JP7663185B1 - Putter mat and method for drawing putter trajectory curve - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a putting mat that enables putting practice to increase the success rate of putting, and a method for drawing a putter trajectory curve that contributes to putting practice to increase the success rate of putting.
[Solution] A putter mat A, which is an example of a putter mat to which the present invention is applied, includes a main mat 1 and a placement sheet 2. The main mat 1 displays a ball placement section 10, a first target line 11, a first alignment section 12, and a distance reference line 13. The main mat 1 also displays a distance display line 14, a distance numerical value 15, a first allowable marker 16, a second allowable marker 17, and a virtual ball section 18. The placement sheet 2 also displays a second target line 20, a second alignment section 21, a plurality of putter trajectory curves 22, and a contact point vertical line 23. The plurality of putter trajectory curves 22 are curves for confirming the rotation trajectory of the putter head specific to the player. The plurality of putter trajectory curves 22 are drawn on the placement sheet 2 as partial arc-shaped curves with different rotation radii.
[Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a putting mat and a method for drawing a putter trajectory curve. More specifically, the present invention relates to a putting mat that allows for putting practice to increase the success rate of putting, and a method for drawing a putter trajectory curve that contributes to putting practice to increase the success rate of putting.

In golf, putting involves rolling the ball onto the green with a putter and putting it into the cup, but putting skill has a big impact on the score. For this reason, various innovations have been made in golf putters and practice equipment to improve the success rate of putting.

For example, putting mats that can be easily set up and removed are widely used as putting practice tools. These putting mats generally have a strip-shaped mat with a surface that mimics the grain of grass, and are equipped with straight lines and cups.

In recent years, in order to prevent practice from becoming monotonous, a putting mat has been proposed that not only allows the player to repeatedly putt, but also allows the player to measure and compile ball position data and analyze the player's putting (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2023-56996 A

However, conventional putter mats, including the putter mat described in Patent Document 1, are not designed to allow the player to be aware of the trajectory of the putter head's stroke, which is the trajectory of a pendulum motion that is inclined relative to the vertical direction and has the player as the center of rotation.

Here, when putting, it is believed that three conditions are necessary to roll the ball straight into the target cup. The first condition is that the putter face must be at a right angle to the line connecting the ball and the cup.

The second condition is that the sweet area of the putter face must coincide with the center of the ball at the time of impact. The sweet area refers to the area where the initial velocity of the ball can be maintained at a constant speed at the time of impact.

The third condition is that, in a plan view, the stroke trajectory of the putter head forms equal angles of incidence and exit with respect to the line connecting the ball and the cup.

When practicing a putting motion that meets these three conditions, the proposed stroke trajectory for the putter head is one in which the putter head is pulled straight back and then released straight.

However, except for special putting movements, the trajectory of the putter head stroke for most players is a pendulum motion trajectory with the player as the center of rotation and tilted relative to the vertical. In other words, the trajectory of the putter head stroke, in plan view, is a circular motion trajectory with a constant radius of rotation with the player as the central axis.

The trajectory of the pendulum motion that is inclined to the vertical direction and has the player as the center of rotation is the trajectory that the shaft and putter head follow when rotating around the line connecting the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae and the bottom of the putter head as the axis of rotation when addressing the ball for putting, and around the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae as the center of rotation.

When this rotational movement, with either the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae as the center of rotation, is viewed from the direction connecting the ball and the cup, that is, from the side of the player's body, a lie angle is created between the shaft and the ground at address, and the line connecting the center of rotation and the bottom of the putter head is a diagonal line inclined relative to the vertical.

From this position, the player pulls the putter head toward the ball (backward stroke) using either the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae as the center of rotation, moving the putter head toward the ball, impacting the ball with the putter face, and then pushing the putter head further forward in the follow-through (forward stroke).

These series of putting movements are rotational movements with the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae as the center of rotation, so the trajectory of the shaft and putter head is a pendulum movement trajectory with an inclined axis of rotation. Above, this trajectory was called a pendulum movement trajectory with the player as the center of rotation and inclined to the vertical.

Also, if we change our perspective, the trajectory of the putter head during the putting motion will be a partial arc tangent to a line that is parallel to the line connecting the positions of both shoulders at address when looking at the player from a plane.

Nevertheless, a contradiction arises because the putter head's trajectory, which is essentially a partial arc when viewed in a plane, is required to move in a straight, linear direction during the backward stroke before impact and the forward stroke after impact.

As a result, it becomes difficult to achieve the three conditions mentioned above for rolling the ball straight into the target cup, particularly the third condition, that is, in a plan view, the trajectory of the putter head's stroke forms equal angles of incidence and exit with respect to the line connecting the ball and the cup, which becomes an obstacle to improving the success rate of putting.

Most previous putting mats had straight lines to encourage players to focus on pulling the putter head straight back and sending it straight out, making it impossible to practice while being conscious of the trajectory of the putter head, which follows a partial arc when viewed in a plane.

In addition, when the putter head rotates around the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae, the radius of rotation of the putter head's trajectory, which describes a partial arc in a plan view, varies depending on the player's physique, posture at address, the degree of bending of the elbow, etc.

Therefore, if a player can understand the rotation radius of his or her putting motion, he or she will be able to perform putting motions with a higher success rate.

The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above points, and has an object to provide a putting mat that enables putting practice to increase the success rate of putting.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for drawing a putter trajectory curve that contributes to putting practice to increase the success rate of putting.

In order to achieve the above object, the putter mat of the present invention comprises a strip-shaped main mat, a first target line which is a straight line displayed on the main mat along the longitudinal direction of the main mat, a ball placement section which is a circular figure displayed on the main mat and is positioned at a position through which the first target line passes, and which indicates a position to place a ball, a first alignment section which is provided on the first target line of the main mat and next to the ball placement section, a strip-shaped placement sheet which can be placed on top of the main mat, a second target line which is a straight line displayed on the placement sheet along the longitudinal direction of the placement sheet, a second alignment section which is provided on the second target line of the placement sheet and serves as a reference for aligning the position of the first alignment section when the placement sheet is placed on top of the main mat and serves as a rotation center when the placement sheet is tilted with respect to the orientation of the main mat, and a putter trajectory curve which is a plurality of curves having different partial arc radii displayed on the placement sheet, and each curve is tangent to the second target line at the position of the second alignment section.

Here, there is a strip-shaped main mat, a first target line that is a straight line displayed on the main mat along the longitudinal direction of the main mat, and a ball placement part that is a circular figure displayed on the main mat and is positioned at the position where the first target line passes through and indicates the position to place the ball.The ball is placed on the ball placement part from above the main mat and placement sheet, and the first target line displayed on the main mat is treated as a straight line connecting the ball and the cup, allowing the putting motion to be practiced.Also, even if the ball is not placed on the ball placement part, it is possible to practice the putting motion by assuming that the ball has been placed and treating the first target line as a straight line connecting the ball and the cup.

Note that, in this case, the ball placement portion is positioned so that its center passes through the first target line, and this includes not only the case where the first target line is displayed inside a circular shape, but also the case where the first target line is not displayed inside the circular shape of the ball placement portion, but is displayed in a positional relationship where the first target line passes through the center of the circular shape.

In addition, the first alignment section is provided on the first target line of the main mat and next to the ball placement section, and the second alignment section is provided on the second target line of the placement sheet, which serves as a reference for aligning the position of the first alignment section when placing the placement sheet on the main mat. By doing so, when placing the placement sheet on the main mat, alignment can be performed using the first alignment section and the second alignment section as references. This makes it possible to align the position of the placement sheet in the longitudinal direction of the main mat.

In addition, the placement sheet has a second target line, which is a straight line displayed on the placement sheet along the longitudinal direction of the placement sheet, a second alignment section that is provided on the second target line of the placement sheet and serves as a reference for aligning the position of the first alignment section when the placement sheet is placed on the main mat, and a putter trajectory curve that is a plurality of partially arc-shaped curves with different radii and each curve is tangent to the second target line at the position of the second alignment section, making it possible to confirm the trajectory of the rotational movement of the putter head with the player as the rotation center. That is, by taking an address stance with the second target line as a straight line parallel to the line connecting the positions of both shoulders when addressing putting in a planar view of the player and performing a putting movement, it is possible to grasp the positional relationship between the actual stroke trajectory of the putter head generated by the movement and the putter trajectory curves, which are a plurality of partially arc-shaped curves. Then, by checking which putter trajectory curve the actual putter head stroke trajectory overlaps with or is closest to, the player can know the rotation trajectory of the stroke trajectory of the putter head specific to that player in a planar view (hereinafter referred to as the "player's specific putter head rotation trajectory") and the approximate rotation radius of that rotation trajectory. By checking the rotation trajectory of his/her own, player's specific putter head, the player can repeatedly practice putting while being conscious of the rotational motion of the putter head with the player as the center of rotation.

