Abstract:
A device for assisting and training golfers with their putts. The device includes an elongated section configured to be placed on the ground where the golfer intends to make his backswing for a selected put. A vertical section or “backstop” is configured to be placed at selected locations along the elongated section to corresponding to different putt lengths, and therefore different backswing lengths. A distance scale may be printed on the elongated section. Light projection devices may be included to project a predicted ball path. A backswing speed indicator system may also be included.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/085,204 entitled “GOLF PUTTING TRAINER DEVICE,” filed Nov. 20, 2013 by the inventors herein and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,113 on Mar. 3, 2015, which application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/731,499, entitled “GOLF PUTTING TRAINER DEVICE,” filed Nov. 30, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/808,011, entitled “GOLF PUTTING TRAINER DEVICE,” filed Apr. 3, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to golf training devices, and more particularly to a golf putting trainer device configured to provide a golfer with a consistent putting stroke of proper form. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Golf is a sport that has enjoyed popularity and garnered enthusiasts for hundreds of years. Throughout the history of the game, golfers have continuously strived to improve their game. Moreover, a critical part of the game, and a major contributor to a golfer&#39;s score in any game, is putting—typically the final strokes the golfer takes to sink their ball into the hole. The development of a consistent putting stroke of proper form is thus essential to the typical golfer&#39;s goal of lowering their score. 
         [0006]    Mastering the art of putting, however, requires regular practice. Moreover, practicing a putting stroke that is not of proper form can produce a consistently poor stroke, which is obviously counter to the typical golfer&#39;s goals. Thus, it is important that as a golfer is practicing their swing, they are practicing a swing of proper form, and are provided feedback throughout that practice on whether or not they are practicing such proper form. 
         [0007]    More particularly, in order to produce a proper putting stroke, a golfer should follow the basic mechanical tenets of (i) keeping their eyes over the ball, (ii) having proper alignment of the putter face to the target (i.e., the hole), (iii) applying topspin to the ball to enhance distance control and maintenance of the putting line, (iv) keeping their backstroke in alignment with a center line, and (iv) an accelerating stroke for consistency and distance control. Likewise, in order to produce a proper putting stroke, a golfer should also follow the basic subjective tenets of (i) developing a “feel”, or instinctive ability, and (ii) developing the ability to visualize the proper putting line. Feel for distance is especially important when putting to a “breaking hole.” If the putt is too fast, it will not have enough break, and if it is too slow, it will have too much break, often missing the putt as a result. Last, it is important that the golfer have confidence in his line and his ability to read the green, and thus must practice on a variety of holes of varied geometries having various degrees and direction of break to properly develop the “feel” necessary to properly read the greens. 
         [0008]    Thus, in order for a golfer to improve their putting game, it is important to apply the basic mechanics and to develop a proper “feel” and ability to visualize their putt. The development of these skills requires controlled practice, where that controlled practice exemplifies a putt of proper form. 
         [0009]    While numerous golf aids have been provided in the past, there remains a need in the art for a putting trainer device that can aid a golfer in the development of a proper putting stroke through practice of a putting stroke of proper form, and that provides feedback to the golfer that they are in fact practicing proper form. Such a device should have a visual aid that helps the golfer to develop proper visualization of their putt, and should provide a physical aid that ensures that the golfer maintain proper form (including initial alignment, maintaining such alignment through the backswing, and applying topspin to the ball) throughout the putting stroke. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Disclosed is a golf putting trainer device that is configured to provide an intuitive coaching system to aid a golfer in the development of proper visualization of their putt, and that provides a physical aid that ensures that the golfer maintain proper form (including through ensuring proper alignment, proper backswing, and proper topspin application) throughout their practice putting strokes. The putting trainer device includes a backstop that limits the putter&#39;s backstroke and that may vary its position based upon a distance of the putter&#39;s ball from the hole. The putting trainer device also includes a light beam projection device configured to project a tracking pathway onto the ground in front of the putting trainer device, indicating the ball path that the putter should strive to putt the ball through with their stroke. Such configuration is designed to increase a golfer&#39;s comfort on the green with a simple yet high-tech method. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective illustration of a golf putting trainer according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an end view of a golf putting trainer according to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective illustration of a golf putting trainer according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an end view illustration of a vertical backswing backstop element according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an end view illustration of an elongated base structure according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective illustration of a golf putting trainer according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a perspective illustration of a golf putting trainer according to yet another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8   a  is a top view illustration of a golf putting trainer according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8   b  is a side view illustration of the golf putting trainer shown in  FIG. 8   a.    
