Devices for putting practice are already known and such devices include the Easy Putt (TM). Such a device is battery operated and includes a target area having a sensor.

The person practising their putting, aims a ball at the target area of the Easy Putt and the sensor detects when a ball hits the sensor. Such a known putting device also includes a stop means, such as a recess, which holds the ball in the recess in a fixed position, once it hits the sensor area. The ball is then ejected from the Easy Putt by an ejecting mechanism.

Also known is a device called a stimp meter, which is not a putting aid and is used solely to measure the speed of a golf putting green. A stimp meter is a narrow channelled, inclined surface which is approximately 100 cms in length and not more than approximately 5 cms in width. A ball is placed in a recess at an end of the stimp meter and that end of the stimp meter is then raised, relative to an end of the stimp meter which is resting on a putting green, to a height of approximately 27 cms above the putting surface. When more than 50% of ball passes over its centre of gravity, the ball over-balances and rolls down the slope and the distance the ball rolls from the stimp meter along a surface is the stimp reading. The average of two stimp readings, taken from two opposite directions on the green, gives the speed of the putting green. A stimp meter, unlike the device of the present invention has a front face of approximately 1 cms in depth which would prevent a ball from mounting the inclined surface of the stimp meter. In addition, the stimp meter is far too narrow for a person to aim a ball so as to travel along the stimp meter.

The aim of the present invention is to provide an easily transportable device which can be used to practice the aiming and strength of propelling/hitting of a ball. In particular, the invention provides a device which enables a player to improve his or skills in aiming a ball by providing a clear target area.

According to the invention there is provided a device for practising propelling a ball, comprising a track, said track, when the device is in use, having a first end which adjoins a surface along which a ball is to travel and a second end which can be adjustably raised and lowered, relative to said first end, to incline the track, wherein, when the track is inclined, the first end of the track is such that a ball reaching said first end and travelling up said track incurs a minimum velocity loss and the second end has deflection means for directing the ball having travelled up said track and reached the second end, back down the track, wherein said track has guide means for directing the ball when correctly aimed, up then down said inclined track in a direction which enables the ball on leaving the device to return to the proximity of the feet of the person propelling the ball.

In a preferred embodiment, the track has a depression which is designed to catch a ball travelling up or down the track, said depression having adjusting means to alter the depth of said depression.

The depression is positioned so that when a"perfect" strike of the ball is made which includes the aim, weight and/or speed of the ball, the ball is caught in the depression. The depression has the dimensions whereby the ball is retained in the depression but the ball can then be knocked out of the depression by causing another ball to impact against the retained ball. The depression is formed of an aperture which has a movable base forming the floor of the depression. The base can be moved up or down within the aperture and this movement will vary the depth of the depression. In a preferred embodiment, the base is formed of a main body to which is attached fixing means. The fixing means enables the base to be attached within the aperture on the main body of the device. The fixing means preferably comprises a screw type mechanism which can be connected to receiving means on the device, which are associated with the aperture. The extent to which the base is screwed into the receiving means of the device will dictate the depth of the depression. The more the base is screwed into the receiving means, the greater the depth of the depression. The depth of the depression can be selected in accordance with the angle of the incline to provide optimum levels of accuracy in aiming a ball on the device. The steeper the incline of the device then a greater depth of the depression is needed to retain a ball that is propelled along the device within the depression. Alternative fixing means may be used for example a ratchet type fixing, slide mechanism, resilient attachment means. Alternatively the aperture, rather than having associated receiving may have walls which form integral receiving means for the base. The base can also have integral attachment means on its outer periphery, for example, the aperture walls may have a screw thread which enables the base to be screwed into the aperture and again the depth by which the base is screwed into the aperture will dictate the depth of the depression. In a further embodiment, the attachment and receiving means may allow the floor of the depression to be tilted to a desired angle. In a further embodiment, the means may have an indicator element to show the depth of the depression and further this may be connected to measuring device for measuring the incline of the device. This measuring device can then calculate the depth of depression needed to retain a ball based on the angle of the incline. It is envisaged that such a system could involve electronic means whereby on setting the incline, the depth of the depression is automatically adjusted to a depth whereby a ball will be retained in the depression. Alternatively, the depth of the depression can be used to set the incline of the device.

