Method and apparatus for practicing a golf swing

Abstract

A method and apparatus for practicing a golf stroke is disclosed. A light projecting apparatus is provided for placement on a shaft of a golf club. A beam of light from the apparatus is projected downwardly onto a surface below a club head of the golf club and is adapted to form a cross pattern of light on the surface. The cross pattern includes a first line of light substantially parallel to a bottom edge of a striking face of the club head and a second line of light extends through the striking face. The golfer may use the cross pattern of light to practice improving their putting or golf stroke technique. In another embodiment, the cross pattern of light may be modified into a line or dot of light.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to golf clubs and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for aiding and improving a player's golf swing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] One of the keys to a successful golf game is the golf swing. Golf is a sport which requires a substantial amount of skill and practice. There are many technical aspects of a golf swing that can affect the characteristics of a golf shot. For example, stance, backswing and follow-through can affect the distance and accuracy of a golf shot. In order to be successful at golf, a golfer should have a consistent, yet technically sound swing. That is, a golfer wants a good swing, but also, in most situations, wants to swing the golf club the same way every time (i.e., consistency).

[0003] A golfer practices to improve their swing or golf stroke. When a golfer does not maintain a technically sound swing, a golf ball is often sliced or hooked. One common reason is that the golfer twists his or her wrists or arms unconsciously after his or her address position in the course of a swing. As a result, the club face may be opened or closed, which makes the golf ball slice or hook. It is important to maintain the proper position of the arms or the wrists of the golfer during a swing.

[0004] Another of the strokes a golfer must master and one that is equally difficult to teach is a good, squarely-aligned, repetitive putting stroke. Recreational players can lose valuable strokes that would otherwise significantly improve their scores, by taking three and four putts per green. Even professional players are greatly affected by their ability (or lack thereof) to putt. Good or even proficient putting may be the difference between a professional attaining or retaining their tour privileges, making or missing a cut in a tournament, or even winning or losing a tournament.

[0005] One way in which golfers' can improve their putting stroke is to use an alignment system. A variety of patents have issued that describe putter alignment methods, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,165,691; 5,169,150; 5,193,812; 5,207,429; 5,213,331; 5,330,188; and 5,388,832. Most of these alignment methods involve reference lines, lighted guides, marked training mats, or some combination thereof.

[0006] While teaching professionals manually instruct their students to change certain aspects of their swing (whether for drivers, fairway woods, irons or putters), they are often less than fully successful due to the difficulty of the pupil carrying out such an oral instruction. Moreover, while numerous teaching aids for developing a golf swing have been invented and developed over the years, none is known to have successfully addressed the specific ability to improve the teaching professional's ability to teach and have his pupil learn a proper orientation of the club face in the address stance, backswing and follow-through; to address the ability of the golfer to learn and/or to practice such swing on his/her own; and to practice a proper swing and/or putting technique.

[0007] In view of the above it is apparent that there exists a need in the art for a swing training method and device for use on a golf club that, when coupled together, provide a golfer with a removable (to keep the club within all United States Golf Association rules and regulations and to allow it to be switched between clubs), yet substantially error-free way of monitoring and improving their golf strokes. The present invention provides such a swing training method and device by using a light projecting apparatus, such as a laser, that provides a cross pattern to refine and improve a golfer's swing with different clubs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to a light projecting apparatus and method of using the light projecting apparatus for improving a golf stroke. In one embodiment, a method of practicing a golf stroke is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a light projecting apparatus on a shaft of a golf club, projecting a beam of light from the apparatus onto a surface below a club head of the golf club to form a cross pattern of light on the surface, the cross pattern having a first line of light substantially parallel to a bottom edge of a striking face of the club head and a second line of light extending through the striking face, and performing a swing with the golf club.

[0009] The light projecting apparatus may be a laser. In one embodiment, the light is collimated, focused, or both. The second line of light may extend for a distance before the striking face, and for a distance through the striking face of the club head. In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second lines of light may extend for no greater than about 1 foot.

