Golf Patents (Class 273/108.2)
  • Patent number: 10206623
    Abstract: A wearable electronic device has a processing unit and a health sensor included in a housing, a band operable to couple the housing to a body part of a user, and a tightness sensor coupled to the band. The tightness sensor is operable to produce a signal indicative of a tightness of the band on the user's body part. The processing unit determines a tightness of the band based on the signal and perform one or more actions based thereon. Such actions may include evaluating the signal for changes in the tightness of the band according to operational tolerances of the health sensor, providing output directing the user to adjust the band to improve operation of the health sensor, monitoring changes in the tightness of the band and adjusting a measurement obtained by the health sensor, and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Tobias J. Harrison-Noonan, Alex M. Lee
  • Patent number: 10118079
    Abstract: A putter head swinging assembly for striking a golf ball includes a ball striking assembly that strikes a golf ball. A mat has a top side and a well that extends therein. The golf ball striking assembly is positioned on the top side. The golf ball striking assembly includes a stand has a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end defines a flat base. The stand has an aperture that extends therethrough. A shaft that has a first end and a second end extends through the aperture. A swing arm is attached to the first end and extends downwardly therefrom. A putter head is attached to a bottom of the swing arm such that when the shaft is rotated in a first direction the swing arm swings in the first direction and when released the swing arm moves in a second direction and strikes the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Ronald Hayes
  • Patent number: 9789374
    Abstract: An athletic training system and apparatuses which allows a user to practice several important skills needed to be successful in the game of lacrosse and of highest import affords user the ability to practice gaining possession of a ball at the beginning of the game and back after each score. The specifically designed structural elements of this device allow a player to practice endless repetitions of face-off and draw skills, while challenging the player to improve their form and quickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventors: Steve Trombley, Kevin Donahue
  • Patent number: 9645235
    Abstract: A method of determining spin parameters of a sports ball, such as spin axis and rotation velocity of a golf ball. The spin axis is determined solely from the trajectory of the flying ball, and the rotational velocity is determined from a frequency analysis of a signal provided by a radar, which signal comprises spectrum traces positioned equidistantly in frequency, which frequency distance relates to the spin velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TRACKMAN A/S
    Inventor: Fredrik Tuxen
  • Patent number: 9381437
    Abstract: A game machine gives a predetermined favor when at least one ball moves on a table and the ball arrives at a ditch. And, the game machine includes a camera that acquires object information for distinguishing a state of the ball on the table, distinguishes the state of the ball on the table, based on the object information acquired by the camera, evaluates the state of the ball on the table based on a result of the distinguishing, and gives a change to the state of the ball on the table based on an evaluation result so that the evaluation result changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: KONAMI GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Masato Okuaki, Tomoaki Hirai, Toshiaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9238164
    Abstract: Apparatuses for playing miniaturized recreational games can include a base, a coupler, and a projectile launcher. The coupler can be rotatably positionable and engaged with the base. The projectile launcher can include a deformable elongate rod which can be engaged with the coupler. The apparatus can also include a second coupler and a projectile putter. The second coupler can be rotatably engaged with the base assembly. The projectile putter can include a rigid elongate rod which can be engaged with the second coupler. In use, the projectile launcher can aerially discharge a playing piece such as a ball, and the projectile putter can impart motion of the playing piece resting on a playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Inventor: Doyle Dean Perry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8926445
    Abstract: The presented invention relates to a method for determining the effectiveness of a golfer's swing without the requirement of the club head making contact with a golf ball. More specifically, the present invention relates to a measurement and analysis system comprising a first module that attaches to the club head and captures measurement receiver signal strength data during the entire swing time line and may capture motional data on same time line, further first module wirelessly communicates bi-directionally with a second module that is further connected to a user interface device and computational engine where feedback results are derived and conveyed to the golfer. The system provides comprehensive feedback for a swing characterization time line referenced to the spatial domain using receiver signal strength measurements that may be in combination with motional and dynamics orientation measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Golf Impact, LLC
