Patent Publication Number: US-2022212082-A1

Title: Golf swing and putt alignment system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Nos. 63/134,374, filed on Jan. 6, 2021, and 63/293,607, filed on Dec. 23, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Golf is a multi-billion dollar annual industry. One of the allures of golf is the ability for nearly anyone to play. In order to continue to improve, certain fundamentals are important, including swing alignment, and putting. If a golfer cannot align the golf swing properly to the target, a golf shot can easily go awry. When putting, alignment can make the difference between one putt of many putts on a hole. 
     Teaching aids for aligning a swing often are a pair of straight poles or rods that a golfer attempts to properly arrange in order to show a possible swing path. However, such rods cannot be aligned with precision, and their use is therefore contingent upon the skill of alignment that the golfer has. In putting, even a small misalignment may lead to bad putting. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, an alignment device for putting includes a bridge member having two uprights and a cross member, the uprights spaced a distance apart by the cross member, the cross member having a through opening at a center of the cross member between the uprights. A tube member is attached to each upright at a bottom thereof, the tube members parallel to one another. A pair of rods fit through the tubes, the rods extending parallel to one another when in the tubes. 
     In additional aspects, the alignment device includes wherein the predetermined distance is a width of a golf hole; or wherein the predetermined distance is a width of a golf hole. The alignment device in another aspect further includes at least a pair of secondary through openings in the cross member equidistant from and to opposite sides of the center opening, the at least a pair of secondary openings spaced a predetermined distance apart. A through opening at the center of the cross members is sized to accommodate a golf tee stem therethrough and to be retained in the opening by a head of the golf tee. 
     In another embodiment, a method of operating a putting aid as described above includes placing a one of the pair of rods through one of the tubes, and placing another of the pair of rods through the other of the tubes, placing a ball in a lane formed by the pair of rods, aligning feet of a golfer to one of the rods, and aligning a putter in the lane to address the ball with feet aligned to the one of the rods. 
     In additional aspects, the method further includes placing a tee in the center hole for determining alignment of a putt made by putting the ball once the feet and the putter are aligned; or further includes placing a tee in each of the pair of secondary through openings for determining alignment of a putt made by putting the ball once the feet and the putter are aligned. 
     In another embodiment, a swing alignment system includes at least two alignment members, each alignment member comprising a first tube configured to accommodate a rod therethrough and a second tube, perpendicular to the first tube, configured to accommodate a rod therethrough. A first rod is configured to slidably engage the first tubes of the at least two alignment members. A second rod is configured to slidably engage the second tube of the first alignment member. A third rod is configured to slidably engage the second tube of the second alignment member to place the second and third rods parallel to one another when engaged with the alignment devices. 
     In additional aspects, the swing alignment system further includes a third alignment member comprising a first tube configured to accommodate a rod therethrough and a second tube, perpendicular to the first tube, configured to accommodate a rod therethrough. The third alignment member is configured to slidably engage the second rod or the third rod to provide a stance alignment configuration for a golfer&#39;s feet. 
     In another embodiment, a method of operating a swing system as described above includes placing the first rod through the first tube of the first alignment member and the first tube of the second alignment member, placing the second rod through the second tube of the first alignment member extending in a first direction perpendicular to the first rod, placing the third rod through the second tube of the second alignment member extending in a second direction opposite and parallel to the first direction and perpendicular to the first rod, placing a ball in line collinear with a longitudinal axis of the second rod. aligning feet of a golfer to the third rod, and aligning a golf club with the ball by aligning a golfer&#39;s feet with the third rod to address the ball with feet aligned to the third rod. 
     In another embodiment, a swing alignment system includes a pair of tubes each configured to accommodate a rod therethrough, and a cross member connected between and separating the pair of tubes, the cross member adjustable in length to separate the pair of tubes by an adjustable difference. The pair of tubes extends parallel to one another, a first tube of the tubes extending in a first direction perpendicular to the cross member, and a second tube of the tubes extending in a second direction opposite and parallel to the first direction and perpendicular to the cross member. At least two rods fit through the tubes, a rod through each tube, the rods extending parallel to one another when in the tubes. 
