Handheld device for determining golf ball trajectory for putt of chip shot and method therefor

Abstract

A handheld device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to a hole for a putt or chip shot includes a generally planar base member and a pair of elongated members each having a first end thereof secured to and extending outwardly from a peripheral edge of the base member in a V-shaped arrangement. A concave portion is formed in a bottom of the V-shaped arrangement for operable alignment with the golf ball when the pair of elongated members are positioned in a vertical plane. The user squats or kneels behind the golf ball in line with the hole and positions the device so that the golf ball is aligned with the concave portion and is disposed intermediate the pair of elongated members in order to determine the condition of the green and desired ball trajectory.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/855,349 filed Oct. 30, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to golf assist devices and, more particularly, this invention relates to a handheld device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to the hole for a putt or chip shot and to a method for using aforementioned device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is generally well known, golf course greens are rarely flat and even thus necessitating the golfer to determine optimum trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to the hole for a putt or chip shot. Commonly, the golfer will squat or kneel behind the ball and look in a direction of the hole to determine the direction of the green slope as well as to determine uneven areas on the green that are to be avoided when making the shot. However, visualizing the proper trajectory between the current position of the golf ball and the hole is challenging for both novice and experienced golfers.

Prior to the present invention, efforts have been made to assist golfer in establishing a correct line of putting motion of a golf club upon a golf ball. U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,817 issued to Consiglio discloses a ground engaging device of an elongated structure which includes a first guide wall and a second spaced apart and substantially parallel extending guide wall, the first and second guide walls being secured together proximate at least one of first and second ends. A golf ball placement position is located between the guide walls at an intermediate location between its ends. First and second adjustment mechanisms are associated with at least one of the first and second guide walls. The putter head swing clearance adjustment mechanisms include inwardly projecting portions relative to the guide walls and in order to adjust a width and height (swing window) within the structure proximate the ball placement position, the mechanisms permitting unimpeded travel of the golf club head during a putting stroke. While, the goal of such device is to improve, through repetition, the ability of a user to strike a golf ball in a desired direction and/or fashion and over a specified distance, it fails to help the user in determining optimum trajectory of the golf ball from its current position to the hole for a putt or chip shot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, the invention provides a handheld device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to a hole for a putt or chip shot. The device includes a generally planar base member having a predetermined shape. There is a pair of elongated members with each elongated member having a first end thereof secured to and extending outwardly from a peripheral edge of the base member in a V-shaped arrangement. A concave portion is formed in a bottom of the V-shaped arrangement for operable alignment with the golf ball when the pair of elongated members are positioned in a vertical plane.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to a hole for a putt or chip shot. The method includes the step of using a handheld device including a base member, a pair of elongated members each having one end thereof secured to and extending outwardly from the base member in a V-shaped arrangement and a concave portion formed in a bottom of the V-shaped arrangement. Then, having the user of the device to squat or kneel at a first predetermined distance behind the golf ball and in alignment with the hole. Next, positioning the pair of elongated members in a vertical plane. Positioning a dominant eye of the user at a second predetermined distance from the device. Next, aligning the concave portion with the golf ball. Using a space formed internal to the pair of elongated members for determining condition of a green. Finally, using the green condition to select the golf ball trajectory.

According to yet one embodiment, the invention provides a golf ball marker for use with a device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to a hole for a putt or chip shot. The golf ball marker being formed from a round generally thin metallic material which is capable of being magnetically and releaseably attached to a magnet member disposed within the device.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a handheld device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to the hole for a putt or chip shot.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a handheld device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to the hole for a putt or chip shot which is economical to manufacture.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a handheld device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to the hole for a putt or chip shot which can be employed for releaseably securing ball marker.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a handheld device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to the hole for a putt or chip shot which can be releaseably attached to an article of clothing or headwear.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a handheld device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to the hole for a putt or chip shot which can be employed for repairing divots formed during putting.

