TARGET DEVICE AND METHOD THEREFOR

Abstract

A target device for improving a user's aim includes a base, a magnet and a rotatable target rod having a reset end member. The target device has a first state wherein the reset end member is releasably held in place by the magnet.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to a target device for improving a user's aim, and more particularly the invention relates to a golf putting aid that is used to improve a user's putting aim.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a well-known proverb which states that a golfer drives for show and puts for dough. In other words, those who are successful in golf should be excellent putters of the golf ball. To this end, efforts have been made in the past to develop golf putting practice devices to improve a user's putting by improving their aim in putting a golf ball into a golf hole. As the golfer's aim improves, their accuracy improves and as does their scoring in a game of golf. Past efforts to improve a golfer's aim using a practice putting device may be seen for example in U.S patent application publication number 2014/0038735 to Nicodem et al. (Nicodem), titled, “Golf Putting Practice Device and Methods of Practicing Thereof.”

Nicodem's device is complex and indeed requires energy, e.g. at least a battery and microprocessor with sensors. Therefore, it would be advantageous to produce a mechanically simple putting aid to improve a user's aim and accuracy in putting a golf ball that is low cost and free from numerous and complicated structural and and electrical components. There is a need for a simple device such that production and assembly thereof would be both low cost and simple relative to prior efforts. Further, it would be advantageous for a user to have a simple putting device that could be easily reset without electrical involvement while at the same time permitting the user to improve their putting aim and accuracy in putting a golf ball into a golf hole by practicing their putting using the putting device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a much needed, mechanically simple, target device that utilizes a minimum number of elements yet permits the user to practice on golf greens, golf mats, or on flooring for example in the user's home. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

In one aspect, the invention provides a target device for improving a user's aim utilizing the target device. More specifically, the invention is directed to improving a user's putting aim using the target device. The target device, when used as a putting aid, can be utilized on a golf practice mat having a putting hole or a putting cup, a practice putting green, a putting green with a putting hole, or on a flat surface.

The target device includes a base. The target device also includes a magnet. The target device also includes a rotatable target rod having a resent end member. The target device has a first state wherein the reset end member is releasably held in place by the magnet. That is, the reset end member is metallic or has a metallic portion such that there is enough of a magnetic attraction between the reset end member and the magnet to releasably hold the reset end member in place on the magnet. By, “releasably hold” it is meant that the force of magnetic attraction may be overcome by a greater force that detaches the reset end member from the magnet. For, example a golf ball struck by a putter in a typical putting stroke may provide enough force to overcome the magnetic attraction between the resent end member and the magnet.

The aspects of the invention discussed above may include the following features alone or in combination with any number of the features discussed below.

The base includes the magnet.

The base in cross section is wedge shaped.

The reset end member includes the magnet and the base includes at least a metallic portion to magnetically releasably hold the reset end member in a first position.

The magnet is located in a channel of the base.

The reset end member extends in a reset direction parallel to a top surface of the base in the first state.

The target device has a second state wherein the reset end member is detached from magnet.

In the second state the reset end member has rotated a first direction between five and ninety degrees relative to a first position of the resent end member in the first state. Thus rotation and rotatable should be understood to mean rotation may be more than zero degrees but less than 360 degrees.

The reset end is rotatable between five and ninety degrees in a second direction that is opposite the first direction to return the target device to the first state.

In the first state a target end of the rotatable target rod extends in an end direction transversely to a top plane defined by the top surface.

In the second state the reset end member extends in a third direction transversely to the top face, and a target end of the rotatable target rod extends in a fourth direction transversely to the third direction, the third and fourth direction being different directions.

The base includes a top surface that is a top plate that is releasably secured to the base.

The target end includes a removable target having a mounting portion for receiving the target end. The target end forms an acute internal angle measured from a top surface of the base toward the target end.

Rotating the reset end member rotates a target end of the rotatable target rod.

The rotatable target rod includes a target end and a first member, the first member is located between the target end and the reset end member. Rotating the reset end member rotates the first member. Rotating the target end rotates the first member. The first member is sandwiched between the base and the top surface.

