Patent ID: 12201885

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The present technology includes an alignment aid for a golf club that enables a consistent and reproducible alignment of the golf club face and a consistent and reproducible ball strike. An alignment aid for a golf club can be on the grip of a golf club or on the shaft itself. The alignment aid can allow a user to tilt, turn, or move in the desired direction to allow the user to look at a line or dots for an angle reference. Examples include, but are not limited to, a forward press angle and a closed face club loft angle, or other needed or preselected angles for the user. In particular, a different degree of forward shaft lean can affect the angle of impact on the ball giving it the desired backspin, height distance and ball roll on the green.

Ways of making and using the alignment aid can include the following aspects. The alignment aid can be used as a training tool or used as an alignment aid when playing. This alignment aid can be used as a tool when having a golf club fitted for a user's needs. This alignment aid is used to help the user place the club in a desired position to have the best possible alignment when hitting the ball. The alignment aid can be printed onto or recessed into the grip with as many angles as desired. Colored lines or color shaded areas can be used to show the alignment angles. In some embodiments, the alignment aid can comprise a decal that is fitted into a recess of a grip of the golf club. The alignment aid can be placed on the shaft below the grip to allow the user to look down at the aid to see the angles of alignment on a decal or printer/raised artwork on the shaft. The alignment aid can be a one piece or multiple pieces going down the shaft to show a straight line down the shaft for a center of alignment angle. A line or colored artwork can be used at the end of the shaft to view the open or closed face position of the club head. Again, the alignment aid can be attached to or printed on the shaft in many different ways and with different types of material on the market, and with different colors within the artwork. The alignment aid is used to help the user look down at the aid and move the club at a desired angle according to the lines or artwork provided for the user's needs.

In some embodiments, a main decal and/or alignment aid comprising a plurality of alignment angle markings is placed below a grip. A decal and/or alignment aid is placed in a center of a club shaft, going down the full length of the shaft. A small decal and/or alignment aid is placed at a bottom end of the center decal near the club head. This decal can be used to see open and closed face angles of the head of the club and can be any color or shape. A small decal and/or alignment aid with a center line can be placed on the main decal placed below the top alignment aid and is angled to cover the desired angle, with just the center line being viewed for alignment needs. If desired, this small decal can be left off and the alignment aid with the plurality of alignment angle markings can be used to position the club shaft as needed.

In other embodiments, one or more small hash marks on the side of the alignment aid running the length of the shaft are user to held judge a distance to a ball on the green or distance to other objects as needed. This can be done by placing the end of the golf grip on the ground with the head of the club pointed upwards. In this configuration, the user can use the one or more hashmarks as marker to judge the distance to the ball. By kneeling down and/or lining up the ball or target with one of the one or more hashmarks, a user is able calculate a reasonable distance to an intended target. For example, the closer a user is to a ball the lower the hash mark on the shaft would be. The alignment aid allows a user to flip a club upside down and place the grip end on the ground and use the line of sight to look at the ball and based on which hash mark lines up with the ball while the user is kneeling and/or eye level with the correct hash mark helps the user quickly and better judge the distance to the hole. In some embodiments, the alignment aid comprises2different sets of marks. The first set of marks can judge a distance the ball distance and the other can be used to judge flag distance. In some embodiments, the two sets of marks comprise different colors. However, the two marks can be differentiated in any appropriately desired manner.

In yet further embodiments, the alignment aid is not placed on a shaft of the golf club. In these further embodiments, the angles of alignment can be printed on and/or recessed into the golf club grip. In this manner, a grip can be placed on a golf shaft with the alignment aid already on it. The alignment aid can be any color and/or artwork as appropriately desired. In some embodiments, the alignment aid can comprise a decal that is fitted into a recess of a grip of the golf club. The golf cub grip can be tilted left or right such that a right-handed user and a left-handed user is able to look down the line to find their desired angle of choice.

