Novel curvilinear golf club-head

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 568,778 filed May 6, 2004, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 967,495, filed Oct. 18, 2004, both incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the field of golf, and more particularly, to the field of golf club-head path methods and techniques and a visual path indicator to promote same.[0003]Background of the Invention[0004]Much has been done in golf club-head design in an effort to improve the performance of the golfer or otherwise enhance the golfing experience. Included in these efforts are methods and devices to assist golfers in proper aim to achieve consistent performance.[0005]To achieve good results, many golfers find it desirable to have an alignment line (“sight line”) on the top of the surface of golf club-heads, including putters, to aid in aiming the ball as precisely as possib...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]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. This also includes the club-head or putter-head itself extending back in such curvilinear fashion. The present invention is based on the premise that the golfer is best served not by an alignment line that encourages a “true linear stroke exactly in the direction of the target line toward the target” as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,680.860, but rather by a curvilinear path assisting marking that encourages a curvilinear stroke or swing by the golfer, specifically one where the club head curves toward the body on the back swing, approaches the ball from the inside on the downswing, and again curves toward the body on the follow through. The present invention could be used in conjunction with a linear alignment line, or without such a line, but in either event it would require one or more curvilinear alignment lines or shapes to assist the golfer in swinging along the proper curvilinear path. In his classic instructional book, Golf My Way, Jack Nicklaus notes on page 106 that “Many golfers get confused about the line along which the club-head should start back, particularly when they have been made conscious of ‘hitting from the inside.’” Decades of golf clubs being available only with linear alignment lines or no alignment lines whatsoever have not helped the situation. The curvilinear line (or lines) of the present invention which curves toward the body of the golfer while holding the club-head at address is intended to eliminate or lessen the golfer's confusion by providing the golfer with a visual reminder to move the club-head back and through along a curvilinear path. A linear alignment line sends a dramatically different visual message to the golfer as it relates to his or her swing path. The difference between using a golf club with a curvilinear path line versus one with only a linear sightline will provide significant performance benefits for amateurs and professionals alike.

Problems solved by technology

In his classic instructional book, Golf My Way, Jack Nicklaus notes on page 106 that “Many golfers get confused about the line along which the club-head should start back, particularly when they have been made conscious of ‘hitting from the inside.’” Decades of golf clubs being available only with linear alignment lines or no alignment lines whatsoever have not helped the situation.

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