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  Golf putting training deviceUSPTO Application #: 20060142092Title: Golf putting training device Abstract: There is provided a golf putting training apparatus that is portable and operable with standard USGA golf equipment. The apparatus include parallel channels each emanating from a respective dimple. The channels are separated by a distance such that a golf ball placed on each dimple can be simultaneously using a standard putter, but also so that the golf balls do not contact each other. A chamfered portion allows the golf balls to roll continously off of the apparatus and onto an undersurface. By measuring the distance that each golf ball travels, a golfer gauges the accuracy of his swing. An obverse surface of the apparatus contains indicia that assists a golfer in aligning his positioning and stroke. (end of abstract)
Agent: David Giglio Attorney At Law - Utica, NY, US Inventor: James Patrick McNulty USPTO Applicaton #: 20060142092 - Class: 473257000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Golf, Practice Swingable Implement Or Indicator Associated With Swingable Implement, Swingable Implement Swing Path Indicator The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060142092. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of golf and, more particularly, to a device that improves a golfer's putting stroke. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Golf putting training devices are generally known and are used to improve a golfer's putting stroke. Many of these devices require the use of non-standard equipment to give a golfer an opportunity to improve his putting stroke. However, these devices fail to allow the golfer to grasp putting improvement with the feel of his regular equipment. Thus, the improvement usually results in an improvement in using the particular device and not an improvement in real golf putting overall. [0003] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,357,705 to Blanchard describes using a pair of golf balls joined by a flexible member. This device allows a golfer to take a full swing with any club whereby the projectile travels only a short distance. However, there is no way to accurately gauge the trueness of the swing using this projectile. Further, the projectile is a non-standard piece of equipment that does not feel like the real thing. One might as well swing his club at a pillow cushion if his concern is a shortness of distance. [0004] U.S. Pat. No. 3,918,720 to Gordo shows a putting training apparatus in which two golf balls are joined by a rigid rod. Each of the balls are struck simultaneously by a putter. If both balls are struck at the same time the apparatus moves in a straight line. Again this device does not move as a real golf ball, but moves more as a wheel set, thus depriving the user of the feel of striking a real golf ball. Further, one slight foreign object in the path of either ball caused the apparatus to pronouncedly ramble off course. [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,278,254 to Simjian offers a golf putting device wherein a golf ball is suspended between two wheels. If the wheels are struck simultaneously, the device travels in a straight line. Once again, this device does not offer the golfer an opportunity to practice with a real golf ball. Further, a pronounced curvature of travel occurs where either wheel strikes a foreign object on the surface. [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,411,431 to Judice describes also a pair of golf balls joined by a rigid member. One of the balls is struck along the axis defined by the rigid member. If the ball is squarely struck, then both balls travel along the axis defined by the rigid member. Otherwise, the balls travel angularly. This device has the same shortcomings as those to Gordo and Simjian. [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,912 to Hickman shows a golf putting teaching aid which includes a rectangular putting surface having a putter line located lengthwise down the surface. The golfer swings and gauges the accuracy and force of his swing by observing the path of the ball in relation to the putting line. One problem with this device is that it is bulky and non-transportable. SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION [0008] It is an object of the present invention to improve the art of golf and more particularly the art of putting. [0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a golf putting training device that is portable. [0010] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a golf putting training device that allows a golfer to improve his putting using standard United States Golf Association ("USGA") equipment that the golfer typically carries in his own golf bag. [0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a golf putting training device that fits into the golfer's bag. [0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golf putting training device that includes relevant indicia which assists the golfer in aligning his stroke. [0013] These and other objects are provided by a golf putting practice apparatus in which an obverse surface includes a pair of substantially identically shaped parallel golf ball channels, wherein each of the channels include sufficient width and depth to allow a golf ball to travel therein. An intermediate area separates the channels. The intermediate area is of sufficient width such that a pair of golf balls placed side by side in each of the channels do not contact each other. The intermediate area is also of such a width that each of the placed golf ball can be struck simultaneously with a standard USGA putter. [0014] Each of the channels emanates from a respective channel dimple. Ideally these dimples are separated on-center by approximately 1 13/16 inches. A central dimple disposed in the intermediate area allows a golfer to use a single ball for target practice. [0015] Each of the channels progresses in a uniform upwardly inclined plane, wherein the inclined planes terminate at a chamfered portion of the surface. [0016] A swing vertex line defines the lowest point of a swing arc for properly striking the pair of golf balls. A hatched golf tee image impressed on the surface defines a properly directed swing arc. A top tee portion of the hatched golf tee image has a width substantially similar to the width of a standard USGA putter head. [0017] Typically, the apparatus is one piece injection molded design or machined, preferably made of a polycarbonate material. [0018] Optionally, the reverse surface of the golf putting device includes a second chamfered portion and a golf hole image such that a first apparatus can be used as a tee point while the second surface of a second apparatus can be used as a target. Thus, the apparatus can be flipped over for repeated target practice between the two. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: [0020] FIG. 1 is an obverse view of the playing surface of the apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Continue reading... Full patent description for Golf putting training device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Golf putting training device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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