Abstract:
A collapsible putting practice apparatus designed to perfect a golfer&#39;s putting stroke, while being easily collapsible and portable. The collapsible putting apparatus incorporates multiple user positions, and includes design elements to conform the user&#39;s putting stroke to the apparatus&#39;s arced features.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/368,794, filed Feb. 8, 2012, hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to putting in the game of golf, in particular, an apparatus designed for use in putting practice and enhancing a golfer&#39;s putting abilities. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A collapsible putting apparatus comprising a front extrusion arc piece, the front extrusion arc piece having a front extrusion aperture running substantially the length of the of the front extrusion arc piece; at least one extension arm pivotably attached to the front extrusion arc piece and slidably engaged with the front extrusion aperture; and a base extrusion arc piece pivotably attached to the at least one extension arm, the base extrusion arc piece having a base extrusion aperture running substantially the length of the base extrusion arc piece and slidably engaged with the at least one extension arm. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is an orthographic projection of an embodiment in the extended position. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is an orthographic projection of an embodiment in the collapsed position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0007]    In an embodiment,  FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a collapsible putting practice guide  100 , as further illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Collapsible putting practice guide  100  may be comprised of a forward guide rail or front extrusion arc piece  101  and a base guide rail or base extrusion arc piece  105 . Collapsible putting practice guide  100  may be configured in multiple positions, including especially a collapsed position and an extended position. Forward guide rail  101  and base guide rail  105  may be slidably attached by extension arms  104 , and may be configured by adjusting the configurations of extension arms  104  and held in place by tightening friction lock knobs  103 . Friction lock knobs  103  may have a threaded machine screw attached for engagement with track nut  106 . Forward guide rail  101  and base guide rail  105  may have a track  109  and  110 , respectively, running substantially the length of the rail. Track nut  106  may be placed in this track during assembly. Track nut  106  may be threaded to correspond with the thread on friction lock knobs  103 . Friction lock knobs  103  may be screwed into track nut  106 . Track nut  106  may slide the length of groove  109  or  110  such that the extension arms can slide to any desired position on the guide rails. End caps  103  may be coupled to terminal ends of forward guide rail  101  and base guide rail  105  with screws  108 . End caps  102  ensure that track nut  106  does not slide out of track  109  or  110 . A left foot spacer  107   a  and a right foot spacer  107   b  may be coupled to extension arms  104  and base guide rail  105  through engagement with friction lock knobs  103 . Left foot spacer  107   a  and right foot spacer  107   b  should be able to slide in track  110  such that they can be configured to a desired width. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, the extended position as illustrated by  FIG. 2  is utilized during use of the apparatus. The user places his or her feet on or outside the molded plastic, rubber, or metal foot spacers to align themselves with the device. The spacing of the foot spacers can be adjusted by the user depending upon the user&#39;s height and/or stance. In the preferred embodiment, the foot spacers are fastened in place by friction lock knobs. However, other methods for fastening the foot spacers in place could be used, such as clamps or interlocking grooves. Furthermore, the apparatus could deliver the desired results without the inclusion of the foot spacers. The foot spacers are slideably attached to a base piece. In the preferred embodiment, the foot spacers are slideably attached to the base piece through a grove that runs substantially through the length of the base piece. In a preferred embodiment the base piece is slightly arced. This promotes the proper putting stance and enhances ergonomic design. The base piece can be made from aluminum, plastic, and the like. 
         [0009]      FIG. 3  is an orthographic projection of an embodiment in the collapsed position. The collapsible putting apparatus has two basic positions; however the apparatus can be configured to multiple positions therebetween. The primary position is the extended position, as best illustrated by  FIG. 2 , and the secondary position is the collapsed position, as illustrated by  FIG. 3 . The apparatus is configured to the collapsed position when not in use. This allows the apparatus to be easily stored in a compartment of a golf bag. The collapsed position also allows for easy transport of the apparatus. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the base piece is pivotably attached to two extension arms, although alternate embodiments could incorporate one extension arm or more than two extension arms. In the embodiment, the extension arms have a scissor-pivot and are slotted for distance adjustability. The extension arm comprises two pieces, a slotted piece and a solid piece. The solid piece can be repositioned within the slotted piece. The solid piece and the slotted piece can be locked in place by friction lock knobs. Alternate embodiments could accomplish this adjustable positioning through various means, such as clamps or interlocking grooves. 
         [0011]    In the embodiment, as best illustrated by  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the extension arms are pivotably attached to a front extrusion arc piece. The front extrusion arc piece and the base piece should be of substantially exact measurements to promote the space concerns of the collapsible position, as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The front extrusion arc piece can be made from aluminum, plastic, and the like. The user places a golf ball at a designated portion of the front extrusion arc piece. Then using the front extrusion arc piece as a guide, attempts to duplicate the same putting stroke every time a golf ball is struck. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, the front extrusion arc piece incorporates a groove substantially through the length of the piece. Molded plastic or metal end caps are coupled to the ends of the front extrusion arc piece and the base piece. These end caps cover any rough edges that may be at the ends of either the front extrusion arc piece or the base piece, and prevent the foot spacers from coming unattached from the base piece. 
         [0013]    These and further modifications and substitutions made by one of ordinary skill in the art are within the scope of the present invention, which is not limited.