Body attached golf aim alignment device and method for use

Abstract

A golf swing alignment device that includes a housing having a laser, which can be directed at a target such as a golf hole to enable the golfer to pre-position his or her body and feet prior to striking the ball. An affixing device for affixing the housing to a location on a golfer's body such as a VELCRO® strap or belt clip is also provided. The laser emits a signal that points toward an external reference for providing the golfer with a swing alignment reference separate from the golfer's body. One or more laser devices can be placed at various positions on the golfer's body or clothing such as the ankle, belt or cap. The golfer can activate one or more of the laser devices by use of a remote control unit that sends power and command signals to the one or more laser devices. The remote control unit can also modify the laser signal to produce, for example, intermittent bursts of laser light in order to better define the path to the target. A swiveling member is affixed to the housing of each laser device to allow the golfer to adjust the lasers such that visible light can be emitted in various planes and directions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 09/877,433 filed Jun. 8, 2001, entitled BODY ATTACHED GOLF AIM ALIGNMENT DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USE, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

n/a

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This present invention relates to a golf aid, and more particularly, to a device for improving a person's golf swing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golfers continuously strive to lower their scores by increasing their practice time and by purchasing various accessories to achieve advantageous results. One way to affect a golf stroke is to properly control the club's direction and aim.

Alternatively, the embodiments described herein also recognize that golf swing and body misalignment can have a major effect on a golfer's performance when driving or putting a golf ball. Once a golfer strokes through the golf ball and misses the target, a golfer has no way of knowing whether his body and golf swing were properly aligned or misaligned. Even if the golfer knew that his body was misaligned, he has no way of knowing what aspect of his stance or swing he needed to correct in order to achieve proper body or swing alignment.

Many golfers believe the key to aiming the ball directly at the target starts with the golfer's stance. As such, golfers have attempted to analyze their stance by reviewing their own body.

In addition to fixing their golf stance, golfers have attempted to improve their score and their aim by attaching guidance and aiming systems to the golf clubs themselves. This technique must be distinguished from training of the body and swing alignment, since it addresses only the club head direction and not the underlying technique of the user's swing and body alignment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments disclosed herein provided an interactive system and methodology for coordinating a golfer's aim and control of his body and swing alignment through the use of an external reference separated from his body.

In one embodiment, a housing having a laser is provided. Included are means for affixing the housing to a location on a golfer's body, wherein the laser emits a visible signal that points toward an external reference. The external reference provides the golfer with a swing alignment reference separate from the golfer's body. Means for activating and deactivating the laser is also provided.

In another embodiment, a golf swing alignment system is provided. The system includes a plurality of golf swing alignment devices, wherein each golf swing alignment device includes a housing having a laser. Means for affixing the housing to a location on a golfer's body is also provided. The laser emits a visible signal that points toward an external reference for providing the golfer with a swing alignment reference separate from the golfer's body. Means for activating and deactivating one or more of the plurality of golf swing alignment devices is also provided.

In yet another embodiment, a method is provided for achieving proper body alignment when swinging a golf club by using one or more golf swing alignment devices. The method includes the steps of fastening the one or more golf swing alignment devices to a golfer's body; activating at least one of the one or more golf swing alignment devices so that the devices emit a laser signal; and adjusting the activated alignment devices so that the laser signal is directed at a target.

In still another embodiment, a golf swing alignment device is provided including a housing having a laser, means for securing the housing to a location remote from a golfer's body, wherein the laser emits a visible signal directed toward an external reference for providing the golfer with a swing alignment reference separate from the golfer's body, and means for activating and deactivating the laser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and features of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate exemplary embodiments, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a side view of the golf laser alignment device designated generally as 10, including a belt clip;

FIG. 1B is a back view of the golf laser alignment device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the golf laser alignment device including a slot for a VELCRO® strap;

FIG. 2B is a back view of the golf laser alignment device including a VELCRO® strap;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a golfer utilizing the golf laser alignment device which is as attached to the left ankle of the golfer including a reference line to target T;

FIG. 4. is a top view of a mat M that may be used in conjunction with an alternate embodiment of the golf laser alignment device;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the alternate embodiment of the golf laser alignment device including a wireless remote control device;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the alternate embodiment the golf laser alignment device including a wireless remote control device and two lasers;

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate an adjustable golf laser alignment device;

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate the adjustable features of the housing of the golf laser alignment device including an expanded and retracted view; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the golf laser alignment device including a remote insertion member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been completely defined.

