WO2006062310A1

WO2006062310A1 - Apparatus for putting correcting and training

Info

Publication number: WO2006062310A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/004079
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wan Chul Kim
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-12-09
Filing date: 2005-12-01
Publication date: 2006-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2007-06-09
Also published as: KR100489418B1

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for putting correcting and training. The apparatus includes a body including a putting mat, which provides a putting space and on which a golf ball is placed; a first golf ball detecting sensor accommodated in the body corresponding to a center area of the putting pad; a plurality of putter detecting sensors installed lengthwise along the body in a form of couples; a second golf ball detecting sensor installed at front side ends of the putting mat; a central processing unit for calculating a swing orbit, a putting angle, a swing tempo, a swing speed, a putting style, and traveling direction and distance of the golf ball after putting the golf ball with a putter based on signals transmitted thereto from the putter detecting sensors and first and second golf ball detecting sensors; and a display section for displaying information by receiving signals from the central processing unit. Since the apparatus has a simple structure, users easily perform putting exercise at home.

Description

APPARATUS FOR PUTTING CORRECTING AND TRAINING

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an apparatus for putting correcting and training.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for putting correcting and training, which has a simple structure with a small volume, so that users can easily perform putting exercise at home. Background Art

[2] Conventional golf club sets are very expensive and people must pay a high cost for a golf lesson, so ordinary people rarely take golf lessons. Thus, ordinary people may play golf with an incorrect posture, causing degradation of golf skill.

[3] In addition, owing to lack of golf facilities, people play golf in golf fields. However, since most golf fields are located in the suburbs, playing golf in the golf fields may cause time and cost expenses. For this reason, ordinary people undertake golf exercises in golf practice ranges, which provide a small space and a net enclosing the small space. However, people must pay for the use of the private golf practice ranges. In addition, high costs may be incurred when people take a golf lesson at a private golf practice range in order to improve golf skills, such as swing or putting technique.

[4] In particular, in order to reduce the number of strokes, it is very important to precisely putt the golf ball with a putter when a golf ball is on a green. To this end, a putting exercise plate in the form of a mat has been provided so as to allow users to perform putting exercises at home or office.

[5] The putting exercise plate includes a plate body having a predetermined length, a mat attached to an upper surface of the plate body, and a hole-cup formed at one end portion of the plate body. Thus, a golfer can practice the putting or correct putting posture through use of the putting exercise plate.

[6] However, according to the putting exercise plate, it is difficult to determine whether the swing action, swing orbit, swing tempo and position of a putter are corrected while practicing the putting exercise.

[7] In addition, since the putting exercise plate is provided with the mat having a predetermined length, a large space at home or office is required to install the mat, so the putting exercise plate is useless if the home or office has only a narrow space.

[8] The putting exercise plate can be stored in a storage place when it is not used and a golfer can use the putting exercise plate by taking out the putting exercise plate from the storage place. However, in this case, the golfer must realign the putting exercise plate to the ground surface of the home or office, which makes it inconvenienced to use the putting exercise plate.

[9] Furthermore, since the golfer performs the putting exercise with a plurality of golf balls, the golf balls may be scattered around the putting exercise plate. In addition, the golfer must collect the golf balls after the putting exercise has been completed, which causes inconvenience to the golfer. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[10] The purpose of this invention is to provide the apparatus for putting correcting and training to allow the golfer to perform putting exercise at a low cost.

[11] In addition, other purpose of this invention is to improve putting skill of the golfer through the golfer can check the swing orbit, the swing tempo, the position of putter, and the traveling distance and direction of the golf ball when performing putting exercise, putting skill of the golfer can be improved.

[12] Furthermore, other purpose of this invention is to provide the apparatus for putting correcting and training, which has a simple structure with a small volume, so that users can easily perform putting exercise at home.

[13] In addition, the other purpose of this invention is to provide the apparatus with which the golfer can repeat putting exercise by using only one golf ball because the golf ball can easily return to its initial position after the golfer putts the golf ball with the putter. Technical Solution

[14] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a apparatus for putting correcting and training, the apparatus comprising: a body including a putting mat, which provides a putting space and on which a golf ball is placed; a first golf ball detecting sensor accommodated in the body corresponding to a center area of the putting pad; a plurality of putter detecting sensors installed lengthwise along the body in a form of couples; a second golf ball detecting sensor installed at front side ends of the putting mat; a central processing unit for calculating a swing orbit, a putting angle, a swing tempo, a swing speed, a putting style, and traveling direction and distance of the golf ball after putting the golf ball with a putter based on signals transmitted thereto from the putter detecting sensors and first and second golf ball detecting sensors; and a display section for displaying information by receiving signals from the central processing unit.

[15] The body includes a base plate, which couples with a lower surface of the putting mat and on which the putter detecting sensors and the first golf ball detecting sensor are installed, and the putter detecting sensors and the first golf ball detecting sensor are exposed to an exterior by passing through the putting mat in order to facilitate the swing action of the putter.

[16] Three pairs of putter detecting sensors are installed rearward of the first golf ball detecting sensor and a pair of putter detecting sensors are installed in front of the first golf ball detecting sensor. In addition, a putter speed detecting sensor is further installed rearward of the first golf ball detecting sensor in order to detect a speed of the putter.

[17] The central processing unit calculates the traveling distance of the golf ball based on a condition of the putting mat, which is preset by a user. In this case, the user can perform the putting exercise as if the user plays golf in the golf field.

[18] Preferably, the display section is installed at one side of the body in order to allow the user to easily check the information related to the swing and traveling direction of the golf ball while performing the putting exercise. The display section further displays the condition of the putting mat, which is preset by the user.

[19] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for putting correcting and training, the apparatus comprising: a body including a putting mat, which provides a putting space and on which a golf ball is placed; a first golf ball detecting sensor accommodated in the body corresponding to a center area of the putting pad; a plurality of putter detecting sensors installed lengthwise along the body in a form of couples; a second golf ball detecting sensor installed at front side ends of the putting mat; a central processing unit for calculating a swing orbit, a putting angle, a swing speed, a putting style, and traveling direction and distance of the golf ball after putting the golf ball with a putter based on signals transmitted thereto from the putter detecting sensors and first and second golf ball detecting sensors; a display section for displaying information by receiving signals from the central processing unit; and a golf ball return section installed at a terminal end of the body in order to reverse the traveling direction of the golf ball toward an initial position of the golf ball.

[20] The golf ball return section includes an inclination part, which is inclined upward from the putting mat, a rounding part extending from a terminal end of the inclination part so as to prevent the golf ball from moving in a forward direction, and an elastic member attached to a surface of the round part.

[21] Alternatively, the golf ball return section includes an inclination part, which is inclined upward from the putting mat, a stopper vertically installed at a terminal end of the inclination part, and an elastic member attached to a surface of the stopper.

[22] In addition, the golf ball return section may include an inclination part, which is inclined downward from the putting mat, a rounding part extending from a terminal end of the inclination part so as to prevent the golf ball from moving in a forward direction, and an elastic member attached to a surface of the round part. [23] The body includes a base plate, which couples with a lower surface of the putting mat and on which the putter detecting sensors and the first golf ball detecting sensor are installed, and the putter detecting sensors and the first golf ball detecting sensor are exposed to an exterior by passing through the putting mat in order to facilitate the swing action of the putter.

[24] Three pairs of putter detecting sensors are installed rearward of a golf ball setting position and a pair of putter detecting sensors are installed in front of the golf ball setting position. In addition, a putter speed detecting sensor is further installed rearward of the first golf ball detecting sensor in order to detect a speed of the putter.

[25] The central processing unit calculates the traveling distance of the golf ball based on a condition of the putting mat, which is preset by a user. In this case, the user can perform the putting exercise as if the user plays golf in the golf field.

[26] Preferably, the display section is installed at one side of the body in order to allow the user to easily check the information related to the swing and traveling direction of the golf ball while performing the putting exercise. The display section further displays the condition of the putting mat, which is preset by the user.

Advantageous Effects

[27] As can be seen from the foregoing, according to the present invention, the apparatus for putting correcting and training is provided in order to allow the golfer to perform putting exercise at a low cost. [28] In addition, since the golfer can check the swing orbit, the swing tempo, the position of putter, and the traveling distance and direction of the golf ball when performing putting exercise, putting skill of the golfer can be improved. [29] Furthermore, the present invention provides the apparatus for putting correcting and training, which has a simple structure with a small volume, so that users can easily perform putting exercise at home. [30] In addition, it is possible to repeat putting exercise by using only one golf ball because the golf ball can easily return to its initial position after the golfer putts the golf ball with the putter.

Brief Description of the Drawings [31] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [32] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [33] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1;

[34] FIG. 3 is a block view illustrating the structure of a putting correcting and training system according to the present invention;

[35] FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating positions of sensors provided in an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the present invention;

[36] FIG. 5 is a detailed view illustrating a screen image displayed in a display section of an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the present invention;

[37] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an operational state of an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[38] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[39] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[40] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a golf ball return section shown in FIG. 8;

[41] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

[42] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[43]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[44] Hereinafter, an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a block view illustrating the structure of a putting correcting and training system according to the present invention.

[45] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the present invention includes a body 1 having a putting mat 11, which provides a putting space and on which a golf ball is placed, a control section 2 installed at one side of the body 1, a first golf ball detecting sensor 3 accommodated in the body 1 in order to detect the initial setting position of the golf ball, putter detecting sensors 4 for detecting the position of a putter, a second golf ball detecting sensor 5 for detecting the traveling direction of the golf ball, a central processing unit (CPU) 6 for processing information about the putter and the golf ball based on signals from the sensors 3 to 5, a display section 7 for displaying information processed by the CPU 6, and a speaker 8 for outputting a putting result with a voice.

[46] The body 1 mainly consists of the putting mat 11, which provides the putting space and on which the golf ball is placed, and a base plate 13, which couples with a lower surface of the putting mat 11 and on which the first golf ball detecting sensor 3, the putter detecting sensors 4 and the second golf ball detecting sensor 5 are installed. The putting mat 11 has a rectangular structure and artificial grass is formed on the putting mat 11. In addition, a plurality of perforation holes 12 are formed in the putting mat 11 so as to expose the first golf ball detecting sensor 3 and the putter detecting sensors 4. The base plate 13 has a shape corresponding to that of the putting mat 11. In addition, a supporter 14 is vertically installed at one side of the base plate 13 and a bending section is provided at an upper portion of the supporter 14 such that the control section 2, the display section 7 and the speaker 8 are installed in the bending section of the supporter 14.

[47] The control section 2 is installed at one side of the bending section and includes a power switch, a green state input switch for setting the green state to adjust the traveling distance of the golf ball, and a distance input switch for setting a target distance based on the traveling distance of the golf ball. A golfer can select the green state from among slow, normal and fast modes by handling the green state input switch. Friction between the golf ball and the green may vary depending on the above modes.

[48] FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating positions of sensors provided in the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the first golf ball detecting sensor 3 is an optical sensor including a light receiving section and a light emitting section. The first golf ball detecting sensor 3 is installed on the base plate 13 corresponding to the center region of the putting mat 11. That is, the first golf ball detecting sensor 3 is aligned on the longitudinal center line X of the base plate 13, on which the golf ball is initially placed when the golfer performs putting exercise, and a sensing part thereof is exposed to the exterior through the perforation hole 12 of the putting mat 11.

[49] The putter detecting sensors 4 are also optical sensors including light receiving sections and light emitting sections, respectively. Eight putter detecting sensors are installed lengthwise along the base plate 13 while forming four couples of putter detecting sensors. However, it is also possible to install more than eight putter detecting sensors in order to precisely detect the position of the putter. The following description will be made in relation to eight putter detecting sensors. For the purpose of explanation, the eight putter detecting sensors will be divided into first to eighth putter detecting sensors 4a, 4a' 4b, 4b', 4c, 4c', 4d and 4d'

[50] The first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a are symmetrically aligned about a longitudinal center line X of the base plate 13 while being spaced from the longitudinal center line X by a predetermined distance and positioned rearward of the first golf ball detecting sensor 3. That is, the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a' are aligned corresponding to an initial position of the putter while being adjacent to the first golf ball detecting sensor 3. The first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a' can detect the position of the putter when the backswing starts and when the golfer impacts the golf ball with the putter through the downswing. The position of the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a' relative to the first golf ball detecting sensor 3 can be adjusted depending on the size of the putter.

[51] The third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b' are installed rearward of the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a'. Similar to the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a' the third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b' are symmetrically aligned about the longitudinal center line X of the base plate 13 while being spaced from the longitudinal center line X by a predetermined distance. The third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b' can detect the intermediate position of the putter during the backswing and downswing.

[52] The fifth and sixth putter detecting sensors 4c and 4c' are installed rearward of the third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b'. Similar to the third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b' the fifth and sixth putter detecting sensors 4c and 4c' are symmetrically aligned about the longitudinal center line X of the base plate 13 while being spaced from the longitudinal center line X by a predetermined distance. The fifth and sixth putter detecting sensors 4c and 4c' can detect the position of the putter at the end point of the backswing and at the start point of the downswing.

[53] The seventh and eighth putter detecting sensors 4d and 4d' are installed in front of the first golf ball detecting sensor 3. The seventh and eighth putter detecting sensors 4d and 4d' are symmetrically aligned about the longitudinal center line X of the base plate 13 while being spaced from the longitudinal center line X by a predetermined distance. The seventh and eighth putter detecting sensors 4d and 4d' can detect the position of the putter after the golfer impacts the golf ball with the putter.

[54] The second golf ball detecting sensor 5 is an optical sensor including a light emitting section 5a and a light receiving section 5b installed at front side ends of the body 1, respectively. That is, when viewed from the traveling direction of the golf ball, the light emitting section 5a is provided at a right side end of the body 1 and the light receiving section 5b is provided at a left side end of the body 1. The second golf ball detecting sensor 5 can detect the speed and the direction of the golf ball when the golf ball moves from the position corresponding to the first golf ball detecting sensor 3.

[55] The CPU 6 receives position information related to the putter and the golf ball from the above sensors 3 to 5, thereby calculating the swing orbit, the putting angle, the swing tempo, the swing speed, and the traveling direction and distance of the golf ball after putting the golf ball with a putter. If the golfer presets the target distance of the golf ball through the control section 2, the CPU 6 compares an actual traveling distance of the golf ball with the target distance of the golf ball.

[56] The display section 7 is installed in the vicinity of the body 1 in order to provide the golfer with information related to the putting. FIG. 5 is a detailed view illustrating a screen image displayed in the display section 7 of the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the display section 7 displays information related to the swing orbit, the swing tempo, the swing speed, the putting style, and the traveling direction and distance of the golf ball after putting, which are calculated by the CPU 6. In addition, the speaker 8 notifies the golfer of the putting result with a voice.

[57] Hereinafter, an operation of the CPU 6 for calculating the swing orbit, the putting angle, the swing tempo, the swing speed, and the traveling direction and distance of the golf ball after putting the golf ball with a putt will be described.

[58] The swing orbit of the putter may be classified into a backswing orbit and a downswing orbit. In addition, an intermediate orbit of the backswing can be calculated based on the difference value of detection time for the putter between the third putter detecting sensor 4b and the fourth putter detecting sensor 4b' which is detected when the putter aligned in the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a' passes through the fifth and sixth putter detecting sensors 4c and 4c' via the third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b'. In addition, a final orbit of the backswing can be calculated based on the difference value of detection time for the putter between the fifth putter detecting sensor 4c and the sixth putter detecting sensor 4c'. In the same manner, the downswing orbit can be calculated during the downswing.

[59] If the putter is detected by the third putter detecting sensor 4b although it is not detected by the fourth putter detecting sensor 4b during the backswing, it signifies that the backswing is biased in a direction away from the golfer. In contrast, if the putter is detected by the fourth putter detecting sensor 4b' although it is not detected by the third putter detecting sensor 4b during the backswing, it signifies that the backswing is biased in a direction toward the golfer. Similarly, if one of the fifth and sixth putter detecting sensors 4c and 4c' detects the putter although the other does not detect the putter during the backswing, the swing action may be determined as an abnormal backswing. This rule is also applicable for the downswing. Accordingly, if the posture of the golfer relative to the golf ball cannot maintain a square for a normal swing during the backswing or the downswing, it is possible to extract the backswing orbit or the downswing orbit occurring in the above circumstance. In addition, after impacting the golf ball with the putter, the swing orbit of the putter can be obtained through the above manner by using the seventh and eighth putter detecting sensors 4d and 4d'. In this manner, the CPU 6 sends information related to the above swing orbit to the display section 7, so that the golfer can recognize the swing orbit of the putter.

[60] The swing speed can be obtained based on the interval between putter detecting sensors and detection time of the putter detecting sensors for the putter. That is, distance information between the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a', the third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b', the fifth and sixth putter detecting sensors 4c and 4c' and the seventh and eighth putter detecting sensors 4d and 4d' is previously stored. In addition, time information of the putter detecting sensors 4a, 4a', 4b, 4b', 4c, 4c', 4d and 4d' is applied to the distance information, thereby detecting the swing speed of the putter. In the case of the backswing, the time difference between a first point in which the putter moves from the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a' and a second point in which the putter passes through the third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b' is calculated. Then, the above time difference is applied to Equation 1, thereby detecting the swing speed of the putter between the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a' and the third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b'.

[61] Equation 1

[62]

[63] Wherein, V is a swing speed, D is a distance between putter detecting sensors, and

ΔS is a time difference between putter detecting sensors.

[64] Herein, if the putter does not pass through both the third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b' at the same time, the time difference between the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a' is calculated based on the average detection time for the putter between the third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b', thereby obtaining the backswing speed of the putter. In addition, if the putter is detected by me ans of the third putter detecting sensor 4b only, the backswing speed can be calculated by detecting a time point at which the putter passes through the third putter detecting sensor 4b.

[65] In the same manner, it is possible to calculate the backswing speed of the putter between the third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b' and the fifth and sixth putter detecting sensors 4c and 4c' by calculating a time point at which the putter passes through the fifth and sixth putter detecting sensors 4c and 4c'. In this manner, not only is the backswing speed of the putter in each period detected, but also the total backswing speed of the putter can be calculated based on the average backswing speed of the putter.

[66] In the meantime, the downswing speed of the putter can be obtained by inversely calculating the above backswing speed of the putter. That is, time points at which the putter passes through the fifth and sixth putter detecting sensors 4c and 4c' and first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a' are calculated on the basis of a time point at which the putter passes through the fifth and sixth putter detecting sensors 4c and 4c', thereby calculating the downswing speed per each period of the putter. The total downswing speed can be calculated based on the average swing speed over the whole periods of the putter. In addition, after impacting the golf ball with the putter, the follow-through swing speed of the putter can be detected based on the difference of the detection time for the putter between the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a' and the seventh and eighth putter detecting sensors 4d and 4d'.

[67] The putting angle of the putter can be detected by using the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a'. When the putter impacts the golf ball while performing the downswing, the putter may pass through the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a'. At this time, if the putting surface of the putter is aligned at a right angle with respect to the transverse center line of the base plate 13, the putter may simultaneously pass through the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a'. Thus, it can be understood that the putting surface of the putter has been aligned at a right angle with respect to the transverse center line of the base plate 13, if the putter is be detected by means of both first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a'. If the putter is detected by the second putter detecting sensor 4a' after it has been detected by means of the first putter detecting sensor 4a, it is determined that the putting surface of the putter is closed. At this time, the putting angle of the putter can be calculated according to Equation 2 based on the downswing speed of the putter, the distance between the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a' and the difference of detection time for the putter between the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a'.

[68] Equation 2

[69]

Putting angle (^° )= TAN^{' 1} ( ^{VX lsS} )

[70] Wherein, V is a downswing speed, ΔS is a difference of detection time for the putter between the first and second putter detecting sensors, and D is a distance between the first and second putter detecting sensors.

[71] If the putting angle of the putter obtained through Equation 2 has a positive value, the putter is closed with respect to a normal putting angle. In contrast, if the putting angle of the putter obtained through Equation 2 has a negative value, the putter is opened with respect to a normal putting angle. [72] The putting swing tempo must be constantly maintained regardless of the width of the swing in order to obtain precise putting. That is, in the case of a large- width swing, the swing speed must be increased. However, in the case of a small- width swing, a slow swing speed is necessary. Accordingly, the time duration between the start point of the backs wing of the putter and the end point of the downswing of the putter (that is, impact time) must have a constant value. In this regard, the putting tempo signifies the time duration between the backswing of the putter from the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a and the downswing of the putter to the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a'. Thus, the putting tempo can be obtained by calculating a time difference between the time point of the backswing of the putter and the impact time of the putter detected by the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a'.

[73] The putting style can be classified into a normal style in which the putter pushes the golf ball and an abnormal style in which the putter strikes the golf ball. In general, the normal putting can be achieved when the putter pushes the golf ball. That is, if the putter strikes the golf ball, it is determined as the abnormal putting. This putting style can be detected based on the swing speed of the putter. In other words, the backswing speed, the downswing speed and the follow-through swing speed of the putter are compared with each other so as to detect the normal putting or the abnormal putting. If the backswing speed and the downswing speed correspond to the follow-through swing speed within a predetermine tolerance range, the putting action is determined as a normal putting. In contrast, if the backswing speed is faster than the downswing speed and the follow-through swing speed or the downswing speed is faster than the follow- through swing speed, it is assumed that the putter strikes the golf ball, that is, as an abnormal putting.

[74] The direction of the golf ball after the putting action can be calculated based on the angle of the putting surface of the putter. That is, since the golf ball travels in a direction perpendicular to the putting surface of the putter, it is possible to assume the traveling direction of the golf ball based on the putting angle of the putter.

[75] The traveling distance of the golf ball after the putting action can be calculated through Equation 3 with reference to the friction coefficient of the green preset by the golfer, the traveling speed of the golf ball and the traveling distance of the golf ball.

[76] Equation 3

[77]

-y rø X V²=μ X m X g XS

[78] Wherein, m is a mass of the golf ball, V is a speed of the golf ball, μ is a frictional coefficient, g is gravity, and S is a traveling distance of the golf ball. [79] Equation 3 is created based on the law of conservation of dynamic energy. That is,

Equation 3 represents conversion of dynamic energy into frictional energy. Thus, the traveling distance S of the golf ball can be expressed as Equation 4 based on Equation

3.

[80] Equation 4

[81]

[82] Herein, the speed of the golf ball is calculated through the above-described manner, and the frictional coefficient is an actual frictional coefficient of green, which is preset by the golfer. That is, if the golfer selects one of the slow, normal and fast modes by using the green state input switch provided in the control section, the frictional coefficient of green corresponding to the selected mode is obtained through Equation 5.

[83] Equation 5

[84]

10 X greenspeed

[85] In Equation 5, the green speed can be detected by using a stimpmeter, which is used when designing an actual green field. The stimpmeter is a tool allowing the golf ball to rotatably move and is installed on the green while being inclined by an angle of 20°with respect to the green. If a user rolls the golf ball along the stimpmeter at a position remote from the ground by 90cm, the golf ball rotatably moves along the inclined surface of the stimpmeter and then the golf ball rolls along the green. At this time, the rolling length of the golf ball is measured in order to calculate the green speed. In the case of the US Open Golf Championship held by the USGA, green speeds of 3.2m/sec (fast green), 2.6m/sec (normal green) and 2m/sec (slow green) are recommended. The present invention sets the green speed on the basis of the green speed adopted in US Open Golf Championship. Therefore, it is possible to calculate the traveling distance of the golf ball based on the above Equation.

[86] In the meantime, if the golfer has preset the target distance of the golf ball by manipulating the control section 2, the CPU 6 compares the actual traveling distance of the golf ball with the target distance and raises an alarm through the speaker 8 if the difference between the actual traveling distance and the target distance of the golf ball deviates from a predetermined range.

[87] Hereinafter, description will be made in relation to the operation of the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[88] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an operational state of the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, the golfer places the golf ball on the putting mat 11 corresponding to the first golf ball detecting sensor 2. Then, the golfer places the putter in the vicinity of the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a', thereby posing for the putting. Upon the putting, the putter is swung back and then swung down, thereby impacting the golf ball. After the impact, the golf ball travels in the forward direction and the putter is subject to the follow-through swing, so that the swing action is completed.

[89] When the putter is subject to the backswing, the movement of the putter is sequentially detected by means of the first to sixth putter detecting sensors 4a, 4a', 4b, 4b', 4c and 4c'. In addition, when the putter is subject to the downswing and the follow- through swing after impacting the golf ball, the movement of the putter is sequentially detected by means of the fifth and sixth putter detecting sensors 4c and 4c', the third and fourth putter detecting sensors 4b and 4b', the first and second putter detecting sensors 4a and 4a' and the seventh and eighth putter detecting sensors 4d and 4d'. In addition, impact time for the golf ball is detected by the first golf ball detecting sensor 3 and the traveling distance or traveling time of the golf ball is detected by the second golf ball detecting sensor 5.

[90] Then, the CPU 6 calculates the swing orbit, the swing speed, the swing tempo, the swing style, the traveling direction and distance of the golf ball based on the moving time point of the putter and the golf ball detected by the above sensors and sends them to the display section 7. Thus, the display section 7 displays information calculated by the CPU 6. In addition, the CPU 6 notifies the golfer of the swing result (that is, normal swing or abnormal swing) through the speaker 8. In the meantime, if the golfer has preset the target distance of the golf ball, the CPU 6 compares the actual traveling distance of the golf ball with the target distance and generates a signal if the actual traveling distance of the golf ball reaches the target distance.

[91] Thus, the golfer can easily check information related to the swing orbit, the swing speed, the swing tempo, the swing style, and the traveling direction and distance of the golf ball. Accordingly, the golfer can correct the swing or swing posture by taking the above information into consideration.

[92] The golfer can perform the putting exercise by using the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the first embodiment of the present invention. By the way, if a hole-cup is provided in the putting mat of the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the present invention, the golfer can putt the golf ball toward the hole-cup as if the golfer plays golf in a golf field. Mode for the Invention

[93] Hereinafter, description will be made in relation to an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Different from the first embodiment of the present invention, the second embodiment of the present invention further includes first and second putter speed detecting sensors 4e and 4f. The first and second putter speed detecting sensors 4e and 4f are aligned on the longitudinal center line X (see, FIG. 4) of the base plate 13 in series while being spaced from the first golf ball detecting sensor 3. The first and second putter speed detecting sensors 4e and 4f detect the putter during the backswing or downswing of the putter and send the detection time to the CPU 6. according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the first to eighth putter detecting sensors 4a to 4d are used for detecting the swing orbit of the putter, and the first and second putter speed detecting sensors 4e and 4f are used for detecting the speed of the putter. In this case, the CPU 6 can rapidly and precisely calculate the putter speed based on the signal transmitted thereto from the first and second putter speed detecting sensors 4e and 4f. Although two putter speed detecting sensors are illustrated in FIG. 7, it is also possible to provide more than two putter speed detecting sensors.

[94] Hereinafter, an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a golf ball return section shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the third embodiment of the present invention further includes the golf ball return section 9 installed at a terminal end portion of the putting mat 11.

[95] The golf ball return section 9 includes an inclination part 91, which is inclined upward from the putting mat 11, a rounding part 92 extending from a terminal end of the inclination part 91 and an elastic member 93 provided on a surface of the rounding part 92.

[96] The inclination part 91 reduces the speed of the golf ball and allows the golf ball to easily move toward the initial position thereof after the golf ball collides with the rounding part 92. The rounding part 92 installed at the terminal end of the inclination part 91 prevents the golf ball from moving in the forward direction. The elastic member 93 applies elastic force to the golf ball when the golf ball collides with the rounding part 92 in such a manner that the golf ball may easily return to the initial position thereof.

[97] Hereinafter, the operation of the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Similar to the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the golfer sets and putts the golf ball, the golfer is provided with information related to the swing and putting of the putter based on the movement of the putter and the golf ball. As a result of the putting, the golf ball moves into the inclination part 91 of the golf ball return section 9 so that the speed of the golf ball is significantly reduced. In addition, the golf ball is prevented from moving in the forward direction by means of the rounding part 92 of the golf ball return section 9 and the moving direction of the golf ball is reversed toward the initial position thereof by means of the elastic member 93 provided on the surface of the rounding part 92. Thus, the golf ball moves toward the initial position along the inclination part 91. At this time, the golf ball is accelerated due to the inclination part 91 so that the golf ball may return to the initial position or to the area in the vicinity of the initial position. Therefore, the golfer can easily set the golf ball on the first golf ball detecting sensor 3 and perform the swing exercise again.

[98] Hereinafter, description will be made in relation to an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is substantially identical to the apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, except that it has a stopper 94 instead of the rounding part 92. The stopper 94 is installed at the terminal end of the inclination part 91 and vertically protrudes upward. The stopper 94 prevents the golf ball from moving in the forward direction, so the traveling direction of the golf ball is reversed toward the initial position of the golf ball when the golf ball collides with the stopper 94. The elastic member 93 is provided on the surface of the stopper 94. Similar to the third embodiment of the present invention, the elastic member 93 applies the elastic force to the golf ball when the golf ball collides with the stopper 94 so that the golf ball may easily return to the initial position thereof by means of the elastic member 93.

[99] Hereinafter, an apparatus for putting correcting and training according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus for putting correcting and training according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is substantially identical to the apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, except that an inclination direction of an inclination part 97. [100] According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the inclination part 97 attached to the terminal end of the putting mat is inclined in the downward direction.

That is, the inclination part 97 is downwardly inclined corresponding to the position of the golfer. In this case, the golf ball may return toward the golfer along the inclination part 97 after the golfer putts the golf ball, so the golfer can easily collect the golf ball.