A top surface covers the base. The top surface may be integral with the base or the top surface may be a top plate that may be formed of the same or different material than the base. The top plate may be permanently fixed to the base or it may be releasably secured to the base with known fastening means, for examples, magnets. By releasably secured it is meant that, as in the example given using magnets, the top plate is easily removed by overcoming the magnetic attraction/force between the top plate and the base.

The base of the target device may be sized such that an outer diameter may be received into a golf cup.

A top magnet or a plurality of top magnets located in or on the base releasably secure the top plate to the base.

The top plate extends radially beyond a front end of the base.

The target end includes forty-five degree bend along its length.

The target end is a target.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for improving a user's aim. The method includes the step of aiming at a target device. The method includes the step of applying a first force to a target end of a target device to rotate a target end and a reset end member of the target device in a first direction. The method includes the steps of applying a second force to the reset end member to rotate the reset end member in a second direction opposite the first direction. The method includes the step of releasably securing the target end to a base of the target device.

The aspects of the invention discussed above may include the following steps or features alone or in combination with any number of the step or features discussed below.

The step of applying the first force to the target end includes the step of putting a golf ball at the target end to provide the first force.

The target end is a target.

The step of applying a second force to the reset end member includes the step of contacting the reset end member with a golf putter.

The step releasably securing the target end to the base includes the step of magnetically holding the target end on a magnet of the target device.

The step of placing the target device in a golf practice mat hole or a putting cup or a putting green hole or on a flat surface.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a target device in a first state according to the teachings of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a side cross sectional view taken about line 2-2 of the target device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another side cross sectional view of the target device of FIG. 1 with a further embodiment of a rotatable target rod;

FIG. 4 is another side cross section view of a target device with another embodiment of a rotatable target rod;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the rotatable target rod of the target device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an isometric partial rear view of the removable target of the target device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the target device of FIG. 1 in a second state;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a base of the target device of FIG. 1 with the top surface removed and with a rotatable target device removed from a channel of the base; and

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a base of the target device of FIG. 1.

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 an exemplary embodiment of a target device 100 according to the teachings of the instant invention. The target device 100 includes a base 102. The base 102 is sized and shaped geometrically such that it can be at least partially received into a golf hole 104 shown schematically in dashed lines. Because of this arrangement, a user may insert the target device 100 into the golf hole 104 such that putting a golf ball 108 (shown in dashed lines) at the target device 100 would allow the golf ball 108, rolling along a green, to roll onto, along and up the top surface 106 of the target device 100.

A regulation golf hole 104 has an inner most diameter 110 of 4.25 inches. Accordingly, the target device 100 may have an outer diameter 112 of the base 102 such that it dimensioned, as readily understood in the art, to permit a press fit between the innermost diameter 110 of the golf hole 104 and the outer diameter of the base 112. The press fit removably fixes the target device 100 in the golf hole 104 so that at least a front circumferential portion 114 portion of the top surface 106 is parallel to the ground surrounding the golf hole 104. The press fit, as readily understood in the art, permits the target device 100 to be easily removed from the golf hole 104 by a user's own force, e.g. hands, when desired.

Because of the press fit, a bottom surface 116 of the base 100 need not extend a full depth of the golf hole 104 to meet with a floor 118 of the golf hole 104. However, it can be readily appreciated, in an embodiment, the bottom surface 112 of the golf hole may extend to the floor 118 of golf hole 104.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the target device 100 is in a first state wherein a removable target 120 is in an upright position to permit a user to aim at the removable target 120 so as permit the golf ball 108 to impart a force sufficient to rotate a back 127 of the removable target 120 towards the top surface 106 such that the removable target 120 appears to the user to have been knocked down. This provides a positive reinforcement via a visual feedback to the user that they have properly aimed the golf ball 108. While a golf hole 104 is depicted in FIG. 1, the target device 100 is not limited to a golf hole 104. Indeed, the target device 100 may be used, in many other ways, and by way of non-limiting examples, on a golf practice mat or in the hole of a golf practice mat or a putting cup or on a flat surface.

In the first state of the target device 100 a reset end member 122 of a rotatable target rod 123 of the target device 100 is in a first position whereby a reset central longitudinal axis 124 of the reset end member 122 extends in a reset direction 125 parallel with a top plane 154 defined by the top surface 106. More particularly, a first terminal end 126 of the reset end member 122 is nearer the front circumferential portion 114 of the top surface 106 than a back 128 of the top surface 106. Thus, the first terminal end 126 extends in a reset direction 125 towards the front circumferential portion 114 and parallel to a top diameter 132 of the top surface 106 extending between the front circumferential portion 114 and the back 128 of the top surface 106.

