Putting apparatus for practicing putting

Abstract

A putting apparatus that includes a first disc member having a first inner side and a first outer side and a second disc member having a second inner side and a second outer side. The putting apparatus can also include a core extending between the first and second disc members. Another embodiment of a putting apparatus includes a first disc member having a base portion extending from a first disc, the first disc having a first inner side and a first outer side. This putting apparatus further includes a second disc member having a base member extending from a second disc, the second disc having a second inner side and a second outer side, the first and second disc members are selectively attachable to each other to permit the first and second discs to trap a golf ball putted therebetween to engage the first and second inner sides.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001] Not applicable.CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a putting apparatus that can be used to practice putting.2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] There are various devices to aid a golfer in developing their putting skills. There are various downsides of a majority of these putting aid devices. A lot of the devices are bulky, or their use requires a person use the device on a putting green.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a putting apparatus that can be used anywhere and be easily transportable.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to a putting apparatus that includes a first disc member having a first inner side and a first outer side and a second disc member having a second inner side and a second outer side. The putting apparatus can also include a core extending between the first and second disc members.

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to another embodiment of a putting apparatus that includes a first disc member having a base portion extending from a first disc, the first disc having a first inner side and a first outer side. This putting apparatus further includes a second disc member having a base member extending from a second disc, the second disc having a second inner side and a second outer side, the first and second disc members are selectively attachable to each other to permit the first and second discs to trap a golf ball putted therebetween to engage the first and second inner sides.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2A is yet another perspective view of the putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the putting apparatus shown in two parts and constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2C a side elevation view of the putting apparatus shown in a storage and transportation configuration and constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the putting apparatus shown in multiple parts and constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3C a cross-sectional view of the putting apparatus shown in the storage and transportation configuration and constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 7A-7C are multiple views of another embodiment of a putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0020] The present disclosure is directed to a putting apparatus 10 that can provide excellent putting accuracy feedback and be modifiable for easier transportation of the putting apparatus 10. Referring now to FIGS. 1A-5, shown therein is the putting apparatus 10. The putting apparatus 10 includes a first disc member 12 selectively attachable to a second disc member 14 to create the putting apparatus 10 having two opposing discs for receiving and capturing a golf ball 16 putted at the apparatus. The first and second disc members 12 and 14 can be securable together via any means known in the art. For example, they could be bolted together with a nut and bolt or screwed together with a screw that can engage threads in one of the first or second disc members 12 or 14.

[0021] In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-3B, the first disc member 12 can include a base portion 18 with a disc 20 extending therefrom. The base portion 18 can include a threaded shaft 22 extending therefrom. The second disc member 14 can include a base member 24 with a disc 26 extending therefrom. The second disc member 14 also includes a sleeve 28 that extends from the base member 24 of the second disc member 14 that has threads 30 disposed inside the sleeve 28 to engage the threaded shaft 22 of the first disc member 12 to secure the components of the putting apparatus 10 together. In one embodiment, the second disc member 14 can also include a transition zone 31 between the disc 26 and the threaded sleeve 28 that is curved to allow the threaded shaft 22 of the first disc member 12 to extend up into the threaded sleeve 28 of the second disc member 14 to create a lower profile putting apparatus 10 when the putting apparatus 10 is configured in the transportation and storage position. While the first and second disc members 12 and 14 are shown herein secured together using threads, it should be understood and appreciated that the first and second disc members 12 and 14 can be secured together using any means known in the art. For example, the first and second disc members 12 and 14 can be secured together using magnets, they could be secured together using frictional engagement, they could be secured together using a snap ring, etc.

[0022] When the first and second disc members 12 and 14 are secured together for usage of the putting apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 1A-2A, an inner side 32 of the disc 20 of the first disc member 12 faces an inner side 34 of the disc 26 of the second disc member 14. The base portion 18 of the first disc member 12 and the base member 24 of the second disc member 14 creates a toroid shape that increases the strength of the putting apparatus 10. When the first and second disc members 12 and 14 are secured together for transportation or storage of the putting apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 2C and 3C, the inner side 32 of the first disc member 12 is positioned adjacent to an outer side 36 of the disc 26 of the second disc member 14.

[0023] The putting apparatus 10 can include a retainer mechanism 38 for retaining possession of golf balls that are hit at a correct combination of speed and accuracy. The retainer mechanism 38 can be disposed on the inner side 32 and / or 34 of the first disc member 12 and / or the second disc member 14. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the retainer mechanism 38 can a step down 40 in the disc 20 and / or 26 that extends around an inner circumference of the disc 20 and / or 26. The step down 40 causes the distance between the inner sides 32 and 34 to increase as you move across the step down 40 towards the center of the putting apparatus 10. The putting apparatus 10 can have one or more step downs 40. As the ball travels toward the putting apparatus 10 and begins to interact with the putting apparatus 10, the ball 16 moves in between the discs 20 and 26 and flexes the discs 20 and 26 outward until it reaches the step down 40. Once the ball 16 makes it past the step down 40, the flexion in the discs 20 and 26 is reduced and the ball 16 is captured in the wider area inside of the step down 40. It should be understood and appreciate that the step down 40 can be a rigid step down with hard angles, or it could be done with an angled surface.

[0024] In another embodiment, the retainer mechanism 38 can be a depression ring 42 shown in FIG. 2B. The depression ring 42 extends around an inner circumference on the inner side 32 and / or 34 of the disc members 12 and / or 14. The depression ring 42 causes a wider section between the discs 20 and 26 wherein the ball 16, after moving between the discs 20 and 26 and flexing the discs 20 and 26 away from each other, encounters the ring 42. Once the ball 16 encounters the ring 42, the flexion of the discs 20 and 26 is reduced and the ball 16 is retained between the discs 20 and 26 by the depression ring 42. The depression ring 42 is sized and shaped such that the ball 16 is retained by the depression ring 42.

[0025] The retainer mechanism 38 can be achieved by any manipulation of the inner sides 32 and / or 34 of the discs 20 and / or 26 such that if a ball 16 is hit at the appropriate speed and direction, the putting apparatus 10 will retain the ball 16 simulating a made putt. If the ball 16 is hit offline or at the wrong speed, the retainer mechanism 38 will not retain the ball 16. For example, if the ball 16 is hit too far offline and does not make good engagement with the retainer mechanism 38, the ball 16 will be retained by the putting apparatus 10. If the ball 16 is towards the outer part of the retainer mechanism 38 at too high of a speed or too low of a speed, the retainer mechanism 38 will not be able to properly engage the ball 16. If the ball 16 is hit right on line, but too hard, the ball 16 could bounce off the base portion 18 and the base member 24 and not be retained by the putting apparatus 10. Conversely, if the ball 16 is hit right on line, but not hard enough, the ball will not pass far enough between the discs 20 and 26 to reach the retainer mechanism 38, thus simulating a missed putt because the ball 16 did not reach the hole.

[0026] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the outer edge 44 of the first disc member 12 or the outer edge 46 of the second disc member 14 can be beveled or angled such that the transition of the ball 16 from the floor to between the discs 20 and 26 is easier. Also, the beveled or angled outer edges 44 or 46 lessens the chances that the ball is deflected by the discs 20 and 26. The length of the angled part 48 can be any length such that the putting apparatus 10 can operated as described herein.

[0027] In another embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 3A-4, the putting apparatus 10 can include an end cap 50 for attachment to the first disc member 12 or the second disc member 14. The end cap 50 is thicker than the discs 20 and 26 and can include a friction member 52 for engaging the floor to reduce the amount the putting apparatus 10 can slide on certain floors. The friction member 52 can be made of a rubber material that would reduce the amount the putting apparatus 10 could slide on a wood floor for example. In one embodiment, the end cap 50 can include one or more friction members 52 disposed therein. The end cap 50 can be secured in place in any manner known in the art. The end cap 50 could be screwed in, held in place by frictional engagement, held in place by a snap ring that engages a depressed ring area in the dis member, etc.

[0028] In an even further embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 5, the first and / or second disc members 12 or 14, or the discs 20 and / or 26 can be made of a transparent material so the user of the putting apparatus 10 can see the number of golf balls 16 currently retained by the putting apparatus 10.

[0029] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 6, the putting apparatus can be a single, solid body wherein the first and second disc members 12 and 14 are disposed on opposite ends of a core 54. The core 54 can have a toroidal shape for its outer side 56. The toroidal shape of the core 54 creates rigid sections 56 of the first and second disc members 12 and 14 close to the core 54. The rigid sections 56 create a tapering thickness of the disc members 12 and 14 that decreases as you move outward along the disc members 12 and 14. The rigid sections 56 reduce the stress on the disc members 12 and 14 when the ball 16 is at rest next to the core 54. This permits the disc member 12 and 14 to have higher capture range sensitivity because the outer sections are more flexible and the inner part is more rigid.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, shown therein is another embodiment of a putting apparatus 10. The putting apparatus 10 includes a cylindrical core member 60 that has a toroid shape, a first disk 62 extending from a top part 64 of the cylindrical core member 60 and a second disk 66 extending from a bottom part 68 of the cylindrical core member 60. More specifically, the cylindrical core member 60 has the shape of an inner radial half of a full toroid shape. The toroid shape provides rigidity to the putting apparatus 10 as the ball approaches the cylindrical core member 60 while the first and second disks 62 and 66 provide flexibility (especially as you get further from the cylindrical core member 60) to allow the ball to move between the disks 62 and 66 and then be grasped therebetween. The cylindrical core member 60 and the first and second disks 62 and 66 all have a sidewall thickness. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cylindrical core member 60 and first and second disk members 62 and 66 have the same sidewall thickness. The putting apparatus 10 in FIGS. 7A-7C could be made as a single body piece or it could have been made in multiple parts and put together. In one embodiment, the putting apparatus could be made of two parts and be threaded together in one direction to make the putting apparatus operational and threaded together in another direction (similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) for transportation or storage.

[0031] From the above description, it is clear that the present disclosure is well-adapted to carry out the objectives and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the disclosure. While presently preferred embodiments have been described herein, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the disclosure and claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]The present disclosure is directed to a putting apparatus 10 that can provide excellent putting accuracy feedback and be modifiable for easier transportation of the putting apparatus 10. Referring now to FIGS. 1A-5, shown therein is the putting apparatus 10. The putting apparatus 10 includes a first disc member 12 selectively attachable to a second disc member 14 to create the putting apparatus 10 having two opposing discs for receiving and capturing a golf ball 16 putted at the apparatus. The first and second disc members 12 and 14 can be securable together via any means known in the art. For example, they could be bolted together with a nut and bolt or screwed together with a screw that can engage threads in one of the first or second disc members 12 or 14.

[0021]In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-3B, the first disc member 12 can include a base portion 18 with a disc 20 extending therefrom. The base portion 18 can include a threaded shaft 22 extending therefrom. The second d...

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001] Not applicable.CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a putting apparatus that can be used to practice putting.2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] There are various devices to aid a golfer in developing their putting skills. There are various downsides of a majority of these putting aid devices. A lot of the devices are bulky, or their use requires a person use the device on a putting green.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a putting apparatus that can be used anywhere and be easily transportable.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to a putting apparatus that includes a first disc member having a first inner side and a first outer side and a second disc member having a second inner side and a second outer side. The putting apparatus can also include a core extending between the first and second disc members.

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to another embodiment of a putting apparatus that includes a first disc member having a base portion extending from a first disc, the first disc having a first inner side and a first outer side. This putting apparatus further includes a second disc member having a base member extending from a second disc, the second disc having a second inner side and a second outer side, the first and second disc members are selectively attachable to each other to permit the first and second discs to trap a golf ball putted therebetween to engage the first and second inner sides.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2A is yet another perspective view of the putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the putting apparatus shown in two parts and constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2C a side elevation view of the putting apparatus shown in a storage and transportation configuration and constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the putting apparatus shown in multiple parts and constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3C a cross-sectional view of the putting apparatus shown in the storage and transportation configuration and constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 7A-7C are multiple views of another embodiment of a putting apparatus constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0020] The present disclosure is directed to a putting apparatus 10 that can provide excellent putting accuracy feedback and be modifiable for easier transportation of the putting apparatus 10. Referring now to FIGS. 1A-5, shown therein is the putting apparatus 10. The putting apparatus 10 includes a first disc member 12 selectively attachable to a second disc member 14 to create the putting apparatus 10 having two opposing discs for receiving and capturing a golf ball 16 putted at the apparatus. The first and second disc members 12 and 14 can be securable together via any means known in the art. For example, they could be bolted together with a nut and bolt or screwed together with a screw that can engage threads in one of the first or second disc members 12 or 14.

[0021] In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-3B, the first disc member 12 can include a base portion 18 with a disc 20 extending therefrom. The base portion 18 can include a threaded shaft 22 extending therefrom. The second disc member 14 can include a base member 24 with a disc 26 extending therefrom. The second disc member 14 also includes a sleeve 28 that extends from the base member 24 of the second disc member 14 that has threads 30 disposed inside the sleeve 28 to engage the threaded shaft 22 of the first disc member 12 to secure the components of the putting apparatus 10 together. In one embodiment, the second disc member 14 can also include a transition zone 31 between the disc 26 and the threaded sleeve 28 that is curved to allow the threaded shaft 22 of the first disc member 12 to extend up into the threaded sleeve 28 of the second disc member 14 to create a lower profile putting apparatus 10 when the putting apparatus 10 is configured in the transportation and storage position. While the first and second disc members 12 and 14 are shown herein secured together using threads, it should be understood and appreciated that the first and second disc members 12 and 14 can be secured together using any means known in the art. For example, the first and second disc members 12 and 14 can be secured together using magnets, they could be secured together using frictional engagement, they could be secured together using a snap ring, etc.

[0022] When the first and second disc members 12 and 14 are secured together for usage of the putting apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 1A-2A, an inner side 32 of the disc 20 of the first disc member 12 faces an inner side 34 of the disc 26 of the second disc member 14. The base portion 18 of the first disc member 12 and the base member 24 of the second disc member 14 creates a toroid shape that increases the strength of the putting apparatus 10. When the first and second disc members 12 and 14 are secured together for transportation or storage of the putting apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 2C and 3C, the inner side 32 of the first disc member 12 is positioned adjacent to an outer side 36 of the disc 26 of the second disc member 14.

[0023] The putting apparatus 10 can include a retainer mechanism 38 for retaining possession of golf balls that are hit at a correct combination of speed and accuracy. The retainer mechanism 38 can be disposed on the inner side 32 and / or 34 of the first disc member 12 and / or the second disc member 14. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the retainer mechanism 38 can a step down 40 in the disc 20 and / or 26 that extends around an inner circumference of the disc 20 and / or 26. The step down 40 causes the distance between the inner sides 32 and 34 to increase as you move across the step down 40 towards the center of the putting apparatus 10. The putting apparatus 10 can have one or more step downs 40. As the ball travels toward the putting apparatus 10 and begins to interact with the putting apparatus 10, the ball 16 moves in between the discs 20 and 26 and flexes the discs 20 and 26 outward until it reaches the step down 40. Once the ball 16 makes it past the step down 40, the flexion in the discs 20 and 26 is reduced and the ball 16 is captured in the wider area inside of the step down 40. It should be understood and appreciate that the step down 40 can be a rigid step down with hard angles, or it could be done with an angled surface.

[0024] In another embodiment, the retainer mechanism 38 can be a depression ring 42 shown in FIG. 2B. The depression ring 42 extends around an inner circumference on the inner side 32 and / or 34 of the disc members 12 and / or 14. The depression ring 42 causes a wider section between the discs 20 and 26 wherein the ball 16, after moving between the discs 20 and 26 and flexing the discs 20 and 26 away from each other, encounters the ring 42. Once the ball 16 encounters the ring 42, the flexion of the discs 20 and 26 is reduced and the ball 16 is retained between the discs 20 and 26 by the depression ring 42. The depression ring 42 is sized and shaped such that the ball 16 is retained by the depression ring 42.

[0025] The retainer mechanism 38 can be achieved by any manipulation of the inner sides 32 and / or 34 of the discs 20 and / or 26 such that if a ball 16 is hit at the appropriate speed and direction, the putting apparatus 10 will retain the ball 16 simulating a made putt. If the ball 16 is hit offline or at the wrong speed, the retainer mechanism 38 will not retain the ball 16. For example, if the ball 16 is hit too far offline and does not make good engagement with the retainer mechanism 38, the ball 16 will be retained by the putting apparatus 10. If the ball 16 is towards the outer part of the retainer mechanism 38 at too high of a speed or too low of a speed, the retainer mechanism 38 will not be able to properly engage the ball 16. If the ball 16 is hit right on line, but too hard, the ball 16 could bounce off the base portion 18 and the base member 24 and not be retained by the putting apparatus 10. Conversely, if the ball 16 is hit right on line, but not hard enough, the ball will not pass far enough between the discs 20 and 26 to reach the retainer mechanism 38, thus simulating a missed putt because the ball 16 did not reach the hole.

[0026] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the outer edge 44 of the first disc member 12 or the outer edge 46 of the second disc member 14 can be beveled or angled such that the transition of the ball 16 from the floor to between the discs 20 and 26 is easier. Also, the beveled or angled outer edges 44 or 46 lessens the chances that the ball is deflected by the discs 20 and 26. The length of the angled part 48 can be any length such that the putting apparatus 10 can operated as described herein.

[0027] In another embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 3A-4, the putting apparatus 10 can include an end cap 50 for attachment to the first disc member 12 or the second disc member 14. The end cap 50 is thicker than the discs 20 and 26 and can include a friction member 52 for engaging the floor to reduce the amount the putting apparatus 10 can slide on certain floors. The friction member 52 can be made of a rubber material that would reduce the amount the putting apparatus 10 could slide on a wood floor for example. In one embodiment, the end cap 50 can include one or more friction members 52 disposed therein. The end cap 50 can be secured in place in any manner known in the art. The end cap 50 could be screwed in, held in place by frictional engagement, held in place by a snap ring that engages a depressed ring area in the dis member, etc.

[0028] In an even further embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 5, the first and / or second disc members 12 or 14, or the discs 20 and / or 26 can be made of a transparent material so the user of the putting apparatus 10 can see the number of golf balls 16 currently retained by the putting apparatus 10.

[0029] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 6, the putting apparatus can be a single, solid body wherein the first and second disc members 12 and 14 are disposed on opposite ends of a core 54. The core 54 can have a toroidal shape for its outer side 56. The toroidal shape of the core 54 creates rigid sections 56 of the first and second disc members 12 and 14 close to the core 54. The rigid sections 56 create a tapering thickness of the disc members 12 and 14 that decreases as you move outward along the disc members 12 and 14. The rigid sections 56 reduce the stress on the disc members 12 and 14 when the ball 16 is at rest next to the core 54. This permits the disc member 12 and 14 to have higher capture range sensitivity because the outer sections are more flexible and the inner part is more rigid.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7C, shown therein is another embodiment of a putting apparatus 10. The putting apparatus 10 includes a cylindrical core member 60 that has a toroid shape, a first disk 62 extending from a top part 64 of the cylindrical core member 60 and a second disk 66 extending from a bottom part 68 of the cylindrical core member 60. More specifically, the cylindrical core member 60 has the shape of an inner radial half of a full toroid shape. The toroid shape provides rigidity to the putting apparatus 10 as the ball approaches the cylindrical core member 60 while the first and second disks 62 and 66 provide flexibility (especially as you get further from the cylindrical core member 60) to allow the ball to move between the disks 62 and 66 and then be grasped therebetween. The cylindrical core member 60 and the first and second disks 62 and 66 all have a sidewall thickness. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cylindrical core member 60 and first and second disk members 62 and 66 have the same sidewall thickness. The putting apparatus 10 in FIGS. 7A-7C could be made as a single body piece or it could have been made in multiple parts and put together. In one embodiment, the putting apparatus could be made of two parts and be threaded together in one direction to make the putting apparatus operational and threaded together in another direction (similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) for transportation or storage.

[0031] From the above description, it is clear that the present disclosure is well-adapted to carry out the objectives and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the disclosure. While presently preferred embodiments have been described herein, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the disclosure and claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]The present disclosure is directed to a putting apparatus 10 that can provide excellent putting accuracy feedback and be modifiable for easier transportation of the putting apparatus 10. Referring now to FIGS. 1A-5, shown therein is the putting apparatus 10. The putting apparatus 10 includes a first disc member 12 selectively attachable to a second disc member 14 to create the putting apparatus 10 having two opposing discs for receiving and capturing a golf ball 16 putted at the apparatus. The first and second disc members 12 and 14 can be securable together via any means known in the art. For example, they could be bolted together with a nut and bolt or screwed together with a screw that can engage threads in one of the first or second disc members 12 or 14.

[0021]In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-3B, the first disc member 12 can include a base portion 18 with a disc 20 extending therefrom. The base portion 18 can include a threaded shaft 22 extending therefrom. The second d...

Claims

1. A putting apparatus, the putting apparatus comprising:a first disc member having a first inner side and a first outer side, a majority of the first inner side of the first disc member is completely flat;a second disc member having a second inner side and a second outer side, a majority of the second inner side of the second disc member is completely flat; anda core extending between the first and second disc members, the core has a toroidal shape wherein the core has a radius of curvature that is unchanged for a majority of the core, the core having a first transition portion wherein curvature of the core transitions to the completely flat first inner side of the first disc member and a second transition portion wherein curvature of the core transitions to the completely flat second inner side of the first disc member.

2. (canceled)3. The putting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the putting apparatus is constructed of a single, solid body.

4. The putting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second disc members include rigid sections where the disc members transition to the core.

5. The putting apparatus of claim of claim 4 wherein the rigid sections have a descending thickness the further the rigid section extends from the core.

6. The putting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the core has a shape of an inner radial half of a toroid.

7. The putting apparatus of claim 1 wherein the core, the first disc member and the second disc member have a uniform sidewall thickness.

8. A putting apparatus, the putting apparatus comprising:a first disc member having a base portion extending from a first disc wherein the base portion and the first disc are a single constructed element, the first disc having a first inner side and a first outer side;a threaded shaft extending from the base portion of the first disc member;wherein the first disc member, the base portion and the threaded shaft are a single body;a second disc member having a base member extending from a second disc, the second disc having a second inner side and a second outer side;a threaded sleeve extending from the base member to accept the threaded shaft;wherein the second disc member, the base member and the threaded sleeve are a single body;wherein the first and second disc members are selectively and directly attachable to each other in a first configuration to permit the first and second discs to trap a golf ball putted therebetween to engage the first and second inner sides;wherein in the first configuration the first inner side of the first disc member faces the second inner side of the second disc member and the threaded shaft is threaded into the threaded sleeve from a first direction; andwherein the putting apparatus has a second configuration where the inner side of the first disc member faces the outer side of the second disc member and the threaded shaft is threaded into the threaded sleeve from a second direction.

9. (canceled)10. The putting apparatus of claim 8 wherein the base portion and the base member create toroidal shape when the first and second disc members are combined for use.

11. (canceled)12. The putting apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first disc member includes a first transition area between the base portion and the first disc.

13. The putting apparatus of claim 12 wherein the second disc member includes a second transition area between the base member and the second disc.

14. The putting apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first or second disc includes a retainer mechanism to retain the golf balls putted into the putting apparatus.

15. The putting apparatus of claim 14 wherein the retainer mechanism includes at least one step down in the first or second disc to create a wider space between the first and second inner sides to permit the putting apparatus to retain the golf ball and reduce flexion on the first and second disc members.

16. The putting apparatus of claim 15 wherein the retainer mechanism includes at least two step downs in the first or second disc.

17. The putting apparatus of claim 14 wherein the retainer mechanism includes a depression ring disposed in the first inner side of the first disc or the second inner side of the second disc to permit the golf ball a place to be retained by the putting apparatus and reduce flexion on the first and second discs.

18. The putting apparatus of claim 8 wherein outer portions of the first and second disc members are tapered to allow for easier transition of the golf ball's engagement with the putting apparatus.

19. The putting apparatus of claim 8 wherein at least a portion of the first or second disc member is transparent so the golf ball can be visible through the first or second disc member.

20. The putting apparatus of claim 8 further comprising an end cap that is selectively securable to the first or second disc member and includes friction members to engaged floors and reduce sliding of the putting apparatus on certain floors.

Images