US20060258473A1 - Putting training system and methods of using the same - Google Patents
Putting training system and methods of using the same Download PDFInfo
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- US20060258473A1 US20060258473A1 US11/433,291 US43329106A US2006258473A1 US 20060258473 A1 US20060258473 A1 US 20060258473A1 US 43329106 A US43329106 A US 43329106A US 2006258473 A1 US2006258473 A1 US 2006258473A1
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- attached
- laser
- shaft
- sighting device
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3676—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for putting
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3676—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for putting
- A63B69/3685—Putters or attachments on putters, e.g. for measuring, aligning
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B2071/0694—Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3614—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf using electro-magnetic, magnetic or ultrasonic radiation emitted, reflected or interrupted by the golf club
Definitions
- the putting training system of the present application requires no permanent club modification and is easily attached without the use of tools. Furthermore, the beveled disk mechanism simplifies adjustment of the beam of light. Also, Additionally, the putting training system of the present application conceals all geometric features a golfer may use to aid in aligning his putt. Also, the present application discloses effective methods for utilizing the putting training system.
- a representative golf ball addressing drill will now be discussed.
- One embodiment may involve the following steps: aligning the ball striking surface of the club head of the golf club perpendicular to a specified point on a target at a distance away from the target; activating the laser unit of the removable laser sighting device of the present application by contacting at least a portion of the switch unit of the removable laser sighting device to the shaft; and observing whether the projection of the beam of light emitted by the laser unit is aligned with the target.
- the steps of aligning, activating, and observing may be repeated once or a plurality of times. Note that the greatest benefit is achieved when the golfer steps away before each subsequent aligning.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Golf Clubs (AREA)
Abstract
A putting training system of the present application includes a removable laser sighting device attached to a bottom end of a shaft, above a club head of a golf club. The removable laser sighting device includes: a clamp mechanism attached to a bottom end of the shaft above the club head, a bracket attached to the clamp mechanism extending behind a plane defined by a ball striking surface of the club head, an adjustment mechanism attached to the bracket, a frame attached to the adjustment mechanism, a laser unit axially attached to the frame, a planar body positioned over the laser unit, and a wire extending from the laser unit to a switch unit attached at a top end of the shaft. Advantageously, a top portion of the switch unit is attached to the handle thereby easily accessible by a golfer while addressing a golf ball. Furthermore, the removable laser sighting device is made from electrically conductive materials, so the laser unit is activated by contacting a bottom portion of the switch unit to the shaft. Also, the adjustment mechanism of the removable laser sighting device has a beveled disk. The adjustment mechanism allows for adjusting an orientation of a beam of light emitted from the laser unit. The planar body positioned over the laser unit is void of any structural or cosmetic linear feature that is collinear, parallel, or perpendicular with the beam of light emitted from the laser unit. Methods of utilizing the putting training system are also disclosed.
Description
- This application claims priority to a U.S. provisional patent application entitled “A putting system and method of using the same” having U.S. Ser. No. 60/680,448 and a filing date of May 12, 2005, hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- 1. Field of the Application
- The present application relates generally to a putting training device, and more particularly to a removable laser sighting device attached to a golf club that aids in attaining proper putting technique.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- One problem that many golfers face is inaccurate alignment of the golf club striking surface with a target at the time of impact of the golf club with the golf ball. This causes the golf ball to go in a path that the golfer did not intend. Alignment problems are particularly troublesome in the putting and chipping portions of the game of golf.
- The direction a golf ball travels after the ball is hit depends on many factors including the area of contact of the club on the ball, and the angle of the ball striking surface of the club in relation to the golf ball at the moment of contact. Most golfers prefer to hit a golf ball so that the golf ball travels perpendicular to the ball striking surface of the golf club towards a selected target. If a golf ball is not hit so that the ball will travel perpendicular to the ball striking surface, other corrections will have to be made to the stroke to compensate.
- Many conventional systems exist for improving a golfer's putting game. These include practice holes or cups, target devices for the holes, and pieces of carpet that simulate putting greens. There are also conventional optical systems that visually indicate the proper alignment of a golfer's stroke. Many of these conventional optical systems require special training clubs equipped with optical devices, or else require permanent modifications to be made to the training clubs. Such clubs cannot be used in tournament play. Also, many of these conventional systems are not easily accessible by the golfer when in a golf ball addressing position. Furthermore, many of these conventional systems have inefficient adjustment mechanisms, as well as, features which detract from the device effectiveness in putting training. Finally, many of these conventional systems lack disclosure of methods for effectively utilizing them.
- What are needed are putting training systems which do not require permanent club modifications, are easily accessible, have efficient adjustment mechanisms, do not have features which detract from the system effectiveness, and have methods for effectively utilizing the putting training system so as to overcome deficiencies of conventional putting training systems.
