Abstract: Enables a fitting system for sporting equipment using an application that executes on a mobile phone for example to prompt and accept motion inputs from a given motion capture sensor to measure a user's size, range of motion, speed and then utilizes that same sensor to capture motion data from a piece of equipment, for example to further optimize the fit of, or suggest purchase of a particular piece of sporting equipment. Utilizes correlation or other data mining of motion data for size, range of motion, speed of other users to maximize the fit of a piece of equipment for the user based on other user's performance with particular equipment. For example, this enables a user of a similar size, range of motion and speed to data mine for the best performance equipment, e.g., longest drive, lowest putt scores, highest winning percentage, etc., associated with other users having similar characteristics.

Abstract: An intelligent golf swing includes a swing body, a top spotlight device and a lower spotlight device. The swing body includes a middle rod and a lower rod. The lower rod is installed at the bottom end of the middle rod. The lower rod and the middle rod are arranged in a straight line. The top spotlight device is fixedly installed at the top end of the middle rod. The top spotlight device includes a spotlight and a switch. The lower spotlight device is fixedly installed on the lower rod. The lower spotlight device includes a lampwick and a button switch. A light emitted by the lampwick is allowed to be emitted from the bottom end of the lower rod, and the aforementioned light, the swing body, the lower rod and the middle rod are located on the same straight line.

Abstract: A cutting length display device for a hand-held machine tool includes at least one display unit that has at least one light source. The display unit is configured to display at least one position of a cutting edge of a machine tool on a workpiece to be machined depending on a set cutting depth of the machine tool by way of a light beam. The display unit has a mirror unit that is configured to deflect the light beam depending on the set cutting depth of the machining tool.

Abstract: The invention discloses a golf ball hitting system for training assistance in the technical field of golf. A main control chip is controlled by a remote control server module so as to control a light-guiding line module and a laser light generator to display on the ground: a target point; a linear motion trajectory of a putter to stabilize the direction; the back swing length and the follow-through length to operate the swing amplitude of the putter; and a laser light point to guide the swing speed of a club head and stabilize the rhythm. With the assistance of the invention, the putting performance of a golfer can be effectively improved.

Abstract: An adjustable laser-sensor paired system for creating or replicating a desired swing form includes a laser device and a sensor device. The laser device has a laser which emits a laser beam and a mounting device which attaches the laser device to an object. The orientation of the laser is adjustable. The sensor device has an optical linear position sensor for detecting the laser beam of the laser device and a display with LEDs for providing feedback and user interface. With the system and method, one or more checkpoints for the form of a desired swing can be created at a selected point in the swing path, which may then be used as practice reference guides to check whether the user is correctly replicating the desired swing.

Abstract: A swing practice device for emitting light at impact through self-generation enables an impact moment to be checked with the naked eyes without needing a battery by emitting light at an impact time point through self-generation during swinging by using a golf club, a baseball bat, and the like. The swing practice device includes a power generation magnet provided to a shaft so as to slide in the longitudinal direction of the shaft during swinging; a power generation coil provided on the circumference of a section in which the power generation magnet moves; a light-emitting lamp connected to the power generation coil so as to be turned on by the movement of the power generation magnet; and a magnet control means for preventing the movement of the power generation magnet at a set swing speed or lower.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for teaching a player the proper alignment when addressing a golf ball. In one aspect, such tools and techniques provide an alignment aid that allows the player to visualize both the intended target line of the shot as well as the position of the ball relative to the player's stance, allowing the player to easily modify his stance to obtain the proper alignment.

Abstract: Provided is an auxiliary apparatus for a golf putter including a coupling member detachably coupled to a shaft of the golf putter and a guide light emitting device coupled to the coupling member and configured to emit a guide light to help golf putting. The coupling member includes a first coupling member opened at upper and lower portions and one side thereof and detachably coupled to the golf putter through the opened space, and a second coupling member extending from the first coupling member and opened at upper and lower portions thereof, the second coupling member being configured to accommodate the guide light emitting device through the opened space.

Abstract: Some disclosed golf club heads include body having at least one raised sole portion and a cantilevered ledge extending down around a perimeter of the club head below the level of the raised sole portion. Some disclosed golf club heads include one or more sole openings in the body and a sole insert that is mounted inside the body over the sole openings. The sole can include weight tracks as well, and a rear weight track can extend between a toe side sole opening and a heel side sole opening. A crown insert can also be included that is mounted over an upper opening in the body.