The stroke trajectory of the putter head referred to here means the trajectory that the shaft and putter head follow when rotating around the line connecting the bottom of the putter head and either the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae as the axis of rotation when addressing the ball for putting, and around either the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae as the center of rotation.

The placement sheet is formed in a strip shape that can be placed on the main mat, and when the placement sheet is placed on the main mat, the second alignment section serves as a reference for aligning the position of the first alignment section and as a rotation center when tilting the placement sheet relative to the orientation of the main mat, and the placement sheet has a plurality of partially arcuate curves with different radii displayed on the placement sheet, each of which has a putter trajectory curve that touches the second target line at the position of the second alignment section. This makes it possible to align the positions of the first alignment section and the second alignment section and tilt the placement sheet relative to the orientation of the main mat when placing the placement sheet on the main mat. This also allows players who have a habit of impacting the ball with the putter face in an open or closed orientation during the putting motion to practice rolling the ball toward the cup while understanding the rotation trajectory of the player's unique putter head.

That is, when putting is performed multiple times with the ball at a distance of about 1m from the cup, there is a tendency for some people to miss the ball and have the ball deviate to the right side of the cup more frequently than others. Here, a major factor for those who frequently miss the ball to the right side of the cup is that when impacting the ball, the putter face is not oriented perpendicular (square) to the line connecting the cup and the ball in a plan view, and the toe side of the putter head is tilted away from the cup compared to the heel side, resulting in an open putter face. When impacting the ball with the putter face oriented open, the ball flies out based on the orientation of the putter face, and the rolling ball is likely to deviate to the right side of the cup. Conversely, for those who frequently hit the ball to the left of the cup, a major factor is that when impacting the ball, the putter face is tilted in a plan view so that the toe side of the putter head is tilted toward the cup compared to the heel side, i.e., the putter face is closed. When impacting the ball with a closed putter face, the ball flies out based on the orientation of the putter face, and the rolling ball is likely to deviate to the left of the cup. Even if a person has a habit of tilting the putter face to an open or closed direction at impact, the stroke trajectory of the putter head (the path the putter head moves before and after impact) will be a rotational trajectory with the player as the center of rotation, even if the putter face is tilted at the timing of impact. Therefore, by aligning the positions of the first alignment section and the second alignment section and placing the placement sheet on the main mat, the orientation of the placement sheet is tilted relative to the orientation of the main mat to match the player's tendency to tilt the putter face at impact. This makes it possible to practice putting while taking into account the player's tendency to tilt the putter face and visually being aware of the rotational trajectory of the player's unique putter head.

Specifically, if a player has a habit of opening the putter face at impact, the first alignment section and the second alignment section are aligned, and the second alignment section is used as the center of rotation, and the entire arrangement sheet is tilted in a closed direction relative to the first target line of the main mat, and the arrangement sheet is arranged. In this way, the second target line is tilted relative to the first target line in a plan view (for example, for a right-handed player, the end of the second target line on the cup side is lowered to the lower left in a plan view), and the putter trajectory curve is also tilted together with the second target line. In addition, in the second alignment section, the surface perpendicular to the putter trajectory curve in a plan view is in a closed direction when assumed as the orientation of the putter face when impacting the ball. Then, the player can grasp the putter trajectory curve that is close to the trajectory of his or her putter stroke and swing. Also, by being aware of the putter trajectory curve, the swing will be conscious of the inclination (closing) of the surface perpendicular to the putter trajectory curve at the second alignment portion in a plan view, and even if the putter face tends to open at impact, it will be affected by the inclination of the surface perpendicular to the putter trajectory curve. As a result, when the ball is actually hit, the orientation of the putter face will approach an orientation perpendicular to the first target line, making it easier to impact the ball with that face orientation. The hit ball will then tend to roll straight toward the cup. In this way, it is possible to practice mastering a putting motion that rolls the ball straight toward the cup, taking into account the individual's tendency to open the putter face at impact.

More specifically, if a player has a habit of closing the putter face at impact, the first alignment section and the second alignment section are aligned, and the second alignment section is used as the center of rotation, and the entire arrangement sheet is tilted in an open direction with respect to the first target line of the main mat, and the arrangement sheet is arranged. In this way, the second target line is tilted with respect to the first target line in a plan view (for example, for a right-handed player, the end of the second target line on the cup side rises to the upper left in a plan view), and the putter trajectory curve is also tilted together with the second target line. In addition, in the second alignment section, the surface perpendicular to the putter trajectory curve in a plan view is in an open direction when assumed as the direction of the putter face when impacting the ball. Then, the player can grasp the putter trajectory curve that is close to the trajectory of his or her putter stroke and swing. Also, by being aware of the putter trajectory curve, the swing will be conscious of the inclination (open) of the surface perpendicular to the putter trajectory curve at the second alignment portion in a plan view, and even if the putter face tends to close at impact, it will be affected by the inclination of the surface perpendicular to the putter trajectory curve. As a result, when the ball is actually hit, the orientation of the putter face will still approach an orientation perpendicular to the first target line, making it easier to impact the ball with that orientation of the face. The hit ball will then tend to roll straight toward the cup. In this way, it is possible to practice mastering a putting motion that rolls the ball straight toward the cup, taking into account the individual's tendency to close the putter face at impact.

In addition, if there is a pin member that is inserted into the position of the first alignment section and the second alignment section and allows the placement sheet to rotate relative to the main mat, the inclination of the placement sheet relative to the main mat can be adjusted using the pin member as a rotation axis. In addition, the pin member can prevent the placement sheet from shifting in position, for example, along the longitudinal direction of the main mat.

In addition, if five putter trajectory curves are provided, the putter trajectory curves will reflect five different putter head stroke trajectories, and a wide range of rotation radii can be shown on the layout sheet. As a result, the structure can fully accommodate the differences in the rotation radii of the putter head rotation trajectory specific to each player in plan view, which differ depending on the player's physique, posture at address, bending of the elbow, etc.

In addition, if multiple distance display lines are displayed on the main mat along the first target line, indicating distances at regular intervals based on the first alignment section, it becomes easy to check the distance between the ball and the putter head when practicing putting. This makes it even easier to understand the trajectory of your own putter head.

In addition, if the placement sheet is made of a transparent or semi-transparent material, the first target line displayed on the main mat becomes visible when the placement sheet is placed on top of the main mat. This makes it easier to confirm the positional relationship between the first target line and the putter trajectory curve displayed on the placement sheet, and in particular, when the placement sheet is tilted relative to the orientation of the main mat, it becomes possible to practice putting motion while visually observing the first target line, which is likened to a straight line connecting the ball and the cup.

When the main mat displays a first tolerance line, which is a straight line passing through the first alignment part in the direction along the first target line and forms an angle of 5.61 degrees with the first target line, and a second tolerance line, which is a straight line passing through the first alignment part and is provided between the first target line and the first tolerance line and forms an angle of 1.87 degrees with the first target line, the player can imagine that the tangent to the rotational trajectory of the player's unique putter head at the time of impact in a plan view is within the angle between the first target line and the first tolerance line, making it easier to roll the impacted ball within the angle between the first target line and the second tolerance line. This tangent to the rotational trajectory of the player's unique putter head at the time of impact in a plan view is a line that indicates the stroke direction of the putter head at the time of impact (the direction in which the putter head tries to move at the time of impact). The first allowable line forms an angle of 5.61 degrees with the first target line, and the second allowable line forms an angle of 1.87 degrees with the first target line. This 1.87 degrees is the exit angle of the ball that can be calculated from the radius of the golf cup and the radius of the golf ball to enter the cup when the ball is launched 1 m away from the cup. In other words, 1.87 degrees or less is the maximum exit angle that is allowed for the ball to enter the cup, and 5.61 degrees is the maximum incidence angle of the putter head stroke trajectory that is allowed to roll the ball to that exit angle. By using this first allowable line as a guide and being aware of the tangent at the time of impact of the rotation trajectory of the putter head specific to the player in a plan view at the time of impact, the success rate of putting within 1 m from the cup can be increased. In addition, since the putter can be stroked within a certain range of angles, within 5.61 degrees, the psychological burden on the player can be reduced.

When the main mat displays a third tolerance line, which is a straight line passing through the first alignment part in the direction along the first target line and is in a positional relationship symmetrical to the first tolerance line with respect to the first target line, and a fourth tolerance line, which is a straight line passing through the first alignment part and is in a positional relationship symmetrical to the second tolerance line with respect to the first target line, the player can have an image of placing not only the first tolerance line but also the tangent of the rotational trajectory of the player's unique putter head at the time of impact within the angle between the first target line and the third tolerance line in a plan view, making it easier to roll the impacted ball within the angle between the first target line and the fourth tolerance line. In other words, for example, the structure is capable of handling both outside-in and inside-out trajectories based on the first target line and the first alignment part.

