Golf club alignment apparatus

Abstract

A golf club alignment apparatus includes an alignment disc and lines on the alignment disc. Each of the lines passes through a center of the alignment disc, and the lines are invisible to a naked eye under a first condition and visible to the naked eye under a second condition different than the first condition.

Description

GOLF CLUB ALIGNMENT APPARATUSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 716,490, filed November 5, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND1. Field

[0002] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a golf club alignment apparatus.2. Description of Related Art

[0003] Before striking a golf ball with a golf club, a golfer will setup and address the golf ball with the golf club. That is, the golfer will align the golfer’s stance and aim the face of the head of the golf club toward a target (e.g., a golf hole). The golfer’s aim is affected by the golfer’s eyesight or perception. The golfer’s natural eyesight or perception may have some inherent inconsistencies that can affect the golfer’s aim and create a misalignment with the target. The golfer’s natural misalignment may be too subtle to be perceived by the golfer, but the misalignment can still negatively impact the golfer’s game. For example, the golfer may consistently hit an approach shot to the left of the green, which can increase the number of strokes needed to complete the hole. As such, it may be desirable to develop a method for identifying and measuring the misalignment that can be used to correct the golfer’s setup and aim.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates to various embodiments of a golf club alignment apparatus. In one embodiment, the golf club alignment apparatus includes an alignment disc and lines on the alignment disc that each pass through a center of the alignment disc. The lines are invisible to a naked eye under a first condition and visible to the naked eye under a second condition different than the first condition.

[0005] The first condition may be ambient lighting and the second condition may be black light or UV light.

[0006] The lines may include invisible ink or invisible paint.

[0007] The golf club alignment apparatus may also include a black light configured to irradiate the lines.

[0008] The lines may include a target line extending through the center and in a direction toward a target.

[0009] The lines may include a user line that is substantially perpendicular to the target line.

[0010] The target line and the user line may have a same color under the second condition.

[0011] The lines may include a first set of additional lines that each form an angle with the target line in a range from greater than 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees.

[0012] The target line and each of the first set of additional lines may have different colors under the second condition.

[0013] The lines may include a second set of additional lines that each form an angle with the user line in a range from greater than 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees.

[0014] The golf club alignment apparatus may include a dot at the center of the alignment disc.

[0015] The dot may include an indentation.

[0016] The alignment disc may include a transparent material, such as glass or plastic.

[0017] The golf club alignment apparatus may include a blocker having a circular disc configured to cover the alignment disc and an arm coupled to the circular disc.

[0018] The golf club alignment apparatus may include a surrounding surface surrounding the alignment disc. The surrounding surface may be a putting green, grass, artificial turf, or a carpet.

[0019] The present disclosure also relates to various embodiments of a method of determining a misalignment value of an alignment mark on a head of a golf club. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning the golf club above a golf club alignment disc including a target line; capturing an image of the alignment mark on the golf club and the target line on the golf club alignment disc; and determining, from the image, an angle between the alignment mark and the target line.

[0020] The present disclosure also relates to various embodiments of a method of forming an alignment mark on a head of a golf club. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning the golf club above a golf club alignment disc including a target line; capturing at least one image of a user hitting a golf ball of the alignment mark on the golf club and the target line on the golf club alignment disc; and determining, from the image, an angle between the alignment mark and the target line.

[0021] The present disclosure further relates to various embodiments of a golf club. In one embodiment, the golf club includes a shaft; a grip on the shaft; and a club headcoupled to an end of the shaft. The club head includes a club face and an alignment mark, and the alignment mark is non-orthogonal to the club face.

[0022] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of features and concepts of embodiments of the present disclosure that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. One or more of the described features may be combined with one or more other described features to provide a golf club alignment apparatus or a related method utilizing the golf club alignment apparatus.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In the figures, like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows an image of the golf club alignment apparatus and a golf club according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a diagram of the alignment disc within the surrounding surface according to one or more embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an aerial view of the alignment disc included within the surrounding surface according to one or more embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 4 shows an image of the alignment disc in a turned-off mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows a blocker according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 6 shows an alignment disc in a turned-on mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows misalignment measurements in an image of a head of a golf club with the one or more lines of the alignment disc according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIGS. 8 and 9 each show misalignment measurements of an alignment mark of a golf club in an image of a head of a golf club with the one or more lines of the alignment disc according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 10 shows golf clubs including golf club heads of different shapes that can be used with the alignment disc.

[0033] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating tasks of a method of determining a misalignment value of an alignment mark on a head of a golf club.

[0034] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating tasks of a method of manufacturing a golf club according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mobile platform for comparing the leading edge of a putter with a fixed reference mark according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 14 depicts images captured by the mobile platform of FIG. 13 that are utilized to determine the angle of the leading edge of a putter relative to the fixed reference mark according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 15 depicts a system and method for determining the misalignment between a line on the ball and an intended target according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] FIG. 1 shows an image of the golf club alignment apparatus and a golf club according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1 , the golf club alignment apparatus may include an alignment disc 100. The alignment disc 100 may be used to measure a misalignment of a golfer’s aim towards a target (e.g., a golf hole). The misalignment may be based on a golfer’s eyesight or perception, which may be influenced or affected by the golfer’s golf stance, the angle of the golf club face, the shape of the golf club head, or other factors. For example, when the golfer addresses a golf ball with a golf club, the golfer may adjust the face of the golf club to aim towards the target. However, the angle of the golf club’s face may affect the golfer’s eyesight, and the golfer may inadvertently misalign the face of the golf club. For example, the golfer may inadvertently align or aim the face of the golf club 2 or 3 degrees to the right of the target or may inadvertently align or aim the face of the golf club 2 or 3 degrees to the left of the target. The misalignment may be too subtle to be identified by the golfer, but the misalignment may still be great enough to negatively affect the golfer’s play. For example, the misalignment may cause the golfer to consistently hit the golf ball left or right of the golf hole.

