Sporting equipment alignment device

Abstract

A golf head alignment device has a bubble float assembly having a circular rod portion having a first end and a second end, a liquid encapsulated within the circular rod portion and a bubble formed within the liquid, a first indicator presented on a left side of the rod portion, a second indicator presented on a right side of the rod portion, a central portion of the circular rod portion defined between the first indicator and the second indicator, a front side, a back side with the back side being covered with a portion of a reflective material, and a grip having a top having a cutout portion, the cutout portion for receiving the bubble float assembly therein, and a secondary alignment indicator provided in the grip with the secondary alignment indicator for centering the bubble in the central portion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/350,421, filed on Nov. 15, 2018, which was a non-provisional patent application upon provisional patent application being Ser. No. 62/707,862, filed on Nov. 20, 2017.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to golf clubs, and related sporting equipment, whether it be a golf club driver, iron, or even perhaps a putter, and provides for an orientation of the golf club head to compensate for a draw, fade, or a straight shot, when utilizing such clubs during participation in the game of golf. In a preferred embodiment, it includes a leveling bubble, or other means of indication, and a demarcation line, which can orient the club relative to the float bubble, to compensate for such deviations as fade and draw when utilizing the club. The device can also be used for providing corrective use of related sporting equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous modifications have been made to golf clubs, in order to enhance the play of the golfer, whether it be changes to the club head, adding additional weights to certain sections of the club heads, variations in the design of the head of the putter, and related types of changes that are all intended to make the golfer's game perfect, a feat, which has not as yet been accomplished in the art.

Various prior patents have displayed such club modifications, and these publications are generally as follows:

An example of a golf putting training device can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,966, to Wash, showing a housing having a light source that orients with respect to the putting surface of the golf putter, in order to provide for training in putting through the use of such a device.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,682, shows a golf club handle grip with ball marker. Obviously the marker can be removed and used as a marker on the surface of the green, during application.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,460,120, to Azimi, shows a method for auto-lining a golf club head. The device encompasses a movable club head, electronics, a power source, all for use for adjusting the golf club head position at the time of impact with a golf ball.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,770,639, discloses a system and method for monitoring performance characteristics associated with user activities involving swinging instruments. Obviously, this is used in golf, incorporating electronics, for monitoring and tracking a user's performance during a golf swing.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,145, shows a laser aiming device on the shaft of a golf putter.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,617,005, to Moran, et al., shows a golf data collection device. It includes a GPS receiver, computer inner face, and processor.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,731,598, shows a golf club with slope indicator.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,112,151, shows a golf club alignment apparatus, that utilizes laser beams to orient the hitting or putting of a golf ball.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,813, shows a golf club alignment device and method. It apparently utilizes optics to achieve golf club alignment.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,659,083, shows a golf club with converging directional indicia.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,668,595, shows golf clubs with golf club heads, which various instrumentation for monitoring the usage of the shown clubs.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,409,076, shows another means for monitoring the usage of golf clubs and golf club heads.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,155, shows a golf club alignment indicator apparatus, which provides means for adjusting the angle of the club-face relative to the horizon and depending upon the slope of the ground surface, to get the type of lift to the golf ball when it is driven by the associated club.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,125,944, shows a type of level for a power hand drill.

These are examples of the prior art known to the applicants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure contemplates a modification to the handle of golf clubs, in order to add more perfection in the alignment of the club, relative to the golf ball, in preparation for undertaking a golf shot. As is well know in the art of participation in golf, golfers, particularly the inexperienced or beginning golfers, will frequently hit the ball in a direction that leads towards a hook, or a slice, that ends up having the golf ball landing far laterally of the center line that the participant had hoped to achieve when driving the ball for some distance. While the slice and hook does not occur that frequently when utilizing the irons, it does occur with the use of the driver. The device can also be used with a tennis racquet, baseball bat, and other related sporting equipment.

But, once the golfer has corrected the slice and the hook problem, there is still further refinement that the golfer would like to undertake, so as to minimize the slight variation in the driving of the ball, to lessen the potential for a fade shot, or a draw shot, where the ball may still slightly deviate to the left, or the right, depending upon the alignment of the ball, relative to the direction of flight, in order to minimize deviation in the drive of the ball towards the cup.

The current disclosure provides a means for precise adjustment to the club head, before hitting the ball, in order to achieve a more straight and aligned shot, whether it be with the driver, the iron, or the like.

