Patent Application
20050239567
The present invention is directed to a golf alignment system that generates a visible, audible and/or tactile response indicating when a golfer is properly aligned with respect to an intended target line or to a golf ball. One embodiment includes a first shoe having at least one transmitter disposed on an instep portion thereof. A second shoe has at least one receiver disposed on an instep portion thereof. The receiver is activated by a signal from the transmitter when the first shoe is in a predetermined position relative to the second shoe. Activation of the receiver causes actuation of an indicator, such as a light emitting device which projects a visible reference line on the ground. The present invention is also directed to a method of aligning a golf ball.
The game of golf includes many “basics” that can make the game difficult if not grasped by the player. For example, proper grip, posture, stance, alignment and ball position may all affect a player's performance. There are many schools of thought with regard to ball position for a golfer. For example, golf students are sometimes taught to play every shot from the center of their stance, regardless of the club being used. Other instructors may teach the students to play every shot approximately 1 to 2 inches off their left heel (for right handed golfers). Other instructors may advise their students to move the ball placement from the center of the stance towards the left heel as club length increases. Unless the student is standing in front of a mirror or working directly with the instructor, it is often difficult for a student to determine whether the ball is properly positioned and aligned relative to his or her feet.
Various training devices, systems and methods have been developed for the game of golf in an effort to improve one's skill level. Some systems focus on proper ball position in relation to a player's stance. Some such systems include a mat with a first set of markings and/or lines thereon for aligning a player's feet, which correspond with a second set of markings for aligning a golf ball. Other devices provide a T-shaped or cross-shaped device having a first elongated measuring stick having markings for aligning a player's foot, and a second elongated stick perpendicular to the measuring stick for aligning the ball. Other devices include an elongated aiming rod that is secured to the shoe of the player. Such mats, measuring stick devices and aiming rods are relatively bulky and often difficult to set up and transport. In addition, many are impractical for use on a golf course. Furthermore, the markings or lines typically cannot be adjusted to account for different golfing styles.
Other systems provide a series of stripes disposed on a pair of golf shoes. The golfer may bring his or her feet close together so that the stripes on the left shoe are aligned with the stripes on the right shoe. Such systems are not as bulky as mats or elongated sticks. However, the reference lines provided on such shoes only provide an alignment line that is as long as the width of the golfer's shoes. Thus, such alignment markings do not provide an overly accurate or helpful reference line for aligning the golfer with the target. In addition, the lines on the shoes are not adjustable, and therefore may only be helpful for use with some clubs.
Relatively complex training systems have also been developed which monitor a player's movement when swinging a club. For example, some systems include a platform housing a tee manipulation mechanism which includes a plurality of transmitters for transmitting infrared beams along predetermined paths defining a three-dimensional space within the platform. The beams are positioned so that improper club or body position may be sensed by the system. The information may trigger a status light board, or it may be processed by a microprocessor for detailed analysis of the golfer's swing. Some such systems also include a video camera for additional analysis of the golfer's form. Other systems include a laser source coupled to an optics system remote from a player. A line of light is produced which is then aligned with the target path. The player is intermediate the system and target, and aligns the ball and club using the line of light. While such systems may provide feedback for a golfer, they are complicated and expensive. In addition, such systems are not for use on a course.
Other systems include a laser device that is used in conjunction with a mat. The mat includes a series of lines. The laser device is removably affixed to the player's clothes. The device projects a laser beam outwardly from the golfer, which is aligned with the lines on the mat. As noted above, systems requiring a mat are bulky and impractical for use on a course.
Other systems provide a laser device that is removably affixed to the player's clothes, and emits a laser beam toward the target. However, such devices are often inaccurate because they fail to provide a consistent reference line for the golfer. The orientation of the reference will change if the device is affixed to different positions on the golfer's clothes. Even if the device is affixed in the same position on the golfer's clothes each time, clothing such as pants and shirts typically move and flex as the golfer moves, or due to windy conditions. As such, the reference line emitted from the laser device moves as the golfer moves. Furthermore, such devices typically fail to provide for adjustment depending on the club being used, the desired ball position, and the specific playing style unique to a particular golfer.
Other training systems include a hand-held laser device that projects an I-shaped pattern on the ground in front on a player, having first and second parallel lines connected by an intermediate line perpendicular thereto. The player aligns his or her feet with an inner line. The ball is aligned with an outer line. While such laser devices are relatively portable, they do not provide an overly accurate system for ball and foot alignment given the projected pattern varies depending on how the golfer is holding the device. For example, the golfer must accurately align the pattern on the ground by holding the device the proper distance from his or her body. In addition, the device must be held at a proper angle. Typically, a golfer tires as the game progresses. In addition to focusing on the basics of the game, the golfer must now also focus on proper use of the handheld laser device. Any variation in position and angle of the device relative to the golfer and the ball may adversely affect proper alignment and ball position. Thus, such systems have not proven reliable or helpful for most golfers.
