U.S. patent application number 10/853608 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for golf aiming and alignment system and method.
Invention is credited to Krause, Lawrence A., Scott, Kenneth A..
Application Number | 20040219987 10/853608 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27538193 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040219987 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scott, Kenneth A. ; et
al. |
November 4, 2004 |
Golf aiming and alignment system and method
Abstract
A system and method for improving a golfer's putt is provided.
Included is a ball, putter, and ball marker, each of which bear
directional indicia, such as arrows or triangles. The indicia of
the various elements are aligned toward the hole, with the indicia
of each element creating a desired directional path. The golfer
uses the directional path created by the proper alignment of one or
more elements to aim his or her putt. Furthermore, the directional
indicia of the golf ball are designed to blend together when the
ball is hit in the direction of the indicia, but create a swirl
pattern when the ball is mis-hit for visualization of proper and
improper putting.
Inventors: |
Scott, Kenneth A.;
(Scottsdale, AZ) ; Krause, Lawrence A.;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PETER C. STOMMA
BOYLE FREDRICKSON NEWHOLM STEIN & GRATZ S.C.
Suite 1030
250 E. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
27538193 |
Appl. No.: |
10/853608 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10853608 |
May 25, 2004 |
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10143587 |
May 10, 2002 |
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6739980 |
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60290198 |
May 11, 2001 |
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60307703 |
Jul 25, 2001 |
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60307704 |
Jul 25, 2001 |
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60307705 |
Jul 25, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/200 ;
2/161.2; 36/127; 473/205; 473/251; 473/252; 473/270; 473/280;
473/351 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3685 20130101;
A63B 53/007 20130101; A63B 69/3658 20130101; A63B 53/14 20130101;
A63B 2102/32 20151001; A63B 69/3632 20130101; A63B 2220/35
20130101; A63B 43/008 20130101; A63B 53/0441 20200801; A63B 53/04
20130101; A63B 69/3688 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/200 ;
473/270; 473/205; 473/251; 473/252; 473/280; 473/351; 002/161.2;
036/127 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36; A63B
037/00 |
Claims
1-13. Cancelled.
14. An alignment system for aligning a golf club to be swung by a
golfer with a golf ball such that the golf ball travels along a
target path when struck by the golf ball, comprising: club indicia
on a face of the golf club, the club indicia lying on a first axis
generally perpendicular to the target path with the golf club
aligned with the golf ball.
15. The alignment system of claim 14 further comprising shoe
indicia on a golf shoe worn by the golfer, the shoe indicia lying
on a second axis generally parallel to the target path.
16. The alignment system of claim 14 wherein the golfer includes a
hand and shoulders and wherein the alignment system further
comprises a glove having glove indicia thereon for receipt on the
hand, the glove indicia aligning the hand and shoulders of the
golfer with the face of the golf club.
17. The alignment system of claim 14 further comprising a sensory
strip extending along a shaft of the golf club.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/290,198 filed May 11, 2001; U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/307,703 filed Jul. 25, 2001;
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/307,704 filed Jul. 25,
2001; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/307,705 filed
Jul. 25, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to golf, and in particular,
to a system and method for improving a golfer's ball, club, and
body alignment and thus increase accuracy.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As is known, proper alignment of golf ball, club, and
various other elements involved in golfing are essential to
accurate striking of the ball with the club. A golfer who
consistently uses proper alignment and squarely addresses the ball
increases the accuracy of his or her aim and can thus lower his or
her score.
[0004] However, the many elements working together in golf,
including stance, grip, swing, etc., can produce a situation in
which one or more variables negatively impact alignment. A golfer
must therefore remember a number of "tricks" for proper alignment
of each shot and may easily forget one or more elements. Although
the basics of golf are relatively easily learned, it is well-known
that becoming proficient at golf is a much more difficult task.
[0005] Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present
invention to provide a system and method for improving alignment in
a relatively simple fashion so that both novice golfers who wish to
develop proper form, and experienced golfers who need to practice
good technique, can be accommodated.