Draws and fades are shots featuring controlled movements of the golf ball. A draw occurs from the players right to the left (for a right-handed golfer) while a fade moves in the opposite direction, from left to right. Some players hit draw shots or fade shots to gain the proper position on the fairway, or to land the ball at a desired spot on the green. This disclosure provides for a modification to the upper end of the golf club, and it attaches a bubble level to the end of the club, positioned above the end of the grip allows for a visual means to consistently line the head of the club for a fade shot, a straight shot, or a draw shot. A marker is provided upon the top end of the attachment, and when the golfer lines the mark on a bubble level, that is arranged beneath the lining mark upon the cap, and with the bubble level on the left side of the mark, it will position the club head for a fade. Lining the mark on the right side of the bubble, will produce a draw shot. Having the mark lined up in the center of the level bubble, will allow for a straight shot. This type of innovation has been experimented with and works on all types of clubs, whether it be the driver, the iron, and perhaps even the putter. The drivers and irons, using this device, provides for consistent driving of the golf ball, in the direction sought by the golfer. This device can also be attached to the putter, to allow for more consistent puts when attached to the grip end of the putter. In addition, the bubble leveling device also helps in checking the shoulder position of the golfer, before the swing. For example, for a straight shot, the golfer would position the mark in the center of the leveling bubble, with the golfer's shoulder in a level position. Then, the golfer gets into position for the shot and will check the bubble mark making sure it is aligned in the center of the bubble, confirming level shoulder position when undertaking a back swing, for a straight shot.

The device is comprised of a liquid bulls eye level, a magnet, and a means for attaching the device to the grip end of the golf club. The bulls eye level has a mark on the outside edge. This mark which indicates angle of the club in relation to the leveling bubble. The bubble always remains at the highest point at the polymer or glass enclosure beneath the demarcation line provided upon the cap, arranged there above. The enclosure, holding the bubble, provides for the bubble always seeking the highest point therein. Then, a magnet attaches to the end of the grip with a screw or adhesive means of connection. The backside of the bulls eye level has a steel disc attached with an adhesive. This allows for the bulls eye to be magnetically attached to the grip and allows for positioning of the bulls eye in a rotary fashion allowing the golfer to position the mark in the center of the bubble when the face of the club is lined up for a straight shot to the target, or cup. Once the alignment is set, the golfer can reference the mark for adjusting the club angle, whether it be for a straight shot, a fade shot, or a draw shot, as known in this game. This method takes the guess work out of aligning the club, making for consistent straight shots, even though a fade or a draw shot may be required for consistent direction towards the flag.

It should also be mentioned that an indication and setting of the golf club angle can be accomplished also by other means. A pendulum, electronic level, a ball leveling device, etc., can all be used in providing for compensating for the fade, or draw shot. In the electronic version of the club angle, the alignment could be displayed in a numeric format, using a digital display on the end of the grip. The ball level and pendulum methods would be similar to the bubble or bulls eye method.

It could be that where the electronic version of the device may be employed, and connected to the top of the club head, when the alignment of the club is being undertaken, there could be an electronic readout which gives an indication as to the alignment of the club head, the amount of degrees of angle that indicates that the golfer will be undertaken a fade, draw, or straight shot, in order to allow the golfer to slightly pivot the club to attain the best shot required for getting the ball aligned for the fly, once it has been hit. Such an electronic version would provide for a precise reading of the club head angle, consistently, to attain the type of alignment that the golfer is seeking, before undertaken a golf shot.

There are other and different devices that can also be located on the grip end of the golf club, such as a range finder, a swing velocity meter, and impact meter, distance to the pin readout, score keeping, and other means for providing information to the golfer with respect to the perfection sought while using such an enhanced golf club. The concept of the disclosure is to utilize the grip end of the golf club for use with such devices. It is believed that the grip end of the club is the most visual place to mount these types of control panels, readouts, indicators, and the like, while in the act of playing golf. There actually is no other location upon the club, that is better than what has been described, for providing such indicators.

A further advantage and major enhancement to the mounting of this alignment device to the head or end of the golf club is that the golfer does not encounter any interference with placing of the club into the golf bag. Other devices, that mount onto the club, and extend laterally, have difficultly in their insertion within the golf bag, after usage.

It should further be noted that when the golfer is aligning the club head, and the mark to the center of the level bubble, changing the position of the golfer's hands as it relates to lining up the mark and the club head to a straight position as necessary when the golfer undertakes a swing and maintains a level shoulder position through the swing movement. Many golfers, when trying to hit a long shot, swing much harder and the result is they lean back in the swing causing the golf head to turn out, thereby causing a slice, as known in the art. With this current device, knowing you are going to hit a hard shot, you can use this device to compensate for that hard swing, and to maintain shoulder balance.

