GB2442325A - Ball game visual aid having crosshair markings - Google Patents
Ball game visual aid having crosshair markings Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2442325A GB2442325A GB0718675A GB0718675A GB2442325A GB 2442325 A GB2442325 A GB 2442325A GB 0718675 A GB0718675 A GB 0718675A GB 0718675 A GB0718675 A GB 0718675A GB 2442325 A GB2442325 A GB 2442325A
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- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- ball
- markings
- visual aid
- golf ball
- aid according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 55
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 230000004438 eyesight Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004040 coloring Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002860 competitive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000004209 hair Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 235000000396 iron Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000005043 peripheral vision Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004364 calculation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000700 radioactive tracer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004088 simulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
- A63B37/12—Special coverings, i.e. outer layer material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
- A63B43/008—Balls with special arrangements with means for improving visibility, e.g. special markings or colours
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B43/00—Balls with special arrangements
- A63B43/06—Balls with special arrangements with illuminating devices ; with reflective surfaces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B45/00—Apparatus or methods for manufacturing balls
- A63B45/02—Marking of balls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B57/00—Golfing accessories
- A63B57/10—Golf tees
-
- 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
- A63B69/3617—Striking surfaces with impact indicating means, e.g. markers
-
- 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
- A63B69/3623—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for driving
- A63B69/3655—Balls, ball substitutes, or attachments on balls therefor
-
- 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
- A63B69/3688—Balls, ball substitutes, or attachments on balls therefor
-
- 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
- A63B71/02—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00 for large-room or outdoor sporting games
- A63B71/023—Supports, e.g. poles
- A63B2071/024—Supports, e.g. poles with screws or pins in the earth
-
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B57/00—Golfing accessories
- A63B57/30—Markers
- A63B57/357—Markers for golf cups or holes, e.g. flags
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B57/00—Golfing accessories
- A63B57/40—Golf cups or holes
-
- 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
- A63B69/3623—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for driving
- A63B69/3629—Visual means not attached to the body for aligning, positioning the trainee's head or for detecting head movement, e.g. by parallax
-
- 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
- A63B69/3661—Mats for golf practice, e.g. mats having a simulated turf, a practice tee or a green area
-
- 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
- A63B69/3682—Visual means not attached to the body for aligning, positioning the trainee's head or for detecting head movement, e.g. by parallax
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Golf Clubs (AREA)
- Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
Abstract
Ball game visual aid 30 includes crosshair markings 40,42 to assist the player in aligning the ball. In one embodiment, the markings are provided on the ball 32, and may be applied to the exterior surface of the ball, or projected onto the ball surface from the interior or exterior of the ball. The ball 32 may be a golf ball, and the markings are arranged such that a parallax effect is exhibited between the markings and the periphery of the ball (see fig's 2A-2E). The markings may include a shape 36 such that correct positioning of the eyes above the ball causes the periphery of the shape to be equidistant from the periphery of the ball. The shape 36 may be a circle or other geometrical shape (not shown) formed as a block of contrasting colour to that of the ball, and may have linear openings 38 forming the crosshair. In another embodiment, markings 56,60,62 are provided on a disc 54 upon which the ball 52, e.g. a golf ball, is positioned, with the markings and the ball allowing a parallax effect to assist in aligning the eyes of the golfer above the ball. The disc may have a central aperture for receiving a golf tee (see fig. 4). The visual aid may be used for other ball games, such as snooker, croquet or soccer.
Description
"A Visual Aid" This invention relates to a visual aid for use in ball
games and more particularly, but not exclusively to a visual aid for use in the game of golf.
It is known that a person's vision can be changed from a general view of an object to a concentrated or targeted form of vision. It is found that the expert players in any ball game are able without visual assistance to adopt this concentrated or targeted visual mode arid exclude or minimise their peripheral vision.
The object of this invention is to provide a visual aid which facilitates the adoption of such a targeted or concentrated visual mode by a player.
According to the invention, a visual aid for use in a ball game comprises an article provided with markings adapted to facilitate the adoption by a player of a targeted mode of vision, wherein the markings include a S...
cross-hair feature. S...
::.: Preferably, the cross-hair feature is arranged to facilitate the alignment of the direction in which the ball * S. ::::; in a ball game is to be propelled by the player.
Preferably, also, the article comprises a sphere which is provided with the markings.
The markings are, preferably, adapted to enable a player of the ball game to consistently position his eyes in a repeatable fixed position relative to the sphere.
Preferably, the markings on the sphere are used in combination with the periphery of the sphere to position the players eyes relative to the sphere.
Preferably, also, the markings are applied to the surface of the sphere.
Alternatively, the markings may be projected onto the surface of the sphere from the exterior or interior of the sphere.
Preferably, the sphere is a golf ball.
Preferably, also, the markings on the golf ball enable a golfer to adopt a stance with his eyes directly above the centre of the golf ball.
The markings on the golf ball are, preferably, capable of being aligned so that the markings are equi-distant from the periphery of the golf ball when viewed from directly above thereby giving a uniform eclipse effect.
Preferably, the markings include a shape adapted to be positioned so that the distance between the periphery of *.s.
the shape and the periphery of the golf ball can be * S ***.
positioned by adjusthent of the golfers eyes over the ball * S. to be equi-dista to give the eclipse effect when the golfers eyes are correctly positioned.
Preferably, also, the shape is a circle of smaller diameter than the golf ball.
Alternatively the shape may be a geometrical shape other than a circle.
Preferably, the shape is formed of a block of a contrasting colour to the colour of the golf ball.
Preferably, also, the shape is provided with linear openings to provide the cross-hair feature.
Alternatively, the visual aid article may be a disc which is provided with the markings on which a golf ball is centrally positioned.
Preferably, the markings on the disc are adapted to enable a player to consistently position his eyes in a repeatable fixed position relative to the golf ball.
Preferably, also, the markings on the disc are used in combination with the periphery of the golf ball to position the players eyes relative to the golf ball.
When the visual aid is to be used in executing a putting stroke, the markings on the disc, preferably, enable a golfer to adopt a stance with his eyes directly above the centre of the golf ball. S... * .
Preferably, the markings on the disc are capable of S...
:..: being aligned so that the markings are equi-distant from *...
the periphery of the golf ball when viewed from directly * *.
::::; above thereby giving a uniform eclipse effect.
Preferably, also, the markings on the disc include a shape adapted to be positioned so that the distance between the periphery of the shape and the periphery of the golf ball can be positioned by adjusthtent of the golfers eyes over the ball to be equi-thsan to give the eclipse effect when the golfers eyes are correctly positioned.
The shape on the disc is, preferably, a circle of equal or greater diameter than the golf ball.
Alternatively, the shape on the disc may be a geometrical shape other than a circle.
Preferably, the shape on the disc is formed of a block of a contrasting colour to the colour of the golf ball.
Preferably, also, the shape on the disc is provided with linear openings to provide the cross-hair feature.
The disc is, preferably, provided with a central hole adapted to receive a golf ball tee to secure the disc in desired position and on which the golf ball is placed.
Preferably, also, a plurality of equi-angularly spaced-apart sets of cross-hair features are provided.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be *.
described, by way of example only, with reference to the S..
accompanying drawings of which:-I...
.. : Figtize 1. is a diagrammatic plan view of a visual aid S... * S 5..
in the form of a golf ball; * ..
Figure 2 is a diagraimntjc plan view of a modified visual aid in the form of a golf ball; Figures 2A to El are plan views showing different orientations of the golf balls of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 3 is a diagraxmnptj plait view of an alternative visual aid in the form of a disc for use in combination with a golf ball; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side view of the disc with the golf hal]. disposed on a golf tee combined therewith and; Figure 4A is a plan view and Figures 4B to 4D are side views of alternative shapes of the disc shown in Figures 3 and 4.
