US20260014443A1

US20260014443A1 - Golf putting trainer

Info

Publication number: US20260014443A1
Application number: US18/768,657
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Ray Chapman
Original assignee: Chapman Fence Company Inc
Current assignee: Chapman Fence Company Inc
Priority date: 2024-07-10
Filing date: 2024-07-10
Publication date: 2026-01-15

Abstract

A device for training a putting stroke in golf. The device includes a first stanchion and a second stanchion, each stanchion comprising a rod having two ends, a banner and a tubular spirit level attached at one end of each rod, and a continuous loop of flexible material reversibly attached to the banner of each of the first and second stanchions. When the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other, the continuous loop of material defines an upper run of the flexible material and a lower run of the flexible material substantially parallel to one another. The rods can be inserted directly into a penetrable surface or mounted in corresponding bases.

Description

BACKGROUND

A very old adage in golf says “You drive for show. You putt for dough [i.e., money].” More broadly, the adage stands for the proposition that in every round of golf, a very significant part of a player's final score will be due to the number of putts required to complete all 18 holes. In short, in a regulation round of 18 holes of golf, most players will hit the ball with a driver (or similar club) a maximum of 18 times-once per hole and on the shot from the tee box. In practice, though, the driver is used less than 18 times per round because most players (even most weekend hackers) can reach the green on a short par-3 hole using a mid-number iron, such as a 5-iron or 7-iron, rather than a driver or a 3-wood. But once the ball has reached the green, getting the ball into the cup requires a putting stroke. (Contrary to popular misconception, any club, so long as it is conforming with other rules, can be used anywhere on the course. But, as a general proposition, putters are used to stroke the ball once it has reached the green.) Each putt is counted as a stroke. Thus, in a regulation round of 18 holes of golf, virtually all players, including the finest professionals in the world, will take more than 18 strokes with a putter. (As of 2024, only 12 players in the history of the U.S. Professional Golf Association have completed a round of 18 holes using only 18 putts.) As a result, a key component to improving one's golf score is to improve one's putting skills.
A foreseeable outcome of the immediately preceding sentence is that there is no shortage in the prior art of training devices designed to improve putting skills. For example, see Walker, U.S. Pat. No. 11,633,656, issued Apr. 25, 2023. Walker describes a golf putting training aid having a first stake coupled to a second stake by two distinct strings: an upper alignment string and a lower alignment string. In combination, the upper and lower strings establish parallel reference putting lines when the first and second stakes are deployed around a putting surface. As shown in the Walker patent, the first and second stakes are driven into the putting surface a distance apart to pull the two strings taut.
A device similar to Walker's is described in Yamada, U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,710, issued Feb. 24, 2004. Like Walker's device, Yamada's device uses two separate, upper and lower strings, oriented in parallel fashion. But the stakes or uprights in Yamada's device are more sophisticated. In Yamada's device, the uprights are height-adjustable. Additionally, the distance between the upper and lower strings is adjustable, as is the height of the two strings over the ball. In the same fashion as the Walker device, in Yamada's putting trainer, the two uprights are anchored into the green using spikes. As noted in the abstract, each upright is equipped with a circular, bulls' eye bubble level on their top to adjust for a perpendicular mounting position (i.e., normal to the putting surface at the point where each upright is inserted into the ground). FIG. 1 of Yamada discloses a modified version of the disclosed device that includes a base (which Yamada calls a “plinth”). The base includes a hole 10 passing through it. The hole is big enough for the putted ball to pass directly underneath the upright.
