Abstract:
A putting training aid comprising a main body having a first recess and a second recess formed therein, wherein the first recess is adapted to at least partially receive a golf ball to provide a guide for placing a marking on the golf ball a spindle member operably attached to the main body to at least partially extend into the second recess; and a string wound around the spindle member.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/685,009 filed May 26, 2006, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to a golf training aid, to teach and reinforce the ideal putting stroke, in the game of golf. More particularly, the invention is a device that includes both a golf ball alignment system and a golf ball marking system. When used together during a practice putting session, the golf ball alignment line provides a guide to ensure proper alignment of the golf ball to the golf hole, and the marked ball provides instant and accurate feedback to teach and/or reinforce the proper putting stroke. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Golf is a game of skill, the goal of which is to complete a round of golf in the fewest strokes possible. Generally, serious golfers are interested in game improvement and lower scores. The basic strokes that make up the game of golf are full shots, pitching, chipping, and putting. Generally, in a round of golf, no matter what course or quality of player, the putter is used for more strokes than any of the 13 other clubs a player may have in the golf club bag. One way for players of any skill level to achieve lower scores is to improve their putting. 
     To make a good putt, the golf ball should be struck with the putter so as to cause the ball to roll end-over-end. A ball that rolls end-over-end starts on line and stays on line, whereas a putt that is struck with underspin or sidespin rolls with little directional or distance consistency. The player that correctly “reads” the contour and grain of the green, makes proper aim and alignment, strikes the golf ball to impart an end-over-end roll, and hits the putt the proper speed, will generally make more putts. 
     Typically, prior to making a putt, the golfer inspects or “reads” the green, to determine if the path to the golf hole contains any slopes, undulations, or any other characteristics that need to be considered prior to selecting a target line to the golf hole. Frequently, to compensate for the characteristics of the terrain between the golf ball and the golf hole, the golfer must aim the ball at a point removed from the hole instead of directly at the hole. On other occasions, the golfer can aim the golf ball directly at the hole. 
     It can be helpful to use a permanent line placed at the golf ball&#39;s equator to aim the putt along the selected target line or alignment line. A marked line on the golf ball can assist the golfer in aligning the golf ball with a target line and also aligning the putter club face with a target line. Golf balls may contain some manufacturer markings that assist the golfer in aligning the golf ball with the target line, but these markings may not circumscribe the golf ball and/or may not be easily visible. 
     In golf, the ideal putt is one where the ball is struck in such a manner as to cause the ball to roll end-over-end. When practice putting, players who apply a line (“the applied line”) around the entire equator of the golf ball receive instant and accurate feedback as to the quality of the roll once the ball is struck. If the applied line appears as a solid straight line when the ball is in motion, such a line confirms that the ball is rolling end-over-end. If the applied line wobbles or appears to disappear when the ball is in motion, which is indicative of the ball rolling with some degree of underspin or sidespin. 
     If the player is practice putting a straight putt, that is to say a putt without any break, the player can align the applied line (the marking circumscribing the ball) of the ball directly with the target line, or into the middle of the golf hole. A target line can be marked on the putting surface, to assist in aligning the golf ball on the target line. The target line can be used to align feet, knees, hips, shoulders and putter face with the target line, to position the golf ball, to determine proper eye position over the ball, and to see if the putter stays “on plane.” 
     There were a number of golf ball marking devices that are designed to provide a mark on the golf ball and thus assist a golfer in improving alignment of the golf ball with the target line and putter head. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,971 to Urban describes a hollow cylindrical shape with a pin or a peg in the bottom of the cylinder to hold the golf ball. The golf ball is set in the cylinder and the circumference of the golf ball can be marked. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,223 to Newcomb discloses a golf ball stencil wherein the stencil is a rigid hemisphere that fits on the golf ball. Two intersecting slits on the hemisphere can be used to mark a cross on the ball. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,587 to Foley describes a golf ball-marking device wherein the main body of the marking device forms a resiliently deformable retention cavity that uses friction to secure a golf ball in the cavity. Handles extending from the opposite ends of the main body can be moved together, securing the golf ball in the golf ball marking device. The device allows for marking approximately half the circumference of the golf ball without readjusting the marking device. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,128 to Parks describes a golf ball stencil wherein the semi-rigid stencil can be snapped securely around the surface of a golf ball. The golf ball can rotate freely within the stencil to be positioned by the user. Then, a pair of finger grips is compressed to clamp the ball in position while the ball is being marked. Approximately, three quarters of the circumference of the ball can be marked without repositioning the stencil. 