Other systems provide a laser device that may be attached to the player so that the laser beam is directed to a point on the ground in front of the golfer's feet. For example, the device may be clipped to the hat of the golfer. The beam is pointed at the ball or a reference point on the ground. Such devices attempt to aid the golfer in keeping his or her head down throughout the swing by providing the golfer a reference point on which to focus during the swing. However, such systems typically fail to provide a reference line for aligning the target. In addition, any movement of the golfer's head will change the position of the reference point. The golfer creates the reference point by simply positioning his or her head or moving the laser device. However, no guidance is provided as to whether the correct reference point is being created. In addition, such devices do not aid a golfer in aligning with the target, achieving proper ball position, or maintaining proper stance.
Various systems include a laser device that is mounted over the club head or integral with the club head. The device projects a laser beam perpendicular to the striking face. The beam is aligned with the target. However, the beam will move as the club head moves. Thus, such devices are typically provided on a putter, since putting usually involves only a limited range of club motion compared to other clubs. Even for use on a putter, such devices are not overly accurate since the club head will move. In addition, if the golfer is not properly gripping the club, the reference line created by the beam will not be accurate. For example, if the club face is “open”, the beam will not be correctly aligned with the target.
Therefore, there is a need for a golf alignment device and system that solves some or all of the above-noted problems.
The disclosed invention aids a golfer in achieving and maintaining proper alignment with respect to a target line and/or a reference line. The disclosed invention generates a visible, audible and/or tactile response indicating when a golfer is properly aligned with respect to the intended target line and/or the golf ball.
One of the more difficult aspects of golf for many golfers is mastering ball position with respect to the golfer's stance. For example, ball position for each of the most commonly-used woods (i.e. the driver, the 3-wood, and the 5-wood) varies according to most schools of thought. As the length of the shaft of the wood increases, the preferred ball position typically moves toward the lead foot of the golfer. However, it is often difficult for a golfer to know whether or not he or she is properly aligned with the ball during set-up. An embodiment of the present invention aids the golfer achieving proper ball position by projecting a light beam toward the tee or the ball at a predetermined angle relative to the golfer's lead foot.
A golf alignment system according to another embodiment of the present invention includes first and second shoes forming a pair. The first shoe has at least one transmitter disposed on an instep portion thereof. The transmitter transmits a signal. The second shoe has at least one receiver disposed on an instep portion thereof. The receiver is activated by the signal when the first shoe is in a predetermined position relative to the second shoe. The system also includes a sensor in communication with the receiver, which senses activation of the receiver. The sensor generates a command signal if the receiver is activated. An indicator is in communication with the sensor. The indicator is actuated after receiving the command signal.
A golf alignment system according to another embodiment includes first and second shoes forming a pair. The first shoe has a light emitting device disposed on an instep portion thereof. The light emitting device projects a light beam in a straight line extending outwardly from the instep portion. The second shoe has at least one reference mark disposed on an instep thereof for aligning the light beam therewith. The first shoe is in a predetermined desired position relative to the second shoe when the light beam is aligned with the reference mark.
A golf alignment system according to another embodiment includes a pair of golf shoes having a first shoe and a second shoe. A light emitting device is pivotally attached to the first shoe. The light emitting device projects a light beam in a straight line extending outwardly in an adjustably selected first direction.
The present invention is also directed to a visible light generating means secured to a shoe. The visible light generating means projects visible indication information with respect to one of a target and a target line.
The present invention is also directed to a method of aligning a golf ball. A first shoe having a light emitting device pivotally attached thereto is provided. The light emitting device projects a light beam in a straight line. A second shoe having a light emitting device pivotally attached thereto is provided. The light emitting device projects a light beam in a straight line. The first shoe light emitting device is pivoted to a predetermined position so that the light beams from the first and second shoes intersect at an intersection point. A golf ball, or other target point, is aligned with the intersection point.
8A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an alignment device according to another embodiment;
A golf alignment system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is best shown in
Receiver 20 is in communication with a sensor, or includes an integral sensor component, which senses activation of receiver 20. The sensor generates a command signal upon activation of receiver 20. The sensor is in communication with an indicator device, and transmits the command signal to the indicator. The indicator device is actuated upon receipt of the command signal. Upon actuation, the indicator device provides an audible, visible and/or tactile indication that transmitter 16 is aligned with receiver 20 in the predetermined position. Additionally, receiver 20 and transmitter 16 may be adjusted so that the indicator device is actuated when receiver 20 and transmitter 16 are spaced by a predetermined distance (e.g. when a player's feet are spaced by a predetermined desired distance).
