APPARATUS FOR ASSISTING PUTTING PRACTICE

Description

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of priority of Great Britain Patent Application No. 2405182.3 filed on Apr. 11, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

FILED AND BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to putting apparatus and indoor putting practise.

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

The outdoor sport of golf is growing in popularity globally; in the UK, about 960,000 people play it at least ten times a year, and this figure, having declined in recent decades, is now rising. It has come to notice that a certain proportion of golfers want to practise their putting, whether regularly or occasionally at home, and for this purpose, many putting practise arrangements exist at present. Present putting practise arrangements include mats, which remedy the problem of a carpet being a poor imitation of a putting surface, and artificial holes, which give the golfer a target to hit or miss. There are several significant deficiencies with such an arrangement: even the highest quality mat relies on the floor being level (which floors rarely are); an artificial hole is less satisfying to hit than a real hole; and upon hitting or missing the target, the player has to retrieve his/her ball.

There is, therefore, felt a need of an apparatus for assisting putting practise that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for assisting putting practise.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that provides an authentic experience of putting to a user without the need for going to a golf club or a public practise facility.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that allows a player to retrieve the golf ball without needing him/her to travel to the hole end.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment describes below, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for assisting putting practise, the apparatus comprising: a box, a hole, a collector, a first slope, a second slope, an exit opening, a cut-out, a rotator, a shaft, a compression spring, indexing washers, a plurality of screw jacks and a spirit level.

The box has a base, a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a top surface configured as a putting surface.

The hole is disposed on the putting surface.

The collector is disposed beneath the hole, and the collector has an outlet.

The first slope is disposed within the box operatively below the putting surface, extending from the rear wall and inclined downwards towards the front wall.

The second slope is disposed adjacent to the first slope, inclined downwards towards the second side wall.

The exit opening is disposed on the second side wall adjacent to the second slope.

The cut-out is disposed on the second side wall, axially aligned parallel with the exit opening.

The rotator is disposed on the second side wall, the rotator having a plurality of compartments arranged circumferentially, configured to receive a golf ball from the exit opening and dispense the golf ball through the cut-out onto the putting surface upon rotation.

The shaft extends from the rotator.

The compression spring is disposed on the shaft.

The indexing washers are configured to facilitate rotation of the rotator by a predefined angle.

The plurality of screw jacks attached to the box for leveling the putting surface.

Optionally, a spirit level is configured to indicate when the putting surface is level.

In an embodiment, the putting surface is covered with artificial grass made of wool felt.

In an embodiment, the putting apparatus comprises an opening at a rear edge of the putting surface, configured to capture a golf ball that misses the hole.

In an embodiment, the collector has a bottom inclined towards the outlet to ensure the golf ball rolls out. In an embodiment, the first slope is inclined at an angle ranging from 1.5° to 2.3°.

In an embodiment, the second slope is inclined at an angle ranging from 3.5° to 6°.

In an embodiment, the rotator includes compartments selected from a group of compartments consisting of six compartments and eight compartments, and the predefined angle of rotation is 60° and 45°.

In an embodiment, each compartment of the rotator is inclined at 5° to the horizontal axis to facilitate ball movement.

In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a dais adjacent to the front wall for a user to stand on while practicing.

In an embodiment, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall extend beyond the putting surface and are raised for preventing golf balls from leaving the putting surface.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an extrusion fitted to the collector to guide the golf ball which falls on the first slope through the opening around the collector.

In an embodiment, the box is made of plywood, and the first slope and the second slope are made of corrugated plastic sheeting material.

In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pedal operatively connected to the rotator, configured to rotate the rotator when pressed.

In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises an internal wall disposed at the end of the first slope to stop the golf ball quietly.

In an embodiment, the exit opening is provided with a collar to prevent the golf ball from jamming on the second slope.

In an embodiment, the cut-out is provided with a half-collar to assist the golf ball in the compartment of the rotator to smoothly fall on the putting surface.

In an embodiment, the collector is configured, such that the golf ball falling into the hole makes a sound similar to that of a golf ball falling into a real golf hole.

