U.S. patent application number 11/873529 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for indoor golf putting training apparatus.
Invention is credited to Jong Soo PARK.
Application Number | 20080102970 11/873529 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38103576 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080102970 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARK; Jong Soo |
May 1, 2008 |
INDOOR GOLF PUTTING TRAINING APPARATUS
Abstract
Provided is an indoor golf putting training apparatus, which
includes a golf putting pad, a target block, an effective target
portion, and a stand-alone erect mirror. The golf putting pad has a
flat and extensive surface, which including a first golf putting
reference point which is formed at the rear side of a virtual golf
putting line in the lengthy direction, a collimating point which is
formed on the virtual golf putting line at the front of the first
golf putting reference point, a collimating line which connects the
first golf putting reference point and the collimating point, and a
second golf putting reference point which is formed at the rear
side of the first golf putting reference point in order to perform
a high-level golf putting operation. The target block made of a
hard material is installed at the most leading position of the
virtual golf putting line on the golf putting pad. The effective
target portion made of a sound absorption material is installed at
the central portion of the target surface of the target block. The
stand-alone erect mirror is located at the front line of the golf
putting pad.
Inventors: |
PARK; Jong Soo; (Seoul,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY LLP
224 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, SUITE 1600
CHICAGO
IL
60604
US
|
Family ID: |
38103576 |
Appl. No.: |
11/873529 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/180 ;
473/267 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/0694 20130101;
A63B 2225/12 20130101; A63B 24/0003 20130101; A63B 69/3676
20130101; A63B 2071/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/180 ;
473/267 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 25, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0104092 |
Claims
1. An indoor golf putting training apparatus comprising: a golf
putting pad having a flat and extensive surface, which comprises: a
first golf putting reference point which is formed at the rear side
of a virtual golf putting line in the lengthy direction; a
collimating point which is formed on the virtual golf putting line
at the front of the first golf putting reference point; a
collimating line which connects the first golf putting reference
point and the collimating point; and a second golf putting
reference point which is formed at the rear side of the first golf
putting reference point in order to perform a high-level golf
putting operation; a target block made of a hard material, which is
installed at the most leading position of the virtual golf putting
line on the golf putting pad; an effective target portion made of a
sound absorption material, which is installed at the central
portion of the target surface of the target block; and a
stand-alone erect mirror which is located at the front line of the
golf putting pad.
2. The indoor golf putting training apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the golf putting pad is made of a PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride)
material which is used as a laminated floor paper.
3. The indoor golf putting training apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the target block is made of nature wood, and the effective
target portion is made of a fabric material.
4. The indoor golf putting training apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the lower end portion on the front surface of the target
block is chamfered.
5. The indoor golf putting training apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the mirror is erect by a mount support stand.
6. The indoor golf putting training apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the distance from the most leading end of the golf putting
pad to the first golf putting reference point is 2 m-2 m 10 cm, the
length of the collimating line is 20 cm-30 cm, and the distance
from the first golf putting reference point to the second golf
putting reference point is 60 cm.
7. The indoor golf putting training apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein when the collimating line and the first and second golf
putting reference points are discolored or erased, a restoring line
which is a reference line for restoring the collimating line and
the first and second golf putting reference points into the
original states is formed at the most leading position of the
virtual golf putting line and the last position of the virtual golf
putting line, respectively.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2006-0104092, filed on Oct. 25, 2006, in the
Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an indoor golf putting
training apparatus, and more particularly, to an indoor golf
putting training apparatus which has an appropriate structure of
training a golfer to forward a golf ball straightly to a target
point on a flat and extensive golf putting mat, in order to
maximize a success probability of a short-distance golf putting
shot of a near distance (about 2 m or so) during golf putting.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A golf shot is largely divided into two kinds in a golf
game. The first kind of the golf shot is a shot which needs a big
swing using a driver, a wood club, an iron club, etc., and which is
performed on a fairway. The second kind of the golf shot is a soft
and exquisite shot which is performed on the surroundings of a golf
putting green or on a golf putting green, and which is done in a
short-distance golf game that uses a golfer's confined muscle and
requires a strong spiritual strength. In order to obtain a good
score in a golf game, all shots are important but in particular a
success rate of a short-distance golf putting shot within 1 m 50 cm
should be heightened. Success or failure in a short-distance golf
putting shot does not only make a big influence on a tee shot of
the next hole, but also becomes a decisive factor in the result of
the golf game. Accordingly, every and each golfer should master
know-how through a systematic and efficient practice at ordinary
times and keep a golf putting sense continuously.
