NONOBSTRUCTUIONAL GOLF PRACTICE DEVICE

Abstract

Golf practice devices are configured to facilitate putting without obstructing the greens. According to one example, a golf practice device can provide a visible indicator projected onto a surface of a golf green with a golf practice device coupled to a pole positioned vertically on the surface of a golf green. The golf practice device includes a base, a sight and a turret. The turret rotationally couples the sight to the base providing for rotationally positioning the sight to selectively place the visible indictor on the surface of the golf green, thereby providing a determined putting distance between the visible indicator and the pole. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology discussed below relates generally to golf practicing, and more specifically to methods and devices for facilitating putting practice without obstructing the greens.

BACKGROUND

Golf is premised upon obtaining the lowest score possible by reducing the number of strokes it takes to hit the ball from the tee box, to the fairway and green, and into the cup. Typically, putting (the act of using a putter to “putt” a ball on the surface of a golf green into a cup) results in the single largest number of strokes accounted for during play. On a typical golf course having 18 holes, the number of putting strokes allotted to achieve what is called “par” or even play is 36 strokes with another 36 strokes being allocated toward driving and chipping for a combined total of 72 strokes. Amateurs more often than not exceed this number of putting strokes, while the best professionals typically achieve a substantially less number of strokes. Resultantly, substantial practice on putting greens is spent by amateurs and professionals alike in order to develop their putting skills. This practice includes putting on irregular green surfaces, on contoured putting green surfaces, on flat putting green surfaces; putting uphill, over ridges and on downhill surfaces; and putting at various fixed distances.

In order to practice putting at fixed distances, the “golfer” walks off or measures the distance desired to be practiced. Often the golfer, after determining the distance, will use a tee (a plastic or wood structure) to mark the distance by placing the tee into the putting surface so that multiple practice shots may be taken repeatedly from the same spot in order to hone their skills. By repeatedly practicing from a known distance, the golfer can practice putting distance accuracy so as not to over or under put, and to practice direction accuracy in order to learn the amount of break due to the surface contour associated with that particular putting distance. Unavoidably, the tee placed in the putting surface used to mark the distance creates an obstruction to putting and is also a distraction not normally present when actually putting during a round of golf. When a golfer is done practicing, they tend to leave the tee or tees in the putting surface. The remaining tee or tees present an obstacle to subsequent golfers, why typically have to remove all the remaining tees in order to use the green. Also, the tee marks can cause damage to the putting surface.

SUMMARY

The following summarizes some aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of the discussed technology. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated features of the disclosure, and is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of all aspects of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the disclosure in summary form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Since physical objects, such as tees, left in a putting surface can create obstacles to subsequent users and/or cause damage to the putting surface, it may be desirable to provide a golf practice device that is capable of eliminating the obstruction caused by using physical objects (e.g., tees), will eliminate the distraction caused by such physical objects, will eliminate the need to walk off a distance, and will leave the putting surface undamaged. Various apparatus and methods described herein provide a golf practice device.

In a first example, a golf practice device may include a plane, a vertical axis and a rotational axis, that includes a first member and a second member. The first member may include a coupling aligned about the vertical axis and a turret base. The second member may include a turret and a sight, where the sight positionable within the plane. The turret may be rotationally positionable about the rotational axis and coupled to the turret base, and the rotational axis may intersect the plane.

According to one aspect, the sight includes a laser directed along a sight centerline “SCL”, a battery, a switch and connecting circuitry.

According to another aspect, the sight includes a selector coupled to one of the first member and the second member and a putting distance indicator coupled to the other of the first member and the second member. A putting distance “PD” is indicated by the selector.

According to another aspect, the putting distance “PD” of the putting distance indicator as indicated by the selector has the mathematical relationship PD=PH*Tan(β), where PD is the desired putting distance, PH is a distance determined from a surface of a golf green and the rotational axis, and β is the angle between the vertical axis and a sight centerline SCL of the sight located in the plane.

According to one aspect, the first member that has a top coupler adapted to fit and rotationally receive about the vertical axis a bottom coupler of a second golf practice device.

In a second example, a golf practice device with a plane, a vertical axis and a rotational axis, can include a base, a turret, a sight, a selector and a putting distance indicator. The base may include a coupling aligned about the vertical axis and a turret base. The turret may be rotationally positionable about the rotational axis and coupled to the turret base. The sight may be coupled to the turret, and may be positionable within the plane intersecting the rotational axis. The selector may be coupled to one of the base and the turret. The putting distance indicator may be coupled to the other of the base and the turret, providing a putting distance “PD” as indicated by the selector.

