^λ A Visual Aid"

This invention relates to a visual aid for use in ball games and more particularly, but not exclusively to a visual aid for use in the game of golf. It is known that a person' s vision can be changed from a general view of an object to a concentrated or targeted form of vision. Xt is found that the expert players in any ball game are able without visual assistance to adopt this concentrated or targeted visual mode and exclude or minimise their peripheral vision.

The object of this invention is to provide a visual aid which facilitates the adoption of such a targeted or concentrated visual mode by a player.

According to the invention, a visual aid for use in a bail game comprises an article provided with markings adapted to facilitate the adoption by a player of a targeted mode of vision, wherein the markings include a cross-hair feature.

Preferably, the cross-hair feature is arranged to facilitate the alignment of the direction in which the ball in a ball game is to be propelled by the player.

Preferably, also, the article comprises a sphere which is provided with the markings .

The markings are, preferably, adapted to enable a player of the ball game to consistently position his eyes in a repeatable fixed position relative to the sphere.

Preferably, the markings on the sphere are used in combination with the periphery of the sphere to position the players eyes relative to the sphere.

Preferably, also, the markings are applied to the surface of the sphere.

Alternatively, the markings may be projected onto the surface of the sphere from the exterior or interior of the sphere.

Preferably, the sphere is a golf ball. Preferably, also, the markings on the golf ball enable a golfer to adopt a stance with his eyes directly above the centre of the golf ball.

The markings on the golf ball are, preferably, capable of being aligned so that the markings are equi-distant from the periphery of the golf ball when viewed from directly above thereby giving a uniform eclipse effect.

Preferably, the markings include a shape adapted to be positioned so that the distance between the periphery of the shape and the periphery of the golf ball can be positioned by adjustment of the golfers eyes over the ball to be equi-distant to give the eclipse effect when the golfers eyes are correctly positioned.

Preferably, also, the shape is a circle of smaller diameter than the golf ball. Alternatively, the shape may be a geometrical shape other than a circle.

Preferably, -the shape is formed of a block of a contrasting colour to the colour of the golf ball .

Preferably, also, the shape is provided with linear openings to provide the cross-hair feature. Alternatively, the visual aid article may be a disc which is provided with the markings on which a golf ball is centrally positioned.

Preferably, the markings on the disc are adapted to enable a player to consistently position his eyes in a repeatable fixed position relative to the golf ball.

Preferably, also, the markings on the disc are used in combination with the periphery of the golf ball to position the players eyes relative to the golf ball .

When the visual aid is to be used in executing a putting stroke, the markings on the disc, preferably, enable a golfer to adopt a stance with his eyes directly above the centre of the golf ball.

Preferably, the markings on the disc are capable of being aligned so that the markings are equi-distant from the periphery of the golf ball when viewed from directly above thereby giving a uniform eclipse effect.

Preferably, also, the markings on the disc include a shape adapted to be positioned so that the distance between the periphery of the shape and the periphery of the golf ball can be positioned by adjustment of the golfers eyes

over the ball to be equi-distant to give the eclipse effect when the golfers eyes are correctly positioned.

The shape on the disc is, preferably, a circle of equal or greater diameter than the golf ball. Alternatively, the shape on the disc may be a geometrical shape other than a circle.

Preferably, the shape on the disc is formed of a block of a contrasting colour to the colour of the golf ball .

Preferably, also, the shape on the disc is provided with linear openings to provide the cross-hair feature.

The disc is, preferably, provided with a central hole adapted to receive a golf ball tee to secure the disc in desired position and on which the golf ball is placed.

