System for golf putting

A system and kit for golf putting is disclosed comprising a foot box adjacent to a pivotable putting platform supported by legs that are pivotally connected to the platform. The platform includes an upper surface defining a hole and is capable of returning balls via a pivoting function provided by the pivotal connection of the legs.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates generally to a golf putting device, and more 
particularly concerns a golf putting device having a simplified ball 
return apparatus. 
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
A golfer must practice and perfect his putting skills in order to be a 
successful golfer. Accordingly, there are many known methods and devices 
utilized in the art that facilitate a golfer in practicing his putting. 
One of the more common practice methods is for the golfer to practice 
putting a relatively short distance from a hole on a golf green and to 
repetitively putt towards that hole. This method is not convenient to the 
golfer, however, in that it includes green fees, cannot be practiced 
during inclement weather, and requires the golfer to continually retrieve 
his putted golf balls. 
Many of the known golf putting devices return a golf ball towards a putting 
location under the influence of gravity. Such devices typically require a 
user to putt a golf ball up an inclined surface where the ball is to be 
received through a hole and subsequently discharged through a chute. The 
potential energy of the golf ball at the height of the hole thus is 
converted into kinetic energy to return the ball towards the putting area. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,240,637, to Cross et al., dated Dec. 23, 1980, discloses 
such a device. Specifically, a putting practice apparatus is disclosed 
that returns a golf ball by passing putted balls through a channel 
underneath the putting surface of the device. Such a device necessarily 
requires the user to engage in some physical manipulation of the device to 
return the balls, namely the displacement of an internal rod, as it does 
not return any balls to the putting surface. This device therefore is not 
convenient to use in that it does not allow the user to putt continually, 
nor does it allow the user to retain the same physical position while golf 
balls are being returned to the user. 
It is also known in the art to utilize an electro-mechanical device to 
return putted balls to the user. U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,141 to Jordan, dated 
Apr. 7, 1992, discloses a golf putting practice device that returns balls 
to the user through a ramp structure. An electro-mechanical "kicker" that 
applies a striking force to the golf balls is placed at the far end of the 
ramp, thereby forcing the balls toward the user. The inclusion of the 
kicker in the putting device increases the device weight, thus reducing 
its effective portability. Such an apparatus furthermore requires a power 
supply which increases operating costs and limits the range of settings 
for the use of the device. 
In addition to the prior noted limitations, neither of the prior noted 
devices discloses any type of apparatus that elevates the standing 
position of the user to the level of the putting surface. Such an 
elevation apparatus increases the realism of the putting as it can be 
adapted to serve other important functions. 
Accordingly, there is a great need for a device that allows a user to 
continually and conveniently practice putting a series of golf balls 
towards a hole, where such a device returns the golf balls to the user in 
response to a subtle motion of the user. 
SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
It is therefore an object of this invention provide a golf putting device 
that does not require the user to continually retrieve putted golf balls. 
It is another object of this invention to provide a golf putting device 
that allows the user to continually putt golf balls toward a hole without 
leaving the putting stance. 
It is also an object of this invention to provide a golf putting device 
that simulates a realistic golfing surface. 
It furthermore is an object of this invention to provide a golf putting 
device that returns putted golf balls in response to a subtle motion by 
the user. 
It is still another object of this invention to provide a golf putting 
device and kit that is portable and simple to disassemble and assemble. 
It a further object of this invention to provide a golf putting device that 
returns balls under the influence of gravity. 
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a golf putting device 
that is simple to manufacture and use. 
It is still a further object of this invention to provide a golf putting 
device that elevates the standing position of the user to the height of 
the putting surface. 
This invention results from the realization that a golf putting apparatus 
having a pivotable putting surface enables a user to simply and 
efficiently retrieve a missed golf ball, thereby providing continuous 
putting from a fixed position(s). 