In an embodiment, the rotator is configured to line multiple golf balls and dispense them one at a time upon rotation.

The present disclosure provides a method for assisting putting practise, the method comprising:

• • providing an apparatus having a box with a base, a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a putting top surface configured as a putting surface;
  • leveling the putting surface using a plurality of screw jacks attached to the box and optionally confirming the level with a spirit level;
  • putting a golf ball on the putting surface towards a hole disposed on the putting surface;
  • capturing a golf ball going through the hole in a collector disposed beneath the hole, if the golf ball enters the hole, the collector has an outlet;
  • directing the golf ball from the collector through the outlet onto a first slope disposed within the box, the first slope extending from the rear wall and inclined downwards towards the front wall;
  • alternatively, capturing a golf ball that misses the hole through an opening at a rear edge of the putting surface if the golf ball misses the hole, and directing the golf ball onto the first slope;
  • allowing the golf ball to roll down the first slope due to its downward inclination;
  • receiving the golf ball from the first slope onto a second slope disposed adjacent to the first slope, the second slope being inclined downwards towards the second side wall;
  • allowing the golf ball to roll down the second slope towards an exit opening disposed on the second side wall adjacent to the second slope;
  • passing the golf ball through the exit opening into a compartment of a rotator disposed on the second side wall, the rotator having a plurality of compartments arranged circumferentially;
  • rotating the rotator by a predefined angle using a shaft extending from the rotator, a compression spring disposed on the shaft, and indexing washers configured to facilitate the indexing rotation;
  • aligning the compartment containing the golf ball with a cut-out disposed on the second side wall. The cut-out being axially aligned parallelly with the exit opening, a bottom compartment abutting the exit opening is aligned with a top compartment, which is rotated to abut the cut-out; and
  • dispensing the golf ball from the compartment through the cut-out onto the putting surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

An apparatus for assisting putting practise of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrates isometric views of the putting apparatus, in accordance with a preferred first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the putting apparatus, in accordance with a preferred second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate exploded views of the putting apparatus of FIG. 1A and FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the putting apparatus of FIG. 1A and FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of a rotator with six compartments for the putting apparatus of FIG. 1A and FIG. 2;

FIG. 7A illustrates an isometric view of a pair of indexing washers of the putting apparatus of FIG. 1A and FIG. 2;

FIG. 7B illustrates an isometric view of an indexing washer of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of a plurality of golf balls lined on the second slope before being received in rotator;

FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of a screw jack provided on the box assembly of the putting apparatus of FIG. 1A and FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 through FIG. 12 illustrate partial isometric views of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic operative view of a rotator with eight compartments for the putting apparatus, of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of an pair of indexing washers for use with a rotator of eight compartments of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 illustrates a partial view of a box section of the putting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom view of a collector of the putting apparatus as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5; and

FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C illustrate a method of using the apparatus of the present disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

	10	putter
	20	golf ball
	100	apparatus
	107	base
	109	front wall
	111	rear wall
	11la	Opening
	113	first side wall
	113A	Parapet on first side wall
	114	second side wall
	114A	Parapet on second side wall
	115	putting surface
	116	bracket
	120	hole
	122	collector
	123	outlet of the collector
	124	extrusion of collector
	125	first slope
	128	second slope
	129	opening for shaft
	130	internal wall
	131	exit opening
	132	cut-out
	135	rotator having six cup compartments
	135B	rotator having eight cup compartments
	137	cup compartments of rotator (135)
	137B	cup compartments of rotator (135B)
	138	tubular extrusion
	139	shaft
	141	compression spring
	142	indexing washer
	142B1	indexing washer
	142B2	indexing washer
	142A	tooth of the indexing washer
	142A′	tooth of the indexing washer
	143	compression spring holding washer
	144A, 144B	apertures
	145	screw jack
	147	Collar
	148	Half collar
	150	dais
	152	Pedal
	200-226	Method and method steps

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element is referred to as being “mounted on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.

Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.

A preferred embodiment of an apparatus (100) for assisting putting practise will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1A through FIG. 17C. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) for assisting putting practise is defined by a box having a rectangular configuration of predefined dimensions. The box includes a base (107), a front wall (109), a rear wall (111), a pair of side walls (113, 114) extending from the base (107), and a top surface. In an embodiment, the top surface is configured to act as the putting surface (115) of the putting apparatus (100).

The apparatus (100) may further include a dais (150) on which a user can stand and practise putting on the apparatus (100).

In an embodiment, the rear wall (111) and the side walls (113, 114) are configured to extend beyond the periphery of the operative putting surface (115) and are raised such that the side walls (113, 114) and the rear wall (111) are raised to prevent the golf ball from escaping the putting surface during putting practise.

In an embodiment, the overall height of the box is 180 mm (7.1 inches). In another embodiment, the height of the front wall (109) is 155 mm (6.1 inches), thereby the raised portions of the walls above the putting surface have a height of 25 mm (1 inch).

In an embodiment, the length of the box is 2.32 m (91.3 inches).

In an embodiment, the base is smooth and evenly formed.

In an embodiment, the putting surface (115) is dismantlable and mounted on the walls. In another embodiment, the length of the putting surface (115) is comparatively shorter than the length of the box. The difference in the length allows the formation of an opening (111a) between the operative rear edge of the putting surface (115) and the rear wall (111).

In one embodiment, the putting surface (115) is integrally mounted on the walls. In another embodiment, the opening (111a) is configured on the operative rear edge of the putting surface (115) along its width.

The opening (111a) is configured to capture the golf ball in case of an off-stroke.

In an embodiment, a set of brackets (116) are fitted along the walls. The brackets (116) are configured to allow mounting of the putting surface (115) thereon.

In an embodiment, the rear edge of the putting surface (115) has an arcuate configuration (as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B).

In an embodiment, the base (107), the rear wall (111), and the side walls (113, 114) are configured to be complementary to the arcuate configuration of the putting surface (115).

In an embodiment, the base (107), the rear wall (111), and the side walls (113, 114) have a rectangular configuration.

In another embodiment, the rear edge of the putting surface (115) has a rectangular configuration (as shown in FIG. 2).

In an embodiment, the putting surface (115) includes artificial grass that is laid over the box and forms the actual putting surface (115). In another embodiment, the texture of the artificial grass is similar to the texture of green. In yet another embodiment, the artificial grass is of wool felt of 3 mm (0.11 inches) thickness. Being made of felt, the putting surface makes the experience of indoor putting practise similar to that of a real green (i.e., a real putting surface at a golf course). Wool felt is a better material than cheap polyester felt used in conventional arrangements, since with the latter, the ball does not decelerate enough and therefore rolls faster than a real green, thereby depriving the user of the authentic experience.

In an embodiment, a hole (120) is configured on the putting surface (115) at a predetermined spaced part distance from the rear wall (111), to capture the ball therein. In another embodiment, a collector (122) is provided beneath the hole (120). The collector (122) includes an outlet (123) to expel the ball out therefrom. In an embodiment, the collector (122) (as shown in FIG. 14) is formed with its bottom configured such that at all places it is inclined at approximately 2° slope towards the outlet (123). Thus, defined bottom of the collector (122) ensures that a ball (20) falling into the hole does not have the opportunity to come to a standstill inside the collector (122) and is instead expelled out of the collector (122).

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the collector (122) is provided with an outlet (123). The collector (122) is fitted or configured with an extrusion (124). The extrusion (124) has a configuration similar to the configuration of a bow of a ship. Without the extrusion (124), it is possible for a ball that may have missed the hole (120) captured by the opening (111a), and falling on the first slope (125), to come and rest just behind the collector (122) and remain there, lost indefinitely.

In an embodiment, the hole (120) is cantered 240 mm (9.4 inches) from the rear wall (111). In another embodiment, the diameter of the hole (120) is 108 mm (4¼ inches).