[0006] It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide such a system and method which provides feedback to the
golfer, teaching him or her to use proper alignment techniques even
when not using the invention.
[0007] It is still a further object and feature of the invention to
provide separate components of a golf swing training system that
can be used together for complete alignment training or can be used
separately and in various combinations for addressing particular
problem areas, reviewing of certain techniques, or as dictated by
personal preference.
[0008] It is a still further object and feature of the present
invention to provide a system and method for converting existing
golf equipment to provide the advantages of the system and method
described herein.
[0009] Generally, the present invention contemplates a system of
golf equipment bearing directional indicia, as well as a method for
utilizing golf equipment bearing directional indicia to maximize
golfing accuracy.
[0010] In accordance one aspect of the present invention, the
directional indicia and other features of the golf equipment are
designed to create tactile and visual feedback to the golfer so
that he or she can learn consistency in proper alignment.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, each
element of the system provides tactile or visual guidance for
proper alignment of golf equipment or the golfer's body so that
each by itself provides alignment advantages.
[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the
system and method are not required elements of any equipment but
could be provided separately in a kit that allows application and
removal of the indicia and other guides from equipment as desired
by the golfer.
[0013] The present invention contemplates the use of directional
indicia, such as arrows, to properly align different golf
components, including a golf ball, golf clubs, golf shoes, and golf
gloves, in a golf swing training system and method that improves
aim and accuracy. Each component of the system is designed to help
a golfer visualize and repeat proper alignment, aim, and ball
striking. Indicia are placed on select components of the system and
are aimed toward the target. The other components of the system are
aligned by way of further indicia along the target line. The
indicia also encourage square striking of the ball.
[0014] For example, directional indicia are applied around the
circumference of a standard golf ball. The golfer points the
indicia at his or her target, using the indicia to aim toward the
target. Another example is that of a putter bearing directional
indicia on its head. The golfer uses the line of indicia to align
the putter and the ball along the target line in the direction of
the hole and uses the indicia. The application and use of
directional indicia on other clubs and equipment is similar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred
embodiment of the present invention in which the above advantages
and features are clearly disclosed. Other advantages and features
will also be apparent from the following detailed description.
[0016] In the drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top view of a ball, putter, and ball marker
incorporated in the golf swing training system and method of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ball marker shown in
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is front view of a golf club, in the form of an iron,
incorporated in the system and method of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a golf club, in the form of a
wood, incorporated in the system and method of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a top view of a pair of golf shoes incorporated in
the system and method of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a golf glove incorporated in
the system and method of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a golf club and grip
incorporated in the system and method of the present invention;
and
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the opposite side of the
golf club shown in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The several parts of the system of the present invention
give rise to several methods of use in various combinations. For
the sake of illustration, the parts have been grouped in
combinations according to the preferred embodiments. However, it
should be understood that various other combinations of the various
parts of the system are contemplated as being within the scope of
the present invention.
Sample Combination I: Ball, Putter, and Ball Marker
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a golf ball 20, putter 30, and ball
marker 40 are shown. Golf ball 20 bears a pattern of directional
indicia 22 laid out in a straight line. Indicia 22 may touch one
another, overlap, or be spaced apart from one another, so long as
indicia 22 run around the circumference of ball 20.
[0027] It is preferred, though not required, that indicia 22 be
provided in alternating shades or colors. In this manner, when ball
20 rolls in the direction of indicia 22, the shades or colors blend
to create one of a number of optical illusions. The appearance of a
solid line can be created when ball 20 is rolling in the proper
roll path or, if alternating patterned indicia 22 are used, a
unique pattern may emerge. Two or more shades or colors can be used
to create a distinct shade or color, different than what is visible
when ball 20 is stationary. Alternately, one shade or color can be
used for all indicia 22.
