Patent Publication Number: US-10765926-B2

Title: Golf putter alignment system

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/618,771 filed Jan. 18, 2018. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a golf putter alignment aid for improving golf putting accuracy. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Putting is a key aspect in golf. Individual holes in golf are rated as either par 3, 4 or 5, with each hole par standard accounting for taking two putting strokes. Accordingly, an 18-hole round of golf ideally requires about 36 putts per round. Golfers ranging from recreational golfers to low handicap or scratch golfers, even professional golfers, can often struggle to have on average 2 putts or less per hole, and thereby struggle to have 36 or less putts per 18-hole round of golf. Statistics from the United States Golf Association (USGA) USGA state that the average male golfer shoots a 98-99 and has at least 40 putts per round or 2.2 putts per hole (https://18birdies.com/clubhouse/golf-instruction/putting-by-the-numbers/; site visited Sep. 14, 2018). 
     There are many styles of putters, including blades, mallets, heel-toe weighted, and T-line putters. Typically, there are putting alignment aids on the top surface of golf putters to help golfers putt a ball on a correct line (as read by the golfer on a putting green) that will result in holing a putt. One common alignment aid is a straight line, parallel lines that are etched and/or painted on the top surface of the putter and run perpendicular to the putter hitting or striking face. Likewise, there are alignment aids that are a series of dots or circles (instead of lines) on the top surface of the putter and run perpendicular to the putter face. Another common alignment aid is a T-shape on the top surface of the putter, in which a line perpendicular to the putter face intersects a line parallel to the putter face, to form a T shape. Yet another alignment aid on the top of mallet putters is an alignment of two balls perpendicular to the putter face. 
     Despite the numerous types of golf putter alignment aids, golfers of all levels, especially recreational and golfers having mid to high handicaps still struggle to align putts and average 2 or less putts per hole in a round of golf. Thus, there remains a need in the art for a golf putter alignment system that will help golfers improve their putting alignment and accuracy. The present invention provides such a desirable golf putter alignment system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A golf putter alignment system is provided herein. The alignment system comprises a putter having a putter head in which two alignment markers are strategically placed on the top surface of the putter head above the ball striking face of the putter to aid a golfer in aligning the putter for improved putting accuracy. 
     The alignment markers are located toward opposite ends of the front top surface of a putter head, equidistantly spaced from the midpoint of the front top surface that aligns with the horizontal center or so called “sweet spot” of the putter strike force. The distance between the markers or dots is approximately the diameter of a golf ball, or approximately 1.68 inches. 
     The alignment markers are formed of colors that contrast with the color of the front top surface of the putter head to visually stand out when viewed overhead by a golfer in an address position in which the putter face is aligned against a golf ball. The alignment markers may also be formed from light reflective materials, such as crystalline small pieces of glass or diamonds. 
     The alignment markers are preferably circles or dots that are either mounted on the front top surface of the putter head or are integrally formed in the putter head. Integrally formed or placed alignment markers have structures that extend into a front portion of the putter head, below the front top surface of the putter, and are held in place by receiving members in the putter head. The circular tops of the integrally formed alignment markers typically are level or nearly so with front top surface of the putter head. 
     The alignment markers disclosed herein are preferably removable, allowing the alignment markers to be replaced if worn or damaged. Likewise, the markers can be replaced by markers of different colors, to provide a golfer with different options for the color of the alignment markers. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the alignment markers are made of light emitting material, such as fiber optics. In this embodiment, the light emitting ends of fiber optics are held in receiving members at or below the front top surface of the putter head, such that the light emitting ends align with or are recessed with the front top surface. The light capturing surfaces of the fiber optics are positioned within the putter head for exposure to ambient light. 
     In one embodiment of fiber optic alignment markers, the markers are formed of two individual fiber optics that are vertically aligned within the putter head. The light emitting ends are positioned through receiving members in the front top surface, while the opposite ends are positioned in receiving members toward the bottom of the putter head. The light capturing surfaces of the fiber optics are preferably exposed to ambient light through openings or windows located through the putter head between the top and bottom receiving members. The light capturing surfaces of the fiber optics accordingly are positioned within the openings in the putter head. 
     In an alternative embodiment of fiber optic alignment markers, the markers are formed from a single, continuous fiber optic in which the two light emitting ends of the fiber optic are held in receiving members to form the alignment markers in the top surface of the putter head. The light capturing surfaces of the fiber optic are held in a channel that faces the rear of the putter below the top front surface to expose the fiber optic to ambient light. In a preferred embodiment, the light capturing surfaces of the fiber optic are held in the channel by a clear plastic cover that attaches to the putter head. 
     The fiber optic alignment markers are preferably removable to allow replacement if they become worn or damaged, or to allow fiber optics of different colors to be interchangeably used as the alignment markers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an overhead view of an embodiment of the presently disclosed golf putter alignment system. 