The above and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present 
invention which, according to a first aspect, provides a system for golf 
putting comprising the combination of a foot box, a putting platform 
adjacent to the foot box, and a means for pivotally supporting the 
platform upon a flat surface. The foot box includes a plurality of box 
walls extending downwardly from a top surface to define a chamber, and a 
door pivotally in communication with the box walls. The platform includes 
an upper surface defining a first hole, a plurality of platform walls 
extending upwardly from the upper surface, where at least one platform 
wall defines a second hole, a member extending downwardly from a bottom 
side of the platform, and a ball guide disposed between the first hole and 
the second hole. The platform may also include a gutter upon the upper 
surface, a carpet disposed upon at least seventy-five percent of the upper 
surface, and a front end that is higher in height than a rear end. Such an 
embodiment further includes at least two legs for supporting means. 
According to a second aspect of the invention, a system for golf putting is 
disclosed comprising a putting platform and a means for pivotally 
supporting the platform upon a surface. The platform includes an upper 
surface defining a first hole, a plurality of platform walls extending 
upwardly from the upper surface where at least one platform wall defines a 
second hole, a member extending downwardly from a bottom side of the 
platform, and a ball guide disposed between the first and second holes. A 
gutter and/or a carpet may be disposed upon the upper surface. A foot box 
further may be placed adjacent to the platform, where the foot box 
includes a plurality of box walls extending downwardly from a top surface 
to define a chamber, and a door pivotally in communication with the box 
walls. 
According to a third aspect of the invention, a kit for golf putting is 
disclosed comprising a putting platform, a member adapted to be mounted 
upon a bottom side of the platform, and a means for pivotally supporting 
the platform that is adapted to be connected to a means for pivotally 
connecting a member upon the platform. The platform includes an upper 
surface defining a first hole, a plurality of platform walls extending 
upwardly from the upper surface where at least one platform wall defines a 
second hole, a ball guide disposed between the first and second hole, and 
the means for pivotally connecting a member. A foot box and a means for 
coupling the foot box to the platform may further be included.

There is shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 a preferred embodiment of golf putting 
system 10 having a foot box 12 and a putting platform 14. Platform 14 as 
generally illustrated includes an upper surface 16 and walls 18a, 18b, 
18c, and 18d extending upwardly from upper surface 16. Walls 18a-18d serve 
to retain putted golf balls within upper surface 16 of platform 14. Upper 
surface 16 defines a first hole 20 that is the target hole for putted golf 
balls. Although any wall can define a second hole 22, the preferred 
embodiment as shown has wall 18d defining second hole 22 that receives 
putted balls from first hole 20 via a ball guide 50, as shown in FIG. 6. 
Ball stop 24 is affixed across second hole 22 to retain balls within 
second hole 22 for subsequent use. A carpet 26 is disposed upon a 
substantial portion of upper surface 16 to simulate actual putting greens, 
preferably upon at least seventy-five percent of its surface. Carpet 26 is 
preferably not covering the far left side of platform 16 so that missed 
golf balls will return to the user under the least frictional resistance. 
In lieu of a mere carpetless left-side ball return area of upper surface 
16, a gutter 28 as shown on the left side of platform 14 may further be 
utilized. Gutter 28 as shown has a front end that is higher in height than 
a rear end, thus turning potential energy into kinetic energy as missed 
golf balls return to the user at the front end of platform 14. An 
alternative embodiment has platform 14 at an upward angle. Specifically, 
such embodiment includes a platform 14 that has a front end that is higher 
in height than a rear end. Such an arrangement allows a user to practice 
uphill putting as it eliminates the necessity to have gutter 28 at an 
inclined angle. Gutter 28 is preferably a smooth material, such as wood, 
metal, or plastic to act as a reduced friction golf ball return. 
An alternative embodiment of platform 14 has its front end lower in height 
than its rear end. Such an arrangement is utilized to simulate a downhill 
putt. In order for platform to properly return golf balls to the rear end, 
gutter 28 therefore must be included having a front end that is higher in 
height than its rear end. The resultant angle on the horizontal of gutter 
28 necessarily must be greater than the angle of upper surface 16 on the 
horizontal. 
Wall 18d includes a bolt 30 or other member for protruding perpendicularly 
from its surface to provide a means for pivotally supporting platform 14. 
A leg 32 is pivotally connected to bolt 30 which serves to pivotally 
support platform 14 at its rear end at wall 18d. A second bolt and leg are 
correspondingly pivotally connected to-wall 18a to identically support 
platform 14 at its front end. The corresponding bolts 30 create an 
effective axis across platform 14 for rotation on the horizontal. An 
alternative embodiment includes a support structure about a substantial 
portion of the periphery of platform 14 in place of legs 32. In such an 
embodiment, platform 14 is pivotally connected to the support structure, 
which is securely placed upon a flat surface. 
A screw 34 or other member is mounted through wall 18c to prevent the 
rotation of platform 14 beyond a specific, predetermined angle. Screw 34 
is adjustable in size to give platform 14 a plurality of angles of use. An 
alternative embodiment, however, has a member extending downwardly from 
wall 18c, or at any point between wall 18c and the center of platform 14, 
thus limiting such embodiment to a single angle. 
A level 36 is mounted on wall 18d to give a visual indication of the angle 
of platform 14. Level 36 may be any digital, analog, or other conventional 
device known in the art for making immediate angle determinations. 
FIG. 3 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of platform 14. A 
handle. 38 is mounted upon wall 18b, thereby increasing the portability of 
putting system 10 and platform 14. Also shown are corresponding bolt 30 
and leg 32 for walls 18d and wall 18a respectively. 
FIG. 4 shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of platform 14. Both 
walls 18a and 18d have identical arrangements for leg 32 and bolt 30. The 
dashed lines show the final position of platform 14 when in use. 
FIG. 5 shows a perspective bottom view of foot box 12 in accordance with 
the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, foot box 
12 has a top surface 40 (see FIG. 1), a plurality of box walls 42a, 42b, 
42c, and 42d extending downwardly from top surface 40 that define a 
chamber 44, and a door 46 pivotally in communication with two of the 
walls. Chamber 44 may be divided up into specific compartments 47 so that 
golf and other accessories may be stored therein. A strap, not shown, or 
other coupling means is utilized to couple foot box 12 to platform 14, 
thus further increasing the portability of golf putting system 10. A 
handle 48 further is connected to wall 42b for portability purposes. 
FIG. 6 shows an isometric perspective view of the bottom side of the 
preferred embodiment of platform 14. Ball guide 50 is connected between 
first hole 20 and second hole 22 at a downward angle, thus utilizing 
gravity to force golf balls back towards the rear end of platform 14. 
First hole 20 may be in any convenient location on upper surface 14, as 
second hole 22 may similarly be at any of walls 18a-18b. Ball guide 50 
preferably is a plastic tube of slightly larger diameter than a standard 
golf ball. Any type of hollow member or other ball guiding means known in 
the art, however, may be utilized in effectuating ball guide 50. 
The elements of platform 14 may be arranged in any manner convenient in the 
art. Gutter 28 may be designed to run along wall 18c as screw 34 may 
correspondingly be disposed upon wall 18b, or at any point between the 
appropriate wall and the center of platform 14. 
Operation and use of golf putting system 10 is quite simple. A user may 
first stand upon foot box 12 which is adjacent to platform 14. Such 
placement elevates the standing position of the user to the height of the 
putting surface, thereby giving a more realistic putting effect. One or 
more golf balls are then placed upon upper surface 16, and the user putts 
the golf balls toward first hole 20. When each of the balls have all been 
putted, the user gently pushes down upon one wall or end of platform 14, 
thereby rotating or tilting platform 14 to one side. This tilting action 
forces the missed golf balls to roll to the side, where they are contained 
by wall 18b and gutter 28. The inclined angle of gutter 28 or upper 
surface 16 then forces the golf balls toward the rear of platform 14 and 
back to the user for re-use. The user then simply positions the balls with 
his golf club for a subsequent set of putts. When each of the balls have 
been deposited into first hole 20, the user releases them through second 
hole 22 and repeats the above procedure. 
The preferred embodiment of platform 14 is appropriately weighted to rotate 
in a clockwise direction immediately after it has been tilted 
counterclockwise for ball retrieval. An alternative embodiment includes a 
spring to automatically rotate platform 14 back to its original position. 
Foot box 12 is not necessary in the use of golf putting system 10. A user 
may use platform 14 without standing on foot box 12. Furthermore, the 
angle of platform 14 may be adjusted by rotating screw 34. While rotating 
screw 34, the user watches level 36 to accurately set the angle to a 
desired pitch. 