In order to achieve the above object, the putter mat of the present invention comprises a strip-shaped main mat, a first target line which is a straight line displayed on the main mat along the longitudinal direction of the main mat, a ball placement section which is a circular figure displayed on the main mat and is positioned at a position through which the first target line passes and indicates a position for placing a ball, a first alignment section which is provided on the first target line of the main mat and next to the ball placement section, a strip-shaped placement sheet which can be placed on top of the main mat, a second target line which is a straight line displayed on the placement sheet along the longitudinal direction of the placement sheet, a second alignment section which is provided on the second target line of the placement sheet and serves as a reference for aligning the position of the first alignment section when the placement sheet is placed on top of the main mat and serves as a rotation center when the orientation of the placement sheet is tilted with respect to the orientation of the main mat, and a putter trajectory curve which is a partial arc-shaped curve displayed on the placement sheet and which is tangent to the second target line at the position of the second alignment section.

The placement sheet is formed in a strip shape that can be placed on the main mat, and when the placement sheet is placed on the main mat, it serves as a reference for aligning the position of the first alignment part and as a rotation center when tilting the placement sheet relative to the orientation of the main mat. The placement sheet has a putter trajectory curve that is a partial arc-shaped curve displayed on the placement sheet and is tangent to the second target line at the position of the second alignment part. By aligning the positions of the first alignment part and the second alignment part and having a putter trajectory curve that is tangent to the second target line at the position of the second alignment part, it is possible to tilt the placement sheet relative to the orientation of the main mat when placing the placement sheet on the main mat. This also allows a player who has a habit of impacting the ball with an open or closed putter face during a putting motion to practice rolling the ball towards the cup while understanding the rotation trajectory of the putter head that is unique to the player.

In order to achieve the above object, the putter mat of the present invention comprises a strip-shaped main mat, a first target line which is a straight line displayed on the main mat along the longitudinal direction of the main mat, a ball placement section which is a circular figure displayed on the main mat and is positioned at a position through which the first target line passes and which indicates the position where the ball is to be placed, a first alignment section provided on the first target line of the main mat and adjacent to the ball placement section, a strip-shaped placement sheet which can be placed on top of the main mat, a second target line which is a straight line displayed on the placement sheet along the longitudinal direction of the placement sheet, and and a second alignment section that is provided on the second target line and serves as a reference for aligning the position of the first alignment section when placing the placement sheet on the main mat, and serves as a rotation center when placing the placement sheet at an angle relative to the orientation of the main mat; and a putter trajectory curve that is a plurality of partially arc-shaped curves displayed on the placement sheet, each of which is tangent to the second target line at the position of the second alignment section, and is a line that imitates the trajectory of a predetermined pendulum motion that is the stroke trajectory of the putter head when the player is viewed from the side direction that connects the ball and the cup.

Here, the placement sheet is formed in a strip shape that can be placed on the main mat, and when the placement sheet is placed on the main mat, the second alignment section serves as a reference for aligning the position of the first alignment section and as a rotation center when tilting the placement sheet relative to the orientation of the main mat, and the placement sheet has a plurality of partially arcuate curves with different radii displayed on the placement sheet, each of which has a putter trajectory curve that touches the second target line at the position of the second alignment section. By aligning the positions of the first alignment section and the second alignment section and placing the placement sheet on the main mat, it is possible to tilt the placement sheet relative to the orientation of the main mat. This also allows a player who has a habit of impacting the ball with an open or closed putter face during a putting motion to practice rolling the ball toward the cup while understanding the rotation trajectory of the player's unique putter head.

The trajectory of the specified pendulum motion, which is the stroke trajectory of the putter head when the player is viewed from the side in the direction connecting the ball and the cup, refers to the trajectory that the shaft and putter head follow when rotating around the line connecting the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae and the bottom of the putter head as the axis of rotation when addressing the ball.

In order to achieve the above object, the putter trajectory curve drawing method of the present invention includes a position information acquisition step of displaying a reference point and a target line, which is a straight line passing through the reference point, having the player perform a putter stroke along the target line, using the reference point as the position where the ball will be placed, and acquiring position information of at least one point on the trajectory of the putter head movement; a first curve drawing step of drawing a partial arc-shaped curve connecting the position of the position information acquired in the position information acquisition step and the reference point in a planar view; and a second curve drawing step of drawing a partial arc-shaped curve that is linearly symmetrical to the curve drawn in the first curve drawing step, using an orthogonal line that passes through the reference point and is perpendicular to the target line in a planar view.

Here, in the position information acquisition process, a reference point and a target line, which is a straight line passing through the reference point, are displayed, and the player makes a putter stroke along the target line, with the reference point being the position where the ball will be placed. By acquiring position information of at least one point on the trajectory of the putter head's movement, it is possible to determine one position on the trajectory of the putter head in the rotational movement of the putter head that is unique to that player.

In addition, in the first curve drawing process, by drawing a partial arc-shaped curve in a planar view that connects the position of the positional information acquired in the positional information acquisition process and a reference point, it is possible to draw a portion of the curve of the rotational trajectory of the putter head in the rotational motion of the putter head specific to that player in a planar view.

In addition, in the second curve drawing process, a partial arc-shaped curve is drawn that is symmetrical to the curve drawn in the first curve drawing process in plan view, based on an orthogonal line that passes through the reference point and is perpendicular to the target line. This partial arc-shaped curve can be drawn with the reference point as the curve of the rotational trajectory of the putter head in the rotational movement of the putter head specific to that player in plan view. This curve reflects the rotational movement of the putter head specific to that player, and can be used for putting practice, for example, by displaying the curve on a putting mat. In addition, a partial arc-shaped curve that reflects the rotational movement of the putter head specific to that player can be drawn with simple work.

The putter mat of the present invention allows for practice of putting to increase the success rate of putting.
Furthermore, the method for plotting a putter trajectory curve according to the present invention contributes to putting practice that increases the success rate of putting.

1 is a plan view showing the main mat and placement sheet that make up the putter mat of the present invention separated from each other. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the state in which the placement sheet is placed straight on the main mat of the putter mat shown in FIG. 1 . This is a plan view showing the state in which the placement sheet is placed on the putter mat shown in Figure 1 by tilting the entire placement sheet in a counterclockwise direction on the paper surface relative to the first target line of the main mat. This is a plan view showing the state in which the placement sheet is placed on the putter mat shown in Figure 1 by tilting the entire placement sheet in a clockwise direction on the paper surface relative to the first target line of the main mat. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a state when a putter head impacts a ball. 1 is a schematic side view of a putter head impacting a ball, as viewed from the side of a player's body. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing the position of a putter head at certain points in the forward stroke during and after impact in a putting motion; FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the state shown in FIG. 7, as seen from the side of the player's body. FIG. 2 is a plot diagram for creating a curve of a player's specific putter head rotational trajectory in plan view. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the stroke direction of a putter head and the direction in which a ball is emitted. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the stroke direction of a putter head and the direction of launch of a ball, and a rotation trajectory of a putter head specific to a player. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the stroke direction of a putter head, the exit direction of a ball, and the radius of a cup. A schematic plan view showing a putter mat provided with a third tolerance marker and a fourth tolerance marker. 1 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the putter mat of the present invention. FIG. This is a plan view showing the putter mat shown in Figure 14 in a state where the placement sheet is placed with the entire placement sheet tilted in a counterclockwise direction on the paper relative to the first target line of the main mat.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for the purpose of understanding the present invention.
It should be noted that the structure shown below is merely an example of the present invention, and the contents of the present invention are not limited thereto.

In the following description, with reference to Figures 2 and 5, the upper side of the paper will be referred to as "outer", "toe" or "outer side" and the lower side of the paper will be referred to as "inner", "heel" or "inner side" and "heel side". With reference to Figures 2 and 5, the left side of the paper will be referred to as "left", "left side" or "cup side", and the right side of the paper will be referred to as "right", "right side" or "opposite side from the cup". As necessary, the direction connecting the outer and inner sides will be referred to as the "outer-inner direction", and the direction connecting the left and right sides will be referred to as the "left-right direction". As necessary, the direction toward the left will be referred to as the "cup direction", and the direction toward the right will be referred to as the "opposite direction from the cup".

In the following description, with reference to FIG. 6, the top of the paper will be referred to as "top", "upper" or "vertically upper", and the bottom of the paper will be referred to as "bottom", "lower" or "vertically lower". With reference to FIG. 6, the right side of the paper will be referred to as "outer", "toe" or "outer side" or "toe side", and the left side of the paper will be referred to as "inner", "heel" or "inner side" or "heel side". Furthermore, as necessary, the direction connecting top and bottom will be referred to as the "up-down direction" or "vertical direction". Furthermore, "outer" and "inner" based on the above FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 have the same relationship as "outer" and "inner" in FIG. 6.

