Sighting Device Directing Golfers Visual Focus Toward A Point To Restrain Head Movement Patents (Class 473/268)
  • Patent number: 11673029
    Abstract: A sports ball is configured to enhance detection of spin properties by radar. The ball includes a spherical body having a first reflectivity with respect to radiation generated by a radar to be used in detecting spin of the ball. In addition, the ball includes a plurality of markers. Each of the markers has a second reflectivity with respect to the radiation generated by a radar to be used in detecting spin of the ball. The second reflectivity is different from the first reflectivity. The markers are distributed on the ball so that every great circle extending around an exterior surface of the ball is within a distance d of a projection on the exterior surface of the ball of at least one of the markers. The distance d is less than a radius of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: TRACKMAN A/S
    Inventors: Fredrik Tuxen, Nicolaj Peter Hermansen, Thomas Harries Hasselbalch
  • Patent number: 11426645
    Abstract: A golf ball aligning device comprises a shaft having a first and a second end, a handle mounted to the first end and a head member mounted to the second end. The head member further comprises a ball opening extending through the height of the head member having a chamfered or rounded bottom edge to engage a golf ball. An alignment grid on the top face of the head member comprises a crosshair pattern centered with the ball opening. A golf ball engaged with the bottom edge may be manipulated and oriented relative to the alignment grid for setting the trajectory of a shot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Irvin
  • Patent number: 10857441
    Abstract: A head alignment golf training aid system including a configurable frame assembly and a net member. The configurable frame assembly having a top section, middle section and bottom section, all sections collectively forming an inverted L shaped frame having a rectangular base when the frame assembly is configured. The top section includes a horizontal bar member, a support bracket member to steady the top section of the frame assembly, an alignment bar member which aids in orienting a user's head to a required position to obtain a desired golf swing, wherein the position of the alignment bar member relative to a user is adjustable to achieve a suitable orientation, and an elbow connector member for connecting the alignment bar member to the horizontal bar member. The middle section includes a vertically oriented pole member and the bottom section includes a rectangular base member having enclosed therein one or more golf tees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Ramon Benavides
  • Patent number: 10463939
    Abstract: A golf swing training device comprises an upwardly extending support to be positioned on the ground in front of a golfer; a visual guide mounted on the support; the visual guide including a golf-ball viewing window through which a golf-ball is viewed by the golfer. The size of the viewing window may be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: David Keith Baker
  • Patent number: 9474951
    Abstract: Golf is waning in popularity partly because of the difficulty of becoming a good player. A key aspect of this difficulty is in using a golf club to drive a ball in a desired direction. To make this easier, the present inventor devised, among other things, a directional golf tee structure that enables players to select a drive direction by orienting the golf tee in the desired direction and then using a golf club to strike a portion of the golf tee instead of the ball. The struck portion of the golf tee filters out or reduces the effect of golf club swing errors, thereby promoting greater accuracy. In some embodiments, the tees are configured for specific loft angles, fade, and/or draw attributes, not only providing a variety of play and training options, but ultimately making golf easier and more enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: William Chuang
  • Patent number: 9168443
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a plurality of markings, each relating to a different future action in a game of golf, the future action generally being the type of club to be used on a future shot. Methods of playing games of golf using the balls are also described herein. Once a shot has been played the marking on the golf ball that lies uppermost is used to determine the future action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: David Edison
  • Patent number: 9044650
    Abstract: A golf ball painting system and method comprising: providing at least one golf ball, the cover having an outer surface comprising a surface area Sa; masking a portion P1 of surface area Sa with at least one masking part MA1, portion P1 having a surface area Sb that is less than surface area Sa; applying paint having a color C1 onto an unmasked portion P2 of surface area Sa, portion P2 having a surface area Sc that is less than surface area Sa and such that Sc+Sb+Sn=Sa wherein n is the number of masking parts; masking surface area Sc with a masking part MA2; removing MA1 from Sb; painting Sb a color C2 wherein C2 is different than C1; forming a painted golf ball having an overall color appearance of at least two different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Manjari Kuntimaddi
  • Patent number: 8866206