Magnets 134, 182 are located in the base 102 to releasably hold the reset end member 122. The reset end member 122 and the rotatable target rod 123 are made of a ferrous material for attraction to the magnets 134, 182. For example, the reset end member 122 may be made of steel or preferably of spring steel. In an embodiment, the reset end member 122 may contain one or more of the magnets 134, 182. The base 102 may contain a ferrous material attracted to the magnets 134, 182. The magnetic attraction, that is the force between one or more of the magnets 134, 182 and the metallic portion of the base 102 releasably holds the reset end member 122 to the base 102 in the first state of the target device 100. As illustrated, the reset end member 122 may include a rubber cover that surrounds at least the first terminal end 126. The rubber cover is of a thickness that does not prevent the magnetic attraction necessary to hold the reset end member 122 on the magnet 130. In other embodiments, there need not be a rubber cover.

A front face 136 of the removable target 120 may include graphics to provide further aiming assistance for a user of the device, e.g. a vertical line down the center of the removable target 120. The graphics may be in different colors and designed to be aesthetically pleasing or motivating for the user. The graphics can be provided by way of non-limiting examples, paint or stickers. Moreover, the removable target 120 may be changed out with another removable target that may be a different size and or shape that may for example give the user a bigger removable target 120 to aim at, or to increase the challenge to the user and improve the user's skill level with a smaller and/or narrower removable target 120 than that illustrated. The removable targets 120 may include a number visible to a user that represents the degree of difficulty, for example, where 1 may be the largest, easiest target to hit while removable target 3 may be the most difficult or vice versa.

The top surface 106 may also have graphics as described with the removable target 120. For example, the top surface 106 may have the top diameter 132 painted on the top surface 106 to provide a further visual aiming reference for the user. In another non-limiting example the top surface 106 may be made to resemble the floor 118 of the golf hole 104.

Turning to the side cross sectional view of FIG. 2, the target device 100 is in the first state with the removable target 120. The target device 100 is in an upright position ready to be struck by a user taking aim and putting the golf ball 108 (FIG. 1). The removable target 120, while upright in the first state is inclined toward the back 128 of the top surface 106 and away from the front circumferential portion 114 of the top surface 106 such that an acute angle 149 is present between the target device 120 and the top surface 106, as measured from the top surface 106 towards the removable target 120.

The front face 136 of the removable target 120 may be inclined at a first angle 138 in the first state between 0 and 45 degrees relative to vertical 140 and towards the back 128 of the top surface 106 and in a preferred embodiment between 2 and 35 degrees, and in a more preferred embodiment between 5 and 30 degrees. The incline of the removable target 120 assists the user in aiming while looking down at the target device 100.

The base 102 in cross section is generally the shape of a wedge. The top surface 106 slopes upwardly from a front end 151 to the back 128 of the top surface 106. The pitch is indicated by a second angle 142, that is an interior angle defined between the ground and the top surface 106. Thus, golf ball 108 (FIG. 1) rolls up the slope of the top surface 106 as it proceeds to the removable target 120. In an embodiment, the second angle 142 may be between 0.5 and 45 degrees, in another embodiment between 1 and 30 degrees, and in a preferred embodiment between 2 and 25 degrees.

The base 102 defines a first thickness 144 between the top surface 106 and the bottom surface 116 of base 102 at the front end 151. A second thickness 146 is defined between the base 102 and the top surface 106 at the back 128 of the top surface 106. The second thickness 146 is greater than the first thickness 144 so as to provide the desired pitch indicated by the second angle 142. The thicknesses 144, 146, as discussed previously, permits the base 102 to be press fit into the golf hole 104 such that a portion remains in the golf hold 104 and the top surface 106 remains above the golf hole with at least the front circumferential portion 114 meeting the ground surrounding the golf hole to permit the golf ball to roll onto the top surface 106.

