Putting training device

A putting training device comprising a putter module which is selectively attachable and detachable to a putter and a target module. The putter module includes at least one indicia viewable when a users head is substantially vertically above the module. The putter module further includes a signaling element and the target module including a receiving element, and an indicating element. In use, the putter is directed towards the target module. A golf ball is struck in the direction of the target module and the indicating element alerts the user of impact condition.

BACKGROUND

This device pertains to the field of golf in general and specifically to the art of putting. The art of putting consists of three major factors; posture and alignment at contact with the ball, tempo of the putting stroke and striking the ball with the club face perpendicular to target. Many attempts have been made in the past to devise a product that could alert the user in real time to the condition of these factors while they are practicing the art of putting. Some prior art has been successful by addressing only one or two of the factors, by incorporating the sensing means into a custom putter which is not legal for USGA tournament play, or by large expensive stationary devices.

A putting training device comprising a Putter Module which is selectively attachable and detachable to a putter and a Target Module. The putter module includes at least one indicia viewable when a users head is substantially vertically above the module. The Putter Module further including a signaling element and the target module including a receiving element, and an indicating element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The putting training device described herein, addresses three major factors, The device is small, portable, can be affixed to any right handed putter70and will be affordable to most golfers. The benefit of this is that the golfer can practice putting (at home, at the office or on a putting green) with a putter they are accustom to, remove the training device and go play with the same putter. The device provides the user with instant feedback as to the temp of their putting stroke, the squareness to the target at impact with the ball73and posture and alignment at address. The device consists of two modules, the Putter Module (FIGS. 1a,1b,and1c) and the Target Module (FIG. 2). Once the Putter Module (FIG. 1a,1b,1c) is affixed to the shaft user's putter70and turned on, the user will notice a small green light (indicia)8that appears on the top of the Putter Module. The green light acts as a guide for the user and is provided for by a signaling element20. Preferably, the signaling element20comprises an infrared light source. It is also preferable if the light is generated by a light emitting diode. This light has a limited viewing angle and the users head must be directly over it to be seen. This is the posture most experts in the field feel is required at address to the ball to achieve proper alignment to the target. Next, the user will aim the face of their putter towards the target. When the Putter Module (FIGS. 1a,1b,1c) aligns with the Target Module (FIG. 2), the signaling element20connects with a receiving element16on the Target Module and an amber light14will appear on the target. Preferably, the receiving element16is an infrared receiver. Next, the user will take a few practice strokes, observing the green light8on the Putter Module (FIGS. 1a,1b,1c). A pendulum element32, intermediate of the green light8and the outlet for the light from the housing, will physically occlude viewability of the light when a swing is off track or uneven in velocity. Therefore, if the green light (LED)8is constant, the users' stroke is smooth and pendulum like. If the green light is intermittent, the stroke is jerky, indicating over acceleration or deceleration. The aperture31of green light8is tangent to the shutter(FIG. 4), which is located on the Putter Module. When the user is satisfied that their stroke is smooth, they will address the ball73. Again, a user will check their posture by observing the green light (LED)8on top of the Putter Module (FIGS. 1a,1b,1c) and check the squareness of the face of the putter to the target by observing the amber light14on the Target Module (FIG. 2). Next, a user will stroke the putt towards the target. At the moment of impact, the amber light14on the target will go out. If the putter was square to the target at impact, a green light (LED)15will appear on the Target Module (FIG. 2). If the putter face was not square to the target, no light will appear. After a two (2) second delay, the Target Module (FIG. 2) will again be ready to recognize an alignment signal from the Putter Module (FIG. 1a,1b,1c).

The Putter Module (FIGS. 1a,1b,1c) preferably consists of: a mounting bracket1, which attaches the Putter Module to the shaft71of the putter70, (FIG.7). Clamp2, holds the mounting bracket1to the putter70. The pivot3, which allows the Putter Module to position itself perpendicular to the ground regardless of the lie angle of the putter. The aperture control4, varies the width of the beam projected by the Putter Module (FIG. 1a) thru the lens6. A user may use the aperture control4to adjust the amount of light emitted through the aperture31, (FIG. 5). The aperture31, (FIG. 5) includes a cam43, bearing surface42, and indicador41. Housing7, contains the printed circuit board (described in schematic drawingFIG. 3) and the battery door which allows for replacement of the battery. The Target Module (FIG. 2) consists of a stand11and a housing12. Within the housing12is a printed circuit board, described by the schematic drawing (FIG. 6). Preferably, the Target Module further includes a first and second light element of different colors. The printed circuit board on the front face of the target preferably comprises an ambar LED14, a green LED15and an infrared receiver16. The target (FIG. 2) also has a target housing door13for easy replacement of the batteries. Those versed in the art will recognize the functions described in the schematic circuits shown inFIG.3andFIG.6.

FIG. 3one exemplary embodiment of the Putter Module, describes the following functions:C1—capacitor—conditions the power supply provided by the battery B1thru switch S1.R8&9—resistors—provide a reference voltage to set the low battery indicator.R1&D1—Green LED & current limiting resistor, provide the posture alignment indicator.R2&R3—resistors—provide a reference voltage to set the sensitivity of X1.X1—Piezo element—converts the mechanical energy of the shock of impact with the ball to an electrical signal.uC1—Microcontroller—signals a low battery condition by blinking D1, senses the impact of the ball via X1and times the impact signal generated by1C1.1C1—Quad nand gate—generates the alignment signal and impact signal impressed on the carrier signal sent by D2.X2—Resonator—generates the 455 Khz. carrier signal.Q1—Transistor—drives D2.D2—Inferred emitting diode—sends the signal to the target.

FIG. 6, one embodiment of the Target Module describes the following:PT1—Inferred detector—receives the signal from the Putter Module.R1&R2—Resistors—provide a voltage reference for the low battery function.U1—Microcontroller—interprets the signal received from the Putter Module via PT1and determines which LED to illuminate (amber14and Green15).Q1&Q2—Transistors—which drive their respective LED's.D1&D2—LED's display the alignment signal and the proper impact signal.