WO2009092402A1

WO2009092402A1 - Alignment aid for putting

Info

Publication number: WO2009092402A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/006175
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wiestaw Kramski
Original assignee: Kramski Putter Gmbh
Priority date: 2008-01-22
Filing date: 2008-07-26
Publication date: 2009-07-30
Also published as: US20090186721A1; DE202008000861U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for practicing golf, comprising at least one first, flat section (3) for positioning the device (1) on the ground, particularly in the region of the green of a golf course, and a second section (4), at least some regions of which are arranged in an offset manner compared to the first section (3), such that after positioning the device (1) with the first section (3) thereof a golf ball (2) can be placed under the second section (4), wherein the device (1) comprises a feature (6) on the second section (4), by means of which feature a mark provided on the golf ball (2) can be detected in order to check the arrangement of the device (1) relative to the golf ball (2).

Description

Alignment aid for putting

The present invention relates to a device for practicing the game of golf in the form of a putting aid for checking the direction of a goal ball.

To play a golf ball on the green of a golf course, a special club, the putter, is used. The position of the putter to the ball and the intended direction of impact is of crucial importance. In order to facilitate the finding of the correct putter position "square" to the ball, it has been proposed to provide golf balls with a marking line, in particular along the ball equator, for which purpose, for example, special marking devices are commercially available Player to align the putter correctly to the ball, for which the marker line should be perpendicular to the clubface of the putter.

Although the above-described approach thus makes it possible to find the correct putter position, on the other hand it is in no way ensured that a subsequently executed pile will actually find its target, for example the hole or a break on the green, because in particular it is also necessary for the pile mentioned above to be located Marker line on the ball is properly aligned with the target.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for practicing the game of golf, with which a golf ball marked as above can be aimed at a goal or with a set target direction of the golf ball can be checked.

The invention achieves this object by means of a device for practicing the game of golf having the features of appended claim 1. Advantageous developments of the device according to the invention are specified in the subclaims, the wording of which is hereby incorporated by express reference into the appended claims. the description is included to avoid unnecessary text repetition.

The invention accordingly provides a device for practicing the game of golf, with at least one first, flat section for mounting the device on the ground, in particular in the area of the green of a golf course, and with a second section, which is arranged at least partially offset relative to the first section in that after placement of the device with its first section a golf ball finds space under the second section, the device having in the second section a device by means of which a marking mounted on the golf ball can be seen to determine the relative arrangement of the device and to check the golf ball.

Thus, when the device according to the invention is placed over a golf ball and aligned with the target, said means for detecting the mark placed on the golf ball allows checking the relative arrangement of the device and the golf ball, so that on the one hand based on the orientation of the device verifying the target, whether the golf ball or its mark has been properly aligned with the target, which means a learning effect for the user of the device. The user can then repeat the process until a correct orientation of the ball is achieved. Alternatively, when the device is aligned, the latter can also be rotated in such a way that it is oriented in the intended manner relative to the device according to the invention and thus toward the target aimed at it, so that it can then roll in the direction of the target, in particular on its marking line.

However, the invention is by no means limited to (by applying paint, etc.) subsequently marked golf balls. Basically z. B. even with "normal" golf balls regularly make an equatorial line and use to verify the described relative orientation.

In order to align the device in a simple manner in the direction of the target, a first development of the subject invention provides that the device has at least one visually perceptible marking to the aim at the destination, such as a hole. This visually perceptible marking can be designed as a line-shaped and, in particular, colored marking which is attached at least in the first section.

Another development of the device according to the invention provides that it is designed in the manner of an arrowhead in the region of a free end of the first section, which serves to set up the device according to the invention, with the help of which can "aim" particularly well on a targeted location.

In order to handle a golf ball placed below the device as simply as possible and in particular to be able to rotate, an extremely preferred embodiment of the subject invention provides that the second section has a reduced width, at least in a partial area relative to the first section. This can be achieved by a (multiple) waisting of the device in the second section. In particular, the width of the device in the second section should be smaller than the typical diameter of a golf ball.

Said device for recognizing the golf ball marking can be formed in a development of the subject invention as a slot-shaped breakthrough. In this case, the slot length of the opening can usefully correspond substantially to the typical diameter of a golf ball, so that its marking can be recognized as large as possible or completely. The slot width can continue to correspond exactly to the width of the mark of the golf ball.

