US20060281579A1 - Golf club and practice arrangement - Google Patents
Golf club and practice arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060281579A1 US20060281579A1 US11/466,541 US46654106A US2006281579A1 US 20060281579 A1 US20060281579 A1 US 20060281579A1 US 46654106 A US46654106 A US 46654106A US 2006281579 A1 US2006281579 A1 US 2006281579A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- light
- target
- insert
- golf club
- producing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B57/00—Golfing accessories
- A63B57/30—Markers
- A63B57/357—Markers for golf cups or holes, e.g. flags
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0433—Heads with special sole configurations
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B57/00—Golfing accessories
- A63B57/40—Golf cups or holes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3676—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for putting
- A63B69/3685—Putters or attachments on putters, e.g. for measuring, aligning
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
- A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0416—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0441—Heads with visual indicators for aligning the golf club
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3614—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf using electro-magnetic, magnetic or ultrasonic radiation emitted, reflected or interrupted by the golf club
Definitions
- the most-used club in golf is the putter.
- the most important and difficult task to accomplish with a putter is proper aim.
- To achieve proper alignment and orientation one typically practices, without outside aid, until a proper golf swing is achieved, through a process of trial and error. Such a process is time-consuming, and with modern technologies, can be aided with the help of practice arrangements which can facilitate development of proper putting techniques.
- the present invention includes a golf club with a shaft, a head attached to the shaft, a light-producing insert, and a non-light-producing insert.
- the head has a ball-striking surface, an aperture formed in the ball-striking surface for allowing light to pass therethrough and a cavity formed in the head adjacent the aperture.
- the light-producing insert is configured so as to be operably and removably received within the cavity.
- the non-light-producing insert is configured so as to be selectively received within the cavity in place of the light-producing insert.
- FIG. 12A is a top plan view of the embodiment of the target seen in FIG. 9 , including a visor and light tunnel;
- insert 50 and cover 66 may be desirable in instances where club 10 is used in regulation golf play, such as those tournaments or rounds requiring conformity to the Rules of Golf promulgated by the United States Golf Association, or other instances in which a user does not wish to have the light-producing insert 36 installed.
Abstract
A golf club and target practice arrangement is disclosed for use in the game of golf. The golf club includes a shaft and a head attached to the shaft. A cavity is formed in the head and a removable light-producing insert is located within the cavity which, when activated, can project a beam of light from the golf club to the target. A non-light producing insert is also provided so as to be selectively received within the cavity in place of the light producing insert. The target includes a reflective surface and a plurality of light-receiving sensors for receiving the beam of light from the golf club. Further included on the target are an indicator light and a speaker for providing visual and audio feedback when the beam of light contacts the sensors. A visor and a tunnel may also be used with the target to shield outside light which may interfere with the sensors and visibility of the indicator light under certain conditions.
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/351,606, filed Feb. 10, 2006; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/283,488, filed Nov. 18, 2005; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/659,648, filed Sep. 10, 2003; which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/409,463, filed Sep. 10, 2002; U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/447,593, filed on Feb. 14, 2003; U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/457,804, filed on Mar. 26, 2003; and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/471,953, filed on May 20, 2003. The subject matter disclosed in these applications is hereby incorporated by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to golf, and more particularly to a golf club and practice arrangement that facilitates development of proper club head aiming techniques.
- 2. Description of the Background of the Invention
- One element of a proper golf shot is proper orientation or aim of the club head. It is important that the club head be properly oriented relative to the golf ball and to the target during set-up of the golf shot. A proper golf swing or stroke will return the club head to the golf ball at substantially the same orientation and alignment adopted by the player during set-up. Thus, when addressing the golf ball, it is important the club head be properly oriented and aimed relative to a primary target along the desired line of ball flight or roll.
- The most-used club in golf is the putter. The most important and difficult task to accomplish with a putter is proper aim. To achieve proper alignment and orientation, one typically practices, without outside aid, until a proper golf swing is achieved, through a process of trial and error. Such a process is time-consuming, and with modern technologies, can be aided with the help of practice arrangements which can facilitate development of proper putting techniques.
- In one embodiment, the present invention facilitates the development and practice of proper putter aim, one of the fundamentals in putting and one of the most difficult to master.
- In certain embodiments, the present invention is intended primarily as a practice device which may be used both indoors and out. However, the golf club of the present invention may also be used in actual play on a course. This is desirable in that it eliminates the need to transfer learning from a practice device to an alternate club used in regulation play.
- In certain embodiments, the practice arrangement and golf club of the present invention is well-suited for both purposes—practice and regulation play—and may be used both to learn proper aim and alignment of the golf club, as well as to actually play the game of golf.
- In one embodiment, the present invention includes a golf club with a shaft, a head attached to the shaft, a light-producing insert, and a non-light-producing insert. The head has a ball-striking surface, an aperture formed in the ball-striking surface for allowing light to pass therethrough and a cavity formed in the head adjacent the aperture. The light-producing insert is configured so as to be operably and removably received within the cavity. The non-light-producing insert is configured so as to be selectively received within the cavity in place of the light-producing insert.
- In one embodiment, the non-light-producing insert is substantially equal in weight to the light-producing insert and, in certain embodiments, may be substantially the same size and weight, and have substantially the same weight distribution, as the light-producing insert.
- In certain embodiments, the ball-striking surface of the head has a translucent material disposed over the aperture. A prism, or lens, may be disposed in, or behind, the aperture for transmitting light produced by the light-producing insert. The prism columnates a light beam produced by the light-producing insert such that the light beam forms a line on a surface between the head and a target. In addition to forming a line on a surface, a portion of the light beam may be projected onto a surface of a target.
- In certain embodiments, the prism may be formed as part of the light-producing insert. In these or other embodiments, the aperture is located in an approximate midpoint of the ball-striking surface. A switch may be provided to allow a user to selectively activate the light-producing insert.
- In one embodiment, the light-producing insert can include a battery-powered laser device. The non-light-producing insert may be formed of any material having an appropriate size, weight and weight distribution.
- In one embodiment, the invention includes a practice arrangement, which includes a combination of a golf club and a target. The golf club includes a shaft, a head attached to the shaft, a light-producing insert, and a non-light-producing insert. The head has a ball-striking surface, an aperture formed in the surface allowing light to pass therethrough and a cavity formed in the head adjacent the aperture. The light-producing insert is configured so as to be operably and removably received within the cavity. The non-light-producing insert is configured so as to be selectively received within the cavity in place of the light-producing insert.
- The target has both a surface for reflecting and a surface for receiving at least a portion of a light beam produced by the light-producing insert to provide an indication of the orientation of the head relative to the target. The target may have a surface which extends transversely to a target line defined by the light-producing insert. The surface may have a plurality of regularly-shaped marks thereon. A portion of the target may be configured so as to extend into a golf hole, or cup, to secure the target in position relative to the hole.
