Putting Practice Device

The golf putting practice device addresses the challenge of maintaining a direct line of sight above the golf ball by using a template and support structure for easy alignment, resulting in improved putting technique and accuracy.

JP3251718UActive Publication Date: 2025-06-20市川 文明
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025001302U
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-24
Publication Date
2025-06-20
Estimated Expiration
2035-04-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing golf putting practice devices fail to ensure a player's line of sight is directly above the golf ball, especially on uneven surfaces, and have complex and expensive configurations that hinder simplicity and portability.

Method used

A golf putting practice device featuring a sheet-like template with a lower line, fixed columns, beam members, an upper line, and a vertical indicator, allowing for easy alignment and adjustment to ensure a direct line of sight above the golf ball.

Benefits of technology

The device provides a simple and portable solution to ensure a direct line of sight, improving putting technique by promoting a stable stroke and enhancing accuracy and reproducibility.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Provided is a putting practice device that has a simple configuration and can surely secure a line of sight from directly above. 【Solution means】 A golf putting practice device, comprising a sheet-like template with a lower line drawn on its surface, at least two columns fixed at intervals, and a support structure including beam members extending in substantially the same direction from each of the columns, an upper line spanned between the beam members, and a vertical indicator, wherein the beam members are provided with locking portions, the upper line and the vertical indicator are detachably attached to the locking portions, the upper line extends from the locking portion to the locking portion of the other beam member, and the vertical indicator is suspended from the locking portion.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a golf putting practice device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a golf putting practice device, there is known a device that supports a player to accurately hit the face of a putter head while visually recognizing a golf ball from directly above and enables practice.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes "a golf putting practice device including a main body portion (A) having at least a flat half mirror (1) and a support portion (B) for holding the main body portion (A) in the air, the support portion (B) having a structure for holding the mirror surface (4) of the half mirror (1) provided in the main body portion (A) in a substantially horizontal direction."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the putting practice device described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is not guaranteed whether a player can surely visually recognize a golf ball from directly above. That is, when there are inclinations or unevenness on the floor or ground, the entire device may be slightly inclined, and the player's line of sight may actually be from an oblique direction. In addition, since the half mirror itself is expensive and the configuration is complicated, there are also problems in terms of simplicity and portability.

[0006] To improve golf putting technique, it is important to keep the clubface exactly perpendicular to the hitting line, as well as to acquire an accurate address and a highly reproducible stroke. In this regard, it is essential that the player's line of sight is always accurately positioned directly above the golf ball for establishing a stable form.

[0007] In fact, when the line of sight is directed from in front of the golf ball, an unstable stroke mainly using the arm is likely to occur and the form is likely to be disrupted. On the other hand, when the line of sight is accurately secured from directly above, a natural stroke centered on the rotation of the shoulders and waist becomes possible, and the stroke can be performed while maintaining the triangle of the arms. As a result, putting can always be performed in a stable posture, and the accuracy of direction and distance perception is improved.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a putting practice device that solves the above problems, has a simple configuration, and can surely secure a line of sight from directly above.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The first putting practice device of the present disclosure is a golf putting practice device, comprising a sheet-like template with a lower line drawn on its surface, at least two columns fixed at intervals, and a support structure including beam members extending in substantially the same direction from each of the columns, an upper line spanned between the beam members, and a vertical indicator, wherein the beam members are provided with locking portions, the upper line and the vertical indicator are detachably attached to the locking portions, the upper line extends from the locking portion to the locking portion of the other beam member, and the vertical indicator is suspended from the locking portion.

[0010] The second putting practice device of the present disclosure is the putting practice device in which, in the first putting practice device, a set position of a golf ball is formed on the lower line of the template, and at least one auxiliary line substantially orthogonal to the lower line is further drawn on the lower line extending from the set position toward one end.

[0011] The third putting practice device of the present disclosure is the putting practice device in which, in the second putting practice device, a spat indicating the extension direction of the lower line is further drawn at the other end of the lower line.

[0012] The fourth putting practice device of the present disclosure is the putting practice device in which, in the third putting practice device, the vertical indicator includes a rod-shaped main body, a suspension portion provided at one end of the main body, and an indication tip provided at the other end of the main body, and the indication tip is reduced in diameter toward the central axis of the main body.

[0013] The fifth putting practice device of the present disclosure is the putting practice device in which, in the fourth putting practice device, the length of the vertical indicator does not contact the laid template when suspended from the locking portion and is approximately the same as that of the support column.