         FIG. 2  shows a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the presently disclosed golf putter alignment system in which the alignment markers are integrally formed in a putter head. 
         FIG. 3  shows a cut away view of the putter shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  shows a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the presently disclosed golf putter alignment system in which the alignment markers are fiber optics. 
         FIG. 5  shows a cut away view of the putter shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  shows an angled perspective view of the rear of an embodiment of the presently disclosed golf putter alignment system in which the alignment markers are formed from a fiber optic. 
         FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of the putter in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  shows an exploded view of the putter in  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a golf putter alignment system. The system comprises two markers placed on the top of a putter such that the markers are visible to a golfer holding the putter down at address on the putting surface and aligning the putter for a putt. The markers work alone or in conjunction with other typical alignment markers on the top of the putter, such as a straight line(s), T-markers, a series of small, straight circles in a line, two white circles representing balls arranged in a straight line, and so on. 
     The presently disclosed putter alignment system and markers may be used on virtually any form of putter including, but not limited to, blade, mallet, heel-toe weighted, and T-line putters. 
     The putter alignment system presently disclosed preferably employs markers comprising two circular dots on the top of the putter head that are placed at or near the front edge of the top of the putter head above the putter ball striking face, toward the golf ball and the target line and/or hole. Alternatively, the markers may be triangular, rectangular, trapezoid/diamond, rhombus, or any of many different shapes. 
     The presently disclosed putter alignment system accordingly provides for use of dual alignment aids, typically dots or circles, that assist the golfer in setting the putter face at a 90-degree angle to the target line. Advantageously, a golfer looking at the dual alignment aids and the intended target will be inclined to naturally set the putter face correctly behind the ball. Additionally, a golfer typically will naturally find the center position between the alignment aids and position the putter to promote swings in which the center of the club face strikes the ball, thereby reducing off-center shots. The presently disclosed alignment aids thereby facilitate and ease alignment of the putter face by a golfer, given the natural tendency to both set the dual alignment aids perpendicular to the target and center the ball between the alignment aids. 
     The markers of the alignment system are preferably placed at a distance such that the center of the markers align with the outer edge/diameter of a golf ball. A standard golf ball has a diameter not less than 1.68 inches, as specified by the official rules of golf governed by the United States Golf Association and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club. Accordingly, the centers of the markers are preferably placed 1.68 inches or about 1.68 inches apart. Alternatively, they may be placed such that the edges of the markers align to be just inside or outside the width of the ball. Thus, the markers preferably will range in distance apart from the inner edges of the markers being about 1.68 inches apart; the center of the markers being about 1.68 inches apart, or the outer edges of the markers being about 1.68 inches apart. 
     The markers can be painted and/or etched onto the putter head, can be separate pieces that are affixed to the head, and so forth. In one embodiment, the markers are circular dots. The dots can be a solid, consistent color across the dots. Alternatively, the dots can be concentric circles which have an inner dot or circle surrounded by an outer circumference circle or ring. In one embodiment, the two circles have different colors. In this scenario, a dot could have a solid, lighter-colored inner circle circumferentially surrounded by a darker-colored outer circle, or vice versa. For example, the dots might be white inner circles surrounded by black outer circumference circles. Alternatively, the exemplary dots might be black inner circles surrounded by white outer circumference circles. In a preferred embodiment, the circumference of the inner dot continuously contacts the inner circumference of the outer circle. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, the circumference of the inner dot does not contact the inner circumference of the outer circle or ring, such that there is a gap between the inner circle and outer circle. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the circular markers are formed from circular lines that are not filled in with a color, such that that the alignment markers can be formed of a single ring, concentric circles that form a ring within a ring, and so forth. 
     In a preferred embodiment in which the alignment aids or markers are circular dots, the dots preferably have a diameter that ranges from about 3 mm to about 15 mm. In another preferred embodiment in which the circular dots comprise concentric circles, the inner circle preferably has a diameter that ranges from about 1 mm to about 13 mm, while the outer circle preferably has an outer diameter that ranges from 3 mm to about 15 mm. In this regard, the inner circle would fit inside the outer circle. 
     The alignment aids can be composed of virtually any color that provides a contrast to the top surface of the putter, such that the alignment aids are visible to the golfer. For example, a dark putter surface can by complemented with alignment aids that have lighter color shades. In contrast, a lighter putter surface can by complemented with alignment aids that have a different lighter color shade or a darker color shade. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the alignment aids or markers are light reflecting. The alignment aid can be any reflective material, such as, but not limited to, a reflective paint. Alternatively, the reflective material can be a light reflective, crystalline material. Such materials include, but are not limited to, glass pieces, diamond pieces, etc. In one embodiment, the alignment aids are light reflecting circles or dots. In a preferred embodiment, the alignment aids are circles or dots having an outer circumference circle and a light reflecting inner, solid circle. The circumference preferably will have a color or shade that provides contrast to the light reflecting inner circle. 