[0006] The most important point in a short-distance golf putting
technology is an ability of sending a golf ball exactly straightly
to a desired point in place by a golfer who plays golf putting.
Most amateur golfers and some professional golfers may fail in
sending a golf ball exactly by a putter to a desired point in
place. Most amateur golfers lack a basic ability of sending a golf
ball softly straightly to a target point, respectively. Some of
professional tour golf players have an ability of sending a golf
ball softly straightly to a target point, respectively, but since
the muscles of the golf players' bodies are overstrained because of
an oppressive feeling on a success of a short-distance golf putting
operation, a yipe phenomenon that a golfer hesitates and taps on a
golf ball suddenly may occur. If a golfer fails in a short-distance
golf putting operation due to lack of confidence, he or she may
shaken spiritually to thereby often spoil the golf game.
[0007] Therefore, in order for a golfer to be good at golf putting,
he or she should have a firm pride as well as an ability of always
sending a golf ball straightly to a desired point in place within
200 cm at a flat and extensive field that is not inclined. For this
purpose, an golf putting training apparatus that can be always
simply conveniently used while certainly securing an effect of
enhancing a golfer's confidence on a golf putting operation.
However, it is not possible for golf trainees to efficiently do a
golf putting practice in a current indoor golf practice facility.
Most of commercialized putting training apparatuses are implemented
into a circumstance similar to a golf putting green in a real golf
playing course, and focused on only a practice which trains a
trainee golfer to be adapted to a real golf playing situation. Only
golfers who have already mastered basic know-how on golf putting
may receive a substantial assistance from an existing training
apparatus. Golfers who have not already mastered basic know-how on
golf putting may learn a bad habit or attitude of a real shot in
playing a golf game, to accordingly waste only time or cause an
adverse effect. Moreover, the circumstance of a golf putting green
differs in its feature with the morning or afternoon of the day
even in an identical green and according to the length of the
grass. In addition, the circumstance of a golf putting green
differs according to a rainy day and a windy day. In particular,
since there are various kinds of grass in a golf playing green, it
is difficult to form such various kinds of golf putting green
environments in the conventional golf training apparatus. Even if
the conventional golf training apparatus may be realized to have
various kinds of golf putting green environments, they may not be
helpful for trainee golfers who play a real golf playing game in
real golf playing greens which have various kinds of grass.
Further, some of existing golf training apparatuses which enable
trainee golfers to learn a basic technology are in pursuit of too
theoretical points, or are focused on making a hole cup or only
collecting a golf ball to be returned. As a result, the existing
golf training apparatuses have become golf putting practice mats
differing from the real situation, which provide a low value in a
practical use. Further, some training apparatuses are coarse or
complex, which may be treated as disgust facilities and provide a
problem of a high price.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] To solve the above problems of the conventional art, it is
an object of the present invention to provide an indoor golf
putting training apparatus whose structure is simple and
installation and removal is easy.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
indoor golf putting training apparatus which goes well even if it
is installed in any indoor places since it is made of the similar
or same material to or as that of a building material, to thereby
provide an interior ornamental decoration.
[0010] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an indoor golf putting training apparatus having a flat and
extensive golf putting pad, which enables trainee golfers to learn
the most basic ability of accurately sending a golf ball to a
target pint in place on a flat and extensive field which is not
inclined among various golf putting technologies.
[0011] To accomplish the above objects of the present invention,
there is provided an indoor golf putting training apparatus
comprising:
[0012] a golf putting pad having a flat and extensive surface,
which comprises: a first golf putting reference point which is
formed at the rear side of a virtual golf putting line in the
lengthy direction; a collimating point which is formed on the
virtual golf putting line at the front of the first golf putting
reference point; a collimating line which connects the first golf
putting reference point and the collimating point; and a second
golf putting reference point which is formed at the rear side of
the first golf putting reference point in order to perform a
high-level golf putting operation;
[0013] a target block made of a hard material, which is installed
at the most leading position of the virtual golf putting line on
the golf putting pad;
[0014] an effective target portion made of a sound absorption
material, which is installed at the central portion of the target
surface of the target block; and
[0015] a stand-alone erect mirror which is located at the front
line of the golf putting pad.
[0016] Preferably but not necessarily, the golf putting pad is made
of a PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) material which is used as a laminated
floor paper.
[0017] Preferably but not necessarily, the target block is made of
nature wood, and the effective target portion is made of a fabric
material.
[0018] Preferably but not necessarily, the lower end portion on the
front surface of the target block is chamfered.
[0019] Preferably but not necessarily, the mirror is erect by a
mount support stand.
[0020] Preferably but not necessarily, the distance from the most
leading end of the golf putting pad to the first golf putting
reference point is 2 m-2 m 10 cm, the length of the collimating
line is 20 cm-30 cm, and the distance from the first golf putting
reference point to the second golf putting reference point is 60
cm.
[0021] Preferably but not necessarily, when the collimating line
and the first and second golf putting reference points are
discolored or erased, a restoring line which is a reference line
for restoring the collimating line and the first and second golf
putting reference points into the original states is formed at the
most leading position of the virtual golf putting line and the last
position of the virtual golf putting line, respectively.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The above and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent by describing the preferred
embodiment thereof in more detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an indoor
golf putting training apparatus according to the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a plan view for explaining details of a golf
putting pad which is used in the indoor golf putting training
apparatus according to the present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining an installed
state of the indoor golf putting training apparatus according to
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] An indoor golf putting training apparatus according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described
below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an indoor golf putting training
apparatus according to the present invention includes a golf
putting pad 10, a target block 20 and a mirror 30 largely.
[0028] The golf putting pad 10 is made of a PVC (Polyvinyl
Chloride) material which is used as a laminated floor paper. Since
the surface of the floor paper is slippery, a golf ball may be
slipped on the floor paper. Considering a phenomenon of making a
golf ball slipped due to the slippery feature of the golf putting
pad 10 made of the floor paper, the golf putting pad 10 is
preferably made of a floor paper whose surface is not too slippery
but has a proper surface roughness which may cause a frictional
force with respect to a golf ball.
[0029] In addition, the center-line of lengthy direction on the
upper surface of the golf putting pad 10 is determined as a virtual
golf putting line 11 (which is shown in a one-point-chain-line in
the drawings but is not drawn in an actual product). A first golf
putting reference point 12 at which golf putting beginners (amateur
golfers) put a golf ball is formed at the rear side of the virtual
golf putting line 11. In addition, a collimating point 16 is formed
on the virtual golf putting line 11 at the front of the first golf
putting reference point 12. A collimating line 13 which connects
the first golf putting reference point 12 and the collimating point
16 is formed on the golf putting pad 10. Accordingly, a problem of
scattering a golfer's gaze which may be caused by making a golfer
gaze at a target point in place and a golf ball during golf putting
practice is solved. That is, the indoor golf putting training
apparatus according to the present invention makes trainee golfers
foster a habit of fixing a gaze at the collimating point 16, to
thereby prevent an amateur golfer's head-up operation. In addition,
the present invention makes trainee golfers foster a basic ability
of collimating a golf putting direction without seeing a target
point in place. The collimating line 16 becomes a direction guide
of a practice stroke and an actual putting stroke.
[0030] In addition, a second golf putting reference point 14 is
formed at the rear side of the first golf putting reference point
12 of the virtual golf putting line 11 for professional golfers.
Since the second golf putting reference point 14 is farther than
the first golf putting reference point 12 from a target block 20 to
be described later, the present invention enables professional
golfers to perform a high-level golf putting operation unlike
amateur golfers.
[0031] In addition, when the collimating line 13, the collimating
point 16 and the first and second golf putting reference points 12
and 14 are discolored or erased, a restoring line 15 which is a
reference line for restoring the collimating line 13, the
collimating point 16 and the first and second golf putting
reference points 12 and 14 into the original states is formed at
the most leading position of the virtual golf putting line 11 and
the last position of the virtual golf putting line 11,
respectively. Since the collimating line 13, the collimating point
16 and the first and second golf putting reference points 12 and 14
are represented on the operational surface of the golf putting pad
10, they may be discolored, dimmed or erased when used for a long
time. In this case, the restoring lines 15 are used to restore the
markings of the collimating line 13, the collimating point 16 and
the first and second golf putting reference points 12 and 14.
Accordingly, a service life of the indoor golf putting training
apparatus can be extended.
[0032] Meanwhiles, the full length (length from "a" to "b" of FIG.
2) of the golf putting pad 10 is 300 cm. The distance l.sub.1 from
the most leading end "a" of the golf putting pad 10 to the first
golf putting reference point 12 is preferably 2 m-2 m 10 cm. This
indoor golf putting training apparatus aims at maximizing a success
probability of a short-distance golf putting shot of a near
distance, in particular, within 150 cm during golf putting in a
golf playing game. In order to ordinarily succeed in a
short-distance golf putting shot of 150 cm, golfers preferably have
an ability of sending a golf ball straightly to a desired point in
place at a distance of about 200 cm. Accordingly, the distance
l.sub.1 from the most leading end "a" of the golf putting pad 10 to
the first golf putting reference point 12 is preferably set as 2
m-2 m 10 cm.
[0033] In addition, the length l.sub.2 of the collimating line 13
becomes 20-30 cm. In the case that the length of the collimating
line 13 is 20 cm or below, the length l.sub.2 of the collimating
line 13 is too short, and thus it is difficult for a trainee golfer
to strike a golf ball accurately along the collimating line 13
during golf putting. In the case that the length of the collimating
line 13 is 30 cm or above, the collimating point 16 is not seen at
a golfer's gaze to thereby drop concentration of the golfer's gaze.
That is, the length of the collimating line 13 which is 20 cm or
below or 30 cm or above makes a bad influence upon an accuracy of
golf putting. Thus, the length of the collimating line 13 is set in
the range of 20-30 cm.
[0034] In addition, the distance l.sub.3 between the first golf
putting reference point 12 and the second golf putting reference
point 14 is made to maintain a distance of 50-60 cm. The putting
distances of the amateur golfers and professional golfers differ
from each other.
[0035] The target block 20 is a device which corresponds to a hole
cup which is formed on a putting green in a real golf field. The
target block 20 is fixedly installed at the most leading position
of the virtual golf putting line 11 on the golf putting pad 10, and
becomes a target during putting practice. Here, the target block 20
is made of bar type nature wood of height of 4 cm, width of 5 cm,
and length of 15 cm for harmonization with respect to an indoor
ornamental decoration. When the golf-putted ball collides with the
target block 20, collision sound is heard to thereby enable the
trainee golfer to judge whether or not the golf ball has been
accurately hit to the target block 20 through an auditory sense not
a visionary sense.
[0036] In addition, an effective target portion 22 made of a fabric
material of thickness of 2 mm, width of 4 cm, and length of 1 cm is
attached on the central portion of the target surface 21 of the
target block 20. Accordingly, when the golf ball is hit to the
effective target portion 22, a collision sound is not heard or
sounds feeble. As a result, the trainee golfer may feel auditorily
whether or not an accurate golf putting operation is performed.
[0037] The lower end portion on the front surface of the target
block 20 is chamfered as shown as a reference numeral 23 in FIGS. 1
and 3. In the case that the target block 20 is installed in order
to closely contact a wall corner as shown in FIG. 3, the target
block 20 may be prevented from closely contacting the wall corner
due to a molding "m" located on the wall corner.
[0038] Meanwhiles, it is preferable that the mirror 30 is formed of
a size of enabling a trainee golfer to see his or her full body.
The mirror 30 may be installed on the wall of a building as shown
in FIG. 3, or may be installed erect by an additional mount support
stand 31 as shown in FIG. 1. Here, the mirror 30 is used to make
the trainee golfer to check his or her putting attitude and an
alignment state of his or her body. Accordingly, the mirror 30 is
installed leaning toward the trainee golfer. More accurately, it is
preferable that the mirror 30 is installed to make the virtual golf
putting line 11 coincide with the inner side surface of a vertical
frame 30a formed at one side of the mirror 30.
[0039] As described above, the present invention has been described
with respect to a particularly preferred embodiment. However, the
present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it is
possible for one who has an ordinary skill in the art to make
various modifications and variations, without departing off the
spirit of the present invention.
[0040] As described above, an indoor golf putting training
apparatus according to the present invention employs a flat and
extensive mat and a collimating measure which can make a trainee
golfer perform an accurate golf putting operation. Accordingly, the
present invention enables the trainee golfer to concentrate to
practice a short-distance golf putting within 200 cm, to thus make
the trainee golfer accurately succeed in a golf putting operation
with the eyes closed. Therefore, the present invention provides an
effect of making trainee golfers learn a basic knowledge with
respect to a short-distance golf putting.
[0041] In addition, since the indoor golf putting training
apparatus according to the present invention is simple in its
structure and light in its weight, it can be easily installed in or
removed from a resident space or office. Accordingly, users may
conveniently handle the indoor golf putting training apparatus.
Further, the price of the indoor golf putting training apparatus is
low, that is, inexpensive.
* * * * *