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a plurality of fins on an upper surface of a semiconductor substrate and extending in a first direction, a device isolation insulating film placed between the fins, a gate electrode extending in a second direction crossing the first direction on the insulating film; and an insulating film insulating the fin from the gate electrode. In a first region where a plurality of the fins are consecutively arranged, an upper surface of the device isolation insulating film is located at a first position below an upper end of the fin. In a second region located in the second direction as viewed from the first region, the upper surface of the device isolation insulating film is located at a second position above the upper end of the fin. In the second region, the device isolation insulating film covers entirely a side surface of the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Gaku Sudo
  • Patent number: 8790190
    Abstract: A golf training device may include a base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface for placing on a surface; a ball positioning sensor positioned adjacent to the top surface; and a light source for transmitting visible light from the base, the light source being in operable communication with the ball positioning sensor to respond to a signal from the ball positioning sensor that a ball has been moved from a resting position to transmit light for a finite predetermined period of time after the ball is moved from the resting position. A method of training may include receiving a ball on a training device in a resting position; detecting the presence of the ball on the top surface; detecting that the ball has been moved; transmitting light from a light source for a predetermined period of time in response to detecting that the ball has been moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph A. Kamnikar
  • Publication number: 20140162803
    Abstract: In response to detecting a sound when a ball is contacted, a training device presents a visual indicator selected from at least two visual indicators. The visual indicator is presented for a display duration. After an elapsed time after the visual indicator is presented for the display duration, a confirmation indicator is presented identifying the visual indicator. As a result, the training device can be used without a coach or trainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: John Michael Carney, Darrell William Wenhardt
  • Publication number: 20140148263
    Abstract: The “No Peek Putting” device is a golf putting training device which is designed to eliminate a golfer's urge to pick up or turn their head to peek or look at the golf ball as it begins to roll down the target line toward the golf hole. This simple designed golf putting training device is nothing more than a small rectangular shaped panel that sits 3 to 4 inches above the putting surface on four legs. This elevation allows the golf ball to roll under the putting device out of the golfer's view which eliminates the urge to peek or look at the golf ball as it rolls down the target line. It has a slot cut part way into the “Putter Side” of the device to allow the putter shaft to pass into the “No Peek Putting” training aid; this slot is called the “Stroke Groove”. The “Stroke Groove” is designed to keep the putter on the target line and gives the golfer a proper feel of a “free flowing” putting stroke because NO contact with the training device is made with the putter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Billy (William) Joseph Litton
  • Patent number: 8727902
    Abstract: A golf putting aid comprises first and second substantially vertically extending members and a substantially horizontally extending member attached between the first and second vertically extending members. The horizontally extending member and the vertically extending members cooperatively define a first at least partially enclosed space beneath the horizontally extending member through which a golf ball may be putted and a second at least partially enclosed space above the horizontally extending member through which a golfer may align a target for the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Robert P. Shipman
  • Patent number: 8678943
    Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for measuring or analyzing a golf swing. Measurement or analysis is made relative to energy generation and transfer through a player's body and club. The measurement or analysis data is principally obtained from the player's ground-reaction forces. Processed signals are analyzed with an artificial intelligence system. Ground-reaction forces relate to reaction forces which occur between a standing surface and the player's feet. The apparatus and method measures or analyses a golf swing in an automatic manner or in an automatic and interactive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Francis Mooney
  • Patent number: 8465377
    Abstract: A putting training device includes a base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface for placing on a putting surface. The top surface is a tapered surface tapering to the putting surface. A ball receiving recess can be defined on the top surface. The device also includes a ball positioning sensor positioned adjacent to the ball receiving recess and a light source for transmitting light visible from the top surface of the base. The light source is in operable communication with the ball positioning sensor to respond to a signal from the ball positioning sensor that a ball has been impacted from the ball receiving recess. When the light source receives the signal from the ball positioning sensor, the light source will transmit light for a finite predetermined period of time after the ball is impacted from the ball receiving recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph A. Kamnikar, Lyle Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 8449401
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pair of golf glasses. The glasses are designed to enable the golfer to measure a distance to a golf ball precisely as taking an address position, and make the golfer looking at a ball with keeping his or her head still until a clubhead hits the ball, and thereby prevent the golfer from looking-up mistake during a golf swing. The golf glasses of the present invention are characterized in that each of the lenses of the glasses includes a see-through section formed of a vertical gap corresponding to the pupil of golfer's eye, and the other part is a view shielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Paris Miki Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Yuji Kayama
  • Patent number: 8388461
    Abstract: Small flexible decals having a vinyl cling membrane base layer (20) attach onto the lens of conventional spectacles forming a training aid for use in sports activities such as golf. The decals cling firmly to the spectacle lens by cling attraction and do not require an adhesive. The decals occupy a small area of the lens and are positioned directly in line between the user's eyes and visual target. This creates the appearance of a projected decal image superimposed over the visual target. In golf the projected decal image appears superimposed over the golf ball and serves as a visual aid to the golfer. In one embodiment a tinted, transparent projected decal image (18) aids a golfer to establish proper alignment at address and reveals excessive head movement during the golf stroke. In another embodiment an opaque projected decal image (19) prevents the golfer from becoming visually fixated on the golf ball, thereby reducing stress and performance anxiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Emilio Martinez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8206235
    Abstract: A sighting device, for use by a golfer while standing on a ground surface and gazing at a golf ball upon the ground surface at a natural viewing angle, and hitting the golf ball. The device has a stand which includes a base for resting on the ground surface in front of the golfer, and a vertical mast. A pair of rings are suspended by the vertical mast in the path of the natural viewing angle. The rings have alignment indicia. Accordingly, the golfer observes the golf ball through the rings with both rings are concentric with the golf ball, and the alignment indicia of both rings are arranged in a straight line. Any movement of the golfer's head during the golf swing is immediately revealed to the golfer by a change in relative position between the rings and ball, and the alignment indicia deviating from a straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Lou Sardo
  • Publication number: 20120046120
    Abstract: A golf swing training device allows a golfer to practice a correct swing technique. The golf swing training device includes a base; a vertical arm connected to the base; a bar secured to the vertical arm; a ring secured to the bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: David Peter Brady
  • Patent number: 8038543
    Abstract: The golf swing training device of the present invention includes a base positioned on the floor or ground in front of a golfer. A leg extends pivotably upward from the base. An arm is pivotally attached to the leg and extends forwardly toward the golfer. A frame is provided on the arm, with an extension member extending pivotally forwardly from the frame. The leg, frame, and extension member are each adjustable to accommodate various heights and postures of different golfers. The device can also be used with both right-handed and left-handed golfers. In use, the golfer views the golf ball through the frame and swings the golf club through a proper swing plane with hands passing beneath the extension member without contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: Dean C. Capesius
  • Patent number: 7997992
    Abstract: A golf ball aligning device (GBAD) (10) that is disclosed as a golf visor (12) and as a golf cap (80). Both the visor (12) and the cap (80) feature a bill (40) that has a front square edge (44), an upper surface (50) and a lower surface (52). To the lower surface (52) and adjacent to the front square edge (44) of the bill (40) is applied a dark non-glare finish (60). Alternatively, to the square front edge (44) of the bill (40) can be attached by means of a living hinge (58) a square movable tab (48) also having a dark non-glare finish (60). The dark non-glare finish (60) when viewed by a golfer, aids in aligning a straight ball trajectory along a golf course. The GBAD (10) can also be designed to include a bill adjusting assembly (114) that interfaces with the right and left head bands (26),(32) and the respective right and left hand bands (26, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Chol Kwi Rim
  • Patent number: 7918744
    Abstract: A removable golf-ball aligning device (RGAD) (10) that is designed to allow a golfer, especially when putting, to align a golf ball to travel in a straight trajectory. The RGAD (10) is designed to be attached to the bill (186) of a golf cap (182) or a golf visor (184) and is comprised of three major elements: a bill attachment member (12), a panel (30) and a means (46) for attaching the panel (30) to the bill attachment member (12). The panel (30) is made of a transparent material (56) and includes a lower section (36) that terminates with a lower straight edge (32). The lower section is coated with a non-glare coating (60) that can consist of a non-glare paint (62) or a black non-glare tape (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Chol Kwi Rim