[0040] While FIG. 1 shows the golf alignment apparatus as an alignment disc 100, the shape and size of the golf alignment apparatus is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the golf alignment apparatus may include a square, oval, rectangular, or any other polygonal shape.

[0041] The alignment disc 100 may be used to help improve the golfer’s play by identifying and measuring a magnitude of the golfer’s misalignment. For example, the alignment disc 100 may be used to determine that the golfer consistently aims the golf club face 3 degrees to the right of the target. The measurements may be used to makeadjustments that can correct for the misalignments in a golfer’s aim. For example, the angle of the golf club face may be modified to correct for the golfer’s misalignment. In another example, the shape of the golf club head may be adjusted (e.g., a bladeshaped putter or a mallet square-shaped putter) to correct for the golfer’s misalignment. In another example, the alignment marks on a golf club head can be added, removed, or otherwise modified. For example, alignment marks of different shapes and colors may be added to the top (e.g., crown) of some golf club heads (e.g., golf club wood heads). Additionally, the bottom groves of a golf club (e.g., an iron) may be filled to help correct for a misalignment.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1 , the alignment disc 100 may have a substantially circular shape. The alignment disc 100 may have a top surface facing away from the ground and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface and facing toward the ground. The alignment disc 100 may include (e.g., may be made of) a transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic). The size of the alignment disc 100 may be large enough to be visible when a golf club is positioned on or over the alignment disc 100 and may be small enough so as to not interfere with a golfer’s stance when the golfer is using the alignment disc 100. In one or more embodiments, a diameter of the alignment disc 100 may be in a range from about 8 includes to about 24 inches. In one or more embodiments, a thickness of the alignment disc 100 may be in a range of about - inches to about - inches. In one or more embodiments, a thickness of the alignment 1 1 disc 100 may be in a range of about - inches to about 1 - inches.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the alignment disc may be included within (e.g., embedded within) a surrounding surface 110 (e.g., the ground), so that a top surface of the alignment disc 100 is aligned or flush with the surrounding surface 110. In one or more embodiments, the surrounding surface 110 may include a putting green, grass, artificial turf, carpet, or any other surface that can mimic general golf course surfaces.

[0044] The top surface of the alignment disc 100 may be configured to display one or more lines 115 that each extend through a center of the alignment disc 100. That is, the one or more lines 115 may be visible through the top surface of the alignment disc 100. At least one of the one or more lines 115 may include a target line 116. The target line 116 may extend through the center of the alignment disc 100 in a direction toward a target (e.g., a golf hole). That is, the target line 116 is aimed directly at the target (e.g., 0 degree with respect to the target).

[0045] Additionally, at least one of the one or more lines 115 may include a user line 117. The user line 117 may extend through the center of the alignment disc 100 and may be substantially perpendicular (e.g., normal) to the target line 116. That is, the target line 116 and the user line 117 may intersect each other at an intersectionpoint and may be substantially perpendicular to each other (e.g., the user line 117 is 90 degrees with respect to the target). The intersection point of the target line 116 and the user line 117 may be in a center of the alignment disc 100. In one or more embodiments, the target line 116 and the user line 117 may have the same color.

[0046] The one or more lines 115 may include other lines in addition to the target line 116 and the user line 117. The additional lines may also extend through the center of the alignment disc 100, but may extend in directions different from the directions of the target line 116 and the user line 117. In one or more embodiments, the additional lines may form an angle with the target line 116 in a range of about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees. In one or more embodiments, the additional lines may form an angle with the user line 117 in a range of about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees. In one or more embodiments, the additional lines may have a color different from the color of the target line 116 and the user line 117.

[0047] The alignment disc 100 may also include a dot 120 in the center of the top surface of the alignment disc 100. In one or more embodiments, the one or more lines 115 may cross through the dot 120 (e.g., intersect the dot 120). The dot 120 simulates the position of where a golf ball would be and shows where the golfer should setup the golf club when standing in the golfer’s golf stance. In one or more embodiments, the dot 120 may also include an indentation on the top surface of the alignment disc 100 that can be configured to hold a golf ball.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the one or more lines 115 may be drawn on the bottom surface of the alignment disc 100. The alignment disc 100 may include (e.g., may be made of) a transparent material (e.g., glass), and the one or more lines 115 on the bottom surface of the alignment disc 100 may be visible through the top surface of the alignment disc 100. The one or more lines 115 may be drawn using any suitable paint or ink that is invisible when viewed in natural light or white light (e.g., invisible ink or paint), but may be visible in certain environment conditions. For example, the invisible ink or paint may include paint that is only visible with a black light, paint or ink that is only visible with an ultraviolet (UV) light, or a paint or ink that is only visible when heated to a particular temperature, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the one or more lines may be draw using a paint that is only visible when illuminated with a black light (e.g., black light paint). That is, the one or more lines 115 are not visible or displayed through the top surface of the one or more lines 115 when viewed in a white light. The one or more lines 115 may be only visible when illuminated with a black light. The black light may be positioned below the alignment disc 100 and the black light may not be visible when viewing the alignment disc 100 from above. The black light may be activated (e.g., turned on andoff) using a switch (e.g., a remote switch). Accordingly, the visibility of the one or more lines 115 may be switched from visible to invisible by turning the black light on and off using the switch.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the one or more lines 115 may be drawn using a paint that is only visible when illuminated with a UV light (e.g., UV light paint). The UV light may be positioned below the alignment disc 100 and the UV light may not be visible when viewing the alignment disc 100 from above. The UV light may be activated (e.g., turned on and off) using a switch (e.g., a remote switch). Accordingly, the visibility of the one or more lines 115 may be switched from visible to invisible by turning the UV light on and off using the switch.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a diagram of the alignment disc within the surrounding surface according to one or more embodiments.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, the alignment disc 100 may be included within (e.g., embedded within) a surrounding surface 110 (e.g., the ground), so that a top surface of the alignment disc 100 is aligned or flush with the surrounding surface 110. The surrounding surface 110 may include a putting green, grass, artificial turf, carpet, or any other surface that can mimic general golf course surfaces. The alignment disc 100 may include (e.g., may be made of) a transparent material (e.g., glass). The alignment disc 100 may have a top surface 210 facing away from the ground and a bottom surface 215 opposite to the top surface 215 and facing toward the ground. In one or more embodiments, a thickness of the alignment disc 100 may be in a range of about 1 1- inches to about - inches. In one or more embodiments, a thickness of the alignment 1 1 disc 100 may be in a range of about - inches to about 1 - inches.

[0053] As described previously, the one or more lines 115 may be drawn on the bottom surface 215 of the alignment disc 100. In one or more embodiments, the bottom surface 215 may be frosted with a frosting paint (e.g., white color paint) before the one or more lines 115 are drawn on the bottom surface 215. The alignment disc 100 may include (e.g., may be made of) a transparent material (e.g., glass), and the one or more lines 115 on the bottom surface 215 of the alignment disc 100 may be visible through the top surface 210 of the alignment disc 100. The one or more lines 115 may be drawn using a paint that is only visible when illuminated with a black light 220 (e.g., black light paint). That is, the one or more lines 115 are not visible or displayed through the top surface 210 of the one or more lines 115 when viewed in a white light. The one or more lines 115 may be only visible when illuminated with a black light 220. In one or more embodiments, the frosting paint may be color matched to the color of the black light paint used to draw the one or more lines 115.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, a dot 120 may be drawn on the center of the top surface 210. Each of the one or more lines 115 may cross through (e.g., intersect) the dot.

[0055] The black light 220 may be positioned in an open space 230 below the alignment disc 100. In one or more embodiments, the black light 220 may be positioned below (e.g., directly below) the center of the alignment disc 100 (e.g., below the dot 120 on the center of top surface 210). Accordingly, the black light 220 may not be visible when viewing the alignment disc 100 from above or may not be visible through the top surface 210 of the alignment disc 100. The black light 220 may be activated (e.g., turned on and off) using a switch (e.g., a remote switch). Accordingly, the visibility of the one or more lines 115 may be switched from visible to invisible by turning the black light on and off using the switch.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, a thickness of the alignment disc 100 (e.g., a distance between the top surface 210 and the bottom surface 215) may be in a range 1 1 of about - inches to about - inches. In one or more embodiments, a thickness of the 4 21 1 alignment disc 100 may be in a range of about - inches to about 1 - inches.

[0057] FIG. 3 shows an aerial view of the alignment disc included within the surrounding surface according to one or more embodiments.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the alignment disc 100 may be included within (e.g., embedded within) a surrounding surface 110 (e.g., the ground), so that a top surface of the alignment disc 100 is aligned or flush with the surrounding surface 110. The surrounding surface 110 may include a putting green, grass, artificial turf, carpet, or any other surface that can mimic general golf course surfaces.

[0059] The alignment disc 100 may be spaced apart from a target 310 (e.g., a golf hole) by a distance. In one or more embodiments, a distance between the dot 120 on the alignment disc 100 and the target 310 may be in a range of about 10 feet to about 40 feet. In one or more embodiments, the distance between the dot 120 and the target 310 may be about 10 feet. In one or more embodiments, the distance between the dot 120 and the target 310 may be about 20 feet. In one or more embodiments, the distance between the dot 120 and the target 310 may be about 40 feet. The distance between the dot 120 and the target 310 may be adjusted to allow for measurements of misalignments from a longer range (e.g., 40 feet), a midrange (e.g., 20 feet), and a closer range (e.g., 10 feet). This can help allow for a diagnostic golf club fitting from longer range, midrange, and a closer range.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the color of the dot 120 may be changed based on the distance between the dot 120 and the target. For example, a dot positioned 40 feet away from the target may have a blue color, a dot positioned 20feet away may have a red color, and a dot position 10 feet away may have a yellow color.

