Abstract:
A golf training apparatus that is capable of operation both indoors and outdoors is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of anchor points, through which there are placed a plurality of anchors, typically comprising golf tees, for anchoring the apparatus outdoors. The apparatus further includes a cleated surface configured to adhere to a carpeted surface for anchoring the apparatus indoors. The apparatus further comprises a guide line retractably coupled to a tensile mechanism, whereby a golf player may, after coupling a golf club or putter to the guide line of the apparatus, determine based upon the motion of the guide line, whether the player&#39;s stroke is accurate or requires correction.

Description:
FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a golf training device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for training a person to swing efficiently a golf putter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the game of golf, it is important that players strike the ball with good technique. A good “stroke” (or swing), particularly a good putting stroke, typically travels through an arc in a single plane. In other words, for a good stroke, the club or putter does not wobble as it travels. Moreover, the arc along which the putter travels is aligned with the target (i.e., the golf ball) such that the face of the putter strikes the ball at a ninety degree angle (i.e., “squarely”). 
     Frequently, however, players experience difficulty in achieving aligned strokes. Colloquially, players may say that they are “pushing” or “pulling” their strokes. For a right handed player, “pushing” means that the golf club (or putter) strikes the ball at an oblique angle, such that the ball is imparted with a trajectory that takes it to the right of the intended target. Similarly, a right handed player “pulls” a stroke when the player strikes the ball at an acute angle, such that the ball is imparted with a trajectory that takes it to the left of the intended target. 
     Accordingly, there is a need, and corresponding demand, in the golf world for swing analysis and correction. In this regard, players have two options. First, a player may hire a golf coach to improve her swing. Personal lessons, however, are expensive, and many amateur players cannot afford this option or would prefer, at least, a less expensive training option. To satisfy these players, a variety of mechanical training devices are available. 
     However, most mechanical trainers are designed for outdoor use, and as many golfers are unable to travel to a convenient location (e.g., a golf course) as regularly as they might like, many would prefer an indoor/at home mechanical training device. 
     Hence, there is a need for an inexpensive mechanical training device which is capable of indoor use. The present invention is directed to such a device and satisfies the presently felt need in the golf market for affordable and versatile swing correction and analysis. 
     SUMMARY 
     A golf training apparatus that is capable of both indoor and outdoor use is described. The apparatus includes a base, which includes several anchor points, as well as a cleated undersurface. During an outdoor mode of operation, golf tees are driven through the anchor points into a putting green to secure the apparatus. During an indoor mode of operation, the apparatus is secured by way of the cleated undersurface, which adheres to carpeting. 
     The apparatus further includes an annular housing, wherein there is disposed a tensile mechanism for dispensing and retracting a guide line. The guide line is attached, during operation, to the shaft of a golf club or golf putter. As the putter is swung by a player, the guide line dispenses and retracts in a fashion that permits the trainee to observe the line along which the swing is placed, as well as to detect any wobble in the swing. 
     The golf training apparatus may be packaged in a kit. The kit includes the components of the apparatus, disassembled, as well as several golf tees. A purchaser of the kit may easily assemble the components of the apparatus in several minutes (or less), such that the apparatus is functional and ready for use. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The illustrative embodiment will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative, not limiting, purposes. 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of the golf training apparatus, configured for indoor use. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a side view of the cleated surface for indoor use. 
         FIG. 1C  shows an illustrative view of the undersurface of the golf training apparatus, fitted with the cleated surface for indoor use. 
         FIG. 1D  shows a side view of the base of the golf training apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  shows an illustrative view of the undersurface of the golf training apparatus configured to slidably receive the cleated surface for indoor use. 
         FIG. 3A  shows an perspective view of the golf training apparatus configured for outdoor use. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a top view of the golf training apparatus configured for outdoor use. 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of the golf training apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional view of the annular housing. 
         FIG. 6A  shows a cross-sectional view of the annular housing illustrative of the concentrically wound spring. 
         FIG. 6B  shows a cross-sectional view of the annular housing illustrative of the guide line. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a cross-sectional view of a first side of the annular disc configured to interface with the tensile mechanism. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a cross-sectional view of a second side of the annular disc configured to interface with the guide line. 
         FIG. 8A  shows a cross-sectional view of a second side of the removable face of the annular housing. 
         FIG. 8B  shows a side view of the removable face of the annular housing. 
         FIG. 9  shows a kit comprising the golf training apparatus. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the operation of the golf training apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description is illustrative and not in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the claimed subject matter will readily suggest themselves to skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. It shall be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the golf training apparatuses, systems, and methods described hereinafter may vary as to configuration and as to details. 
     Further, as used in this application and the claims, the term “coupled” admits intermediate elements (i.e., coupled elements are not necessarily in direct physical contact) and includes various coupling techniques, such as mechanical coupling, slidable coupling, retractable coupling, pressure-fitted coupling, and the like. Further still, as used herein, the term “includes” means “comprises.” 
