U.S. patent application number 10/782404 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-25 for golf putter alignment attachment assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Geon Ventures LLC. Invention is credited to Chang, Harry In-Yong, Phipps, Patrick Darius.
Application Number | 20050187028 10/782404 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34861018 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050187028 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chang, Harry In-Yong ; et
al. |
August 25, 2005 |
Golf putter alignment attachment assembly
Abstract
A golf putter alignment attachment assembly which includes an
alignment device. The device is attachable by a golfer (or other
individual or alternatively the golf putter manufacturer) to the
club head so that the device extends outwardly therefrom and
generally perpendicular to the club head face. When attached, the
putter can be oriented, visually using the alignment device, by the
golfer relative to a golf ball to assist the golfer in aiming the
ball towards a golf hole while putting.
Inventors: |
Chang, Harry In-Yong; (Brea,
CA) ; Phipps, Patrick Darius; (Brea, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Douglas N. Larson
Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, L.L.P.
14th Floor
801 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles
CA
90017
US
|
Assignee: |
Geon Ventures LLC
Brea
CA
|
Family ID: |
34861018 |
Appl. No.: |
10/782404 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/231 ;
473/238; 473/242; 473/244 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/12 20130101;
A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 69/3685 20130101; A63B 53/0441
20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/231 ;
473/238; 473/242; 473/244 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A golf putter alignment attachment assembly, comprising: an
alignment device; the alignment device including an alignment
indicator; and the alignment device is attachable to a putter in an
attached position such that the indicator and thereby the putter
can be oriented relative to a golf ball by a golfer to assist the
golfer in aiming the ball towards a golf hole during putting.
2. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a putter connector
securable to the putter, and the alignment device being attachable
to the putter connector so as to thereby be in the attached
position.
3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the putter connector is
securable to the putter with adhesive material.
4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the adhesive material is on the
putter connector before the putter connector is secured to the
putter.
5. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the alignment device is
releasable from the connector and reattachable thereto.
6. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the connector defines a first
connector, the alignment device includes a second connector and the
second connector is connected to the first connector with the
alignment device in the attached position.
7. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the putter connector is
manufactured onto the putter head of the putter.
8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein with the alignment device in the
attached position, the indicator is oriented on and disposed along
a line extending rearward from a golf ball impact center of a
putter head of the putter.
9. The assembly of claim. 1 wherein when the alignment device is in
the attached position, the point of attachment of the alignment
device is on top of a club head of the putter.
10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein when the alignment device is in
the attached position, the point of attachment of the alignment
device is on a backside of a club head of the putter.
11. The assembly of claim 1 wherein when the alignment device is in
the attached position, the point of attachment of the alignment
device is on a side of a club head of the putter.
12. The assembly of claim 1 wherein when the alignment device is in
the attached position, the point of attachment of the alignment
device is on a bottom surface of a club head of the putter.
13. The assembly of claim 1 wherein when the alignment device is in
the attached position, the point of attachment of the alignment
device is on a shaft of the putter.
14. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the alignment indicator defines
an alignment line, and with the alignment device in the attached
position, the alignment line is perpendicular to a ball striking
face of a club head of the putter.
15. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising retail packaging
holding the alignment device, the packaging being separate from the
putter.
16. The assembly of claim 15 further comprising a putter connector
held in the packaging.
17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein the putter connector is
securable to the putter, and the alignment device is attachable to
the putter connector and thereby in the attached position.
18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the alignment device includes
a connector for the putter connector.
19. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising attaching means for
attaching the alignment device in the attached position to the
putter.
20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the attaching means includes a
magnet.
21. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the magnet is attached to the
alignment device, and the attaching means further includes a metal
connector attachable to the putter and adapted to magnetically
adhere the magnet such that the alignment device is in the attached
position.
22. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the attaching means includes a
post attachable on one of the putter or the alignment device and a
socket attachable on the other one of the putter or the alignment
device wherein the post is insertable into the socket such that the
alignment device is in the attached position.
23. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the attaching means includes a
suction cup.
24. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the attaching means includes a
screw.
25. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the attaching means includes
and an angled post disposable in an angled slot such that the
alignment device is in the attached position.
26. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the attaching means includes a
slide mount mountable to the putter and adapted to receive therein
an end of the alignment device.
27. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the attaching means attaches
the alignment device to a shaft of the putter.
28. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the attaching means includes a
clamp attachable to the shaft and an arm descending down from the
clamp and supporting the alignment device.
29. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the attaching means allows for
the attachment of the alignment device in alternative locations on
the putter as selected by the golfer.
30. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the attaching means includes a
putter connector member attached to the putter and to which the
alignment device is releasably securable.
31. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the alignment indicator
includes alignment indicia.
32. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the alignment indicator
includes the shape of the alignment device.
33. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the alignment indicator is
oriented longitudinally on the alignment device.
34. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a clamp attachable
to a shaft of the putter and an arm descending down from the clamp
to support the alignment device in the attached position.
35. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the alignment device includes a
plate member which when in the attached position extends out from a
club head of the putter and disposed perpendicular to the face of
the club head.
36. The assembly of claim 35 wherein the plate member is
approximately 31/4 inches long, 13/4 inches wide and {fraction
(3/16)} inch deep, for example.
37. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the alignment device has a
wedge shape with first and second angled surfaces.
38. The assembly of claim 37 wherein the first and second angled
surfaces have different colors.
39. A golf putter alignment attachment assembly, comprising: an
alignment device; and attaching means for attaching the alignment
device to a putter in an attached alignment position such that the
alignment device assists a golfer in orienting the golfer's putter
relative to a golf ball to assist in aiming the ball during
putting.
40. The assembly of claim 39 wherein the attaching means is an
adhesive attaching means.
41. The assembly of claim 39 wherein the attaching means is a
magnetic attaching means.
42. The assembly of claim 39 wherein the attaching means is a
male-female attaching means.
43. The assembly of claim 39 wherein the attaching means allows the
golfer to attach the alignment device to the putter.
44. The assembly of claim 39 wherein the attaching means is a
releasable attaching means such that the golfer can remove the
alignment device from the putter.
45. The assembly of claim 39 wherein the attaching means includes a
connector which is attached to the putter and to which the
alignment device is attached when in the attached position.
46. The assembly of claim 45 wherein the connector defines a first
connector and the alignment device includes a second connector
which is connected to the first connector when the alignment device
is in the attached alignment position.
47. The assembly of claim 46 wherein the alignment device includes
a top flat piece and the second connector is secured to a lower
surface of the top flat piece.
48. The assembly of claim 46 wherein the alignment device includes
a top flat piece and the second connector is secured to a lower
surface of the top flat piece.
49. The assembly of claim 48 wherein the alignment device has an
alignment axis to assist the golfer in visually aligning the
putter.
50. The assembly of claim 49 wherein the alignment axis is a
central longitudinal axis of the alignment device.
51. The assembly of claim 49 wherein the alignment axis is defined
at least in part by the shape of the alignment device.
52. The assembly of claim 49 wherein the alignment device has a
tongue shape.
53. The assembly of claim 50 wherein in a plan view the alignment
device is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis.
54. The assembly of claim 49 wherein the alignment axis is defined
at least in part by an indicator on the alignment device.
55. A golf putter assembly including a golf putter having a shaft
and a club head, the improvement comprising: an alignment device
removably attachable to the putter in an attached alignment
position such that the alignment device assists the golfer in
orienting the putter relative to a golf ball to assist in aiming
the ball during putting.
56. The assembly of claim 55 wherein the alignment device includes
a flat surface, the alignment device when in the attached alignment
position includes the flat surface extending outwardly from the
club head and generally perpendicular to the club head face.
57. The assembly of claim 55 further comprising a first connector
attachable to the putter, the alignment device including a second
connector, and the first and second connectors being connected
together when the alignment device is in the attached alignment
position.
58. The assembly of claim 55 wherein the alignment device defines a
ball alignment axis.
59. The assembly of claim 58 wherein the alignment axis is defined
at least in part by the shape of the alignment device.
