Patent Publication Number: US-9427651-B2

Title: Putter alignment guide bar

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to golf putting aids and more particularly to simple and effective devices for increasing the accuracy of a golfer during the putting operation. 
     Putting is a very important part of the game of golf. Accurate putters are able to “read” the greens to determine conditions that will affect the roll of the golf ball toward the golf hole. Important conditions that affect the roll of the golf ball include the slope and topography of the path to the golf hole, the grass used on the putting surface, the condition of the grass (e.g. any bare spots), whether and in what direction the blades of grass are laying down, and whether and to what extent the grass is wet thus slowing down the roll of the golf ball. Other important aspects of putting include the distance to the hole and an estimate of how hard to strike the ball, and in what direction, given the conditions of the putt. For this later task, a golfer must correctly read the green to determine speed, topography, grain of the grass, moisture, etc. and determine where to aim, e.g. the initial direction where to start the ball rolling, not necessarily the golf hole but possibly left or right of the hole. The golfer must then align the putter so that the putter face is square to the initial putting direction. Finally, the golfer must execute the correct putting stroke whereby the putter travels parallel to the intended target (e.g. not coming from the outside or inside), the putter travels at the correct speed at impact, and the putter face is square at impact. The current invention assists with proper club alignment to accomplish this later task. 
     Given the low friction between the golf ball and the putter striking face, a struck golf ball generally travels perpendicular to the plane of the striking face of the club. It is therefore very important to line up the putter head with the golf ball with great precision so that the struck golf ball travels in the desired direction at the desired speed. Various methods have been developed to assist the golfer in lining up his putter with the golf ball including placing alignment marks on the top of the putter head directly behind the golf ball and marks or images in a structure behind the striking part of the club head. Not only are these methods getting more complicated, but are nearly impossible to retrofit onto an existing putter. 
     A need exists, therefore, for alternate means and structures that allow a golfer to align the club with marks placed on the golf ball itself where such means and structures may be retrofitted on to existing clubs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A putting alignment apparatus is used with a golf club of a type having a club head with a striking face formed at a substantially vertical angle. The alignment apparatus comprises a vertical portion and a horizontal portion and may exist separately as an alignment device, or integrated within the putter itself. The vertical portion of the alignment apparatus is configured to be attached to the club head and sized to extend vertically above the height of a golf ball. The horizontal portion is coupled to an upper end of the vertical portion and sized to extend forwardly of and substantially perpendicular to a plane of the striking face when the putting alignment apparatus is attached to the club head. An alignment means, such as one or more aligned apertures or a slot, is formed in the horizontal portion so that it extends forwardly of the striking face, wherein a mark placed on the golf ball may be aligned with or within the aperture to facilitate alignment of the golf club with the golf ball in a direction of intended movement. 
     The putting alignment apparatus may include a structure that extends up and over a golf ball and includes alignment means structured to align with a mark made on the golf ball, wherein the alignment means is coupled to the head of the putter at a pivot axis parallel with a sole of the putter and/or the plane of the putting surface. 
     The invention further comprises a method for aligning a putter with a golf ball to improve putting accuracy. The method comprises placing a linear mark on a golf ball surface and placing the golf ball on a putting surface such that the linear mark points in the intended putting direction. A user then addresses the golf ball with a putter so that an alignment apparatus on the putter passes above and over the golf ball and the linear mark on the golf ball is aligned within an alignment structure, such as within a linear slot formed on the alignment apparatus. So aligned, the golf ball is then struck so that it moves in the intended putting direction. 
     When integrated within a golf club, the invention comprises a putter head having a forwardly directed striking face, an opposing putter back wall, and a bottom sole and further including an elongate shaft and a hosel affixing the putter head to the shaft. The integrated putter alignment apparatus in the club includes a vertical member attached to the putter back wall and extending upward a sufficient distance above the bottom sole of the putter to be higher than a golf ball to be struck by the putter. A horizontal member is attached to the vertical member at an upper end and extending forwardly of the striking face. An alignment structure, such as an aperture formed through the horizontal member, is aligned with a mark placed on the golf ball to be struck by the putter, wherein alignment of the mark with the structure or within the aperture from a point of view of a user of the putter facilitates alignment of the putter head with the golf ball so that the struck golf ball travels in an intended direction. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention that proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a golfer using the putter configured with an alignment guide bar according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the putter head and alignment bar of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the putter head and alignment bar next to a golf ball. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the putter head and alignment bar with the line mark on the golf ball centered within the alignment slot of the alignment bar. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are rear elevation views of the putter head and alignment bar showing the alignment bar in an upright setting and in an inclined setting, respectively. 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the putter head with alignment bar where a weight is attached to the front end of the alignment bar to move the center of gravity of the club toward the striking face of the putter. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a golfer using the alignment guide bar of  FIG. 1  but set up to accommodate where the golfer&#39;s eyes are closer to his body. 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of yet another embodiment of a putter with alignment guide bar with weighted portions extending forwardly at the heel and toe of the putter. 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of yet another alternate embodiment of the putter head with alignment bar with adjustable weight portion. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a golfer  10  standing on a putting surface  12  and addressing golf ball  14  with putter  16  in a putting stance. Putter  16  includes a club head  18  with a forward striking face  20  immediately adjacent to golf ball  14 . Other parts of the putter include an elongate shaft  22 , a hosel  24  coupling the club head  18  with the shaft  22 , and a grip  26  grasped by the golfer  10  to swing the putter in an arc and strike the ball  14  with the striking surface  20  to propel the ball along a desired direction of travel  32 . The hosel  24  is generally designed to incline the club head  18  from the shaft  22  at a predetermined angle so that a bottom surface/sole of the club head is generally parallel with the putting surface  12 . 
     Putter  16  is fitted with an alignment bar  28  as constructed according to teachings of the invention and described further below. In generally use, the alignment bar  28  is coupled to the golf club head  18  so that it extends up and over the golf ball  14  and is aligned with an elongate mark  30  placed on the golf ball  14 . The golf ball  14  is first placed on the putting surface  12  so that mark  30  is aligned with the intended direction of the travel  32  toward the golf cup or hole  34 . The alignment bar  28  is then adjusted by methods and means that are described further below so that a site line  36  of the golfer  10  aligns a structure on the alignment bar with the mark  30  on the golf ball when the golfer is in his or her putting stance and addresses the golf ball. With the putter properly aligned with respect to the golf ball, the golf ball may be struck so that the ball moves in the intended putting direction  32 . Whereas the intended putting directly is shown in  FIG. 1  as directly toward the golf cup  34 , it is understood that slope, grain, wind, and other factors may cause the golfer to aim to the side of the hole to anticipate any curving movement the ball may have on the way to cup. 
     When the putter is correctly aligned and the ball correctly struck, the ball will start rolling toward the intended target with the desired speed and desired rotation. The ball should be only imparted an over spin, absent of any side spin. When the ball mark  30  is struck perpendicular to the mark—e.g. so that the alignment means is perpendicular to the striking face and lined up with the ball mark—then the ball rolls the mark line  30  end over end. A properly aligned and struck ball will result in the golfer only seeing the mark trace a single straight line as the ball rolls. If the line wobbles or the golfer cannot see the line, then this is an indication that the ball may have been struck incorrectly in which case corrective measures can be made before the next putt. But a well struck ball never changes its course as long as the putting surface is flat and has no effects from other variables such as grain of the grass or wind. 
     It is further understood that different golfers have different stances and methods for addressing the ball, and that while many position their heads so that their eyes are directly above the golf ball as shown in  FIG. 1 , other golfers stand so that their eyes are left or right  38  of the golf ball  14  and further from or closer to the golfer&#39;s feet.  FIG. 7  illustrates the situation where a different golfer  100  sets up so that his eyes are not directly over the golf ball, but rather are inclined at an angle α from vertical so that his eyes are closer to the golfer&#39;s body. Because some golfers are not perfectly vertically aligned with the golf ball, it then becomes important to include adjustment means that allow the alignment bar  28  to move and/or tilt in the direction of alignment so that the eyes of the golfer, the alignment means, and the mark  30  on the golf ball  14  may all be properly aligned. In this instance, the alignment bar can be rotated along pin axis  62  to angle α from vertical so that it accommodates the golfer&#39;s stance and allows the ball mark  30  to be viewed through window  44 . 
