US20110263347A1 - Golf putting training apparatus and method of training a golfer to use a putter - Google Patents
Golf putting training apparatus and method of training a golfer to use a putter Download PDFInfo
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- US20110263347A1 US20110263347A1 US12/798,892 US79889210A US2011263347A1 US 20110263347 A1 US20110263347 A1 US 20110263347A1 US 79889210 A US79889210 A US 79889210A US 2011263347 A1 US2011263347 A1 US 2011263347A1
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- tool
- golf
- guide member
- putting
- golf ball
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3676—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for putting
- A63B69/3682—Visual means not attached to the body for aligning, positioning the trainee's head or for detecting head movement, e.g. by parallax
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/12—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with mirrors
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B67/00—Sporting games or accessories therefor, not provided for in groups A63B1/00 - A63B65/00
- A63B67/02—Special golf games, e.g. miniature golf or golf putting games played on putting tracks; putting practice apparatus having an elongated platform as a putting track
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3621—Contacting or non-contacting mechanical means for guiding the swing
Definitions
- This invention disclosure generally relates to the game of golf and, more particularly, to a golf putting training apparatus and method of training a golfer to use a putter.
- the putting stroke is only one of several types of golf swings, yet it accounts for nearly half of all swings made during regulation play. Despite its rather innocent-looking appearance, and as any good golfer knows, the ability to accurately and consistently putt a golf ball is a very difficult skill to develop, acquire and maintain.
- a golfer typically imagines a target line between the position of the ball on the green or putting surface and the golf cup or “hole.”
- the target line imagined by the golfer is that path for the ball which, if followed, results in the ball landing in the cup.
- To properly envision the target line it is helpful for a golfer to vertically align their line of sight with a vertical plane which is perpendicular to the putting green or surface and passes through the centerline of the ball. If the golfer's line of sight is not aligned in this manner, it is less likely the golfer will correctly envision the target line, and more likely the golfer will envision a line that does not lead the ball to the cup thereby adding frustration to the game and the golfer. Even if the remainder of the golfer's putting stroke is perfect, the ball is likely to follow the improperly envisioned line, rather than the target line and not land in the cup.
- the ball can still miss the cup if the club face or striking surface of the putter does not travel along a target line during the golfer's putting stroke. Additionally, and even if the golfer does properly envision the target line and swings the club face of the putter in line with the target line during the putting stoke, the ball can nevertheless still miss the cup if the striking surface or club face of the putter is not square to the ball when the club face contacts the ball.
- the golfer In order to develop an accurate and consistent putting stroke, the golfer will find it helpful to combine each of the elements of properly aligning the golfer's line of sight over the target line, swing the putter club face in line with the target line, and squaring the club face of the putter when the club face contacts the ball.
- a golf putting training apparatus for improving a golf stroke along a line of intended travel of a golf ball.
- the golf training apparatus includes a first upright support, a second upright support, and an eye alignment tool for aligning a user's eyes above the apparatus and in a vertical plane that includes the golf ball and the line of intended travel.
- the eye alignment tool is supported by and connected between the supports and above the golf ball and includes a substantially linear top edge and pair of generally parallel planar sides depending from the top edge toward a lower bottom edge.
- the golf putting training apparatus further includes a longitudinally elongated tool arranged under the lower bottom edge of the eye alignment tool and extending along the line of intended travel of the golf ball.
- the elongated tool has an upper surface upon which the golf ball can rest, and with the upper surface of the elongated tool having a finish for enhancing viewing at least one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface, and with the vertical plane being aligned with the center of the golf ball and the line of intended travel for the ball.
- the longitudinally elongated tool of the golf putting training apparatus is generally equal to or greater in length than the eye alignment tool.
- the longitudinally elongated tool of the golf putting training apparatus has a length which is significantly greater than a width of said longitudinally elongated tool.
- the width of the longitudinally elongated tool is preferably greater than the diameter of a regulation size golf ball.
- the longitudinally elongated tool defines a series of openings along the length thereof, with each opening being generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongated tool for facilitating placement of the gold ball beneath the eye alignment tool.
- the finish on the upper surface of the elongated tool includes a paint different from that provided on the planar sides of the eye alignment tool whereby enhancing viewing at least one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface.
- the longitudinally elongated tool also includes a lower surface adapted to lie on the putting surface when the longitudinally elongated tool is arranged under the lower bottom edge of the alignment tool, and with the lower surface being provided with a finish thereon.
- the longitudinally elongated tool defines a centrally disposed indicator extending between the ends of the longitudinally elongated tool for facilitating alignment of the longitudinally elongated tool with the intended line of travel for the golf ball.
- a golf putting training apparatus including a first upright support, a second upright support, and an elongated rigid eye alignment tool for aligning a user's eyes above the apparatus and in a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface.
- the vertical plane is aligned with a golf ball and the line of intended travel for the ball.
- the eye alignment tool is supported by and connected between the supports and above the golf ball and includes a substantially linear top edge and pair of generally parallel sides depending from said top edge toward a lower bottom edge.
- the golf putting training apparatus further includes a longitudinally elongated tool arranged under the lower bottom edge of the eye alignment tool and extending along the line of intended travel of the golf ball.
- the elongated tool has an upper surface upon which the golf ball can rest, and with the upper surface of the elongated tool being treated so as to enhance viewing of at least one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface, and with the vertical plane being aligned with the center of the golf ball and the line of intended travel for the ball.
- the longitudinally elongated tool of the golf putting training apparatus is generally equal to or greater in length than the eye alignment tool.
- the longitudinally elongated tool of the golf putting training apparatus has a length which is significantly greater than a width of the longitudinally elongated tool.
- the longitudinally elongated tool defines a centrally disposed indicator extending between the ends of the longitudinally elongated tool for facilitating alignment of the longitudinally elongated tool with the intended line of travel for the golf ball.
- the longitudinally elongated tool defines a series of openings along the length thereof, with each opening being generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongated tool for facilitating placement of the gold ball beneath the eye alignment tool.
- the planar surfaces on the eye alignment tool are treated to provide a visual indication when the user's eyes are located in other than the vertical plane.
- the upper surface of the elongated tool is treated differently from the treatment provided on the planar sides of the eye alignment tool whereby enhancing viewing at least one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface.
- the longitudinally elongated tool also includes a lower surface extending generally parallel to the upper surface and which is adapted to lie on the putting surface when the longitudinally elongated tool is arranged under the lower bottom edge of the alignment tool.
