SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A VISUAL AID TO ASSIST IN ALIGNING A GOLF CLUB WITH RESPECT TO A GOLF BALL

Abstract

A golf club head indicator is applied to a golf club head and the golf club head is attached to a golf club shaft. The golf club head has a substantially planar face for hitting a golf ball. The golf club head indicator includes an indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to a center point of the face of the golf club head and an indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to the angle of the face of the golf club head. The center point is approximately central to the face of the golf club head. The indicator providing the visual indication of the angle of the face of the golf club head is linear and is substantially parallel to a plane of the face of the golf club head.

Description

FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to the field of golfing and more particularly to a system for alignment of a golf club with respect to a golf ball.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many devices are available to aid a golfer in her effort to improve the quality of her swing, and control the distance and direction of golf ball travel. Golfers have available different kinds of grips, gloves, clubs, balls and so forth, all with the goal of allowing a golfer to improve the quality of her game.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,361 to Hope discloses a self-adhesive, pressure sensitive indicator that attaches to the face of a club head (i.e., the surface that contacts the golf ball). The indicator absorbs some of the shock when the ball is hit and indicates where the golf ball came into contact with the face of the club on the last stroke. This device does not give feedback or indication to the golfer before or during the stroke to allow the golfer to make corrections prior to hitting the ball.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,669 to Stites discloses a golf club head with an asymmetrical visual swing indicator. The asymmetrical visual swing indicator represents an apparent backswing path for use in overcoming a golfer's tendency to swing back the head of the golf club on an incorrect path. The asymmetrical visual swing indicator is not removable, replaceable, or repairable because it is part of the golf club head. This device does not provide alignment indicia for the golfer to square and position his club head in reference to the golf ball prior to swinging.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,901,295 to Bush III discloses a rail that sits on the ground to provide a line along which the golfer is to swing the club. There are also stabilizer rods that run from the ground mounted rail to the golfer to provide stabilization. This device is complicated and cumbersome, requiring the golfer to set up an extensive apparatus before taking a swing. This device does not provide a compact, simple, means to modify an existing golf club to allow the golfer to determine the orientation of the club head in reference to the golf ball.

[0006] What is needed is a system that will allow a golfer to easily modify an existing golf club to provide a visual means of aligning the golf club head with respect to a golf ball.

SUMMARY

[0007] In one embodiment, a golf club head indicator is disclosed that is applied to a top surface of a golf club head, the golf club head having a face for hitting a golf ball, the face being substantially planar, the golf club head indicator comprising a center indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to a center point of the face of the golf club head; and an angle indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to an angle of the face of the golf club head; whereas the center point is approximately central to the face of the golf club head and the angle indicator is linear and is substantially parallel to a plane of the face of the golf club head.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method of aligning a golf club head with respect to a first golf ball and a second golf ball is disclosed, the method comprising providing a golf club head indicator, the golf club head indicator applied to a top surface of a golf club head, the golf club head attached to a golf club shaft, the golf club head having a face for hitting a golf ball, the face being substantially planar, the golf club head indicator comprising a center indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to a center point of the face of the golf club head; and an angle indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to the angle of the face of the golf club head; whereas the center point is approximately central to the face of the golf club head and the angle indicator is linear and is substantially parallel to a plane of the face of the golf club head; using the center indicator to position the golf club head at a position next to a golf ball; using the angle indicator to position the golf club head at an angle with respect to the golf ball; swinging the golf club, thereby hitting the golf ball in a given direction; using the center indicator to position the golf club head at the position next to the second golf ball; using the angle indicator to position the golf club head at the angle with respect to the second golf ball; and swinging the golf club, thereby hitting the second golf ball in a direction substantially similar to the given direction of the first golf ball.