Abstract: A method for ball game training, the method comprising steps executed by at least one computer, the steps comprising: receiving image data of a player and a ball, the image data being captured using at least two cameras, using the received image data, tracking motion of the player and motion of the ball in three dimensions, based on the tracked motions, predicting a position of the player and a trajectory of the ball, and based on the predicted position and trajectory, generating a control command for at least one ball throwing machine.

Abstract: A putting stroke sensor is attachable to a putter head for measuring characteristics of a putting stroke. A motion sensor integrated circuit is configured to measure acceleration of the putter head along several axes and rotation of the putter head around the several axes during a putting stroke. A processor is programmed to determine a speed, a position and an orientation of the putter head at selective intervals during the putting stroke.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf swing analyzer capable of easily checking a swing trace and a swing speed of a golf club and an impact point.

Abstract: A motion sensor package with an elastomer layer that encases the sensor electronics, including the sensors, a processor, an antenna, and a battery. The elastomer layer may provide shock isolation and water resistance to protect the enclosed electronics. Embodiments may also include an outer housing into which the elastomer encased package is installed. The outer housing may for example comprise two cylindrical sections that screw together to close the outer housing. In one or more embodiments part of the outer housing may be integrated into an item of sports equipment. Embodiments for golf may also include a golf club grip adapter that is inserted into the top of a grip, and which attaches to the outer housing containing the elastomer enclosed sensor package.

Abstract: A shatter proof enclosure and mount for a motion capture element that couples to equipment, where the enclosure and optionally the mount is shatter proof or shatter resistant. Exposed areas of the enclosure or mount or both that are subject to impact may be covered with a protective layer that prevents fragments of the enclosure or internal components from exiting the layer, even in the event of an impact. For example, the protective layer may incorporate flexible materials such as silicone rubber. Alternatively, the protective layer may be rigid but effectively unbreakable, using materials such as polycarbonate. The protective layer may also include a mesh that prevents internal components from existing the enclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for acquiring and targeting an object placed in motion, tracking the object's movement, and while tracking, measuring the object's characteristics and marking the object with an external indicator until the object comes to rest is provided. The systems and methods include an acquisition and tracking system, a data capture system, and a marking control system. Through the components of the system, an object moving through two or three dimensional space can be externally marked to assist with improving the performance of striking the object.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conditioning apparatus for conditioning a user includes a target, and an illumination source spaced apart from the target. The illumination source is configured to project a light upon the target for use in response to movement of the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a conditioning apparatus for conditioning a user includes a target, and an illumination source spaced apart from the target. The illumination source is configured to project a light upon the target for use in response to movement of the user.

Abstract: A method for predicting a golfer's swing speed, wherein the method comprises determining that the golfer is addressing a golf ball to swing a golf club, monitoring a backswing, determining a transition time, monitoring a downswing, determining an impact time, transmitting data for the golfer's swing to a receiver for analysis and generating a golfer's swing speed using a length of a shaft of the golf club.

Abstract: A golf swing training device communicates a deviation from a proper golf swing path. The golf swing training device includes a two stands each having a stand adjustment scale attached to a light detector, a light source and a stand base. An upper beam is created by aligning the upper light detector with the upper light source. A lower beam is created by aligning the lower light detector with the lower light source. The proper golf swing path involves swinging a golf club on a back swing outside the lower beam and inside the upper beam, on a down swing inside the upper beam and outside the lower beam and on the follow through, outside the lower beam and inside the upper beam. The deviation from the proper golf swing path is communicated to a user.

Abstract: A swing training system which includes a light-reactive surface, and a training device having a light source capable of striking the light-reactive surface and creating a temporary visual representation of the path of the light over the surface. The device can include multiple light sources, which according to the arrangement of the illuminated paths on the surface indicate if the proper alignment was achieved during a swing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, an individual can use the swing training system to perform a stroke to simulate striking a golf ball on the surface. The movement path of the device over the pad is visually illustrated by the reaction of the light source with the light-reactive material such that the individual can observe the actual stroke direction and alignment indicated by the light source path.

Abstract: A device for assisting and training golfers with their putts. The device includes an elongated section configured to be placed on the ground where the golfer intends to make his backswing for a selected put. A vertical section or “backstop” is configured to be placed at selected locations along the elongated section to corresponding to different putt lengths, and therefore different backswing lengths. A distance scale may be printed on the elongated section. Light projection devices may be included to project a predicted ball path. A backswing speed indicator system may also be included.

Abstract: An improved method and system for aligning and calibrating the swing of a golf club, specifically a putter, that uses multiple laser beam projections with markings on them, used in conjunction with an alignment and calibration guide laid on the ground for providing instant and continuous feedback to a golfer for the purpose of hitting a golf ball in a straight direction with a consistent and predictable distance.

Abstract: An improved method and system for aligning and calibrating the swing of a golf club, specifically a putter, that uses multiple laser beam projections with markings on them, used in conjunction with an alignment and calibration guide laid on the ground for providing instant and continuous feedback to a golfer for the purpose of hitting a golf ball in a straight direction with a consistent and predictable distance.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus includes a base for supporting a person and at least one target path. A pair of risers is fixed with the base, each having a receiver for an arm mechanism that extends up and over the person's head, terminates at a distal end, and pivots between top and bottom positions. The arm mechanism includes a plurality of pulleys fixed thereto around which a cable is positioned. An urging mechanism urges the arm mechanism into the top position. The cable is fixed between the distal end of the arm mechanism and the riser, and includes a shackle at a distal end thereof. A generally cylindrical handle is slidably fixed with and captures the shackle between forward and rear stops. The handle includes a first laser and an opposing second laser for illuminating the target path during practice swings of the handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club head having a multifunctional damping assembly. In certain aspects, the invention provides a damping assembly configured to provide dampening of vibrational response of the club head upon impact of the club face with a golf ball, thereby improving the feel of the club. The damping assembly is further configured to provide information to a golfer in the form of visual and/or audible feedback indicative of one or more characteristics of a golf ball strike with the club face.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf shot set up and aiming aid. The aid comprises a direction sensing means (104) and at least one illumination means (106), whereby the illumination means is capable of projecting a set-up line (200, 202) and aiming line (230, 204) on a playing surface for the user, and, the illumination means is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis (110) in response to feedback from the direction sensing means. In this manner, after acquisition of an intended target by the user along an imaginary target line, the direction sensing means can be used to detect if the aid is moved or rotated in such a manner as to no longer face towards the intended target. If so, the illumination device which is rotatable will be turned to account for any rotation imparted to the aid. Therefore, once the target has been acquired, the user can place the aid onto the ground without worrying about rotating the aid inadvertently as the aid is placed on the ground.

Abstract: A golf swing training aid with a target-line guide, a rail, a clubface guide and an upright assembly. The target-line guide provides a straight line for aiming at a target. The rail runs parallel to the target-line guide and has a bottom for placing on a golfing surface. The clubface guide is perpendicular to the target-line guide and provides a straight line for a clubface of a golf club to parallel with when the golfer sets up or when the clubface passes over, under or through the clubface guide when a golfer swings the golf club. The upright assembly is attached to the rail and is constrained along a straight line on the rail, where the straight line is parallel to the target-line guide and where the upright assembly provides the clubface guide. The target-line and clubface guide can be a rod, a string, a series of laser dots, or a laser line.

Abstract: A golf swing training club includes a golf club, with a shaft, a grip and a club head, and a golf swing training aid, with a light beam generator along the shaft placeable in an on state to generate inside and outside light beams directed towards inside and outside positions corresponding to the head and toe of the club head. A golfing stroke can be executed over a surface so that the paths of the inside and outside light beams along the surface can be observed during the golfing stroke. A second light beam can be generated generally parallel to the shaft and away from the club head; the path of the second light beam along the surface can also be observed during a backswing portion of the golfing stroke.

Abstract: In one aspect, golf club heads are described herein. A golf club head described herein can comprise a hitting face, a heel positioned behind the hitting face, a top positioned between the hitting face and the heel, and a luminescent component, wherein the luminescent component is positioned to project a spot of light onto a golf ball at a point on the golf ball tangent to the hitting face of the club head and aligned with the center of the hitting face of the club head.

Abstract: Described is a golf club swing aid, comprising a golf club having an elongated shaft and a club head disposed on one end of the shaft. The club head has an interior cavity, a face, and one or more light sources mounted in said interior cavity and flush with the club head face such that the lights are visible to the user. The lights are electrically connected to a power source positioned within the interior cavity and also to a switch that allows a user to turn the light sources on or off. During the swing, the lights positioned on the face create a faint trail of light that allows a user to visualize the swing path of the golf club. In this way, the user can see the position of the club head throughout the swing and is better able to identify any flaws or inconsistencies in his or her swing.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus includes a base for supporting a person and at least one target path. A pair of risers is fixed with the base, each having a receiver for an arm mechanism that extends up and over the person's head, terminates at a distal end, and pivots between top and bottom positions. The arm mechanism includes a plurality of pulleys fixed thereto around which a cable is positioned. An urging mechanism urges the arm mechanism into the top position. The cable is fixed between the distal end of the arm mechanism and the riser, and includes a shackle at a distal end thereof. A generally cylindrical handle is slidably fixed with and captures the shackle between forward and rear stops. The handle includes a first laser and an opposing second laser for illuminating the target path during practice swings of the handle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf shot set up and aiming aid. The aid comprises a direction sensing means (104) and at least one illumination means (106), whereby the illumination means is capable of projecting a set-up line (200, 202) and aiming line (230, 204) on a playing surface for the user, and, the illumination means is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis (110) in response to feedback from the direction sensing means. In this manner, after acquisition of an intended target by the user along an imaginary target line, the direction sensing means can be used to detect if the aid is moved or rotated in such a manner as to no longer face towards the intended target. If so, the illumination device which is rotatable will be turned to account for any rotation imparted to the aid. Therefore, once the target has been acquired, the user can place the aid onto the ground without worrying about rotating the aid inadvertently as the aid is placed on the ground.

Abstract: A golf swing training club includes a golf club, with a shaft, a grip and a club head, and a golf swing training aid, with a light beam generator along the shaft placeable in an on state to generate inside and outside light beams directed towards inside and outside positions corresponding to the head and toe of the club head. A golfing stroke can be executed over a surface so that the paths of the inside and outside light beams along the surface can be observed during the golfing stroke. A second light beam can be generated generally parallel to the shaft and away from the club head; the path of the second light beam along the surface can also be observed during a backswing portion of the golfing stroke.

Abstract: Improved golf swing apparatus and methods that include a short shaft (preferably about 13 inches) training club having a training grip and a club head that gives instant visual feedback on swing alignment to a user during the motion of swinging. A bubble or spirit level and light-emitting end of the shaft provide further feedback on a user's swing alignment in terms of correct wrist and shaft position.

Abstract: The interactive alignment system incorporates a luminescent element that highlights the club's centerline to facilitate aiming and provides a tangential projected halo on the golf ball from the center of club's face that helps visual targeting of the swing stroke.

Abstract: A device for assisting and training golfers with their putts. The device includes an elongated section configured to be placed on the ground where the golfer intends to make his backswing for a selected put. A vertical section or “backstop” is configured to be placed at selected locations along the elongated section to corresponding to different putt lengths, and therefore different backswing lengths. A distance scale may be printed on the elongated section. Light projection devices may be included to project a predicted ball path. A backswing speed indicator system may also be included.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for measurement and analysis of a behavior of a golf club head. Specifically, the system comprises a measurement and analysis device having a marker recognition and positional information acquisition unit for recognizing the at least one marker and acquiring positional information of the recognized at least one marker, a vector calculation unit for calculating a first vector representing a direction of the head and a second vector representing a tangent vector of a trajectory of the head during the golf swing, and a vector angle change acquisition unit for calculating a vector angle between the first vector and the second vector and acquiring a time series change of the calculated vector angle.

Abstract: A swing training system which includes a light-reactive surface, and a training device having a light source capable of striking the light-reactive surface and creating a temporary visual representation of the path of the light over the surface. The device can include multiple light sources, which according to the arrangement of the illuminated paths on the surface indicate if the proper alignment was achieved during a swing. In accordance with at least one embodiment, an individual can use the swing training system to perform a stroke to simulate striking a golf ball on the surface. The movement path of the device over the pad is visually illustrated by the reaction of the light source with the light-reactive material such that the individual can observe the actual stroke direction and alignment indicated by the light source path.

Abstract: Golf putter apparatus includes a golf putter, a laser light generator and mirror mounting structure inserted in the shaft maintaining proper positioning of a mirror used to reflect laser light from the laser light generator and operable to hold the mirror in stable fixed position and orientation.

Abstract: A pendulum type golf putting practice device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising: a putting guide device having a light-emitting device emitting light to a putter head or a putting surface for guiding a direction and a distance of the putter; a putter sensing device for detecting the moving direction and the distance of the putter; and an alerting information device for informing about the accuracy of the detected moving direction and the distance of the putter.