[0061] FIG. 4 shows an image of the alignment disc in a turned-off mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, the one or more lines 115 are not visible through the top surface of the alignment disc 100 (e.g., turned-off mode) when the black light is turned off. The one or more lines 115 may be visible through the top surface of the alignment disc 100 when the black light is turned on (e.g., a turned-on mode). The dot 120 may be visible on the top surface of the alignment disc 100 both in the turned-off mode and in the turned-on mode.

[0063] A method for using the alignment disc 100 to measure a misalignment of a golfer’s aim may begin by switching the alignment disc 100 to a turned-off mode as shown in FIG. 4. A golfer can address the dot 120 with a golf club 410. In one or more embodiments, the golf club 410 (e.g., the golf club head) may be positioned on the top surface of the alignment disc 100 or may be positioned over the alignment disc 100 (e.g., about 0.5 inches to about 1.0 inches above top surface of the alignment disc 100). FIG. 4 shows a putter with a mallet-shaped head as the golf club 410, but the golf club 410 is not limited thereto. For example, the golf club 410 may include a putter with a blade-shaped head, a wedge golf club, an iron club, a driver, or any other golf club generally used on a golf course. The golfer may adjust the golf club 410 to be aimed toward a target (e.g., a golf hole).

[0064] After the golfer has addressed the dot 120 and aimed the golf club 410 toward a target, a blocker may be positioned between the golfer’s eye level and the alignment disc 100. The blocker may be configured to obstruct the golfer’s view of the alignment disc 100. In one or more embodiments, the blocker may include a circular disc having similar dimensions as the alignment disc 100, but the blocker may include any apparatus that can obstruct the golfer’s view of the alignment disc 100. The blocker can help ensure that the golfer is not influenced or biased by the one or more lines shown on the alignment disc 100, which can help ensure that the golfer maintains the initial aim of the golf club 410. Further, this can provide a more accurate measurement of the golfer’s natural misalignments in the golfer’s aim.

[0065] FIG. 5 shows a blocker according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, the blocker 510 may include an arm 515. One end of the arm 520 may be attached to the wall, and an opposite end of the arm 525 may include an apparatus that is configured to block the golfer’s view of the alignment disc 100. In one or more embodiments, the opposite end of the arm 525 may include a circular disc having similar dimensions as the alignment disc 100, but the opposite endof the arm 525 may include any apparatus that can obstruct the golfer’s view of the alignment disc 100.

[0067] To obtain the most accurate measurements, the golfer should not be able to see the or more lines shown on the alignment disc 100. Obstructing the golfer’s view can help ensure that accurate measurements of the golfer’s natural patterns or averages are obtained and not influenced by the golfer’s view of the one or more lines on the alignment disc 100.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows an alignment disc in a turned-on mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0069] When the golfer’s view of the alignment disc 100 is obstructed by the blocker, the alignment disc 100 may be switched to a turned-on mode and the one or more lines 115 may be visible through the top surface of the alignment disc 100. The golfer should be unable to see the alignment disc 100 and the one or more lines 115 because the golfer’s view is obstructed by the blocker. The obstructed view should reduce the likelihood that the golfer may adjust the aim of the golf club 410. That is, the face of the golf club 410 should be aimed toward the target as initially adjusted by the golfer when the alignment disc 100 was in a turned-off mode.

[0070] An image of the head of the golf club 410 with the one or more lines 115 of the alignment disc 100 may be captured. In one or more embodiments, the image may be captured using a standard camera, but any device generally used for capturing an image may be used. In one or more embodiments, the camera may be attached to the blocker. The image may be used to measure a misalignment of the golfer’s aim. For example, the image may be used to measure a difference between an angle of the face of the golf club 410 and the target line 116 of the one or more lines 115 (e.g., a misalignment value). In one or more embodiments, the misalignment value may be determined using geometry or engineering computer software (e.g., Angle Meter).

[0071] The golfer’s view of the one or more lines 115 on the alignment disc remains obstructed by the blocker 510 while the images are captured.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the method may include measuring one or more different or separate setups. For example, the golfer may address the dot 120 with the golf club 410 in one or more separate setups or instances (e.g., 3-5 separate instances). One or more images of the head of the golf club 410 with the one or more lines 115 of the alignment disc 100 may be captured for each setup. For example, the golfer may address the dot 120 with the golf club 410 at the dot 120 in five separate setups or instances. Images of each setup may be captured, and the misalignment values of each setup may be determined using geometry or engineering computer software (e.g., Angle Meter). An average of the misalignment values of each setup may be determined.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, one or more images of the golfer’s setup of the golf club 410 may be captured at different distances between the dot 120 on the alignment disc 100 and the target. For example, one or more images of the head of the golf club 410 with the one or more lines 115 of the alignment disc 100 may be captured when the distance between the dot 120 and target is 10 feet. In another example, one or more images of the head of the golf club 410 with the one or more lines 115 of the alignment disc 100 may be captured when the distance between the dot 120 and target is 20 feet. In another example, one or more images of the head of the golf club 410 with the one or more lines 115 of the alignment disc 100 may be captured when the distance between the dot 120 and target is 40 feet. This can help allow for a diagnostic golf club fitting from a longer range (e.g., 40 feet), midrange (e.g., 20 feet), and a closer range (e.g., 10 feet).

[0074] FIG. 7 shows misalignment measurements in an image of a head of a golf club with the one or more lines of the alignment disc according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 7, an image of the golf club 410 with the one or more lines 115 may be captured. In one or more embodiments, the misalignment value may be determined using a geometry or engineering computer software’s (e.g., Angle Meter) analysis of the captured image. For example, the image may be used to measure a difference between an angle of the face of the golf club 410 and the target line 116 of the one or more lines 115 (e.g., a misalignment value). The target line 116 extends in a direction toward the target. As shown in FIG. 6, the face of the golf club 410 is being aimed at 88.3811 degrees to the target. Accordingly, the face of the golf club 410 is being aimed 1.61889 degrees to the left (e.g., the misalignment value). That is, the face of the golf club 410 is being misaligned to the target by 1.61889 degrees to the left of the target.

[0076] The measurements of the misalignment of a golfer’s aim can help identify patterns to the way the golfer aims with every shape and varied alignment mark putters, that is based on their eyesight. The device and the fitting process allows a fitter to find the pattern that suits each golfer’s eyesight, therefore increasing the golfer’s ability to aim well, and minimizing or reducing the need for a compensation during the golfer’s stroke to “square up the face” of the golf club.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the captured images can also be used to measure the accuracy of an alignment mark on a golf club. Golf clubs typically include a visible alignment mark on the head of the golf club. The alignment mark is substantially perpendicular to the face of the golf club and may be used to aim the golf club. However, in some cases, the manufacturer of a golf club may have manufactured the golf club with an inaccurate alignment mark. For example, the alignment mark maybe a slight angle and may not be substantially perpendicular to the face of the golf club (e.g., 1 or 2 degrees to the right or left of the target). The inaccurate alignment mark can also contribute to a golfer’s misalignment when aiming the golf club.

[0078] FIGS. 8 and 9 each show misalignment measurements of an alignment mark of a golf club in an image of a head of a golf club with the one or more lines of the alignment disc according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 8, an image of the golf club 810 with the one or more lines 115 may be captured. The golf club 810 includes an alignment mark 820 on the head of the golf club 810. In one or more embodiments, the misalignment value of the alignment mark 820 may be determined using a geometry or engineering computer software’s (e.g., Angle Meter) analysis of the captured image. For example, the image may be used to measure a difference between an angle of the alignment mark 820 and the target line 116 of the one or more lines 115 (e.g., a misalignment value). The target line 116 extends in a direction toward the target. As shown in FIG. 7 the alignment mark 820 is being aimed at 89.21083 degrees to the target. Accordingly, the alignment mark 820 is being aimed 0.78917 degrees to the left (e.g., the misalignment value). That is, the alignment mark 820 is being misaligned to the target by 0.78917 degrees to the left of the target.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 9, an image of the golf club 810 with the one or more lines 115 may be captured. The golf club 910 includes an alignment mark 920 on the head of the golf club 910. In one or more embodiments, the misalignment value of the alignment mark 920 may be determined using a geometry or engineering computer software’s (e.g., Angle Meter) analysis of the captured image. For example, the image may be used to measure a difference between an angle of the alignment mark 920 and the target line 116 of the one or more lines 115 (e.g., a misalignment value). The target line 116 extends in a direction toward the target. As shown in FIG. 9 the alignment mark 920 is being aimed at 90.066666 degrees to the target. Accordingly, alignment mark 920 is being aimed 0.066666 degrees to the right (e.g., the misalignment value). That is, alignment mark 20 is being misaligned to the target by 0.066666 degrees to the left of the target.

[0081] The measurements of the alignment marks on the head can also help correct for misalignments in a golfer’s swing.

[0082] Additionally, the shape of the golf club head can also affect a golfer’s alignment of the golf club with the target. As such, the golf alignment disc can also be used to measure the golfer’s misalignment using different shapes of golf club heads to determine the potential effects of the shapes.

[0083] FIG. 10 shows golf clubs including golf club heads of different shapes that can be used with the alignment disc.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 10, the golf clubs 1110 can have golf club heads of one or more shapes. For example, the golf club 1110 may be a putter with a mallet-shaped head or a putter with a blade-shaped head. In one or more embodiments, the golf club 1110 may also include a wedge golf club, an iron club, a driver, or any other golf club generally used on a golf course. The shape of the golf club head may affect a golfer’s alignment. The alignment disc 100 can be used to measure a golfer’s alignment using different golf club head shapes. For example, different golf club head shapes with different alignment marks may be intentionally and prescriptively (e.g., selectively) used to assess the golfer’s eyesight and misalignments. In one or more embodiments, the process may first measure the golfer’s misalignment with a golf club shape generally used by the golfer as a baseline. Next, the golfer can then use the model or golf club head shape that works best for the golfer. The golfer can also use the alignment disc to train the golfer’s eyes and recheck the golfer’s progress. The process allows the golfer to identify the golf club shape that best suits golfer’s eyesight and natural patterns.

[0085] For example, the alignment disc may be used to measure a golfer’s misalignment with a blade-shaped putter, and measure the golfer’s misalignment with a mallet-shaped putter. The measurements can be compared to see how the shape of the golf club head may affect a golfer’s alignment. For example, the golfer’s misalignment may be greater with a mallet-shaped putter than with a blade-shaped putter.