[0010] The method may include the step of detachably connecting the apparatus to the shaft of the golf club or removably inserting the apparatus into a grip on the shaft of the golf club. The method may include the step of adjusting the apparatus on the shaft to align the first line in substantially parallel alignment to the striking face of the golf club. The method may include the steps of providing a guide line along a surface adjacent to the golf stroke or aligning the golf club striking face with the desired golf stroke path using the cross pattern of light.

[0011] The method may include the steps of modifying the beam of light to change the cross pattern into a line of light, wherein the line of light is parallel to the striking face or the line of light passes through the striking face. The method may include the step of modifying the beam of light to change the cross pattern into a dot of light.

[0012] The golf club in the method may be a putter, an iron, a fairway wood or a driver.

[0013] In another embodiment, a method of practicing a putting stroke disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a putter having a head, a heel, a toe, a planar striking face, an offset hosel and a shaft, providing a light source separate from the putter head, directing light from the light source adjacent the putter head, forming a cross pattern with the directed light, the cross pattern having a first line of light substantially parallel to a bottom edge of the striking face and a second line of light extending through the striking face, and aligning a putting stroke path using the cross pattern of light.

[0014] The method may further comprise the steps of providing the light source within the shaft of the putter, and directing light through the shaft of the putter and through an aperture provided in a base of the offset hosel, such that the light strikes a surface below the putter head, wherein the golfer may align and practice a putting stroke path using the cross pattern of light.

[0015] The method may include the step of providing a lens on the base of the offset hosel substantially covering the aperture, the lens forming the light into a cross pattern. The method may include the steps of selecting a lens from a group of lenses comprising lenses that form at least the cross pattern, a line pattern and a dot pattern, and removably connecting the selected lens to the base of the hosel substantially covering the aperture to form the desired light pattern.

[0016] The method may include the step of aligning the golf club striking face with the desired putting stroke path using the cross pattern of light. The method may include the step of modifying the beam of light to change the cross pattern into a line of light, wherein the line of light is parallel to the striking face or wherein the line of light passes through the striking face. The method may include the step of modifying the beam of light to change the cross pattern into a dot of light.

[0017] In another embodiment, a putter is disclosed. The putter comprises a head comprising an offset hosel, a heel, a toe and a planar striking face, a hollow shaft attached to the hosel, a light projecting apparatus provided within the shaft, and an aperture provided at a base of the hosel, wherein the light projecting apparatus is adapted to direct light through the shaft and hosel to a surface below the putter head, the light forming a cross pattern on the surface.

[0018] The cross pattern may comprise a first line of light substantially parallel to a bottom edge of the striking face and a second line of light extending through the striking face. The putter may include a grip at a distal end of the shaft opposite the hosel, the light projecting apparatus may be removably provided within the grip.

[0019] The putter may also comprise a removable lens at the base of the hosel substantially covering the aperture and adapted to form the light into the cross pattern. A second lens may be removably connectable to the base to substantially cover the aperture and adapted to form the light into a line of light. A third lens may be removably connectable to the base to substantially cover the aperture and adapted to form a dot of light.

[0020] The light projecting apparatus may be adapted to project light to form a line or a dot. A pattern selection mechanism may be provided on the light projecting apparatus, the pattern selection mechanism for selecting a pattern of light including at least the cross pattern, a line pattern or a dot pattern.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, a golf stroke training device for attachment to a golf club is disclosed. The golf stroke training device comprises a light source providing a beam of light in a cross pattern, a housing for housing the light source, an attachment mechanism for removably securing the housing to a shaft of a golf club, wherein the cross pattern assists in aligning the striking face of the golf club and practicing a golf stroke path.

[0022] The cross pattern may comprise a first line of light is adapted to extend substantially parallel to a bottom edge of the striking face and a second line of light is adapted to extend through the striking face. The light source may be adapted to project light to form a line or a dot. A pattern selection mechanism may be provided on the light source for selecting a pattern of light, the patterns including the cross pattern, a line pattern or a dot pattern.