60. The assembly of claim 58 wherein the alignment device includes
a top surface alignment indicator, and the alignment axis is
defined at least in part by the alignment indicator.
61. The assembly of claim 55 wherein the alignment device is
removably attachable to the putter by a manufacturer of the golf
putter.
62. The assembly of claim 55 wherein the alignment device is
removably attachable to the putter by the golfer.
63. A putting method, comprising: attaching an alignment device to
a putter in an attached alignment position and orientation; and
with the device in the attached alignment position and orientation
and visually using the device, orienting the putter relative to a
golf ball to assist a golfer in aiming the ball toward a golf hole
during putting.
64. The method of claim 63 wherein the attaching includes attaching
the alignment assembly to a club head of the putter.
65. The method of claim 63 wherein the attaching includes attaching
the alignment assembly to a shaft of the putter and the attached
alignment position being relative to a club head of the putter.
66. The method of claim 63 further comprising removing the
alignment assembly from the putter.
67. The method of claim 66 wherein the alignment assembly defines a
first alignment assembly, and a further comprising after the
removing attaching a second alignment assembly to the putter.
68. The method of claim 63 wherein the device, when in the attached
alignment position and orientation, extends out from a club head of
the putter and disposed perpendicular to the face of the club head.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] In the game of golf, about half the strokes in a round are
on the greens. Good performance on the green is generally
considered to be two putts. It can be very frustrating even for
good players, if three or more putts are used after good fairway
shots. The putt requires accuracy and force of the stroke and also
in the direction the ball is struck. In this regard, alignment of
the putter head relative to the hole during putting is important.
Obtaining proper alignment of a golf club to both the ball and the
intended target line is a common problem for many golfers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Accordingly, disclosed herein is a golf putter alignment
attachment assembly. This assembly allows a golfer to attach an
alignment device to generally any golf puffer and to remove it as
desired and to subsequently reattach it or attach another alignment
device. The assembly includes an alignment device having an
alignment indicator. The indicator can be affixed to, affixable to
by the user, or formed on a surface of the device, or can simply be
the shape of the alignment device. The alignment device is then
attachable to the putter so that the golfer can orient the putter
relative to a golf ball, assisting the golfer in aiming the ball
towards the golf hole during putting.
[0003] The alignment device can be attached (by the golfer) to the
putter by a variety of means. A preferred means is a magnet means
but also a suction cup, adhesive pad, screw, male and female
clasps, and other means as would be apparent to those skilled in
the art can be used. The attachment mechanism can include a first
connector attachable to the putter (for example, by the golfer or
by the manufacturer of the golf putter) and the alignment device
has a second connector for mating/cooperating with the first
connector. For example, the first connector can be a metal piece
and the second connector can be a magnet. Although a preferred
attachment method is to attach the alignment device directly to the
golf putter club head, it is also within the scope of the invention
to attach it to the golf putter shaft. This can be done by using a
clamp on the shaft and with a support arm descending down from the
clamp and supporting the alignment device at its lower end in the
proximity of the club head.
[0004] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become more apparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the
art to which the present invention pertains from the foregoing
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first
embodiment of a golf putter alignment attachment assembly of the
present invention being attached to a golf putter club head;
[0006] FIG. 2 is perspective view showing the attachment assembly
of FIG. 1 in an attached position on the club head;
[0007] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the attachment assembly of
FIG. 2 on the putter and in an alignment position by a golfer
relative to a golf ball;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the alignment device of the
attachment assembly of FIG. 1 shown in isolation;
[0009] FIG. 4 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a top view of the connector of the assembly of
FIG. 1 shown in isolation;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0013] FIG. 8 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a top view of another alignment device of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 10 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a top view of a connector of an assembly which
includes the alignment device of FIG. 9;
[0018] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0019] FIG. 14 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a top view of another alignment device of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 16 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0022] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0023] FIG. 18 is a top view of a connector of the assembly which
includes the alignment device of FIG. 15;
[0024] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0025] FIG. 20 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0026] FIG. 21 is a top view of another alignment device of the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 22 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0028] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0029] FIG. 24 is a top view of a connector of an attachment
assembly which includes the alignment device of FIG. 21;
[0030] FIG. 25 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0031] FIG. 26 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0032] FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a male attaching
member securable to (or part on an alternative alignment device of
the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of an alternative male
attaching member;
[0034] FIG. 29 is a top view of a female socket member (connector)
for securing therein the male attaching member of FIGS. 27 or
28;
[0035] FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the socket of FIG.