[0028] For example, indicia 22 may be provided in primary colors
yellow and blue, with each indicia 22 in an alternating color. When
ball 20 rolls in the direction of indicia 22, indicia 22 will
visually blend to create a green line. When ball 20 does not roll
in the direction of indicia 22, indicia 22 will not visually
combine to form a single line of a third color, but will rather
produce a swirl effect in the direction of the misaligned hit. Any
combination of shade or colors that would create a first effect
while stationary, a second, combined effect while rolling in the
direction of the indicia 22, and a third effect while rolling any
way but in the direction of the indicia 22 would suffice.
[0029] Putter 30 also bears directional indicia 32. In this case,
the indicia 32 are located on the head 34 of the putter 30 so they
are visible during putting. Indicia 32 are placed so that they
point to the proper impact zone on the putter face 36, such as the
center of gravity of the putter head 34. Putter 30 also may bear a
pair of perpendicular guidelines 38 on the top of putter head 34,
each located equidistantly from indicia 32 to highlight a preferred
striking zone of putter face 36. The area between guidelines 38 may
be colored to further accent the preferred striking zone of face 36
and/or to contrast with indicia 32.
[0030] Finally, a ball marker 40 can also be provided with
directional indicia 42, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. Ball marker 40
may include a stem 44 and a disk-shaped top 46 in a manner as in
known, and indicia 42 are applied to the upper surface of top 46.
Ball marker 40 can be the approximately the same size as typical
ball markers or can be much larger, approaching but preferably not
exceeding the diameter of ball 20. In addition, top 46 need not be
circular, but may be another geometric or non-geometric shape with
one or more directional indicia 42 across its diameter or relative
center.
[0031] Ball 20, putter 30, and marker 40 are used in a putting
method for a golfer who is either practicing putts or is competing
in a game of golf. When ball 20 is on the green, the golfer places
ball marker 40 behind ball 20 and rotates both ball 20 and ball
marker 40 in the direction of the intended roll path using indicia
22 and 42 as guidelines. While ball marker 40 and its indicia 42
extend the directional line formed by indicia 22 of ball 20,
increasing a golfer's ability to establish the desired roll path,
the golfer may choose to use only the indicia 22 of ball 20 for
aiming.
[0032] After removing ball marker 40 from the putting surface, the
golfer positions putter 30 so that its indicia 32 are in alignment
with indicia 22 of ball 20. The golfer then swings putter 30 along
the directional line of indicia 22 and 32, also using guidelines 38
to properly align putter 30 and ball 20 in the direction of the
hole. Proper contact is achieved when putter face 36 makes contact
with ball 20 at the point where indicia 22 and 32 meet.
[0033] The golfer then receives feedback from ball 20 as to the
accuracy of the putt by watching indicia 22. When indicia 22 create
a solid line or pattern, and/or a distinct color or shade is
created, the golfer knows that ball 20 is rolling in the direction
of the indicia 22 as desired. An improper strike of ball 20 will
create a swirl effect around ball 20 reflecting the direction of
the mis-hit of ball 20. In addition, while the advantages of
multi-colored indicia 22 on ball 20 have been described for
putting, the same advantages apply at the tee and on the fairway
for aiming properly and aligning to the target line since proper
aim and alignment is equally important in those situations.
[0034] Ball 20, putter 30, and ball marker 40 can each be used
independently of each other by the golfer for the alignment
benefits of each individual component, can be used in any
combination with each other, or can be used as described, as a
total putting alignment and feedback system. For instance, while a
golfer might use only ball 20, only putter 30, or only ball 20 and
putter 30 while playing a regulation game of golf, a golfer may
wish to use only putter 30 and marker 40 to practice proper
alignment and technique in his or her home, office, or other
location.
Sample Combination II: Club, Shoes, and Glove
[0035] As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, an iron 50 and/or a wood 60 can be
adapted for use with the system and method of the present invention
for proper alignment of the iron 50 or wood 60 at address. In FIG.
3, iron 50 bears an indicator arrow 52 or other indicia at its toe
54 or at another location on its top or its face 56. When iron 50
is positioned adjacent ball 20 so that iron face 56 is squarely
behind ball 20 at address, arrow 52 points downward toward the
desired target of the shot.
[0036] As seen in FIG. 4, a wood 60 can also be equipped with
indicia 62 such as a single arrow or a series of arrows. The
indicia 62 are positioned over the center of gravity of the wood
60, or any other preferred striking point of the wood face 64.
[0037] FIG. 5 shows golf shoes 70 also bearing directional indicia
72 for proper placement of the feet during address of ball 20 for a
square strike. Indicia 72 are located at the toes of shoes 70 and
indicia 72 point to the wearer's left in the case of a right-handed
golfer or to the right in the case of a left-handed golfer.
Alternatively, a single indicium 72 could be placed on either the
right or left shoe 70 according to the interests of the golfer or
manufacturer.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a golf glove 80 also bearing directional
indicia 82. Each indicium 82 is located below the base of the thumb
84 of the golf glove, pointing to the wearer's left in the case of
a right-handed golfer or, in the case of a left-handed golfers,
indicium 82 points to the wearer's right.
[0039] In use, the combination of iron 50 or wood 60 along with
shoes 70 and glove 80 provides a golfer with several means of
adjusting his or her address of ball 20 to properly align his or
her shot. First, if the golfer uses ball 20 having indicia 22 on
the tee or fairway, he or she may place ball 20 with indicia 22
indicating the desired line of the shot. At address, the golfer can
align indicia 52 or 62 of the iron 50 or wood 60 either with
indicia 22 of ball 20, or in relation to the desired target, or
both. In any case, when club face 56 or 64 is properly aligned,
indicia 52 and 62 should be aligned with indicia 22 of ball 20 as
well as with the desired target.
[0040] The golfer's proper stance includes alignment of his or her
feet (not shown) so they are positioned in what is known as
"railroad track" alignment. The desired target and the ball form
the two ends of a first "track". The golfer stands on a second
"track", with his or her feet parallel to one another. This visual
aid for proper stance is easier to imagine and thus obtain with the
use of golf shoes 70 bearing indicia 72. After the golfer aligns
the ball 20 and club with the desired target as described above, he
or she creates the second "track" using indicia 72. Indicia 72
allow a golfer to readily visualize the extending lines, or tracks,
and thus makes it easier for him or her to obtain a recommended
form when addressing the ball 20.
[0041] In addition, advanced golfers who can "work the ball" or hit
the ball in such a way to effect its flight path, direction, and
result, also benefit from the use of shoes 70. A golfer who
advances his or her front foot closer to the ball at address can
affect the resulting flight path so that the ball will have a
right-to-left flight path, while moving the lead foot away from the
ball produces an opposite, left-to-right flight path. The degree of
movement is determined by the distance the lead foot is advanced
toward or away from the ball. Inidica 72 are helpful to a more
advanced golfer by allowing him or her to gauge the position of his
or her feet relative to each other and to the ball, thus providing
the golfer feedback as to precise foot positioning and the ability
to repeat effective positions to achieve more consistent
results.
[0042] Finally, the golfer's hand position is also finalized at
address. Golf glove 80 bears indicia 82 that can be used to ensure
square alignment of all elements, including the hands, in
addressing ball 20. The location of indicia 82 at address shows
proper shoulder alignment so that the golfer's upper body is square
with his or her properly aligned lower body. When all the indicia
being used in the system are aligned at address, the golfer is
properly aligned, and the golf shot is properly aimed.
[0043] After properly addressing the ball, the golfer can further
utilize the present alignment system and method to establish a
straight swing line for his or her back swing and can attempt to
replicate the swing line in his or her follow-through, thus
actually contacting the ball at its proper position, with the
desired portion of the club, with (theoretically) the effect of
driving the ball straight in the desired direction.