- the lower surface is treated differently from the treatment provided on the planar sides of the eye alignment tool whereby enhancing viewing at least one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface.
- a method of training a golfer to use a putter having a putting head with a reference marker extending across a striking face there and which is to be used by the golfer during a golf putting stroke includes the steps of: arranging a golf training apparatus in operable combination with a golf ball on a putting surface, with the golf training apparatus including a pair of upright supports and an eye alignment tool extending along a line of intended travel for the golf ball, with the tool being supported by and connected between the supports and above the golf ball and includes a substantially linear top edge and pair of generally parallel planar sides depending from the top edge toward a lower bottom edge; aligning the golfer's eyes above the apparatus and in a vertical plane that includes the golf ball and the line of intended travel such that only the top edge and not the planar sides of the eye alignment tool is viewable to the golfer.
- Such method further includes the step of: arranging a longitudinally elongated tool under the lower bottom edge of the eye alignment tool and extending along the line of intended travel of the golf ball, with the elongated tool having an upper surface upon which the golf ball can rest, and with the upper surface of the elongated tool being treated so as to enhance viewing of at least one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface, and with the vertical plane being aligned with the center of the golf ball and the line of intended travel for the golf ball.
- the method of training a golfer includes the further step of: aligning a reference marker on the elongated tool with the line of intended travel of the ball.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of a golf training putting training apparatus embodying principals of this invention disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the golf putting training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of one end of the golf putting training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of an opposite end of the golf putting training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 3 and illustrates how the golf putting training apparatus enables the golfer to judge whether their eyes are in alignment in a vertical plane over a golf ball;
- FIG. 6 is a fragmentary and enlarged schematic illustration of what the golfer views when using the golf putting training apparatus of the present disclosure and their eyes are in alignment in a vertical plane over a golf ball;
- FIG. 7 is a fragmentary and enlarged schematic illustration of what the golfer views when using the golf putting training apparatus of the present disclosure and their eyes are not in alignment in a vertical plane over a golf ball;
- FIG. 8 is a fragmentary and enlarged schematic illustration similar to FIG. 7 showing what the golfer views when using the golf putting training apparatus of the present disclosure and their eyes are not in alignment in a vertical plane over a golf ball;
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged end view of the golf putting training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 10 is a plan view of a reflective device which can be used in operable combination with the golf putting training apparatus of this invention disclosure
- FIG. 11 is an end view illustrating the reflective device shown in FIG. 10 in operable combination with the golf putting training apparatus of this invention disclosure
- FIG. 12 is a fragmentary schematic representation of the image provided by the reflective device when used in operable combination with the golf putting training apparatus of this invention disclosure
- FIG. 13 is a fragmentary showing of a conventional golf putter
- FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing another aspect of this invention disclosure
- FIG. 15 is top plan view of a longitudinally elongated tool which can be used in operable combination with the golf putting training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 16 is a side elevation of the longitudinally elongated tool illustrated in FIG. 15 ;
- FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17 - 17 of FIG. 14 ;
- FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 18 - 18 of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 1 there is shown a golf putting training apparatus, generally indicated by reference numeral 10 , which embodies principals of this invention disclosure and is arranged on a putting surface S.
- the golf putting training apparatus 10 includes a first upright and rigid support 12 , a second upright and rigid support 14 , along with a rigid and longitudinally elongated eye alignment tool 18 .
- Support 12 is preferably fabricated from a suitable metal material such as aluminum or the like. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , support 12 extends upwardly or vertically in a direction preferably perpendicular to the putting surface S.
- support 14 is preferably fabricated from a suitable metal material such as aluminum or the like. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , support 14 extends upwardly or vertically in a direction preferably perpendicular to the putting surface S.
- the eye alignment tool 18 has an elongated configuration and is likewise preferably formed from a suitable metal material such as aluminum or the like.
- the eye alignment tool 18 includes a substantially linear upper or top edge 42 , a lower or bottom edge 44 , and a pair of generally parallel planar side surfaces 46 and 48 ( FIG. 2 ) extending between edges 42 and 44 .
- tool 18 has a generally rectangular configuration between the edges thereof.
- tool 18 has a length (the distance between opposed ends) ranging between about 42 inches to about 47 inches and a height (the vertical distance between the top and bottom edges 42 and 46 ) of about 3.5 inches and about 4.5 inches.
- tool 18 has a length of about 45.2 inches and a height of about 4.0 inches. Moreover, tool 18 has a thickness (the distance between the planar surfaces 46 and 48 ) ranging between about 0.097 inches and about 0.187 inches. In a preferred form, tool 18 has a thickness of about 0.125 inches.
- one end of the eye alignment tool 18 is provided with a mounting flange 43 to facilitate releasable attachment of that end of the tool toward an upper end of the support 12 .
- Any suitable form of fasteners 47 including a threaded bolt and nut combination can be used to operably connect the end of tool 18 to support 12 .
- an opposite end of the eye alignment tool 18 is provided with a mounting flange 45 to facilitate releasable attachment of the end of the tool 18 toward an upper end of the support 14 .
- any suitable form of fasteners 47 including a threaded bolt and nut combination or other forms of releasable fasteners can be used to operably connect the end of tool 18 to support 14 .
- the releasable attachment of tool 18 to supports 12 , 14 facilitates handling, shipping and overall transportation of apparatus 10 .
- eye alignment tool 18 it is also within the spirit and scope of this invention disclosure to allow the eye alignment tool 18 to be operably connected to the supports 12 and 14 so as to allow for adjustment of the vertical spacing under and between the lower or bottom edge 44 of tool 18 and the putting surface S ( FIG. 3 ).
- such adjustments can be affected through the provision of elongated vertical slots in either the attachment flange portions of tool 18 of through elongated slots in the supports 12 , 14 .
- the lower or bottom edge 44 of tool 18 is vertically spaced from the putting surface S a sufficient distance to permit a regulation size golf ball B ( FIG. 3 ) to be placed thereunder and with sufficient room such that a head of a conventional golf putter 80 ( FIG. 13 ) can fit thereunder in a manner permitting a golfer to practice their putting swing movements.
- the sides 46 and 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 are disposed in a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to the putting surface S.
- the upper or top edge 42 of the eye alignment tool 18 defines a target line TL ( FIGS. 6 , 7 and 8 ) which is a preferred path for a golf ball to follow as it passes toward a target.
- the upper or top edge 42 of the eye alignment tool 18 is highlighted by treating or otherwise being provided with coloring, i.e., white paint or other suitable indicator for enhancing a golfer's perception of the line of travel to be taken by a golf ball during use of apparatus 10 .