    Inventor: Roger Davenport
  • Patent number: 8845442
    Abstract: A method of determining spin parameters of a spot ball, such as spin axis and rotation velocity of a golf ball. The spin axis is determined solely from the trajectory of the flying ball, and the rotational velocity is determined from a frequency analysis of a signal provided by a radar, which signal comprises spectrum traces positioned equidistantly in frequency, which frequency distance relates to the spin velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Trackman A/S
    Inventor: Fredrik Tuxen
  • Patent number: 8491397
    Abstract: A watch includes a wrist band and a housing mounted to the wrist band where the housing includes a wrist side and an opposing side, a pliable domed shape pressure plate that extends outwardly from the wrist side of the housing to contact a palm side of a wrist and that responds to movements of muscles and tendons in the wrist that correspond to varying grip pressures applied by a hand extending from the wrist, a battery, memory, circuitry powered by the battery to convert responses of the pliable domed shape pressure plate to digital data, and circuitry powered by the battery to record the digital data to the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Theodore Caldwell, Ning Chen
  • Patent number: 8425340
    Abstract: The presented invention relates to a method for determining the effectiveness of a golfer's swing without the requirement of the club head making contact with a golf ball. More specifically, the present invention relates to a measurement and analysis system comprising a first module that attaches to the club head and captures measurement receiver signal strength data during the entire swing time line and may capture motional data on same time line, further first module wirelessly communicates bi-directionally with a second module that is further connected to a user interface device and computational engine where feedback results are derived and conveyed to the golfer. The system provides comprehensive feedback for a swing characterization time line referenced to the spatial domain using receiver signal strength measurements that may be in combination with motional and dynamics orientation measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Golf Impact LLC
    Inventor: Roger Davenport
  • Patent number: 8221257
    Abstract: The presented invention relates to a method for determining the effectiveness of a golfer's swing without the requirement of the club head making contact with a golf ball. More specifically, the present invention relates to a measurement and analysis system comprising a first module that attaches to the club head and captures measurement data and relative position data during the entire swing, further first module wirelessly communicates bi-directionally with a second module that is further connected to a user interface device and computational engine where feedback results are calculated and conveyed to the golfer. The system provides comprehensive feedback for swing characterization including detailed swing timing metrics, dynamic club head orientation and motion metrics and dynamics shaft action metrics all referenced to the spatial domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Golf Impact LLC
    Inventor: Roger Davenport
  • Patent number: 8210960
    Abstract: The presented invention relates to a method for determining the effectiveness of a golfer's swing without the requirement of the club head making contact with a golf ball. More specifically, the present invention relates to a measurement and analysis system comprising a first module that attaches to the club head and captures measurement data and relative position data during the entire swing, further first module wirelessly communicates bi-directionally with a second module that is further connected to a user interface device and computational engine where feedback results are calculated and conveyed to the golfer. The system provides comprehensive feedback for swing characterization including detailed swing timing metrics, dynamic club head orientation and motion metrics and dynamics shaft action metrics all referenced to the spatial domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Golf Impact LLC
    Inventor: Roger Davenport
  • Patent number: 8033916
    Abstract: Grip pressure is monitored by a collection of battery powered components embodied in an assembly analogous to an ordinary wrist watch, that is a watch housing or casement and a stretchable band. The system, which we shall refer to as a swing monitor, is worn on the wrist and deployed in such a way that the back of the housing or casement is cinched securely to the back or underside of the wrist. A pressure plate on the back of the watch makes contact with the pulse region of the wrist. The flexing and relaxing of the muscles and tendons of the wearer is read by an electronic pressure sensing device, a piezo sensor. A tighter grip will register greater pressure and a looser grip, less pressure. The device records grip pressure associated with the swing of a golf club, tennis racquest or baseball bat, among other articles of sports equipment meant to be swung. The grip pressure determined to be optimal, that is giving the desired result, can be SAVED in the memory of the swing monitor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventors: Theodore Caldwell, Ning Chen