In order to achieve optimum alignability of the golf ball by using the device according to the invention, another embodiment provides that the opening is aligned at least with the marking in the first section. If the device according to the invention in the course of a corresponding development has a third section which is formed analogously to the first section and also provided with a marker, the breakthrough can or should additionally or alternatively be aligned with the mark in the third section. In order to allow an even better alignability of the device or the golf ball, provides an extremely advantageous development of the subject invention that on both sides of the breakthrough even more markings, in particular in line form, are attached, at least with the mark in the first section in the manner of Rear sight and grain cooperate, which means that the further markings are arranged on both sides just beside the (extended imaginary) mark in the first section. The aforementioned markings can be arranged in an elevated manner relative to the opening, so that a true squib structure is created.

However, said further markings need not be highlighted in color over the rest of the device. The mentioned increased training has the further advantage that the ball marking is (fully) recognizable only when correctly aligned, which improves the training effect.

Advantageously, the second section is curved at least in a partial area, wherein the curvature in this area expediently approaches a typical curvature of the golf ball surface. In a corresponding development of the subject invention then the breakthrough in the curved portion is arranged. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration of a second section; Rather, the transition from the first section to the second section and optionally from the second section to the third section can also take place in steps, wherein the second section is then correspondingly flat or flat.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the device according to the invention in

Interacting with a golf ball in plan view;

FIG. 2 shows a view of the golf ball and the device from FIG. 1 from below; FIG. 3 shows a further side view of the device according to the invention according to FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 shows the device according to FIG. 1 in a perspective side view.

FIG. 1 shows a device according to the invention for practicing the golf game 1, which is also referred to below as a putting aid, together with a golf ball 2 in plan view. The putting aid 1 has in its entirety a substantially elongated extension and consists of a first, flat section 3, a second, curved section 4 (cf., FIGS. 2 to 4) and a third, in turn, flat section 5, wherein the second section 4 between the first section 3 and the third section 5 is arranged. Due to its curvature, the second section 4 is offset at least in regions from the first section 3 and the third section 5, as can be seen in particular from the side view according to FIG. 3, so that after setting up the putting aid 1, in particular in the region of a green a golf course, the golf ball 2 finds space below the second section 4, as shown in the accompanying figures.

In the illustrated embodiment of the putting aid 1, the flat first section 3 and the flat second section 5 serve for the bottom-side installation of the putting aid 1, which is thus arranged above the golf ball 2 in the manner of a bridge with the second section 4. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration of the putting aid 1. On the contrary, with a suitable embodiment of the flat section 3 or of the flat section 5, it is fundamentally also possible to dispense with the presence of the respective other flat section 3, 5, for example if the corresponding, remaining flat section is designed to be so heavy that despite this the absence of the other flat portion a secure state of the putting aid is ensured.

The putting aid 1 has at the second section 4 a device 6, by means of which a marking applied to the golf ball 2 can be seen in order to be able to check the relative arrangement of the putting aid 1 and of the golf ball 2. The mentioned marking on the golf ball is in particular the figure 2 to see which shows the arrangement of Figure 1 from Putthilfe 1 and golf ball 2 from below. The marking of the golf ball 2 is accordingly an equatorial line 7 of the ball 2, which may already be mounted on the golf ball 2 by the manufacturer, or which can be retrofitted on the golf ball by means of suitable marking devices, which are available from the corresponding specialist trade Golf ball 2 attach. She can, but does not have to, fully reach around the golf ball.

In order to be able to detect and check such a marking 7 for checking the relative arrangement of putting aid 1 and golf ball 2 after setting up the putting aid 1, the already mentioned device 6 is provided on the second section 4 of the putting aid 1, which in the present case takes the form of a slot-shaped opening or window 8, which is flanked on its longitudinal sides by two linear markings 9.1, 9.2. In this case, the opening 8 and with it each of the two markings 9.1, 9.2 are arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the entire putting aid 1, as can be seen in particular from FIG.