     In another embodiment, the markers are removable, such that they can be replaced or interchanged with alternative markers of varying colors, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the markers are recessed into the putter head, such that the top surface of the marker is flush with the putter head top surface or is either recessed or raised relative to the putter head top surface. 
     In one preferred embodiment, the alignment aids are made of light reflecting fiber optics. Ambient light is captured and channeled through the use of fiber optics. This captured light and is directed to the top surface of the putter where it is emitted up toward the golfer. In one embodiment, the fiber optics are positioned such that they capture light by being exposed to ambient light behind the putter face. The putter face itself can also have holes, slots or windows in the putter face that allow ambient light from the front of the putter face to pass through the putter face and be captured by the fiber optics. Thus, the fiber optics can capture ambient light from behind the putter face, in front of the putter face, or a combination of both behind and in front of the putter face. 
     Fiber optics can be chosen to emit any of a number of different colors of light. Such colors include, but are not limited to, white, yellow, orange, red, blue, green, violet, and virtually any combination of such colors. Fiber optics for use in the alignment aids can be made of any appropriate material that will capture ambient light and emit it at the end of the fiber optic. Examples of fiber optics include, but are not limited to, those commercially available as TRUGLO® fibers (TRUGLO Inc., Richardson, Tex.), and optical acrylic rods comprised of fiber having a core of polystyrene containing fluorescent dyes surrounded by a clear acrylic cladding. 
     The fiber optics preferably are mounted in the putter head in a manner where they are removable and thereby allow replacement of the fiber optics. Accordingly, fiber optics of different colors can be interchangeably placed into a given putter head. Moreover, fiber optics that wear out over time and gradually lose their ability to emit light can be replaced. 
     Turning now to the Figures, various embodiments of the presently disclosed putter alignment system are shown.  FIG. 1  shows a putter alignment system from an overhead view of a heel-toe weighted blade putter  100 . The putter  100  has a putter head  102  that is connected by a hosel  104  to a putter shaft  106 . The putter head  102  has a forward-facing vertical, flat ball-striking face/surface  108  that faces a golf ball  110  at address. The putter head  102  has a front portion  112  and a rear portion  114  that extends back from the front portion  112 . In the embodiment shown, the putter head front portion  112  has a height greater than that of the rear portion  114 , such that the rear portion  114  extends away from and below the front portion  112 . The front portion  112  has a front top surface  116  that is immediately adjacent to the strike face  108 , such that the front top surface  116  forms an approximately 90-degree angle with the strike face  108  in the putter embodiment  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . The rear portion  114  of the blade putter depicted in  FIG. 1  has a rear top surface  118 . Accordingly, when the putter head  102  is viewed from above by a golfer at address, the golfer sees the front top  116  and rear top  118  surfaces of the putter head  102 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The front top surface  116  of the putter head  102  has two alignment aids or markers ( 120 ,  122 ) positioned on the top surface. The alignment markers  120  and  122  are preferably spaced apart and positioned to align with the width or diameter D of a golf ball  110 , which is 1.68 inches or approximately 1.68 inches. Thus, at address, a golfer can align the putter head  102  to the golf ball  110  by aligning the alignment markers  120  and  122  with the diameter of the golf ball  110 . The markers  120  and  122  are likewise equidistantly spaced or positioned from the horizontal center of the strike face  108 , such that the midpoint of the distance between the markers  120  and  122  on the horizontal front top surface  116  aligns with the horizontal center of the strike face  108 . The markers  120  and  122  therefore enable a golfer to align or frame the center of the strike face  108  with the center of the golf ball  110  to promote striking the ball on line by a golfer&#39;s putting stroke. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the alignment markers  120  and  122  are each composed of two concentric circles that form a circular marker or dot. Each of the inner and outer circles of the alignment markers  120  and  122  have the same diameters with respect to those of the other marker. As shown, the dots  120  and  122  are preferably positioned and spaced apart such that the centers of the dots  120  and  122  align with the diameter of a golf ball  110 . The positioning of the markers  120  and  122  is not limited to this spacing, and can be positioned such the centers, inner edges, or outer edges, or any variation thereof aligns with the diameter of the golf ball  110 . Alternatively, the markers  120  and  122  can be positioned such that the distance between the markers is less than or greater than the diameter of a golf ball. 
     The alignment markers  120  and  122  in  FIG. 1  are shown in a preferred embodiment in which the forward/aft position of the centers of the markers  120  and  122  on the top face surface  116  align with the midpoint of the width of the front top surface  116 . The markers  120  and  122  are therefore centered between the front and rear edges of the front top surface  116 . Alternatively, the markers may be placed such that they are closer to or further away from the front edge of the front top surface  116 , and therefore align more closely with the front or rear edges of the front top surface  116 . While the alignment markers  120  and  122  as shown have equally sized diameters that are smaller than the width of the front top surface  116 , the alignment markers  120  and  122  alternatively could have diameters that are equal in size to the width of the front top surface  116 . In this regard, the alignment markers  120  and  122  would be centered within the front top surface  116  and extend from the front edge to the rear edge of the front top surface  116 . 
