GOLF PUTTER ALIGNMENT GUIDE SYSTEM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to golf alignment tools for aiding in the proper alignment of a golfer towards a target.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a popular sport and pastime in which players use various clubs to strike a ball into a series of holes on a golf course in as few strokes as possible. Notable skills employed while golfing include developing a course management strategy and training the body to execute a repeatable movement when striking the golf ball. To be efficient when moving the ball towards the hole, it is imperative the golfer aligns the club and their body properly to deliver the club on a desired swing path. The value of this skill is perhaps most evident when putting, wherein the golfer aligns their body and club face in a manner which will roll the ball in an intended direction.

In golf, every player has a unique aim bias in the way they align themselves and the club in the direction of a target. Putters often include a line or other indices which aid the player in visualizing the direction the ball will travel. However, these indices are permanently applied to the putter and do not allow the player to tailor the alignment tool to their specific preferences, playing style, and ability level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a golf putter alignment device designed to assist golfers in achieving proper alignment toward their target. This device includes an interchangeable alignment plate that can be customized according to individual preferences, playing style, and skill level.

The alignment device consists of a plate positioned on the top of a putter head, coupled with a mount that is secured to the bottom of the putter head via fasteners. The plate features multiple alignment markings, which can include lines, colors, or shapes, serving as visual aids to enhance the golfer's aim.

Unlike existing putters with fixed indices, this alignment device allows for the selection of various alignment markings, enabling golfers to tailor their equipment to suit their unique aim biases and enhance their overall performance. This innovative approach addresses the need for personalization in golf equipment, allowing users to adapt their tools as they develop their skills.

In one aspect, the alignment markings can indicate a specific travel path for the golf ball, improving the golfer's ability to visualize and execute accurate shots. Additionally, the design permits the device to be mounted on various putter styles, including mallet, blade, and wing-style putters, making it versatile for different user preferences.

The process for mounting the alignment plate to the putter head involves selecting a preferred plate from a set of interchangeable options, positioning it on the top of the putter head, aligning the mount at the bottom, and securing it using fasteners that pass-through openings in the putter head. This ensures a stable and flush connection, maintaining the putter's performance characteristics.

Further illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. The detailed description and enumerated variations, while disclosing optional features, are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates an exploded view of the putter alignment device, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the putter alignment device, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the putter alignment device attached to a putter head, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the alignment plate having a first alignment marking, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the alignment plate having a second alignment marking, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of the alignment plate having a third alignment marking, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3D illustrates a perspective view of the alignment plate having a fourth alignment marking, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the putter head being used to align the putter face and ball trajectory towards a target, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments described herein are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation(s) or inference(s) are to be understood or imputed therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to particular devices and systems. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

In general, the embodiments provided herein relates to a golf putter alignment device designed to assist golfers in achieving precise alignment toward their target. The device comprises several key components, including a customizable alignment plate, a mount, and fasteners. This innovative system enhances the golfer's ability to visualize and maintain proper alignment during putting, ultimately leading to improved performance on the green.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrate the putter alignment system 10 which consists of a plate 100 that is positioned on the top 240 of the putter head 130. This plate 100 features various alignment markings 140—such as lines, colors, and shapes—that provide visual cues for golfers to align their putter 150 face and body accurately. The mount 110, situated on the bottom 160 of the putter head 130, allows for the plate 100 to be securely attached through openings 170a,170b that enable the fasteners 120a,120b to pass through and connect the plate 100 to the mount 110. This configuration ensures a stable and reliable connection that withstands the rigors of play.

To attach the alignment device, golfers will follow a straightforward process. First, they will select a plate 100 from the available set, each designed to fit within the cavity 180 of the putter head 130. Once the preferred plate 100 is chosen, it is positioned on the top 190 of the putter head 130. The mount 110 is then placed on the bottom 160 of the putter head 130, and the plate 100 is secured using the fasteners 120a,120b that pass through the openings 170a,170b in the putter head 130. This simple method allows golfers to easily install and remove the plate 100 as needed.

The mount 110 forms a flat planar surface with the bottom 160 of the putter, such as to not impede the putter head's travel above the putting surface. In such, the plate 100 can be used as a practice device and alignment aid as well as being used during play.

FIG. 2 illustrates the putter alignment system 10 in an assembled configuration where the plate 100 is attached to the top 190 of the putter head 130. When connected, the alignment markings 140 are oriented such that the centerline is perpendicular to the putter's face. This enables the user to utilize the alignment markings 140 to visualize the direction the ball will travel after being struck by the putter.

During putting, golfers can utilize the alignment device to improve their stance and aim. By choosing different alignment plates 100 tailored to their personal preferences, golfers can customize their alignment experience. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, one plate 100 may feature a bold first alignment marking 200 indicating the intended travel path of the golf ball, while another might utilize vibrant colors or distinct shapes for the second alignment marking 210, third alignment marking 220, and fourth alignment marking 230 to enhance visual recognition during play. This interchangeability allows golfers to adapt their alignment aids based on their unique style, skill level, and situational needs.

In reference to FIG. 4, the putter 150 is being utilized on a putting surface 400 to align the face 401 of the putter 150 such that the golf ball 403 will travel towards and into the hole 405 if struck properly. As is described above, the various alignment markings aid the golfer in visualizing the travel path of the golf ball. Each player may decide which alignment marking works best for their set up to the golf ball, visual cues, and other personal preferences when selecting the most useful and beneficial alignment marking plate.

It is to be understood that various techniques may be utilized for assessing the players personal body alignment characteristics, optical characteristics and other factors which effect how the user will properly align a put. In such, the various alignment plates provide an interchangeable means of adapting the players unique characteristics. In one example, the player (or instructor) selects an alignment plate 100 which is attached to the putter 150. In this example, the player selects a black and white alignment marking 140. The player will then align themselves and the putter behind the golf ball to attempt to properly align themselves to a hole. The golf ball is then removed, and the direction of their alignment is marked using a straight object (such as a golf tee) which allows the user to visualize of their alignment was properly oriented towards the golf hole. This allows the player to assess if their alignment on this particular test was accurate or not, and if not accurate, how inaccurate their alignment was in this instance. The player can then recreate the test using a colored alignment marking 140 to test if they are better suited for black and white or colored alignment markings. This recreation of the test may be performed on a different golf hole, or different region of the green to remove their knowledge of the proper alignment towards the golf hole.

In the above example, the player may also test for different shapes, sizes and configurations of markings, such as by testing each of the alignment plates illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D. This allows the player to test if smaller, larger, wider, colored, and/or black and white alignment markings work best.

Further, it is to be understood that the above example may be performed in various orders depending on the player's personal preferences and may adapt based on the results of each test. The test may be repeated to confirm the results.

The alignment markings 140 can include various examples such as a solid line for clear directional guidance, arrows to indicate a specific path, or different colors—such as red for aggressive alignment, blue for calm, and green for a subtle approach. Shapes might include circles, triangles, or dashed lines, each offering different visual cues that can help golfers determine their stance and aim more effectively. For instance, a bright yellow circle can attract attention and help focus on the target line, while a dashed line can guide the golfer's eye along the intended path, enhancing spatial awareness.

In some embodiments, the alignment markings 140 may be applied using various techniques including laser-etching, printing, molding, milling, and the like to provide a marking which can be visualized while using the putter. It is to be understood that the alignment markings may be applied with and/or without colors, may be milled to various depths, include various textures, and to otherwise provide a visual aid to the user.

In some embodiments, each plate 100 may be used as a set and attached to the putter head in sequence, such as to narrow the margin of error required to properly align the putter towards the intended target. For example, a broad alignment marking may be initially used, followed by a more precise alignment marking.

It is to be understood by one skilled in the arts that the methods and system disclosed herein can be used with any style of putter including blade-style putters, mallet-style putters, or other variations of putters and putter heads. Some putters combine elements of a mallet and blade. These putters have a larger head size, often resembling a half-mallet, with a higher moment of inertia (MOI) for added stability and forgiveness. This design can benefit golfers with various stroke types. This type of putter is known as a “Half Mallet.” In this apparatus it is referred to as a “Wing”.

The system and methods described herein can be used with putters having various balance systems. For example, the system and method can be used with counterbalanced, face-balanced, toe-weighted, heel weighted, center-shafted and other putters constructed having various balance configurations.

The system and methods described herein can be used with putters having various grip types, shaft types, shapes, materials, and components. For example, the grip may be a circle grip, oval grip, flat oval grip, pistol grip, flat wide grip, modified pistol grip, or triangular grip. The grip options provide diverse tactile experiences and cater to distinct golfer preferences. Further, the grip may be counterbalanced, split, forward press, non-tapered, customizable, ergonomic, corded, hybrid, wrap style, lightweight, ribbed, or oversized.

The systems and methods can be used with any grip material including silicone, rubber, leather, gel, cork, isoprene, or synthetic rubbers.

In some embodiments, the system and method disclosed herein can be used with various putter shaft technologies and configurations known in the arts. The putter shaft characteristics may include rivets, thin-shaft configurations, thick shaft configurations, and the like. Further, the shaft length may be modified to suit the golfers needs. Shaft materials can include graphite, titanium, aluminum, steel or combinations of materials. The shaft placement may be onset, offset, center set, or other known configurations can be used while remaining effective for the system and methods described in this disclosure.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this disclosure. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, or elements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, as well as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of the claims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not within that scope.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.