In the following description, the direction from the front to the back of the page based on FIG. 6 is referred to as the "cup direction," and the direction from the back to the front of the page is referred to as the "opposite direction from the cup." Furthermore, the "direction from right to left" in "left" and "right" based on FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 is in the same relationship as the "cup direction" based on FIG. 6, and the "direction from left to right" in "left" and "right" based on FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 is in the same relationship as the "opposite direction from the cup" based on FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, a putter mat A, which is an example of a putter mat to which the present invention is applied, comprises a main mat 1 and a placement sheet 2. Note that FIG. 1 shows the main mat 1 and the placement sheet 2 separated from each other.

The main mat 1 is the main body of the putter mat A that is placed on the floor surface when the putter mat A is used. The placement sheet 2 is a sheet that allows the player to confirm or visually confirm the rotation trajectory of the putter head specific to the player. The rotation trajectory of the putter head specific to the player will be described later.

The main mat 1 is a component on which the placement sheet 2 is placed on top of the main mat 1 in a desired orientation for practicing putting. In addition, at that time, a ball is placed on top of the placement sheet 2 at the position of the ball placement section 10 described below to practice putting. It is also possible to check the putting action without placing a ball on the ball placement section 10. Next, the detailed structure of each component will be explained.

[Display on main mat]
1, the main mat 1 is marked with a ball placement area 10, a first target line 11, a first alignment area 12, and a distance reference line 13. The main mat 1 also is marked with a distance indication line 14, a distance numerical value 15, a first tolerance marker 16, a second tolerance marker 17, and a virtual ball area 18.

The ball placement area 10 is a reference mark that shows the position where the ball should be placed on the main mat 1 and the placement sheet 2. The ball placement area 10 is a circular shape with a diameter the same as the size of the ball.

The first target line 11 is a straight line drawn on the main mat 1 along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the main mat 1, and is used when practicing putting as if it were a straight line connecting the ball and the putt. The first target line 11 is drawn in a positional relationship that passes through the center of the ball placement section 10.

The first alignment section 12 is a section for determining the position of the placement sheet 2 along the longitudinal direction of the main mat 1 via the second alignment section 21 and a fixing pin (not shown), which will be described later, when placing the placement sheet 2 on top of the main mat 1.

The first alignment portion 12 is formed as a circular hole that penetrates the main mat 1 in the vertical direction. The first alignment portion 12 is also provided on the first target line 11 and next to the right end of the ball placement portion 10.

The distance reference line 13 is a line that indicates the reference position (0 m) of the distance indication line 14 that indicates the distance from the ball placement unit 10, based on the ball placement unit 10. The distance reference line 13 is drawn as a straight line that passes through the first alignment unit 12 in a direction perpendicular to the first target line 11.

The distance indication lines 14 are provided at 5 cm intervals with respect to the distance reference line 13, along the direction toward or away from the cup. The distance indication lines 14 are drawn perpendicular to the first target line 11. The distance numerical value 15 is numerical information that reflects the distance between each distance indication line 14 and the distance reference line 13.

The first tolerance marker 16 is a line that indicates the maximum angle of incidence of the putter head relative to the ball that is permitted when the ball placed on the ball placement section 10 is hit with the putter head so that the ball can land in the cup within 1 m of the ball. The second tolerance marker 17 is a line that indicates the maximum angle of departure of the ball that is permitted when the ball is hit with the putter head so that the ball can land in the cup within 1 m of the ball.

Note that the first tolerance marker 16 here corresponds to the first tolerance line in the claims of this application, and the second tolerance marker 17 corresponds to the second tolerance line in the claims of this application.

The first tolerance marker 16 is a straight line that passes through the first alignment section 12 and forms an angle of 5.61 degrees with the first target line. The second tolerance marker 17 is a straight line that passes through the first alignment section 12 and forms an angle of 1.87 degrees with the first target line. Details of the setting of these angles will be described later.

The first tolerance marker 16 and the second tolerance marker 17 are located outside the first target line 11 in the direction away from the cup, and inside the first target line 11 in the cup direction, with the distance reference line 13 as the reference. In other words, they are drawn as lines corresponding to a so-called outside-in trajectory, with the first target line 11 as the reference.

The imaginary ball portion 18 is a portion in which multiple circular shapes with the same diameter as the ball are drawn from the distance reference line 14 in the direction away from the cup. The imaginary ball portion 18 is a shape that makes it easier to be aware of the diameter of the golf ball.

In addition, the main mat 1 has a first alignment portion 12 and a first target line 11 aligned with the second alignment portion 21 and the second target line 20 of the placement sheet 2, and the position of the outer edge of the placement sheet 2 is shown by a dashed line indicated by the symbol 2A when the placement sheet 2 is superimposed on the main mat 1.

The main mat 1 is a strip-shaped sheet member and can be made from a variety of materials, such as carpet fabric or a resin sheet.

Here, the ball placement portion 10 does not necessarily need to be a circular shape with the same diameter as the size of the ball, and there is no limit to the size of the diameter as long as it is a circular shape that can serve as a marker for placing the ball. However, it is preferable that the ball placement portion 10 be a circular shape with the same diameter as the size of the ball, as this makes it easier to visualize the ball more concretely when practicing putting without placing the ball on it.

The first alignment portion 12 does not necessarily have to be formed as a circular hole penetrating the main mat 1 in the vertical direction, and its shape and formation method can be selected as appropriate as long as it can be aligned with the second alignment portion 21. However, it is preferable that the first alignment portion 12 is formed as a hole penetrating the main mat 1 in the vertical direction, because the first alignment portion 12 and the second alignment portion 21 can be aligned via a pin member (not shown) described later, and the placement sheet 2 can be rotatably supported around the position of the second alignment portion 21.

It is not necessary that the distance reference line 13, distance display line 14, and distance numerical value 15 are drawn on the main mat 1. However, it is preferable that the distance reference line 13, distance display line 14, and distance numerical value 15 are drawn on the main mat 1, because the distance from the ball placement part 10 based on the ball placement part 10 can be easily visually confirmed from the information of the multiple straight lines provided at regular intervals and the numbers corresponding to the distance, and it becomes easier to grasp the sense of distance when practicing putting.

In addition, the distance indication lines 14 do not necessarily have to be placed at 5 cm intervals based on the distance reference line 13, and the size of the intervals can be set as appropriate. For example, they may be drawn at intervals of 10 cm, etc.

It is not necessary that the first permissible marker 16 and the second permissible marker 17 are drawn on the main mat 1. However, it is preferable that the first permissible marker 16 and the second permissible marker 17 are drawn on the main mat 1, because this allows the player to practice putting while visually being aware of the maximum angle of incidence of the putter head relative to the ball in order to put the ball into the cup, with respect to the stroke direction of the putter head at impact when putting a ball within 1 m of the cup.

In addition, instead of the first tolerance marker 16 and the second tolerance marker 17, a third tolerance marker 160 and a fourth tolerance marker 170 are provided that are positioned symmetrically to the first tolerance marker 16 and the second tolerance marker 17 with respect to the first target line (see Figure 13).

The third tolerance marker 160 and the fourth tolerance marker 170 are located inside the first target line 11 in the direction away from the cup, and outside the first target line 11 in the cup direction, based on the distance reference line 13 (see Figure 13).

In other words, the third tolerance marker 160 and the fourth tolerance marker 170 can be used as lines corresponding to the so-called inside-out trajectory based on the first target line 11. As a further embodiment, a configuration in which four types of markers, the first tolerance marker 16, the second tolerance marker 17, the third tolerance marker 160, and the fourth tolerance marker 170, are drawn on the main mat 1 can also be adopted.

Furthermore, it is not necessary that the imaginary ball portion 18 is drawn on the main mat 1. However, it is preferable that the imaginary ball portion 18 is drawn on the main mat 1, since this makes it easier for the player to be aware of the diameter of the golf ball when practicing putting.

[Display layout sheet]
Next, the display of the layout sheet 2 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the arrangement sheet 2 displays a second target line 20, a second alignment portion 21, a plurality of putter trajectory curves 22, and a contact point vertical line 23.

The second target line 20 is a line that is considered to be parallel to the line connecting the positions of both shoulders when addressing the ball when putting when viewed from above. By taking a stance so that the line connecting the positions of both shoulders when addressing the ball when putting is parallel to the second target line and performing a putting motion, the player can identify the curve that is closest to the trajectory of his/her own putter head among the multiple putter trajectory curves 22.

The second alignment section 21 is a section for aligning with the first alignment section 12 and determining the position of the placement sheet 2 along the longitudinal direction of the main mat 1 via a fixing pin (not shown) when placing the placement sheet 2 on top of the main mat 1. The second alignment section 21 is formed as a circular hole that penetrates the placement sheet 2 in the vertical direction.