According to one aspect, the selector may be adjacent the turret base and aligned with the rotational axis, and the putting distance indicator may be rotationally aligned about the rotational axis on the turret, and the putting distance indicator may include minor and major tick marks respective of rotational angles and corresponding putting distances. In addition, the putting distance “PD” of the putting distance indicator as indicated by the selector may have the mathematical relationship PD=PH*Tan(β), where PD is the desired putting distance, PH is a distance determined from a surface of a golf green and the rotational axis, and β is the angle between the vertical axis and a sight centerline SCL of the sight.

According to another aspect, the sight may include a laser directed along a sight centerline “SCL”, a battery, a switch and connecting circuitry. The turret may further include a clip for releasably retaining the sight in the plane, and a body base with a surface for releasably retaining the turret to the turret base of the base.

In a third example, methods of using a golf practice device are disclosed. According to at least one implementation, a golf practice device may be coupled vertically to a pole on a golf green, The golf practice device may include a vertical axis and a rotational axis, and may include a base with a coupling aligned about the vertical axis and a turret base. A turret may be rotationally positionable about the rotational axis and coupled to the turret base. A sight may be coupled to the turret, the sight positionable about the rotational axis. A selector may be coupled to one of the base and the turret. A putting distance indicator may be coupled to the other of the base and the turret, wherein a putting distance “PD” is indicated by the selector. A putting distance “PD” may be selected, wherein selecting a putting distance “PD” provides a visible indicator on a surface of the golf green by the sight at a respective putting distance away from the pole.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an application of a golf practice device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of an application of the golf practice device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an assembly view according to one embodiment of the golf practice device shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional assembly view of the sight according to one embodiment of the golf practice device shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross sectional assembly view of the turret and the base according to one embodiment of the golf practice device shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view according to another embodiment of golf practice device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial cross sectional assembly view of yet another embodiment of a golf practice device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a pole according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a pole according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view according to one embodiment of an application of the golf practice device shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the adaptor shown in FIG. 10 according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts and features described herein may be practiced. The following description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known circuits, structures, techniques and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the described concepts and features.

The illustrations presented herein are, in some instances, not necessarily actual views of any particular base, sight, turret, or golf practice device, but are merely idealized representations which are employed to describe the present disclosure. Additionally, elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation.

Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure pertain to a golf practice device that includes a base, a sight, and a turret. The base is configured for coupling to a pole of a golf practice green. The sight is configured for placing a visible indicator on a surface of a golf practice green. The turret is configured for rotationally coupling the sight to the base.

In some implementations, the sight includes a laser for providing the visible indicator on a surface of the golf practice green. The visible indicator can be set at a putting distance determined by the turret rotationally positioned about the base. In some implementations, the base of the golf practice device may be directly coupled to the top end of a pole having a fixed height that is configured at the opposite end to be received into a cup in the golf green. In some implementations, the base of the golf practice device may be indirectly coupled by way of an adaptor that is clipped, at a desired height, to a flag pole standing in a cup of a golf green allowing the visible indicator being set at a putting distance determined by the turret rotationally positioned about the base. In some implementations, the base of the golf practice device may include a top coupler for combining additional golf practice devices to provide multiple visible indicators to be set at various putting distances and locations on the golf practice green.

One method for providing a visible indicator on a surface of a golf green is with a golf practice device coupled to a pole positioned vertically on the surface of a golf green. The golf practice device includes a base, a sight and a turret. The turret rotationally couples the sight to the base providing for rotationally positioning the sight to selectively place the visible indictor on the surface of the golf green, thereby providing a determined putting distance between the visible indicator and the pole.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an application of a golf practice device. For purpose of clarity, not all components of the golf practice device may be shown. As shown in FIG. 1, the golf practice device 100 includes a base 102, a sight 104, and a turret 106. The base 102 is vertically coupled to a pole 110. The pole 110 is vertically coupled to a cup 20 in a golf practice green 10. The sight 104 projects directed light (indicated by light source trajectory 105) onto the surface of the golf practice green 10 providing a visible indicator 120 on the surface thereof. The turret 106 rotationally couples (in the angular direction β) the sight 104 to the base 102 allowing a golfer 11 to select a putting distance PD determined by the relationship of pole height PH and rotational angle β. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the visible indicator 120 may be placed anywhere upon the putting surface 10 at a distance PD by rotating the turret 106 and/or rotating the base 102 about the axis 111 of the pole 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of an application of the golf practice device. For purpose of clarity, not all components of the golf practice device may be shown. As shown in FIG. 2, the golf practice device 100 includes the base 102, the sight 104, and the turret 106. The base 102 is vertically coupled to a pole 110. The pole 110 is vertically coupled to a cup 20 in a golf practice green 10. The sight 104 projects directed light (indicated by light source trajectory 105 along the sight centerline SCL) onto the surface of the golf practice green 10 providing a visible indicator 120 at a location on the green. The turret 106 rotationally couples (in the angular direction β) the sight 104 to the base 102. Putting distance PD is determined by the mathematical relationship between pole height PH and rotational angle β, where PH is the distance between the putting surface 10 and the centerline 103 of the base 102. In another aspect of the disclosure, the visible indicator 120 may be placed anywhere upon the putting surface 10 at a distance PD by rotating the turret 106 and/or rotating the base 102 about the axis 111 of the pole 110.