Turning now to the drawings, wherein FIGS. 1A and 1B show a golf laser alignment device, designated generally as 10, which includes a housing 20 with a laser system 30 and a movable member 40 affixed to the housing 20. The movable member 40 includes a fastening means 50 such as a belt clip 54 for removably affixing the device 10 to a golfer G, at a location on the golfer's body.

As shown, in FIG. 3, the laser system 30 of device 10 emits a laser beam 32 for providing the golfer with a line of reference pointing directly to the target T. By using and controlling where the laser beam 32 points, the golfer is able to achieve proper body alignment in reference to the target T.

Referring once again to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in an exemplary embodiment, the laser system 30 comprises elements that are well known in the laser generating art, for proper generation of a thin, highly directional and highly visible beam of light. For instance, the laser system 30 emits a laser signal 32 that is a thin beam of light and is in the visible spectrum of light. The laser beam may be in the shape of an arrow, with the pointing end facing the target. The sources of the laser can be any of those that are common to one or ordinary skill in the art.

The movable member 40 preferably comprises a swiveling member 43 having an adjustment means 42 for adjusting the swiveling member 43 from an unfixed to a fixed position. Adjustment means 42 can be any device that can be loosened or tightened such as a screw, that when tightened, secures the swiveling member 43 in a fixed position. The use of a screw provides the golfer with an easy structure in which to secure the device from an unfixed to a fixed position, or vice versa, once he has aligned the laser beam 32 with the target T. This will become more apparent in the ensuing discussion. The swiveling member 43 can be rotated in all lateral directions as well as up or down thus allowing the golfer to rotate the swiveling member in any plane of motion. This is applicable if the laser device 10 is worn on the golfer's hat. In this instance, the golfer may simply rotate the swiveling member 43 of device 10 down and direct the laser beam toward a target.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, the fastening means 50 may include an adjustable VELCRO® strap 52, a belt clip 54, or any other similar fastening means that is adjustable. The fastening means 50 is removably affixable to the device, which makes it interchangeable as well. As such, a user may interchange fastening means from a VELCRO® strap 52 to a belt and vice versa. The fastening means which may be used can be selected depending upon the location to which the device 10 is to be attached. The fastening means 50 is removably affixable to the device by way of a slot 53 or loop hole that is located at one end of the movable member 40, such that the VELCRO® strap can fit in the loop 53 and a belt clip can be attached to the movable member 40 via the slot 53. Other similar fastening means can also be employed.

In FIG. 3, the golf laser alignment device 10 is affixed to the front leg of the golfer. The golfer may use device 10 to properly align his or her feet and body before striking the ball. If the golfer's feet are misaligned, the laser beam will be directed at the target T. Device 10 may be affixed to any part of the golfer's body, clothing, or headgear. Preferably, device 10 is affixed to the front leg or side of the body that is closest to the target. In yet another embodiment, laser device 10 may be clipped on to the top of the golfer's shoe. Although the device may be directed laterally toward the target, the device itself may be affixed directly on the golfer's lead leg shoe using conventional affixation methods. For example, belt clip 54 described above can be modified to clip onto the golfer's shoe, underneath the tongue of the shoe. Swiveling member 43 can be rotated and aligned to point directly at the target. Alternately, the VELCRO® strap 52 described above may be modified to encircle the laces that are common to most golf shoes. In either fashion, the golfer may affix the device 10 to one of a variety of locations on the golfer's body, shoes, clothing or headgear.

As shown in FIG. 4, a mat M with a grid G may be used in conjunction with the device 10. Using a mat M with a grid G will provide the golfer with a simple way of examining his stance in relation to the target T in order to properly align the laser beam 32, and thus, the golfer's stance. The golfer may place his or her feet on the grid and uses the reference lines of the mat to assist in aligning the golfer's feet.

The device as described above provides a golfer with a line of reference that can be directed from various points on the golfer's body, such points corresponding to the area the golfer seeks to improve with respect to his body alignment.

In another embodiment, multiple laser devices may be affixed to the golfer's body, hat, shoes or clothing. In this fashion, the golfer may use one or more laser devices to create a grid of laser beams, each directed at different target locations. For example, while one laser beam emitted from a device 10 affixed to the golfer's belt may be directed at the target golf hole to provide a “line-of-sight” reference and assist in aligning the golfer's body, another laser device 10 may be affixed to the golfer's shoes and used to properly align the golfer's feet. In this fashion, the golfer is provided with multiple laser beams in order to assist in aligning both the golfer's torso and feet prior to striking the ball. The multiple laser devices may be operated in conjunction with a remote control unit, discussed below, for sequential or simultaneous use.