- The concepts disclosed are not limited to use with a golf club of the exact type illustrated in the drawings, but may be used with golf clubs of many shapes, sizes or dimensions. Additional embodiments, features and advantages will become apparent to those of skill in the relevant arts upon consideration of the following description of the illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf club and target practice arrangement according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the golf club with a light-producing insert according to the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the golf club with a non-light-producing insert according to the present invention; -
FIG. 4A is a side view of the golf club with a light-producing insert according to the present invention; -
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the golf club taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 4A according to the present invention; -
FIG. 5A is a side view of the golf club with a non-light-producing insert according to the present invention; -
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the golf club taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 5A according to the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the golf club with a light-producing insert according to the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the golf club with no insert according to the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the target; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the target seen inFIG. 8 , including a visor and light tunnel; -
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the target seen inFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11A is a top plan view of the embodiment of the target seen inFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 11B is a front view of the embodiment of the target seen inFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 12A is a top plan view of the embodiment of the target seen inFIG. 9 , including a visor and light tunnel; and -
FIG. 12B is a front view of the embodiment of the target seen inFIG. 9 , including a visor and light tunnel; -
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf club and target practice arrangement constructed in accordance with the present invention, and as used to practice alignment for a putting stroke.Golf club 10 includes ashaft 12 and ahead 14 which is attached to theshaft 12. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , thegolf club head 14 is specifically designed for use in putting. Thehead 14 includes a ball-striking surface orface 16. Atarget 22 is shown inserted into acup 34 which may be a hole on a practice green or a regulation green, or another object in an indoor or outdoor setting. Thetarget 22 may include an inner, generallysemi-circular surface 24 having a plurality of regularly-spaced marks illustrated, for example, bymarks surface 24 acts as a reflective surface for a beam of light, illustrated bybroken line 30, produced by a light-producinginsert 36 ofclub 10 and projected alongbroken line 30 to target 22 to be received bysensors 88, as is further discussed below. - As seen in
FIG. 2 , anaperture 18 is preferably formed ininset surface 17 formed inface 16 for allowing light to pass from the inside ofhead 14 throughinset surface 17. Coveringaperture 18 istranslucent element 20 which may be formed, by way of example, of clear plastic. Theelement 20 fits into theinset surface 17 and is preferably used to provide a smooth planar surface along that portion ofsurface 16 which makes contact with a golf ball.Element 20 further serves to protect the light-producinginsert 36. - A cavity 13 (see, for example,
FIG. 7 ) is formed within thehead 14 for receiving the light-producinginsert 36.Insert 36 includes a light-producingsource 46, such as a laser. Relatively small lasers of the type which may be used in this invention are generally available and are used in hand-held pointing devices, firearm aiming devices, and in other applications. Light-producingsource 46 is powered by one ormore batteries 38, and produces a light beam which, in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 4 B, is projected from acentral portion 40 ofinsert 36 through a prism orlens 19 andaperture 18.Weights 48 are preferably inserted intoinsert 36 so as to allow forinsert 36 to have the same weight and weight distribution as a non-light-producinginsert 50, which will be described in more detail below. - The
prism 19 is located in the path of the light beam, to columnate and direct a portion of the beam of light beam produced by a light-producinginsert 36 in apath following line 30 along the surface between theclub 10 and thetarget 22, and another portion of the beam alongline 30 directly toward thetarget 22. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2, 4A and 4B, theprism 19 is shown as an integral portion ofinsert 36, but may be separately mounted inaperture 18 in other embodiments. - The
insert 36 also includes acircuit board 54 to which theprism 19, light-producingsource 46, and anactivation switch 56, is preferably mounted. Ahousing 58 is provided to enclose thecircuit board 54,prism 19, light-producingsource 46,batteries 38 andswitch 56, while providing an opening for theswitch 56 over which aswitch button 60 is placed. - A