[0086] Accordingly, the golf club alignment apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can help identify patterns of the golfer’s perception combined with different head shapes and alignment marks on the golf club head that can affect the golfer’s ability to line up the golf club to a given target.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the target may be positioned against a backdrop. The backdrop may include images of general obstructions on a golf course such as a cart path, a lake, or a sand trap.

[0088] In one or more embodiments, the golf club alignment apparatus may be included in a mobile platform. The mobile platform may be configured to be transported to different locations. For example, the mobile platform may include wheels that allow the platform to be moved from a first location to a second location. The golf club alignment apparatus can be embedded on a top surface of the mobile platform. The mobile platform can include a black light within or inside the mobile platform. The black light inside the mobile platform may be plugged into a power source with remote control. For example, the power source may be switch on and off using a remote. In one or more embodiments, the power source may be switched on and off using a voice-activated mobile device assistant (e.g., Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant).

[0089] In one or more embodiments, the mobile platform may be configured to be tilted to an angle with respect to the ground. For example, the mobile platform may be tilted by about 1 degree, 2 degrees, or 3 degrees with respect to the ground. The tilted angles can mimic slopes on a golf course such as an uphill lie or a downhill lie. The different sloped angles can be used to measure misalignments resulting from the golfer’s eyesight being affected by the slopes.

[0090] FIG. 9 shows an alignment disc in a turned-on mode according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] Similar to FIG. 5, FIG. 9 shows a golfer addressing a golf ball with a golf club 910 over the one or more lines 115 of the alignment disc 100. FIG. 9 shows a putter with a blade-shaped head as the golf club 910, but the golf club 910 is not limited thereto. For example, the golf club 910 may include a putter with a mallet-shaped head, a wedge golf club, an iron club, a driver, or any other golf club generally used on a golf course. The golfer may adjust the golf club 910 to be aimed toward a target (e.g. a golf hole).

[0092] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating tasks of a method 1000 of determining a misalignment value of an alignment mark on a head of a golf club.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the method 1000 includes a task of capturing one or more images, with one or more cameras, of a golf club (or at least the head of the golf club) on or above the alignment disc 100 depicted in FIG. 1. During the task 1000, the lines 115 (including the target line 116) may be visible (e.g., the light 220 may be turned on to illuminate the lines 115 on the alignment disc 100).

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the method 1000 also includes a task 1020 of utilizing the image(s) captured in task 1010 to determine a misalignment angle of the alignment mark on the head of the golf club by determining (e.g., measuring) an angular difference between an angle of the alignment mark and the target line 116 of the one or more lines 115 on the alignment disc 100. In one or more embodiments, the task 1020 may be performed utilizing software, such as an artificial intelligence algorithm trained on a corpus of images to analyze images to determine the misalignment angle between the alignment mark on the head of the golf club and the target line on the alignment disc.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating tasks of a method 1100 of manufacturing a head of a golf club (e.g., a putter) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the method 1100 includes a task 1110 of capturing one or more images, with one or more cameras, of a user hitting a golf ball on the alignment disc 100 depicted in FIG. 1. During the task 1110, the lines 115 (including the target line 116) may be visible (e.g., the light 220 may be turned on toilluminate the lines 115 on the alignment disc 100). Additionally, during the task 1110, the blocker 510 (see FIG. 5) may be positioned between the golfer’s eye level and the alignment disc 100 after the golfer has addressed the dot 120 and aimed the golf club 410 toward a target. As described above, obstructing the golfer’s view of the alignment disc 100 with the blocker 510 is configured to help ensure that the golfer is not influenced or biased by the one or more lines 115 shown on the alignment disc 100, which can help ensure that the golfer maintains the initial aim of the golf club 410 and thus the method 1100 can provide a more accurate measurement of the golfer’s natural misalignments in the golfer’s aim.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the method 1100 also includes a task 1120 of utilizing the image(s) captured in task 1110 to determine an angle at which the user mishit the golf ball relative to the target line 116 on the alignment disc 100. In one or more embodiments, the task 1120 may include utilizing the image(s) captured in task 1110 to compare the path the golf ball traveled to the lines 115 on the alignment disc 100. For instance, in one or more embodiments, the task 1120 may include: (i) comparing the path of the golf ball to the additional lines 115 on the alignment disc 100 other than the target line 116; (ii) determining which one of the additional lines 115 is closest to the path of the golf ball; and (iii) determining the mishit angle to be the angle between the target line and the additional line 115 that was the closest to the path of the golf ball. In one or more embodiments, the task 1120 may include fitting a straight line to the path of the golf ball (e.g., generating a line tracing the path of the golf ball) and determining an angle between that line and the target line. In one or more embodiments, the task 1120 may be performed utilizing software, such as an artificial intelligence algorithm trained on a corpus of images to analyze images to determine the angle at which the golf ball travels relative to a target line.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, the task 1110 of capturing the image)(s) of the user hitting the golf ball and the task 1120 of determining the mishit angle may be repeated a number of times (e.g., two or more times) to determine an average mishit angle. For instance, in one or more embodiments, the mishit angle determined in task 1120 may be in a range from approximately 0.5 degrees to approximately 3 degrees, but the mishit angle determined in task 1120 may be in any other range depending on the skill level of the golfer.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the method 1100 also includes a task 1130 of forming an alignment mark on the head of a golf club (e.g., a putter) based on the mishit angle determined in task 1120. The task 1130 of forming the alignment mark may be performed in any suitable manner, such as molding, laser etching, engraving, painting, etc. In one or more embodiments, the alignment mark formed in task 1130 may be angled, with respect to an imaginary line that is perpendicular to the face ofthe golf club, at an angle equal (or substantially equal) to the mishit angle determined in task 1120. For instance, in an embodiment in which the mishit angle determined in task 1120 is approximately 1 .5 degrees, the alignment mark formed in task 1130 may be angled at approximately 1.5 degrees with respect to an imaginary line that is perpendicular to the face of the golf club (i.e. an interior angle between the alignment mark and the face of the golf club may be approximately 88.5 degrees). In this manner, the method 1100 may be utilized to form an alignment mark on the head of the golf club that is purposefully misaligned (i.e., not orthogonal to the face of the putter) to compensate for the user’s tendency to mishit the ball and thereby aid the user in hitting the ball closer to the intended target line (e.g., toward the cup).

[0100] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a mobile platform 1200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile platform 1200 is configured to compare the leading edge of a golf club (e.g., a putter) with a target line (i.e., a fixed reference mark) and thereby determine the extent to which the golfer is misaligning his / her shot. In one or more embodiments, the mobile platform 1200 is portable. For instance, the mobile platform 1200 can be put into a protective travel case (such as a bicycle carrier), to be checked in for traveling on a plane.

[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile platform 1200 includes a base 1201 (e.g., a circular base) defining an opening 1202, a transparent disc 1203 in the opening 1202, and a camera below the transparent disc 1203. The camera is oriented upward to capture images of the golf club positioned on or above the transparent disc 1203. The transparent disc 1203 includes a target line 1204 that is oriented toward the target (e.g., a golf cup). The target line 1204 is not visible to the golfer but is visible to the camera. In one or more embodiments, the target line 1204 may be on the lower (bottom) surface of the transparent disc. For instance, in one or more embodiments, the target line 1204 may be drawn in invisible ink or invisible paint. In one or more embodiments, the base 1201 may be covered in grass, artificial turf, carpet, or any other surface that can mimic general golf course surfaces. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the mobile platform 1200 may include a remote (e.g., a clicker) for activating the camera. In one or more embodiments, the camera may be configured to be activated by a voice command.

[0102] In operation, a golfer sets up on the mobile platform 1200 with the head of the golf club (e.g., a putter) on the transparent disc 1203 and aligns the face of the golf club such that it is intended to strike a golf ball toward a target (e.g., a golf hole or golf cup). That is, the golf sets up on the mobile platform 1200 and attempts to align the head of the golf club (e.g., the putter) such that an imaginary line perpendicular to the face (or the leading edge) of the club is directed toward the target. Additionally, in operation, the camera captures one or more images through the transparent disc1203. The one or more images capture the target line 1204 on the transparent disc 1203 and at least the head of the golf club (e.g., the putter). Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the mobile platform 1200 may include software (e.g., computer- readable instructions stored on a non-transitory memory device) that is configured to analyze the image(s) and determine the angle between the direction at which the golf club (e.g., the putter) is oriented (e.g., the direction of a line orthogonal to the face or leading edge of the putter) and the target line 1204. In one or more embodiments, the software may include an artificial intelligence algorithm trained on a corpus of images to analyze images to determine the angle between the orientation of the head of the golf club and the target line 1204 on the transparent disc 1203. In one or more embodiments, manual measurements between the target line and the orientation of the head of the golf club (e.g., a line perpendicular to the face or leading edge of the putter) may be performed utilizing any suitable application that allows lines to be compared, such as an engineering app, and these manual measurements may be utilized to improve the accuracy of the artificial intelligence algorithm (e.g., the accuracy of the software and Al analysis can be assessed, adjusted, and input back into the system to allow for the Al to improve its analysis over time).

[0103] FIG. 14 depicts images captured by the mobile platform 1200 of FIG. 13 that are utilized to determine the angle of the leading edge of a putter relative to the target line 1204 (i.e., the fixed reference mark) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown on the left side of FIG. 14, the face of one putter (labeled “4 5”) was oriented at an angle of 89.04 degrees and was therefore misaligned to the target line 1204 (and the target) by 0.96 degrees left. As shown on the right side of FIG. 14, the face of another putter (labeled “3”) was oriented at an angle of 88.68 degrees and was therefore misaligned to the target line 1204 (and the target) by 1 .32 degrees left.

[0104] FIG. 15 depicts a system and method for determining the misalignment between a marking on a golf ball and an intended target according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 1300 includes a platform 1301 , an insert 1302 on or in the platform 1301 , a target (e.g., a golf hole or golf cup) in the platform 1301 , and a camera above the platform 1301 and / or the insert 1302. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 1302 is a circular disc having a pair of markings 1303 on an upper surface of the circular disc. In one or more embodiments, the markings are oriented radially inward toward a center of the insert 1302. Together, the pair of markings 1303 form an imaginary line that is intentionally misoriented relative to the target at a predefined angle. For instance, in one or more embodiments, the imaginary line passing through the markings 1303 may be oriented at an angle of 35 degrees to the right of the target.

