Apparatus For Practicing The Golf Putting Stroke

Abstract

A retractable putting line aiming / alignment device inserted into a golf green surface, via a stake assembly, for practicing the game of golf putting stroke is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a housing, simulating a golf ball, which houses an extendable / retractable line mechanism; a stake assembly to secure the housing into position on the putting green; and a corresponding and opposing stake to be inserted into the putting green, to attach the receiving extended line. The apparatus is placed into position on a putting green surface at or near the golf hole and the opposite line end is extended and secured to the opposing stake placed into the putting green at a desired distance from the hole or visa versa. The extendable / retractable line mechanism provides the necessary line tension to prevent the line from sagging when extended. The extended putting line represents the target path or reference for aligning a putter with respect to the target hole enabling the user to enhance the practice of proper alignment through the putting stroke.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to the practice of golf putting and specifically to golf putting training aid or training devices related to aiming down the proper target path and proper putter head alignment throughout the putting stroke. [0002] Golfers worldwide strive to lower their golf scores and devote hours of practice on the art of putting as a means to achieving their goal. Recognizing the needs of players on all levels, training aid devices have been developed to assist the players in their quest. Many of the prior inventions focus on practicing indoors and fail to consider the importance of practicing in a real world setting outdoors of the practice green. Conversely, those inventions that do address the outdoor setting fail to consider the need for a lightweight and easily portable device that can be rapidly disassembled, stored and carried from the practice green to the course when called to the first tee for their round of golf. [0003] For example...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] It is the intent of this invention to: a) Provide golfers with a retractable putting line aiming / alignment device that is portable, lightweight and a highly effective extendable, retractable line mechanism wherein the line being positioned above the putting surface provides the golfer an unobstructed putting stroke and immediate visual feedback regarding the ideal square at impact putter head contact.

[0006] b) Provide a means of placing the retractable putting line aiming / alignment device anywhere on the putting surface such that the retractable putting line aiming / alignment device and opposing stake can be placed into the surface of the putting green and used as a target, allowing the golfer to pick any position on the putting surface to which he or she prefers to practice.

[0007] c) Provides a means of adjusting the retractable putting line aiming / alignment device by vertically extending and retracting the line along the intended target path at a desired distance chosen by the user. The extendable / retractable line mechanism contained in the housing provides the necessary line tension to prevent the line from sagging when the line is extended and further allows for internal storage of the line thereby preventing line snags or tangles when the device is not in use.

Problems solved by technology

Many of the prior inventions focus on practicing indoors and fail to consider the importance of practicing in a real world setting outdoors of the practice green.

Conversely, those inventions that do address the outdoor setting fail to consider the need for a lightweight and easily portable device that can be rapidly disassembled, stored and carried from the practice green to the course when called to the first tee for their round of golf.

Although this device works well on an indoor synthetic surface it has no utility outdoors.

Additionally, the device does not provide for extension and or retraction of the fixed length line, it is not easily portable due to the size and weight.

Although this device works well it fails to meet the rapid disassembly, storage and portability issues golfers require when called from the practice area to the first tee.

Overall this device is cumbersome, extremely heavy and therefore lacks the lightweight portability needs of the golfer.

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