Patent · US Expired

Alignment system, device and method

US7286230B1 · kind B1 · utility

3Cited by
13References
26Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 25, 2004
Grant dateOct 23, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 3, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA63B2225/74
  • WIPO fieldFurniture, games
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A system for aligning an object with a target is disclosed. The system allows an operator to monitor the alignment of the object, either while the object is stationary or while the object is moving through a trajectory, without requiring that the operator directly view the target. The system preferably comprises a positioning unit for attaching to the object, such as a golfing putter, and a target unit for positioning at, near or over a target location, such as a hole. The positioning unit and the target unit are in two-way communication to detect and to indicate alignment of the object with the target. Preferably, the positioning unit emits light that is preferably laser light or infrared light, and the target unit detects that light when the units are aligned. When the positioning unit and the target unit are aligned, the target unit emits an alignment signal that is preferably a radio signal. The radio signal initiates a display element for indicating that the object and target are aligned.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.