Modular golf training aid and method

Abstract

A modular training aid 10 for developing putting skills in the game of golf for use by a right or left handed player. The modular training aid 10 comprises a rigid planar reflecting base 12 having a leading edge 14 from which an imaginary intended straight or curved target line 16 extends, a trailing edge 18, a lower face 20 that is supported on the ground or a floor and an upper smooth surface 24. A raised rail 25 extends above the upper smooth surface 24 for protecting it from abrasion by the underside of the golf club. A first alignment mirror 50 is positioned on the ground or floor. A second alignment mirror 54 has a reflecting surface that is inclined to the ground or floor. A target putting mirror 60 is positioned behind a target or hole in relation to the base so that the reflective surface faces the target or hole. An image including the ball and putter head is reflected back to the player. The invention includes a method for using the modular training aid 10.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/068,101, which was filed on Feb. 5, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a training aid for developing putting skills in the game of golf, for developing consistency and repeatability in the set up for a golf stroke, and a method of using the training aid.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] It is known that putting represents almost half of all shots played in the game of golf. Accordingly, the golfer who desires to lower his handicap should devote more attention to developing his putting skills.

[0006] It is known that the outcome of the putting stroke is a function, among other factors, of the trajectory of the putter head and its alignment upon impact with the golf ball. The player himself or herself, having only one set of eyes, is in a relatively poor position to assess these factors of performance.

[0007] The prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,124 which issued on Mar. 15, 1994. The disclosure of that patent is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that it is not inconsistent with the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Against this background, it would be desirable to provide a training aid which would enable the golfer himself or herself to be a critical observer of his or her putting stroke or set up position before initiating a putting stoke or making a golf swing. Ideally, the golfer should be aided by a device that can enable him or her to observe various critical factors of performance from different vantage points.

[0009] Additionally, it would be desirable for the golfer to have a modular training aid for developing his skills in the game of golf that has components that can be used in various combinations, depending upon the aspect or aspects of his stroke upon which he wishes to concentrate.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a modular training aid having member components that are sized so as to facilitate portability.

[0011] It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a method for developing the stroke of a golfer.

[0012] In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed a modular training aid for developing putting skills in the game of golf that can be used by a right- or left-handed player. The modular training aid comprises a rigid planar reflecting base with a raised rail that underlies the putter or golf club. The base has a leading edge from which an imaginary intended target line extends. The base has a lower reflecting surface that is supported on the ground or a floor. The playing surface is an upper smooth surface. The base reflects an image that is primarily composed of putter head path and alignment of the putter head face at impact.

[0013] The rigid planar reflecting base is provided with an elongated slot with diverging edges that extend rearwardly from the leading edge. The slot receives a golf ball that initially rests on the ground or floor so that the ball may be propelled along the slot. The edges are spaced apart at their narrowest point by a distance that equals the diameter of a circular planar section of the golf ball that lies in the plane of the upper smooth surface of the base. A clearance is thereby created between the ball and at least one edge of the elongated slot. The imaginary centerline of the elongated slot continues to the imaginary intended target line that extends from the leading edge.

[0014] In one embodiment, the modular training aid includes a first alignment mirror that is also positioned on the ground or floor. The first alignment mirror has a reference line positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges of the base so that the reference line of the alignment mirror lies on an imaginary extension of the centerline of the base. The alignment mirror reflects an image to the player that include the upper torso, the hands, extended arms, the head, and shoulders. In this manner, the player may check the alignment of these anatomical members in relation to the imaginary target line and the hands in relation to the putter head.

[0015] In a second embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a modular training aid including the base and a second alignment mirror which has an edge resting on the ground or floor with a reflecting surface that is inclined in relation thereto. The second alignment mirror is provided with a reference line positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges of the base. In this way, the reference line of the second alignment mirror lies in the same plane as the central line of the base. The second alignment mirror reflects an image to the player that includes the putter head and putter shaft, thereby permitting the player to check the alignment of them in relation to the imaginary target line.

[0016] In a third embodiment of the invention, the modular training aid includes the base, and the first and second alignment mirrors.

[0017] In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the modular training aid comprises the reflecting base and a target putting mirror with a reflective surface that is positioned behind a target or hole in relation to the reflecting base. The reflective surface is positioned so that it faces the target or hole and an image including the ball and the putter head is reflected back to the player.

[0018] In a fifth embodiment of the invention, the modular training aid includes the base, the first and second alignment mirrors, and the target mirror.

[0019] The invention includes also a method of use of various combinations of the modular training aid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention can be better understood by referencing the detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the drawings:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a quartering perspective view of a rigid planar reflecting base of the modular training aid in combination with first and second alignment and target mirrors; and

[0022] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the reflecting base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0023] Against this background, a modular training aid 10 of the present invention enables the golfer himself or herself to be a critical observer of his or her putting stroke or set up position before making a golf stroke. The device 10 permits him or her to observe various critical factors of performance from different vantage points.

[0024] In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed and depicted in FIGS. 1-2 a modular training aid 10 for developing putting skills and practicing a consistent set up position in the game of golf for use by a right- or left-handed player. The modular training aid 10 comprises a rigid planar reflecting base 12, having a leading edge 14 from which an imaginary intended target line 16 extends. The base 12 has a lower surface 20 that is supported on the ground or a floor. Preferably, this surface is reflecting, so that the sharpness of the reflected image is not marred by abrasion that may be present in any upper smooth surface 24. The playing surface 24 is an upper smooth surface that is spaced apart from, and protects the lower face 20. To protect the base 12 from abrasion caused by an underside of the putter head, a raised rail 25 (FIGS. 1-2) extends from the playing surface 24. The raised rail tends to stop the underside of, for example, a putter blade, from interfering with the playing surface 24. As depicted, the raised rail 25 extends from an elongated slot 32 to a trailing edge 18 of the base 12. The base 12 reflects an image that is primarily composed of putter head path and alignment of the putter head face at impact.

[0025] The rigid planar reflecting base 12 is provided with an elongated slot 32 with edges 34,36 that extend rearwardly from the leading edge 14. The slot 32 receives a golf ball 28 that initially rests on the ground or floor 22 so that the ball 28 may be propelled along the slot 32. The edges 34,36 are spaced apart proximate its closed end by a distance which equals the diameter 38 of a circular section of the golf ball that lies in the plane of the upper smooth surface 24 of the base 12. A clearance is created between the ball 28 and at least one edge of the elongated slot 32. The clearance increases with distance from the closed end of the slot 32. An imaginary centerline between the edges 34, 36 of the elongated slot 32 is aligned with an imaginary intended target line 16 that extends from the leading edge 14 to a real or imaginary hole or target 62.

[0026] Ideally, the face of the putter head should address the ball so that an initial segment of the imaginary intended target line 16 is perpendicular to the face. If the ball is struck in such a way that the ball fails to leave the face of the putter head along an initial segment of the imaginary intended target line 16, it will impact one or both of the edges 34,36 before exiting the slot 32. This provides immediate feedback to the golfer which is indicative of his use of the putter.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the size of the opening where the golf ball 28 exits the base 12 is wider than at the closed end of the elongated slot 32. Even more preferably, the size of the opening through which the ball 28 emerges upon leaving the base 12 is about ¾ of an inch wider than the distance between the edges 34,36 at the closed end of the elongated slot 32. Thus, the ball 28 travels along an elongated slot 32 that becomes progressively wider. This tends to eliminate a ricocheting effect that may otherwise occur if the ball 28 is putted away from an initial segment of the imaginary target line 16, and allows the golfer to observe a deviation from an intended ball path.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the modular training aid 10 includes a first alignment mirror 50 that is also positioned on the ground or floor 22. The first alignment mirror 50 has a reference line 52 positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges 46 of the base 12 so that the reference line 52 of the first alignment mirror 50 lies on an imaginary extension of the centerline 48 of the base 12. The first alignment mirror reflects an image to the player that includes the upper torso, the hands, extended arms, the head, and shoulders. In this manner, the player may check the alignment of these anatomical members in relation to the imaginary target line 16 and the hands in relation to the putter head.

[0029] In a second embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a modular training aid 10 including the base 12 and a second alignment mirror 54 which has an edge 56 resting on the ground or floor with a reflecting surface that is inclined in relation thereto. The second alignment mirror is provided with a datum line 58 positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges 47 of the base 12. In this way, the datum line 58 of the second alignment mirror lies in the same plane as the centerline 48 of the base 12. The second alignment mirror reflects an image to the player that includes the putter head and putter shaft, thereby permitting the player to check the alignment of them in relation to the imaginary target line.

[0030] In a third embodiment of the invention, the modular training aid 10 includes the base 12, and the first 50 and second 54 alignment mirrors.

[0031] In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the modular training aid 10 comprises the reflecting base 12 and a target putting mirror 60 with a reflective surface that is positioned behind a target or hole 62 in relation to the reflecting base 12. The reflective surface is positioned so that it faces the target or hole and an image including the ball and the putter head is reflected back to the player.

[0032] In a fifth embodiment of the invention, the modular training aid 10 includes the base 12, the first 50 and second 54 alignment mirrors, and the target mirror.

[0033] The invention includes also a method of use of various combinations of the modular training aid 10.

[0034] Preferably, the reflecting base 12 of a modular training aid 10 has a first elongated slot 32 with a length (L) (FIG. 2) and the edges 32,34 are spaced apart by a distance (D) at the leading edge 14. It will be appreciated that the elongated slot 32 as depicted in FIGS. 1-2 have edges which diverge. If desired, the edges 32,34 may also be oriented such that they are parallel with each other. The distance D is greater than the diameter 38 of a generally circular section of a golf ball 28 that lies in the plane of the upper surface 24 of the base 12. Thus, a clearance is created between the ball 28 and at least one edge of the first elongated slot 32.

[0035] Although depicted in FIG. 1 as linear, the imaginary intended target line 16 can be curved. Thus, when the modular training aid 10 is deployed on a sloped section of ground or playing surface 22, the edges 34,36 may in fact be oriented away from the hole 62.

[0036] In an alternate embodiment, the modular training aid 10 has a base 12 with a second elongated slot 40 extending from the trailing edge 18. The second elongated slot has a length (l) and second edges 42,44. The edges are spaced apart by a distance (d) at the trailing edge 18. In the preferred embodiment, (L) exceeds (l). Optionally, the distance (L) equals the distance (l).

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the base has a centerline 48 extending between lateral edges 46,47 of the base 12 orthogonally to the imaginary intended target line 16. When a first alignment mirror 50 is used, a reference line 52 thereof is positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges 46,47 of the base 12 so that the reference line 52 of the first alignment mirror 50 lies on an imaginary extension of the centerline 48 of the base. The alignment mirror reflects an image to the player that includes the upper torso, the hands, extended arms, the head and shoulders of the player. This permits the player to check the alignment of them in relation to the imaginary target line and the hands in relation to the putter head. Ideally, at impact, the hands should be vertically positioned ahead of the putter head. If desired, the first alignment mirror 50 may also be provided with a longitudinal reference line 64.

[0038] When a second alignment mirror 54 is used, an edge 56 thereof rests upon the ground or floor 22. It has a reflecting surface that is inclined and is provided with a datum line 58 which is positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges 46,47 of the base 12. In this manner, the datum line 58 of the second alignment mirror 54 lies in the same plane as the centerline 48 of the base 12. The second alignment mirror reflects an image to the player that includes the putter head and putter shaft. Thus, the player is permitted to check the alignment of them in relation to the imaginary target line.

[0039] The target putting mirror 60 has a reflective surface (FIG. 1) that is positioned behind a target or hole 62 in relation to the base 12. The reflective surface faces the target or hole 62 and reflects an image to the player which includes the ball and the putter head. If desired, the target putting mirror 60 can also be provided with a longitudinal reference line 66.

[0040] In use, the invention includes a method for practicing putting. The method comprises the steps of:

[0041] a. positioning a target mirror with a longitudinal reference line behind a target or hole;

[0042] b. placing a golf ball on the ground or floor at a distance from the target or hole so that the ball lies on an imaginary extension of the centerline;

[0043] c. placing a putter head behind the ball;

[0044] d. looking at the target mirror while stroking the ball toward the target or hole.

[0045] To develop a consistent, repeatable setup position before the golf swing, another method of using the modular training device of the present invention includes the steps of:

[0046] a. positioning a first alignment mirror having a pair of lateral edges so that one of the edges is located between a golf ball and an imaginary pedestal line between the feet of the golfer;

[0047] b. placing the face of a golf club behind the golf ball; and

[0048] c. inspecting in the mirror an alignment of the face of the golf club, the head, shoulders, arms and hands of the golfer before making a swing.

[0049] If desired, the reflecting base may also be provided with counter-sunk holes 68 proximate its edges by which a tee, for example, may secure the reflecting base to the ground.

[0050] The base may also be provided with other reference lines that may be helpful to the golfer. These include a datum line which extends the imaginary target line. Also, or alternatively, lines may be provided that are spaced orthogonally thereto and are located equidistantly ahead of and after the point of impact between the putter face and the golf ball.

[0051] It will be appreciated that the second alignment mirror 54 represents components of the modular training aid 10 which are self-supporting in their inclined position in relation to the floor or the ground. The means by which they are self-supporting includes a leg or tripod-type arrangement which extends from a rear surface, or a lip which extends from a lower edge of the mirrors.

[0052] In use, a left-handed player may merely reverse the position of the first alignment mirror and second alignment mirror in relation to the base. If the base is provided with a second channel, the base need not be repositioned.

[0053] Preferably, the raised rail 25 has a height above the upper smooth playing surface 24 that enables the user to practice a pendulum stroke wherein the lower arc of the pendulum simulates a situation in which the lower face of the putter just brushes the grass of a putting green. Preferably, the raised rail 25 terminates in downwardly inclined ramps as it approaches the elongated slot 32 and the trailing edge 18 or the second elongated slot 40.

[0054] The components of the modular training aid can be fabricated from any suitable material such as MirAcry™, acrylic, plastics, and the like.

[0055] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A modular training aid for developing putting skills in the game of golf for use by a right- or left-handed player, the modular training aid comprising:

a rigid planar reflecting base having a leading edge from which an imaginary intended target line extends, a trailing edge, a lower face that is supported on the ground or a floor and an upper smooth surface from which a raised rail extends for protecting the upper smooth surface from abrasion by the underside of the golf club, the reflecting base being sized for convenient portability and reflecting an image primarily composed of putter head path before, during and after impact with a golf ball, and alignment of a face of the putter head face at impact; and

a first elongated slot having a length (L) and first edges defined in the reflecting base and extending rearwardly from the leading edge for receiving a golf ball that initially rests on the ground or floor so that the ball may be propelled along the slot, the first edges being spaced apart by a distance (D) proximate the leading edge, the distance (D) the diameter of a generally circular planar section of the golf ball that lies in the plane of the upper smooth surface of the base, thereby creating a clearance between the ball and at least one edge of the first elongated slot that increases with proximity to the leading edge, an imaginary centerline between the edges of the first elongated slot being aligned with an intended target line extending from the leading edge.