Abstract: A golf analysis system includes a light emitter assembly, including first and second light emitters spaced apart from one another, and a light detector assembly, including first and second sets of light detectors arranged along a surface of a practice area beneath the light emitters. The light emitters emit first and second spreads of non-parallel light rays, received by the light detectors, to form an optical sensor net for capturing relational kinetic information when at least one of a golf ball and a golf club passing through the optical sensor net. The region between the level of the light detectors and the level of the light emitters is substantially free of mechanical structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for analyzing a golfer's individual swing attributes and determining, based on that analysis, a suitable golf club configuration for that golfer. The swing analysis apparatus include video cameras for obtaining video images of a golfer swinging a golf club, such as a putter, at a golf ball. Images obtained from the video cameras may then be analyzed to determine what golf club dimensions will provide improved results in combination with the golfer's individual swing characteristics. The apparatus may additionally include a golf club having predetermined dimensions. When such a golf club is included, images from the video cameras may be analyzed to determine how the golf club of known dimensions must be adjusted to provide the golfer with desirable swing results. The apparatus may also include a method for confirming the dimensions that it is believed will provide a golfer with improve swing results.

Abstract: A putting stroke sensor assembly is cooperable with a putter head. The putting stroke sensor assembly includes a processor, a memory storing a preferred putting path, and an accelerometer configured to measure characteristics of a putting stroke. The processor is programmed to compare the characteristics of the putting stroke with the preferred putting path and to generate an output indicative of the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method enabling a controlled approach to making accurate puts in golfing. The apparatus uses laser aiming, measured stroking distances, and a surface analysis aid to benchmark a perfect put. The method enhances control by eliminating the back half of the swing while providing data points for reassessment of performance during practice training.

Abstract: A golf club head has structure for assisting a golfer, and a head cover has structure for supporting the golfer-assisting structure. In one aspect, the golfer-assisting structure provides a visual indicator, such as an alignment marker, a ball impact indicator, a temperature indicator, or the like. In another aspect, the golfer-assisting structure includes sensor(s) and/or other electronic components for measuring swing characteristics, course conditions, global position, or the like. The supporting structure may provide a source of energy, such as a power source, a light source, or a heat source. In some aspects, the supporting structure may include a processor for receiving data from the golfer-assisting structure, and may transmit data to a display on the head cover and/or to an external source.

Abstract: Golf club heads having sensors configured to measure one or more swing parameters are provided. The golf club head may include several gyroscopes and accelerometers. In one embodiment, the club head contains three gyroscopes that measure angular rate data along different orthogonal axes. At least one gyroscope may an analog gyroscope. Accelerometers may provide data regarding the three orthogonal axes associated with the gyroscopes. The club head may further include software and/or hardware that perform computer-executed methods for determining one or more swing parameters. Exemplary club heads may include a display device for displaying an output of the swing parameter(s). Further aspects of the invention relate to novel methods and algorithms for calculating measurements relating to the swing parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf coach box, including a batting box and an arch swing plane sliding rail. One end of the swing plane sliding rail is rotatably fixed to the batting box and the other end thereof is connected via a telescopic connecting mechanism to the batting box. The beneficial effect of the present application as compared with the prior art is: the batting box is additionally provided with the swing plane sliding rail, used to simulate a swing plane during batting, thereby having a function of guiding a user to swing correctly during a batting process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf swing apparatus that includes, a planar photoluminescent sheet (11) having an upper surface (14) and a lower surface (17), and a golf club (29) that includes a club head (32). The club head (32) includes a sole (35) and an actinic light source (38) that directs a beam of actinic light (41) downward past the sole (35). The upper surface (14) of the planar photoluminescent sheet (11) is adapted to generate an observable photoluminescent line (60) as the beam of actinic light (41) passes over the upper surface (14) as the golf club (29) is swung in a golf swing motion over at least a portion of the upper surface (14). The observable photoluminescent line (60) corresponds to at least a portion of the golf swing motion, such as the follow-through of the golf swing motion.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus, system, method and computer program product is disclosed for recording and providing digital review a media recording of a filmed golf swing. The golf swing training apparatus allows a golfer to pay to have his/her swing digitally recorded simultaneously from a plurality of camera perspectives, and to review video media of the golf swing in slow motion so as to improve technique, posture, and swing trajectory. The golf swing training apparatus, in one embodiment, comprises a plurality of cameras, an interface for prompting a golfer to make payment, and a display for reviewing footage of a golf swing from one of a plurality of perspectives. In some embodiments, flashing lights inform the golfer that the recording is about to begin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conserving power for a shot tracking device for attachment to a golf club. The method involves transmitting a plurality of signals from a shot tracking device attached to a golf club. The shot tracking device is enabled to determine that a threshold number of signals has been transmitted by the shot tracking device and a receipt signal has not been received by the shot tracking device, which in turn deactivates the shot tracking device until a predetermined event occurs.