[0009] In another embodiment, a golf club head indicator sticker is disclosed that is applied to a top surface of a golf club head, the golf club head having a face for hitting a golf ball, the face being substantially planar, the golf club head indicator sticker comprising a top surface and a back surface, the back surface having an adhesive, the adhesive holding the golf club head sticker to the top surface of the golf club head; a center indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to a center point of the face of the golf club head, the center indicator providing the visual indication of the center point of the face of the golf club head on the top surface; an angle indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to an angle of the face of the golf club head, the angle indicator providing a visual indication of the angle of the face of the golf club head on the top surface; and an ornamental design, the ornamental design drawing attention from a user of a golf club, the golf club attached to the golf club head having the golf club head indicator, the ornamental design on the top surface; whereas the center point is approximately central to the face of the golf club head and the angle indicator is linear and is substantially parallel to a plane of the face of the golf club head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a user's perspective of an alignment device on a golf club head.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the alignment device installed on a golf club head.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an alignment device having a second ornamental content.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an alignment device having a third ornamental content.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an alignment device having a fourth ornamental content.

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an alignment device having a fourth ornamental content, showing the alignment device embodied as a removable sticker.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a user's perspective and detailed view of an alignment device 12 on a golf club head 22 is shown. Most larger-sized golf club heads 22 of the prior art (e.g., drivers and woods) have smooth top surfaces that lack indicia. This smooth surface leaves the user to guess/approximate the position of the golf club head 22, or approximate the angle at which the face 23 (not visible) of the golf club head 22 will hit the golf ball 20. The alignment device 12 is applied to a top surface of the golf club head 22 and provides visual alignment guides 14/16 to the golfer 30 such that the golfer 30 has the ability to make fine adjustments to the position and angle of the golf club head 22 with reference to the golf ball 20 before each swing.

[0019] The alignment device 12 includes an optional, though preferred, decorative/ornamental portion 10, a ball centering mark 14 and a golf club head front alignment mark 16.

[0020] The ball centering mark 14 provides an approximate center location indicia, roughly the center of the face 23 (not visible) as seen from the top of the golf club head 22. Although it is preferred that the ball centering mark 14 be aligned as closely as possible to the center of the face of the golf club head 22, it is not required because locating the exact center is not as important as providing a reference for alignment of the golf club head 22 relative to the golf ball 20 to improve the repeatability of hitting the golf ball in a desired direction. For example, if the golfer 30 positions the ball 20 slightly to one side of the ball centering mark 14 and achieves a certain result, the next time the golfer 30 desires that result, the golfer 30 aligns the golf club head 22 relative to the golf ball 20 in the same position (e.g. slightly to one side of the ball centering mark 14).

[0021] Similarly, the golf club head front alignment mark 16 provides indicia that are approximately parallel to the face of the golf club head 22 surface. Often, golf club head 22 top surfaces are not representative of the direction of the face 23 of the golf club head 22. This leaves the golfer 30 to guess the angle at which the ball 20 will meet the golf club head's 22 face surface 23. Generally, the ball 20 will go straight when hit on a perpendicular axis to the golf club head's 22 face surface 23. Slight variations in the angle result in major differences in the resulting trajectory of the golf ball 20. Similar to the ball centering mark 14, it is preferred that the golf club head front alignment mark 16 be substantially parallel to the face 23 of the golf club head 22, although it is not required in as much as exact alignment is not as important as providing a reference for alignment of the golf club head 22 relative to the golf ball 20 to improve the repeatability of hitting the golf ball in a desired direction. For example, if the golfer 30 positions the face 23 of the golf club head 22 to hit the ball 20 at approximately a right angle and achieves a certain result, the next time the golfer 30 desires that result, the golfer 30 positions the face of the golf club head 22 at approximately the same angle with respect to the front alignment mark 16 (e.g. angled to hit the ball 20 at approximately a right angle).

[0022] In some embodiments the alignment device 12 is symmetrical across the center of the golf club head 22. In some embodiments only the front alignment mark 16 is symmetrical across the center of the golf club head 22. In other embodiments, the alignment device 12 is asymmetrical. In still other embodiments, only the decorative portion 10 is asymmetrical.

[0023] For completeness, the hands 32 of the golfer 30 are shown holding the handle 26 of the golf club 24.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, an alignment device having a second ornamental content is shown. In this example, the alignment device 12a includes a decorative portion 10a that has a substantially flat edge 16a and a ball centering mark/indicia 14a.

[0025] The ball centering mark/indicia 14a provides an approximate center location indicia, roughly the center of the face 23 of the golf club head 22 (not visible). Although it is preferred that the ball centering mark/indicia 14a be aligned as closely as possible to the center of the face of the golf club head 22, it is not required because the exact center is not as important as providing a reference for alignment of the golf club head 22 relative to the golf ball 20 to improve the repeatability of hitting the golf ball in a desired direction. For example, if the golfer 30 positions the face of the golf club head with reference to the ball 20 slightly to one side of the ball centering and alignment mark/indicia 14a and achieves a certain result, the next time the golfer 30 desires that result, the golfer 30 positions the face of the golf club head 22 with reference to the ball 20 at that same position (e.g. slightly to one side of the ball centering and alignment mark/indicia 14a).

[0026] Similarly, the golf club head front alignment mark (flat edge 16a ) provides indicia that are approximately parallel to the face 23 of the golf club head 22 surface. Often, golf club head 22 top surfaces are not representative of the direction of the face of the golf club head 22. This leaves the golfer 30 to guess at the angle at which the ball 20 will meet the golf club head's 22 face surface 23. Generally, the ball 20 will go straight when hit on a perpendicular axis to the golf club head's 22 face surface. Slight variations in the angle result in major differences in the resulting trajectory of the golf ball 20. Similar to the ball centering mark 14a, it is preferred that the golf club head front alignment mark (flat edge 16a) be substantially parallel to the face 23 of the golf club head 22, although it is not required in as much as exact alignment is not as important as providing a reference for alignment of the golf club head 22 relative to the golf ball 20 to improve the repeatability of hitting the golf ball in a desired direction. For example, if the golfer 30 positions the face of the golf club head 22 to hit the ball 20 at approximately a right angle and achieves a certain result, the next time the golfer 30 desires that result, the golfer 30 positions the face 23 of the golf club head 22 at approximately that same angle with respect to the front alignment mark or flat edge 16a (e.g. angled to hit the ball 20 at approximately a right angle).

[0027] Referring to FIG. 4, an alignment device 12b having a third ornamental content 10b is shown. The ball centering mark/indicia 14b provides an approximate center location indicia, roughly the center of the face 23 of the golf club head 22 (not visible). Although it is preferred that the ball centering mark/indicia 14b be aligned as closely as possible to the center of the face 23 of the golf club head 22, it is not required in as much as the exact center is not as important as providing a reference for alignment of the golf club head 22 relative to the golf ball 20 to improve the repeatability of hitting the golf ball in a desired direction. For example, if the golfer 30 positions the face of the golf club head 22 with reference to the golf ball 20 slightly to one side of the ball centering mark/indicia 14b and achieves a certain result, the next time the golfer 30 desires that result, the golfer 30 positions the face 23 of the golf club with reference to the golf ball 20 at that same position (e.g. slightly to one side of the ball centering mark/indicia 14b).

[0028] In this example of the alignment device 12b, the golf club head front alignment mark does not require a flat, linear edge. Instead, the golfer 30 uses the angled edges 16b as indicia of the face 23 of the golf club head 22 surface. Often, golf club head's 22 top surfaces are not representative of the direction of the face of the golf club head 22. This leaves the golfer 30 to guess at the angle at which the ball 20 will meet the golf club head's 22 face surface. Generally, the ball 20 will go straight when hit on a perpendicular axis to the golf club head's 22 face surface. Slight variations in the angle result in major differences in the resulting trajectory of the golf ball 20. Similar to the ball centering mark 14b, it is preferred that the golf club head front alignment mark (edges 16b) have congruent angles to the face 23 of the golf club head 22, although it is not required in as much as exact alignment is not as important as providing a reference for alignment of the golf club head 22 relative to the golf ball 20 to improve the repeatability of hitting the golf ball in a desired direction. For example, if the golfer 30 positions the face 23 of the golf club head 22 to hit the ball 20 along a path having an angle that approximately bisects the angle between the edges 16b and achieves a certain result, the next time the golfer 30 desires that result, the golfer 30 positions the face of the golf club head 22 at approximately the same angle with respect to the edges 16b (e.g. angled to hit the ball 20 at approximately a right angle with respect to the face 23 (not visible)).

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an alignment device 12c having a fourth ornamental content 10c is shown.

[0030] The ball centering mark/indicia 14c provides an approximate center location indicia, roughly the center of the face of the golf club head 22 (not visible). Although it is preferred that the ball centering mark/indicia 14c be aligned as closely as possible to the center of the face 23 of the golf club head 22, it is not required in as much as the exact center is not as important as providing a reference for alignment of the golf club head 22 relative to the golf ball 20 to improve the repeatability of hitting the golf ball in a desired direction. For example, if the golfer 30 positions the face 23 (not shown) of the golf club head with reference to the ball 20 slightly to one side of the ball centering mark/indicia 14c and achieves a certain result, the next time the golfer 30 desires that result, the golfer 30 positions the face 23 of the golf club head 22 with reference to the ball 20 at the same position (e.g. slightly to one side of the ball centering mark/indicia 14c).

[0031] Similarly, the golf club head front alignment mark (flat edge 16c) provides indicia that are approximately parallel to the face 23 of the golf club head 22 surface. Often, golf club head's 22 top surfaces are not representative of the direction of the face of the golf club head 22. This leaves the golfer 30 to guess at the angle at which the ball 20 will meet the golf club head's 22 face surface. Generally, the ball 20 will go straight when hit on a perpendicular axis to the golf club head's 22 face surface. Slight variations in the angle result in major differences in the resulting trajectory of the golf ball 20. Similar to the ball centering mark 14c, it is preferred that the golf club head front alignment mark (flat edge 16c) be substantially parallel to the face 23 of the golf club head 22, although it is not required in as much as exact alignment is not as important as providing a reference for alignment of the golf club head 22 relative to the golf ball 20 to improve the repeatability of hitting the golf ball 20 in a desired direction. For example, if the golfer 30 positions the face 23 of the golf club head 22 to hit the ball 20 at approximately a right angle and achieves a certain result, the next time the golfer 30 desires that result, the golfer 30 positions the face 23 of the golf club head 22 at approximately the same angle with respect to the front alignment mark or flat edge 16c (e.g. angled to hit the ball 20 at approximately a right angle).

[0032] In FIG. 6, the alignment device 12c is shown delivered on a backing material 13c. In this, the alignment device 12c is peeled from the backing material 13c and then applied to the top surface of a golf club head 22. Various transfer mechanisms such as this are well known in the art, all of which are anticipated. In some embodiments the alignment device 12c is a sticker (i.e. a piece of paper/plastic/metal/metal film/wood/wood veneer/fabric/cloth with an adhesive on one side, generally provided with a peelable/removable backing) that is permanently affixed to the head 22 of the golf club, while in other embodiments the alignment device 12c is removable. In some removable embodiments the alignment device 12c is non-destructively removable, allowing the device to be saved and either used again, or applied to a different club. The rectangular border surrounding the alignment device 12c illustrates an embodiment where the alignment device 12c is provided on a removable backing.

[0033] It is also anticipated that golf ball alignment device 12 be intrinsic to the club head, and applied during manufacturing or post-manufacturing, rather than by the user. In some embodiments the golf ball alignment device 12 is molded into the club head 12, or using any other common method of manufacturing, such as casting, stamping, painting, pressing, cold-working, scoring, burning, etc. In other embodiments the golf ball alignment device 12 is applied as a surface finish, either before or after the final finish is applied to the club head 22. Such methods include painting, anodizing, dyeing, staining, plating, embedding of a disparate material, embedding of a differentially treated material, etc. Such surface finishes are optionally covered with a clear coat.

[0034] Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

[0035] It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

Claims

1. A golf club head indicator applied to a top surface of a golf club head, the golf club head having a face for hitting a golf ball, the face being substantially planar, the golf club head indicator comprising: a center indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to a center point of the face of the golf club head; and an angle indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to an angle of the face of the golf club head; whereas the center point is approximately central to the face of the golf club head and the angle indicator is linear and is substantially parallel to a plane of the face of the golf club head.

2. The golf club head indicator of claim 1, wherein the center indicator is symmetrical with respect to the center point.

3. The golf club head indicator of claim 1, wherein the golf club head indicator is a sticker that is affixed to the top surface of the golf club head.

4. The golf club head indicator of claim 3, wherein the sticker is provided on a backing.

5. The golf club head indicator of claim 1, further comprising an ornamental design, the ornamental design drawing attention from a user of a golf club, the golf club attached to the golf club head having the golf club head indicator.

6. The golf club head indicator of claim 5, wherein the center indicator is integrated into the ornamental design.

7. The golf club head indicator of claim 5, wherein the angle indicator is integrated into the ornamental design.

8. A method of aligning a golf club head with respect to a first golf ball and a second golf ball, the method comprising: providing a golf club head indicator, the golf club head indicator applied to a top surface of a golf club head, the golf club head attached to a golf club shaft, the golf club head having a face for hitting a golf ball, the face being substantially planar, the golf club head indicator comprising a center indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to a center point of the face of the golf club head; and an angle indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to the angle of the face of the golf club head; whereas the center point is approximately central to the face of the golf club head and the angle indicator is linear and is substantially parallel to a plane of the face of the golf club head; using the center indicator to position the golf club head at a position next to a golf ball; using the angle indicator to position the golf club head at an angle with respect to the golf ball; swinging the golf club, thereby hitting the golf ball in a given direction; using the center indicator to position the golf club head at the position next to the second golf ball; using the angle indicator to position the golf club head at the angle with respect to the second golf ball; and swinging the golf club, thereby hitting the second golf ball in a direction substantially similar to the given direction of the first golf ball.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the center indicator is symmetrical with respect to the center point.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the golf club head indicator is a sticker that is affixed to the top surface of the golf club head.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the sticker is provided on a backing.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising an ornamental design, the ornamental design drawing attention from a user of a golf club, the golf club attached to the golf club head having the golf club head indicator.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the center indicator is integrated into the ornamental design.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the angle indicator is integrated into the ornamental design.

15. A golf club head indicator sticker applied to a top surface of a golf club head, the golf club head having a face for hitting a golf ball, the face being substantially planar, the golf club head indicator sticker comprising: a top surface and a back surface, the back surface having an adhesive, the adhesive holding the golf club head sticker to the top surface of the golf club head; a center indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to a center point of the face of the golf club head, the center indicator providing the visual indication of the center point of the face of the golf club head on the top surface; an angle indicator providing a visual indication of alignment relative to an angle of the face of the golf club head, the angle indicator providing a visual indication of the angle of the face of the golf club head on the top surface; and an ornamental design, the ornamental design drawing attention from a user of a golf club, the golf club attached to the golf club head having the golf club head indicator, the ornamental design on the top surface; whereas the center point is approximately central to the face of the golf club head and the angle indicator is linear and is substantially parallel to a plane of the face of the golf club head.

16. The golf club head indicator sticker of claim 15, wherein the center indicator is symmetrical with respect to the center point.

17. The golf club head indicator sticker of claim 15, wherein the golf club head indicator sticker is provided on a backing.

18. The golf club head indicator sticker of claim 15, wherein the center indicator is integrated into the ornamental design.

19. The golf club head indicator sticker of claim 15, wherein the angle indicator is integrated into the ornamental design.

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