- the planar sides 46 and 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 are also preferably highlighted by treating or otherwise being provided with coloring, i.e. a brightly colored paint other than or different from that used on the top edge 42 or other suitable indicator.
- the opposed sides 46 and 48 could each have an individual color or indicator thereon different from the top edge 42 and different from each other without detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
- apparatus 10 furthermore preferably includes a handle 50 for facilitating transportation of apparatus 10 between locations.
- the handle 50 preferably includes an elongated slot or opening 52 in tool 18 approximately midlength between opposed ends thereof.
- the opening 52 in tool 18 has a closed margin and extends laterally through the tool 18 such that no projections extend outwardly from opposed sides 46 , 48 of the tool 18 which could prove to be detractions for the user of apparatus 10 .
- At least one of the supports 12 , 14 of apparatus 10 defines a target 60 .
- each of the supports 12 , 14 defines a target 60 , 62 , respectively.
- Each target 60 , 62 is centered with respect to the intended travel of the golf ball B or target line TL during practice.
- Each target 60 , 62 defined by the supports 12 , 14 , respectively, is at least as large as regulation size golf ball.
- each target 60 , 62 is defined by an opening 64 , 66 , respectively, in the respective support 12 , 14 .
- a reflective device 70 adapted for use in combination with the golf putting training apparatus 10 .
- the reflective device 70 has a reflective surface 72 and, as schematically represented in FIG. 12 , is sized to reflect the face of the golfer using the golf putting training apparatus 10 .
- the reflective device 70 is provided with a line or indicator 74 preferably extending thereacross.
- the reflective device 70 When arranged in operable combination with the golf putting training apparatus 10 , and as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the reflective device 70 is positioned or placed under the eye alignment tool 18 with the reflective surface 72 facing toward the tool 18 and with the line or indicator 74 on surface 72 ( FIG. 12 ) being aligned with the target line TL defined by the eye alignment tool 18 .
- Th purpose of device 70 is to provide the user of apparatus 10 with an immediate visual indication of any unwanted and inadvertent head movements along with eye alignment relative to the vertical plane defined by the eye alignment apparatus 18 and the centerline of the golf ball during a putting stroke.
- a longitudinally elongated tool 80 which, when arranged in operable combination with and part of the golf putting training apparatus 10 , is arranged under the lower bottom edge 44 ( FIG. 17 ) of the eye alignment tool 18 .
- tool 80 extends along the line of intended travel TL of the golf ball (not shown).
- Tool 80 is preferably formed from a suitable metal material such as aluminum or the like.
- tool 80 includes a pair of generally parallel major planar upper and lower surfaces 82 and 84 ( FIG. 16 ), respectively, extending between the side edges 83 and 85 and between opposed ends 86 and 88 .
- a ball is positioned on the upper surface 82 while the lower surface 84 is adapted to lie on the putting surface S during use of apparatus 10 .
- the tool 80 is reversible to enhance the dexterity and usefulness thereof.
- tool 80 has a length (the distance between opposed ends 86 , 88 ) ranging between about 46 inches to about 49 inches and a width (the distance between the side edges 83 and 85 ) of about 1.125 inches and about 2 inches. In a most preferred form, tool 80 has a length of about 47 inches and a width of about 1.25 inches. Moreover, tool 80 has a thickness (the distance between the planar upper and lower surfaces 82 and 84 , respectively) ranging between about 0.097 inches and about 0.187 inches. In a preferred form, tool 80 has a thickness of about 0.125 inches.
- tool 80 is generally equal to or greater in length than the eye alignment tool 18 . As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , tool 80 has a length which is significantly greater than its width. Moreover, it should be understood, the width of tool 80 is less than a diameter of a regulation size golf ball. As such, and when tool 80 is sized longer than the eye alignment tool 18 , tool 80 is permitted to fit and extend through the target openings 64 , 66 defined by the supports 12 , 14 , respectively, of apparatus 10 ( FIG. 17 ).
- tool, 80 defines a series of openings 89 along the length thereof.
- tool 80 is shown to define three openings 89 ; with substantially equivalent longitudinal spacing being provided therebetween.
- the openings 89 are generally aligned with a longitudinal axis 81 of tool 80 .
- the openings 89 facilitate placement of a golf ball B beneath the eye alignment tool 18 and on the upper surface of tool 80 .
- the upper major surface 82 of tool 80 has a finish thereon for enhancing viewing of at least one of the least one of the planar sides 46 , 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to the putting surface S and with the vertical plane being aligned with the golf ball and the line of intended travel TL for the ball.
- Such finish is preferably in the form of a colored paint or the like which contrasts with or is different from the treatment provided on the opposed sides 46 , 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 whereby enhancing viewing of at least one of the least one of the planar sides 46 , 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 during use of apparatus 10 .
- the other major or lower surface 84 of tool 80 likewise preferably has a finish thereon for enhancing viewing of at least one of the least one of the planar sides 46 , 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 when the tool 80 is reversed from the position illustrated in FIG. 17 .
- the finish on surface 84 is preferably in the form of a colored paint or the like which contrasts with or is different from the treatment provided on the opposed sides 46 , 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 whereby enhancing viewing of at least one of the least one of the planar sides 46 , 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 during use of apparatus 10 .
- At least surface 82 of tool 80 is provided with a longitudinally elongated indicator or reference marker 90 thereon.
- surface 84 of tool 80 is likewise provided with a longitudinally elongated indicator or reference thereon.
- the indicator or marker is 90 is centrally disposed and preferably extends between the ends 86 , 88 of the tool 80 for facilitating alignment of the tool 80 relative to the intended line of travel TL of the ball.
- the eye alignment tool 18 of apparatus 10 enables a user to judge when their eyes are in alignment in a vertical plane over the golf ball B.
- FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the user's eyes in three different positions A, B and C along with the corresponding line of sight A′, B′ and C′.
- a highlighting indicator such as paint or the like
- the top edge 42 of the eye alignment tool will only serve to enhance a golfer's perception of the line of travel TL to be taken by a golf ball during use of apparatus 10 .
- Testing has revealed having the tool 80 arranged beneath the eye alignment tool 18 significantly enhances the ability of the user to view the sides 46 , 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 and ensure proper alignment during use of the apparatus 10 .
- proper eye alignment along with proper head and body placement will be automatically affected during a putting stroke.
- the eye alignment tool 18 When the user's eyes are not in the vertical plane (as represented in position “B”) and the user views the eye alignment tool along sight line B′, and as represented in FIG. 7 , the user will see both the top edge 42 and the planar side 46 of the eye alignment apparatus 18 . As such, the eye alignment tool 18 will provide the user with a visual image and clear indication they are not properly aligned with the ball B to affect a proper putting stroke and the user should relocate to affect proper alignment. As will be appreciated from FIG.
- providing a high lighting indicator, such as a bright paint color or the like, on surface 46 of tool 18 which is different from the highlighting indicator on the top edge 42 of the eye alignment tool 18 will only serve to enhance a user's perception of their vertical misalignment relative to the ball B to affect a proper putt.
- providing a different color or other treatment on the upward facing surface of tool 80 from that provided on the sides 46 , 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 will furthermore serve to enhance a user's perception of their vertical misalignment relative to the ball B to affect a proper putt.
- the eye alignment tool 18 When the user's eyes are not in the vertical plane (as represented in position “C”) and the user views the eye alignment tool along sight line C′, and as represented in FIG. 8 , the user will see both the top edge 42 and the planar side 48 of the eye alignment apparatus 18 . As such, the eye alignment tool 18 will provide the user with a visual image and clear indication they are not properly aligned with the ball B to affect a proper putting stroke and the user should relocate to affect proper alignment. As will be appreciated from FIG.
- providing a high lighting indicator, such as a bright paint color or the like, on surface 48 of tool 18 which is different from the high lighting indicator on the top edge 42 of the eye alignment tool 18 will only serve to enhance a user's perception of their vertical misalignment relative to the ball B to affect a proper putt.
- providing a high lighting indicator, such as a bright paint color or the like, on planar surface 48 of tool 18 which is different from either the high lighting indicator on the top edge 42 or the high lighting color on the opposed planar surface 46 of the eye alignment tool 18 will only serve to enhance a user's perception of their vertical misalignment relative to the ball B to affect a proper putt along with providing an indicator of the direction of their misalignment.
- a fragmentary showing of a conventional golf putter is represented generally by reference numeral 80 in FIG. 9 .
- a typical putter 80 includes a putter head 82 defining a generally planar surface or striking face 84 .
- Putter alignment mark(s), generally represented by reference numeral 86 are usually provided on the striking face 84 of the putter 80 .
- Such visual alignment marks or aids 86 can be incorporated into the putter designs and are typically a vertical groove on the face 82 or the top putter surface 88 of the putter head 82 . Such grooves can be highlighted by the use of white, black, red or other contrasting colors of paint or colored inserts.
- the eye alignment tool 18 of apparatus 10 furthermore facilitates proper positioning of the club face or striking surface 84 of the putter 80 along the target line TL ( FIG. 6 ) during the golfer's putting stroke. That is, by maintaining the visual alignment marks or aids 86 on the putter 80 in line with the top edge 42 of the eye alignment tool 18 , proper positioning of the club face or striking surface 82 of the putter 80 along the target line TL ( FIG. 6 ) during the golfer's putting stroke is enhanced.
- a method of training a golfer to use a putter 80 having a putting head 82 with a reference marker 86 extending across a striking face 84 thereof and which is to be used by the golfer during a golf putting stroke is provided.
- Such method includes the steps of: arranging a golf training apparatus 10 in operable combination with a golf ball B on a putting surface S, with the golf training apparatus 10 including a pair of upright supports 12 , 14 and an eye alignment tool 18 extending along a line of intended travel for the golf ball, with the tool 18 being supported by and connected between the supports 12 , 14 and above the golf ball B and includes a substantially linear top edge 42 and pair of generally parallel planar sides 46 , 48 depending from the top edge 42 toward a lower bottom edge 46 ; and, aligning the golfer's eyes above the apparatus 10 and in a vertical plane that includes the golf ball and the line of intended travel such that only the top edge 42 and not the planar sides 46 , 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 is viewable to the golfer.
- Another step in the method involves arranging a longitudinally elongated tool 80 under the lower bottom edge 44 of the eye alignment tool 18 and extending along the line of intended travel TL of the golf ball.
- the elongated tool has an upper surface 82 upon which the golf ball can rest, and with the upper surface 82 of the tool 80 being treated so as to enhance viewing of at least one of the planar sides 46 , 48 of the eye alignment tool 18 when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface S, and with said vertical plane being aligned with the center of the golf ball and the line of intended travel TL for the ball.
- the method of training a golfer can include the further step of: aligning the reference marker 86 on the striking face 84 of the putter head 82 with the vertical plane including the golf ball B and the line of intended travel of the ball.
- the method of training a golfer includes the further step of: providing a mirrored or reflective surface 72 sufficiently sized to reflect the golfer's face beneath the ball B and the eye alignment tool 18 of the golf training apparatus 10 such that the golfer can view head movements and eye alignment during a putting stroke.
- the method of training a golfer can include the further step of: proving a target 60 on at least one of the supports 12 , 14 .
- the method of training a golfer can include the further step of: providing a target opening 64 , 66 on the supports 60 , 62 , respectively, with each opening 64 , 66 being defined at least as large as a regulation size golf ball.
- the method of training a golfer can include the further step of: aligning a reference marker 90 on the elongated tool 80 with the line of intended travel TL of the ball.
Abstract
Description
- This patent application is a Continuation-In-Part of my cozening patent application Ser. No. ______ filed on: Apr. 7, 2010.
- This invention disclosure generally relates to the game of golf and, more particularly, to a golf putting training apparatus and method of training a golfer to use a putter.
- Golf is a popular game but one that is technically demanding. Learning correct techniques to be used on a golf course can lead to significant improvements in a golfer's performance and, thus, lead to lower scores. To become a better golfer, a golfer must master consistency in all aspects of their various swings.
- The putting stroke is only one of several types of golf swings, yet it accounts for nearly half of all swings made during regulation play. Despite its rather innocent-looking appearance, and as any good golfer knows, the ability to accurately and consistently putt a golf ball is a very difficult skill to develop, acquire and maintain.
- During putting, a golfer typically imagines a target line between the position of the ball on the green or putting surface and the golf cup or “hole.” The target line imagined by the golfer is that path for the ball which, if followed, results in the ball landing in the cup. To properly envision the target line, it is helpful for a golfer to vertically align their line of sight with a vertical plane which is perpendicular to the putting green or surface and passes through the centerline of the ball. If the golfer's line of sight is not aligned in this manner, it is less likely the golfer will correctly envision the target line, and more likely the golfer will envision a line that does not lead the ball to the cup thereby adding frustration to the game and the golfer. Even if the remainder of the golfer's putting stroke is perfect, the ball is likely to follow the improperly envisioned line, rather than the target line and not land in the cup.
