Abstract: A golf club head, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, comprises a metallic striking wall having a striking surface and at least one through score-line opening. At least one complementary component may be disposed rearward of the striking surface such that at least a part of the at least one complementary component extends into only a part of the at least one through score-line opening.
Abstract: A golf club head with a body and a pivotable alignment aide non-removably housed on a top surface of the body is provided. The pivotable alignment aide is pivotable relative to the top surface and about an axis of rotation transverse to the top surface. The pivotable alignment aide may be coupled to the remainder of the golf club head through a resistive connection and may be shifted to assist a golfer in squaring the face of the golf club face to a perceived eye line and resulting in the golfer being able to better square the golf club head with the eye line at a point of contact. The golf club head may be a golf club head for a putter.
Abstract: A fitting or coaching device (100) for use in fitting golf clubs or assisting golf trainers, the device having a head (102) with a striking face (120) and a shaft (131) slideably mounted to the head (102). The slideable mounting of the shaft (131) enables adjustment of its position to vary its offset distance from the striking face (120). The device (100) preferably includes an offset scale (141d). In preferred embodiments, the slideable mounting is in the form of a screw adjustment or a rack and pinion arrangement. In a less preferred embodiment, the slideable mounting is provided by an engaging portion (140) slideably receivable within a guide (141b) and securable thereto by a fastener or clamp (145), wherein the engaging portion (140) has a complementary shape to the guide (141b). In preferred embodiments, the position of the shaft (131) is movable between a first position behind the striking face (120) and a second position is in front of the striking face (120).
Abstract: A golf putter training device is described. The training device includes a bracket having a first end configured to be attached to the putter shaft and a second end connected to a support shaft, a first visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on a first side of the plane, and a second visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on the second side of the plane. In another embodiment, the training device includes a third and fourth visual guide. In yet another embodiment, the training device includes visual indicators.
Abstract: The subject invention is comprised of a striking member adapted to emulate a specific selected sport, such striking member having removable indicator appendages that enable the user to feel by vibration and replicate by sight where the striking member is during the striking movement, and a target member adapted to emulate the playing object of the same selected sport, the target member including flexible, elongate momentum elements selectively attachable to the target member to provide progressive resistance and accurately simulate the characteristics of an actual ball or playing object.
Abstract: A golf club alignment system, including: (a) a golf club shaft; (b) a golf club head connected to the golf club shaft, the golf club head including: (i) a hosel received onto an end of the golf club shaft; (ii) a ball-hitting face extending from the hosel; and (iii) an alignment system on the hosel, wherein the alignment system comprises a longitudinally extending marker positioned in a plane passing through a center axis of the golf club, and wherein the longitudinally extending marker terminates in an arrow point at the upper end of the hosel.
Abstract: A golf club head, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, comprises a metallic striking wall having a striking surface and at least one through score-line opening. At least one complementary component may be disposed rearward of the striking surface such that at least a part of the at least one complementary component extends into only a part of the at least one through score-line opening.
Abstract: A portable, expandable golf training device that can be placed on the ground to provide alignment. The present invention can supply a plurality of light beams produced by lasers or other light sources or a plurality of extendable tapes to provide alignment both in the direction of play and perpendicular to it. The device can be used by placing it on the ground in front of the golfer (between the golfer's feet and the ball. Two lines can project outward perpendicular to the direction of play, and two or four lines can project into and away from the direction of play. These lines provide alignment for the golfer. The tape can be a flat, elongated flexible tape similar to a measuring tape.
Abstract: A golf club includes a shaft with a length, a distal end, and a proximal end separated from the distal end by the length. A hand grip is disposed along the length and an arm-securing attachment is coupled to the proximal end of the shaft and has a substantially spiral-shape with a spiral direction away from the proximal end of the shaft. A club face is coupled to the distal end of the shaft.
Abstract: A golf putter training device is described. The training device includes a bracket having a first end configured to be attached to the putter shaft and a second end connected to a support shaft, a first visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on a first side of the plane, and a second visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on the second side of the plane. In another embodiment, the training device includes a third and fourth visual guide. In yet another embodiment, the training device includes visual indicators.