Referring again to FIG. 4, a second laser device 60 is affixed to the front portion of the golfer's shoe. Laser device 60 provides a second line of reference for the golfer to assist the golfer in properly aligning his or her feet prior to striking the ball. The device 60 (described in greater detail below and illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B) may be removably and adjustably affixed to the golfer's shoe. Device 60 is adjustable to fit any shoe width. Once secured to the golfer's shoe, the golfer may active the device 60, either manually, or via a remote control device. The device 60 emits a laser signal directed at the desired target, and may be used in conjunction with laser device 10 to provide a second line-of-sight reference for the golfer. As described in greater detail below, the device 60 is capable of emitting visible signals both forward (toward the target) and behind (away from the target), in essence, to extend the line of reference. This provides the golfer with an extended visual alignment guide.

In still another embodiment, a remote control unit that is affixed to the golfer's body or clothing controls the laser system 30. Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of the remote control unit 56 used in conjunction with device 10 can be seen. The golfer lines up above the golf ball and prepares to strike the ball. The golfer may then activate the laser device 10 in a manner discussed above by depressing one or more buttons on remote control device 56 that is affixed to the golfer's belt. The remote control unit 56 may be affixed to the golfer's belt or other part of his body or clothing in any fashion including but not limited to the affixation techniques described above with respect to the laser device 10.

Remote control unit 56 sends control signals to the laser device 10 in a manner common in the communications art. For example, RF (radio frequency), or infrared signals 58 are transmitted to the device 10 in order to provide power to the device 10. A hard-wired connection from the remote control unit 56 to the laser device 10 is also contemplated. Unit 56 obviates the need to manually activate the laser device 10, although manual activation of the one or more lasers is also available. When not in use, the laser device 10 can be set in an “OFF” position in order to save power. When the golfer is ready to activate the device, he or she can initiate a “POWER ON” command by depressing an appropriate button on unit 56, which activates laser device 10.

Remote control unit 56 can also be used to control and modify the laser signal emitted from the alignment devices. For example, a golfer may prefer an intermittent burst of laser light rather than one continuous signal. The unit 56 can be programmed, by software and hardware methods commonly known in the art, to provide intermittent bursts of laser light such as, for example, every two or five seconds. This will provide the golfer with a visual line of reference every few seconds. This may be desirable if a continuous beam of laser light proves to be distracting, or, if the golfer feels that intermittent reference signals provide a better reference aid.

The duration and/or frequency of light emitted from the laser device is not limited to any specific amount. Unit 56 may be programmed to operate one or more laser devices in this fashion. Further, the laser 10 may be programmed to emit a continuous visible beam followed by an intermittent beam, or vice-versa. This allows the golfer to quickly align the target with the emitted beam and strike the ball. This eliminates the amount of time a golfer usually takes to properly align his or her body and strike the ball. By reducing this time, tension that often occurs when a golfer is hunched over the ball for an extended period of time, may be reduced or eliminated.

In another embodiment, laser 10 may be secured at a point external from the golfer's body or clothing. In FIG. 5, laser 10 is affixed to a remote insertion member 68, such as a stake, which is inserted into the ground at a point near but separate from the golfer. The insertion member 68 may be positioned such that laser 10 emits a laser signal directed at a target. Alternately, the laser 10 may be adjusted to direct the visible laser signal at a point of reference to aid the golfer in aligning his or her feet or body prior to striking the ball. Insertion member 68 may be any support member that supports laser 10 such that the laser can be rotated via movable member 40 in order to direct the laser signal at a desired target location.

Remote control unit 56 as described above may be used with multiple laser devices. The apparatus disclosed herein is not limited to one laser and may utilize more than one laser device. FIG. 5 shows a first alignment device 10 with a laser signal 32 directed directly at the target T. A second alignment device 60 is affixed to the golfer's left (front) shoe and a visible laser signal emanating from the device in order to aid the golfer in aligning his or her feet. The device 60 therefore provides a second line-of-reference for the golfer.