29;
[0036] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the socket and is
particularly adapted for the male attaching member of FIG. 27;
[0037] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative socket
and is particularly adapted for the male attaching member of FIG.
28;
[0038] FIG. 33 is a top view of an alternative rotational socket of
the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of the socket;
[0040] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view thereof;
[0041] FIG. 36 is a top view of another alignment device of the
present invention;
[0042] FIG. 37 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0043] FIG. 38 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0044] FIG. 39 is a top view of another alignment device of the
present invention;
[0045] FIG. 40 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0046] FIG. 41 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0047] FIG. 42 is a top view of another alignment device of the
present invention;
[0048] FIG. 43 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0049] FIG. 44 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0050] FIG. 45 is a top view of another alignment device of the
present invention;
[0051] FIG. 46 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0052] FIG. 47 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0053] FIG. 48 is a top view of a connector of an attachment
assembly which includes the alignment device of FIG. 45;
[0054] FIG. 49 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0055] FIG. 50 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0056] FIG. 51 is a top view of another alignment device of the
present invention;
[0057] FIG. 52 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0058] FIG. 53 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0059] FIG. 54 is a top view of a connector of an attachment
assembly which includes the alignment device of FIG. 51;
[0060] FIG. 55 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0061] FIG. 56 is an end elevational view thereof;
[0062] FIG. 57 is a side elevational view of an alternative
alignment attachment assembly of the present invention shown
mounted on a putter;
[0063] FIG. 58 is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 57;
[0064] FIG. 59 is a side elevational view of a putter club head
showing a first attachment location for an assembly of the present
invention;
[0065] FIG. 60 is a view similar to FIG. 59 showing a second
attachment point;
[0066] FIG. 61 shows a third attachment point;
[0067] FIGS. 62-73 show designs of various alignment device shapes
(without or prior to alignment/artful designs being applied
thereto);
[0068] FIGS. 74-79 are top views of any of the alignment devices
described above with alternative designs or alignment indicators
that have been inked, painted, molded or otherwise applied
thereon;
[0069] FIGS. 80-85 show alignment devices similar to those depicted
in FIGS. 74-79 wherein the black portions represent solid material
that has been removed from the body of the alignment device
creating "hollow" designs;
[0070] FIGS. 86-91 are views similar to FIGS. 74-79 and 80-85
wherein the designs can be "applied" or "removed";
[0071] FIG. 92 is a top view of an alternative alignment
device;
[0072] FIG. 93 is a side elevational view thereof;
[0073] FIG. 94 is a top view of a further alternative; and
[0074] FIG. 95 is a side elevational view thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0075] Disclosed herein are various alignment assemblies wherein a
golf ball to be struck forms an extension of the alignment
attachment on the golf club putter to provide an indication that
the putter club head is properly aligned with the golf ball and the
intended target line. The alignment device is mountable, for
example, perpendicular to the ball striking face of the golf club
head. The alignment indicator of the alignment device is disposed
perpendicular to the ball striking face preferably, and in use
forms what can be described as a line or row with the ball to be
struck when the putter is properly aligned by the golfer. The
alignment device may be designed so that it curves (for example)
upward or the alignment device may be designed so that it extends
from the head either perpendicularly or at an angle for some
distance before meeting a point at which it either curves or
extends further at an angle. In the detailed description of the
present invention that follows, it should be appreciated that like
reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated
in one or more of the figures.
