The prior art includes systems that either fail to take into account one or more of these variables, or cannot be easily adjusted to modify these different variables. Further, golfers and golf instructors will benefit from a system that allows a coach to more easily judge the degree to which a golfer’s alignment differs from the desired alignments. Current alignment aids do not provide adequate instructions and easy compatibility with cameras to maximize the view captured by such cameras or similar sensors. Also, current alignment aids are complicated with multiple parts, multiple locking elements, requiring multi-point and complicated adjustments in order to set multiple alignment guides.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[001] The subject invention comprises a system, and method of using the system, for providing improved alignment in multiple settings. Appropriate settings include

woodworking, machining, and sports, although there are several other practical applications for this technologjv

[002] The subject invention also relates to an alignment aid system that allows a coach to have a point of reference for each of these alignment factors relative to the user’s actual alignments. The subject invention also provides an improved system for users to calibrate their stance and other positions relative to a coach’s vantage point to improve a coach’s ability to observe differences between the desired motion and the user’s actual motion. This application is particularly useful for coaching systems involving still and video photography or other sensors, as the subject invention allows a user to position a camera or other sensor at an optimal position relative to the user so that optimal observation for coaches can be obtained, and optimal feedback can be provided.

[003] One application relates to golf, as the invention provides an alignment aid for aligning a golfer's body, golf ball, golf club, club path, bail path, ball loft and other relevant factors relative to a given target that will benefit from the use of adjustable guides that can be fixed in place. The invention employs one or more alignment stations that have a base plate that anchors into the ground, guides that fit into the base plate, a top rotating element that fits onto the base plate and secures the first set of guides into place, and a positional lock that locks the rotating element into place relative to the base plate. Additional guides can be placed in the top rotating element, as to provide additional guidelines that are different from the guidelines created by the base plate guides. The above structure can be used in a system that incorporates multiple alignment stations, which may be connected by the above- mentioned guides.

[QQ4] When properly employed, the subject invention is an alignment system that allows a user to align multiple elements at once, and thereby improve the overall alignment. For instance, the above system will improve the direction a bail is struck by a golfer. The above system also allows a golfer to make advanced shots, such as draws and fades through the use of curved guides with the above system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 A is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the alignment aid system.

FIG, IB is a top view of the alignment system shown in FIG. 1 A

FIG. 1C is a side view of the alignment system shown in FIG. 1A

FIG. ID is a side sectional view taken m the 200A-200A plane of FIG. IB. FIG. IE is a front sectional view taken in the 200B-200B plane of FIG. IB.

FIG. 2 A is an exploded view of the alignment aid system shown in FIG. 1.4 showing the bottom and side view of the station top, and a top and side view of the station base.

FIG. 2B an alternate exploded view of the alignment system shown in FIG. 2A

FIG. 2C is an alternate exploded view of the alignment system shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 3A is a Front perspective view of the station top of the alignment station.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the station top shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a side view ⁷ of the station top shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B FIG. 3D is a sectional view' taken in the 201-201 plane of FIG 3B.

FIG. 3E is a bottom view of the station top shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the station base of the alignment station.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the station base shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the station base shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 4D is side, sectional view taken in the 202-202 plane of FIG. 4 A and 4B.

FIG. 4E is a bottom view ⁷ of the station base shown in FIG 4A .

FIG. 5A is an alternate front perspective view ⁷ of the alignment aid system, with the parts disassembled and laid out. FIG. 5B is a front perspecti v e view of an alternate embodiment of the alignment aid system, including four alignment stations and six alignment guides.

FIG. 5C is a front perspective view of the alignment aid system shown in FIG. 5B, showing an alternate arrangement of the elements.

FIG. 5D is a front perspective view of the alignment aid system shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, showing an alternate arrangement of the elements.

FIG. 5E is a front perspective view of the alignment aid system shown in FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D, showing an alternate arrangement of the elements.

FIG. 5F is a front perspective view of the alignment aid system shown in FIG. 1 A, incorporating optimally placed cameras.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[005] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the alignment aid system 100. In this embodiment, alignment aid system 100 comprises one alignment station 110 and two alignment guides 160. Alignment station 110 consists of stati on base 120, station top 130, and station joiner 140. Station top 130 further comprises top _j oiner port 131, degree markings 136, and two top ports 151. Station base 120 further comprises tw o anchor ports 122, two anchor port shoulders 123, two perpendicular ports 153, two base ports 152, and angular indexes 126. Station j oiner 140 further comprises washer 143 and nut 142. As shown, first alignment guide 161 passes through one top port 151, and second alignment guide 162 passes through one base port 152.

[006] The length that alignment guides 160 extend from alignment station 110 is set and the angles between first alignment guide 161 and second alignment guide 162 are set by loosening station joiner 140, accomplished by turning nut 142, thereby loosening the tension against top port lock 145, here washer 143. In this loosened state, station top 130 may be rotated concentrically about bolt 141 (shown in FIG. 2) until first alignment guide 161 and second alignment guide 162 are oriented in the desired position. Degree markings 136 can be measured against angular index 126 in order to accurately set and measure the angle between first alignment guide 161 and second alignment guide 162. Also, alignment guides 160 may be adjusted to increase the distance the end of the alignment guide 160 extends from the station base by pulling away from, or shortened to decrease the distance the end of the alignment guidel60 extends from the station base by pushing into, alignment station 110. Different length alignment guides 160 can be used to achieve shorter or longer extensions from both sides of the alignment station 110. Once the angles of first alignment guide 161 and second alignment guide 162 and the desired lengths of alignment grades 160 are set, the angles and lengths can be locked m place by tightening station joiner 140, accomplished by tightening nut 142 to fit firmly against top port lock 145, here washer 143.

[007] FIG. IB is a top view of the alignment aid system shown in FIG. 1 A This view shows the top portion of station joiner 140, comprising boll 141 and nut 142. Also shown are first alignment guide 161 passing through a top port 151 , and second alignment guide 162 passing through a base port 152. Also visible are four angular indexes 126, and degree markings 136. Also shown are two anchor ports 122, two perpedicular ports 153, and two anchor port shoulders 123. 1008] FIG. 1C is a side view of the alignment aid system 100 shown in FIG. 1 A. Shown more fully is nut 142, here shown as a wing nut. Also shown are the front side of alignment station 1 10, a head on view' of first alignment guide 161, and a side view' of second alignment guide 162, In this view, first alignment guide 161 and second alignment guide 162 are arranged such that they are perpendicular to one another. In this embodiment, alignment aid system 100 is arranged about a horizontal plane. Under appropriate circumstances, as one with ordinary skill in the art will understand, alignment aid system could be arranged about a vertical plane, or any other angular plane.

[009] FIG. ID is a side sectional view taken in the 200A-200A plane of FIG. IB. As shown, top port 151 passes fully through station top 130. When station top 130 is placed on station base 120, top joiner port 131 and base joiner port 121 align to create a continuous path through which station joiner 140, namely bolt 141 can pass from the top of distinct indentation 125 through to the bottom of lock seat 132.

[010] FIG. IE is a front sectional view taken in the 200B-200B plane of FIG. IB. As shown, bottom port 152 passes fully through station base 120. When an alignment guide 160, here second alignment guide 162 and/or fourth alignment guide 164, fits inside base port 152, base port lock 135 touches guide 160. When station joiner 140 is tightened, alignment guide 160 is locked in place. Also shown are angular inexes 126. Also shown is the interaction of base port lock 135 with base port 152, as port lock 135 fits near the top end of base port 152. Also shown are the interaction of centering protrusion 124 with protrusion receptacle 134, with protrusion receptacle 134 fitting around centering protrusion 124. When station top 130 is placed on station base 120, top joiner port 131 and base joiner port 121 align to create a continuous path through which station joiner 140, namely bolt 141, can pass from the top of di stinct indentation 125 through to the bottom of lock seat 132. [Oi l] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the alignment station 110 shown in FIG. 1. In this view', the station top is angled upward, and the station base is angled downward, centering protrusion 124 is visible, located centrally on the top surface of station base 120 Also visible is protrusion receptacle 134 on the bottom surface of station top 130, w'hich comprises a round notch located centrally on the bottom surface of station top 130.

Protrusion receptacle 134 is shaped to fit snugly over centering protrusion 124 when station top 130 is placed on top of station base 120. Centering protrusion 124 fits precisely into protrusion receptacle 134, allowing precise rotation of station top 130 against the top surface of station base 120. Top joiner port 131 is located centrally and extends vertically through station base 130. Base joiner port 121 is located centrally and extends vertically through station base 120. Top joiner port 131 fits in line with base joiner port 121 such that when station top 130 is positioned on top of station base 120, centering protrusion 124 fits precisely into protrusion receptacle 134. Bolt 141 is shown, and is shaped to fit freely through base joiner port 121 and top joiner port 131, and extend beyond the top surface of lock seat notch 133. Bolt 141 is shaped to thread into nut 142. Also shown is base port lock 135 on the bottom surface of station top 130.

[0012] FIG. 2B is an exploded view' of the alignment station 110 shown in FIG. 1. In this view the top of the station top is angled downward and the station base is also angled downward.

[013] FIG. 2C is an exploded view of the alignment station 1 10 shown in FIG. 1. In this view' the top of the station top is angled upward and the station base is also angled upward.

[014] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view' of the station top of the alignment station.

As shown, station top 130 further comprises lock seat notch 133, lock seat 132, and top joiner port 131. Lock seat notch 133 consists of a notch sized to allow top port lock 145, here washer 143, to fit inside. Lock seat notch 133 partially overlaps the exposed upper areas of top ports 151. Lock seat 132 sits centrally inside lock seat notch 133, and further comprises the top section of top joiner port 131. [015] Lock seat notch 133 and top port 151 overlap such that, when an alignment guide 160 is placed into a top port 151, the upper surface of first alignment guide 161 and/or third alignment guide 163 is above the plane of the surface of lock seat 132 and exposed. In that position, when a top port lock 145, here washer 143, is placed into lock seat notch 133 and onto lock seat 132, top port lock 145, here washer 143, comes into contact with first alignment guide 161 and/or third alignment guide 163. Further, when bolt 141 is placed through base joiner port 121, top joiner port 131, and w¾sher 143, nut 142 can be tightened at the end of bolt 141, pushing down on washer 143, and locking first alignment guide 161 and/or third alignment guide 163 in place. Also, first alignment guide 161 and/or third alignment guide 163 may be extended or retracted or removed altogether from station base 120 by by loosening nut 142 and washer 143, pulling out or pushing in the appropriate alignment guide 160, and relocking the alignment guides 160 in place by tightening nut 142. Different length alignment guides 160 can be used to achieve shorter or longer extensions from both sides of the alignment station 110.

[016] Also shown are degree markings 136, which here comprise raised lines, set at an angle away from the lower edge of the top surface of station top 130. Under appropriate circumstances, as one with ordinary skill in the art will understand, degree markings 136 could be structured as indentations, etchings, drawings, decals, or the like.

[017] FIG. 3B is a top view of stati on top 130. More clearly shown are the exposed top portions of the two top ports 151, lock seat notch 133, lock seat 132, and degree markings 136. Tire exposed two top ports 151 enable the alignment guides 160, here first alignment guide 161 and third alignment guide 163 to be exposed, and compressed by station joiner

143, fixing them in place.

[018] FIG. 3C is a side plan view of station top 130. FIG. 3D is side plan, sectional view- taken in the 201-201 plane of FIG. 3B. As shown is FIG. 3C, top ports 151 extend all of the way horizontally through station top 130.

