SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF PROVIDING PUTTING TRAINING

Abstract

A putting training aid device is disclosed herein. The putting training aid device can include sensors that can determine putter head velocity and putter head angular orientation. The sensors can be positioned at either side of a channel of the putter training aid device that allows a ball to travel through after being struck by a putter. The sensors can track movement of a heel and a toe of a putter head. The putting training aid device can include an aiming rod that can provide visual feedback for putter head alignment. The putting training aid device can include a front surface that provides tactile feedback to users when a putter head strikes the front surface after a putt. The tactile feedback can indicate whether a putter head was square with a desired putting line.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/765,443, filed on Aug. 27, 2018. The above application is incorporated by reference herein and is to be considered a part of this specification. Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claims is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

This disclosure relates generally to the development of golf putting training device that teaches a golfer to start the putt/ball on a desired line of travel at the desired speed by providing the golfer with feedback on correct face angle, aim, acceleration, and/or related parameters.

Description of the Related Art

Many factors contribute to successfully putting a golf ball so that it travels along an intended putting line. The main factor is the face angle of the putter head at impact. The putter face can be “square”, “open”, or “closed” to the intended starting line at the time of impact with the golf ball. Because a putt's initial starting direction is greatly affected by the face angle of the putter head at impact, a small misalignment between the face angle and the intended putting line can cause a putt to miss a target by a significant margin. Another main factor is the velocity of the putter at the time of impact. Improper putter head velocity can result in putts that are short or long. For breaking putts (where the proper putting line to the hole is curved rather than straight), putter head velocity becomes even more important.

A large majority of golf putting training aids currently on the market are designed only to develop the path (or arc) on which the putter head travels during a putting stroke. Most other putting training aids are designed only to provide feedback on aiming the putter head (such as a string line) or determining whether the golf ball was struck in the center of percussion (the sweet spot) of the putter head (such as impact tape). Products currently on the market that attempt to train a square putter head at impact or to measure putter head velocity are scarce, and those few that do exist generally require attaching a device to the putter itself, and/or are prohibitively expensive for most golfers, and/or do not provide consistent detailed feedback on face angle at impact, and/or are ineffective outdoors, and/or must be manually reset after each putt.

Therefore, there is a need for a device that can train users to putt with proper face angle, velocity, centered impact, and proper alignment of the putter head. The device described herein can provide feedback to allow users to correct/adjust their swing to attain proper face angle, velocity, centered impact, and proper alignment of the putter head.

SUMMARY

The embodiments disclosed herein each have several aspects no single one of which is solely responsible for the disclosure's desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this disclosure, its more prominent features will now be briefly discussed. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features of the embodiments described herein provide advantages over existing systems, devices and methods for providing different feedbacks to help golfers to putt a ball on a desired line of travel at a desired speed.

The following disclosure describes non-limiting examples of some embodiments. For instance, other embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods may or may not include the features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits can apply only to certain embodiments of the invention and should not be used to limit the disclosure.

According to an implementation, a putter head tracking system for providing putting aid is disclosed. The putter head tracking system for providing putting aid can include a device including a first sensor that can collect first data associated with a putter head of a putter. The device can further include a second sensor that can collect second data associated with a putter head of a putter. The device can further include a processor that can calculate a velocity and determine an angular orientation of the putter head based at least on the first data and the second data. The first data and the second data are collected as the putter head of the putter moves towards the first sensor and the second sensor.

The first data can include a first timestamp when a first portion of the putter head is at a first predetermined distance from the first sensor. The second data can include a second timestamp when a second portion the putter head is at a second predetermined distance from the second sensor. The device can further include a third sensor that can collect a third data associated with the putter head of the putter. The third data can include a third timestamp when the putter head is at a third predetermined distance from the third sensor. The third predetermined distance may be different from the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance. The first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance may be the same. The first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance can be approximately 5 centimeters. The angular orientation of the putter head can be calculated based at least on a comparison of the first timestamp and the second timestamp where the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are the same. The velocity of the putter head can be calculated based at least on the first timestamp, the second timestamp, the first predetermined distance, and the second predetermined distance, where the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are different. The first portion may be a heel of the putter head and the second portion may be a toe of the putter head. The first portion and the second portion can be the same. The first sensor and the second sensor can be positioned on a first surface of the device, where the first surface faces the putter head as the putter moves towards the first sensor and the second sensor.

According to another implementation, a putter head tracking system is disclosed. The putter head tracking system can include a device including a first sensor that can collect first data associated with a heel of a putter head of a putter. The device can further include a second sensor that can to collect second data associated with a toe of the putter head of the putter. The device can further include a third sensor that can collect third data associated with the putter head of the putter. The device can further include a processor that can calculate a velocity and determine an angular orientation of the putter head based at least on the first data, the second data, and the third data. The first data, the second data, and the third data can be collected as the putter head of the putter moves towards the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor. The first sensor and the second sensor can be positioned on a first surface of the device. The first surface can face the putter head as the putter moves towards the first sensor and the second sensor.

The first data can include a first timestamp when the heel of the putter head is at a first predetermined distance from the first sensor. The second data can include a second timestamp when the toe of the putter head is at a second predetermined distance from the second sensor. The third data can include a third timestamp when the putter head is at a third predetermined distance from the third sensor.