The indicator device is preferably a light emitting device 30 which projects a light beam LB (e.g. a laser beam) along the ground G in a straight line. Light emitting device 30 may be attached to one or both of first and second shoes 12, 14. As best shown in
In the first embodiment, light beams LB from light emitting devices 30 extend outwardly from first and second shoes 12, 14 in a direction substantially perpendicular to instep portions 18, 22, as best shown in
Alternatively, the indicator device may be a vibrating device 30a attached to one or both of first and second shoes 12, 14, as best shown in
A golf alignment system 40 according to a second embodiment is best shown in
Alignment of light emitting device(s) 46 with reference mark(s) 50 may indicate that a golfer is in a square set up position when addressing the ball B, as best shown in
Light emitting device 46 may be an integral part of first shoe 42. For example, a plurality of light emitting devices 46 may be secured within corresponding cavities 51 in the sole 52 of first shoe 42, as best shown in
Likewise, registration marks 50 may be integrally provided on a sole 58 of second shoe 44, as best shown in
A golf alignment system 60 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is best shown in
Receivers 70 are in communication with a sensor which senses activation of one of receivers 70. The sensor is able to distinguish which particular receiver 70 has been activated. The sensor generates a command signal upon activation of a receiver 70, which is specific to that particular receiver 70.
The sensor is in communication with an input device I having a microprocessor, such as a wrist or hand-held personal digital assistant, as best shown in
Input device I preferably includes a display D for displaying the determined position. In one embodiment, input device I displays a recommended golf club corresponding to the determined position. Thus, activation of a particular receiver 70 corresponds to a setup position for a particular club. Input device I may include a user interface, such as a keyboard K, as best shown in
System 60 may also include an indicator device that is in communication the sensor. As described above, the sensor transmits a command signal to the indicator upon activation of a particular receiver 70. The indicator device is actuated upon receipt of the command signal. Upon actuation, the indicator device provides an audible, visible and/or tactile response.
A user may disable activation of one or more of receivers 70 using the associated user interface to ensure that the indicator device is not actuated unless the golfer's feet are properly positioned and aligned. For example, the user may select “PUTT”, which disables activation of all receivers 70 except for central receiver 70a. Thus, the indicator device will only be actuated if transmitter 66 is aligned with central receiver 70a. In this way, first and second shoes 62, 64 must be properly aligned in a ‘putting stance’ in order for the indictor device to actuate. Preferably, indicator device is a light emitting device 30 as described above, though other visible, audible and/or tactile indicator devices may also be used.
Many golfers do not set up “exactly square” when striking the ball. As is commonly understood, golfers come in many shapes, sizes and abilities. People often adapt the “traditional” swing and setup due to differences in body shape, age, flexibility, ability, physical limitations, etc. System 60 accounts for such variations by allowing the user to define when a particular receiver 70 will be activated by linking activation of that particular receiver with a particular position. The particular position, in turn, may be defined by a particular club. Thus, activation of the particular receiver 70 indicates that shoes 62, 64 are properly aligned for the desired club. Because the user may ‘teach’ the system, system 60 may be tailored to a particular golfer's style, build, flexibility, etc.
A golf instructor could also use system 60 with a golf student to instruct the student the proper alignment or position of his or her feet and stance. The instructor could then associate activation of a particular receiver 70 with a particular club using input device I, thereby “teaching” system 60 the desired positions. The student could thereafter select a particular club or stance (for example “PUTTING”) on the display D using a conventional user interface. When the student's feet are properly aligned, the indicator (such as light emitting device 30) would be actuated. Thus, the student could practice proper stance without the supervision of the instructor. System 60 could also be integrated into the many software-based teaching packages utilized by golf instructors today.
A golf alignment device 80 according to a third embodiment is best shown in
As shoe in
Light emitting device 92 projects a light beam LB in a straight line extending outwardly from toe portion 90, as best shown in
Device 80 preferably includes an indicator dial 94 disposed on an upper surface 96 of housing 84, as best shown in
Indicator dial 94 may be directly connected to light emitting device 92, so that manual rotation of dial 94 causes light emitting device 92 to pivot. Alternatively, device 80 may include a motor operatively associated with light emitting device 92 and in communication with a sensor. The sensor is in communication with an input device I, such as shown in
Alternatively, device 80 could include a plurality of light emitting devices 92 disposed at various angles within housing 84, each device 92 being in communication with a sensor. The sensor would be in communication with an input device I. The particular light emitting device 92 activated would be selected by the user, thereby selecting the angle at which the light beam LB projects. Further, the user could selectively associate activation of each light emitting device 92 with an angle, and therefore a particular club, using an associated user interface as described above. In this way, a user could ‘teach’ device 80 the angle of projection of a light beam to associate with a selected club. Thus, device 80 could be customized by the user to suit his or her particular style. The golfer could practice at a facility after light emitting devices 92 had been associated with particular clubs without supervision of a professional instructor.
Many golfers play lower irons and woods closer toward their lead foot, middle irons in the center of their stance, and higher irons and wedges toward their other (non-lead) foot. Thus, as indicator dial 94 is rotated from lower irons (and woods) to middle irons, the angle relative to center line L increases. For higher irons and wedges, the golfer may align the ball with the light beam, but position his or her body so that the ball is closer to the non-lead foot.
Device 80 aids the golfer with proper ball positioning with respect to his or her lead foot. In addition, device 80 may be used for providing a reference line toward a desired target by pivoting light emitting device 92 so that the light beam extends outwardly toward the target and substantially perpendicular to center line L.
Center line L is not a visible reference line for a golfer. Therefore, it may be advantageous to provide a visible intersection point for aligning the ball B. In order to provide an intersection point, a golf alignment system 100 according to a fourth embodiment is provided, as best shown in
System 100 includes first and second shoes 102, 104. A light emitting device 80 is pivotally attached to each shoe 102, 104. Each device 80 is preferably attached proximate toe portions 103, 105 of shoes 102, 104, respectively. Each device 80 projects a light beam in a straight line extending outwardly therefrom. Each of devices 80 on shoes 102, 104 may be adjusted so that the light beam from device 80 on first shoe 102 may extend in a first direction, and the light beam from device 80 on second shoe 104 may extend in a second direction. Devices 80 on first and second shoes may be adjusted so that their associated light beams intersect. The light beams intersect at a point X in front of the golfer. For example, devices 80 may be adjusted so that the light beams intersect along the center line L, thereby indicating the center of the golfer's stance when the golfer is in a square set up position relative to a target line. The golfer may align his or her body in a desired position, such as a forward or a backward position relative to the ball, using the intersection point as a reference position. The golfer may then play the ball from the intersection point, at a position behind the intersection point (relative to the golfer's lead foot), or at a position in front of the intersection point (relative to the golfer's lead foot) depending on the type of shot and club selected.
The intersecting beams define an angle Z. Angle Z may correspond to a particular club selection best suited for that position, which is defined at the intersection point of the beams. For example, a 7-iron may be played in the center of the stance of a golfer (i.e. along center line L). Indicator dial 94 on shoe 102 is rotated to a marking M which indicates that the user has pivoted light emitting device 92 to a position for aligning the ball position when swinging a 7-iron. Indicator dial 94 on shoe 104 is also rotated to a marking M which corresponds to a position for aligning the ball position when swinging the 7-iron. Note that devices 80 on shoes 102, 104 would therefore be calibrated so that markings M on indicator dial 94 on shoe 102 (or 104) corresponded to the golfer's lead foot. Markings M on indicator dial 94 on shoe 104 (or 102) would correspond to the golfer's trailing foot. Thus, the calibration of device 80 would vary depending on whether it was for use with the lead foot or the trailing foot. As the beam is moved in the direction of the lead (or trailing) foot, indicator dial 94 is rotated to correspond to the desired club selection.
For example, the ball B is typically aligned with the left heel (of a right-handed golfer) when playing the driver, as best shown in
The disclosed inventions provide a golfer with a visible, audible and/or tactile indication of proper alignment with respect to an intended target line, ball position, stance or address position. The inventions have been described with reference to various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in construction or configuration of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
Furthermore, features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. For example, a shoe may include light emitting devices disposed on an instep portion thereof, as shown in
For example, any of the indicator devices used in the disclosed embodiments may be provided as a retrofit or clip-on type attachment for a golf shoe. Alternatively, the indicator device could be integrated into a golf shoe, or the indicator device could be integrated into a detachable sole that is removably attached to a shoe. The light emitting devices could be positioned proximate the toe portion of a shoe, as described for some embodiments, along the instep, or proximate a heel portion of a shoe. Furthermore, the present invention may include an indicator that is attachable to either a golf shoe or regular “street shoes.”
Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover all such modifications and variations, provided they come within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.
This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 60/564,218, filed Apr. 22, 2004, by Deane O. Elliot, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference and to which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1).
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60564218 | Apr 2004 | US |