[0105] In operation, a user places a golf ball 1400 having a marking 1401 (e.g., a circumferential line) on the insert 1302 and attempts to align the marking 1401 on the golf ball with the target (e.g., the golf hole or golf cup). Additionally, during operation, the camera captures one or more images of the golf ball 1400 (and the marking 1401 thereon) and the insert 1302 (and the markings 1303 thereon). Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the system 1300 may include software (e.g., computer-readable instructions stored on a non-transitory memory device) that is configured to analyze the image(s) and determine the angle between the marking 1401 on the golf ball 1400 and the imaginary line connecting the markings 1303 on the insert 1302. In one or more embodiments, the software may include an artificial intelligence algorithm trained on a corpus of images to analyze images to determine the angle between the marking 1401 on the golf ball 1400 and the imaginary line connecting the markings 1303 on the insert 1302. In one or more embodiments, manual measurements between the angle between the marking 1401 on the golf ball 1400 and the imaginary line connecting the markings 1303 on the insert 1302 may be performed utilizing any suitable application that allows lines to be compared, such as an engineering app, and these manual measurements may be utilized to improve the accuracy of the artificial intelligence algorithm (e.g., the accuracy of the software and Al analysis can be assessed, adjusted, and input back into the system to allow for the Al to improve its analysis over time).

[0106] FIG. 15 depicts an example in which the marking 1401 on the golf ball 1400 was angled at an angle of 33.47 degrees relative to the imaginary line extending through the markings 1303 on the insert 1302. Accordingly, because it is known that the imaginary line extending through the markings 1303 was oriented at an angle of 35 degrees relative to the target, it can be determined that the marking 1401 on the golf ball 1400 was misaligned from the target at an angle of 1 .53 degrees (i.e., the line 1401 on the ball 1400 is off from pointing directly at the intended target by exactly 1 .53 degrees, which is the difference between the predefined angle of the markings 1303 (35 degrees) and the angle of the marking 1401 on the golf ball 1400). Thus, the system 1300 is configured to capture and compare how accurately a golfer has lined their ball to the target to improve the accuracy of the point of reference that the golfer utilizes to align their putter. In this manner, a golfer’s pattern of aligning a golf ball to a target can be studied without artificial assistance that wouldn’t be available when they are playing a normal round of golf.

[0107] While this invention has been described in detail with particular references to exemplary embodiments thereof, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the exact forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertainswill appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of assembly and operation can be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principles, spirit, and scope of this invention, as set forth in the following claims. Although relative terms such as “outer,” “inner,” “upper,” “lower,” and similar terms have been used herein to describe a spatial relationship of one element to another, it is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the various elements and components of the invention in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Additionally, as used herein, the term "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, as used herein, when a component is referred to as being "on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or components may also be present therebetween. Moreover, when a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or intervening components may be present therebetween.

[0108] Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 10.0, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A golf club alignment apparatus comprising: an alignment disc; and a plurality of lines on the alignment disc, each line of the plurality of lines passing through a center of the alignment disc, wherein the plurality of lines is invisible to a naked eye under a first condition and visible to the naked eye under a second condition different than the first condition.

2. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first condition is ambient lighting and the second condition is a black light or UV light.

3. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of lines comprises invisible ink or invisible paint.

4. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a black light configured to irradiate the plurality of lines.

5. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of lines comprises a target line extending through the center and in a direction toward a target.

6. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of lines further comprises a user line, the user line being substantially perpendicular to the target line.

7. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 6, wherein the target line and the user line have a same color under the second condition.

8. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 7, wherein the plurality of lines further comprises a first plurality of additional lines, each of the first plurality of additional lines forming an angle with the target line in a range from greater than 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees.

9. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 8, wherein the target line and each of the first plurality of additional lines have different colors under the second condition.

10. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plurality of lines further comprises a second plurality of additional lines, each of the second plurality of additional lines forming an angle with the user line in a range from greater than 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees.11 . The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a dot at the center of the alignment disc.

12. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the dot comprises an indentation.

13. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the alignment disc comprises a transparent material.

14. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 13, wherein the transparent material is glass.

15. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a blocker, the blocker comprising: a circular disc configured to cover the alignment disc; and an arm coupled to the circular disc.

16. The golf club alignment apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a surrounding surface surrounding the alignment disc, wherein the surrounding surface is selected from the group consisting of a putting green, grass, artificial turf, and a carpet.

17. A method of determining a misalignment value of an alignment mark on a head of a golf club, the method comprising: positioning the golf club above a golf club alignment disc, the golf club alignment disc comprising a target line; capturing an image of the alignment mark on the golf club and the target line on the golf club alignment disc; and determining, from the image, an angle between the alignment mark and the target line.

18. A method of forming an alignment mark on a head of a golf club, the method comprising:positioning the golf club above a golf club alignment disc, the golf club alignment disc comprising a target line; capturing at least one image of a user hitting a golf ball on an alignment disc comprising a target line; determining, from the at least one image, a mishit angle, the mishit angle being an angle between a path of the golf ball and the target line; and forming the alignment mark on the head of the golf club based on the mishit angle.

19. A golf club comprising: a shaft; a grip on the shaft; and a club head coupled to an end of the shaft, the club head comprising a club face and an alignment mark, wherein the alignment mark is non-orthogonal to the club face.

Images