     In another embodiment, a method of operating a swing alignment system as described above includes placing a first rod of the at least two rods through the first tube to extend in the first direction, placing a second rod of the at least two rods through the second tube to extend in the second direction, aligning a golfer&#39;s feet to the first rod, and adjusting the length of the cross member to place the second rod at a distance approximately a distance between the golfer&#39;s feet and a proper golf stance with a golf club aligned with the first rod. 
     In another embodiment, an alignment device for putting includes a bridge member having two uprights and a cross member. The uprights are spaced an adjustable distance apart by the cross member. The cross member has a number of through openings spaced along the cross member to accommodate the two uprights. Each upright includes an opening at a bottom thereof, the openings of each upright parallel to each other when assembled to the cross member. A pair of rods fit through the openings, the rods extending parallel to one another when in the openings. 
     In another embodiment, a swing alignment system includes at least two alignment members each configured with openings to accommodate at least two rods therethrough perpendicular to each other, and at least two rods that fit through the openings, a rod through each opening, the rods extending perpendicular to one another when in the tubes. 
     In another embodiment, a method of operating a swing system includes placing a first rod through a first pair of 180 degree spaced apart openings of a first alignment member and a first pair of 180 degree spaced apart openings of a second alignment member. A second rod is placed through a second pair of 180 degree spaced apart openings, 90 degrees apart from the first pair of openings, of the first alignment member extending in a first direction perpendicular to the first rod. A third rod is placed through a second pair of 180 degree spaced apart openings, 90 degrees apart from the first pair of openings, of the second alignment member extending in a second direction opposite and parallel to the first direction and perpendicular to the first rod. A ball is placed in line collinear with a longitudinal axis of the second rod. A golfer&#39;s feet are aligned to the third rod, and a golf club is aligned with the ball by aligning the golfer&#39;s feet with the third rod to address the ball with feet aligned to the third rod. 
     In another embodiment, an alignment device for putting includes two bridges, and at least two rods configured to extend through openings in the bridges to create a putting area bordered by the rods and the bridges. Each bridge includes a pair of base elements, a trestle that extends between the two base elements, a string support that extends from the trestle, and at least one target that is suspended from the trestle. 
     In another embodiment, an alignment device for putting includes two bridges, and at least two rods configured to extend through openings in the bridges to create a putting area bordered by the rods and the bridges. Each bridge includes a pair of base elements, a trestle that extends between the two base elements, a string support that extends from the trestle, and at least one target that is suspended from the trestle. 
     This summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the swing alignment systems, putting aid, or methods of using the same. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a putting aid according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the putting aid of  FIG. 1  taken along lines  2 - 2  thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up view of the are  300  called out in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front elevation view of the putting aid of  FIG. 1 . with a tee for putting alignment; 
         FIG. 4B  is a front elevation view of the putting aid of  FIG. 1  with a pair of tees for putting alignment; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of the putting aid of  FIG. 1  with a deflection strip for putting alignment; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the putting aid of  FIG. 1  in use, showing a putter and golf ball; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a cross alignment element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a view of the cross alignment element of  FIG. 7  taken along lines  8 - 8  thereof; 
         FIG. 9  is a view of the cross alignment element of  FIG. 7  taken along lines  9 - 9  thereof; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of a cross alignment system using rods and cross alignment elements of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of an adjustable alignment element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the adjustable alignment element of  FIG. 11  taken along lines  12 - 12  thereof; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of adjustable alignment elements such as shown in  FIG. 11  in use with rods for an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of an adjustable alignment element such as that of  FIG. 11  with rods and a putting aid such as that shown in  FIG. 1  in use according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of a putting aid according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15B  is a perspective view of a bridge of the embodiment of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 16  is an end elevation view of the bridge of  FIG. 15B ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a base element of the bridge of  FIG. 15B ; 
         FIG. 18  is an end elevation view of the base element of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of the base element of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20A  is a perspective view of a trestle of the bridge of  FIG. 15B ; 
         FIG. 20B  is a second rotated perspective view of the trestle of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 21  is a front elevation view of the trestle of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of the trestle of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a string support of the bridge of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 24  is a front elevation view of the string support of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a target of the bridge of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a connection ring used in embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 27  is a view of the connection ring of  FIG. 26  taken along lines  27 - 27  thereof; 
         FIG. 28  is a view of the connection ring of  FIG. 26  taken along lines  28 - 28  thereof; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of an alternate connection ring; 
         FIG. 30A  is a plan view of an arrangement of rods and connection rings for a fade golf shot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 30B  is a plan view of an arrangement of rods and connection rings for a swing alignment of a golf shot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 30C  is a plan view of an arrangement of rods and connection rings for a draw golf shot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 30D, 30E, and 30F  are plan views of arrangements of rods and connection rings for golf swing alignments according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a stroke stopper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 32  is a front elevation view of the stroke stopper of  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a putting aid with stroke stoppers installed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 34  is an alternate trestle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 35  is an alternate target for use with the alternate trestle of  FIG. 34 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide alignment aids for putting and for swing path. They may be used in combination, or alone. 
