U.S. patent application number 10/920666 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for body attached golf aim alignment device and method for use.
Invention is credited to Matteo J. Rosselli.
Application Number | 20060040757 10/920666 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35910321 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060040757 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosselli; Matteo J. |
February 23, 2006 |
Body attached golf aim alignment device and method for use
Abstract
A golf swing alignment device that includes a housing having a
laser, which can be directed at a target such as a golf hole to
enable the golfer to pre-position his or her body and feet prior to
striking the ball. An affixing device for affixing the housing to a
location on a golfer's body such as a VELCRO.RTM. strap or belt
clip is also provided. The laser emits a signal that points toward
an external reference for providing the golfer with a swing
alignment reference separate from the golfer's body. One or more
laser devices can be placed at various positions on the golfer's
body or clothing such as the ankle, belt or cap. The golfer can
activate one or more of the laser devices by use of a remote
control unit that sends power and command signals to the one or
more laser devices. The remote control unit can also modify the
laser signal to produce, for example, intermittent bursts of laser
light in order to better define the path to the target. A swiveling
member is affixed to the housing of each laser device to allow the
golfer to adjust the lasers such that visible light can be emitted
in various planes and directions.
Inventors: |
Rosselli; Matteo J.;
(Jupiter, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Alan M. Weisberg;Christopher & Weisberg, P.A.
Suite 2040
200 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale
FL
33301
US
|
Family ID: |
35910321 |
Appl. No.: |
10/920666 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/207 ;
473/215; 473/217; 473/218 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/74 20200801;
A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 69/3667
20130101; A63B 2071/024 20130101; A63B 69/3608 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/207 ;
473/215; 473/218; 473/217 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Claims
1. A golf swing alignment device comprising: a housing having a
laser; means for affixing the housing to a location on a golfer's
body, wherein the laser emits a visible signal directed toward an
external reference for providing the golfer with a swing alignment
reference separate from the golfer's body; and means for activating
and deactivating the laser.
2. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the housing
further comprises a swiveling member that allows the laser signal
to be directed in any plane.
3. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, further comprising
means for modifying the laser signal.
4. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the means
for activating and deactivating the laser is a remote control
device.
5. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the means
for affixing is an adjustable VELCRO.RTM. strap.
6. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the means
for affixing is a clip.
7. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the location
on the golfer's body is the golfer's ankle.
8. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the location
on the golfer's body is the golfer's waist.
9. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the location
on the golfer's body is the golfer's shoe.
10. The golf swing alignment device of claim 3, wherein the laser
signal is modified to produce intermittent bursts of visible
light.
11. The golf swing alignment device of claim 9, wherein the housing
includes an adjustable member that allows the housing to be affixed
to various shoe widths.
12. A golf swing alignment system comprising: a plurality of golf
swing alignment devices, each said golf swing alignment device
comprising: a housing having a laser; means for affixing the
housing to a location on a golfer's body, wherein the laser emits a
visible signal directed toward an external reference for providing
the golfer with a swing alignment reference separate from the
golfer's body; and means for activating and deactivating one or
more of the plurality of golf swing alignment devices.
13. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, wherein each said
housing further comprises a swiveling member that allows the laser
signal to be directed in any plane.
14. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, further comprising
means for modifying the laser signal.
15. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, wherein the means
for activating and deactivating the one or more of the plurality of
laser alignment devices is a remote control device.
16. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, wherein the means
for affixing is an adjustable VELCRO.RTM. strap.
17. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, wherein the means
for affixing is a clip.
18. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, wherein the
location on the golfer's body is the golfer's ankle.
19. The golf swing alignment device of claim 12, wherein the
location on the golfer's body is the golfer's waist.
20. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, wherein the
location on the golfer's body is the golfer's shoe.
21. The golf swing alignment system of claim 14, wherein the laser
signal is modified to produce intermittent bursts of laser
light.
22. The golf swing alignment system of claim 20, wherein the
housing includes an adjustable member that allows the housing to be
affixed to various shoe widths.
23. A method for achieving body alignment when swinging a golf club
by using one or more golf swing alignment devices, the method
comprising: (a) fastening the one or more golf swing alignment
devices to a golfer's body or clothing; (b) activating one or more
of the one or more golf swing alignment devices so that the
activated devices emit a laser signal; and (c) adjusting the
activated one or more alignment devices so that the laser signal is
directed at a target.