Referring now to Figure 2. of the drawings, a visual aid in the form of a golf ball provided with markings is indicated generally at 10 and comprises a conventional ball 12 which is positioned so as to be struck by a putter head 14. The golf ball 12 is provided with a circular marking 16 of smaller diameter than the golf ball 12. The circular marking 16 is placed in position with the centre of the circular marking 16 vertically aligned with the centre of the ball 12 before the golfer addresses the ball 12. The ball 12 is also provided with a set of cross-hairs 18 whose centre is again aligned when positioning the ball 12 with * ** the centre of the ball 12 and consequently with the Centre of the Circular marking 16. One line 20 of the cross-hairs 18 is discontinuous In operation the visual aid is used to assist in the execution of a putting stroke or a full golf swing both in practice and in a competitive round of golf. It will be appreciated that the visual aid can only be used to assist in the execution of a full golf swing in a competitive round of golf when the aid in the form of the golf ball 12 can be adjusted in position, ie. when teeing-off or when prepared lies are allowed on the fairway. When a putting stroke is to be executed the ball 12 is placed in position with the discontinuous line 20 directed towards the golf hole (not shown). The centre of the circular marking 16 is vertically aligned with the centre of the ball 12 as described above and the golfer adopts his stance so that the edges of the circular marking 16 are equi-distant from the periphery of the golf ball 12 thereby giving an eclipse effect once the golfers eyes are vertically above the centre of the ball 12. The putter head 14 is then aligned to be parallel with the line of the cross-hairs 18 :. extending perpendicular to the line 20 thereby ensuring :..::: that the line of the ball 12 when the putting stroke is *.S.
carried out follows the line 20. When the ball 12 is ::::. correctly struck the ball 12 rolls along the line denoted S...
by the line 20 of the cross-hairs 18 and gives the golfer a *:*. visional processional effect when watching the putt.
It is found that the use of marking in the form of the cross-hairs 18 changes the golfers type of vision from a general to a targeted form of vision reducing the distracting effect of the golfer's peripheral Vision. In addition, the marking can be used to determine the golfer' s dominant eye and also to obtain an indication of the strength of the dominant eye relevant to the non-dominant eye by noting the change in position of the circular marking 16 during the conventional test for determining the dominant eye ie. the Closure of each eye in turn.
When the direction of the golf shot is being aligned by standing behind the ball 12, the golfer will see the cross-hairs as a T-shape which facilitates the alignment of the golf shot.
In a modification, a plurality of sets of cross-hairs 18 are provided each being equi-angularly disposed about the same centre and the same centre of the circular marking 16 for use in aligning a putt on an inclined surface. In this case of a breaking putt, the ball 12 is positioned as previously descrii,ed for a putt on a flat surface with the line 20 of the cross hairs pointing to the hole and the *****. golfer then stands behind the ball and using the putter of as a plumb bob determines by a simple trigonometrical *::::* calculation the expected break and then using the appropriate one of the sets of cross-hairs aligns the putter head at right angles to the desired line 20 on which the ball is to be struck.
When a full golf swing is to be executed, with woods or irons, the golf ball 12 is angled towards the golfer so that at address positjon the centre of the circular marking 16 is disposed on a line connecting the centre of the golf ball 12 and the golfers eye line so that the circular marking 16 as viewed by the golfer is in the centre of the peripheral edge of the golf ball 12. The flight path of the golf shot to be executed with a full swing of the golf club can be adjusted by rotating the golf ball 12 slightly forwards or backwards to vary the flight path the of the required golf shot and/or rotating the golf ball 12 slightly sideways to produce a draw or a fade. In addition, it is found that these alignments to the position of the golf ball 12 also affects the movement patterns of the golfer.
Referring now to Figure 2 and Figures 2A to 2F of the drawings, a modified visual aid in the form of a golf ball provided with markings is indicated generally at 30 and comprises a golf ball 32 which is positioned so as to be struck by a putter head 34. The golf ball 32 is provided *::::* with a substantially circular marking 36 of smaller diameter than the golf ball 32. When the ball 32 is placed in position, the centre of the circular marking 36 is vertically aligned with the centre of the ball 32. The marking 36 is formed with linear openings 38 which form mutually perpendicular cross-hajrs 40 and 42 whose centre is again aligned when Positioning the ball 32 with the centre of the ball 32 and consequently with the centre of the circular marking 36. The marking 36 is formed in a contrasting colour to that of the golf ball 32, such as black on a white golf ball. It is found that this particular colouring combination which is the reverse of the usual colouring, that is to say where the cross hairs are white and the majority of the ball is black, is extremely effective in changing the golfer's vision into the targeted form. The marking 36 can be applied utilising a heat activated liquid which only becomes visible when activated by holding the golf ball 32 in a golfers hand to heat the golf ball 32 and when the golf ball 32 cools the marking 36 becomes invisible. This is particularly useful when the golf ball 32 has to be located in the rough as the golf ball 32 reverts to its original white colour.
In operation, when a putt is to be executed the ball 32 is placed in position with the cross-hair 40 directed towards the golf hole (not shown). The centre of the :. circular marking 36 is vertically aligned with the centre of the ball 32 as described above and the golfer adopts his stance so that the edges of the circular marking 36 are equi-distan from the periphery of the golf ball 32 thereby giving a uniform eclipse effect once the golfers eyes are *:*. vertically above the centre of the ball. 32. The putter head 34 is then aligned to be parallel with the cross-hair 42 extending perpendicular to the line 40 thereby ensuring that the line of the ball 32 when the putting stroke is carried out follows the cross-hair 40. When the ball 32 is correctly struck the ball 32 rolls along the line of the cross-hairs 40 and gives the golfer a visual processional effect like a tracer line of the cross-hair 40 when watching the putt. The marking 36 also enables the determination of and the strength of the golfer's dominant eye to be ascertained and also for the execution and shaping of the golf shot when a full swing is utiliseci as herejnbefore described.
Here again as described above a plurality of sets of cross-hairs are provided each being equi-angularly disposed about the same centre and the same centre of the circular marking 36 for use in aligning a breaking putt.
In another modification, instead of the markings being applied directly to the surface of the golf balls 12 and 32, they can be applied to a marking member such as a film of material which is attachable to the surface of the golf :, balls 12 and 32 and left in position during the execution of the golf stroke.
In a further modification, the marking member can be substantially hemi-spherical and be a snap-fit on the golf balls 12 and 32. The marking member may also be provided with a protract type of fin or fins having angular markings lines to facilitate accurately positioning the markings on the golf ball in an "X" and/or "Y" axis and also the golfer's eyes in said axes. The marking member can also be formed as a template having openings therein corresponding to the markings 16 and 36 to enable the markings to be applied to the surfaces of the golf bails 12 and 32 therethrough.
In yet a further modification, the shape of the circular markings 16 and 36 can be replaced by any other suitable geometrical shape such as an oval, star shape, square, hexagon or the like which again are of a contrasting colour to the colour of the golf balls 12 and 32.
In yet another modification, the markings 16 and 36 can be projected onto the external surfaces of the golf balls 12 and 32 from a remote location. Where the golf balls 12 and 32 are hollow and formed of a transparent Or translucent material, the markings 16 and 36 can be projected onto the internal surfaces of the golf balls 12 and 32. Alternatively, the markings or the edges thereof can be projected from within the golf balls 12 and 32 * * * .** upwardly as diverging beams of light to facilitate the *5*I Positioning of the golfer's eyes and particularly the height thereof above the golf balls or simulations thereof. u.s.
Where the hollow golf balls 12 and 32 are formed wholly or *:. partially of a transparent material, a miniature camera can be mounted therein Providing a view of the position of the golfer's eyes and/or upper torso at address position and through the golfer's backswing and attack downswing into contact with the ball. This is Particularly useful in the training and coaching of a golfer. In addition, the golf balls and the markings thereof can be projected in the form of a holographic image. The golfer's eye position can be determined by providing a numeric scale such as an "X" and/or "Y" axis or axes or an indication which becomes S visible to the eyes of the golfer at address position to provide improved accuracy of eye positioning. The scale can also be enhanced by or replaced by colour or image changes in the holographic image.
Referring now to Figures 3 arid 4 of the drawings and to Figures 4A to 4D, an alternative visual aid indicated generally at 50 for use in combination with a golf ball 52 consists of a disc 54 provided with markings on its upper surface. The disc 54 can be formed of plastics material or any other suitable material. The markings comprise a central circular marking 56 of a block of contrasting colour to the colour of the golf ball 52. The circular *****. marking 56 is of the same diameter as the golf ball 52 or can be of a greater diameter so as to extend beyond the periphery of the golf ball 52 when it is disposed at the centr of the disc 54. The marking 56 is formed with linear openings 58 which form part of mutually perpendicular cross-hairs 60 and 62. An additional marking line 64 is provided which is a tangent to the circular marking 56 and extends parallel to the cross-hair 62. The disc 54 has a central hole 66 through which a golf ball tee 68 can be inserted to secure the disc 54 to the ground arid on which the golf ball 52 is positioned. The disc 54 can be of any diameter which is greater than the diameter of a golf ball but it is useful if it is the same diameter as a golf hole. The disc 54 can be a compact disc or a digital versatile disc carrying instructional information.
In operation, the disc 54 with the golf hal]. tee 68 and the golf ball 52 mounted thereon is placed on the teeing ground of a golf course and the cross-hair 60 is aligned with the direction in which the golf ball 52 is to be propelled with a full golf swing of a golf club (not shown). The face of the club head of the golf club is aligned with the marking line 64 to strike the golf ball 52 at impact in the required direction along the line of the cross-hair 60. As previously described, the presence of the cross-hairs 60 and 62 in combination with the marking 56 in a contrasting colour to that of the golf ball 52 is effective in producing a targeted form of vision.
The disc 54 without the golf ball tee 68 can also be used to practice a putting stroke and the circular marking 56 is used in combination with the periphery of the golf ball 52 to provide a uniform eclipse effect as herein.before described when the golfer's eyes are positioned directly above the centre of the golf ball 52. The disc 54 without the golf ball tee 68 can also be used to practice a full golf swing in addition to a putting stroke where the disc 54 being of the same diameter as a golf hole can be used to form a target golf hole when practising putting.
It will be appreciated that the above described visual aids can be mounted on a golf club head or other structure within the vision of the golfer at address position. The visual aids can also incorporate a levelling device to enable a golfer to determine the position of the marking in relation to a horizontal and/or vertical axis.
In a further addition to the above described visual aids enabling a golfer to position his eyes in a repeatable fixed position relative to the golf balls 12 and 32, the golf balls 12 and 32 or the disc 50 can be placed on a mat having a series of markings to enable the golfer to determj.ne the position of his feet at the address position relative to the golf balls 12 and 32 or the golf ball used in Combination with the disc 50 thereby enabling the golfer *::::* to be able to repeat this foot position.
Although the above described visual aids are *::::* particularly suitable for use in a putting stroke in the **::* 20 game of golf, they can also be used in a full golf swing with other golf clubs, namely, with irons or woods.
The markings can be used as a focus for the golfer's vision and in so doing effect more accurate striking of the ball. The markings are used to effect repeatable control of hand-to-eye co-ordination or Motor Control Skills which determine the orientation and force of the club in the stroke. The markings are, also, used to effect psychological intervention when learning, training of the rehabilitation of Motor Control problems such as the yipps.
The markings on the three dimensional ball in conjunction with the two dimensional disc are used to effect parallax as a means of governing directional target alignment when viewed from behind the ball as well as eye position above the ball at the point of execution. Any combination of the markings on the ball or disc can be used to provided a fixed reference for measuring the optimum length and orientation of any type of golf club or other equipment for use in the proposed task.
It will be appreciated the visual aids can be used in other ball games, such as snooker, croquet, association foothall or the like without departing from the scope of :. this invention. * **S. * S *S*. **S. * Si ** S **a* S * a... * S. S.. * * S. a. * * S.
S
Claims (28)
- Claims: - 1. A visual aid for use in a ball game comprising an articleprovided with markings adapted to facilitate the adoption by a player of a targeted mode of vision, wherein the markings include a cross-hair feature.
- 2. A visual aid according to claim 1, wherein the cross-hair feature is arranged to facilitate the alignment of the direction in which the ball in a ball game is to be propelled by the player.
- 3. A visual aid according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the article comprises a sphere which is provided with the markings.
- 4. A visual aid according to claim 3, wherein the markings are adapted to enable a player of the ball game to consistently position his eyes in a repeatable fixed :. position relative to the sphere. * S.. **I.0s
- 5. A visual aid according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the markings on the sphere are used in combination with the *. . *.periphery of the sphere to position the players eyes relative to the sphere.
- 6. A viSual aid according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the markings are applied to the surface of the sphere.
- 7. A visual aid according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the markings are projected onto the surface of the sphere from the exterior or interior of the sphere.
- 8. A visual aid according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the sphere is a golf ball.
- 9. A visual aid in the form of the golf ball according to claim 8 which is to be used in executing a putting stroke or a stroke with a full swing, wherein the markings on the golf ball enable a golfer to adopt a repeatable stance with his eyes directly above the centre of the golf ball when executing a putting stroke or a repeatable position when executing a stroke with a full swing.
- 10. A visual aid according to claim 5 and claim 9, wherein the markings on the golf ball are capable of being aligned so that the markings are equi-distant from the periphery of the golf ball when viewed from directly above thereby giving a uniform eclipse effect.
- 11. A visual aid golf ball according to claim 10, wherein the markings include a shape adapted to be positioned so that the distance between the periphery of the shape and the periphery of the golf ball can be positioned by *.S.adjustment of the golfers eyes over the ball to be equi-distant to give the eclipse effect when the golfers eyes are correctly positioned.
- 12. A visual aid according to claim 11, wherein the shape is a circle of smaller diameter than the golf ball.
- 13. A visual aid according to claim 11, wherein the shape is a geometrica' shape other than a circle.
- 14. A visual aid according any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the shape is formed of a block of a contrasting colour to the colour of the golf ball.
- 15. A visual aid according to claim 14, wherein the shape is provided with linear openings to provide the cross-hair feature.
- 16. A visual aid according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the article is a disc which is provided with the markings on which a golf ball is centrally positioned.
- 17. A visual aid according to claim 16, wherein the markings are adapted to enable a player to consistently position his eyes in a repeatable fixed position relative to the golf ball.
- 18. A visual aid according to claim 17, wherein the markings on the disc are used in combination with the periphery of the golf ball to position the players eyes *1Ss relative to the golf ball.
- 19. A visual aid according to claim 18 which is to be used *::::* in executing a putting stroke, wherein the markings on the disc enable a golfer to adopt a stance with his eyes directly above the centre of the golf ball.
- 20. A visual aid according to claim 19, wherein the markings on the disc are capable of being aligned so that the markings are equi- distan from the periphery of the golf ball when viewed from directly above thereby giving a uniform eclipse effect.
- 21. A visual aid according to claim 20, wherein the markings include a shape adapted to be positioned so that the distance between the periphery of the shape and the periphery of the golf ball can be positioned by adjustment of the golfers eyes over the ball to be equi-distant to give the eclipse effect when the golfers eyes are correctly' positioned.