- Even if the golfer does properly envisions the target line, the ball can still miss the cup if the club face or striking surface of the putter does not travel along a target line during the golfer's putting stroke. Additionally, and even if the golfer does properly envision the target line and swings the club face of the putter in line with the target line during the putting stoke, the ball can nevertheless still miss the cup if the striking surface or club face of the putter is not square to the ball when the club face contacts the ball. In order to develop an accurate and consistent putting stroke, the golfer will find it helpful to combine each of the elements of properly aligning the golfer's line of sight over the target line, swing the putter club face in line with the target line, and squaring the club face of the putter when the club face contacts the ball.
- In view of the foregoing, there is continuing need and desire for a golf putting training apparatus in which a correct putting swing can be taught along with a method for training a user to swing a golf putter.
- According to one aspect of this invention disclosure there is provided a golf putting training apparatus for improving a golf stroke along a line of intended travel of a golf ball. The golf training apparatus includes a first upright support, a second upright support, and an eye alignment tool for aligning a user's eyes above the apparatus and in a vertical plane that includes the golf ball and the line of intended travel. The eye alignment tool is supported by and connected between the supports and above the golf ball and includes a substantially linear top edge and pair of generally parallel planar sides depending from the top edge toward a lower bottom edge. The golf putting training apparatus further includes a longitudinally elongated tool arranged under the lower bottom edge of the eye alignment tool and extending along the line of intended travel of the golf ball. The elongated tool has an upper surface upon which the golf ball can rest, and with the upper surface of the elongated tool having a finish for enhancing viewing at least one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface, and with the vertical plane being aligned with the center of the golf ball and the line of intended travel for the ball.
- Preferably, the longitudinally elongated tool of the golf putting training apparatus is generally equal to or greater in length than the eye alignment tool. In one form, the longitudinally elongated tool of the golf putting training apparatus has a length which is significantly greater than a width of said longitudinally elongated tool. The width of the longitudinally elongated tool is preferably greater than the diameter of a regulation size golf ball. In another form, the longitudinally elongated tool defines a series of openings along the length thereof, with each opening being generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongated tool for facilitating placement of the gold ball beneath the eye alignment tool.
- In another form, the finish on the upper surface of the elongated tool includes a paint different from that provided on the planar sides of the eye alignment tool whereby enhancing viewing at least one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface. Preferably, the longitudinally elongated tool also includes a lower surface adapted to lie on the putting surface when the longitudinally elongated tool is arranged under the lower bottom edge of the alignment tool, and with the lower surface being provided with a finish thereon. In another embodiment, the longitudinally elongated tool defines a centrally disposed indicator extending between the ends of the longitudinally elongated tool for facilitating alignment of the longitudinally elongated tool with the intended line of travel for the golf ball.
- According to another aspect, there is provided a golf putting training apparatus including a first upright support, a second upright support, and an elongated rigid eye alignment tool for aligning a user's eyes above the apparatus and in a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface. The vertical plane is aligned with a golf ball and the line of intended travel for the ball. The eye alignment tool is supported by and connected between the supports and above the golf ball and includes a substantially linear top edge and pair of generally parallel sides depending from said top edge toward a lower bottom edge. The golf putting training apparatus further includes a longitudinally elongated tool arranged under the lower bottom edge of the eye alignment tool and extending along the line of intended travel of the golf ball. The elongated tool has an upper surface upon which the golf ball can rest, and with the upper surface of the elongated tool being treated so as to enhance viewing of at least one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface, and with the vertical plane being aligned with the center of the golf ball and the line of intended travel for the ball.
- Preferably, the longitudinally elongated tool of the golf putting training apparatus is generally equal to or greater in length than the eye alignment tool. In one form, the longitudinally elongated tool of the golf putting training apparatus has a length which is significantly greater than a width of the longitudinally elongated tool. In another embodiment, the longitudinally elongated tool defines a centrally disposed indicator extending between the ends of the longitudinally elongated tool for facilitating alignment of the longitudinally elongated tool with the intended line of travel for the golf ball. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinally elongated tool defines a series of openings along the length thereof, with each opening being generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the elongated tool for facilitating placement of the gold ball beneath the eye alignment tool.
- In one form, the planar surfaces on the eye alignment tool are treated to provide a visual indication when the user's eyes are located in other than the vertical plane. In this form, the upper surface of the elongated tool is treated differently from the treatment provided on the planar sides of the eye alignment tool whereby enhancing viewing at least one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface. In another form, the longitudinally elongated tool also includes a lower surface extending generally parallel to the upper surface and which is adapted to lie on the putting surface when the longitudinally elongated tool is arranged under the lower bottom edge of the alignment tool. In this form, the lower surface is treated differently from the treatment provided on the planar sides of the eye alignment tool whereby enhancing viewing at least one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface.
- According to another aspect, there is provided a method of training a golfer to use a putter having a putting head with a reference marker extending across a striking face there and which is to be used by the golfer during a golf putting stroke. Such method includes the steps of: arranging a golf training apparatus in operable combination with a golf ball on a putting surface, with the golf training apparatus including a pair of upright supports and an eye alignment tool extending along a line of intended travel for the golf ball, with the tool being supported by and connected between the supports and above the golf ball and includes a substantially linear top edge and pair of generally parallel planar sides depending from the top edge toward a lower bottom edge; aligning the golfer's eyes above the apparatus and in a vertical plane that includes the golf ball and the line of intended travel such that only the top edge and not the planar sides of the eye alignment tool is viewable to the golfer. Such method further includes the step of: arranging a longitudinally elongated tool under the lower bottom edge of the eye alignment tool and extending along the line of intended travel of the golf ball, with the elongated tool having an upper surface upon which the golf ball can rest, and with the upper surface of the elongated tool being treated so as to enhance viewing of at least one of the planar sides of the eye alignment tool when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface, and with the vertical plane being aligned with the center of the golf ball and the line of intended travel for the golf ball.
- Preferably, the method of training a golfer includes the further step of: aligning a reference marker on the elongated tool with the line of intended travel of the ball.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of a golf training putting training apparatus embodying principals of this invention disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the golf putting training apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of one end of the golf putting training apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of an opposite end of the golf putting training apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 3 and illustrates how the golf putting training apparatus enables the golfer to judge whether their eyes are in alignment in a vertical plane over a golf ball; -
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary and enlarged schematic illustration of what the golfer views when using the golf putting training apparatus of the present disclosure and their eyes are in alignment in a vertical plane over a golf ball; -
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary and enlarged schematic illustration of what the golfer views when using the golf putting training apparatus of the present disclosure and their eyes are not in alignment in a vertical plane over a golf ball; -
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary and enlarged schematic illustration similar toFIG. 7 showing what the golfer views when using the golf putting training apparatus of the present disclosure and their eyes are not in alignment in a vertical plane over a golf ball; -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged end view of the golf putting training apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a reflective device which can be used in operable combination with the golf putting training apparatus of this invention disclosure; -
FIG. 11 is an end view illustrating the reflective device shown inFIG. 10 in operable combination with the golf putting training apparatus of this invention disclosure; -
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary schematic representation of the image provided by the reflective device when used in operable combination with the golf putting training apparatus of this invention disclosure; -
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary showing of a conventional golf putter; -
FIG. 14 is a view similar toFIG. 2 showing another aspect of this invention disclosure; -
FIG. 15 is top plan view of a longitudinally elongated tool which can be used in operable combination with the golf putting training apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 16 is a side elevation of the longitudinally elongated tool illustrated inFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17-17 ofFIG. 14 ; and -
FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 18-18 ofFIG. 15 . - While this invention disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in multiple forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a preferred embodiment, with the understanding the present disclosure sets forth an exemplification of the disclosure which is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiment illustrated and described.
- Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, in
FIG. 1 there is shown a golf putting training apparatus, generally indicated byreference numeral 10, which embodies principals of this invention disclosure and is arranged on a putting surface S. As shown inFIG. 1 , the golf puttingtraining apparatus 10 includes a first upright andrigid support 12, a second upright andrigid support 14, along with a rigid and longitudinally elongatedeye alignment tool 18. -
Support 12 is preferably fabricated from a suitable metal material such as aluminum or the like. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 ,support 12 extends upwardly or vertically in a direction preferably perpendicular to the putting surface S. Similarly,support 14 is preferably fabricated from a suitable metal material such as aluminum or the like. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 ,support 14 extends upwardly or vertically in a direction preferably perpendicular to the putting surface S. - The
eye alignment tool 18 has an elongated configuration and is likewise preferably formed from a suitable metal material such as aluminum or the like. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 , theeye alignment tool 18 includes a substantially linear upper ortop edge 42, a lower orbottom edge 44, and a pair of generally parallel planar side surfaces 46 and 48 (FIG. 2 ) extending betweenedges tool 18 has a generally rectangular configuration between the edges thereof. In a preferred embodiment,tool 18 has a length (the distance between opposed ends) ranging between about 42 inches to about 47 inches and a height (the vertical distance between the top andbottom edges 42 and 46) of about 3.5 inches and about 4.5 inches. In a most preferred form,tool 18 has a length of about 45.2 inches and a height of about 4.0 inches. Moreover,tool 18 has a thickness (the distance between theplanar surfaces 46 and 48) ranging between about 0.097 inches and about 0.187 inches. In a preferred form,tool 18 has a thickness of about 0.125 inches. - As illustrated by way of example in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , one end of theeye alignment tool 18 is provided with a mountingflange 43 to facilitate releasable attachment of that end of the tool toward an upper end of thesupport 12. Any suitable form offasteners 47 including a threaded bolt and nut combination can be used to operably connect the end oftool 18 to support 12. - As illustrated by way of example in
FIGS. 2 and 4 , an opposite end of theeye alignment tool 18 is provided with a mountingflange 45 to facilitate releasable attachment of the end of thetool 18 toward an upper end of thesupport 14. Again, any suitable form offasteners 47 including a threaded bolt and nut combination or other forms of releasable fasteners can be used to operably connect the end oftool 18 to support 14. The releasable attachment oftool 18 tosupports apparatus 10. It is also within the spirit and scope of this invention disclosure to allow theeye alignment tool 18 to be operably connected to thesupports bottom edge 44 oftool 18 and the putting surface S (FIG. 3 ). In one form, such adjustments can be affected through the provision of elongated vertical slots in either the attachment flange portions oftool 18 of through elongated slots in thesupports - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , whentool 18 is operably joined tosupports bottom edge 44 oftool 18 is vertically spaced from the putting surface S a sufficient distance to permit a regulation size golf ball B (FIG. 3 ) to be placed thereunder and with sufficient room such that a head of a conventional golf putter 80 (FIG. 13 ) can fit thereunder in a manner permitting a golfer to practice their putting swing movements. As shown inFIG. 5 , and whentool 18 is operably joined tosupports sides eye alignment tool 18 are disposed in a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to the putting surface S. Notably, and during use ofapparatus 10, the upper ortop edge 42 of theeye alignment tool 18 defines a target line TL (FIGS. 6 , 7 and 8) which is a preferred path for a golf ball to follow as it passes toward a target. - In one embodiment of
apparatus 10, the upper ortop edge 42 of theeye alignment tool 18 is highlighted by treating or otherwise being provided with coloring, i.e., white paint or other suitable indicator for enhancing a golfer's perception of the line of travel to be taken by a golf ball during use ofapparatus 10. Moreover, theplanar sides eye alignment tool 18 are also preferably highlighted by treating or otherwise being provided with coloring, i.e. a brightly colored paint other than or different from that used on thetop edge 42 or other suitable indicator. Of course, theopposed sides top edge 42 and different from each other without detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. - Returning to
FIG. 1 ,apparatus 10 furthermore preferably includes ahandle 50 for facilitating transportation ofapparatus 10 between locations. In a preferred form, and to limit detractions to thegolfer using apparatus 10, thehandle 50 preferably includes an elongated slot or opening 52 intool 18 approximately midlength between opposed ends thereof. Preferably, theopening 52 intool 18 has a closed margin and extends laterally through thetool 18 such that no projections extend outwardly fromopposed sides tool 18 which could prove to be detractions for the user ofapparatus 10. - In the exemplary form illustrated in
FIG. 9 , at least one of thesupports apparatus 10 defines atarget 60. In a preferred form, each of thesupports target target target supports target opening respective support - According to another aspect of the present disclosure, and as shown in
FIGS. 10 , 11 and 12, there is provided areflective device 70 adapted for use in combination with the golf puttingtraining apparatus 10. In the illustrated embodiment, thereflective device 70 has areflective surface 72 and, as schematically represented inFIG. 12 , is sized to reflect the face of the golfer using the golf puttingtraining apparatus 10. As illustrated inFIG. 10 , thereflective device 70 is provided with a line orindicator 74 preferably extending thereacross. - When arranged in operable combination with the golf putting
training apparatus 10, and as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12 , thereflective device 70 is positioned or placed under theeye alignment tool 18 with thereflective surface 72 facing toward thetool 18 and with the line orindicator 74 on surface 72 (FIG. 12 ) being aligned with the target line TL defined by theeye alignment tool 18. Th purpose ofdevice 70 is to provide the user ofapparatus 10 with an immediate visual indication of any unwanted and inadvertent head movements along with eye alignment relative to the vertical plane defined by theeye alignment apparatus 18 and the centerline of the golf ball during a putting stroke. - According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a longitudinally elongated
tool 80 which, when arranged in operable combination with and part of the golf puttingtraining apparatus 10, is arranged under the lower bottom edge 44 (FIG. 17 ) of theeye alignment tool 18. Preferably, and as shown inFIG. 14 ,tool 80 extends along the line of intended travel TL of the golf ball (not shown). -
Tool 80 is preferably formed from a suitable metal material such as aluminum or the like. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16 ,tool 80 includes a pair of generally parallel major planar upper andlower surfaces 82 and 84 (FIG. 16 ), respectively, extending between the side edges 83 and 85 and between opposed ends 86 and 88. During use, a ball is positioned on theupper surface 82 while thelower surface 84 is adapted to lie on the putting surface S during use ofapparatus 10. Of course, thetool 80 is reversible to enhance the dexterity and usefulness thereof. In one form,tool 80 has a length (the distance between opposed ends 86, 88) ranging between about 46 inches to about 49 inches and a width (the distance between the side edges 83 and 85) of about 1.125 inches and about 2 inches. In a most preferred form,tool 80 has a length of about 47 inches and a width of about 1.25 inches. Moreover,tool 80 has a thickness (the distance between the planar upper andlower surfaces tool 80 has a thickness of about 0.125 inches. - Suffice it to say,
tool 80 is generally equal to or greater in length than theeye alignment tool 18. As shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 ,tool 80 has a length which is significantly greater than its width. Moreover, it should be understood, the width oftool 80 is less than a diameter of a regulation size golf ball. As such, and whentool 80 is sized longer than theeye alignment tool 18,tool 80 is permitted to fit and extend through thetarget openings supports FIG. 17 ). - As shown in
FIG. 15 , tool, 80 defines a series ofopenings 89 along the length thereof. In the illustrated embodiment,tool 80 is shown to define threeopenings 89; with substantially equivalent longitudinal spacing being provided therebetween. As swill be appreciated, however, lesser or fewer openings could be defined bytool 80 without detracting or departing from the spirit and scope of this invention disclosure. In the preferred form, theopenings 89 are generally aligned with alongitudinal axis 81 oftool 80. As illustrated inFIG. 18 , theopenings 89 facilitate placement of a golf ball B beneath theeye alignment tool 18 and on the upper surface oftool 80. - The upper
major surface 82 oftool 80 has a finish thereon for enhancing viewing of at least one of the least one of theplanar sides eye alignment tool 18 when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to the putting surface S and with the vertical plane being aligned with the golf ball and the line of intended travel TL for the ball. Such finish is preferably in the form of a colored paint or the like which contrasts with or is different from the treatment provided on the opposed sides 46, 48 of theeye alignment tool 18 whereby enhancing viewing of at least one of the least one of theplanar sides eye alignment tool 18 during use ofapparatus 10. The other major orlower surface 84 oftool 80 likewise preferably has a finish thereon for enhancing viewing of at least one of the least one of theplanar sides eye alignment tool 18 when thetool 80 is reversed from the position illustrated inFIG. 17 . Likesurface 82, the finish onsurface 84 is preferably in the form of a colored paint or the like which contrasts with or is different from the treatment provided on the opposed sides 46, 48 of theeye alignment tool 18 whereby enhancing viewing of at least one of the least one of theplanar sides eye alignment tool 18 during use ofapparatus 10. - As shown in
FIG. 15 , atleast surface 82 oftool 80 is provided with a longitudinally elongated indicator orreference marker 90 thereon. Preferably, surface 84 oftool 80 is likewise provided with a longitudinally elongated indicator or reference thereon. The indicator or marker is 90 is centrally disposed and preferably extends between theends tool 80 for facilitating alignment of thetool 80 relative to the intended line of travel TL of the ball. - In use, and as shown in
FIG. 5 , theeye alignment tool 18 ofapparatus 10 enables a user to judge when their eyes are in alignment in a vertical plane over the golf ball B.FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the user's eyes in three different positions A, B and C along with the corresponding line of sight A′, B′ and C′. - As will be appreciated from sight line A′, and as represented in
FIG. 6 , when the user's eyes are properly positioned or aligned directly over and in alignment with a vertical plane passing through theeye alignment tool 18 and the centerline of golf ball B (as represented in position “A”), the user only sees thetop edge 42 of theeye alignment apparatus 18. That is, the user's eyes cannot see either planar side of the 46 or 48 of theeye alignment tool 18. Accordingly, theeye alignment tool 18 provides a clear indication the user is properly aligned with the ball B to affect a proper putting stroke. As will be appreciated fromFIG. 6 , providing a highlighting indicator, such as paint or the like, along thetop edge 42 of the eye alignment tool will only serve to enhance a golfer's perception of the line of travel TL to be taken by a golf ball during use ofapparatus 10. Testing has revealed having thetool 80 arranged beneath theeye alignment tool 18 significantly enhances the ability of the user to view thesides eye alignment tool 18 and ensure proper alignment during use of theapparatus 10. Of course, and after training onapparatus 10, proper eye alignment along with proper head and body placement will be automatically affected during a putting stroke. - When the user's eyes are not in the vertical plane (as represented in position “B”) and the user views the eye alignment tool along sight line B′, and as represented in