[0023] A removable lens may be provided at a first end of the light source, the lens forming a cross pattern with the light. A second lens may be removably connectable to the first end of the light source, the lens adapted to form the light into a line of light. A third lens may be removably connectable to the first end of-the light source, the lens adapted to form the light into a dot of light. A switch may be provided on the light source for turning the light source on and off.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Preferred features of the present invention are disclosed in the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0025] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a light projecting apparatus according to the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of removable lenses for use with the light projecting apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light projecting apparatus of FIG. 1 detachably connected to a golf club according to the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an attachment mechanism for use with the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an alternative attachment mechanism for use with the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter head for use with the present invention having the light projecting apparatus of FIG. 1 and generating a cross-pattern of light;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a top view of the putter according to FIG. 4 having the light projecting apparatus;

[0032] FIG. 6 is an end view of the putter according to FIG. 4 having the light projecting apparatus;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a side view of the grip end of the putter according to FIG. 4;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the grip end of the putter according to FIG. 7 showing the light projecting apparatus;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a top view of the putter head and cross pattern of light at various positions during the putting stroke;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a golfer with a golf club having the light projecting apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0037] FIGS. 11 A-C are front views of a portion of a backswing from the golfer's perspective using a golf club and the light projecting apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the light projecting apparatus of FIG. 1 detachably connected to a golf club according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an attachment mechanism for use with a golf club and light projecting apparatus according to FIG. 12;

[0040] FIG. 14A is an end view of a putter at a first address stance position having the attachment mechanism of FIG. 13;

[0041] FIG. 14B is a top view of the putter of FIG.1 4A showing the location of the cross pattern of light for the first address stance position;

[0042] FIG. 15A is an end view of a putter at a second address stance position having the attachment mechanism of FIG. 13;

[0043] FIG. 15B is a top view of the putter of FIG. 15A showing the location of the cross pattern of light for the second address stance position;

[0044] FIG. 16A is an end view of a putter at a third address stance position having the attachment mechanism of FIG. 13; and

[0045] FIG. 16B is a top view of the putter of FIG. 16A showing the location of the cross pattern of light for the third address stance position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] An apparatus for practicing a golf swing is disclosed. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2, a light projecting apparatus or light source 20 is mounted on a portion of a shaft 22 of a golf club 24. The golf club 24 is provided with a club head 26 having a striking face 28 with a sweet spot, which is generally aligned with the center of mass of the club head 26 and the portion of the striking face 28 which is designed to impact a golf ball during a golf stroke or putting stroke so that no twist is imparted to the shaft 22 during the stroke. The club head 26 is connected to the shaft 22 through a hosel 30. The club head 26 includes a heel portion 32 adjacent the hosel 30 and a toe portion 34 opposite the heel portion 32. A crown portion 36 is provided on the top of the club head 26 and a sole portion 38 is provided on the bottom of the club head 26. As will be appreciated, the golf club 24 as illustrated in FIG. 2 is a driver; however, one of skill in the art will understand that the present invention may also be used with fairway woods, irons and putters as will be hereinafter described.

[0047] According to the present invention and referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, the light projecting apparatus 20 may include a housing 40, which has a substantially cylindrical cross-section and is preferably formed of plastic material. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the housing 40 includes a first end 42 having a removable closure 44 through which access may be obtained to the interior of the housing 40. Mounted within the housing 40 is an energy source (not shown) such as batteries which are electrically connected to a low power laser source (not shown) by way of a switch assembly 46. The switch assembly 46 is shown in the "ON" position in FIGS. 2 and 4 whereby the laser source is activated to emit a beam of light 48 which forms a pattern of light on a practice or putting surface 49 and the club head 26. With reference to FIG. 1, the light beam 48 is directed through an opening 50 in a second end 52 of the housing 40.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the light beam 48 is provided in a cross pattern 54 of light with first and second lines 56 and 58. The first line 56 is intended to extend substantially parallel to a bottom edge 51 of the striking face 28 of the club head 26, while the second line 58 is intended to extend through the striking face 28 of the club head 26, and when held in an address stance position to extend substantially perpendicular to the striking face 28.

[0049] The light projecting apparatus 20 may be any suitable light and may have a collimated and/or focused light beam. For example, the light may be emitted from a low power laser source such as a laser pointer, typically a solid state laser of minimal power (typically less than about 5 mW and a class IIIa laser product). Any suitable light source may be used. One such laser is the #100 pointer laser from Quarton, USA of Walnut, Calif. A laser that emits red, green or other colored light is contemplated by the invention. Different color light may be easier to see when used under different lighting conditions. For example, when the device is used outdoors green light may be easier to see.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, removable lenses 60, 62, and 64 may be provided on the second end 52 of the housing 40. The different lenses may modify the light beam 48, such that the beam is made into a cross pattern 54 with a first lens 60, a line of light 68 with a second lens 62, or a dot 70 with a third lens 64. The lenses may be removably secured to the second end 52 of the housing 40 in any suitable manner. For example, the lenses may be removably attached to the second end 52 of the housing 40 by a snap fit interface or by an interlocking threaded interface on the lens and the second end 52 of the housing 40. As is known in the art, the lenses 60, 62 and 64 may have any desired optics to transform the light beam 48 into the desired pattern, including a cross pattern 54, line 68 or dot 70 of light. Different optics in the lens will generate different length or width lines. The optical lenses may be made of glass, plastic or any other suitable material. The optical lenses have any suitable shape to generate the desired pattern for the light beam. For example, a cylindrical lens may generate a light beam into a fan to form a line. It will be appreciated that the lens for the dot 70 may not modify the light beam 48, or that it may not be necessary to have a lens to form the dot 70. For example, the user could use the laser without a lens to form the dot 70.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, a single lens may be used to generate each pattern so that the lens does not need to be interchanged. In another embodiment, a pattern selection mechanism (not shown) may be provided to automatically modify the light beam 48 upon selection by the user, for example by internally changing or moving the lens or by any other suitable means, thereby generating the light beam into the desired pattern, including the cross pattern 54, line 68 or dot 70 of light. The pattern selection mechanism may be part of the laser.

[0052] The housing 40 may be detachably connected to the shaft 22 of the golf club 24 by an attachment mechanism 66. It will be appreciated that any suitable attachment mechanism 66 may be used and that the light projecting apparatus 20 may be permanently attached to the golf club 24. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the housing 40 may include at least one clamp 72 to allow the shaft 22 of the golf club 24 to be inserted therebetween and retained by friction. The light projecting apparatus 20 is thereby secured substantially parallel to the axis A-A of the shaft 22 of the golf club 24. The clamp 72 may be integrally molded with the housing 40 or the clamp 72 may be securable to the housing 40 using a fastener, such as a hook and loop fastener.

[0053] In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the attachment mechanism 66 may include two side-by-side or opposing C-shaped clamp members 74 and 76. The clamp members feature an opening 78, such that they may be friction fit on a substantially cylindrical member. The first one of the clamps 74 may be inserted on the housing 40 of the light projecting apparatus 20 and the second one of the clamps 76 may be inserted on the shaft 22 of the golf club 24.

[0054] In either embodiment, the user may rotate the housing 40 about the shaft 22 and/or within the attachment mechanism 66 to align the first line 56 such that it is substantially parallel to the striking face 28 of the club head 26. It will be appreciated that any suitable attachment mechanism 66 may be used to removably secure the light projecting apparatus 20 to the shaft 22 of the golf club 24, such that the light projecting apparatus 20 is aligned substantially parallel to the shaft 22.

[0055] According to another embodiment, the present invention may be used on a particular type of putter. Referring to FIGS. 4-10, a putter head 100, typically attached to a shaft 102 (only partially shown), comprises an offset hosel 104 for receiving the shaft, a heel portion 106 at the hosel end of the putter head 100, and a toe portion 108 opposite the heel portion 106. Extending between the heel portion 106 and the toe portion 108 is a striking face 110, which is the surface that contacts the golf ball (not shown) upon impact between the putter head 100 and the golf ball. The striking face 110 generally includes a "sweet spot," or the center of gravity in the toe to heel direction. The striking face 110 may be comprised of the same material as the putter head or may include an insert 110a, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,458 ("the '458 patent"), which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by express reference thereto. If an insert 110a is present, it preferably comprises a soft material, such as an elastomeric material or a tellurium copper alloy. A vibration dampening means, such as an elastomeric material that is deformable may also be used with the optional insert, as set forth in the '458 patent. In the preferred embodiment, the elastomeric material is a silicone material, Stock No. GE281, available from General Electric Company in Waterford, N.Y.