bottom access cover 64 is provided to enclose and provide for ready access to the internal cavity and to allow for easy interchange ofinserts screws 62. In other embodiments, either one or another of theaccess cover 64, the light-producinginsert 36 and the non-light-producing insert 50 (or any combination thereof) may be provided with a snap fit for connection to head 14 to facilitate access to, removal of, and interchangeability of the inserts. -
FIG. 6 depicts the bottom face ofclub head 14 withaccess cover 64 secured thereto. Theswitch button 60 extends through an opening in theaccess cover 64, which allows a user to selectively activate the light-producinginsert 36 to selectively project a light beam alongline 30 when desired by applying downward pressure upon the club, causing theswitch button 60 to make contact with a surface, such as the ground below for turning onswitch 56. Alternately, a user can activate and deactivate the light-producinginsert 36 by manually pressing onswitch button 60. - As seen in
FIGS. 3, 5A and 5B, a non-light-producinginsert 50 and a bottom access cover 66 may be used in place of light-producinginsert 36 andbottom access cover 64, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, insert 50 and bottom access cover 66 are substantially the same size and weight, and have substantially the same weight distribution, as light-producinginsert 36 andbottom access cover 64. Alternatively, insert 50 may be of varying weights, so as to meet a user's desire for a lighter orheavier golf club 10 than theclub 10 with the light-producinginsert 36. Use of theinsert 50 and cover 66 may be desirable in instances whereclub 10 is used in regulation golf play, such as those tournaments or rounds requiring conformity to the Rules of Golf promulgated by the United States Golf Association, or other instances in which a user does not wish to have the light-producinginsert 36 installed. - This invention allows a user to become accustomed to and practiced at aiming the ball-striking
surface 16 of theclub 10 directly at thetarget 22. The regularly-spacedmarkings surface 24 oftarget 22, which in some embodiments may extend laterally fromcup 34 to a greater extent than shown inFIGS. 1, 8 , 9, 10, 11B, and 12B, allow a user to aim at a target other than the center of the cup, if desired. This is often necessary to accommodate for irregular or uneven putting surfaces. - As is seen in
FIG. 10 , thetarget 22 includes abottom plate 90 which preferably covers a cavity 91 and may be fastened to thetarget 22 by a plurality of fasteners. A circuit board 80 is provided to which anactivation switch 82, anindicator light 84, aspeaker 86 and a plurality ofsensors 88 are preferably attached. Along the back of thetarget 22, anopening 108 is included into which a battery pack 92 connected to circuit board 80 is placed. Aback cover 94 is provided to protect the battery pack 92. Along thesurface 24 of thetarget 22, an opening is provided into which atranslucent light pipe 78 is removably secured, preferably fitting overindicator light 84. Another opening, aspeaker hole 96, as seen inFIGS. 8, 11B and 12B, is provided in thesurface 24 for sound waves from thespeaker 86 to be more readily dispersed to a user of thetarget 22. Aseparate opening 106 is provided in thesurface 24 for the plurality ofsensors 88 to be accessible to receive the light beams alongline 30 produced by theclub 10. Aninsert 74 with anopening 75 and theprojections 76 is placed in theopening 106. - It should be noted that bright sunlight or artificial light may cause the path of the light beam along
line 30 to be obscured, or become very dim, causing the plurality of sensors to be unable to receive light beams emitted from theclub 10. This situation may also cause the light emitted from the indicator light 84 to become obscured to a user of thetarget 22. In such an event, atunnel 70 is provided, as seen inFIGS. 9, 12A and 12B, with hole parts for removably fitting on to theprojections 76 of theinsert 74 so as to anchor thetunnel 70 within thetarget 22. An opening 71 at the rear of thetunnel 70 is aligned with theopening 75 ininsert 74 when thetunnel 70 is removably fitted on to theprojections 76, allowing thesensors 88 to remain accessible to receive the light beams alongline 30 produced by theclub 10, but shielding thesensors 88 from sunlight or artificial light. Additionally, avisor 72 is provided to be removably fitted between atop flange 100 and abottom flange 102, as is seen inFIGS. 8, 11A and 11B, shielding sunlight or artificial light which would otherwise obscure the light beams from theindicator light 84, allowing the light beams from the indicator light 84 to be visible to the user. - In operation and as seen in
FIG. 1 , a user places thetarget 22 on a surface. Such a user may prefer to place thetarget 22 over anactual golf cup 34. In such a case,golf tees 104 may be placed in tee holes 98 to removably secure thetarget 22 in the ground around thecup 34. If sunlight is so bright as to obstruct view of the light beams emitted fromclub 10 along theline 30, thevisor 72 and thetunnel 70 may be installed ontarget 22. Installation of thevisor 72 and thetunnel 70 may also be performed when the target is used indoors under intense artificial light conditions. - A user then activates the
target 22 by moving theactivation switch 82 to an “on” position, in which the battery pack of thetarget 22 provides voltage to thesensors 88, enabling thesensors 88 to receive light beams emitted from the light-producingsource 46 of theclub 10. Voltage is also provided to thespeaker 86 and theindicator light 84. - As is further seen in