[019] FIG. 3D is side plan, sectional view taken in the 201-201 plane of FIG. 3B. As shown, protrusion receptacle 134 extends across a central section of the bottom of s tati on top 130. Also, top joiner port 131 extends vertically from the top of protrusion receptacle 134 through to the bottom part of lock seat notch 133. Also, this view shows that base port lock 135 is level with the botom surface of station top 130, and is used to compress the alignment guides 160, here second alignment guide 162 and fourth alignment guide 164, positioned in base ports 152 within the station base 120, to lock them in position when the station joiner 140 is compressed by bolt 141, washer 143 when the nut 142 is tightened. Also, this view more clearly shows the overlap between top port 151 and lock seat notch 133. Wherein a portion of top port 151 is exposed within lock seat notch 133, and alignment guide 161 and or alignment grade 163 are aligned such that the top surface of alignment guide 161 and alignment guide 163 are abo ve the botom of lock seat notch 134 and top of lock seat 133.

[020] 3E is a view' of the bottom of station top 130. As shown, top joiner port 131 extends vertically from the bottom of protrusion receptacle 134 all of the way through station top 130. This view more clearly shows the circular shape of protrusion receptacle 134.

[021] As shown in FIGS. 3A through 3E, station top 130 comprises the following components: top joiner port 131 , lock seat 132, lock seat notch 133, protrusion receptacle 134, base port lock 135, degree markings 136, and all top ports 151, all of which are components of the same monolithic station top 130.

[022] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the top side of station base 120. As shown, station base 120 comprises two base ports 152, two anchor ports 122, two anchor port shoulders 123, two perpendicular ports 153, centering protrusion 124, four angular indexes 126; and base joiner port 121.

[023] Anchor port 122 comprises circular holes located near the long ends of station base 120. A anchor 173 can be placed through anchor port 122 and into the ground or other otherwise attaching to flat surface. Under appropriate circumstances, as one with ordinary skill in the art wall understand, an anchor could be a golf tee, nail, suction cup, hook and loop system, or magnet.

[024] Perpendicular ports 153 comprise circular holes located near the long ends of station base 120. An alignment guide 160 can be used as a perpendicular alignment guide 165, which may be placed through a perpendicular port 153, with one end of the

perpendicular alignment guide resting against or pressed into the ground or other flat surface, and the remainder of perpendicular alignment guide extending perpendicularly from alignment station 110.

[025] Centering protrusion 124 comprises an area located centrally on the top of station base 120, raised above the surface of station base 120. Centering protrusion 124 extends into protrusion receptacle 134 in the bottom of station top 130 and fits precisely, enabling station top 130 to rotate centrally about bolt 141.

[026] Base joiner port 121 is located In the center of centering protrusion 124, extending from the top of centering protrusion 124 to the bottom of station base 120, allowing bolt 141 to pass through.

[027] As shown, four angular indexes 126 are located uniformly at 90 degree intervals along the lateral and medial axises of station base 120. When station top 130 is placed on top of station base 120, angular indexes 126 protrude above the top surface of station base 120 and above the bottom lip of station top 130, pointing to a specific setting on degree markings 136. Also, when station top 130 is placed on top of station base 120, angular indexes 126 sit just outside the bottom lip of station top 130.

[028] Station base 120 further comprises two base ports 152. As shown, base ports 152 comprise open-top channels structured to house alignment guides 160. The top surface of the station base 120 lies below the top surface of the alignment guides 160 such that when an alignment guide 160 is placed into a base port 152, the upper surface of second alignment guide 162 and/or fourth alignment guide 164 is above the plane of the surface of station base 120. This design enables the station top to compress the exposed top of the alignment guides 160 when station joiner 140 is compressed by tightening the nut 142. Further, when bolt 141 is placed through base joiner port 121, top joiner port 131, and washer 143, nut 142 can be tightened at the end of bolt 141, pushing down on washer 143 and compressing station top 130, pressing base port lock 135 down against the alignment grades 160 placed m base ports 152, here second alignment guide 162 and/or fourth alignment guide 164. Also, second alignment guide 162 and/or fourth alignment guide 164 may be extended or retracted or removed altogether from station base 120 by loosening nut 142 and washer 143, pulling out or pushing in the appropriate alignment guide 160, and relocking the alignment guides 160 in place by tightening nut 142. Different length alignment guides 160 can be used to achieve shorter or longer extensions from both sides of the alignment station 1 10.