           [0020]      FIG. 8   c  is a bottom view illustration of the golf putting trainer shown in  FIG. 8   a.    
           [0021]      FIG. 8   d  is an end view illustration of the housing unit portion of the golf putting trainer shown in  FIG. 8   a.    
           [0022]      FIG. 8   e  is an end view illustration of the golf putting trainer shown in  FIG. 8   a  in a compact, disassembled configuration for storage. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    The following description is of particular embodiments of the invention, set out to enable one to practice various implementations of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the preferred embodiments, but to serve as particular examples thereof. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the conception and specific embodiments disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other methods and systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent assemblies do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. 
         [0024]    First, with reference to the side perspective view of  FIG. 1 , a golf putting trainer device (shown generally at  100 ) is provided having a base  110  that is generally in the form of an elongate rectangle. Base  110  has a thickness dimension H, a top face  112 , a front edge  114 , side edges  116 , a back edge  118 , and a bottom face  120 . Top face  112  is preferably flat. Thickness dimension H is preferably in the range of ½″ to ⅝″, such that when base  110  is resting on a surface with a golf ball  200  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 1 ) placed in close proximity to the front edge  114  (the specific location varying with the individual golfer&#39;s comfort zone), a putter that is swung towards the ball as it maintains contact with top face  112  will apply a proper amount of topspin to the ball. 
         [0025]    Golf putting trainer device  100  includes a putter backstop  140  that may be positioned at varying locations along the length of putting trainer device  100 . Putter backstop  140  is configured to provide physical, visual, and optionally audio feedback to the golfer to indicate the proper amount of backstroke for an intended putt distance, thus allowing the golfer to develop the skill of properly predicting the average distance a putt will travel given a backstroke length ending at the location of backstop  140  (which may vary with the speed of the greens, but will nonetheless provide a good bench mark for distance control). Putter backstop  140  may, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , comprise a block that may be variably positioned along top face  112  of base  110 , particularly by placing backstop  140  in one of a plurality of backstop receivers, such as slots  142  that run perpendicular to the length of base  110 , and that extend into base  110  a sufficient depth so as to hold putter backstop  140  in place. Slots  142  are preferably spaced apart at such a distance so as to allow the backstop  140  to be placed at graduated distances from the ball, and more particularly are preferably positioned so as to cause a golfer&#39;s putter to stop during their backswing at any one of a number of distances from ball  200 , which distances are particularly suited to ensure that the golfer strikes ball  200  with enough force to ensure that it travels the intended distance to the hole. Depending upon the force with which a particular golfer typically swings their putter club, a golfer will, through practice using putting trainer device  100 , develop their own scheme for placement of backstop  140  in a particular slot  142  for a given distance of the ball  200  from the hole. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  provides a front end view of putting trainer device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , when backstop  140  is positioned within any of slots  142 , it extends upward from top face  112 , and is preferably centrally positioned within the width of base  110 . The position of a ball  200  with respect to putting trainer device  100  when in use is also shown in phantom. 
         [0027]    Alternatively, and as shown in  FIG. 3 , backstop  140  may comprise a generally T-shaped block configured to slide within a groove  310  that runs centrally along the length of base  110 . As shown more particularly in  FIG. 4 , backstop  140  may thus have a horizontal base  320  and a vertical stop member  322  that extends upward from horizontal base  320 , and that is centrally positioned along horizontal base  320 . Stop member  322  has a width that approximates the width of an upper portion of groove  310  in base  110  so as to provide a tight fit (sufficient to hold backstop  140  in place), but providing sufficient clearance so as to allow a golfer to intentionally change the position of backstop  140  within groove  310  without excessive effort. Similarly, horizontal base  320  has a width dimension that approximates the width of a lower portion of groove  310 . As shown in the side perspective view of  FIG. 3  and the front view of  FIG. 5 , backstop  140  may thus again be variably positioned along the length of base  110  by sliding it along groove  310  to a desired location that is based upon the golfer&#39;s distance from the hole. Preferably, a numeric scale may be provided on the surface of base  320 , creating a reference for the golfer to relate their backswing stroke to the distance the ball will travel when struck. In some embodiments, that scale may indicate various measurements of distance from the hole, and an associated position marker indicating the intended position of backstop  140  for such distance measurement, for a typical golfer&#39;s putting stroke. In other embodiments, such scale may be a simple distance measurement from the end of base  110 , or any delineation allowing the golfer to easily and repeatedly position backstop  140  at any intended position. 