FIG. 1 , a user may position theclub 10, with the light-producinginsert 36 and the bottom access cover 64 installed thereon, at a distance away from thetarget 22. A user then activates the light-producingsource 46 in theclub 10 by depressing theswitch button 60. Such movement causes theswitch 56 to be moved to an “on” position, causing thebatteries 38 to provide voltage to the light-producingsource 46. Beams of light are then projected outwardly throughaperture 18 and throughtranslucent element 20 along theline 30. Thetarget 22, with theactivation switch 82 in the “on” position, receives the beams of light along thesurface 24, which acts as a reflecting surface, and through the light-receivingsensors 88 when theclub 10 is properly aligned to thetarget 22. Circuitry provided by the circuit board 80 in thetarget 22 then causes the indicator light 84 to light and thespeaker 86 to emit a tone, allowing the user to receive information both visually and aurally that theclub 10 is in proper alignment with thetarget 22. - Although the above description refers to a particular means, materials and embodiments, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present invention. Various changes and modifications may be made to adapt to various uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (26)
1. A golf club, comprising:
a shaft;
a head joined to the shaft;
a first insert being light-producing and configured so as to be operably and removably received within the cavity; and
a second insert configured so as to be operably and removably received within the cavity in place of the first insert;
wherein the head comprises a ball-striking surface with an aperture formed therein for allowing light to pass therethrough and a cavity located adjacent the aperture.
2. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the second insert is non-light-producing.
3. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the first insert is substantially equal in weight to the second insert.
4. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the ball-striking surface includes a translucent material disposed over the aperture.
5. The golf club of claim 1 , further comprising a prism disposed in the cavity, wherein the prism columnates a beam of light produced by a light-producing source in the first insert to form a line of light on a surface between the head and a target.
6. The golf club of claim 5 , wherein at least portion of the beam of light is projected directly to and is reflected by a surface of the target.
7. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the first insert further includes a battery, a light-producing source powered by the battery, and a switch allowing a user to selectively activate the light-producing source.
8. The golf club of claim 7 , wherein the first insert further includes a prism and a housing, wherein the housing encloses the prism, the battery, the light-producing source, and the switch.
9. The golf club of claim 8 , wherein the head includes a bottom surface, a first cover plate for the bottom surface of the head for use in conjunction with the first insert and a second cover plate for the bottom surface of the head for use in conjunction with the second insert.
10. The golf club of claim 9 , wherein the first cover plate includes access to the switch for use in selectively activating the light-producing source.
11. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the aperture is located at an approximate midpoint of the ball-striking surface.
12. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the first insert weighs more than the second insert.
13. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the first insert weighs less than the second insert.
14. A golf club, comprising:
a shaft;
a head joined to the shaft;
a first insert being light-producing, having a light-producing source and configured so as to be operably and removably received within the cavity;
a second insert being non-light-producing and configured so as to be operably and removably received within the cavity in place of the first insert;
a first cover plate for the bottom surface of the head for use in conjunction with the first insert; and
a second cover plate for the bottom surface of the head for use in conjunction with the second insert;
wherein the head comprises a ball-striking surface with an aperture formed therein, and located at an approximate midpoint thereof, for allowing light to pass therethrough, a cavity located adjacent the aperture, and a bottom surface;
wherein the first light-producing insert comprises a prism disposed in the cavity, the prism for columnating a beam of light produced by the light-producing source in the first insert to form a line of light on a surface between the head and a target, wherein a portion of the beam of light is projected directly to, and is reflected by, a surface of the target, a battery connected to the light-producing source, and a switch allowing a user to selectively activate the light-producing source and weights; and
wherein the first cover plate includes access to the switch for use in selectively activating the light-producing source.
15. A golf practice arrangement, comprising a target for use in combination with a golf club, the target comprising:
a plurality of light-receiving sensors for receiving at least a portion of a beam of light produced by the golf club; and
an indicator light activated when one or more of the plurality of light-receiving sensors receives the beam of light.