Golf putting system 10 further may be broken down into a kit, thus 
promoting portability. Specifically, screw 34 is adapted to be mounted 
upon one wall of platform 14 and legs 32 are adapted to be pivotally 
connected to platform 14. In the preferred kit embodiment, legs 32 and 
screw 34 are stored within chamber 44 of foot box 12 and a strap or other 
means for coupling foot box 12 to platform 14 is utilized. 
Any conventional material known in the art may be utilized to manufacture 
golf putting system 10. The preferred embodiment is made of varnished 
wood, thus giving a more aesthetically pleasing effect. Wood increases the 
weight of system 10, however, as it further increases the cost of 
manufacture. An alternative embodiment is manufactured of plastic or other 
petroleum based compound through conventional injection molding processes. 
Such an embodiment yields a lighter, and thus more portable system 10, as 
it decreases the ultimate cost of manufacture. System 10 may also be 
manufactured with metal or other material known in the art. Carpet 26 may 
be any made of any conventional material, preferably a green 
indoor/outdoor plastic fibered carpet. 
EXAMPLE I--STRUCTURE 
Platform 14 is manufactured of varnished wood, has a length of 72 inches, a 
width of 19 inches, and a height of 5.5 inches. Carpet 26, which has a 
length of 72 inches and a width of 14 inches, covers upper surface 16 from 
rear wall 18d to front wall 18a, but does not cover gutter 28 which has 
exposed wood on its upper surface. Front end is 2 inches higher in height 
than rear end, and first hole 20, which is 2.5 inches in diameter, is 
defined by upper surface 16 69 inches from the rear wall 18d. Two legs 32 
are pivotally and removably connected to platform 14 at the front and rear 
ends, respectively, and second hole, having a diameter of 2.5 inches, is 
defined by rear wall 18d. Ball guide 50 is a P.V.C.-type of tube having a 
diameter of 3 inches. A wood handle 38 is affixed to wall 18c. Foot box 12 
is also made of varnished wood, has a carpet disposed upon its top surface 
40, and has a length of 18 inches, a width of 15 inches and a height of 
5.5 inches. Foot box 12 further includes a door 46 and a series of 
compartments 47 within chamber 44 to store legs 32, screw 34, golf balls, 
and other golfing items. A wood handle 48 is affixed to wall 42b for 
portability. 
EXAMPLE II--USE OF PUTTING SYSTEM 10 
Using golf putting system 10 of Example I, a user steps upon foot box 12 
which is placed two inches from platform 14. Five golf balls are placed 
directly upon upper surface 16 and putted toward first hole 20. After the 
final putt, the user gently pushes down on the wall 18b of platform 14, 
which is opposite from side 18c that supports screw 34. Platform 14 
accordingly tilts toward wall 18b as the missed golf balls roll toward 
gutter 28. After the balls have each reached gutter 28, the user ceases 
applying pressure to wall 18b thus returning platform 14 to its original 
position, and the balls each roll down toward the rear end. The user then 
re-putts those balls until each has been deposited into first hole 20. At 
such time, the user rotates ball stop 24 and the five balls each exit from 
second hole 22. The balls are then place down upon upper surface 16 and 
the above procedure is repeated. 
Golf putting system 10 accomplishes each of the noted objects of the 
invention and solves many of the limitations existent in the prior art. 
Specifically, system 10 allows a user to continually putt without leaving 
the putting stance. System 10 is simple and easy to use, requires only a 
subtle motion to effectively utilize, and is suitable for indoor and/or 
outdoor use. System 10 furthermore is portable and available as a kit, 
thereby enhancing its convenience and simplicity. Operating costs are 
effectively nonexistent because no power supply is necessary. Regular use 
of system 10 by a golfer has the desirable effect of increasing such 
golfer's skill level, thereby reducing the final golf score. 
Although specific features of this invention are shown in some drawings and 
not others, this is for convenience only as some features may be combined 
with any or all of the other features in accordance with this invention. 
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the 
invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will 
readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired that the 
foregoing limit the invention to the exact construction and operation 
shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and 
equivalents may be resorted to that appropriately fall within the scope of 
the invention. Other embodiments therefore will occur to those skilled in 
the art and are within the scope of following claims.