Aiming device for improving golf putting and chipping

Abstract

This aiming device allows golfers to improve their putting and chipping skills. The aiming device is generally u-shaped, and is inserted into a golf cup during practice. The ends of the u-shape are brightly colored to provide a visual clue assisting golfers to aim on the “pro-side” while putting. The aiming device can also be used for practice when the golfer is not at a golf course by placing the aiming device on the floor or ground and chipping or putting using the aiming device as the target. In addition, the aiming device can serve as an advertising medium. The aiming device can be used in a horseshoe-type game by tossing the aiming device at a golf tee or other similar object. The aiming device can also be used in a croquette-type game by standing the device on end and aiming a golf ball through the opening created.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A aiming device for golf comprising: 
 (a) a u-shape of such contour and arc that it conforms to the size and shape of the edge of a standard golf hole, the u-shape having a vertical altitude so that a rolling golf may only enter the interior of the u-shape through the opening created by the u-shape, and    (b) a downward projection connected to the u-shape, and conforming to the size and shape of the interior edge of a standard golf hole for positioning and holding the u-shape in place along the edge of the golf hole, wherein the golfer aims the golf ball so that it must proceed through the opening created by the u-shape in order to enter the interior of the u-shape.    
     
     
         2 . An aiming device according to  claim 1  wherein the downward projection connected to the u-shape is a solid wall projecting down from the u-shape.  
     
     
         3 . An aiming device according to  claim 1  wherein the downward projection connected to the u-shape is a plurality of projections extending down from the u-shape.  
     
     
         4 . An aiming device according to  claim 1  wherein the vertical altitude of the u-shape decreases so that the vertical altitude becomes smaller toward the ends of the u-shaped device.  
     
     
         5 . An aiming device according to  claim 1  wherein the ends of the u-shape are a different color than the rest of the aiming device.  
     
     
         6 . An aiming device according to  claim 1  wherein the size of the opening created by the u-shape ranges from an opening the width of a standard golf ball to an opening the width of a standard golf hole.  
     
     
         7 . An aiming device according to  claim 1  wherein the u-shaped device contains one or more holes through which a peg may be inserted to secure the u-shaped device to the ground.  
     
     
         8 . An aiming device according to  claim 1  wherein the u-shape consists of two arms extending from a central area, and where the central area extends upwardly from, and is higher than, the two arms.  
     
     
         9 . An aiming device according to  claim 8  wherein the central area contains a means for gripping the central area.  
     
     
         10 . An aiming device according to  claim 8  wherein the central area contains a logo or advertisement.  
     
     
         11 . An aiming device according to  claim 1  having a sealed liquid and air bubble level in a housing and permanently affixed to the u-shaped device.  
     
     
         12 . A aiming device for golf comprising a u-shape of such contour and arc that it conforms to the size and shape of the edge of a standard golf hole, the u-shape having a vertical altitude so that a rolling golf may only enter the interior of the u-shape through the opening created by the u-shape, wherein the golfer aims the golf ball so that it must proceed through the opening created by the u-shape in order to enter the interior of the u-shape.  
     
     
         13 . An aiming device according to  claim 12  wherein the vertical altitude of the u-shape decreases so that the vertical altitude becomes smaller toward the ends of the u-shaped device.  
     
     
         14 . An aiming device according to  claim 12  wherein the ends of the u-shape are a different color than the rest of the aiming device.  
     
     
         15 . An aiming device according to  claim 12  wherein the size of the opening created by the u-shape ranges from an opening the width of a standard golf ball to an opening the width of a standard golf hole.  
     
     
         16 . An aiming device according to  claim 12  wherein the u-shaped device contains one or more holes through which a peg may be inserted to secure the u-shaped device to the ground.  
     
     
         17 . An aiming device according to  claim 12  wherein the u-shape consists of two arms extending from a central area, and where the central area extends upwardly from, and is higher than, the two arms.  
     
     
         18 . An aiming device according to claims  17  wherein the central area contains a means for gripping the central area.  
     
     
         19 . An aiming device according to claims  17  wherein the central area contains a logo or advertisement.  
     
     
         20 . An aiming device according to  claim 12  having a sealed liquid and air bubble level in a housing and permanently affixed to the u-shaped device.  
     
     
         21 . A method of using the aiming device in a game comprising: 
 (a) placing an upwardly projecting object in the ground at a distance; and    (b) tossing the aiming device toward the upwardly projecting object, attempting to catch the aiming device on the upwardly projecting object.    
     
     
         22 . A method of using the aiming device in a game according to  claim 21  wherein the upwardly projecting object is a golf tee.  
     
     
         23 . A method of using the aiming device in a game comprising: 
 (a) placing the unshaped device so that it stands vertically on the ends; and    (b) putting or attempting to putt a golf ball through the space created between the u-shaped device and the ground.