FIG. 5 illustrates an open view of the box depicting the interior view of the box.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate exploded views of the box assembly. In an embodiment, the box includes a first slope (125) fitted on the base (107). The first slope (125) is configured to extend from the rear wall (111) and is further configured to incline downwards at a predetermined first downward inclination angle. In another embodiment, the first slope (125) may be inclined at a first downward inclination angle ranging from 1.5° to 2.3°. In a typical embodiment, the first slope (125) may be inclined at a first downward inclination angle of 1.9°.

In an embodiment, the length of the first slope (125) is 2.00 m (78.74 inches), and the width of the first slope (125) is complementary to the width of the box.

In one embodiment, the opening (111a) and the outlet (123) of the collector (122) are configured to open into the first slope (125). In another embodiment, the extrusion (124) forces the ball to go either one way or the other, past the collector and down the first slope.

In one embodiment, the box further includes a second slope (128) fitted on the base (107) adjacent to the first slope (125) to receive the ball traveling along the first slope (125). The second slope (128) is configured to extend from a first side wall and incline downwards to a second side wall (114) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first slope (125). In another embodiment, the second slope (128) may be inclined at a second downward inclination angle ranging from 3.5° to 6°. In a typical embodiment, the second slope (128) may be inclined at a second downward inclination angle of 5°.

In an embodiment, the width of the second slope is 50 mm (1.96 inches), and the length of the second slope (128) is complementary to the width of the box.

In an embodiment, the width of the second slope (128) is slightly larger than the size of the golf ball (20).

In an embodiment, a niche (not labelled in figures) may be configured on the second slope (128), such that the balls, after traveling through the first slope (125) and the second slope (128), land on the second slope (128).

In an embodiment, the box is of plywood. In another embodiment, the first slope (125) and the second slope (128) are typically of corrugated plastic sheeting material. In yet another embodiment, the corrugated plastic sheeting material has a thickness of 4 mm (0.15 inches).

In another embodiment, the box includes an exit opening (131) positioned adjacent to an operative free edge of the second slope (128). The travel of the ball from the first slope to the exit opening (131) is explained as follows: The internal wall, typically of corrugated cardboard, stops the ball abruptly at the end of its journey down the first slope. The ball is brought to a standstill by its collision with this internal wall. The ball then drops onto the second slope (128) and rolls down the second slope (128), to the exit opening (131).

In an embodiment, the edge of the second slope is lined by an internal wall, typically of corrugated cardboard, to enable sound proofing and reduce the impact sound.

In an embodiment, the diameter of the exit opening (131) is slightly larger than the size of the ball.

In an embodiment, an exit opening (131) is configured on the second side wall (114), such that the location of the exit opening (131) is adjacent to the second slope (128). In another embodiment, the size of the exit opening (131) is slightly larger than the size of the ball, and therefore allows passage of only one ball at a time therethrough.

In another embodiment, an exit opening collar (147) is provided on the exit opening (131). The exit opening collar (147) is an insert that introduces a five-degree slope that denies the ball the opportunity to stand still half away out of the exit opening (131), thus preventing jamming of the rotator (135, 135B). In another embodiment, an arcuate cut-out (132) is configured on the second side wall (114) at a spaced-apart distance from the exit opening (131). In another embodiment, the cut-out (132) is axially complementary, parallel to the exit opening (131), and aligns with a top compartment, which is rotated to abut the cut-out (132).

In an embodiment, the box includes a compression spring-loaded rotator (135) defined by at least six cup compartments (137) arranged circumferentially around its center (as shown in FIG. 6). The rotator (135) is fitted on the box, more specially on the external surface of the second side wall (114) such that in an operative configuration of the rotator (135), the opening of one compartment (137) aligns with the exit opening (131) to facilitates receipt of the ball rolling along the second slope (128), therein. It is further desired that the diametrically opposite compartment (137) of the rotator (135) further aligns with the cut-out (132), thereby opening into the cut-out (132) to facilitate ejection of the ball onto the putting surface (115) of the box.

In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 13, the rotator (135B) is configured with eight cup compartments (137B) arranged circumferentially around its center. The rotator (135B) is mounted on the external surface of the second side wall (114) of the box. The compartments (137B) is connected to each other via radial arms to provide structural support and maintain even spacing between the compartments (137B). In the embodiment, where the rotator has eight compartments (137B), each of the eight compartments (137B) can be equipped with a small tubular extrusion (138) positioned on its outer edge.

This extrusion (124) serves a practical function, allowing the user to utilize the head of their putter to push against the tubular extrusion (138), thereby rotating the rotator (135B) to its next position. This configuration enhances user interaction by providing a simple and effective mechanism to advance the rotator (135B) during putting practise in the operative configuration of the apparatus (100).

In an embodiment, the cut-out (132 particularly as seen in FIGS. 4 and 15 includes a half-collar (148) provided thereon. The half-collar (148) serves the same purpose as the exit-opening collar (147), by introducing a five degree slope that denies the ball the opportunity to stand still half away out of the cut-out (132), thus preventing jamming of the rotator (135, 135B).

In an embodiment, the rotator (135, 135B) includes a shaft (139) extending therefrom. The shaft (139) is configured to receive a compression spring (141) thereon. In an embodiment, the compression spring (141) is a pre-compressed compression spring of 150 mm (5.9 inches) in length, and 20 mm (0.78 inches) external diameter. The shaft (139) is further configured to be received in the box.

In an embodiment, indexing washers (142, 142B1, 142B2) (as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 14).

In another embodiment, the number of teeth (142A, 142A′) configured on the washers (142, 142B1, 142B2) correspond to the number of compartments (137, 137B) of the rotator (135, 135B). The washers (142, 142B1, 142B2) are configured to be indexing one tooth (142A, 142A′) at a time by angularly displacing the rotator (135, 135B) by a predefined angle for facilitating alignment of each compartment (137, 137B) with the exit opening (131). In an embodiment, the rotator (135, 135B) is angularly displaced to a predefined angle of 60° and 45°.

In another embodiment, the compression spring (141) includes at least one washer (143) configured to secure the compression spring (141) on the shaft (139).

In one embodiment, the compartments (137, 137B) are configured to be inclined at 5° to the horizontal axis of the rotator, while the rotator is at all times axially horizontal. More specifically, the compartments (137, 137B) are each inclined so that the compartment at the top is inclined 5° downhill towards the turf whilst the compartment at the bottom is inclined 5° downhill away from the second slope and actually parallel to the second slope and an extension of the second slope. This is always the case for all orientations of the rotator.

In an embodiment, the rotator (135, 135B) is centered 150 mm (5.9 inches) from the front wall.

In an embodiment, the dimension of the compartment (137, 137B) is slightly more than the dimension of the ball, such that only one ball can be contained in a compartment (137, 137B) at a given point of time.

In another embodiment, the dimension of the compartment (137, 137B) is complementary to the dimension of the exit opening (131).

In a working configuration of the present disclosure, the golf ball, after being hit, falls down on the first slope (125) either from the opening (111a) or from the hole (120) and collector (122). The ball rolls down the first slope (125), and gains acceleration while rolling. The rolling ball leaves the end of the first slope (125) and hits the internal wall (130) and is quietly stopped. The ball now drops onto the second slope (128) and rolls down the second slope (128). Each compartment (137, 137B) in turn thus receives a ball therein.

In an embodiment, the ball may roll down directly into the compartment (137, 137B) of the rotator (135, 135B). In another embodiment, if the compartment (137, 137B) aligned with the exit opening (131) already contains a ball, the other balls received by the second slope form a line on the second slope (128) (as shown in FIG. 8). Once the rotator (135, 135B) is angularly displaced, the compartments (137) eject the balls back onto the putting surface (115) through the cut-out (132), thus freeing up space for receiving the balls in the line.

In one embodiment, the angular displacement of the rotator (135, 135B) is enabled manually.