FIG. 3 illustrates an assembly view of the golf practice device shown in FIG. 2. For purpose of clarity, not all components of the golf practice device may be shown. Reference may also be made to FIGS. 4, 5 and 8. As shown in FIG. 3, the golf practice device 100 includes the base 102, the sight 104, and the turret 106 as previously describe and as now describe with greater particularity.

The base 102 includes a vertical axis 311, a bottom coupler 312, a top coupler 314, a selector 350 and a turret base 316. The bottom coupler 312 and the top coupler 314 (and their surfaces) are generally orthogonal to the vertical axis 311 and adapted for receiving mating parts. For example, the bottom coupler 312 may include a socket and threads 313 (FIG. 5) for rotationally coupling to a threaded connector 180 of a pole 110, and the top coupler 314 may be adapted for receiving the engagement coupling of a bottom coupler of yet another golf practice device. Generally, the bottom coupler 312 provides a mechanism for coupling the device 100 to a top coupling of a pole 110, an adapter, or golf stick adapter, anyone of which is mountable to a golf practice green and aligned vertically thereto.

The turret base 316 of the base 102, is located between the bottom coupler 312 and the top coupler 314, and is orthogonal to rotational axis 341 which orthogonally intersects vertical axis 311. In this respect the turret base 316 is substantially parallel to vertical axis 311. While the turret base 316 has been described generally as being orthogonal and parallel with respect to axis's 341 and 311, it is recognized that various embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without this precise relationship.

The selector 350 is located about the turret base 316. In this embodiment, the selector 350 is located on a line parallel to rotational axis 341 that intersects axis 311 on the surface of the top coupler 314 being immediately adjacent the turret base 316. The selector 350 provides a visual marking for selecting putting distance “PD,” as described with respect to FIG. 2, allowing rotationally dialing the turret 106 to align the corresponding markings of a putting distance indicator 340 that are respective of putting distance “PD.” Alternatively, the selector 350 may be desirably located anywhere about turret base 316 and parallel to rotational axis 341. The selector 350, including further embodiments thereof, are discussed in further detail below.

The turret 106 includes a rotational body 332, a body base 336, a clip 334, and the putting distance indicator 340. The body base 336 of the rotational body 332 is orthogonal to rotational axis 341 allowing the turret 106 to be rotationally coupled about rotational axis 341 to the turret base 316 of the base 102. The rotational body 332 includes the putting distance indictor 340 rotationally marked on the outer surface and adjacent the body base 336 providing distance indication relative of putting distance “PD” as aligned with the selector 350. The relationship between putting distance “PD” and the putting distance indicator 340 is explained in further detail below.

Further, the body base 336 includes a friction surface 338 that engages the surface of the turret base 316. The friction surface 338 allows for releasable retention when rotationally positioning the turret 106 relative to the base 102 about rotational axis 341. The releasable retention aspect of the friction surface 338 supports and retains a selected position without rotational movement of adjacent members due to the weight of the members themselves. The friction surface 338 allows selective rotational positioning of the turret 106 relative to the base 102 by application of an external moment, such as a person desiring to rotational adjust the turret 106 relative to the base 102.

The clip 334 extends from the rotational body 332 opposite the body base 336 along rotational axis 341. The clip 334 releasably couples the housing 322 of the sight 104 to the turret 106. The clip 334 releasably supports the sight 104 while aligning a sight centerline “SCL” (shown in FIG. 2) about, and generally orthogonal to, the rotational axis 341. While the SCL of the sight 104 in this embodiment intersects rotational axis 341 and is orthogonal thereto, it is recognized that this aspect of the disclosure may be practiced without intersection and orthogonality.

The sight 104 includes the housing 322 that releasably engages the turret 106 as previously mentioned. Alternatively, the housing 322 of the sight may be integral to the turret 106 as a single member without deviating from the present disclosure.

Accordingly, having describe the golf practice device 100, the sight 104 releasably coupled to the turret 106 being rotationally coupled about rotational axis 341 to the base 102 provides for rotationally aligning the SCL by angle β relative to vertical axis 311 to provide a putting distance PD as indicated by the selector 350 and the putting distance indicator 340 when the golf practice device 100 is coupled to a pole 110 on a golf practice green 10. In one respect, the sight 104 coupled to the turret base 316 is vertically aligned to the rotational axis 341 and vertical axis 311 allowing the sight 104 to be rotationally positioned by the turret in a plane parallel to the vertical axis 311, the plane being intersected by the rotational axis 341.

Turning now to FIG. 4, which illustrates a cross sectional assembly view of the sight of the golf practice device shown in FIG. 2. For purpose of clarity, not all components of the sight may be shown. The sight 104 includes the housing 322, a battery 323, a directed light source or laser 324, a switch 325 and circuitry 326. The switch 325 opens or closes the circuitry to provide an off or on functioning of the sight 104. The circuitry (represented by 326) provides electrical paths. The battery 323 provides power when the switch is closed in order to power the directed light source or laser 324, all of which are well understood in the electrical art. The housing 322 provides structural support for retaining the switch 325, the circuitry 326, the battery 323 and the laser 324. The directed light source or laser 324 is aligned with a sight centerline SCL to emit visible light along the light source trajectory 105. The sight centerline SCL is substantially parallel to the light source trajectory 105. It is recognized that the sight centerline SCL need not be substantially parallel to the light source trajectory 105, according to various embodiments. Further, the battery 323 may be reusable, rechargeable and/or consumable.

Turning now to FIG. 5, which illustrates a partial cross sectional assembly view of the turret and the base shown in FIG. 2. For purpose of clarity, not all components of the turret and the base may be shown, reference may be made to FIGS. 2 and 3. The assembly 300 includes the base 102, the turret 106 and a spring-loaded fastener 306. The spring-loaded fastener 306 compressively couples the turret 106 to the base 102, thereby allowing the body base 336 of the turret 106 to be rotationally positioned about the rotational axis 341 (see FIG. 3) relative to the turret base 316 of the base 102. The friction surface 338 (see FIG. 3) that engages the surface of the turret base 316 through the spring retention of the fastener 306 allows for releasable retention when rotationally positioning the turret 106 relative to the base 102 about the rotational axis 341. The releasable retention aspect of the friction surface 338 supports and retains a selected position without rotational movement of adjacent members due to the weight of the members themselves. The friction surface 338 allows selective rotational positioning of the turret 106 relative to the base 102 by application of an external moment, such as a person desiring to rotationally adjust the turret 106 relative to the base 102.

Referring still to FIG. 5, the turret 106 includes the putting distance indictor 340 rotationally marked on the outer surface and adjacent the body base 336 providing distance indication relative of putting distance “PD” as aligned with the selector 350 of the base 102. The relationship between putting distance “PD” and the putting distance indicator 340 as aligned by the selector 350 is given by the mathematical relationship: PD=PH*Tan(β). For example, with reference to FIG. 2, for a pole height PH of 27.25 inches, and angle β, ranging from 90 degrees down to Zero degrees (in 10 degree increments), will have a putting distance PD:

β (deg) PD (feet)
0       0
10      0.4
20      0.8
30      1.3
40      1.9
45      2.3
50      2.7
60      4
70      6
80      13
90      Infinity

Accordingly, the marking on the putting distance indicator 340 (as shown in FIG. 5) as indicated by selector 350 is indicative of a putting distance equal to infinity due to the angle β being at 90 degrees. As the turret 106 is rotated about the base 106, each of the successive major tick marks (at 10 degree increments) on the putting distance indictor 340, the selector 350 correspondingly provides the putting distance PD. In this embodiment the putting distance indicator 340 is incremented in 2.5 degree increments on the minor tick marks and by 10 degree increments on the major tick marks. It is recognized that the markings may be denoted by degrees, inches, feet, yards, meters, numerical numbers, or other symbology, without limitation.