- A putting training system of the present application includes a removable laser sighting device attached to a bottom end of a shaft, above a club head of a golf club. The removable laser sighting device includes: a clamp mechanism attached to a bottom end of the shaft above the club head, a bracket attached to the clamp mechanism extending behind a plane defined by a ball striking surface of the club head, an adjustment mechanism attached to the bracket, a frame attached to the adjustment mechanism, a laser unit axially attached to the frame, a planar body positioned over the laser unit, and a wire extending from the laser unit to a switch unit attached at a top end of the shaft. Advantageously, a top portion of the switch unit is attached to the handle thereby easily accessible by a golfer while addressing a golf ball. Furthermore, the removable laser sighting device is made from electrically conductive materials, so the laser unit is activated by contacting a bottom portion of the switch unit to the shaft. Also, the adjustment mechanism of the removable laser sighting device has a beveled disk. The adjustment mechanism allows for adjusting an orientation of a beam of light emitted from the laser unit. The planar body positioned over the laser unit is void of any structural or cosmetic linear feature that is collinear, parallel, or perpendicular with the beam of light emitted from the laser unit. Methods of utilizing the putting training system are also disclosed.
- Embodiments of present application will now be described by way of example with reference to attached figures, wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club having a removable laser sighting device of a putting training system of the present application; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a lower portion of the golf club having the laser sighting device of a putting training system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of an upper portion of the golf club having the laser sighting device of a putting training system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of an attachment mechanism of the removable laser sighting device; -
FIG. 5 is a wiring diagram of the present application with an electrical circuit diagram of the present application; and -
FIG. 6 is perspective view of a golfer using the putting training system of the present application by employing one of the disclosed methods of putting training. - A putting training system of the present application includes a removable laser sighting device attached to a bottom end of a shaft, above a club head of a golf club. The removable laser sighting device includes: a clamp mechanism attached to a bottom end of the shaft above the club head, a bracket attached to the clamp mechanism extending behind a plane defined by a ball striking surface of the club head, an adjustment mechanism attached to the bracket, a frame attached to the adjustment mechanism, a laser unit axially attached to the frame, a planar body positioned over the laser unit, and a wire extending from the laser unit to a switch unit attached at a top end of the shaft. Advantageously, a top portion of the switch unit is attached to the handle thereby easily accessible by a golfer in a golf ball addressing stance. Furthermore, the removable laser sighting device is made from electrically conductive materials, so the laser unit is activated by contacting a bottom portion of the switch unit to the shaft. Also, the adjustment mechanism of a removable laser sighting device has a beveled disk having a planar body extending laterally from an edge of the disk. The adjustment mechanism allows for adjusting an orientation of a beam of light emitted from the laser unit. Another advantage relates to the planar body. The planar body positioned over the laser unit is void of any structural or cosmetic linear feature that is collinear, parallel, or perpendicular with the beam of light emitted from the laser unit.
- A method of putting training, utilizing the putting training system of the present application includes the steps of: installing properly the removable laser sighting device to the shaft of the golf club; and performing either a golf ball addressing alignment drill or a stroke trajectory alignment drill. The step of installing includes: placing a golf ball striking surface of the club head squarely against a first end of an alignment strip; activating the laser unit by contacting at least a portion of the switch unit to the shaft; and observing a projection of the beam of light emitted by the laser unit on a target being aligned with a second end of the alignment strip. The step of performing a golf ball addressing alignment drill includes: aligning the ball striking surface perpendicular to a specified point on a target at a distance away from the target; activating the laser unit by contacting at least a portion of the switch unit to the shaft; and observing the projection of the beam of light emitted by the laser unit on the target. The step of performing the stroke trajectory alignment drill includes the steps of: aligning the ball striking surface perpendicular to a specified point on the target at a distance away from the target; activating the laser unit by contacting at least a portion of the switch to the shaft; swinging the club; and observing, during the stroke, the projection of the beam of light emitted by the laser unit.
- The following description is the best embodiment presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the present invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein.
- Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like or similar parts throughout the several views,
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of agolf club 12 having a removablelaser sighting device 100 of a putting training system of the present application for a golfer. -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a lower portion ofgolf club 12 having portions of removablelaser sighting device 100 of the putting training system ofFIG. 1 . Removablelaser sighting device 100 is shown attached to abottom end 16 a of ashaft 16 ofgolf club 12, above aclub head 18. Removablelaser sighting device 100 includes: aclamp mechanism 22 attached tobottom end 16 a ofshaft 16 aboveclub head 18; abracket 23 attached toclamp mechanism 22 extending behind a plane defined by a ballstriking surface 20 ofclub head 18; anadjustment mechanism 24 attached tobracket 23; aframe 25 attached toadjustment mechanism 24, alaser unit 26 axially attached toframe 25; a planar body 27 positioned over the laser unit and attached toframe 25; and a wire 38 (as shown inFIG. 3 ) extending fromlaser unit 26 to aswitch unit 28 attached by anelastic strip 34 at atop end 16 b ofshaft 16. -
Clamp mechanism 22, in conjunction withbracket 23, makes a first connection point of removablelaser sighting device 100 toshaft 16 by use of a slot and hook design.Clamp mechanism 22 has a hook portion 22 a. Hook portion 22 a has amain plate 22 e, aplanar body 22 f extending laterally from a first edge ofmain plate 22 e, a hole 22 g formed in a central location ofmain plate 22 e, anarcuate hook body 22 h extending from a second edge ofmain plate 22 e, andhook plates 22 i extending axially fromarcuate hook body 22 h Bracket 23 has a main plate 23 e, aplanar body 23 f with anarcuate edge 23 j extending at an angle from a first edge of main plate 23 e, ahole 23 g formed in a central location of main plate 23 e, anarcuate body 23 h extending from a second edge of main plate 23 e, andslots 23 i formed inarcuate body 23 h. - At the first connection point of removable
laser sighting device 100,arcuate body 23 h ofbracket 23 is placed overshaft 16.Hook plates 22 i are placed inslots 23 i, wherebyshaft 16 is surrounded byarcuate body 22 h andarcuate body 23 h. An edge ofplanar body 22 f rests against a side of main plate 23 e. Ascrew 22 d ofclamp mechanism 22 is threaded throughhole 23 g and hole 22 g. Awasher 22 b is placed on the exposed portion ofscrew 22 d adjacent tomain plate 22 e and awing nut 22 c is threaded over screw 22 g and throughwasher 22 b to tighten the slot/hook design aroundshaft 16. -
Clamp mechanism 22 is preferably made from suitable electrically conductive materials, such as steel, aluminum (Al), or titanium (Ti), with a thickness of 1/16 inches. These materials and thickness also aid in reducing the overall weight of removablelaser sighting device 100.Bracket 23 is preferably made from suitable electrically conductive materials, such as steel, aluminum (Al), or titanium (Ti), with a thickness of 1/16 inches. Preferably the first connection is made atbottom end 16 a ofshaft 16 aboveclub head 18. A distance from a top surface ofclub head 18 to bottom surfaces ofclamp mechanism 22 andbracket 23 may be between about 1 inch and 12 inches. Preferably the distance from the top surface ofclub head 18 to the bottom surfaces ofclamp mechanism 22 andbracket 18 is about 6 inches. The slot/hook design ofclamp mechanism 22, in conjunction withbracket 23, allows for secure and still connection toshaft 16 whenwing nut 22 c is tightened. Also, whenwing nut 22 c is loosened slightly, the slot/hook design is free to rotate aroundshaft 16 for course adjustment of the orientation ofplanar body 23 f and thuslaser unit 26. Advantageously the slot/hook design allows for removal fromshaft 16 without the aid of tools. -
Planar body 23 f witharcuate edge 23 j (as shown inFIG. 4 ) ofbracket 23 extends at an angle behind the plane defined byball striking surface 20 ofclub head 18, from main plate 23 e. Whenclamp mechanism 22, in conjunction withbracket 23, is attached properly toshaft 16,planar body 23 f witharcuate edge 23 j is oriented perpendicular to a plane defined byball striking surface 20.Planar body 23 f witharcuate edge 23 j serves as a first connection point foradjustment mechanism 24. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4 and 5 ,adjustment mechanism 24 of removablelaser sighting device 100 has abeveled disk 24 a with aplanar body 24 g extending laterally from an edge of the disk.Beveled disk 24 a also has a hole formed in a central location.Beveled disk 24 a rests adjacentplanar body 23 f on a first side and adjacent afirst side 25 a offrame 25 on a second side. - At a connection point of
adjustment mechanism 24 toplanar body 23 f andframe 25, ascrew 24 b is threaded through aspring washer 24 c, hole formed infirst side 25 a offrame 25, through the hole formed inbeveled disk 24 b, and through a hole formed in a central location ofplanar body 23 f. At least onespring washer 24 d is placed over the exposed portion ofscrew 24 b proximate toplanar body 23 f and at least onenut 24 e is threaded onscrew 24 b overspring washer 24 d to tighten the adjustment mechanism toplanar body 23 f andframe 25. - The beveled design of
