Aiming device for improving golf putting and chipping

Abstract

This aiming device allows golfers to improve their putting and chipping skills. The aiming device is generally u-shaped, and is inserted into a golf cup during practice. The ends of the u-shape are brightly colored to provide a visual clue assisting golfers to aim on the “pro-side” while putting. The aiming device can also be used for practice when the golfer is not at a golf course by placing the aiming device on the floor or ground and chipping or putting using the aiming device as the target. In addition, the aiming device can serve as an advertising medium. The aiming device can be used in a horseshoe-type game by tossing the aiming device at a golf tee or other similar object. The aiming device can also be used in a croquette-type game by standing the device on end and aiming a golf ball through the opening created.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.

FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP

[0002] Not Applicable.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] This aiming device provides visual clues to allow golfers to improve their putting and chipping skills either on the golf course, or away from the golf course.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is designed to improve putting and chipping while at the golf course or on a putting green with actual golf holes. In addition, the present invention can be used either indoors or away from a golf hole. The invention is designed to help the golfer focus on the “pro-side” spot while golfing. The pro-side spot is the spot on the golf hole where, if the golf ball passes over that spot, the golf ball will have the best chance of going into the hole.

[0005] A variety of devices for improving putting and chipping have been proposed. None of these inventions help the golfer focus on the “pro-side” spot.

[0006] Moreover, many of these devices are designed to be used specifically indoors or specifically at a golf course, while the present invention may be used either indoors or with an actual golf hole. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,106, issued to Shore on Mar. 1, 1988; U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,560, issued to Kehoe on Jul. 25, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 3,659,856, issued to Fatur on May 2, 1972; U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,033, issued to Miner on Aug. 29, 1989; and D385,610, issued to McDonald on Oct. 28, 1997. These indoor devices are acceptable for practicing putting and chipping when practicing indoors or away from the golf course is the only option. However, devices that are used apart from the golf cup cannot fully simulate the actual experience of putting on a golf green, and sinking the ball into a real golf cup. Moreover, none of these devices provide visual clues to help focus the golfer's mind on the best spot for sinking a putt. For example, Kehoe (U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,560) teaches that the golf ball must roll across a black circle and stop before a stripe placed on the ground. However, Kehoe does not teach the golfer to focus on the best spot on the simulated golf hole for sinking the putt.

[0007] Other devices have been described that are designed to be used with the golf cup. For example U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,559, issued to Plopper on Apr. 27, 1993 describes a device that can be inserted into the golf cup and used to improve putting and chipping skills by reducing the size of the golf hole. Plopper discloses a thin “cover” that covers part of the golf hole, and extends out onto the surrounding grass. Unlike the present invention, Plopper permits the golf ball to roll over the thin cover and into the golf hole from any angle. Thus, Plopper does not provide any assistance in determining the pro-side, or the best, spot for sinking a putt. In addition, unlike the present invention, Plopper makes it more difficult to sink a putt by making the hole smaller.

[0008] Another example of a device that may be used in conjunction with the golf hole is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,071, issued to Barrs et al., on Dec. 26, 1995. Barrs discloses a thin annulus that is placed on the golf hole, and covers part of the golf hole, preferably reducing the size of the golf hole. The Barrs device contains markings on the annulus. Barrs, like Plopper, allows the golf ball to roll over the device and enter the golf hole from any angle. Thus, Barrs does not require the golfer to focus on the pro-side spot when placing the aiming device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An important aspect to successful golfing is putting. Professional golfers are taught to aim on the “pro-side” of the cup while putting and chipping. The pro-side is the best spot on the hole for sinking the ball. The pro-side is not necessarily the side of the cup closest to the golfer. For example, if the golf hole is on a small hill the golfer should aim to the back side of the cup so that the golf ball essentially falls into the hole.

[0010] The aiming device encourages golfers to visualize the pro-side spot. The aiming device is used during practice. The golfer places the u-shaped aiming device into the golf cup. The golf ball will only go into the golf hole if it goes through the opening in the u-shaped aiming device. Therefore, the golfer must decide where to place the opening in the aiming device when inserting the aiming device into the golf hole. The golfer must focus his or her mind and determine where the pro-side spot is. Then, while putting or chipping, the brightly colored ends of the aiming device provide visual reinforcement of the location of the pro-side spot, and further serve to concentrate the golfer's mind on the best spot for sinking the put.

[0011] In addition, the aiming device can be used without a golf hole. The golfer simply places the aiming device on the floor or ground and chips or puts into the aiming device.

[0012] The invention also discloses two methods of using the aiming device as a game. In the first method, the device is tossed toward a golf tee or other similar object. The object of the game is to catch the aiming device on the golf tee in a manner similar to a game of horseshoes. The second method involves placing the u-shaped device on end, and putting a golf ball through the opening, in a game similar to croquette.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0013] Several of the objects and advantages of the present invention are described below.

[0014] One object of the invention is to assist in improving aiming for golf putting and chipping.

[0015] It is a further object to provide an aiming device that is easy to insert and easy to remove, and that will fit into a standard golf hole on a golf course.

[0016] It is still a further object to provide an inexpensive aiming device.

[0017] It is still a further object to provide an aiming device that is lightweight, so that is may be carried in a golf bag.

[0018] It is still a further object to provide a device that can be used either with a golf hole, or apart from the golf hole.

[0019] It is still a further object to provide a method of using the device for a horseshoe-type game.

[0020] It is still a further object to provide a method of using the device for a croquette-type game.

[0021] Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective side view showing an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective side view showing an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective side view showing an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention as described in one method claim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring to the drawings, the invention is a generally u-shaped device that may be placed into a golf hole to assist with aiming while putting or chipping. The aiming device is preferably made of durable plastic that is somewhat flexible, although the device may be made of any material that is strong, lightweight, moldable, and slightly flexible, including but not limited to, metal, wood, or baked clay.

[0030] The aiming device is designed to fit inside a standard golf hole 26, as shown in FIG. 1. The aiming device has two arms 16 which project out from the central area 12. Arms 16 are thick enough to support the aiming device on top of the golf hole. Arms 16 taper down to ends 10. Ends 10 are thinner than arms 16, and will permit a golf ball that is hit sufficiently hard to roll over ends 10, and into the golf hole. The golf ball typically will not roll over arms 16. In the preferred embodiment, ends 10 are brightly colored so that the golfer may easily visualize the target area. Arms 16 and ends 10 are connected to side wall 14. Side wall 14 fits into the golf hole, and holds the aiming device in place through gentle friction against the side of the golf hole, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0031] The aiming device is placed into the golf hole by gently squeezing arms 16 or ends 10. The gentle squeezing will slightly compress arms 16, allowing side walls 14 to be easily inserted into the golf hole.

[0032] The preferred embodiment of the aiming device has a central area 12 extending up from arms 16 to provide a means for gripping the aiming device. Central area 12 expedites removal of the aiming device from the golf hole. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein central area 12 has indentations 28 on either the front or back face, or both, to provide a better grip on the aiming device. Central area 12 may also have logos or advertising placed on the front or back face, or both.

[0033] Also shown in FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment for securing the u-shaped device. In this embodiment, arms 16 and/or ends 10 have one or more holes 20 through which a golf tee, or other similarly shaped device, 22 may be inserted. The golf tee, or other similarly shaped device, 22 is pressed through the hole 20 and into the ground, securing the u-shaped device in place.

[0034] An alternative embodiment of the invention does not have central area 12, as shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the arms 16 are connected in one continuous arc, without any central area 12.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment for side wall 14. In the alternative embodiment, a plurality of projections 18 are spaced along the bottom of arms 16 and/or ends 10. The projections 18 will hold the aiming device in place through gentle friction against the side of the golf hole.

[0036] A standard golf hold has a diameter of four and one-half inches. The distance “d” shown in FIG. 2 is the distance between the open ends 10 of the u-shaped aiming device. Distance “d” can be varied depending on the skill of the golfer. In the preferred embodiment for an advanced or expert golfer, distance “d” will be approximately three inches. In the preferred embodiment for beginner golfers, distance “d” will be approximately four to four and one-half inches. It will be appreciated that distance “d” can be any distance depending on the skill and the needs of the golfer. When distance “d” is smaller than the diameter of the golf hole the golfer will have to focus on the best spot for sinking the put during practice. Then, during a game, the golf hole will provide a bigger area for sinking the put, thereby improving the golfer's game.

[0037] The aiming device does not have to be placed in a golf hole. A golfer may use the aiming device by placing it on the ground or floor, and chipping or putting into the aiming device. Thus, a golfer may use it to practice while another golfer is putting during a game, or a golfer may use it indoors. An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5 in which the device lacks either side wall 14 or projections 18. This alternative embodiment is preferably used indoors or away from a golf hole.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, level 24 is placed on top of the central area 12. Level 24 is similar to a typical carpenter's level and has liquid with a small air bubble encased in a see-through housing. Level 24 is used to help position the invention properly by helping the golfer identify and focus on the pro-side spot. Thus, when the invention is on a small hill the air bubble in level 24 will be off-center and will indicate the tilt of the ground. This will help the golfer to identify where to place the opening of the device.

[0039] The invention also includes a method of using the aiming device in a “horse-shoe” type game. A golf tee, or other similar object, is placed in the ground at a desired distance away from the player. The player takes the aiming device and attempts to toss it so that it catches on the golf tee. This method can be used by golf players while waiting on the golf course, or by others at other times.

[0040] The invention also includes a method of using the aiming device in a croquette-type game. This method may be used with any embodiment previously described. However, the preferred embodiment for use with the claimed method is shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the ends 10 are untapered, or blunt ends 10A. Blunt ends 10A may still be brightly colored, as are ends 10. To use the invention according to this method, the unshaped device is placed on the ground 30, balancing on blunt ends 10A, as shown in FIG. 7. The golfer will attempt to put or chip the golf ball 32 through the hole created by the unshaped device and the ground.

[0041] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A aiming device for golf comprising:

(a) a u-shape of such contour and arc that it conforms to the size and shape of the edge of a standard golf hole, the u-shape having a vertical altitude so that a rolling golf may only enter the interior of the u-shape through the opening created by the u-shape, and

(b) a downward projection connected to the u-shape, and conforming to the size and shape of the interior edge of a standard golf hole for positioning and holding the u-shape in place along the edge of the golf hole, wherein the golfer aims the golf ball so that it must proceed through the opening created by the u-shape in order to enter the interior of the u-shape.

2. An aiming device according to claim 1 wherein the downward projection connected to the u-shape is a solid wall projecting down from the u-shape.

3. An aiming device according to claim 1 wherein the downward projection connected to the u-shape is a plurality of projections extending down from the u-shape.

4. An aiming device according to claim 1 wherein the vertical altitude of the u-shape decreases so that the vertical altitude becomes smaller toward the ends of the u-shaped device.

5. An aiming device according to claim 1 wherein the ends of the u-shape are a different color than the rest of the aiming device.

6. An aiming device according to claim 1 wherein the size of the opening created by the u-shape ranges from an opening the width of a standard golf ball to an opening the width of a standard golf hole.

7. An aiming device according to claim 1 wherein the u-shaped device contains one or more holes through which a peg may be inserted to secure the u-shaped device to the ground.

8. An aiming device according to claim 1 wherein the u-shape consists of two arms extending from a central area, and where the central area extends upwardly from, and is higher than, the two arms.

9. An aiming device according to claim 8 wherein the central area contains a means for gripping the central area.

10. An aiming device according to claim 8 wherein the central area contains a logo or advertisement.

11. An aiming device according to claim 1 having a sealed liquid and air bubble level in a housing and permanently affixed to the u-shaped device.

12. A aiming device for golf comprising a u-shape of such contour and arc that it conforms to the size and shape of the edge of a standard golf hole, the u-shape having a vertical altitude so that a rolling golf may only enter the interior of the u-shape through the opening created by the u-shape, wherein the golfer aims the golf ball so that it must proceed through the opening created by the u-shape in order to enter the interior of the u-shape.

13. An aiming device according to claim 12 wherein the vertical altitude of the u-shape decreases so that the vertical altitude becomes smaller toward the ends of the u-shaped device.

14. An aiming device according to claim 12 wherein the ends of the u-shape are a different color than the rest of the aiming device.

15. An aiming device according to claim 12 wherein the size of the opening created by the u-shape ranges from an opening the width of a standard golf ball to an opening the width of a standard golf hole.

16. An aiming device according to claim 12 wherein the u-shaped device contains one or more holes through which a peg may be inserted to secure the u-shaped device to the ground.

17. An aiming device according to claim 12 wherein the u-shape consists of two arms extending from a central area, and where the central area extends upwardly from, and is higher than, the two arms.

18. An aiming device according to claims 17 wherein the central area contains a means for gripping the central area.

19. An aiming device according to claims 17 wherein the central area contains a logo or advertisement.

20. An aiming device according to claim 12 having a sealed liquid and air bubble level in a housing and permanently affixed to the u-shaped device.

21. A method of using the aiming device in a game comprising:

(a) placing an upwardly projecting object in the ground at a distance; and

(b) tossing the aiming device toward the upwardly projecting object, attempting to catch the aiming device on the upwardly projecting object.

22. A method of using the aiming device in a game according to claim 21 wherein the upwardly projecting object is a golf tee.

23. A method of using the aiming device in a game comprising:

(a) placing the unshaped device so that it stands vertically on the ends; and

(b) putting or attempting to putt a golf ball through the space created between the u-shaped device and the ground.