Alternatively, the putting distance indicator may be included on the base 102 with the selector being included on the turret 106.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a pole. The pole 110 has a pole height PH of 27.25″ as being the distance from the green to the rotational axis 341 of the golf practice device 100 when coupled to the pole 110. It should be recognized that the pole height PH may be selected for any length without departing from the present disclosure, where the putting distance indicator is adjusted accordingly on the golf practice device 100 while retaining the mathematical relationship relative to angle β. The actual length of the pole is D1 plus D2, where D2 represent the distance the pole end 190 is inserted into a golf cup 20, and D1 is equal to pole height PH less centerline distance between the rotational axis 341 and the bottom coupler 312 of the base 102. As previously mentioned, the pole 110 includes threaded end 180 for coupling to the bottom coupler 312 of the device 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Returning to the golf practice device of FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5. The device 100 may be constructed out of any material suitable for providing the structures disclosed. Specifically, the top coupler 314 of the base 102 may be plastic, metal (ferrous or nonferrous) or other suitable material. Optionally, the top coupler 314 may be fitably receivable into the socket formed by the threads 313 of a bottom coupler of yet another golf practice device.

Optionally, not shown in the drawings, a motor and gear train powered by the battery 323, or by another battery may be included in the turret 106 to control the rotational positioning of the turret 106 relative to the base 102 about the rotational axis 341. The motor may be remotely controlled (physically or wirelessly) and putting distance PD may be determined by precise control by way of an electronic device, such as using a smart phone with a putting distance application tool, or “app,” to remotely and wireless select a putting distance.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for providing a visible indicator on a surface of a golf green is with a golf practice device coupled to a flag pole positioned vertically on the surface of a golf green. FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the present disclosure for a golf practice device. FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an application of the golf practice device shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the adaptor shown in FIG. 10. For purpose of clarity, not all components of the golf practice device may be shown.

As shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the golf practice device 500 includes a first member 510 and a second member 506 that includes a sight 520 and a turret 530. The first member 510 of the golf practice device 500 can be vertically coupled to an adaptor 970 that can be releasably attached to a flag pole 910. The flag pole 910 is vertically coupled to a cup 902 in a golf practice green 900. The sight 520 projects directed light along a sight centerline SCL onto the surface of the golf practice green 900 providing a visible indicator 920 on a surface location of the green. The turret 530 of the second member 506 rotationally couples (in the angular direction β) the sight 520 to the first member 510. The putting distance PD is determined by the mathematical relationship between pole height CH and rotational angle β, where CH is the distance between the putting surface 10 and a centerline or rotational axis (i.e., the perpendicular intersection between vertical axis 511 and sight centerline SCL) between the first member 510 and second member 506. In another aspect of the disclosure, the visible indicator 920 may be directed anywhere upon the putting surface 900 for selecting a putting distance PD by rotating the second member 506 about its rotational axis and/or rotating the first member 510 about the axis 911 of the flag pole 910.

The first member 510 includes a vertical axis 511, a bottom coupler 512, a top coupler 514, a selector 550 and a turret base 516. The bottom coupler 512, and the top coupler 514 (and their surfaces) are generally orthogonal to vertical axis 511 and adapted to fit and receive mating parts; such as the bottom coupler 512 for rotationally coupling to a connector 974 of the adaptor 970, or the top coupler 514 for receiving the engagement coupling of a bottom coupler of yet another golf practice device. Generally, the bottom coupler 512 provides a mechanism for coupling the device 500 to a top coupling of a pole, an adaptor 970, or golf stick, without limitation, all of which are mountable into a cup or onto the surface of a golf practice green and aligned vertically thereon.

The turret base 516 of the first member 510, is located between the bottom coupler 512 and the top coupler 514, and is orthogonal to the rotational axis which orthogonally intersects vertical axis 511 and sight centerline SCL; in this respect the turret base 516 is substantially parallel to vertical axis 511 allowing the sight centerline to be positioned rotationally in a plane intersecting the rotational axis. While the turret base 516 has been described generally as being orthogonal and parallel with respect to the axis's, it is recognized that various embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without this precise relationship.

The selector 550 is located about the turret base 516. In this embodiment, the selector 550 is located on a line parallel to the rotational axis and rotated 90 degrees from a line that intersects axis 511 on the surface of the top coupler 514 and is immediately adjacent the turret base 516. The selector 550 provides a visual marking for selecting putting distance “PD,” as described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 2, allowing rotationally dialing the turret 530 of the second member 506 to align the corresponding markings of a putting distance indicator 340 that are respective of putting distance “PD.” Alternatively, the selector 550 may be desirably located anywhere about turret base 516 and parallel to the rotational axis. The selector 550 is discussed in further detail below.

The second member 506 includes the sight 520, the turret 530, a body base 536 and the putting distance indicator 540. The body base 536 of the turret 530 is coplanar to the turret base 516 allowing the turret 530 to be rotationally coupled about the rotational axis to the turret base 516 of the first member 510. The second member 506 includes the putting distance indictor 340 rotationally marked on the outer surface and adjacent the body base 536 providing distance indication relative of putting distance “PD” where indicated by the selector 550. The relationship between putting distance “PD” and the putting distance indicator 540 is explained in further detail below.