In use, the alignment aid when placed on a grip, attached, or printed on the shaft and/or the golf club grip, can allow a user to tilt or angle the shaft to the desired angle for a forward press or other desired angle. Particularly, the alignment aid allows a user to place the grip of the club slightly left or right of center of the head of the club for left- or right-handed players appropriately. Additionally, the alignment aid can allow a left-handed or a right-handed user to have a consistent shaft lean when needed or the center line down the shaft can show a neutral loft and/or club angle position. The different degrees of forward shaft lean affect the angle of impact on the ball to give the ball the desired backspin, height, distance and ball roll on the green. The alignment aid can be used on all clubs to give the user the preferred head club position at impact of the ball.

EXAMPLES

Example embodiments of the present technology are provided with reference to the several figures enclosed herewith.

Referring toFIG.1, an alignment aid100for a golf club (200, shown inFIG.3D) is shown therein. The alignment aid100comprises a centerline marker101, a golf club alignment angle marker110, and an angle indicator120. As shown withinFIG.1, in some embodiments the alignment aid100comprises a club face indicator130and one or more alignment reference strips103,105, and107. In some embodiments, the centerline marker101, the golf club alignment angle marker110, and the angle indicator120each comprise a stickable decal that can be stuck on a shaft (203, shown inFIG.3A) of the golf club200. Alternatively, the golf club alignment angle marker110, and the angle indicator120are pre-printed and/or etched on the golf club shaft203or a grip (201, shown inFIG.3A) of the golf club200.

In some embodiments, the centerline marker101comprises a centerline marker body102and a centerline marking104. The centerline marker101is coupled to and/or otherwise disposed on the shaft203of the golf club200and is configured to indicate the centerline of the golf club shaft203. In some embodiments, the centerline marker101is configured to run the entire length of a golf club shaft203. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the centerline marker101runs only partially down a length of the golf club shaft203. Particularly, the centerline marker101can be any appropriately desired length for indicating a centerline of the golf club shaft203. As shown inFIG.1, in some embodiments, one or more alignment reference strips103,105, and107can be used to mark a center of the golf club shaft203when attaching the centerline marker101.

In some embodiments, such as described further below, the angle indicator120is placed on a top of the golf club alignment angle marker110in a desired configuration to indicate a desired golf club alignment. Particularly, the angle indicator120can be placed on a top of the golf club alignment marker110such that an alignment line122of the angle indicator120points to an alignment mark (FIG.2A) of the golf club alignment angle marker110.

The golf club alignment aid100can comprise one or more pieces as appropriately desired. For example, in some embodiments, the golf club alignment aid100comprises two or three pieces that can be separately attached to the golf club. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the golf club alignment aid100is preprinted and/or etched onto the golf club shaft203or the golf club grip201. In some embodiments, the alignment aid100can be used on one of a driver, a wood, a hybrid club, an iron, a wedge, and a putter. Particularly, the alignment aid100can be used on any appropriately desired golf club for practice and/or for use while playing a round of golf.

FIG.2Ashows an alignment angle marker110, such as described above, in accordance with some embodiments.FIG.2Ashows the alignment angle marker110as it would be seen looking down a length of the golf club shaft203, with the alignment angle marker110disposed on and/or coupled on the golf club shaft203. The alignment angle marker110comprises one or more alignment angle lines and alignment angle marks that indicate a preselected club angle. For example, as shown withinFIG.2A, the alignment angle marker110comprises one or more alignment angle lines112,114, and116, and alignment angle marks112′,114′, and116′ that indicate change of a loft angle and/or club angle of the golf club face and a golf club shaft lean toward a target for a left handed user. As further shown withinFIG.2A, the alignment angle marker110comprises one or more alignment angle lines111,113, and115and alignment angle marks111′,113′, and115′ that indicate a golf club lean toward the target and a change the loft angle of the golf club face for a right handed user. In some embodiments, a center point117of the alignment angle marker110indicates a neutral loft position or a neutral address of the golf ball where the center point117is aligned within the centerline of the golf club, such as described above. In some embodiments, the alignment angle lines and the alignment angle marks, such as described above are offset 2° from the center point117in increasing intervals. For example, the alignment angle mark115′ shows a +2° offset, the alignment angle mark113′ shows a +4° offset and the alignment mark111′ shows a +6° degree offset from the neutral position for the right handed user. Similarly, the alignment angle mark116′ can show a +2° offset, the alignment angle mark114′ shows a +4° offset, and the alignment angle mark112′ can show a +6° offset from the neutral position for a left handed user. However, as will be apparent to someone of ordinary skill in the art, the alignment angle marks can show an offset at any appropriately desired angles. The alignment angle marker110can indicate an appropriately desired number of offset angles.

