Putting Practice Equipment, Connector, and Putting Practice Method

Abstract

Provided are a putting practice device, a connector, and a putting practice method that enable a user to easily acquire stable putting in a state closer to actual practice. 【Solution means】 When in use, a rod having an upper end portion applied to a user's chest as a fulcrum and a lower end portion connected to a shaft of a putter, and a connector provided at the lower end portion of the rod and attached to the shaft of the putter. The connector includes a first connection portion fixed to the lower end portion of the rod and a second connection portion detachably attached to the shaft of the putter. A putting practice device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a putting practice device, a connector, and a putting practice method.

Background Art

[0002] As an instrument for golf putting practice, for example, "a main shaft having a grip provided at one end and a putter head provided at the other end, the putter head having a face surface and a non-face surface on the side opposite to the face surface, and having a first rod and a second rod, a contact member is provided at the upper end of the first rod, a joining member is provided at the lower end of the second rod, the joining member is connected to the non-face surface of the putter head of the main shaft, and the auxiliary shaft and the main shaft are installed so as to be inclined at an angle, and a connecting means is provided at the connection portion between the first rod and the second rod, the first rod is a hollow rod, and the second rod can move relatively within the first rod and within the connecting means to adjust the length of the auxiliary shaft" has been proposed (see Claim 1 of Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the above Patent Document 1, it is said that according to the above practice putter, a user can autonomously control these movements by observing the movements of the arm and shoulder with respect to the putter, and thus can perform an ideal hitting motion (see Paragraph 0006 of Patent Document 1).

[0005] However, in the above practice putter, a joint member is provided at the lower end of the second rod of the auxiliary shaft, and this joint member is connected to the non-face surface of the putter head of the main shaft. That is, in the above practice putter, two shafts, namely the main shaft and the auxiliary shaft, are installed on the putter head, and it is difficult to overlap the two shafts in a top view from their installation positions.

[0006] Therefore, in putting practice, the user always has to observe the two shafts simultaneously, which may make the user feel annoyed, confuse the observation targets, and prevent the user from concentrating on the practice.

[0007] In addition, when the user practices and observes using this practice putter with two shafts installed on the head, in actual play (practice), the user may feel a sense of discomfort with a normal head having one shaft installed on the head and may take time to adapt.

[0008] The present invention is for solving at least one of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a putting practice device, a connector, and a putting practice method that can easily acquire stable putting in a state closer to actual practice.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a putting practice device, which includes a rod whose upper end is applied to the user's chest as a fulcrum during use and whose lower end is connected to the shaft of the putter, and a connector provided at the lower end of the rod and attached to the shaft of the putter. The connector includes a first connection part fixed to the lower end of the rod and a second connection part detachably attached to the shaft of the putter.

[0010] The second connection part may be annular with a notch and elastic, and may be fitted onto the outer periphery of the shaft of the putter.

[0011] The axial direction of the first connecting portion and the axial direction of the second connecting portion may be parallel.

[0012] The axial direction of the first connecting portion and the axial direction of the second connecting portion may intersect so as to open upward or may be in a twisted positional relationship.

[0013] The inner peripheral surface of the second connecting portion may be formed in a tapered shape in a cross-sectional view.

[0014] The connector may include a fastener that closes an opening formed by a notch in the second connecting portion.

[0015] The fastener may be a screw.

[0016] The fastener may be a ring clip or a pinch clip.

[0017] The lower end portion of the rod and the first connecting portion may be fixed by at least one combination of press-fitting, fitting, adhesion, welding, and screwing.

[0018] The upper end portion of the rod may be fixed and may include a chest rest portion that abuts against the user's chest.

[0019] The connector may be connected to and may include a guide tool that indicates the angle of the face surface of the putter.

[0020] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a connector used for a putting practice device including a rod that is applied to a user's chest with the upper end portion as a fulcrum during use, the connector including a first connecting portion fixed to the lower end portion of the rod and a second connecting portion detachably attached to the shaft of a putter, and the second connecting portion being attached to the shaft of the putter to connect the lower end portion of the rod to the shaft of the putter.

[0021] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a putting practice method, which includes preparing a putting practice device comprising a putter, a rod, and a connector provided at the lower end of the rod, detachably attaching the connector to the shaft of the putter to connect the lower end of the rod to the shaft of the putter, placing the upper end of the rod against the chest with the upper end of the rod as a fulcrum, and performing putting practice.

[0022] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a putting practice method, which includes preparing a putter, a rod, and a connector comprising a first connection part and a second connection part, fixing the first connection part to the lower end of the rod, detachably attaching the second connection part to the shaft of the putter to connect the lower end of the rod to the shaft of the putter, placing the upper end of the rod against the chest with the upper end of the rod as a fulcrum, and performing putting practice.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a putting practice device, a connector, and a putting practice method that can simply acquire stable putting in a state close to actual practice.

[0024] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the component which is common in the following embodiment, it may attach | subject the same code | symbol as the code | symbol mentioned above and may abbreviate | omit description. Moreover, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc., unless otherwise specified or unless it is considered otherwise clearly in principle, those substantially approximating or similar to the shape, etc. are included.

[0027] <Putting Practice Implement> FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the putting practice device and the putting practice method according to the present invention. (a) is a schematic view observed from the left side (the face side of the head), and (b) is a schematic view observed from the front (in front of the user).

[0028] As shown in the figure, a putter P, which is a type of golf club, has a shaft P1, a head P2 connected to the lower end of the shaft P1, and a grip P3 that the user holds. As shown in the figure, for the putter P, in some cases, the lower end of the shaft P1 is directly connected to the head P2, but in many cases, it has a curved (bent) neck between the lower end and the head P2, and the lower end is connected to the head via the neck. Note that the neck may be provided integrally with the head P2, integrally with the shaft P1, etc., and the present invention is suitable for any of these modes.

[0029] Putting in golf is a shot aimed at the cup-in after the ball lands on the green part of the golf course. It differs from the shots of other clubs in the swing method and the ball trajectory, and requires unique practice.

[0030] Putting requires a more delicate sense than the shots of other clubs, and the image and sense are considered more important. The ideal of putting is an image like a pendulum, and it is important to swing it at a constant speed from side to side. For example, it is desirable to form a triangle (formed by a line connecting both shoulders and the grip with the elbows straightened) or a pentagon (formed by a line connecting both shoulders, both elbows, and the grip with the elbows bent), and a stable putting that does not lose its shape from the beginning to the end.

[0031] The putting practice device 1 of this embodiment is a device for practicing the putting of the putter P, and is used as a practice device for acquiring a desirable putting motion and remembering a good image.

[0032] The putting practice device 1 includes a rod 2 and a connector 3 as shown in the figure. The connector 3 is provided at the lower end of the rod 2 and is attached to the shaft P1 of the putter P. The putting practice device 1 is not particularly limited, but preferably further includes a chest rest portion 4 fixed to the upper end of the rod 2.

[0033] The rod 2 is a portion where the upper end is applied to the user's chest with the upper end as a fulcrum during use. The rod 2 is composed of, for example, a rod-shaped member that extends linearly and has a circular cross-section. When the putting practice device 1 includes the chest rest portion 4, the upper end of the rod 2 is applied to the chest via the chest rest portion 4. When the putting practice device 1 does not include the chest rest portion 4, the upper end of the rod 2 is directly applied to the chest.

[0034] The rod 2 is arranged so as to overlap in front of the shaft P1. The rod 2 preferably has a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the shaft P1 of the putter P, and more preferably has a thickness greater than the thickness of the shaft P1.

[0035] By configuring the putting practice device 1 in this way, as shown in the figure, when properly stacked, in a top view or a front view, the portion above the connector 3 of the shaft P1 is hidden below the rod 2, making it easier to concentrate on the practice.

[0036] The rod 2 has its lower end connected to the shaft P1 of the putter P. That is, when the putter P has a neck, the rod 2 is connected to the shaft P1 above the neck. As shown in Fig. 1(a), when the putter P has no neck, the position (connection position) where the rod 2 is connected to the shaft P1 is a point separated by a distance B upward from the head P2. The distance B varies depending on various factors such as the user's height, the length of the rod 2, the length of the shaft P1, and the user's putting posture. For example, it is about 10 cm to 50 cm, preferably about 10 cm to 20 cm. Although not shown, when the putter P has a neck, the connection position is at least a position where the lower end of the shaft P1 can be visually recognized. For example, it is a point about 5 cm to 45 cm, preferably about 5 cm to 20 cm, upward from the neck.

[0037] By configuring the putting practice device 1 in this way, the portion near the lower end of the shaft P1 can be visually recognized. During putting practice, the ball, the head P2, and the portion near the lower end of the shaft P1 (when there is a neck, the neck and the portion near the lower end of the shaft P1) can be seen, and practice can be carried out in a state closer to actual practice.

[0038] That is, in putting practice, if the rod arranged to the left or right of the shaft is visually recognized simultaneously with the shaft, or if the shaft is completely hidden by the rod and only the rod is visually recognized, the image during practice and what is seen in actual practice will be widely separated, and there is a risk that the desired image formation in actual practice cannot be achieved. In the putting practice device 1 of this embodiment, since the rod 2 overlaps forward in a state where the portion near the lower end of the shaft P1 can be visually recognized, such problems can be solved, and the desired putting motion can be acquired in a state closer to actual practice, and the desired image can be remembered.

[0039] The connector 3, details of which will be described later, includes a first connection portion 31 fixed to the lower end of the rod 2 and a second connection portion 32 detachably attached to the shaft P1 of the putter P (refer to Fig. 3 and subsequent figures described later).

[0040] <Putting Practice Method 1> When practicing putting, first prepare a putting practice device 1 including a putter P, a rod 2, and a connector 3 provided at the lower end of the rod 2. The putting practice device 1 may further include a chest rest portion 4 fixed to the upper end of the rod 2.

[0041] Next, attach the connector 3 to the shaft P1 of the putter P to connect the lower end of the rod 2 to the shaft P1 of the putter P. More specifically, detachably attach the second connection portion 32 of the connector 3 to the shaft P1.

[0042] Then, as shown in FIG. 1, place the upper end of the rod 2 against the chest as a fulcrum, either directly or through the chest rest portion 4, and practice putting.

[0043] As described above, for putting, it is important to swing regularly from side to side like a pendulum. However, even when practicing by supporting the putter P only with the arm and hand as in actual play, it is difficult to acquire the desired motion and good image because of shaking. On the other hand, when the putter P is a long putter, if the upper end of the putter P is fixed to the upper body, the reproducibility of the swing is improved, and a straight swing in the hitting direction (the trajectory of the ball also becomes straight) becomes possible. However, fixing the upper end of the putter P to the upper body is often regarded as a rule violation in actual play.

[0044] The putting practice device 1 and the putting practice method of this embodiment enable the user to acquire a feeling similar to that of fixing the upper end of the putter P to the upper body like a long putter by placing the upper end of the rod 2 against the chest and using it as a fulcrum to practice putting in a state closer to actual play.

[0045] In the putting practice of this form, as shown in Fig. 1(b), by swinging the putter P connected to the rod 2 with the upper end as a fulcrum and applied to the chest, the putter P can be swung left and right like a pendulum together with the rod 2, and the user can master the action of swinging the putter P like a pendulum. Also, by visually recognizing the ball, the portion near the lower end of the head P2 and the shaft P1 (or the portion near the lower end of the neck and the shaft P1) at that time, a good image at that time can be remembered. By repeating such practice, stable putting can be acquired in a form closer to actual practice, and the accuracy of putting in actual practice can be improved.

[0046] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a putting practice device according to the present invention, where (a) is a front view of one example, and (b) is a front view of another example. In each figure, X represents the front-rear direction (+X is the front), Y represents the up-down direction (longitudinal direction, vertical direction) (+Y is the up), and Z represents the left-right direction (lateral direction) (+Z is the right) (the same in the following figures). The illustration shows the putting practice device 1 arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the rod 2 is along the Y direction. Hereinafter, each component of the putting practice device 1 will be described more specifically.

[0047] The rod 2 is a rod-shaped member made of a material such as carbon or metal, for example. The rod 2 may be cylindrical with a cavity continuous in the axial direction, may have a cavity at one or more locations, or may be solid throughout. The rod 2 may have a uniform thickness as shown in the figure, or may have a gradually decreasing thickness toward the lower end. Usually, a dedicated rod 2 is manufactured. When the user has a golf practice alignment stick or an unused shaft, these may be used as a substitute for the rod 2.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 2(b), the rod 2 may have a display 21 which is a straight line representing the left and right centers along the longitudinal direction on the front outer peripheral surface. By configuring the rod 2 in this way, during the putting practice, the user can perform the practice of swinging left and right regularly using the display 21 as a mark.

[0049] The rod 2 is provided with one as an example. The rod 2 may be provided with two or more as an example. In this case, if rods of a plurality of different lengths are provided, for example, those of sizes S, M, and L, the length can be changed according to various factors such as the physical characteristics of the user such as height, the length of the shaft P1, the user's padding posture, and the practice method. The rod 2 may be configured to be telescopic as an example.

[0050] The connector 3 is provided at the lower end of the rod 2. The connector 3 is preferably configured to have elasticity. The connector 3 is made of a material such as silicone rubber or urethane sponge, for example. By providing the connector 3 with appropriate elasticity, the angle of the rod 2 with respect to the shaft P1 can be adjusted without being completely fixed, and a natural body movement for padding by the user can be achieved without being unnaturally restricted. Note that depending on the elasticity of the shaft P1 and the rod 2, the play at the connection points between the members, etc., appropriate angle adjustment may be possible, so the connector 3 may be partially or entirely formed of a relatively rigid material such as metal, carbon, or plastic. It may be formed of a plurality of materials having different elasticities and rigidities.

[0051] When one rod 2 is provided, one connector 3 is provided and is fixed to the lower end of the rod 2, for example, non-removably. When two or more rods 2 are provided, one connector 3 is provided as an example and is removably fixed to the lower end of the rod 2 used for practice each time. When two or more rods 2 are provided, two or more connectors 3 are provided as an example and are non-removably fixed to the lower ends of each rod 2, or non-removably fixed to the lower ends of some rods 2 with high usage frequency and removably fixed to the lower ends of the remaining rods 2.

[0052] The chest rest 4 is fixed to the upper end of the rod 2 and is the part that contacts the user's chest. The chest rest 4 is applied, for example, around the middle of the left and right of the chest. The chest rest 4, like the connector 3, is provided with one or more according to the number of rods 2 and is fixed removably or non-removably.

[0053] The chest contact part 4 preferably has elasticity and cushioning properties and is configured to be non-slip. The chest contact part 4 is made of a material such as silicone rubber or urethane sponge, for example. By configuring the chest contact part 4 that is applied to the user's chest in this way, the impact on the user's chest can be mitigated and displacement can be reduced.

[0054] The chest contact part 4 is not particularly limited, but preferably has a rounded shape, such as a spherical shape. By configuring the chest contact part 4 that serves as the fulcrum of the rotating rod 2 in this way, the degree of freedom can be increased.

[0055] <Embodiment 1 of the connector> Figs. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing an example of Embodiment 1 of the connector of the putting practice device according to the present invention. Fig. 3(a) is a top view, Fig. 3(b) is a side view, Fig. 3(c) is a front view, Fig. 3(d) is a rear view, Fig. 4(a) is a sectional view taken along line AA, and Fig. 4(b) is a sectional view for explaining an example of the usage state.

[0056] As described above, the connector 3 is used for a putting practice device including a rod 2 whose upper end is applied to the user's chest as a fulcrum during use. The connector 3 includes a first connection part 31 fixed to the lower end of the rod 2 and a second connection part 32 detachably attached to the shaft P1 of the putter P. The connector 3 connects the lower end of the rod 2 to the shaft P1 of the putter P by attaching the second connection part 32 to the shaft P1 of the putter P.

[0057] As an example, the connector 3 is provided to the user as a part of the putting practice device 1 while being fixed to the rod 2. As an example, the connector 3 may be provided to the user alone and fixed to the rod 2 on the user side and assembled as the putting practice device 1. For example, when the user has a golf practice alignment stick or an unused shaft, the putting practice device 1 can be assembled on the user side using such a connector 3.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 3(a), the connector 3 is preferably configured to be symmetric about the center line AA along the X direction. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment and its modifications, and the embodiments and modifications described later, unless otherwise specified, the cross-sectional view shall be the cross-sectional view taken along line AA. Note that, as long as it does not conflict with the gist of the present invention, the connector 3 may be configured to be asymmetric left and right.

[0059] The connector 3 has a first connection portion 31 on the front side and a second connection portion 32 on the rear side, with a virtual line shown by a two-dot chain line in the drawing as the boundary. That is, in the connector 3, the rear end side of the first connection portion 31 and the front end side of the second connection portion 32 are integrally formed, and a part of the fixing hole M and the mounting hole N described later is formed by a common wall portion (common wall). The boundary line is, for example, the center line of the common wall portion and is perpendicular to the AA center line. The connector 3 has, as an example, an outer peripheral surface 301 that is generally oval in a top view. Note that the shape of the outer peripheral surface 301 as a whole of the connector 3 in this embodiment, or the shape of the outer peripheral surface of each of the first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 32 is not particularly limited.

[0060] The first connection portion 31 has an inner peripheral surface 311 that is circular in a top view, and is fixed to the lower end portion of the rod 2 by a fixing hole M surrounded by the inner peripheral surface 311. As shown in the drawing, the fixing hole M is, as an example, a through hole that penetrates in the thickness direction (vertical direction). Although not shown in the drawing, the fixing hole M is, as an example, a bottomed hole that does not penetrate in the thickness direction. In other words, the first connection portion 31 may have, as an example, an inner peripheral surface 311 and a bottom wall that closes the inner peripheral surface 311 from below.

[0061] The fixing of the first connection portion 31 and the lower end portion of the rod 2 is performed by, for example, at least one combination of press-fitting, fitting, adhesion, welding, and screwing.

[0062] The second connection portion 32 is annular with a notch and has elasticity. As described above, the connector 3 is made of a material such as silicone rubber, and the second connection portion 32 has elasticity. The second connection portion 32 forms an opening Q by the notch, and the shaft P1 can be easily fitted onto the outer periphery through this opening Q.

[0063] The second connection part 32, more specifically, as shown in Fig. 3(a), has an inner peripheral surface 321 in the shape of a C (a notched circle) in top view, and the outer periphery of the mounting position of the shaft P1 is accommodated in the mounting hole N surrounded by the inner peripheral surface 321. The mounting hole N penetrates in the thickness direction (vertical direction). The second connection part 32 has the mounting hole N communicating with the rear opening Q, and receives and accommodates the shaft P1 in the mounting hole N through the opening Q. The left - right width of the opening Q of the second connection part 32 is smaller than the diameter of the shaft P1, but since it has elasticity, even if it deforms when the shaft P1 passes through, it returns to its original state after the shaft P1 has passed through. The second connection part 32 can be mounted simply by fitting it onto the shaft P1 through the opening Q, and can be removed simply by pulling the connector 3 or the shaft P1, so the attachment and detachment are simple and easy.

[0064] As an example, the connector 3 is formed such that the axial direction (central axis C1) of the first connection part 31 and the axial direction (central axis C2) of the second connection part 32 are parallel, as shown in Fig. 4(a).

[0065] As an example, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the diameter of the fixing hole M (inner peripheral surface 311) of the connector 3 is substantially equal to the diameter of the lower end part of the rod 2. Here, the rod 2 is fixed so that the axis S1 coincides with the axial direction of the first connection part 31. More specifically, the rod 2 is preferably fixed in the fixing hole M so that the lower end does not protrude from the lower end of the first connection part 31, and preferably, the lower end is above the lower end of the first connection part 31. As another example, as long as the visibility of the lower end part of the shaft P1 is not reduced, the lower end of the rod 2 may protrude downward from the lower end of the first connection part 31. In this case, the length of the downward protrusion is preferably such that the lower end part of the rod 2 does not interfere with the shaft P1 or the like during normal use.

[0066] As an example, the connector 3 is formed such that the diameter of the mounting hole N (inner peripheral surface 321) is larger than the diameter of the shaft P1, has a play that allows the mounting position to be shifted in the vertical direction, and allows the shaft P1 to be tilted. As shown in Fig. 4(b), by configuring in this way, after mounting on the shaft P1, the shaft P1 can be tilted at an angle α and can be retained in the mounting hole N in contact with the front lower end and the rear upper end of the mounting hole N. Further, if the tilt of the shaft P1 is made closer to 0 (if the axis S2 is made closer to the central axis of the mounting hole N), the mounting position can be shifted vertically, and the angle with respect to the rod 2 can be easily adjusted.

[0067] Note that the diameter of the mounting hole N (inner peripheral surface 321) may be substantially equal to the diameter of the shaft P1. In this case, due to the elastic force (and restoring force) of the second connecting portion 32, the shaft P1 can be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface 321, and the shaft P1 can be clamped more strongly (preventing displacement). Since the second connecting portion 32 has elasticity, the angle of the shaft P1 can also be adjusted.

[0068] In the padding practice according to the present invention, as shown in Fig. 1(a), the shaft P1 forms an angle with respect to the rod 2. In the connector 3 of this embodiment, while the rod 2 is fixed vertically, the shaft P1 can adjust the mounting position vertically and can adjust the angle with respect to the rod 2, so that the padding practice can be performed after adjusting to a more desirable angle.

[0069] <Padding Practice Method 2> When the connector 3 is provided to the user as a part of the padding practice device 1, the user can perform the practice by the above-mentioned padding practice method 1. When the connector 3 is provided separately and fixed to the rod 2 on the user side, the user can perform the practice by this method.

[0070] As an example, first, prepare a putter P, a rod 2, and a connector 3 including a first connecting portion 31 and a second connecting portion 32. A chest rest portion 4 may be fixed to the upper end portion of the rod 2.

[0071] Next, fix the first connecting part 31 to the lower end of the rod 2, detachably attach the second connecting part 32 to the shaft P1 of the putter P, and connect the lower end of the rod 2 to the shaft P1 of the putter P.

[0072] Then, as shown in FIG. 1, place the upper end of the rod 2 against the chest as a fulcrum, either directly or through the chest pad 4, and perform putting practice. This method can obtain the same effect as described above.

[0073] In addition, in this method and the aforementioned putting practice method 1, by using the second connecting part 32 of the connector 3, the height position and angle of the rod 2 with respect to the shaft P1 can be adjusted after or before placing the upper end of the rod 2 against the chest as a fulcrum, and then the practice can be carried out.

[0074] <Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 1 of the Connector> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing Modification Example 1 of Embodiment 1 of the connector of the putting practice device according to the present invention. (a) is a cross-sectional view, and (b) is an illustration of an example of the usage state using the cross-sectional view. The connector 3 in this example is different from that in Embodiment 1 in that the second connecting part 32 is different. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences, and the overlapping descriptions will be omitted as appropriate (the same applies to each of the following modification examples).

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5(a), in the connector 3 of this example, the axial direction (central axis C1) of the first connecting part 31 and the axial direction (central axis C2) of the second connecting part 32 intersect so as to open upward, or are in a twisted positional relationship.

[0076] In the connector 3 of this example, compared with the connector 3 of Embodiment 1 in which both the fixing hole M (inner peripheral surface 311) and the mounting hole N (inner peripheral surface 321) are rectangular in cross-sectional view, the fixing hole M (inner peripheral surface 311) is rectangular in cross-sectional view, and the mounting hole N (inner peripheral surface) is a parallelogram in cross-sectional view. Here, the second connecting part 32 has a specific angle β as shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0077] As an example, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the second connecting portion 32 has a play that allows the mounting position to be shifted up and down because the diameter of the mounting hole N is slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft P1. By configuring the connector 3 in this way, the shaft P1 contacts the front upper end and the rear lower end of the mounting hole N and stays in the mounting hole N. By increasing the contact area between the mounting hole N and the shaft P1 compared to the first embodiment, the displacement in the vertical direction can be reduced. If the inclination of the shaft P1 is brought closer to the specific angle β, the mounting position can be shifted up and down, and the angle with respect to the rod 2 can be easily adjusted.

[0078] Although not shown, as an example, the diameter of the mounting hole N may be substantially equal to the diameter of the shaft P1 in the second connecting portion 32. By configuring the connector 3 in this way, the shaft P1 can be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface 321, and the shaft P1 can be clamped more strongly (preventing displacement). Since the second connecting portion 32 has elasticity, the angle of the shaft P1 can also be adjusted.

[0079] <Modification Example 2 of Connector> Fig. 6 is a diagram showing Modification Example 2 of Embodiment 1 of the connector of the padding practice device according to the present invention. (a) is a cross-sectional view, (b) is an illustration of an example of the usage state using the cross-sectional view, and (c) is an illustration of another example. The connector 3 in this example is different from Embodiment 1 and its Modification Example 1 in that the second connecting portion 32 is different.

[0080] In the connector 3 of this example, in a cross-sectional view, the fixing hole M (inner peripheral surface 311) is rectangular, and the mounting hole N (inner peripheral surface 321) is tapered (trapezoidal). That is, the second connecting portion 32 has a specific angle β.

[0081] As an example, as shown in Figs. 6(a) and 6(b), the mounting hole N (inner peripheral surface 321) is tapered such that the lower end is narrow and the upper end is wide. The diameter of the lower end of the mounting hole N is preferably substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft P1.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 6(c), as an example, the mounting hole N (inner peripheral surface 321) of the connector 3 has a tapered shape with a narrow upper end and a wide lower end. The diameter of the upper end of the mounting hole N is preferably substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft P1.

[0083] By configuring the connector 3 in this way, the lower end (or upper end) of the mounting hole N (inner peripheral surface 321) can be appropriately brought into close contact with the shaft P1, more effectively preventing displacement in the vertical direction. On the other hand, it is easier to change the angle of the shaft P1 with the lower end (or upper end) of the mounting hole N (inner peripheral surface 321) as the fulcrum.

[0084] <Modification Example 3 of the Connector> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing Modification Example 3 of Embodiment 1 of the connector of the padding practice device according to the present invention. (a) is a cross-sectional view, and (b) is an illustration of an example of the usage state using the cross-sectional view. The first connection portion 31 of the connector 3 in this example is different from that in Embodiment 1 and each modification example.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 7(a), as an example, in the connector 3 of this example, both the fixing hole M (inner peripheral surface 311) and the mounting hole N (inner peripheral surface 321) are formed in a parallelogram shape in a cross-sectional view. As an example, the axial direction (central axis C1) of the first connection portion 31 and the axial direction (central axis C2) of the second connection portion 32 are parallel. As shown in FIG. 7(b), in the first connection portion 31, the diameter of the fixing hole M is larger than the diameter of the lower end portion of the rod 2, and the lower end portion of the rod 2 is vertically installed. In this way, the fixing hole M in the first connection portion 31 may be formed in a shape other than a rectangle in a cross-sectional view.

[0086] As an example, as shown in the figure, the first connection portion 31 of the connector 3 may have a bottom wall 312, and the fixing hole M may be configured as a bottomed hole. In this case, preferably, the lower end portion of the rod 2 is fixed in contact with the bottom wall 312.

[0087] <Modification Example 4 of the Connector> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modification 4 of Embodiment 1 of the connector of the putting practice device according to the present invention, (a) is a cross-sectional view, and (b) is an illustration of an example of the usage state using the cross-sectional view. The connector 3 in this example is different from that in Embodiment 1 and each modification in that the first connection portion 31 is different.

[0088] As shown in the figure, the first connection portion 31 in this example includes a buffer portion 313 in the fixing hole M. The buffer portion 313 has a substantially cylindrical shape in top view and a shape corresponding to the shape of the fixing hole M in cross-sectional view. The buffer portion 313 may have a bottom as shown in the figure or may be bottomless. The buffer portion 313 is made of a material having elasticity and cushioning properties. In this example, the lower end portion of the rod 2 is fixed so that the outer peripheral surface (or the outer peripheral surface and the lower end surface) is covered by the buffer portion 313.

[0089] In putting practice, it is necessary to finely adjust the posture and form. When making such adjustments, it is better for the rod 2 with its upper end against the chest to move to some extent to reduce the burden on the chest. Since the connector 3 has elasticity as described above, it can respond to body movements to some extent. However, by providing the buffer portion 313 as in this example, the burden on the chest can be further reduced. Regarding the second connection portion 32, a cylindrical buffer portion may be provided in the mounting hole N so that the outer peripheral surface of the shaft P1 is removably covered.

[0090] <Embodiment 2 of the Connector> FIGS. 9 to 12 are diagrams showing an example of Embodiment 2 of the connector of the putting practice device according to the present invention. In each figure, (a) is a top view and (b) is a diagram for explaining the state where the opening is closed. The connector 3 in this embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 and its modifications in that it includes a fastener 33 for closing the opening Q of the second connection portion 32. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0091] As an example, the connector 3 has an outer peripheral surface 301 that is generally rectangular in top view as shown in Fig. 9(a). The connector 3 includes a fastener 33 that seals a rear opening Q formed by a notch in the second connection portion 32. As an example, the fastener 33 is a screw as shown in Fig. 9. In the drawing, the illustration of the thread groove on the outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft 331 of the fastener 33 is omitted.

[0092] In the second connection portion 32, screw holes 322 are provided along the left - right direction so as to cross the opening Q. Here, the screw holes 322 are provided in both the left - hand side portion and the right - hand side portion of the opening. In the drawing, the illustration of the thread groove on the inner peripheral surface of the screw holes 322 is omitted.

[0093] When closing the opening Q of the second connection portion 32, if the fastener 33 is screwed into the screw holes 322 in the arrow direction, the opening Q can be closed as shown in Fig. 9(b).

[0094] In the padding practice, the connector 3 of the above - described Embodiment 1 can easily adjust the mounting position with respect to the shaft P1 and make the angle of the shaft P1 with respect to the rod 2 a more desirable angle. On the other hand, in the repeated practice after adjustment, it may be preferable to fix the mounting state so that the height position of the rod 2 with respect to the shaft P1 does not shift.

[0095] The connector 3 of this embodiment is suitable for such a case. By closing the opening Q by fastening the fastener 33 to the second connection portion 32 so that the opening Q does not expand, the mounting state with respect to the shaft P1 can be fixed. The configuration of the fastener 33 is not particularly limited as long as it fastens the second connection portion 32 so that the opening Q does not expand.

[0096] As an example, as shown in Fig. 10(a), the outer peripheral surface 301 of the connector 3 in top view is formed in a roughly ladle shape. The fastener 33 is, as an example, a ring-shaped clip with a notch and is roughly C-shaped in top view. When closing the opening Q of the second connection part 32, if the fastener 33 is fitted to the outer peripheral surface 301 on the side of the second connection part 32 from the rear in the direction of the arrow, the opening Q can be closed as shown in Fig. 10(b). Since the fastener 33 is a ring-shaped clip, it can be fastened to the second connection part 32 without the need for other tools.

[0097] As an example, as shown in Fig. 11, the fastener 33 may be a ring-shaped clip having a handle 332. By having the handle 332, the fastener 33 becomes easier to operate.

[0098] As an example, as shown in Fig. 12, the fastener 33 may be a pinch clip. Since the pinch clip can expand the tip by pressing a pair of handles in the opposite directions, the operation of fastening it to the outer peripheral surface 301 on the side of the second connection part 32 becomes easier. Note that the configuration of the pinch clip is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the outer peripheral surface 301 on the side of the second connection part 32. As means for biasing the pair of tip parts in the pinching direction, for example, a torsion coil spring or a leaf spring is used.

[0099] In the putting practice using the connector 3 of this embodiment, after attaching the second connection part 32 to the shaft P1 of the putter P and connecting the lower end part of the rod 2 to the shaft P1 of the putter P, the height position and angle of the rod 2 with respect to the shaft P1 are adjusted, and then the fastener 33 is fastened to the second connection part 32. Then, as shown in Fig. 1, the upper end part of the rod 2 is applied to the chest as a fulcrum, either directly or via the chest contact part 4, and the putting practice is performed.

[0100] Note that the fastener 33 may be configured to more firmly fix the second connection portion 32 to the shaft P1. For example, in the case of the fastener 33 shown in FIG. 9, the thread groove of the threaded hole 322 is not provided on the left side portion of the opening Q, but is provided on the right side portion of the opening Q. When the fastener 33 is rotated in the fastening direction, the elastic second connection portion 32 deforms so that the opening Q becomes narrower (the inner diameter of the mounting hole N becomes smaller). For example, in the case of the fastener 33 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, by configuring the inner diameter of the clip portion to be smaller than the outer diameter of the second connection portion 32, the elastic second connection portion 32 can be deformed so that the opening Q becomes narrower.

[0101] <Other modification examples of the connector> In each of the above-described embodiments and modification examples of the connector 3, the connector 3 has been described as being an elastic body, but it is not limited to such a configuration. A part of the connector 3 may be configured of an elastic body.

[0102] As an example, among the connectors 3, the outer periphery and the vicinity of the mounting hole N of the second connection portion 32 are configured of a cylindrical member, and the remaining region is configured as another member (referred to as a holding member) that holds this cylindrical member. Note that the opening Q is formed in the same manner. Further, the cylindrical member is formed of an elastic body such as silicone rubber, and the holding member is formed of a material having higher rigidity than a cylindrical member such as metal, carbon, or plastic. Even in such a configuration, since the second connection portion 32 has elasticity in the outer periphery and the vicinity of the mounting hole N, the angle of the shaft P1 can be adjusted. Further, the outer periphery and the vicinity of the fixing hole M of the first connection portion 31 may be configured in the same manner. In this case, since the first connection portion 31 has elasticity in the outer periphery and the vicinity of the fixing hole M, the angle of the rod 2 can be adjusted. Note that a cylindrical member may be provided only on the first connection portion 31 side instead of the second connection portion 32 side.

[0103] Contrary to the above example, the holding member may be formed of an elastic body such as silicone rubber, and the cylindrical member may be formed of a material having higher rigidity than the holding member such as metal, carbon, or plastic. Even in such a configuration, since the holding member that holds the cylindrical member has elasticity, the angle can be adjusted.

[0104] <Guide tool> The putting practice device 1 may be provided with a guide tool. This guide tool indicates the angle of the face surface of the putter head during the putting operation and is a tool for making it easier for the user to recognize the inclination of the face surface (left - right direction with respect to the ball hitting direction). In particular, since the inclination of the face surface during a shot greatly affects the traveling direction of the ball, control of the face surface is important.

[0105] Hereinafter, an example of the guide tool will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the guide tool of the putting practice device according to the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an outline of a practice method using the guide tool.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 13(a) and (b), the guide tool 5 is detachably attached to the fastener 33. The guide tool 5 has a guide rod 51 and a connecting portion (connecting members 52 and 53). The guide rod 51 is a straight - long rod member or plate member, and its length is, for example, not less than the width of the head P2 in the X - direction and is 10 - 30 cm. The connecting member 52 is integrally formed or fixedly provided at the center or near the center of the guide rod 51. The connecting member 53 is integrally formed or fixedly provided on the handle of the fastener 33. The method of connecting the connecting members is not limited as long as it is detachable, and is, for example, at least one combination of press - fitting, fitting, adhesion, screwing, and adsorption by a magnet. The guide rod 51 is preferably arranged along the Z - direction perpendicular to the XY - plane passing through the centers of the fixing hole M and the mounting hole N of the connector 3 in a state where it is attached to the fastener 33 or by adjustment after attachment. Since the guide rod 51 is arranged behind the shaft P1 in the same manner as the fastener 33, the visual recognition of the portion near the lower end of the shaft P1 is not hindered.

[0107] Figure 14 shows a state where a connector 3 is attached to a shaft P1 (not shown), the lower end of a rod 2 (not shown) is connected to the shaft P1, and a guide rod 51 is attached to a fastener 33 via a connecting portion. In this state, the longitudinal direction of the guide rod 51 is orthogonal to the XY plane including the face surface (left side in the figure) of the head P2. When practicing putting like an ideal pendulum, the swing is performed such that at least in a part of the swing trajectory including the shot time, for example, the face surface of the head P2 remains orthogonal to the arrow in the Z direction shown in the figure and the position in the X direction does not shift. When the face surface tilts even slightly, the shaft P1 also rotates simultaneously and the guide rod 51 rotates accordingly, so that it is possible to immediately and intuitively recognize that the face surface has tilted and the direction of tilting (left - right direction with respect to the ball hitting direction). To actually visually see the arrow in the Z direction shown in the figure rather than imagining it, a rod such as an alignment stick can be placed on the ground and used.

[0108] As described above, the guide device 5 has been described in combination with the connector 3 (and the fastener 33) shown in FIG. 12. Needless to say, it can also be combined with the connector 3 (and the fastener 33) shown in FIGS. 9 - 11. Further, the guide device 5 is not limited to being detachably attached to the fastener 33, and may be configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the connector 3. That is, the guide device 5 can be applied to the connector 3 according to each of the embodiments and each modification described in this specification. Also, the guide device 5 may be integrally formed or fixedly provided with respect to the fastener 33 or the main body of the connector 3.

[0109] As described above, examples of embodiments of the putting practice device, connector, and putting practice method according to the present invention have been described. However, these are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention includes forms in which each of the above - described embodiments and their modifications are combined, and further various modifications. Various additions, changes, and partial deletions are possible without departing from the conceptual ideas and spirit of the present invention derived from the content defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0110] 1... padding practice device, 2... rod, 3... connector, 301... outer peripheral surface, 31... first connection part, 311... inner peripheral surface, 32... second connection part, 321... inner peripheral surface, 33... fastener, 4... chest rest part, 5... guide tool, 51... guide rod, 52... connecting member, 53... connecting member, M... fixing hole, N... mounting hole, Q... opening.

Claims

1. A putting practice device used to acquire the action of swinging a putter like a pendulum, When in use, a rod whose upper end is applied to the user's chest as a fulcrum and whose lower end is connected to the shaft of the putter, A connector provided at the lower end of the rod and attached to the shaft of the putter, The connector includes, A first connection part fixed to the lower end of the rod, A second connection part detachably attached to the shaft of the putter, The connection position where the rod is connected to the shaft of the putter is a location closer to the head of the putter than the grip of the putter, The putting practice device further includes, A guide device connected to the connector and indicating the angle of the face of the putter, The guide device has a guide rod that is arranged behind the mounting hole of the second connection part of the connector and whose longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the plane passing through the center of the fixing hole of the first connection part and the mounting hole of the second connection part of the connector A putting practice device, characterized in that.

2. The second connection part is annular with a notch and has elasticity, and can be fitted onto the outer periphery of the shaft of the putter, The mounting hole of the second connection part is configured such that the shaft of the putter can be tilted with respect to the rod while being mounted The putting practice device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The axial direction of the first connection part and the axial direction of the second connection part are parallel The putting practice device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. The axial direction of the first connection part and the axial direction of the second connection part intersect so as to open upward or are in a torsional positional relationship The putting practice device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The inner peripheral surface of the second connection part is formed in a tapered shape in cross section The putting practice device according to claim 2, characterized in that.

6. The connector includes a fastener that closes the opening formed by the notch of the second connection part The putting practice device according to claim 2, characterized in that.

7. The fastener is a screw The putting practice device according to claim 6, characterized in that.

8. The fastener is a ring clip or a pinch clip The putting practice device according to claim 6, characterized in that.

9. The lower end of the rod and the first connection part are fixed by at least one combination of press-fitting, fitting, adhesion, welding, and screwing. The putting practice device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

10. It is fixed to the upper end of the rod and includes a chest pad that abuts against the user's chest. The putting practice device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

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