  • Patent number: 7914391
    Abstract: A golf swing training device includes a base, an extension bar, and a grid assembly. The grid assembly includes a grid and a putting flange. The grid assembly further includes a grid adjuster connecting the grid and putting flange to the extension bar. An alignment rod is removably coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Golf Geometrics, LLC
    Inventor: Steven J. Crealese
  • Patent number: 7815517
    Abstract: A feedback device, for use by a golfer to indicate head movement during a backswing. The device has a base, a forward plate having a transparent portion with a printed horizontal line thereupon, and a parallel mirrored surface located behind the forward plate. A reflected horizontal line is selectively viewed through the transparent portion. When the device is viewed at a first viewing angle, only a single line is visible, such that the reflected horizontal line is blocked from the golfer's view by the printed horizontal line. When the device is viewed at a second viewing angle, both lines are visible. Accordingly vertical head movement during the backswing is immediately apparent to the golfer when both lines become visible during the backswing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: Lou Sardo, Brendan Riley, John Hunter
  • Patent number: 7803059
    Abstract: An improved static alignment and an improved dynamic alignment are combined in a laser beam method and system that provides instantaneous and continuous information feedback to a golfer to allow the real time correction of defects arising from a golfer's stance, head movement, body movement, golf club alignment, and golf club swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Yaohui Zhang
  • Publication number: 20100130299
    Abstract: A visual aid for use in a ball game, such as golf, consists of a ball or disc on which a ball can be placed provided with markings on the surface comprising cross-hairs and a circle, which circle in the case of the ball is of a smaller diameter than the diameter of the ball or in the case of the disc is equal to or greater in diameter than the diameter of the golf ball so as to be used in combination with the periphery of the ball to enable the player to position the player's eyes relative to the ball and in respect of the cross-hairs facilitate the adoption by the player of a targeted mode of vision as well as facilitating the alignment of the direction in which the golf ball is to be propelled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Shaun Bryan Womersley, Nicolas Mark Middleton
  • Patent number: 7670231
    Abstract: An alignment device including physical and optical alignment members for aligning an impact point of a golf ball in order to correlate the perceived alignment of the ball by a golfer with the actual direction of impact required to maximize the probability of the ball traveling in the desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Phillip R. Greene
  • Publication number: 20090325725
    Abstract: This invention relates to a golf club consisting of a club head having a tapered bore formed therein extending and tapering inwardly from the base of the club head to the upper surface thereof, a socket of corresponding external shape to the bore in the club head and a shaft adapted to be inserted into a bore formed in the socket. The socket is inserted upwardly into the end of the bore in the base of the club head and due to the taper is positively retained in said bore against upward movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Shaun Brian Womersley
  • Patent number: 7607988
    Abstract: A golf alignment and targeting aid is a simple, durable, lightweight and easily portable device which provides golfers with a straight, clear and accurate view of their target by allowing the golfer to visualize the target several feet in front of the golf ball, eliminating the need for the golfer to visualize targets that vary in great distances, and enabling the golfer to keep his/her head down without the need to look up toward the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Matthew Thomas Laiacona
  • Publication number: 20090143160
    Abstract: A system and method for determining an amount and direction of a golfer's head movement as the golfer executes a golf swing. The system may include at least two light baffles for monitoring the golfer's head movement along a path generally parallel to a target line. The baffles may reflect light into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's head is either outside and to the left of a preset range, or outside and to the right of the preset range. The system may further include at least two additional light baffles for monitoring lunging and bobbing head motion. The additional light baffles may reflect light into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's head lunges or bobs beyond a further preset range. The system includes the additional advantage of repositionable elements to facilitate progression of precise movement control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: ISO DRIVE COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Eugene M. Hoganson
  • Patent number: 7513833
    Abstract: A golf swing training aid which utilizes a microprocessor controlled set of colored LEDs to teach the user to focus on a point away from the ball through the contact of a golf club with the ball. Also shown is a method of providing a visual confirmation to the golfer that he has maintained focus on a point away from the ball during the swing and through impact with the ball. This golf swing training aid may also be mounted in a practice golf mat especially those of the type used at driving ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Gary Dale Town
  • Publication number: 20090017929
    Abstract: An improved static alignment and an improved dynamic alignment are combined in a laser beam method and system that provides instantaneous and continuous information feedback to a golfer to allow the real time correction of defects arising from a golfer's stance, head movement, body movement, golf club alignment, and golf club swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Yaohui Zhang
  • Patent number: 7458901
    Abstract: A system and method for determining an amount and direction of a golfer's head movement as the golfer executes a golf swing. The system may include at least two light baffles for monitoring the golfer's head movement along a path generally parallel to a target line. The baffles may reflect light into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's head is either outside and to the left of a preset range, or outside and to the right of the preset range. The system may further include at least two additional light baffles for monitoring lunging and bobbing head motion. The additional light baffles may reflect light into the golfer's eyes when the golfer's head lunges or bobs beyond a further preset range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Eugene M. Hoganson
  • Patent number: 7455596
    Abstract: An alignment device for aligning an impact point of a golf ball in order to correlate the perceived alignment of the ball by a golfer with the actual direction of impact required to maximize the probability of the ball traveling in the desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Phillip R. Greene
  • Publication number: 20080271333
    Abstract: A ball liner having an annular scale, which defines a circular center hole for drawing an endless horizontal line, a first arched scale bridging the annular scale over the circular center hole at a location biased shorter than one half of the length of the annular scale for drawing a club head alignment line, a second arched scale perpendicularly extending from one side of the first arched scale to the annular scale over the circular center hole, and a third arched scale perpendicularly extending from one side of the first arched scale to the annular scale over the circular center hole in direction opposite to the extending direction of the second arched scale, and a longitudinal slot cut through the second arched scale in line with one side of the third arched scale for drawing a directional guideline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Min-Hsien Sung, Chen-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 7306525
    Abstract: A golf putting practice device to be used as being attached to a part of a body of a golfer is provided. The golf putting practice device includes: a laser indicator that irradiates a laser beam; an arm band that detachably attaches the laser indicator to an arm of the golfer, a free platform that connects the laser indicator to the arm band and adjusts an angle of the laser indicator; and a sliding attachment/detachment device used for attachment and detachment of the laser indicator and used together with an attachment member being provided at an end of the free platform and being configured so as to be pushed into and pulled out of the sliding attachment/detachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignees: Azden Corporation
    Inventor: Eju Sawada
  • Patent number: 7229361
    Abstract: A laser indicator for golf enables a golfer to maintain a correct posture when he or she enjoys putting or driving a golf ball. The laser indicator includes a case having a window on a front surface, a clamp fixedly secured to the case so as to detachably attach the case to a cap worn by a golfer, a laser module disposed within the case to irradiate a point laser beam and having an optical path in alignment with the window of the case, a switch mounted on the case for allowing the golfer to control electricity supply to the laser module, and a laser beam converter provided between the window of the case and the laser module for movement into alignment with the optical path of the laser module and adapted to convert the point laser beam to a line laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventors: Robert-Taboo Park, Keun-Seok Youk
  • Patent number: 7207896
    Abstract: A training aid for practicing a golf swing. Two laser pointers are mounted at opposite ends of a bar that is affixed to a hat. The laser pointers are horizontally and vertically adjustable and are adjusted such that the laser beams from the two laser pointers cross at a desired point in front of the user. While maintaining the proper stance for a golf swing, the beams are adjusted to intersect each other a short distance above the golf ball. Any movement of the head will cause the beams to shift. This provides immediate feedback to the user and is useful in training the user to execute a golf swing while keeping the head in a certain position and motionless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Mark S. Sudol
  • Patent number: 7207895
    Abstract: A golf putting and practice aid, which is a flat device having a pointer portion, a long shaft, a fin-shaped assembly and an elongate back bar portion, for visualizing, before making a putt, the desired trajectory and golf club head alignment for achieving such trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Lou Canakes
  • Patent number: 7168821
    Abstract: Provided is a device mountable on a head covering. The device comprises a flexible clamp comprising an elongated gap open to its rear, a lower receptacle, two recessed slides at both outer sides of the receptacle, and a toothed-section on a top of the receptacle; a sliding seat of U-section comprising two tabs at both inner sides for retaining a lower portion of the clamp in place after removably sliding the slides therethrough, a latch projected from its bottom to urge against the toothed-section, and a flexible hook having a toothed inner surface; and a lens hingedly coupled to the inner surface of the hook in a gear manner, and a universal joint type light mounted on top of the clamp. The invention enables a desired object to be seen larger and more clear through the pivotal lens (e.g., a magnifying lens) and with light emitted from the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Gem Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung Hui Huang
  • Patent number: 7059970
    Abstract: A golf club alignment device for aiding a user in striking a golf ball with a golf club having a head, shaft and handle. The alignment device includes a body having first and second ends. A clamp portion extends from the first end of the body and is adapted for resilient and removable attachment to the shaft of the golf club. The device further includes a sighting structure extending from the second end of the body. The sighting structure is configured having a width less than the diameter of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Edward Hamburger
  • Patent number: 7048641
    Abstract: An aid for visual detection of a golfer's head movement, constructed of card or plastics sheet includes a black-faced sighting member that has a circular aperture there through and is hinged to a base member Adjustment of the inclination of the sighting member to the base member brings a black disc-marking line sight through the aperture. Lugs of a stay member which is hinged to the sighting member for setting the sighting-member inclination are held engaged in selected notches of the base member by a sprung-up tongue; in an alternative form of aid a stay member engages in transverse slots. Head movement is observed as apparent movement of the disc-marking within the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: John Henry William Cowup
  • Patent number: 6939245
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a training aid for golfers. The device 10 is designed to generate a collimated beam of red light 20 from a device 10 that is selectively attached to the brim 16 of a hat 18. Once attached to the hat 18, the golfer 12 positions their head to a desired point whereupon the light-emitting apparatus 14 is hingedly 24 adjusted to project the laser light onto the golf ball 22 thereby enabling the golfer 12 to easily ascertain whether there is unwanted head movement during the golf swing. The device 10 is comprised of a laser beam emitter 14 having an on/off switch 28 and a clip 26 for attaching the device to the brim of a hat and a hinge 24 positioned between the emitter and hat attachment means providing pivotal adjustment of the emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Richard R Mullarkey
  • Patent number: 6902493
    Abstract: A laser device for teaching and improving the putting stroke of a golfer. The device includes a housing having a power source, an on/off switch a laser, a reflective surface rotatable by a handle and a lever system, a P.C. board and a switch to prevent the laser from being accidentally shone in the eyes of other persons. The device places a light dot on a golf ball or target area and indicates any undesirable body or head motion that will be noted by movement of the light dot by a golfer while standing over and stroking a putter with an aligned sweet spot. The device also allows a golfer to use a light dot to draw an imaginary line between a golf ball being struck and a cup to improve a golfer's visualization of the travel line of the ball after stroking it with the aligned putter sweet spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventors: Charles R. Rhodes, Paul H. Warner, Vincent J. Tringali, Arthur J. Zanello
  • Publication number: 20040259656
    Abstract: A golf training lens comprises a thin transparent sheet of low light transmitting plastic with a row of transparent horizontal cut lines and two rows of transparent vertical cut lines. When attached to the brim of a cap, the device creates a single distinct horizontal visual guide line and a single distinct vertical visual guide line. These lines and their intersection create a ball center point, a shot path, a club face alignment guide, a foot alignment guide and a swing guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Foister D. Miracle
  • Patent number: 6773357
    Abstract: A putting aid is provided that has a first and a second attachment structure, an upper alignment member disposed between and attached to the attachment structures and a lower alignment member disposed between and attached to the attachment structures, such that the alignment members are vertically aligned to define a vertical plane which is perpendicular to a putting surface. In use, a golf ball is positioned on the putting surface such that a centerline of the golf ball is aligned with the vertical plane, and thus is also aligned with the target line. The golfer then aligns the golfer's line of sight with the vertical plane such that the upper alignment member obscures the lower alignment member, aligns an aim line of a putter such that the alignment members obscure the aim line of the putter and maintains both the alignment of the golfer's line of sight and the alignment of the aim line of the putter during a putting stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Concord Century Int'l Ltd.
    Inventors: Woon Shing Tai, Marc Boggia
  • Patent number: 6755751
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving a golfer's putting stroke along a line of intended travel of a golf ball. The apparatus enables the golfer to practice positioning his or hear head and feet in selected positions with respect to the golf ball and the line of intended ball travel, as well as the desired positioning of the putter, at the address position. The golfer can also practice the motion of the putting stroke according to either a “straight back/straight through” or “inside the line” stroke motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher Ray Chapman
  • Patent number: 6746339
    Abstract: A putting practice device includes first and second members and maintaining, indicating and positioning portions. The first member includes a sliding surface against which a putter blade is slidable according to a vertical pendulum movement. The maintaining portion maintains the sliding surface on a rolling surface for a golf ball, and maintains the sliding surface perpendicular to the rolling surface and parallel to a putting line for the golf ball toward a target. The second member including includes a portion defining a sight including a reflecting surface surrounding the said sight, the reflecting surface being provided on a top portion of the second member. The indicating portion allows indicating the a center of said sight. The positioning portion is for positioning the sight above the putting line and the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Gestion Thima Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Thibaudeau
  • Publication number: 20040106462
    Abstract: The present invention is a golf putting training device and associated method utilizing a generated laser beam emitted from a laser device with a connecting configuration and design that allows for the connection of the laser device to a clip or other type of device, which can be used to hang the device from a golfer's body, including from a temple bar of eyeglasses or from a hat, and at the same time, swivel and pivot in such a way such that no matter what position the head is placed or the angular position of the golfer's body when setting up to putt a golf ball, the laser beam maintains its downward vertical projection or plumbness with minimal oscillation and maintain a stable laser light beam. The device can be used as a training aid to assist golfer's in a proper eyes over the ball alignment when putting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Anthony V. Ianazone
  • Patent number: 6612937
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus includes a base that has a top surface in which is defined a slot. A cover is movably mounted on the base and includes a top surface upon which is defined a second slot. The second slot of the cover is vertically aligned with the first slot of the base when the cover is mounted on the base. A light source is positioned in the base and transmits light through the first and second slots toward the eyes of a user. A number of color strips are positioned within the first slot such that the color of light witnessed by the user will vary depending upon the lateral position of the user's head relative to the center line of the second slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Whelan
  • Publication number: 20030153396
    Abstract: An improved golf ball marker comprises a cap having a generally hemispherical hollow, the hollow having approximately the same dimensions as one half of a standard golf ball, the cap having first and second linear slits forming a “T” shaped slit configuration for marking a golf ball inserted in the hollow with a “T” mark comprising a seam indicator line and a club alignment line. The golf ball is positioned and oriented in the hollow of the cap such that the seam is aligned with the first linear slit for making the seam indicator line on the ball with a marker and the second linear slit is perpendicular to the seam for making the club alignment line on the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Edward A. Andresen