       FIG. 2  shows the putting alignment apparatus  28  detached from club head  18  in an exploded perspective view. The putting alignment apparatus  28  includes a vertical portion  40  that is configured to be attached to the club head  18  and sized to extend vertically above the putting surface a distance D, which is greater than a height G of a golf ball  14  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). Alignment apparatus  28  further includes a horizontal portion  42  coupled to an upper end of the vertical portion  40  and sized to extend forwardly F of the striking face  20  when the putting alignment apparatus  28  is attached to the club head  18  as shown in  FIG. 3 . In the embodiment shown, the vertical  40  and horizontal  42  portions are integrated together from a single metal bar bent at ninety degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal portion  42  is sized to extend forwardly of the golf ball when addressed as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     Alignment means or structure of the apparatus  28  can include an aperture, such as elongate slot  44 , formed in the horizontal portion  42  forwardly of the striking face  20 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , a mark  30  placed on the golf ball  14  may thus be aligned within the elongate slot  44  to facilitate alignment of the golf club  16  with the golf ball in a direction of intended travel  32 . In a preferred embodiment, the elongate slot  44  is centrally formed along a long axis of the horizontal portion  42  of the putting alignment apparatus  28  and sized to capture at least the length of the golf ball. 
     Although such an alignment apparatus  28  can be integrated into a constructed putter (or other type of golf club), the apparatus can also be retrofitted onto an existing putter and preferably one with a generally vertical back wall  46 . By way of example, and in no way intended to limit the applicability of the invention, the putter in  FIG. 2  includes a weighted lower lip  48  to lower the center of gravity of the putter head  18 . One understands, however, that other putter head shapes are contemplated and that the alignment apparatus and method can be used on most or all of these types. 
     The vertical member  40  of the alignment apparatus is coupled to the back wall  46  of putter  16 . In a preferred embodiment, two threaded holes or apertures  50 ,  52  are formed horizontally into the back wall  46  of the putter. Lower aperture  50  is in vertically alignment with upper aperture  52 . The vertical member  40  includes a first aperture  54  formed through a terminal end of the vertical portion, and a second aperture  56  spaced from the first aperture  54  in a vertical direction an identical distance as between the apertures  50 ,  52  in the putter back wall  46 . The second aperture  56  includes an arcuate slot for limiting a pivot angle of the putting alignment apparatus as explained further below. 
     The vertical member  40  of alignment apparatus  28  is coupled to the putter head  18  via two pins or screws, such as screws  58 ,  60 . A lower terminal end of the vertical member  40  is affixed to the putter head  18  via screw  58 . Screw  58  is arranged to pass through apertures  50 ,  54  to form a pivot axis  62  that is parallel to the putting surface  12  (which itself is intended to be parallel to the sole  64  of the putter) and located along the rear vertical wall  46  of the putter head  18  to be approximately at or above the ball center height P (where P is approximately equal to ½ G). 
     A second portion of the alignment apparatus  28  is affixed to the vertical wall  46  of the putter head  18  via second screw  60 . Second screw  60  passes through the arcuate slot  56  formed in the vertical member  40  of the alignment apparatus  28  and threads into the upper aperture  52  formed in the putter head  18  vertical wall  46 . In use, the second screw  60  is loosened so that the alignment apparatus  28  can be pivoted about pivot axis  62 . Once the site line  36  is properly angled so that the golf ball mark  30  is properly aligned within the alignment slot  44  as viewed from the golfer&#39;s point of view, the second screw  60  is tightened to thus fix the angle for future use. Alternate embodiments are contemplated for moving the alignment apparatus with respect to the club, for instance a structure that slide between the heel and toe of the club so that the horizontal member  42  is offset with respect to the ball mark  30 , but maintains the mark  30  within the slot  44  of the horizontal member as viewed from the golfer&#39;s perspective. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate how the alignment apparatus  28  may be tilted in a plane substantially parallel with the putting face  20  of the putter and around pivot axis  62 .  FIG. 5A  shows the alignment apparatus  28  in a fully upright position to accommodate a golfer  10  when positioned with his head directly above the golf ball as shown in  FIG. 1 . Screw  60  is shown centered within the arcuate slot  56 . Alternatively,  FIG. 5B  shows the alignment apparatus  28  in a fully reclined position as limited by the stop on one side of the arcuate slot  56  where screw  60  is to one side of the slot and site line  36  is angled with the hosel  24  to accommodate a golfer  10  whose head is positioned closer to the golfers body and below the ball. The arcuate shape of slot  56  allows an infinite variation and selection of angles to accommodate golfers with a variety of stances, and adjustably fixes the pivot angle of the alignment apparatus to one of a plurality of selectable angles. When so moved, the alignment apparatus  28  is tilted to a desired angle so that the eyes of the user when addressing the ball center the mark  30  on the ball  14  within the linear slot  44 . 
     It is not necessary that the pivot attachment point  58  be lower on the alignment apparatus  28  vertical portion  40  than the moving attachment point  56 . The attachment points  56 ,  58  can be switched and still have a similar effect. Furthermore, it is possible that a single pivot attachment point can be used without the second point, although this runs a further risk of loosening over time and changing the preset tilt angle of the alignment apparatus. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention where the alignment apparatus  28  includes a weighted portion  66  affixed to a terminal end of the horizontal member  42  forwardly of the golf ball  14 . The weight  66  is configured in mass and position so that it acts to move a center of mass of the club head  18  forwardly toward the striking face  20  of the golf club  16 . In a most preferred embodiment, the weight is configured in mass and position to move the center of mass of the club head  18  in substantial alignment with or in front of the striking face  20  of the golf club  16 . This weight changes the balance of a typical putter, where the center of mass is typically behind the striking face  20 , to a position closer to the front where greater control over the swing may be realized. In one embodiment, such as shown in  FIG. 9 , the weight  66  may be moved  67  linearly along an axis of the horizontal member  42  and substantially perpendicular to a plane of the striking face  20  so that the center of mass may be adjusted forwardly of the striking face according to the golfer&#39;s preference. In another embodiment, the weight  66  may be detached and another weight of different size, density, and/or weight may be selected to impart a desired location to the center of mass. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the alignment apparatus in use with a golfer  100  who sets up differently than the golfer shown in  FIG. 1 . The golfer  100  in  FIG. 7  has his eyes closer to his body, thus resulting in a viewing angle to the golf ball  14  that varies at an inclined angle α from vertical. The alignment apparatus  28  can then be tilted toward the golfer to accommodate such a stance and so that the ball mark  30  aligns with or within the alignment structure or slot  44 , respectively. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the putter whereby a first weighted structure  80  extends forwardly of the putter striking face  20  at a heel  68  of the putter and a second weighted structure  82  extends forwardly of the putter striking face at a toe  70  of the putter. The putter further includes weights  66   a ,  66   b  formed on terminal ends of the first and second weighted structures  80 ,  82 , wherein said weights  66   a ,  66   b  are formed of a denser material than the putter head so that a center of gravity of the putter head moves in front of the striking face  20  of the putter. The weights  66   a ,  66   b  may be adjustable along the length of their respective weighted structures  80 ,  82  to adjust the position of the putter head center of mass to accommodate the preference of the golfer. Weighted structures  80 ,  82  may extend at a right angle to the striking face  20  of the putter or outwardly so that the golf ball  14  is aligned within the volume  90  between the structures  80 ,  82 . 
     The putter head and various weights and structures can be formed of different materials to affect the putter head&#39;s center of mass. In one embodiment the putter head/blade  18  can be formed of a light carbon material whereas the weights formed on the tips of the weighted structures are formed of a heavier metal such as lead. The center of mass of the putter then moves forwardly of the striking face of the putter and within the alignment slot so that it centers along the ball mark. It is noted that to further facilitate movement of the center of mass forward, that the weighted lower lip  48  is removed from the putter head  18 . 
     Alternate versions of the alignment means are contemplated. The alignment slot  44  on the horizontal member need not be a single aperture but can be several apertures formed along the axis of the horizontal member  42  of the alignment bar  28 . The alignment means need not even include a slot or aperture, but rather include a straight edge that aligns with the mark on the ball and is pivotable in an axis parallel to the putting surface. Finally, it would be possible to include multiple alignment apparatus, such as on each side of the putter striking face  20 —e.g. one on the toe, on in the middle, and one on the heel of the putter—which each align with different elements of the ball, the ball mark, or club face. 
     Having described and illustrated the principles of the invention in a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be apparent that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. I claim all modifications and variation coming within the spirit and scope of the following claims.