Portable golf putting training aid for determining speed and line of a putt

Abstract

A ball rolling device (10) includes a base (12) with a pivotally attached arm (14) at one end and one, but preferably two pivotally attached extensions (16,18) at an opposite end. These parts define extension tracks (74,90), a partly curved base track (34) and a partly curved arm track (54) that are aligned in sequence, along which a ball can be rolled onto a putting green. At least part of the base track (34) and arm track (54) follow a brachistochrone curve. The device (10) can be rapidly pivoted between a compact stowed condition and a deployed condition.

Description

[0001] PORTABLE GOLF PUTTING TRAINING AID FOR DETERMINING SPEED AND LINE OF A PUTT

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to golf training and practice devices for putting.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005] In the game of golf, a shot called a “putt” is played on relatively smooth surface, typically on lawn, called a putting green. Each putt causes the ball to roll on the putting green and the player (“golfer”) attempts to play the minimum number of putts until the ball enters the hole.

[0006] Putting greens appear deceptively even and level, but they almost always have subtle variations in slope and in the resistance they provide to the speed of a rolling golf ball. The result is that putts are notoriously difficult and require practice to master - partly because golfers need to learn to “read” the putting green, to anticipate the speed and line required for a putt. Also, due to the subtlety of variations in slope and resistance of putting greens and their profound effect on golfers’ scores, there is a need for golfers to understand why they are missing putts.

[0007] One of the challenges posed to a golfer attempting a putt, is the force with which the ball should be hit, in other words the speed with which the putt should be played so that the ball rolls to the hole and neither falls short, nor over-shoots the hole. To this end, the golfer needs to assess the resistance that the putting green will provide to the rolling motion of the ball and adjust the speed of the putt accordingly. A standard for the rolling resistance of a putting green has been devised, called the “stimp” or “stimp rating” of the green and this is typically measured with a Stimpmeter - which is a hand-held device with a V- shaped groove along which a golf ball is rolled at an incline onto a putting green. The farther the ball travels from the Stimpmeter, the higher the stimp rating of that green. Stimp ratings are useful for a golfer attempting a putt, but since Stimpmeters are hand-held, the stimp ratings they provide are not entirely consistent. Also, they offer no assistance to a golfer wanting to assess the line or direction in which the putt must be played.

[0008] Golf training aids such as the prior art device disclosed in US Patent No. 8,277,339 have been developed which include two steel plates that are spaced apart with curved upper edges that merge into an inclined ramp on a top end of the device and merge on an opposite side of the curve, into a thin bottom end. A golfer places the device on a putting green and places a golf ball on the inclined ramp and releases the ball. The ball accelerates under gravity as it rolls along the upper edges of the device, rolling along the curved portions of the edges and onto the thin bottom end, from where the ball rolls onto the putting green. The golfer can assess from the behavior of the ball after leaving the bottom end of the device, what the ball would have done, if a putt were played. The height at which the golf ball was placed on the ramp serves as a measure of the speed with which the putt would need to be played and the orientation of the device serves as an indication of the line with which the putt would need to be played, so that the ball would roll exactly from the putt, as it rolled from the device. The device thus serves as a putt simulator that can be used for each putt that a golfer needs to play and the golfer can repeat the simulations until he / she knows the line and speed with which a putt should be played to sink the ball.

[0009] Golf training aids such as the device of US 8,277,339 offer great assistance to golfers, but they have several shortfalls, of which some of the most pertinent are:

[0010] 1. They are too bulky and are cumbersome for golfers to take along on a golf course. In order to roll the golf ball at speeds sufficient to simulate long putts, the device needs to provide a sufficiently long profile and as a result, even foldable versions of these devices are too big.

[0011] 2. They are heavy. These devices are typically made of heavy materials to give them stability, so that they do not topple over when golf balls are placed on their long ramps. 3. They are expensive. The material needed to make these devices (such as 316 grade stainless steel) with sufficient size, stability and corrosion resistance, increases their cost beyond the reach of many golfers.

[0012] 4. They require cumbersome assembly and disassembly to use some of their features and to pack the devices away afterwards.

[0013] The present invention seeks to provide a training aid to simulate the path a ball will follow from a putt, to assist golfers in improving their putting skills, while addressing at least some the shortfalls of the prior art.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ball rolling device comprising: a base defining a base track along which a ball can roll from a receiving end to a discharge end of the base track, said base track comprising two parallel, spaced-apart, at least partly curved base edges and a recess between the two base edges; an arm defining an arm track along which a ball can roll from the discharge end of the base track and a receiving end of the arm track to a discharge end of the arm track, said arm comprising two parallel, spaced apart plates and said arm track comprising two parallel, spaced-apart, at least partly curved arm edges of the plates and a recess between the two arm edges; at least a first extension defining a first extension track along which a ball can roll from a receiving end of the first extension track to a discharge end of the first extension track and the receiving end of the base track, said first extension track comprising two, parallel, spaced-apart first extension edges and a recess between the two first extension edges; wherein the arm is pivotally attached to the base to pivot between: a deployed position in which the discharge end of the base track is aligned with the receiving end of the arm track, and a stowed position in which the discharge end of the arm track is adjacent the receiving end of the base track; and wherein the first extension is pivotally attached to the base to pivot between: a deployed position in which the discharge end of the first extension track is aligned with the receiving end of the base track, and a stowed position in which the first extension extends in close proximity along an edge of the base.