Preferably, also, a plurality of equi-angularly spaced-apart sets of cross-hair features are provided.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which : -

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of a visual aid in the form of a golf ball;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of a modified visual aid in the form of a golf ball;

Figures 2A to E are plan views showing different orientations of the golf balls of Figures 1 and 2 ;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of an alternative visual aid in the form of a disc for use in combination with a golf ball;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic side view of the disc with the golf ball disposed on a golf tee combined therewith and;

Figure 4A is a plan view and Figures 4B to 4D are side views of alternative shapes of the disc shown in Figures 3 and 4. Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings, a visual aid in the form of a golf ball provided with markings is indicated generally at 10 and comprises a conventional ball 12 which is positioned so as to be struck by a putter head 14. The golf ball 12 is provided with a circular marking 16 of smaller diameter than the golf ball 12. The circular marking 16 is placed in position with the centre of the circular marking 16 vertically aligned with the centre of the ball 12 before the golfer addresses the ball 12. The ball 12 is also provided with a set of cross-hairs 18 whose centre is again aligned when positioning the ball 12 with the centre of the ball 12 and consequently with the centre of the circular marking 16. One line 20 of the cross-hairs 18 is discontinuous .

In operation, the visual aid is used to assist in the execution of a putting stroke or a full golf swing both in practice and in a competitive round of golf. It will be

appreciated that the visual aid can only be used to assist in the execution of a full golf swing in a competitive round of golf when the aid in the form of the golf ball 12 can be adjusted in position, ie. when teeing-off or when prepared lies are allowed on the fairway. When a putting stroke is to be executed the ball 12 is placed in position with the discontinuous line 20 directed towards the golf hole (not shown) . The centre of the circular marking 16 is vertically aligned with the centre of the ball 12 as described above and the golfer adopts his stance so that the edges of the circular marking 16 are equi-distant from the periphery of the golf ball 12 thereby giving an eclipse effect once the golfers eyes are vertically above the centre of the ball 12. The putter head 14 is then aligned to be parallel with the line of the cross-hairs 18 extending perpendicular to the line 20 thereby ensuring that the line of the ball 12 when the putting stroke is carried out follows the line 20. When the ball 12 is correctly struck the ball 12 rolls along the line denoted by the line 20 of the cross-hairs 18 and gives the golfer a visional processional effect when watching the putt.

It is found that the use of marking in the form of the cross-hairs 18 changes the golfers type of vision from a general to a targeted form of vision reducing the distracting effect of the golfer's peripheral vision. In addition, the marking can be used to determine the golfer's

dominant eye and also to obtain an indication of the strength of the dominant eye relevant to the non-dominant eye by noting the change in position of the circular marking 16 during the conventional test for determining the dominant eye ie. the closure of each eye in turn.

When the direction of the golf shot is being aligned by standing behind the ball 12, the golfer will see the cross-hairs as a T-shape which facilitates the alignment of the golf shot. In a modification, a plurality of sets of cross-hairs 18 are provided each being equi-angularly disposed about the same centre and the same centre of the circular marking 16 for use in aligning a putt on an inclined surface. In this case of a breaking putt, the ball 12 is positioned as previously described for a putt on a flat surface with the line 20 of the cross hairs pointing to the hole and the golfer then stands behind the ball and using the putter of as a plumb bob determines by a simple trigonometrical calculation the expected break and then using the appropriate one of the sets of cross-hairs aligns the putter head at right angles to the desired line 20 on which the ball is to be struck.

When a full golf swing is to be executed , with woods or irons, the golf ball 12 is angled towards the golfer so that at address position the centre of the circular marking 16 is disposed on a line connecting the centre of the golf

ball 12 and the golfers eye line so that the circular marking 16 as viewed by the golfer is in the centre of the peripheral edge of the golf ball 12. The flight path of the golf shot to be executed with a full swing of the golf club can be adjusted by rotating the golf ball 12 slightly forwards or backwards to vary the flight path the of the required golf shot and/or rotating the golf ball 12 slightly sideways to produce a draw or a fade. In addition, it is found that these alignments to the position of the golf ball 12 also affects the movement patterns of the golfer.