Abstract: A golf club head with a body and a pivotable alignment aide non-removably housed on a top surface of the body is provided. The pivotable alignment aide is pivotable relative to the top surface and about an axis of rotation transverse to the top surface. The pivotable alignment aide may be coupled to the remainder of the golf club head through a resistive connection and may be shifted to assist a golfer in squaring the face of the golf club face to a perceived eye line and resulting in the golfer being able to better square the golf club head with the eye line at a point of contact. The golf club head may be a golf club head for a putter.
Abstract: A golf club having at least one directional based graphic on the golf club it disclosed. More specifically, the golf club in accordance with the present invention will have at least one directional based graphic that will only be visible when the golf club is oriented in a desirable direction while staying invisible in all other undesirable directions.
Abstract: A system of training a golf swing including the steps of providing a positional apparatus that provides the golfer with variable impact heights and variable rotational positions to enable them to learn the correct swing, and also includes various additional training items. The stand provides heights ranging from the traditional on the ground striking position up to the golfer's waist to train the swing incrementally and can be positioned anywhere within the golfer's peripheral sight. It also provides the golfer a way to learn the correct movements used in the swing without the pressure of trying to effect a golf ball flight.
Abstract: The golf swing training apparatus and method provides an adjustable-length tee with a height of at least twelve inches and a golf ball thereon to be addressed by a golfer. A golf club is further provided to the golfer, allowing the golfer to swing and hit the golf ball off of the adjustable-length tee. The tee height is progressively decreased as training progresses.
Abstract: A golf club head with a body and an asymmetrical visual swing indicator is provided. The asymmetrical visual swing indicator may be formed to represent an apparent backswing path outward of an actual backswing path. In certain configurations the asymmetrical visual swing indicator is positioned such that a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to the hitting surface of the golf club is closer to a heel end plane of the golf club head then a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to a rear surface of the golf club head. A method of fitting a golf club head by determining an initial swing plane using a measuring device, determining a desired swing plane, and applying an asymmetrically shaped visual indicator to a golf club head based upon the determined initial swing plane and the desired swing is also provided.
Abstract: Disclosed is a golf club capable of allowing a user to properly adjust the striking direction and striking impact for a golf ball by presenting a reference line for accurately striking the golf ball, and simultaneously providing an index for checking the exact movement distance and direction of a club head in take-back and striking actions. The golf club is provided with a shaft, which has a first side surrounded by a grip grasped by a user, and a club head, which is connected to a second side of the shaft to strike a golf ball. The shaft comprises a shaft body including transparent material, and a guide member inserted into the shaft body and having a specific sectional shape such that the guide member guides horizontal movement of the golf club.
Abstract: A golf club head, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, comprises a metallic striking wall having a striking surface and at least one through score-line opening. At least one complementary component may be disposed rearward of the striking surface such that at least a part of the at least one complementary component extends into only a part of the at least one through score-line opening.
Abstract: A golf club may have an orientation marker located on the golf club that indicates at least a relative orientation between the golf club head and shaft. The orientation marker may be located, for example, on the golf club head or shaft. A key member provides additional information with respect to the relative orientation between the golf club head and the shaft. The key member may be located, for example, on the golf club head, shaft, or grip portion, or on a head cover for the golf club head.
Type:
Application
Filed:
April 29, 2010
Publication date:
August 26, 2010
Applicant:
NIKE, INC.
Inventors:
James S. Thomas, Robert Lukasiewicz, JR.
Abstract: The present invention helps golfers consistently execute the ideal golf swing. To consistently execute the ideal swing, golfers must consistently align the shafts of their clubs at the ideal angle with respect to the horizontal at setup, prior to executing the swing. The present invention helps golfers set their clubs at the ideal angle by attaching an angle indicating device to the club that indicates the angle of the club with respect to the horizontal. The preferred embodiment of the angle indicating device is a small, lightweight circular bubble level, that has angle markings around its edge, and quickly clips onto an off of the golf club. The angle indicating device is sufficiently small and lightweight that it does not affect the golfers swing. The same device may be used on different golf clubs to show the desired angle for the club in use.
Abstract: An adjustable alignment golf putter to compensate for a golfer's visual misalignment of the putter face due to eye predominance to the intended or target line taking into account the slope and contour of the green comprising an upper golf grip and a lower putter head attached to opposite end portions of a putter shaft, the putter head includes visual alignment means formed on the side opposite the putter face including a visual alignment base to support an adjustable alignment element movably positioned thereon to selectively align the adjustable alignment element on a virtual line between the optimum contact point and the cup angularly off set relative to the intended or target line between the golf ball and cup to compensate for the golfer's visual misalignment when putting the golf ball along the intended line to the cup.
Abstract: A swing alignment device (1) for assisting or training a golfer to swing with the correct golf swing, the device comprising: a rod-like member (2); and a mounting member (3) for mounting to a shaft (5) of a golf club (6), the mounting member providing a support means (7) which supports the rod-like member on the mounting member such that the rod-like member (2) extends substantially parallel to the shaft and permits the rod-like member to slide relative to the support means (7). The mounting member (3) is suitably adapted for mounting to the grip portion (4) on the shaft of the golf club (6) and includes a grip engagement formation (10) for placing against the grip portion of the shaft (5). The support means for the rod-like member comprise at least one sleeve through which the rod-like member (2) passes, whereby the rod-like member is supported with its longitudinal axis closely laterally spaced from the axis of the golf club shaft (5).
Abstract: A golf club incorporates a slope indicator on its shaft. to enable a golfer to estimate the slope of a putting green. When the golf club is placed on the ground, the slope indicator indicates a degree of slope. The golfer may engage a lock for the slope indicator. Engagement of the lock allows the golfer to lift the club off the ground to inspect the slope indicator.
Abstract: A putting guide assembly and its associated method of use. The putting guide assembly attaches to the head of a putter. The putter head has a striking surface for striking a golf ball. The putting guide assembly is attached to the putter and presents a flexible guide surface that extends forward of the putter's striking surface. The flexible guide surface can be configured into different curvatures. As the flexible guide surface is adjusted, the perceived curvature observed by a golfer holding the putter changes. A golfer can therefore selectively change the perceived curvature to match the natural curvature inherent in that golfer's putting swing.
Abstract: A golf training aid and methods of performing golf drills therewith are provided. The golf training aid comprises a thin, rigid, card-like member having structures configured to retain one or more golf balls in place until struck. The training aid further includes a plurality of directional indicia for assisting a user to line up golf shots with a target or intended line of travel and identify the proper trajectory for contacting a golf club with a golf ball. The golf training aid may be used to perform golf drills directed toward improving nearly all aspects of the user's game, particularly putting, wedge and iron shots, and driving, and proper alignment of the club face and user's feet during the practice of drills.
Abstract: A golf putter training device is described. The training device includes a bracket having a first end configured to be attached to the putter shaft and a second end connected to a support shaft, a first visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on a first side of the plane, and a second visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on the second side of the plane. In another embodiment, the training device includes a third and fourth visual guide. In yet another embodiment, the training device includes visual indicators.
Abstract: A golf swing practice target panel or impact device is provided. The impact device may be or may include a panel made of a type of material such that there will be a temporary mark where a standard or non-standard golf ball impacted the panel. An aiming reference point may be provided on a lower portion of the panel. In addition, lines may be printed on the panel to depict launch or elevation angles and off-center deviation angles. A golfer can examine how accurate the strike was after the swing. Also, the panel material may possess proper friction that enables the spinning direction of a golf ball to be determined when a golf ball bounces off from the panel. Judging from where the ball landed relative to the temporary ball mark on the panel, the golfer is able to know how the ball was spinning after striking.
Abstract: The present golf swing training tool assists a golfer in learning the correct swing path the club head should follow during a normal golf swing, in order to consistently hit the ball in the desired direction, by providing a direct visual prompt of the proper club head swing path during each swing of the golf club. The tool may be used indoors or outdoors and is very portable.
Abstract: A putting guide assembly and its associated method of use. The putting guide assembly attaches to the head of a putter. The putter head has a striking surface for striking a golf ball. The putting guide assembly is attached to the putter and presents a rod that extends forward of the putter's striking surface. The rod has a first end, a second end and at least one curved section in between those two ends. The rod can be rotated into different orientations while being attached to the putter. As the rod is rotated, the perceived curvature of the rod that is observed by a golfer holding the putter changes. A golfer can therefore selectively change the perceived curvature of the rod to match the natural curvature inherent in that golfer's putting swing.
Abstract: Devices, apparatus, kits and methods for providing alignment, positioning and swing guidance and feedback to a golfer in learning or improving putting and similar skills are provided. Devices and apparatus of the invention comprise a pendular component, and are constructed and arranged for use in aligning the parts of a putter with respect to a target golf ball, with respect to the golfer, and with respect to the target hole. Apparatus and methods of the invention also provide both dynamic and static feedback to a golfer or to an observing instructor, as well as guidance before, during, and after the golf club is swung or otherwise moved. Devices, apparatus and methods of the invention are useful as teaching and training tools to aid in learning, improving and perfecting skills for the game and sport of golf.
Abstract: A golf teaching device including a body having an arcuate brace, a strap coupled to the arcuate brace for selectively coupling the body to a golf club, a swing arm rotatably mounts on the body, a button selectively locks the swing arm in a plurality of positions with respect to the body and a swing arm extension mounted on the swing arm. The strap allows mounting the device in any rotational position on the club shaft and the swing arm can move through 180 degrees to be parallel the shaft, perpendicular the shaft and in various positions therebetween.
Abstract: A system of training a golf swing including the steps of providing a positional apparatus that provides the golfer with variable impact heights and variable rotational positions to enable them to learn the correct swing, and also includes various additional training items. The stand provides heights ranging from the traditional on the ground striking position up to the golfer's waist to train the swing incrementally and can be positioned anywhere within the golfer's peripheral sight. It also provides the golfer a way to learn the correct movements used in the swing without the pressure of trying to effect a golf ball flight.
Abstract: A golf club having a golf club head with an alignment line that makes the actual face angle of the golf club appear differently when the golf club is at address. The golf club head preferably has a white line at a face-crown junction which changes the appearance of the face angle while the golf club is at address. The golf club head is preferably a driver or fairway wood, and preferably has a volume of 250 cubic centimeters to 475 cubic centimeters.
Abstract: A device that helps a golfer improve his/her swing while at the same time exercising the muscles used during the swing. The device comprises two grips or handles, one at each end, and a flexible center body between the grips. The flexible center body comprises an outer body made of a multiple directional flex material such as a spring and an inner body made of a flexible strip of stainless steel or a durable strip material, or a combination of both which enables the device to bend or flex in two directions and resist a twisting motion.
Abstract: An alignment device for attachment to the striking face of a golf club head includes a pair of elongate guide rods, a pair of connection plates for attachment between the proximal ends of the guide rods and the striking face of the head, and an adhesive layer for mounting the connection plates to the striking face. Each guide rod includes a magnet and each connection plate is constructed of a magnetically attractive material so that the guide rods can be used during practice and removed during play.
Abstract: The subject invention is comprised of a striking member adapted to emulate a specific selected sport, such striking member having removable indicator appendages that enable the user to feel by vibration and replicate by sight where the striking member is during the striking movement, and a target member adapted to emulate the playing object of the same selected sport, the target member including flexible, elongate momentum elements selectively attachable to the target member to provide progressive resistance and accurately simulate the characteristics of an actual ball or playing object.
Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to golf club heads and golf clubs including a golf club head, including a body having a generally vertical planar face, a means for aligning the planar face with a golf ball, wherein the means is positioned behind the planar face, and an orifice for receiving a club shaft.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 3, 2004
Date of Patent:
October 7, 2008
Inventors:
David L. Williams, Nicholas M. Middleton
Abstract: A trainer golf club is provided having a hollowed shaft with a plurality of concentric weights extending along the length of the shaft for endurance training. The concentric weights may be added or removed to obtain a desired training weight for the golf club. Since the weights extend along the length of the shaft, their weight is substantially evenly distributed along the shaft which keeps the center of gravity of the trainer golf club substantially the same as that of a conventional golf club. Interchangeable golf club heads are provided that couple to one end of the trainer golf club to enable hitting golf balls. By providing multiple different types of golf club heads, the trainer golf club may be customized. Moreover, different size club heads may be coupled to a single shaft to enable a golfer to carry a set of clubs in a small, compact package.
Abstract: A putting training device having two alignment guides positioned to extend from the blade of a putter. In one embodiment the alignment guides extend generally parallel to each other to facilitate a generally parallel putting stroke. In an alternative embodiment, each of the alignment guides generally arcuate in shape and extends from the blade of the putter in a generally concentric manner, to facilitate a generally arcuate putting stroke. The ends of the alignment guides are tapered to prevent the alignment guides from catching on the putting surface. Additionally, at least one of the alignment guides is movable, such that the space between the two alignment guides can tailored for the experience level of each user.
Abstract: An adjustable putter head for a golf putter is designed having an elongated line of sight marking on a top surface of the putter head to aid in aligning the putter head in a putting direction toward a target point, and a putter face which is pivotally connected to the putter head to allow selective adjustment of an angular position of the putter face relative to the line of sight for purposes such as adjusting a face angle orientation to compensate for improper putting strokes, or lining up breaking putts using the line of sight to aim the putt at the hole as a fixed target while adjusting the face angle orientation to align the ball striking face square to an off-line direction of intended ball movement.
Abstract: A golf club with optical indicating system includes a head having an elongate planar face defining the hitting surface of the golf club. Above the hitting surface, at least a pair of spaced-parallel forwardly protruding guides are located extending perpendicularly to the hitting surface. The guides define the indicating system that visually helps the player to determine the best path between the position of the ball on the golf green and the hole. The guides may be integral with the body of the club's head or may be separate parts thereof.
Abstract: A golf club head includes a transparent cylinder with a sight on top and target on the bottom for indicating to the golfer when the club head is level and on line. An exemplary sight includes a centered disk surrounded by concentric rings; some rings being transparent. The target includes a larger central disk sounded by concentric rings of contrasting color or pattern. At the preferred club orientation, the center of the sight is vertically aligned with the center of the target and the vertical sight picture includes at least four concentric colored or patterned rings. In a second embodiment, the sight and target each include a swing stripe in the swing direction. The relative location of the sight and target centers and swing stripes show the golfer the position of the club head relative to the ball and aid in swing smoothness.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 21, 2004
Date of Patent:
June 5, 2007
Assignee:
Geometrix Golf
Inventors:
Daniel Schell, Richard E. Hoff, Allan M. Stein
Abstract: A customizable alignment sighting device for a golf club is mounted to an upper surface of the head of the golf club with a sighting element providing the user a visual target indicator for desired alignment of the club head with the user's line of sight. The sighting element can be readily adjusted for the user's preferences. When not aligned, the sighting element provides an indication of the magnitude and direction of misalignment. In one embodiment, the device is shaped as a planar disc mounted on the upper surface of the club head by leveling posts spaced around its periphery. The sighting element is a concave lens or lenticulated grid or grill superimposed on a target image. In another embodiment, the device has a 3D device body mounted in a mounting cup or socket fastened to or formed in the head of the golf club.
Abstract: A tool has an adjustable lie angle, face angle, weight, and shaft length and is used by a golfer to adjust a putter to the optimal lie angle, face angle, weight and shaft length for that golfer. The tool head has a face plate and a sole disposed normal to one another. An angle member has a vertical wall disposed parallel to the face plate and a horizontal wall that overlies the sole. A hosel is pivotally mounted to the vertical wall and a first protractor is fixedly secured to the vertical wall. A marker on the hosel indicates the lie angle on the first protractor. A second protractor secured to the sole indicates a face angle when the shaft of the club is rotated about its axis. Weights are selectively added to the toe, heel, or mid-point of the putter head to determine an optimal weight and weight distribution.
Abstract: A putting training aid and putter calibration device for use on a putting surface is disclosed which includes a horizontal calibrated bar with a linear centered scale and a parallel calibration block having an orthogonal face and set on the practice putting surface below and offset from the horizontal calibrated bar. Also provided is a linear scale decal which is applied to a putter shaft. The device is designed to align the putter head to proper lie and neutral loft so that the face is square to the intended target line and to teach the golfer the proper grip, stance, alignment of the golfer, alignment of the club and proper putting stroke.
Abstract: A new Golf Club Head design, as compared to the previous art, Cylindrical in shape, with a larger more concentrated Circular face that has Circular Grooves, with a Convex back, with no Heel and Toe, has a sole plate that wraps around the convex back up to the half mark on both sides of the wooden golf club head, and a unique Neck, Hosel Tube Neck and Shaft ‘placement’ that abuts the approximate Center on the outside at right angles to the golf club head. And this new design incorporates a multifaceted hand grip for the club shaft. This Cylindrical shape head will permit the club head to be always soled and as such, the golf club will not fall backwards as the prior art does without the shaft being held firmly by the golfer. And, so, with this new multifaceted hand grip design, the golfer would not have to hold onto the club shaft any tighter in order to prevent the golf club from twisting, in his/her hands, at impact with the golf ball.
Abstract: A golf putter assembly and its associated method of use. The putter assembly has a putter head disposed at the end of a traditional shaft. The putter head has a striking surface for striking a golf ball. A rod is provided that extends forward of the striking surface. The rod has a first end, a second end and at least one curved section in between those two ends. The rod can be rotated into different orientations prior to being attached to the putter head. As the rod is rotated, the perceived curvature of the rod that is observed by a golfer holding the putter changes. A golfer can therefore selectively change the perceived curvature of the rod to match the natural curvature inherent in that golfer's putting swing.
Abstract: A putter assembly and the method of converting a putter assembly between a practice configuration and a regulation play configuration. The putter assembly has a shaft. A putter head is attached to the shaft. The putter head has a striking surface for striking a golf ball. A connection receptacle is disposed on the striking surface of the putter head. A training rod is provided that has a predetermined weight. A plug is also provided that has a weight generally equal to that of the rod. Either the rod or the plug can be attached to the connection receptacle in the putter head. When the rod is attached, the putter is configured for use in training, wherein the rod provides a reference guide during putting. When the rod is removed and the plug is set in place, the putter is ready for regulation play.
Abstract: A preferred golf club includes a first alignment mark on a grip of the club and a second alignment mark on the head proximate a centerline of the head. A preferred method for addressing a ball involves positioning the second alignment mark proximate the center of the ball; pivoting the club until the first alignment mark overhangs the ball; aiming the first alignment mark toward a target; positioning one's feet parallel to the first alignment mark; and again centering the second alignment mark with the ball. One object of the present invention is to assist a golfer both in striking a golf ball with the sweet spot of a club head and to enable the golfer to accurately sight on the target.
Abstract: The present invention provides a novel visual golf club-head curvilinear path indicator and method of use. Specifically, the present invention provides a visual golf club-head curvilinear path guide in the form of one or more alignment lines or markings on putters and other club-heads that are curvilinear (instead of linear) and that curve toward the golfer's body as he or she stands at address. The curvilinear line (or lines) and/or shape (or shapes) are intended to provide the golfer with a visual reminder to move the club-head back and through along a curvilinear path.
Abstract: A golf putter having a putter head that rotates when struck off-center by a golf ball includes a shaft that is centered on the putter head. The shaft and the putter head both include indicating lines that line-up and, upon the putter head being struck, will move out of alignment, with the amount of rotation visually showing the golfer where on the putter head the ball struck. The indicating lines are easily lined up again for the next putt.