         [0028]    As best shown in  FIG. 3 , groove  310  may serve not only to hold and slidably position backstop  140 , but may also provide a center guideline to help the golfer to maintain a straight path through their stroke as they travel from the full backstroke towards ball  200 . Alternatively or in addition (and with regard to any of the embodiments described herein), a guideline may be printed extending centrally along top face  112  of base  110  to again help the golfer to maintain a straight path through their stroke. 
         [0029]    As yet another alternative, and as shown in  FIG. 6 , backstop  140  may comprise a peg that may be removably placed within any of a series of peg-receiving holes  610  that are aligned along the midline of base  110 , and again spaced apart at intervals to allow the golfer to modify the extent of their backswing for a given hole distance. As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , backstop  140  may include a bell  612  or other motion-activated sound generating device that provides audio feedback to the golfer when their putter reaches (and impacts) the rear extent of their intended backswing. Once again, base  110  may be provided a reference scale to allow the golfer to relate their backswing stroke to the distance the ball will travel when struck. Also, while only 5 holes  160  are shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that more or fewer holes may be provided to vary the available positions for backstop  140  without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0030]    In still yet another alternative, and as shown in  FIG. 7 , base  110  may alternatively be configured in the shape of a “T”, having a wide rear portion  710  and a thinner elongate front portion  720  extending away from a front side of wide rear portion  710 , with peg-receiving holes  610  being aligned along the midline of base  110 , particularly along the top side of elongate front portion  720 . 
         [0031]    In addition to providing a stroke backstop and creating a vertical alignment with respect to a ball  200  to provide sufficient topspin, base  110  also includes a ball path projection device configured to project a visual representation of the intended ball path on the ground in front of putting trainer  100 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, and with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  6 , and  7  (and present in each embodiment envisaged herein), such ball path projection device preferably includes two light beam projection devices  160  positioned within base  110  and aligned to project two beams of light  180  outward from base  110  and onto the ground in front of putting trainer device  100 . To ensure that such beams of light  180  are visible on the ground (and do not extend outward parallel to the ground), each light beam projection device  160  is preferably comprised of a line laser configured to project a vertical line in front of base  110 , which line lasers are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are readily commercially available. In certain embodiments of the invention, the angle of each such light beam projection device  160  with respect to base  110  may optionally be adjustable. Moreover, in particularly preferred embodiments, such light beam projection devices  160  comprise green lasers, allowing better visibility in bright sun light than, for instance, red lasers. Moreover, light projection devices  160  are preferably positioned within base  110  such that the light beams  180  that they project are spaced apart a distance that is at least equal to the width of a standard golf ball (i.e., at least 1.68″), and that is more preferably at least 1.735″. Such configuration provides a visual “track” indicating the intended ball path that a ball should travel when struck using putting trainer device  100 . Moreover, when comprised of line lasers that project a vertical line outward from the front of base  110 , a horizontal line will appear on the ground in front of base  110 , regardless of any slope present in the ground. 
         [0032]    As particularly shown in  FIG. 7 , when base  110  is configured having wide rear section  710  and thinner front section  720 , light projection devices  160  are preferably housed within wide rear section  710 , and are spaced apart from one another by a distance that is approximately equal to a standard golf ball. In this configuration, projection lines  180  extend outward from rear section  710  of base  110 , and thus provide an intended ball path track that starts along the length of front section  720  of base  110 , and continues forward of base  110  to provide the intended path that a ball should travel when struck using putting trainer device  100 . 
         [0033]    In order to power light projection devices  160  (and with particular reference to  FIG. 6 ), base  110  may be provided a power storage compartment  614  that may receive a replaceable power source, such as standard alkaline batteries. Power storage compartment  614  is in electrical communication with light projection devices  160 , which are preferably wired through standard electrical switches, such as toggle switches  616 , to selectively power light projection devices  160 . 
         [0034]    Next, with reference to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, and as shown in the top view of  FIG. 8   a  and the side view of  FIG. 8   b , golf putting trainer device  100  may comprise additional features configured to further assist a golfer in perfecting their putt, and that allow folding of golf putting trainer device  100  into a compact configuration so as to ensure its fit in any standard golf bag. More particularly, golf putting trainer device  100  may again include a wider rear section  802  and a thinner/narrower front section  804 . Front section  804  may be hinged to rear section  802  at hinge  805  so that when not in use, front section  804  may be folded under rear section  802 , thus reducing the overall length of golf putting trainer device  100  for easy storage. Optionally, and as shown in the bottom view of  FIG. 8   c , the bottom of rear section  802  may have a cut-out portion  806  configured to receive front section  804  when it is folded under rear section  802 . Alternatively, the bottom face of front section  804  may rest flush against the bottom face of rear section  802  when front section  804  is folded under rear section  802 . Both rear section  802  and front section  804  preferably have approximately equal length dimensions, such as (by way of non-limiting example) 13 inches. 