     The size of the alignment markers  120  and  122  can vary widely within the size constraints of the width of the front top surface  116 . For example, circular or dot alignment markers can vary in diameter from, but not be limited to, approximately 1 mm to 20 mm, or any subset thereof, such as 3 to 15 mm, 4 to 13 mm, etc. 
     The alignment markers may be in any desired color. The alignment markers preferably are made of colors that contrast or highly contrast with the color of the putter head  102 , and, in particular, the color of the front top surface  116 . For example, if the front top surface  116  of the putter head  102  is made of a darker color, the alignment markers can be made of a contrasting bright color, such as bright, luminous white or luminous or fluorescent “highlighter” type colors, for example, yellow, red, pink, purple, orange, blue, green, etc. Likewise, the alignment markers can be made of darker color to contrast with a lighter colored front top surface  116  of the putter head  102 . Moreover, the alignment markers can be made of a reflective material that would reflect ambient light. For example, the alignment markets can be made of a crystalline, reflective material such as small glass particles that are adhered to the front top  116  of the putter head  102  by a cement or adhesive. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the alignment markers  120  and  122  are concentric circles. The colors and presentations of these concentric circles can widely vary, as desired. For example, the inner circle or dot and the outer circle between the concentric circles can be of different colors, such that the inner circle or dot has a different or contrasting color to the outer circle formed between the inner and outer concentric circles. One example of such a configuration might be in a putter head having a silver or aluminum background coloration, the alignment markers  120  and  122  could have a black outer circle with a white inner circle. In an alternative embodiment, the concentric circles could be drawn as colored lines without a fill color between the inner and outer circles and/or within the inner circle each marker. In this scenario, the colored lines would contrast with the background color of the front top surface  116 . 
     While the embodiment of the alignment markers  120  and  122  in  FIG. 1  are depicted as concentric circles, the markers can take the form of any desired shape, including single circles or dots that are either a solid color or a circular line. While the markers preferably are circles or circular shaped, the markers alternatively can be squares, rectangles, diamonds, triangles, rhombuses, lines, arrows, T-shaped lines, and so forth. In whatever form or shape the markers take, they preferably are positioned on the top surface of the putter head such that the centers/middles, inner or outer edges, and any variations thereof align with the diameter of a golf ball. The sizes of alignment markers can likewise vary in width and/or length. For example, various alignment marker shapes can have widths or lengths that vary from, but not be limited to, approximately 1 mm to 20 mm, or any subset thereof, such as 3 to 15 mm, 4 to 13 mm, etc. 
     The alignment markers  120  and  122  as presently disclosed may be provided on or formed with the putter head  102  in any desired manner, and therefore may be attached to the front top surface  116  or integrally formed in the front top surface  116 . For example, if desired, the alignment markers  120  and  122  may be attached as stickers that adhere to the front top surface  116  by an adhesive or cement. Likewise, the alignment markers  120  and  122  may be painted on the front top surface  116  of the putter head  102 . While alignment markers  120  and  122  that adhere to the front top surface  116  are preferably flat and therefore are nearly level with the front top surface  116 , the alignments markers  120  and  122  alternatively can have a thick or raised profile, such that the alignment markers  120  and  122  have a profile that sits above or protrudes from the flat front top surface  116 . Alignment markers  120  and  122  that are adhered to the front top surface  116  could be made from any applicable material, such as plastic, metal, etc. Furthermore, the alignment markers  120  and  122  can be made from a light reflective or crystalline material, such as small glass particles. 
     In an alternative preferred embodiment, the alignment markers may be integrally placed or formed within the front portion of the putter head. An exemplary embodiment in which the alignment markers are integrally formed or placed in the front top surface of the putter head is shown in  FIG. 2 . The putter  200  depicted in  FIG. 2  is a blade, heel-toe weighted putter similar to the putter  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , with the putter  200  being viewed from behind the putter head  202 , which is attached to the putter shaft  206 . The putter head  202  has a front portion  212  and a rear portion  214  that extends away from and below the front portion  212 . The front  212  and rear  214  portions are continuous with the bottom surface or sole  224  of the putter head  202 . The front portion  212  has a front top surface  216  that is immediately adjacent to the strike face  208  (not shown in  FIG. 2  but visible in  FIG. 3 ). The rear portion  214  of the blade putter depicted in  FIG. 2  has a rear top surface  218 . The rear portion  214  also has a cavity back  226  that sits between the heel  228  and toe  230  of the putter head. When the putter head  202  is viewed from above by a golfer at address, the golfer sees the front top  216  and rear top  218  surfaces of the putter head  202 . 
     In this embodiment, the putter  200  has a putter head  202  that has a flat front top surface  216  similar to that of the putter depicted in  FIG. 1 . The putter head  202  has two alignment aids or markers  220  and  222  that are integrally formed with the putter head  202 , such that the alignment markers  220  and  222  are fit into the front portion  212  of the putter head  202 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the tops of the alignment markers  220  and  222  are level with the flat, front top surface  216  of the putter head  202 , such that the entire front top surface  216 , inclusive of the alignment markers  220  and  222 , is flat. Alternatively, the alignment markers  220  and  222  could protrude above or be recessed within the front top surface  216  of the putter head  202 . Accordingly, alignment markers that are integrally placed or formed in the front portion  212  of a putter head  202  may extend above the front top surface  216 , be level or flush with the front top surface  216 , or be recessed/below the front top surface  216 . Typically, the front top surface  216  will be a horizontal, flat surface when the putter is held upright in an address position. Alternatively, the front top surface  216  can be curved, such that is it convex or concave. 
     The alignment markers  220  and  222  as shown in  FIG. 2  have circular tops, such that they appear as circles when viewed from above by a golfer at address. The alignment markers  220  and  222  are positioned such that the centers of the circular alignment markers  220  and  222  align with the diameter of a golf ball, similar to the spacing of the alignment markers shown in  FIG. 1 . The position of the alignment markers  220  and  222  can vary, such that the inner edges, centers, or outer edges of the alignment markers  220  and  222  may align with the diameter of a golf ball. As per the markers  120  and  122  shown in  FIG. 1 , the alignment markers  220  and  222  are likewise equidistantly spaced or positioned from the center of the strike face, such that the midpoint of the distance between the markers  220  and  222  on the horizontal front top surface  216  aligns with the horizontal center or sweet spot of the strike face  208 . 
     As described above for the alignment markers  120  and  122  shown in  FIG. 1 , the alignment markers  220  and  222  shown in  FIG. 2  are not limited to being circular in shape. Accordingly, integrally placed or formed alignment markers can alternatively be of any desired shape, such as be squares, rectangles, diamonds, triangles, rhombuses, lines, arrows, T-shaped lines, and so forth. 
     A cut away view of the putter head  202  shown in  FIG. 2  is shown in  FIG. 3 . The cut away portion shown in  FIG. 3  corresponds with the dotted lines  270  shown in  FIG. 2 . The alignment markers  220  and  222  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  have diameters that are smaller than the width of the front top surface  216 . As represented by alignment marker  220  shown in  FIG. 3 , the fore/aft position of the centers of the alignment markers  220  and  222  on the front top surface  216  are centered between the front and rear edges of the front top surface  216 . Alternatively, the alignment markers  220  and  222  could be positioned closer to the front edge or rear edge of the front top surface  216 . Furthermore, the alignment markers  220  and  222  could have diameters that are equal in size to the width of the front top surface  216 , whereby the alignment markers  220  and  222  would be centered within the front top surface  216  and visually reach from the front edge to the rear edge of the front top surface  216 . 
     As described above for circular alignment markers, such as those exemplified by alignment markers  120  and  122  ( FIG. 1 ), the size of the alignment markers  220  and  222  can vary widely within the size constraints of the width of the front top surface  216 . For example, circular or dot alignment markers can vary in diameter from, but not be limited to, approximately 2 mm to 20 mm, or any subset thereof, such as 3 to 15 mm, 4 to 13 mm, etc. The widths and lengths of alternatively shaped alignment markers can likewise vary along the lines of these sizes. 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the integrally formed, circular alignment markers  220  and  222  have a side profile T-shape that fits into a matching T-shape recess or receiving member within the front portion  212  of the putter head  202 . The alignment markers  220  and  222  accordingly may be regarded as circle-topped hubs that fit into the front portion  212  of the putter head  202 . Each of the alignment markers  220  and  220  can be fit into the recess or receiving member in the front portion  212  of the putter head  202  in any of several ways, such by being press fit, using mechanical connectors, cements or adhesives, fusing techniques, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the integrally formed alignment markers  220  and  222  can be threaded to align with complementary threads in the front portion  212  of the putter head  202 , such that the alignments markers  220  and  222  can be screwed into the front portion  212 . 
     If desired, the alignment markers  220  and  222  may be removable, so that they can be replaced if they become worn or damaged, or replaced by another alignment marker of a different color. In the embodiment where the alignment markers  220  and  222  are either press fit or threaded into the front portion  212  of the putter head  202 , the alignment markers can be configured to be readily inserted into or removed from the putter head  202 . In this regard, the alignment markers  220  and  222  could be configured to be removable with tools such as a screwdriver, wrench, hex key, a specialized tool designed to insert/remove the alignment markers  220  and  222 , etc. 
     The alignment markers  220  and  222  may be made of any of several materials, such as plastic, metal, etc. The tops of the alignment markers  220  and  222  may also contain a light reflective or crystalline material, such as small glass particles. 