Further, the body base 536 includes an incremented surface (not shown) that engages the surface of the turret base 516. The incremented surface allows for releasable retention when rotationally positioning the second member 506 relative to the first member 510 about the rotational axis. The releasable retention aspect of the incremented surface supports and retains a selected position without rotational movement of adjacent members due to the weight of the members themselves. The incremented surface provides selective rotational positioning between the second member 506 and the first member 510 by application of an external force, such as a person desiring to rotational adjust the second member 506 relative to the first member 510. The incremented surface may have indentations, divots, teeth, or other mechanical structures providing rotational steps in fine increments, such as 0.1 degree rotation, or gross increments, such as 10 degree steps, without limitation. As discussed previously, the incremented surface may be a friction surface for the rotational retention of the second member 506 to the first member 510.

The sight 520 of the second member 506 includes a housing, a battery, a directed light source or laser, a switch and circuitry. The switch opens or closes the circuitry to provide an off or on functioning of the sight 520; the circuitry provides electrical paths; the battery provides power when the switch is closed in order to power the directed light source or laser, all of which are well understood in the electrical art. The housing provides structural support for retaining the switch, the circuitry, the battery and the laser. The directed light source or laser is aligned with the sight centerline SCL to emit visible light along a light source trajectory. The sight centerline SCL lies positionably within a plane that is substantially parallel to the vertical axis 511. While the SCL of the sight 520 lies positionably within a plane that is substantially parallel to the vertical axis 511, it is recognized that this aspect of the disclosure may be practiced without this precise relationship.

Accordingly, having describe the golf practice device 500, the sight 520 of the second member 506 being rotationally coupled about the rotational axis to the first member 510 provides for rotationally aligning the SCL by angle β relative to the vertical axis 511 to provide a putting distance PD as indicated by the selector 550 and the putting distance indicator 540 when the golf practice device 500 is coupled to a flag pole 910 on a golf practice green 900 using the adaptor 970 at pole height CH.

The adaptor 970 includes a releasable retention clip 972, a grip member 976 and a coupling member 978. The coupling member 978 includes top coupler 974 for releasably receiving the bottom coupler 512 of the golf practice device 500 as described herein. The top coupler 974 is made from a ferrous material for magnetically coupling to the golf practice device 500. Alternately, the coupler 974 may have a snap fit, threaded, pinned, keyed or other structure, without limitation, for rotationally receiving a golf practice device. The retention clip 972 attaches to a flag pole 910 by actuating and releasing the grip member 976 relative to the coupling member 978 in a rotational direction 977. In this respect, the adaptor 970 provides a vertical alignment of the golf practice device 500 coupled to the flag pole 910 on a golf green 900.

Returning to the golf practice device 500, the second member 506 includes the putting distance indictor 540 rotationally marked on the outer surface and adjacent the body base 536 providing distance indication relative of the putting distance “PD” as indicated with the selector 550 of the first member 510. The relationship between the putting distance “PD” and the putting distance indicator 540 as aligned by the selector 550 is given by the mathematical relationship: PD=CH*Tan(β). For example, the adaptor 970 is coupled to the flag pole 910 in FIG. 9 at a pole height CH of 27.25 inches, and angle β, ranging from 90 degrees down to Zero degrees (in 10 degree increments), will have a putting distance PD:

β (deg) PD (feet)
0       0
10      0.4
20      0.8
30      1.3
40      1.9
45      2.3
50      2.7
60      4
70      6
80      13
90      Infinity

Accordingly, the marking on the putting distance indicator 540 (as currently shown) as indicated by selector 550 is indicative of a putting distance equal to infinity due to the angle being at 90 degrees relative to the putting green 900. As the second member 506 is rotated about the first member 510, each of the successive major tick marks (at 10 degree increments) on the putting distance indictor 540, the selector 550 provides the putting distance PD. In this embodiment the putting distance indicator 540 is incremented in 2.5 degree increments on the minor tick marks and by 10 degree increments on the major tick marks. It is recognized that the markings may be denoted by degrees, inches, feet, yards, meters, numerical numbers, or other symbology, without limitation, and may further be incremented in linear or non-linear increments. Alternatively, the putting distance indicator may be included on the first member 510 with the selector being included on the second member 506.