[0076] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an alignment
assembly 100 of the present invention being secured to the head 104
of a golf putter shown generally at 110. The assembly 100 includes
an alignment device 120 including a generally flat member 124 and a
connector 128 secured thereto. The member 124 can be tongue-shaped,
and as an example can have length, width and thickness dimensions
of 31/4 inches, 13/4 inches and {fraction (1/16)} inch. For this
embodiment and most of the other embodiments disclosed herein the
connector is secured to a bottom surface of the flat member 132,
extending down {fraction (3/16)} inch, for example. The alignment
assembly 100 further includes a separate connector 140 securable to
the putter 110 (or more particularly, the club head 104). The other
connector 140 is shown herein to include a metal piece 144 attached
to an adhesive pad 148 to a surface of the putter head. The metal
piece 144 releasably adheres to the magnet 150 in the alignment
device connector. The alignment device 120 is shown in its various
plan and side views in FIGS. 3-5. Similarly, the (putter) connector
128 is shown in its various views in FIGS. 6-8.
[0077] FIG. 2A is a stylized perspective view showing a golfer G in
a putting position holding the shaft 160 of the putter 110 and
looking down on the top surface of the alignment device 120. The
alignment device 120 defines an alignment line which is
perpendicular to the face 164 of the putter head 104 and is
centered relative thereto. The golfer G thereby can align the head
of the putter face so that it is not only perpendicular to the golf
ball 170 but is in alignment with the golf ball and the golf hole
174 (or the intended golf ball path). Of course this alignment path
can be a straight path or a curved path, depending upon the golf
green characteristics and the golfer's putting strategy.
[0078] The attachment method of the assembly of FIG. 1 is a side
attachment method of the connector of the alignment device with the
putter connector similarly oriented. In contrast, the attachment
method of the assembly of FIGS. 9-14 is a bottom attachment method.
It is noted that either one of these assemblies can be altered, as
alternative embodiments of this invention, with the putter
connector including the magnet and the alignment device connector
including the metal piece. This reversal of components can also be
applied to the other figures and embodiments herein as would be
apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0079] More particularly, the alignment device 218 of the
attachment assembly of FIGS. 9-14 includes a flat member 220 with
the connector 214 attached to a bottom rearward surface of the flat
member and defining a downwardly disposed holder for a permanent
magnet 226. The putter connector 214 includes a metal piece 224 and
an adhesive pad 228 as shown in FIG. 6, with the metal piece
disposed upwardly.
[0080] The assembly of FIGS. 15-20 and the assembly of FIGS. 21-26
show the use of magnets similar to the above-described assemblies.
However, the magnets of the last two mentioned assemblies are used
in conjunction with male-female constructions that provide for
better support than magnetic attachments alone. Specifically, a
socket 240 mounting for the outwardly-extending magnet 244 of the
alignment device 248 is provided on the putter connector 252. The
assembly of FIGS. 15-20 has the magnet and socket laterally
attached in a side arrangement. In contrast, the magnet 260 on the
alignment device 264 and socket 270 on the connector 274 of the
assembly of FIGS. 21-26 are in a longitudinal or top-to-bottom
attachment arrangement.
[0081] Also within the scope of the present invention is a
male-to-female attachment arrangement that does not use a magnetic
attachment but instead relies only on the male-female securement.
The male member can be a cylindrical post or preferably it can be a
bulbous post 280 as shown in FIG. 27 or a bulbous post with an end
tip as shown in FIG. 28 at 284. The bulbous post 280 of FIG. 27
fits into the socket 290 whose cross section is shown in FIG. 31 at
294. The bulbous post with tip 284 of FIG. 28 fits into a socket
having a cross-sectional configuration as shown in FIG. 32 at 298.
The socket 290 of FIGS. 29-32 are stable sockets. In contrast the
socket 304 of FIGS. 33-35 is a rotational socket, as can be
understood from the dotted lines in the cross-sectional view of
FIG. 35.
[0082] The assembly need not have a connector attachable to the
golf club and which is initially a separate piece from the
alignment device. Rather, another embodiment of the
present-invention attaches the alignment device directly to the
golf putter or particularly the putter head. An embodiment of this
direct attachment is shown in FIGS. 36-38. Referring thereto, the
alignment device 310 includes a flat member 320 and a connector
piece 330 descending downwardly therefrom and having an adhesive
surface 334.