     In one embodiment, a putting aid  100  is shown in perspective view in  FIG. 1 , and in front elevation view in  FIG. 2 . Putting aid  100  comprises, in one embodiment, a bridge member  102  having two uprights  104  and a cross member  106 . Uprights  104  are a distance  105  apart. In one embodiment, the distance  105  is a specific width, such as two times a diameter of a standard golf hole, although the distance  105  is not required to be that width. Other widths could be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the bridge member  102  is a unitary piece, that is, formed from a single piece of material, such as aluminum or the like. In another embodiment, the bridge member is formed of multiple pieces. The unitary or part construction of the bridge member does not affect is operation, and each are within the scope of the disclosure. 
     The bridge member  102  uprights  104  are each attached to a tube  108  aligned along the respective bottom  110  of the uprights  104 . The tubes  108  are parallel to one another, and are open to allow the passage of rods  112  therethrough to create a putting lane  113  bounded by the rods  112  and the tubes  108 , over which the bridge member  102  rests. While rods are described, it should be understood that any member that can extend through openings is sufficient, and that the rods need not be round, but may be flat, with corresponding sheaths, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Bridge member  102  has a series of openings extending widthwise across the cross member  106  between the uprights  104 . The openings include a center opening  114  that is centered in the middle of the bridge member halfway between the uprights  104 . Additional openings are provided in pairs equidistant from the center opening  114 . As shown, bridge member  102  includes first pair of openings  116  and second pair of openings  120 . First pair  116  are a distance  118  apart. Second pair  120  are a distance  122  apart. The distances  118  and  122  are in one embodiment specific widths, although they need not be. In one embodiment, width  122  is the diameter of a standard golf hole, and width  118  is the diameter of a standard golf ball or slightly larger than the diameter of a standard golf ball. While openings  116  and  120  are shown, it should be understood that additional openings may be provided, and that such other openings, or the openings  116  and  120 , may be spaced apart differently, such as at different widths and locations, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Openings are in one embodiment sized to accommodate a golf tee, with the opening of sufficient width to accommodate the tee stem but narrow enough to hold the tee by the tee head without falling through the opening. Further, the openings are beveled or countersunk with top edge bevels/countersinks  124  to allow for a rocking motion of a tee placed in the opening. The countersink  124  for one hole  114  is shown further in the close-up  300  of  FIG. 3 . 