The second alignment portion 21 is the center of rotation when the placement sheet 2 is tilted relative to the main mat 1.

That is, the first alignment section 12 and the second alignment section 21 are aligned, and then a fixing pin (not shown) is inserted from above into the main mat 1 and the placement sheet 2 to rotatably support the placement sheet 2. The placement sheet 2 can be rotated around the second alignment section 21, and positioned to change its inclination relative to the main mat 1.

The placement sheet 2 is a strip-shaped sheet material made of a transparent film material, and has a fixed length in the left-right direction. Therefore, when the placement sheet 2 is placed at an angle to the orientation of the main mat 1, the length and weight of the placement sheet 2 itself make it difficult for the position to shift in the rotational direction around the second alignment portion 21.

The fixed pin is a T-shaped pin with a height of about 2 mm to 4 mm, and its shape and size are such that it does not interfere with the movement of the putter head when hitting a ball placed on the ball placement section 10 with the putter head.

The multiple putter trajectory curves 22 are curves for checking the rotation trajectory of the putter head specific to the player. The multiple putter trajectory curves 22 are drawn on the layout sheet 2 as partial arc-shaped curves with different rotation radii. The layout sheet 2 also has five putter trajectory curves 22 drawn on it.

The partial arc-shaped curves in the multiple putter trajectory curves 22 are drawn with rotation radii of 843 cm, 411 cm, 273 cm, 195 cm, and 155 cm, in order from the one closest to the second target line 20. Note that these values are merely examples and can be set as appropriate.

In addition, each of the multiple putter trajectory curves 22 is tangent to the second target line 20 at the position of the second alignment portion 21 on the second target line 20. In other words, the position of the second alignment portion is the tangent point, and the second target line 20 is a tangent to each putter trajectory curve 22.

The rotational trajectory of the putter head specific to a player is the rotational trajectory of the putter head in the stroke trajectory with the player as the center of rotation during the putting motion, and this rotational trajectory has a rotational radius specific to the player in a planar view.

The stroke trajectory of the putter head referred to here means the trajectory that the shaft and putter head follow when rotating around the line connecting the bottom of the putter head and either the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae as the axis of rotation when addressing the ball for putting, and around either the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae as the center of rotation.

In addition, the term "either the player's cervical or thoracic bone" refers to any of the seven cervical or twelve thoracic bones that make up the human spine. Which bone is the center of rotation depends on the player's physique, their posture at address, the degree of bending of the elbow, etc., but in the rotational motion of putting, one of the bones is the center of rotation.

As shown in Figure 6, when the player is rotating around the center of rotation P at either the cervical or thoracic vertebrae, if the player is viewed from left to right along the left-right direction at the time of impact with the ball, that is, when viewed from the side of the player's body, a lie angle L is created between the shaft S and the ground at address, and the line connecting the center of rotation P and the bottom surface B of the putter head is a diagonal line F that is inclined relative to the vertical.

From this position, the player pulls the putter head toward the ball (backward stroke) with either the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae as the center of rotation P, moves the putter head toward the ball, impacts the ball with the putter face, and then pushes the putter head further forward in the follow-through (forward stroke).

During the putting motion, the diagonal line F moves while tilted vertically. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the diagonal line F follows a trajectory that passes through a slope F' that is tilted vertically.

These series of putting movements are rotational movements with the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae as the center of rotation P, so the trajectory of the shaft and putter head follows a pendulum motion trajectory (pendulum motion inclined to the vertical) with an inclined axis of rotation (diagonal line F).

The multiple putter trajectory curves 22 on the layout sheet 2 are curves that reflect the rotational trajectory of the putter head specific to the player. An example of the process for setting the multiple putter trajectory curves 22 on the putter mat A will be described later.

The tangent point vertical line 23 is a line indicating a direction perpendicular to the second target line 20 at the position of the second alignment portion 21. The tangent point vertical line 23 is drawn as a straight line passing through the second alignment portion 21 in a direction perpendicular to the second target line 20.

Here, the second alignment portion 21 does not necessarily have to be formed as a circular hole that penetrates the placement sheet 2 in the vertical direction, and its shape and formation method can be selected as appropriate as long as it can be aligned with the first alignment portion 12. However, it is preferable that the first alignment portion 12 is formed as a hole that penetrates the main mat 1 in the vertical direction, because the first alignment portion 12 and the second alignment portion 21 can be aligned via a pin member (not shown) to allow the placement sheet 2 to be rotatably supported around the position of the second alignment portion 21.

The multiple putter trajectory curves 22 do not necessarily have to be five partially arc-shaped curves with different rotation radii, and the number of curves can be set appropriately. However, it is preferable to provide multiple putter trajectory curves 22 because it is easier to confirm the player's unique trajectory of the putter head. Furthermore, it is more preferable to provide five partially arc-shaped curves with different rotation radii, because the putter trajectory curves reflect five different rotation radii for the player's unique putter head rotation trajectory, making it possible to show a wide range of rotation radii on the layout sheet, and it is easier to fully respond to the differences in the rotation radii of the player's unique putter head rotation trajectory in a plan view, which differ depending on the player's physique, posture at address, bending of the elbow, etc.

In addition, the placement sheet 2 does not necessarily have to be made of a transparent material. However, when the placement sheet 2 is placed on top of the main mat 1, the first target line 10 displayed on the main mat 1 becomes visible. As a result, it becomes easier to confirm the positional relationship between the first target line 10 and the multiple putter trajectory curves 22, and it becomes possible to practice putting movements while being conscious of not only the rotational trajectory of the player's unique putter head, but also the first target line, so it is preferable that the placement sheet 2 is made of a transparent material. Also, it is possible to use a semi-transparent material instead of a transparent material.

For the putter mat A, which is composed of the main mat 1 and placement sheet 2 described above, several examples of the placement of the placement sheet 2 will be explained.

First, Figure 2 shows the state in which the placement sheet 2 is placed straight on the main mat 1 with the first target line 11 and the second target line 20 aligned.

In this state, the placement sheet 2 is stacked on top of the main mat 1 without tilting the orientation of the placement sheet 2 relative to the orientation of the main mat 1 in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the main mat 1.

In the state shown in Figure 2, the first target line 11 and the second target line 20 overlap and form a single straight line. In the state shown in Figure 2, the player can repeatedly perform putting movements without using a ball, allowing the rotational trajectory of the putter head specific to that player to be confirmed.

At this time, the player takes a stance so that the line connecting the positions of both shoulders when addressing the ball is parallel to the second target line 20 (first target line 11). Then, imagining a state in which a ball is placed on the ball placement section 10, the player performs a putting motion multiple times with the image of hitting the ball.

If the player is a professional or advanced player, after a few putting movements, the stroke trajectory of the putter head when viewed in a planar view will become roughly the same stable trajectory. Also, even a beginner can see their own putter head stroke trajectory after 20 to 30 putting movements.

The player then compares the positional relationship between the stroke trajectory of his/her putter head and the five putter trajectory curves 22 on the layout sheet 2. That is, from among the five putter trajectory curves 22 with different rotation radii, the player checks which curve matches or is close to the stroke trajectory of his/her putter head. Or, the player may check that the midpoint between the two putter trajectory curves 22 is close to the stroke trajectory of his/her putter head.

In this way, by comparing the positional relationship between the five putter trajectory curves 22 on the layout sheet 2 and the stroke trajectory of the player's putter head, the player can determine the curve that serves as a guide for the stroke trajectory of the player's putter head, or the position between two curves.

By using the determined putter trajectory curve 22 or the position between the two curves as a guide, the player can repeatedly practice putting while being aware of the rotational trajectory and approximate rotational radius of his or her own putter head when putting.

In other words, instead of pulling the putter head straight back and then releasing it straight, it becomes possible to practice putting while being conscious of the rotational motion with either the player's cervical or thoracic vertebrae as the center of rotation P. As a result, it becomes easier to acquire a natural stroke motion, and the success rate of putting can be increased.

When comparing the multiple putter trajectory curves 22 with the stroke trajectory of one's putter head, the comparison may be made based on any position of the putter trajectory curve 22, including the toe side of the putter face (left outer corner), the center of the putter face (left center), or the heel side of the putter face (left inner corner). However, by comparing with the putter trajectory curve 22 based on the toe side of the putter face, it is easiest to see the stroke trajectory of one's putter head.

[Using the placement sheet at an angle]
Next, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, we will explain the use of the placement sheet 2 inclined with respect to the main mat 1. The putter mat A shown in Figures 3 and 4 is an example of the putter mat A in use when a player who has a habit of impacting the ball with the putter face facing in an open or closed direction with respect to the line connecting the ball and the cup in a plan view is allowed to practice rolling the ball towards the cup while understanding the rotational trajectory of the putter head specific to the player.

First, as mentioned above, when the distance from the ball to the cup is set to about 1m and the putting motion is performed multiple times, there is a tendency for some people to miss the ball in the cup and have it deviate to the right side of the cup more often than others, while others tend to have the ball deviate to the left side of the cup more often.

A major factor in people who frequently hit the ball to the right of the cup is that when they impact the ball, the putter face is not oriented at a right angle (square) to the line connecting the cup and the ball in a plan view, but the toe side of the putter head is tilted in the opposite direction to the cup compared to the heel side, meaning the putter face is open. If the ball is impacted with an open putter face, the ball will fly out based on the orientation of the putter face, and the ball will tend to roll to the right of the cup.

Conversely, for those who frequently hit the ball to the left of the cup, a major factor is that when impacting the ball, the orientation of the putter face is tilted toward the cup with the toe side of the putter head compared to the heel side, in a plan view, meaning the putter face is closed. If the ball is impacted with a closed putter face, the ball will fly out based on the orientation of the putter face, and the ball will tend to roll to the left of the cup.

Also, even if a player has a tendency to tilt the putter face open or closed at impact, and the putter face tilts at the moment of impact, the stroke trajectory of the putter head (the path the putter head travels before and after impact) will be a rotational trajectory with the player as the center of rotation.

Therefore, when the first alignment section 12 and the second alignment section 21 are aligned and the positioning sheet 2 is placed on the main mat 1, the positioning sheet 2 is tilted relative to the main mat 1 in accordance with the player's tendency to tilt the putter face at impact. This makes it possible to practice putting while taking into account the player's tendency to tilt the putter face and visually being aware of the rotational trajectory of the player's unique putter head.

For example, if a player has a tendency to have the putter face open at impact, the layout of layout sheet 2 shown in Figure 3 may be considered.

In Figure 3, the first alignment section 12 and the second alignment section 21 are aligned, and the second alignment section 21 is used as the center of rotation, and the placement sheet 2 is positioned with the entire placement sheet 2 tilted in a closed orientation (closed) relative to the first target line 11 of the main mat 1. That is, in the paper space of Figure 3, the placement sheet 2 is tilted slightly counterclockwise relative to the main mat 1, and the entire placement sheet 2 is oriented downward and to the left.

By tilting the placement sheet 2 as shown in FIG. 3, the second target line 20 is tilted relative to the first target line 11 in a plan view, and the putter trajectory curve 22 is also tilted together with the second target line 20. In addition, in the area of the second alignment section 21, the surface perpendicular to the putter trajectory curve in a plan view (corresponding to the vertical reference line 23) is in a closed orientation when assumed as the orientation of the putter face when impacting the ball.

Even if the placement sheet 2 is tilted, the player can swing while being aware of the line of the putter trajectory curve 22 that is closest to the trajectory of his or her own putter stroke.

And by being conscious of the putter trajectory curve 22, which is close to the trajectory of the player's putter stroke, the player will be conscious of the inclination (closing) of the plane perpendicular to the putter trajectory curve 22 in the second alignment section 21 in a plan view when swinging, and even if the putter face tends to open at impact, it will be affected by the inclination of the plane perpendicular to the putter trajectory curve 22. As a result, when the ball is actually hit, the orientation of the putter face will approach an orientation perpendicular to the first target line, making it easier to impact the ball with that face orientation. As a result, the ball will be more likely to roll straight toward the cup.

In this way, the player can practice mastering the putting motion that will make the ball roll straight towards the cup, taking into account the player's tendency to open the putter face at impact.

For example, if a person has a habit of closing the putter face at impact, the arrangement of the arrangement sheet 2 shown in Figure 4 may be considered.

In Figure 4, the first alignment section 12 and the second alignment section 21 are aligned, and the second alignment section 21 is used as the center of rotation, with the entire placement sheet 2 tilted in an open orientation (open) relative to the first target line 11 of the main mat 1, and the placement sheet 2 is positioned. That is, in the paper space of Figure 4, the placement sheet 2 is tilted slightly clockwise relative to the main mat 1, and the entire placement sheet 2 is oriented downward to the right.

By tilting the placement sheet 2 as shown in FIG. 4, the second target line 20 is tilted relative to the first target line 11 in a plan view, and the putter trajectory curve 22 is also tilted together with the second target line 20. In addition, in the second alignment section 21, the surface perpendicular to the putter trajectory curve 22 in a plan view (corresponding to the vertical reference line 23) is in an open orientation (open) when assumed as the orientation of the putter face when impacting the ball.

Even if the placement sheet 2 is tilted, the player can still swing while being aware of the line of the putter trajectory curve 22 that is closest to the trajectory of his or her own putter stroke.

And by being conscious of the putter trajectory curve 22, which is close to the trajectory of the player's putter stroke, the player will be conscious of the inclination (openness) of the surface perpendicular to the putter trajectory curve 22 at the second alignment portion 21 in a plan view when swinging, and even if the putter face tends to close at impact, it will be affected by the inclination of the surface perpendicular to the putter trajectory curve 22. As a result, when the ball is actually hit, the orientation of the putter face will also approach an orientation perpendicular to the first target line 11, making it easier to impact the ball with that face orientation. As a result, the ball will be more likely to roll straight toward the cup.

In this way, the player can practice mastering the putting motion that will make the ball roll straight towards the cup, taking into account the player's tendency to close the putter face at impact.

Note that the inclination of the arrangement sheet 2 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is merely an example, and the degree of inclination can be set appropriately according to the inclination of the putter face at the time of impact.

Also, if a player can make impact with the ball so that the putter face is oriented at a right angle (square) to the line connecting the ball and the cup, they can practice putting by placing the placement sheet 2 straight on top of the main mat A as shown in Figure 2.

Next, the use of the first permissible marker 16 and the second permissible marker 17 will be explained with reference to FIG. 2. By using the first permissible marker 16 and the second permissible marker 17 on the main mat 1, the success rate of putting within 1 m of the cup can be increased.

In this case, the putting action is performed with the image that the tangent to the rotational trajectory of the player's unique putter head at the time of impact in a plan view, in other words, the stroke direction of the putter head at the time of impact (the direction in which the putter head attempts to move at the time of impact) falls within the range enclosed by the first target line 11 and the first tolerance marker 16.

At the same time, the putting action is performed while being conscious of the putter trajectory curve 22, which is a guide for the stroke trajectory of one's putter head. This means being conscious of the partial arc trajectory not only at the time of impact, but also throughout the sequence of the backward stroke, impact, and forward stroke.

If the stroke direction of the putter head at impact falls within the range bounded by the first target line 11 and the first tolerance marker 16, and the putter face surface at impact is oriented perpendicular (square) to the first target line 11 in a plan view, the hit ball will roll within the range bounded by the first target line 11 and the second tolerance marker 17.

In other words, the ball can be rolled at an angle that will allow the ball to enter a cup within 1 m of the ball. By being conscious of the first permissible marker 16 while making a putting motion, the player can increase the success rate of putting the ball into a cup within 1 m of the ball.

In addition, the angle that the first permissible marker 16 makes with the first target line 11 is 5.61 degrees, and when the player visually confirms this angle, he or she can perceive it as being within a relatively reasonable angle range, enabling the player to perform the putting motion with a sense of security.

The detailed principle of using the first permissible marker 16 and the permissible marker 17 to put the ball into a cup within 1 m of the ball will be described later.

[Putter trajectory setting]
Next, an example of setting the putter trajectory curve 22 on the putter mat A will be described.

As we have repeatedly stated, except for special putting movements, for most players, the trajectory of the putter head stroke will follow a rotational trajectory of the putter head that is unique to the player, with the player as the center of rotation.

For example, as shown in Figure 5, when the player is viewed from above and impacts a ball Q placed on the putter face E to perform a putting motion, the trajectory of the putter head follows a partially circular arc-shaped curve C.

An example of setting one of the multiple putter trajectory curves 22 is also shown.

As shown in Figure 6, when addressing the ball for putting, if the player is viewed from the side (left and right), the player's center of rotation P is the protuberance (7th cervical vertebra), and the distance from the center of rotation P to the center B of the bottom surface of the putter head is 150 cm. In other words, the length of the diagonal line F connecting the center of rotation P and the center B of the bottom surface of the putter head is 150 cm.

Assuming that the position on the ground vertically below the center of rotation P is position G, the distance between position G and the center B of the bottom surface of the putter head is 40 cm. An angle indicated by the lie angle L is generated between the putter shaft S and the ground (see Figure 6). From this premise, find the distance H between the center of rotation P and position G. Note that distance H corresponds to the height of the player's vertebrae from the ground.

Based on the above assumptions, first, the angle α between the line connecting the center of rotation P and position G and the diagonal line F can be calculated using trigonometric functions as sin α = 40/150 ≒ 0.2677, α = 15.527 ≒ 15.5°, and angle α can be approximated as 15.5°. Furthermore, when distance H is calculated using trigonometric functions, H = cos(15.5) x 150 ≒ 0.09636 x 150, and from H = 144.54 ≒ 145, the value of H is calculated to be 145 cm.

Also, as shown in Figure 7, the same player is viewed from the front and two points, the position of the putter head at impact (0 cm position) and the position B2 of the putter head at a certain point on the trajectory of the forward stroke after impact, are compared to calculate the height y (cm) of the putter head from the ground at this position B2.

As shown in Figure 7, let us assume that the distance x from the impact position of the putter head (0 cm position) to the ground position on the extension of the diagonal line F (or the extension of the shaft S) at putter head position B2 is 25 cm. In other words, the left-right distance x from the impact position to the ground position on the extension of the putter head at putter head position B2 is 25 cm.

The distance between the center of rotation P and position G (corresponding to symbol H in Figure 6) is 145 cm. In this case, the angle β between the line connecting the center of rotation P and position G and the diagonal line F can be calculated using trigonometric functions as tan β = 25/145 ≒ 0.1724 and β = 9.781 ≒ 9.78°, so the angle β can be approximated as 9.78°. The distance y can also be calculated using trigonometric functions as y = 145 - {cos(9.78) x 145} ≒ 145 - (0.9854 x 145) and, from y = 2.117 ≒ 2.12, the value of y is calculated as 2.12 cm.

Then, as shown in Figure 8, the distance z (cm) in the outward/inward direction between the position corresponding to the putter head position B2 in Figure 7 and the putter head position B at the time of impact is calculated when viewed from the side (left/right) of the player's body.

In Figure 8, from the values found so far, the angle α = 15.5° and the height y of the putter head from the ground at position B2 is 2.12 cm. Therefore, calculating the distance z using trigonometric functions gives "tan 15.5 = z/2.12", or "z = 0.2773 x 2.12", and since "z = 0.58787 ≒ 0.588", the value of z is found to be 0.588 cm.

Following the above procedure, for a player whose distance from the center of rotation P to the center B of the bottom surface of the putter head is 150 cm, the values of "x, y, z" for a point on the stroke trajectory of that player's putter head are found to be "25 cm, 2.12 cm, 0.588 cm."

In addition, in the stroke trajectory of the player's putter head, it is possible to determine the values of y and z corresponding to different values of x by using x (cm) as a variable. As shown in Figure 9, by plotting the values of x and z on the horizontal axis, with 0 cm as the origin O and the distance from the origin O as x (cm) and the vertical axis as the distance downward from the origin O (0 cm), the plots shown by symbols I1 to I5 are obtained.

Then, by determining the curves that approximate each of the plots I1 to I5 from a known graphics program, it is possible to draw a partial arc-shaped curve C1 that approximates each of the plots I1 to I5 from the origin O. Furthermore, by inverting the curve C1 left to right with respect to a vertical line that passes through the origin O, it is possible to draw a partial arc-shaped curve C2 that extends from the origin O.

The curve formed by combining curves C1 and C2 is the curve of the rotational trajectory of the player's unique putter head, with the player as the center of rotation, in a planar view, for a player whose distance from the center of rotation P to the center B of the bottom surface of the putter head is 150 cm. The radius of rotation of this curve is the radius of rotation of the putter head unique to that player, in a planar view. If this radius of rotation is "R = 273 cm," then this partial arc-shaped curve with a radius of rotation of R = 273 cm can be adopted and displayed as one of the putter trajectory curves 22 on the layout sheet 2.

Following the above steps, one of the putter trajectory curves 22 can be created. Also, by following the same steps and drawing curves C1 and C2 from the putting movements of players with different rotation radii (R) as described above, different putter trajectory curves 22 can be obtained. By creating five of these, it is possible to create five putter trajectory curves 22 for the layout sheet 2.

[Other ways to draw the putter path curve]
As a simpler method for setting the putter trajectory curve, the following putter trajectory curve drawing method can be adopted.
Here, a reference point is set as the hypothetical position where the ball will be placed, and a target line is set as a straight line passing through the reference point, and the player is made to make a putter stroke along this target line, imagining that he or she is impacting the ball at the reference point.

The position of one point on the trajectory of the putter stroke is determined, and an approximation curve (first curve) is drawn in a plan view that connects the determined position and the reference point. A second curve is drawn in a plan view that is symmetrical to the first curve, based on an orthogonal line that passes through the reference point and intersects the target line at right angles. The first curve and the second curve are partial arc-shaped curves, and the curve formed by combining the first curve and the second curve is the curve of the rotational trajectory of the player's unique putter head, with the player as the center of rotation, in a plan view. The radius of rotation of this curve is the radius of rotation of the player's unique putter head.

In this way, based on the position of a single point on the trajectory of the putter stroke, it is possible to obtain in a simple manner the curve of the rotational trajectory of the putter head specific to that player.

This method also makes it possible to create a putter mat specifically for a player using the obtained curve of the rotational trajectory of the putter head specific to that player. In addition, by periodically creating a curve of the rotational trajectory of the putter head specific to that player and comparing the curves at different times, it is possible to use this information to analyze changes in putting motion and fluctuations in form.

[Setting the first and second acceptable markers]
The setting of the first tolerance marker 16 and the second tolerance marker 17 will be described below.
First, as a premise, the inventor has discovered the "1:3 law of angular directionality" and the "1:3 law of distance directionality" regarding the movement of the ball itself during putting.

As shown in Figure 10, ball Q is placed, and four balls 1 to 4 are arranged at equal intervals in the vertical direction as seen in Figure 10, about 50 cm away from ball Q (putting distance). Ball 1 is also arranged in a straight line as seen from ball Q.

Then, ball Q is hit in the stroke direction H1 of the putter head at impact with putter face E. The orientation of putter face E at impact is perpendicular (square) to the line connecting ball Q and ball 1.

When this putting is done, the ball Q rolls in the direction of H2 and hits the ball 2.

From this phenomenon, if we assume that the direction of the line connecting ball Q and ball 1 is the line connecting the ball and the cup, then the angle between the line connecting the ball and the cup and the stroke direction H1 of the putter head at impact and the angle between the line connecting the ball and the cup and the direction in which ball Q is hit (the direction indicated by symbol H2) have a 1:3 relationship in terms of angular magnitude. This is called the "1:3 law of angular directionality."

As shown in Figure 10, in the direction of the four balls (vertical direction in Figure 10) based on the straight line connecting ball Q and ball 1, the distance L1 to the position of ball 2 where ball Q hits is in relation to the distance L3 to the position on the extension of the stroke direction H1 of the putter head at the time of impact, in terms of distance length, this is a 1:3 relationship. This is called the "1:3 law of distance directionality."

The "1:3 Law of Angular Directionality" and the "1:3 Law of Distance Directionality" are summarized in Figure 11. When ball Q is placed on line 100 connecting ball Q and the cup, putter face E is oriented perpendicular to line 100, and ball Q is hit in stroke direction H1 of the putter head at impact, the hit ball Q rolls in the direction of H2. Also, the hit ball Q passes through the position of Q'.

In this movement of the ball during putting, the angle between line 100 and extension line 16a of the stroke direction H1 of the putter head at impact is 3θ, and the angle between line 100 and extension line 17a of the direction H2 in which the hit ball Q rolls is θ.

In addition, in the direction perpendicular to line 100, the distance L3 to extension line 16a at the position corresponding to ball Q' is three times the distance L1 to position Q'.

In addition, in the putting stroke, the trajectory of the putter head when viewed in a plan view will be a partial arc trajectory of curve C of the player's unique putter head rotation trajectory.

Based on this "1:3 rule of angular directionality" and the "1:3 rule of distance directionality", the angles of 5.61 degrees and 1.87 degrees are set for the first tolerance marker 16 and the second tolerance marker 17.

As shown in FIG. 12, the actual radius of cup K1 is 5.4 cm. Also, the radius of the ball is 2.13 cm. Here, the distance between ball Q and cup K1 is 100 cm (1 m), and the line connecting ball Q and cup K1 is line 100.

In addition, in order to hit ball Q with putter face E at a right angle to line 100 and land it in cup K1 100 cm away, the angle between the ball's diameter and line 100 and the direction of ball Q's release must be within 1.87 degrees, based on the relationship between the ball's diameter and the radius of cup K1.

Furthermore, based on the above-mentioned "1:3 rule of angular directionality" and "1:3 rule of distance directionality," in order to hit ball Q so that the angle it makes with line 100 is within 1.87 degrees, the angle between the extension of the stroke direction of the putter head at impact and line 100 must be within 5.61 degrees.