24. A golf swing alignment device comprising: a housing having a
laser; means for securing the housing to a location remote from a
golfer's body, wherein the laser emits a visible signal directed
toward an external reference for providing the golfer with a swing
alignment reference separate from the golfer's body; and means for
activating and deactivating the laser.
25. The golf swing alignment device of claim 24, wherein the means
for securing the housing is an insertion member insertable into the
ground.
26. The golf swing alignment device of claim 24, wherein the
housing further comprises a swiveling member that allows the laser
signal to be directed in any plane.
27. The golf swing alignment device of claim 24, further comprising
means for modifying the laser signal.
28. The golf swing alignment device of claim 27, wherein the means
for activating and deactivating the laser is a remote control
device.
29. The golf swing alignment device of claim 27, wherein the laser
signal is modified to produce intermittent bursts of visible light.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to U.S.
Utility patent application Ser. No. 09/877,433 filed Jun. 8, 2001,
entitled BODY ATTACHED GOLF AIM ALIGNMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR
USE, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] n/a
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This present invention relates to a golf aid, and more
particularly, to a device for improving a person's golf swing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Golfers continuously strive to lower their scores by
increasing their practice time and by purchasing various
accessories to achieve advantageous results. One way to affect a
golf stroke is to properly control the club's direction and
aim.
[0005] Alternatively, the embodiments described herein also
recognize that golf swing and body misalignment can have a major
effect on a golfer's performance when driving or putting a golf
ball. Once a golfer strokes through the golf ball and misses the
target, a golfer has no way of knowing whether his body and golf
swing were properly aligned or misaligned. Even if the golfer knew
that his body was misaligned, he has no way of knowing what aspect
of his stance or swing he needed to correct in order to achieve
proper body or swing alignment.
[0006] Many golfers believe the key to aiming the ball directly at
the target starts with the golfer's stance. As such, golfers have
attempted to analyze their stance by reviewing their own body.
[0007] In addition to fixing their golf stance, golfers have
attempted to improve their score and their aim by attaching
guidance and aiming systems to the golf clubs themselves. This
technique must be distinguished from training of the body and swing
alignment, since it addresses only the club head direction and not
the underlying technique of the user's swing and body
alignment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The embodiments disclosed herein provided an interactive
system and methodology for coordinating a golfer's aim and control
of his body and swing alignment through the use of an external
reference separated from his body.
[0009] In one embodiment, a housing having a laser is provided.
Included are means for affixing the housing to a location on a
golfer's body, wherein the laser emits a visible signal that points
toward an external reference. The external reference provides the
golfer with a swing alignment reference separate from the golfer's
body. Means for activating and deactivating the laser is also
provided.
[0010] In another embodiment, a golf swing alignment system is
provided. The system includes a plurality of golf swing alignment
devices, wherein each golf swing alignment device includes a
housing having a laser. Means for affixing the housing to a
location on a golfer's body is also provided. The laser emits a
visible signal that points toward an external reference for
providing the golfer with a swing alignment reference separate from
the golfer's body. Means for activating and deactivating one or
more of the plurality of golf swing alignment devices is also
provided.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, a method is provided for
achieving proper body alignment when swinging a golf club by using
one or more golf swing alignment devices. The method includes the
steps of fastening the one or more golf swing alignment devices to
a golfer's body; activating at least one of the one or more golf
swing alignment devices so that the devices emit a laser signal;
and adjusting the activated alignment devices so that the laser
signal is directed at a target.
[0012] In still another embodiment, a golf swing alignment device
is provided including a housing having a laser, means for securing
the housing to a location remote from a golfer's body, wherein the
laser emits a visible signal directed toward an external reference
for providing the golfer with a swing alignment reference separate
from the golfer's body, and means for activating and deactivating
the laser.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing and other objects and features of the
invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will
become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings which illustrate exemplary
embodiments, and wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1A is a side view of the golf laser alignment device
designated generally as 10, including a belt clip;
[0015] FIG. 1B is a back view of the golf laser alignment device of
FIG. 1A;
[0016] FIG. 2A is a side view of the golf laser alignment device
including a slot for a VELCRO.RTM. strap;
[0017] FIG. 2B is a back view of the golf laser alignment device
including a VELCRO.RTM. strap;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view of a golfer utilizing the golf laser
alignment device which is as attached to the left ankle of the
golfer including a reference line to target T;
[0019] FIG. 4. is a top view of a mat M that may be used in
conjunction with an alternate embodiment of the golf laser
alignment device;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a front view of the alternate embodiment of the
golf laser alignment device including a wireless remote control
device;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of the alternate embodiment the golf
laser alignment device including a wireless remote control device
and two lasers;
[0022] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate an adjustable golf laser alignment
device;
[0023] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate the adjustable features of the
housing of the golf laser alignment device including an expanded
and retracted view; and
[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the golf laser
alignment device including a remote insertion member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The following description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the
best modes presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out
this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles
of the present invention have been completely defined.
[0026] Turning now to the drawings, wherein FIGS. 1A and 1B show a
golf laser alignment device, designated generally as 10, which
includes a housing 20 with a laser system 30 and a movable member
40 affixed to the housing 20. The movable member 40 includes a
fastening means 50 such as a belt clip 54 for removably affixing
the device 10 to a golfer G, at a location on the golfer's
body.
[0027] As shown, in FIG. 3, the laser system 30 of device 10 emits
a laser beam 32 for providing the golfer with a line of reference
pointing directly to the target T. By using and controlling where
the laser beam 32 points, the golfer is able to achieve proper body
alignment in reference to the target T.
[0028] Referring once again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in an exemplary
embodiment, the laser system 30 comprises elements that are well
known in the laser generating art, for proper generation of a thin,
highly directional and highly visible beam of light. For instance,
the laser system 30 emits a laser signal 32 that is a thin beam of
light and is in the visible spectrum of light. The laser beam may
be in the shape of an arrow, with the pointing end facing the
target. The sources of the laser can be any of those that are
common to one or ordinary skill in the art.
[0029] The movable member 40 preferably comprises a swiveling
member 43 having an adjustment means 42 for adjusting the swiveling
member 43 from an unfixed to a fixed position. Adjustment means 42
can be any device that can be loosened or tightened such as a
screw, that when tightened, secures the swiveling member 43 in a
fixed position. The use of a screw provides the golfer with an easy
structure in which to secure the device from an unfixed to a fixed
position, or vice versa, once he has aligned the laser beam 32 with
the target T. This will become more apparent in the ensuing
discussion. The swiveling member 43 can be rotated in all lateral
directions as well as up or down thus allowing the golfer to rotate
the swiveling member in any plane of motion. This is applicable if
the laser device 10 is worn on the golfer's hat. In this instance,
the golfer may simply rotate the swiveling member 43 of device 10
down and direct the laser beam toward a target.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, the fastening means 50
may include an adjustable VELCRO.RTM. strap 52, a belt clip 54, or
any other similar fastening means that is adjustable. The fastening
means 50 is removably affixable to the device, which makes it
interchangeable as well. As such, a user may interchange fastening
means from a VELCRO.RTM. strap 52 to a belt and vice versa. The
fastening means which may be used can be selected depending upon
the location to which the device 10 is to be attached. The
fastening means 50 is removably affixable to the device by way of a
slot 53 or loop hole that is located at one end of the movable
member 40, such that the VELCRO.RTM. strap can fit in the loop 53
and a belt clip can be attached to the movable member 40 via the
slot 53. Other similar fastening means can also be employed.
[0031] In FIG. 3, the golf laser alignment device 10 is affixed to
the front leg of the golfer. The golfer may use device 10 to
properly align his or her feet and body before striking the ball.
If the golfer's feet are misaligned, the laser beam will be
directed at the target T. Device 10 may be affixed to any part of
the golfer's body, clothing, or headgear. Preferably, device 10 is
affixed to the front leg or side of the body that is closest to the
target. In yet another embodiment, laser device 10 may be clipped
on to the top of the golfer's shoe. Although the device may be
directed laterally toward the target, the device itself may be
affixed directly on the golfer's lead leg shoe using conventional
affixation methods. For example, belt clip 54 described above can
be modified to clip onto the golfer's shoe, underneath the tongue
of the shoe. Swiveling member 43 can be rotated and aligned to
point directly at the target. Alternately, the VELCRO.RTM. strap 52
described above may be modified to encircle the laces that are
common to most golf shoes. In either fashion, the golfer may affix
the device 10 to one of a variety of locations on the golfer's
body, shoes, clothing or headgear.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, a mat M with a grid G may be used in
conjunction with the device 10. Using a mat M with a grid G will
provide the golfer with a simple way of examining his stance in
relation to the target T in order to properly align the laser beam
32, and thus, the golfer's stance. The golfer may place his or her
feet on the grid and uses the reference lines of the mat to assist
in aligning the golfer's feet.
[0033] The device as described above provides a golfer with a line
of reference that can be directed from various points on the
golfer's body, such points corresponding to the area the golfer
seeks to improve with respect to his body alignment.
[0034] In another embodiment, multiple laser devices may be affixed
to the golfer's body, hat, shoes or clothing. In this fashion, the
golfer may use one or more laser devices to create a grid of laser
beams, each directed at different target locations. For example,
while one laser beam emitted from a device 10 affixed to the
golfer's belt may be directed at the target golf hole to provide a
"line-of-sight" reference and assist in aligning the golfer's body,
another laser device 10 may be affixed to the golfer's shoes and
used to properly align the golfer's feet. In this fashion, the
golfer is provided with multiple laser beams in order to assist in
aligning both the golfer's torso and feet prior to striking the
ball. The multiple laser devices may be operated in conjunction
with a remote control unit, discussed below, for sequential or
simultaneous use.
[0035] Referring again to FIG. 4, a second laser device 60 is
affixed to the front portion of the golfer's shoe. Laser device 60
provides a second line of reference for the golfer to assist the
golfer in properly aligning his or her feet prior to striking the
ball. The device 60 (described in greater detail below and
illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B) may be removably and adjustably
affixed to the golfer's shoe. Device 60 is adjustable to fit any
shoe width. Once secured to the golfer's shoe, the golfer may
active the device 60, either manually, or via a remote control
device. The device 60 emits a laser signal directed at the desired
target, and may be used in conjunction with laser device 10 to
provide a second line-of-sight reference for the golfer. As
described in greater detail below, the device 60 is capable of
emitting visible signals both forward (toward the target) and
behind (away from the target), in essence, to extend the line of
reference. This provides the golfer with an extended visual
alignment guide.
[0036] In still another embodiment, a remote control unit that is
affixed to the golfer's body or clothing controls the laser system
30. Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of the remote
control unit 56 used in conjunction with device 10 can be seen. The
golfer lines up above the golf ball and prepares to strike the
ball. The golfer may then activate the laser device 10 in a manner
discussed above by depressing one or more buttons on remote control
device 56 that is affixed to the golfer's belt. The remote control
unit 56 may be affixed to the golfer's belt or other part of his
body or clothing in any fashion including but not limited to the
affixation techniques described above with respect to the laser
device 10.
[0037] Remote control unit 56 sends control signals to the laser
device 10 in a manner common in the communications art. For
example, RF (radio frequency), or infrared signals 58 are
transmitted to the device 10 in order to provide power to the
device 10. A hard-wired connection from the remote control unit 56
to the laser device 10 is also contemplated. Unit 56 obviates the
need to manually activate the laser device 10, although manual
activation of the one or more lasers is also available. When not in
use, the laser device 10 can be set in an "OFF" position in order
to save power. When the golfer is ready to activate the device, he
or she can initiate a "POWER ON" command by depressing an
appropriate button on unit 56, which activates laser device 10.
[0038] Remote control unit 56 can also be used to control and
modify the laser signal emitted from the alignment devices. For
example, a golfer may prefer an intermittent burst of laser light
rather than one continuous signal. The unit 56 can be programmed,
by software and hardware methods commonly known in the art, to
provide intermittent bursts of laser light such as, for example,
every two or five seconds. This will provide the golfer with a
visual line of reference every few seconds. This may be desirable
if a continuous beam of laser light proves to be distracting, or,
if the golfer feels that intermittent reference signals provide a
better reference aid.
[0039] The duration and/or frequency of light emitted from the
laser device is not limited to any specific amount. Unit 56 may be
programmed to operate one or more laser devices in this fashion.
Further, the laser 10 may be programmed to emit a continuous
visible beam followed by an intermittent beam, or vice-versa. This
allows the golfer to quickly align the target with the emitted beam
and strike the ball. This eliminates the amount of time a golfer
usually takes to properly align his or her body and strike the
ball. By reducing this time, tension that often occurs when a
golfer is hunched over the ball for an extended period of time, may
be reduced or eliminated.
[0040] In another embodiment, laser 10 may be secured at a point
external from the golfer's body or clothing. In FIG. 5, laser 10 is
affixed to a remote insertion member 68, such as a stake, which is
inserted into the ground at a point near but separate from the
golfer. The insertion member 68 may be positioned such that laser
10 emits a laser signal directed at a target. Alternately, the
laser 10 may be adjusted to direct the visible laser signal at a
point of reference to aid the golfer in aligning his or her feet or
body prior to striking the ball. Insertion member 68 may be any
support member that supports laser 10 such that the laser can be
rotated via movable member 40 in order to direct the laser signal
at a desired target location.
[0041] Remote control unit 56 as described above may be used with
multiple laser devices. The apparatus disclosed herein is not
limited to one laser and may utilize more than one laser device.
FIG. 5 shows a first alignment device 10 with a laser signal 32
directed directly at the target T. A second alignment device 60 is
affixed to the golfer's left (front) shoe and a visible laser
signal emanating from the device in order to aid the golfer in
aligning his or her feet. The device 60 therefore provides a second
line-of-reference for the golfer.
[0042] More than one laser device 10 may be affixed to the golfer's
body, hat or clothing in order to provide multiple lines of
reference. Remote control unit 56 may be used to operate one or
more of these devices. Unit 56 can supply wireless power control
signals to the multiple devices 10 in order to power one or more of
the devices according to the user's desires.
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment where a golfer has multiple
laser devices; one affixed to the top of his golf shoe and a second
affixed to his belt. Remote control unit 56 is affixed to the
golfer's belt and may be used to control the laser output of each
laser device. The two laser devices may be operated sequentially,
i.e. one at a time, or simultaneously depending on the golfer's
requirements. For example, a golfer may first want to first
position his or her torso properly prior to striking the ball. The
golfer would therefore activate the laser device affixed to his
belt first, thus creating a visual line of reference from the
golfer's waist to a desired target, such as the golf hole. The
golfer can then deactivate the laser device 10 on his belt and
activate the lower laser device 60 affixed to his shoe. This would
assist in orienting the golfer's feet prior to shooting.
Alternately, the laser devices may be used simultaneously to
provide two concurrent visual lines of reference.
[0044] In addition to providing power signals to each device,
remote control unit 56 may also be programmed to vary the intensity
of the laser beam emitted from each device, and/or the frequency of
the laser beam. For example, one or more devices can be programmed
to emit a strobe or a pulsed signal of varying intensity and
frequency. Further, the power intensity of each device may be
modified to produce a stronger or weaker beam of light. The
intensity of the laser beam can be varied depending, for example,
on whether it is a clear or cloudy day or in the evening when dusk
would prevent a normal-intensity laser beam from being seen. A
pulsed laser beam might be used in order to provide the golfer with
a more definable visual reference.
[0045] While the embodiment described above serves to provide a
golfer with proper alignment towards a target T, use of this
embodiment can also aid the golfer in assuring that he does not
tilt or sway backward when swinging the golf club, which is an
added cause of poor performance. Many times, a golfer may have a
proper stance, but may lose the proper form when swinging the golf
club because the golfer's back tends to tilt in a backward
direction. Use of this embodiment can serve to correct that
problem, or better yet, ensure that it does not happen.
[0046] For instance, the laser device may be affixed to a location
on a golfer's body and the laser beam directed to a point directly
on the ground below the golfer and in front of the golfer's feet.
In this way, a point of reference is provided enabling the golfer
to avoid swaying backward when swinging the golf club and the
golfer will be able to keep his eye on the point of reference while
swinging so that he may determine whether his body is tilting
backwards during his swing. It may be beneficial for the golfer to
use the mat M (shown in FIG. 4) employing the device 10 in this
way, in order to aid the golfer to determine the direction the
point of reference is moving.
[0047] FIG. 6 also illustrates an alternate embodiment where laser
device 10 is affixed to insertion member 68 and inserted into the
ground, at a point external from the golfer's body or clothing. In
FIG. 6, the laser device 10 is directed at the target T. The remote
laser device may be user in conjunction with one or more laser
devices affixed to the golfer's clothes or body. By using a remote
laser device, the golfer can adjust the housing 20 of device 10 to
direct a visible line of reference to the target, and then return
to the ball and use the reference line as a fixed guide before
striking the ball.
[0048] Alignment devices 10, 60 are simple to use in conjunction
with the mat described above. The golfer simply fastens one or more
laser devices to a particular location on his body, such as his
left (front) ankle, or clothing, by using one of a variety of the
fastening means 50 provided with the device (i.e. a VELCRO.RTM.
strap). Next, the golfer places the mat M with the grid G on the
ground in front of him. Once the devices are securely fastened to
the golfer's ankle, the golfer can step on the mat M and take his
usual golf stance towards the target T where the golfer is
aiming.
[0049] The golfer then activates one or more devices 10 and a laser
beam 32 is emitted. Using the movable member 40, the golfer can
adjust the device 10 and the laser beam 32 to point directly to the
target T.
[0050] Once the laser beam 32 is pointing directly to the target T,
the golfer can secure the movable member 40 into its fixed
position, thereby fixing the laser beam 32 so it is pointing
directly to the target T. The golfer can then compare his stance to
the properly aligned laser beam 32, as reflected on the grid G, and
adjust his feet and body accordingly. Once the golfer has aligned
his feet and body in accordance with the properly aligned laser
beam 32, he is ready to swing through the golf ball.
[0051] The golfer can use the device 10 as an aid each time he is
ready to take a swing. Repetition of the above process should lead
the golfer to perfecting his body alignment in relation to the
target T.
[0052] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an alternate embodiment wherein
an adjustable golf alignment device 60 is affixed to a golfer's
shoe. In FIG. 7A, device 60 is in a "down" position, and is
programmed to emit a laser beam in both the forward and rear
direction. Device 60 is removavbly affixed to a golfer's shoe via
adjustable strap 64, which can be adjusted to accommodate different
shoe widths. Device 60 includes a strap 64 and a laser 62, from
which the laser signal is emitted. Device 60 is adjustable so that
the user may flip the device up or down. FIG. 7B shows device 60 in
an "up" position. The golfer can adjust device 60 by flipping the
laser 62 upward, where it is locked in a different position than
the position shown in FIG. 7A (which shows the "down" position. In
the "up" position, a different visual plane-of-reference is
created. The laser 62 can be programmed to emit a visible laser
signal in a forward direction, a rearward direction, or both. Thus,
the golfer may utilize device 60 to provide various
lines-of-reference, varying both in plane and direction, until the
golfer is ready to strike the golf ball and proceed with the
shot.
[0053] FIGS. 8A and 8B show the alignment device 60 in greater
detail. FIG. 8A illustrates the device 60 in an expanded
orientation. The width of the strap 64 is adjustable via adjustment
member 66. The adjustment member 66 telescopically receives the
strap 64 and includes a locking mechanism whereby after the golfer
has adjusted the strap 64 to fit around his or her shoe, the
locking mechanism is used to secure the adjustment member 66 in
place, thereby maintaining strap 64 at the desired width. The
locking mechanism can be a ratchet configuration, commonly known in
the art, whereby the interior surface of member 66 contains
ratchets, or notches, that "catch" the portion of strap 64 within
member 66, and prevents unwanted advancement of the strap.
[0054] FIG. 8B illustrates the device 60 after adjustment member 66
has been adjusted to the desired width. In this fashion, the device
60 may be firmly secured to a golfer's shoe, and the strap 64
manipulated to direct a visible laser signal from the laser 62 in a
variety of directions and planes. The visual reference provided by
the laser signal assists the golfer in preparing his or her shot
towards the target.
[0055] A method for using the golf alignment device described above
is disclosed for aiding a golfer to achieve proper body alignment
with respect to a target T. A golfer attempting to achieve proper
body alignment when driving a golf ball by using a laser alignment
device described above: (i) fastens the laser alignment device 10
to a location on his or her body or clothing, the device 10 facing
a target T; (ii) places a mat M with a grid G on the floor
surrounding the golfer; (iii) steps on the mat M so that the golfer
can take his usual golf stance; (iv) activates the laser alignment
device 10 so that the device 10 emits a laser beam 32; (v) adjusts
the device 10 until the laser beam 32 is pointing to the target T,
the movement of device 10 being achieved by moving the golfer's
body, and once the laser beam 32 is pointing at the target T, (vi)
place the device 10 into a locked position; (vii) examine the
golfer's stance in relation to the laser beam 32 as reflected in
the grid G and adjust the golfer's stance to correspond to the
laser beam 32; and (vii) strike the golf ball once the golfer's
stance is aligned with the laser beam 32. Of course, steps (ii) and
(iii) may be omitted as the mat is only an added feature. The golf
alignment system disclosed herein is effective without use of the
mat. Further, the locking step (vi) may also be omitted if the
golfer does not wish to lock the device in position.
[0056] Moreover, the golfer can use one or more golf laser devices
10 simultaneously. By attaching the device 10 to various points of
his body, a golfer can improve his specific body alignment with
respect to where a device 10 is attached. For instance, the golfer
can use the device 10 on his left ankle and upper left leg, thus
providing himself with two laser beams 32 that are directed towards
the target T and that serve as a guide to achieving proper
alignment of his feet and legs with respect to the target T. In
this case, once the emitted laser beams 32 point in the same
direction (and are parallel to each other in direction) towards the
target, the golfer's body alignment should be uniform with the
target. It is envisioned that multiple laser beams 32 having
different colors or frequencies can be used so that the devices 10,
and in turn the specific body parts, can be easily alienated from
each other. If the golfer wants to align his or her feet, device 60
described above may be used together with one or more laser
alignment devices 10.
[0057] Accordingly, another method is disclosed for aiding a golfer
to achieve proper body alignment with respect to a target T using
at least one laser alignment device 10. In this embodiment, the
golfer: (i) fastens a first laser alignment device 10 to a first
location on the golfer's body or clothing, the first device 10 to
be facing a target T; (ii) fastens a second laser alignment device
10 to a second location on a golfer's body or clothing, the second
device to be facing the target T; (iii) places a mat M with a grid
G on the floor surrounding the golfer; (iv) steps on the mat M so
that the golfer can take his usual golf stance; (v) activates the
first and second laser alignment devices 10 so that the devices
emit a first and second laser beam 32; (vi) adjust the first and
second devices 10 until the first and second laser beams 32 are
pointing to the target T, the movement of the first and second
devices 10 being achieved by moving the golfer's body and once the
first and second laser beams 32 are pointing at the target T, place
the first and second devices 10 into a locked position; (vii)
examine the golfer's stance in relation to the first and second
laser beams 32 as reflected in the grid G and adjust the golfer's
stance to correspond to the first and second laser beams 32; and
(viii) strike the golf ball once the golfer's stance is aligned
with the first and second laser beams 32.
[0058] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the laser
alignment device. In this embodiment, an insertion member 68
extends downward from laser device 10. Insertion member 68 is
adapted for insertion into the ground at a point near but external
to the golfer. The insertion member 68 shown in FIG. 9 is merely
illustrative. Insertable member 68 may be replaced by a support
member. The support member may be used to support the laser device
on a surface such that the golfer may rotate the laser 10 via
rotating member 40 in order to direct the laser signal at a
target.
[0059] Further embodiments are also envisioned. For example, it is
envisioned that the laser alignment device discussed above can be
included directly into the golfer's clothes so that the proper
placement on the golfer's body is ensured. Furthermore, other
forces such as magnetics or sound may be used which allow a golfer
to interactively coordinate his swing and stance with an external
reference system. Additionally, this embodiment can be modified to
provide an automated sound or light signal to describe when the
point of reference is in or out of alignment.
[0060] Accordingly, it will be understood that these embodiments
have been disclosed by way of example and that other modifications
and alterations may occur to those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
[0061] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various
adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can
be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope
of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than
as specifically described herein.
[0062] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was
made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the
accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications
and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is
limited only by the following claims.
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