     A tee placed in the openings  114 ,  116 ,  120  forms a movable obstacle in the opening under the bridge member and between the tubes  106 .  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are elevation views a putting aid  100  with tees  400  placed in various openings of the putting aid  100 .  FIG. 4A  shows a tee  400  placed in center opening  114 . In one embodiment, the tee bottom  402  drops to a point in height  420  above the ground level  422  that is smaller than a diameter of a golf ball, indicated by height  424 . Therefore, when a golf ball passes through the putting bridge  102 , and is at or near the center thereof as indicated by the tee  402  in  FIG. 4A , the tee will be hit and deflect. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4B , two tees  400  are placed in openings  120  of putting bridge  102 . In one embodiment, the lateral distance  122  between the bottoms  402  of the tees  420  is equivalent to the diameter of a standard golf hole, although this need not be the case. The tees  400  have bottoms  402  that drop to the height  420  above ground level  422 , which in one embodiment is lower than height  424  which is equal to the diameter of a golf ball. Therefore, when a golf ball is putted through the putting bridge  102 , it can be seen by the person putting whether the golf ball hits the tees, or whether the golf ball goes between the tees without hitting them. In this usage, putting accuracy may be determined. For example, when a golf ball hits a tee placed in one of the openings, the tee deflects so that the putter can see the deflection, and determine the location of the putt. When tees are placed in openings such as openings  116 , spaced for example at the width of a hole, if the putted golf ball goes between the tees, or deflects one of the tees, accuracy of the putt may be determined. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a putting aid  500  is shown in side elevation. Putting aid  500  is similar to putting aid  100 , but instead of having openings for tees  402 , a flexible deflectable member  502  is used. This is a material of sufficient stiffness to maintain a straight bearing when attached to the cross member  106 , but is capable of being deflected without changing the trajectory of a golf ball. Suitable materials may include thin plastic strips, or the like. The bottom  504  of member  502  is at a height  420  above ground level  422 , and below a height  424  of a golf ball in one embodiment. While not shown, additional flexible deflectable members  502  may be placed on cross member  106  in positions similar or identical to openings  116  and  120  as discussed above, or in other openings also as discussed above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , operation and use of the putting aid  100  is described. A golfer places the rods  112  through tubes  108  of the putting aid  100 . The rods  112  are, when placed into the tubes  108 , parallel to each other, and form the putting lane  113 . As generally indicated at  601 , a golf ball  600  is placed in the lane  113 , in one embodiment near an end of the rods  112  away from the putting aid  100 . The putter aligns his or her feet  602  with the rod  112  closest to their stance, to assure that the stance is properly aligned by placing the feet  602  at the same distance  604  from the rod  112 . A putter  608  is then aligned properly when the ball  600  is addressed, and putting accuracy may be improved. The ball  600  is putted, and depending on the placement of tees  400  in the openings, or the flexible deflectable member  502 , accuracy of the putt may be determined. 
       FIGS. 7-9  illustrate an alignment member  700  which may be used in conjunction with the putting aid  100 ,  500 , or with additional aids described below. Alignment member  700  comprises in one embodiment a pair of tubes  702  and  704  that are attached to one another perpendicularly, that is, tube  702  and tube  708  have perpendicular longitudinal axes. Referring back to  FIG. 6 , as generally indicated at  611 , tube  704  of alignment member  700  is slid onto a rod  112  and a rod  706  is slid through tube  704 . Rod  706  is thus perpendicular to rod  112 , and provides a center of a stance between feet  602  of a person putting. The rod  706  is aligned with ball  600  by sliding the alignment member  700  to where the ball is, or by moving the ball to where the rod  706  is. Then, putting such as described above is performed. 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of a use embodiment of a swing system  1000  using the alignment member  700  and rods  1002  for swing path alignment. Rods  1002 ,  112 ,  706 , and the like may be made of any number of materials, including but not limited to plastic, fiberglass, metal, or the like. In  FIG. 10 , a golf ball  600  is aligned with rod  1002   a , which is placed through tube  702   a  of an alignment member  700   a  and a target  1005 . Rod  1002   a  is aligned to point along its longitudinal axis toward the target  1004  through ball  600 . Target  1004  may be a few feet or hundreds of yards distant from the system  1000 . Rod  1002   b  is placed through tube  704   a  of alignment member  700   a  at one end and through tube  704   b  of alignment member  700   b  at its other end. Rod  1002   c  is placed through tube  702   b  at one end and through tube  702   b  of alignment member  700   c  at its other end. This places rods  1002   a  and  1002   c  parallel to each other and a distance  1006  apart. This distance  1006  may be adjusted by positioning alignment members  700   a  and  700   b  closer together along rod  1002   b.    
     Optionally, in order to align a stance (shown as feet  602  an equal distance  604  from rod  1002   c ), a rod  1002   d  is placed through tube  704   c  of alignment member  700   c , and also aligned to the ball  600 . Then, a golf club  1008  may be used to address the ball  600 , with proper foot alignment as shown at  602  and  604 , and with the swing path of the club  1008  indicated along arrow  1010 , which is aligned with rod  1002   a , the head of club  1008 , ball  600 , and target  1004 . If a different target is desired, the rod  1002  is aligned with the different target. In so doing, the rods  1002   b ,  1002   c  (and  1002   d  if being used) will move with rod  1002   a  to keep rod  1002   c  parallel to rod  1002   a , and rod  1002   b  (and optionally rod  1002   d ) perpendicular to rods  1002   a  and  1002   c  and parallel to each other. 
       FIG. 11  is a top view of another alignment device  1100 .  FIG. 12  is a view of the alignment device  1100  of  FIG. 11  taken along lines  12 - 12  thereof. Alignment device  1100  comprises in one embodiment a pair of rod tubes  1102  and  1104  separated by a cross member  1106 . A length  1110  of cross member  1106  is adjustable via an adjustment device  1108 . Adjustment device may comprise any number of adjustable configurations, including by way of example only and not by way of limitation, telescoping tubes or rods (with or without a protruding knob on one tube and detents on another), nesting tubes, friction fit tubes, threaded tubes, and the like. The type of adjustment mechanism may be changed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. It should also be understood that alignment member  1100  may be used “upside sown” to reverse the elongated ends of tubes  1102  and  1104  (see also  FIG. 13 ). 
       FIG. 13  is a top view of a use embodiment of a swing system  1300  similar to that of  FIG. 10 , but using alignment members  1100  and rods  1002  for swing path alignment. As in  FIG. 10 , in  FIG. 13 , a golf ball  600   a  is aligned with rod  1002   a , which is placed through tube  1104   a  of an alignment member  1100   a , and a target  1304 . Rod  1002   a  is aligned to point along its longitudinal axis toward the target  1304  through ball  600   a . Target  1304  may be a few feet or hundreds of yards distant from the system  1300 . Rod  1002   b  is placed through tube  1102   a  of alignment member  1100   a  at one end. The distance  1110   a  may be adjusted by adjusting the adjustment device  1108   a.    
     Alternatively, in order to align a stance (shown as feet  602  an equal distance  604  from rod  1002   b  at  1302 ), an alignment device  700  may be used with the rod  1002   b  through tube  704  and a rod  1002   c  through tube  702  to align club  1308   b  with ball  600   b , just like in  FIG. 10 . 
     Optionally, another alignment device  1100   b  may be used at the other end of the swing path of club  1308   a  or  1308   b , using another rod  1002   d  through tube  1104   b  and rod  1002   b  through tube  1102   b . With this use, distances  1110   a  and  1110   b  are made equal, and rods  1002   a  and  1002   b  are parallel and collinear. 
       FIG. 14  shows use of an alignment device  1100  with a putting aid  100  using three rods, rod  112   a  through one of tubes  108  of the putting aid  100  and through tube  1104  of the alignment device  1100 , rod  112   b  through the other tube  108  of the putting aid  100 , and rod  1002  through the tube  1102  of the alignment device  1100 . With this arrangement, rods  112   a ,  112   b , and  1002  are all parallel to each other, and ball  600  may be putted as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     Another embodiment of an alignment device  1500  for putting is shown in perspective view in  FIG. 15A . Alignment device  1500  includes a bridge  1502  and rods  1504 . In some embodiments, a pair of bridges  1502  are used, as shown in  FIG. 15A . A bridge  1502  includes in one embodiment a pair of base elements  1506 , a trestle  1508 , a string support  1510 , and at least one target  1512 . In  FIG. 15A , a pair of bridges  1502  are separated and aligned using rods  1504 . Rods  1504  may be flat so that they do not roll easily, but need not be. The rods  1504  extend in one embodiment through openings in the base elements  1504  (see further detail later herein). String supports  1510 , one on each of the two bridges  1502  in  FIG. 15A , is used to stretch a string or strings  1514  between the two bridges  1502 . The string or strings  1514  are used to identify a ball path for a putt. When two strings  1514  are used at different height son the string support  1510 , they are aligned so that a top down look can be assured of being proper. Each trestle  1508  has a number of openings (described further below) into which its string support  1510  may be mounted. A straight line is made between two string supports  1510  by string or strings  1514 . When the string supports  1510  are in a same trestle opening, the line is parallel to the rods  1504 . When the string supports  1510  are in different trestle openings, the line is still straight, but is not parallel to the rods  1504 . This may be done, for example, to address a putt with break, or the like. 
     String supports  1510  are also used to visually sight down onto a putting line. When multiple strings  1514  are used for alignment, when viewed from above, it assures a user that the user is sighting directly down to the proper location as the strings  1514  are parallel when properly strung into the string supports  1510 . This allows for better alignment of all putts, and the proper perspective on a golf ball that is to be putted. 
     A single bridge  1502  is shown in a perspective view in  FIG. 15B  and in a side view taken along lines  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15B  in  FIG. 16 . Base elements  1506  are separated and support trestle  1508  with a top extension of the bridge element  1506  fitting into one of the openings in the trestle  1508 . String support  1510  also fits into an opening in the trestle  1508  with a bottom extension. The at least one target  1512  fits into an opening of other openings in the trestle  1508 . The target  1512  or targets may be placed in any opening of the other openings of the trestle  1508 . The base elements  1506  may support the trestle  1508  through any pair of the openings in the trestle to adjust the distance between the base elements  1506 . Details of each of the separate components is provided further below. A single target  1512  may be used as an aiming point for a putt. A pair of targets may be spaced apart in openings of the other openings to be used as a representation of a hole or the like, with an aiming point between the targets  1512 . 
       FIGS. 17-19  illustrate one embodiment of a base element  1506  in perspective, side elevation, and front elevation views, respectively. Base element  1506  comprises a body  1520  that has in one embodiment a curved section leading from a ground contact area and supporting a top portion having a trestle engaging protrusion  1524  and trestle supports  1526  and  1528 . Trestle support  1526  has a top surface  1527 . Trestle support  1528  comprises a pair of wedge shaped elements. As seen in  FIGS. 17 and 19 , openings  1522  configured to accept flat rods such as rods  1504  are positioned near a bottom of the body  1520 . The openings in the bridge base elements are shaped to accommodate flat rods as are shown in  FIG. 15A , It should be understood that the rods need not be flat, and that a cross section of the rods, as well as a shape of the openings, may be altered without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
       FIGS. 20A-B  and  21 - 22  illustrate one embodiment of a trestle  1508  in perspective, side perspective, front elevation, and top elevation views, respectively. Trestle  1508  has a length  1530 . The length  1530  may be shorter or longer without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Trestle  1508  has a first plurality of openings  1532  in an upper support portion  1533 , an opening  1532  of the plurality of openings  1532  sized to accommodate protrusion  1524  of a base element  1506 . With two base elements  1506 , each of which has its protrusion  1524  extending into a respective opening  1532  of the plurality of openings  1532 , the trestle  1508  is supported by the base elements  1506 . Lower edge  1534  of upper support portion  1533  rests on a top  1527  of trestle support  1526 . Further slot-type openings  1536  extend from front to back of a target support portion  1538 . A target trough  1540  extends lengthwise across the target support portion  1538 . The target trough  1540  has openings  1542  therein to accommodate a portion of a target  1512 . The openings  1536  allow a target  1512  that is placed into the target trough to swing in the direction of arrow  1516  when contacted by a golf ball, for example (see  FIG. 15B ). 
       FIGS. 23-24  illustrate one embodiment of a string support  1510  in perspective and side elevation views, respectively. String support  1510  in one embodiment comprises a main body  1550  and a mounting element  1552  for mounting to a trestle  1508 . The main body  1550  has a plurality of string slots or openings  1554  with openings to a side of the main body  1550 , and a string slot or opening  1556  at a top of the string support  1510 . When a string support  1510  is to be mounted to a trestle  1508 , the mounting element  1552  is inserted into an opening  1532  of the plurality of openings in the upper support portion  1533  of the trestle  1508 . In one such mounting position, the string openings are aligned so that the slot  1556  is parallel to a putting path for a ball. That is, when a pair of bridges  1506  are aligned with rods  1504  aligning them, the slot  1556  extends through the main body  1550  parallel to the rods  1504 . This is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 15A and 15B . 
     In order to provide a string path as described above, a string  1514  (see  FIG. 15A ) with a string stopper  1515  is slid into a slot, e.g., slot  1556 , with the string stopper  1515  on an opposite side of the string support  1510  as the string strung between the two string supports  1510 . An additional string  1514  may be strung using one of the slots  1554 . Slots  1554  enter the main body  1550  at an angle, extend to a center line of the string support  1510 , and then extend downward, making their interior slot portion parallel with the slot  1556 . In this way, strings  1514  strung between two slots  1556  and between two slots  1554  are coplanar and parallel. This may be used to prepare proper sight lines for aligning a putt. 
     It should be understood that multiple string supports  1510  may be used on each trestle  1508 , to allow for multiple possible swing paths. It should also be understood that the string supports  1510  on a pair of connected bridges  1506  need not be mounted at the same lateral position, but may be at different lateral positions. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a target  1512  in perspective view. Target  1512  is mountable in the trough  1540  of trestle  1508  in one of the openings  1542  thereof. The rounded trough  1540  allows a suspending head  1562  of target  1512  to support the target  1512  when target spike  1566  and alignment body  1564  are inserted into an opening  1542  of the trough  1540 . The alignment body  1564  in one embodiment has a diameter  1568  that is slightly smaller than a lateral width of openings  1542  in the trough  1540 . The diameter  1568  being slightly smaller than the lateral width of the openings  1542  means that the target  1512  may be displaced in the direction of arrow  1516  but not laterally when struck by, for example, a golf ball. The curved edges of suspending head  1562  match that of a bottom of the trough  1540  so that when struck by a golf ball, the target  1512  can rock in the direction of arrow  1516 . Target(s)  1512  provide immediate feedback on a ball strike without affecting the ball and its motion. In one embodiment, a marking or the like is placed on a top of the suspending head so that motion of the target may be easily detected. 
     In operation, an alignment device  1500  is assembled with bridges  1502 , each bridge comprising a pair of base elements  1506 , a trestle  1508 , a target or targets  1512 , and, optionally, a string support  1510 . Rods  1504  are inserted into openings  1522  in the base elements  1506  to make a putting practice area. 
     In the embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 6-14 , alignment devices  700  are used for creating right angles and parallel rods. In the embodiments thereof, and in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 15A-25 , alignment rings  1600 , such as are shown in  FIGS. 26-29 , may be used for the same purpose. Referring to  FIGS. 26-28 , a ring  1600  is shown in perspective view, and in elevation views taken along lines  27 - 27  and  28 - 28 , respectively. Ring  1600  is a toroidal shape, having a pair of openings  1602  on opposite sides of the ring  1600 , spaced 180 degrees apart. The openings  1602  are shaped to accommodate flat rods such as rods  1504  shown in  FIG. 15A . The ring  1600  also has a pair of double openings  1604  on opposite sides of the ring, at 90 degrees offset from the openings  1602 , and 180 degrees apart from each other. The openings  1604  are also shaped to accommodate flat rods such as rods  1504  shown in  FIG. 15A . The single openings  1602  and/or double openings  1604  may be used to assemble configurations for swing and putting practice using the embodiments of the present disclosure, or on their own, as will be discussed further herein. 
     An alternate ring  1650  is shown in perspective view in  FIG. 29 . Ring  1650  has four openings  1652  spaced equally apart its toroidal body, at 90 degree intervals. 
     Rings  1600 / 1650  may be used with rods  1514  in the assembled system  1500  to provide crosswise rods that run perpendicular to the rods  1514 , such as rod  1002   a  being perpendicular to rod  1002   b  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Multiple rings  1600 / 1650  and rods such as  1514  may be assembled with the bridges  1502 , or also as standalone configurations. Some such configurations are shown in  FIGS. 30A-30F   
       FIG. 30A  illustrates an arrangement in which a fade shot address posture  1700  is shown. A rod  1702  is placed on the ground. Then, an assembly is made of rings  1600 / 1650  and rods  1704 ,  1706  parallel to each other and parallel to rod  1708 , by virtue of being assembled in openings of the rings  1600 / 1650 . Rods  1710  and  1712  are parallel to each other and perpendicular to rods  1704 ,  1706 , and  1708 , also as assembled in openings of the rings  1600 / 1650  that are offset 90 degrees from the openings for rods  1704  and  1706 . The entire assembly, except for rod  1702 , is angled slightly to the left of the rod  1702 , creating a swing path to ball  1714  of a fade-type swing when feet  1716  are aligned on either side of rod  1712  as shown. 