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial cross sectional assembly view of yet another example of a golf practice device according to aspects of the present disclosure. For purpose of clarity, not all components of the golf practice device may be shown and common structures previously described with respect to other embodiments are describe only as necessary to present further aspects of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 7, the golf practice device 600 includes a first member 602, a second member 606, and a retention device 660. The first member includes a bottom coupler 612, a top coupler 614, a turret base 616, and a selector 650. The second member 606 includes a putting distance indicator 640, a clutch surface 638, a body base 636, a clip 634 (releasably retaining a sight (not shown)) and a turret 632. The retention device 660 compressively couples the second member 606 to the first member 602, thereby allowing the body base 636 of the second member 606 to be rotationally positioned about the rotational axis 641 relative to the turret base 616 of the first member 602. The clutch surface 638 that engages a surface of the turret base 616 through the retention device 660 allows for releasable retention when rotationally positioning the turret 632 of the second member 606 relative to the first member 602 about the rotational axis 641. The releasable retention aspect of the clutch surface 638 supports and retains a selected position without rotational movement of adjacent members due to the weight of the members themselves. The clutch surface 338 allows selective rotational positioning between the second member 606 and the first member 602 by rotational application, such as a person desiring to rotationally adjust the golf practice device 600.

The putting distance indictor 640 of the second member 606 includes rotational markings on the outer surface and adjacent the body base 636 providing distance indication relative of the putting distance “PD” as aligned with the selector 650 of the first member 602. The relationship between the putting distance “PD” and the putting distance indicator 640 as aligned by the selector 650 has previously been described above with respect to other embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the marking on the putting distance indicator 640 as indicated by the selector 650 is indicative of a putting distance equal to infinity due to the angle of the sight (not shown) being parallel with a putting green (not shown). As the second member 606 is rotated about the rotational axis 641 respective to the first member 602, each of the successive tick marks (at 10 degree increments in this example) on the putting distance indictor 340 decrease toward zero as identified by the selector 650, and, thus, provides the putting distance PD. In this embodiment the putting distance indicator 640 is incremented in 10 degree increments between successive, yet decreasing, tick markings. It is recognized that the markings may be denoted by degrees, inches, feet, yards, meters, numerical numbers, or other symbology, without limitation, and may further denoted by a non-linear distance graph. Alternatively, the putting distance indicator 640 may be included on the first member 602 with the selector 650 being included on the second member 606.

Further, the bottom coupler 612 includes a magnetic element 615, and a socket 613 having an inner diameter S. The top coupler 614 having an outer diameter R and is made from a ferrous material. The bottom coupler 612 is for rotationally coupling the socket 613 to a top coupler 682 of a connector 680 of a pole 610 as shown in FIG. 9. The bottom coupler 612 is releasably retained to the ferrous material of the top coupler 682 by the magnetic element 615. In embodiments of the disclosure, the socket 616 with the inner diameter S releasably couples a smaller outer diameter R of a top coupling 682 of a pole 610, of an adapter, or golf stick adapter, for example, without limitation, anyone of which is mountable to a golf practice green and aligned vertically thereto.

The various aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented as described above with a pole or stick used to mark a spot for putting. In other examples, a golf practice device may be coupled to a club, such as a putter, to indicate a distance to the golf hole. For instance, an adapter 970 can be coupled to the golfer's putter club at the specified height and the golf practice device may be coupled to the adapter 970, as described above. The golfer can position the light source onto the hole and use the putting distance indicator to identify the distance PD for a particular putt.

While the above discussed aspects, arrangements, and embodiments are discussed with specific details and particularity, one or more of the components, steps, features and/or functions illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and/or 11 may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component, step, feature or function or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and/or functions may also be added or not utilized without departing from the present disclosure.

While features of the present disclosure may have been discussed relative to certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more embodiments may have been discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with any of the various embodiments discussed herein. In similar fashion, while exemplary embodiments may have been discussed herein as device, system, or method embodiments, it should be understood that such exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The term “coupled” is used herein to refer to the direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then objects A and C may still be considered coupled to one another—even if they do not directly physically touch each other. For instance, a first die may be coupled to a second die in a package even though the first die is never directly physically in contact with the second die.

The various features associate with the examples described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings can be implemented in different examples and implementations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, although certain specific constructions and arrangements have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, such embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the scope of the disclosure, since various other additions and modifications to, and deletions from, the described embodiments will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the scope of the disclosure is only determined by the literal language, and legal equivalents, of the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A golf practice device with a plane, a vertical axis and a rotational axis, the golf practice device comprising:

a first member comprising a coupling aligned about the vertical axis and a turret base;

a second member comprising: a turret coupled to the turret base, and rotationally positionable about the rotational axis, wherein the rotational axis intersects the plane; and a sight positionable within the plane.

2. The golf practice device of claim 1, wherein the rotational axis intersects the plane orthogonally.

3. The golf practice device of claim 1, wherein the sight comprises a laser directed along a sight centerline “SCL”, a battery, a switch and connecting circuitry.

4. The golf practice device of claim 1, further comprising:

a selector coupled to one of the first member and the second member; and

a putting distance indicator coupled to the other of the first member and the second member, wherein a putting distance “PD” is indicated by the selector.

5. The golf practice device of claim 4, wherein the selector is adjacent the turret base and aligned with the rotational axis and the putting distance indicator is rotationally aligned about the rotational axis on the turret.

6. The golf practice device of claim 4, wherein the putting distance indicator includes minor and major tick marks respective of rotational angles and corresponding putting distances.

7. The golf practice device of claim 4, wherein the putting distance “PD” of the putting distance indicator as indicated by the selector has the mathematical relationship PD=PH*Tan(β), where PD is the desired putting distance, PH is a distance determined from a surface of a golf green and the rotational axis, and β is an angle between the vertical axis and a sight centerline “SCL” of the sight located in the plane.

8. The golf practice device of claim 1, wherein the turret further includes a clip for releasably retaining the sight in the plane.

9. The golf practice device of claim 1, wherein the turret includes a body base having a surface for releasably retaining the second member to the turret base of the first member.

10. The golf practice device of claim 9, wherein the surface for releasably retaining the second member to the turret base of the first member is a friction surface.

11. The golf practice device of claim 9, further comprising a spring fastener for releasably retaining the second member to the turret base of the first member.

12. The golf practice device of claim 1, wherein the coupling of the first member is a bottom coupler, and further comprising a top coupler.

13. The golf practice device of claim 12, wherein the bottom coupler includes a socket adapted to fit and be received in a corresponding top coupler of another device providing rotational coupling to a pole of a golf practice green and allowing rotational positioning of the first member about the vertical axis.

14. The golf practice device of claim 12, wherein the top coupler is made of a ferrous material and the bottom coupler includes a magnetic element.

15. The golf practice device of claim 14, wherein the top coupler is adapted to fit and rotationally receive about the vertical axis a bottom coupler of a second golf practice device.

16. A golf practice device having a plane, a vertical axis and a rotational axis, comprising:

a base comprising a coupling aligned about the vertical axis and a turret base;

a turret rotationally positionable about the rotational axis and coupled to the turret base;

a sight coupled to the turret, the sight positionable within the plane intersecting the rotational axis;

a selector coupled to one of the base and the turret; and

a putting distance indicator coupled to the other of the base and the turret, wherein a putting distance “PD” is indicated on the putting distance indicator by the selector.

17. The golf practice device of claim 16, wherein the selector is adjacent the turret base and aligned with the rotational axis, and the putting distance indicator is rotationally aligned about the rotational axis on the turret; wherein the putting distance indicator includes minor and major tick marks respective of rotational angles and corresponding putting distances; and wherein the putting distance “PD” of the putting distance indicator as indicated by the selector has the mathematical relationship PD=PH*Tan(β), where PD is the desired putting distance, PH is a distance determined from a surface of a golf green and the rotational axis, and β is an angle between the vertical axis and a sight centerline SCL of the sight.

18. The golf practice device of claim 16, wherein the sight comprises a laser directed along a sight centerline “SCL”, a battery, a switch and connecting circuitry; and wherein the turret further includes a clip for releasably retaining the sight in the plane, and a body base having a surface for releasably retaining the turret to the turret base of the base.

19. The golf practice device of claim 16, wherein the coupling of the base is a bottom coupler and further comprises a top coupler, wherein the bottom coupler includes a socket that is adapted to fit and be received in a corresponding top coupler of another device providing rotational coupling to a pole of a golf practice green and allowing rotational positioning of the base about the vertical axis.

20. A method of using a golf practice device comprising:

coupling a golf practice device vertically to a pole on a golf green, the golf practice device comprising: a base comprising a coupling aligned about a vertical axis and a turret base; a turret rotationally positionable about a rotational axis and coupled to the turret base; a sight positionable about a rotational axis and coupled to the turret; a selector coupled to one of the base and the turret; and a putting distance indicator coupled to the other of the base and the turret, wherein a putting distance “PD” is indicated by the selector;

selecting a putting distance “PD”; and

wherein selecting a putting distance “PD” provides a visible indicator on a surface of a golf green by the sight at a respective putting distance away from the pole.