[0016] At least part of the base track follows a brachistochrone curve.

[0017] The phrase “brachistochrone curve” is used herein to refer to a two-dimensional profile in which x and y coordinates are defined in parametric form as functions of a variable t (which conventionally denotes time), as: x(t)=a(t-sin(t)) y(t)=a(1-cos(t))

[0018] Where a is a constant that determines the scale of the curve and as t varies from 0 to some maximum value, the x and y coordinates trace out the path of the brachistochrone curve. A brachistochrone curve depicts the path an object would follow to travel between two points in the shortest possible time under the influence of gravity alone.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ball rolling device comprising: a base defining a base track along which a ball can roll from a receiving end to a discharge end of the base track, said base track comprising two parallel, spaced-apart, at least partly curved base edges and a recess between the two base edges; an arm defining an arm track along which a ball can roll from the discharge end of the base track and a receiving end of the arm track to a discharge end of the arm track, said arm comprising two parallel, spaced apart plates and said arm track comprising two parallel, spaced-apart, at least partly curved arm edges of the plates and a recess between the two arm edges; wherein the arm is pivotally attached to the base to pivot between: a deployed position in which the discharge end of the base track is aligned with the receiving end of the arm track, and a stowed position in which the discharge end of the arm track is adjacent the receiving end of the base track; and wherein at least part of the base track follows a brachistochrone curve.

[0020] The part of the base track that follows the brachistochrone curve preferably extends to the discharge end of the base track and a part of the arm track that includes the receiving end of the arm track, also preferably follows the brachistochrone curve.

[0021] An arm lock aperture may be defined in the base, near the discharge end of the base track, and two lock apertures may be defined in the respective plates of the arm, with the arm lock aperture and lock apertures in the plates of the arms aligned when the arm is in the deployed position. The arm lock aperture and the lock apertures in the plates of the arms preferably each have a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of a shaft of a conventional golf tee.

[0022] A first extension lock aperture may be defined in the base, near the receiving end of the base track, and a lock aperture may be defined in the first extension, with the first extension lock aperture and lock aperture in the first extension aligned when the first extension is in the deployed position. The first extension lock aperture and the lock aperture in the first extension preferably each have a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of a shaft of a conventional golfing tee.

[0023] The ball rolling device may include a second extension defining a second extension track along which a ball can roll from a receiving end of the second extension track to a discharge end of the second extension track and the receiving end of the first extension track, said second extension track comprising two, parallel, spaced-apart second extension edges and a recess between the two second extension edges. The second extension may be pivotally attached to the first extension to pivot between: a deployed position in which the first extension track and the second extension track are aligned, and a stowed position in which the receiving end of the second extension track is in close proximity to the discharge end of the first extension track. A second extension lock aperture may be defined in the first extension, near the receiving end of the first extension track, and a lock aperture may be defined in the second extension, with the second extension lock aperture and lock aperture in the second extension aligned when the second extension is in the deployed position. The second extension lock aperture and the lock aperture in the second extension preferably each have a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of a shaft of a conventional golfing tee.

[0024] The base may define a bottom edge and a rear edge that is opposite from the arm, and the device may include leg formations that are pivotally attached to opposing sides of the base. Each of said leg formations may be disposed near the bottom edge to pivot between: a stowed position in which the leg formation extends in close proximity to the bottom edge of the base, and a deployed position in which the leg formation extends from the base in a lateral direction and protrudes from the rear edge of the base, in a direction opposite from the arm.

[0025] The base may be of a hollow construction, comprising two plates that are held in a parallel, spaced apart arrangement by spacers extending between the two plates, and edges of the two plates may form the base track edges. The ball rolling device may include accessories that are stowed in a cavity between the plates of the base.

[0026] The ball rolling device may include a stopper that is attachable to one or more of: the base track, the first extension track or the second extension track, with a friction fit.