It is, therefore, the principal object of this disclosure to provide addition to the top of the golf club, above the hand grip, for furnishing a display or readout of information to the user that will add to the golfer's proper alignment of the club head for attaining a more perfect shot.

Another object of this disclosure is to provide the application of indicators, whether it be a display, an electronic means, or other indicators that help the golfer align and attain a more perfect shot.

One further major advantage of the disclosure herein is that by adding all of the identified devices, such as displays, circuitry, and other components to achieve the disclosed results, and displayed information, are located within the grip end of the club, and displayed at the end of the grip end, so that these devices present no interference with the placement of the club back into the golf bag, after usage.

Another object of this disclosure is to provide the golfer with the visual means, for helping to align the club head, so as to achieve either a straight, fade, or draw shot, depending upon the layout of the golf ball, upon the ground topography relative to the direction that the golfer desires to hit the ball, towards the green and its flag.

These and other objects may be come apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the summary as provided herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiment, in view of the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In referring to the drawings,

FIG. 1 provides a schematic view of the alignment of the golf club, whether it be for a straight, fade, or draw shot, to compensate for the alignment of the golf ball before a golf shot is undertaken;

FIG. 2 shows an oblique view of the golf club, with the golf head alignment device applied to the upper end of the club;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the components of the alignment device that are applied to the top of the golf club grip, when assembled for providing the application of this alignment device in preparation for the drive of the golf ball;

FIG. 4A-D show the end of the golf club grip and identifies the various calculated parameters of the drive of the ball, its velocity, the face angle, and the various changes of the face angle of the club during the drive;

FIG. 5 provides a block diagram displaying the various electronics and grip display circuitry that is used to provide a readout of the various parameters as previously summarized, when using the device primarily in conjunction with a golf club, but perhaps also a tennis racquet, baseball bat, etc.;

FIG. 6 shows another preferred embodiment of a golf head alignment device constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a partial front view of the golf head alignment device constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a golf club, with the golf head alignment device applied to the upper end of the club and a golfer holding the golf club;

FIG. 9 shows another preferred embodiment of a golf head alignment device constructed according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a front view of an installation tool used to install the golf head alignment devices of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the installation tool being hooked onto a shaft of a golf club and another golf head alignment device being connected to the installation tool.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In referring to the drawings, the concept of this disclosure, and what it is intended to achieve when employed, can be seen in FIG. 1. As noted, the golf clubs 1 include their handle portions or grips 2, and have the club head 3 arranged at the bottom, as known. The driving heads of the shown clubs, as at 4, are provided at the front of the club.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the golf head alignment device 5 as applied to the upper end of the grip 2 of the club, while the club head 3 shows an alignment number 6a, in this particular embodiment, the device 5 is provided for alignment of the club head, with the green, or the flag, before a shot is undertaken. Thus, if a straight shot is to be made, the alignment number 6a will be aligned with the cup, as indicated by the flag, and at that stage, the alignment device 5 will have its indicator arranged over a level bubble, centrally aligned, so as to provide the golfer with a straight shot towards the cup.

If a fade shot is to be undertaken, where the club head is to be aligned slightly to the right, in an angular direction, to some degrees, then the alignment device upon the club head will be arranged approximately to the right of the leveling bubble, to the amount of degrees that the golfer considers necessary to attain a drive of the golf ball that will eventually end up in alignment with the cup upon its approach. On the other hand, as can be seen in FIG. 1, where a draw shot is necessary, meaning that the club head may need to be angularly oriented to the left, to some degree, then the golfer will align an indicator to the left edge of the leveling bubble, to attain a draw type of shot, towards the cup.

In the preferred embodiment, FIG. 3 shows the golf head alignment device 5 and its various components. The upper edge of the golf club, or its grip 2 is noted. To the upper end of the grip is applied a magnet 6, which may be fastened by means of a screw, or other fastener, or even adhesively applied to the top of the grip 2. Then, a disc, which may be magnetized steel, as noted at 7, is applied to the top of the magnet 6, and held in position therewith, by magnetic attraction.