The depression is in the surface of the track and preferably is circular and has a depth of 4mm. In another embodiment, targets may be placed in the depression which are shaped so that the target has a profile formed of raised and depressed areas. The profile is formed so that a ball travelling across the insert lodges on the insert. The inserts can be shaped to have a range of surface profiles for catching a ball such as a single line, a chevron/triangular shape, or a star shape comprising three or more arms. Alternatively, the target may comprise squares, polygons of circles concentrically arranged.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is manufactured of a flexible material such as plastic which has been moulded to form the device. It is envisaged that the device could also be made from other lightweight materials such as card, for example, laminated 1400 micron cardboard, an acrylic, fibre glass or polystyrene. Heavier materials can also be used, such as wood, or alternatively a metal such as steel. It is further envisaged that a combination of such materials could be used.

The device is preferably between 88 and 93 cms in length, although longer or shorter devices could be used according to the preference of the person using the device. However if the device is of a length which is too short, then the inclined slope of the track is not long enough to return the ball to the player, within the ideal putting range, which is in the region of between 90 and 900 cms (3 and 30 feet). A typical putting length required on a flat surface, such as a carpet is 450 cms (15 feet). The distance is a measurement which includes 12 feet to the leading edge of the device and then three feet along the length of the device. The return distance to the person hitting the ball is also 450 cms 15 feet).

The device preferably is in the form of a substantially rectangular plank, or alternatively it may be in the shape of a horseshoe. Further, the device may have at its first end, an opening which may be funnel shaped, and which may be adjustable to varying widths. The width of the funnel shaped opening may be varied according to the skill of the person aiming the ball. A wide opening could be used for inexperienced persons, who have poor aiming skills, while a narrower opening may be more preferable for persons requiring a higher degree of difficulty in aiming the ball.

The overall width of the device is preferably in the region of 33 cms, with the width of a channel travelling along the device being in the region of 12.5 cms although a range of widths could be used according to the skill of the player and the dimensions and type of ball that is being used. The funnel opening may be the same size as the width of the device or it may be narrower or wider than the width of the device and a typical width for the funnel opening lies in the range of 5 cms to 60 cms.

The track, has a lead in area at its first end which in a preferred embodiment is curved or scooped. The lead in area of the track is adapted to reduce the drag co-efficient of the slope against a ball, thereby maintaining the forward momentum of the ball with a minimum loss of speed for the ball. In effect the ball travels onto the leading edge of the device with the same speed that it was travelling along the surface leading up to the device. This is achieved by providing a gradual transition angle at the lead in area of the device which forms the track having an incline. The lead in area of the device may be positioned at a range of angles, but a preferred angle is in the region of 8 to 26 degrees. As mentioned the lead in area, may be shaped to have a scooped profile but alternatively, if the lead in area of the device, including the leading edge of the device is of a narrow thickness, typically 1 to 5 mms, the weight of a ball passing over that material will cause the lead in area to bend, so forming in effect a scooped lead in area for the device.

The track may be held at an inclined angle by a single leg or brace, which is hinged relative to the track when inclined. Alternatively, a plurality of legs/braces may be used. Adjustment of the incline of the track is related to the degree of splay of the hinged leg and the hinged leg may be moved to an angle of 90 degrees relative to the inclined surface. The wider the splay of the leg the lower is the incline of the track. Alternatively, as is the case in a preferred embodiment, a telescoping leg is used to lift and support the raised end of the device. The telescoping leg has a series of steps and slots which are interact thereby enabling the length of the leg to be adjusted and retained in the required position. If the telescoping leg is extended to its maximum then the track may be inclined at a relatively steep angle, while shortening the telescoping of the leg will reduce the angle of the incline relative to the surface on which it is resting.

The device according to the invention may be in the form of a pre-formed structure, however, in a further embodiment of the invention, the device may be demountable in that it may be collapsed and folded down, preferably to a size of approximately 33 cms by 31 cms, or more preferably to a size of approximately 21 cms by 31 cms and to a minimal thickness. This enables the device to be of a size such that it can be incorporated as a supplement within a publication such as a newspaper or a magazine, or alternatively the folded device may be incorporated with a promotional item connected with ball games. Alternatively the folded down device may form a cover, such as a wrap around cover for a magazine or promotional item.