  • Publication number: 20110127716
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to target assembly for receiving a golf ball comprising a plurality of parallel golf ball receiving elongate channels; each channel having substantially the same width the other channels and each channel comprising a plurality of discrete golf ball receiving zones. That the channels may be adjusted and adapted to provide one or more consolidated target for players to aim for on the golf ball putting practice device. The sub-divisions of each channel and the plurality of channels form a grid structure. By assigning different scores to the different sub-divisions of each channel, one or indeed multiple targets can be formed. These targets can be then altered to prevent ‘muscle memory’ effects from assisting a player to achieve a high score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Kieran Patrick Egan, Joseph Martin Naughton
  • Patent number: 7922586
    Abstract: A system featuring a server communicating with the network with game hosting software programmed on the server, a terrain database and a time sequence GPS position linked message database each stored on the server and accessed by the game hosting software is disclosed. The terrain database stores a plurality of three dimensional renderings of golf courses created from digital aerial photographs of each golf course, wherein each photo includes elevational and slope data for each aerial photo. The time sequence GPS position linked message database contains a plurality of messages collected by a portable computing device and transmitted to the server by the device during an actually played round of golf. Each message is: transmitted by the device to the server; associated with an elapsed time from the beginning of the play of the round of golf, and linked to a GPS determined position from where the message was transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Francis Aicher Heckendorf, III, Mathew N. Matelan
  • Patent number: 7871333
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the effectiveness of a golfer's swing requiring no club contact with the golf ball. The measurement and analysis system comprises an attachable and detachable module, that when attached to a golf club head measures three dimensional acceleration data, that is further transmitted to a computer or other smart device or computational engine where a software algorithm interprets measured data within the constraints of a multi-lever variable radius golf swing model using both rigid and non-rigid levers, and further processes the data to define accurate golf swing metrics. In addition, if the club head module is not aligned ideally on the club head a computational algorithm detects the misalignment and further calibrates and corrects the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Golf Impact LLC
    Inventors: Roger Davenport, William Robert Bandy
  • Patent number: 7780545
    Abstract: The system monitors a user's key physical movements when performing a particular activity, such as a golf swing, and signals visually and/or aurally when a single (or several) error(s) is/are committed, for the purpose of encouraging faster learning of fundamentally sound physical skills. Mental conditioning is achieved when the effects of repeatedly listening to the specially constructed and authored audio conditioning programs during practice sessions and games are combined with the above described physical monitoring effects of the system. Better physical execution of a selected technique or skill results, and the user experiences the benefits of mental conditioning on his/her playing performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: MCS Golf Company, LLC.
    Inventors: Fred W. Smith, Roland H. Wills, Geoffrey N. Cornish
  • Publication number: 20100171262
    Abstract: A golf system that includes a tee or other area for striking a golf ball; and a golf green having a concave surface with a ball receptacle located at the lowest point in the surface so that a ball landing and remaining on the green will roll into the ball receptacle. The green includes a resiliently compressible layer coinciding with the concave surface. The resiliently compressible surface may include at least one layer of corrugated plastic material and may be covered with an artificial turf surface. The golf system may be used to play a unique game, wherein a plurality of balls are rolled on the green and travel in a spiral manner into the ball receptacle. The golf green may be mounted on a portable frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Gary L. Sells
  • Publication number: 20080214318
    Abstract: A golf putting game for playing on a floor surface is disclosed. In a first embodiment, a golf ball has a substantially uniform magnetic field therearound and includes at least one magnetically attractive target. Preferably at least one magnetically attractive hazard is included. In use, the golf ball may be struck by a golf club to roll on the surface towards the target to be captured thereby, indicating that the ball was hit properly to the target. An elongated base may be included for playing on hard surfaces, the base including a carpeted or tufted playing surface. Non-magnetic golf course elements and printed indicia may be included on the playing surface. In a second embodiment of the invention, the golf ball is magnetically attractive, and the target and hazards have a substantially uniform magnetic field therearound, such as by including magnetic particles uniformly distributed therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Huixi Xie
  • Publication number: 20070262518
    Abstract: The game is a golf bocce game played by a plurality of players. The golf bocce game includes a plurality of projection balls, where each set of balls is differentiated from one another by, but not limited to, color, logo, pattern, etc, one target ball, a measuring device, a pocket reference guide, and a plurality of ball striking clubs. Each of the players is assigned a particular set of balls. The game is started by dumping the balls out of the storage container onto the open playing area. One player begins play by striking the target ball into the field of play, establishing it as a target. Beginning with an opposing player, alternating attempts are made to strike the projection balls into play in an attempt to place them closest to the target ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: David Anthony Lapinski, Sean Patrick Love
  • Patent number: 7159864
    Abstract: A golf game apparatus which provides a unique form of swing measurement, scaled course maps for play, and interchangeable club heads to play with. The apparatus is particularly suited to indoor play with the scaled maps. The apparatus features recordable ball distance measurement which is reset after each swing, thereby enabling a player to progress along the course map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Christian Fleury
  • Patent number: 7118105
    Abstract: A miniature golf game involving a miniature golf hole having a playing surface including a tee-off area and a ball-receiving cup. The hole includes a pachinko game or other game of chance, which may be positioned within the playing surface or otherwise adjacent the cup. The game of chance is operable to select one a predetermined plurality of prizes. The player putts the golf ball along the playing surface and into the cup. The game of chance is operated to select a prize for award to the player. The travel of the ball within the game of chance may determine the selection of the prize. Such operation may occur automatedly or manually in response to receipt of the ball in the cup. The player is awarded the prize selected by the game of chance. Prizes may be dispensed in an automated fashion, and may include a counter for accounting purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Benevento
  • Patent number: 7104900
    Abstract: A golf mat similar to the type used at a driving range, including a hole for inserting a golf tee, with the addition of a pressure sensor (transducer) embedded in one corner of the mat, sandwiched between a top artificial grass and a bottom rubber backing of the mat, for use in activating an alarm when the golf club head strikes the area just behind the ball, above the pressure sensor, before striking the ball. When the golf club strikes the area above the sensor, an electrical signal is sent to the input of a timer circuit, which then provides a signal of a few seconds in time to the input of a visible alarm. Lines are included on the top surface of the mat to mark off the boundaries directly above the pressure sensor so a golfer will not step in this area and set off a false alarm. In use, when the golfer makes a good swing with the club head striking the ball solidly, without hitting the ground first, then the alarm will not flash a light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Marc Finley
  • Patent number: 7059600
    Abstract: A kit and method for playing a golf and soccer-like game includes a kit having at least one play ball and a target ball. The kit includes a club having a shaft with a club head rotatably coupled to the shaft. The club head includes a symmetrical club face portion that usable by right or left handed players and may be rotated to adjust the pitch angle of the club face. The shaft of the club is telescopically adjustable. The target ball may be kicked to begin the game. The play ball is smaller than the target ball and may be struck repeatedly with the club until it strikes the target ball. Multiple players using different play balls may take turns striking their ball toward the target ball. Points are awarded for the fewest strokes or for location on the target ball that is hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Jose A. Jarimba
  • Patent number: 6991231
    Abstract: A playing table includes a transparent base plate, four foot stands mounted on the corners of the base plate and each having an upper end having a side formed with a through hole, and four light emitting members each mounted in a respective one of the foot stands and each aligning with the through hole. Thus, each of the light emitting members emits a light source passed through the through hole of a respective one of the foot stands and projected onto the base plate, so that the playing table has a light emitting effect, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the playing table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Acas Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng-Yi Tien
  • Patent number: 6854728
    Abstract: The present invention provides a game having accentuating light emanating through or from a translucent playing surface, sidewalls, and/or representative players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Classic Sport Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Oister, Thomas M. Doherty, William C. Boettcher
  • Patent number: 6793585
    Abstract: A swing measurement method of directly measuring a swing behavior without being influenced by flexure of an impact implement, such as a golf club or baseball bat is provided. In addition, a golf swing analysis method and computer program product having computer program code for a simple and effective model of the behavior of a grip portion during a golf swing is provided. A three dimensional magnetic sensor capable of measuring position and direction is fixed to a grip portion of the impact implement within magnetic fields in which the magnetic field distribution of intensity and direction are known, and the behavior of the swing is directly measured. In addition, the path of the grip portion is approximated as an arc within a swing plane using the three dimensional position coordinates of the grip portion obtained in this measurement, and thus an arm angle, a wrist angle, and an angle of shaft rotation are found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Miyamoto, Hiroshi Saegusa
  • Patent number: 6790166
    Abstract: A method for improving balance and coordination associated with the performance of a sport motion. The method comprises the initial step of providing a training apparatus, the latter comprising a stationary base member having first and second platforms rotationally mounted. The first and second are adapted to receive, respectively, a foot of an individual to enable the individual to stand thereon such that each foot can rotate independently about a separate axis. While standing upon the device, an individual may perform a variety of movements, such as a tennis stroke, golf swing, and the like, and, by virtue of imparting rotational movement to the feet, enable an individual to optimally perform proper rotational movements. The training method maybe incorporated into a sports instruction regimen applicable to a wide-variety of sports, including skiing, surfing, and martial arts, as well as many activities, in addition to tennis, golf and baseball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Broudy
  • Patent number: 6705945
    Abstract: Providing game information via character in a game environment comprises monitoring a position of a character in the game environment, providing visual information to the user based on the position of the character in the game environment, the visual information being presented as a modification of the character, and providing audio information to the user based on the position of the character in the game environment, the audio information being presented as statements from another character. A visual information module visually provides game information to the user within the context of the game environment and an audio information module audibly provides game information to the user within the context of the game environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Scott Gavin, Evan Lindsay Wells
  • Patent number: 6602146
    Abstract: A putt trainer system includes a plurality of ball sensors, each having a lever which pivots at impact with a putted golf ball between a rest position, wherein it blocks a light beam from a light source, and a deflected position. The light beam passes through a recess of predetermined length made in the lever to be detected by a light sensor generating a detection signal of predetermined duration that is compared with a preset value corresponding to a maximum acceptable speed. If the detection signal is at most equal to the preset value, it is further evaluated to determine whether this signal represents an off-centered, partially centered, or centered putt, each of which is allocated a respective score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: John Pirre
  • Patent number: 6367797
    Abstract: A portable, “design-your-own course” miniature golf game utilizing replica golf greens, plastic or rubber tees and balls for play at beaches, lakes or where large sandy areas are available. Players design and build their own course in the sand using implements provided with the game. The game is played by alternately using one's thumb, index or middle fingers to thump (“hit”) the ball in a desired direction or trajectory. The game is based largely on the conventional rules of golf, with specific regulations addressing hand and finger positions and striking techniques for putting the ball in play. Game implements, along with a water-resistant score card and rule book, are packaged in a lightweight, collapsible bag designed to resemble a golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventors: Polly McKenna-Cress, Richard Cress, Ned Drew, Dave Georger, Celene Judge
  • Patent number: 6227973
    Abstract: A video game system for simulating a golf game displays three-dimensional image information indicative of the terrain profile of a golf course and image information of a golf ball on the display screen of a television monitor. The golf ball is moved on the display screen based on the image information indicative of the terrain profile and a command from a controller operated by the game player. A guide comprising a matrix of lines is displayed on the display screen, and the luminance and length of each of said lines are established based on the image information indicative of the terrain profile. The guide is three-dimensionally displayed over the three-dimensional image information indicative of the terrain profile on said display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Kikuchi