     In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,887 to Carney discloses a laser-aiming device for assisting in aligning a golf ball to a practice putting hole. The laser module emitting a laser beam is mounted adjacent the plastic hole and projects a laser beam forward providing an illuminated reference for aligning a putter with respect to the hole. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides for a putting training aid that can be used as a ball marking device to apply a line at the equator of the golf ball, and can also be used to mark a target line on the putting surface to assist in accurate alignment of ball, hole and putter head. The putting training aid comprises a truncated spherical member, wherein the top and the bottom of the spherical member have been flattened and at least the top end of the spherical member is open. 
     The flattened bottom of the spherical allows for the device to rest on a flat surface without rolling or otherwise moving on its own power from where it was placed. The top of the truncated spherical member includes a hollow recess or bowl with a diameter sized to accept and support a golf ball. The golf ball is seated in the bowl such that the ball circumference is available for marking. A user can place a golf ball in the bowl of the aid and apply an aim line at the equator of the golf ball. The mark can circumscribe the golf ball or the mark can be made on only a section of the golf ball. 
     The interior of the truncated spherical member is at least partially hollow and includes a spindle. One end of a chalk line string is attached to the spindle and the chalk line string is wound around the spindle. The chalk line string has a ring or tab attached to the free end of the chalk line string. The side of the truncated spherical member contains a small hole through which the chalk line string passes. Among various purposes, the ring or tab allows for easy grasping of the chalk line string, and keeps the chalk line string from being totally enclosed by the truncated spherical member and inaccessible from the exterior of the truncated spherical member. 
     The interior of the truncated spherical member holds chalk material such that the chalk line string is covered in chalk material. The ring in the end of the chalk line string allows a player to place a golf tee through the ring and secure the ring and line to the practice putting surface centered just beyond the golf hole. The player can walk down the target line 10′ to 15′ feet holding the putting training aid, allowing the chalk line to unreel. The player can reach down to the putting surface, pull all slack from the chalk line, then press the string from the putting training aid&#39;s end to the ground with one hand while reaching down with the other hand to lift the line several inches in the air before releasing it and thereby ‘snaps’ the chalk line causing the chalk line string to drop chalk on the ground directly below the string. Thus, the selected target line or alignment line has been marked into the middle of the hole, on a straight putt. A similar process can be used when marking a target line to one side of the hole, taking in consideration the break of the putting surface. The chalk line string is rewound into the interior of the truncated spherical member and chalk is reapplied to the chalk line string. 
     Thus, the putting training aid includes a golf ball marking device that enables a player to place an aim line at the golf ball&#39;s equator which, when the ball is struck, provides feedback regarding the quality of the stroke. The putting training aid also includes a way of marking a target line, for example, a chalk line or a laser beam, to ensure proper alignment of the golf ball, hole and putter face. 
     The invention can be varied in other embodiments, and is not limited to the particular embodiment provided herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of the putting training aid of the invention  FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the putting training aid of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of another embodiment of the putting training aid of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is aside view of the putting training aid. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the putting training aid  10  is comprised of a rigid spherical member  12  with spherical radius R that has opposing flat sides. These opposing flat sides form the top or first end  20  and the bottom or second end  30  of spherical member  12 , respectively. At least one end, the first end  20 , of spherical member  12 , is open and has an open end top surface  24 . The open end of first end  20  contains a recess or bowl  22  with internal surface  26 . Bowl  22  has an internal diameter D that is sized to accept a golf ball. Flattened spherical member  12  has an exterior surface  40  that may be smooth, rough or dimpled. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment putting training aid  10  is comprised of at least three sections. The three sections  50 ,  60 ,  70  of putting training aid  10  compose flattened spherical member  12  and are fitted together. Top section  50  of flattened spherical member  12  contains first end  20 , bowl  22 , a top surface  24  and a lower surface  52 . Diameter  21  of circular top surface  24  of first end  20  is smaller than diameter  53  of lower circular surface  52  of top section  50 . Lower surface  52  can include a beveled edge  54  adjacent and extending from lower surface  52 . 