As described above, in some embodiments, the alignment marker110comprises a stickable decal which is attached to the golf club200. However, the alignment angle marker110can be pre-printed, etched, and/or attached to the golf club200during manufacture of the golf club200, if desired. Particularly, the alignment angle marker110can be disposed on the golf club in any appropriately desired manner.

FIG.2Bshows an angle indicator120for an alignment aid100, such as described above. The angle indicator120is configured to indicate a desired club alignment angle when used in combination with the alignment angle marker110and the centerline marker101, such as described above. Particularly, the alignment line122of the angle indicator120can point to an alignment angle mark of the alignment marker to indicate a desired alignment angle of the golf club200. For example, in some embodiments, the angle indicator120is placed over the alignment angle marker110such that the alignment line122points to the alignment angle mark116′, which indicates a +2° offset from the neutral position.

As shown withinFIG.2B, the angle indicator120comprises a first end123, a second end121, and the alignment line122that passes through a center of the angle indicator120. The angle indicator120is placed on a golf club such that the alignment line122points to the centerline marker101at a first end and an alignment angle mark (FIG.2A) at a second opposite end. For example, in some embodiments, the alignment line122points to the centerline marking104at the first end123and an alignment angle mark at the second end121. As shown withinFIG.2B, in some embodiments the angle indicator120comprises a triangle-like shape with a rounded second end121. In these embodiments, when the angle indicator120is placed on the alignment angle marker110, the second end121is configured to cover those alignment marks which are not pointed to by the alignment line122. Consequently, the user only sees the desired offset angle of the golf club200. As would be understood by someone of ordinary skill in the art, the angle indicator120can comprise any appropriately desired shape for indicating the desired angle of the golf club200.

As described above, in some embodiments the angle indicator120comprises a stickable decal which can be placed onto the alignment angle marker110. In some embodiments, the angle indicator120is permanently affixed onto the alignment angle marker110such that the angle indicator120indicates the same club alignment with each shot using the golf club200. It should be appreciated that the permanent affixing may be desired for reasons of certain professional golfing rules and standards. Alternatively, the angle indicator120can be removably coupled with the alignment angle marker110. In these embodiments, the angle indicator120is coupled to the alignment angle marker110and can be removed and rotated such as when a user wishes to hit a golf shot with the golf club200aligned at a different angle. In alternate embodiments, the angle indicator120couples with the alignment angle marker110using a hook and loop fastening system, magnetic connection, snap fastener or other appropriately desired removable fastening system.

As shown withinFIG.2C, in some embodiments, the alignment aid comprises a golf club face indicator130. The golf club face indicator130visually indicates whether the club face is in a neutral position, an open position, and a closed position. For example, the club face indicator centerline131continues the centerline marking104, such as described above. The golf club face indicator130comprises a first club face indicator132and a second club face indicator133, for indicating a rotation to an opening of the club face and a rotation to a closing of the club face, respectively. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first club face indicator132indicates a closing of the club face and the second club face indicator133indicates an opening of the club face. In some embodiments, the first club face indicator132and the second club face indicator comprise a colored and/or a white decal. However, the first club face indicator132and the second club face indicator can comprise any appropriate color, design, and/or other marking to indicate an opening and a closing of the club face. In some embodiments, the club face indicator130is wrapped around the base of the golf club shaft203near the golf club head so that the club face centerline131continues the centerline marking104.