According to another implementation, a method of providing a putting aid with a training device is disclosed. The method can include collecting, using a first sensor, first data associated with a putter head of a putter as the putter is brought towards the first sensor. The first data can include a first timestamp when a first portion of the putter head is at a first predetermined distance from the training device. The method can further include collecting, using a second sensor, second data associated with the putter head as the putter is brought towards the second sensor. The second data can include a second timestamp when a second portion of the putter head is at a second predetermined distance from the training device. The method can further include calculating, using a processor, a velocity of the putter head and an angular orientation of the putter head based at least on the first data and the second data.

The method can further include collecting third data associated with the putter head as the putter is brought towards the third sensor. The third data can include a third timestamp when the putter head is at a third predetermined distance from the training device. The third data is collected by a third sensor. The third data can be collected by either the first sensor or the second sensor. The first predetermined distance may be equal to the second predetermined distance.

The step of determining the angular orientation of the putter head can include comparing the first timestamp and the second timestamp, determining that the putter head is open when the first timestamp is less than the second timestamp, determining that the putter head is close when the first timestamp is greater than the second timestamp, and determining that the putter head is level when the first timestamp is equal to the second timestamp.

The step of calculating the velocity of the putter head can include comparing the first timestamp and the third timestamp, calculating a difference between the first timestamp and the third timestamp, comparing the first predetermined distance and the third predetermined distance, calculating a difference between the first predetermined distance and the third predetermined distance, and calculating velocity of the putter head based at least on (a) the difference between the first timestamp and the third timestamp and (b) the difference between the first predetermined distance and the third predetermined distance.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and novel features are discussed herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such aspects, advantages or features will be embodied in any particular embodiment of the invention and an artisan would recognize from the disclosure herein a myriad of combinations of such aspects, advantages or features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a training device in relation to a golf ball and a putter.

FIG. 2A is a schematic view of an embodiment of the training device.

FIG. 2B is another schematic view of an embodiment of the training device.

FIG. 2C is a schematic view of a sensor assembly of an example training device.

FIGS. 3A-3F show different sensor orientations.

FIGS. 4A-4D are various views of an embodiment of the training device.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the training device.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show different configurations of modular gates of an embodiment of the training device.

FIGS. 7A-7C show different positions of a putter head in relation to an embodiment of the training device.

FIGS. 8A-8C show different angular orientations of a putter head in relation to an embodiment of the training device.

FIG. 8D shows a putter head positioned at an angle with respect to the training device.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the training device including an aiming rod.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method of calculating putter head velocity and angular orientation.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method of calculating putter head velocity and angular orientation.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method of determining angular orientation of a putter head.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of determining velocity of a putter head.

The foregoing and other features of the present development will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the development and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the development will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present development, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the drawings, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Most good putters utilize either a “pendulum” stroke where the speed of the putter head at impact is dictated by the length of the backswing (that is, not by muscular effort to accelerate the putt through impact), or a “pop” stroke, where a shorter backswing and muscular effort by the golfer are accompanied by very little follow-through of the putter head after impact. In either the “pendulum” stroke or a “pop” stroke, the putter head accelerates to its maximum at impact with a golf ball and then either “coasts” through the impact interval or stops shortly after the impact interval.

A physical barrier to the follow-through of the putter head can be effective to train both a “pendulum” and a “pop” stroke. A physical barrier helps train a “pendulum” stroke because the barrier limits extra acceleration after impact and focuses the golfer on proper backswing length, a smooth transition, and a “coasting” impact. A physical barrier helps train a “pop” stroke because the barrier teaches the feeling of a putter head stopping promptly after impact.

One critical element to consistent putting is proper alignment of the putter head to a desired starting line of the putt. The training aid device disclosed herein can use various sensors to determine whether the putter head is aligned or misaligned before impact. Additionally, the training aid device can include a simple adjustable straight-line rod that can provide feedback for face angle, backswing length and sweet-spot elements.

The proper speed of the putter head at impact is also important to making putts, especially breaking putts (that is, where the proper target line, or track, to the hole is curved rather than straight). Providing golfers with immediate visual read-outs of the speed of the putter head at impact can afford golfers with feedback on appropriate length of backswing and/or muscular effort to create particular putter head speeds for different lengths of putts. Although certain sensor feedback devices measure putter speed at impact, they generally require placing the device on the putter itself as opposed to on the actual putting surface.

Yet another important element to consistent putting is striking the center of the ball with the center of percussion (“sweet spot”) of the putter head. An off-center hit causes the putter face to twist, which can send the ball off the desired target line. Additionally, an off-center hit can lessen the transfer of energy to the ball, making distance control more difficult. The training aid device disclosed herein can include a visual reference that allows a user to compare the putter face and the training aid at impact so the user can see if the putter head was centered at impact.

Most great putters keep the head and lower body relatively still during the stroke, which promotes consistency in both the path and face angle of the putter. A common error is for the golfer to “look up” before completion of the impact interval, which in turn often causes alterations in the putter head path and/or face angle. The training aid device disclosed herein can include a sighting “shield” incorporated into a training aid that also provides feedback for face angle, backswing length and sweet-spot elements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a training aid device 100. The training aid device 100 can be placed on different types of indoor and outdoor surfaces including, but not limited to, golf green, synthetic turf, carpet, and the like. The training aid device 100 may or may not be secured in place. In some implementations, the training aid device 100 can be placed adjacent to a golf ball 102. As a user starts his stroke to hit the ball 102 with a putter 104, a putter head 106 moves towards the ball 102 and the training aid device 100. As discussed above, the training aid device 100 can provide various information about the putter head including, but not limited to, putter head speed, putter head orientation, and the like.

With reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, the training aid device 100 can include a processor 200, a battery 202, a communication module 204, a sensor assembly 206, a display module 208, and a memory 210. The processor 200 can retrieve various instructions from the memory 210 to, for example, operate the sensor assembly 206, transmit various types of data using the communication module 204, generate display data and display the data using the display module 208, and the like. The processor 200 can draw power from the batter 202.

The memory 200 can store various types of instructions, as discussed above. Additionally, the memory 200 can also store data collected and/or generated by the sensor assembly 206.

The battery 202 can be disposable or rechargeable. The battery 202 can be coupled to the processor 200 via a switch 212. The switch 212 can have an “ON” position and an “OFF” position. When in the “ON” position, the switch 212 can be open and allow the battery 202 to provide power for the processor 200. In contrast, when in the “OFF” position, the switch 212 can be closed and prevent the processor 200 from receiving power from the battery 202.

The communication module 204 can allow the processor 200 to communication with different devices including, but not limited to, mobile communication devices, mobile display devices, and the like. The communication module 204 can establish one or more wired communications and/or one or more wireless communications with other devices. For example, the communication module 204 can include different types of ports including, but not limited to, PS/2 port, Serial port, Parallel port, HDMI, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Digital Visual Interface (DVI), and the like. The communication module 204 can establish different types of wireless communications including infrared (IR) communication, microwave communication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth®, Near-Field Communication (NFC), and the like. The communication between the communication module 204 and other devices can be one-way or wo-way communication.

The sensor assembly 206 can include one or more sensors that can collect data regarding the putter head. For example, the sensor assembly 206 can include a sensor 220, a sensor 222, and a sensor 224, as shown in FIG. 2C. It is contemplated that the sensor assembly 206 can include less than three sensors or more than three sensors. In some implementations, the sensor assembly 206 can include two sensors. In some implementations, the sensor assembly 206 can include four sensors, five sensors, 10 sensors, 15 sensors, and etc.

The display module 208 can show different types of information associated with the putter head 106 including, but not limited to, putter head velocity, putter head angular orientation (in other words, face angle), putter head acceleration, and the like. The display module 208 can display information in combination of numbers, letters, symbols, and the like. Additionally, the display module 208 can include a speaker that can provide the information in auditory form. For example, the display module 208 can provide visual and/or auditory indication whether the putter head 106 was “square” with the training aid device 100, “open,” or “closed” with respect to the training aid device 100. Additionally, the display module 208 can provide visual and/or auditory indication what the velocity of the putter head 106 was when it struck the ball 102.

The sensors 220, 222, and 224 can be used to measure the distance between the training aid device 100 and the putter head 106. Additionally and/or alternatively, the sensors 220, 222, and 224 can determine when the putter head 106 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the training aid device 100. The predetermined distance between the sensors 220, 222, and 224 and the training aid device 100 can be between about 1 cm (centimeters) and 30 cm, between about 2 cm and about 25 cm, between about 5 cm and about 20 cm, between about 10 cm and about 15 cm, or about 1 cm, 2 cm , 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, or between any two of aforementioned values.

In some implementations, the sensors of the sensor assembly 206 can have different predetermined distances. For example, the sensors 220, 222 can determine when the putter head 106 is 5 cm away from the sensors 220, 222, while the sensor 224 can determine when the putter head 106 is 10 cm away from the sensor 224.

Additionally and/or alternatively, some or all of the sensors may be able to take multiple sets of data during a swing of the putter head 106. For example, the sensor 220 may take a set of data to determine positions of the putter head 106 at multiple different times. By comparing at least a two different sets of data representing time and position of the putter head 106, velocity of the putter head 106 during a swing can be determined.

In some implementations, the data collected by the sensors during a swing of the putter head 106 can be used to graphically illustrate positions of the putter head 106 during the swing at different times. Additionally and/or alternatively, the data can be used to graphically illustrate velocity and/or acceleration of the putter head 106 at different stages of the swing. Such graphical illustrations may be displayed by the display module 208. In some implementations, such data can be transmitted to mobile devices via the communication module 204 and displayed by the mobile devices. Data collected by the sensors may be displayed in a table format and/or in a graph format.

The sensors 220, 222, and 224 can be aligned and/or positioned on a front surface 300 of the training aid device 100. The front surface 300 can be substantially flat and face the putter head 106 of the putter 104. The front surface 300 can be substantially vertical with respect to the ground. The front surface 300 can define an axis representing a desired putter face angle.

The front surface 300 can be a striking surface that comes into contact with the putter head 106. If, at the time of contact between the front surface 300 and the putter head 106, the putter head 106 is flush with the front surface 300, the putter head 106 was “square” with the training aid device 100, indicating that the putter head 106 was substantially aligned with the desired putter face angle. On the other hand, if, at the time of contact between the front surface 300 and the putter head 106, the putter head 106 is not flush with the front surface 300, the putter head 106 was not “square” with the training aid device 100, indicating that the putter head 106 was misaligned with the desired putter face angle. The front surface 300 can provide tactile response to the user when the putter head 106 strikes the front surface 300. The tactile response can indicate whether the putter head 106 was “square” with the training aid device 100. Depending of angular orientation of the putter head 106, its heel 800 or toe 802 (see FIGS. 8A-8C) can contact a first side of the front surface 300 before the other portion of the putter head 106 contacts a second side of the front surface 300.

The sensors 220, 222, and 224 can be positioned in different arrays/configurations as shown in FIGS. 3A-3F. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, two of the sensors 220, 222, and 224 can be positioned along a bottom portion of the front surface 300 while one of the sensors 220, 222, and 224 can be positioned along a top portion of the front surface 300. For example, the sensors 220, 222 can be positioned along a bottom portion while the sensor 224 can be positioned along a top portion. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3D-3F, two of the sensors 220, 222, and 224 can be positioned along the top portion of the front surface 300 while one of the sensors 220, 222, and 224 can be positioned along the bottom portion of the front surface 300.

One of the sensors (for example, the sensor 224) of the sensor assembly 206 can be positioned above or below the other sensors (for example, the sensors 220 and 222). In some implementations, the sensor 224 can be positioned between the sensors 220, 222. The sensor 224 can be positioned directly between the sensors 220, 222. Alternatively, the sensor 224 can be positioned offset from the sensors 220, 222 as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3F.

It is understood that different configurations or orientations of the sensors 220, 222, and 224 may be used to collect data sufficient to calculate velocity and/or angular orientation of the putter head 106. As discussed above, different configurations or orientations of sensors can include less than three sensors, more than three sensors, more than five sensors, more than ten sensors, and etc.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4D, the training aid device 100 can include a channel 402, a first base 450, a second base 460. The first base 450 can include a lateral support 454 and a rear support 452, and the second base 460 can include a lateral support 464 and a rear support 462. The rear supports 452, 462 and lateral supports 454, 464 can provide stability for the training aid device 100. The lateral supports 454, 464 can extend laterally with respect to the front surface 300 of the training aid device 100. In some implementations, the lateral supports 454, 464 can be coupled to the first base 450 and second base 460, respectively. The rear supports 452, 462 can extend rearwardly from the bases 450, 460, respectively.

The training aid device 100 can include one or more openings 404. The one or more openings 404 can be defined by the rear supports 452, 462, and lateral supports 454, 464. The openings 404 can be in different shapes including, but not limited to, circular, square, triangular, and the like. The openings 404 can be dimensioned to receive golf tees in different sizes and shapes. Additionally and/or alternatively, the openings 404 can receive other types of securing devices such as pins, rods, and the like.

The first base 450 and the second base 460 can be connected via a cover 422. The cover 422 can include one or more enclosures that can house the processor 200, the battery 202, the communication module 204, the memory 210, the sensor assembly 206, and the display module 208. In some implementations, the cover 422 can prevent the user from seeing a first portion of the roll of the ball 102 after being struck by the putter head 106. Having the cover 422 can prevent the user from looking up to see if the ball 102 is rolling towards the target. This can be advantageous because putter head path and/or face angle may be altered by user looking up to soon. Therefore, the cover 422 can prevent the user from looking up too soon and thereby possible altering putter head path and/or face angle.

The training aid device 100 can include a first body 406 and a second body 408 that can together define the front surface 300 of the training aid device 100. The first body 406 can be positioned left side of the device 100 and the second body 408 can be positioned right side of the device 100, and vice versa. The first body 406 can be coupled to the base 450 while the second body 408 can be coupled to the base 460. As discussed above, the training aid device 100 can be positioned on the ground such that the front surface 300 can face the putter head 106 as the putter head 106 moves towards the training aid device 100. In this regard, the first body 406 and the second body 408 can be facing the putter head 106 as the putter head 106 moves towards the training aid device 100. In some implementations, the first body 406 can correspond to a heel 800 (see FIGS. 8A-8C) of the putter head 106 and the second body 408 can correspond to a toe 802 (see FIGS. 8A-8C) of the putter head 106 (for a right-handed user).

In some implementations, the first body 406 and the second body 408 of the training aid device 100 provide tactile response to a user's swing of the putter 104. As the putter head 106 strikes the ball 102, the putter head 106 can make contact with the front surface 300. Alternatively, the putter head 106 can make contact with the front surface 300 after hitting the ball 102. Depending of angular orientation of the putter head 106, its heel 800 or toe 802 can contact either the first body 406 or the second body 408 (see FIGS. 8A-8C).

The first body 406 and the second body 408 can be surfaces that are flush with the front surface 300. In some implementations, the first body 406 and the second body 408 may not be flush with the front surface 300 and protrude from the front surface 300. The first body 406 and the second body 408 can be raised surfaces. The first body 406 and the second body 408 may or may not be coplanar. The first body 406 and the second body 408 may or may not be coplanar with the front surface 300 of the training aid device 100.

In some examples, putters have hosels that are offset from their putter heads such that they are positioned in front of the putter head. In this regard, a hosel or a shaft of the putter 104 may be come in contact with the body of the training aid device 100 before the putter head 106 comes into contact with the front surface 300. The first body 406 and the second body 408 can be dimensioned to ensure that the putter head 106 contacts the first body 406 and the second body 408 before a hosel or a shaft of the putter 104 contacts any portion of the training aid device 100. The first body 406 and the second body 408 can be customizable to address different putters having different hosel and shaft configurations.

