FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an aim alignment device more particularly an aim alignment device for use while playing a shot in golf.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

United states patent number US7112145B2 entitled “Golf training device” in the name of Mark Gaddy describes a golf training device that assists a golfer in sighting the direction to hit, and in the proper alignment of his body with respect to the golf ball. The device has a housing for mounting at least two lasers having a vertical element that provides vertical support for the lasers, a base element that enables at least a portion of the housing to be oriented to a desired sighting, and a spike for stabilizing the housing. Each of the lasers has a diffraction optical element that converts a laser beam into a planar arc of light which when projected onto a surface, such as the ground, produces a laser line. The diffraction optical elements are oriented orthogonal to each other and the resulting lines produced by the lasers are orthogonal. One of the laser lines provides feet alignment and the other provides a feet to ball laser reference line. United states patent number US7727079B1 entitled “Laser golf alignment device and method” in the name of John A. Kuhlman, Jr. describes a portable, expandable laser golf training device that can be placed on the ground to provide alignment. The present invention can supply a plurality of light beams produced by lasers or other light sources, switchable on and off, that can be projected along the ground both in the direction of play and perpendicular to it. In a folded configuration, the device can project in four directions creating a pair of axis lines running at right angles to each other. In an expanded configuration, one of the major axis lines can be separated into two parallel lines for putting alignment by sliding the halves of the device apart. The device can be used by placing it on the ground in front of the golfer (between the golfer's feet and the ball. Two lines project outward perpendicular to the direction of play, and two or four lines project into and away from the direction of play. These lines provide alignment for the golfer. Various combinations of beams on or off can be selected by a selector switch under control of the user. The device can contain a rechargeable battery.

This could be quite problematic as the guides only assist in aligning the player’s body and not necessarily assist in aiming at a specific point or target.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide an aim alignment device which, at least partially, alleviates some of the above-mentioned difficulties. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with this invention there is provided an aim alignment device comprising a housing for a projector which projects a plurality of lines from a radial centre onto a surface, the lines being used to aid in taking aim at a target. The projector may be a laser projector which converts a laser beam into a number of radial lines as well as concentric circle lines so that the radial lines cross the concentric circles lines to form a circular grid shape.

The laser beam may be converted into only a number of radial lines or only a number of concentric circles.

The housing may be connected to a surface engager such as a peg or a tripod having extendable legs. The surface engager may be shaped to be inserted into a complementary receptacle formed in a cup in a putting green to replace the flagstick.

The surface engager may be shaped to be inserted into a receptacle formed in a portable putting practice device. The housing may have a connector which can be used to connect the housing to objects other than a surface engager. The circular grid may be enlarged or decreased manually or automatically.

The number of radial lines may be increased or reduced as required.

The number of concentric circles may be increased or reduced as required.

The housing may include a processing unit connected to an input device.

The input device may be used to record data to be read into the processing unit.

Data recorded by the input device can be data relating to speed or direction of an object approaching or passing by.

The processing unit may further incorporate a wireless communications module to communicate with a remote device such as a mobile device or any other appropriate device.

The circular grid is not limited to only displaying a series of radial lines or concentric circles and other shapes, such as arrows, guidelines or the like can be projected onto the surface. The invention also provides for specific lines to differ in colour from other lines, and specific shapes can be filled with a variety of colours. In accordance with this invention there is provided a golf aim alignment device comprising a housing for a projector which projects a plurality of lines from a radial centre onto a playing surface, the grid being used to aid in taking aim at a cup. These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an aim alignment device in use;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the device of figure 1 in an alternative use; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the drawings, an aim alignment device is generally depicted by reference numeral 1 . An aim alignment device 1 makes use of a projector 2 inside a housing 3 which projects a plurality of lines from a radial centre onto a surface to form a circular grid 4. In this embodiment the grid is projected by means of laser beams. The housing 2 is connected to a surface engager such a peg 7. The peg 7 may be shaped to be inserted into a complementary receptacle formed in a cup 8 in a putting green to replace the flagstick.

The grid 4 is used to assist a golf player in aligning their aim in the direction of a target, such as a cup 8 in a putting green. Putting greens are generally not flat to pose a challenge to the golfer.

The housing 3 is connected to a surface engager 7 in order to provide a higher angle of projection to reduce shadows or blind spots in the grid 4 and to point out any irregular changes in the surface. The grid will then aid the golfer in visualising a path, line or apex which should be aimed at to ensure that a ball, after being struck by the player’s golf club ends up close to or inside the cup 8. The surface engager 7 may engage with a portable putting practice device 9 to allow players to practice taking aim in places other than a putting green such as the comfort of their own home, office or any other space which may be used for putting practice.

The laser beam may be converted into only a number of radial lines 5 or only a number of concentric circles 6 as depicted in figure 1.

The area of the grid 4 as well as the number of lines 5,6 can be enlarged or decreased as required. Specific lines 5,6 be changes in colour or shape in order to further assist and ensure that the player aligns their aim correctly.

Specific lines in the grid 4 differ in colour to aid in a variety of alignments. The grid 4 is not limited to displaying squares or rectangles, and other shapes, such as guides, arrows or the like may be projected onto the surface. Part of or some of the shapes may be animated to indicate a speed at which the ball should be struck in order to end up as close to as possible or inside the cup.

The housing may also include a device for sensing movement such as the speed and direction of the golf ball. Data captured by the sensor may be relayed to the processing unit or transmitted to the remote mobile device. This data may be referred to in future and be associated with the player. The unit may then learn from the player in order to ensure that future similar putts or shots will be more advantageous for the player. There is further provided for the housing to have a connector which can be used to connect the housing to objects other than a surface engager such as a flagstick found in the cup 8. This will alleviate the need for a surface engager and make use of objects already found in or near the target i.e. the cup 8.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein and that other embodiments and uses are available.

The processing unit may be connected to any input or output device. External devices, remote devices or third-party ball tracking devices may be used to track the movement, trajectory, or end location of the golf ball. Data relating to shots may be stored in the processing unit or external device.

Part of the grid may be accentuated or animated to indicate a more advantageous ball speed and/or path or line which should be followed in a future shot to ensure better end placement of the ball. The device will thus continuously “learn” from the player’s shot history to assist in improving the players set-up and posture

The device is not limited to be used in the sport of golf and there is provided for an alignment device comprising a housing for a projector which projects a plurality of lines from a radial centre onto a playing surface, the grid being used to aid in taking aim at a target. For instance the device may be used in relation to a pocket in a billiard table to aid in the alignment of a shot or even be projected onto a cricket pitch for a bowler to practice ball placement. Kickers in football sports such as soccer, rugby or gridiron could make use of similar devices when training to practice their aim.

It is envisaged that the invention as described herein will assist golfers of all levels in practicing their aim. This should significantly improve players’ enjoyment of the game of golf as it will enhance their skill levels.