16. The practice arrangement of claim 15 , wherein the target includes a reflective surface adapted to extend transversely to a target line produced by the beam of light, the surface having a plurality of regularly-spaced marks thereon.
17. The practice arrangement of claim 15 , wherein the target further includes a speaker activated when the beam of light produced meets one or more of the plurality of light-receiving sensors.
18. The practice arrangement of claim 15 , wherein the target includes a visor removably secured to a top portion of the target over the light-receiving sensors.
19. The practice arrangement of claim 18 , and a tunnel removably secured to a bottom portion of the target in front of the light-receiving sensors for directing at least a portion of the beam of light toward the sensors.
20. The practice arrangement of claim 15 , wherein the target includes a switch for allowing a user to selectively activate the plurality of light-receiving sensors.
21. The practice arrangement of claim 15 , wherein the target includes a battery for activating the plurality of light-receiving sensors and the indicator light.
22. The practice arrangement of claim 15 , wherein the target includes an internal surface and a light pipe in the surface over the indicator light.
23. The practice arrangement of claim 15 , wherein the target includes an open-ended insert removably secured by a resilient frictional interference fit in an opening in the surface around the plurality of light-receiving sensors for directing at least a portion of the beam of light produced toward the sensors.
24. The practice arrangement of claim 15 , wherein the target includes a portion configured to extend around a golf hole to allow securement of the target in a position relative to the golf hole.
25. The practice arrangement of claim 24 , wherein the portion includes holes to accept golf tees, or other similarly shaped objects, to secure the target to a playing surface below the target and in a position relative to the golf hole.
26. A golf practice arrangement, comprising a target for use in combination with a golf club, the golf club comprising:
a shaft;
a head joined to the shaft;
a first insert being light-producing, having a light-producing source and configured so as to be operably and removably received within the cavity;
a second insert being non-light-producing and configured so as to be operably and removably received within the cavity in place of the first insert;
a first cover plate for the bottom surface of the head for use in conjunction with the first insert; and
a second cover plate for the bottom surface of the head for use in conjunction with the second insert;
wherein the head comprises a ball-striking surface with an aperture formed therein, and located at an approximate midpoint thereof, for allowing light to pass therethrough, a cavity located adjacent the aperture, and a bottom surface;
wherein the first light-producing insert comprises a prism disposed in the cavity, the prism for columnating a beam of light produced by the light-producing source in the first insert to form a line of light on a surface between the head and a target, wherein a portion of the beam of light is projected directly to, and is reflected by, a surface of the target, a battery connected to the light-producing source, and a switch allowing a user to selectively activate the light-producing source and weights; and
wherein the first cover plate includes access to the switch for use in selectively activating the light-producing source; and
the target comprising:
a surface for reflecting at least a portion of a beam of light produced by the golf club;
a plurality of light-receiving sensors for receiving at least a portion of a beam of light produced by the golf club; and
an indicator light activated when one or more of the plurality of light-receiving sensors receives the beam of light.
a speaker activated when a beam of light produced by the golf club meets one or more of the plurality of light-receiving sensors;
a visor removably secured to a top portion of the target over the light-receiving sensors;
a tunnel removably secured to a bottom portion of the target in front of the light-receiving sensors for directing at least a portion of the beam of light toward the sensors;
a switch for allowing a user to selectively activate the plurality of light-receiving sensors of the target;
a battery for activating the plurality of light-receiving sensors and the indicator light;
an internal surface and a light pipe in the surface over the indicator light;
an open-ended insert removably secured by a resilient frictional interference fit in an opening in the surface around the plurality of light-receiving sensors for directing at least a portion of the beam of light produced toward the sensors;
a portion configured to extend around a golf hole to allow securement of the target in a position relative to the golf hole, wherein the portion includes holes to accept golf tees, or other similarly shaped object, to secure the target to a playing surface below the target and in a position relative to the golf hole; and
wherein the surface for reflecting at least a portion of a beam of light produced by the golf club is adapted to extend transversely to a target line produced by the beam of light, the surface having a plurality of regularly-spaced marks thereon.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/466,541 US20060281579A1 (en) | 2002-09-10 | 2006-08-23 | Golf club and practice arrangement |
PCT/US2006/044959 WO2008024126A1 (en) | 2006-08-23 | 2006-11-20 | Golf club and practice arrangement |
Applications Claiming Priority (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US40946302P | 2002-09-10 | 2002-09-10 | |
US44759303P | 2003-02-14 | 2003-02-14 | |
US45780403P | 2003-03-26 | 2003-03-26 | |
US47195303P | 2003-05-20 | 2003-05-20 | |
US10/659,648 US20040092327A1 (en) | 2002-09-10 | 2003-09-10 | Golf club and practice arrangement |
US28348805A | 2005-11-18 | 2005-11-18 | |
US11351606A | 2006-02-10 | 2006-02-10 | |
US11/466,541 US20060281579A1 (en) | 2002-09-10 | 2006-08-23 | Golf club and practice arrangement |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/351,606 Continuation-In-Part US20060135277A1 (en) | 2003-09-10 | 2006-02-10 | Golf club and practice arrangement |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060281579A1 true US20060281579A1 (en) | 2006-12-14 |
Family
ID=39107097
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/466,541 Abandoned US20060281579A1 (en) | 2002-09-10 | 2006-08-23 | Golf club and practice arrangement |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060281579A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008024126A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7850536B1 (en) | 2009-01-29 | 2010-12-14 | Novatron Holdings Corporation | Putter trainer |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3897066A (en) * | 1973-11-28 | 1975-07-29 | Peter A Belmont | Golf club heads and process |
US5014994A (en) * | 1990-07-05 | 1991-05-14 | Peters Dennis W | Golf trainer |
US5233544A (en) * | 1989-10-11 | 1993-08-03 | Maruman Golf Kabushiki Kaisha | Swing analyzing device |
US5624327A (en) * | 1991-12-04 | 1997-04-29 | Smith; Martin O. | Electronic golf practice device |
US6217458B1 (en) * | 1999-03-29 | 2001-04-17 | Snag, Inc. | Golf game with a three dimensional target |
US20040106092A1 (en) * | 2001-11-30 | 2004-06-03 | Galanis Michael J. | Golf training aid apparatus |
US20040137997A1 (en) * | 2002-12-03 | 2004-07-15 | Rohrer Technologies, Inc. | Focused beam emitting golf ball like device for putter aim testing and training |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2004024245A1 (en) * | 2002-09-10 | 2004-03-25 | Marnocha Benedict F | Golf club and practice arrangement |
-
2006
- 2006-08-23 US US11/466,541 patent/US20060281579A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-11-20 WO PCT/US2006/044959 patent/WO2008024126A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3897066A (en) * | 1973-11-28 | 1975-07-29 | Peter A Belmont | Golf club heads and process |
US5233544A (en) * | 1989-10-11 | 1993-08-03 | Maruman Golf Kabushiki Kaisha | Swing analyzing device |
US5014994A (en) * | 1990-07-05 | 1991-05-14 | Peters Dennis W | Golf trainer |
US5624327A (en) * | 1991-12-04 | 1997-04-29 | Smith; Martin O. | Electronic golf practice device |
US6217458B1 (en) * | 1999-03-29 | 2001-04-17 | Snag, Inc. | Golf game with a three dimensional target |
US20040106092A1 (en) * | 2001-11-30 | 2004-06-03 | Galanis Michael J. | Golf training aid apparatus |
US20040137997A1 (en) * | 2002-12-03 | 2004-07-15 | Rohrer Technologies, Inc. | Focused beam emitting golf ball like device for putter aim testing and training |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7850536B1 (en) | 2009-01-29 | 2010-12-14 | Novatron Holdings Corporation | Putter trainer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2008024126A1 (en) | 2008-02-28 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LPI, LLC, INDIANA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MARNOCHA, BENEDICT F.;REEL/FRAME:018159/0220 Effective date: 20060823 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |