Golf club index creation method and golf club index creation system

Abstract

To create an index that allows a user holding a golf club to easily align the face surface in a predetermined direction. [Solution] The method includes a first step in which light is emitted from a first light source attached to a golf club, drawing a first ray of light on the floor in front of the face in the direction the face is facing, and the user holds the golf club so that the first ray of light is facing a predetermined direction; a second step in which light is emitted from a second light source attached to the user holding the golf club, drawing a second ray of light on the club head that is parallel to or overlaps with the first ray of light; and a third step in which an indicator is created on the club head based on the second ray of light.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an index creation method, an index creation system, and a golf club. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, when holding a golf club in a square stance, in order to hit the ball in the desired direction (hereinafter also referred to as the target direction), it is preferable to point the face toward the target direction. This is because if the face is not facing the target direction, the face will tilt at impact and the ball will not fly straight. For this reason, some golf clubs have an index to align the face with the target direction.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a golf club with a centerline marked on the top surface of the club head that extends in the direction the face faces. When the club head is viewed from directly above, this centerline appears as a straight line that is perpendicular to the face.

[0004] However, when holding a golf club such as an iron or driver, the user looks down at the club head from above at an angle, and in this case, the center line of Patent Document 1 appears to be curved along the curved upper surface of the club head, making it difficult to align with the target direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-262323 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to create an index that allows a user holding a golf club to easily align the face surface in a predetermined direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The method for creating an indicator for a golf club according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a first step in which a first ray of light is drawn using light emitted from a first light source attached to a golf club, extending along the direction in which the face surface faces the floor, and the user holds the golf club so that the first ray of light faces a predetermined direction; a second step in which a second ray of light is drawn on the club head that is parallel to or overlaps with the first ray of light using light emitted from a second light source installed in front of the head of the user holding the golf club; and a third step in which an indicator is created on the club head based on the second ray of light.

[0008] According to the present invention, by marking an index along the second ray drawn on the club head, it is possible to create an index on the curved or bent surface of the club head that forms a straight line along a predetermined direction when seen by a user who holds the golf club so that the face surface faces in the predetermined direction. As a result, when holding the golf club, the face surface can be directed in the predetermined direction simply by aligning the extension direction of the index with the predetermined direction.

[0009] Furthermore, if an index is marked on the curved or bent surface of the club head, simply aligning the index in a predetermined direction will keep the club head in a constant position. This allows the player to develop the habit of keeping the club head in a constant position. Furthermore, in this case, if the face of the golf club is not facing the predetermined direction when the player is holding the club, the index will not appear straight, allowing the player to intuitively determine whether the face is facing the predetermined direction.

[0010] For example, in the second step, when a user takes a square stance, it is generally preferable to orient the face toward the target direction. On the other hand, when a user takes an open or closed stance, it is preferable to orient the face in a direction tilted clockwise or counterclockwise from the target direction in order to hit the ball in the target direction. In other words, the direction in which the face should be orientated is determined by the stance and the target direction.

[0011] Therefore, the predetermined direction may be determined based on the stance of the user holding the golf club and the target direction.

[0012] A specific embodiment of the third step is to mark the indicator continuously or intermittently in a straight line along the second light beam.

[0013] A more specific embodiment of the third step is to mark at least a portion of the indicator along a curved or bent surface of the club head.

[0014] For example, if a target indicating a predetermined direction is set on the floor of a room, the first light beam can be directed in the predetermined direction simply by aligning the first light beam with the target, but if the target is set at a position higher than the floor, such as on a wall, it is difficult to align the first light beam with the target.

[0015] Therefore, the first light source may emit a line of light along a vertical plane when the golf club is held in a stance. With this configuration, it becomes easier to apply the line of light to the target even when the target is placed higher than the floor.

[0016] A specific embodiment of the second light source is one in which the second light source is placed in front of the eyes of a user holding the golf club and looking at the club head, and emits light in the viewing direction.

[0017] The golf club index creation system of the present invention is characterized by comprising a first light ray drawing device attached to a golf club and having a first light source that draws a first light ray extending on the floor in front of the face in the direction the face is facing, and a second light ray drawing device attached to a user and having a second light source that draws a second light ray on the club head that is parallel to or overlaps with the first ray when the user holds the golf club so that the first ray faces in a predetermined direction.

[0018] According to the present invention, for example, a linear indicator can be created along a predetermined direction when viewed from a user holding a golf club so that the face surface faces the predetermined direction relative to a curved or bent surface of the club head. As a result, when holding a golf club, the face surface can be oriented in the predetermined direction simply by aligning the extension direction of the linear indicator with the predetermined direction.

[0019] The first light beam drawing device may further include a spherical body attached to the face, and a first light source may be installed in the body.

[0020] According to this configuration, the first light source drawing device has a golf ball shape, allowing the user to hold a golf club with the image of actually hitting a ball.

[0021] The second light beam drawing device may further include an attachment mechanism that is interposed between the user and the second light source and that attaches the second light source in front of the user's eyes. With this configuration, light can be emitted along the user's line of sight.

[0022] The golf club of the present invention is characterized in that the club head is provided with indicators that are marked continuously or intermittently so as to form a straight line along a predetermined direction when viewed from a user holding the golf club with the face surface facing the predetermined direction.

[0023] According to the present invention, the face surface can be oriented in a predetermined direction simply by holding the club so that the direction in which the indicator extends is aligned with the predetermined direction.

[0024] It is also preferable that at least a portion of the indicator is marked along the curved or bent surface of the club head.

[0025] With this configuration, if the face surface is not facing the predetermined direction, the indicator does not appear to be a straight line to the user holding the golf club, so the user can intuitively determine that the face surface is not facing the predetermined direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, a user holding a golf club can easily align the face surface in a predetermined direction, thereby enabling the user to develop a habit of holding the club with the face surface facing the predetermined direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state in which an index creation system according to an embodiment is used. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a first light beam drawing device of the index creation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a second beam drawing device of the index creation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a procedure for creating an index by an index creation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a club head as seen by a user holding a golf club in a procedure for creating an index by the index creation system of the embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a club head as seen by a user holding a golf club in a procedure for creating an index by the index creation system of the embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a club head marked with an index created by an index creation procedure using an index creation system according to an embodiment, as viewed from a user holding a golf club. FIG. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a club head as seen by a user holding a golf club in a procedure for creating an index by the index creation system of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a club head with a modified index marked thereon. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an index creating system, an index creating method, and a golf club according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The index creation system and index creation method according to the present invention are for creating an index for a golf club that is used when orienting the face in a predetermined direction at address, etc. This index is particularly effective for golf clubs where the user looks down on the club head from diagonally above when addressing the ball, specifically golf clubs other than putters (drivers, fairway woods, utilities, irons, or wedges), but it may also be used for putters.

[0030] <Embodiment> An index creating system 100 according to this embodiment includes a first light beam drawing device 10 attached to a golf club X and a second light beam drawing device 20 attached to a user A, as shown in FIG.

[0031] The first light beam drawing device 10 includes a first light source 11 that draws a first light beam L1 on the floor surface S of the club head X1, extending in the direction in which the face surface Xs of the club head X1 faces. In this embodiment, the first light beam L1 is drawn on the floor surface S in front of the face surface Xs, extending in the direction in which the face surface Xs faces. The first light source 11 emits a line of light l1 that spreads in a fan shape. The floor surface S also includes the ground.

[0032] 2, the first light beam drawing device 10 further includes a fixture 12 for attaching the first light source 11 to the golf club X. The fixture 12 in this embodiment is configured to attach the first light source 11 to the face surface Xs, but is not limited to this, and the first light source 11 may be attached to a location other than the face surface Xs of the golf club X, for example, to the upper surface Xa or shaft of the club head X1.

[0033] Specifically, the mounting fixture 12 of this embodiment comprises a spherical main body 13 and a base 14 protruding from the surface of the main body 13. The main body 13 has the same diameter as a golf ball and holds the first light source 11 so that light is emitted from the hemispherical surface opposite the hemispherical surface from which the base 14 protrudes. A magnet is built into the base 14, and the magnetic force of this magnet allows the base 14 to be detachably attached to the face Xs.

[0034] In addition, in the mounting fixture 12 of this embodiment, the main body 13 and the base 14 are also magnetically attached so as to be detachable. The mounting fixture 12 further includes an angle adjustment mechanism 15 interposed between the main body 13 and the base 14 for adjusting the angle of the light emitted from the first light source 11 with respect to the floor surface S. Specifically, the angle adjustment mechanism 15 includes a convex guide 15a extending along a circumference that cuts the main body 13 so as to pass through the center and the light outlet, and a groove 15b formed on the contact surface of the base 14 with the main body 13, into which the guide 15a fits. The angle of the light can be adjusted by sliding the main body 13 relative to the base 14 while fitting the guide 15a into the groove 15b.

[0035] 1, the second light beam drawing device 20 includes a second light source 21 that is installed in front of the head of the user A, more specifically, in front of the eyes. The second light source 21 emits light in front of the head, more specifically, in front of the eyes. The second light source 21 also emits a line of light l2 that spreads in a fan shape.

[0036] 3, the second light beam drawing device 20 further includes an attachment mechanism 22 for attaching the second light source 21 to the user A. In this embodiment, the attachment mechanism 22 is configured to attach the second light source 21 to the brim of a hat worn by the user A, but is not limited to this and may be attached to other wearable items such as eyeglasses or the user himself / herself. The attachment mechanism 22 also includes a position adjustment mechanism for aligning the position of the second light source 21 in front of the user's eyes and an orientation adjustment mechanism for adjusting the orientation of light emitted from the second light source 21.

[0037] Specifically, the attachment mechanism 22 of this embodiment includes a clip 23 that clamps the flange, a cylindrical holder 24 that holds the second light source 21, and a shaft 25 that connects the clip 23 and the holder 24 to each other. The shaft 25 includes an inner cylinder 25a and an outer cylinder 25b, and by sliding these relative to each other, the position of the second light source 21 can be adjusted, which serves as a position adjustment mechanism. In addition, a ball joint 26 is interposed between the holder 24 and the shaft 25, and by adjusting the orientation of the holder 24 with this ball joint 26, the direction of the light emitted from the second light source 21 can be adjusted, which serves as an orientation adjustment mechanism.

[0038] Next, a procedure for creating an index using the index creation system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the user sets up with a square stance. In this case, it is preferable to orient the face surface Xs toward the target direction when setting up the golf club.

[0039] First, the first light beam drawing device 10 is attached to the face surface Xs, and the second light beam drawing device 20 is attached to a hat worn by the user A.

[0040] Next, the first light source 11 is turned on, and the light emitted from the first light source 11 draws a first light ray L1 on the floor surface S in front of the face surface Xs, extending in the direction in which the face surface Xs is facing, and the user A holds the golf club X so that the first light ray 11 faces the target direction (first step).

[0041] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3(a), a line of light l1 emitted from first light source 11 is directed at target P installed on a wall in the target direction, and the orientation of first light source 11 is adjusted so that line of light l1 is emitted along a vertical plane. As a result, a first light ray L1 extending toward the target direction is drawn on floor surface S in front of face surface Xs, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, angle adjustment mechanism 15 is used to adjust the angle of light emitted from first light source 11 so that line of light 11 draws first light ray L1 on floor surface S while irradiating target P.

[0042] Next, the second light source 21 is turned on, and the light emitted from the second light source 21 draws a second light ray L2 that is parallel to or overlaps with the first light ray L1 on the club head X1 (second step).

[0043] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(b), user A holds golf club X and looks at club head X1. In this state, the position adjustment mechanism adjusts second light source 21 so that it is positioned in front of the eyes, more specifically, between the eyes, i.e., in front of the forehead. Then, the orientation adjustment mechanism adjusts the orientation of second light source 21 so that line of light l2 emitted from second light source 21 passes through club head X and is parallel to or overlaps with first light ray L1. In this state, second light source 21 emits light in the viewing direction of user A looking at club head X1. More specifically, second light source 21 is positioned on an imaginary line connecting user A's eyes and club head X1, and emits line of light l2 along that imaginary line. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, second light ray L2 is drawn, passing through club head X and parallel to or overlapping with first light ray L1. In this embodiment, the line of light l2 passes through the face surface Xs and the top surface Xa of the club head X1.

[0044] Then, as shown in FIG. 7(a), an index L is marked on the club head X in the form of a straight line along the second light ray L2. This index L may be marked along the second light ray L2 as viewed from the user A holding the golf club X, and may be recognized as a straight line traced by the second light ray L2. In this embodiment, the index L is a continuous straight line marked on the second light ray L2 from the face surface Xs to the top surface Xa so as to pass through the curved or bent surface of the club head X1, but this is not limiting. For example, the index L may be a plurality of dots intermittently marked on the second light ray L2. Furthermore, the index L is preferably marked directly on the club head X, and may be written with ink or engraved, for example.

[0045] However, it is difficult for a user to draw the index L on the second light ray L2 by himself. This is because the second light ray L2 shifts when the user crouches down to draw the index L. Therefore, a guide portion 30 may be provided on the club head X to help the user memorize the position where the second light ray L2 passes. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 , the guide portion 30 is a coordinate sticker on the surface of the club head X to make it easier to memorize the coordinates on the surface. This coordinate sticker has a grid pattern printed on it. This allows the user to memorize the position on the coordinate sticker where the second light ray L2 passed in the second step, and then draw the index L based on that memorization. This allows the user to draw the index L by himself.

[0046] According to this embodiment, a linear indicator can be created on the curved or bent surface of the club head X1, which is aligned with a predetermined direction when viewed from a user holding the golf club X so that the face surface Xs faces the predetermined direction. As a result, when holding the golf club, the face surface can be oriented in the predetermined direction simply by aligning the extension direction of the linear indicator with the predetermined direction.

[0047] Furthermore, a user holding the golf club X can intuitively tell whether the face surface Xs is pointing in the target direction. In other words, if the index L is marked on the curved or bent surface of the club head X in this way, as shown in Figure 7(b), when the face surface Xs is not pointing in the target direction, the index L will appear bent to a user holding the golf club X. This allows the user to intuitively know whether the face surface Xs is pointing in the target direction.

[0048] Other Embodiments The index creation system and index creation method according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the index is marked as a line, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be a point. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the index may be three or more points marked on the curved or bent surface of the club head X1. If the index L is three or more points marked on the curved or bent surface of the club head, the straight line connecting those points, visible to the user while holding the golf club, may be directed in a predetermined direction. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the index is newly marked on the club head, but the index may also be marked using the inherent structure of the club head. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(b), multiple face lines XL formed on the face surface Xs may be formed so that one end is aligned with the second light ray l2, and that one end may be used as part of the index L. In this case, one end of each face line XL becomes an intermittently marked index. The indicator L is not limited to being partly marked on the curved or bent surface of the club head X1, but may be entirely marked on the curved or bent surface of the club head X1.

[0049] In addition, in the above embodiment, the case where the user sets up the club with a square stance has been described, but if the user sets up with an open stance or a closed stance, for example, it is preferable to point the face in a direction tilted clockwise or counterclockwise from the target direction in order to hit the ball in the target direction. Therefore, if the user sets up the club with a stance other than a square stance, in the first step, it is sufficient to point the face in a predetermined direction appropriate for that stance, and an indicator suitable for each stance can be created using the same procedures as in the embodiment.

[0050] Furthermore, the position adjustment mechanism and orientation adjustment mechanism of the attachment mechanism are not limited to those described in the above embodiment. For example, the clip and the holder may be connected by an arm with multiple joints, and this arm may function as the position adjustment mechanism and orientation adjustment mechanism. Note that using ball joints for the multiple joints increases the degree of freedom in adjusting the position and orientation.

[0051] In addition, while the above embodiment employs a configuration in which the first light beam drawing device is attached to the face, this configuration makes it impossible to test hit a ball with the first light beam drawing device attached. Therefore, the first light beam drawing device may be attached to a location other than the face of the golf club, such as the top surface of the club head or the shaft. In this case, for example, a light source attached to the face may be used to draw a light beam extending in the direction the face is facing, as in the above embodiment, and then a first light source drawing device attached to the shaft may draw a light beam parallel to or overlapping with the light source, and this light beam may be used as the first light beam.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the second light drawing device is provided with an attachment mechanism for attaching it to a user, but this is not limiting. For example, a stand may be provided to support the second light source, allowing the second light source to be placed in front of the user's head. In this case, the stand may be provided with a position adjustment mechanism and an orientation adjustment mechanism.

[0053] In addition, parts of the various embodiments may be combined or modified as long as it does not go against the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 100 Index Creation System A user X Golf Club X1 Club Head Xs face P-like 10 First ray drawing device 11 1st light source 12 Mounting fixture 20 Second ray drawing device 21 Second light source 22 Mounting mechanism

Claims

1. a first step in which a user holds the golf club so that a first light ray is drawn on the floor in a direction in which the face of the golf club faces, using light emitted from a first light source attached to the golf club, and the first light ray is directed in a predetermined direction; a second step of drawing a second light ray parallel to or overlapping with the first light ray on the club head by light emitted from a second light source installed in front of the head of a user holding the golf club; and a third step of creating an index on the club head based on the second light beam.

2. 2. The method for creating a golf club indicator according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined direction is determined based on a stance of a user holding the golf club and a target direction.

3. 2. A method for making a golf club marking mark according to claim 1, wherein the marking is made continuously or intermittently so as to form a straight line along the second light ray.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the mark is printed along a curved or bent surface of the club head.

5. 2. The method for making a golf club indicator according to claim 1, wherein the first light source emits a line of light along a vertical plane when the golf club is held in a stance.

6. 2. The method for making a golf club indicator according to claim 1, wherein the second light source is installed in front of the eyes of a user holding the golf club and viewing the club head, and emits light in the viewing direction.

7. a first light beam drawing device attached to the golf club and including a first light source that draws a first light beam extending along the direction in which the face of the golf club faces a floor; a second light ray drawing device that is installed in front of a user's head and has a second light source that draws a second light ray on the club head that is parallel to or overlaps with the first light ray when the user holds the golf club so that the first light ray is directed in a predetermined direction.

8. 8. The golf club index creating system according to claim 7, wherein the first light beam drawing device further comprises a spherical body attached to the face surface, and a first light source is installed on the body.

9. 8. The golf club indicator creating system of claim 7, wherein the second light beam drawing device further comprises an attachment mechanism interposed between the user and the second light source for attaching the second light source in front of the user's eyes.

10. This golf club is characterized in that the club head is provided with indicators that are marked continuously or intermittently so as to form a straight line along a predetermined direction when viewed from a user who holds the golf club so that the face surface faces the predetermined direction.

11. 11. The golf club of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the indicia is marked along a curved or bent surface of the club head.

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