Ricoshot

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a golf putting device is described which comprises a cuboid tube body filled with cement and either capped at both ends or painted at both ends. The golf putting practice device enables the golfer to practice stance alignment, stroke mechanics, directional guidance and reading surface contours. The golf putting practice device is portable, easily moveable and position able for use with every stroke. Proper use of the device allows the golfer to learn how to assess the results of a stroke and, through trial and error, teaches the golfer how to select the best stroke path.

Description

(B) CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

(C) FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

(D) MICROFICHE

Not applicable

(E) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a golf putting practice game device and process for the same. The working mechanism of device is based on changing the direction of golf ball. The advantage of golf putting practice devices is that they help in striking a putt with the correct force and help the development of golfers' putting skills. It does not damage the green, and is removed immediately upon final usage.

(2) Background

The game of golf has become increasingly popular in the United States and around the world. To remain competitive and improve performance, golfers constantly practice their game. There is a need in the field for more opportunities for golfers to practice their game without the associated time and expense involved in physically practicing at a golf course or range. In particular, there is a need for implements to enable golfers to practice putting repetitively yet in a short amount of time.

There are many golf training devices and aids on the market, each designed to improve one or more aspects of a golfer's game. Some of the devices assist the golfer with proper alignment and ball positioning, while others attempt to help the golfer achieve better (cuboid) contact with the golf ball. Unfortunately, many of these training devices have moving parts, require assembly or don't fit easily into a standard golf bag. As such, many of these training aids are impractical and inconvenient to use.

One such prior art golf training device is shown in U.S. patent application Publication Ser. No. 2004/0106462. This reference is directed to a laser putting aid and associated method. In this reference, the laser is mounted on the body of the golfer and is used, primarily, in order to adjust the golfer's posture or stance.

The patent to Schaus (U.S. Pat. No. 3,677,551) relates to a golf training device including a base plate for locating or positioning the feet of the golfer and a loop for encircling the neck, connected by a flexible link. The link includes a breakaway coupling which will disengage if an incorrect golf swing occurs.

Various devices have been developed or proposed in order to allow person to practice golf. While these devices have taken a variety of configurations, they typically consist of features such as a hitting surface, target hole(s) and sometimes a bail return system. Conventional ball return systems have, for example, employed gravity through the use of automatic or manually inclined surfaces and channels. Other conventional systems have contemplated or utilized a golf ball ejector or pressurized fluid chamber to return balls to a holding tank or another location.

Furthermore, while conventional systems have included or proposed ball returns that return a ball, either to a holding tank or another area, there is a need for an improved system that can return the ball to the point of origin of the putt. With such a system, the golfer need not retrieve the ball nor change his or her original stance, grip, or posture, and can maintain more complete concentration without interruption after a putt. As an example, it is believed that conventional systems cannot provide a means for a golfer to hit at least 100 putts at a target hole such as in 8-10 minutes. Such repetitive putting practice is believed to significantly aid in the development of a smooth, predictable and repeatable putting stroke that can improve the accuracy and consistency of the golfer's putting.

(F) BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a golf putting practice device comprising a cuboid tube body filled with cement and either capped at both ends or painted at both ends. This is a solid device that performs the function of changing the direction of a golf ball.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a golf putting practice device enables the golfer to practice stance alignment, stroke mechanics, directional guidance and reading surface contours. The golf putting practice device is portable, easily movable and easily positioned for use with every stroke. Proper use of the device allows the golfer to learn how to assess the results of a stroke and, through trial and error, teaches the golfer how to select the best stroke path. This device changes the direction of a golf ball from the direction it has been struck to contact the device and have the ball follow the correct line into a golf hole.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a golf putting practice device is provided. This device comprises a cuboid tube body having a logo, and incremental marking on the face, whereat golfers would attempt to strike the device with their golf ball in order to carom the ball into the hole.

In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the golf putting practice device comprises two alignment lines at the center and on top of the device; one to align the device toward the hole and other to show the line from which the putt should be made.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for practice a golfer to recognize when their putter face is cuboid in line with a desired target path during a putting stroke is provided. The device is composed of cuboid steel tubing, cement, paint and plastic end caps. The device is manufactured from cuboid tubing, filled with cement, with hand labor graphics that define the nature of its function, angles, target locations and plastic end caps to make the desired result of changing the direction of a golf ball.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

(G) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawing. It is appreciated that the drawing depicts only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view the golf putting practice device, shows cuboid tubing, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view the golf putting practice device, shows the length of the object, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view showing the cement filling of the golf putting practice device, represents the proposed graphics on the device, with target marks, and alignment line, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view showing the cement filling of the golf putting practice device and alignment line, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(H) DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

The description that follows includes exemplary devices, methods, systems, techniques and instruction sequences products that embody techniques of the present inventive subject matter. However, it should be understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Well-known instruction instances, protocols, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obfuscate the description.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any method and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the specific methods and materials are now described. Moreover, the techniques employed or contemplated herein are standard methodologies well known to one of ordinary skill in the art and the materials, methods and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

In accordance with this invention, Golf is one of the most popular individual sports in the world. The game is comprised of players or “Golfers” use a varied array of clubs to hit a ball along a predetermined course of targets which designate holes in the lawn of the course. The game is scored according to the number of strokes, or the number or times the clubs are swung in an attempt to hit the ball and thus make it to the hole. Golfers begin a play by standing at the teeing green and aiming the ball towards the putting green, the area where the flagstick and hole are located.

It has been found that in the game of golf, half the strokes taken are on the putting green. Putting is by far the most difficult and rewarding part of the game to master and takes continuous practice to be proficient at this aspect of the game. With this, there has been a need for a simple and inexpensive putting practice system to teach golfers proper putting stroke tempo, alignment and visual focus while providing a realistic, three dimensional depiction of a real hole in the form of a putting training aid target which reacts like a real hole and provides direct feedback on the proper putting tempo and ensuing force for which a correctly stroked putt is struck.

Referring now to the drawings where the golf ball recoiling device constituting the invention is illustrated in various attitudes. In FIG. 1, golf ball recoiling device is shown in its perspective side view with it's a tubing (2) with a width of 2 inches and cement filling (3) inside the cuboid tubing (2). In one embodiment the cuboid tubing (2) is metal tubing (2) with a space for filling the tubing (2) with cement to provide the device with stability, with alignment markers (7) to define the relationship to the hole and putting line, alignment lines (5) with angles (6) and plastic end caps (8). Further in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a golf putting practice device is a cuboid metal tubing (2) and either capped (8) at both ends or painted at both ends. Further, the golf putting practice device is consisting of the following subdivisions or portions: space for the distinctive logo, the target where the golf ball should hit the and alignment markers (7) to define the relationship to the hole and putting line, these are painted thereon to enhance the appearance and provide appropriate orientation of the device (1). This allows the golfer to achieve the best results.

FIG. 2 further shows the prospective length of the cuboid tubing (2) In its front view. In a preferred embodiment the length the tubing (2) is approximately 2 inches, with alignment lines (5) where a golf ball would hit and recoil back in a different direction. It is still another preferred embodiment of the present invention is the golf putting practice device is painted, primarily white, with appropriate graphics reflecting the device's logo and incremental markings on the face, whereat golfer would attempt to strike the device with their golf ball in order to carom or redirect the ball into the hole. It has two alignment lines (5) at the center and on top of the device one to align the device toward the hole and the other to show the line from which the putt should be made.

FIG. 3 clearly shows the prospective front view of the cuboid tubing (2) with the multiple identification marks. The identification marks is device's logo and alignment markers (7) to define the relationship to the hole and putting line, these are painted thereon to enhance the appearance and provide appropriate orientation of the device, target markings on the face, where the golf ball needs to hit in order to achieve a specific direction. In a preferred embodiment the device is 2 feet in length, filled with cement. The purpose of filling cement (3) inside the device is: (1) To dampen the sound and (2) add weight to ensure that the ball ricochets solidity, thus minimizing the loss of energy as the ball makes contact with the device. The device changes the direction of a golf ball from the direction where it has been struck to contact the device and the bail follows the correct line into a golf hole

FIG. 4 illustrates the side perspective view the golf putting practice device with the cement filling (3) packed in the inner boundary (1) in the cuboid tubing (2), shows how to place the Ricoshot on the ground, using alignment lines (5) to align the device toward the golf hole or the proposed putting line.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention is, the method of manufacturing of the golf putting device is described, where the device is made from cuboid tubing (2) filled with cement (3), paint, hand labor graphics that define the nature of its function, angles, target locations and plastic end caps (8) to produce desired result of changing the direction of the golf ball.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method associated with the present invention will now be set forth. First, a player places the device from 5-10 feet from the hole, however it could be any distance, and depending on how difficult the players want the putt to be. Thereafter a putting zone is designed from any distance from the device and this location is appropriate for strike a ball from the putting zone. This would be the line that would allow the ball to ricochet into the hole if appropriately struck by the golfer.

The main advantage of the present invention is that, as a practice device, it can be used to train golfers to focus on striking the ball on a specific target line and with such force to further improve their putting skills. It can be used by a large group of golfers such as golf leagues, business, church and company golf outings and any other golf places golfers want to add the challenges of golf a ball into the hole.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. Finally, boundaries between various components are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter.

Claims

1. A golf ball recoiling device providing an interface for changing the direction of a path traversed by a golf ball after being struck by a golf putter, device comprising:

a body member in the shape of an elongated cuboid providing space for housing a filling material with a front end and a back end;

a plurality of end caps;

a plurality of alignment lines; and

a plurality of target marks.

2. The golf ball recoiling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elongated cuboid body member is metallic.

3. The golf ball recoiling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elongated body member is tubular in structure,

4. The golf bail recoiling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said filling material in said elongated cuboid body member is cement.

5. The golf ball recoiling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of alignment lines is along said front end of said elongated body member identifies a ball flow line for striking said golf ball to hit at an angle and recoil into a golf hole.

6. The golf ball recoiling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said angle formed by said plurality of alignment lines starts at 45° to 90°.

7. The golf ball recoiling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of target marks is triangular shape mark.

8. The golf ball recoiling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of triangular shape mark along said front end of said elongated body member providing target marks for hitting said golf ball.

9. The golf ball recoiling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of triangular shape mark are painted black color on each end, red color at the center and the remaining target marks are painted in blue color.

10. The golf ball recoiling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elongated body member is of 2 ft in length.

11. The golf ball recoiling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said end caps are plastic caps.

12. The golf ball recoiling device as claimed in claim 1 further provides a means for golfers to practice putting skills on a specific target line.

13. A golf ball recoiling device of claim 1 having a plurality of designs.

14. The golf ball recoiling device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said plurality of designs is along said front end of said elongated body member is hand labor graphics.

15. A method of practicing golf, comprising:

providing an elongated metallic cuboid filled body member with a plurality of markings on a front face of said body member for recoiling and changing the direction of a path traversed by a golf ball after being struck by a golf putter; and

providing a plurality of end caps.

16. The method of practicing golf as claimed in claim 15, wherein said body member is filled with cement.

17. The method of practicing golf as claimed in claim 15, wherein said marking on said front face of said body member is hand labor graphics.

18. The method of practicing golf as claimed in claim 15, wherein said marking on said front face of said body member is a plurality of alignment lines along said front end of said elongated body member, identifies a ball flow line for striking said golf ball to hit at a specific angle and recoil into a golf hole.

19. The method of practicing golf as claimed in claim 15, wherein said marking on said front face of said body member is a plurality of triangular shape mark along said front end of said elongated body member providing target marks for hitting said golf ball.

20. The method of practicing golf as claimed in claim 15, wherein said method improves putting skills of a golf player.

21. The method of practicing golf as claimed in claim 15, wherein said elongated metallic cuboid filled body member is a golf putting aid.