[0083] Instead of adhesive being the means of attaching the flat
member 340 of the alignment device 350, a suction cup 354 can be
used. An embodiment thereof is shown in FIGS. 3941. Referring
thereto, it is seen that the alignment device 350 includes the flat
340 member and a downwardly-descending connector piece 360 at the
end of the member. Secured to this connector piece 360 and
extending rearwardly therefrom is the suction cup 354.
[0084] Instead of an adhesive or suction cup, a screw 370 can be
used as shown by the embodiment of FIGS. 4244. It is seen there
that similarly there is the flat member 374 of the alignment device
380 and a downwardly-descending connector piece 384 out from which
extends a threaded screw shaft 370. The threaded screw shaft 370 is
adapted to thread into a threaded opening (not shown) on the putter
(head) itself or on a threaded socket (not shown) secured to the
putter. The screw embodiment though may require the golfer to bring
his putter to a golf shop or to drill a hole in the putter himself,
or the putter may be initially manufactured with the hole.
[0085] The assembly of FIGS. 45-50 includes a T-shaped member 390
extending out from a member 394 descending down from the flat
member 396 at the end of the alignment device 400. This T-shaped
member 390 fits into a T-shape slot 400 in the connector 410
secured to the putter. This provides a snug fit--a puzzle piece
type of fit. Shapes other than the T-shape can be used as would be
apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0086] An alternative type of arrangement for mounting the
alignment device to the putter club head is shown in FIGS. 51-56.
Referring thereto and particularly to FIGS. 54-56, a rail like
groove 420 is provided on the (putter) connector 430. This groove
420 holds the end of the alignment device 434 in place when
inserted therein. The attachment mechanism can be best understood
from FIG. 56. The alignment device 434 of FIGS. 51-53 can be simply
the flat member 438 (such as previously described) without any
downwardly or outwardly extending connector pieces.
[0087] A further alternative method of attaching the alignment
device to the putter is to use a bracket or clamp type of
attachment. An example thereof is shown in FIGS. 57 and 58.
Referring thereto it is seen that the bracket or clamp 450 is
attached to the shaft 454 of the putter 110 or more generally to an
area of the putter outside of the putter head 104. Another possible
bracket attachment is to attach the bracket or clamp directly onto
the putter head 104. An arm 460 extending down from the clamp
supports the alignment device 464.
[0088] FIGS. 59, 60 and 61 show the back sides of putter heads with
alignment device mounting points at three different places 470,
480, 490 along the back of the putter head. The placement of each
mounting point and the permanency of the alignment device
attachment affect the design of the alignment apparatus. The design
may require the apparatus to be jointed as shown by the alignment
device 500 of FIGS. 92 and 93 having a joint line 510 in the flat
member 520. The jointed (pivoted) arrangement may be needed
depending on the placement of the mounting point or for the
mobility of a semi-permanent or permanent attachment apparatus.
[0089] FIGS. 62-73 show various possible shapes of the alignment
device at 520, 524, 528, 532, 536, 540, 544, 548, 552, 556, 560,
and 564, respectively. FIG. 63 shows at 524 the tongue shaped as
used in the designs described in the paragraphs above, and the
other figures show alternative shapes. These shapes all have a
longitudinal axis inherent therein which can provide the desired
putting alignment.
[0090] FIGS. 74-79 represent a common alignment device body with
designs shown at 580, 584, 588, 592, 594, 596, and 598,
respectively, that have been inked, painted, molded or applied via
some other means directly to the alignment device, and a
tongue-shaped alignment device is illustrated. This design provides
alignment indicators. FIGS. 80-85 represent solid material that has
been removed from the body of the alignment device creating
"hollow" designs, as illustrated by reference numerals 600, 604,
608, 612, 616, and 620, respectively. FIGS. 86-91 can represent the
"applied" designs as in FIGS. 74-79 or the "removed" designs as in
FIGS. 80-85. The "designs" are labeled by numerals 630, 634, 638,
642, 646 and 650. As can be seen, the artistic possibilities are
numerous and can be anything from solid shapes to stars to flowers
to sports teams and so forth.