     Broadly, a golf training device and a method for using the same are described herein. The apparatus may be used indoors and outdoors, and to that end, is capable of two configurations—i.e., a first configuration for operation of the apparatus indoors and a second configuration for operation of the apparatus outdoors. 
     With respect to  FIG. 1A , a golf training apparatus  100  (hereinafter, also referred to simply as the “apparatus”) configured for indoor use is pictured. The apparatus includes a base  110 , an elongated support member  122 , and an annular housing  124 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the base  110  comprises a rigid plastic, and may be injection molded or machined from a larger block of plastic. Alternately, the base may be assembled from a variety of prefabricated base elements. Further, in other embodiments, the base may comprise a metal or metal alloy, wood or a wood composite, any combination of the foregoing materials, and any of the other variety of materials which are available for use in the manufacture of objects and articles. 
     The elongated support member  122  and the annular housing  124  may comprise a material similar to that used in the construction or manufacture of the base  110  (see above), such as, for example, a hard plastic. Further, the elongated support member  122  and the annular housing  124  may be manufactured as a single component, or molded or machined together as a single component. Further still, in an alternate embodiment of the golf training apparatus, the base  110 , the elongated support member  122 , and the annular housing  124  may together be manufactured as a single, integrated component—or molded or machined together to form a single component. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1D , the elongated support member  122  may be coupled to, or slidably coupled to, the base  110  by way of a receiving port  102 . The receiving port  102  may be molded or machined into the base  110  by way of a variety of manufacturing processes, some of which are described above. Importantly, by sliding the member  122  into and out of the receiving port  102 , the member  122  may easily be coupled to and decoupled from the base  110 . 
     At the apex of the elongated support member  122 , there is disposed the annular housing  124 . Briefly (more detail is provided surrounding the discussion of  FIGS. 5-8 ), the housing  124  contains a tensile mechanism  502  coupled to a guide line  140 , whereby the guide line  140  may be dispensed from the housing  124 , as well as retracted, in the absence of a counterforce, into the housing. At the apex of the elongated support member  122 , there is, additionally, a curved projection  111 . The curved projection  111  is configured such that a person may easily utilize the projection  111  as a hook for manually grasping and transporting the golf training apparatus  100 . The curved projection  111  also adds an aesthetically pleasing design feature to the apparatus  100 . 
     With respect to the guide line  140 , a stop  130  may be provided, whereby a certain distance or length of line is prevented from retracting into the housing. In one embodiment, the stop is located ten to fourteen inches from clip  150 . The stop  130  also functions to maintain some tension in the tensile mechanism  502 , such that the stop  130  is held snugly against the body of the housing. 
     The guide line  140  is also coupled to a clip  150 . Clip  150  may be coupled to the shaft  600  of a golf club or golf putter. Clip  150  may be provided in a variety of sizes to accommodate attachment of the guide line  140  to variously sized club/putter shafts  600 . Further, clip  150  may be removably coupled to the guide line  140 , such that variously sized clips  150  may be switched into and out of operation. There are various means for coupling a clip to a line. However, in one embodiment, the coupling means is a slidable coupling. 
     With further regard to the guide line  140 , there may be employed various colors and brightnesses of materials in the composition of the guide line, such that the guide line easily stands out against a grassy surface or carpeted floor. For instance, the guide line may be a bright orange or yellow color. Moreover, various lengths of guide line  140  may be used. In the depicted embodiment, 48 inches to 54 inches of guide line are provided. Other lengths might be used, however; and, where greater lengths are in fact used, one or more differently sized housings  124  might be provided. 
     The guide line  140  may be manufactured from virtually any flexible or semi-flexible material, such as, but not limited to, string, cable, filament, cord, sheathed cord, twine, rope, ribbon, tape, and the like. In one embodiment, the guide line  140  comprises nylon twine. The guide line  140  may further include markings or graduations (not shown)—to which the stop  130  may be set—whereby a player may adjust the force required to cause additional dispensation of the guide line. Thus, for instance, a player who wishes to practice putting a longer distance might increase the force required to extract the required line by moving the stop inward along the guide line until the tensile mechanism  502  in the housing is under greater stress. The markings on the guide line may therefore further indicate putting distances. For instance, a force required to putt a ball ten feet on an average putting green may be calculated prior to manufacture of the guide line and a mark thereafter placed on the guide line indicating that attachment of the stop at the designated point will necessitate a swing having a force substantially similar to that which would be required to move a ball a distance of ten feet on a putting green. Thus, the golf training apparatus may be adjusted to help players learn to swing with an appropriate force, depending upon the distance they wish to propel variously putted golf balls. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B , there is illustrated an embodiment of a cleated surface  160 , which may be coupled to the base  110  (as illustrated in  FIG. 1A ) during an indoor mode of operation of the golf training apparatus. The cleated surface includes a flat planar surface  161  and a plurality of “T” shaped cleats or teeth  162 . The cleats  162  are attached to the surface  161  and may not be removed. In general, the cleats  162  and the surface  161  may be manufactured as a single component, or molded or machined together as a single component. Further, in one embodiment, the cleated surface comprises a rigid plastic (or any material similar to that used for construction of the base  110  as provided above), and may comprise a variety of colors, including blue and gray. 
     More particularly, referring now to  FIG. 1D , the cleated surface may slidably couple to a second receiving port  103  set into the base  110 . In one embodiment, the receiving port  103  comprises two rails  104   a  and  104   b . These rails  104   a  and  104   b  may receive the cleated surface  160 , such that the cleated surface may be coupled to the base  110  by sliding it into the receiving port  103 . In other embodiments, the cleated surface  160  does not couple to the base by way of receiving port  103 . Thus, in certain embodiments, the base  110  does not include receiving port  103 . Further, in these embodiments, the cleated surface  160  may be coupled to the base  110  by another means, such as by way of a reusable or durable adhesive, Velcro, or permanent bonding means, such as glue, heat treatment, or screws. Further, in certain embodiments, the cleated surface  160  may be manufactured such that it is integral to the base  110 , such as by an injection molding process or by machining the base  110  and cleated surface  160  from a single piece of material. 
     In certain embodiments, particularly those permitting coupling and decoupling of the cleated surface  160  to and from the base  110  (such as by way of receiving port  103 ), the cleated surface may be decoupled from the base, inverted, and coupled in an inverted position to the base  110 , such that the cleats  162  are turned upward, into the base. In operation, a player may wish to configure the training apparatus  100  as described, with the cleated surface  160  in an inverted position, before using the apparatus  100  in an outdoor mode of operation, as this would prevent the cleated surface  160  from picking up grass and dirt, which it might encounter on a putting green. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1C , an underside of the golf training apparatus  100  is displayed. The cleated surface  160  is further displayed coupled to the base  110 . Thus, the golf training apparatus  100  is shown configured for indoor use. There are additionally disposed in the base  110  a plurality of anchor points  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c , and  112   d  (hereinafter, also referred to as the “anchor points.”) In the depicted embodiment, there are four anchor points  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c , and  112   d , one at each corner of the base  110 ; however, a greater or lesser number of anchor points might also be used. 
     The anchor points  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c , and  112   d  extend through the base  110 , and are configured to receive a plurality of anchors  113   a ,  113   b ,  113   c , and  113   d . The anchors may be any cylindrical element capable of being driven into a putting green or grassy surface—e.g., stakes, sticks, nails, and small posts. However, in the depicted embodiment, the anchors are golf tees. Thus, the golf training apparatus of  FIG. 1C  is also shown configured, or configurable, for outdoor use as well as indoor use. In some embodiments, as described above, the cleated surface  160  is inverted during outdoor use, such that the cleats do not pick up debris. In other embodiments, the cleats  162  remain deployed during outdoor use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is provided an illustration of the cleated surface  160  sliding into—or slidably coupling with—the base  110 . The cleated surface  160  is received by the rails  104   a  and  104   b  (see above for additional detail). Note that anchor points  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c , and  112   d  are disposed such that insertion of the cleated surface  160  does not interfere with insertion of an anchor—i.e., the base is wider along its shorter rectangular dimension than the cleated surface  160  is along its shorter rectangular dimension. In other embodiments, however, the cleated surface  160  may be congruent with (i.e., of the same or substantially the same dimensions as) the base  110 . In these embodiments, anchor points  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c , and  112   d  extend through the cleated surface  160 , so that the apparatus  100  may be used outdoors. 
       FIG. 3A  is a side view of the apparatus  100 . The apparatus  100  is attached via the guide line  140  and clip  150  to the shaft  600  of a golf club or putter (see above for additional detail).  FIG. 3A  further illustrates anchors  113   c  and  113   a  inserted through anchor points  112   a  and  112   c . Cleated surface  160  is not coupled to the base  110  in this figure; thus, the embodiment depicted here is configured for use outdoors. Although the receiving port  103  is not shown, it may nonetheless be present in this embodiment, in which case, it may be inverted and facing upwards such that the cleated surface  160  does not come into contact with the putting green. 
       FIG. 3B  is a top view of the base  110 . The figure further illustrates the direction the anchors  113   a ,  113   b ,  113   c , and  113   d  are to be inserted through the anchor points  112   a ,  112   b ,  112   c , and  112   d —that is, downward, through the base  110  and into the grassy surface. 
       FIG. 4A  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the golf training apparatus  100 . In particular,  FIG. 4A  illustrates a striped area  402  that may be used during operation to visually detect the angle at which a player is striking a ball. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a cross-sectional illustration of the housing  124 , and its contents, is provided. The housing  124  comprises a tensile mechanism  502 , an annular disc  504 , a first elongated cylindrical member  506 , a second elongated cylindrical member  508 , a detachable face  510 , and the guide line  140 . The first and second elongated members  506  and  508  are coupled to the annular disc  504  at the center of the disc  504 . As illustrated, the first and second elongated members  506  and  508  are coupled to opposite sides of the disc  504 . 
     As is additionally illustrated, the tensile mechanism  502 —which in one embodiment is a concentrically wound spring—is physically separated from the guide line  140  by the annular disc  504  (see also  FIG. 6A ). The annular disc  504  is coupled to the tensile mechanism  502  through a slot  702  (see also  FIG. 7A ) in the first elongated member  506 . More particularly, in the depicted embodiment, the tensile mechanism  502 , which, again, may comprise a thin strip of concentrically wound metal tape or a spring, is coupled to the first elongated member  506  by insertion of a distal or end portion of the mechanism  502  into the slot  702 . Thus, angular motion (i.e., rotation) of the first elongated member  506  causes the mechanism  502  to wind and unwind, depending on the direction of motion. Note: in the depicted embodiment, the opposite distal end of the tensile mechanism  502  is attached (e.g., using glue or another permanent adhesive) to the inside of the housing. 
     On the other side of the annular disc  504 , the second elongated member  508  extends away from the disc  504  and into a slotted cavity  512  (see also  FIG. 6B ,  FIG. 7B , and  FIGS. 8A and 8B ) in the detachable face  510 . The second elongated member  508  also terminates in a slot  704 . This arrangement permits easy coupling and decoupling of the detachable face  510  from the housing  124 , because the slot  704  is configured to securely interface with the slotted cavity  512 . In alternative embodiments, the detachable face  510  may be permanently attached to the housing  124 . 
     The guide line  140  is wound around the second elongated member  508 , and attached to the annular disc  504 . Attachment may occur in a variety of ways—e.g., via adhesive, a nail or screw, or by including a hole (as in the depicted embodiment) in the disc  504 , such that a distal end of the guide line  140  may be passed through the disc and one or more knots tied in the guide line  140 , thereby securing it to the disc  504 . 
     The tensile mechanism  502  is therefore affected by the motion of the guide line  140  by way of the annular disc  504 . More particularly, as the guide line  140  is drawn from the housing  124 , the annular disc rotates. Rotation of the annular disc  504  causes the tensile mechanism  502  to be wound around the first elongated member  508 , thereby increasing the tension or compression in the mechanism  502 . Conversely, as the guide line  140  is allowed to retract into the housing, the tensile mechanism uncompresses as it unwinds about the first elongated member  508 , thereby causing the annular disc  504  to rotate in the opposite direction. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a kit  900  containing the pieces and parts of a complete golf training apparatus  100  is pictured. The kit may contain one or more anchors  113   a ,  113   b ,  113   c , and  113   d , the base  110 , the elongated support member  122 , the housing  124  and all its contents, and the cleated surface  160 . The kit may be packaged such that it is capable of being offered for sale at a retail outlet. 
     In operation, the golf training apparatus  100  is coupled to the shaft  600  of a golf club or putter by way of clip  150 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , the player may position the apparatus  100  somewhat to the rear of his golf stance in order to permit the putter, as it is swung, to travel freely (i.e., without striking the apparatus  100 ) through the stroke. Further, the apparatus is aligned with the target (i.e., the ball) such that a good stroke (see background section above) will trace a straight line (via the guide line  140 ) between the apparatus and the target. 
     Further, to take advantage of the golf training apparatus  100 , a player may visually inspect the position and motion of the line  140  as it is dispensed from the housing  124  on the forward part of his stroke, as well as retracted into the housing on the return stroke. The striped area  402  may be used to assist this process. 
     If the player detects a departure from the ideal straight line between apparatus  100  and the target, the player is thereby made aware that he is pushing or pulling his stroke to the left or the right. At that point, the player may attempt to correct for the mistake in his stroke by adjusting his grip or another characteristic of his swing. 
     Although the description above provides many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments this invention. The specification, for instance, makes reference to several methods for utilizing this invention. However, these methods, while they represent several preferred embodiments, should not be construed as representative of the only embodiments contemplated herein. Rather, those embodiments are illustrative, and may be altered and adapted based upon such factors as the particular structural embodiment implemented for use with the method, as well as what type of correction the player is attempting to detect and correct. Further, the specification makes references to a tensile mechanism  502  for dispensing and retracting the guide line  140 . The tensile mechanism may comprise a variety of mechanisms capable of effecting a retraction of the guide line  140  into the housing  124 , such as those mechanisms utilized to effect the same or similar effect in tape measures and the like.