2. The modular training aid of claim 1, wherein the modular training aid is moved about 180 degrees from an initial position and further comprises:

a second elongated slot extending from the trailing edge, the second elongated slot having a length (l) and second edges defined in the reflecting base and extending rearwardly from the trailing edge for receiving a golf ball that initially rests on the ground or floor so that the ball may be propelled along the slot.

3. The modular training aid of claim 2, wherein (L) exceeds (l).

4. The modular training aid of claim 2, wherein (L) equals (l).

5. The modular training aid of claim 1, wherein the base has a pair of lateral edges extending between the leading and trailing edges and a centerline extending therebetween orthogonally to the imaginary intended target line, the modular training aid further comprising:

a first alignment mirror positioned on the ground or floor, having a reference line positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges of the base so that the reference line of the alignment mirror lies on an imaginary extension of the centerline of the base, the alignment mirror reflecting an image to the player that includes the upper torso the hands, extended arms, the head and shoulders of the player, thereby permitting the player to check the alignment of them in relation to the imaginary target line and the hands in relation to the putter head.

6. The modular training aid of claim 1, wherein the base has a pair of lateral edges extending between the leading and trailing edges and a centerline extending there between orthogonally to the imaginary intended target line, the modular training aid further comprising:

a second alignment mirror with an edge resting on the ground or floor having a reflecting surface that is inclined to the ground or floor and being provided with a datum line positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges of the base so that the datum line of the second alignment mirror and the centerline of the base are coplanar, the second alignment mirror reflecting in image to the player that includes the putter head and putter shaft, thereby permitting the player to check the alignment of them in relation to the imaginary target line.

7. The modular training aid of claim 1, further comprising:

a target putting mirror having a reflective surface that is positioned behind a target or hole in relation to the base so that the reflective surface of the target mirror faces the target or hole and an image including the ball and putter head is reflected back to the player.

8. A modular training aid for developing putting skills in the game of golf for use by a right or left handed player, the modular training aid comprising:

a rigid planar reflecting base having a leading edge from which an imaginary intended target line extends, a trailing edge, a lower face that is supported on the ground or a floor and an upper smooth surface, the reflecting base being sized for convenient portability and reflecting an image primarily composed of putter head path and alignment; and

a first elongated slot and first edges defined in the reflecting base and extending rearwardly from the leading edge for receiving a golf ball that initially rests on the ground or floor so that the ball may be propelled along the slot;

a second elongated slot extending from the trailing edge second edges defined in the reflecting base and extending rearwardly from the trailing edge;

a pair of lateral edges extending between the leading and trailing edges and a centerline extending there between orthogonally to the imaginary intended target line;

a first alignment mirror positioned on the ground or floor, having a reference line positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges of the base so that the reference line of the alignment mirror lies on an imaginary extension of the centerline of the base, the alignment mirror reflecting in image to the player that includes the upper torso with an image of the hands, extended arms, head and shoulders of the player, thereby permitting the player to check the alignment of them in relation to the imaginary target line and the hands in relation to the putter head;

a second alignment mirror with an edge resting on the ground or floor having a reflecting surface that is inclined to the ground or floor and being provided with a datum line positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges of the base so that the datum line of the second alignment mirror and the centerline of the base are coplanar, the second alignment mirror reflecting in image to the player that includes the putter head and putter shaft, thereby permitting the player to check the alignment of them in relation to the imaginary target line; and

a target putting mirror having a reflective surface that is positioned behind a target or hole in relation to the base so that the reflective surface of the target mirror faces the target or hole and an image including the ball and putter head is reflected back to the player.

9. A modular training aid for developing putting skills in the game of golf for use by a right or left handed player, the modular training aid comprising:

a rigid planar reflecting base having a leading edge from which an imaginary intended target line extends, a trailing edge, a lower face that is supported on the ground or a floor and an upper smooth surface, the reflecting base being sized for convenient portability and reflecting an image primarily composed of putter head path and alignment; and

a pair of lateral edges extending between the leading and trailing edges and a centerline extending therebetween orthogonally to the imaginary intended target line;

a first alignment mirror positioned on the ground or floor, having a reference line positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges of the base so that the reference line of the alignment mirror lies on an imaginary extension of the centerline of the base, the alignment mirror reflecting in image to the player that includes the upper torso with an image of the hands, extended arms, head and shoulders of the player, thereby permitting the player to check the alignment of them in relation to the imaginary target line and the hands in relation to the putter head;

a second alignment mirror with an edge resting on the ground or floor having a reflecting surface that is inclined to the ground or floor and being provided with a datum line positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges of the base so that the datum line of the second alignment mirror lies and the centerline of the base are co-planar, the second alignment mirror reflecting in image to the player that includes the putter head and putter shaft, thereby permitting the player to check the alignment of them in relation to the imaginary target line; and

a target putting mirror having a reflective surface that is positioned behind a target or hole in relation to the base so that the reflective surface of the target mirror faces the target or hole and an image including the ball and putter head is reflected back to the player.

10. A modular training aid for developing putting skills in the game of golf for use by a right or left handed player, the modular training aid comprising:

a rigid planar reflecting base having a leading edge from which an imaginary intended target line extends, a trailing edge, a lower face that is supported on the ground or a floor and an upper smooth surface, the reflecting base being sized for convenient portability and reflecting an image primarily composed of putter head path and alignment; and

a pair of lateral edges extending between the leading and trailing edges and a centerline extending there between orthogonally to the imaginary intended target line;

a first alignment mirror positioned on the ground or floor, having a reference line positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges of the base so that the reference line of the alignment mirror lies on an imaginary extension of the centerline of the base, the alignment mirror reflecting in image to the player that includes the upper torso with an image of the hands, extended arms, head and shoulders of the player, thereby permitting the player to check the alignment of them in relation to the imaginary target line and the hands in relation to the putter head; and

a second alignment mirror with an edge resting on the ground or floor having a reflecting surface that is inclined to the ground or floor and being provided with a datum line positioned adjacent to one of the lateral edges of the base so that the datum line of the second alignment mirror and the centerline of the base are co-planar, the second alignment mirror reflecting in image to the player that includes the putter head and putter shaft, thereby permitting the player to check the alignment of them in relation to the imaginary target line.

11. A method for practicing putting, comprising the steps of:

positioning a target mirror with a centerline behind a target or hole;

place a golf ball on the ground or floor at a distance from the target or hole so that the ball is aligned with the centerline;

placing a putter head behind the ball;

looking at the target mirror while stroking the ball toward the target or hole.

12. A method for developing a consistent, repeatable golf putting stroke, comprising steps of:

positioning a reflecting base on the ground or floor;

positioning an alignment mirror adjacent to a lateral edge of the base mirror, the alignment mirror being supported in an inclined position in relation to the ground or floor;

placing a golf ball on the reflecting base mirror so that the ball is aligned with a centerline of the reflecting base mirror so that the ball rests upon the ground between the edges of a channel defined within the base mirror; and

placing the face of a putter head behind the golf ball and inspecting in the mirrors an alignment of the face of the putter, the trajectory of the putter as it is taken away from the golf ball during a back stroke, and the trajectory of the putter head after impact with the golf ball while observing the motion of the golf ball as it exits the channel.

13. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of:

positioning a first alignment mirror between an imaginary line extending between the toes of the golfer and a lateral edge of the reflecting base.

14. A method for developing a consistent, repeatable golf swing, comprising the steps of:

positioning a first alignment mirror having a pair of lateral edges so that the edges are located between a golf ball and an imaginary pedestal line between the feet of the golfer;

placing the face of a golf club behind the golf ball; and

inspecting in the mirror an alignment of the face of the golf club, the head, shoulders arms and hands of the golfer before making a swing.