         [0035]    Moreover, and with particular reference to  FIG. 8   b , front section  804  need not have the same height dimension as rear section  802 . Rather, rear section  802  may have a height dimension sufficient to encompass power storage compartment  614 , light beam projection devices  160 , light beam projection devices toggle switch  616 , and the other electronics discussed in further detail below (e.g., approximately 1 inch), while front section may have a significantly smaller height dimension (e.g., approximately ⅛ inch). In this way, a proper height dimension can be maintained in front section  804  to keep an intended vertical spacing of the golfer&#39;s putter above the ground as they move through the full stroke of their putt, without limiting the height dimension of rear section  802  (which should hold the necessary electronics for golf putting trainer device  100 ). 
         [0036]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b , removable backstop  140  is provided and may be variably positioned along the length of front section  804  of golf putting trainer device  100 . Backstop  140  may, for instance, have arms that wrap around the sides of front section  804  to allow backstop  140  to either be slid onto front section  804  at its end and then slid into its intended position, or be clipped on to front section  804  at its intended position. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous other configurations exist for removable and slidably attaching backstop  140  to the front section  804 . 
         [0037]    Additionally, a top spin platform  808  may be detachably positioned at the top side of front section  804  adjacent its free end (which free end is the end of front section  804  next to which the golfer will position their ball when using golf putting trainer device  100 ). As shown in  FIG. 8   b , top spin platform  808  preferably has an upward slope on its top face, which upward slope is intended to guide the user&#39;s putter vertically upward as it approaches the ball so as to impart the proper top spin on the ball upon impact. The end of top spin platform  808  that is positioned adjacent the ball is configured so that the combined height dimension of front section  804  and top spin platform  808  will position the user&#39;s putter at the correct height dimension to impart such top spin on the ball. The opposite end of top spin platform is sufficiently thin so as to provide a generally smooth transition from the top face of front section  804  to top spin platform  808 . 
         [0038]    Optionally, and again as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 8   a , front section may include speed control indicators  810 . Speed control indicators  810  may comprise a series of individual lights that may be programmed (via microcontroller  812  in rear portion  802 ) to activate in series so as to provide visual feedback to the golfer of the length of their backstroke as detected by motion sensor  816  (discussed in greater detail below). Specifically, the individual lights of speed control indicators  810  are positioned so as to allow the golfer positioned over and looking down at golf putting device  100  to see the lights as they are activated in sequence, and thus provide the golfer immediate visual feedback of the length of their backstroke. 
         [0039]    Also, a collapsible putting rail  814  may be provided and positioned adjacent front section  804  of golf putting trainer device  100 . Collapsible putting rail  814  may comprise a vertical rail section  814   a  having a height dimension at least as large as a typical putter head, and two tabs  814   b  configured to either engage or sit below golf putting trainer  100  without affecting intended alignment of golf putting trainer  100 . When used with golf putting trainer  100 , vertical rail section  814   a  serves as a further guide for the head of the user&#39;s putter. More specifically, when in use, the user may lightly position the front end of their putter head against vertical rail section  814   a , and keep it in contact with vertical rail section  814   a  as they proceed through their putt. This ensures that the user&#39;s putter head follows a straight path through both the back stroke and the forward stroke of their putt, thus ensuring a proper impact of the putter with the ball. Collapsible putting rail  814  is capable of folding down into a substantially flat assembly, such that it may be carried in a carrying bag along with the rest of golf putting trainer  100  in a compact storage configuration (as shown in  FIG. 8   e ). 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   d , golf putting trainer device  100  may also include a motion sensor  816  positioned in an upper portion of the front face of rear section  802  such that it can detect motion of the user&#39;s putter as it travels across front section  804 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, motion sensor  816  may comprise an ultrasonic motion sensor (such as a Parallax Ultrasonic Range Finder), which sensor  816  is configured to measure both the distance and velocity of the user&#39;s backstroke and their follow through stroke by sending to and receiving from the golfer&#39;s putter a sound wave at set time intervals. The detected distance of the putter head from the sensor at different times is preferably used to calculate the length of the golfer&#39;s backstroke and the velocity of both the golfer&#39;s backstroke and follow through stroke. Additionally, a display  818 , such as a liquid crystal display, may be provided on rear section  802  to display the distance and velocity of the user&#39;s backstroke to further assist the user in developing a consistent putt of proper form. For example, display  818  may show the golfer&#39;s backstroke length (e.g., in inches) and a measurement of their backstroke and follow through stroke velocities relative to one another. This information may also be transmitted such as through use of a BlueTooth transmission module in microcontroller  112 , to a software application (such as a mobile software application installed on the golfer&#39;s cell phone or similar portable data device). Such software application may be configured to store the golfer&#39;s putts from each practice session so that the golfer may track their improvement and mark consistency for various putt lengths. 