An upper or top cap 8 is then applied to the top of the steel disc 7, also by adhesive, or by other fastening means. Within the top cap 8 is a fluid leveling device, providing an air bubble, as at 9, and which will be arranged, generally in the position as shown in FIG. 3, to indicate to the golfer where the central positioning of the club head is required, in order to provide for the pivot of the club, and golf head, to attain the type of shot as previously explained. On the top of the cap 8 is an indicator mark 10, so that when the club head and its grip is elevated directly upright, the bubble will provide an indication as to the vertical alignment of the club head, relative to the green, and at this time, the club can be pivoted, in one direction or the other, so as to locate the indicator mark 10 over the bubble and provide an indication that the club head is arranged for a straight shot, a fade shot, or a draw shot. Hence, where the indicator mark 10 is shown in FIG. 3, to the left edge of the air bubble, a fade shot will be accomplished. When the indicator mark 10 crosses the center of the air bubble, the club head will be aligned for a straight shot, as previously reviewed. And, when the indicator mark 10 is at the right edge of the air bubble, then a draw shot will be undertaken by the golfer.

Hence, this provides a means of indication to the golfer that in his/her analysis of the lay of the ball, relative to the green, and what type of shot will be necessary either slightly to the left, to the right, or straight, the indicator mark 10 will be aligned over the air bubble in the various positions, as previously reviewed, in order to afford the type of shot that the golfer believes must be undertaken, in order to get the ball directly towards the cup, on the green, as deemed necessary.

FIG. 4 shows the various calculations that can be made by the electronics of the club to indicate the various parameters of its usage, during a drive, such as a determination of the distance to the center of the green, the face angle of the club during the drive, the various changes to the face angle that could or should be made, and the club speed as measured during a club swing and the speed of the club head, during the drive, when utilizing a wood, or an iron.

For example, as previously described, the first device utilized upon the club is the bubble level. This is attached to the grip end of the club with special markings. The primary application is to assist the golfer during their pre-shot routine, when determining which user friendly format, readily available, and will have appeal far beyond those with just specialized knowledge of the golf swing.

The key data points as referenced in FIG. 4A-D, in 4A, this includes a GPS tracking sensor, and the larger number in the middle displays the distance to the center to the green, so the golfer will instantly know just how far of a drive must be made. The number on the top of the club end is displaying the distance to the back of the green, the number on the bottom of the club end is displaying the distance to the front of the green, and as stated, the middle number gives you a reasonably precise distance to the cup, before a golf hit is made.

FIG. 4B discloses the benefits of utilizing an accelerometer in the structure of the club. The letter “fade” is displayed when the face angle (club face) is open. The word “draw” is displayed when the face angle (club face) is closed. The word “fade” or “draw” is displayed prior to striking the ball, and is obtained during the ball address. The word “fade” or “draw” is displayed after striking the ball, indicating exactly what occurred when the shot was made and the ball was struck or hit.

FIG. 4C displays two top rows containing numbers that indicate the change in the face angle of the club. The opening of the face angle will add 1.25 to the display, and subtract the 1.25 from the display. Closing the face angle will have the opposite effect. The greater concept here is to have these numbers fluid and on all the time, and function as a default screen, while the numbers displayed may be arbitrarily determined.

FIG. 4D shows the club speed, as it is measured and displayed on the screen. Initially, the calibration of the distance the ball traveled can also be displayed, and can be compared to the previous distances displayed, to the green, as determined in FIG. 4A. The electronic circuitry and computer chips calculating all of these measurements, whether being distance, as tracked through a GPS sensor, an accelerometer, for determining “fade” or “draw” of the club, during a golf swing, the various changes in the face angle of the club, and the club speed is determined during a swing, and the distance that the ball may have traveled will all be determined through electronics, embodied within the club grip, and may include, in addition to the electronics, a pendulum device, an electronic level, a ball leveler, with the electronic version of this device can provide a display of a club angle, in a numeric format, using such a digital display on the end of the grip as noted in said FIG. 4. Actually, the ball level, and the pendulum methods, would be similar to the usage of the bubble or bulls-eye method, as previously described with respect to FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 shows the grip display circuitry, in block diagram form, showing the various electronic components that provide for the print out and display of data relative, for example, with regard to a golf club, the dimensional range or distance of a golf shot, whether the hit was of a fade, hook, slice, or other deviation of the hit golf ball, the degree to which the golf shot may be open, to one side or the other, following the tee shot, or an iron shot down the fairway, and even the speed of the ball as it is hit by the golf club, principally while teeing off during performance of the game.

