U.S. patent application number 11/913066 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-27 for golf alignment aid.
Invention is credited to Timothy James Hegarty.
Application Number | 20090215547 11/913066 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37214381 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090215547 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hegarty; Timothy James |
August 27, 2009 |
GOLF ALIGNMENT AID
Abstract
A golf stroke alignment aid of particular use during putting,
comprises a rectangular marker on the ball (2) and one or more
similar markers on the club (2a, 2b, 2c) so as to be visible by the
player from above. Each rectangular marker has a forward line of
increased thickness (4, 4a, 4b, 4c) relative to that of other lines
defining the rectangle. By aligning the marker(s) on the club with
that on the ball improved visual alignment and visual memorising is
obtained to assist in squaring the club face at impact.
Inventors: |
Hegarty; Timothy James;
(Hawthorn East, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP PLLC
701 FIFTH AVE, SUITE 5400
SEATTLE
WA
98104
US
|
Family ID: |
37214381 |
Appl. No.: |
11/913066 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
April 21, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU06/00534 |
371 Date: |
September 29, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/219 ;
473/351 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3685 20130101;
A63B 53/0441 20200801; A63B 69/3688 20130101; A63B 53/047 20130101;
A63B 53/0466 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/219 ;
473/351 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36; A63B 37/00 20060101 A63B037/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 28, 2005 |
AU |
2005902148 |
Claims
1. A golf ball having an alignment system, the system comprising a
rectangular marker, the sides of which are defined by lines, the
line defining one of the sides of the rectangle being thicker than
the lines defining other sides of the rectangle, the rectangle
being of such a size that the entirety of the rectangle can be
viewed from above by a player with the ball in a playing position,
and a direction alignment marker extending forwardly relative to
the thicker line of the rectangular marker and at right angles
thereto whereby when the ball is positioned with the alignment
marker extending in the intended direction of the shot, the thicker
line of the rectangular marker will be at the forward side of the
rectangle and perpendicular to the intended direction of the
shot.
2. A golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the line thickness of
the line defining the said one side of the rectangle is within the
range of substantially 1.8 to 2.5 mm.
3. A golf ball according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the line
thickness of the lines defining said other sides of the rectangle
is within the range of substantially 0.5 to 0.75 mm.
4. A golf ball according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the line
thickness of the line defining the said one side is substantially
2.0 mm and the line thickness of the lines defining each of the
other sides is substantially 0.5 mm.
5. A golf ball according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the
rectangle is of oblong shape, with the longer sides extending at
right angles to the intended direction of the shot.
6. A golf ball according to claim 5, wherein the rectangle has a
length dimension as considered in the intended direction of the
shot within the range of substantially 9.0 to 12.0 mm and a width
dimension as considered at right angles to the intended direction
of the shot of substantially 20.0 to 25.0 mm.
7. A golf ball according to claim 6, wherein the length dimension
of the rectangle is substantially 11.0 mm and the width dimension
is substantially 23.0 mm.
8. A golf ball according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the
rectangle is of a square shape.
9. A golf ball according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the
area of the rectangle is approximately 250 mm.sup.2.
10. A golf ball according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the
lines are black or dark blue in colour and the interior of the
rectangle bounded by the lines is white in colour.
11. A golf club having an alignment system for co-operation with
that of the golf ball according to claim 1, the alignment system of
the club comprising a rectangular marker visible by a player from
above with the club in the address position, the sides of the
rectangle being formed by lines, with the line defining one of the
sides of the rectangle being thicker than the lines defining other
sides of the rectangle, the rectangular marker being so arranged
that the thicker line is immediately adjacent to, and parallel to,
the club face when viewed from above and is forwardly of the other
lines defining the rectangle, the width of the rectangular club
marker as considered in a direction perpendicular to the intended
direction of the shot being substantially the same as that of the
rectangular ball marker as considered in the same direction.
12. A golf club according to claim 11 having a plurality of such
rectangles arranged in parallel formation in a row extending at
right angles to the face of the club.
13. A golf club according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the line
thickness of the line defining the said one side of the or each
rectangle is within the range of substantially 1.8 to 2.5 mm.
14. A golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein
the line thickness of the lines defining said other sides of the or
each rectangle is within the range of substantially 0.5 to 0.75
mm.