Referring now to Figure 2 and Figures 2A to 2F of the drawings, a modified visual aid in the form of a golf ball provided with markings is indicated generally at 30 and comprises a golf ball 32 which is positioned so as to be struck by a putter head 34. The golf ball 32 is provided with a substantially circular marking 36 of smaller diameter than the golf ball 32. When the ball 32 is placed in position, the centre of the circular marking 36 is vertically aligned with the centre of the ball 32. The marking 36 is formed with linear openings 38 which form mutually perpendicular cross-hairs 40 and 42 whose centre is again aligned when positioning the ball 32 with the centre of the ball 32 and consequently with the centre of the circular marking 36. The marking 36 is formed in a contrasting colour to that of the golf ball 32 , such as

black on a white golf ball. It is found that this particular colouring combination which is the reverse of the usual colouring, that is to say where the cross hairs are white and the majority of the ball is black, is extremely effective in changing the golfer' s vision into the targeted form. The marking 36 can be applied utilising a heat activated liquid which only becomes visible when activated by holding the golf ball 32 in a golfers hand to heat the golf ball 32 and when the golf ball 32 cools the marking 36 becomes invisible. This is particularly useful when the golf ball 32 has to be located in the rough as the golf ball 32 reverts to its original white colour.

In operation, when a putt is to be executed the ball 32 is placed in position with the cross-hair 40 directed towards the golf hole (not shown) . The centre of the circular marking 36 is vertically aligned with the centre of the ball 32 as described above and the golfer adopts his stance so that the edges of the circular marking 36 are equi-distant from the periphery of the golf ball 32 thereby giving a uniform eclipse effect once the golfers eyes are vertically above the centre of the ball 32. The putter head 34 is then aligned to be parallel with the cross-hair 42 extending perpendicular to the line 40 thereby ensuring that the line of the ball 32 when the putting stroke is carried out follows the cross-hair 40. When the ball 32 is correctly struck the ball 32 rolls along the line of the

cross-hairs 40 and gives the golfer a visual processional effect like a tracer line of the cross-hair 40 when watching the putt. The marking 36 also enables the determination of and the strength of the golfer' s dominant eye to be ascertained and also for the execution and shaping of the golf shot when a full swing is utilised as hereinbefore described.

Here again as described above a plurality of sets of cross-hairs are provided each being equi-angularly disposed about the same centre and the same centre of the circular marking 36 for use in aligning a breaking putt.

In another modification, instead of the markings being applied directly to the surface of the golf balls 12 and 32 , they can be applied to a marking member such as a film of material which is attachable to the surface of the golf balls 12 and 32 and left in position during the execution of the golf stroke.

In a further modification, the marking member can be substantially hemi-spherical and be a snap-fit on the golf balls 12 and 32. The marking member may also be provided with a protractor type of fin or fins having angular markings lines to facilitate accurately positioning the markings on the golf ball in an "X" and/or ^λλ Y" axis and also the golfer' s eyes in said axes . The marking member can also be formed as a template having openings therein corresponding to the markings 16 and 36 to enable the

markings to be applied to the surfaces of the golf balls 12 and 32 therethrough.

In yet a further modification, the shape of the circular markings 16 and 36 can be replaced by any other suitable geometrical shape such as an oval, star shape, square, hexagon or the like which again are of a contrasting colour to the colour of the golf balls 12 and 32.

In yet another modification, the markings 16 and 36 can be projected onto the external surfaces of the golf balls 12 and 32 from a remote location. Where the golf balls 12 and 32 are hollow and formed of a transparent or translucent material, the markings 16 and 36 can be projected onto the internal surfaces of the golf balls 12 and 32. Alternatively, the markings or the edges thereof can be projected from within the golf balls 12 and 32 upwardly as diverging beams of light to facilitate the positioning of the golfer' s eyes and particularly the height thereof above the golf balls or simulations thereof. Where the hollow golf balls 12 and 32 are formed wholly or partially of a transparent material, a miniature camera can be mounted therein providing a view of the position of the golfer' s eyes and/or upper torso at address position and through the golfer' s backswing and attack downswing into contact with the ball. This is particularly useful in the training and coaching of a golfer. In addition, the golf

balls and the markings thereof can be projected in the form of a holographic image. The golfer's eye position can be determined by providing a numeric scale such as an "X" and/or "Y" axis or axes or an indication which becomes visible to the eyes of the golfer at address position to provide improved accuracy of eye positioning. The scale can also be enhanced by or replaced by colour or image changes in the holographic image.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings and to Figures 4A to 4D, an alternative visual aid indicated generally at 50 for use in combination with a golf ball 52 consists of a disc 54 provided with markings on its upper surface. The disc 54 can be formed of plastics material or any other suitable material. The markings comprise a central circular marking 56 of a block of contrasting colour to the colour of the golf ball 52. The circular marking 56 is of the same diameter as the golf ball 52 or can be of a greater diameter so as to extend beyond the periphery of the golf ball 52 when it is disposed at the centre of the disc 54. The marking 56 is formed with linear openings 58 which form part of mutually perpendicular cross-hairs 60 and 62. An additional marking line 64 is provided which is a tangent to the circular marking 56 and extends parallel to the cross-hair 62. The disc 54 has a central hole 66 through which a golf ball tee 68 can be inserted to secure the disc 54 to the ground and

on which the golf ball 52 is positioned. The disc 54 can be of any diameter which is greater than the diameter of a golf ball but it is useful if it is the same diameter as a golf hole. The disc 54 can be a compact disc or a digital versatile disc carrying instructional information.

In operation, the disc 54 with the golf ball tee 68 and the golf ball 52 mounted thereon is placed on the teeing ground of a golf course and the cross-hair 60 is aligned with the direction in which the golf ball 52 is to be propelled with a full golf swing of a golf club (not shown) . The face of the club head of the golf club is aligned with the marking line 64 to strike the golf ball 52 at impact in the required direction along the line of the cross-hair 60. As previously described, the presence of the cross-hairs 60 and 62 in combination with the marking 56 in a contrasting colour to that of the golf ball 52 is effective in producing a targeted form of vision.

The disc 54 without the golf ball tee 68 can also be used to practice a putting stroke and the circular marking 56 is used in combination with the periphery of the golf ball 52 to provide a uniform eclipse effect as hereinbefore described when the golfer' s eyes are positioned directly above the centre of the golf ball 52. The disc 54 without the golf ball tee 68 can also be used to practice a full golf swing in addition to a putting stroke where the disc

54 being of the same diameter as a golf hole can be used to form a target golf hole when practising putting.

It will be appreciated that the above described visual aids can be mounted on a golf club head or other structure within the vision of the golfer at address position. The visual aids can also incorporate a levelling device to enable a golfer to determine the position of the marking in relation to a horizontal and/or vertical axis .

In a further addition to the above described visual aids enabling a golfer to position his eyes in a repeatable fixed position relative to the golf balls 12 and 32, the golf balls 12 and 32 or the disc 50 can be placed on a mat having a series of markings to enable the golfer to determine the position of his feet at the address position relative to the golf balls 12 and 32 or the golf ball used in combination with the disc 50 thereby enabling the golfer to be able to repeat this foot position.

Although the above described visual aids are particularly suitable for use in a putting stroke in the game of golf, they can also be used in a full golf swing with other golf clubs, namely, with irons or woods.

The markings can be used as a focus for the golfer' s vision and in so doing effect more accurate striking of the ball . The markings are used to effect repeatable control of hand-to-eye co-ordination or Motor Control Skills which determine the orientation and force of the club in the

stroke. The markings are, also, used to effect psychological intervention when learning, training of the rehabilitation of Motor Control problems such as the yipps . The markings on the three dimensional ball in conjunction with the two dimensional disc are used to effect parallax as a means of governing directional target alignment when viewed from behind the ball as well as eye position above the ball at the point of execution. Any combination of the markings on the ball or disc can be used to provided a fixed reference for measuring the optimum length and orientation of any type of golf club or other equipment for use in the proposed task.

It will be appreciated the visual aids can be used in other ball games, such as snooker, croquet, association football or the like without departing from the scope of this invention.