adjustment mechanism 24, allows for secure and still connection toplanar body 23 f andframe 25. Advantageously, by utilizingplanar body 24 g to rotatebeveled disk 24 aaround screw 24 b fine adjustment oflaser unit 26 in the horizontal orientation is achievable.Adjustment mechanism 24 is capable of precision up to ⅛ inches per four feet of beam of light emitted fromlaser unit 26. As is evident inFIG. 4 , when a thinnest edge ofbeveled disk 24 is farthest from afront end 26 a oflaser unit 26, corresponding toplanar body 24 g being oriented down,front end 26 a is oriented at an angle greater than perpendicular toball striking surface 20. When the thinnest edge ofbeveled disk 24 is closest tofront end 26 a oflaser unit 26, corresponding toplanar body 24 g being oriented up,front end 26 a is oriented at an angle less than perpendicular toball striking surface 20. When a mean edge ofbeveled disk 24 is farthest from afront end 26 a oflaser unit 26, corresponding toplanar body 24 g being oriented neither up or down,front end 26 a is oriented at an angle perpendicular toball striking surface 20.Adjustment mechanism 24 is means for adjusting an orientation of beam of light 29 (as shown inFIG. 5 ) emitted fromlaser unit 26. -
Adjustment mechanism 24 is preferably made from suitable electrically conductive materials, such as steel, aluminum (Al), or titanium (Ti). At its thickest edge, beveleddisk 24 a preferably has a thickness of 0.078 inches. At its thinnest edge, beveleddisk 24 a preferably has a thickness of 0.055 inches.Planar body 24 g extending laterally frombeveled disk 24 preferably has a thickness of 0.078 inches. These thicknesses merely serve as guidelines and any suitable thickness will do. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4 and 5 ,frame 25 hasfirst side 25 a with the hole formed in the central region, afront side 25 b extending laterally from a front end offirst side 25 a, aback side 25 c extending laterally from a back end offirst side 25 a, and acutout portion 25 d extending laterally fromfirst side 25 aFront side 25 b has a hole formed in a central region wherefront end 26 a oflaser unit 26 is located. Backside 25 c has a hole in a central region where aback end 26 e oflaser unit 26 is located.First side 25 a rests adjacent and is connected tobeveled disk 24 b as described above in relation toadjustment mechanism 24. -
Frame 25 is a housing forlaser unit 26.Laser unit 26 is attached as described above and is free to rotate along an axis defined byfront end 26 a andback end 26 e.Cutout portion 25 d acts as a mechanism for depressing an on/offbutton 26 b oflaser unit 26. Whenlaser unit 26 is rotated such that on/offbutton 26 b is depressed bycutout portion 25 d,laser unit 26 is capable of being activated byswitch unit 28 ofFIG. 3 . Otherwise,laser unit 26 is not capable of being activated. -
Frame 25 is preferably made from suitable electrically conductive materials, such as steel, aluminum (Al), or titanium (Ti). The various components offrame 25 have a thickness of 0.0625 inches. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 and 5 ,laser unit 26 has ahousing 26 f,front end 26 a,back end 26 e, and aretaining mechanism 26 e on its exterior. Alaser diode 26 g is electrically connected to on/off button (permanent switch) 26 b when on/off button is depressed. When depressed, on/offbutton 26 b is electrically connected to a first end ofbattery source 26 c. A second end ofbattery source 26 c is electrically connected to anend 39 ofwire 38 that is held in place by and attached to anon-conductive body 26 h.Body 26 h is sealed insidehousing 26 f nearback end 26 e. Also,back end 26 e is electrically connected tohousing 26 f andhousing 26 f is electrically connected tolaser diode 26 g. -
Housing 26 f is preferably cylindrical in shape.Front end 26 a is preferably conical in shape and is attached tohousing 26 f on the front.Body 26 h is a circular disk. Back end 26 e is preferably cylindrical in shape and is attached tohousing 26 f.Laser unit 26 is held inframe 25 by retainingmechanism 26 d attached toback end 26 e. Retainingmechanism 26 d is a pin which has a dimension larger than that of the hole inback side 25 c offrame 25. -
Front end 26 a is the location in which a beam oflight 29 is emitted fromlaser unit 26.Laser diode 26 g is the mechanism in which beam oflight 29 is produced. When on/offbutton 26 b is depressed bycutout portion 25 d offrame 25 the laser has the present ability to operate. When on/offbutton 26 b is not depressed, laser unit does not have the present ability to operate. On/offbutton 26 b completes an internal laser unit electrical circuit, whereby in a standard laser unit with no modification, the laser unit would emit a beam oflight 29. However,laser unit 26 is a standard laser unit with modification. This modification will be discussed further later.Battery source 26 c is at least one standard 1.5 volt (V) watch-type battery. In the present embodiment,battery source 26 c includes three such batteries. Necessary conductive components oflaser unit 26 are preferably made from suitable electrically conductive materials, such as steel, aluminum (Al), or titanium (Ti). - Upon activation,
laser unit 26 emits beam of light 29 extending substantially perpendicular to a plane defined byball striking surface 20 ofclub head 18 ofgolf club 12 which passes at least through a point of impact between a golf ball to be struck andball striking surface 20.Laser unit 26 is positioned behindball striking surface 20 so as not to obstruct the view ofclub head 18 by agolfer 50 when removablelaser sighting device 100 is being used (seeFIG. 6 ). - Referring back to