15. A golf club according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the line
thickness of the line defining the said one side is substantially
2.0 mm and the line thickness of the lines defining each of the
other sides is substantially 0.5 mm.
16. A golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein
the or each rectangle is of oblong shape, with the longer sides
extending at right angles to the intended direction of the
shot.
17. A golf club according to claim 16, wherein the or each
rectangle has a length dimension as considered in the intended
direction of the shot within the range of substantially 9.0 to 12.0
mm and a width dimension as considered at right angles to the
intended direction of the shot of substantially 20.0 to 25.0
mm.
18. A golf club according to claim 17, wherein the length dimension
is substantially 11.0 mm and the width dimension is substantially
23.0 mm.
19. A golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein
the rectangle is of a square shape.
20. A golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein
the area of the or each rectangle is approximately 250
mm.sup.2.
21. A golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein
the lines are black or dark blue in colour and the interior of the
rectangle bounded by the lines is white in colour.
22. A golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein
the or each rectangular marker is of approximately the same size as
that of the ball.
23. A golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein
the club is a putter.
24. A golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein
the club is a wood.
25. A golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein
the club is an iron.
26. A golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein
the club is a utility club.
27. In combination, a golf ball according to any one of claims 1 to
10 and a golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 26.
28. In combination, a golf ball according to any one of claims 1 to
10 and a golf club according to claim 12 or any claim dependent on
claim 12, wherein adjacent rectangular markers in the row are
spaced by a distance approximately the same as the spacing between
the forwardmost marker of the row and that of the ball when the
ball is against the club face with its marker uppermost.
29. A combination according to claim 28, wherein said distance is
approximately 10 mm.
30. A marker applicable to an upwardly facing surface of a golf
club to provide a golf club marked as defined in any one of claims
11 to 26, the marker providing one rectangle, or a row of more than
one rectangles, wherein the sides of the or each rectangle are
formed by lines, with the line defining one of the sides of the
rectangle being thicker than the lines defining other sides of the
rectangle.
31. A stencil for producing a rectangular marker on a golf ball to
provide a ball according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the
stencil serves to produce a rectangle formed by lines, with the
lines defining one of the sides of the rectangle being thicker than
the lines defining the other sides of the rectangle, and a
direction alignment indicator extending forwardly at right angles
to the thicker line.
32. A golf ball having a first marking for alignment with the face
of a golf club, and a second marking transverse to the first
marking for alignment with the intended direction of a shot.
33. A golf ball according to claim 32, wherein the first marking is
a line marking arranged to extend parallel to the face of the golf
club.
34. A golf ball according to claim 32, wherein the first marking
includes a rectangle having a pair of opposite lines for alignment
with the face of the golf club.
35. A golf ball according to claim 34, wherein the second marking
includes a direction alignment marker extending perpendicularly
from one of said pair of opposite lines.
36. A golf ball according to claim 35, wherein the direction
alignment marker extends perpendicularly from a location
substantially midway along the length of said one of the opposite
lines.
37. A golf ball according to claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the
direction alignment marker extends forwardly from said one of the
opposite lines.
38. A golf ball according to claim 37, wherein the direction
alignment marker extends forwardly from a front one of said pair of
opposite lines.
39. A golf ball according to claim 38, wherein said front line is
thicker than the lines defining other sides of the rectangle.
40. A golf ball according to any one of claims 34 to 39, wherein a
similar rectangle is provided on the head of the golf club for
alignment with the rectangle of said first linear marking.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an alignment aid for use
when playing golf and more particularly, but not exclusively, to an
alignment aid for use when putting.
[0002] The two main requirements for a successful putt are: [0003]
i. the face of the putter to be square at impact; and [0004] ii.
the palm of the right hand (for a right-handed golfer) to move
along the line of the putt after impact, albeit for a relatively
brief time.
[0005] Many putts are missed due to poor alignment and/or due to
the putter face not continuing on the correct line after impact.
This can be compounded by the brain sending messages to the muscles
to attempt to correct the misalignment and follow through.