[0091] Illustrated in FIGS. 94 and 95 is a further alternative of
the invention that goes beyond the flat attachment which is
primarily put forth in this disclosure. This further alternative
can take the form of a wedge-shape alignment device 700 shown
connected by connector 704 to a putter head 708 of a putter 712
having a shaft 716. The putter head 708 is shown positioned
proximate to a golf ball 720, for example, that enhances not only
putt alignment but also lie or slope control during the swing,
which is also an important consideration for putt accuracy. In
terms of controlling lie the top of the alignment device 700 can be
a different color (shading or the like) from the sides thereof,
providing a visual means for the golfer to identify a less than
optimal swing in the process of hitting the golf ball 720. This
alternative adds a three-dimensionality component to the present
invention.
[0092] Thus, disclosed herein is a putter alignment device
attachable to the club head of a putter. By this means, the
alignment device can be attached to the putter, but in some
instances the alignment device can be directly connected by means
of adhesive or other direct connection. The point of attachment,
depending on the placement of the alignment connector or the lack
thereof, can be on top of, behind, on the side or underneath the
putter head. Also it is within the scope of the invention for the
attachment of the alignment device to be connected to the putter
shaft.
[0093] This putter alignment device assists the golfer in aiming a
golf ball towards a hole during putting, as can be best understood
from FIG. 2A. The alignment attachment indicators (that is, images
on the alignment device) can be circles, hemisphere or complete
hemispheres, groups of lines, solid color, transparent, multiple
colors, drawings, letters, pictures, images, stickers,
three-dimensional objects or any combination thereof. For example,
the alignment attachment device can be one or more circles, an
image of a missile, bowling balls, the words "drain it," the famous
yellow smiley face, arrows, flowers, a picture of the golfer's
children, a three-dimensional snake, a logo of the golfer's
favorite sports teams and so forth. The standard position of the
indicators is along a line extending rearward from the center of
impact of the golf putter head.
[0094] The alignment device can be releasably or permanently
secured to the golf putter using a separate connector member, as
previously described. This connector can be attached to the putter
head by adhesive material already on the connector according to a
simple design of the connector. After the connector is attached it
will not be easily adjustable, unless removed and placed on another
location on the putter. Once the connector is placed securely on
the putter, the alignment device can be attached to the putter.
[0095] Some of the connectors and alignment attachments pursuant to
this invention can be adjustable. First, with multiple points a
possible attachment location to the putter head and after initial
attachment, some of the alignment devices can be raised or lowered
or manipulated in other ways on the putter to best suit the golfer
for different putting situations or personal preference.
[0096] The alignment device can be removable from the putter. That
is, the golfer may choose to leave the alignment device attached or
may choose to remove it. The alignment device may be
interchangeable with other putter alignment devices. The golfer may
choose to use them interchangeably due to environmental factors,
weather conditions or personal choices or moods or to communicate a
message, such as his emotional state. The alignment devices can
also be collectibles. Further, the alignment devices can be custom
made and also serve other purposes than aligning putts.
[0097] The present invention allows the user to make use of his
current putter or virtually any other putter to provide improved
putter alignment without necessarily altering the weighting or feel
of that putter. Because the golfer does not need to purchase a new
putter, the alignment device or assembly of the present invention
is simultaneously both economical and beneficial to the golf game.
The attachment would likely be less expensive than purchasing a new
putter with alignment aids designed into the putter. However, it is
also within the scope of the invention to manufacture the alignment
devices or their attachments into the golf putter. The simple
designs of the present alignment devices make them economical, easy
to attach and easy to use.
[0098] The putter connector and putter alignment devices can be
manufactured by various methods using many different materials. One
preferred embodiment is to make them out of one or more polymer
(plastic) materials. Alternatively, metals such as aluminum,
silver, gold, platinum or stainless steel can be used.
Additionally, the putter alignment devices can be made of natural
materials such as wood, including wood products and paper products.