The demountable structure comprises a piece of material forming the track to be inclined. At the end of the device which is the end that is to be raised or lowered, there are apertures or slots in the region of this end of the device.

A further piece, or alternatively, pieces of material, form the deflector or backstop which is situated in the region of the end of the device which is to be raised or lowered. The piece or pieces forming the deflector have wings or tabs which may be inserted in apertures in the material forming the track. Once inserted in the apertures, the tabs or wings may be folded at an angle relative to the main body of material forming the deflector, thereby locking the material and track material together. If there are a number of pieces forming the deflector, these pieces may be interlocked with one another by using slits which receive a wall of an adjacent piece, thereby forming a deflector which is reinforced to withstand considerable impact by a ball. There are also apertures or slots that are situated in the end region of the device which is to be raised or lowered, which are adapted to receive a further piece or pieces of material, forming the brace, hinged leg or telescoping leg, which is to support the track in its inclined position. To collapse or demount the device the tabs/wings may be straightened so that they may be removed from the apertures of the track and the whole structure may be collapsed and folded. Alternatively, the tabs/wings may be integral with the surface forming the track and the apertures may be in the pieces forming the support and/or back-stop. In a further embodiment the back-stop and the support for the track may be combined as a unitary part of the device. In this embodiment the support has a top piece which may be pushed through apertures in the track. The upper part of the support has fold lines and slits. The folds allow the pieces which are to form the back-stop to be folded into tabs/wings while the slits allow the tabs/wings which are formed to be interlocked with one another to form the back-stop.-The lower part of the support will rest on the floor and holds the track at an incline. The lower part may also have slits which enable the support to be interlocked with further pieces of material to form a larger support which produces a steeper incline for the track.

The device may have a slit running up the length of the surface forming the inclined track, from the first end towards the second end of the track. The slit preferably runs along the centre area of the length of the surface forming the track. Areas of the material in proximity to this slit may be folded to form a raised edge thereby providing forms a centre partition for track of the device.

This partition in effect defines separate channels for a ball travelling up and then down the device. Further fold lines in proximity to the outside edge of the track enable the outside edges of the surface to be folded upwards in order to form guide walls for preventing a ball from rolling off the track. Further the surface forming the track may have recesses for receiving a ball travelling over the track.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described below. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic side view of the device having a sloped inclined surface.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment in which the device has a plank shaped structure.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment in which the device has a horse- shoe shaped structure.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which the device has a structure comprising splayed channels.

Fig. 5 shows a telescoping support for the inclined surface of the device as shown in the figures 1 to 4.

Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of an embodiment in which the device has a plank shaped structure and a depression with the base having been removed from the depression.

Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a device of the type as shown in figure 3 having a recess for receiving a ball.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment in which the device has a plank shaped structure and a depression in the surface with the device being collapsible.

It can be seen from figure 1 that the device when erected, comprises a track having an inclined surface 1 with a first end 2 having a lead in area with an edge which rests on a surface along which a ball travels. A second end 3 of the track is raised relative to the first end and the second end is supported by a brace 4 which is locked selectively in position by a rod 5 having an end which is insertable into a selected one of apertures la on the edge of the inclined surface 1. If the end of the rod is removed from an aperture the device may be folded down to provide a flat, easily transportable and storable structure. As can be seen from figure 1, the first end and leading edge of the inclined surface 2, is very thin and slightly scooped.

Figure 2 shows a plank type device with an inclined surface 1 and around the inclined surface there is a raised edging member 6, which prevents a ball from rolling off the inclined surface. As an alternative to, or in combination with the raised edging member, there may be routed channels which form a depression which prevents a ball from falling off the back or the edge of the device. The member 6 also assists in directing the ball back toward the feet of a person aiming the ball, once the ball has hit the back-stop wall (or deflector) area 7 of the device. A device of this type may also have a depression 17 for holding a ball that is aimed at the device. Also there may be a recess such as shown at 11 for holding a ball positioned by the player on the device.

Figure 3 shows a version of the device which is demountable. In this version of the device, edging member 6, wall 7 which acts as a back-stop and ball return area and partition wall 8 form defined channels. Channel 1 b is the channel used for guiding the ball up the incline, while channel 1c is the channel which the ball follows once it has hit the wall 7. The wall 7 is of a substantially semi- circular shape and in particular comprises a number of parts, preferably 3, which are angled to one another to form the wall 7. The wall 7 is angled so that a ball travelling up channel lb, is in effect directed from part 7a to part 7b and then to part 7c of wall 7 before rolling down channel lc. The raised end of the device having wall 7 may have a slope or camber of between 1 and 4 degrees and preferably 2 degrees, towards channel Ic, to assist the ball which hits the parts of the wall 7, to roll down the return channel lc by means of a velodrome effect. In an alternative embodiment, the raised end of the device, rather than having an slope or camber, which enables the ball to roll from the upward channel to the downward channel, may be substantially level. However when the end of the raised device is level, the channels are spayed and this provides a difference in length between the edging wall 6 and inner wall 8 so producing the velodrome effect which causes the ball to travel from channel 1b around the end of the device which is edged by wall 7 and down channel lc. A perfect aim of the ball, is when the ball travels up channel 1b and lands in the depression 17. A further ball may then be aimed at the device and it will travel up the device and reach the ball held in the depression 17. A"perfect put"is when the second ball knocks the first ball out of the depression 17 and both balls then roll down the inclined part of the device, without hitting wall 7 and the ball then rolls down channel lc and towards the person aiming the ball and lands at their feet with an error margin of +/-15 cms of accuracy.

The backstop wall 7 and the brace 4 are attached to the inclined surface by interlocking tabs. The pieces 7a, 7b and 7c, forming the backstop wall may have slits running in a substantially vertical plane from a surface which adjoins the incline. There may also be slits which run from a surface which is parallel to said surface adjoining the plane. The pieces may be fastened to each by sliding a slitted area of one piece into the slitted area of an adjacent piece, thereby interlocking the pieces together to form a substantially rigid back wall 7. Internal divider wall 8 is folded so that its edges meet to form a V-shaped divider between the channels 1b and lc. At the end of the divider wall 8 nearest to the wall 7, there is target area which is the area that a person aims to reach when propelling the ball. The collapsible/demountable device may further include strengthening means comprising pieces of material which are inserted between interlocking pieces parts having fold lines to provide added strength to the device. Alternatively, the strengthening pieces may be attached to the device either by interlocking with the device, by being push fitted on to the device or by being adhered to the device.

Figure 4 shows a form of the device in which channels lb and lc are separated from one another. The angle of separation of the channels 1b and Ic, as well as the angles at which the parts of the wall 7 are placed, may be varied according to the speed at which the ball is aimed at the device and according to the difficulty of aim required.

Figure 5 shows an alternative means for supporting the inclined surface. Instead of a hinged bracket, a telescoping rod 9, having a plate member 10 for maintaining the stability of the device, may be used which is adjusted according to the angle which is required for the inclined surface.

Figure 6 shows a plank type device as shown in figure 2 having a depression 17 for catching a ball. The depression is circular and preferably of 4mm depth. A further ball may then be aimed at the retained ball to knock the first ball out of the depression and the slope of the device will then enable the balls to be returned to, the feet of the player. The depression 17 is formed of an aperture 21 having receiving means 20. The receiving means enable fixing means 19 attached to a base 18 forming the floor of the depression 17, to be attached to the device 1.

In alternative embodiments of this type of device the base may be fixed to means within the aperture by ratchet means, resilient means, spring loaded means or-pin means. It is also feasible that there could be electronic means for positioning the base within the aperture. Also, electronic means may be attached to the device to indicate the incline of the slope and show the optimum depth of depression needed to retain a ball aimed at the device.

A ball travelling up the device which has been aimed and weighted perfectly, will lodge in the depression. The depth of the depression is such that the ball is just held in the depression without rolling out. This is achieved by the depression having a clearly defined edge which cases the ball to immediately drop into the depression. The momentum of the ball is lost and the ball remains in the depression.

When the ball is sat in the depression it can act as a level indicator for the device. If the ball sits to one side of the depression, this indicates that the device is leaning in the direction that the ball is sitting and so device may then be positioned to correct the lean. A further ball may be aimed at the ball in the depression so as to knock the retained ball out and this will then roll down the track and towards the feet of the person propelling the ball.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of the device as shown in figure 3, when in the un-erected form. The device is of the dimensions of approximately 33 cms in width by approximately 139.5 cms in length. The device which is of a thin flexible material, such as cardboard, can be folded along line 12 and these folds enable the device to be folded to the dimensions whereby it may be inserted in a publication such as a magazine or a news paper. The fold lines can also give a greater degree of rigidity to the structure than an unfolded piece of material.