Although the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes the rounding part 92, it is also possible to provide a stopper in place of the rounding part 92. [101] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment and the drawings, but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Industrial Applicability [102] As can be seen from the foregoing, according to the present invention, the apparatus for putting correcting and training is provided in order to allow the golfer to perform putting exercise at a low cost. [103] In addition, since the golfer can check the swing orbit, the swing tempo, the position of putter, and the traveling distance and direction of the golf ball when performing putting exercise, putting skill of the golfer can be improved. [104] Furthermore, the present invention provides the apparatus for putting correcting and training, which has a simple structure with a small volume, so that users can easily perform putting exercise at home. [105] In addition, it is possible to repeat putting exercise by using only one golf ball because the golf ball can easily return to its initial position after the golfer putts the golf ball with the putter.

Claims

[1] An apparatus for putting correcting and training, the apparatus comprising: a body including a putting mat, which provides a putting space and on which a golf ball is placed; a first golf ball detecting sensor accommodated in the body corresponding to a center area of the putting pad; a plurality of putter detecting sensors installed lengthwise along the body in a form of couples; a second golf ball detecting sensor installed at front side ends of the putting mat; a central processing unit for calculating a swing orbit, a putting angle, a swing tempo, a swing speed, a putting style, and traveling direction and distance of the golf ball after putting the golf ball with a putter based on signals transmitted thereto from the putter detecting sensors and first and second golf ball detecting sensors; and a display section for displaying information by receiving signals from the central processing unit.

[2] The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body includes a base plate, which couples with a lower surface of the putting mat and on which the putter detecting sensors and the first golf ball detecting sensor are installed, and the putter detecting sensors and the first golf ball detecting sensor are exposed to an exterior by passing through the putting mat.

[3] The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein three pairs of putter detecting sensors are installed rearward of the first golf ball detecting sensor and a pair of putter detecting sensors are installed in front of the first golf ball detecting sensor.

[4] The apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a putter speed detecting sensor installed rearward of the first golf ball detecting sensor in order to detect a speed of the putter.

[5] The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the central processing unit calculates the traveling distance of the golf ball based on a condition of the putting mat, which is preset by a user.

[6] The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the display section is installed at one side of the body.

[7] The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the display section further displays the condition of the putting mat, which is preset by the user.

[8] An apparatus for putting correcting and training, the apparatus comprising: a body including a putting mat, which provides a putting space and on which a golf ball is placed; a first golf ball detecting sensor accommodated in the body corresponding to a center area of the putting pad; a plurality of putter detecting sensors installed lengthwise along the body in a form of couples; a second golf ball detecting sensor installed at front side ends of the putting mat; a central processing unit for calculating a swing orbit, a putting angle, a swing speed, a putting style, and traveling direction and distance of the golf ball after putting the golf ball with a putter based on signals transmitted thereto from the putter detecting sensors and first and second golf ball detecting sensors; a display section for displaying information by receiving signals from the central processing unit; and a golf ball return section installed at a terminal end of the body in order to reverse the traveling direction of the golf ball toward an initial position of the golf ball.

[9] The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the golf ball return section includes an inclination part, which is inclined upward from the putting mat, a rounding part extending from a terminal end of the inclination part so as to prevent the golf ball from moving in a forward direction, and an elastic member attached to a surface of the round part.

[10] The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the golf ball return section includes an inclination part, which is inclined upward from the putting mat, a stopper vertically installed at a terminal end of the inclination part, and an elastic member attached to a surface of the stopper.

[11] The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the golf ball return section includes an inclination part, which is inclined downward from the putting mat, a rounding part extending from a terminal end of the inclination part so as to prevent the golf ball from moving in a forward direction, and an elastic member attached to a surface of the round part.

[12] The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the body includes a base plate, which couples with a lower surface of the putting mat and on which the putter detecting sensors and the first golf ball detecting sensor are installed, and the putter detecting sensors and the first golf ball detecting sensor are exposed to an exterior by passing through the putting mat.

[13] The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein three pairs of putter detecting sensors are installed rearward of a golf ball setting position and a pair of putter detecting sensors are installed in front of the golf ball setting position.

[14] The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a putter speed detecting sensor installed rearward of the first golf ball detecting sensor in order to detect a speed of the putter. [15] The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the central processing unit calculates the traveling distance of the golf ball based on a condition of the putting mat, which is preset by a user. [16] The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the display section is installed at one side of the body. [17] The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the display section further displays the condition of the putting mat, which is preset by the user.