     The alignment markers  220  and  222  are circular and have a T-shaped profile that fits into a matching, receiving member profile that is formed in the front portion  212  of the putter head  202 . This exemplary embodiment does not limit the size or shape of the separate alignment marker that is integrally formed with the front portion  212  of the putter head  202 . Accordingly, the integrally formed alignment marker can have any shape or form that would be applicable for integrally placing the alignment marker into the front portion  212  of the putter head  202 . As described above, the alignment marker can be made of any of several applicable materials (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.) that fit into a recess or is otherwise attached to the putter head  202 . Likewise, an alignment marker can be attached by any of several applicable ways to secure the alignment marker with the front portion  212  of the putter head  202 , and the alignment marker can also be removable. 
     The alignment markers  220  and  222  will preferably have a color that contrasts with the color of the front top surface  216 . As described above for alignment markers in general, the alignment markers  220  and  222  can be any of a wide range of colors that contrast with the color of the front top surface  216  of the putter head  202 . 
     In the embodiments described above and shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the alignment markers can be made of any of several applicable materials, such as plastic, metal, various reflective materials such as glass particles, and so on. Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment the alignment markers are made from a light emitting material, such as fiber optic materials, tritium materials, and the like. Preferably, the light emitting material is fiber optics, such that the fiber optics capture ambient light and transmit it to the front top surface of the putter head. 
     An exemplary embodiment in which the alignment markers are formed from fiber optics is shown in  FIG. 4 . The putter  400  depicted in  FIG. 2  is a blade, heel-toe weighted putter similar to the putters  100  and  200  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The putter  400  is shown from behind the putter head  402 , which is attached to the putter shaft  406 . The putter head  402  has a front portion  412  and a rear portion  414  that extends away from and below the front portion  412 . The front  412  and rear  414  portions are continuous with the bottom surface or sole  424  of the putter head  402 . The front portion  412  has a front top surface  416  that is immediately adjacent to the strike face  408  (not shown in  FIG. 4 , but visible in  FIG. 5 ). The rear portion  414  of the blade putter depicted in  FIG. 4  has a rear top surface  418 . The rear portion  414  also has a cavity back  426  that sits between the heel  428  and toe  430  of the putter head. When the putter head  402  is viewed from above by a golfer at address, the golfer sees the front top  416  and rear top  418  surfaces of the putter head  402 . 
     In this embodiment, the putter  400  has a putter head  402  that has a flat, front top surface  416  similar to those of the putters depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The putter head  402  has two alignment aids or markers  420  and  422  composed of fiber optics that are integrally fit into the putter head  402 , such that the alignment markers  420  and  422  are fit into the front portion  412  of the putter head  402 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the tops of the alignment markers  420  and  422  are level or nearly so with the flat, front top surface  416  of the putter head  402 . Alternatively, the alignment markers  420  and  422  could protrude above or be recessed within the front top surface  416  of the putter head  402 . Accordingly, fiber optic alignment markers that are integrally formed in the front portion  412  of a putter head  402  may extend above the front top surface  416 , be level or flush with the front top surface  416 , or be recessed/below the front top surface  416 . Typically, the front top surface  416  will be a horizontal, flat surface when the putter is held upright in an address position. Alternatively, the front top surface  416  can be curved, such that is it convex or concave. 
     The fiber optic alignment markers  420  and  422  advantageously transmit light to the front top surface  416  of the putter head  402 , providing a golfer with an appealing, highly visible alignment marker. The exemplary fiber optic alignment markers  420  and  422  shown in  FIG. 4  are two straight fiber optic rods  432  and  434 . 
     As per the alignment markers described above and shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the fiber optic markers  420  and  422  will preferably be spaced apart on the front top surface  416  of the putter head  402  such that the centers of the fiber optic markers  420  and  422  as viewed from above align with the diameter of a golf ball. Alternatively, the centers of the fiber optic markers  420  and  422  may align such that the inner or outer edges of the fiber optic markers  420  and  422  align with the diameter of a golf ball. Likewise, the fiber optic alignment markers  420  and  422  will be equidistantly spaced or positioned from the horizontal center of the strike face  408 , such that the midpoint of the distance between the markers  420  and  422  on the horizontal front top surface  416  aligns with the horizontal center or sweet spot of the strike face  408 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a cut away view of the putter head  402 , with the cut away portion corresponding with the dotted lines  470  shown in  FIG. 4 . As seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the top and bottom of each fiber optic rod  432  and  434  (exemplified by fiber optic rod  432  in  FIG. 5 ) sits within a top receiving member ( 436 ,  438 ) and bottom receiving member ( 440 ,  442 ). As shown in  FIG. 5 , the top end of fiber optic rod  432  sits in a recessed well or top receiving member  436 , while the bottom end of fiber optic rod  432  sits in a recessed well or bottom receiving member  440 . While the fiber optic rod  432  can be fixed in place by any number of means, such as a cement, adhesive, or fusing technique, the fiber optic rod  432  is preferably press fit into the top  436  and bottom  440  receiving members. The receiving members  436  and  440  both have channel portions that are configured to be about the width of the fiber optic rod  432 , allowing the fiber optic rod  432  to be press fit into the receiving members  436  and  440 . In this manner, the fiber optic rods  432  and  434  are removable from their respective top  436 ,  438  and bottom  440 ,  442  receiving members. The fiber optic rods  432  and  434  are preferably removable so that they can be replaced if they wear out or become damaged, and can be interchanged with fiber optic rods of different color. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the ends of fiber optic rods  432  and  434  that emit light may have a circular, ball shaped top or head that faces up to and aligns with the front top surface  416  of the putter head  402 . This exemplary shape is shown for purposes of demonstration and does not limit the shape of the light emitting ends of the fiber optic rods  432  and  434 . The light emitting ends of the fiber optic rods  432  and  434  alternatively can be cylindrical or formed into alternative shapes that fit into the shape of the receiving members  436  and  438 . 
     The fiber optic rods  432  and  434  transmit captured ambient light to the ends of the fiber optic rods  432  and  434 , whereby the ends emit light to provide the alignment markers  420  and  422 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the representative fiber optic rod  432  is positioned vertically approximately in the center of the front portion  412  of the putter head  402  between the front side (strike face  408 ) and the rear-facing side  448  of the front portion  412 . The ends of the fiber optic rods  432  and  434  therefore align with the midpoint of the width of the front top surface  416 . Alternatively, the fiber optic rods  432  and  434  can be positioned closer to either the front edge or back edge of the front top surface  416 . 
     To allow exposure of ambient light to the fiber optic rods  432  and  434 , the front portion  412  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  has openings or windows  444  and  446  cut into the front portion  412 . The openings  444  and  446  lie between the top and bottom receiving members, such that opening  444  is between the top and bottom receiving members  436  and  440 , while opening  446  is between the top and bottom receiving members  438  and  442 . The openings  444  and  446  can either be on the front side or strike face  408  of the front portion  412 , on the rear side  448  of the front portion, or both. Openings  444  and  446  on the strike face  408  allow capture of ambient light from the front side of the putter head  402 , while openings  444  and  446  on the backside  448  allow capture of ambient light from the rear side of the putter head  402 . Openings  444  and  446  on both the strike face  408  and backside  448  of the front portion  412  of the putter head  402  allow capture of ambient light from the front and rear sides of the putter head  402 . The preferred embodiment of the putter head  402  shown in  FIG. 4  has openings  444  and  446  in the strike face  408  and rear side  448  of the front portion  412 , such that the openings  444  and  446  entirely pass through the front portion  412  of the putter head  402 . In this manner, the fiber optic rods  432  and  434  pass through the openings  444  and  446  such that rods  432  and  434  are exposed to a maximal amount of ambient light to help the fiber optic rods  432  and  434  transmit a maximal level of light to their respective ends, and therefore have maximal brightness as alignment markers  420  and  422 . 
     In some alternative instances, the front top surface of a putter may overhang a cavity in the rear portion of the putter. In such instances, the fiber optic rods may be placed through the front top surface of the putter and be exposed to ambient light from the rear of the putter without having an opening cut into the front portion of the putter. 
     Fiber optics that compose the fiber optic rods  432  and  434  can be chosen to emit any of many different colors of light. Such colors include, but are not limited to, white, yellow, orange, red, blue, green, violet, and virtually any combination of such colors. For example, fiber optic rods  432  and  434  can have a dual color, with an interior color fiber surrounded by a different color fiber, which would appear as concentric circles from above. The Fiber optics for use in the alignment aids  420  and  422  can be made of any appropriate material that will capture ambient light and emit it at the end of the fiber optic. Examples of fiber optics include, but are not limited to, those commercially available as TRUGLO® fibers (TRUGLO Inc.), and optical acrylic rods comprised of fiber having a core of polystyrene containing fluorescent dyes surrounded by a clear acrylic cladding. 
     The sizes of the diameters of the fiber optic rods  432  and  434  can vary according to desired sizes as well as to those that are commercially available. For example, readily available commercial sizes of fiber optics range in diameter from about 0.5 mm to 2.54 mm. The visible ends of the fiber optic rods  432  and  434  can be formed into different shapes that have similar or larger sizes. For example, a fiber optic having a diameter of 2.54 mm might have a bead type end or head that is larger, such as between 3-6 mm, or 4-5 mm, or larger or smaller, as desired. Moreover, the fiber optic rods  432  and  434  can be composed of one or more individual fibers, allowing the size of the fiber optic rods  432  and  434  to be varied. 
     An alternative, preferred embodiment of a putter having fiber optic alignment markers is shown in  FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 . In this embodiment, the blade putter  600  depicted has an overall structure similar to those of the putters shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . The fiber optic alignment markers  620  and  622  of the putter head  602  are similar to the fiber optic alignment markers  420  and  422  (described above) with respect to their size and placement on the front top surface  416 . Accordingly, the positioning of the fiber optic alignment markers  620  and  622  on the front top surface  616  of putter head  602  corresponds to the positioning of the fiber optic alignment markers  420  and  422  on the front top surface  416  of putter head  402 . 
     The fiber optic alignment markers  620  and  622  of the putter head  602  differ from the alignment markers  420  and  422  of the putter head  402  in that the fiber optic alignment markers  620  and  622  are composed of a single continuous fiber optic  660  rather than individual fiber optic rods, such as shown in  FIG. 4  as fiber optic rods  432  and  434  of the putter head  402 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , which show the putter head  602  from an angle facing down at the rear of the putter head  602 , the fiber optic alignment markers  620  and  622  are the first and second ends of a single fiber optic  660  that is continuous between alignment markers  620  and  622 . 
     The ends of fiber optic  660  of putter head  602  fit into top receiving members  636  and  638 . The continuous fiber optic  660  from its first end (alignment marker  620 ) to its second end (alignment marker  622 ) runs down from receiving member  636 , through a continuous channel  662 , and up through receiving member  638 . The fiber optic  660  therefore forms a loop through the front portion  612  of the putter head  602 , with the ends of the loop held in place by the receiving members  636  and  638 , and the central body of the fiber optic loop fit within the channel  662 . The channel  662  is positioned on the rear side  648  of the front portion  612  and is open to the rear cavity  626  of the putter head  602 . The fiber optic  660  is therefore exposed to ambient light on the rear side  648  of the front portion  612 . The ambient light captured by the fiber optic  660  is transmitted to the ends of the fiber optic  660  that are held in the top receiving members  636  and  638 . The light emitted from the fiber optic  660  first and second ends is visible from above as alignment markers  620  and  622 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of putter head  602 . In this exploded view, the channel  662  that fiber optic  660  loops through is readily visible. The shape that fiber optic  660  takes when it is in place within the top receiving members  636 ,  638  and channel  662  is shown in  FIG. 7 . The majority of the length of the fiber optic  660  in this configuration is exposed to ambient light, which thereby provides a strong signal of light that is transmitted through the first and second ends of the fiber optic  660 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the portion of the fiber optic  660  that is contained within the channel  662  is held in place by a clear cover  664  that fits over the fiber optic  660  when it is in channel  662 . The clear cover  664  is attached to the rear side  648  of the front portion  612  of the putter head by any applicable fastener, such as screws or bolts. In the present embodiment, the clear cover  664  is held in place by screws  666 , which screw into threaded holes  668  in the rear side  648  of the front portion  612  of the putter head  602 . 
     The clear cover  664  can be made from any applicable, light transparent material, such as a clear plastic, impact resistant glass, etc. 
       FIG. 8  shows a cut away view of the putter head  602  depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , with the cut away portion of the putter corresponding to the dotted lines  670  in  FIG. 6 . As seen in  FIG. 8 , the first end of fiber optic  660  resides within a receiving member  636 . The very end of the fiber optic  660  has a circular ball structure with a top that is approximately level with the front top surface  616 . The end portion of fiber optic  660  is visible as it runs down through the receiving member  636  (into the channel  662 , as shown in  FIG. 6 ). The cross-sectional view shows a portion of the fiber optic  660  that runs across the bottom of the channel  662 . The fiber optic  660  can be seen held in place in the channel  662  by cover  664  that in turn is held in position by screws  666  that screw into the rear side  648  of the front portion  612  of putter head  612 . 
     The configuration of the removable cover  664  in putter head  602  allows for the fiber optic  660  to be removed from the channel  662  and the receiving members  636  and  638 . The fiber optic  660  can therefore be readily removed to be replaced with a new fiber optic should the fiber optic  660  become worn or damaged. Likewise, the fiber optic  660  can be readily removed and replaced by a different fiber optic having a different color. 
     The exemplary embodiment of a continuous fiber optic  660  in putter head  602  shows a possible configuration for a continuous fiber optic  660  in which the ends of the fiber optic  660  form the two alignment markers  620  and  622 . This preferred embodiment provides an example of a configuration for a continuous fiber optic  660 , but does not limit or restrict the configuration, such that alternative configurations for a continuous fiber optic fall within the scope of the presently disclosed fiber optic alignment markers. 
     The above-described exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed alignment markers depict the alignment markers on a blade style, heel-toe weighted putter. The alignment markers are not limited to this style putter and may be used on virtually any style of putter, including blades, mallets, T-shaped putters, and so on. 
     While the present invention has been described as having configurations disclosed herein, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.