Golf putting trainer

Abstract

A device for training a putting stroke in golf. The device includes a first stanchion and a second stanchion, each stanchion comprising a rod having two ends, a banner and a tubular spirit level attached at one end of each rod, and a continuous loop of flexible material reversibly attached to the banner of each of the first and second stanchions. When the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other, the continuous loop of material defines an upper run of the flexible material and a lower run of the flexible material substantially parallel to one another. The rods can be inserted directly into a penetrable surface or mounted in corresponding bases.

1 . A device for training a putting stroke in golf, the device comprising:
 a first stanchion and a second stanchion, each stanchion comprising:
 a rod having a first end, a second end, and a long axis extending therebetween; 
 a banner attached at or near the first end of the rod, the banner extending substantially perpendicularly to the long axis of the rod; 
 a tubular spirit level having a long axis, the tubular spirit level attached to or incorporated into the banner, the tubular level extending substantially perpendicularly to the long axis of the rod; and 
   a continuous loop of flexible material reversibly attached to the banner of each of the first and second stanchions such that when the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other, the continuous loop of material defines an upper run of the flexible material and a lower run of the flexible material substantially parallel to one another.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second end of the rod is pointed. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the continuous loop of flexible material is a string having a substantially circular cross-section. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the string is elastic. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the banner defines a first notch and a second notch, each notch dimensioned and configured to releasably retain the continuous loop of flexible material to the banner when the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 when the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other, and when the second end of each rod is inserted into a penetrable surface with the long axis of each rod substantially perpendicular to the penetrable surface, the upper run of the flexible material and the lower run of the flexible material are spaced above the penetrable surface and substantially parallel to the penetrable surface, such that a golf ball can be placed on the penetrable surface at a point on an imaginary line co-linear with and passing through the golf ball and the upper and lower runs of the flexible material.   
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein when a golf ball is placed on the penetrable surface at a point on the imaginary line co-linear with and passing through the golf ball and the upper and lower runs of the flexible material, when a user addresses the ball to putt it, at least one eye of the user is positionable on the imaginary line such that the imaginary line is co-linear with the at least one of the user's eyes, the upper and lower runs of the flexible material, and the golf ball. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising a corresponding base for each stanchion, each base dimensioned and configured to releasably fasten to the second end of the rod and, when so fastened, to position the rod substantially perpendicular to a surface on which the base rests. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a corresponding base for each stanchion, each base dimensioned and configured to releasably fasten to the second end of the rod and, when so fastened, to position the rod substantially perpendicular to a surface on which the base rests. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the base defines an aperture having a perimeter, wherein the aperture is dimensioned and configured to form a releasable friction fastening with the second of the rod when the second end of the rod is inserted into the aperture. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the base further comprises a support block attached to or defined in the base at a position adjacent to the aperture, wherein when the second end of the rod is inserted into the aperture, the rod contacts the support block. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the support block partially overlaps the aperture in the base, and wherein the support block defines a notch in registration with the perimeter of the aperture. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the base further comprises, in combination, at least one leveling screw disposed in a corresponding threaded aperture passing through the base. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the base comprises, in combination, two leveling screws disposed in corresponding threaded apertures passing through the base. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the base defines a semi-circular recess having a diameter of about 4.25 inches (about 10.80 cm). 
     
     
         16 . A device for training a putting stroke in golf, the device comprising:
 a first stanchion and a second stanchion, each stanchion comprising:
 a rod having a first end, a second end, and a long axis extending therebetween; 
 a banner attached at or near the first end of the rod, the banner extending substantially perpendicularly to the long axis of the rod; 
 a tubular spirit level having a long axis, the tubular spirit level attached to or incorporated into the banner, the tubular level extending substantially perpendicularly to the long axis of the rod; 
   a continuous loop of flexible material reversibly attached to the banner of each of the first and second stanchions such that when the first and second stanchions are positioned in a separated configuration from each other, the continuous loop of material defines an upper run of the flexible material and a lower run of the flexible material substantially parallel to one another; and   a corresponding base for each stanchion, each base dimensioned and configured to releasably fasten to the second end of the rod and, when so fastened, to position the rod substantially perpendicular to a surface on which the base rests; and   wherein the base defines a semi-circular recess having a diameter of about 4.25 inches (about 10.80 cm).   
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the base defines an aperture having a perimeter, wherein the aperture is dimensioned and configured to form a releasable friction fastening with the second of the rod when the second end of the rod is inserted into the aperture. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the base further comprises a support block attached to or defined in the base at a position adjacent to the aperture, wherein when the second end of the rod is inserted into the aperture, the rod contacts the support block. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the support block partially overlaps the aperture in the base, and wherein the support block defines a notch in registration with the perimeter of the aperture. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 16  wherein the base further comprises, in combination, at least one leveling screw disposed in a corresponding threaded aperture passing through the base. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 20 , wherein the base comprises, in combination, two leveling screws disposed in corresponding threaded apertures passing through the base.