FIG. 2 , a planar body 27 is shown connected to frame 25 and positioned overlaser unit 26. Planar body 27 is a body being void of any structural or cosmetic linear feature either collinear, parallel, or perpendicular with beam of light 29 emitted fromlaser unit 26. In other words, body 27 is irregularly shaped to conceal any and all edges of the various constituents of removablelaser sighting device 100golfer 50 may utilize in aligning a putt. Advantageously, as compared to conventional optical putting training systems, body 27 does not have geometric features which detract from the effectiveness of the current putting training system. Body 27 does not interfere with the view ofclub head 18 bygolfer 50 while in a golfball addressing position 51. Body 27 may be made from any suitable material, such as plastic, steel, aluminum (Al), or titanium (Ti). - Referring back to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , in reference withFIG. 5 ,wire 38 extends fromback end 26 e oflaser unit 26 to aswitch unit 28.Wire 38 is electrically connected to switch unit and further extends adjacent to and is wrapped aroundshaft 16.Wire 38 is made from any suitable electrically conductive material such as copper (Cu), and the electrically conductive material is encased in any suitable non-conductive material, such as plastic. - Switch unit (temporary switch) 28 is a strip having a top portion 28 a extending at an angle from the strip. Top portion rests flatly against
handle 14 ofgolf club 12 when attached by a non-electrically conductiveelastic strip 34.Switch unit 28, as shown, is attached totop end 16 b ofshaft 16 thereby easily and comfortably accessible bygolfer 50 when in golf ball addressing position 51 (as shown inFIG. 6 ).Switch unit 28, as shown, also has abottom portion 28 b which extends laterally from the strip towardsshaft 16.Bottom portion 28 b, as shown, has an arcuate edge such that whendepressed contacts shaft 16.Switch unit 28 is spring-loaded such that when depressed is able to make contact toshaft 16 to activatelaser unit 16. In essence,laser unit 26 is activated by contacting at least a portion ofswitch unit 28 toshaft 16 ofgolf club 12 when on/offbutton 26 b is depressed bycutout portion 25 d offrame 25. - Generally,
switch unit 28 is attached to handle 14 ofgolf club 12 in a comfortable place forgolfer 50 to depress when in golfball addressing position 51. However,switch unit 28 may be attached to any suitable location ofgolf club 12 per the desires ofgolfer 50.Switch unit 28 is made from any suitable electrically conductive material, such as steel, aluminum (Al), or titanium (Ti) or brass.Switch unit 28, as shown, has a thickness of 0.313 inches and a length of 3 inches, but may have any suitable dimensions. - Referring to
FIG. 5 and other FIGS. as necessary, evidenced by the dark line, a uniqueelectrical circuit 60 is created in the present application.Laser diode 26 g is electrically connected to on/off button (permanent switch) 26 b when depressed bycutout portion 25 d offrame 25. When depressed, on/offbutton 26 b is electrically connected tobattery source 26 c.Battery source 26 c is electrically connected to end 39 ofwire 38.Wire 38 is electrically connected to switch unit 28 (temporary switch). When depressed bygolfer 50,switch unit 28 is electrically connected toshaft 16 ofgolf club 12.Shaft 16 ofgolf club 12 is electrically connected to clampmechanism 22 andbracket 23.Bracket 23 is electrically connected toadjustment mechanism 24.Adjustment mechanism 24 is electrically connected to frame 25.Frame 25 is electrically connected toback end 26 e oflaser unit 26. Back end 26 e oflaser unit 26 is electrically connected tohousing 26 f oflaser unit 26. Andhousing 26 f oflaser unit 26 is electrically connected tolaser diode 26 g, thereby completing uniqueelectrical circuit 60. - In general, unique
electrical circuit 60 for activatinglaser diode 26 g includeshousing 26 f,frame 25,bracket 23,wire 38,switch unit 28, andshaft 16 used as conductors. To activatelaser diode 26 g, on/offbutton 26 b (permanent switch) and switch unit 28 (temporary switch) are simultaneously depressed. On/offbutton 26 b, when depressed, connects internal components oflaser unit 26, whileswitch unit 28 activateslaser diode 26 g when contacted toshaft 16. To avoid battery loss while transporting, on/offbutton 26 b should not be depressed. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 ,golfer 50 in golfball addressing position 51 is shown. Removablelaser sighting device 100 is attached togolf club 12. As shown, beam oflight 29 is emitted in a direction parallel to aground surface 70.FIG. 6 shows analignment strip 200 onground surface 70.Alignment strip 200 has afirst end 217 and asecond end 218. Aline 215 oriented perpendicular to first and second ends 217 and 218 runs centrally down the length ofalignment strip 200. In this embodiment,alignment strip 200 also hasadditional guidelines 216 adjacentfirst end 217. Target stand 212 is placedadjacent alignment strip 200 such thatvertical line 211 ontarget stand 212 is collinear withcentral line 215 ofalignment strip 200. Target stand 214 further has asimulated golf hole 213 adjacent a base oftarget stand 212 and aligned withline 215 ofalignment strip 200. - Alignment strip is made from any suitable material such as cardboard or synthetic materials, and may be folded up for easy transport. In this embodiment, alignment strip has a length of 4 feet, a width of 4 inches, and a thickness of ⅛ inches. The dimensions of length and width may alternatively be any suitable dimension. The height dimension must be suitable for placing
ball striking surface 20 squarely againstfirst end 217 ofalignment strip 200. Target stand 212 andsimulated golf hole 213 may be made from any suitable material such as cardboard or synthetic materials. Dimensions oftarget stand 212 andsimulated hole 213 are variable. - Advantageously, the putting training system of the present application requires no permanent club modification and is easily attached without the use of tools. Furthermore, the beveled disk mechanism simplifies adjustment of the beam of light. Also, Additionally, the putting training system of the present application conceals all geometric features a golfer may use to aid in aligning his putt. Also, the present application discloses effective methods for utilizing the putting training system.
- The putting training system aids in teaching the golfer correct: ball addressing position; feet, body, and head alignment; putting stoke trajectory; and orientation of the ball striking surface at impact by developing lasting vision and muscle memory. Conventional optical putting training systems fail in developing lasting vision and muscle memory effectively because they require the golfer to disengage himself from the golf ball addressing position to activate and deactivate the beam of light. Whereas the putting training system of the present application allows the golfer to activate and deactivate the beam of light while comfortably in his golf ball addressing position, This attribute creates a synergy between practice and execution unachievable with conventional systems.
- Methods of utilizing the putting training system of the present application will now be discussed. In all of the forthcoming disclosed methods of utilizing the golf putting training system of the present application, note that a golfer's feet must be substantially parallel to the intended path of the golf ball and thus perpendicular to the ball striking surface.
- Referring to all applicable FIGS., initial installation of a fully assembled removable
laser sighting device 100 on togolf club 12 may include the following steps: unscrewingwing nut 22 c fromscrew 22 d; removingclamp mechanism 22 frombracket 23; joiningarcuate body 23 h tobottom end 16 a ofshaft 16; placinghook plates 22 i ofclamp mechanism 22 intoslots 23 i ofbracket 23 thereby surroundingshaft 16 witharcuate body 22 h ofclamp mechanism 22 andarcuate body 23 h ofbracket 23; tighteningwing nut 22 c slightly; wrappingwire 38 aroundshaft 16 a sufficient number of times; attachingswitch unit 28 totop end 16 b ofshaft 16 byelastic strip 34; and checking operation oflaser sighting device 100. - Adjustment and proper installation of
laser sighting device 100 may include the following steps: orienting approximately beam of light 29 perpendicular toball striking surface 20; layingalignment strip 200 onground surface 70; arranging target stand 212 adjacent toalignment strip 200 such thatline 215 ofalignment strip 200 atsecond end 218 is collinear toline 211 ontarget stand 212; placing, while in golfball addressing position 51,ball striking surface 20 squarely againstfirst end 216 ofalignment strip 200; positioningfront end 26 a oflaser unit 26 directly aboveguidelines 216; activatinglaser unit 26 by contacting at least a portion ofswitch unit 28 of removablelaser sighting device 100 toshaft 16; observing whetherprojection 214 of beam of light 29 emitted bylaser unit 26 is aligned withline 211 oftarget 212; rotating slot and hook design, as well as, beveled disk adjusting mechanism to effectuateprojection 214 of beam of light 29 emitted bylaser unit 26 to ontoline 211 oftarget 212; tighteningwing nut 22 c substantially; and repeating, if necessary, the step of rotating. - A representative golf ball addressing drill will now be discussed. One embodiment may involve the following steps: aligning the ball striking surface of the club head of the golf club perpendicular to a specified point on a target at a distance away from the target; activating the laser unit of the removable laser sighting device of the present application by contacting at least a portion of the switch unit of the removable laser sighting device to the shaft; and observing whether the projection of the beam of light emitted by the laser unit is aligned with the target. The steps of aligning, activating, and observing may be repeated once or a plurality of times. Note that the greatest benefit is achieved when the golfer steps away before each subsequent aligning. Furthermore, the steps of aligning, activating, and observing may be performed at various distances, such as 5, 7, 9, and 11 feet along a straight line and with golf balls to simulate real putts. These embodiments may also be done with the alignment strip and target stand as aids. By aligning, activating, and observing numerous times, at various distances, and with different tools, the golfer engrains the proper way to address a ball into their mind. A representative stroke trajectory drill will now be discussed. One embodiment may involve the following steps: aligning the ball striking surface of the club head of the golf club perpendicular to a specified point on a target at a distance away from the target; activating the laser unit of the removable laser sighting device by contacting at least a portion of a switch unit of the removable laser sighting device to the shaft; swinging the club; and observing, during the swing, whether a projection of a beam of light emitted by the laser unit is aligned with the target. Prior to the step of aligning, the golfer may address a golf ball at the distance away from the target. These embodiments may also be done with the alignment strip and target stand as aids. The steps of addressing, aligning, activating, and observing may be repeated once or a plurality of times. Note that the greatest benefit is achieved when the golfer steps away before each subsequent aligning (in one case) and (addressing in another case). Furthermore, the steps of addressing, aligning, activating, and observing may be performed at various distances, such as 5, 7, 9, and 11 feet along a straight line. Note that these methods may also be employed on a putting green.
- The above-described embodiments of the present application are intended to be examples only. Those of skill in the art may effect alterations, modifications and variations to the particular embodiments without departing from the scope of the application. The invention described herein in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.
Claims (33)
1. A putting training system, comprising:
a laser unit of a removable laser sighting device;
a switch unit of a removable laser sighting device; and
wherein the laser unit is activated by contacting at least a portion of the switch unit to a shaft of a golf club.
2. The putting training system of claim 1 , wherein the removable laser sighting device comprises electrically conductive materials.
3. The putting training system of claim 1 , wherein the switch unit is attached to a top end of the shaft thereby easily accessible by a golfer in a golf ball addressing position.
4. The putting training system of claim 1 , wherein the removable laser sighting device further comprises a planar body positioned over a frame and the laser unit being void of any one of structural and cosmetic linear feature that is one of collinear, parallel, and perpendicular with a beam of light emitted from the laser unit.
5. The putting training system of claim 1 , wherein the removable laser sighting device further comprises a beveled disk adjustment mechanism.
6. The putting training system of claim 1 , wherein the removable laser sighting device further comprises:
a clamp mechanism rotatably attached to a bottom end of the shaft;
a bracket attached to the clamp mechanism;
an adjustment mechanism attached to the bracket;
a frame attached to the adjustment mechanism;
the laser unit attached to the frame;
a wire extending from the laser unit to the switch unit; and
the switch unit attached to a top end of the shaft.
7. The putting training system of claim 5 , wherein the removable laser sighting device comprises electrically conductive materials.
8. The putting training system of claim 1 , wherein upon activation the laser unit emits a beam of light extending substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by a ball striking surface of a club head of the golf club.
9. The putting training system of claim 1 , further comprising:
the golf club, comprising:
the shaft,
a handle attached at a top end of the shaft;
a club head attached to a bottom end of the shaft below the removable laser sighting device;
the club head having a ball striking surface;
the removable laser sighting device, comprising:
a clamp mechanism attached to a bottom end of the shaft above the club head;
a bracket attached to the clamp mechanism extending behind a plane defined by the ball striking surface;
a beveled disk adjustment mechanism attached to the bracket;
a frame attached to the adjustment mechanism;
the laser unit axially attached to the frame;
a wire extending from the laser unit to the switch unit;
a top portion of the switch unit attached to the handle; and
wherein the laser unit is further activated by contacting the bottom portion of the switch unit to the shaft.
10. The putting training system of claim 1 , further comprising:
an alignment strip; and
a target.
11. A putting training system, comprising a beveled disk adjustment mechanism of a removable laser sighting device.
12. The putting training system of claim 11 , wherein the beveled disk adjustment mechanism being means for adjusting an orientation of a beam of light emitted from a laser unit of the removable laser sighting system.
13. The putting training system of claim 11 , wherein the beveled disk adjustment mechanism further comprises a beveled disk having a planar body extending laterally from an edge of the disk.
14. The putting training system of claim 11 , further comprising:
a laser unit of the removable laser sighting device;
a switch unit of the removable laser sighting device; and
wherein the laser unit is activated by contacting at least a portion of the switch unit to a shaft of a golf club.
15. The putting training system of claim 14 , wherein the switch unit is attached to a top end of the shaft thereby easily accessible by a golfer in a golf ball addressing position.
16. The putting training system of claim 11 , wherein the removable laser sighting device further comprises electrically conductive materials.
17. The putting training system of claim 11 , wherein the removable laser sighting device, further comprises:
a clamp mechanism rotatably attached to a bottom end of a shaft;
a bracket attached to the clamp mechanism;
the adjustment mechanism attached to the bracket;
a frame attached to the adjustment mechanism;
the laser unit attached to the frame;
a wire extending from the laser unit to a switch unit;
the switch unit attached to a top end of the shaft; and
wherein the laser unit is activated by contacting at least a portion of the switch unit to the shaft of a golf club.
18. The putting training system of claim 17 , wherein the removable laser sighting device comprises electrically conductive materials.
19. The putting training system of claim 11 , wherein upon activation a laser unit emits a beam of light extending substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by a ball striking surface of a club head of a golf club.
20. The putting training system of claim 11 , further comprising:
a golf club, comprising:
a shaft,
a handle attached at a top end of the shaft;
a club head attached to a bottom end of the shaft below the removable laser sighting device;
the club head having a ball striking surface;
the removable laser sighting device, comprising:
a clamp mechanism attached to a bottom end of the shaft above the club head;
a bracket attached to the clamp mechanism extending behind a plane defined by the ball striking surface;
the beveled disk adjustment mechanism attached to the bracket;
a frame attached to the adjustment mechanism;
the laser unit axially attached to the frame;
a wire extending from the laser unit to a switch unit;
a top portion of the switch unit attached to the handle; and
wherein the laser unit is activated by contacting a bottom portion of the switch unit to the shaft.
21. The putting training system of claim 11 , further comprising:
an alignment strip; and
a target.
22. A method of putting training, comprising:
installing a removable laser sighting device to a shaft of a golf club; and
performing one of a golf ball addressing drill and a stroke trajectory drill.
23. The method of claim 22 , wherein installing further comprises:
placing a golf ball striking surface of a club head of the golf club squarely against an end of an alignment strip;
activating the laser unit by contacting at least a portion of a switch unit of the removable laser sighting device to the shaft; and
observing whether a projection of the beam of light emitted by the laser unit is aligned with a target.
24. The method of claim 22 , wherein performing comprises the golf ball addressing drill further comprising:
aligning a ball striking surface of a club head of the golf club perpendicular to a specified point on a target at a distance away from the target;
activating a laser unit of the removable laser sighting device by contacting at least a portion of a switch unit of the removable laser sighting device to the shaft; and
observing whether a projection of a beam of light emitted by the laser unit is aligned with the target.
25. The method of claim 24 , wherein the golf ball addressing drill further comprises:
wherein aligning further comprises placing the ball striking surface squarely against an end of an alignment strip; and
wherein the target being aligned with an end of the alignment strip.
26. The method of claim 24 , wherein the golf ball addressing drill further comprises:
repeating, at a variable distance, one of once and a plurality of times, aligning, activating, and observing.
27. The method of claim 25 , wherein the golf ball addressing drill further comprises:
repeating, at a variable distance, one of once and a plurality of times, aligning, activating, and observing.
28. The method of claim 22 , wherein performing comprises the stroke trajectory drill comprising:
aligning a ball string surface of a club head of the golf club perpendicular to a specified point on a target at a distance away from the target;
activating a laser unit of the removable laser sighting device by contacting at least a portion of a switch unit of the removable laser sighting device to the shaft;
swinging the club; and
observing, during the swing, whether a projection of a beam of light emitted by the laser unit is aligned with the target.
29. The method of claim 28 , wherein the stroke trajectory drill further comprises:
prior to aligning, addressing a golf ball at the distance away from the target.
30. The method of claim 28 , wherein the stroke trajectory drill further comprises:
wherein aligning further comprises placing the ball striking surface squarely against an end of an alignment strip; and
wherein the target being aligned with an end of the alignment strip.
31. The method of claim 28 , wherein the stroke trajectory drill further comprises:
repeating, at a variable distance, one of once and a plurality of times, aligning, activating, swinging, and observing.
32. The method of claim 29 , wherein the stroke trajectory drill further comprises:
repeating, at a variable distance, one of once and a plurality of times, addressing, aligning, activating, swinging, and observing.
33. The method of claim 30 , wherein the stroke alignment drill further comprises:
repeating, at a variable distance, one of once and a plurality of times, aligning, activating, swinging, and observing.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/433,291 US20060258473A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2006-05-12 | Putting training system and methods of using the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US68044805P | 2005-05-12 | 2005-05-12 | |
US11/433,291 US20060258473A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2006-05-12 | Putting training system and methods of using the same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060258473A1 true US20060258473A1 (en) | 2006-11-16 |
Family
ID=37419865
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/433,291 Abandoned US20060258473A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 | 2006-05-12 | Putting training system and methods of using the same |
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US (1) | US20060258473A1 (en) |
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US20160158640A1 (en) * | 2014-10-09 | 2016-06-09 | Golfstream Inc. | Sport and Game Simulation Systems with User-Specific Guidance and Training Using Dynamic Playing Surface |
US9849385B2 (en) | 2015-03-23 | 2017-12-26 | Golfstream Inc. | Systems and methods for programmatically generating anamorphic images for presentation and 3D viewing in a physical gaming and entertainment suite |
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Legal Events
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Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |