U.S. patent application number 13/491979 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-10 for golf club alignment aid.
Invention is credited to Jason Goldsmith, Tim Tucker.
Application Number | 20130012331 13/491979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47438991 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130012331 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldsmith; Jason ; et
al. |
January 10, 2013 |
GOLF CLUB ALIGNMENT AID
Abstract
A method and apparatus for applying an alignment or aiming tool
to a golf club.
Inventors: |
Goldsmith; Jason; (Aliso
Viejo, CA) ; Tucker; Tim; (Coos Bay, OR) |
Family ID: |
47438991 |
Appl. No.: |
13/491979 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61494961 |
Jun 9, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/244 ;
473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/10 20130101;
A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 53/0466 20130101; A63B 53/0441
20200801; A63B 69/3605 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/244 ;
473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36; A63B 53/04 20060101 A63B053/04 |
Claims
1. A configurable aiming and shot shaping tool comprising: a
temporary decal adapted for releasable attachment to a golf club;
and a permanent decal adapted for secure attachment to a golf
club.
2. The tool of claim 1 wherein the decals include markings that can
be used to align the golf club relative to a target.
3. The tool of claim 2 where the markings are a line.
4. The tool of claim 2 where the markings are a circle.
5. The tool of claim 2 where the markings include vertical and
horizontal lines.
6. The tool of claim 2 where the markings include diagonal
lines.
7. A configurable set of aiming and shot shaping tools comprising:
a plurality of temporary decals adapted for releasable attachment
to a golf club; and a plurality of permanent decals adapted for
secure attachment to a golf club.
8. The tools of claim 7 wherein the decals include markings that
can be used to align the golf club relative to a target.
9. The tools of claim 8 wherein the markings vary from decal to
decal.
10. A method of aligning a gold club and shaping a golf shot,
comprising: providing a temporary decal and permanent decal;
providing a golf club with a head suitable for attachment of the
decals; attaching the temporary decal to the golf club head;
evaluating the effect of the decal on the golf club on aim and
shape; and attaching the permanent decal to the head of the golf
club based on the evaluation.
11. The method of claim 10 further providing a plurality of
temporary and permanent decals with different markings, and further
comprising the step of attaching each temporary decal to the golf
club head, evaluating the effect of each temporary decal on the
golf club on aim and shape, and attaching the permanent decal to
the head of the golf club based on the evaluation.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of evaluating the shape
of the golf shot is based on evaluating one or more launch
conditions.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein the step of evaluating utilizes
a launch monitor.
14. A method of shaping a golf shot, comprising: providing a
temporary decal and permanent decal; providing a golf club with a
head suitable for attachment of the decals; attaching the temporary
decal to the golf club head; evaluating the effect of the decal on
the golf club on shape; and attaching the permanent decal to the
head of the golf club based on the evaluation.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to and incorporates
by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61,494,961
filed on Jun. 9, 2011.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for
aligning a golf club, and shaping a golf shot. In particular, the
invention relates to an apparatus and method for progressively
aligning a decal located on the head of a golf club to aid in
proper alignment of the golf club with the target and shaping of
the shot, and then attaching a permanent marker to the club in the
proper position.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] One of, if not the single, most important fundamental of
golf is proper alignment or setup. Alignment is comprised of a
number of factors, including, the position of the feet, head,
hands, shoulders, club length, ball position, as well as many other
factors.
[0006] Understanding the initial setup position is critical to a
successful golf shot. However, many, if not most, golfers are
unaware that they are not properly aligned.
[0007] Proper alignment contributes to a wide variety of mechanical
issues in a golf swing. Among the most important is aim. The
initial setup or alignment will in most regards determine where the
golf ball ultimately goes. It is imperative that a golfer
understand alignment and its impact on the ultimate flight of the
ball to have the ball actually go where the golfer desires.
[0008] The misunderstanding of alignment is pervasive. Even very
experienced, seasoned, successful golfers are surprised to find out
that the golf club is not actually aimed at the golfer's intended
target. Even professional golfers will insist they are lined up at
the target only to be proven wrong.
[0009] As a result, golfers are unwittingly forced to make numerous
adjustments and compromises in swing mechanics to correct for
improper alignment. These adjustments then create further swing
problems in a negative feedback loop where the misalignment leads
to poor aim which causes further swing adjustments, which then in
turn cause further misalignment, and so on. Generally this process
is nearly unconscious, with the golfer substantially or totally
unaware that over time the golfer's swing mechanics have been
sabotaged by improper aim and alignment.
[0010] Many subtle factors and biases are at work in this process.
In particular, it is known that the problem of aiming in golf also
relates to how the eyes view the intended target line. The eyes'
view is from a place in between the club head and the body line,
which creates an optical illusion. With binocular vision when
looking front on, both eyes focus in on what is called the
triangulation focal point. For right-handed golfers at address, the
right eye is further away from the target than the left eye. When
the golfer turns, their head turns to view the target, a bias is
introduced that frequently causes right-handers to aim their
shoulders too far to the right. This is a visual mistake where the
shoulders line up with the sighting eye.
[0011] Also, because the eyeballs are round, straight lines appear
curved elliptically to the right and the more right eye dominant
the more the lines curve.
[0012] Furthermore, people interpret shapes differently because
their eyes triangulate differently. Different golf club shapes,
golf club head design, and shaft placements produce optical
geometries that create different subconscious aim responses. Some
tend to aim more to the right and some more to the left. If a shape
produces a perception of the golf club face to be closed or aimed
left, then the player will open or aim more to the right to create
the appearance of the golf club being square.
[0013] The golf club head shape and where the shaft attaches to the
golf club head will affect how a player perceives the golf club as
square or aimed. The more circular the trailing edge of the golf
club, the more likely it will cause the golfer to aim to the right.
Golf clubs with a square or flat trailing edge are more likely to
cause a player to aim more to the left. A golf shaft that is offset
from the golf club head will cause a player to aim more to the
left. A golf shaft that is in line with the golf club head will
cause a player to aim more to the right.
[0014] As a result it is very difficult, if not impossible, for a
golfer to properly aim a golf club. The problem is exacerbated with
longer clubs such as drivers. The problem is highly dependent on
the individual golfer, making uniform alignment aids
ineffective.
[0015] While prior art alignment aids exist, they tend to
exclusively rely on permanent markers or aids. In this manner, the
golf clubs come from the manufacturer, or are marked shortly
thereafter, with an aid. These aids will not accommodate all
golfers for the reasons stated above, namely, that set up and
perceptual biases vary greatly from person to person. As a result,
the aids will not produce the intended result and in fact can
further cement in the golfer's mind the false belief that they are
properly aligned when this is not the case.
[0016] A seemingly unrelated matter is the shape of the golf shot.
A number of parameters are used to measure or quantify the shape of
the shot. These include trajectory, spin rate, launch angle, spin
axis, swing plane, swing path, vertical/horizontal swing speed,
face angle, angle of attack, smash factor, speed, acceleration of
golf shaft, vertical descent, and others. These parameters can be
described generally as representing launch conditions (although
some of these terms may not technically meet this definition), but
the term is used herein to refer to any parameter that affects the
flight of the golf ball. In any event, these parameters affect the
shape of the resultant shot and variation of these parameters is
very difficult to control precisely and consciously, which makes it
difficult to consciously control or vary the shape of a golf shot
on demand.
[0017] Accordingly, a need exists for an improved method and
apparatus for assisting golfers in proper alignment, aim, and shape
of a golf shot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved
apparatus and method for assisting golfers in proper alignment,
aim, and shaping of a golf shot that substantially eliminates the
problems of the prior art.
[0019] These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the
following specification, drawings, and claims. To that end, the
present invention comprises a temporary and permanent alignment and
shaping tool attached to the surface of a golf club in a
progressive manner that allows a golfer to better align and aim the
club and shape a golf shot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a prior art golf club head.
[0021] FIG. 2-14 are golf clubs with various decals of the present
invention attached thereto.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a results table for a skilled golfer using
different tools of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a visual depiction of the distribution of golf
shots hit with different tools of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 17 is a visual depiction of the individual and average
flight path of baseline golf shots.
[0025] FIG. 18 is a visual depiction of the individual and average
flight path of golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 19 is a visual depiction of the individual and average
flight path of golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 20 is a visual depiction of the individual and average
flight path of golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 21 is a visual depiction of the individual and average
flight path of golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 22 is a visual depiction of the individual and average
flight path of golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 23 is a visual depiction of the individual and average
flight path of golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 24 is a visual depiction of the individual and average
flight path of golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 25 is a visual depiction of the individual and average
flight path of golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] In the Figures is shown an apparatus and method for aligning
and/or aiming a golf club. In particular, for illustrative
purposes, FIG. 1 shows a prior art golf club head of the type
contemplated for use with the present invention. The present
invention comprises an alignment template and/or kit for use as an
alignment and shaping tool.
[0034] The alignment template can be attached to the top of the
golf club and thereby provide a tool in the correct aiming or
squaring of the golf club face to the intended target line. Through
an understanding that different alignment templates with varying
shapes and patterns affect each player's ability to aim or square
the golf club differently, the ability to use a template that is
temporarily attached to the top of the golf club to identify which
pattern tools in proper alignment for that player is particular
useful. Once the proper alignment template is found and positioned,
then a permanent template can be attached to the golf club in the
position identified as providing for proper alignment for the
particular golfer.
[0035] Alignment templates and the permanent alignment marker will
allow golfers to hit intended shot shapes through proper setup in a
repeatable manner that is individualized to the golfers' particular
setup and perceptual biases.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a golf club, in particular a driver merely for
illustrative purposes. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the golf club with a
temporary alignment and shaping tool attached. FIG. 4 shows the
golf club with a permanent alignment and shaping tool attached to
the golf club, which is attached after the alignment process
described herein. FIGS. 4-14 show different alignment tool and
shaping tools attached to the head of a golf club.
[0037] The alignment and shaping tool can be used in a variety of
manners. First, a temporary tool is affixed to the club head based
on an educated guess or arbitrary determination. Then the golfer,
preferably but not exclusively, can begin using the club to
determine if the tool is properly placed. For example, a trial and
error process can be used. The golfer can select a target, hit one
or more golf shots, assess if the ball traveled to the right or
left of the target, realign the temporary tool and repeat the
process until the golf shots are satisfactorily targeted. At this
point, the temporary tool is removed and a permanent tool is placed
on the golf club in the position occupied by the temporary tool to
allow for proper repeatable aim and alignment particularized to
individual golfers.
[0038] Another method of using the present invention involves the
use of more sophisticated alignment procedures. For example, the
alignment process can utilize a laser. Lasers can be used to
reflect off a mirrored golf club. The golfer can then determine
which alignment template creates desired aim of the golf club. The
tool can be affixed to the proper position based on the feedback
obtained from the laser.
[0039] Still further, the method can proceed with the use of a
launch monitor. An individual golfer can try alignment template
positions by hitting shots tracked by radar to determine the aim
that creates on target and consistent shot dispersion pattern. Once
that has been determined, the permanent tool can be attached in
that same position.
[0040] The temporary tools are of a type that can be temporarily
attached to any surface, and can be static cling decals, adhesive
decals, and the like.
[0041] The permanent tool can be made from vinyl which is durable
and waterproof, making it a good choice for outdoor use, or other
suitable material. The permanent tool can be printed with a coat of
polyester that makes designs on the decal weather resistant, or
other suitable material.
[0042] As shown in the Figures, the tool can be of a variety of
different shapes, sizes, and design, including, lines, circles,
triangles, diamonds, rectangles, squares, dots, and multiple color
designs and shapes can be used to assist with proper golf club
alignment.
[0043] The present invention eliminates, or substantially
eliminates, the problems of the prior art. The invention provides a
method and apparatus to individualize the alignment process by
providing temporary and permanent indicia of alignment affixed
directly to the golf club. Since it is impossible to predict in
advance how a particular golfer views the target line, a process
that includes a temporary tool that can be used to progressively
align and aim the golf club and that is then replaced with a
permanent tool has the advantage of providing for proper aim and
adjusting the individual's particular mechanics and biases.
[0044] In a surprising and seemingly unrelated manner the tool of
the present invention is not only highly effective at controlling
aim, and minimizing the dispersion of golf shot, it also has a
dramatic affect on the shape of the golf shot. This affect takes
place automatically without any instruction or conscious alteration
of the golf shot by the player. This entirely eliminates the very
difficult process of consciously working to adapt a golf swing to
create specific desired launch conditions.
[0045] Heretofore, changing such conditions required a great deal
of skill, practice, time, and professional supervision/coaching to
incorporate conscious swing changes into the essentially
unconscious process of swinging a golf club. The result of making
these type of changes are not satisfactory for even the world's
best golfers. All golfers constantly struggle to turn conscious
swing modifications into an unconscious/automatic movement that
creates the desired result.
[0046] FIG. 15 shows a summary of launch conditions for a highly
skilled golfer utilizing different tools attached the top of the
head of the driver, using a state of the art launch monitoring
system. Each row of the chart shows a result for a different shaped
tool, and the columns summarize the results for different swing
parameters. The golfer was instructed to consciously change nothing
in the swing, but the shape of the golf shot varied in a dramatic
and repeatable manner. This resulted from nothing but changing the
tool on the head of the driver. This can be best seen in FIGS. 22
and 23, for example, where the average ball flight when from a fade
to a draw without any conscious effort to change the swing.
[0047] FIG. 16 visually depicts the grouping of the shots by
different tools, which demonstrates repeatability and the
difference in location of the end results. However, the difference
in the shape of the shot is seen best in the following Figures.
[0048] FIG. 17 show the baseline results for this golfer. The
driver head did not include any tool. Each of the following FIGS.
18-25 shows swing diagrams and parameters for different tools
depicted in FIGS. 2-15. The data includes launch condition
information as well as a graphical depiction of the shape of each
individual shot as well as an average shape.
[0049] These results have been repeated several times for golfers
of varying ability levels and the results consistently show that
the tool is capable of not only improving aim but also in altering
the shape of the shot as well, without any conscious effort to make
any change. Golfers insist that they are not doing anything
different, and are not aware that their swing has changed, but the
results show that tools is causing the player to alter their swing
in a repeatable manner.
[0050] The process is individualized. Golfers can and do react
differently to a given tool. Not wishing to be bound by any
particular theory of operation, the individual differences in shape
of the golf shot and the differences in how individual golfers
react to particular tools is believed to result from variability in
how individuals process information visually. Every person
perceives shapes and colors slightly differently, and as a result
each person will experience unique variations in perception that
will affect their swing without conscious awareness of the affect.
Thus, a preferred method of determining the optimal tool includes
utilizing a variety of tools in an environment where the results
can be closely monitored. This can include using a launch monitor,
or similar devices. Then after reviewing the results the tools that
best fits the needs of the individual golfer, and the position of
the tool on the golf club, can be determined. At this point the
process is as described above, where the temporary maker is
replaced with a permanent marker.
[0051] The present invention has enormous advantages. It allows a
golfer to not only improve aim, but to achieve a desirable shape to
the golf swing without the arduous process involved in consciously
accomplishing this task utilizing prior art techniques and devices.
The golfer does nothing but what they have always done, but can
control and select the best results.
[0052] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
described in reference to the Figures, the invention is not so
limited. The invention can be adapted to use a permanent marking in
or on the surface of the golf club applied in some conventional
manner instead of using a decal or sticker. Also, the method and
apparatus of the present invention is not necessarily limited to
the sport of golf, but can be applied to any activity where aim and
alignment are difficult and dependent on individual needs, such as
baseball, hockey, tennis, and the like.
[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, suitable methods, and materials are described below. All
publications, patent applications, patents, and other references
mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to
the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. In case of
conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will
control.
[0054] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,
reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the
foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention. Those
of ordinary skill in the art that have the disclosure before them
will be able to make modifications and variations therein without
departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the present
invention is not limited to the golf clubs shown in the Figures.
The invention is applicable to any clubs including, drivers,
fairway woods, irons, hybrids, and even putters. It is anticipated
that the invention is best suited for longer shafted clubs, but is
not necessarily so limited. Additionally, the decal and/or the
permanent marker can be weighted to alter the weight of the club
head to provide for further refinement and/or tuning of the golf
swing.
* * * * *