Abstract:
A golf putting game apparatus comprises a ramp, a plurality of selectable rings, and a ball return mechanism. The ramp comprises a durable body having a horizontal surface portion at an upper end. The ramp is disposed with a suitable golf putting surface. The plurality selectable rings further comprise a large round target hole, a support assembly, and a plurality of concentric targets. The support assembly comprises a plurality of small horizontal supports which extends inward from a bottom edge of the target hole. The plurality of concentric targets comprise a plurality of flat concentric rings which fit inside each other, with the largest fitting correspondingly inside the inner perimeter of the target hole. The ball return mechanism comprises a return chute which returns a golf ball to the side of the ramp upon successfully placing the ball in the target. By selectively placing a desired number of concentric targets, a user may shrink the diameter of the target in order to increase the difficulty.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Dec. 16, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to golf, and in particular, to an apparatus which provides a means for adjustable putting training exercises. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The game of golf is one of the most popular in the world today. Due to the highly precise nature of the game play, golf also constitutes one (1) of the most technologically advanced sports in the world with regards to equipment. Success in the sport of golf is predicated upon the ability to perform highly accurate movements with a high level of repeatability. As a result, the equipment is engineered to provide a high level of control, and training routines generally involve extensive repetition of various motions including driving, chipping, and putting. 
     As noted, many aspects of golf such as driving are learned via continuous repeated motion and adaptation to increase the effectiveness of the motion. However, putting represents an aspect of golf which is largely predicated upon the particulars of technique, accuracy, and consistency and less so on developing a powerful or effective swinging method such as is the case in driving. Putting practice generally consists of repeated putting towards a target hole in pursuit of the ability to consistently sink a putt. However, the speed and effectiveness of such putting exercises relies upon having a suitable location for repeated putts. Furthermore, if such a location proves to be particularly difficult, a user may either find it very difficult to repeatedly make the putt which leads to aggravation and discouragement. The other option is to practice putting from closer to the hole; however, this prevents the user from practicing motioning and aiming from longer distances, which differ significantly from closer putts. This, in turn, limits the effectiveness of the putting practice. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide golf putting practice apparatuses. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,240,637, issued in the name of Cross et al., describes a putting practice apparatus with variable sloping capabilities. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,865, issued in the name of Coombs et al., describes a putting practice device with a series of insertable pegs for providing a guiding target lane during putting exercises. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,403, issued in the name of Pelz, describes a golf putting device with a variable height and narrow construction to practice short distance putts at a variety of angles. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,891, issued in the name of Owen, Jr. et al., describes a golf practice hole with a variable diameter rim. 
     While these apparatuses fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses do not provide a sufficient length and width for putting practice. Also, many such apparatuses are cumbersome to set up or adjust. Furthermore, many such apparatuses do not provide a sufficient range of adjustability, particularly with regards to target size. In addition, many such apparatuses do not sufficiently mimic realistic game play conditions and targets. Accordingly, there exists a need for a golf putting game apparatus without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to practice putting for the game of golf in a manner which simulates a realistic putting situation and which further provides a scaling target which provides users of differing or changing skill levels the ability to adjust the size and relative difficultly of striking the target. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for a golf putting training aid. The apparatus comprises a ramp and an adjustable cup assembly. 
     Another object of the present invention is to simulate a realistic golf putting scenario via positioning of the cup at a top portion of the ramp, allowing a user to strike a golf ball with a putter upwardly onto the ramp and into the cup assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to simulate realistic putting conditions via constructing the ramp surface of a rough material such as artificial golfing turf. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to selectively adjust the difficulty of the apparatus via a plurality of concentric rings which provide a means to discretely decrease the size of the target aperture. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to prevent a golf ball from rolling off of the upper surface of the ramp via a plurality of ball catches along the perimeter edges. Each ball catch comprises a rectangular cutout of width greater than the ball&#39;s diameter. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide automatic return of a made ball. The cup comprises a funnel-shaped portion which directs the ball towards a diverter and exit aperture, allowing the ball to roll out of the side of the ramp for reuse by a user. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide stability to the apparatus via a cup leg integrally molded into a base portion of the cup. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of obtaining an instance of the apparatus, positioning the apparatus on a level surface, placing a golf ball at a lower surface of the ramp, striking the ball so as to travel up the ramp, catching the ball in a ball catch in the case of a miss, returning the ball via the exit aperture in the case of a made putt, and allowing a user to selectively adjust the difficulty of successfully hitting the target aperture via addition or removal of rings in order to adjust the diameter of the target. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a golf putting game apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the golf putting game apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up perspective view of the golf putting game apparatus  10  depicting a cup assembly  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of the golf putting game apparatus taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 1 )  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of the cup assembly  30  taken along line B-B (see  FIG. 4 )  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 golf putting game apparatus 
               
               
                 15 
                 golfer 
               
               
                 16 
                 golf ball 
               
               
                 17 
                 putter 
               
               
                 20 
                 ramp 
               
               
                 21 
                 ramp surface 
               
               
                 22 
                 upper surface 
               
               
                 23 
                 side surface 
               
               
                 24 
                 exit aperture 
               
               
                 25 
                 bottom surface 
               
               
                 26 
                 rear surface 
               
               
                 27 
                 ball catch 
               
               
                 30 
                 cup assembly 
               
               
                 31 
                 outer ring 
               
               
                 32 
                 intermediate ring 
               
               
                 33 
                 inner ring 
               
               
                 34 
                 cup 
               
               
                 35 
                 cup interior surface 
               
               
                 36 
                 arm 
               
               
                 37 
                 diverter 
               
               
                 38 
                 cup leg 
               
               
                 39 
                 base 
               
               
                 40 
                 fastener 
               
               
                 41 
                 cup aperture 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a golf putting game apparatus (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for a golf putting training aid. The apparatus  10  enables a golfer  15  to practice their putting skills in a desired location on a level surface. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a ramp  20  and an adjustable cup assembly  30  which enables the golfer to strike a golf ball  16  via a putter  17  upwardly upon the ramp  20  and into the cup assembly  30  for practicing aim and precision of putting. The struck golf ball  16 , after descending into the cup assembly  30 , exits from a side surface  23  for reuse. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  and  FIG. 3 , close-up perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting the cup assembly  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a ramp  20  which provides an inclined surface for the golf ball  16  to travel upon. The ramp&#39;s  20  inclined body is comprised of an upper surface  22 , a pair of side surfaces  23 , a bottom surface  25 , and a rear surface  26 . The ramp  20  measures approximately two (2) feet in length by fifteen (15) inches in width by three (3) inches in height (measured at the uppermost point of said ramp  20 ). The ramp  20  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: plastic, metal, wood, or the like. An outer ramp surface  21 , that which the golf ball  16  travels upon, is preferably comprised of an artificial golfing turf, yet other surfaces may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     The upper surface  22  is comprised of a level raised portion of the ramp  20  measuring approximately fifteen (15) inches in width and twelve (12) inches in length. The upper surface  22  houses the cup assembly  30  which provides an area for the golfer  15  to aim the golf ball  16  and an area for said golf ball  16  to enter a cup aperture  41 . The cup assembly  30  comprises an outer ring  31 , an intermediate ring  32 , and an inner ring  33  which provides a means to adjust an upper diameter of the cup aperture  41  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). Each ring  31 ,  32 ,  33  reduces in diameter to fit within each other, thereby reducing the diameter of the cup aperture  41 . The outer ring  31  fits within the inner diameter of the cup aperture  41 , the intermediate ring  32  fits within the inner diameter of the outer ring  31  and the inner ring  33  fits within the inner diameter of said intermediate ring  32  which selectively manipulates the upper diameter of the cup  34 . The diameter of the cup aperture  41  measures approximately eight (8) inches in diameter, the inner diameter of the outer ring  31  measures approximately six (6) inches in diameter, the inner diameter of the intermediate ring  32  measures approximately four (4) inches in diameter, and the inner diameter of the inner ring  33  measures approximately two (2) inches in diameter. The rings  31 ,  32 ,  33  are rested on an upper surface of a plurality of protruding arms  36  which are integrally molded into the upper surface of the cup aperture  41 . Each arm  36  measures approximately three (3) inches in length which enables each ring  31 ,  32 ,  33  to be secured level with the upper surface  22 . In use, a ring  31 ,  32 ,  33  is positioned onto the arms  36  to decrease the upper diameter of the cup aperture  41  and increase the complexity of the apparatus  10 . The rings  31 ,  32 ,  33  are preferably fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: plastic, metal, or the like. 
     The upper surface  22  also comprises a plurality of ball catches  27  which prohibit golf balls  16  from rolling off of said upper surface  22  after being struck in an inaccurate manner upon the ramp  20 . The ball catches  27  are comprised of rectangular cut-outs along the perimeter edges of the upper surface  22  which further border the cup assembly  30 . Each ball catch  27  comprises a width measuring approximately one (1) inch in width which is slightly larger than the diameter of the golf ball  16  to enable said golf ball  16  to rest within said ball catch  27 . In use, if the golf ball  16  is struck off-center or beyond the cup assembly  30 , said golf ball  16  will become obstructed within the ball catch  27  and prohibited from descending off of the upper surface  22 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a section view of the apparatus  10  taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ) and  FIG. 5 , section view of the cup assembly  30  taken along line B-B (see  FIG. 4 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The cup assembly  30  further comprises a cup  34 , as abovementioned, which provides a means to receive a golf ball  16  and direct the golf ball  16  through an exit aperture  24  located on a side surface  23  of the ramp  20 . The cup  34  is housed within a rear portion of the ramp  20  at an intermediate location between the side surfaces  23 , bottom surface  25 , and rear surface  26  and is integrally molded to the upper surface  22 . The cup  34  comprises a funnel-shape further comprising a diverter  37 , a cup leg  38 , and a base  39 . The golf ball  16  descends into a cup interior surface  35  and is funneled downwardly into the diverter  37 . The diverter  37  is integrally molded into a side surface of the cup leg  38  and comprises a cylindrical-shape positioned at a slight downward angle which is further aligned with the exit aperture  24  to enable the golf ball  16  to exit the apparatus  10 . 
     The cup leg  38  comprises a cylindrical shape and enables the cup  34  to be secured to the bottom surface  25 . The cup leg  38  is integrally molded into the circular base  39  which provides stability to the cup  34  and a fastening means to the bottom surface  25 . A plurality of conventional fasteners  40  such as screws are inserted into the base  39  and further into the bottom surface  25  which provides the attachment means. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; positioning the apparatus  10  on a level surface; striking a golf ball  16  via a putter  17  in a common manner upon the ramp  20  aiming for the cup interior surface  35  via the cup aperture  41 ; enabling the golf ball  16  to travel into the cup  34 , through the diverter  37 , and out of the exit aperture  24 ; retrieving the golf ball  16  from a ball catch  27  as needed for inaccurate shots; repeating as desired; and, enabling a golfer  15  to improve their game in a manner that is fun, easy, and efficient. 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  with the outer ring  31  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; positioning the apparatus  10  on a level surface; positioning the outer ring  31  upon the arms  36 ; striking a golf ball  16  via a putter  17  in a common manner upon the ramp  20  aiming for the cup interior surface  35  via the cup aperture  41 ; enabling the golf ball  16  to travel into the cup  34 , through the diverter  37 , and out of the exit aperture  24 ; repeating as desired; and, enabling a golfer  15  to improve their game in a manner that is fun, easy, and efficient. 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  with the outer ring  31  and intermediate ring  32  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; positioning the apparatus  10  on a level surface; positioning the outer ring  31  upon the arms  36 ; positioning the intermediate ring  32  upon the arms  36  concentric to the outer ring  31 ; striking a golf ball  16  via a putter  17  in a common manner upon the ramp  20  aiming for the cup interior surface  35  via the cup aperture  41 ; enabling the golf ball  16  to travel into the cup  34 , through the diverter  37 , and out of the exit aperture  24 ; repeating as desired; and, enabling a golfer  15  to improve their game in a manner that is fun, easy, and efficient. 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  with the outer ring  31 , intermediate ring  32 , and inner ring  33  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; positioning the apparatus  10  on a level surface; positioning the outer ring  31  upon the arms  36 ; positioning the intermediate ring  32  upon the arms  36  concentric to the outer ring  31 ; positioning the inner ring  33  upon the arms  36  concentric to the intermediate ring  32 ; striking a golf ball  16  via a putter  17  in a common manner upon the ramp  20  aiming for the cup interior surface  35  via the cup aperture  41 ; enabling the golf ball  16  to travel into the cup  34 , through the diverter  37 , and out of the exit aperture  24 ; repeating as desired; and, enabling a golfer  15  to improve their game in a manner that is fun, easy, and efficient. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.