The grip display is generally a device designed for supplementing and boosting a user's knowledge and capabilities while performing a sporting event, for example, during the play of golf. The display is strategically located on the grip end of the sporting instrument (i.e., golf club) to collect and distribute data to the user, during performance. The display can distribute data remotely via an electronic screen, speakers, haptics, projectors, lighting and transmitters, and even can display such data on a small screen provided on the upper end of the grip of the club, as can be noted in FIG. 4. The objective of the device is to provide immediate information to the club user, as to where changes need to be made, in the event that a golf shot may deviate from the pure hit.

Importantly, the input and output configurations may vary depending upon the sport and application. This device, though, is primarily related to the usage of the device in the sport of golf. For example, the grip display might combine a digital output and GPS input or possibly a speaker output and a gyro input. The display will have iterations and variants of the circuit displayed in FIG. 5.

As noted in FIG. 5, the grip display circuitry 10a, Cypress Semiconductor Corp., San Jose, Calif., is noted. It includes the various sensor inputs 11, which includes the GPS, u-blox Holding AG, Thalwil, Switzerland, the gyros, Model No. L3GD20, for providing an indication relating to various deviations from the straightness of the golf shot, with the GPS, providing for a location of the cup, and where the golf ball lands, after a hit, to provide a readout of the accuracy, or lack thereof, of the hit of the golf ball during performance. The accelerometer, Model No. H3LIS33DL ST micro, Geneva, Switzerland, provides a means for determining the speed that the ball has been hit. The transmitter within the sensor inputs provides a means for transmitting data either by way of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, or even to providing a readout upon the grip end of the golf club. Or, there may be a speaker involved, for providing a voice message regarding the accuracy of the ball hit. The analog front-end component 12 includes a sensor interface that provides the means for calculating the various parameters relating to the accuracy of the golf hit, as can be noted. Then, the microcontroller 13, Cypress Semiconductor Corp., San Jose, Calif., furnishes the means for providing the calculation of the data, through its computer chip or central processing unit, 14, which uses a bridging network 15 for furnishing transmittal of the calculated data to the communication outputs 16, as can be noted. A memory, is obtained from Kyoto, of Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. As previously commented, these may include a digital display, either upon a screen, or at the upper end of the golf grip, a speaker output, a projector means, all of which are received by means of the transmitter, as noted. Then, there is a battery provided at 17, for furnishing power to the power management unit 18 furnishing the energization of the entire circuitry, during its application and usage.

The various calculations that may be made when utilizing this device, as previously reviewed, may be applied during usage of the golf club, a tennis racquet, or even a baseball bat. It will have the various components provided within an associated instrumentation, or minuscule electronic components, of these types, may be embedded within the actual club, racquet, or bat ends themselves. In any event, the concept of this disclosure is to provide results relating to the distance a ball is driven, the speed of the ball off of the golf club or tennis racquet, etc., and the timed distance calculated to whether the ball comes to rest, which can be determined through the usage of the GPS component. Various types of measurements that may be provided may include, as noted in FIG. 4, may display the distance to the center of the green, as seen in FIG. 4A, or the upper number displays the distance to the back of the green, while the lower number provides the distance to the front of the green. As noted in FIG. 4B, the word fade is displayed when the face angle (club face) is open. If the word draw is displayed this lets the player know when the face angle is closed. The word fade or draw is displayed prior to striking the ball, while the player addresses the ball in preparation for a hit. The circuitry may also calculate, through the use of its GPS, the distance in yards that the ball has traveled after a hit. And, as noted, in FIG. 4D, this provides a calibration of the club speed at impact in MPH.

There may also be other calculations and displays that can be transmitted for display, in the manners as previously explained, such as GPS and weather data may be transmitted from an external device (phone) to the grip display transmitter. Key data points to be observed will be the wind direction, and the wind speed, to aid the golfer in shot selection. The GPS and weather data may be transmitted from an external device, such as the phone, as suggested, to the grip display transmitter, for display upon one of the communications outputs 16, as noted.

The displayed information as noted in FIG. 4C, and which is a significant concept, as noted, is to have these identified numbers displayed and on at all times, and function as a default screen, to let the golfer know when a face angle may be adjusted for the best hit. The top two numbers, as noted, in this figure contain numbers that indicate the change in the face angle, that may be needed. Opening the face angle will add 1.25, and subtract 1.25, so that the closing of the face angle will have the opposite effect, and furnish a more accurate hit.

There may also be a lost club display, to let the golfer know when they may have left a golf club behind, following play. There may also be a display identified as the stance of the golfer, such as the feet alignment, which is furnished upon the grip display to assist a golfer in lining up their shot during the pre four-shot routine. A digital display may indicate if the stance is too open, or too closed, or square. A club head height display may be provided, which indicates when the height of the golf club at address, of the ball, just prior to hitting the shot, is measured and displayed on the digital display. A shot tracking may be displayed, and the shot tracking application is provided to automatically keep track of the number of shots hit, and the application can be segmented by putts, fairway, and tee shots. Application can be segmented by number of shots per hold. The transmitter will send and receive shot data from tracking applications by way of phone, or other of the communications outputs, as noted at 16. There may also be a club recommendation provided, particularly when the transmitter receives data from an external GPS, weather app, and tracking app, which recommends the type of club selection based upon the weather, and other data, distance to the cup, supplied through the tracking application. The transmitter sends and receives shot data from the tracking application on one of the communications outputs.

With reference now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of a golf head alignment device 50 is shown. The golf head alignment device 50 comprises a bubble float assembly 52 having a circular rod portion 54 having a first end 56 and a second end 58. A liquid 60 may be encapsulated within the circular rod portion 54 and a bubble 62 may be formed within the liquid 60. As can be appreciated, the bubble 62 is used to provide an indication as to whether the device 50 is level or straight. The circular rod portion 54 also has a first indicator or circular line 64 and a second indicator or circular line 66. The first indicator 64 is presented on a left side 68 of the rod portion 54 and the second indicator 66 is presented on a right side 70 of the rod portion 54. As can be appreciated, the bubble 62 can move or be positioned to the left side 68 or the right side 70. A central portion 72 of the circular rod portion 54 is defined between the first indicator 64 and the second indicator 66. The bubble 62 can be positioned within the central portion 72. The circular rod portion 54 has a front side 74 and a back side 76. The back side 76 may be covered with a portion of a reflective tape or material 78 that reflects light so that the circular rod portion 54 or the liquid 60 and the bubble 62 may be illuminated during daytime hours. Examples of the reflective material 78 may be Mylar, a reflective foil, a reflective sheet, or a reflective film. The circular rod portion 54 may be positioned in a top 80 of a grip 82 within a cutout portion 84 of the grip 82. In particular, the circular rod portion 54 may be adhered or secured into the cutout portion 84. The top 80 also has a secondary alignment indicator 86 provided in the grip 82. The secondary alignment indicator 86 is used to affirmatively centrally align or center the bubble 62 in the central portion 72 of the circular rod portion 54. The top 80 of the grip 82 also has a hole 88, such as a vent hole, that is used when placing the grip 82 onto a shaft (not shown) of a golf club (also not shown).

The top portion 80 of the grip 82 may also comprise a circular portion or disc, that holds the circular rod portion 54 therein, and the disc may be secured to the top of the grip by any form of securement or fastener, such as a screw or by an adhesive, or the like.

In operation of the golf head alignment device 50, a golfer decides what kind of shot needs to be selected. If, by way of example only, the golfer decides that a fade shot is called for, with the fade shot meaning that a golf ball will be hit so that the ball will curve to the right, assuming the golfer is right-handed, then the golfer will adjust the golf club having the device 50 such that the bubble 62 will be centered on the first indicator 64 on the left side 68 of the rod portion 54. By way of example only, a golf ball driven in this manner may curve approximately 45 feet to the right on a drive of 200 feet. If the golfer decides that a draw shot is desired, with the draw shot meaning that the golf ball will be hit so that the ball will curve to the left, again assuming that the golfer is right-handed, then the golfer will adjust the golf club such that the bubble 62 will be centered on the second indicator 66 on the right side 70 of the rod portion 54. Again, by way of example only, a golf ball hit in this manner may curve approximately 45 feet to the left on a drive of 200 feet. Also, if the golfer desires to hit a straight shot then the golfer will center the bubble 62 within the central portion 72 and confirms that the bubble 62 is centered by use of the secondary alignment indicator 86, or 86a.

FIG. 7 also illustrates a partial front view of the golf head alignment device 50 constructed according to the present disclosure. The golf head alignment device 50 is shown to comprise the bubble float assembly 52 having the circular rod portion 54 having the first end 56 and the second end 58. The liquid 60 is encapsulated within the circular rod portion 54 and the bubble 62 is formed within the liquid 60. The bubble 62 may be manipulated or moved to provide an indication as to whether the device 50 is level or straight. The circular rod portion 54 also has the first indicator or circular line 64 and the second indicator or circular line 66. The first indicator 64 is positioned on the left side 68 of the rod portion 54 and the second indicator 66 is positioned on the right side 70 of the rod portion 54. The central portion 72 of the circular rod portion 54 is defined between the first indicator 64 and the second indicator 66. The circular rod portion 54 may be positioned in the top 80 of the grip 82 within the cutout portion 84 of the grip 82. The top 80 also has the secondary alignment indicator 86 provided in the grip 82.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 8, a side view of a golf club 100, with the golf head alignment device 50 applied to an upper end 102 of the golf club 100 is shown. The golf club 100 has the upper end 102 on which is provided the grip 82 having incorporated therein the device 50. The golf club 100 also has a shaft 104 and a golf head 106 which is used for striking a golf ball (not shown). A golfer 108 is shown holding the golf club 100. An enlarged view of the golf head alignment device 50 is depicted to illustrate what the golfer 108 would see while holding the golf club 100. In this particular view, the golfer 108 has decided to hit a straight shot. In order to accomplish this by use of the golf head alignment device 50 the bubble 62 is centered within the central portion 72 and the secondary alignment indicator 86.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a golf head alignment device 120 installed on a grip 122 constructed according to the present disclosure. The golf head alignment device 120 is the same as the device 50 and the grip 122 has a first installation alignment marking 124 and a second installation alignment marking 126. The installation alignment markings 124 and 126 are used in the installation of the device 120 and the grip 122 on a golf club (not shown). The first installation alignment marking 124 is positioned near a top 128 of the grip 122 and the second installation alignment marking 126 is positioned near a bottom 130 of the grip 122. The first installation alignment marking is also centered on the secondary alignment indicator 86. The bubble 62 can also be used to center the grip 122. When installing the grip 122 onto a golf club, a club face (not shown) of a club head (also not shown) is orientated so that the club face is square and perpendicular to the ground. The grip 122 is installed on a shaft (not shown) of the golf club and the installation alignment markings 124 and 126 are aligned in a linear fashion to be pointing at the perpendicular club face.

With reference now to FIG. 10, an installation tool 150 is shown which can be used to install the golf head alignment device 50 or 120 of the present disclosure. The installation tool 150 has a handle portion 152 having an upper end 154 and a lower end 156, a hook portion 158 connected to the lower end 156, and a pick element 160 extending out from the hook portion 158. The hook portion 158 has an arcuate top section 162, an arcuate side section 164, and a straight bottom section 166. The hook portion 158 forms a generally C-shaped configuration. The hook portion 158 also has formed therein a central opening 168 that is used to capture a shaft of a golf club to be fitted with the golf head alignment device 50 or 120, as will be explained in detail further herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates the installation tool 150 being used to install the golf head alignment device 50 onto a shaft 170 of a golf club 172 having a club head 174 having a ball striking surface 176. The installation tool 150 has the pick element 160 (FIG. 10) initially inserted into the hole 88 (FIG. 6) of another golf head alignment device 178. The installation tool 150 is also secured or held in place on the shaft 170 by use of the hook portion 158. The handle portion 152 is orientated to be facing straight up when the tool 150 is placed on the shaft 170. The combination of the installation tool 150 and the golf head alignment device 178 act as a pendulum to pull the tool 150 perpendicular to the ground. The golf head alignment device 178 has a bubble float assembly (not shown) that is used to further confirm that the club head 174 is perpendicular. The bubble float assembly 52 is also used to orientate the golf club 172 into a perpendicular configuration. Use of the tool 150 and the device 178 permit an installer to easily and accurately orientate the golf club 172 to install the grip 82 precisely on the shaft 170.

Variations and modifications to the subject matter of this disclosure may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure as described herein. Such variations, if within the spirit of this disclosure, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of any claims to patent protection issuing herein. Any equivalent means for achieving the results to be obtained from the alignment device of this disclosure, are also considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as explained. The description of the disclosure in the preferred embodiments, and their depiction in the drawings, are generally set forth for illustrative purposes only.

Claims

1. A golf head alignment device comprises:

a bubble float assembly having a circular rod portion having a first end and a second end, a liquid encapsulated within the circular rod portion and a bubble formed within the liquid, a first indicator presented on a left side of the rod portion, a second indicator presented on a right side of the rod portion, a central portion of the circular rod portion defined between the first indicator and the second indicator, a front side, a back side with the back side being covered with a portion of a reflective material; and

a grip having a top having a cutout portion, the cutout portion for receiving the bubble float assembly therein, and a secondary alignment indicator provided in the grip with the secondary alignment indicator for centering the bubble in the central portion.

2. The golf head alignment device of claim 1 wherein the bubble is capable of being centered on the first indicator on the left side of the rod portion to allow a golfer to hit a fade shot.

3. The golf head alignment device of claim 1 wherein the bubble is capable of being centered on the second indicator on the right side of the rod portion to allow a golfer to hit a draw shot.

4. The golf head alignment device of claim 1 wherein the bubble is capable of being centered within the central portion and on the secondary alignment indicator.

5. The golf head alignment device of claim 1 wherein the portion of reflective material is a reflective foil.

6. The golf head alignment device of claim 1 wherein the portion of reflective material is a reflective film.

7. The golf head alignment device of claim 1 wherein the portion of reflective material is a reflective tape.

8. A golf head alignment device comprises:

a bubble float assembly having a circular rod portion having a first end and a second end, a liquid encapsulated within the circular rod portion and a bubble formed within the liquid, a first indicator presented on a left side of the rod portion, a second indicator presented on a right side of the rod portion, a central portion of the circular rod portion defined between the first indicator and the second indicator, a front side, a back side with the back side being covered with a portion of a reflective material; and

a grip having a bottom and a top having a cutout portion, the cutout portion for receiving the bubble float assembly therein, and a secondary alignment indicator provided in the grip with the secondary alignment indicator for centering the bubble in the central portion, a first installation alignment marking positioned near the top and centered on the secondary alignment indicator, and a second installation alignment marking positioned near the bottom.

9. The golf head alignment device of claim 8 wherein the first installation alignment marking is aligned with the second installation alignment marking.

10. The golf head alignment device of claim 8 wherein the bubble is capable of being centered on the first indicator on the left side of the rod portion to allow a golfer to hit a fade shot.

11. The golf head alignment device of claim 8 wherein the bubble is capable of being centered on the second indicator on the right side of the rod portion to allow a golfer to hit a draw shot.

12. The golf head alignment device of claim 8 wherein the bubble is capable of being centered within the central portion and on the secondary alignment indicator.

13. The golf head alignment device of claim 8 wherein the portion of reflective material is a reflective foil.

14. The adjustable pivot bolt of claim 8 wherein the portion of reflective material is a reflective film.

15. The adjustable pivot bolt of claim 8 wherein the portion of reflective material is a reflective tape.

16. A golf head alignment device comprises:

a bubble float assembly having a circular rod portion having a first end and a second end, a liquid encapsulated within the circular rod portion and a bubble formed within the liquid, a first indicator presented on a left side of the rod portion, a second indicator presented on a right side of the rod portion, a central portion of the circular rod portion defined between the first indicator and the second indicator, a front side, a back side with the back side being covered with a portion of a reflective material;

a grip having a top having a cutout portion, the cutout portion for receiving the bubble float assembly therein, and a secondary alignment indicator provided in the grip with the secondary alignment indicator for centering the bubble in the central portion; and

an installation tool having a handle portion having an upper end and a lower end, a hook portion connected to the lower end, and a pick element extending out from the hook portion.

17. The golf head alignment device of claim 16 wherein the hook portion comprises an arcuate top section, an arcuate side section, and a straight bottom section.

18. The golf head alignment device of claim 16 wherein the grip further comprises a vent hole and the pick element is adapted for fitting into the vent hole.

19. The golf head alignment device of claim 16 wherein the hook portion comprises an arcuate top section, an arcuate side section, and a straight bottom section, and the arcuate top section is adapted for fitting over a shaft of a golf club.

20. The golf head alignment device of claim 16 wherein the wherein the portion of reflective material is a reflective foil.

21. A golf head alignment device comprising:

A bubble float assembly being of circular disc like configuration and having a circular rod portion applied therein, said circular rod portion having a first end a second end, a liquid encapsulated within the circular rod portion and a bubble formed within the liquid, a central indicator presented upon the float assembly and indicating the center of the circular rod portion whereby when the bubble is aligned with the central indicator providing for a drive of the golf ball for a straight shot down the fairway, said circular rod portion having a front side, a back side, with the back side being covered with a portion of a reflective material;

wherein the circular disc like configuration of the float assembly having a cut-out portion, the cut-out portion for receiving the circular rod portion therein; and

said circular portion of the float assembly being affixed to the top end of the golf club shaft.