Patent Publication Number: US-8109837-B1

Title: Laser putting device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a laser putting device and more particularly to a golf putter with laser sighting and guiding device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Golf is one of the commonly played games around the world. Lots of people play the golf but only limited number of people really know how to play it right thereby striking the ball correctly in order to place the ball in the hole defined in the golf green. Those who struggle with game know how hard it is to get the ball aimed in the right direction and actually hit the ball in the same direction. Everyone has a unique stroke or technique for lining the ball up with the hole, swinging and actually striking the ball. There is no right way or wrong way to line up and hit a golf ball. There are different ways of training on how to master a perfect swing. There are numerous books and magazines that everyone can afford to either purchase or rent. Most golf courses worldwide offer lessons on golf, from the basics to more advanced techniques. Numerous other types of training and teaching devices have been developed in an attempt to improve a golfer&#39;s putting stroke and alignment. 
     There are several phases of a putting stroke. Typically, the putting stroke includes the address or set-up phase which the golfer initially assumes in relation to the ball with the club head located behind the ball before hitting a shot; the backswing phase in which the club is drawn back into a cocked position; the striking phase in which the putter is moved to and through the ball; and the follow-through phase of the stroke in which the putter is moved past and beyond the hitting zone to finish the stroke. There is a longstanding need for a device to enable the golfer to be confident of their initial aim at the target and their execution during play. Enhanced practice can achieve that goal. Moreover, there is a need for a device that allows an accurate check of putter aim and which allows the golfer to actually visualize correct putter direction, thus making it possible to repeat on the golf course. Also, there is a need for a device that allows a check on the quality of the putting motion itself. 
     The prior art is replete with various suspension systems having aimed to improve putting stroke. These systems are taught by the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,213,331 to Avanzini; 6,227,983 to Yang; 6,605,005 to Lin; and 7,318,778 to Owens. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,331 to Avanzini, for example, teaches a putter with laser sighting including a laser unit formed with or permanently mounted onto the putter head. The laser unit is adjustably mounted on the putter head for adjustment of the laser beam in a vertical plane perpendicular to the putter&#39;s ball striking surface so that the laser beam may be projected over the top of a golf ball onto a putting surface at select distances forwardly of the golf ball. The laser unit preferably includes a button mounted on the handle of the putter. The laser unit is mounted in such a fashion wherein it circumscribes the neck of the putter head thereby sliding along the same as the golfer swings the putter thereby preventing golfer from concentrating on strike of the ball. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,005 to Lin teaches a detachable laser pointer is constructed to include a mounting base, the mounting base having a smoothly arched rear coupling groove for coupling to the shaft of a golf putter and a locating plate of C-shaped cross section upwardly extended from the smoothly arched coupling groove for plugging in between the shaft and grip of the golf putter and a front receiving groove, a joint rotatably coupled to the receiving groove, a laser module pivoted to the joint and adapted for emitting a laser beam to aim the putter head of the golf putter to the hole. Similarly to the U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,331 to Avanzini, the laser pointer is mounted in such a fashion wherein it circumscribes the handle of the putter head thereby sliding along the same as the golfer swings the putter thereby preventing golfer from concentrating on strike of the ball. 
     To eliminate drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art references, another prior art reference, namely U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,983 to Yang taught a laser pointer is directly installed in the putter head, and controlled to emit a laser beam (or two laser beams) perpendicular to the striking face of the putter head. Because the laser pointer is directly installed in the putter head, it is not detachable for use with a regular golf putter without laser pointer means. Another drawback of these designs is that the user may not be able to see the laser beam clearly when looked at the ground because the laser beam extends from the front side of the striking face of the putter head. Furthermore, because the switch of the laser pointer is provided at the putter head, the user must stop the action of aiming the putter head at the hole when switching the switch. 
     Therefore, an opportunity exists for an improved system and method of golf training device and more particularly to a golf putter with laser sighting and guiding device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A laser putting device (the device) of the present invention is used to assist golfers or those who begin training of in golf. The device is intended for training a putting, and more particularly to improving aiming, swing, and impacting on a golf ball thereby landing the golf ball in a hole defined in golf green. The device is connected to a putter that includes an electrically conductive shaft, and a neck as rectangle bar. The device includes a laser index unit, a frame connected to the bracket for supporting the laser index unit, and a plate contact element electrically communicated with the laser index unit by a wire and electrically conductive shaft. 
     The laser index unit presents a housing tubular configuration of a circular cross section. A front portion or nose element is connected to the housing. A mirror is located in the nose element. A switch is disposed in the housing to connect batteries with a laser diode located in the housing. The mirror receives a red laser beam from a laser diode and extending generally perpendicular to the axis of the housing. The wire interconnects the laser index unit with the plate contact element. The plate contact element is attached to the handle by an elastic strip. The golfer activates the laser diode by pressing the plate contact element and connecting a shaft. 
     The frame includes a plate presenting a cover extending to a first end or flange and a second end or flange extending generally perpendicular to the cover. The first and second ends define opening to receive the laser index unit extending therethrough. The cover presents spaced edges defining a wave-like or non-planar contour to provide clear distinction between the cover and the head portion of the putter thereby not confusing and distracting the golfer as the golfer is preparing to make a strike. The bracket includes a shoe or a lower bracket presenting a first wall extending to a support lip presenting a pair of female connectors aligned with a pair of female connectors defined in the cover for supporting the cover and connected to the cover by a pair of male connectors. 
     A middle portion integrally extends from the first wall in a substantially perpendicular fashion. A front portion extends from the middle portion and is spaced from the first wall. The first wall and the front portion extend substantially parallel to one another. A leg member extends from the front portion thereby defining L-shaped configuration of the front portion. A pushing element or stopper extends from a top of the front porting and is intended to push the neck portion of the head portion of the putter. The device, when installed on the putter, has the bracket and the lower part of the bracket extending on a striking surface of the putter and a stopper of the front portion pushes the neck. The middle wall pushes the neck side and extends on the upper part of the putter. 
     A fastener extending through the first wall tights the lower bracket about the head and the neck portion of the head thereby rigidly connecting the laser index unit to the putter and preventing relative movement of the laser index unit with respect to the putter. Such attachment secures a stable location of the laser index unit and a laser beam relatively to the striking surface of the putter. The fastener is located behind the neck and in center of virtual triangle, where a lower edge of the front wall of the bracket is a base of triangle and the stopper is its apex. Training appliances can be used with the device for training a putting as separate elements such swing, aiming, and impacting the ball. The training appliances include a control strip with a bright center line, a target simulating a hole in the golf green. 
     A system of the present invention provides numerous advantages over prior art designs. 
     An advantage of the present invention is to provide the device which is sturdy, monolithic, and stable in keeping a factory calibrated device generating a laser beam, easily installed on the putter, using hard rests without the use of any tools, and does not need in a further adjustment of the laser beam direction. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is to provide the device is turning on by golfer&#39;s decision, being in a playing posture with unlimited place of a gripping a handle of the putter for checking only of a quality of aiming by the putter. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide the improved link for the suspension system that is stamped from a light weight sheet metal. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system designed to help the golfer to learn how to improve a strike and place the golf ball into a hole within short period of time and without necessity of using outdoor facility. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide the system that will allow the golfer to use the same independently without anyone&#39;s help wherein the golfer creates a visual memory of an aiming and muscular memory of a swing at a reflex level for just several hours of training. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a putter wherein the location of the laser index unit relative the head portion is fixed and direction of the laser beam relative the striking surface is controlled. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide a putter wherein the location of the laser index unit relative the head portion does not block a view of the striking surface of the head portion as view from the top by the golfer and does not prevent to strike the ball. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide the system having bright flashes of a laser spot on the objective thereby giving an impulse aggravating memory created in the golfer&#39;s mind. After exercises with a strip type of a bright line for a long time remains in memory of the golfer, thereby helping the golfer in aiming during the game of golf. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide the method whereby reiteration of the elementary movements allows the golfer to learn on how to do improve a pendular swing with both hands holding the putter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a laser putting device of the present invention installed on the putter and a checking a laser beam direction by a training appliances; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a putter with a laser putting device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a fragmental view of the laser putting device connected to a head portion of the putter; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another fragmental view of the laser putting device connected to the head portion as viewed from a different angle as compared to  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a fragmental view of a plate contact element attached on a handle of the putter; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of the laser putting device having a bracket for connecting the laser device to the head portion of the putter; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic view of the laser putting device; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a fragmental and back view of the laser putting device connected to the head portion of the putter; and 
         FIGS. 9 through 12  illustrate steps of improving skills of swing, aiming, and impact while training. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts, a laser putting device, generally shown at  10 , (the device) of the present invention is used to assist a golfer (shown in phantom in  FIG. 1 ) or those who begin training of in a golf. The device  10  is intended for training, and more particularly to improve aiming, swing, and impacts on a golf ball thereby landing the golf ball in a hole defined in golf green from any distances. The device  10  is connected to a standard putter, generally shown at  12  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The putter  12  includes a handle  16 , an electrically conductive shaft  14 , and a head portion  18  with a striking surface  20 . 
     A neck  22  extends from the head portion  18  to interconnect the head portion  18  with the shaft  14 . The neck  22  presents a rectangular configuration. A collar  24  is connected to the neck  22  to receive the shaft  14 . The device  10  includes several parts connected to one another. These four main components of the device  10  are a laser index unit  30 , a bracket  32 , a frame  34  connected to the bracket  32  for supporting the laser index unit  30 , and a plate contact element  36  electrically communicated with the laser index unit  30  by a wire  38  and the shaft  14 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other operable communication methods maybe used to connect the laser index unit  30  with the plate contact element  36 . 
     The laser index unit  30  is an optical-emitting device selected from the group of consisting visible lasers and modified to match the laser putting device. The modification includes a changing of direction of the laser beam  54  and changing a connection of the batteries  52  with a housing  42  to a connection with a wire  38  and plate contact element  36  controlled by the golfer. The laser index unit  30  presents a housing  42  of a tubular configuration with a circular cross section. Alternatively, the tubular housing  42  may present a non-circular cross section without limiting the scope of the present invention. 
     Alluding to the above, a front portion of laser index unit  30  or nose element  44  is connected to the housing  42 . A mirror  46  is located in the nose element  44 . A switch  48  is disposed in the housing  42  to connect the batteries  52  to the laser diode  58 . A power source, i.e. several batteries  52  are disposed in the housing  42  to provide power to the device  10 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the batteries  52  may be lithium ion batteries or any other electro chemical devices without limiting the scope of the present invention. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 7 , the mirror  46  receives a red laser beam  54  from a laser diode  58  located inside the housing  42  and extending perpendicular to the axis of the housing  42 . The diode  58  is powered by the batteries  52  and is activated by the switch  48  and the plate contact element  36  as desired by the golfer. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 7 , the laser diode  58  radiates the red laser beam  54  which later is directed perpendicularly of the axis of the housing  42  as it reflects from and by the mirror  46  oriented at the angle of 45 degrees defined between the axis of the housing  42  and the mirror  46  thereby creating the angle of 90 degrees between the segment of the red laser beam  54  as it extends along the axis of the housing  42  and then reflects from the mirror  46  and away from the laser index unit  30 . A disc or plate  60  formed from a non-conductive material closes the housing  42  from a rear end thereby keeping the batteries  52  and the diode  58  inside the housing  42  thereby preventing relative motion of the same inside the housing  42 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a contact  62  extends from the disc  60  for receiving the wire  38  thereby electrically connecting the wire  38  with the batteries  52 . A cap  64  having a female connector  66  is designed to receive a pin or male connector  68  thereby securing the housing  42  within the frame  34 . The wire  38  interconnects the laser index unit  30  with the plate contact element  36  that is further defined by a spring contact  70  having a lower bend portion  76  and an upper bend portion  72  and an end portion  75  connecting to the upper bend portion  72  with a guide  73 . A bare end of the wire  38  squeezed into the end portion  75  of the plate contact element  36 . The guide  73  having four sharp lids corners connects to the soft handle of the putter. The plate contact element  36  is attached to the handle  16  by an elastic strip  78 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other connection elements may be used instead of the elastic strip  78  without limiting the scope of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 3 through 7  illustrate all elements of the device  10  that present the device  10  in both schematic view, as shown in  FIG. 7 , and exploded view, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The laser index unit  30  will radiate a laser beam  54 , when a switch  48  was preliminary turned on, and a golfer connects by pushing spring contact  70  with the electrically conductive shaft  14 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the frame  34  for supporting the laser index unit  30  is illustrated. The frame  34  includes a cover, generally indicated at  80  presenting a flat portion or cover  82  extending to a first end or flange  84  and a second end or flange  86  extending generally perpendicular to the flat portion  82 . The first and second ends  84  and  86  define openings  88  and  90 , respectively, to receive the laser index unit  30  extending therethrough. The cover  82  presents spaced edges  92  defining a wave-like or non-planar contour to provide clear distinction between the cover  82  and the head portion  18  of the putter  12  thereby not confusing and distracting the golfer as the golfer is preparing to make a strike. Many other contours may be used on the cover without limiting the scope of the present invention. 
     The frame  34  is connected to the bracket  32  that further includes a shoe or a lower bracket, generally indicated at  100 , presenting a first wall  102  extending to a support lip  103  presenting a pair of female connectors  104  aligned with a pair of female connectors  106  defined in the cover  82  for supporting the cover  82  and connected to the cover  82  by a pair of male connectors  108 . A middle portion  110  integrally extends from the first wall  102  in a substantially perpendicular fashion. Alluding to the above, a front portion  112  extends from the middle portion  110  and is spaced from the first wall  102 . The first wall  102  and the front portion  112  extend substantially parallel to one another. 
     A leg member  114  extends from the front portion  112  thereby defining L-shaped configuration of the front portion  112 . A pushing element or stopper  116  extends from the front portion  112  and is intended to push the neck portion  22  of the head portion  18  of the putter  12 . A fastener  120  extending through the first wall  102  tights the leg member  114  and the middle portion  110  about the head  18  and the neck portion  22  of the head  18  thereby rigidly connecting the laser index unit  30  to the putter  12  and preventing relative movement of the laser index unit  30  with respect to the putter  12 . The leg member  114  rigidly connects to and extends over the striking surface  20  of the putter  12  to ensure stable direction of the laser beam  54 . The bracket  32  is formed from metal or polymeric materials without limiting the scope of the present invention. The bracket  32  may be injection molded or stamped without limiting the scope of the present invention. The device  10  is sturdy construction, using hard rests for installation on the putter, stable keeping a direction of the laser beam  54 , and does not keep a the golfer&#39;s attention to itself as the golfer is preparing to make a strike. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the device  10  further can use training appliances for exercise, generally shown at  200 . The appliances  200  include a strip  202  having a central line  204 . The strip  202  is fabricated from any flexible material such as polymer without limiting the scope of the present invention thereby allowing the golfer to fold the strip  202  and store the same after the strip  202  is not used. Alternatively, the strip  202  may be formed from several parts foldable to form a unitary part also adaptable for easy storage. The central line  204  may be presented in a bright color to be visible and distinctive when in use. Alternatively, the central line  204  is a separate element easily removable from the strip  202  when not in use. Other forms and shapes of the central line  204  may be used in connection with the invention without limiting the scope of the present invention. 
     A target section is generally indicated at  206 . The target section  206  includes at least four sections such as a front section  208  as imitation of a hole extended further to a front wall  210  then to a rear wall  212  and then to a base wall  214 . The target section  206  is foldable to allow easy storage and transportation when not in use. The bright and visibly distinct laser spot  218  shows direction of the laser beam  54  on the front wall  210  to make sure the direction of the laser beam  54  is perpendicular to the striking surface  20  of the putter  12 . Similarly to the strip  202 , the target section  206  is fabricated from any flexible material such polymer without limiting the scope of the present invention thereby allowing the golfer to fold the section  206  and store the same after the target section  206  is not used. The target section  206  also includes the central line  204  extending through the front section  208  and the front wall  210 . The central line  204  may be presented in a bright color to be visible and distinctive when in use. 
     As the exercise begins, the laser beam  54  is activated temporarily by the golfer, shows a direction to objective and orientation of a strike surface  20  of head putter  18 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The trajectory of movement of the striking surface  20  during swing conforms to a trajectory of movement of the laser spots on the strip  202 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . Reiteration of the elementary movements will form a reflex in the golfer&#39;s memory to correctly perform pendular swing by correctly holding the putter  12  with both hands. 
     During the exercise, as best shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the golfer aims the putter  12  and then supervises an aiming of the device  10  by the laser and gradually increases distances. In final exercise that is shown in  FIG. 12 , the golfer can check a quality of an aiming, swing, and location of the putter at impact, watching of a motion of a laser spot on a floor and the target. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 9 through 12 , the device  10  used during the exercises with allows the golfer to create a visual memory of an aiming and muscular memory of pendular swing, wherein it turns to a reflex every time the golfer is ready to swing the putter to strike the ball. The present invention provides numerous advantages over prior art designs and methods and is designed to help the golfer to learn how to improve a strike and place the golf ball into a hole within short period of time and without necessity of using outdoor facility. The golfer can use the system independently without anyone&#39;s help, and is capable to create a visual memory of an aiming and muscular memory of a swing at a reflex level for just several hours of training. Bright flashes of a laser spot on objective give an impulse aggravating memory created in the golfer&#39;s mind. After exercises with the strip type of a bright line for a long time remains in memory of the golfer, thereby helping the golfer in aiming during the game of golf. Reiteration of the elementary movements allows the golfer to learn on how to do improve a pendular swing with both hands holding the putter. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.