| |
| United States Patent
|
5,643,098 |
| Monahan , et al. |
July 1, 1997 |
Golf putter training tools
Abstract
This invention provides golf putter training tools for training a
golfer's putting stroke. These golf putter training tools assist a
golfer in making the putting stroke flat and in a straight
"sweeping" line. A wheel, attached to the putter body, is provided
adjacent each end of the putter and constructed to roll when the
proper putting motion is used. The wheels (provided either as a
putter part or as an add-on) extend slightly below the bottom
surface of the putter and may include sharp portions along their
circumference to impede other than straight rolling.
| Inventors: |
Monahan; Deanna J.
(Phoenix, AZ), Brooks; Paula A. (Glendale, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
08/574,294 |
| Filed: |
December 18, 1995 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
473/230 |
| Current
International Class: |
A63B
69/36 (20060101); A63B 069/36 () |
| Field of
Search: |
473/226,230,313,328,340 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Grieb; William H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A golf putter training tool, for training a user's putting stroke
along a putting surface, comprising, in combination:
a. golf putter means comprising
i. golf putter shaft means; and
ii. putter body means including a front putting portion, a bottom
portion, and a pair of end portions;
b. connected to said putter body means and situate adjacent a first
said end portion, first wheel means constructed and arranged to roll
during a said putting stroke;
c. said golf putter training tool being constructed and arranged to
assist a said user in making said putting stroke flat and in a
straight line;
d. connected to said putter body means and situate adjacent a second
said end portion, second wheel means constructed and arranged to
roll during a said putting stroke;
e. wheel axis means having an axis of rotation;
f. said first wheel means and second wheel means both having a same
radius and being constructed and arranged to rotate about said axis
of rotation; and
g. unitary frame means removably attachable to said putter body
means, said first and second wheel means being attached to said
unitary frame means;
h. wherein said radius of said first and second wheel means is
larger than a distance from said bottom portion to said axis of
rotation; and
i. wherein said unitary frame means is removably attached to said
putter body means by spring clip means.
2. A golf putter training tool, for training a user's putting stroke
along a putting surface, comprising, in combination:
a. golf putter means comprising
i. golf putter shaft means; and
ii. putter body means including a front putting portion, a bottom
portion, and a pair of end portions;
b. connected to said putter body means and situate adjacent a first
said end portion, first wheel means constructed and arranged to roll
during a said putting stroke;
c. said golf putter training tool being constructed and arranged to
assist a said user in making said putting stroke flat and in a
straight line;
d. connected to said putter body means and situate adjacent a second
said end portion, second wheel means constructed and arranged to
roll during a said putting stroke;
e. wheel axis means having an axis of rotation;
f. said first wheel means and second wheel means both having a same
radius and being constructed and arranged to rotate about said axis
of rotation; and
g. unitary frame means removably attachable to said putter body
means, said first and second wheel means being attached to said
unitary frame means;
h. wherein said radius of said first and second wheel means is
larger than a distance from said bottom portion to said axis of
rotation; and
i. wherein said unitary frame means is removably attached to said
putter body means by hook-and-loop means.
3. A golf putter training tool, for training a user's putting stroke
along a putting surface, comprising, in combination:
a. golf putter means comprising
i. golf putter shaft means; and
ii. putter body means including a front putting portion, a bottom
portion, and a pair of end portions;
b. connected to said putter body means and situate adjacent a first
said end portion, first wheel means constructed and arranged to roll
during a said putting stroke;
c. said golf putter training tool being constructed and arranged to
assist a said user in making said putting stroke flat and in a
straight line;
d. connected to said putter body means and situate adjacent a second
said end portion, second wheel means constructed and arranged to
roll during a said putting stroke;
e. wheel axis means having an axis of rotation;
f. said first wheel means and second wheel means both having a same
radius and being constructed and arranged to rotate about said axis
of rotation; and
g. unitary frame means removably attachable to said putter body
means, said first and second wheel means being attached to said
unitary frame means;
h. wherein said radius of said first and second wheel means is
larger than a distance from said bottom portion to said axis of
rotation; and
i. wherein said unitary frame means is constructed and arranged to
be selectively extensible to accommodate the distance from said
first end portion of said putter body to said second end portion.
4. For use in training a user's putting stroke along a putting
surface, a putter training device add-on, for attachment to putter
body means including a front putting portion, a bottom portion, and
a pair of end portions, said putter training device add-on
comprising, in combination:
a. frame means constructed and arranged for attachment to said
putter body means in such manner as to extend from a first of said
end portions to a second of said end portions;
b. rotatably mounted to a first end of said frame means, first wheel
means; and
c. rotatably mounted to a second end of said frame means, second
wheel means;
d. constructed and arranged so that, when said putter training
device add-on is attached to a said putter body means, said first
and second wheel means will roll during a said putting stroke;
e. wherein
i. said frame means comprises wheel axis means having an axis of
rotation, and
ii. said first wheel means and second wheel means each having an
essentially equal radius and being constructed and arranged to
rotate about said axis of rotation;
f. constructed and arranged so that, when said putter training
device add-on is attached to a said putter body means, said radius
of said first and second wheel means is larger than a distance from
said bottom portion of said putter body means to said axis of
rotation;
g. wherein said frame means is constructed and arranged for
attachment to said putter body means at each of said end portions.
5. For use in training a user's putting stroke along a putting
surface, a putter training device add-on, for attachment to putter
body means including a front putting portion, a bottom portion, and
a pair of end portions, said putter training device add-on
comprising, in combination:
a. frame means constructed and arranged for attachment to said
putter body means in such manner as to extend from a first of said
end portions to a second of said end portions;
b. rotatably mounted to a first end of said frame means, first wheel
means; and
c. rotatably mounted to a second end of said frame means, second
wheel means;
d. constructed and arranged so that, when said putter training
device add-on is attached to a said putter body means, said first
and second wheel means will roll during a said putting stroke;
e. wherein
i. said frame means comprises wheel axis means having an axis of
rotation, and
ii. said first wheel means and second wheel means each having an
essentially equal radius and being constructed and arranged to
rotate about said axis of rotation;
f. constructed and arranged so that, when said putter training
device add-on is attached to a said putter body means, said radius
of said first and second wheel means is larger than a distance from
said bottom portion of said putter body means to said axis of
rotation;
g. wherein said frame means is constructed and arranged for
attachment to said putter body means along said bottom portion.
6. For use in training a user's putting stroke along a putting
surface, a putter training device add-on, for attachment to putter
body means including a front putting portion, a bottom portion, and
a pair of end portions, said putter training device add-on
comprising, in combination:
a. frame means constructed and arranged for attachment to said
putter body means in such manner as to extend from a first of said
end portions to a second of said end portions;
b. rotatably mounted to a first end of said frame means, first wheel
means; and
c. rotatably mounted to a second end of said frame means, second
wheel means;
d. constructed and arranged so that, when said putter training
device add-on is attached to a said putter body means, said first
and second wheel means will roll during a said putting stroke;
e. wherein
i. said frame means comprises wheel axis means having an axis of
rotation, and
ii. said first wheel means and second wheel means each having an
essentially equal radius and being constructed and arranged to
rotate about said axis of rotation;
f. constructed and arranged so that, when said putter training
device add-on is attached to a said putter body means, said radius
of said first and second wheel means is larger than a distance from
said bottom portion of said putter body means to said axis of
rotation;
g. wherein said frame means is constructed and arranged to be
selectively extensible to accommodate the distance from said first
end portion of said putter body to said second end portion.
7. For use in training a user's putting stroke along a putting
surface, a putter training device add-on, for attachment to putter
body means including a front putting portion, a bottom portion, and
a pair of end portions, said putter training device add-on
comprising, in combination:
a. suction-cup means, of the type having a central axis, for
attaching said putter training device add-on to a said end portion
of a said putter body means; and
b. rotatably mounted to said suction-cup means about said central
axis, wheel means.
8. A putter training device add-on according to claim 7 constructed
and arranged so that, when said putter training device add-on is
attached to a said putter body means, said radius of said wheel
means is larger than a distance from said bottom portion of said
putter body means to said central axis.
9. A golf putter training tool, for training a user's putting stroke
along a putting surface, comprising, in combination:
a. golf putter means comprising
i. golf putter shaft means; and
ii. putter body means including a front putting portion, a bottom
portion a smooth uninterrupted rear portion, and a pair of end
portions;
b. connected to said putter body means and situate adjacent a first
said end portion, first wheel means constructed and arranged to roll
during a said putting stroke;
c. said golf putter training tool being constructed and arranged to
assist a said user in making said putting stroke flat and in a
straight line;
d. connected to said putter body means and situate adjacent a second
said end portion, second wheel means constructed and arranged to
roll during a said putting stroke;
e. wheel axis means having an axis of rotation;
f. said first wheel means and second wheel means both having a same
radius and being constructed and arranged to rotate about said axis
of rotation;
g. wherein said radius of said first and second wheel means is
larger than a distance from said bottom portion to said axis of
rotation; and
h. non-destructive attachment means for removably attaching to said
putter body means said first and second wheel means and said axis
means without change, alteration or modification to said putter body
means.
10. For use in training a user's putting stroke along a putting
surface, a putter training device add-on, for attachment to putter
body means including a front putting portion, a bottom portion a
smooth uninterrupted rear portion, and a pair of end portions, said
putter training device add-on comprising, in combination:
a. rotatably mounted on a first central axis, first wheel means
constructed and arranged for positioning adjacent a first said end
portion;
b. rotatably mounted on a second central axis, second wheel means
constructed and arranged for positioning adjacent a second said end
portion; and
c. axis means constructed and arranged for providing the same said
central axis for both said first and second wheel means;
d. non-destructive attachment means for removably attaching to said
putter body means said first and second wheel means and said axis
means without change, alteration or modification to said putter body
means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to providing golf putter training tools for
training a golfer's putting stroke. More particularly, this
invention concerns golf putter training tools for assisting a golfer
in making the putting stroke flat and in a straight line.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically, in playing golf, a poor putter may make one or both of
two kinds of errors in form.
One such error is that the golfer, in swinging back the putter prior
to the hit, lifts up the putter as in a normal swing with a wood or
iron golf club; and this type of golfer often also lifts up the
putter as soon the golf ball is struck in putting. These "not-flat"
errors are frequent in spite of the fact that the standard wisdom in
putting is to move the putter in a flat "sweeping" motion.
Another such error is that the golfer turns the golfer's body while
putting, and in the same way, again, as if in a normal swing with a
wood or iron golf club. So, typically, such golfer, even if
"sweeping" the putter head in a flat plane (thus not making the
first kind of error mentioned above), brings back the putter head in
an arc preparatory to the hit; and this type of golfer also follows
through after the hit in an arc. These "not-straight" errors are
frequent in spite of the fact that the standard wisdom in putting is
to move the putter in a straight line through the hitting area of
the putt (including before the putt hit and after the putt hit).
Since a "good" putting motion is so different from a "good"
wood-club swing or iron-club swing, it would be helpful to provide a
tool or device to assist in training golfers to feel the difference
and to practice doing putting with a flat and straight "sweeping"
motion.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the
above-mentioned training need by the provision of such devices and
tools for use in training golf putting. A further primary object of
the present invention is to provide such a tool or device which is
efficient, inexpensive, and handy. In addition, it is a primary
object of this invention to provide such tool in connection with,
and making use of, currently-used putters. Other objects of this
invention will become apparent with reference to the following
invention descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides, a golf putter training tool, for training a
user's putting stroke along a putting surface, comprising, in
combination: golf putter means comprising golf putter shaft means,
and putter body means including a front putting portion, a bottom
portion, and a pair of end portions; connected to such putter body
means and situate adjacent a first such end portion, first wheel
means constructed and arranged to roll forward during a such putting
stroke; such golf putter training tool being constructed and
arranged to assist a such user in making such putting stroke flat
and in a straight line. Further provided is such a golf putter
training tool further comprising, connected to such putter body
means and situate adjacent a second such end portion, second wheel
means constructed and arranged to roll forward during a such putting
stroke. Even further, this invention provides such a golf putter
training tool further comprising wheel axis means having an axis of
rotation, such first wheel means and second wheel means both having
a same radius and being constructed and arranged to rotate about
such axis of rotation. Still further provided is such a golf putter
training tool wherein such radius of such first and second wheel
means is larger than a distance from such bottom portion to such
axis of rotation.
Additionally, according to the present invention, there is provided
such a golf putter training tool wherein such wheel axis means
comprises a first wheel support means attached to such first end
portion and a second wheel support means attached to such second end
portion; and, further, wherein such first wheel means is rotatably
attached to such first wheel support means and such second wheel
means is rotatably attached to such second wheel support means; and,
further, wherein such first and second wheel means each comprise a
circumferential edge constructed and arranged to impede during
rotation other than straight line travel; and, further, wherein each
such circumferential edge comprises sharp portions constructed and
arranged to partially embed each such wheel means in such putting
surface.
Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided such a golf putter training tool
further comprising unitary frame means removably attachable to such
putter body means, such first and second wheel means being attached
to such unitary frame means; and, further, wherein such unitary
frame means is removably attached to such putter body means by
spring clip means; and, further, wherein such unitary frame means is
removably attached to such putter body means by velcro-type means;
and, further, wherein such unitary frame means is constructed and
arranged to be selectively extensible to accommodate the distance
from such first end portion of such putter body to such second end
portion.
Also, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, this invention
provides, for use in training a user's putting stroke along a
putting surface, a putter training device add-on, for attachment to
putter body means including a front putting portion, a bottom
portion, and a pair of end portions, such putter training device
add-on comprising, in combination: frame means constructed and
arranged for attachment to such putter body means in such manner as
to extend from a first of such end portions to a second of such end
portions; rotatably mounted to a first end of such frame means,
first wheel means; and, rotatably mounted to a second end of such
frame means, second wheel means. Further, this invention provides
such a putter training device add-on constructed and arranged so
that, when such putter training device add-on is attached to a such
putter body means, such first and second wheel means will roll
forward during a such putting stroke. Even further provided is such
a putter training device add-on wherein such frame means comprises
wheel axis means having an axis of rotation, and such first wheel
means and second wheel means each having an essentially equal radius
and being constructed and arranged to rotate about such axis of
rotation.
Still further, this invention provides such a putter training device
add-on constructed and arranged so that, when such putter training
device add-on is attached to a such putter body means, such radius
of such first and second wheel means is larger than a distance from
such bottom portion of such putter body means to such axis of
rotation; and, further, wherein such frame means is constructed and
arranged for attachment to such putter body means at each of such
end portions; and, further, wherein such frame means is constructed
and arranged for attachment to such putter body means along such
bottom portion; and, further, wherein such frame means is
constructed and arranged to be selectively extensible to accommodate
the distance from such first end portion of such putter body to such
second end portion.
And, additionally, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, there is provided, for use in training a user's
putting stroke along a putting surface, a putter training device
add-on, for attachment to putter body means including a front
putting portion, a bottom portion, and a pair of end portions, such
putter training device add-on comprising, in combination:
suction-cup means, of the type having a central axis, for attaching
such putter training device add-on to a such end portion of a such
putter body means; and, rotatably mounted to such suction-cup means
about such central axis, wheel means. Further provided by this
invention is such a putter training device add-on constructed and
arranged so that, when such putter training device add-on is
attached to a such putter body means, such radius of such wheel
means is larger than a distance from such bottom portion of such
putter body means to such central axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates pictorially the preferred embodiment of a golf
putter with wheels according to the present invention and being used
by a golfer.
FIG. 2 is an illustrative elevation view of the preferred embodiment
in use.
FIG. 3 is an illustrative plan view of the preferred embodiment in
use.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an end elevation view of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the preferred
embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate
construction of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate construction of the
wheel portion of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a partial end view of another alternate construction of
the wheel portion of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another alternate construction of
the wheel portion of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a partial front view of the alternate construction of the
wheel portion of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the alternate
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a front view of a another alternate embodiment.
FIG. 16 is perspective view of the alternate embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 15.
FIG. 17 is perspective view of an alternate construction of the
alternate embodiment of FIG. 15.
FIG. 18 is perspective view of yet another alternate embodiment.
FIG. 19 is perspective view of yet another alternate embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
FIG. 1 illustrates pictorially the preferred embodiment of a golf
putter training tool 20 according to the present invention and being
used by a golfer 21. Components of the golf putter training tool 20
include putter body means embodied by the putter body 23. Wheel
means are embodied by a wheel 25 attached at the heel end portion 27
(of putter body 23) and a second wheel 26 (with the same diameter as
wheel 25) attached at the toe end portion 28. Golf putter training
tool 20 further includes shaft means embodied by a handle 24
comprised of a shaft 29 and grip 30. The golf putter training tool
20 is used as a training aide in developing proper putting motions.
When hitting a golf ball in a direction towards and hopefully into a
cup, the surface of the putter which strikes the ball needs to meet
various criteria relating to placement location, direction of
movement, and striking angles in both horizontal and vertical
planes, as well as other factors such as speed, impact force, etc.
In the illustration of FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a golf
putter training tool 20 has just completed striking the golf ball
22, and the golf ball 22 is rolling along the putting surface, green
31, towards cup 32. The direction A of golf ball 22 travel
(discounting environment and green 31 conditions) was established at
the point of being impacted by the front putting portion 33 of the
golf putter training tool 20. The proper flat, straight, "sweeping"
movement across the green 31 of the golf putter training tool 20 is
indicated by arrows B. The body stance and motions of the golfer 21
required to deliver correct movement of the putter may be learned by
allowing the wheels 25 and 26 to track over the surface of the green
31 to position the front putting portion 33 of the putter body 23 of
the golf putter training tool 20 to contact the golf ball 22 with a
favorable hit. These factors relating to movement and stance of the
golf putter training tool's 20 putter body 23 are further described
in FIGS. 2 and 3.
Without the benefit of the wheel means of the present invention, a
conventional putter's movement relies only on the golfer's motions
transferred through the grip 30, the shaft 29 and to the putter body
23. Once the golfer 21 has learned appropriate putting techniques
through the enhanced action of the golf putter training tool 20, the
wheels 25 and 26 may be removed, thus transforming the golf putter
training tool 20 into a conventional putter. This training aide may
be metaphored by the training wheels on a beginners bicycle.
FIG. 2 illustrates in elevation view the preferred embodiment of a
golf putter training tool 20 in motion in a vertical plane. Movement
B of the putter body 23 is maintained at a constant height C
(preferred to be about 1/4") above the surface of the green 31. This
is established by the wheels 25 and 26 (each having a preferred
diameter of about 1" to 11/2") rolling across the green 31 and
supporting the putter body 23 at a fixed elevation. The wheels 25
and 26 rotate freely about axles 34 located (at a vertical position
constrained by the preferred wheel diameters and height C) at each
end portion of the putter body 23. The golfer's goal is to develop a
feel for consistent appropriate height above green 31 surface and to
AVOID "swinging" the putter in an arc D as shown by dotted lines.
When the front putting portion 33 of the putter body 23 impacts the
golf ball 22 (at point of impact 35) while moving parallel to (i.e.,
"sweeping") the green 31, the golf ball's movement is directed
straight forward with a greater accuracy and consistency.
Shown in plan view in FIG. 3 is an illustration of the enhanced
straight line tracking of the golf putter training tool 20. As the
putter body 23 rolls forward (as previously described) the wheels 25
and 26 tend to assist the golfer in moving the putter body 23 in a
straight line as shown by arrows B. This motion is shown in contrast
to the undesired horizontal arc E which is produced by the natural
tendency of the golfer's body to rotate while "swinging" (as with
using the other golf clubs) the putter. At the point of impact 35,
the putter body 23 should be moving forward in a straight line in
the same direction as which the golf ball 22 is desired to travel.
Additionally, the front putting portion 33 at impact with the golf
ball 22 should be positioned at a right angle, i.e., perpendicular,
to the desired direction of travel of golf ball 22. The portions of
wheels 25 and 26 which are in contact with the surface of the green
31 tend to act as runners, guiding the putter body in a straight
line.
Shown in FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged perspective view of a
preferred embodiment of the golf putter training tool 20. As shown,
the golf putter training tool 20 consists of a putter body 23 with
front putting portion 33 to which is attached a handle 24 with shaft
29 and grip (not shown), wheel 25 at heel end portion 27 and wheel
26 at toe end portion 28. Wheels 25 and 26 are attached to the
putter body 23 using wheel axis means embodied by axles 34. The golf
putter training tool 20 is similar to or the same as a conventional
golf putter with the exception of the addition of the wheels 25 and
26, axles 34 and their attachment means to the putter body 23. The
wheels 25 and 26 extend below the bottom surface 36 of the putter
body 23 a set dimension to support the putter body 23 the desired
distance above the golf course green surface. The wheels 25 and 26
rotate freely about their axles 34 to provide easy rolling across
the green.
FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the
golf putter training tool 20. Illustrated features of the golf
putter training tool 20 include the putter body 23, handle 24, a
wheel 25 on axle 34 at heel end portion 27 and a wheel 26 on another
axle 34 at the toe end portion 28. The putter body 23 is supported
at height C above the green 31 surface by the wheels 25 and 26. It
is preferred that each such wheel be about 1/8" in thickness and
ride clear about 1/8" away from the putter body.
The end elevation view of the golf putter training tool 20 is shown
in FIG. 6. The outer circumference 37 of wheel 26 extending below
the surface of bottom portion 36 of putter body 23. The wheel 26
(along with wheel 25, not shown), as stated, is free to rotate
easily around axle 34. The wheels 25 and 26 position the putter
body's 23 front putting portion 33 in the preferred relationship to
the green for optimum contact with the golf ball.
With FIG. 7 is illustrated a partial cross-sectional view of one
preferred embodiment of the golf putter training tool 20. Shown only
is the wheel 26 and attachment means to the toe end portion 28 of
the putter body 23 (although wheel 25 and attachment means to the
heel end portion 27 are identical). The wheel 26 of this preferred
embodiment is integral with the axle 34 and preferably constructed
of steel or other suitable metal. The axle 34 consists of a round
shaft 38 which is fitted into a round hole 39 into an end portion of
the putter body 23 with suitable clearance to allow for free
rotation. The round shaft 38 incorporates a retaining ring 40 which
engages an annular groove 41 for retention of the axle 34 into the
putter body 23. The retaining ring 40 could be of the split spring
type to allow snap spring fit into the annular recess groove 41. The
axle 34 with integral wheel 26 may be pulled outward from the round
hole 39 to remove the wheel 26 from the putter body. After the
golfer has practiced putting sufficiently to achieve necessary
skill, the golfer may remove the wheels 25 and 26 to convert the
golf putter training tool 20 to a conventional putter without
wheels. Included on the axle 34 is a shoulder 42 for spacing the
wheel 25 a suitable distance from the putter body 23.
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate
construction of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 7. In this case, as
shown, the wheel 26 is separate from the axle 34. The axle 34
incorporates screw threads 43 which engage a threaded bole 44 in the
end of the putter body 23. The axle 34 includes a straight shank 45
and head 46 with slot 47 (hex or other irregular shape) for
inserting or removing the axle 34. Secured by the straight shank 45
and head 46 of the axle 34 is the inner diameter 48 of ball bearing
49. The outer diameter 50 of ball bearing 49 is permanently secured,
bonded or molded to the wheel 26. The axle 34 and wheel 26 may be
readily and easily removed or installed (in well-known ways) with
the appropriate screwdriver or wrench.
FIG. 9 shows in a perspective view an alternate method of
construction of the wheel portion of the preferred embodiment. As
shown in prior views, the wheels 23 and 26 incorporate a surface on
the outer circumference 37 which is smooth with rounded edges. An
alternate outer circumference 37 would incorporate a toothed or
knurled surface 31 having sharp portions 51' (see FIG. 10).
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
circumferential edge of wheels 25 and 26 should be constructed and
arranged to impede during rotation other than straight line travel.
It is preferred that each such circumferential edge comprise sharp
portions constructed and arranged to partially embed each such wheel
means in the putting surface. Thus the wheels will be assisted in
straight tracking by "embedding" somewhat into the ground so that
the wheels prefer to roll straight and not in an arc. In FIG. 10 is
shown a partial side view of the alternate wheel shown in FIG. 9
with a toothed or knurled surface 51 on the outer circumference 37.
A sharp edge 52 on each side of the outer circumference 37 may be of
benefit in preventing the wheels 25 and 26 from skidding sideways by
digging into the turf of the green. In FIG. 11 is shown a
perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of wheels 25
and 26 having sharp edges 52 on both outer edges of the
circumference of the wheel. Also shown in FIG. 11 are ball bearing
49 and axle 34 with screw threads 43 and slotted 47 head 46 as
previously described in FIG. 8. The sharp edges 52 at the outer
circumference 37 are further shown by a partial end view in FIG. 12.
FIG. 13 shows in a exploded perspective view an alternate
construction which makes an efficient putter training device add-on
for attaching wheels 25 and 26 to a putter body 23 without drilling
or other modification of the putter body. In this alternate
preferred embodiment, the putter body 23 does not have a round hole
to receive an axle as previously described but instead the end face
53 (of an end portion of putter body 23) receives suction-cup means
(of the type having a central axis) embodied by a conventional
suction cup 54 which includes integral axle 34 along its central
axis. The wheel (25 or 26), unlike previously described wheels,
includes a hole 55 which slips on and freely rotates on axle 34. The
wheel 25 or 26 may be retained by retaining ring 56 which engages in
groove 57'. This alternate attachment method is shown assembled in
the cross-section view of FIG. 14. This attachment means can be
easily and readily installed or removed and can be used on
conventional putters 58 with suitable end faces 53, i.e., end faces
which are essentially vertical and in line with the proper putting
motion heretofore described. As with the other preferred
constructions herein disclosed, the radius of the wheel is larger
(preferably by about 1/4") than the distance from the bottom portion
of the putter body to the axis of rotation of the wheel.
FIGS. 16 through 19 describe varied methods of simplifying,
according to the illustrated preferred embodiments, the providing of
the benefits of the present invention (even when the putter-body end
faces are not smooth or vertical) by a putter training add-on
without drilling or other modification to the putter body. As shown,
there is provided a frame means embodied by the illustrated truck 57
which is situated along the bottom portion 36 of a conventional
putter body 58. Truck 57, as shown, includes wheel axis means,
embodied by axles 34, having the same single axis of rotation; and
wheels 25 and 26, each having an essentially equal radius, are
constructed and arranged to rotate about such axis of rotation. In a
front view per FIG. 15 is shown a wheeled truck 57 which has wheels
25 and 26 and axles 34 at either end and is installed on
conventional putter body 58. The truck 57, further illustrated in
FIG. 16, incorporates a body 59 preferably made of spring steel
which has spring tabs 60 at each end to firmly grip both the heel
end portion 27 and toe end portion 28 of the putter. With the spring
tabs 60 near the top corners of the putter the horizontal portion 61
of the wheeled truck 57 is held tightly against the surface of the
putter body's bottom portion 36.
As an alternate construction of this embodiment, FIG. 17 shows a
wheeled truck 57 which has the added features of holes 62 through
the horizontal portion 61 to lighten the overall weight and further
includes retaining tabs 63 to register against the front and rear
surfaces adjacent the end portions of the putter body to give a
tighter attachment. As a further alternate construction, FIG. 18
shows in perspective exploded view a wheeled truck 57 which does not
use spring tabs for attachment to the putter 58 but instead is
attached with VELCRO pads. On the bottom surface 36 are loop pads 64
which are permanently attached with adhesive or other suitable
means. With the truck 57 not installed, the loop pads 64 do not
hinder the conventional use of the putter. Permanently secured to
the top surface of the horizontal portion 61 of the wheeled truck 57
are hook pads 65 to interface with and secure to the loop pads 64 of
the putter.
As another preferred alternate construction, in FIG. 19 is shown a
truck body 57 that is adjustable in length to accommodate putter
bodies of varying lengths between their end portions. Here, the
illustrated truck body 57 is composed of three sections including a
center channel section 66 and end sections 67. The end sections 67
slide within the center channel section 66 to adjust to the required
length. The fit between sections is tight to provide a
reasonably-stable wheeled truck 57 to accept the putter. The tight
interface between sections may be provided by friction fit or spring
deformations 68 or other practical means. This adjustable wheeled
truck 57 may be secured to the putter body by various means
including spring tabs as previously described or VELCRO per FIG. 18.
It is especially noted that the rolling and supporting action of the
wheel means of this invention, both in the putting backstroke and
the putting stroke, contribute greatly to the training effect.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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