- 22. A visual aid according to claim 21, wherein the shape is a circle of equal or greater diameter than the golf ball.
- 23. A visual aid according to claim 21, wherein the shape is a geometrical shape other than a circle.
- 24. A visual aid according any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the shape is formed of a block of a contrasting colour to the colour of the golf ball.
- 25. A visual aid according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the shape is provided with linear openings to provide the cross-hair feature.*::::*
- 26. A visual aid according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the disc is provided with a central hole adapted to receive a golf ball tee to secure the disc in desired position and on which the golf ball is placed.
- 27. A visual aid according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of equi-angular spaced-apart sets of cross-hair features are provided.
- 28. A visual aid constructed, arranged and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated by, the accompanying drawings. * * * **** * * S... *SS. * *. S *S.. * * S. S. * * ..I * *
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0618762.9A GB0618762D0 (en) | 2006-09-25 | 2006-09-25 | A visual aid |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB0718675D0 GB0718675D0 (en) | 2007-10-31 |
GB2442325A true GB2442325A (en) | 2008-04-02 |
Family
ID=37421502
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0618762.9A Ceased GB0618762D0 (en) | 2006-09-25 | 2006-09-25 | A visual aid |
GB0718675A Withdrawn GB2442325A (en) | 2006-09-25 | 2007-09-25 | Ball game visual aid having crosshair markings |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0618762.9A Ceased GB0618762D0 (en) | 2006-09-25 | 2006-09-25 | A visual aid |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100130299A1 (en) |
GB (2) | GB0618762D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008037987A2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2011167516A (en) * | 2011-01-27 | 2011-09-01 | Minoru Tomita | Golf ball |
USD892951S1 (en) | 2019-02-19 | 2020-08-11 | V-Flex Technologies, Inc. | Sports ball |
USD892952S1 (en) | 2019-02-19 | 2020-08-11 | V-Flex Technologies, Inc. | Sports ball |
USD892953S1 (en) | 2019-02-19 | 2020-08-11 | V-Flex Technologies, Inc. | Sports ball |
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US8409027B1 (en) * | 2010-07-17 | 2013-04-02 | Carl R. Gagnon | Method for a player to play golf and system therefor |
US9205314B1 (en) * | 2010-07-17 | 2015-12-08 | Carl Robert Gagnon | System for a player to play golf |
US9056236B2 (en) * | 2011-10-25 | 2015-06-16 | David J Helms | Device and method for marking spheres with alignment indicia and the sphere so marked |
WO2013096796A1 (en) * | 2011-12-23 | 2013-06-27 | Sang Kim | Golf training apparatus and method |
US20130210538A1 (en) * | 2012-02-12 | 2013-08-15 | Sang Kim | Golf training apparatus and method |
US8545342B2 (en) | 2012-12-21 | 2013-10-01 | Ssam Sports, Inc. | Golf training apparatus and method |
US9108087B2 (en) * | 2013-08-08 | 2015-08-18 | William V. Hornung | Remote controlled golf ball marker putting-alignment device |
JP6543229B2 (en) * | 2016-08-18 | 2019-07-10 | 展明 岩田 | Golf ball |
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USD892951S1 (en) | 2019-02-19 | 2020-08-11 | V-Flex Technologies, Inc. | Sports ball |
USD892952S1 (en) | 2019-02-19 | 2020-08-11 | V-Flex Technologies, Inc. | Sports ball |
USD892953S1 (en) | 2019-02-19 | 2020-08-11 | V-Flex Technologies, Inc. | Sports ball |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0718675D0 (en) | 2007-10-31 |
WO2008037987A2 (en) | 2008-04-03 |
GB0618762D0 (en) | 2006-11-01 |
US20100130299A1 (en) | 2010-05-27 |
WO2008037987A3 (en) | 2008-05-08 |
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Legal Events
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WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |