Patent Grant
8702528
The present invention relates generally to a system for improving one's skills in putting a golf ball and, more particularly, for developing the skills of controlling putting distance, controlling putting speed, and focusing visual concentration within the framework of a game format, all of which are and executed upon an artificial grass mat.
Putting is generally considered the single most important skill required for a golfer. Consequently, putting is the one area where a golfer can most quickly improve scoring. Although virtually anyone can putt a golf ball, training towards competency and, ultimately, perfection is difficult as it requires hours of practice. Practice alone often becomes tedious; therefore, educators and coaches usually employ supplemental training materials to teach skills and to encourage practicing. These supplemental materials are designed around developing skill sets, while also being enjoyable and game-like, thus relieving training tedium. As a result, the invention herein described fulfills the need for supplemental golf putting instructional materials for developing specific putting skills and, at the same time, is enjoyable to do by oneself or with others who may or may not be golfers.
Several attempts have been made in the past to provide either golf putting games that provide no real system for improving putting skills, or training contraptions and methods that do not relieve the tedium of practicing.
No prior art discloses a combination of skill training and game-like conditions for participation by one to four people, whether or not they are golfers.
No prior art discloses a practice mat that is consistently flat and has indicia allowing for a plurality of skill training games and putting targets that can be used in either or both lengthwise directions.
No prior art discloses a practice mat that is selectively adjustable to provide textures and slopes for advanced users.
No prior art discloses a modular system that provides selectable mat configurations to enable a plurality of game styles and practice styles based upon user preferences.
No prior art discloses a system with all of these features which is fully collapsible for ease of storage and transport.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,678,823, in the name of Hugman, discloses a gutter area of an indoor putting game, comprising an undulating floor portion, a ball rack, and a curtain.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,584,877, in the name of Florian, describes a golf game utilizing a runner that simulates a golfing green with a targeted area that has a scoring means and an inclined portion with a ball-receiving cup. The present invention does not include an inclined plane or backboard and also describes and provides alternate games to be played on the playable surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,203,604, in the name of La Grange, teaches a golf game, utilizing a flexible elongated mat with a plurality of openings simulating holes on a golf course and a plurality of playing cards used in conjunction with a scoring scheme. Unfortunately, the present invention does not use a series of target holes that simulates holes on a golf course and, as such, differs in scope from the La Grange device.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,391, in the name of Carolan, Jr., discloses a portable golf game, utilizing a putter (said device having a walled and substantially planar playing surface), a target hole at one (1) end, at least one (1) obstacle, and wherein at least two (2) portions of the playing surface are selectively joinable to create a carrying case. The Carolan, Jr. device simulates a miniature golf hole, whereas the present invention is a planar surface with multiple target locations for training a user to putt straight at a target.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,026, in the name of Eady, describes a golf game having a flexible playing medium with one region for simulating non-putting shots and one (1) for simulating putting shots, and also has a series of charts depicting different regions on a golf course, wherein when said golf ball is putted to a chart delineating positioning the ball onto the putting region, the player's next shot is played in that region. The Eady device comprises a different playing scheme and device than that of the present invention, which assists in training a user to select a target and putt a ball towards that target with a straight stroke.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,250, in the name of Centafanti, discloses a portable golf putting course consisting of a flexible barrier surrounding a target area, which contains a plurality of objectives painted on the playing surface. The Centafanti device differs in scope in that it does not provide a scoring scheme similar to that of the present invention and also does not provide alternate games using the same playing surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,288, in the name of Kantner et al., teaches a golf putting game consisting of an angular framework, supporting a felt mat and pockets within the framework. The Kantner et al. device simulates the game of billiards, utilizing the tools of the game of golf and therefore differs in scope from the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,813, in the name of Huang, describes an indoor golf training course, including a teeing ground unit, a gutter ball return, a ball chamber, and a counting net foldably mounted on the back end of the teeing unit, incorporating a nested holder with various holes and wire channels for counting the score where a golf ball was driven in. Unfortunately, the Huang device is a complicated targeting device for scoring and identifying driven golf balls, whereas the present device has no moving parts and is easily portable and maneuverable and assists in training a user to putt a golf ball in a straight direction at an intended target.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,360, in the name of Shiffman, discloses a golf putting game apparatus comprising a scoring template to be placed on an existing playing surface, including a hole marking means, scoring zone marking means, and a holed-out zone marking means. When a golf ball is putted with the proper amount of speed and accuracy, it will settle into the desired zone. Scoring indicia are marked on the template. The Shiffman device does not provide a unitary mat that is portable and can be placed on any surface to train the skill of putting a golf ball at a selected target.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,738,594, in the name of Kinney, teaches a mat with a top surface that has a plurality of scoring areas marked thereon, including a boundary line that divides the top surface into two (2) longitudinal zones. The Kinney device does not provide a shuffleboard-like target scoring area as in the present invention and also does not provide a mat with a non-slip backing to allow it to be placed on any surface. Additionally, the Kinney device is not similarly equipped with alternate gaming strategies and equipment.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,256, in the name of MacLean et al., describes a portable putting surface comprising a plurality of separate panels mated together, said panels having a slope-adjusting means and side rails. A continuous length of artificial grass is placed overtop the mated panels and has a teeing section and a golf hole section. The MacLean et al. device differs from the present invention in that it includes a plurality of panels that must be attached together to make a playing surface. The present invention is meant to be simply rolled out onto a planar surface, (the better to practice straight putting), and does not have a ball-receiving hole as a target.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,590, in the name of Criger, discloses a scoring overlay in the form of a circular target with scoring indicia. The Criger device is designed to be placed overtop the golf hole after the golf putt has been made to determine the accuracy of the golf putt and adding scores based on the position. As such, the Criger device differs in scope from the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,797, in the name of Hull, teaches a method for playing a putting game on a golf green surface, wherein each player has a unique golf ball. All balls are placed on the circumference of a selected radius with the cup at the center. Each ball is putted until the ball enters the cup or is putted twice. A scoring scheme is based on each round.
None of the prior art particularly describes an invention that is both a golf ball putting training system and also a recreational game that can be played by one (1) or more participants, whether or not they are golfers. Accordingly, the need exists for supplemental training materials for the development of the golf ball putting skills of speed control, roll line, and visual focusing in a format that can also be used as a game played upon a portable flat surface.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that nothing addresses the need for supplemental training aids for practicing the skill of putting a golf ball that relieves the tedium of practicing and can also be played and enjoyed by individuals of various skill and age levels.
The supplemental training materials herein disclosed utilize game situations involving putting a golf ball that can involve friends and family, while providing the more serious golfer with an opportunity to improve putting skills. The supplemental games are performed within an area of limited space that forces the participants to focus on the target and concentrate on the basic skills of putting in order to achieve the desired target.
The game-oriented system for improving putting is primarily directed toward visual focusing, distance control, and achieving proper roll line within a ten (10) foot down range. It is generally accepted that improving scoring is best accomplished on a regular golf course by sinking a significant majority of putts in the two (2) to ten (10) foot length.
It is common on an actual putting green on a golf course that the line of a putt will seldom be perfectly straight and flat. Reading the texture, slopes, and undulations of the green is another important putting skill required of a successful putter. However, unless a golfer can properly focus and concentrate on the task and then putt a golf ball directly to a selected target with the proper speed, reading the green correctly will do no good. Thus, the training system of this invention teaches the essence of putting, which is at the base of a person using a putter to strike a golf ball and roll said ball into the hole. The training system of the invention further allows a person to selectively utilize profile inserts to add texture, slopes, and undulations to the mat in order to practice those skills.
Although the games serving as the supplemental training materials can stand separately as traditional games modified to use golf balls and a putter, a golfer determined to improve his or her putting skills will gain valuable experience and practice time. By using games that are somewhat related to known games, that are easy to learn to play, and that are fun and enjoyable will encourage golfers and non-golfers to play the games and to employ a system for improving putting skills.
Because the putting games can be played and enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, golfers can enjoy social interaction with non-golfing friends and family, while having the simultaneous benefit of training their putting stroke. The games can likewise be played exclusively by serious golfers, thus affording each golfer with training in concentration, directional putting, and control of speed within a competitive by enjoyable environment.
A golfer can individually use the mat. Competitors are not always necessary. Individual practice allows sufficient time for the golfer to concentrate on form and stroke, which are necessary to improving putting skills.
The system uses an artificial grass that has the texture and attributes of a typical golf green with a non-skid base surface.
The grass mat is imprinted with the playing surface used for the supplemental training games. The imprinting can likewise be used as target areas when practicing by oneself. The mat is imprinted in such a manner as to allow games to be played in both length-wise directions, thus accommodating up to four (4) participants.
The grass mat is made from artificial olefin fibers, or similarly suitable manufactured carpet fibers, with a slip-resistant synthetic backing and, thus, can be used equally well either indoors or outside.
The mat can be utilized with one (1) or more standing platforms along a side of the grass mat that provide a standing area for a user to putt a golf ball that is on the mat. The standing platforms provide a similar surface to the grass mat that is level with the grass mat to better simulate actual golfing conditions. The standing platforms can attach to the mat with a locking feature and can be removed and stored as desired.
The mat can be utilized with a backstop or with a semi-circular barrier in order to contain the golf balls to the mat. This in turn saves time collecting the balls, prevents the balls from becoming lost, prevents damage to the home or surrounding area, and enables additional game-play opportunities.
The mat is designed and dimensioned to both serve its training purposes and to be used in a hallway, living room or other areas of limited space.
The mat is further designed to allow for it to be conveniently rolled up for storage when not in use.
The system can further include one (1) or more modular practice putters each comprising a handle section, a middle section, a head section, and a plurality of threaded portions used to attach said sections. The practice putters, when assembled, function similarly to conventional putters, but can be collapsed for ease of storage and transportation.
The innovative training system for golf putting in a game format fulfills the identified need of providing a method of improving the most critical set of trainable motor skills involved with putting a golf ball, as well as providing an enjoyable set of recreational games.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which:
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within
The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
The present invention describes a training aid for practicing the skill of putting a golf ball in a straight direction (herein described as the “kit”) 10, which provides a means for practicing the art of putting for the game of golf.
Referring now to
The mat 20 is two (2) feet wide by ten (10) feet in length. Other lengths may be used; however, the two (2) foot width is dimensioned as to visually focus a participants 40 attention on a target on the mat 20 in order to improve concentration during the act of putting. The mat 20 is flexible so as to allow it to be rolled up for convenient storage or to be quickly unrolled for use either indoors or outdoors. The top or face of the mat 20 has imprinting for the various games on both ends so that it can be used equally in either direction. Scoring border indicia 14 segments each opposing lower ends of the mat 20 into scoring sections 19 and an “OFF” scoring section 18, labeled with scoring indicia 13 and “OFF” indicia 12, respectively. A plain center section 11 is located on each side of the mat 20 above the scoring sections 13 and is bisected with a horizontal center line 15 to separate the two (2) halves.
When a participant 40 utilizes the invention by themselves while practicing the skill of putting a golf ball 42 with a golf club 41, a target area is selected by the participant 40 from the mat's 20 indicia, most typically a scoring section 19. In this case, the participant 40 is visually focused on the target by both the restricted width of the mat 20 and the imprinted scoring section 19 on the mat 20. To complete the practice session, the participant 40 would direct their attention to the proper stroke to strike the golf ball 42 and have it roll straight and true, with the correct speed, to the selected target. The participant 40 may elect to putt one (1) or more balls 42 in succession in one (1) direction and then collect the balls 42 and return putt to another target in the opposite direction.
Referring now to
The shuffleboard arrangement 105 depicted in
The match shall begin with the flip of a coin between the captains of each team. The winner of the coin flip may have the first putt of the pallino (the target spheroid) or choose the color of the balls 42. A participant 40 may putt the pallino any distance so long as the pallino passes the center line 15 of the court and does not hit the back wall. If a participant 40 fails to validly putt the pallino after one (1) attempt, the opposing team will have a chance to putt the pallino and put it in play. If the opposing team fails to putt the pallino past the center line 15, the pallino reverts to the original team. In either case, when the pallino has been properly put in play, the team who originally putted the pallino will putt the first golf ball 42. The team who originally putted the pallino, whether successfully or not, putts the first golf ball 42. If the golf ball 42 hits the backboard, that team must putt again. Otherwise, the participant 40 steps aside and their team does not putt again until the opposing team has either gotten one (1) of its golf balls 42 closer to the pallino or has putt all of its balls 42. The team whose golf balls 42 are closest to the pallino is called “inside” and the opposing team “outside.” Whenever a team gets inside, it steps aside and lets the outside team play. The outside team putts until it beats (not ties) the opposing ball 42. This continues until both teams have used all of their golf balls 42 (a total of eight (8), or four (4) from each team). The team that scored last putts the pallino to begin the next frame. Should a player's golf ball 42 make contact with the backstop 111, the golf ball 42 is considered a dead ball 42 on impact and is removed from play until the end of the frame.
As the game is played and putting skills are developed, additional rules must be observed as outlined: 1) if the putted ball 42 comes to rest on the pallino or another ball 42 that is touching the back wall that putted ball 42 remains in play. The ball 42 touching the back wall is removed from play. If the pallino is touching the back wall it remains in play. 2) If a golf ball 42, after hitting the backstop 111, strikes a stationary golf ball 42, that stationary golf ball 42 shall be replaced in its original position. The putted ball 42 is removed from play. 3) If a golf ball 42 hitting the backstop 111 is not removed quickly enough and, as a result, strikes a moving ball 42 that likely would have hit the backstop 111, allowing the moving ball 42 to remain in play, that moving ball 42 remains in play where it comes to rest.
In regards to the “pallino,” which is the name ascribed to the target spheroid, once the pallino has been validly put into play, it remains in play even if it hits the backstop 111. However, if the pallino is knocked out of the court or it is knocked in the front of the center line 15, the frame will end, no points will be awarded, and the game will resume with the same team putting the pallino.
Scoring is accomplished and recorded in the following manner: Only the “inside” team scores. One (1) point is given for each inside team's ball 42 that is closer to the pallino than any ball of the opposing team. If at the end of any frame the closest ball 42 of each team is equidistant from the pallino, the frame ends in a tie and no (0) points are awarded to either team. The team who scores twelve (12) points wins the game and, as previously indicated, the winner must have a two (2) point advantage.
Referring now to
The base mat 80 further provides an attachment means to a pair of standing platforms 83 which enable a stable surface on which a participant 40 may stand during putting. The standing platforms 83 are fabricated of similar materials as the aforementioned base mat 80. The standing platforms 83 are removably attached to a perimeter edge of said base mat 80 at corner portions upon right and left long sides of the base mat 80 via integrally-molded “T”-shaped locking features 84 or equivalent locking geometric features which are integrally molded to the base mat 80 and protrude perpendicularly from each perimeter edge.
An additional means to retain a golf ball 42 during play is provided along each semi-circular end portions of the base mat 80 via respective vertical barriers 88 which extend at right angles from the base mat 80 approximately three (3) inches high. Said barriers 88 are held intimately against the arcuate end portions of said base mat 80 via a plurality of fastening hook-and-loop straps correspondingly bonded or sewn to said barriers 88 and end portions of the base mat 80. The barriers 88 are fabricated of semi-rigid extruded plastic sheet and are capable of being rolled compactly for convenient storage.
The base mat 80 also provides a means to emulate a variable topographic profile via a pair of profile inserts 90 comprising hollow or solid arcuate forms approximately one (1) to three (3) inches high which are to be inserted between the base mat 80 and the mat 20. Once installed, said profile inserts 90 causes the mat 20 to deflect upwardly so as to simulate topographic variations typically found on a golf course. One (1) or both profile inserts 90 may be positioned along either side edge of the mat 20 by a participant 40 to create a more challenging putting surface. The profile inserts 90 are fabricated of semi-rigid plastic in a molding process and may be introduced having a variety of sizes and shapes based upon a participant 40 preference. Said profile inserts 90 are generally hyperbolically-shaped with gradually tapering edges so as to minimize unsupported areas between the base mat 80 and the profile inserts 90. The profile insert 90 is depicted herein as being inserted between the mat 20 and the base mat 80 being positioned subjacent to an edge portion of the mat 20 which creates topical variations within the mat 20 to enhance a putting experience.
Referring now to
The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the kit 10, it would be installed as indicated in
The method of utilizing the kit 10 may be achieved by performing the following steps: placing the mat 20 on a desired level surface with the scoring sections 19 oriented upwardly; practicing putting as desired via striking a golf ball 42 towards a desired target the imprinted scoring section 19 on the mat 20; the participant 40 may also play a desired abovementioned game such as horseshoe arrangement 100, shuffleboard arrangement 105, or bocce arrangement 110; and, utilizing the kit 10 to practice putting a golf ball 42 with a golf club 41.
The alternate embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the kit 10, it would be installed as indicated in
The method of utilizing the kit 10 with the base mat 80 may be achieved by performing the following steps:
The method for utilizing the base mat portion 80 may be achieved by performing the following additional steps: unrolling the base mat 80 upon a floor surface 120; placing the mat 20 upon a top surface of the base mat 80; centering said mat 20 within the rim portions 82 of said base mat 80; attaching one (1) or both standing platforms 83 to the locking feature portions 84 based upon a desired putting location; inserting one (1) or both profile inserts 90 between the mat 20 and the base mat 80 at a desired location or locations to produce a desired topical profile; affixing the barriers 88 to the semi-circular end portions of the base mat 80 using the hook-and-loop straps 86; standing upon a standing platform 83 to strike the golf ball 42 using a conventional putter 41 or the modular putter 70; and, performing putting practice or a putting game as described above.
The method for utilizing the modular practice putter 70 may be achieved by performing the following additional steps: assembling the modular practice putter 70 by assembling or deploying the putter sections 72, 74, 76 into a unitary linear form; and, utilizing said modular practice putter 70 to perform normal putting practice or a putting game as described above.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
This utility patent application is a continuation of the provisional patent application filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Jun. 30, 2010 and referenced by No. 61/359,866.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61359866 | Jun 2010 | US |
