Training device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a training device and, more particularly, to a training device which improves accuracy and consistency of a putting stroke in the game of golf and methods of use. The training device includes: a stationary base; and a laser guide coupled to the stationary base and having at least three degrees of freedom of independent movement with respect to the stationary base.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A training device, comprising:
 a stationary base; and   a laser guide coupled to the stationary base and having at least three degrees of freedom of independent movement with respect to the stationary base.   
     
     
         2 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the stationary base includes a target area and the laser guide projects a laser line from within the target area to outside of the target areas. 
     
     
         3 . The training device of  claim 2 , wherein the target area comprises an arc shape with an opening sized to allow passage of a golf ball. 
     
     
         4 . The training device of  claim 2 , wherein the target area is U-shaped with an opening sized to allow passage of a golf ball and further includes a ridge to stop the golf ball from exiting the target area. 
     
     
         5 . The training device of  claim 2 , further comprising a pole extending between the base and the laser guide and which comprises a length such that a laser emitter from the laser guide projects over a golf ball. 
     
     
         6 . The training device of  claim 5 , wherein the pole is telescoping between a first position and a second position. 
     
     
         7 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the laser guide is rotatably mounted to a pole. 
     
     
         8 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the laser guide rotates in a vertical orientation such that moving the laser guide upwards lengthens a distance of a laser beam projected onto a surface and moving the laser guide downwards shortens a distance of the laser beam projected onto the surface. 
     
     
         9 . The training device of  claim 1 , wherein the laser guide comprises at least three degrees of freedom of independent movement along three axes with respect to the stationary base. 
     
     
         10 . The training device of  claim 9 , wherein the three axes include independently rotating within a coupling member, rotating around a vertical axis of the stationary base and movement up and down with respect to the stationary base. 
     
     
         11 . The training device of  claim 1 , further comprising a coupling mechanism that couples holds the laser guide, the coupling mechanism including a clamp that friction holds the laser guide to the coupling mechanism. 
     
     
         12 . The training device of  claim 11 , wherein the coupling member includes a mechanism to independently rotate the laser guide along a vertical axis of the stationary base and to move the laser guide up and down independently of the rotation. 
     
     
         13 . A training device, comprising:
 a base;   a pole extending from the base;   a rotatable coupling mechanism attached to the pole on an end opposing the base and which allows for independent movement with respect to both the base and the pole; and   a laser guide mounted to the rotatable coupling mechanism which is independently movable with respect to the base or pole in multiple different axes.   
     
     
         14 . The training device of  claim 13 , wherein the base includes a cup shape which is substantially U-shaped. 
     
     
         15 . The training device of  claim 14 , wherein the base and the pole comprise a tripod configuration. 
     
     
         16 . The training device of  claim 13 , wherein the laser guide rotates in a vertical orientation such that moving the laser guide upwards lengthens a distance of a laser beam projected onto a surface and moving the laser guide downwards shortens a distance of the laser beam projected onto the surface. 
     
     
         17 . The training device of  claim 13 , wherein the rotatable coupling mechanism including a clamp that friction holds the laser guide to the coupling mechanism. 
     
     
         18 . The training device of  claim 13 , wherein the coupling mechanism is structured to provide movement of the laser guide independently by allowing rotation of the laser guide with respect to the coupling mechanism, a rotation of the laser guide with respect to the base and an up and down movement of the laser guide with respect to the base. 
     
     
         19 . A training device comprising:
 a stationary base with a target area;   a clamp mechanism moveable independently in two different directions with respect to the stationary base; and   an adjustable laser guide mounted to the coupling mechanism which is moveable in three independent directions with respect to the stationary base, the three directions including a first rotating direction with respect to the clamp mechanism, a second rotating direction with respect to the stationary pole, and an upward direction and downward direction with respect to the clamp mechanism.   
     
     
         20 . The training device of  claim 19 , wherein the clamp mechanism is rotatable in the upward direction and the downward direction and the laser guide which comprises a laser emitted therefrom provides an alignment mark on a surface, the alignment mark extending within or to a side of the target area.