[0014] The sixth putting practice device of the present disclosure is the putting practice device in which, in the fifth putting practice device, the support column includes a second locking portion for locking the upper line, and the distance between the second locking portions is shorter than the distance between the locking portions.

[0015] The seventh putting practice device of the present disclosure is the putting practice device in which, in the sixth putting practice device, the beam member is configured to be detachable from the support column, the support column is provided with a receiving portion for fitting the beam member having an L-shaped cross section, and magnetic adsorption means are arranged on the fitting surfaces of the beam member and the support column.

[0016] The eighth putting practice device of the present disclosure is the seventh putting practice device, wherein the column is fixed to the base, and the base is provided with a placement portion for storing the removed beam member, and the placement portion is provided with a second magnetic adsorption means corresponding to the magnetic adsorption means of the beam member. It is a putting practice device.

[0017] The ninth putting practice device of the present disclosure is the eighth putting practice device, wherein the base is provided with a rail-shaped ball storage portion for storing golf balls. It is a putting practice device. The tenth putting practice device of the present disclosure is the first putting practice device without a template. In the present invention, various commercially available templates can be used. The eleventh putting practice device of the present disclosure is the tenth putting practice device without a vertical support. In the present invention, various commercially available vertical supports can also be used. The twelfth putting practice device of the present disclosure is the first putting practice device, wherein the rear end portion of the template is provided with a magnet or a magnetic material for fixing to the practice mat by magnetic force. In this way, by fixing only the rear end portion of the template to the practice mat by magnetic force, fine adjustment of the indicating direction of the spat 28 becomes easy. Also, compared to other fixing means such as hook-and-loop fasteners and buttons, fixing by magnetic force is even easier for fine adjustment of the indicating direction of the spat 28.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, while solving the above problems, it is possible to provide a putting practice device with a simple configuration and that can surely secure a line of sight from directly above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a putting practice device according to this embodiment. Also, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the putting practice device. Also, FIG. 3 is a front view of the putting practice device. Also, FIG. 4 is a right side view of the putting practice device.

[0021] The putting practice device 100 assists in ensuring a line of sight always directly above the golf ball 2 vertically when a practitioner hits a golf ball with a putter, and is used together with a strip-shaped practice mat 10 spread on the ground surface G. The main parts of the putting practice device 100 include a sheet-shaped template 20 installed on the practice mat 10 and a support structure 30. In this example, it represents a state (right-handed hitting position) to be used by a right-handed user, but the putting practice device 100 can also be used for left-handed use (left-handed hitting position).

[0022] The practice mat 10 is a strip-shaped member extending in the Y-axis direction, made of artificial turf, urethane material, etc., and functions as an installation base for the putting practice device 100. The practice mat 10 can be diverted from what is generally used as a so-called "putting mat". The putting practice device 100 can be used in combination with such a putting mat. At the end of the practice mat 10 in the positive Y-axis direction, a raised portion 12 for providing a cup 14 that is a target for putting is integrally formed.

[0023] The raised portion 12 is formed one step higher than other parts of the practice mat 10, and a cup 14 is provided on its upper surface. The cup 14 has a predetermined diameter and depth, and has a structure imitating a hole on an actual green, and can receive the putted golf ball 2.

[0024] The inclination angle and height of the raised portion 12 may be set in advance, or may be configured to be replaceable. Thereby, the user can cultivate an appropriate sense of distance and direction during practice. Also, the raised portion 12 and the cup 14 can be omitted and replaced with printing of a target mark or the like. According to this configuration, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to provide the raised portion 12, and the practice mat 10 can be easily wound up and stored. The dimensions of the practice mat 10 can be made approximately the same as those of a standard putting practice mat with a width of about 200 mm. By using a commercially available product, the putting practice device 100 can be easily introduced into an existing practice environment.

[0025] The template 20 is a sheet-shaped member laid on the practice mat 10, and is composed of a thin plate made of metal or resin. A lower line 22 extending along the direction from the golf ball 2 toward the cup 14 (positive Y-axis direction) is provided on the surface of the template 20, and this lower line 22 is formed by, for example, printing or engraving.