In the first section 3 of the putting aid 1, a further line-shaped marking 10 is provided, which likewise extends parallel to the longitudinal extent of the putting aid 1 and which, moreover, is aligned with the longitudinal extent of the opening 8 so that it continues with the markings 9.1, 9.2 Kind of sight and grain interacts. The marking line 10 ends in the region of the free end 11 of the putting aid 1 or of the first section 3, which is tapered in the manner of an arrowhead.

In the region of the third section 5 of the putting aid 1, a further line-shaped marking 12 is provided, which is aligned both with the linear marking 10 in the first section 3 and with the opening 8 in the second section 4, so that the marking line 12 with the markers 9.1, 9.2 in the second section 4 in the manner of sight and grain cooperates.

As can also be seen from FIG. 1, the second section 4 of the putting aid 1 is part of the first section 3 and the third section 5 reduced width, which is achieved by a sidecut of the putting aid 1 in the region of the second portion 4, as shown. The width of the putting aid 1 is smaller than the diameter of the golf ball 2 at least in partial areas of the second section 4, as can be seen in both FIG. 1 and FIG.

As can likewise be seen from FIG. 1 as well as from FIG. 2, the slot length of the opening 8, that is to say the projection of the longitudinal extent of the opening 8, corresponds to one of the sections 3 or 5 parallel to the first section 3, 5 containing plane substantially the diameter of the golf ball 2. The width of the aperture 8 corresponds in the embodiment shown substantially with a marking width of the equatorial line. 7

In the view according to FIG. 2 as well as in the side view according to FIG. 3, raised, mesh or lattice-like structures 13.1, 13.2 can be seen in the region of the first section 3 or in the region of the third section 5 on the underside of the putting aid 1. These contribute in addition to increased stability in the areas mentioned also to a safe Aufsteilbarkeit the Putthilfe 1 at. The said structures 13.1, 13.2 are partly formed as circular arcs, the common (imaginary) center is arranged just below the aperture 8, advantageously just below its center. Due to the short cutting height of the turf on the green, the putting aid 1 is thus rotatable about the said center as if on rails, which is important for its use (see below).

The side view in FIG. 3 shows in a particularly simple manner how a putting aid 1 according to the invention is positioned over a golf ball 2 when it is used for facilitating the game of golf, so that the golf ball 2 extends below the second section 4 of the putting aid, which is raised in relation to the mounting surfaces 1 is located. The latter has at least in a partial region a curvature perpendicular to the extension of the putting aid 1, which essentially corresponds exactly to the curvature of the golf ball surface. To the aforementioned, curved portion of the second section 4 can join on both sides substantially straight portions, which then pass into the flat sections 3, 5 of the putting aid 1.

In addition, in FIG. 3, beyond the already mentioned sidecut, a further recess 14 can be seen in the apex region of the second section 4, which allows a person using the putting aid 1 to move his fingers on the both sides of the second section 4 in a simple manner from above underneath golf ball 2 access and turn this example, which will be discussed in more detail below. The above-mentioned recesses 14 are also the perspective view in Figure 4 easy to see and continue to serve also for ergonomic gripping the Putthilfe. 1

As FIG. 4 further shows, the opening 8 in the second section 4 in the illustrated embodiment of the invention is arranged in the curved section of the relevant section. In addition, the already explained with reference to Figure 1 markers 9.1, 9.2 mounted on corresponding, with respect to a surface of the second portion 4 raised structures 15.1, 15.2, which corresponds to the above-mentioned Kimme- and grain principle and also facilitates checking the alignment as described above.

Laterally, the putting aid 1 has in the second section 4 elevated flank structures 16.1, 16.2, which ensure greater stability and improved ergonomics, in particular in the area of the recesses 14.

The entire device according to the invention is preferably formed in plastic and alternatively in a (light) metal or other suitable material. The markers 9.1, 9.2, 10, 12 are presently highlighted in color contrast to the material used.

In the following, brief reference is made to possible uses of the device according to the invention for practicing the golf game 1: The device or putting aid 1 according to the invention serves primarily to align the correct alignment of a goal line marked with an equatorial line (see the mark 7 in FIG. balls 2 on a goal to learn. For this purpose, the golf ball 2 is first aligned "free", so that its mark points in the direction of the target, and then the Putthilfe 1 above ^"the golf ball 2 is placed and aligned by means of the slot or perforation 8 relative to the ball, so that the in figure 2 shown marking line 7 is located on the golf ball 2 just below the Druchbruchs 8 and if possible along its entire length through it is perceptible, when the player from the top of the putting aid

1 is looking. Then, when the putting aid 1 with the tip 11 points straight to the target, the ball is properly aligned. Otherwise, the player recognizes the deviation and can reorient the ball until the correct orientation is found. Thus, the device according to the invention makes a contribution to practicing or learning the game of golf. By using the device according to the invention, the user is able to orient the golf ball 2 on the green in such a way that it preferably rolls on its equatorial line in the direction of the target.

In an alternative use of the putting aid 1, the pointed end 1 1 of the putting aid 1 and optionally with the aid of the linear markings 10, 12 are aimed at the hole after the putting aid 1 has been placed over the golf ball 2 to be puttied. In a further development of the illustrated putting aid 1, a raised structure (not shown) may additionally be arranged for this purpose in the area of the first section 3, in particular on the marking line 10, which together with the raised structures 15.1, 15.2 (see FIG real sight and grain arrangement for "aiming" in a place like the hole.

After the putting aid 1 has been aligned with the target, the ball 2 under the putting aid 1 is rotated by lateral passing on the waisted second section 4 so that the marking line 7 shown in Figure 2 is located on the golf ball 2 just below the opening 8 and if possible, it is perceptible through it over its entire length when the player looks at the putting aid 1 from above. The golf ball

2 is then oriented or positioned relative to the putting aid 1 in such a way that it ideally rolls exactly on its equatorial line to the target and into it in a square executed for the ball. For this purpose, of course, must be removed in both cases of use before running the putt the Putthilfe 1.

Claims

1 . Device (1) for practicing the game of golf, comprising at least a first, flat section (3) for mounting the device (1) on the ground, in particular in the area of the green of a golf course, and with a second section (4) at least in regions opposite to the golf course first section (3) is arranged offset, so that after setting up the device (1) with its first section (3) a golf ball (2) under the second section (4) fits, said device (1) the second section (4) has a device (6) through which a marking (7) mounted on the golf ball (2) can be seen in order to check the relative arrangement of the device (1) and the golf ball (2).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, at least one visually perceptible marking (9.1, 9.2, 1 0, 1 1, 12) for aligning the device (1) to a destination, such as a hole.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the marking is formed as a at least in the first section (3) applied linear marking (1 0).

4. Device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the marking in the form of a running in the manner of an arrowhead free end (1 1) of the first portion (3) is formed.

5. Device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the device (1) has a third section (5) substantially analogous to the first section (3), wherein the second section (4 ) is arranged between the first section (3) and the second section (4).

6. Device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the second section (4) at least with respect to the first section (3) has a reduced width, in particular by waisting of the device (1) in the second section (4).

7. Device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the width of the device (1) in the second section (4) at least partially smaller than the diameter of the golf ball (2).

8. Device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the means (6) for detecting the mark (7) of the golf ball

(2) is designed as a slot-shaped opening (8).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the slot length of the opening (8) substantially corresponds to the diameter of a golf ball (2).

10. Device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the opening (8) with the marking (10, 12) in the first section (3) and / or in the third section (5) is aligned.

1 1. Device (1) according to at least one of claims 8 to 1 0, characterized in that on both sides of the opening (8) further markings (9.1, 9.2) are mounted, with the marking (10, 12) in the first section

(3) and / or in the second section (5) co-operate in the manner of sight and grain.

12. Device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the second portion (4) at least in a partial region has a curvature perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the device (1), which corresponds to the curvature of a Golfballoberfläche.

13. Device (1) according to claim 12 and according to at least one of claims 8 to 1 1, characterized in that the opening (8) is arranged in the curved portion.

14. Device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 1 3, characterized in that on a footprint of the device (1) at least in the first section (3) pre and / or rebounding structures (1 3.1, 1 3.2) available.

1 5. Device (1) according to at least claim 14, characterized in that the projecting structures (1 3.1, 1 3.2) are at least partially formed as circular arcs, whose common center is arranged below the opening (8).