[0006] Apart from poor alignment when putting, some golfers are
afflicted by a condition known as the "yips". The "yips" is
characterised by a tentative putting stroke, often for short putts,
leading to an offline putt at the wrong pace as the putt, while
tentative, can also become too quick. The "yips" typically result
from an inability to achieve neuromuscular control of the putting
stroke and is a matter of the brain sending the "wrong" message. In
neurological terms, it is an "action induced occupational
dystonia".
[0007] Many putters currently available feature alignment aids in
the forms of lines or other markings on the putter head or a row of
two or three discs which simulate a golf ball and which are aligned
behind the actual ball. While certain of these marking systems
enable reasonably good alignment to be achieved, none significantly
assist in producing a square putter face at impact and on-line
putts. Moreover, none of these alignment systems assists in
treating the "yips".
[0008] The present invention provides a marking of a defined form
on the ball to be used in conjunction with defined markings on a
putter to enable accurate alignment and on-line putts by
consistently squaring the putter face at impact and which also
assists in overcoming the "yips" and improves short putting. The
ball thus marked may also be used in conjunction with a driving
club either with or without corresponding marking to facilitate
improved alignment on tee shots.
[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention there is
provided a golf ball having an alignment system, the system
comprising a rectangular marker, the sides of which are defined by
lines, the line defining one of the sides of the rectangle being
thicker than the lines defining other sides of the rectangle, the
rectangle being of such a size that the entirety of the rectangle
can be viewed from above by a player with the ball in a playing
position, and a direction alignment marker extending forwardly
relative to the thicker line of the rectangular marker and at right
angles thereto whereby when the ball is positioned with the
alignment marker extending in the intended direction of the shot,
the thicker line of the rectangular marker will be at the forward
side of the rectangle and perpendicular to the intended direction
of the shot.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention there is
provided a golf club having an alignment system for co-operation
with that of the golf ball defined above, the alignment system of
the club comprising a rectangular marker visible by a player from
above with the club in the address position, the sides of the
rectangle being formed by lines, with the line defining one of the
sides of the rectangle being thicker than the lines defining other
sides of the rectangle, the rectangular marker being so arranged
that the thicker line is immediately adjacent to, and parallel to,
the club face when viewed from above and is forwardly of the other
lines defining the rectangle, the width of the rectangular club
marker as considered in a direction perpendicular to the intended
direction of the shot being substantially the same as that of the
rectangular ball marker as considered in the same direction.
[0011] Although only a single rectangular club marker would be
sufficient, nevertheless if the design of the club permits it is
preferred for there to be a row of two or more such markers
arranged one behind the other in the direction of the shot. Each
rectangular marker in the row is of substantially the same width,
and hence of substantially the same width as the rectangular ball
marker and each of the rectangular markers is defined by lines of
which one is thicker than the others and lies at the forward side
of the rectangle in the intended direction of the shot.
[0012] In a putting stroke, the ball is set up with its direction
alignment marker extending forwardly in the intended direction of
putt, and the putter is placed so that its rectangular marker(s) is
aligned with that of the ball. The player then executes the shot
while concentrating on the thicker line of the ball marker while
putting.
[0013] The visualised alignment of the row of two or more
rectangular markers as provided by the rectangular marker on the
ball and the or each marker on the club enables accurate alignment
of the club face and also assists in squaring the club face at
impact and achieving an on-line follow through.
[0014] Visualising and visual memorising of planar two-dimensional
images such as provided by the rectangular markers requires less
cortical (brain) effort than when viewing three-dimensional
objects, as a flat surface appears less complex to the visual
cortex. The rectangular marking on the ball and on which the focus
is made, effectively removes the spherical nature of the ball from
the visual perception. Although of course the marking is applied to
a spherical surface, nevertheless when viewed it has the appearance
of a planar rectangle.
[0015] Specifically, the alignment system reduces cortical activity
as the brain only needs to attain a representation of a few simple
planar shapes which are easier to visualise and remember than flat
to 3-D shapes. Not only does this assist in squaring the face at
impact with an on-line follow through, it also assists in
overcoming the "yips" as there is less confusion and the brain does
not send the "wrong" message. In other words, the neurophysiology
involves the visual cortex and visual memory and bypasses the
dysfunctional motor pathways thought to be responsible for the
"yips", as the dimensions, number, and positioning of the
rectangles are easily recognised by the visual cortex and are
retained for the duration of the shot.
