U.S. patent application number 12/029598 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-13 for probe golf training putter.
Invention is credited to Derek Clark.
Application Number | 20090203460 12/029598 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40939379 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090203460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clark; Derek |
August 13, 2009 |
PROBE GOLF TRAINING PUTTER
Abstract
A putting training system is described which includes a modified
putter head and may include a modified golf ball. The putter head
includes sensor prongs which project from the putter head face.
Inventors: |
Clark; Derek; (San Marcos,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WESLEY B. AMES
7031 LOS VIENTOS SERENOS
ESCONDIDO
CA
92029
US
|
Family ID: |
40939379 |
Appl. No.: |
12/029598 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/236 ;
473/200; 473/280; 473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3685 20130101;
A63B 69/3688 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/236 ;
473/200; 473/280; 473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Claims
1. A golf training putter head, comprising a body comprising a
planar ball contact face; and two spaced apart prongs projecting
from said face.
2. The putter head of claim 1, wherein said prongs are spaced apart
a distance less than the diameter of a standard golf ball.
3. The putter head of claim 1, wherein said prongs are spaced apart
a distance slightly greater than the diameter of a standard golf
ball.
4. The putter head of claim 1, wherein said prongs are
substantially perpendicular to said face.
5. The putter head of claim 1, wherein said prongs diverge.
6. The putter head of claim 1, further comprising a contact sensor
in said face between said prongs.
7. The putter head of claim 6, wherein centered contact of a golf
ball with said sensor produces a visible display.
8. The putter head of claim 7, wherein said display comprises an
LED which illuminates upon said centered contact.
9. The putter head of claim 1, wherein said prongs are mounted on
at least one spring pivot.
10. The putter head of claim 9, wherein said prongs are mounted in
a first insert which is replaceably mounted in said body behind
said face.
11. The putter head of claim 10, wherein said first insert is
replaceable with a putting insert.
12. The putter head of claim 9, wherein lateral deflection of a
prong upon ball contact is indicative of an off-center contact.
13. A golf putting training ball comprising a spherical ball having
two, substantially parallel, spaced apart circumferential grooves,
wherein said ball has the diameter substantially that of a standard
golf ball.
14. The ball of claim 13, wherein said ball is the weight of a
standard golf ball.
15. The ball of claim 13, wherein said ball comprises a
circumferential metal band.
16. The ball of claim 13, wherein the width of said grooves are
approximately 3 mm.
17. The ball of claim 13, wherein interior of said grooves are
central cylinder sections with diameters of approximately 12
mm.
18. A golf putting training system, comprising a golf training ball
having two parallel, spaced apart circumferential grooves; and a
golf training putter comprising a putter head body having a planar
ball contact face, and two spaced apart prongs protruding through
said face, wherein said ball and said putter are configured such
that said prongs can fit within said grooves without contacting
said ball.
19. A golf putting training method comprising striking a golf
training ball with a golf training putter causing said ball to
roll; and observing whether the behavior of said ball or an
indicator on said putter or both are indicative of a desired
putting action, wherein said putter comprises a putter head body
having a ball contact face with two spaced apart prongs protruding
from said face.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said ball comprises a spherical
ball having two circumferential parallel grooves wherein the
spacing of said grooves matches the spacing of said prongs.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein said observing includes
observing whether said ball wobbles as it rolls following said
striking.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein said observing comprises
observing whether a ball strike indicator light on said putter
changes in a manner indicative of either correct or incorrect ball
strike.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein said prongs are parallel.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein said prongs diverge.
25. The method of claim 19, further comprising repeating said
striking and observing a plurality of times.
26. The method of claim 20, wherein when said putter strikes said
ball with a correct strike, said prongs insert into and exit from
said grooves without contacting said ball.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] NOT APPLICABLE.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of golf, and more
particularly to the field of putting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The following discussion is provided solely to assist the
understanding of the reader, and does not constitute an admission
that any of the information discussed or references cited
constitute prior art to the present invention.
[0004] Golf, although a simple game, demands both dedication and
concentration. From tee to green, many decisions have to be made
regarding club selection, lie of the ball, obstacles, and wind,
just to name a few. However, having finally reached the putting
surface, known as the green, at least one of those problems is
moot, that being the one of club selection. The putter is one club
that, if used in conjunction with the correct putting method, is
one answer to lowering a player's handicap, i.e., having been able
to hole out in fewer strokes.
[0005] Some training putters have been described.
[0006] Ognjanovic, U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,610 describes a golf
club/golf ball impact detection system contained in a golf club
head. The system includes a plurality of push buttons which, when
depressed, activate associated LEDs providing a visual indication
of golf ball impact location on the club face.
[0007] Henwood, U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,001 describes a putting stroke
training device which includes X- and Y-axis acceleration sensors
for detecting respectively "any abnormal acceleration or
deceleration of the putter head" and "whether the face of the
putter strikes a golf ball perpendicular to the path of the putter
head."
[0008] Ogjanivic, U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,021 describes a "putter
having a head with an elastomer or thin hard material face cover
protecting piezoelectric sensor electrically connected with light
emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged to visually indicate the impact
location . . . . Each teaching club has a matching Professional
Golf Association approved club for golf course play."
[0009] Villacorta, U.S. Pat. No. 6,518,384 describes a golf ball in
which it is stated that "first and second annular members are
coupled to the ball in substantially parallel spaced-apart
relation. The spacing of the first and second annular members
defines a spherical zone of the ball that projects radially
outwardly from the center beyond the outer peripheral surfaces of
the first and second annular members . . . . The device provides
rapid tactile and visual feedback of a misstroke."
[0010] Galanis et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,735 describes a sports
swing training apparatus and "concerns a club for impacting an
object . . . . The club has a microprocessor, a plurality of
infrared sources, a plurality of infrared sensors, and indicators
configurable in a configuration indicating proper club face
alignment and in a configuration indicating club face
misalignment.
[0011] Collins et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,875,122 describes a laser
putting device which can be attached to a golf putter. The device
is stated to include a laser, a housing for the laser, wire to
connect the laser to a power source, a battery source, and a
trigger. The device is stated to "simultaneously address here
common problems for golfers: aim, effective loft, and inconsistent
and off-center impact points."
[0012] Lin, U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,728 describes a golf club face
impact alignment system which includes first and second light
emitting units which are attached to golf club face, and first and
second light sensing units which are attached to a base. The club
is swung between the first and second light sensing units. If light
from the emitting devices is not detected at the first and second
light sensing units simultaneously, the golf club face is not
properly aligned.
[0013] McGinty et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,729 describes a golf
training club apparatus which is stated to have "a plurality of
optical sensors adjacent the face for detecting contact between the
face and the golf ball and electronics mounted with the head for
processing signals from the sensor for analyzing at least the
location of the contact between the face and the golf ball . . . .
The electronics also analyze whether the ball is tending to slice
or hook be detecting lateral movement of the ball during contact
with the club face."
[0014] Umlauf, Appl. No. DE20011019740, Publ. No. DE10119740
published 2002-10-24 describes a golf putting training device which
includes a laser light transmitter which transmits light to a
reflector on the putter. Reflected light is detected by a
horizontal row of sensors so that putter deviation from the target
direction is indicated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention relates generally to a golf training
system. More specifically, the invention concerns a training
system, e.g., a four piece training system, for putting which
features a modified putter head which provides immediate feedback
on proper ball contact and preferably also proper stroke
follow-through. In exemplary cases, this is provided with a
combination of the modified putter head and a corresponding
modified ball.
[0016] Thus, a first aspect of the invention concerns a golf
training putter head which includes a body having a planar ball
contact face and one or more prongs, usually two spaced apart
prongs, projecting from the face of the head. Generally, for use
the putter head will be mounted with a shaft and grip.
[0017] In particular embodiments, a pair of prongs are
substantially parallel to each other; a pair of prongs diverge;
there are two spaced apart prongs which are spaced apart a distance
less than the diameter of a standard golf ball (e.g., the space
between is about 1/4 to 3/4 of the ball diameter, or 1/4 to 1/2,
1/4 to 1/3, 1/3 to 1/2, 1/3 to 2/3, 1/2 to 3/4 of the ball
diameter. Preferably the two prongs are substantially parallel to
each other and substantially perpendicular to the club face, or at
least substantially perpendicular to a midline through the long
dimension of the face.
[0018] In certain embodiments, a single prong is used which
projects substantially perpendicular from the putter face or at
least to a midline through the long dimension of the face.
[0019] Also in certain embodiments, a pair of prongs are spaced
apart a distance slightly greater than the diameter of a standard
golf ball, e.g., for parallel prongs the space between is 0.05 to
0.375, 0.10 to 0.30, 0.10 to 0.25, or 0.10 to 0.20 inches greater
than the diameter of the ball.
[0020] In many embodiments, the prongs are mounted on spring
pivots; each of a pair of prongs is mounted on separate pivots; a
pair of prongs are linked together in a single unit and mounted on
a single pivot.
[0021] In preferred embodiments, lateral deflection of a prong
and/or contact of a prong with a ball during ball strike is
indicative of an off-center contact; lateral deflection of a prong
and/or contact of a prong with a ball during ball strike produces
an illuminated display (e.g., illumination of one or more LEDs)
indicative of an off-center contact; lateral deflection of a prong
and/or contact of a prong with a ball following centered contact
ball strike produces a indicative of a lateral motion of the club
head, e.g., a wobble visible as the ball rolls.
[0022] In certain embodiments, the putter head includes a central
contact sensor in the face between the prongs, e.g., an
electromechanical sensor or an optical sensor; centered contact of
a golf ball with the central contact sensor produces a visible
display, e.g., a display which includes an LED which illuminates
upon centered contact.
[0023] In preferred embodiments, the prongs (and preferably also a
central contact sensor and/or other contact sensors which are
included) are mounted in a first insert which is replaceably
mounted in the putter head body behind the face; the first insert
is weighted to provide normal putter weight and balance; the putter
head body is weighted with removable weights to provide normal
weight and balance when the first insert is installed; the first
insert is replaceable with a putting insert. Alternatively, the
respective inserts provide all or a portion of the face.
[0024] In a related aspect, the invention concerns a golf putting
training ball which is a spherical ball having at least one
circumferential groove, and usually two, substantially parallel,
spaced apart circumferential grooves. Usually the ball has the
diameter substantially that of a standard golf ball. Usually the
ball is substantially the weight of a standard golf ball.
[0025] In certain embodiments, the ball includes a circumferential
metal band, e.g., around the center section of the ball between the
grooves; the width of grooves is approximately 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5,
or 5 mm; at the interior of the grooves are central cylinder
sections, e.g., with diameters of 5-7, 7-10, 10-12, 12-15, or 15-20
mm, or has a diameter of approximately 10, 12, or 14 mm.
[0026] Likewise, in another related aspect, the invention provides
a golf putting training system which includes a golf training ball
having two parallel, spaced apart circumferential grooves, and a
golf training putter which includes a putter head body having a
planar ball contact face, and two spaced apart prongs protruding
through the face, where the ball and said putter are configured
such that the prongs can fit within the grooves without contacting
the ball.
[0027] In particular embodiments, the ball and/or the putter are as
described for aspects above or otherwise described herein for the
present invention.
[0028] In particular embodiments, the system also includes a
replacement insert allowing (e.g., approved by a golf regulatory
entity) course play when the training insert is replaced with the
course play insert. The system may additionally or alternatively
include one or more golf balls bearing markings (e.g., dark
markings) substantially matching the position and size of the
grooves(s) in the golf training ball.
[0029] The invention further provides a golf putting training
method which involves striking a golf training ball with a golf
training putter causing the ball to roll, and observing whether the
behavior of the ball or an indicator on the putter or both are
indicative of a desired putting action (and/or an undesired putting
action may also be indicated in the case of an incorrect putting
action). The putter includes a putter head body having a ball
contact face with two spaced apart prongs protruding from the
face.
[0030] In particular embodiments, the putter and/or the ball is as
described for an aspect above or otherwise described herein for the
present invention.
[0031] In certain embodiments, the ball includes a spherical ball
having two circumferential parallel grooves, where the spacing of
those grooves matches the spacing of the prongs; the observing
includes observing whether the ball wobbles as it rolls following
the striking; the observing includes observing whether a ball
strike indicator light on the putter changes in a manner indicative
of either correct or incorrect ball strike; the prongs are
parallel; the prongs diverge.
[0032] In many cases, the method further includes repeating the
striking and observing a plurality of times, e.g., at least 5, 10,
20, 30, 40, or 50 times in a single training session.
[0033] In many configurations, when the putter strikes the ball
with a correct strike and follow through, the prongs insert into
and exit from the grooves without contacting the ball, e.g.,
without contacting a wall of a groove.
[0034] The phrase "substantially perpendicular to the club face"
means substantially perpendicular to at least the horizontal
(usually long) direction of the club face, and may or may not be
substantially perpendicular to the vertical (usually short)
direction of the club face. In this context, "substantially" means
effectively perpendicular, and will be within 7, more preferably
within 5, and most preferably within 3 degrees or even within 2 or
1 degrees of perpendicular.
[0035] In the context of pairs of prongs projecting from the face
of a putter head, the term "substantially parallel" means within 7,
more preferably within 5, and most preferably within 3 degrees or
even within 2 or 1 degrees of parallel. In the context of pairs of
grooves in golf balls for the present invention, the term
"substantially parallel" means
[0036] The phrase "lateral motion of the club head" and similar
terms referring to motion of the club head during a golf stroke
which has a component of motion deviating away from the intended
path of the ball. Such motion of the club head may, for example, be
a curving motion, a relatively straight pull or push, and/or a
twisting of the club head very close to the time of ball
contact.
[0037] Additional embodiments will be apparent from the Detailed
Description and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 shows a perspective top and front exploded view of
the internal working parts of the putter head of FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a perspective top and front view of the putter
head of FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows the modified golf ball.
[0041] FIG. 4 shows the balance replacement insert for the putter
head.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows a double offset prong sensor lever.
[0043] FIG. 6 shows a single central probe contact and a double
offset prong sensor in place in the putter head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] The present invention is designed to assist a golfer to
improve their putting. The approach to accomplish this is through
use of a putter having a modified head, i.e., a modified putter
head. In particular, this modified putter head is designed such
that the user receives clear indication of both correct and
incorrect ball strike and follow through, in contrast to devices
which register only the ball strike portion and thus do not assist
the user in avoiding pushing or pulling the putter head upon
contact. Further, the present putter head accomplishes this using a
simple design which does not require complex signal processing to
provide feedback indication of correct stroke.
[0045] The dual function of the present putter head is accomplished
using a putter head (or a putter head and ball combination) which
indicates both centered ball strike, and stroke/ball deviations
immediately after the ball strike. In addition, the putter can be
designed so that the putter can be readily reconfigured as a
standard putter, allowing a golfer to use the same putter in actual
play as that which was used for developing a proper putting stroke.
Certain variations of the modified putter are described in more
detail below, along with a modified ball adapted for use with
certain of the putter heads.
Modified Putter Heads
[0046] The present modified putter heads may be configured in many
different ways. In general, these putter heads incorporate prong
sensors projecting from the face of the putter, and usually also
include at least one sensor which senses contact between the putter
head face and the golf ball. Such sensor(s) is located between a
pair of prongs, and is used to sense centered ball strike. The
prong sensors require nearly centered ball strike, but also produce
a visual indication of lateral movement of the putter head at or
immediately after initial ball strike, i.e., movement in a
generally horizontal direction perpendicular to the normal or
desired path of the putter head during the stroke. An exemplary
embodiment of a putter head and an associated modified ball are
described below, along with additional embodiments of the putter
head which may be used with standard golf balls.
Exemplary Embodiment
[0047] As indicated above, the invention concerns a modified putter
head (which can, in most cases, be mounted on any desired putter
shaft. In advantageous embodiments, the putter head is an
electro-mechanical device, but can also be configured as only
mechanical or as including electro-optical components.
[0048] In usual embodiments, the putter head includes a pair of
prong sensors projecting from the face of the putter head. These
prong sensors are advantageously supplemented with a contact sensor
which is located between the prongs.
[0049] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,
three probes or sensors are used, in this case acting as electrical
and mechanical contacts. Thus, the modified putter head 10 includes
a body 12 in which is mounted a probe insert in insert cavity 13
which includes two lever probes or prong sensors 14 and 15. These
lever probes or sensor prongs extend outwardly from the putter face
18 (preferably essentially perpendicularly) through prong slots 20
and 21 for contact with a modified ball 50. As illustrated, in a
properly executed putt, the prongs enter the grooves 52 and 53 in
the modified golf ball without contacting the ball. The prong
sensors are mounted on pivots 22 and 23, being urged under spring
tension to their neutral positions. A central probe contact 26 is
located in the putter face between the two prong sensors,
surrounded by sensor insulator 27 and penetrating through probe
sensor aperture 16 in the putter face. Each of the sensors is
electrically connected to a power source (e.g., battery) and to
indicator circuits (e.g., on a circuit board). In most cases it is
desirable to have simple circuitry, so in such designs the
indicator controls are hard wired. Of course, the indicator
response logic may also be programmed in software, but the approach
adds complexity and usually cost.
[0050] The three probes can be referred to as a center probe and
two outer probes. The center probe is shorter than the two outer
probes, preferably essentially flush with the putter face. In this
exemplary embodiment, the probes are electrically connected to
three lights 28, 29, and 30 (e.g., two red (outer lights) and one
green (central light)) located on top of the putter head. When
contact with the ball occurs, a corresponding outer light will be
activated by contact of the prongs sensors with the ball (e.g., any
face of the grooves in the ball), thereby giving the user an
indication of where the putter face engaged the ball--whether
toward the head or toe of the putter. Contact with the center probe
without contact with either of the prong sensors will activate a
display corresponding to centered contact (e.g., a central green
LED), while contact with the center probe followed by contact with
at least one prong sensor will activate a display indicative of
centered contact and lateral putter movement following contact
(e.g., illumination of a central green LED and one of the red outer
LED corresponding to the direction of lateral movement).
[0051] The back of the insert recess can be blocked using a back
plate 32. Optionally, the putter also includes balance slugs 34 and
35 which fit into holes or channels or the like (not shown) in the
putter body.
[0052] The main embodiment of the insert can be replaced by a
weight replacement embodiment for normal putting use. Preferably
with the weight replacement insert in place, the putter is an
approved putter for course play. The weight replacement insert is
illustrated in FIG. 4. The weight replacement insert 60 slides into
the insert recess 13 in the putter head 10 and is retained using a
screw which slides through the insert and threads into threaded
screw receptacle 36. The front of the weight replacement insert has
three projections 62, 63, and 64 which slide into the apertures 16,
20, and 21 such that the front surfaces of the projections are
flush with the face of the putter. To complete the flush face, in
this embodiment a filler washer 11 fits into the face around the
central projection 64 of the insert. With the weight replacement
insert in place, the putter has a flat face without substantially
any recesses or projections which could cause a struck ball to take
an erroneous path.
[0053] Generally, it is desirable for the weight of the putter head
with the weight replacement insert to closely match the weight of
the same putter head with the sensor insert (along with any desired
compensating or balancing weights) in place. Of course, a weight
replacement insert may be constructed in a variety of materials,
and may be designed to be retained in the putter head body in any
of a variety of different ways, e.g., using one or more clamps,
multiple screws, clips, and the like. Any such fasteners should
hold the insert stably in position. Advantageously the sensor
insert and the weight replacement insert can be exchanged using no
tools or only simple tools, e.g., to facilitate changing the
inserts at a golf course.
Alternate Embodiments
[0054] One alternative design incorporates a single pivoting prong
sensor. That is, instead of having two independent prongs extending
from the face of the putter head which have separate and
independent pivot points, an alternative embodiment using similar
prongs extending from the putter face, but within the putter head
the prongs are connected to form a single pivoting prong structure.
This pivoting prong structure pivots at a single point.
[0055] In one alternative (FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) to the dual straight
prong embodiment described above, the alternative uses two angled
prongs, e.g., in a single lever component 70. In this component,
two angled prongs 72 and 73 extend from a central web 74. At the
end of the component distal from the prongs is a pivot mount
fitting 76. The double offset prong sensor lever can replace the
two prong sensor levers 14 and 15 and the central probe contact 26
can be replaced with a single central probe contact 80 (see, FIG.
6). This allows practice of the invention with a normal golf ball.
In a properly executed putt, the offset or angled prongs are
positioned on either side of ball at contact of the ball with the
putter face. If, however, the stroke is off center, one prong will
contact the ball before the center sensor, while a pull or push
will cause a prong to contact the ball after the ball has contacted
the center sensor. The angled prong sensor is shown installed in a
putter head body in FIG. 6. As shown, the angled prongs 72 and 73
project symmetrically out of the face of the putter head at
diverging angles. The angled prongs are separated a distance such
that a standard golf ball can contact the face of the putter
without contacting either of the prongs.
[0056] Another alternative utilizes two straight prongs which are
connected or are part of a single pivot prong sensor component. One
type of embodiment functions similarly to the angled prong probe
sensor embodiment and is suitable for use with unmodified balls. In
this case, there are two substantially parallel prongs which are
separated a by a distance slightly greater than the diameter of the
intended ball, usually a standard golf ball. In this case, when
striking the ball, if the strike is centered, the ball will contact
the putter face without first contacting a prong. If there is
substantially no lateral movement of the putter upon contact, the
ball will roll away without contacting a prong, but if lateral
movement occurs, at least one prong will contact the ball causing
activation of a corresponding indicator and/or wobble of the
rolling ball.
[0057] Yet another alternative embodiment uses a central prong,
which may be the only prong, and a modified ball with a
corresponding groove. With this embodiment, if the ball is
contacted centrally, the central prong will enter the groove in the
ball, and the only contact will be between the ball and the putter
face. However, if the contact is not centered, the prong will
contact the ball and indicated such non-centered contact. If
contact is initially centered, but lateral movement occurs at
contact or immediately following, indicator(s) will show the
initial centered contact with lateral movement (e.g., with a light
display as described above and/or ball wobble)
Modified Golf Ball
[0058] An item useful in the present invention is a modified or
simulated golf ball which matches the projecting probes of the
putter head. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the ball 50 has two
parallel, symmetrically spaced, deep recesses or grooves 52 and 53
of substantially equal width separated by the center section 54 of
the ball. Thus, the ball has a center section bracketed by two
parallel grooves, and outside the grooves are the dish shaped outer
sections 56 and 57. The grooves are of equal depth, such that the
bottom of the grooves has the appearance of a central axle 58. In
order to provide weight approximately equal to a standard golf
ball, the ball may have a heavy material (e.g., a metal)
distributed evenly around the ball (e.g., around the periphery of
the center section). Such peripherally distributed weighting also
contributes to rolling stability, assisting the use of the ball in
the present system. Of course, such weight compensation may also be
provided by using materials for the modified ball which bring the
weight to equal or similar to the weight of the standard ball.
[0059] Even though such grooves are preferred, balls can also be
made which have recesses which do not extend all the way around the
ball. For example, a pocket type of recess could be used,
preferably with appropriately placed weighting to maintain
rotational balance for the ball. In use, the ball would be placed
such that the pocket(s) is on the side of the ball which is to be
struck with the putter, and oriented such that a the prongs of the
training putter can cleanly insert into the pocket(s). Following
contact, the functioning of the putter and ball would be
essentially the same as for the ball having grooves, except that it
may be beneficial to provide one or more bands around the ball to
provide the visual wobble indication.
[0060] In addition to the described modified ball, a distinctively
marked ball can be used for regular play to provide similar visual
appearance to the modified ball. Thus, for example, a ball with at
least one dark (e.g., black) band in position and approximate width
matching the groove(s) in the modified ball can be beneficial
because the golfer has a visual situation similar to the training
situation with the modified ball. The band may be continuous all
the way around the ball, but that is not necessary. In addition,
the band provides the same visual indicator of lateral club head
movement as that provided by the modified ball. In this way, the
benefits of the training work can be additionally reinforced.
Operation of First Embodiment
[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, the golf ball 50 is placed upon the
ground in such a way that the parallel grooves or recesses 52 and
53 are directly in line with the intended direction of travel. The
putter head 10 containing the probe insert is placed behind the
golf ball in the normal manner. The two extending prong sensor
levers 14 and 15 (See, e.g., FIG. 2) should be directly in line
with the parallel recesses in the ball and in line with the
intended direction of travel of the ball. The putter head is placed
centrally in the intended line of travel, and is then drawn
backwards along the same line and then reversed in one smooth
motion proceeding forward. In a correctly executed putt using the
putter illustrated in FIG. 2, one of the prong levers passes on
each side of the inner wheel 54 into the parallel grooves 52 and 53
of the modified ball without making contact with either wall until
the central probe 26 (FIG. 2) comes into contact with the outer
face of the inner wheel of the ball. The central LED 29 (see FIG.
3) will illuminate indicating a perfect putt. The putter head
proceeds forwards along the line of intended travel. The ball will
now be rolling forward, and absence of wobble indicates proper
follow-through.
[0062] For better understanding of the functioning of the
invention, consider the analogy between the two prong and two
airplanes flying side by side on final approach to land on parallel
runways (analogous to the two recesses in the ball), and emphasizes
the necessity of good follow through on the putting stroke, i.e.,
stroking through the center of the ball. Thinking only "square"
results in many cases in a slight lateral deviation of the putter
face from the desired line of the putting stroke upon impact with
the ball, resulting in a push or a pull, commonly referred to as
"the yips." Should a push or pull occur, at least one of the two
contact sensor levers 14 and 15 will make contact with a wall of
the inner wheel 54 and/or a wall of at least one of the outer disks
56 and 57, activating the corresponding outside LED. The golf ball
pushed or pulled off line will give a clear indication of error by
imparting a wobble to the ball.
[0063] All patents and other references cited in the specification
are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to
which the invention pertains, and are incorporated by reference in
their entireties, including any tables and figures, to the same
extent as if each reference had been incorporated by reference in
its entirety individually.
[0064] One skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to obtain the ends and advantages
mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The methods,
variances, and compositions described herein as presently
representative of preferred embodiments are exemplary and are not
intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Changes
therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art,
which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention, are
defined by the scope of the claims.
[0065] It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that
varying substitutions and modifications may be made to the
invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. For example, variations can be made to the
shape of the putter head body and to the materials used for
construction. Thus, such additional embodiments are within the
scope of the present invention and the following claims.
[0066] The invention illustratively described herein suitably may
be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation
or limitations which is not specifically disclosed herein. Thus,
for example, in each instance herein any of the terms "comprising",
"consisting essentially of" and "consisting of" may be replaced
with either of the other two terms. The terms and expressions which
have been employed are used as terms of description and not of
limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms
and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown
and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that
various modifications are possible within the scope of the
invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the
present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred
embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of
the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled
in the art, and that such modifications and variations are
considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by
the appended claims.
[0067] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are
described in terms of Markush groups or other grouping of
alternatives, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual
member or subgroup of members of the Markush group or other
group.
[0068] Also, unless indicated to the contrary, where various
numerical values or value range endpoints are provided for
embodiments, additional embodiments are described by taking any 2
different values as the endpoints of a range or by taking two
different range endpoints from specified ranges as the endpoints of
an additional range. Such ranges are also within the scope of the
described invention. Further, specification of a numerical range
including values greater than one includes specific description of
each integer value within that range.
[0069] Thus, additional embodiments are within the scope of the
invention and within the following claims.
* * * * *