U.S. Published Pat. Appl. US 2004/0192457, to Tai et al. (published Sep. 30, 2004) discloses a golf putting aid which includes two strings oriented to align the player's eyes directly above the ball. The strings are attached to a framing member to support the two strings.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,041, issued Oct. 1, 2002, to Brandt, describes a device that uses two parallel guide rods, oriented vertically, to accomplish the same goals as the strings in the Tai et al. device, namely to align the player's eyes directly over the ball when addressing the ball to putt it. As disclosed in the patent, the two rods are parallel to each other and parallel to the surface on which the ball rests. The lower of the two rods (i.e., the rod closer to the ground) is suspended from the upper rod via a pair of chains.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a device for training a putting stroke in golf. The device comprises a first stanchion and a second stanchion. Each stanchion comprises a rod having a first end, a second end, and a long axis extending therebetween. A banner is attached at or near the first end of each rod, the banner extending substantially perpendicularly to the long axis of the rod. A tubular spirit level is attached to or incorporated into the banner such that the tubular level extending substantially perpendicularly to the long axis of the rod. (The tubular spirit level is conventional and has a long axis. It is the long axis of the tubular level that extends substantially perpendicularly to the long axis of the rod.) Lastly, continuous loop of flexible material is reversibly attached to the banner of each of the first and second stanchions such that when the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other, the continuous loop of material defines an upper run of the flexible material and a lower run of the flexible material substantially parallel to one another.
In one version of the device, the second end of each rod is pointed. Generally, this is pointed end is dimensioned and configured to be insertable into a grass surface, such as a putting green.
The continuous loop of flexible material, such as a string, ribbon, cable, and the like, can be made from any suitable material. It can have a cross-section of any shape, but a string (either elastic or inelastic) having a substantially circular cross-section, is preferred.
In another version of the device, the banner defines a first notch and a second notch and each notch dimensioned and configured to releasably retain the continuous loop of flexible material to the banner when the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other. In short, the flexible material is pulled taut between the first and second stanchions and is held in place by the first and second notches. When the second end of each rod is inserted into a penetrable surface with the long axis of each rod substantially perpendicular to the penetrable surface, the upper run of the flexible material and the lower run of the flexible material are spaced above the penetrable surface and substantially parallel to the penetrable surface. In this way, a golf ball can be placed on the penetrable surface at a point on an imaginary line co-linear with and passing through the golf ball and the upper and lower runs of the flexible material. When a user addresses a golf ball positioned on the imaginary line, as when addressing the ball to putt it, at least one eye of the user is positioned/positionable on the imaginary line such that the imaginary line is co-linear with the at least one of the user's eyes, the upper and lower runs of the flexible material, and the golf ball.
In yet another version of the device, the device further comprises a corresponding base for each stanchion, each base dimensioned and configured to releasably fasten to the second end of the rod and, when so fastened, to position the rod substantially perpendicular to a surface on which the base rests. In a preferred version of the device, the base defines an aperture having a perimeter, wherein the aperture is dimensioned and configured to form a releasable friction fastening with the second of the rod when the second end of the rod is inserted into the aperture. Optionally, the base may further comprise a support block attached to or defined in the base at a position adjacent to the aperture, wherein when the second end of the rod is inserted into the aperture, the rod contacts the support block. To give a firm connection with the rod, the support block may partially overlap the aperture in the base, and include a notch defined therein and in registration with the perimeter of the aperture.
The base may optionally further comprise, in combination, at least one leveling screw disposed in a corresponding threaded aperture passing through the base. This allows the base to be levelled (or adjusted in an otherwise non-level orientation) on impenetrable surfaces-such as when practicing putting indoors on a carpeted floor. In one preferred version of the device, each base comprises, in combination, two leveling screws disposed in corresponding threaded apertures passing through the base.
Each base also preferably defines a semi-circular recess having a diameter of about 4.25 inches (about 10.80 cm)—which is the diameter of a regulation hole in golf.

Abbreviations and Definitions

All references to singular characteristics or limitations of the disclosed device shall include the corresponding plural characteristic or limitation, and vice-versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the reference is made. The indefinite articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more.”
The device disclosed herein can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements described herein, as well as any additional or optional elements, components, or limitations described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective rendering of a golfer addressing a ball to putt it while using the device disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 2 is an isolated, perspective rendering of one of the bases disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 is a top plan rendering of the base shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective rendering of the stanchion disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation rendering of the stanchion shown in FIG. 4 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1 , which is a perspective view of a golfer 200 using the present device. The golfer's back is to the viewer and he is addressing a golf ball 210, preparing to putt the ball 210 with a putter 220. The device comprises a pair of stanchions 100. Each stanchion comprises a rod 12 having a first end, a second end, and a long axis extending therebetween. A banner 14 is attached at or near the first end of each rod. The second end of the rod 32 (see FIGS. 4 and 5 ) is preferably pointed. See more below. The banner 14 extends substantially perpendicularly to the long axis of the rod, in the fashion of a flag flying from a vertical pole in a strong wind. A tubular spirit level 16 is attached to or incorporated into the banner 14 such that the tubular spirit level 16 extends substantially perpendicularly to the long axis of the rod. A continuous loop of flexible material 20 is reversibly attached to the banner 14 of each of the first and second stanchions such that when the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other, the continuous loop of material defines an upper run 20′ of the flexible material and a lower run 20″ of the flexible material substantially parallel to one another. As shown in FIG. 1 , the upper (20′) and lower (20″) runs of the flexible material are also substantially parallel to the surface on which the ball 210 rests.
As shown in FIG. 1 , a golf ball can be placed on the penetrable surface at a point on an imaginary line 230 that is co-linear with and passing through the golf ball and the upper 20′ and lower 20″ runs of the flexible material 20. When user 200 addresses the golf ball 210 positioned on the imaginary line, as when addressing the ball to putt it, at least one eye of the 200 user is positioned/positionable on the imaginary line such that the imaginary line is co-linear with the at least one of the user's eyes, the upper and lower runs of the flexible material, and the golf ball, as shown in FIG. 1 . Thus, when lined up in this fashion, the user's eye(s) are positioned directly over the ball 210. This maximizes the likelihood that the ball will be struck true according to the user's perceived line of sight and toward one of the bases 10.
Referring now to all of FIGS. 1 to 5 , the device may further comprise a corresponding base 10 for each stanchion, each base dimensioned and configured to releasably fasten to the second end 32 (FIGS. 4 and 5 ) of the rod 12 and, when so fastened, to position the rod 12 substantially perpendicular to a surface on which the base 10 rests. In a preferred version of the device, the base defines an aperture 26 (see F. 3) having a perimeter, wherein the aperture is dimensioned and configured to form a releasable friction fastening with the second of the rod when the second end of the rod is inserted into the aperture. See FIG. 2 . Optionally, the base may further comprise a support block 18 attached to or defined in the base at a position adjacent to the aperture 26. The support block 18 is dimensioned and positioned so that when the second end 32 of the rod 12 is inserted into the aperture 26, the rod 12 contacts the support block 28. Again, see FIG. 2 . To give a firm connection with the rod 12, the support block 18 may partially overlap the aperture in the base, and include a notch 28 defined therein. See FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the notch 28 is in registration with the perimeter of the aperture 26. As shown in FIG. 2 , when the rod 12 is inserted into the aperture 26, a tight (but releasable) friction fit is formed between the rod 12 and the base 10 and support block 18.
The base may optionally further comprise, in combination, at least one leveling screw 22 disposed in a corresponding threaded aperture 23 (see FIG. 3 ) passing through the base 10. This allows the base 10 to be levelled (or adjusted in an otherwise non-level orientation) on impenetrable surfaces by inserting one or both of the screws through the base for a desired distance. In one preferred version of the device, each base 10 comprises, in combination, two leveling screws 22 disposed in corresponding threaded apertures 23 passing through the base.
Each base also preferably defines a semi-circular recess 24 having a diameter of about or exactly 4.25 inches (about or exactly 10.80 cm)—which is the diameter of a regulation hole in golf. An important feature of the semi-circular recess 24 is that it provides a target area of the appropriate width (˜4.25 inches/10.80 cm; the size of a regulation golf hole) and a backing surface 25 for a putted ball to hit when stroked on target. See FIG. 2 . This is a very helpful feature of the device because an accurately putted ball that is moving too quickly will jump over the hole. To be successful at putting, the ball must be aimed in the proper direction and stroked with the proper amount of force so that it reaches the hole at an appropriate speed. Putting the ball with the appropriate amount of force is an absolutely fundamental skill to master in golf because 100% of the putts that do not reach the hole do not go in. But not all putts that do reach the hole go in either. Balls struck too hard will often lip out or skip over the mouth of the hole.
Referring now specifically to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the bases 10 are optional. In one version of the device, the second end 32 of each rod 12 is pointed. In this fashion, the pointed end 32 of each rod 12 is simply poked into the ground of a putting green and the flexible material 20 looped over the banners 14. (See FIG. 1 .). The continuous loop of flexible material, such as a string, ribbon, cable, and the like, can be made from any suitable material. It can have a cross-section of any shape, but a string (either elastic or inelastic) having a substantially circular cross-section, is preferred. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the banner 14 may optionally define a first notch and a second notch 30. Each notch dimensioned and configured to releasably retain the continuous loop of flexible material 20 to the banner 14 when the first and second stanchions 100 are positioned in a separated configuration from each other. The flexible material 20 is thereby pulled taut between the first and second stanchions 100 and is held in place by the first and second notches 30. When the second end 32 of each rod 12 is inserted into a penetrable surface or into its corresponding base 10 (see FIG. 1 ) with the long axis of each rod substantially perpendicular to the surface on which the ball 210 rests, the upper run 20′ of the flexible material 20 and the lower run 20″ of the flexible material are spaced above the surface on which the ball 210 rests and substantially parallel to the surface. Thus, the golf ball 210 can be placed on the surface at a point on an imaginary line 230 co-linear with and passing through the golf ball 210 and the upper 20′ and lower 20″ runs of the flexible material 20. When a user 200 addresses the golf ball 210 positioned on the imaginary line 230, as when addressing the ball to putt it, at least one eye of the user 200 is positioned/positionable on the imaginary line 230 such that the imaginary line 230 is co-linear with the at least one of the user's eyes, the upper 20′ and lower 20″ runs of the flexible material 20, and the golf ball 210.
As noted previously, each base also preferably defines a semi-circular recess 24 having a diameter of about 4.25 inches (about 10.80 cm)—which is the diameter of a regulation hole in golf.
Referring now to FIG. 1 , the device is used as follows: A golf ball 210 is placed on a surface, at some point between the two stanchions 100 and approximately colinear with the upper 20′ and lower 20″ runs of the flexible material 20. The user 200 then addresses the ball 210 to putt it. When the user 200 sets up over the ball 210, he positions his head and his feet so that upper 20′ and lower 20″ runs of the flexible material 20 are superimposed upon one another and appear to pass directly through the middle of the ball 210. This places all of at least one of the user's eyes, upper 20′ and lower 20″ runs of the flexible material 20, and the ball itself on the imaginary line 230. This ensures that the user is looking directly down upon the ball at an angle normal to the surface on which the ball rests. The user then attempt to put the ball along the superimposed line defined by the upper 20′ and lower 20″ runs of the flexible material 20. In this fashion the ball will inevitably be aimed toward the semi-circular notch 24 in the base 10. By repeating this exercise and placing the ball at different spots between the two stanchions 100, the user can develop and engrain a proper putting stroke.

Claims

1. A device for training a putting stroke in golf, the device comprising:

a first stanchion and a second stanchion, each stanchion comprising:

a rod having a first end, a second end, and a long axis extending therebetween;

a banner attached at or near the first end of the rod, the banner extending substantially perpendicularly to the long axis of the rod;

a tubular spirit level having a long axis, the tubular spirit level attached to or incorporated into the banner, the tubular level extending substantially perpendicularly to the long axis of the rod; and

a continuous loop of flexible material reversibly attached to the banner of each of the first and second stanchions such that when the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other, the continuous loop of material defines an upper run of the flexible material and a lower run of the flexible material substantially parallel to one another.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the second end of the rod is pointed.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the continuous loop of flexible material is a string having a substantially circular cross-section.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the string is elastic.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the banner defines a first notch and a second notch, each notch dimensioned and configured to releasably retain the continuous loop of flexible material to the banner when the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein:

when the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other, and when the second end of each rod is inserted into a penetrable surface with the long axis of each rod substantially perpendicular to the penetrable surface, the upper run of the flexible material and the lower run of the flexible material are spaced above the penetrable surface and substantially parallel to the penetrable surface, such that a golf ball can be placed on the penetrable surface at a point on an imaginary line co-linear with and passing through the golf ball and the upper and lower runs of the flexible material.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein when a golf ball is placed on the penetrable surface at a point on the imaginary line co-linear with and passing through the golf ball and the upper and lower runs of the flexible material, when a user addresses the ball to putt it, at least one eye of the user is positionable on the imaginary line such that the imaginary line is co-linear with the at least one of the user's eyes, the upper and lower runs of the flexible material, and the golf ball.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a corresponding base for each stanchion, each base dimensioned and configured to releasably fasten to the second end of the rod and, when so fastened, to position the rod substantially perpendicular to a surface on which the base rests.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a corresponding base for each stanchion, each base dimensioned and configured to releasably fasten to the second end of the rod and, when so fastened, to position the rod substantially perpendicular to a surface on which the base rests.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the base defines an aperture having a perimeter, wherein the aperture is dimensioned and configured to form a releasable friction fastening with the second of the rod when the second end of the rod is inserted into the aperture.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the base further comprises a support block attached to or defined in the base at a position adjacent to the aperture, wherein when the second end of the rod is inserted into the aperture, the rod contacts the support block.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the support block partially overlaps the aperture in the base, and wherein the support block defines a notch in registration with the perimeter of the aperture.

13. The device of claim 9, wherein the base further comprises, in combination, at least one leveling screw disposed in a corresponding threaded aperture passing through the base.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the base comprises, in combination, two leveling screws disposed in corresponding threaded apertures passing through the base.

15. The device of claim 9, wherein the base defines a semi-circular recess having a diameter of about 4.25 inches (about 10.80 cm).

16. A device for training a putting stroke in golf, the device comprising:

a first stanchion and a second stanchion, each stanchion comprising:

a rod having a first end, a second end, and a long axis extending therebetween;

a tubular spirit level having a long axis, the tubular spirit level attached to or incorporated into the banner, the tubular level extending substantially perpendicularly to the long axis of the rod;

a continuous loop of flexible material reversibly attached to the banner of each of the first and second stanchions such that when the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other, the continuous loop of material defines an upper run of the flexible material and a lower run of the flexible material substantially parallel to one another; and

a corresponding base for each stanchion, each base dimensioned and configured to releasably fasten to the second end of the rod and, when so fastened, to position the rod substantially perpendicular to a surface on which the base rests; and

wherein the base defines a semi-circular recess having a diameter of about 4.25 inches (about 10.80 cm).

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the base defines an aperture having a perimeter, wherein the aperture is dimensioned and configured to form a releasable friction fastening with the second of the rod when the second end of the rod is inserted into the aperture.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the base further comprises a support block attached to or defined in the base at a position adjacent to the aperture, wherein when the second end of the rod is inserted into the aperture, the rod contacts the support block.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the support block partially overlaps the aperture in the base, and wherein the support block defines a notch in registration with the perimeter of the aperture.

20. The device of claim 16 wherein the base further comprises, in combination, at least one leveling screw disposed in a corresponding threaded aperture passing through the base.

21. The device of claim 20, wherein the base comprises, in combination, two leveling screws disposed in corresponding threaded apertures passing through the base.