Furthermore, the alignment devices can be made from a combination
of the above-mentioned materials.
[0099] The (putter) connector as well as the alignment device
itself can be manufactured by many different methods. For example,
they can be made by making a mold and mass producing copies or
utilizing some type of stamping mechanism to form each individual
piece. Additionally, they can be manufactured in "sheets" of the
chosen material and later separated into individual alignment
devices and/or connectors. They can also be handmade. And the
adhesive material can be applied or attached to either the
connector or directly to the alignment device for the purpose of
attaching to the putter according to some of the embodiments that
are discussed above. For example, the putter connector can make use
of dual-sided sticky foam sheets. One side will be attached to the
putter connector, or directly to the putter alignment device, and
the other side will have a protective cover that will need to be
removed before placing on the putter.
[0100] Pursuant to a basic form of the present invention, it can be
broken down into an alignment apparatus and the putter head to
which it attaches. Typically it attaches to the putter in and
around the region of the putter head.
[0101] The alignment apparatus or device can be manufactured to be
"zero" to many pieces. When it is "zero" pieces the putter is
designed by its manufacturer, the golfer and/or other individual to
accept the present invention as a semi-permanent metal (or
otherwise) insert or attachment. Alternatively, the putter can be
retooled by a golf shop to accept the present invention as a
semi-permanent insert or attachment. When it is a manufactured as a
single piece, the apparatus is attached as a single piece via
suction, adhesive, screw or other means to the putter. When it is
manufactured as two pieces, a mount unit or a connector is attached
to the putter. The present alignment device then connects directly
onto this mount or connector via a snap mechanism or some other
method as described herein. When it is made of many pieces, one or
more combinations of attaching multiple pieces to a mounting unit
or to the alignment apparatus are used.
[0102] Pursuant to another embodiment, a manufacturer may build a
putter with the alignment device or a connector pre-attached as
part of the manufacturing process. From the golfer's perspective
the putter head may look "normal" without the present attachment,
although the putter would be capable of accepting the attachment
per manufactured specs or standards (while not having a more
generic attaching mechanism being used, although that may be
possible.) In other words, the putter manufacturers can manufacture
their putters straight from the factory pre-fit to accept some form
of the alignment device of this invention.
[0103] The placement of the weighting on the apparatus can vary.
The present invention also includes the process and system of
adding attachments to a putter head which affect the handling and
weighting of the putter. This gives the golfer, manufacturer and/or
other individual the ability to independently customize the feel of
his putter to the best feel and individual performance.
[0104] The length, width and depth as well as the weight of the
alignment device can be varied. The composition of the alignment
device and mounting unit can be varied as can the weight of the
material used. Further, the attaching or mounting points upon the
putter can vary. Typically, the device attaches to the putter via
the back portion of the putter head, as opposed to the putter head
face which typically strikes the ball. However it is within the
scope of the invention to position the attachment point at other
various positions which include but are not limited to the top of
the putter head, the bottom of the putter head and even the shaft
of the putter. Further, the attachment can be designed so that it
extends over the front/face of the putter and extends up to and
past the golf ball that is being hit.
[0105] Many different designs of the alignment device or apparatus
of this invention are possible including its size as well as its
shape; for example, the apparatus can have a tapered shape. The
device can be basically flat or three-dimensional. When viewed from
the top, it can take many forms of simple to complex in nature, be
of various combinations of colors, sizes, and can depict one or
more artful entities. The apparatus can depict hollow designs, for
example, two circles physically punched out or removed from the
apparatus. Still further designs provide for recesses on the top
portion of the alignment device that allow one to interchange the
design on top of the apparatus. The change can be permanent or semi
permanent. A further design variation is a lollypop design that
looks like a stem with a sphere at the end of it.
[0106] From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident
that there are a number of changes, adaptations and modifications
of the present invention which come within the province of those
skilled in the art. The scope of the invention includes any
combination of the elements from the different species or
embodiments disclosed herein, as well as subassemblies, assemblies,
and methods thereof. However, it is intended that all such
variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be
considered as within the scope thererof.
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