Moreover, the increasing pitch of the base 102 from the front of the base 102 to the back 128 permits a user to put a golf ball 108 (FIG. 1) with the necessary force to reach the removable target 120 with sufficient speed to detach the reset end member 122 from the magnets 134, 182. Once the reset end member 122 detaches the rotatable target rod 123 rotates along with its target end 150. This rotation ends with the target device 100 in a second state (FIG. 4). The rotation should be understood as a rotation that “knocks down” the target 120. The pitch also provides a better visual position for the user when aiming at the target device 100. The pitch also assists the user with a better view to assess the correct distance he is away from the removable target 120. Yet further, the pitch allows the golf ball 108 (FIG. 1) to roll back away from the removable target 120 after hitting and knocking down the removable target 122. (See, FIG. 4).

The top surface 106 as illustrated is a top plate that is releasably secured to the base 102 with known fastening means, for example, magnets 148 (FIG. 6). The removable target 120 may be molded onto the target end 150 which serves as a mounting portion for the removable target 120. The removable target 120 can be interchanged with other removable targets 120 by removing the top plate and then exchanging the removable target 120 including the rotatable target rod 123. It is then exchanged with another removable target 120 including its rotatable target rod 123 and then the top plate is placed back on the base 102 where it may be held in place by top magnets in the base 102. The top plate may extend radially beyond a front a front end 151 of the base 102 to provide the front circumferential portion 114 of the top surface 106.

In other embodiments, the top plate 106 can be releasably secured by means other than magnets, for example screws. In and embodiment the screws may be thread forming screws. In yet other embodiments, the top plate 106 may be permanently attached to the base 102. In such embodiments, wherein the removable target 120 is not molded onto the target end 150 but instead is press fit on the target end 150 such that the removable target 120 can be exchanged with another by the user pulling the removable target 120 to slide it off the target end 150 and replacing it with another removable target 120 without having to detach the top surface 106 from the base 102. In embodiments where the top surface 106 may be integral with the base 102 the rotatable target rod 123 is still rotatable.

The first angle 138 of the removable target 120 is predetermined by the bend 121 of the rotatable target device 100 proximate the target end 150. In this first state of the target device 100, the target end 150 extends in an end direction 152 transversely to the top plane 154 defined by the top surface 106. The end direction 152 also extends transversely to the reset direction 125.

In an embodiment, the target end 150 does not receive a removable target 120. Instead, a user may put a golf ball 108 (FIG. 1) to knock down the target end 150. The target end 150 while shown in a rod shape may have various widths and heights. The user can exchange the target end 150 with another by removing the top surface 106 with the rotatable target rod 123 having a different sized target end 150.

FIG. 3 illustrates a target device 200 which is the same as the target device 100 except for a target end 250. Unlike target end 150, the target end 250 has a bent end portion 256 that extends in an end portion direction 258 that in the first state of the target device 200 is transverse to the top plane 254 and transverse to the reset direction 225. The removable target 220 may be sliding removed from the target end 250 end and the bent end portion 256 or in yet another embodiment it may be fixed to the target end 250 and bent end portion 256.

FIG. 4 illustrates a target device 300 which is the same as target device 100 except for a target end 350 of a rotatable target rod 323 (FIG. 5). Unlike target end 150, the target end 350 has a forty-five degree bend 356 along its length to better prevent lateral movement of the removable target 320. In other words, there is an angle 305 of 45 degrees created between a central longitudinal axis 303 of the removable target 320 and a top leg 307 of the bend 356 and there is an angel 305 of 45 degrees created between a bottom leg 309 of the bend 356 and the central longitudinal axis 303. While a preferred embodiment of 45 degrees is shown, in another embodiment the bend 356 may be between 20 and 60 degrees and in another embodiment between 30 and 50 degrees. The target end 350 may be snap fit into a channel 301 formed into the back of the removable target 320. Thus, the target end 350 can be easily be pulled out of the channel 301 to remove the removable target 320 and replaced with another removable target 320 with a different graphic or size.

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial view of the back of the removable target 320. Within channel 301 along a side wall of the channel 301 is a snap element 303 radiused to bear against and receive target end 350 (FIG. 4) in a removable snap fit. Thus, the removable target 320 is snap fit into the channel 301 to removably secure the removable target 320 to the target end 350.

A second state of the target device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 7. In the second state the reset end member 122 has rotated a first direction 160 between five and ninety degrees relative to the reset end position 162 in the first state as depicted in hidden lines in FIG. 7. To reach the second state of the target device 100, a user has aimed a golf ball 108 (FIG. 1) such that it has rolled onto the top surface 106 and struck the removable target 120 with sufficient force to detach the reset end member 122 from the magnets 134, 182. The reset end member 122 may rotate in the first direction between five and ninety degrees to reach the second state of the target device, and in a preferred embodiment between 10 and 85 degrees, and in a more preferred embodiment between 15 and 80 degrees.

Striking the removable target 120 with the golf ball 108 (FIG. 1) with sufficient force to detach the reset end member 122 and cause it to rotate in the first direction 160. The target end 150 which is connected to the reset end member 122 rotates simultaneously with the reset end member 122 in the first direction 160. Thus, rotating the reset end member 122 rotates the target end 150. In the second state, the reset end member 122 extends in a third direction 168 transversely to a fourth direction of extension 170 of the target end 150. The reset direction 125, the third direction 168, the end direction 152, and the fourth direction are not the same, that is they are each different directions. Also, in this view it can be readily appreciated that the bend 121 of the rotatable target rod 123 permits the target end 150 with its mounted removable target 120 to lay down over top surface 106 such that it can be said the removable target 120 has been knocked down to place the target device 100 in the second state.

To return to the first state of the target device 100, a user need only apply a reset force 164 to the reset end member 122 to rotate the reset end member 122 and the target end 150 together with the removable target 120 in a second direction 166 that is opposite the first direction 160. Because the resent end member 122 is upright in the second state, a user, without having to bend over, can simply use a putter, for example the bottom of the putter or the grip end of the putter to easily apply the necessary reset force 164 to rotate the reset end member 122 in the second direction 166. In so doing the reset end member 122 reattaches to the base 102 via the magnet 134. Rotating the reset end member 122 in the second direction 166 simultaneously rotates the target end 150 and the removable target 120 to place the target device 100 back into the first state ready for a user to take aim at the removable target 120 which has returned to its upright position in the first state.

Turning now to FIG. 8, the base 102 is generally in the shape of a circular wedge with a liner front end 151, which is a chord of the circular portion 172 of the base 102. Keyed positions 174, and 176 cooperate with receiving notches of the top surface 106 (FIG. 1) to provide a means by which to easily position the top surface 106 (FIG. 1) on top of the base 102. Further, top magnets 178, 180 provide the means to magnetically releasably secure the top plate 106 (FIG. 1) to the base 102. In other embodiments, instead of having top magnets 178, 180, one or more mounts 181, 183 may receive fasteners, for example screws to releasably secure the top surface 106 (FIG. 1) to the base 102. In yet another embodiment, the mounts 181, 183 may receive glue to permanently secure the top plate 160 the base 102.

Magnets 134 and 182 releasably hold the reset end member 122 (FIG. 1) of the rotatable target rod 123 to the base 102 to keep the target device 100 (FIG. 1) in the first state. The magnets 134, 182 and top magnets 178, 180 may be molded into the base 102 or fastened to the base 102 by means well known in the art. The base 102 includes a channel 184 to receive the rotatable target rod 123 and is sized to permit the target rod 123 to rotate within the base 102 with its top surface 106 (FIG. 1) secured to the base 102.

The rotatable target rod 123 is sandwiched between the top surface 106 (FIG. 1) and the base 102 in both the first and second states of the target device 100 (FIG. 1 and FIG. 4). The rotatable target rod 123 includes a first member 185 providing the connection between the reset end member 122 and the bend 121 which in turn provides the connection to the target end 150. Thus, the target end 150 is connected to the reset end member 122. The first member 185 is located in the channel 184 (FIG. 6) together with the reset end member 122 when the target device 100 (FIG. 1) is in its first and second states (FIG. 1 and FIG. 4).

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of the base 102 showing the bottom surface 116 of the base which may include a grip 188. The grip 188 may be a nub that is a raised protrusion along the bottom surface 116. There may be a plurality of grips 188 which act, along with the weight of the target device (FIG. 1) to prevent movement of the base 102 when receiving the golf ball 108 (FIG. 1) while the bottom surface 116 is resting on a flat surface. Non limiting examples of the flat surface may be a golf mat or carpet or tile floor where a user may be practicing his aim utilizing the target device 100 (FIG. 1).

In light of the foregoing disclosure and drawings the invention provides a method for improving a user's putting aim utilizing the target device 100 (FIG. 1). With respect to FIG. 1, a golfer can insert a portion of the base 102 under the top surface 106 in a golf hole 108 and then take aim at the removable target 122. The golfer then puts the golf ball 108 to hit the removable target 120 with the rolling golf ball 108 and knock the removable target 120. The golf ball 108 must be struck with sufficient force to hit the removable target 120 to break the magnet attraction between reset end member 122 and the magnets 134, 182 to rotate the target end 150 and a reset end member 122 of the target device 100 in a first direction 160 (FIG. 5) and thereby knock down the removable target 122.

Thereafter, a user may use his putter, without even bending over, to apply a second force, that is the reset force 164 (FIG. 7) to the reset end member 122 (FIG. 7) to rotate the reset end member 122 in a second direction 166 opposite the first direction 160 to releasably secure the target end 150 to the base 102 of the target device 100 via magnets 134, 182 in the base 102.

A user may utilize the target device 100 to practice the user's aim by any number of means for example, placing the target device in a golf practice mat hole or a putting cup or a putting green hole or on a flat surface. Further, embodiments of the invention provide for a golf game where a user or users may place a plurality of target devices 100 (FIG. 1) on a putting green in golf holes on a practice green or on a flat surface and score based on knocking down the removable targets 120 (FIG. 1).

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A target device for improving a user's aim, the target device comprising:

a base;

a magnet;

a rotatable target rod having a reset end member;

wherein the target device has a first state wherein the reset end member is releasably held in place by the magnet.

2. The target device of claim 1, wherein the base in cross section is wedge shaped and includes the magnet to releasably hold the reset end member in the first state.

3. The target device of claim 1, wherein the reset end member includes the magnet and the base includes at least a metallic portion to releasably hold the reset end member in the first state.

4. The target device of claim 2, wherein the magnet is located in a channel of the base.

5. The target device of claim 2, wherein the reset end member extends in a reset direction parallel to a top surface of the base in the first state.

6. The target device of claim 2, wherein the target device has a second state wherein the reset end member is detached from magnet.

7. The target device of claim 2, wherein in the second state the reset end member has rotated a first direction between five and ninety degrees relative to a first position of the resent end member in the first state.

8. The target device of claim 7, wherein the reset end member is rotatable between five and ninety degrees in a second direction that is opposite the first direction to return the target device to the first state.

9. The target device of claim 5, wherein in the first state, a target end of the rotatable target rod extends in an end direction transversely to the first plane.

10. The target device of claim 9, wherein in the second state, the reset end member extends in a third direction transversely to the top face, and a target end of the rotatable target rod extends in a fourth direction transversely to the third direction, the third and fourth direction being different directions.

11. The target device of claim 1, wherein the base includes a top surface that is a top plate that is releasably secured to the base.

12. The target device of claim 1, wherein a target end of the rotatable target rod includes a removable target having a mounting portion for receiving the target end, the target end forming an acute internal angle measured from a top surface of the base toward the target end.

13. The target device of claim 1, wherein rotating the reset end member rotates a target end of the rotatable target rod.

14. The target device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable target rod includes a target end and a first member, the first member located between the target end and the first member; and wherein the first member is sandwiched between the base and a top surface covering the base.

15. The target device of claim 11, wherein top magnets located in the base releasably secure the top plate to the base and wherein the top plate extends radially beyond a front end of the base.

16. The target device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable target rod includes a target end, the target end includes forty-five degree bend along its length.

17. A method for improving a user's aim, the method including the steps of:

aiming at a target device;

applying a first force to a target end of a target device to rotate a target end and a reset end member of the target device in a first direction;

applying a second force to the reset end member to rotate the reset end member in a second direction opposite the first direction;

releasably securing the target end to a base of the target device.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of applying the first force to the target end includes the step of putting a golf ball at the target end to provide the first force.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of applying a second force to the reset end member includes the step of contacting the reset end member with a golf putter.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step releasably securing the target end to the base includes the step of magnetically holding the target end on a magnet of the target device.