[0016] By concentrating on the thicker line of the rectangular ball
marker, no or only minimal, optical illusion is experienced. In
this regard it is well known and documented that optical illusions
occur with round objects which have patterns on them. By staring at
a golf ball, the pattern of the dimples can give an illusion of
rotation and this may cause hesitation and uncertainty with the
putting stroke with the possibility of a poor, jerky, putting
action. By focusing on the thicker, solid, forward side of the
rectangle it has been determined that the optical illusion of ball
rotation disappears or at least is considerably diminished.
[0017] It is preferred that the rectangles are defined by two pairs
of lines of unequal length and thereby of oblong shape with the two
longer sides being oriented at right angles to the intended line of
the shot whereby each rectangle is elongate in its width-wise
direction. Accordingly, the thicker line in the rectangular ball
and club markers will be the forward one of the two longer lines.
This facilitates the setting up of the markers on the club which
might have only limited depth for placement of the markers.
However, the rectangular markers could alternatively be defined by
sides of equal length and thereby of square shape.
[0018] The alignment system also has applicability to tee shots. In
particular, the upper surface of the head of a driving "wood" or a
so-called utility club may carry the row of rectangular markers but
even absent that, an unmarked driving club can be used in
conjunction with the ball played off the tee by aligning the bottom
edge of the club with the thicker long edge of the rectangular ball
marker. Likewise the upper edge of an iron could carry a single
rectangular marker for use when the club is played off the tee.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a golf ball having a first marking for alignment with the
face of a golf club, and a second marking transverse to the first
marking for alignment with the intended direction of a shot.
[0020] Preferably, the first marking is a line marking arranged to
extend parallel to the face of the golf club. More preferably, the
first marking includes a rectangle having a pair of opposite lines
for alignment with the face of the golf club. Even more preferably,
the second marking includes a direction alignment marker extending
perpendicularly from one of said pair of opposite lines. In one
form, the direction alignment marker extends perpendicularly from a
location substantially midway along the length of said one of the
opposite lines. Preferably, the direction alignment marker extends
forwardly from said one of the opposite lines.
[0021] In a preferred example, the direction alignment marker
extends forwardly from a front one of said pair of opposite lines.
It is preferred that the front line is thicker than the lines
defining other sides of the rectangle.
[0022] Preferably, a similar rectangle is provided on the head of
the golf club for alignment with the rectangle of said first linear
marking. In the case of irons, the similar rectangle may be
provided on the face of the iron.
[0023] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be now be
further described by way of example only with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a golf ball and putter each
having an alignment system in accordance with the preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 shows schematically the rectangular marker as used on
the ball and the club;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1 but shown applied to
a different form of putter; and
[0027] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the ball used in conjunction
with a "wood" carrying the alignment system.
[0028] With reference to FIG. 1 there is shown the ball with its
rectangular marker 2 with the thicker forward edge 4, and a
direction alignment marker 6 extending forwardly from the edge 4 at
right angles thereto from the centre of that edge. The interior of
the rectangle 2 on the ball carries no markings and has the same
colour as that of the remainder of the ball. The lines defining the
rectangle 2 and alignment marker 6 are preferably of dark blue or
black and which on a white object with a basic background of green
are clearly and comfortably adopted by the visual cortex.
[0029] The particular putter shown has a row of three rectangular
markers 2a, 2b, 2c similar to that of the ball, with the thicker
edge 4a, 4b, 4c being at the front and parallel to the face of the
putter. The edge 4a of the forward rectangle 2a of the row is
immediately adjacent the plane of the putter face. Depending on the
design of the putter it may have less than or more than three
rectangles but it is envisaged that no more than four should be
provided as the brain would then start to encounter difficulties in
comfortably retaining images of all of the rectangular markers
which would then be present. The lines defining each rectangle are
coloured as previously discussed in relation to that on the ball
and the interior of each rectangle is preferably white.
