying positions in order to train the golfer in the appropriate stroke length for a putt of any distance.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/150,046 filed Feb. 5, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally pertains to golfing aids. Specifically, the present invention relates to a putting aid for visually guiding a golfer's putter in a square path.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is particularly applicable to putting aids and will be described with particular reference thereto.
There is a need for a putting aid that is easily portable and can be used effectively outdoors or indoors. There is also a need for a putting aid that allows for a greater freedom of movement (of the putter) than other devices in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in several embodiments is a device that can assist golfers in improving their putting stroke for more accurate putting and lower scores. This unique device gives golfers a new way to correct poor habits that may be holding them back from performing at the top of their game. This innovative item is ideal for practicing putting in and outdoors so that a user may be trained to hit the ball with their putter in a straight and square path.
Most, putting problems are caused by a putter's blade not hitting through the ball on a square path. This may be caused during the putting stroke by the blade not traveling back and through on a square putting line. Many golfers use too long of a stroke, which can also create problems. Other factors that can lead to poor putting may include improper eye position over the ball and inadequate feet and shoulder alignment. Having a simple way to correct these common flaws may assist golfers in lowering their scores.
One component of this system may be a straight crosspiece approximately 24″ long that is supported by two perpendicular recessed support members. The crosspiece may extend out over the putter's sight line. Several adjustable brightly colored clips may be attached to the crosspiece. These pieces may slide apart or together into varying positions in order to train the golfer in the appropriate stroke length for a putt of any distance.
Alternatively, the straight crosspiece could be slightly bowed or arced around the person putting. This embodiment would accommodate those practicing an arced putting stroke.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide an improved putting aid.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a putting aid that can be secured onto a golf green.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a putting aid that can be used indoors or outdoors.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a putting aid that elegant and simple in design and use.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention; and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of the exterior of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention setup indoors.

FIG. 3 is a close up top view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a close up top view of one embodiment of the present invention with support attachments installed.

FIG. 5 is a general perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-4 which show several views of preferred embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is an apparatus, generally designated 10, that can be utilized to aid golfers in correcting their improper putting technique. One component of this system may be a straight crosspiece 12 approximately 24″ long that is supported by two perpendicular recessed support members 14. The crosspiece may extend out over the putter's sight line. Several adjustable brightly colored clips 16 may be attached to the crosspiece. These pieces may slide apart or together into varying positions in order to train the golfer in the appropriate stroke length for a putt of any distance.
To arrive at a square stroke, the golfer may position his putter so that the putter's sight line is completely obscured by the crosspiece. This may allow the golfer's eye to be properly positioned vertically over the ball. Once in the correct position, the golfer simply strokes the putter back and through while keeping the putter's sight line obscured for the entire length of the stroke. If the golfer's stroke is out of square alignment, it is immediately evident to the eye as soon as the putter's sight line comes into view. For most golfers, the putter's sight line will veer from the crosspiece either outside or inside of the line, immediately showing them where their flaw lies as well as the correct path.
The support members 14 can easily be pushed into the ground with minimal damage to the green. Two additional support attachments 18 may be used to cover the stakes, allowing the unit to be utilized indoors. This item may measure approximately 4″-6″ high, 24″ long and 5″-6″ wide. It may be produced from plastic, metal or other similar, durable materials. When not in use, the crosspiece can be folded down and stored in a convenient carrying pouch 20 along with the other components for easy storage and transporting.
FIG. 5 shows alternative two additional support attachments 18 for a very stable placement. Support attachments 18 could be integrated into the frame of the present invention. Any support means known in the art could be used. Also, centered guide line 20 is position in the middle of crosspiece 12 for stance alignment, putter alignment, eye alignment, or the like.
While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A putting aid comprising:

a substantially straight crosspiece,

a first perpendicular recessed support member,

a second perpendicular recessed support member,

wherein said first perpendicular recessed support member is connected to a first end of said substantially straight crosspiece, and

wherein said second perpendicular recessed support member is connected to a second end of said substantially straight crosspiece.

2. The putting aid of claim 1, further comprising clips positioned on said substantially straight crosspiece.

3. The putting aid of claim 1, further comprising adjustable clips positioned on said substantially straight crosspiece.

4. The putting aid of claim 1, further comprising at least two support attachments for adapting said putting aid for indoor use.

5. The putting aid of claim 1, wherein said first perpendicular recessed support member and said second perpendicular recessed support member are capable of being inserted into soil.

6. The putting aid of claim 1, wherein said first perpendicular recessed support member and said second perpendicular recessed support member are capable of being inserted into soil by means of a pair of sharpened tips on the end of said perpendicular recessed support members.

7. The putting aid of claim 1, further comprising at least two support attachments for adapting said putting aid for indoor use,

wherein said at least two support attachments comprise a substantially cylindrical shaped collar attached to a substantially “T” shaped base.

8. A putting aid comprising:

a substantially straight crosspiece,

a first perpendicular recessed support member with a first substantially “T” shaped base,

a second perpendicular recessed support member with a second substantially “T” shaped base,

9. The putting aid of claim 8, further comprising clips positioned on said substantially straight crosspiece.

10. The putting aid of claim 8, further comprising adjustable clips positioned on said substantially straight crosspiece.

11. The putting aid of claim 8, wherein the putting aid is constructed of several detachable pieces.

12. The putting aid of claim 8, wherein said substantially straight crosspiece, said first perpendicular recessed support member, said first substantially “T” shaped base, said second perpendicular recessed support member, and said second substantially “T” shaped base are independently detachable.

13. The putting aid of claim 8, wherein said substantially straight crosspiece, forms an arc.