[0026] Template 20 is formed such that its overall length is shorter compared to the length of the practice mat 10 in the Y-axis direction. As an example, the template 20 is placed on the practice mat 10 towards the end opposite to the cup 14. The placement location of the template 20 is not limited to this. The template 20 is used to place the golf ball 2 at the set position 26 and putt it. Therefore, by adjusting the installation position, the required putting distance, direction, etc. can be freely adjusted. Since the support structure 30 described later is independent of the template 20, it can also move according to the installation position of the template 20. Further, when the template 20 is placed close to the side edge of the practice mat 10, the putting practice device 100 may be placed directly on the ground surface G outside the practice mat 10.

[0027] The lower line 22 of the template 20 is a straight line extending in the Y-axis direction. In relation to the template 20, it is a straight line extending in the major axis direction. A spatula 28 is provided at one end of the lower line 22. The spatula 28 is formed, for example, as a visual mark in the shape of an arrow. The direction continuing from this lower line 22 to the spatula 28 makes the ideal hitting direction of the golf ball 2 recognizable to the practitioner.

[0028] At a position slightly returned in the negative Y-axis direction from the spatula 28 on the lower line 22, on the rear side (negative Y-axis direction) of the spatula 28, a set position 26 for the golf ball 2 is provided. The practitioner hits the golf ball 2 placed at the set position 26 (ideally) in the direction indicated by the spatula 28 from the lower line 22. Therefore, the lower line 22 and the spatula 28 are directed towards the cup 14 as one form. Note that depending on the shape of the raised portion 12, etc., the position of the cup 14 and the direction indicated by the lower line 22 and the spatula 28 do not necessarily have to match. As an example, hitting in the direction indicated by the spatula 28 can be set as the target.

[0029] On the template 20, behind the set position 26 (in the negative Y-axis direction), that is, behind the golf ball 2, a plurality of auxiliary lines 24 that are substantially orthogonal to the lower line 22 are drawn at equal intervals. The practitioner can correct the deviation of the face angle and form a correct stroke by aligning the orientation of the face 82 of the putter head 80 at a right angle to the lower line 22 with reference to these auxiliary lines 24 (see FIG. 2). The interval and the number of the auxiliary lines 24 are not particularly limited. However, as shown in FIG. 2, in order to recognize the direction of the face 82 at a plurality of positions on the movement locus of the putter head 80 during the stroke, it is preferable to provide a plurality of them. As one form, based on the length of the putter head 80 in the Y-axis direction, the interval between the auxiliary lines 24 is preferably approximately the same as this. Further, the auxiliary lines 24 are preferably provided throughout the area from behind the set position 26 to the rear end of the template 20. By doing so, the reproducibility and accuracy of the stroke can be confirmed throughout the template 20.

[0030] Since the template 20 determines the target in the hitting direction of the golf ball 2 by the lower line 22 and the spat 28, it is preferably fixed on the practice mat 10. On the other hand, as will be described later, in order to adjust the positions of the upper line 50 and the lower line 22 so that they overlap in the vertical direction, it is preferable that the template 20 can be easily moved on the practice mat 10. To meet these two conflicting requirements, fixing means 16 for the template 20 is provided at the end of the practice mat 10 in this example (the end in the negative Y-axis direction). In this example, a magnet is adopted for the fixing means 16. The entire template 20 is formed of a magnetic material and is fixed by magnetically attracting to the fixing means 16. Thereby, at least the rear of the template 20 is fixed to the practice mat 10. As described above, since the golf ball 2 is hit in the positive Y-axis direction, if the rear end in the negative Y-axis direction is fixed, even if the fixing is not very strong, the template 20 hardly moves inadvertently during hitting or the like. This is because the putter head 80 does not contact the template 20 during normal putting. Also, by configuring the end on the side opposite to the spat 28 to be detachably fixed to the practice mat 10, the spat 28 side becomes non-fixed, and fine adjustment of the indicated direction of the spat 28 becomes easier. That is, with the fixing means 16 as the center, the spat 28 side can be slid and rotated to adjust the direction.

[0031] In this example, magnets are arranged as the fixing means 16 on the side of the practice mat 10. However, the fixing means 16 is not limited to the above. For example, magnets may be arranged on both the practice mat 10 and the template 20, or the template 20 may be a magnetic mat. In this case, the polarities of both can be adjusted so that magnetic attraction works. Also, in this example, the template 20 itself is made of a magnetic material, but the magnetic material may be only a part. For example, when adopting a resin-made template 20, a metal plate may be attached as a magnetic material to a part thereof. Also, magnets may be arranged only on the side of the template 20, and the magnetic material may be arranged on the side of the practice mat 10. Anyway, it is preferable that the fixing means is configured to be able to fix at least the rear end side of the template 20 to the practice mat 10.