[0030] The rectangles on the ball and club are of the same width
(as considered in a direction at right angles to direction of the
shot) but are not necessarily all of exactly the same length (as
considered in the direction of the shot). For the rectangles on the
club, to an extent their length and spacing will depend on the
detailed design of the club itself and it will be seen that in the
particular putter shown in FIG. 1 the length of the leading
rectangle 2a has to be adapted to sit within the depth of the upper
edge of the club immediately behind the front face whereas the
other two rectangular markers are on a lower surface rearwardly of
the face and are not thereby subject to an inherent length
restriction. Nevertheless to avoid confusing visual images, it is
preferred that the rectangular markers on the ball and club are
approximately of uniform size and have an approximately uniform
spacing so that the distance between the ball rectangle 2 and
forward club rectangle 2a (in the address position) is
approximately the same as that between rectangles 2a and 2b, and 2b
and 2c. The longitudinal spacing between the rectangles is
preferably about 10 mm.
[0031] The size of the rectangles is principally determined by the
size of a rectangle which can clearly be viewed on the ball. Based
on golf industry research in relation to the optimum size of logos
for imprinting onto the dimpled spherical surface of golf balls to
achieve a sharp image, it has been determined that the best results
are achieved when the length (l) of the rectangle is 11 mm and the
width (w) is 23 mm, making an area of 253 mm.sup.2 which equates
with that which is considered to be ideal for a logo according to
industry research; accordingly it may be said that the preferred
area will be approximately 250 mm.sup.2. However variations are
possible and the table below defines with reference to FIG. 2
preferred ranges and optimum sizes for the rectangles on the ball
and the club together with thicknesses of the lines defining the
rectangles. It is to be noted that the line thickness A for the
thicker forward side of the rectangle is a significant factor in
preventing optical illusion.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE Optimum (mm) Range (mm) Dimensions of
rectangles: l 11.0 9.0-12.0 w 23.0 20.0-25.0 Line thickness: A 2.0
1.8-2.5 B 0.5 0.5-0.75
[0032] In use, the ball is set up with the direction alignment
marker 6 aimed in the direction of the putt and the putter is then
aligned by aligning its rectangular markers 2a, 2b, 2c with that,
2, of the ball. When ready to putt, the player concentrates solely
on the thicker leading line 4 of the ball rectangle 2 and then
makes the stroke. The combination of the rectangular markers and
the visual memory process results in an action similar to bringing
two flat surfaces together and provides a more accurate putting
line than does bringing a flat surface into contact with a
perceived round surface.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows the alignment system applied to a smaller
headed putter with only two rectangular markers.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates the alignment system consisting of two
rectangular markers applied to the top surface of a "wood" for
improved alignment when driving from the tee. However, as
previously mentioned, it is not essential in that mode for the club
itself to carry the markers, although that is preferred;
satisfactory alignment for the purposes of a tee shot can be
achieved by setting up the shot with the bottom edge of the club
aligned with the forward side of the rectangle on the ball.
[0035] It will be understood that the alignment system can also be
applied to the head of an iron or a so-called utility club, for use
when driving from the tee. In the case of an iron, just a single
marker will be applied to the upper edge of the head, whereas
utility clubs will normally have a top surface which would permit
application of a row or two or possibly three markers.
[0036] The alignment system can be applied to the ball either
during manufacture or post-manufacture by printing in the same way
that customised logos are printed onto balls post-manufacture.
Alternatively the alignment system could be applied to the ball
using an appropriate part-spherical stencil and a permanent marker
pen or similar. The rectangular markers on the club head
(particularly in the case of a putter) can be incorporated at the
time of manufacture or alternatively can be supplied as a
self-adhesive cut-out for application to an existing putter head
possibly in conjunction with a suitable template for accurate
alignment during placement of the marker. This would be the
preferred option in the case of a wood, utility club or iron.
[0037] The embodiments have been described by way of example only
and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.
For example, although the front line of the rectangle is described
as being thicker than the lines defining other sides of the
rectangle, it will be understood that this may not always be the
case in other forms of the invention in which, for example, a rear
line of the rectangle may (also) be thicker than lines defining
other sides of the rectangle. Also, although the direction
alignment marker is described as extending forwardly relative to
the thicker line of the rectangle, in other examples it may extend
rearwardly relative to the thicker line (instead of or in addition
to extending forwardly of the thicker line).
* * * * *