Electrical Sensor Or Electrical Indicator Responsive To Swingable Implement Or Projectile Patents (Class 473/151)
  • Patent number: 7801575
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transmitting a signal while conserving battery power by utilizing a resistor in series with a power source prior to a capacitor, allowing that capacitor to be charged at a controlled rate and further comprising an automatic switch, allowing power to flow when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Patent number: 7789742
    Abstract: A system that wirelessly integrates actual golf equipment with a computer and the internet to allow players remotely located from one another to play a competitive simulated game of golf. An individual player may opt to play solo or practice to improve basic golfing techniques. The system includes smart golf clubs, a golf ball receptacle and a golf club motion sensing device, all containing circuits and contact or motion sensors coupled with signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry, thereby wirelessly communicate game performance information to a remote receiver-computer. The computer displays player information and visually simulates and controls a golf game between two players, via the internet, having similar equipment and remotely located from each other. Standard golf clubs may be retrofitted with the sensors and associated circuitry to convert such clubs into “smart clubs” for use with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Wilbert Quinc Murdock, Robert Pollock, Mohamed Aboshihata, Philip A. Williams
  • Patent number: 7785218
    Abstract: A process for the custom design and automated, custom manufacture of golf clubs. According to a first embodiment, a computer user interface, preferably a graphical user interface (GUI), guides a user's selection of preferred golf club design parameters. According to a second embodiment, input data about a golfer's style of play and golf club performance needs are captured from data collection systems, and analyzed by black box algorithms, preferably fuzzy logic algorithms, to infer golf club design parameters. After preferences for, or inferences about, golf club design parameters are developed in accordance with the two embodiments, a computer aided (CA) system is used to design and manufacture the desired golf clubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael Scott Burnett, Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Scott A. Knutson
  • Publication number: 20100210377
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting object location and movement utilizes a first viewing area (40) observed by a first camera (42) cooperating with a light (43) and a second camera (44) cooperating with a light (45). A third camera (46) can be added to observe a second viewing area (47) encompassing the first viewing area (40). The first camera (42) acquires images at time spaced points (51) and (53) along a first trajectory line (55). The second camera (44) acquires images at time spaced points (52) and (54) along a second trajectory line (56). This information is combined to generate the 3-D trajectory line (50) of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy J. Lock
  • Patent number: 7771263
    Abstract: Provided is a swing speed analyzer for mounting on a swinging implement and comprising a first accelerometer, a processor and a shock attenuator. The processor uses an output from the first accelerometer to compute a swing speed of the swinging implement. The shock attenuator is comprised of a material that is sized and dimensioned to dampen an impact shock wave by more than 50% at 125 Hz. The material is preferably sized and dimensioned to dampen the impact shock wave from more than 1000 g to less than 500 g. Suitable attenuators can include viscoelastomeric materials such as foam. The swing speed analyzer can advantageously include any of a releasable attachment mechanism, a liquid crystal or other visual display, a second accelerometer, and a strain gauge. The analyzer can advantageously be attached to a golf club, a tennis racket, a baseball bat, or a hockey stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Telford Golf Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth N. Telford
  • Patent number: 7744480
    Abstract: This application relates to a single camera monitoring system useful for determining parameters relating to a striking instrument as it approaches an object. The monitoring system may be used to determine the swing characteristics of a golf club as it approaches and impacts with a golf ball. The accuracy of the single camera system may be comparable to the accuracy of more complex, multi-camera systems. The application also relates to methods for calibrating a single camera system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: William Gobush
  • Patent number: 7744479
    Abstract: A portable golf practice game consisting of a wall having a front face, rear face, and base. The wall includes a plurality of openings along the base for the entry of an object there-through. Each opening includes an opening sensor to detect the presence of an object there-through. The wall further includes proximity sensors along the base to detect the presence of an object not passing though an opening. The sensors emit a signal which is detected by a processor connected to the wall. Each opening has a corresponding graphic element which displays a value interpreted by the processor. A user chooses a game on the input device, then propels an object toward the wall, a sensor emits a signal, the processor interprets the signal and the graphic element displays an assigned value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Richard A. Whitfield
  • Patent number: 7691003
    Abstract: A method for performing projectile-based sport simulations. A striking apparatus is used to strike a projectile with striking means, the striking apparatus being configurable to alter its strike properties. The strike results from the strike are measured and are entered into a data base along with the corresponding strike properties. The process is repeated for a variety of strike properties. A sports practice device is then provided having a simulation projectile mounted to a flexible tether and sensor means. The striking apparatus is then used to strike the simulation projectile of the sports practice device using the same strike properties as entered into the database. A user strikes the simulation projectile of the sports practice device and sensor readings are measured. The strike results for the user's strike are calculated by correlating the sensor readings with the information entered into the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Anees Munshi
  • Patent number: 7662047
    Abstract: A stroboscope is utilized as an input device of a golf game system (10), for example. The golf game system includes a game machine (12) as an information processing apparatus and a golf-club-shaped input device (14), and within a housing of the game machine, an imaging unit (28) is housed, and the imaging unit is provided with an image sensor (40) and an infrared-LED. By utilizing the infrared-LED, an infrared ray is intermittently emitted to a predetermined range of an upper portion of the imaging unit. Accordingly, the image sensor intermittently images a reflective body provided in the golf-club-shaped input device moving within the range. Such the stroboscope image processing of the reflective body enables calculation of a velocity, and so on as an input of the game machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: SSD Company Limited
    Inventors: Hiromu Ueshima, Katsuya Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7651403
    Abstract: A golf club selecting method includes measuring a behavior of a golf club during a golf swing performed with the golf club gripped and selecting a golf club in accordance with the golf swing. At first, a swing information for characterizing the behavior of the gold club during the golf swing performed with the golf club gripped is acquired. Then a golf club is selected in accordance with the golf swing based on the acquired swing information, wherein the acquired swing information contains a movement speed at each of a plurality of predetermined positions which are different from each other on a golf club shaft axis of the golf club, and the movement speed is a speed in an impact state immediately before a golf ball is hit with the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Yamamoto, Hiroshi Saegusa, Masahiko Miyamoto, Masayoshi Kogawa
  • Patent number: 7641565
    Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for detecting the placement of a golf ball for a launch monitor is disclosed. The method comprises capturing an image of a scan zone that is adjacent to the launch monitor and in the field of view of the launch monitor's image sensor, analyzing the scan zone image for the placement of an object, and determining if the object is likely the golf ball. An apparatus is also disclosed that implements the golf ball detection method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Wintriss Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher M. Kiraly
  • Patent number: 7594860
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus for practicing a golf swing. In one embodiment, the training apparatus includes a sensor unit including a sensor outputting a sensor beam in a substantially horizontal direction, the sensor unit further including a microcontroller in operable communication with the sensor, the microcontroller configured to detect a break in the sensor beam, the sensor unit further including one or more visual indicators, wherein the one or more visual indicators are in operable communication with the microcontroller, and wherein the one or more visual indicators are activated in response to the break in the sensor beam; and a frame coupled to the sensor unit, the frame including a reflector configured to reflect the sensor beam. In another embodiment, a section of the frame may be moved between a first position used to practice driving and a second position used to practice pitching and chipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Dream N Act Co. Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Jason Good, Ha Nam Roger Wong
  • Publication number: 20090111597
    Abstract: Disclosed is a golf swing training machine, which allows a golf beginner to comfortably strike a golf ball in a stable mental state without a burden from the golf ball, thus allowing the golf beginner to effectively master a swing posture in a short period of time. In the golf swing training machine, a tee having a golf ball laid thereon and a tee having no golf ball laid thereon are alternately located at a striking point, or one tee is provided at the striking point such that a golf ball is not laid on the tee during aiming and then is laid on the tee just before a point of the striking time, thereby allowing a trainee to aim at the tee having no golf ball during aiming and thus to strike the golf ball in a stable mental state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Joong-Hoon Nam
  • Patent number: 7404774
    Abstract: The invention is a motion training method. The motion of golf swing will be emphasized. In order to guide a golfer through a proper swing, his/her swing must be analyzed first. To analyze the swing, a set of frame photos will be needed. From those frame photos, the invented method will provide a rule based method to calculate the body mechanics/forces of the golfer. Once the body mechanics/forces are known, the system will then determine the swing is correct or incorrect. If the swing is incorrect, the system will then make suggestions to the golfer about how to correct his/her swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Koun-Ping Cheng