Sample Combination III: Club and Grip
[0044] As seen in FIG. 7, another element of the system and method
of the present invention is a golf club grip 90 that includes a
sensory strip 92. Strip 92 is positioned on grip 90 opposite the
club face 94. In a preferred embodiment, strip 92 may be 2 mm thick
by 4 mm wide and constructed of stainless steel. It is placed or
molded inside and running down the length of grip 90 so that strip
92 can be felt through grip 90. Strip 92 can also be made of
another material or in other dimensions, or can be molded as a
notch in grip 90. Marks or indicia (not shown) can be provided on
grip 90 to indicate the location of strip 92.
[0045] The rules of golf allow for a rib or bar to be placed under
the grip of a golf club. However, these devices are traditionally
placed at the 6 o'clock position when mounted rather than opposite
the club face 94 at the 3 o'clock position.
[0046] At address, when club face 94 is held square and flush to
ball 20, sensory strip 92 can be felt in the golfer's hand, adding
his or her tactile senses to the visual senses that are so
important in golf. Strip 92 gives golfers the ability to properly
position and angle the club face 94 at address and create a tactile
impression of proper positioning. Golfers can therefore learn to
"feel" proper positioning and alignment using grip 90 and strip 92
and can train themselves to recreate the sensation established at
address at the point of impact in the golf swing. The addition of a
tactile feedback of proper positioning leads overall to a golfer's
ability to more consistently strike the ball squarely.
[0047] Finally, as seen in FIG. 8, indicia 96 are added to club
face 94 to provide yet another visual guide for square address and
thus square striking. Indicia 96 may or may not be directional such
as arrows or triangles, but are designed to be highly visible to a
golfer, such as in bright or highly contrasting colors. Indicia 96
are preferably positioned to indicate the preferred striking zone
for ball 20 when club face 94 is properly positioned behind ball
20, and indicia 96 are thus the approximate width of a golf ball.
Additional indicia may indicate the entire preferred striking zone
of the club face or the target line. At address, indicia 96 assist
the golfer in placing the club face in a square position behind the
ball in relation to the desired target line.
[0048] On drivers and fairway woods, the club face indicia 96 are
replaced by a similar alignment and sighting pattern on top of the
club head (not shown) indicating the preferred striking zone,
because with these clubs, the club face is not seen at address.
[0049] Each of the sample combinations described above could be
combined with each of the other sample combinations or
subcombinations, as desired by the golfer. Likewise, individual
elements of each sample combination could be used in various
combinations with other individual elements to form other useful
combinations.
[0050] In each of the combinations described, at least some
components bear directional or "pointing" indicia. Arrowheads or
triangles are preferred indicia, as these clearly "point" in a
particular direction when laid end to end, but any shape will
suffice. It is also possible to use a corporate logo, text, or
another geometric or non-geometric shape or design rather than
"pointing" type directional indicia, as shown in the accompanying
drawings. In a preferred form, the indicia are laid out along a
line and are visible as separate elements while the pattern is
stationary. Alternatively, the indicia may be in the form of a line
applied to a component, or spaced apart elements of any shape
applied to a component of the system in a linear orientation.
[0051] The indicia of the various components can be of the same
general shape and/or color scheme throughout so that the system can
be recognized as a series of integrated tools, or each component
can use similar or different indicia as desired by the golfer or
manufacturer. Whatever the shape chosen, indicia may be applied to
the component in any suitable manner. For example, engraving or
printing indicia might be most appropriate for a putter or iron,
while for a wood, engraving or adhering might be best. Gloves and
shoes may utilize an iron-on patch or embroidered indicia, while a
kit of indicia for customizing pre-purchased equipment may include
various suitable pressure-applied materials.
[0052] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the components
and methods described above. It is envisioned that other
indicia-bearing components, including but not limited to a putting
mat and putting cup could be added to the system. It is also
envisioned that a variety of training methods could be devised
using the various components alone and in combination. The above
description is therefore made by way of illustration rather than
limitation, and other ways of carrying out the invention are
contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims,
which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject
matter regarded as the invention.
* * * * *