In another embodiment, the box includes a pedal (152) (shown in FIG. 11) provided thereon such that the position of the pedal (152) is readily accessible to the user. In another embodiment, the pedal (152) is connected to the rotator (135, 135B). The pedal (152) is configured to be pressed to allow angular displacement of the rotator (135, 135B) to enable ejection of the balls (20) onto the putting surface (115).

In an embodiment, the putting apparatus (115) includes a lever (not shown in figures) coupled to the first slope (125), and further configured to extend out of the box. The lever is configured to enable a change in the slope of the first slope (125) as desired by the user.

In one embodiment, the box includes a plurality of screw jacks (145) attached thereto (as shown in FIG. 9). The screw jacks (145) help in elevating the box in instances where the floor is uneven, to achieve a level putting surface. In an embodiment, the apparatus (100) includes a spirit level configured to enable even elevation of the box in an operative configuration of the screw jacks (145).

FIG. 10 through FIG. 12 illustrate partial isometric views of sections of the putting apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the indexing washers (142B1, 142B2). The washer (142B1) is attached centrally to the rotator (135B), and the other washer (142B2) of the pair can be attached to the surface of the second side wall (114) around the opening (129). The pair of washers (142B1, 142B2) have central apertures (144A and 144B) to accommodate the shaft (139) (not shown in FIG. 14) which passes through them into the body of the rotator (135B) (not shown in FIG. 14). These washers (142B) have teeth corresponding to the number of compartments (eight in this case) (shown in FIG. 13), allowing the rotator (135B) to be indexing one tooth at a time by angularly displacing the rotator (135B) by 45 degrees. This indexing mechanism ensures precise alignment of each compartment (137B) with the exit opening (131) and cut-out (132), enhancing the reliability of the ball (20) return system. The indexing movement of the rotator (135, 135B) is improved by providing a compression spring (141) as seen in FIG. 8 provided along the length of the shaft (139), which is held in place by the washer (143). The arrangement of the rotator (135, 135B), the indexing washers (142, 142B1, 142B2) ensures durability and precision, making it an effective arrangement for managing the return of the golf ball during putting practise.

FIG. 15 shows a partial view of the box assembly highlighting the exit opening (131), the collar (147) fitted at the exit opening (131), and the half collar (148) fitted at semi semi-circular cut-out (132).

The cut-out (132) provided with the half-collar (148) assists the golf ball (20) in a compartment (137, 137B) of the rotator to smoothly fall on the putting surface (115).

FIG. 15 illustrates the complementary axial alignment of the exit opening (131) and the cut-out (132).

An opening (129) seen in this figure is provided on the second side wall (114) between the exit opening (131) and the semi-circular cut-out (132) for mounting of the rotator (135, 135B) (not shown in FIG. 15).

FIG. 15 also illustrates an embodiment of the first and the second side walls (113, 114) defining parapets (113A, 114A). The parapet (114A) is provided on either side of the cut-out (132). As seen in FIG. 15, the parapet (114A) has a slightly raised height. The parapet (114A) ensures that a tubular extrusion (138) as seen in FIG. 13, on the compartment (137B) that has just rotated away from the top position in an operative configuration of the apparatus, aligns perfectly level with the parapet (114A), facilitating smooth rotation and user interaction.

FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C illustrate a method for assisting putting practise, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