In other words, the angle that the first tolerance marker 16 on the main mat 1 makes with the first target line 11 is set based on the angle of 5.61 degrees between the extension of the stroke direction of the putter head at impact and line 100, as shown in Figure 12. Also, the angle that the second tolerance marker 17 on the main mat 1 makes with the first target line 11 is set based on the ball exit angle of 1.87 degrees, as shown in Figure 12, for the shot ball Q to enter the cup K1 100 cm away.

As shown in FIG. 12, the player can imagine, for example, the following when putting. First, if a perpendicular line is drawn from the center position of the cup K1 on the line 100 to the extension of the stroke direction of the putter head at impact, the distance between them is 9.8 cm. The difference between this distance of 9.8 cm and the radius of the cup K1 is 4.4 cm.

In other words, the extension of the stroke direction of the putter head at the time of impact passes a distance of another 4.4 cm outward from the outer periphery of cup K1. If we consider cup K2 as an image based on this, the radius of cup K2 will be approximately 7.6 cm.

This is about 1.5 times the radius of the actual cup K1, so when putting, the player can imagine the cup K2 and stroke in the direction of its left edge. In other words, by being aware of the first tolerance marker 16 on the main mat 1, it is possible to putt while imagining a cup that is larger than the actual cup.

As another example of a putter mat to which the present invention is applied, the putter mat C shown in Figs. 14 and 15 can be used. In the putter mat C shown in Fig. 14, the placement sheet 2a is formed longer in its longitudinal direction than the main mat 1. In the placement sheet 2a, the parts that perform the same function as the placement sheet 2 are indicated by adding "a" to the reference numerals given to the placement sheet 2, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

In this long layout sheet 2a, five trajectory curves 22a are displayed that are longer than the putter trajectory curves 22 in the normal layout sheet 2. These trajectory curves 22a can be used not only to check the rotation trajectory of the putter head specific to the player, but also to check the rotation trajectory of the head specific to the player when swinging with a club other than a putter.

In other words, not only for putters, but also for drivers, fairway woods, utilities, irons, and wedges, the stroke trajectory of the head of each club when impacting the ball is a partial arc trajectory with the player as the center of rotation in a planar view, just like a putter, and has a rotation radius unique to the player.

Therefore, by using the long layout sheet 2a shown in Figure 14a and the multiple trajectory curves 22a displayed thereon, it is possible to grasp the player's specific head rotation trajectory of other club heads that have a larger stroke trajectory than a putter.

As shown in FIG. 15, similar to the positioning sheet 2, the positioning sheet 2a can be tilted with respect to the main mat 1 around the second alignment portion 21a as the center of rotation, allowing players who have a tendency to impact with the head face facing in an open or closed direction relative to the line connecting the ball and the target point to practice hitting the ball while understanding the player's unique head rotation trajectory.

The putter mat A described above allows the player to repeatedly practice putting movements while being aware of the rotational movement of the putter head around the player by checking the rotational movement of the putter head specific to the player using the putter trajectory curve 22 on the layout sheet 2.

As described above, the putting mat to which the present invention is applied enables putting practice that increases the success rate of putting.
Furthermore, the method of drawing a putter trajectory curve to which the present invention is applied contributes to putting practice that increases the success rate of putting.

The invention made by the inventor has been specifically described above based on an embodiment, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention.

A Putter mat 1 Main mat 10 Ball placement section 11 First target line 12 First alignment section 13 Distance reference line 14 Distance display line 15 Distance numerical value 16 First tolerance marker 160 Third tolerance marker 17 Second tolerance marker 170 Fourth tolerance marker 18 Virtual ball section 2 Placement sheet 20 Second target line 21 Second alignment section 22 Putter trajectory curve 23 Vertical line of contact 100 Line P (of player) center of rotation S Shaft L Lie angle F Diagonal line F' Slope B Bottom surface (of putter head) Q Ball Q' Ball E Putter face surface C (Partial arc-shaped) curve K1 Cup K2 Cup for image

C putter mat 2a arrangement sheet 20a second target line 21a second alignment portion 22a putter trajectory curve 23a contact point vertical line

Claims (11)

A belt-shaped main mat,
a first target line which is a straight line marked on the main mat along the longitudinal direction of the main mat;
a ball placement portion which is a circular figure displayed on the main mat, the center of which is disposed at a position where the first target line passes, and which indicates a position where a ball is to be placed;
a first alignment portion provided on the first target line of the main mat and adjacent to the ball placement portion;
A strip-shaped arrangement sheet that can be placed on the main mat;
A second target line which is a straight line displayed on the layout sheet along the longitudinal direction of the layout sheet;
A second alignment portion is provided on the second target line of the placement sheet, and serves as a reference for aligning the position of the first alignment portion when the placement sheet is placed on the main mat, and serves as a rotation center when the placement sheet is tilted relative to the main mat;
A putter mat comprising: a putter trajectory curve which is a plurality of partially arcuate curves having different radii displayed on the placement sheet, each of the curves being tangent to the second target line at the position of the second alignment portion. 2. The putter mat according to claim 1, further comprising a pin member that is inserted into the positions of the first alignment portion and the second alignment portion to allow the placement sheet to be rotatable relative to the main mat. The putter mat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein five putter trajectory curves are provided. 3. The putter mat according to claim 1, wherein the main mat has a plurality of distance indication lines along the first target line, the distances being determined at regular intervals based on the first alignment portion. The putter mat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the placement sheet is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material. The main body mat is
In a direction along the first target line,
a first tolerance line that is a straight line passing through the first alignment portion and forms an angle of 5.61 degrees with the first target line;
3. The putter mat of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a second tolerance line which is a straight line passing through the first alignment portion, is disposed between the first target line and the first tolerance line, and forms an angle of 1.87 degrees with the first target line. The main body mat is
In a direction along the first target line,
a third allowable line which is a straight line passing through the first alignment portion and has a positional relationship which is symmetrical to the first allowable line with respect to the first target line;
The putter mat of claim 6, further comprising a fourth tolerance line which is a straight line passing through the first alignment portion and which is in a linearly symmetrical positional relationship with the second tolerance line based on the first target line. A belt-shaped main mat,
a first target line which is a straight line marked on the main mat along the longitudinal direction of the main mat;
a ball placement portion which is a circular figure displayed on the main mat, the center of which is disposed at a position where the first target line passes, and which indicates a position where a ball is to be placed;
a first alignment portion provided on the first target line of the main mat and adjacent to the ball placement portion;
A strip-shaped arrangement sheet that can be placed on the main mat;
A second target line which is a straight line displayed on the layout sheet along the longitudinal direction of the layout sheet;
A second alignment portion is provided on the second target line of the placement sheet, and serves as a reference for aligning the position of the first alignment portion when the placement sheet is placed on the main mat, and serves as a rotation center when the placement sheet is tilted relative to the main mat;
a putter trajectory curve which is a partial arc-shaped curve displayed on the placement sheet and which is tangent to the second target line at the position of the second alignment portion. A belt-shaped main mat,
a first target line which is a straight line marked on the main mat along the longitudinal direction of the main mat;
a ball placement portion which is a circular figure displayed on the main mat, the center of which is disposed at a position where the first target line passes, and which indicates a position where a ball is to be placed;
a first alignment portion provided on the first target line of the main mat and adjacent to the ball placement portion;
A strip-shaped arrangement sheet that can be placed on the main mat;
A second target line which is a straight line displayed on the layout sheet along the longitudinal direction of the layout sheet;
A second alignment portion is provided on the second target line of the placement sheet, and serves as a reference for aligning the position of the first alignment portion when the placement sheet is placed on the main mat, and serves as a rotation center when the placement sheet is tilted relative to the main mat;
A putter mat comprising: a plurality of partially arcuate curves displayed on the placement sheet, each of which is tangent to the second target line at the position of the second alignment portion; and a putter trajectory curve which is a line simulating a predetermined pendulum motion trajectory which is the stroke trajectory of the putter head when the player is viewed from the side direction which is the direction connecting the ball and the cup. The putter mat according to claim 9 , wherein the predetermined pendulum motion is a circular motion passing through a slope that forms an angle with the vertical direction when viewed from the side direction. a position information acquisition step of displaying a reference point and a target line which is a straight line passing through the reference point, having a player perform a putter stroke along the target line with the reference point as a position for placing the ball, and acquiring position information of at least one point of the putter head on the trajectory of the stroke;
a first curve drawing step of drawing a partial arc-shaped curve connecting the position of the position information acquired in the position information acquisition step and the reference point in a plan view;
a second curve drawing step of drawing a partial arc-shaped curve that is line-symmetrical to the curve drawn in the first curve drawing step, in a plan view, based on an orthogonal line that passes through the reference point and is perpendicular to the target line.

Images