With the golf club face indicator130disposed on, or otherwise coupled to the golf club shaft203, the club200can be rotated to the right or left. When the golf club200is at a neutral alignment, the user will only see the club face indicator centerline131as the user looks down the golf club shaft203. As the golf club is rotated to the left and the right, the user will see more of the first club face indicator132and the second club face indicator133, indicating the club face is open or closed.

In some embodiments, the golf club face indicator130is used with the alignment aid100, such as described above. Alternatively, the golf club face indicator130can be used on its own, without the alignment aid100. The club face indicator130can be wrapped around the base of the golf club shaft203near the golf club head (205, shown inFIG.3C) so that the club face centerline131marks a centerline of the golf club shaft203. Then, as the golf club200is rotated to the left and the right, the user will see more of the first club face indicator132and the second club face indicator133, indicating the club face is open or closed. Particularly, the golf club face indicator130can comprises any appropriately desired configuration and/or orientation for indicating whether a club face is open/closed and/or neutral and can be used in conjunction with the alignment aid100or as a stand-alone product.

As further shown withinFIG.2C, the alignment aid100comprises one or more alignment reference strips103,105, and107. The one or more alignment reference strips103,105, and107are used to mark a top center of a golf club grip201where the shaft203starts and a bottom center of the golf club shaft203where the golf club head205is connected. In some embodiments, the one or more alignment reference strips103,105, and107comprise a small line decal, such as a small red or other colored line to mark the top center and the bottom center of the golf club shaft203.

With an alignment reference strip103,105, and107attached to a top center of the grip201where the shaft203starts and a bottom center of the golf club shaft203where the golf club head205is connected, the centerline marker101can be coupled to the golf club shaft203. To couple the centerline marker101with the golf club shaft, the centerline marking104is aligned with the reference strip at a top center of the golf club grip201and the reference strip at the bottom center of the golf club shaft203so that the centerline marking104indicates the centerline of the golf club shaft203. When the centerline marker101is properly aligned it can be pressed onto the golf club shaft203to couple to the golf club shaft203. The one or more alignment reference strips103,105, and107ensure that the centerline marker101is centered on the golf club shaft203and is properly aligned. In some embodiments, the centerline marker101is trimmed before it is placed onto the golf club shaft203.

In some embodiments, after the centerline marker101is placed onto the golf club shaft203, the reference strips can be removed. Additionally, it is contemplated that the centerline marker101can be adjusted to ensure that it is properly straight as it is placed on the golf club shaft203. Additionally, although three alignment reference strips103,105, and107are shown withinFIG.2C, as would be understood by someone of ordinary skill in the art any appropriately desired number and/or configuration of reference strips103,105, and107can be used to place the centerline marker101onto a shaft of the golf club.

As described above, the alignment aid100can comprise one or more pieces as appropriately desired. For example, in some embodiments, the centerline marker101, the golf club alignment angle marker110, and the angle indicator120each comprise discrete decals which can be attached to the golf club200. Each of the discrete decals may be provided on a single backing strip, however, as part of a kit for use in installing the alignment aid100on the golf club200. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the centerline marker101and the alignment angle marker110are a single decal which is attached to the golf club and the angle indicator120is a discrete decal which is placed on the alignment angle marker110, such as described above and shown inFIG.1.

FIG.3Ashows a view of the alignment angle marker110disposed on and/or coupled to the golf club200. As shown withinFIG.3A, the golf club200comprises a golf club grip201, the golf club shaft203, and a golf club head205. The alignment angle marker110is shown on the golf club200such that the alignment angle marker110abuts or is otherwise disposed adjacent a bottom of the golf club grip201. The body102of the centerline marker101has been placed on the shaft203of the golf club200so that the centerline marking104marks the middle of the golf club shaft203. As described above, in some embodiments, the centerline marker101runs a length of the golf club shaft203from next to the golf club grip201to next to the golf club head205.

FIG.3Bshows the angle indicator120disposed onto and/or affixed over the alignment angle marker110, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown withinFIG.3B, the angle indicator120is placed on the golf club200such that the alignment line122points to the centerline marker101at a first end123and an alignment angle mark at a second opposite end121. In some embodiments, the alignment angle marker110comprises one or more alignment angle marks112′,114′, and116′ for indicating a golf club shaft203lean for a left handed user and one or more alignment angle marks111′,113′, and115′ for indicating a golf club shaft203lean for a right handed golfer. The center point117of the alignment angle marker110indicates a neutral position or a neutral address of the golf ball where the center point is aligned within the centerline of the golf club, such as described above.

FIG.3Cshows the club face indicator130disposed on, or coupled to a bottom of club shaft203, near the golf club head205. As described above, the club face indicator130can provide a visual indication of whether the club face is in a neutral position, an open position, and a closed position. In some embodiments, the club face indicator130comprises a club face indicator centerline131, a first club face indicator132and a second club face indicator133. As described above, the club face indicator130can be disposed on and/or coupled to the golf club at a bottom of the golf club shaft203next to the golf club head205, such as described above. With the club face indicator130coupled to the golf club200, the user can quickly visually monitor whether the club face is open or closed based on whether the user sees more of the second club face indicator133or the first club face indicator132, when the user is addressing the golf ball before hitting a golf shot.

FIG.3Dshows the alignment aid100before it has been disposed on and/or coupled to a golf club200. As shown withinFIG.3D, the golf club200comprises a golf club grip201, a golf club shaft203, and golf club head205. As described above, in some embodiments, a centerline marker101, a golf club alignment angle marker110, and an angle indicator120comprise decals which are attached to the golf club200.FIG.3Eshows the alignment aid100coupled to the golf club200. As described above, in some embodiments, the golf club alignment aid100comprises two or three pieces that can be separately attached to the golf club200. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the golf club alignment aid100is preprinted and/or etched onto the golf club shaft203or golf club grip201, such as described above. The alignment aid100such as shown withinFIG.3Dcan be used on one of a driver, an iron, a wedge, and a putter. Particularly, the alignment aid100can be used on any appropriately desired golf club200for practice and/or for use while playing a round of golf.

With the alignment aid100, such as described above, a user addresses the golf ball before hitting a golf shot. The user can then tilt the golf club200toward a target to change the loft angle of the club face. The user tilts the golf club200until the alignment line122of the angle indicator120is orthogonal to the ground. When the golf club200is properly tilted, the user can look down a length of the alignment line122, and straight down toward the ground. In this position, the golf club comprises a preselected loft angle and/or club angle (410,FIG.6B;410′FIG.6D) as selected by the user. As described above, the alignment line122points to an alignment angle mark for indicating a positive golf club movement and a closing of the golf club face. Although, the present specification describes tilting a golf club shaft203toward a target to change the loft angle of the golf club200to hit a press shot, it is contemplated that the alignment aid can be used to change the loft angle of a golf club200to hit at any desired club angle, including neutral and open.

As shown withinFIG.4A, in some embodiments, an alignment angle marker310comprises a component of a golf club grip201′. The alignment angle marker310can be etched onto, printed onto, and otherwise placed on the grip201′. In some embodiments, the alignment angle marker310comprises a component of a grip201′ for a golf club200′ when the grip201′ is purchased by the user. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the alignment angle marker310comprises a component of a grip201′ that is placed on the golf club after the golf club200′ is purchased.

The alignment angle marker310comprises one or more alignment angle lines311,312,313,314,315, and316that indicate a preselected club angle410,410′ when the alignment angle marker310is placed on or otherwise disposed on a golf club200′. For example, as shown withinFIG.4, the alignment angle marker310comprises one or more alignment angle lines312,314, and316for indicating a club shaft203′ rotation or lean for a left handed user. The alignment angle marker310comprises one or more alignment angle lines311,313, and315that indicate a golf club shaft203rotation or lean for a right handed user. In some embodiment, a center point317of the alignment angle marker310indicates a neutral position or a neutral address of the golf ball where the center point317is aligned within the centerline marking104of the golf club200′, such as described above. In some embodiments, when the alignment angle marker310is etched onto, printed onto, and otherwise placed on the grip201′, a user can fill-in, color, or otherwise mark a desire alignment angle line to mark the preselected club angle410,410′.

As further shown withinFIG.4B, in some embodiments, the golf club grip200′ comprises a recess330′. The recess330′ can be imprinted into the golf club grip200′ during manufacture of the golf club grip200′. In some embodiments, the recess330′ of the golf club grip200′ comprises a same shape as an alignment angle marker310, such as described above. Accordingly, a decal comprising an alignment angle marker310′ can be pressed into the recess area330′. In some embodiments, the alignment angle marker310′ comprises one or more alignment angle markings, such as described above. After the alignment angle marker310′ is press fit into the recess330′, an angle indicator320′ can be placed onto the alignment angle marker310′. The angle indicator320′ can indicate a shot angle for the golf club200′. In some embodiments, one or more angle indicators320′ which indicate a different shot angle can separately be placed over the alignment angle marker310′ and into the recess330′ of the grip201′. Particularly, the angle indicator320′ can comprise a centerline322′ which points to a desired angle as indicated by the alignment angle marker310′ fit into the recess330′. The angle indicator320′ can comprise any appropriately desired club angle for a user. In some embodiments, the recess330′, the alignment angle marker310′, and the one or more sized angle indicators410′ are sized so that the alignment angle marker310′, and the one or more sized angle indicators410′ are flush with an exterior of the grip201′ when placed in the recess330′.

FIGS.5A-5Dshow a use of the alignment aid100for a golf club, such as described above.FIGS.5A and5Bshow the use of the alignment aid100by a right handed user to hit a forward press shot, such as described above. With the alignment aid100, such as described above, a user addresses the golf ball before hitting golf shot. As shown inFIG.5A, looking down a length of the golf club200, the golf club200is orthogonal to the ground as indicated by the centerline marker401where the centerline marker401is orthogonal to the ground. The user tilts the golf club200toward a target to change the loft angle of the club face. The user tilts the golf club until the alignment line of the angle indicator, as indicated by the line403, is orthogonal to the ground with a shaft203of the golf club tilted405toward the target. In this position, the golf club comprises a closed loft angle. The alignment angle of the club comprises a preselected angle410as selected by the user with the angle indicator120, such as described above. As shown inFIG.5A, although the user is shown starting with the golf club200orthogonal to the ground, it should be appreciated that the club shaft may be placed forward and backward at address. Additionally, the starting position may require a different shaft lean as appropriately desired by the user.

FIGS.5C and5Dshow the use of the alignment aid100by a left handed user, such as described above. With the alignment aid100, such as described above, a user addresses the golf ball before hitting golf shot. As shown inFIG.5C, looking down a length of the golf club200, the golf club is orthogonal to the ground as indicated by the centerline marker401′ where the centerline marker401′ is orthogonal to the ground. The user tilts the golf club toward a target to change the loft angle of the club face. The user tilts the golf club200until the alignment line of the angle indicator, as indicated by the line403′, is orthogonal to the ground with a shaft203of the golf club tilted405′ toward the target. In this position, the golf club200comprises a closed loft angle. The alignment angle of the club200comprises a preselected angle410′ as selected by the user with the angle indicator120, such as described above. As shown inFIG.5C, although the user is shown starting with the golf club200orthogonal to the ground, it should be appreciated that the club shaft may be placed forward and backward at address. Additionally, the starting position may require a different shaft lean as appropriately desired by the user.

FIGS.6A and6Bshow a use of the alignment aid100for a golf club as viewed by a right handed user, to hit a closed face or press shot, such as described above. With the alignment aid100, such as described above, a user addresses the golf ball before hitting golf shot. As shown inFIG.6A, looking down a length of the golf club200, the golf club200is orthogonal to the ground as indicated by the centerline marker401where the centerline marker401is orthogonal to the ground. As indicated by the arrow and inFIG.6B, the user tilts the golf club toward a target to change the loft angle of the club face. The user tilts the golf club until the alignment line422of the angle indicator120, as indicated by the line403, is orthogonal to the ground. In this position, the golf club200comprises a closed loft angle and a user's shoulder and wrist and the club head are at the correct angle to hit the golf shot. The alignment angle of the club comprises the preselected angle410as selected by the user with the angle indicator120, such as described above. As shown inFIG.6A, although the user is shown starting with the golf club200orthogonal to the ground, it should be appreciated that the club shaft may be placed forward and backward at address. Additionally, the starting position may require a different shaft lean as appropriately desired by the user.