More than one laser device 10 may be affixed to the golfer's body, hat or clothing in order to provide multiple lines of reference. Remote control unit 56 may be used to operate one or more of these devices. Unit 56 can supply wireless power control signals to the multiple devices 10 in order to power one or more of the devices according to the user's desires.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment where a golfer has multiple laser devices; one affixed to the top of his golf shoe and a second affixed to his belt. Remote control unit 56 is affixed to the golfer's belt and may be used to control the laser output of each laser device. The two laser devices may be operated sequentially, i.e. one at a time, or simultaneously depending on the golfer's requirements. For example, a golfer may first want to first position his or her torso properly prior to striking the ball. The golfer would therefore activate the laser device affixed to his belt first, thus creating a visual line of reference from the golfer's waist to a desired target, such as the golf hole. The golfer can then deactivate the laser device 10 on his belt and activate the lower laser device 60 affixed to his shoe. This would assist in orienting the golfer's feet prior to shooting. Alternately, the laser devices may be used simultaneously to provide two concurrent visual lines of reference.

In addition to providing power signals to each device, remote control unit 56 may also be programmed to vary the intensity of the laser beam emitted from each device, and/or the frequency of the laser beam. For example, one or more devices can be programmed to emit a strobe or a pulsed signal of varying intensity and frequency. Further, the power intensity of each device may be modified to produce a stronger or weaker beam of light. The intensity of the laser beam can be varied depending, for example, on whether it is a clear or cloudy day or in the evening when dusk would prevent a normal-intensity laser beam from being seen. A pulsed laser beam might be used in order to provide the golfer with a more definable visual reference.

While the embodiment described above serves to provide a golfer with proper alignment towards a target T, use of this embodiment can also aid the golfer in assuring that he does not tilt or sway backward when swinging the golf club, which is an added cause of poor performance. Many times, a golfer may have a proper stance, but may lose the proper form when swinging the golf club because the golfer's back tends to tilt in a backward direction. Use of this embodiment can serve to correct that problem, or better yet, ensure that it does not happen.

For instance, the laser device may be affixed to a location on a golfer's body and the laser beam directed to a point directly on the ground below the golfer and in front of the golfer's feet. In this way, a point of reference is provided enabling the golfer to avoid swaying backward when swinging the golf club and the golfer will be able to keep his eye on the point of reference while swinging so that he may determine whether his body is tilting backwards during his swing. It may be beneficial for the golfer to use the mat M (shown in FIG. 4) employing the device 10 in this way, in order to aid the golfer to determine the direction the point of reference is moving.

FIG. 6 also illustrates an alternate embodiment where laser device 10 is affixed to insertion member 68 and inserted into the ground, at a point external from the golfer's body or clothing. In FIG. 6, the laser device 10 is directed at the target T. The remote laser device may be user in conjunction with one or more laser devices affixed to the golfer's clothes or body. By using a remote laser device, the golfer can adjust the housing 20 of device 10 to direct a visible line of reference to the target, and then return to the ball and use the reference line as a fixed guide before striking the ball.

Alignment devices 10, 60 are simple to use in conjunction with the mat described above. The golfer simply fastens one or more laser devices to a particular location on his body, such as his left (front) ankle, or clothing, by using one of a variety of the fastening means 50 provided with the device (i.e. a VELCRO® strap). Next, the golfer places the mat M with the grid G on the ground in front of him. Once the devices are securely fastened to the golfer's ankle, the golfer can step on the mat M and take his usual golf stance towards the target T where the golfer is aiming.

The golfer then activates one or more devices 10 and a laser beam 32 is emitted. Using the movable member 40, the golfer can adjust the device 10 and the laser beam 32 to point directly to the target T.

Once the laser beam 32 is pointing directly to the target T, the golfer can secure the movable member 40 into its fixed position, thereby fixing the laser beam 32 so it is pointing directly to the target T. The golfer can then compare his stance to the properly aligned laser beam 32, as reflected on the grid G, and adjust his feet and body accordingly. Once the golfer has aligned his feet and body in accordance with the properly aligned laser beam 32, he is ready to swing through the golf ball.