[0027] The ball rolling device may include an alignment aid that is attachable to the arm at the discharge end of the arm track, said alignment aid defining at least one aperture that can serve as a stencil for making makings on a substrate on which the device is supported. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0029] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a ball rolling device according to the present invention, in a deployed condition;

[0030] Figure 2 shows an oblique three-dimensional view of a base, arm and legs of the device of Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 3 shows a side view of the base, arm and legs of Figure 2;

[0032] Figure 4 shows a; three-dimensional view of a first extension of the device of Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 5 shows a; three-dimensional view of a second extension of the device of Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 6 shows a side view of the device of Figure 1 , in a stowed condition;

[0035] Figure 7 shows a detail three-dimensional view of an upper end of the device of Figure 6, in its stowed condition;

[0036] Figures 8A and 8B shows detail three-dimensional views of pivotal attachments between the base and the first extension, and between the first extension and the second extension, respectively, of the device of Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 9 shows a top view of the device of Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 10 shows a detail side view of part of the base and legs of the device of Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 11 shows a top view of the part of the base and the legs of Figure 10;

[0040] Figure 12 shows a detail three-dimensional view of part of the device of Figure 1 , with an alignment aid attached to a discharge end of the arm; and

[0041] Figure 13 shows a detail three-dimensional view of part of the device of Figure 1 , with stoppers shown in different positions.

[0042] DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Referring to the drawings, an embodiment of a ball rolling device according to the present invention, which is intended to serves as a portable golf putting training aid for determining speed and line of a putt, is identified generally by reference number 10. References herein to directions and orientations, such as left, right, top, bottom, front and rear, are only made for purposes of clarity and brevity, and are not made in a limiting manner.

[0044] Broadly speaking, the device 10 comprises of a base 12, an arm 14 that is pivotally attached to the base, a first extension 16 that is also pivotally attached to the base, a second extension 18 that is pivotally attached to the first extension, and leg formations or legs 20 that are also pivotally attached to the base. The second extension 18 may be omitted in some embodiments of the invention.

[0045] The base 12 preferably comprises two spaced apart plates 22 that can be made of any suitably durable material, but in a preferred embodiment, the plates are cut from aluminum. The plates 22 are held apart in spaced, parallel arrangement by short cylindrical spacers 24 that extend perpendicularly between the plates and that are secured to the plates with crews. The spaced apart arrangement of the plates 22 gives the base 12 a hollow structure with an internal cavity 26 between the plates, but in other embodiments of the invention, the base can be of a more solid construction.

[0046] The base 12 has a bottom edge 28 and a rear edge 30 (which are collectively formed by bottom edges and rear edges of the plates 22). The top of each plate 22 forms a curved base edge 32 and the spaced apart arrangement between the plates provides a recess between the two base edges. The base edges 32 and the recess between them form a base track 34 with a receiving end 36 and a discharge end 38.

[0047] A cutout or recess 40 is defined in the rear edge 30 of the base in which an optional accessory (a “plugin” module) can be installed, such as a lightweight blank to cover the recess, or a laser pointer 42 which can be tilted up and down with an adjustment handle 44. If no plugin module is installed, then the recess 40 is preferably covered with the lightweight blank to conceal the recess for aesthetic reasons, without adding excess weight to the device 10. As best seen in Figure 3, an upper part of the base track 34 extends from the receiving end 36 at a steep angle, but is linear, whereas a lower part of the base track is curved and extends to the discharge end 38, with a gradual transition between the curved and linear parts. The curved part of the base track 34 follows a brachistochrone curve 46, shown in Figure 3.

[0048] A tab 48 extends from a rear, bottom corner of each of the plates 22, for holding the first and second extensions 16,18 in place, when stowed (see below).

[0049] Similar to the base 12, the arm 14 comprises two plates 50 that are spaced apart in a parallel arrangement by spacers 24, although the plates of the arm are spaced farther apart than the plates 22 of the base (so the spacers of the arm are longer). The plates 50 of the arm 14 partly overlap with the plates 22 of the base 12 and the plates of the arm extend on the outsides of the plates of the base.

[0050] Each of the plates 50 has a curved arm edge 52 at its top and the two arm edges, together with a recess between them resulting from the spaced apart arrangement between the plates, provide an arm track 54 extending from a receiving end 56 to a discharge end 58 of the arm track.

[0051] As best seen in Figure 3, an upper part of the arm track 54 extends from the receiving end 56 and is curved, following the brachistochrone curve 46, but the arm track gradually straightens and becomes linear towards the discharge end 58.

[0052] The arm 14 is pivotally attached to the base 12 with an arm pivot axis 60 about which the arm can pivot between a deployed position shown in Figures 1-3, 9 and 12, and a stowed position shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0053] In the deployed position of the arm 14, a bottom edge 62 of the arm typically rests on a supporting surface and in use, the supporting surface would be a putting green. Similarly, the bottom edge 28 of the base 12 rests on the support surface and these two bottom edges 28,62 are generally aligned. The discharge end 38 of the base track 34 is also aligned with the receiving end 56 of the arm track 54, with each plate 50 of the arm 12 closely on the outside of the adjacent plate 22 of the base, so that a ball rolling along the base track on the base edges 32 can roll continuously onto the arm edges 52 of the arm track. The base edges 32 are preferably chamfered on their insides (their sides facing each other) at the discharge end 38, to ensure smooth rolling of a ball from the base track 34 to the arm track 54.

[0054] When the arm 14 is pivoted about the arm pivot axis 60 to its stowed position, the discharge end 58 of the arm is swung upwards towards the receiving end 36 of the base track 34. In the stowed position of the arm 14, its plates 50 are substantially on the outsides of the base 12, apart from narrow bands near the bottom edges 62, which protrude past the base edges 32 These narrow, protruding bands of the two arm plates 50 are connected together with the spacers 24 and the positions of these spacers near the bottom edges 62 of the arm, allow the bulk of each arm plate 50 to slide in close proximity to the base plates.

[0055] The shapes and dimensions of the base 16 and arm 14, and the placement of the arm pivot axis 60, are configured so that when the arm is folded to its stowed position, the arm has approximately the same height as the base.

[0056] An arm lock aperture 64 is defined in each plate 22 of the base 12 and a lock aperture 66 is defined in each plate 50 of the arm 14. The arm lock apertures 64 and lock apertures 66 are aligned when the arm 14 is in the deployed position. Each of these apertures 64,66 has a diameter that is approximately the same as the diameter of the shaft of a conventional golf tee 68, so that a golf tee can be inserted in these apertures to lock the arm in its deployed position, relative to the base 12. The shaft of a conventional golf tee 68 is cylindrical, but expands towards the head of the tee, so when a golf tee is inserted deep enough into the apertures 64,66, then the expanded portion will lock against the inside of the aperture closest to the head of the tee, with a gentle taper-lock that holds the tee in position while it locks the arm 14 firmly in its deployed position, but that can also be removed easily. Golf tees 68 are conveniently available on golf courses and / or most golfers would have several golf tees with them when playing or practicing golf.

[0057] The first extension 16 comprises two elongate side plates 70 that are spaced apart in a parallel arrangement by spacers 24 and each of the side plates has a first extension edge 72. The two first extension edges 72 and the spacing or recess between them form a first extension track 74 along which a golf ball can roll and the first extension track has a receiving end 76 and a discharge end 78.

[0058] The first extension 16 is pivotally attached to the base 12 near the discharge end 78 of the first extension track 74 and near the receiving end 36 of the base track 34 to pivot relative to the base about a pivot axis 80 between a deployed position shown in Figures 1 , 8B, 9 and 13, and a stowed position shown in Figures 6 and 7. In the deployed position of the first extension 16, its discharge end 78 and the receiving end 36 of the base track 34 are aligned so that the first extension extends upwards at a steep incline from the top of the base and a golf ball can roll from the first extension track 74 to the base track 34. In its stowed position, the first extension 16 extends along the rear edge 30 of the base 12 to the tab 48 at the bottom of the base.

[0059] The spacing between the side plates 70 of the first extension 16 is less than the spacing between the plates 22 of the base 12, so that the ends of the side plates 70 at the discharge end 78 extend on insides of the plates 22 in the region of the pivot axis 80 and the opposing ends of the side plates 70 at the receiving end 76 extend along insides of the tabs 48 when the first extension 16 is in its stowed position. There is preferably a light friction fit between the side plates 70 and the tabs 48, which can hold the first extension 16 in its stowed position until it is manually pulled to overcome the friction and to pivot the first extension to its deployed position.

[0060] As best seen in Figure 8B, the first extension edges 72 are slightly chamfered at the discharge end 78 of the first extension track 74, to ensure smooth rolling of a golf ball from the fist extension track to the base track 34. In another embodiment of the invention, the device 10 includes only a first extension 16 and no second extension 18 and the spacing between the side plates 70 of the first extension is more than the spacing between the plates 22 of the base 12 so that the ends of the side plates 70 at the discharge end 78 extend on outsides of the plates 22 in the region of the pivot axis 80. In such an alternative embodiment, the transition from the first extension track 74 to the base track 34 would be from a wider track to a narrower track and the transition would resemble Figure 8A (discussed below).

[0061] The first extension 16 is also angled slightly steeper than the receiving end 36 of the base 16 and this further assists in allowing a the smooth transition of the ball as it moves from the first extension track 74 to the base track 34, and also to achieve a slightly higher ball velocity, because the steeper angle at which the ball will roll on the first extension track will increase its acceleration under gravity.

[0062] A first extension lock aperture 82 is defined in each plate 22 of the base 12 near the receiving end 36 of the base track 34, i.e. near the top corner of the base and near the pivot axis 80. A corresponding lock aperture 84 is defined in each of the side plates 70. The first extension lock apertures 82 and the lock apertures 84 on the first extension 16 are aligned when the first extension is in its deployed position and each of these apertures has a diameter that corresponds generally to the diameter of the shaft of a conventional golf tee 68, so that a golf tee can be inserted in these apertures to lock the first extension in its deployed position, similar to the locking of the arm 14 in its deployed position as described above.

[0063] Like the first extension 16, the second extension 18 comprises two elongate side plates 86 that are spaced apart (albeit not parallel) by spacers 24 and each of the side plates has a second extension edge 88. The two second extension edges 88 and the spacing or recess between them form a second extension track 74 along which a golf ball can roll and the second extension track has a receiving end 92 and a discharge end 94. The second extension 18 is pivotally attached to the first extension 16 near the discharge end 94 of the second extension track 90 and near the receiving end 76 of the first extension track 74, to pivot relative to the first extension about a pivot axis 96 between a deployed position shown in Figures 1 , 8A and 9, and a stowed position shown in Figures 6 and 7. In the deployed position of the second extension 18, it is aligned with the first extension 16 and the discharge end 94 of the second extension track 90 and the receiving end 76 of the first extension track 74 are aligned so that the second extension extends upwards at a steep incline from the top of the first extension and a golf ball can roll from the second extension track 90 to the first extension track 74. In its stowed position, the second extension 18 is generally folded over the first extension 16 so that the receiving end 92 of the second extension track is in close proximity to the discharge end 78 of the first extension track 74.

[0064] The spacing between the side plates 70 of the first extension 16 is less than the spacing between the side plates 86 of the second extension 18, so that the ends of the side plates 86 at the discharge end 94 extend on outsides of the plates 70 in the region of the pivot axis 96. The pivot axis 96 is spaced a short distance from the ends of the first extension plates 70, so that the side plates 86 (which are spaced the same distance apart as the plates 22 of the base 12), do not interfere with the tabs 48, as seen in Figure 6.

[0065] As best seen in Figures 7 and 9, the side plates 86 of the second extension 18 are not parallel, but are spaced further apart at the receiving end 92 of the second extension track 92, than at the discharge end 94. Accordingly, when the first and second extensions 26,18 are both in their stowed positions, the ends of the side plates 86 at the receiving end 92 of the second extension track 90 extend on outsides of the plates 22 of the base 12, at the top corner of the base. There is preferably a light friction fit between the side plates 86 and the top corners of the plates 22 of the base 12, which can hold the second extension 18 in its stowed position until it is manually pulled to overcome the friction and to pivot the first and second extensions 26,18 to their deployed positions. As best seen in Figure 8A, the first extension edges 72 are slightly chamfered at the receiving end 76 of the first extension track 74, to ensure smooth rolling of a golf ball from the second extension track 90 to the fist extension track.

[0066] A second extension lock aperture 98 is defined in each side plate 70 of the first extension 16 near the receiving end 76 of the first extension track 74, and near the pivot axis 96. A corresponding lock aperture 100 is defined in each of the side plates 86. The second extension lock apertures 98 and the lock apertures 100 on the second extension 18 are aligned when the second extension is in its deployed position and each of these apertures has a diameter that corresponds generally to the diameter of the shaft of a conventional golf tee 68, so that a golf tee can be inserted in these apertures to lock the second extension in its deployed position, similar to the locking of the arm 14 in its deployed position as described above.

[0067] The second extension 18 is angled slightly more upright than the first extension 16 when in its deployed position, to provide a smooth transition of the ball when rolling from the second extension track 90 to the first extension track 74, despite the second extension track being wider than the first extension track.

[0068] The legs 20 are attached to the base 16 on the outside of each plate 22 near the tab 48, i.e. near a bottom, rear corner of the plate 22. The pivotal attachment of each leg 20 to its plate 22 is by way of a hinge 102 with internal resistance so that the leg can be pivoted manually between a deployed position shown in Figures 1-3 and 9-12, and a stowed position shown in Figure 6, and the leg would be held in said deployed or stowed position by the internal resistance of its hinge.

[0069] When each leg 20 is in its stowed position, it extends closely along the outside of the base 16, generally along the bottom edge 28. When the leg 20 is in its deployed position, it extends laterally outwards from the base 16, but also extends rearwards from the rear edge 30 (as seen particularly clearly in Figures 9 and 10). The lateral extension of the legs 20 to opposing sides of the base 16 provides lateral stability to the device 10 and the rearward extension of the legs provide stability to the device against tilting rearwards. In the illustrated embodiment, each leg 20 extends outwards from its associated plate 22 at an angle of about 45 degrees, but this angle can be varied in other embodiments.

[0070] The hinges 102 and fasteners 104 with which the legs 20 are attached to the hinges 102 are configured so that the fasteners butt against the base 16 when the legs are folded to their deployed positions. It is thus very easy simply to pivot each leg 20 from its stowed position until the pivotal movement is hindered by the interference between the fastener 104 and the base 16 when the leg has reached its deployed position.

[0071] Each of the legs 20 is configured so that it has a distal end 106 that protrudes slightly downwards and as a result, when the legs are in their deployed positions, the distal ends of the legs either extend into the supporting substrate on which the device 10 stands (e.g. the distal ends would press slightly into the putting green) and thus ensure stability of the device 10 despite the slightly compressible substrate, or the distal ends of the legs rest on top of the supporting substrate and the rear of the base 16 is lifted slightly off the substrate, providing the device 10 with a raised rear stance.

[0072] The device 10 preferably includes accessories that can be used with the device to enhance its utility, such as an alignment aid 108 and a stopper 110.

[0073] The alignment aid 108 is shown in Figure 12 and takes the form or a plate with apertures 112 corresponding to different alignment aspects of putting, such as a putting line and ball position. The alignment aid 108 includes two recesses in which the distal ends of the arm 14 (at the discharge end of the arm track 54), can be received with a friction fit, to keep the alignment aid firmly in position relative to the arm.

[0074] The stopper 110 is shown in Figure 13 in three different positions on the base track 34 and first extension track 74. The stopper 110 is generally U-shaped with a central protuberance and comprises of two spaced-apart plates, although it could have many other shapes in other embodiments of the invention. Different parts of the stopper 110 are dimensioned so that they can be attached to different parts of the base track 34, first extension track 74 and also the second extension track 90 by inserting a part of the stopper between the pates 22,70,86 with a friction fit, or by receiving the plates between parts of the stopper with a friction fit.

[0075] Both the alignment aid 108 and the stopper 110 can be stored in the cavity 26 between the pates 22 of the base 12, below the recess 40 in which the laser pointer 42 can be fitted. The accessories 108,110 can be held in place with a pin 114, or the like.

[0076] In use, a golfer can carry device 10 in its stowed condition as shown in Figure 6, with the arm 14 and legs 20 folded to their stowed positions, tightly adjacent the outsides of the base and with the first and second extensions 16,18 folded double and frictional ly held in place by their engagement with the tabs 48 and with the upper corners of the plates 22. If preferred, the device 10 can include the laser pointer 42, alignment aid 108, stopper 110, and / or other accessories, housed inside the cavity 26 of the base 12. In this stowed condition, the device 10 is small enough to fit inside a golf bag and it is entirely self-contained - needing only three golf tees 68 to set it up.

[0077] The device 10 is also relatively light, because most of its parts can be made of aluminum or other sufficiently durable, but preferably light-weight material. This is a significant improvement over prior art devices that require heavy materials to serve as ballast to provide stability. Instead, the device 10 is sufficiently stable by virtue of the swept back design of the legs 20, reaching farther rearwards than the rear edge 30 of the base, so that the device does not topple over, even with the weight of a golf ball placed on the second extension track 90.

[0078] The use of a brachistochrone curve 46 where the base track 34 and arm track 54 curve, rather than a clothoid or other curve, increases the speed with which the ball is rolled as it leaves the curve and travels along the arm track 54. Accordingly, the tracks 90,74,34,54 of the device 10 can be shorter and the whole device smaller than prior art devices - which contributes to the compact size of the device 10.

[0079] When the golfer wishes to assess the line and speed of a putt, the device 10 is deployed from its stowed condition by pivoting the arm 14, legs 20 and extensions 16,18 to their deployed positions and locking the arm and extensions in place by inserting three golf tees 68 into the apertures 64 and 66 for the arm, 82 and 84 for the first extension, and 98 and 100 for the second extension. The deployment of the legs 20 require no locking and the legs remain in their deployed positions even if the device 10 is lifted off the ground. The deployment of the extensions 16,18 requires gripping the second extension by hand and gently pulling it away from the base 12 - which will release the friction grip between the extensions and the tabs 48 and upper corners of the plates 22, and allow the extensions to pivot to their deployed positions without any skill required.

[0080] Deploying the device 10 takes mere seconds, compared to prior art devices that require cumbersome steps of fitting parts together, sliding supports into place, and the like. Prior art devices using extensions, have separate extensions that need to be attached with fasteners.

[0081] Once the device 10 has been deployed, it is placed on the putting green with the undersides of the arm 14, base 12 and legs 20 resting on the putting green, the extensions 16,18 extending upwards and the arm extending in the direction in which the put to be simulated, would be played. A ball is placed by hand on the base track 34 or higher up, on the first extension track 74 or the second extension track 90 and the position of the ball is noted. The stopper 110 can be attached to the device 10 immediately above the ball to mark its position, or markings 116 along the base track 34 and extension tracks 74,90 can be used to note the ball’s position. The use of the stopper 110 assists the golfer to place the ball at the correct position, whereas variations in position and thus in drop height, are more common if the golfer places the ball with the aid of the markings 116 only, and a small difference in drop height can dramatically affect the path and distance that the ball rolls - especially on greens with pronounced slope variation.

[0082] The ball is released and allowed to roll under gravity along the tracks 90,74,34,54, while accelerating under gravity. The extension tracks 90,74 and the upper, straight part of the base track 34 are angled steeply, to allow rapid acceleration of the ball and the brachistochrone curve of the curbed portions of the base track and arm track 54 allow the ball to accelerate further under gravity to the maximum possible speed, before the ball travels along the straight portion of the arm track and is released onto the putting green.

[0083] The ball then rolls on the putting green exactly the same way as if a put were played with the same line as the orientation of the tracks 90,74,34,54 and with a speed corresponding to the height from which the ball was released along these tracks. The golfer can see what the ball does from this simulation - which would provide more information than simply playing the putt, because the line and speed of the putt are accurately shown. If desired, the device 10 could be re-aligned and / or the height from which the ball is rolled can be adjusted, to determine an optimal line and speed for the putt. The golfer has thus determined how to play the putt optimally, without the frustration of repeatedly trying to play the putt and learning through trial and error.

[0084] If desired, the golfer can attach the alignment aid 108 to the distal end of the arm 14 and could mark the green with a marker, using the apertures 112 on the alignment aid as a stencil. The resulting markings would then show the golfer where to place the ball, the line of the putt and / or lines perpendicular to the line of the putt, which show the correct position of the putter face - square to the line of the putt. Instead, or in addition, the laser pointer 42 can be used to show the line of the putt.

[0085] If the golfer would like to know the stimp rating of the putting green, the ball could be released from the base track 34 at a position marked with a stimp marking 118 and the distance that the ball rolls from the device 10 can be measured as an indication of the stimp rating. When the golfer no longer needs the device 10, it can be stowed by withdrawing the three golf tees 68 from the apertures in which they were inserted, and pivoting the legs 20, arm 14 and extensions 16,18 to their stowed positions. These actions can also be completed in a matter of seconds.

[0086] The illustrated embodiment of the device 10 includes two extensions 16,18, but other embodiments of the device may include only one extension or may include no extensions. This would particularly be useful for golfers who are only interested in simulating shorter, slower putts and who do not require the additional length of one or two extensions, because the extension would cause the ball to accelerate further under gravity and to roll further (and thus simulate a higher speed putt). Devices 10 with only one extension or with no extensions would be less effort to deploy and would be lighter.

[0087] The illustrated device 10 holds several advantages over devices of the prior art, some of the most pertinent being:

[0088] 1. The use of the brachistochrone curve 46 increases the speed with which the ball is propelled and thus the size of device that is needed to propel the ball for a desired distance - to an extent that cannot be matched by the prior art. The device 10 thus offers a combination of: a. Smaller size; and / or b. Further ball rolling distances.

[0089] 2. The device 10 can be deployed rapidly and easily from a highly portable stowed condition - compared to prior art devices that are either bulky and cannot be stowed, or can be stowed (in larger format than the device 10) and are then cumbersome to deploy. The device 10 is thus a combination of: a. Highly portable; and / or b. Easy to deploy and stow.

[0090] 3. The device 10 has superior stability compared to prior art devices, owing to the design of the swept back legs 20, which extend rearward from the base 12. By contrast, prior art devices use ballast and clumsy lateral extensions. The device 10 thus has a combination of: a. Light weight; and / or b. Stability.

[0091] 4. All the components of the device 10 are permanently attached together and the accessories 108,110 are stored inside the base 12. The device 10 thus has a combination of: a. Portability; b. Ease of deployment; and / or c. Versatile features. Having described preferred embodiments which serve to illustrate various concepts, structures and techniques which are the subject of this invention, it will now be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating these concepts, structures and techniques may be used. Accordingly, it is submitted that the scope of the patent should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should rather be limited only to the sprit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A ball rolling device which comprises: a base defining a base track along which a ball can roll from a receiving end to a discharge end of the base track, said base track comprising two parallel, spaced-apart, at least partly curved base edges and a recess between the two base edges; an arm defining an arm track along which a ball can roll from the discharge end of the base track and a receiving end of the arm track to a discharge end of the arm track, said arm comprising two parallel, spaced apart plates and said arm track comprising two parallel, spaced-apart, at least partly curved arm edges of the plates and a recess between the two arm edges; at least a first extension defining a first extension track along which a ball can roll from a receiving end of the first extension track to a discharge end of the first extension track and the receiving end of the base track, said first extension track comprising two, parallel, spaced-apart first extension edges and a recess between the two first extension edges; wherein the arm is pivotally attached to the base to pivot between: a deployed position in which the discharge end of the base track is aligned with the receiving end of the arm track, and a stowed position in which the discharge end of the arm track is adjacent the receiving end of the base track; and wherein the first extension is pivotally attached to the base to pivot between: a deployed position in which the discharge end of the first extension track is aligned with the receiving end of the base track, and a stowed position in which the first extension extends in close proximity along an edge of the base.

2. The ball rolling device according to claim 1 , wherein at least part of the base track follows a brachistochrone curve.

3. The ball rolling device according to claim 2, wherein the part of the base track that follows the brachistochrone curve extends to the discharge end of the base track and a part of the arm track that includes the receiving end of the arm track, also follows the brachistochrone curve.

4. The ball rolling device according to claim 1 , in which an arm lock aperture is defined in the base, and two lock apertures are defined in the respective plates of the arm, said arm lock aperture and lock apertures in the plates of the arms being aligned when the arm is in the deployed position.

5. The ball rolling device according to claim 4, wherein the arm lock aperture and the lock apertures in the plates of the arms each have a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of a shaft of a conventional golf tee.

6. The ball rolling device according to claim 1 , in which a first extension lock aperture is defined in the base, near the receiving end of the base track, and a lock aperture is defined in the first extension, said first extension lock aperture and lock aperture in the first extension being aligned when the first extension is in the deployed position.

7. The ball rolling device according to claim 6, wherein the first extension lock aperture and the lock aperture in the first extension each have a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of a shaft of a conventional golfing tee.

8. The ball rolling device according to claim 1 , which includes a second extension defining a second extension track along which a ball can roll from a receiving end of the second extension track to a discharge end of the second extension track and the receiving end of the first extension track, said second extension track comprising two, parallel, spaced-apart second extension edges and a recess between the two second extension edges, said second extension being pivotally attached to thefirst extension to pivot between: a deployed position in which the first extension track and the second extension track are aligned, and a stowed position in which the receiving end of the second extension track is in close proximity to the discharge end of the first extension track.

9. The ball rolling device according to claim 8, in which a second extension lock aperture is defined in the first extension, near the receiving end of the first extension track, and a lock aperture is defined in the second extension, said second extension lock aperture and lock aperture in the second extension being aligned when the second extension is in the deployed position.

10. The ball rolling device according to claim 9, wherein the second extension lock aperture and the lock aperture in the second extension each have a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of a shaft of a conventional golfing tee.

11. The ball rolling device according to claim 1 , in which the base defines a bottom edge and a rear edge that is opposite from the arm, and wherein the device includes leg formations that are pivotally attached to opposing sides of the base, each of said leg formations being disposed near the bottom edge to pivot between: a stowed position in which said leg formation extends in close proximity to the bottom edge of the base, and a deployed position in which said leg formation extends from the base in a lateral direction and protrudes from the rear edge of the base, in a direction opposite from the arm.

12. The ball rolling device according to claim 1 , wherein the base is of a hollow construction, comprising two plates that are held in a parallel, spaced apart arrangement, by spacers extending between the two plates, wherein edges of the two plates form the base track edges.

13. The ball rolling device according to claim 12, which includes accessories that are stowed in a cavity between the plates of the base.

14. The ball rolling device according to claim 1 , which includes a stopper that is attachable to at least one of: the base track, the first extension track and the second extension track, with a friction fit.

15. The ball rolling device according to claim 1 , which includes an alignment aid that is attachable to the arm at the discharge end of the arm track, said alignment aid defining at least one aperture that can serve as a stencil for making makings on a substrate on which the device is supported.

16. A ball rolling device which comprises: a base defining a base track along which a ball can roll from a receiving end to a discharge end of the base track, said base track comprising two parallel, spaced-apart, at least partly curved base edges and a recess between the two base edges; an arm defining an arm track along which a ball can roll from the discharge end of the base track and a receiving end of the arm track to a discharge end of the arm track, said arm comprising two parallel, spaced apart plates and said arm track comprising two parallel, spaced-apart, at least partly curved arm edges of the plates and a recess between the two arm edges; wherein the arm is pivotally attached to the base to pivot between: a deployed position in which the discharge end of the base track is aligned with the receiving end of the arm track, and a stowed position in which the discharge end of the arm track is adjacent the receiving end of the base track; and wherein at least part of the base track follows a brachistochrone curve.

17. The ball rolling device according to claim 16, wherein the part of the base track that follows the brachistochrone curve extends to the discharge end of the base track and a part of the arm track that includes the receiving end of the arm track, also follows the brachistochrone curve.

18. The ball rolling device according to claim 16, in which an arm lock aperture is defined in the base, and two lock apertures are defined in the respective plates of the arm, said arm lock aperture and lock apertures in the plates of the arms being aligned when the arm is in the deployed position.

19. The ball rolling device according to claim 16, wherein the arm lock aperture and the lock apertures in the plates of the arms each have a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of a shaft of a conventional golf tee.

20. The ball rolling device according to claim 16, in which the base defines a bottom edge and a rear edge that is opposite from the arm, and wherein the device includes leg formations that are pivotally attached to opposing sides of the base, each of said leg formations being disposed near the bottom edge to pivot between: a stowed position in which said leg formation extends in close proximity to the bottom edge of the base, and a deployed position in which said leg formation extends from the base in a lateral direction and protrudes from the rear edge of the base, in a direction opposite from the arm.

21. The ball rolling device according to claim 16, wherein the base is of a hollow construction, comprising two plates that are held in a parallel, spaced apart arrangement, by spacers extending between the two plates, wherein edges of the two plates form the base track edges.

22. The ball rolling device according to claim 21 , which includes accessories that are stowed in a cavity between the plates of the base.

23. The ball rolling device according to claim 16, which includes a stopper that is attachable to at least one of: the base track, the first extension track and the second extension track, with a friction fit.

24. The ball rolling device according to claim 16, which includes an alignment aid that is attachable to the arm at the discharge end of the arm track, said alignment aid defining at least one aperture that can serve as a stencil for making makings on a substrate on which the device is supported.

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