     Bowl  22  of top section  50  has a depth H that is the distance from open end surface  24  of first end  20  to the bottom of bowl  22 . Bottom  23  of bowl  22  may protrude beyond lower surface  52  and beveled edge  54  of top section  50 . Alternatively, bottom  23  of bowl  22  may be entirely contained within top section  50 . Extending from the bottom of bowl  22  is a projection  56 . The length L of projection  56  is sufficient to traverse middle section  60  and mate to a hollow or, alternatively, partially hollow protrusion extending from bottom section  70  up towards middle section  60 . 
     Middle section  60  is comprised of two contiguous portions, an upper portion  61  and a lower portion  63 . Upper portion  61  of middle section  60  has a circular top surface  64  with diameter  62  similar in length to diameter  53  of lower surface  52  of top section  50 . Lower portion  63  of middle section  60  is stepped in from upper portion  61  of middle section  60 . Lower portion  63  has a spherical radius Q that is smaller than spherical radius R of upper portion  61  of middle section  60 . Smaller spherical radius Q of lower portion  63  allows bottom section  70  to mate with lower portion  63  of middle section  60 , such that lower portion  63  of middle section  60  fits into bottom section  70 . Spherical radius R of bottom section  70  is equal to spherical radius of upper portion  61  of the middle piece  60 . When middle section  60  is mated with bottom section  70 , stepped-in surface  65  is proximate top surface  72  of lower section  70 . Diameter  68  of lower surface  66  of lower portion  63  is smaller than diameter  62  of top surface  64 . 
     Alternatively, middle section  60  can be comprised of a single portion that is not stepped-in and has the same spherical radius R throughout middle section  60 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Lower surface  65  of middle section  60  has a smaller diameter than top surface  64 . A beveled edge  67  is adjacent to and extends from surface  65  and is designed to fit into the top of bottom section  70 . 
     Bottom section  70  has a top surface  72  and a lower surface  74 . Diameter  71  of circular top surface  72  is larger than diameter  75  of bottom circular surface  74 . When middle portion  60  and bottom section  70  are mated, surface  72  is adjacent to surface  65 , and lower portion  63  fits inside of bottom section  70 . Bottom section  70  includes a projection  76  that protrudes from the bottom of bottom section  70  up towards top surface  72  of bottom section  70 . Projection  76  can be hollow or partially hollow, such that when sections  50 ,  60 , and  70  are mated, projection  56  fits inside of hollow or, alternatively, partially hollow projection  76 . The surface of bottom section  70  can be textured to provide for easier gripping of putting training aid  10 . 
     A chalk line string  80  is wound around the spindle formed by the mated projections  56 ,  76 . Chalk line string  80  has a tab, ring or the like  82  attached to the free end of chalk line string  80 , while the opposite end of chalk line string  80  is attached to mated projections  56 ,  76 . Side surface  40  of flattened spherical member  12  contains a small orifice  32  through which chalk line string  80  exits the interior of putting training aid  10 . Chalk line string  80  can be pulled by ring  82  to expose the desired length of chalk line string  80  exterior to putting training aid  10 . When chalk line string  80  is released, it winds itself upon mated projection  56 ,  76 , leaving ring  82  on the exterior of putting training aid  10 . 
     Alternatively, instead of having a chalk line string in the interior of flattened spherical member  12 , a laser (not shown) can be included in the putting training aid  10 . To accommodate the laser alignment feature, the configuration of the putting training aid may be altered. 
     Putting training aid  10  may contain a spring assembly (not shown) in its interior, to facilitate winding chalk line string  80  on mated projections  56 ,  76  once chalk line string  80  is released or “snapped.” Alternatively, mated projections  56 ,  76  are slidably mated, as are middle section  60  and bottom section  70 . Thus, projection  76  can turn relative to projection  56  and bottom section  70  can turn relative to middle section  60 . Thus, bottom section  70  can be turned to wind chalk line string  80  back onto the spindle formed by the mated projections  56 ,  76 . 
     The three sections of the putting training aid  50 ,  60  and  70  are mated to form putting training aid  10 . Top section  50  mates with middle section  60 , such that surface  52  is proximate surface  64 , and beveled edge  54  fits inside middle section  60 . Middle section  60  is at least partially hollow, such that projection  56  can pass through section  60  and once mated with projection  76 , chalk line string  80  can be wound around the spindle formed by projections  56 ,  76 . In addition, the interior of putting training aid  10  has a compartment surrounding the wound chalk line string  80  containing chalk. 
     Middle section  60  mates with bottom section  70 , such that projection  56  fits into projection  76 . In one embodiment, lower portion  63  of middle section  60  fits into bottom section  70 , such that edge  72  is proximate edge  66 . Hence, when putting training aid is assembled, surface  52  is proximate surface  64  and surface  68  is proximate surface  72 , and lower portion  63  fits inside of bottom section  70 . In another embodiment, beveled edge  67  is adjacent to and extends from surface  65  and fits into the top of bottom section  70 . Thus, lower surface  65  is proximate to surface  72 . 
     Putting training aid  10  is described herein as comprising three sections that are mated to form the putting training aid  10 . However, for example, putting aid  10  can be constructed comprising two sections that are mated together to form whole putting training aid  10 . Hence, other constructions of putting aid  10  are contemplated and are within the broad scope of the disclosure. 
     Proximate surface  24  of upper section  50  is a slit  90  that circumscribes bowl  22  at its middle or widest diameter. Slit  90  is located such that when a golf ball in placed in bowl  22 , the golf ball circumference is positioned at slit  90 . Slit  90  circumscribes bowl  22  such that when a golf ball in placed in bowl  22 , slit  90  circumscribes the golf ball. When a golf ball is contained in bowl  22 , the tip of a marking device can be inserted into or along slit  90 , such that the marking device places a mark on the golf ball. The mark placed on the golf ball can mark only a portion of the golf ball or can circumscribe the golf ball about its middle or equator. 
     Alternatively, surface  40  of upper section  50  may be devoid of slit  90  and have an uninterrupted surface. In this configuration, when a golf ball is placed in bowl  22 , the golf ball circumference is positioned proximate surface  24 . Top surface  24  can be used as a guide to mark a line circumscribing the golf ball when the golf ball is positioned in bowl  22 . The depth H of bowl  22  is adjusted such that the circumference of the golf ball is positioned proximate surface  24 . 
     Putting training aid  10  can be used to assist a golfer in practicing putting shots. The golf ball is placed in bowl  22  and a marking device is inserted into slit  90 . The marking device follows slit  90  around bowl  22 , thus marking the circumference of the golf ball at its equator. The golf ball thus marked about its middle or equator provides an aim line with which to line-up the golf ball on the target line. When the golf ball is properly struck, the line drawn on the golf ball will appear as a solid line as the ball rolls. If the ball is not hit perfectly or “true,” the line on the ball will appear to wobble and widen. If the ball is struck poorly, the line on the ball may appear to disappear. Hence, the golfer is provided instant feedback as to the quality of the putt, and can adjust the stroke to improve the next putt. 
     However, the cause of a missed putt may be that the golf ball was poorly aligned with the target line. To improve proper alignment to the golf hole the golfer snaps a chalk line on the putting practice surface. The golfer pulls ring  82  on the end of chalk line string  80  and extends chalk line string  80  from the golf ball location to the golf hole. The golfer then releases or “snaps” chalk line string  80 , which winds back into the putting training aid and leaves behind a chalk line on the practice putting surface. Now the aim line marked on the ball can be aligned with the chalk line and the practice putt can be taken and evaluated. Alternatively, the target line can be provided by a laser light assembly  92  that is included as a part of the putting training aid  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . A laser beam emitted by the laser light assembly  92  can be used to provide the target line and the golf ball can be aligned with the laser beam  94 . The configuration of the putting training aid  10  can be adjusted to accommodate the laser light assembly  92 , and yet retain the golf ball marking feature of the putting training aid  10 . 
     Other embodiments of the putting training aid  10  are contemplated and are included in the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will note that other embodiments and modifications of the invention fall within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure. The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments provided herein.