In some implementations, the first body 406 and the second body 408 can house the sensors (for example, the sensors 220, 222, and 224) that can collect various types of data related to the putter head 106. The data can be related to position, time, velocity, acceleration of the putter head 106 during a swing. As will be discussed below, the sensors can additionally and/or alternatively detect contact between the putter head 106 and the first body 406, the second body 408, or the front surface 300.

In some implementations, the first body 406 and the second body 408 can include an attachment element that can attach to a corresponding counterpart of the putter head 106. For example, the first body 406 and the second body 408 can each include a magnetic element that can cause the putter head 106 to “stick” to the training aid device 100 after the ball 102 is struck. The attachment element can advantageously allow users to determine, with reference to the device 100 itself or the front surface 300 of the device 100, whether the ball 102 was struck in the center of percussion of the putter head 106.

The front surface 300 can include a bridge 420 that can connect the first body 406 and the second body 408, as shown in FIG. 4A. The bridge 420 can be coupled to the cover 422 to define a top surface for the channel 402.

The channel 402 of the training aid device 100 can be formed between a first opening 480 and a second opening 482 of the training aid device 100. The first opening 480 can be formed between the first body 406 and the second body 408. The second opening 482 (see FIG. 4B) can be formed between the first base 450 and the second base 460. The first opening 480 and the second opening 482 can be dimensioned and shaped to allow golf balls to travel through. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first opening 480 and the second opening 482 can be arch-shaped. The dimensions and the shapes of the first opening 480 and the second opening 482 can be identical. Alternatively, the first opening 480 may be smaller than the second opening 482 to facilitate golf balls to travel through the channel 402 without contacting inner walls 403 of the channel 402. The dimensions (for example, width, height, or diameter) of the channel 402 can be larger than the diameter of the golf ball 102.

The length of the channel 402 can define an axis that represents a desired putting line. The axis (desired putting line)defined by the channel 402 can be perpendicular to the axis (desired putter face angle) defined by the front surface 300. In this regard, ensuring alignment between the putter head 106 and the front surface 300 can assist users to hit the ball 102 along the desired putting line.

FIG. 5 shows another example of the training aid device 100. The training aid device 100 can include openings 500 that can be sloped at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground. In some implementations, the openings 500 can be sloped towards the front surface 300. This can be advantageous because support elements (e.g., pins, rods, etc.) extending through the openings 500 sloped and/or facing towards the front surface 300 can provide additional support (e.g., in a front-rear direction) for the training aid device 100 to remain at its place when struck by putter head 106.

With reference to FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B, the training aid device 100 can, additionally and/or alternatively, include a first slot 502 and a second slot 506. The first slot 502 and the seconds slot 506 can receive a first gate 600 and a second gate 602, respectively. The slots 502, 504 can extend along a substantial portion of a width of the first body 406 and the second body 408.

The slots 502, 504 can be dimensioned to allow the first gate 600 and the second gate 602 to slide along the widths of the first body 406 and the second body 408, respectively. By adjusting the positions of the first gate 600 and the second gate 602, a distance between the gates 600, 602 can be changed. The distance between the gates can represent the width of the putter head 106 such that the putter head 106 can swing between the gates 600, 602 to contact the first surface 300 of the training aid device 100. By adjusting the positions of the gates 600, 602 and ensuring their putter heads 106 to strike a portion of the first surface 300 between the gates 600, 602, users can improve accuracy of their swing.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the gates 600, 602 can be positioned such that they are a distance x₁ apart from each other. In another example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the gates 600, 602 can be a distance x₂ apart from each other. In some implementations, the distance (for example, distances x₁ and x₂) can define an opening that the ball 102 can travel through. A greater distance between the gates 600, 602 can allow users to strike the ball 102 through the opening, while allowing some degree of mistake. However, smaller distance between the gates 600, 602 can allow users to strike the ball 102 through the opening while allowing less degree of mistake in striking the ball 102. For example, if the ball 102 is struck while the putter head is in an “open” or “closed” position, the ball 102 may not travel between the gates 600, 602.

The gates 600, 602 can be adjusted to allow users to use putters with different putter head width. Putter can have different putter widths, which may result in different locations of the heel and the toe of the putter head. By adjusting the positions of the gates 600, 602, users can improve tactile response provided by the training aid device 100 upon contact between the gates 600, 602 and the putter head 106.

With reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, a velocity and/or angular orientation of the putter head 106 can be determined using one or more sensors (for example, the sensors 220, 222, and 224). The sensors can be positioned along the front surface 300. As the putter head 106 moves towards the ball 102 positioned in front of the training aid device 100, the sensors 220, 222, and 224 can determine when (for example, at what time) the putter head 106 is at a predetermined distance away from the sensors 220, 222, and 224. The distances between the sensors 220, 222, and 224 and the putter head 106 can represent the distance between the training aid device 100 and the putter head 106.

In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the one or more sensors, for example, sensors 220 and 222, can sense when the putter head 106 is positioned a predetermined distance D₁ away from the sensors. In some implementations, the sensor 220 can detect the time the heel 800 (see FIG. 8A) of the putter head 106 is positioned the distance D₁ away from the sensor 220. Similarly, the sensor 222 can determine the time the toe 802 (see FIG. 8A) of the putter head 106 is at distance D₁ away from the sensor 222. On the other hand, the sensor 224 can detect the time the heel 800 or the toe 802 is at a predetermined distance D₂, as shown in FIG. 7B, away from the sensor 224.

Using a delta of the distances D1 and D2 and a delta of time between the time when the heel 800 (or toe 802) of the putter head 106 is at the distance D1 and the time when the heel 800 (or toe 802) of the putter head 106 is at the distance D2, a velocity of the putter head 106 can be determined. An example equation to determine a velocity of the putter 106 is shown below:

$v=\frac{D_1-D_2}{t_1-t_2}$

where t₁ is the time when the heel 800(or the toe 802) of the putter head 106 is at the distance D₁, t₂ is the time when the heel 800 (or the toe 802) of the putter head 106 is at the distance D₂, and v is the velocity of the putter head 106.

Alternatively, the velocity of the putter head 106 can be calculated using a sensor to determine positions of the putter head 106 at different timestamps. For example, a sensor can determine that at t₁, the putter head 106 was at a distance D₁ away from the training aid device and at t₂, the putter head 106 was at a distance D₂ away from the training aid device. In this regard, the velocity of the putter head 106 can be calculated using the same equation as shown above.

Additionally, an angular orientation of the putter head 106 can be determined by comparing time when the heel 800 and the toe 802 of the putter head 106 is at the distance D₁ away from the sensors 220 and 222. FIGS. 8A-8C show the putter head 106 in different angular orientations with respect to the training aid device 100. The angular orientation of the putter head 106 can be characterized by an angle between an axis 700 and an axis perpendicular to the surface of the putter head 106. The axis 700 can represent the desired line of travel of the putter head 106. Such axis perpendicular to the surface of the putter head 106 is shown as an axis 804 in FIG. 8B and as axis 806 in FIG. 8C.

As shown in FIG. 8A, when the putter head 106 is “square” with the training aid device 100, the axis perpendicular to the surface of the putter head is aligned with the axis 700. When the putter head is not “square” with the training aid device 100, it can be either “open” or “closed” depending on the angular orientation of the putter head 106. If the toe 802 of the putter head 106 is travelling behind the heel 800 of the putter head 106, the putter head is “open” configuration. On the other hand, if the heel 800 of the putter head 106 is travelling behind the toe 802 of the putter head 106, the putter head 106 is in “closed” configuration.

With respect to FIG. 8D, the angular orientation (that is, angle θ) of the putter head 106 can be calculated using the velocity of the putter head 106, distance between the sensors that detect positions of the heel 800 and the toe 802 of the putter head 106, and a delta of time between the time the heel 800 is at a predetermined distance (for example, distance D₁) away from the training aid device 100 and the time the toe 802 is at the same predetermined distance away from the training aid device 100. For example, the angular orientation of the putter head 106 can be calculated using equations shown below:

$\theta ={\tan }^{-1}\frac{a}{b}$ $a=v*t_1-t_2$

where v is the velocity of the putter head 106, t₁ is the time the heel is at a predetermined distance away from the training aid device 100, and t₂ is the time the toe 802 is at a predetermined distance away from the training aid device 100.

In some implementations, the training aid device 100 can include one or more sensors that can detect contact between the putter head 106 and the training aid device 100. After the putter head 106 is brought into contact with the ball 102, the putter head 106 can continue to move towards and contact the training aid device 100. For example, the putter head 106 can be in an orientation depicted in FIG. 8D such that an area around the sensor 220 comes into contact with the putter head 106 prior to an area around the sensor 222. If the sensor 220 detects contact before the sensor 222 does, it can indicate that the putter head 106 was not “square” with the training aid device 100. In contrast, if the sensor 220 and the sensor 222 detects contact substantially around the same time, it can indicate that the putter head 106 was “square” with the training aid device 100.

Additionally and/or alternatively, users can determine whether the putter head 106 was aligned with the desired putting line from a contact between the front surface 300 and the putter head 106. As discussed above, if the toe and the heel of the putter head 106 contact the front surface 300 at the same time, the putter head 106 was “square” with the training aid device 100. On the other than, if the toe and the heel of the putter head 106 do not contact the front surface 300 at the same time, the putter head 106 was not “square” with the training aid device 100.

The training aid device 100 can include a rod 900, as shown in FIG. 9. The rod 900 can serve as an aiming rod that can provide a desired putting line for a user. In some implementations, the openings 410, 412 can be dimensioned to receive the rod 900. The rod 900 extend from either of the opening 410 or the opening 412, or both. The position of the rod 900 can be fixed or adjustable with respect to the openings 410, 412.

Additionally, the rod 900 can permit a user to determine whether the ball 102 was struck at the center of percussion of the putter head 106. The rod 900 can be made in various types of materials including, but not limited to, plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other flexible substances. The rod 900 can include one or more markings 902 along its length. In some implementations, the markings 902 can be periodically and/or randomly spaced apart from each other. The markings 902 can be in different color compared to the rod 900 so that the markings 902can be easily seen by a user.

The rod 900 can extend and bisect the training aid device 100 and the channel 402. Additionally, the rod 900 can be placed within the training aid device 100 such that the rod 900, when looked from above, defines a desired line of travel for the ball 102 after being struck by the putter head 106.

FIG. 10 shows an example method 1000 for calculating a putter head velocity and a putter head angular orientation. At step 1002, a first sensor is used to collect a first data associated with the putter head 106 as it moves towards the training aid device 100. The first sensor can be either one of the sensors 220, 222, and 224 as described above. The first sensor can be positioned about either the first body 406 or the second body 408. In some implementations, the first sensor can be positioned about the front surface 300 of the training aid device 100. The first sensor can be a distance measuring sensor.

The first data can include time-based data. For example, the first data can include when a portion of the putter head 106 is positioned at a predetermined distance (for example, distance D₁) away from the first sensor. The portion of the putter head 106 can be the heel 800, the toe 802, or any other portion of the putter head 106. Alternatively, the first data can include spatial data. In some implementations, the first sensor can determine the distance between the first sensor and a portion (for example, heel 800, the toe 802, or any other portion) of the putter head 106. The first data can include both the time-based data and the spatial-based data.

At step 1004, a second sensor can collect a second data associated with the putter head 106. The second data can be associated with the same portion of the putter head 106 as the first data. For example, both the second data and the first data can be associated with the heel 800, the toe 802, or some other portion of the putter head 106. In some implementations, the second data can be associated with a different portion of the putter head 106 as the first data. For example, the first data can be associated with the heel 800 while the second data can be associated with the toe 802.

At step 1006, a third sensor can collect a third data associated with the putter head 106. The third data can be associated with the same or a different portion of the putter head 106 as the first data and the second data. For example, the third data and the first data can be associated with the heel 800 (or the toe 802) while the second data can be associated with the toe 802 (or the heel 800). In another example, the third data and the second data can be associated with the heel 800 (or the toe 02) while the first data can be associated with the toe 802 (or the heel 800). The third sensor can be placed on the training aid device 100 such that it collects data associated with a middle portion of the putter head 106. At step 1008, the processor 200 of the training aid device 100 can calculate the velocity and/or the angular orientation of the putter head 106 as previously discussed above. Not all of the first data, the second data, and the third data may be used to calculate the velocity and/or angular orientation of the putter head 106. In some implementations, a single sensor may be used to calculate the velocity of the putter head as previously discussed above.

FIG. 11 shows another example method of determining the velocity and/or the angular orientation of the putter head 106. At step 1102, a first data associated with the putter head 106 is collected using a first sensor. As discussed above, the first sensor can be any one of the sensors 220, 222, and 224 discussed earlier. The first data can include spatial-related or time-related data, or both. At step 1104, a second data associated with the putter head 106 is collected using a second sensor. At step 1106, a third data associated with the putter head 106 is collected using a third sensor. Both the second data and the third data can include spatial-related data or time-related data, or both. The first data, the second data, and the third data can be sent to the processor 200 of the training aid device 100.

At step 1108, a putter head velocity is calculated using the first data (or the second data) and the third data. As previously discussed above, the angular orientation of the putter head 106 can be determined by collecting spatial-based and time-based data of different portions of the putter head 106. The different portions can be the heel 800 and the toe 802 of the putter head 106. In some implementations, data associated with a different portion of the putter head 106 other than the heel 800 and the toe 802 can be used to determine the angular orientation.

FIG. 12 shows an example method 1200 for determining angular orientation of the putter head 106 using time-based data. At step 1202, a first sensor collects a first timestamp. The first timestamp can be the time at which a first portion of the putter head 106 is at a predetermined distance (for example, distance D1) from the first sensor or the training aid device 100. The first portion of the putter head 106 can be the heel 800, the toe 802, or some other portion of the putter head 106. At step 1204, a second sensor collects a second timestamp. The second timestamp can be the time at which a second portion of the putter head 106 is at the predetermine distance from the second sensor or the training aid device 100. The second portion can be different from the first portion.

At step 1206, the first timestamp is compared with the second timestamp. At step 1208, the processor 200 can determine whether the first timestamp is greater than the second timestamp. In other words, the processor 200 determines whether the first portion (associated with the first timestamp) is travelling behind the second portion (associated with the second timestamp). Assuming that the first portion is the toe 802 and the second portion is the heel 800, if the first timestamp is greater than the second timestamp, the processor 200 can determines that putter head is in an “open” configuration at step 1210 (that is, the toe 802 is travelling behind the heel 800). If the first timestamp is not greater than the second timestamp, then the processor 200 determines whether the first timestamp is less than the second timestamp at step 1212. Assuming that the first portion is the toe 802 and the second portion is the heel 800, if the first timestamp is less than the second timestamp, the processor 200 can determines that putter head is in an “closed” configuration at step 1214 (that is, the toe 802 is travelling in front of the heel 800). If the first timestamp is not less than the second timestamp, the processor 200 can determine that the putter head 106 is “square” with the front surface 300 of the training aid device 100 at step 1216.

Although this disclosure has been described in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this disclosure, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, features described above in connection with one embodiment may be used with a different embodiment described herein and the combination still fall within the scope of the disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, or unless clearly incompatible, each embodiment of this invention may comprise, additional to its essential features described herein, one or more features as described herein from each other embodiment of the invention disclosed herein.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a sub combination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described may be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems may generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “may,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

Claims

1. A putting training device comprising:

a substantially flat base;

a striking surface extending upward from the base and substantially orthogonal to the base, the striking surface comprising a first area and a second area, the striking surface defining a first axis representing a desired putter face angle; and

a channel comprising a first opening and a second opening, the channel defining a second axis representing a desired putting line, the channel dimensioned to allow a golf ball to travel through the first opening and the second opening, the first opening defined by the striking surface and disposed between the first area and the second area of the striking surface,

wherein: the base is configured to contact a putting surface such that the striking surface is substantially orthogonal to the putting surface; and a contact between the striking surface and a putter indicates whether the putter is misaligned or aligned with respect to the striking surface at a time of the contact.

2. The putting training device of claim 1, wherein a heel of the putter comes into a contact with the first area or the second area and a toe of the putter comes into a contact the other of the first area or the second area.

3. The putting training device of claim 1, wherein the putter is misaligned with respect to the striking surface when a heel and a toe of the putter do not simultaneously contact the striking surface.

4. The putting training device of claim 1, wherein the putter is aligned with respect to the striking surface when a heel and a toe of the putter simultaneously contact the striking surface.

5. The putting training device of claim 1, wherein the first area and the second area are coplanar.

6. The putting training device of claim 1, wherein the first area and the second area are flush with a rest of the striking surface.

7. The putting training device of claim 1, further comprising:

a first sensor disposed about the first area, the first sensor configured to collect first data associated with the putter during the swing;

a second sensor disposed about the second area, the second sensor configured to collect second data associated with the putter during the swing; and

a processor configured to calculate a velocity and determine an angular orientation of the putter based at least on the first data and the second data.

8. The putting training device of claim 7, wherein:

the first data comprises a first timestamp when the putter is at a first distance from the first sensor;

the second data comprises a second timestamp when the putter is at a second distance from the second sensor.

9. The putting training device of claim 7, the device further comprising a third sensor configured to collect a third data associated with the putter head of the putter, wherein the third data comprises a third timestamp when the putter head is at a third distance from the third sensor.

10. The putting training device of claim 8, wherein the first distance and the second distance are the same, and wherein the angular orientation of the putter head is calculated based at least on a comparison of the first timestamp and the second timestamp.

11. The putting training device of claim 8, wherein the first distance and the second distance are different, and wherein the velocity of the putter head is calculated based at least on the first timestamp, the second timestamp, the first distance, and the second distance.

12. The putting training device of claim 7, wherein:

the first sensor determines a first timestamp when the toe or the heel of the putter comes into contact with the first area;

the second sensor determines a second timestamp when the other of the toe or the heel of the putter comes into contact with the second area; and

the processor determines the angular orientation based at least on the first timestamp and the second timestamp.

13. A putting training device comprising:

a base;

a striking surface comprising a first area and a second area, the striking surface defining a first axis representing a desired putter face angle; and

a channel comprising a first opening and a second opening dimensioned to allow a golf ball to travel through, the channel defining a second axis representing a desired putting line, the first opening defined by the striking surface and disposed between the first area and the second area of the striking surface;

a first sensor disposed about the first area, the first sensor configured to collect first data associated with a putter during a swing, the first data comprising a first timestamp when a heel of the putter is at a first distance from the first sensor;

a second sensor disposed about the second area, the second sensor configured to collect second data associated with the putter during the swing, the second data comprising a second timestamp when a toe of the putter is at a second distance from the second sensor; and

a processor configured to calculate a velocity and determine an angular orientation of the putter head based at least on the first data and the second data.

14. The putting training device of claim 1, wherein a heel of the putter comes into a contact with the first area or the second area and a toe of the putter comes into a contact the other of the first area or the second area.

15. The putting training device of claim 1, wherein the putter is misaligned with respect to the striking surface when a heel and a toe of the putter do not simultaneously contact the striking surface.

16. The putting training device of claim 1, wherein the putter is aligned with respect to the striking surface when a heel and a toe of the putter simultaneously contact the striking surface.

17. A method of providing a putting training, the method comprising:

collecting, using a first sensor, first data associated with a putter during a swing, the first data comprising a first timestamp when a first portion of the putter head is at a first distance from the training device;

collecting, using a second sensor, second data associated with the putter during the swing, the second data comprising a second timestamp when a second portion of the putter is at a second distance from the training device; and

calculating, using a processor, a velocity of the putter head and an angular orientation of the putter based at least on the first data and the second data.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising collecting third data associated with the putter during the swing, wherein the third data comprises a third timestamp when the putter is at a third distance from the training device.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein determining the velocity of the putter comprising:

comparing the first timestamp and the second timestamp, wherein the first distance and the second distance are different;

determining a difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp;

determining a difference between the first distance and the second distance; and

determining the velocity of the putter based at least on the difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp and the difference between the first distance and the second distance.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein determining the angular orientation of the putter head comprising:

comparing the first timestamp and the second timestamp, wherein the first distance and the second distance are the same; and

determining that the putter is misaligned with a desired putting line when the first timestamp is substantially different from the second timestamp; and

determining that the putter head is aligned with the desired putting line when the first timestamp is substantially same as the second timestamp.