[0056] The striking face 110 has a loft angle, which may be any angle, but is preferably less than about 10 degrees, more preferably, between about 2 degrees and about 7 degrees, and most preferably, between about 3 degrees and about 5 degrees. Preferably, the loft of the striking face 110 is set so that the putter has 4 degrees of loft at impact for the individual golfer using the putter.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 4, the putter further comprises the light projecting apparatus 20 that directs the light beam 48 to form the cross pattern 54 with at least one first line 112 of light and at least one second line 114 of light on a putting surface 118 and the putter head 100. The first line 112 is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to a bottom edge 115 of the striking face 110, which is substantially planar and extends from adjacent the heel 106 to adjacent the toe 108 of the putter head 100. Preferably, the first line 112 extends at least adjacent the heel 106 to at least adjacent the toe 108, and more preferably beyond both the heel 106 and the toe 108. Still more preferably, the first line 112 is about one foot in length. In another embodiment, the first line extends up to at least several feet in length. The second line 114 is provided on the top surface 116 of the putter head 100 and the putting surface 118, substantially extending through the striking face 110. The second line 114 may be oriented perpendicular to the striking face 110 and the first line 112, particularly in an address stance of the golfer. The second line 114 preferably extends beyond the striking face 110 of the putter, and more preferably extends beyond a back end 119 (FIG. 5) of the putter head 100. Still more preferably, the second line 114 is about one foot in length. In another embodiment, the second line 114 extends up to at least several feet in length.

[0058] The hosel 104 can form an angle relative to the top surface 116 of the putter head 100 to provide all or part of the lie angle. Generally, putter hosels extend from the putter perpendicularly and the shaft receiving boss is angled to form the lie angle. However, in the present invention, the hosel itself can be angled. Preferably, the hosel 104 forms an angle of about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees with the top surface 116 of the putter head 100 and, more preferably, forms and angle of about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees with the top surface 116 of the putter head 100.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the putter 100 comprises a grip 120 attached to distal end 122a of the hollow shaft 102 and the offset hosel 104 for receiving the proximal end 122b of the shaft. The hosel 104 generally contains a shaft boss 104b for receiving the shaft. The hosel 104 further comprises a hosel aperture 104a into which the hollow shaft 102 is received.

[0060] The grip 120 has a first and second aperture 126a and 126b, the first aperture 126a for receiving the distal end 122a of the shaft 102, and the second aperture 126b for receiving the light projecting apparatus 20, such as that described above. The second aperture 126b should have a diameter sufficiently sized to receive the light projecting apparatus 20, while firmly retaining it in the aperture. The apertures may be any diameter; however, preferred diameters are less than about 0.75 inches, more preferably less than about 0.5 inches, and most preferably less than about 0.3 inches. The aperture 126b may be covered by a cap.

[0061] Further, the diameter of both the second aperture 126b and the light projecting apparatus 20 should be smaller than the internal diameter of the hollow shaft 102 such that the light projecting apparatus 20 will fit inside and co-axial with the hollow shaft 102. The light projecting apparatus 20 is positioned substantially co-linear with the axis of the hollow shaft 102 such that the light beam 48 is directed through the shaft 102 and may emerge from the proximal end of the shaft 122a and through the hosel aperture 104a. The light beam 48 will be visible on the putting surface 118 and on the putter head 100. As described above, the light beam 48 may be in a cross pattern, allowing a golfer to follow the track of the putting stroke and the orientation of the striking face 110 while actually making the putting stroke. There is, therefore, a method of training a golfer to align the striking face 110 of the putter and follow a proper putting stroke swing afforded by the above-described light-source-containing putter.

[0062] It will be appreciated that the lenses 60, 62 and 64 described above with regard to the light projecting apparatus 20 may be used with the light source contained in the grip 120 or shaft 102 of the putter 100 to change the light beam 48 into the cross pattern 54, line 68 or dot 70 as desired by the golfer. This may be done as described above with the desired lens 60, 62 and 64 being removably connectable to the second end 52 of the housing 40 of the light projecting apparatus 20. Alternatively, the lenses 60, 62 and 64 may be removably connectable to the distal end of the hosel 104 at aperture 104a to cover the aperture and change the light beam 48 into the cross pattern 54, line 68 or dot 70, as desired by the golfer.

[0063] The golfer may removably insert the light projecting apparatus 20 into the grip of the putter 100 when the golfer desires to practice their putting technique. The light projecting apparatus 20 is easily removable from the putter so that the putter may comply with USGA rules. Also, it will be appreciated that the light projecting apparatus 20 may then be used with other clubs in the same manner or by an attachment mechanism 66 as described herein.

[0064] The below described method may be used with the light projecting apparatus 20 and attachment mechanisms 66 described above in FIGS. 1A-3B, or with the light projecting apparatus 20 and putter 100 combination of FIGS. 4-8. It will also be appreciated that although the cross pattern, line and dot are-illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 such that they would be seen on a golf ball in front of the club head, it is contemplated that the cross pattern, line or dot may be provided between the golfer's feet and the golf ball or club head or beyond the golf ball or toe of the club head and that the cross pattern or dot may also be provided to either side of the golf ball or club head.

[0065] In a method of aligning and practicing a putting stroke, a golfer holds the putter in the manner they typically would while addressing a golf ball prior to making a putting stroke. The light projecting apparatus 20 on the putter directs the light beam 48 to form a cross pattern 54 of light on the putting surface 118 and on the putter head 100. The golfer may use the first and second line 112 and 114 to squarely align the striking face 110 and to properly align the putter head 100 with the target. The golfer may use the cross pattern 54 while practicing a putting stroke, allowing the golfer to make adjustments in how they swing the putter to perfect their putting stroke technique. The first and second lines 112 and 114 assist the golfer in understanding how to properly orient the striking face 110 and to keep the putter head 100 oriented properly throughout the entire putting stroke (i.e., keeping the second line perpendicular to the golfer throughout the swing). Not only can the golfer ensure consistent putter head 100 orientation and proper putting stroke technique, but they can use the light projecting apparatus 20 as a training aid to correct and adjust poor or incorrect alignment with the target.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 9, a guide line 130 may be used to practice the golf or putting stroke. The guide line 130 may be a line, string or tape applied in a straight line along the putting or practice surface 118. It will be appreciated that any other straight lines may be used for the guide line 130, including a straight line formed by the flooring, as with the grout between tiles or by a practice mat. During the putting motion illustrated in FIG. 9, the cross pattern 54 generated by the light beam 48 on the putting surface 118 and club head 100 is shown during the address stance position 132, backswing 134 and follow-through 136. It will be appreciated by viewing the FIG. 9 that contrary to ordinary assumptions, the second line 114 of the cross pattern follows the guide line 130 throughout the putting stroke, while the first line 112 stays parallel to the striking face 110 of the club head 100 throughout the stroke. Thus, at various points during the putting stroke the first and second lines 112 and 114 appear perpendicular to each other, while at other points they do not (i.e., during the backswing and follow-through).

[0067] In another embodiment, while practicing their golf stroke, the golfer may change the lens 60 on the housing 40 or on the putter 100 (as described above) in order to change the light beam 48 from a cross pattern 54 to a line 68 or dot 70 of light. The golfer may use the different lenses 60, 62 and 64 to perform different practice drills. It will be appreciated that the line 68 of light may be oriented as desired by the golfer relative to the striking face 28 and 110. For example, the line 68 may be provided parallel to the striking face 28 and 110 or may extend through the striking face 28 and 110. In yet another embodiment a pattern selection mechanism provided on the light projecting apparatus 20 may be used to switch between different light beam 48 patterns, including the cross 54, line 68 or dot 70 patterns of light. It will be appreciated that numerous different drills for practicing a golf swing may be found effective when using the light projecting apparatus 20; the present invention intends to encompass these different techniques.

[0068] It will be appreciated that the light projecting apparatus 20 may be used during a non-putting golf stroke, for example, with irons, fairway woods and drivers as illustrated in FIG. 10. The light projecting apparatus may at least assist the golfer in understanding the orientation of the club face at various points during the golf stroke. As illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C, the cross pattern illustrates for the golfer when the striking face 28 is not perpendicular to the ground at a certain desired point during their backswing and/or follow-through. It will be appreciated, that since the light beam 48 is not being directed at the ground or practice surface 49 during the backswing or follow-through, the golfer, in order to more readily see the cross pattern 54 or other light beam 48, may place a wall or other surface 138 (such as a screen) behind the desired portion of their swing. This allows the golfer to more readily see the cross pattern 54 or other pattern of light from the light projecting apparatus 20.

[0069] For example, FIGS. 11A-11C show the club head 26 with the striking face 28 in different orientations at the same point during the backswing when the golf club is substantially parallel to the practice surface or ground 49. FIG. 11A illustrates a proper orientation for the striking face 28 at this position with the striking face 28 being substantially perpendicular to the practice surface 49. The orientation of the cross pattern 54 on the wall 138 clearly illustrates this for the golfer. FIG. 11B illustrates the striking face 28 being in a closed position (likely to cause the golfer to hook the shot), with the striking face 28 and the cross pattern 54 oriented toward the practice surface 49 with the first line 56 not being perpendicular to the practice surface 49. FIG. 11C illustrates the club striking face 28 being in an open position (likely to cause the golfer to slice the shot), with the striking face 28 and cross pattern oriented away from the practice surface 49 with the first line 56 not being perpendicular to the practice surface 49. A golfer upon seeing the cross pattern 54 will readily understand the position in which the striking face 28 is oriented and be able to modify the orientation of the striking face 28 at that point during their golf stroke to improve their golf swing.

[0070] FIGS. 12-16B illustrate a different use for the light projecting apparatus 20, to assist in improving a golfer's address stance. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the light projecting apparatus 20 is connected to the shaft of the golf club 24 in a different manner than described above. The housing 40 has a first end 42 that is connected to the shaft 22 in a manner such that it swings freely like a pendulum from the shaft 22. Gravity causes the second lower end 52 to hang straight downwardly or plumb. It is preferable that a weight 140 be placed adjacent the second end of the housing 40. For example, the weight 140 may be temporarily connected to the housing in any suitable manner, such as by a clip or hook and loop fastener. The weight 140 assists gravity in maintaining the housing 40 in a straight downwardly orientation.

[0071] FIG. 13 illustrates one possible embodiment for an attachment mechanism 66 to freely hang the light projecting apparatus 20 from the shaft 22 as described above. The attachment mechanism 66 includes a C-shaped clamp 142 for friction attachment to the shaft 22, and a ball/socket joint 144 for the light projecting apparatus 20 to hang freely by gravity from the shaft 22 in a downward orientation so that the light projecting apparatus is vertical or plumb. The balusocket joint rotates freely and allows the light projecting apparatus to maintain a plumb position. The C-shaped clamp may have either the ball or socket portion of the joint 144, and the ball and socket may be press-fit into one another. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, any suitable attachment mechanism 66 that allows the light projecting apparatus 20 to hang freely and downwardly by gravity may be used. Preferably, the attachment mechanism is removable so that the light projecting apparatus may be used both as already described above and as described below.

[0072] FIG. 14A illustrates a golf club 24 having a light projecting apparatus 20 attached according to FIGS. 12-13. In this particular instance a putter is illustrated, although other clubs may be used. The club is provided at a first address stance position 146. The light projecting apparatus 20 projects a cross pattern 54 downwardly between the club head 148 and the feet of the golfer (not shown). As illustrated in 14A, the golfer is holding the shaft 150 so that the shaft 150 is leaning slightly to the left. As illustrated in FIG. 14B, the cross pattern 54 of light is shown on the practice surface 118 between the club and the golfer, but off-center to the left of the club head 148. As illustrated in FIG. 15A, the golfer is holding the shaft 150 and club in a second address stance position 152, so that it is oriented in a straight up-down position. In FIG. 15B, the cross pattern 54 of light is located on the practice surface 118 between the club head 148 and the golfer's feet (not shown) and directly behind the club head 148. As illustrated in FIG. 16A, the golfer is holding the shaft 150 and club in a third address stance position 154, so that it is leaning slightly to the right. As illustrated in FIG. 16B, the cross pattern 54 of light is shown on the practice surface 118 between the club head 148 and the golfer's feet (not shown), but off-center to the right of the club head 148. Thus, a golfer may use the light projecting apparatus to understand how they are orienting the shaft and the club head in their address stance position and correct their address stance position accordingly.

[0073] As will be appreciated, a golfer may use the light projecting apparatus in any of the above described embodiments and drills, and that the light projecting apparatus may be readily switched between these embodiments for use as desired by the golfer.

[0074] It will also be appreciated that although the cross pattern, line and dot are illustrated in FIGS. 1-11C such that they would be seen on a golf ball in front of the club head, it is contemplated that the cross pattern, line or dot may be provided between the golfer's feet and the golf ball or club head or beyond the golf ball or toe of the club head and that the cross pattern or dot may also be provided to either side of the golf ball or club head.

[0075] The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments herein disclosed, since these embodiments are intended as illustrations of several aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of practicing a golf stroke, comprising the steps of: providing a light projecting apparatus on a shaft of a golf club; projecting a beam of light from the apparatus onto a surface below a club head of the golf club to form a cross pattern of light on the surface, the cross pattern having a first line of light substantially parallel to a bottom edge of a striking face of the club head and a second line of light extending through the striking face; and performing a swing with the golf club.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the light projecting apparatus is a laser.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second line of light extends for a distance before the striking face, and for a distance through the striking face of the club head.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of detachably connecting the apparatus to the shaft of the golf club.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: removably inserting the apparatus into a grip on the shaft of the golf club.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: adjusting the apparatus on the shaft to align the first line in substantially parallel alignment to the striking face of the golf club.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: providing a guide line along a surface adjacent to the golf stroke.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: aligning the golf club striking face with the desired golf stroke path using the cross pattern of light.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: modifying the beam of light to change the cross pattern into a line of light.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the line of light is parallel to the striking face.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the line of light passes through the striking face.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: modifying the beam of light to change the cross pattern into a dot of light.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the golf club is a putter.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the golf club is an iron.

15. A method of practicing a putter stroke, comprising the steps of: providing a putter having a head, a heel, a toe, a planar striking face, an offset hosel and a shaft; providing a light source separate from the putter head; directing light from the light source adjacent the putter head; forming a cross pattern with the directed light, the cross pattern having a first line of light substantially parallel to a bottom edge of the striking face and a second line of light extending through the striking face; and aligning a putting stroke path using the cross pattern of light.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: providing the light source within the shaft of the putter; and directing light through the shaft of the putter and through an aperture provided in a base of the offset hosel, such that the light strikes a surface below the putter head, wherein the golfer may align and practice a putting stroke path using the cross pattern of light.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of: providing a lens on the base of the offset hosel substantially covering the aperture, the lens forming the light into a cross pattern.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of: selecting a lens from a group of lenses comprising lenses that form at least the cross pattern, a line pattern and a dot pattern; and removably connecting the selected lens to the base of the hosel substantially covering the aperture to form the desired light pattern.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the light projecting apparatus is a laser.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the second line of light extends for a distance before the striking face and for a distance through the striking face of the club head.

21. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: adjusting the apparatus on the shaft to align the first line in substantially parallel alignment to the striking face of the golf club.

22. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: providing a guide line along a surface adjacent to the golf stroke.

23. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: aligning the golf club striking face with the desired putting stroke path using the cross pattern of light.

24. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: modifying the beam of light to change the cross pattern into a line of light.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the line of light is parallel to the striking face.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the line of light passes through the striking face.

27. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: modifying the beam of light to change the cross pattern into a dot of light.