Additional object of the present invention is to provide a method for golfing with an aforementioned device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball marker for use with a handheld device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to the hole for a putt or chip shot

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described with some degree of specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device of the present invention for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to the hole for a putt or chip shot;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, particularly illustrating a clip for attaching the device to an article of headwear or clothing;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, particularly illustrating a golf ball marker;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of using the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the position of the device of FIG. 1 during use; and

FIG. 6 is a partial elevation view of the device of FIG. 1 positioned for determining golf ball trajectory, particularly illustrating alignment of the golf ball and slopped condition of the green.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

For the convenience of the reader, the following common terms and their definitions are employed in this document to describe the structure and use of the present invention.

Hole—4.25 inch diameter hole in the ground into which the ball is to be played.

Green—the area of short grass surrounding the hole where the ball is hit using a putter.

Putt shot—a shot (generally, but not necessarily hit with a putter) that is intended to make the ball roll (usually, but not exclusively, on or just off the putting green)

Chip shot—a shot that is designed to roll (run) farther than it flies (usually, but not always, from near the green).

Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-3, wherein there is shown a device, generally designated as 10, for determining trajectory of a golf ball 4 from its current position to the hole 6 for a putt or chip shot. The device 10 includes a generally planar base member 12 having a predetermined shape which according to the presently preferred embodiment of the invention includes a round disk 14 having each of a predetermined diameter of about 0.75 inches and a predetermined thickness of about 0.125 inches. The peripheral edge 16 of the round disk 14 may be rounded or may include one and, preferably, a pair of chamfers 18.

The device 10 further includes a pair of elongated members 20 each having a first end 22 thereof being secured to and extending outwardly from the peripheral edge 16 of the base member 12 in a V-shaped arrangement. Preferably, each elongated member 20 is formed integral with the base member 12. In accordance with the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, each elongated member 20 is about 1.0 inch long. Furthermore, first ends 22 of such pair of elongated members 20 are spaced apart at about 0.25 inches and their opposed second ends 24 are spaced apart at about 0.75 inches. The chamfer 18 of the base member 12 may be further extended to each elongated member 20 and continued as a chamfer 26. It is further presently preferred for each second end 24 to be tapered to a generally sharp point 28 for aiding in repairing divots formed during putting.

The device 10 additionally includes a concave portion 30 which is formed in a bottom of the V-shaped arrangement and joining the first ends 22 for operable alignment with the golf ball 4 when the pair of elongated members 20 are positioned in a vertical plane.

The device 10 may be manufactured from one of metal, engineered plastic, wood, fiber and various combinations thereof.

Now in reference to FIGS. 4-6, to use the device 10, the user 1 squats or kneels at a first predetermined distance 60 behind the golf ball 4 and in alignment with the hole 6. It has been determined that such first predetermined distance 60 being between about 10 feet and about 15 feet is advantageous for using the device 10 which is constructed to the above described embodiments of the invention. It has been further determined that the use of the device 10 is most advantageous when the current position of the ball 4 is greater than 20 feet from the hole 6. Then, the user 1 positions the pair of elongated members 20 in a vertical plane. Next, the user 1 positions a dominant eye at between about 1 inch and about 3 inches above the device 10 and aligns the concave portion 30 with the periphery of the golf ball 4 thus positioning such golf ball 4 internal to the pair of elongated members 20. The user 1 than uses a space 32 formed internal to the pair of elongated members 20 to determine the condition of a green 2 which is shown, for example only, in FIG. 6 as slopping from left to right by a line 2a. After determining the direction of the slope 2a, the user 1 selects the trajectory 7 of the golf ball 4 which based on the example of FIG. 6 would include putting the golf ball to the left of the straight line 8 in order to take advantage of the slope 2a thus directing the golf ball 4 toward the hole 6.

In further reference to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention contemplates for the device 10 to include a magnetic means, such as a well known magnet 40, which is disposed on and secured to the base member 12 for releaseably attaching a golf ball marker 9 thereto. The magnet 40 is preferably formed integral with the first surface 42 of the base member 12, for example by a friction fit with a cavity 41 thereof, wherein the outer surface of the magnet 40 is generally flush with the first surface 42 of the base member 12. It will be appreciated that the device 10 can then be advantageously used for conveniently carrying such golf ball marker 9. Preferably, the first surface 42 includes a plurality of raised projections 44 to facilitate gripping of the device 10. Alternatively, a plurality of depressions 45 which are constructed similar to depressions presently found on the golf ball 4, may be provided for facilitate gripping of the device 10. Yet alternatively, such plurality of raised projections 44 or depressions 45 may be formed on the outer surface of the golf ball marker 9. It will be understood that the present invention additionally contemplates the use of a novel golf ball marker 9 being formed from a round generally thin metallic material which is capable of being magnetically and releaseably attached to the magnet 40 disposed within the base member 12 of the device 10 and which employs the plurality of raised projections 44 or depressions 45 to facilitate gripping of the golf ball marker 9 during use.

Alternatively to or in combination with the magnet 40, it is within the scope of the present invention for the device 10 to include a clip means 50 being disposed on and secured to an opposed second surface 46 of the base member 12 for releaseably securing the device 10 to an article of headwear 52 such as a hat or a visor or to an article of clothing.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for components of the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A handheld device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to a hole for a putt or chip shot, said device comprising:

(a) a generally planar base member having a predetermined shape;

(b) a pair of elongated members each having a first end thereof secured to and extending outwardly from a peripheral edge of said base member in a V-shaped arrangement; and

(c) a concave portion formed in a bottom of said V-shaped arrangement for operable alignment with the golf ball when said pair of elongated members are positioned in a vertical plane.

2. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined shape of said base member includes a round disk having each of a predetermined diameter and a predetermined thickness.

3. The device, according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined diameter is about 0.75 inches.

4. The device, according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined thickness is about 0.125 inches.

5. The device, according to claim 2, wherein said peripheral edge of said base member includes at least one chamfer.

6. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said each elongated member is formed integral with said base member.

7. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said first ends of said pair of elongated members are spaced apart at about 0.25 inches.

8. The device, according to claim 1, wherein opposed second ends of said pair of elongated members are spaced apart at about 0.75 inches.

9. The device, according to claim 1, wherein opposed second end of said each elongated member is tapered to a generally sharp point for aiding in repairing divots formed during putting.

10. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said device includes a magnetic means disposed on and secured to said base member for releaseably attaching a golf ball marker thereto.

11. The device, according to claim 10, wherein an outer surface of said magnetic means is generally flush with a surface of said base member.

12. The device, according to claim 11, wherein said device further includes a grip means formed on said surface for facilitating handling of said device during use.

13. The device, according to claim 12, wherein said grip means includes a plurality of projections or depressions.

14. The device, according to claim 10, wherein said device further includes a golf ball marker releaseably attached to said base member.

15. The device, according to claim 10, wherein said golf ball marker includes a grip means formed on one surface thereof for facilitating gripping of said ball marker and further for facilitating gripping of said device having said golf ball marker being attached thereto.

16. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said device includes a clip means disposed on and secured to said base member for releaseably securing said device to an article of headwear or clothing.

17. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said device includes a magnetic means disposed on and secured to one surface of said base member for releaseably attaching a golf ball marker thereto and a clip means disposed on and secured to an opposed surface of said base member for releaseably securing said device to an article of headwear or clothing.

18. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said device is manufactured from one of metal, engineered plastic, wood and various combinations thereof.

19. A method of determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to a hole for a putt or chip shot, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) using a handheld device including a base member, a pair of elongated members each having one end thereof secured to and extending outwardly from said base member in a V-shaped arrangement and a concave portion formed in a bottom of said V-shaped arrangement;

(b) squatting or kneeling, by the user of said device, at a first predetermined distance behind said golf ball and in alignment with said hole;

(c) positioning said pair of elongated members in a vertical plane;

(d) positioning a dominant eye of said user at a second predetermined distance from said device;

(e) aligning said concave portion with said golf ball;

(f) using a space formed internal to said pair of elongated members for determining condition of a green; and

(g) using said green condition to select said golf ball trajectory.

20. A golf ball marker for use with a device for determining trajectory of a golf ball from its current position to a hole for a putt or chip shot, said golf ball marker being formed from a round generally thin metallic material which is capable of being magnetically and releaseably attached to a magnet member disposed within said device, said golf ball marker having a grip means formed on one surface thereof for facilitating handling of said ball marker and further for facilitating handling of said device having said golf ball marker being attached thereto.