FIG. 7 , the user will see both thetop edge 42 and theplanar side 46 of theeye alignment apparatus 18. As such, theeye alignment tool 18 will provide the user with a visual image and clear indication they are not properly aligned with the ball B to affect a proper putting stroke and the user should relocate to affect proper alignment. As will be appreciated fromFIG. 7 , providing a high lighting indicator, such as a bright paint color or the like, onsurface 46 oftool 18 which is different from the highlighting indicator on thetop edge 42 of theeye alignment tool 18 will only serve to enhance a user's perception of their vertical misalignment relative to the ball B to affect a proper putt. Moreover, providing a different color or other treatment on the upward facing surface oftool 80 from that provided on thesides eye alignment tool 18 will furthermore serve to enhance a user's perception of their vertical misalignment relative to the ball B to affect a proper putt. - When the user's eyes are not in the vertical plane (as represented in position “C”) and the user views the eye alignment tool along sight line C′, and as represented in
FIG. 8 , the user will see both thetop edge 42 and theplanar side 48 of theeye alignment apparatus 18. As such, theeye alignment tool 18 will provide the user with a visual image and clear indication they are not properly aligned with the ball B to affect a proper putting stroke and the user should relocate to affect proper alignment. As will be appreciated fromFIG. 8 , providing a high lighting indicator, such as a bright paint color or the like, onsurface 48 oftool 18 which is different from the high lighting indicator on thetop edge 42 of theeye alignment tool 18 will only serve to enhance a user's perception of their vertical misalignment relative to the ball B to affect a proper putt. Moreover, providing a high lighting indicator, such as a bright paint color or the like, onplanar surface 48 oftool 18 which is different from either the high lighting indicator on thetop edge 42 or the high lighting color on the opposedplanar surface 46 of theeye alignment tool 18 will only serve to enhance a user's perception of their vertical misalignment relative to the ball B to affect a proper putt along with providing an indicator of the direction of their misalignment. Again, providing a different color or other treatment on the upward facing surface oftool 80 from that provided on thesides eye alignment tool 18 will furthermore serve to enhance a user's perception of their vertical misalignment relative to the ball B to affect a proper putt. - A fragmentary showing of a conventional golf putter is represented generally by
reference numeral 80 inFIG. 9 . Atypical putter 80 includes aputter head 82 defining a generally planar surface or strikingface 84. Putter alignment mark(s), generally represented byreference numeral 86, are usually provided on thestriking face 84 of theputter 80. Such visual alignment marks or aids 86 can be incorporated into the putter designs and are typically a vertical groove on theface 82 or thetop putter surface 88 of theputter head 82. Such grooves can be highlighted by the use of white, black, red or other contrasting colors of paint or colored inserts. - According to another aspect of the present invention disclosure, the
eye alignment tool 18 ofapparatus 10 furthermore facilitates proper positioning of the club face orstriking surface 84 of theputter 80 along the target line TL (FIG. 6 ) during the golfer's putting stroke. That is, by maintaining the visual alignment marks or aids 86 on theputter 80 in line with thetop edge 42 of theeye alignment tool 18, proper positioning of the club face orstriking surface 82 of theputter 80 along the target line TL (FIG. 6 ) during the golfer's putting stroke is enhanced. - According to still another aspect, there is provided a method of training a golfer to use a
putter 80 having a puttinghead 82 with areference marker 86 extending across astriking face 84 thereof and which is to be used by the golfer during a golf putting stroke. Such method includes the steps of: arranging agolf training apparatus 10 in operable combination with a golf ball B on a putting surface S, with thegolf training apparatus 10 including a pair of upright supports 12, 14 and aneye alignment tool 18 extending along a line of intended travel for the golf ball, with thetool 18 being supported by and connected between thesupports top edge 42 and pair of generally parallelplanar sides top edge 42 toward alower bottom edge 46; and, aligning the golfer's eyes above theapparatus 10 and in a vertical plane that includes the golf ball and the line of intended travel such that only thetop edge 42 and not theplanar sides eye alignment tool 18 is viewable to the golfer. Another step in the method involves arranging a longitudinally elongatedtool 80 under thelower bottom edge 44 of theeye alignment tool 18 and extending along the line of intended travel TL of the golf ball. The elongated tool has anupper surface 82 upon which the golf ball can rest, and with theupper surface 82 of thetool 80 being treated so as to enhance viewing of at least one of theplanar sides eye alignment tool 18 when a user's eyes are located in other than a vertical plane extending generally perpendicular to a putting surface S, and with said vertical plane being aligned with the center of the golf ball and the line of intended travel TL for the ball. - The method of training a golfer can include the further step of: aligning the
reference marker 86 on thestriking face 84 of theputter head 82 with the vertical plane including the golf ball B and the line of intended travel of the ball. Preferably, the method of training a golfer includes the further step of: providing a mirrored orreflective surface 72 sufficiently sized to reflect the golfer's face beneath the ball B and theeye alignment tool 18 of thegolf training apparatus 10 such that the golfer can view head movements and eye alignment during a putting stroke. - The method of training a golfer can include the further step of: proving a
target 60 on at least one of thesupports target opening supports opening reference marker 90 on theelongated tool 80 with the line of intended travel TL of the ball. - From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be made and effected without departing or detracting from the true spirit and novel concept of this invention disclosure. Moreover, it will be appreciated, the present disclosure is intended to set forth exemplifications which are not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments illustrated. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the claims.
Claims (18)
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US12/798,892 US8029380B1 (en) | 2010-04-07 | 2010-04-13 | Golf putting training apparatus and method of training a golfer to use a putter |
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US12/798,604 Continuation-In-Part US8029379B1 (en) | 2010-04-07 | 2010-04-07 | Golf putting training apparatus and method of training a golfer to use a putter |
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CA2347193A1 (en) | 2001-05-09 | 2002-11-09 | Croisiere S.A. | Golf putting practice device |
USD461517S1 (en) | 2001-05-29 | 2002-08-13 | Byron Morgan | Golf putting training aid |
US6773357B2 (en) * | 2002-02-27 | 2004-08-10 | Concord Century Int'l Ltd. | Putting aid for aiding a golfer in properly aligning the golfer's line of sight, putting stroke and club head angle |
USD520096S1 (en) | 2003-06-30 | 2006-05-02 | Prestwich Robert D | Putting aid for golfing |
US20060258477A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2006-11-16 | Bernard Sheridan | Putting practice device and its method of use |
USD558849S1 (en) | 2006-04-28 | 2008-01-01 | Japana Co., Ltd. | Golf putting rail |
-
2010
- 2010-04-13 US US12/798,892 patent/US8029380B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2011
- 2011-04-05 WO PCT/US2011/000608 patent/WO2011126561A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120318036A1 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2012-12-20 | Gram Engineering Pty. Ltd. | Building element with varying surface characteristics |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2011126561A1 (en) | 2011-10-13 |
US8029380B1 (en) | 2011-10-04 |
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