  • Patent number: 7344446
    Abstract: The ball detection apparatus is for detecting when a golf ball is hit off a golf tee of an automatic golf ball teeing machine. The detection apparatus comprises a radar device for producing a first signal in response to detecting movement of a golf club towards the tee, a directional microphone for producing a second signal in response to detecting the sound of a golf club striking a golf ball and monitoring means for detecting a coincidence between the first and second signals. An automatic golf ball teeing machine including such ball detection apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Martin Wyeth
  • Patent number: 7321330
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ball measuring apparatus capable of measuring a trajectory of a ball from a hitting position to a landing position, the landing position and a stop position. A ball measuring apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment includes a first millimeter wave radar device 1 capable of carrying out a measurement from the hitting position to a predetermined position of the trajectory and having at least one transmitting antenna and a plurality of receiving antennas, and a second millimeter wave radar device 2 capable of measuring the stop position and having at least one transmitting antenna and a plurality of receiving antennas. A ball measuring apparatus 101 according to a second embodiment has a millimeter wave radar device 31 and a CCD camera 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventor: Takahiro Sajima
  • Patent number: 7286230
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: D'Miles Salmon
  • Publication number: 20070197305
    Abstract: It is aimed at providing a golf address deviation detecting apparatus capable of detecting as to which of inaccuracy in loft angle, inaccuracy in lie angle, and inaccuracy in face orientation, inaccuracy, if any, occurred upon address by golf club is caused by. There is provided an apparatus comprising a light reflecting section(s) and light irradiating units, so that inaccuracies in loft angle, lie angle, and face orientation are detected and distinguished from one another, based on differences among patterns of the light-beams reflected by the light reflecting section(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Shigehiro Kawai
  • Patent number: 7220187
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for computing and outputting a putting backstroke instruction for a planned putt of a golf ball during recreational play. A computing means includes means for initializing or customizing according to a specific golfer putting on a specific golf green, the golfer putting at least one initializing putt a pre-selected distance on a level area of a green. During recreational play thereafter, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the golfer, for each segment of a planned putt enters the applicable grade and length. The computing means outputs to the golfer an instruction for the length of the backstroke recommended, i.e., required for the planned putt. Another embodiment of the invention requires the inputting of the length of the planned putt but excludes the inputting of the grade of the green.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventors: Gary E. Schmidt, Philip A. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7160196
    Abstract: A tray (10) for supplying coded golf balls (50) to the tee (41) of a golf driving range comprises a first zone (11) for receiving golf balls, one of which is selected to be played by moving it by means of a club over a barrier (14) to a second (12) where it passes under gravity through an outlet (30) past a code reader (41) to the tee (41). An indicator light (46) is provided to confirm that the code has been read. The barrier (14) may have a grooved side (15) to assist transfer of the golf ball from the first zone (11) to the second zone (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: World Golf Systems Limited
    Inventors: John S. Thirkettle, David V. Jolliffe
  • Patent number: 7101287
    Abstract: A sports training apparatus for sports in which a ball or the like are played with a racket or the like, comprising a programmable microcomputer, an acoustic device and at least one input device, wherein the microcomputer can be controlled by the input device to output acoustic signals indicating specific motions by means of acoustic output devices and for changing the duration, interval and quality of said signals. The invention aims at providing a sports training device which is lasting and practical to use, e.g., small, lightweight and relatively easy and simple to use and offering mental support for practicing said sport. To this end, the microcomputer, the acoustic device and at least part of the input device are located in a casing having the form of a wrist-watch. The acoustic device comprises a voice generator for generating at least two different words.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Herrmann Wagner
  • Patent number: 7097459
    Abstract: Reference points (M1 through M17) are specified in colors at two or more positions longitudinally spaced at a given interval on a golf club shaft (11a) and one or more positions selected from among a golfer's head and the like. A moving image of a golfer's swing is photographed by cameras (13-1, 13-2). The moving image of the swing is converted into a plurality of still images. The still images are stored in a computer (14). Evaluation items to be checked including a swing posture and a shaft angle in a range from an addressing state till an impact state are expressed by numeric values, based on coordinate data of each of the reference points (M1 through M17) disposed on a plurality of the still images. The data expressed by the numeric values are compared with judging data inputted to the computer (14) in advance as ideal values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Sri Sports Limited
    Inventors: Masahiko Ueda, Masahide Onuki, Hiroshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7040998
    Abstract: A golf game employing r.f-tag coded golf balls has a playing area with r.f. antennae located underneath to enable the number of strokes taken by a player to be counted. Separate antennae are provided for the tee area and hole, respectively, and the antennae around the hole are smaller to improve resolution. The antennae are connected to a computer which monitors successive moving and stationary phases of a golf ball to count the number of strokes taken by a player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: World Golf Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven P. Jolliffe, David V. Jolliffe, Geoffrey Emmerson
  • Patent number: 6887162
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises one or more light sources (18,15) for providing light emitted from or reflected by the moving article and one or more light sensing mechanisms (15, 12, 50, 51) arranged to provide a signal when illuminated by said light, at least one of the light sensing mechanisms (15, 12, 50, 51) being arranged to detect when the moving article intercepts a known detection plane (19, 20, 21, 64, 65, 66, 67), wherever the article intercepts the plane. The sensing mechanism may comprise a slit aperture (10, 11, 12, 23, 60, 61) and/or cylindrical lens to define a detection plane. The apparatus may be used to measure the pre-impact and post-impact position and/or motion of a golf clubhead (7) and/or of a golf ball (1) during execution of a golf shot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Norman Matheson Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20040209698
    Abstract: Reference points (M1 through M17) are specified in colors at two or more positions longitudinally spaced at a given interval on a golf club shaft (11a) and one or more positions selected from among a golfer's head and the like. A moving image of a golfer's swing is photographed by cameras (13-1, 13-2). The moving image of the swing is converted into a plurality of still images. The still images are stored in a computer (14). Evaluation items to be checked including a swing posture and a shaft angle in a range from an addressing state till an impact state are expressed by numeric values, based on coordinate data of each of the reference points (M1 through M17) disposed on a plurality of the still images. The data expressed by the numeric values are compared with judging data inputted to the computer (14) in advance as ideal values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Masahiko Ueda, Masahide Onuki, Hiroshi Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20040198524
    Abstract: In a golf simulation system, a setting plate for locating a golf ball is provided in a striking zone, and a setting plate adjusting means is provided below the setting plate. A control section calculates moved distance and stoppage position of golf ball based on the flying trace of golf ball sensed by the flying trace sensing means, and inputs signals reflecting the three-dimensional images of the golf course along the flying trace into the projector, so that the three-dimensional images are displayed on the projection screen. Also, the control section controls the setting plate adjusting means in accordance with the height and inclined angle of the stoppage position, so that the setting plate can be automatically adjusted to the height and inclined angle equal to those of the stoppage position. Therefore, a golfer can exercise golf in various inclined angles and topographical conditions like a real golf course.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Oh Seok Kwon
  • Publication number: 20040185952
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining in a ball game (for example, tennis) the position, relative to a service reference lines (12), of the first contact of the ball (14) with the playing surface. In play, the ball passes through a collimated light beam to intercept light directed at a light sensing array, which comprises many closely spaced sensors (46) arranged in column and row formation. A signal storage means includes one storage device for each of the sensors, so that the position of the ball may be tracked in the storage means as it passes through the light beam. The said position is determined by tracking in the storage means the front of the ball (14F), and for each sensed position of the ball front determining the then height (H) of the top of the ball, at a position displaced rearwardly one half the ball diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: John Reuben Marshall
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040176174
    Abstract: A tray (10) for supplying coded golf balls (50) to the tee (41) of a golf driving range comprises a first zone (11) for receiving golf balls, one of which is selected to be played by moving it by means of a club over a barrier (14) to a second (12) where it passes under gravity through an outlet (30) past a code reader (41) to the tee (41). An indicator light (46) is provided to confirm that the code has been read. The barrier (14) may have a grooved side (15) to assist transfer of the golf ball from the first zone (11) to the second zone (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: John S Thirkettle, David B Jolliffe
  • Publication number: 20040166948