         [0041]    More particularly, the golfer may link golf putting trainer device  100  with their cell phone or other portable data device through a BlueTooth connection in trainer device  100 , and the mobile software on the user&#39;s portable data device will recognize the trainer device  100 . The software application will record the user&#39;s backstroke length and putter path velocities for each putt. That data is stored by the software application so that the user may reference each putt length for consistent practicing and enhanced improvement. Preferably, golfing professionals may also interact with the software application to create a profile for themselves, and may include in that profile various putting theory techniques, theory demonstrations, putting drills, etc. A golfer that uses trainer device  100  may purchase access to such an online profile for a fee, the revenue from which may then be distributed between some combination of the golfing professional and an operator of the software application. 
         [0042]    One or more additional toggle switches  819  may be provided to selectively power display  818  and sensor  816 . 
         [0043]    As shown in the configuration of  FIGS. 8   a  through  8   d , golf putting trainer device  100  configured according to such embodiment encourages the user to stand over the ball (so as to see all of the visual aid devices incorporated in golf putting trainer device  100 ), and assists the user in a proper putting stance with two alignment lasers, which can be toggled on or off to test the golfer&#39;s improved visualization and alignment accuracy. Backstop  140  is configured to restrict the golfer&#39;s backstroke, thus forcing an equal follow through stroke. Once comfortable, the golfer can test his progress using motion sensor  816 , which measure both the distance and velocity of the golfer&#39;s backstroke as compared to the follow through stroke. Stroke consistency is addressed by providing visual stroke center line  618  and 90 degree putting rail  814  to teach a straight back and forth technique. Finally, detachable top spin platform  808  is used to increase user comfort and ensure proper ball impact, forcing proper top spin. Such combination of features significantly improve upon previously known putting trainer devices, as they simultaneously address the combined key issues that a golfer must concentrate on in order to perfect their putt. 
         [0044]    Next, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  (but envisaged on each embodiment of the invention), base  110  may also include studs  121  extending downward from bottom face  120  of base  110 . Studs  121  are preferably removable from base  110 , being joined thereto through use of a threaded, screw-type attachment, a snap, or any other configuration allowing for the ready attachment and removal of studs  121  from base  110 . Studs  121  may likewise comprise golf tees that may be slid into a keyhole type opening for each stud provided on the bottom face  120  of base  110 . Given these configurations, when putting trainer device  100  is intended for use outdoors, studs  121  may be applied such that they may be pushed into the ground so as to lock the position of putter training device  100  in place. Likewise, when putting trainer device  100  is intended for use indoors, studs  121  may be removed so that base  110  may rest flat on a flooring surface. 
         [0045]    In use, and with respect again to  FIG. 1 , a golfer will first position a golf ball  200  within approximately one inch of front face  114  of base  110 . Then, based upon the intended travel distance of the put, the golfer will position backstop  140  at the desired location so as to achieve the intended distance. Aligning themselves over putting trainer device  100 , the golfer will then draw their putter back over the alignment line (e.g., line  618  of  FIGS. 6 and 8 ) until impacting backstop  140 , and then swing the putter forward toward ball  200  along such alignment line. When the putter impacts ball  200 , the height of base  110  will cause the putter to impact ball  200  in its upper hemisphere, thus creating the much-desired topspin in the ball as it travels towards the hole. Likewise (and assuming that the golfer has turned on light projection devices  160 ), the golfer will strive to keep the club aligned to carry out a straight stroke sufficient to cause the ball  200  to remain within the visual path created by light beams  180  projected onto the ground in front of putting trainer device  100 . Through the repetitive, controlled practice of putting strokes using this method, it is intended that the golfer will be able to develop the feel and mental visualization necessary to improve their putting performance. 
         [0046]    Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein.