Patent Publication Number: US-10773145-B2

Title: Golf putting training aid

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Golf is a popular sport played by many people. Some aspects of golf, such as putting, can be frustrating to master. Putting can require a golfer to tap the golf ball with an appropriate force and direction towards the hole or cup. Golfers often strike the ball too hard or too soft. Improving putting is an ongoing effort for many golfers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a top schematic view of a golf putting training aid in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, shown with a golf ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 2 a    is a side schematic view of the golf putting training aid of  FIG. 1 , shown with the gold ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 2 b    is a cross-sectional side schematic view of the golf putting training aid of  FIG. 1 , shown with the gold ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side schematic view of the golf putting training aid of  FIG. 1 , shown moving through a back wing and a first portion of a fore swing with the golf ball retained in the aid, an intermediate position adjacent a green with the golf ball released onto the green and being pushed by a golf putter, and a remainder of the fore swing with the golf ball moving on the green. 
         FIG. 4  is a top schematic view of another golf putting aid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, shown with the golf ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side schematic view of the golf putting training aid of  FIG. 4 , shown with the gold ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side schematic view of another golf putting aid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, shown with the golf ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side schematic view of another golf putting aid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, shown with the golf ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 8  is a top schematic view of another golf putting aid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, shown with the golf ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side schematic view of the golf putting training aid of  FIG. 8 , shown with the gold ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 10  is a top schematic view of another golf putting aid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, shown with the golf ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional side schematic view of the golf putting training aid of  FIG. 10 , shown with the gold ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 12  is a top schematic view of another golf putting aid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, shown with the golf ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side schematic view of the golf putting training aid of  FIG. 12 , shown with the gold ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional side schematic view of the golf putting training aid of  FIG. 12 , shown moving through a back wing and a first portion of a fore swing with the golf ball retained in the aid, an intermediate position adjacent a green with the golf ball released onto the green and being pushed by a golf putter, and a remainder of the fore swing with the golf ball moving on the green. 
         FIG. 15  is a top schematic view of another golf putting aid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, shown with the golf ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side schematic view of the golf putting training aid of  FIG. 15 , shown with the gold ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional side schematic view of another golf putting aid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, shown with the golf ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 18  is a top schematic view of another golf putting aid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, shown with the golf ball retained in the aid. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional side schematic view of the golf putting training aid of  FIG. 18 , shown with the gold ball retained in the aid. 
     
    
    
     Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. 
     As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent” may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near or close to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context. 
     The term “putter” is used herein to refer to a golf club used to make relatively short and low-speed strokes, or puts, with the intention of rolling the ball relatively short distances to the hole or cup. The putter can have a club head carried by a distal end of a shaft, and a grip on an opposite proximal end of the shaft. The putter is different than other clubs, such as the irons or woods. The putter can have a club head with a flat, vertically oriented and relatively low striking face. As used herein, the putter can include both blade or mallet type putters, unless otherwise specified. 
     An initial overview of the inventive concepts are provided below and then specific examples are described in further detail later. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the examples more quickly, but is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the examples, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     The invention presents a method and device to train a golfer to improve putting. Putting can be a source of great frustration to golfers. Putting can require a golfer to tap the golf ball with an appropriate force and direction towards the hole or cup. Golfers often strike the ball too hard or too soft. The present method teaches the golfer to push the ball with the head of the putter towards the hole, rather than to strike the ball. For shorter distance puts, the club head of the putter can be placed against the ball, and then the golfer can push the ball towards the hole or cup, without a back swing. 
     For longer distance puts, the present device provides a golf putting training aid. The aid is carried by a shaft of a golf club or putter. In one aspect, the aid can be affixed to an existing putter. In another aspect, the aid can be carried by its own shaft, and can define its own club. The aid has a pocket or bore to hold the golf ball, and a bottom opening through which the ball can be released. Thus, the putter can be swung back and forward, or through a back swing and a fore swing, with the ball retained by the aid on the putter. 
     A flap can selectively retain the ball in the bore, and can selectively release the ball through the bottom opening. An automatic ground actuated trigger can be coupled to the flap and can extend below the aid and the putter. When the aid and the putter are adjacent the ground or green during the fore swing, the trigger makes contact with the ground and releases the flap to automatically release the ball from the bore onto the green in front of a push surface of the aid or the putter head so that golfer can push the ball along the green through the remainder of the fore swing. Thus, the aid allows the ball to be carried by the putter via the aid through the back swing and an initial portion of the fore swing, like a natural golf swing, while also allowing the ball to be selectively released in front of the putter head to be pushed by the putter head through a later portion of the fore swing. The golfer is thus trained to think about putting as pushing rather than striking. The aid can be utilized on a practice putting green. The automatic ground actuated trigger can release the ball automatically, and without the golfer needing to think about releasing the ball or taking any action to release the ball. In addition, the automatic ground actuated trigger can simply release the ball, providing a gravity release, without imparting any other force or direction to the ball that would interfere with the golfer&#39;s training. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a golf putting training aid  10  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is shown for teaching a golfer to put by pushing the golf ball on the green with a putter towards the hole or cup. The aid  10  can comprise or can be carried by a distal end of a golf club shaft  14 . The shaft  14  can have an opposite proximal end with a grip (not shown). In one aspect, the aid  10  can be a golf club with its own shaft. In another aspect, the aide  10  can be selectively and removably coupled to an existing putter head  18  of an existing putter  22 . In either configuration, the club head  18  of the putter  22  or the aid  10  can comprise a forward facing surface or face  26  that can contact a golf ball  30 . In one aspect, the face  26  can be provided by the aid  30 . In another aspect, the face  26   b  can be provided by the putter  22 . 
     The aid  10  comprises a collar  34  carriable by the golf club shaft  14 . As described above, in one aspect, the collar  34  can be removably coupled to the putter head  18  on the shaft  14 . In one aspect, the collar  34  can be defined by the head  18  of the putter  22 , and an arc  38  of the collar  34 . Thus, the head  18  and the aid  10  can together form the collar  34 . In another aspect, the collar  34  can be formed without the head  18  of the putter  22 . In one aspect, the collar  34  can have a pair of arms  42  extending from the collar. Fasteners  46 , such as elastic bands or straps, can couple the pair of arms  42  to the putter head  18 . 
     The collar  34  has a bore  50  extending substantially vertically through the collar  34 . The bore  50  is sized to receive the golf ball  30  therein. In one aspect, the bore  50  can extend completely through the collar  34 , as shown. Thus, the bore  50  can have a top opening  54  to receive the golf ball  30 . In another aspect, the bore  50  can extend only partially through the collar  34  from the bottom. The bore  50  has a bottom opening  58  facing downwardly during use. The bottom opening  58  is sized to allow the golf ball  30  to pass therethrough. The collar  34  and the bore  50  can have a containment configuration with the golf ball  30  therein, and an empty configuration with the golf ball  30  deployed from the bore  50 . 
     In one aspect, the collar  34  can be rigid. The collar  34  can be formed of plastic, and can be formed by injection molding. In another aspect, the collar  34  can be flexible and resilient, or elastic, and can comprise a loop that is flexible and resilient, or elastic, and capable of changing shape between the containment configuration with the golf ball  30  in the bore  50 , and the empty configuration with the golf ball  30  deployed from the bore  50 . Thus, the presence of the golf ball  30  can elastically deform the collar  34  or the loop and the bore  50 . The elastic deformation of the collar  34  and the loop can help retain the golf ball  30  in the bore  50 . 
     The aid  10  also comprises a flap  62  carried by the collar  34  and extending into the bore  50 . The flap  62  can selectively retain and release the golf ball  30  with respect to the bore  50  and the collar  34 . The flap  62  can be displaceable between two position, comprising: 1) an extended position ( FIGS. 2 b    and  3  at A), and 2) a retracted position ( FIG. 3  at B). In the extended position, the flap  62  extends into the bore  50  sufficient to resist the golf ball  30  from passing out of the bore  50  through the bottom opening  58 . In the retracted position, the flap  62  is away from the bore  50  sufficient to allow the golf ball  30  to pass out of the bore  50  through the bottom opening  58 . In one aspect, the flap  62  or a portion thereof can be positioned in the bore  50  below a midpoint of the golf ball  30  to reduce an effective diameter or size of the bore  50 , less than a diameter of the golf ball  30 , to retain the golf ball  30 . In another aspect, the flap  62  can be pivotal with respect to the collar  34  and the bore  50  and can pivot about a pivot axis carried by the collar  34 . The pivot axis can be located below the midpoint of the golf ball  30 . The flap  62  can be biased towards the extended position by a spring  66 . 
     In one aspect, the flap  34  can be positioned at a rear of the bore  50 , and between the golf ball  30  and the head  18 . Thus, the flap  34  can clamp the golf ball  30  between the flap  34  and the collar  34 . In addition, the flap  34  can be oriented to face forwardly and towards the bore  50 . In one aspect, the flap  34  can have a laterally straight leading edge and/or a flat face facing forwardly to contact the golf ball  30  and push the golf ball along the green when released, defining the face  26 . Thus, in the retracted position ( FIG. 3  at B), the flap  34  can release the golf ball  30  from the bore  50  through the bottom opening  58  and onto the green; and the flap  34 , or face  26  thereof, can push the golf ball  30  along the green. 
     The aid  10  also comprises an automatic ground actuated trigger  70  operatively coupled to the flap  62  to displace or pivot the flap  62  from the extended position to the retracted position. The trigger  70  can be carried by the collar  34 , and can extend downwardly and rearward during use. In one aspect, the trigger  70  can have a proximal end coupled to the collar  34  and a distal free end. In another aspect, the trigger  70  having a length and orientation to contact the ground during fore swing of the golf club shaft  14  ( FIG. 3  at B) to displace the flap  62  to the retracted position. In another aspect, the trigger  70  can extend from the bore  50  to a location under and behind the bore  50 , and beneath the putter head  18 . In one aspect, the trigger  70  can extend in a broad arc, and can have a smooth lower contact surface to reduce catching or snagging on the green. In another aspect, the trigger  70  can be pivotal with respect to the collar  34 , and can pivot about a pivot axis carried by the collar  34 , defining a lever or lever arm. In one aspect, the trigger  70  can be displaceable upwardly by contact with the ground or green during fore swing ( FIG. 3  at B). In one aspect, the trigger  70  can be relatively rigid, and can be formed by a wire or a band. In another aspect, the trigger  70  can be elastic, such as a leaf spring, to bend or flex upon contact with the green so as to reduce interference with the golfer&#39;s swing. 
     A linkage  74  can be coupled to and between the flap  62  and the trigger  70  to transfer pivotal movement of the trigger  70  to the flap  62 . As described above, a spring  66  can engage the flap  62 , and can bias the flap  62  to the extended position. The linkage  74  can comprise a cam  78  or lever, pivotal with respect to the flap  62 , and engaging the flap  62  to pivot the flap  62  from the extended position to the retracted position. The cam  78  or lever can be carried by the collar  34 . In addition, the linkage  74  can comprise a link  82 , such as a line or cable, coupled to and between the trigger  70  and the cam  78 . Pivotal motion of the trigger  70  pivots the cam  78 , and thus the flap  62 . The trigger  70  thus automatically operates by contact with the green during fore swing, when the putter head  18 , the collar  34  and the golf ball  30  are adjacent the green, to displace or pivot the flap  62  to release the golf ball  30  from the bore  50  through the bottom opening  58  and onto the green, without any action on the part of the golfer, thus maintaining the golfer&#39;s focus on his or her swing and pushing the golf ball  30  on the green. In addition, the aid  10  provides a gravity feed with the trigger  70  operating to release the golf ball  30  by gravity only through the bottom opening  58  in front of the putter head  18 , and without imparting any other force or direction to interfere with the golfer&#39;s training. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , another golf putting training aid  10   b  is shown that is similar to that described above in many respects, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The flap  62   b  can comprise a single flap  62   b , or a pair of flaps  62   b , located laterally off-center from the bore  50 , and thus the golf ball  30 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Similarly, the trigger  70   b  can comprise a single trigger  70   b  corresponding to the single flap  62   b , or a pair a triggers  70   b  corresponding to the pair of flaps  62   b . Positioning the flap(s)  62   b  laterally allows the collar  34 , or the putter head  18 , to provide the laterally straight leading edge or face  26   b  for facing the bore  50  and contacting the golf ball  30  and pushing the golf ball along the green. The face  26   b  may provide a more stable surface for pushing the golf ball  30 . In addition, the face  26   b  can be the face of the existing putter head  18  to allow the golfer to experience the feel of his or her own club. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , another golf putting training aid  10   c  is shown that is similar to those described above in many respect, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The trigger  70   c  can comprise a roller  84  or a wheel disposed on a distal free end of thereof to reduce frictional contact with the green and further provide a natural feel for the putter  22  during fore swing. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , another golf putting training aid  10   d  is shown that is similar to those described above in many respects, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The trigger  70   d  can comprise a catch  86  disposed on a distal free end of thereof to contact and engage the green and insure that the trigger  70   d  is engaged. The catch  86  can comprise a tooth or teeth. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , another golf putting training aid  10   e  is shown that is similar to those described above in many respects, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The flap  62   e  is located at a front of the bore  50 . Positioning the flap  62   e  forwardly allows the collar  34 , or the putter head  18 , to provide the laterally straight leading edge or face  26   b  for facing the bore  50  and contacting the golf ball  30  and pushing the golf ball along the green. The face  26   b  may provide a more stable surface for pushing the golf ball  30 . The trigger  70   e  can be positioned rearward or aft of the bore  50  while the flap  62   e  is positioned forward of the bore  50 . The link  82  can comprise a cable and the linkage  74  can comprise a pulley to couple the trigger  70   e  and the flap  62   e . In addition, the face  26   b  can be the face of the existing putter head  18  to allow the golfer to experience the feel of his or her own club. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , another golf putting training aid  10   f  is shown that is similar to those described above in many respects, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The flap  62   f  is located at a front of the bore  50 . In addition, the trigger  70   f  is carried by a front of the collar  34 . Positioning the flap  62   f  forwardly allows the collar  34 , or the putter head  18 , to provide the laterally straight leading edge or face  26   b  for facing the bore  50  and contacting the golf ball  30  and pushing the golf ball along the green. The face  26   b  may provide a more stable surface for pushing the golf ball  30 . In addition, the face  26   b  can be the face of the existing putter head  18  to allow the golfer to experience the feel of his or her own club. Positioning the trigger  70   f  forwardly can reduce the linkage  74   f  from extending across the bore  50 . The trigger  70   f  can be positioned laterally off-center and lateral of the bore  50  to resist interference with the golf ball  30 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , another golf putting training aid  10   g  is shown that is similar to those described above in many respects, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The flap  62   g  and the trigger  70   g  can be formed together as a single, continuous member or spline  88 . The member or spline  88  can be flexible and resilient, or elastic, defining a leaf spring. In addition, the member or spline  88  or leaf spring can have an attachment tab  90  forming part of the spline and attached to the collar  34 . The trigger  70   g  or spline  88  can be positioned laterally off-center and lateral of the bore  50  to resist interference with the golf ball  30 . In one aspect, the trigger  70   g  and the flap  62   g  are displaceable rearward as the trigger  70   g  contacts with the ground or green during fore swing. In addition, the trigger  70   g  can be displaceable both upwardly and rearward by contact with the ground or green during fore swing. The spline  88  can extend upwardly through the tab  90 , through substantially a 360 degree turn or elbow, downwardly and forwardly through the flap  62   h , through substantially a 90 degree turn or elbow, and downwardly and rearward through the trigger  70   h . The trigger  70   h  can have a substantially broad arc. In one aspect, the spline  88  can be flexible and resilient, or elastic, like a leaf spring. In another aspect, the spline  88  can be formed of metal bent into shape. In another aspect, the spline  88  can be formed of plastic. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , another golf putting training aid  10   h  is shown that is similar to those described above in many respects, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The flap  62   h  can comprise a single flap  62   h , or a pair of flaps  62   h , located laterally off-center from the bore  50 , and thus the golf ball  30 . Similarly, the trigger  70   h  can comprise a single trigger  70   h  corresponding to the single flap  62   h , or a pair a triggers  70   h  corresponding to the pair of flaps  62   h . Thus, the spline can be a single spline or a pair of splines located laterally off-center from the bore  50 . Positioning the flap(s)  62   h  or the spline(s) laterally allows the collar  34 , or the putter head  18 , to provide the laterally straight leading edge or face  26   b  for facing the bore  50  and contacting the golf ball  30  and pushing the golf ball along the green. The face  26   b  may provide a more stable surface for pushing the golf ball  30 . In addition, the face  26   b  can be the face of the existing putter head  18  to allow the golfer to experience the feel of his or her own club. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , another golf putting training aid  10   i  is shown that is similar to those described above in many respects, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The flap  62   i  is located at a front of the bore  50 . In addition, the trigger  70   i  is carried by a front of the collar  34 . The trigger  70   i  can be positioned laterally off-set from the bore  30  so as not to interfere with the golf ball  30  being dropped from the bottom opening  58 . Positioning the flap  62   i  forwardly allows the collar  34 , or the putter head  18 , to provide the laterally straight leading edge or face  26   b  for facing the bore  50  and contacting the golf ball  30  and pushing the golf ball along the green. The face  26   b  may provide a more stable surface for pushing the golf ball  30 . In addition, the face  26   b  can be the face of the existing putter head  18  to allow the golfer to experience the feel of his or her own club. Positioning the trigger  70   f  forwardly can reduce the linkage  74   f  from extending across the bore  50 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , another golf putting training aid  10   j  is shown that is similar to those described above in many respects, and which description is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The aid  10   j  is combined with the putter  22   j  or club as a dedicated training club or aid. The collar  34   j  is part of the putter  22   j  and the putter head  18   j.    
     A method for training to put and for utilizing the golf putter training aid in any embodiment described above (represented by  10 ) comprises:
         a placing the golf ball  30  in the bore  50  of the collar  34 ;   positioning the putter head  18  and the collar  34  with the golf ball  30  therein adjacent the ground or the green;   carrying the golf ball  30  in the collar  34  through a back swing ( FIGS. 3 and 14  at A);   carrying the golf ball  30  in the collar  34  partially through a fore swing ( FIGS. 3 and 14  at B);   contacting the ground or the green with the trigger  70  midway through the fore swing to release the golf ball  30  from the bore  50  of the collar  34  to the ground or the green ( FIGS. 3 and 14  at B);   continuing the fore swing while pushing the golf ball  30  along the ground or the green with the face  26  of the collar  34  or the face  26   b  of the putter head  18  of the putter  22  ( FIGS. 3 and 14  at B); and   continuing the fore swing while the putter head  18  raises from the golf ball  30  ( FIGS. 3 and 14  at C).       

     It is to be understood that the examples set forth herein are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the technology being described. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     While the foregoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts described herein. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.