FIGS.6C and6Dshow a use of the alignment aid100for a golf club as viewed by a left handed user, to hit a closed face or press shot, such as described above. With the alignment aid100, such as described above, a user addresses the golf ball before hitting golf shot. As shown withinFIG.6C, looking down a length of the golf club200, the golf club200is orthogonal to the ground as indicated by the centerline marker401′ where the centerline marker401′ is orthogonal to the ground. The user tilts the golf club200toward the target to close the club loft angle. As indicated by the arrow and as shown inFIG.6D, the user tilts the golf club200until the alignment line422′ of the angle indicator120, as indicated by the line403′ is orthogonal to the ground. In this position, the golf club200comprises a closed loft angle and a user's shoulder and wrist and the club head are at the correct angle to hit the golf shot. As described above, the alignment angle of the club200comprises the preselected angle410′ as selected by the user with the angle indicator120, such as described above. As shown inFIG.5A, although the user is shown starting with the golf club200orthogonal to the ground, it should be appreciated that the club shaft may be placed forward and backward at address. Additionally, the starting position may require a different shaft lean as appropriately desired by the user.

In some embodiments, such as shown withinFIGS.7and8, the alignment aid100comprises one or more distance markers. The one or more distance markers enable the user to judge the distance of a golf ball to a target so that a user can hit a more accurate golf shot. For example, in some embodiments, one or more distance markers611,613,615, and617are positioned on a back side of the alignment aid100and are seen on a back side of a golf club shaft603. The one or more distance markers can be referenced by a user to judge a distance of a golf ball on the green or distance to other objects as needed. In some embodiments, this is done by placing an end of the golf grip601of the golf club600on the ground. In this configuration, the user can use the one or more distance markers611,613,615, and617as marker to judge the distance of the golf ball. Using line of sight, a user can line up the golf ball with one of the one or more distance markers611,613,615, and617on the golf club600, to calculate a reasonable distance. The alignment aid can also be configured to allow a user to flip the golf club600upside down and place the grip end on the ground and use the line of sight610to look at the golf ball. Based on which distance marker lines up with the golf ball while the user is kneeling and/or eye level with the correct hash mark, the user can quickly and better judge the distance of the golf ball to the hole and/or the desired target. In some embodiments, the alignment aid100comprises2different sets of marks. The first set of marks can judge a distance the ball distance and the other can be used to judge flag distance. In some embodiments, the two sets of marks comprise different colors. However, the two marks can be differentiated in any appropriately desired manner.

FIG.9shows a method of aligning a golf club to a preselected shot angle when hitting a golf ball on a surface, in accordance with the present technology. As shown withFIG.9, in the step702, a shot angle is chosen. Then, in the step704, a preselected shot angle indicator is placed onto a golf club. The preselected shot angle indicator points to an alignment angle marker disposed on the golf club, which indicates the preselected shot angle. In the step706, a user addresses the golf ball, and in the step708, the golf club shaft is tilted toward a target until the preselected shot angle indicator is orthogonal to the surface. In some embodiments, tilting the club shaft toward to the target changes the loft angle of the club face and closes the club face of the golf club. The centerline marker, the alignment angle marker and the angle indicator can be attached to the golf club by an end user. In some embodiments, the centerline marker and the alignment angle marker are disposed on the golf club during manufacture of the golf club. In some embodiments, the one or more alignment angle markers are one of printed on, pressed into, and a decal that is fitted into a recess of a grip of the golf club. The golf club can comprise one of a driver, a wood, a hybrid club, an iron, a wedge, and a putter.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.