• • At step 202, the method (200) comprises providing an apparatus (100) having a box with a base (107), a front wall (109), a rear wall (111), a first side wall (113), a second side wall (114), and a top surface configured as a putting surface (115).
  • At step 204, the method (200) comprises leveling the putting surface (115) using a plurality of screw jacks (145) attached to the box and optionally confirming the level with a spirit level.
  • At step 206, the method (200) comprises putting a golf ball (20) on the putting surface (115) towards a hole (120) disposed on the putting surface (115).
  • At step 208, the method (200) comprises capturing the golf ball (20) going through the hole (120) in a collector (122) disposed beneath the hole (120) and outlet (123)
  • At step 210, the method (200) comprises directing the golf ball (20) from the collector (122) through the outlet (123) onto a first slope (125) disposed within the box, the first slope (125) extending from the rear wall (111) and inclined downwards towards the front wall (109).
  • At step 212, the method (200) comprises alternatively, capturing the golf ball (20) that misses the hole (120) through an opening (111a) at a rear edge of the putting surface (115) and directing the golf ball (20) onto the first slope (125).
  • At step 214, the method (200) comprises allowing the golf ball (20) to roll down the first slope (125) due to its downward inclination.
  • At step 216, the method (200) comprises receiving the golf ball (20) from the first slope (125) onto a second slope (128) disposed adjacent to the first slope (125), the second slope (128) being inclined downwards towards the second side wall (114).
  • At step 218, the method (200) comprises allowing the golf ball (20) to roll down the second slope (128) towards an exit opening (131) disposed on the second side wall (114) adjacent to the second slope (128).
  • At step 220, the method (200) comprises passing the golf ball (20) through the exit opening (131) into a compartment (137, 137B) of a rotator (135, 135B) disposed on the second side wall (114), the rotator (135, 135B) having a plurality of compartments (137, 137B) arranged circumferentially.
  • At step 222, the method (200) comprises rotating the rotator (135, 135B) by a predefined angle using a shaft (139) extending from the rotator (135, 135B), a compression spring (141) disposed on the shaft (139), and indexing washers (142, 142B1, 142B2) configured to facilitate the indexing rotation.
  • At step 224, the method (200) comprises aligning the compartment (137, 137B) containing the golf ball (20) with a cut-out (132) disposed on the second side wall (114). The cut-out (132) being axially aligns parallelly with the exit opening (131), the rotated top compartment being aligned with the cut-out (132).
  • At step 226, the method (200) comprises dispensing the golf ball (20) from the compartment (137, 137B) through the cut-out (132) onto the putting surface (115).

The apparatus (100) remedies the deficiencies described in the background of the present disclosure. It provides a flat plane putting surface that can be leveled on an uneven floor. The apparatus (100) further has a proper hole and collector arrangement that makes a sound similar to the sound of a golf ball going into a real hole on a golf course. Also, the ball can be made to return to within the reach of the user, without the need of an external mechanism, so that there is no need for a user to move from his/her putting position or to bend down to retrieve the ball. The apparatus (100) makes it possible for the golfer to make an unlimited number of putts uninterrupted; the balls (20) are dispensed upon the user performing a simple action of pushing the rotator of the apparatus (100) with the head of his/her putter, and each ball once played returns to the dispensing apparatus (100) whether or not the putt goes into the hole or not.

The user, after hitting a putt, uses the head of his/her putter to cause the rotator (135, 135B) to rotate sufficiently far, such that the next compartment (137, 137B) aligns with the cut-out (132) and a ball (20) is ejected onto the putting surface. The user is assisted in achieving the correct amount of rotation of the rotator (135, 135B) by the indexing washers (142, 142B1, 142B2) and the compression spring (141) arrangement. More specifically, the rotator (135, 135B) is caused to click into place in the correct alignment by the action of the indexing washers and compression spring (141) arrangement.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages, including, but not limited to, the realization of an apparatus for assisting putting practise, that:

• • provides a visual and sensory feedback to the user by allowing the user to watch the ball roll on a perfectly level plane while also providing satisfying auditory feedback of a sound similar to the sound of the ball falling into a real golf hole;
  • gives the most authentic simulation of standing on a real green putting at a real hole with an authentic simulation of a real putt, and by providing ease with which the golfer can repeat the putting stroke with minimal movement to position the next ball;
  • allows a player to retrieve the golf ball without needing him/her to travel to the hole end without requiring any additional components such as motorized systems for retrieving the balls;
  • allows the player to retrieve the ball irrespective of the fact whether the ball has been put into the hole or not;
  • collects and drops the putt balls unobtrusively one by one on the putting surface;
  • has a robust configuration; and
  • has a simple configuration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practised and to further enable those of skill in the art to practise the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practised with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.