    Abstract: A golf-related video recording apparatus and method comprises a tee-off area, and a green area. A field house structure is positioned adjacent the tee-off area and houses video recording and playback equipment and a solar powered electrical power source for powering video equipment. Video cameras are positioned in the tee-off area and the green area and are able to download four channels of video data wirelessly to the video equipment. Motion actuation of the video cameras and coin operated actuation of the system enables capture of drives and putts, and presentation on a video monitor as well as recording on media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Gord Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040162154
    Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing kinetic motion is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of video capture devices, such as high speed digital video cameras, a device for storing videos obtained by the video cameras, a video display device, and a computer. The computer is operatively connected to a display device for playing the video from each of the plurality of cameras simultaneously. Preferably the videos from each of the plurality of cameras are synchronized to play at the same time and show the same kinetic motion from different angles at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: David DeJohn
  • Publication number: 20040147330
    Abstract: A swing fault-correction matrix method and apparatus provides a means to analyze the deficiencies associated with a golfer's swing and further provide a specific training and rehabilitation program to correct the identified deficiencies. The swing fault-correction matrix includes a golf pro analysis component, a mechanical causes component and a physical causes component to identify the specific deficiencies created by the golfer's swing. The swing fault-correction matrix also includes a golf drills component, strength exercises component, stretches component and functional exercises component to provide remedies to the corresponding swing deficiencies identified by the swing fault-correction matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Mark DiMare
  • Publication number: 20040077429
    Abstract: A miniature golf course device that is in the shape of an elephant. An internal frame provides support for a ball guide with moving parts and an external body covering. A golf ball enters the trunk opening, the pivoting trunk is raised, and the golf ball travels through the interior of the elephant. The ball exists the rear end to simulate the elephant pooping the ball. The trunk is raised by operating a tail lever. Operation of the tail lever is accompanied by visual and acoustic effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Elizabeth Ann Moorehead, Jeffry Thomas Russell
  • Publication number: 20040072624
    Abstract: A mobile device for practising golf ball strokes resting on a base (1), onto which a cabinet (3) is attached by means of a mounting (2), the said cabinet (3) housing a reel (4) provided with brake (5), cord (6) and switch lever (7) connected with a control and guiding rod (8), the said reel (4) being equipped with a motor (9) connected to the control unit (10) incorporating a source (11) and a display (12), with the cord (6) passing at the exit from the (3) through a sensing (13) connected with the control unit (10), with the ball (14) being attached in a rotary manner at the end of the cord (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Zdenek Pribyl
  • Publication number: 20030203762
    Abstract: Golf Training Device with a housing, the housing enclosing a battery power source, a light source such as an LED, a microprocessor, a proportional light sensor, an audio transducer and a momentary on/off switch, a flat rectangular surface such as a sheet of thin plastic having a length equal to that of an average putters swing, the sheet coated with non-reflective material such as flat black paint, the sheet also having a centrally located narrow reflective strip attached to and traversing longitudinally along the surface of said sheet, said sheet being placed on the ground or floor during use said reflective strip being interrupted at regular intervals with non-reflective material, said housing being provided with an attachment means such as a magnet or hook and loop type fasteners to allow said housing to removably attach to the side of a golf club head, said LED aimed downward toward said reflective strip, said microprocessor capable of interpreting the closeness of said LED light to said reflective strip
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth Jay Ross
  • Publication number: 20030195052
    Abstract: A golf tee shot-green placement measuring system for measuring distances of tee shots upon a predetermined green from the cup or hole, and a method of performing such measurement, comprises the use of a video camera which once locked in position with respect to a predetermined region of the green, can measure the distances of golf balls from the green cup or hole through pixel grid measurements and the relationship of such pixels to inch dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: PROSWING INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Daniel E. Cohen, Robert Wm. Fierek
  • Publication number: 20030166420
    Abstract: A golf practising device includes a base, a number of sensors disposed along the base for sensing a movement of the ball along the base, a displayer device, and a processor device coupled to the sensors for receiving signals from the sensors and for treating the signals from the sensors and for sending treated signals to the displayer device and to be displayed on the displayer device. One or more fences are disposed on the sides of the base, and a housing disposed on the other end of the base for supporting the sensors. The fences each includes a number of bars secured together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jason Chou
  • Patent number: 6579191
    Abstract: The present invention entails a laser guided golf putting system. A laser is mounted into a golf ball mechanism. The golf ball mechanism is comprised of a golf ball mounted on a shaft and supported by a support ball. When a golfer strikes the golf ball, the ball, securely connected to the shaft, falls forward. When the ball falls forward, the laser mounted in the golf ball mechanism shines forward and indicates on a target where the golf ball is projected to go. The laser is activated when the golf ball mechanism is in the fallen position, and deactivated when the golf ball mechanism is upright and ready for a golfer to strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Todd E. Hambly
  • Patent number: 6565449
    Abstract: Sports related self-contained impact detection and display device that allows the bat, racquet, club, or ball to determine the intensity of the impact and provide an estimate on the speed, force, direction or distance that would result from the impact. The device is self-contained and allows the device to be mounted within or on the bat, racquet, club or ball. In addition to estimation of speed, force, direction or distance the device can collect multiple impacts and provide minimum, maximum, average, sum and totals of the impacts. The user interface can also provide a graphical representation of the resulting trajectory or flight of the object being impacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Kirk Alyn Buhler
  • Patent number: 6561917
    Abstract: A system (20) for capturing and analyzing golf club information and golf ball information during and after a golfer's swing is disclosed herein. The golf club information includes golf club head orientation, golf club head velocity, and golf club spin. The golf club head orientation includes dynamic lie, loft and face angle of the golf club head. The golf club head velocity includes path of the golf club head, attack of the golf club head and downrange information. The golf ball information includes golf ball velocity, golf ball launch angle, golf ball side angle, golf ball speed manipulation and golf ball orientation. The golf ball orientation includes the true spin of the golf ball, and the tilt axis of the golf ball which entails the back spin and the side spin of the golf ball. The system includes camera units (26 and 28), a trigger device (30) and a computer (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Scott R. Manwaring
  • Publication number: 20030004005
    Abstract: An apparatus for uniquely identifying a golf ball at a target includes a simulated golfing green having one or multiple target area apertures therein. A ball collector is mounted under each aperture. A ball identification means cooperates with the ball collector for identifying uniquely identified game balls from non-uniquely identified golf balls and transmits identity information corresponding to each game ball of the game balls to a remote processing station for correlating the identity of a golfer with the identity information. A surveillance means cooperates with the first target area so as to provide for remote monitoring of the first target area. A first signal means is provided for signalling the golfer and a remote monitor when a uniquely identified game ball has entered the aperture. A first sensor means is provided for detecting when a uniquely identified game ball lands in the first target area and for signalling the golfer and a remote monitor upon such detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Clifford L. Ainsworth, Robert G. Leach
  • Patent number: 6485374
    Abstract: A golf swing trainer 10 comprises a golf club 12 and a mat 14. A head 13 of the golf club 12 has an electrically conducting leading edge 16 and an electrically non-conducting/insulating sole 18. When the golf club 12 is swung correctly, at the bottom of the player's swing the leading edge 16 makes an electrical contact between contacts 20a and 20b, which are embedded in the mat 14. The electrical contact between the leading edge 16 and the contacts 20a and 20b completes an electrical circuit and causes an alarm (not shown) to indicate by a sound or light for instance that correct contact has been made and a good swing has been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Julian Myerscough
  • Patent number: 6461246
    Abstract: A device for putt-practice is disclosed. This device has a first casing opened at its opposite ends, with a speed sensor provided at each end of the first casing and a ball inlet formed at one end of the first casing. A second casing, opened at its opposite ends, is axially connected to an end of the first casing, with a transparent window provided at the upper portion of the second casing for guiding a backstroke movement of a putter during an act of putting. This second casing also has a displaying means for displaying a target putting distance preset by a user, a practical backstroke distance of the putter, and putting results after the act of putting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: KGP Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Min Lee, Bum-Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 6458038
    Abstract: A golf putting indication device includes a light emitting golf putter, a light sensing unit, and a display unit. The light emitting golf putter includes a light beam which projects from a strike face of the light emitting golf putter. The light sensing unit includes a plurality of photocells. Each photocell is housed in a tubular compartment. The display unit contains a plurality of light emitting devices. The number of light emitting devices corresponds to the number of photocells. Each photocell is electrically connected to a battery and to a single light emitting device. When a photocell is struck with the beam of light, the photocell's respective light emitting device emits light. In use, a golfer practices swinging the light emitting golf putter such that the light beam only enters one of the tubular compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Teh-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 6456232
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that can determine the speed of a golf club or golf ball, and report that speed in a format suitable for use on a television broadcast, a radio broadcast, the Internet or another medium. In one embodiment, the system includes a set of radars pointed toward the golf ball. Data from the radars is collected and sent to a computer which can determine the speed of the club during a swing, the speed of the ball after being hit, the angle of the path of the ball and/or other related statistics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Sportvision, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Milnes, Marvin S. White, Richard H. Cavallaro, Stanley K. Honey, Fred Judson Heinzmann
  • Publication number: 20020107077
    Abstract: Sports related self-contained impact detection and display device that allows the bat, racquet, club, or ball to determine the intensity of the impact and provide an estimate on the speed, force, direction or distance that would result from the impact. The device is self-contained and allows the device to be mounted within or on the bat, racquet, club or ball. In addition to estimation of speed, force, direction or distance the device can collect multiple impacts and provide minimum, maximum, average, sum and totals of the impacts. The user interface can also provide a graphical representation of the resulting trajectory or flight of the object being impacted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Kirk Alyn Buhler
  • Publication number: 20020103035
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises one or more light sources (18;15) for providing light emitted from or reflected by the moving article and one or more light sensing means (15; 12, 50, 51) arranged to provide a signal when illuminated by said light, at least one of the light sensing means (15; 12, 50, 51) being arranged to detect when the moving article intercepts a known detection plane (19, 20, 21, 64, 65, 66, 67), wherever the article intercepts the plane. The sensing means may comprise a slit aperture (10, 11, 12, 23, 60, 61) and/or cylindrical lens to define a detection plane. The apparatus may be used to measure the pre-impact and post-impact position and/or motion of a golf clubhead (7) and/or of a golf ball (1) during execution of a golf shot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Norman Matheson Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20020098898
    Abstract: A system (20) for capturing and analyzing golf club information and golf ball information during and after a golfer's swing is disclosed herein. The golf club information includes golf club head orientation, golf club head velocity, and golf club spin. The golf club head orientation includes dynamic lie, loft and face angle of the golf club head. The golf club head velocity includes path of the golf club head, attack of the golf club head and downrange information. The golf ball information includes golf ball velocity, golf ball launch angle, golf ball side angle, golf ball speed manipulation and golf ball orientation. The golf ball orientation includes the true spin of the golf ball, and the tilt axis of the golf ball which entails the back spin and the side spin of the golf ball. The system includes camera units (26 and 28), a trigger device (30) and a computer (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Scott R. Manwaring
  • Publication number: 20020098897
    Abstract: A system (20) for capturing and analyzing golf club information and golf ball information during and after a golfer's swing is disclosed herein. The golf club information includes golf club head orientation, golf club head velocity, and golf club spin. The golf club head orientation includes dynamic lie, loft and face angle of the golf club head. The golf club head velocity includes path of the golf club head, attack of the golf club head and downrange information. The golf ball information includes golf ball velocity, golf ball launch angle, golf ball side angle, golf ball speed manipulation and golf ball orientation. The golf ball orientation includes the true spin of the golf ball, and the tilt axis of the golf ball which entails the back spin and the side spin of the golf ball. The system includes camera units (26 and 28), a trigger device (30) and a computer (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Scott R. Manwaring
  • Publication number: 20020091008
    Abstract: A device for putt-practice is disclosed. This device has a first casing opened at its opposite ends, with a speed sensor provided at each end of the first casing and a ball inlet formed at one end of the first casing. A second casing, opened at its opposite ends, is axially connected to an end of the first casing, with a transparent window provided at the upper portion of the second casing for guiding a backstroke movement of a putter during an act of putting. This second casing also has a displaying means for displaying a target putting distance preset by a user, a practical backstroke distance of the putter, and putting results after the act of putting. The device of this invention thus allows the user to preset a desired putting distance, and senses the backstroke distance of a putter during an act of putting in accordance with the preset putting distance. The user is thus allowed to putt with a precise backstroke of the putter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Dong-Min Lee, Bum-Jae Lee