The golfer can use the device 10 as an aid each time he is ready to take a swing. Repetition of the above process should lead the golfer to perfecting his body alignment in relation to the target T.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an alternate embodiment wherein an adjustable golf alignment device 60 is affixed to a golfer's shoe. In FIG. 7A, device 60 is in a “down” position, and is programmed to emit a laser beam in both the forward and rear direction. Device 60 is removavbly affixed to a golfer's shoe via adjustable strap 64, which can be adjusted to accommodate different shoe widths. Device 60 includes a strap 64 and a laser 62, from which the laser signal is emitted. Device 60 is adjustable so that the user may flip the device up or down. FIG. 7B shows device 60 in an “up” position. The golfer can adjust device 60 by flipping the laser 62 upward, where it is locked in a different position than the position shown in FIG. 7A (which shows the “down” position. In the “up” position, a different visual plane-of-reference is created. The laser 62 can be programmed to emit a visible laser signal in a forward direction, a rearward direction, or both. Thus, the golfer may utilize device 60 to provide various lines-of-reference, varying both in plane and direction, until the golfer is ready to strike the golf ball and proceed with the shot.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the alignment device 60 in greater detail. FIG. 8A illustrates the device 60 in an expanded orientation. The width of the strap 64 is adjustable via adjustment member 66. The adjustment member 66 telescopically receives the strap 64 and includes a locking mechanism whereby after the golfer has adjusted the strap 64 to fit around his or her shoe, the locking mechanism is used to secure the adjustment member 66 in place, thereby maintaining strap 64 at the desired width. The locking mechanism can be a ratchet configuration, commonly known in the art, whereby the interior surface of member 66 contains ratchets, or notches, that “catch” the portion of strap 64 within member 66, and prevents unwanted advancement of the strap.

FIG. 8B illustrates the device 60 after adjustment member 66 has been adjusted to the desired width. In this fashion, the device 60 may be firmly secured to a golfer's shoe, and the strap 64 manipulated to direct a visible laser signal from the laser 62 in a variety of directions and planes. The visual reference provided by the laser signal assists the golfer in preparing his or her shot towards the target.

A method for using the golf alignment device described above is disclosed for aiding a golfer to achieve proper body alignment with respect to a target T. A golfer attempting to achieve proper body alignment when driving a golf ball by using a laser alignment device described above: (i) fastens the laser alignment device 10 to a location on his or her body or clothing, the device 10 facing a target T; (ii) places a mat M with a grid G on the floor surrounding the golfer; (iii) steps on the mat M so that the golfer can take his usual golf stance; (iv) activates the laser alignment device 10 so that the device 10 emits a laser beam 32; (v) adjusts the device 10 until the laser beam 32 is pointing to the target T, the movement of device 10 being achieved by moving the golfer's body, and once the laser beam 32 is pointing at the target T, (vi) place the device 10 into a locked position; (vii) examine the golfer's stance in relation to the laser beam 32 as reflected in the grid G and adjust the golfer's stance to correspond to the laser beam 32; and (vii) strike the golf ball once the golfer's stance is aligned with the laser beam 32. Of course, steps (ii) and (iii) may be omitted as the mat is only an added feature. The golf alignment system disclosed herein is effective without use of the mat. Further, the locking step (vi) may also be omitted if the golfer does not wish to lock the device in position.

Moreover, the golfer can use one or more golf laser devices 10 simultaneously. By attaching the device 10 to various points of his body, a golfer can improve his specific body alignment with respect to where a device 10 is attached. For instance, the golfer can use the device 10 on his left ankle and upper left leg, thus providing himself with two laser beams 32 that are directed towards the target T and that serve as a guide to achieving proper alignment of his feet and legs with respect to the target T. In this case, once the emitted laser beams 32 point in the same direction (and are parallel to each other in direction) towards the target, the golfer's body alignment should be uniform with the target. It is envisioned that multiple laser beams 32 having different colors or frequencies can be used so that the devices 10, and in turn the specific body parts, can be easily alienated from each other. If the golfer wants to align his or her feet, device 60 described above may be used together with one or more laser alignment devices 10.

Accordingly, another method is disclosed for aiding a golfer to achieve proper body alignment with respect to a target T using at least one laser alignment device 10. In this embodiment, the golfer: (i) fastens a first laser alignment device 10 to a first location on the golfer's body or clothing, the first device 10 to be facing a target T; (ii) fastens a second laser alignment device 10 to a second location on a golfer's body or clothing, the second device to be facing the target T; (iii) places a mat M with a grid G on the floor surrounding the golfer; (iv) steps on the mat M so that the golfer can take his usual golf stance; (v) activates the first and second laser alignment devices 10 so that the devices emit a first and second laser beam 32; (vi) adjust the first and second devices 10 until the first and second laser beams 32 are pointing to the target T, the movement of the first and second devices 10 being achieved by moving the golfer's body and once the first and second laser beams 32 are pointing at the target T, place the first and second devices 10 into a locked position; (vii) examine the golfer's stance in relation to the first and second laser beams 32 as reflected in the grid G and adjust the golfer's stance to correspond to the first and second laser beams 32; and (viii) strike the golf ball once the golfer's stance is aligned with the first and second laser beams 32.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the laser alignment device. In this embodiment, an insertion member 68 extends downward from laser device 10. Insertion member 68 is adapted for insertion into the ground at a point near but external to the golfer. The insertion member 68 shown in FIG. 9 is merely illustrative. Insertable member 68 may be replaced by a support member. The support member may be used to support the laser device on a surface such that the golfer may rotate the laser 10 via rotating member 40 in order to direct the laser signal at a target.

Further embodiments are also envisioned. For example, it is envisioned that the laser alignment device discussed above can be included directly into the golfer's clothes so that the proper placement on the golfer's body is ensured. Furthermore, other forces such as magnetics or sound may be used which allow a golfer to interactively coordinate his swing and stance with an external reference system. Additionally, this embodiment can be modified to provide an automated sound or light signal to describe when the point of reference is in or out of alignment.

Accordingly, it will be understood that these embodiments have been disclosed by way of example and that other modifications and alterations may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A golf swing alignment device comprising:

a housing having a laser;

means for affixing the housing to a location on a golfer's body, wherein the laser emits a visible signal directed toward an external reference for providing the golfer with a swing alignment reference separate from the golfer's body; and

means for activating and deactivating the laser.

2. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a swiveling member that allows the laser signal to be directed in any plane.

3. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, further comprising means for modifying the laser signal.

4. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the means for activating and deactivating the laser is a remote control device.

5. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the means for affixing is an adjustable VELCRO® strap.

6. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the means for affixing is a clip.

7. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the location on the golfer's body is the golfer's ankle.

8. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the location on the golfer's body is the golfer's waist.

9. The golf swing alignment device of claim 1, wherein the location on the golfer's body is the golfer's shoe.

10. The golf swing alignment device of claim 3, wherein the laser signal is modified to produce intermittent bursts of visible light.

11. The golf swing alignment device of claim 9, wherein the housing includes an adjustable member that allows the housing to be affixed to various shoe widths.

12. A golf swing alignment system comprising:

a plurality of golf swing alignment devices, each said golf swing alignment device comprising: a housing having a laser; means for affixing the housing to a location on a golfer's body, wherein the laser emits a visible signal directed toward an external reference for providing the golfer with a swing alignment reference separate from the golfer's body; and means for activating and deactivating one or more of the plurality of golf swing alignment devices.

13. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, wherein each said housing further comprises a swiveling member that allows the laser signal to be directed in any plane.

14. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, further comprising means for modifying the laser signal.

15. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, wherein the means for activating and deactivating the one or more of the plurality of laser alignment devices is a remote control device.

16. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, wherein the means for affixing is an adjustable VELCRO® strap.

17. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, wherein the means for affixing is a clip.

18. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, wherein the location on the golfer's body is the golfer's ankle.

19. The golf swing alignment device of claim 12, wherein the location on the golfer's body is the golfer's waist.

20. The golf swing alignment system of claim 12, wherein the location on the golfer's body is the golfer's shoe.

21. The golf swing alignment system of claim 14, wherein the laser signal is modified to produce intermittent bursts of laser light.

22. The golf swing alignment system of claim 20, wherein the housing includes an adjustable member that allows the housing to be affixed to various shoe widths.

23. A method for achieving body alignment when swinging a golf club by using one or more golf swing alignment devices, the method comprising:

(a) fastening the one or more golf swing alignment devices to a golfer's body or clothing;

(b) activating one or more of the one or more golf swing alignment devices so that the activated devices emit a laser signal; and

(c) adjusting the activated one or more alignment devices so that the laser signal is directed at a target.

24. A golf swing alignment device comprising:

a housing having a laser;

means for securing the housing to a location remote from a golfer's body, wherein the laser emits a visible signal directed toward an external reference for providing the golfer with a swing alignment reference separate from the golfer's body; and

means for activating and deactivating the laser.

25. The golf swing alignment device of claim 24, wherein the means for securing the housing is an insertion member insertable into the ground.

26. The golf swing alignment device of claim 24, wherein the housing further comprises a swiveling member that allows the laser signal to be directed in any plane.

27. The golf swing alignment device of claim 24, further comprising means for modifying the laser signal.

28. The golf swing alignment device of claim 27, wherein the means for activating and deactivating the laser is a remote control device.

29. The golf swing alignment device of claim 27, wherein the laser signal is modified to produce intermittent bursts of visible light.