[0032] Next, the support structure 30, which is one of the main parts of the putting practice device 100, will be described. The support structure 30 is formed by combining a base 32 extending along the Y-axis direction, two columns 34A and 34B erected at both ends of the base 32 in the Y-axis direction, and beam members 36A and 36B extending from the respective columns 34A and 34B in the negative X-axis direction (toward the template 20). The beam members 36A and 36B are each provided with locking portions 38, 38 at their tips. The two locking portions 38, 38 include a main body 38A extending in the direction of extending the beam members 36A, 36B, and a protrusion 38B extending in the positive Z-axis direction from an intermediate position thereof. The ends of the upper line 50 are hooked on the respective two protrusions 38B, and the upper line 50 is stretched along the Y-axis direction. The upper line 50 is held in the upper space of the template 20 by the support structure 30 of the "cantilever beam structure".

[0033] The support structure 30 is a member having a function of holding the upper line 50 in the upper space of the template 20 and is arranged and used on the side of the template 20. In this example, the base 32 (as shown in FIG. 1) is placed on the practice mat 10, but it may be placed beside the practice mat 10, that is, on the ground surface G.

[0034] Addressing the ball with the practitioner's head directly above the ball is one of the key points for executing a correct stroke while maintaining the triangle of the arm. The support structure 30 is composed of the struts 34A and 34B erected while avoiding the template 20 that is the movement trajectory of the putter head 80 (in a form retracted in the positive X-axis direction) and the beam members 36A and 36B, and holds the upper line 50 above the template 20 in a form that does not interfere with the stroke.

[0035] When addressing the ball, if the golfer looks down at the golf ball 2 and the upper line 50 and the lower line 22 are completely overlapped, the golfer's line of sight EL, that is, the golfer's head, can recognize that it is directly above the golf ball 2. In order to make the putting practice device 100 function in this way, it is preferable that the following three points are satisfied during putting. First, the lower line 22 and the spat 28 are facing the hitting direction of the golf ball 2 (for example, the cup 14 direction). Depending on the practice method, although this is not essential, in principle, it is preferable that the lower line 22 and the spat 28 are facing the target direction. Second, the golf ball 2 is placed at a predetermined position (set position 26) on the lower line 22. And third, the lower line 22 completely overlaps the upper line 50 (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0036] In the putting practice device 100 of this example, the template 20 and the support structure 30 are independent of each other. With this structure, it is possible to accommodate practice mats 10 of various sizes and structures, ensuring a high degree of freedom in use. On the other hand, since the template 20 and the support structure 30 are independent of each other, it is inherently quite difficult to align the lower line 22 of the template 20 and the upper line 50 stretched between the beam members 36A and 36B of the support structure 30 in the vertical direction. In the drawings, since the XYZ axes are clearly shown, it may be recognized that in the XY plane, the lower line 22 and the upper line 50 only need to be aligned. However, in reality, if the line of sight of the practitioner is not parallel to the Z axis, that is, if the vertical direction cannot be recognized, it is difficult to correctly align the two. In an adjustment to align the two based on the line of sight of the practitioner, it is often difficult to correct a state where the line of sight is at an angle to the golf ball 2.

[0037] However, since the putting practice device 100 of this example is provided with a vertical indicator 60, this adjustment can be easily made. The vertical indicator 60 includes a rod-shaped main body 60A, an indicating tip 60B provided at one end of the main body 60A, and a suspension portion 60C provided at the other end of the main body 60A. The vertical indicator 60 is suspended from at least one of the two beam members 36A and 36B in the support structure 30. In this example, it is suspended from the beam member 36A in the negative Y-axis direction. Although details will be described later, since the vertical indicator 60 is used to indicate the vertical direction to the practitioner when aligning the upper line 50 and the lower line 22, when the template 20 is arranged closer to the support column 34A side (negative Y-axis direction side) as in the example of FIG. 1, it is preferable to suspend it from the beam member 36A. On the other hand, when the template is arranged closer to the support column 34B side (positive Y-axis), that is, when the template 20 is moved and arranged in the positive Y-axis direction more than in this example, the vertical indicator 60 may be suspended from the beam member 36B. Also, when the template 20 is longer than the distance between the support columns 34A and 34B, the vertical indicator 60 may be suspended from either of the support columns 34A and 34B, or may be suspended from each of the two beam members 36A and 36B.

[0038] The vertical indicator 60 is suspended downward by hooking the suspension part 60C on the protrusion 38B of the locking part 38. The vertical indicator 60 is configured to reach near the template 20 but not reach it when suspended from the beam member 36A. That is, the overall length of the vertical indicator 60 is set to a length corresponding to this, considering the thickness of the base 32 and the length of the support 34A.

[0039] The protrusion 38B functions as a "reference point" for the vertical indicator 60 and the upper line 50. That is, with the protrusion 38B as a reference, the upper line 50 extends in the positive Y-axis direction, and the vertical indicator 60 extends vertically downward. Since the vertical indicator 60 is suspended pendulum-like from the protrusion 38B, its indicating tip 60B always faces vertically downward. The indicating tip 60B is a member with a tapered tip provided at the lower end of the main body 60A and indicates the central axis of the vertical indicator 60. When the indicating tip 60B is aligned with the lower line 22, the reference point (protrusion 38B) of the upper line 50 and the lower line 22 are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0040] In this example, for convenience of explanation, each figure shows the state where the putting practice device 100 is placed on a flat practice mat 10. Therefore, as can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4 for example, the angle formed by the upper line 50 and the vertical indicator 60 is a right angle (90°). However, in reality, due to the influence of the inclination of the ground surface G, the unevenness of the surface of the practice mat 10, etc., the angle formed by the upper line 50 and the vertical indicator 60 may not be 90°. For example, for some reason, when the base 32 of the putting practice device 100 is inclined in the positive Y-axis direction, the angle formed by the upper line 50 and the vertical indicator 60 becomes larger than 90°. Conversely, when it is inclined in the negative Y-axis direction, the angle formed by the upper line 50 and the vertical indicator 60 becomes smaller than 90°.

[0041] Even in such a case, since the vertical indicator 60 always points vertically downward due to gravity, if it is adjusted to match the lower line 22, the upper line 50 and the lower line 22 will exactly coincide at the reference point (projection 38B). After that, if the template or putting practice device 100 is slid and rotated around this point, the two can be easily superimposed. With this configuration, regardless of the unevenness of the ground surface G or the inclination of the putting practice device 100 or the template 20, the upper line 50 and the lower line 22 can be easily made to coincide in the vertical direction.

[0042] Note that since the vertical indicator 60 is only suspended from the projection 38B, it can be easily removed except when necessary. Therefore, after aligning the upper line 50 and the lower line 22, removing the vertical indicator 60 will not interfere with the stroke.

[0043] Figures 5 - 7 are perspective views showing the disassembled storage method of the support structure 30. The beam members 36A, 36B are detachably provided at the upper ends of the columns 34A, 34B, and a fitting structure for preventing displacement and rotation is formed. That is, the beam members 36A, 36B have an L-shaped cross-sectional shape, and a steel plate 70 is attached to their surfaces. On the other hand, at the upper ends of the columns 34A, 34B, groove-shaped receiving portions 74 corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the beam members 36A, 36B are formed, and L-shaped magnets 72 made of neodymium magnets or the like are arranged on their surfaces. Thereby, the beam members 36A, 36B fit exactly in shape to the upper ends of the columns 34A, 34B and are magnetically attracted. With this fixing structure that combines this fitting structure and magnetic force, it is possible to securely and quickly fix the beam members without using tools. In this example, the magnet 72 is arranged in the receiving portion 74 and the steel plates are arranged on the beam members 36A, 36B side, but this may be reversed or both may be magnets. These may be corresponding magnetic adsorption means (combinations of magnets with adjusted polarities, combinations of magnets and magnetic materials).

[0044] Note that the support column 34A is a composite material composed of a main body 342A that may be made of resin and two side plates 340A that are metal plates attached to the side surface thereof. These side plates 340A are configured to protrude from the main body 342A by a certain degree (about 3 mm to 20 mm, preferably about 5 mm in one form). The above-mentioned receiving portion 74 is formed to include the protruding portion of the side plate 340A, and when the beam member 36A is fitted exactly into this portion, it functions as a vibration damper for the beam member 36A. Also, the side plates 340A increase the weight of the support column 34A, enabling more stable fixation to the base 32. Note that this structure is the same for the support column 34B.

[0045] The beam members 36A and 36B can be removed from the support columns 34A and 34B after use and stored in the placement portion 64 provided on the base 32. This placement portion 64 is composed of a plate-shaped main body 64B corresponding to the L shape of the beam members 36A and 36B and a magnet plate 64A attached to the surface of the main body 64B.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the padding practice device 100 during disassembly and storage. As shown in the figure, the removed beam members 36A and 36B are laid on the base 32, and the steel plates 70 of the beam members 36A and 36B are adsorbed by the magnet plate 64A of the placement portion 64, held without rattling, preventing falling and loss, and enabling storage in a space-saving and organized manner.

[0047] Furthermore, the support columns 34A and 34B are provided with hooks 62 (second locking portions) for temporarily suspending and storing the vertical indicator 60. When not in use, the suspension portion 60C of the vertical indicator 60 can be hung on this hook 62 for storage. The upper line 50 is stretched between the beam members 36A and 36B during use, but is in a relaxed state with the tension released after use. At this time, the upper line 50 is hooked and held by the upper line hooks 66 provided on the back side of the support columns 34A and 34B. The upper line hooks 66 are formed narrower than the interval between the two locking portions 38 so as to have an interval at which the upper line 50 can be hooked in a slack state. The upper line hooks 66 are constituted by, for example, protruding portions or ring-shaped members made of metal or resin. By means of the upper line hooks 66, the upper line 50 can be safely and simply stored at a fixed position after use, and unnecessary tension can be prevented from being applied to the line material. In particular, if the line is kept stretched all the time, there is a risk of causing elongation and deterioration of the material, but with this configuration, it is possible to suppress such deterioration factors.

[0048] The putting practice using this apparatus is performed according to the following procedure. First, a practice mat 10 is laid on the ground surface G. A commercially available product can be used as the practice mat 10, for example, a roll-shaped one can be unrolled and laid. Next, the template 20 is temporarily placed on the practice mat 10. At this time, the template 20 is arranged so that the direction of the spatula 28 coincides with the hitting direction (for example, the cup 14 is arranged in the indicated direction of the spatula 28). At this time, the position of the template 20 on the practice mat 10 is determined in consideration of the arrangement position of the fixing means 16.

[0049] Next, install the support structure 30 in the vicinity of the template 20. At this point, precise alignment is not yet necessary. At this time, since the lower line 22 and the spat 28 of the template 20 are facing the hitting direction, it is preferable to simply adjust the upper line 50 to be laid so that it is substantially parallel to this. Next, stretch the upper line 50 between the two locking portions 38. The upper line 50 is preferably in a tensioned state between the locking portions 38, but even if it is in a slack state, as long as it does not come off the locking portions 38, there is no problem with the function of the putting practice device 100. Note that when installing the support structure 30, the upper line 50 may already be stretched.

[0050] Next, hook the suspension portion 60C on the protrusion 38B and suspend the vertical indicator 60 from the locking portion 38. As a result, with the protrusion 38B as a reference point, the upper line 50 and the vertical indicator 60 extend in each direction from the reference point. Next, adjust the relative positions of the template 20 and the support structure 30 so that the indicating tip 60B of the vertical indicator 60 is directly above the lower line 22 of the template 20. Specifically, finely adjust the angle of the template 20 or the base 32 by sliding and rotating around the fixing means, and perform alignment so that the upper line 50 and the lower line 22 exactly overlap. By this adjustment, even if there are inclinations or unevenness on the installation surface, the vertical alignment of the upper line 50 and the lower line 22 is guaranteed, and the accuracy of the line-of-sight assistance is improved.

[0051] After confirming that the upper line 50 and the lower line 22 are vertically aligned, the vertical indicator 60 is removed so as not to interfere during the stroke. As a result, a natural stroke is possible without interfering with the trajectory of the putter. The player places the practice ball 4 on the 32A, and further places the golf ball 2 at the set position. In this state, the upper line 50 and the lower line 22 face the hitting direction, and the golf ball 2 is placed on that line.

[0052] When the player addresses the ball in this state at a position where the upper line 50 and the lower line 22 appear to completely overlap, the player can maintain a line of sight directly above the golf ball 2. That is, the player's head is directly above the golf ball 2. By performing putting in this state, a smooth stroke mainly based on the rotation of the shoulders and waist becomes possible, and the stroke can be performed while stably holding the triangle of the arm. As a result, the reproducibility of the form is enhanced, and the accuracy of direction and distance perception is improved.

[0053] Also, by means of the auxiliary line 24 provided on the template 20, the putter face 82 can always be correctly aligned at a right angle to the lower line 22 (the hitting direction) even during the stroke. By being conscious of the plurality of auxiliary lines 24 provided behind the golf ball 2 and the spat 28 provided at the tip as the target for aligning the putter face 82 and making a stroke, it becomes possible to enhance the awareness of the hitting direction and correct the trajectory of the putt.

[0054] After practice, the beam members 36A and 36B can be removed and compactly stored in the mounting portion 64 of the base 32, and the upper line 50 can be removed from the locking portion and held in a relaxed state on the upper line hook 66. Therefore, while being compactly stored, deterioration can also be prevented. In addition, the rail-shaped ball storage portion 32A provided in the base 32 can store the spare ball 4 during practice, and can also be used as the storage place for all the golf balls 2 when tidying up the putting practice device 100. By storing the golf balls 2 here, they can be taken out and used immediately.

[0055] Summarizing the excellent effects obtained by the putting practice device 100 of this example, first, the accurate positioning of the line of sight (head) of the practitioner can be achieved. By aligning the upper line 50 and the lower line 22 in the vertical direction using the vertical indicator 60, the practitioner can always address the ball while visually recognizing it directly above the golf ball 2. As a result, the error of the stroke due to the deviation of the line of sight is prevented.

[0056] Also, by maintaining the line of sight exactly vertically upward, a stroke motion mainly involving the rotation of the shoulders and waist is promoted, and it becomes possible to stroke while stably holding the triangle of the arms. As a result, the reproducibility of the form is enhanced and the accuracy of the stroke is improved.

[0057] Furthermore, the auxiliary line 24 provided on the template 20 and the spat 28 provided at the tip of the lower line 22 can accurately control the angle of the putter face 82. Furthermore, the spat 28 improves the stability of the hitting direction in order to clearly make the practitioner aware of the target direction of the stroke.

[0058] Also, the support structure 30 has a so-called "cantilever structure" including columns 34A, 34B and beam members 36A, 36B supported at one end by the columns 34A, 34B and extending horizontally. As a result, even when the upper line 50 is held directly above the golf ball 2, there is no structure on the rear side of the golf ball 2 and on the trajectory of the stroke, so the putter can make a comfortable stroke without interfering with the structure.

[0059] Also, the column 34A (34B) is integrally held by the base 32. If the position of one column is aligned with the lower line 22, the other column 34B (34A) can be positioned only by adjusting the rotation direction. Also, the beam members 36A, 36B, and the vertical indicator 60 are detachable, and are easy to install and store.

[0060] Also, the beam members 36A, 36B and the upper line 50 can be stored in the base 32 after use. In particular, since the upper line 50 is held without applying tension, deterioration of the material can be prevented. Furthermore, a ball storage portion 32A is provided in the base 32, which is highly convenient for both practice and storage.

[0061] Note that each configuration of this example is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications as follows are possible.

[0062] First, the upper line 50 is composed of an elastic string in this example, but the material is not limited to this. For example, nylon thread, polyester thin string, transparent or colored plastic filaments with appropriate tension and visibility can be used. By adjusting the thickness and elasticity according to the material, the visibility and stretchability can be adjusted. In relation to the lower line 22, the thickness of the upper line 50 is preferably about the same as the width of the lower line 22. Also, the thickness of the upper line 50 may be smaller than the width of the lower line 22. Also, it is preferable that the colors of the lower line 22 and the upper line 50 are different. In many cases, the practice mat 10 is often made of green artificial turf or urethane, etc. In this regard, for the upper line 50 and the lower line 22, using colors in a complementary color relationship with this enhances visibility. For example, when the lower line 22 is white and the upper line 50 is black, the lower line 22 is more prominent on the practice mat 10 and is clearly visible when the lower line 22 overlaps the upper line 50. At this time, even if the upper line 50 is made red, the visibility is likely to be enhanced. Additionally, the lower line 22 may be yellow or orange, and the upper line 50 may be blue or green.

[0063] Also, the template 20 may be configured such that, in addition to a magnetic metal sheet, a magnet is disposed on the back surface of a non-magnetic resin sheet. Also, as an alternative to the magnet, other fixing means such as a hook-and-loop fastener or a suction cup can be used.

[0064] Also, the columns 34A, 34B and the beam members 36A, 36B can be formed of materials that are lightweight and have sufficient rigidity, such as metals like aluminum or stainless steel, lightweight resins, wood, or carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Especially when emphasizing portability, the columns 34A, 34B and the beam members 36A, 36B may be configured to be separable, and the connection parts may have a folding or telescopic mechanism.

[0065] Regarding the vertical indicator 60 as well, its shape and mass can be arbitrarily set, and for example, it may be conical, spherical, or flat plate-shaped, as long as it satisfies the desired visibility and adjustability. Also, the size of each component can be appropriately set according to a general putting practice space. For example, the height of the support columns 34A and 34B can be about 50 to 150 cm, and the length of the template 20 can be about 1 m. Regarding the interval of the auxiliary lines 24 of the template 20 and the shape of the spat 28, they can also be changed according to the level and purpose of the user.

Explanation of Signs

[0066] 2 Golf ball 10 Practice mat 14 Cup 16 Fixing means 20 Template 22 Lower line 24 Auxiliary line 26 Set position 28 Spat 30 Support structure 2 Base 34A Support column 34B Support column 36A Beam member 36B Beam member 38 Locking part 38B Protrusion 50 Upper line 60 Vertical indicator 60B Indication tip 100 Putting practice device

Claims

1. A golf putting practice device, comprising: A sheet-like template with a bottom line drawn on the surface, A support structure including at least two fixed support columns spaced apart from each other and beam members extending from each of the support columns in substantially the same direction; An upper line extending between the beam members; A vertical indicator, The beam member includes a locking portion, and the upper line and the vertical indicator are detachably attached to the locking portion, The upper line extends from the locking portion to the locking portion of another of the beam members, The vertical indicator is suspended from the anchoring portion.

2. 2. The putting practice device according to claim 1, wherein the template has a set position for a golf ball formed on the lower line, and at least one auxiliary line is further drawn on the lower line extending from the set position toward one end thereof and substantially perpendicular to the lower line.

3. 3. The putting practice device according to claim 2, wherein a spot is further drawn on the other end of said lower line to indicate the extension direction of said lower line.

4. The vertical indicator includes a rod-shaped main body, a hanging portion provided at one end of the main body, and an indicator tip provided at the other end of the main body, The putting practice device of claim 3 , wherein the pointing tip tapers toward a central axis of the body.

5. 5. The putting practice device according to claim 4, wherein the length of said vertical indicator is set so that when hung from said anchoring portion, it does not come into contact with said laid-down template and is approximately the same as that of said support pole.

6. 6. The putting practice device of claim 5, wherein the posts include second anchoring portions for anchoring the upper lines, and the distance between the second anchoring portions is less than the distance between the anchoring portions.

7. The beam member is configured to be detachable from the support column, The support column is provided with a receiving portion into which the beam member having an L-shaped cross section is fitted, 7. The putting practice device according to claim 6, wherein said beam members and said posts have magnetically attracting means disposed on their mating surfaces.

8. The support is fixed to a base, 8. The putting practice device of claim 7, wherein the base is provided with a mounting portion for storing the removed beam member, and a second magnetic attraction means corresponding to the magnetic attraction means of the beam member is disposed on the mounting portion.

9. 9. The putting practice device of claim 8, wherein the base is provided with a rail-shaped ball storage section for storing golf balls.

10. A golf putting practice device, comprising: A support structure including at least two fixed support columns spaced apart from each other and beam members extending from each of the support columns in substantially the same direction; An upper line extending between the beam members; A vertical indicator, The beam member includes a locking portion, and the upper line and the vertical indicator are detachably attached to the locking portion, The upper line extends from the locking portion to the locking portion of another of the beam members, The vertical indicator is suspended from the anchoring portion.

11. A golf putting practice device, comprising: A support structure including at least two fixed support columns spaced apart from each other and beam members extending from each of the support columns in substantially the same direction; An upper line extending between the beam members, The beam member includes a locking portion, and the upper line is detachably attached to the locking portion. The upper line extends from the anchor portion to the anchor portion of another of the beam members.

12. 2. The putting practice device of claim 1, wherein the rear end of the template is provided with a magnet or magnetic material for magnetically fixing to a practice mat.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Golf putting practice device

    WO2023210603A1