       FIG. 30B  illustrates an arrangement in which a straight shot address posture  1720  is shown. A rod  1722  and a rod  1724  are assembled into offset openings of ring  1726  (e.g., such as ring  1600 / 1650 ). Another rod  1728  is assembled perpendicular to rod  1724  and parallel to rod  1722  with ring  1730 . Third and fourth rods  1734  and  1736  are assembled, respectively, perpendicular to rod  1728 , and parallel to rods  1722  and  1728 , with rings  1732  and  1738 . A foot alignment rod  1740  is assembled perpendicular to rod  1728  with ring  1742 . A golfer&#39;s feet are aligned as shown at  1744  to address ball  1712  for a straight swing. 
       FIG. 30C  illustrates an arrangement in which a draw shot address posture  1750  is shown. A rod  1752  is placed on the ground. Then, an assembly is made of rings  1758  and rods  1754 ,  1756  parallel to each other and parallel to rod  1762 , by virtue of being assembled in openings of the rings  1764 / 1768 . Rods  1760  and  1762  are parallel to each other and perpendicular to rods  1754 ,  1756 , and  1762 , also as assembled in openings of the rings  1764 / 1768  that are offset 90 degrees from the openings for rods  1760  and  1762 . The entire assembly, except for rod  1752 , is angled slightly to the right of the rod  1752 , creating a swing path to ball  1714  of a draw-type swing when feet  1770  are aligned on either side of rod  1766  as shown. 
     Alternate arrangements of rods (e.g.,  1514 ) and rings (e.g.,  1600 / 1650 ) are shown for straight swing configurations  1780 ,  1790 , and  1800 , in  FIGS. 30D, 30E, and 30F , respectively. 
     A stroke stopper  1900  is shown in a front perspective view and a front elevation view in  FIGS. 31 and 32  respectively. In one embodiment, stroke stopper  1900  is used in conjunction with an assembly such as assembly  1500  to limit a backswing for a putt. A stroke stopper  1900  may be placed over a rod at a desired location to limit the backswing or to limit a follow through swing for a putting stroke. Openings  1902  in stroke stopper  1900  are used for placing rods  1904  (see  FIG. 33 ) therein to extend a stroke stopping barrier across a putting line. Openings  1902  are through holes or openings in body  1906 . Connector  1908  slides over a rod/rail  1504  and engages opening/slot  1910  so that the stroke stopper  1900  is adjustably positionable on the rod/rail  1504 . Stroke stoppers  1900  are shown placed into a system such as  1500  in  FIG. 33 . The rods  1904  may be positioned in different openings  1902  to allow for a ball to pass under the rod yet still stop a swing, either a backswing or follow through, of a putter. 
       FIG. 34  illustrates an alternate trestle  200  similar to trestle  1508 , but with a different lower section  2002  having openings  2004  that extend through trough  1540  front to back, and also extend into upper section  1533 . The openings  2004  are sized to accommodate a target such as target  1512 , but also a target such as target  2100  (see  FIG. 35 ) that includes a strike indicator. 
       FIG. 35  illustrates an alternate target  2100  in perspective view. Target  2100  is mountable in the trough  1540  of trestle  2000  in one of the openings  2004  thereof. The rounded trough  1540  allows a suspending head  1562  of target  2100  to support the target  2100  when target spike  1566  and alignment body  1564  are inserted into an opening  2004  of the trough  1540 . A strike indicator  2102  extends from suspending head  1562  in a direction opposite from alignment body  1564 . The strike indicator  2102  is free to move within its opening  2004  as the openings extend as shown in  FIG. 34  through the lower section  2002  and partially through the upper section  1533  of trestle  2000 . The curved edges of suspending head  1562  match that of a bottom of the trough  1540  so that when struck by a golf ball, the target  2100  can rock in the direction of arrow  1516  (see  FIG. 15B ). Target(s)  2100  provide immediate feedback on a ball strike without affecting the ball and its motion. The strike indicator  2102  in one embodiment extends to a position above a top of the trestle  2000 , which makes detecting a ball strike on the target  2100  easily visible. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure do not have to be mounted to the ground. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be used indoors or outdoors. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.