[029] FIG. 4B is a top view of station base 120. More cl early shown are the full length of base ports 152. Also shown are the shapes of anchor ports 122 and perpendicular ports 153, centering protrusion 124, base joiner port 121, and station base 120. Also shown are the precise locations of angular indexes 126. Anchor port shoulder 123 is shown bordering anchor port 122, Anchor port shoulder 123 is sloped to allow a tee to be pushed deep enough to allow the bottom edge of an alignment guide 160 that is placed in the guide port 150 of the station top 130, in guide port 151 , to pass over the top of anchor 173 without touching anchor 173.

[030] FIG. 4C is a side view of station base 120. As shown, alignment guide ports 152 extend all of the w¾y through station base 120.

[031] FIG. 4D is a side sectional view taken in the 202-202 plane of FIG. 4B. As shown, distinct indentation 125 comprises a hollow notch in the bottom of station base 120. Base joiner port 121 extends vertically from the top of distinct indentation 125 vertically through station base 120 through the top of centering protrusion 124. Centering protrusion 124 extends above the top surface of station base 120. Angular indexes 126 extend above the top surface of station base 120. As shown, anchor port 122 extends vertically through the bottom of station base 120 to the bottom of anchor port shoulder 123. Anchor port shoulder 123 comprises a sloped recession from the top surface of station base 120 to the top of anchor port 122. Perpendicular port 153 passes from the top of station base 120, through anchor port shoulder 123, and to the bottom surface of station base 120.

[032] Two base ports 152 are shown. Base ports 152 are structured so that when an alignment guide 160 is housed in a base port 152, the top of the alignment guide 160 extends beyond the top surface of station base 120.

[033] FIG. 4E is a bottom view of station base 120. As shown, station base 120 further comprises a distinct indentation 125 on the bottom surface, such that the distinct indentation 125 precisely fits the joiner head 144 within its indentation. This distinct indentation is centered such that when the joiner head 144 is placed within distinct indentation 125, the bolt 141 is centered in the station base 120 station base joiner port 121, which is also centered in the station top 130 top joiner port 131. The joiner head 144 fits into the bottom of the station base 120 into the distinct indentation 125 such that the surface of the joiner head 144 is flush or below the level of the bottom surface of the station base 120. The joiner head 144 is captured within the distinct indentation 125, such that the bolt 141 is held in place, and cannot turn when the nut 142 is tightened or loosened on the bolt 141 threads.

[034] FIGS. 4F and 4G are perspective view¾ of the bottom of station base 120. As shown, joiner head 144 has the same form factor as the distinct indentation 125, such that joiner head 144 fits precisely into distinct indentation 125. In this position, the top surface of the joiner head 144 is at or below the bottom surface of station base 120. As shown, bolt 141 is inserted partially into base joiner port 121, but not fully seated w ithin distinct indentation 125. When bolt 141 is fully inserted into base joiner port 121, bolt 141 is locked such that bolt 141 cannot rotate.

[035] As shown in FIGS. 4A through 4G, station base 120 comprises the following components: base joiner port 121, anchor ports 122, anchor ports 122, anchor port shoulders 123, centering protrusion 124, distinct indentation 125, angular indexes 126, and base ports 152, all of wiiich are monolithic components of the same station base 120.

[036] FIG. 5A is an alternate front perspective view' of an alternate embodiment of alignment aid system 100, with the parts disassembled and laid out. In this embodiment, alignment aid system 100 comprises seven alignment guides 160, four alignment stations 1 10, carrying case 175, carabiner 176, and guide tube 177. Guide tube 177 is structured to simultaneously hold all of seven alignment guides 160. Carrying case 175 is structured to simultaneously hold all four alignment stations 110. Carabiner 176 is structured to fit through a hole in the comer of carrying case 175 and a hole in the top of guide tube 177, securing carrying case 175 to guide tube 177 In this arrangement, alignment aid system 100 can he easily stored upright in a club slot of a golf bag.

[037] FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of alignment aid system 100, including four alignment stations 1 10 and six alignment guides 160. This embodiment of alignment aid system 100 comprises four alignment stations 110, including primary alignment station 111, and three additional alignment stations 112, and six alignment guides 160. Primary' alignment station 111 houses second alignment guide 162 through a base port 152, which passes through to an additional alignment station 112, connecting through a base port 152 of that additional alignment station 112. Here this first alignment guide 161 comprises a path 180 consisting of foot position 181. Here, this additional alignment station 112 connects to a first alignment guide 161 through its base port 152. Here, this second alignment station 112 houses a heel position 188 through top port 151. An alignment guide 160 also passes through one of the top ports 151 in the station top 130. This alignment guide 160, the second alignment guide 162, is set perpendicular to the first alignment guide 161. This second alignment guide 162 is set to the ball position. Additional alignment stations are attached to the alignment guides 160 as needed. Additional alignment stations can be attached to either the first or second alignment guides as required. The second, third, fourth, etc. guides can be used for setting foot position 181, hand position 189, ball position 182, club face angle 183, swing path 184, target path 185, and heel position 188.

[038] FIG. 5C is a front perspective view of the alignment aid system shown in FIG 5B, showing an alternate arrangement of the elements. This confi guration shows a similar configuration to FIG 5A except there is a closer proximity of the primary alignment station H i, and additional alignment station 112 positions along guide 162 w'hen using a shorter length golf club 171. The additional alignment station 1 12 on guide 161 is placed further from the primary' alignment station 1 1 1 , to enable setting the heel position 183 w'ith third alignment guide 163, further from the second alignment guide 162, hall position 182,

[039] FIG. 5D is a front perspective view' of the alignment aid system shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, showing an alternate arrangement of alignment stations 1 10, including primary alignment station 111, three additional alignment stations 112, and four alignment guides 160. ^' This view shows additional modifications can be set to all of the alignment stations 110, and all of the alignment guides 160 in order to accommodate the varied spatial relationships necessary between the ball 172, the ball position 182 and the foot position 181 in FIG 5B, 5C and 5D as different length golf clubs 171 are used.

[040] FIG. 5E is a front perspective view of the alignment aid system shown in FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D, showing an alternate arrangement of alignment stations 110, including primary alignment station 111, three additional alignment stations 112, and four alignment guides 160. This configuration further show s that the additional alignment stations can be separated from the multiple joined configurations demonstrated in FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D when it is necessary to use a separate alignment station 1 10 m addition to the joined primary alignment station i l l and additional alignment stations 112.

[041] FIG. 5F is a front perspective view' of the alignment aid system 100 shown in FIG. 1 A, incorporating optimally placed cameras 178. In one preferred embodiment, one camera 178 is placed with a view' along first alignment guide 161 in line with the foot position 181, and another camera 178 is placed with a view along second alignment guide 162 in line with the ball position 182. As one with ordinary' skill in the art will understand, under appropriate circumstances additional cameras 178 could be placed as to provide views along additional paths 180, including but not limited to: club face angle 183, swing path 184, target path 185, down-the line camera position 186, face-on camera position 187, heel position 188, and/or hand position 189. [042] As one with ordinary skill m the art will understand, under appropriate circumstances a sensor and transceiver system could be incorporated into said alignment aid system 100 to permit the automatic recognition of one or more paths 180 by a computer system. Such a system could be further improved by placing markers on the feet, hands, legs, and other body parts of user 170, as well as on club 171, hall 172, which would permit a sensor and transceiver system to collect information about the actual path of such markers. A computer system could then compare the actual paths of such markers to the desired paths 180, providing improved feedback about how to improve alignments.