Part a of the device will form the inclined surface of the device while part b may be separated from part b by cutting or by tearing along tear lines. Part b may be cut along fold/score lines 13 and 15. By cutting along score line 13, a shaped piece can be removed from part b and this piece will form wall 7 which may be inserted in apertures at points c to form the back wall of the device. The part 7 may have slits 14 which enable the piece to be interlocked with other pieces forming the wall 7. Cutting along score lines 15 will form the support 4 which maintains the inclined surface 1 as a slope. Area 16 is the area which the person propelling the ball is aiming in order to have the"perfect" aim.

Figure 8 shows a demountable structure which is of a plank type and this again has a depression 17 in its surface. A ball travelling up the device which has been aimed and weighted perfectly, will lodge in the depression.

The depth of the depression is such that the ball is just held in the depression without rolling out. This is achieved by the depression having a clearly defined edge which cases the ball to immediately drop into the depression. The momentum of the ball is lost and the ball remains in the depression. When the ball is sat in the depression it can act as a level indicator for the device. If the ball sits to one side of the depression, this indicates that the device is leaning in the direction that the ball is sitting and so device may then be positioned to correct the lean. A further ball may be aimed at the ball in the depression so as to knock the retained ball out and this will then roll down the track and towards the feet of the person propelling the ball.

In an alternative adaptation the surface of the track may have an aperture through which the ball may drop onto a track which enables the ball to travel to the feet of the person propelling the ball. The aperture may be formed by either cutting a hole in the track to a size which will enable the ball that is being used to drop through the surface of the track. Alternatively, the track may be formed with perforations which enable an aperture to be formed by pushing through part of the surface of the track. There may be concentric perforations of different diameters thereby enabling apertures with selectable diameters to be formed.

An aperture provides an increases sense of actually playing a game, especially in golf where a ball is putted into a hole.

The device may also act as a device for testing the speed of a surface such as a green or a carpet and comparing it with known speeds for such surfaces. The device includes a recess 11 into which a ball may be placed. The recess is 2 cms in diameter if the recess is rounded, or alternatively if the recess is of a rectilinear shape such as a square or rectangle, the dimensions of the recess are 2 by 1.8 cms.

Further ideally, the recess is 79.5 cms from the leading edge of the device. The device may then be tilted so that the ball rolls out of the recess down the side of the incline. The distance the ball travels from the device is used to calculate the speed of the surface along which the ball travelled. Typically the speed of a surface can be gauged as follows: Distance travelled on a green (ms) Slow Medium Very fast 2.4 2.73 3.03 3.33 3.64 3.94 4.24 (feet) 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Further embodiments of the invention are a device molded from clear acrylic. Such a device has a molded scooped front end and a tripod like adjustable stand at the second end for adjusting the height of the incline. The legs of the tripod stand can be slotted into pre-formed holes in the inclined surface. The device may also include a built in level checking means such as a spirit level so that a player may check whether the device itself is substantially level or is on a substantially flat surface. If a plastic device is used the spirit level can be moulded as an integral part of the device. Further a surface such as a carpet or baize may be attached to the lead-in edge of the device to provide surface with differing resistances which will determine the speed at which the ball approaches the device. A surface with no pile will provide a fast approach while a deep pile will slow the ball down as it approaches the device.

Also, the device may have a more convoluted path. Instead of having a simple path travelling up and own the incline, there may be a number of paths which may branch off each other and which feed to a centre point of the device. Such a device would encourage a person to increase the strength of their aim as the velocity at which the ball hits the device would determine whether the ball hits the centre point or not.

Further refinements could involve covering the paths of the device with felt to minimise impact noise and digital sensors and indicators on the device to give details of the accuracy of aiming of the ball, the speed and the direction in which the ball is travelling.

Although the device has been described with particular reference to aiming a golf ball it is envisaged that the device could be used for practising aiming a ball for other ball games such as football, crown green or lawn bowls, cricket, ten pin bowling or hockey.