Abstract: This document discloses a portable system comprising a physical activity monitoring device comprising: a wireless proximity detection module configured to detect a proximity of an input control entity with respect to the physical activity monitoring device and output a control signal as a response to the detection, wherein the proximity is a non-zero distance between the input control entity and the training computer; and a user interface controller configured to generate, as a response to the control signal from the wireless proximity detection module, at least one of an audio control function and a display control function.

Abstract: Golf performance and equipment characteristics may be determined by analyzing the impact between a golf ball and an impacting surface. In some examples, the impacting surface may be a golf club face. The impact between the golf ball and the surface may be measured based on sound and/or motion sensors (e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, etc.). Based on motion and/or sound data, various equipment-related information including golf ball compression, club head speed and impact location may be derived. Such information and/or other types of data may be conveyed to a user to help improve performance, aid in selecting golf equipment and/or to insure quality of golfing products.

Abstract: A visual reference and feedback device for use with a golf club is presented. The visual reference and feedback device includes a clubface reference head and a neck that connects a supporting body to the clubface reference head. The supporting body includes three supporting members having a first supporting member, a second supporting member, and a third supporting member. C-clip fasteners may be formed at distal ends of the first supporting member and second supporting member. A sternum guide may be formed as a rectangular structure at the outer portion of the first supporting member and proximate to the neck of the visual aid and feedback device.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having the ball striking surface located at a front of the head and a plurality of parallel face grooves extending laterally across at least a portion of the ball striking surface, a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face, and an indicator on the ball striking surface of the face. The indicator is located in an area between the face grooves and proximate a lateral center of the ball striking surface, and includes at least one indent in the ball striking surface. The indent has a depth that is substantially less than a depth of any of the face grooves. Methods associated with such ball striking devices are also provided.

Abstract: A putt break visualization instrument useful for improving putting includes an elongated object such as a crossbar that extends from the shaft of a putter and is normal thereto. The golfer begins by addressing the golf ball. The golfer then holds the putter above the green by the handle in the manner of a plumb line so that the shaft of the putter is vertically oriented and the crossbar is horizontally oriented. The golfer then aligns the shaft with the uphill edge of the golf ball and moves the shaft up or down along the vertical so that the crossbar extends in proximity to the cup. The golfer may use a slider on the crossbar to mark the cup. The golfer may now evaluate how well he or she has addressed the golf ball, and either repeat the process if improvement is needed or make the putt.

Abstract: A golf club head in which a top surface of the body includes an actual top surface visible profile region and a varied top surface visible profile region is provided. The varied top surface visible profile region may provide a visual impression of a varied profile of the body distinct from an actual profile of the body. The visual impression is oriented in a manner that allows the golfer to address the ball at the heel region of the golf club. The perimeter of the top surface visible profile region may be complementary in shape to the perimeter of the top surface of the body and the varied top surface visible profile region and the actual top surface visible profile region may be distinct in shape, size, color, and/or finish etc. An associated golf club and a method for fitting a golf club are also provided.

Abstract: A golf club including a swing analyzer includes an accelerometer that measures acceleration in three directions, a magnetometer/gyroscope unit, a processor unit that converts the measured acceleration and golf club movement during a non-ball-striking or ball-striking swing into an estimated carrying distance of a golf ball when struck by the golf club based on swing position and a type of the golf club, and a display that displays the estimated carrying distance as a function of swing position to the golfer. The accelerometer, magnetometer/gyroscope unit, and processor unit may be mounted in a handle at a grip end of the golf club. The estimated carrying distance calculation may be performed at a unit separate from the golf club and capable of performing this calculation for several golf clubs with which it communicates via cooperating communications unit.

Abstract: A wood-type club head can include a front end having a front face, a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a rear end opposite the front end, a crown surface having a front crown end and a rear crown end, and an alignment aid at the crown surface. The front crown end can be closer to the front end than to the rear end, and the rear crown end can be closer to the rear end than to the front end. The alignment aid can include three alignment aid stripes. The three alignment aid stripes can include a toe alignment aid stripe, a heel alignment aid stripe, and a center alignment aid stripe. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A golf club head with a body and an asymmetrical visual swing indicator is provided. The asymmetrical visual swing indicator may be formed to represent an apparent backswing path outward of an actual backswing path. In certain configurations the asymmetrical visual swing indicator is positioned such that a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to the hitting surface of the golf club is closer to a heel end plane of the golf club head then a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to a rear surface of the golf club head. The swing indicator is integral with the body of the golf club head.

Abstract: A method relating to an improved fitting system for a golf club shaft is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention utilizes specific data gathered from the golfer's golf swing itself to determine the best performing golf club shaft for this particular golf swing. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of infrared motion capturing cameras to record the location data of a golf club shaft throughout a swing. Based on the location data captured, one or more dynamic behavioral characteristics can be calculated to determine one or more preferred shaft characteristics. Using the preferred shaft characteristics, a shaft can be recommended for the golfer having this particular golf swing. The current inventive fitting methodology is preferred to the archaic fitting method of using data gathered from the result orientated ball flight data together with a tedious process of having to try numerous different shafts.

Abstract: A club head can include a front end having a front face, a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a rear end opposite the front face, a crown surface having a front crown end and a rear crown end, and an alignment aid at the crown surface that extends between the front crown end and the rear crown end. The club head can be a wood-type club head. Meanwhile, the front crown end can be closer to the front end than to the rear end, and the rear crown end can be closer to the rear end than to the front end. The alignment aid can have an alignment aid width approximately equal to a golf ball diameter and can include two or more alignment aid stripes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a practice golf club capable of adjusting head speed having a head (H) attached to an end of a shaft(S) having a grip (G), from which an impact sound is generated through a swing operation, wherein the head (H) includes: a first body (100) coupled to the end of the shaft (S); a second body (110) having a tubular shape, both ends of which are open and adapted to be screw-coupled to the rear end of the first body (100); a moving weight (140) movably disposed inside the second body (110); a magnet (180) adapted to fix the moving weight (140) to the front end portion of the second body (110) by means of a magnetic force thereof; adjustment means adapted to adjust the gap between the magnet (180) and the moving weight (140) so as to control the strength of the magnetic force of the magnet (180) pulling the moving weight (140); a cap (120) screw-coupled to a rear end of the second body (110); and return means interposed between the cap (120) and the moving weight (140) to return the

Abstract: A driver club head can include a front end having a front face, a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a rear end opposite the front end, a crown surface having a front crown end and a rear crown end, and an alignment aid at the crown surface. The front crown end can be closer to the front end than to the rear end, and the rear crown end can be closer to the rear end than to the front end. The alignment aid can include two or more alignment aid stripes. The two or more alignment aid stripes can include a first alignment aid stripe and a second alignment aid stripe extending between the front crown end and the rear crown end. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A golf club head in which a top surface of the body includes an actual top surface visible profile region and a varied top surface visible profile region is provided. The varied top surface visible profile region may provide a visual impression of a varied profile of the body distinct from an actual profile of the body. The visual impression is oriented in a manner that allows the golfer to address the ball at the heel region of the golf club. The perimeter of the top surface visible profile region may be complementary in shape to the perimeter of the top surface of the body and the varied top surface visible profile region and the actual top surface visible profile region may be distinct in shape, size, color, and/or finish etc. An associated golf club and a method for fitting a golf club are also provided.

Abstract: A golf club head with a body and an asymmetrical visual swing indicator is provided. The asymmetrical visual swing indicator may be formed to represent an apparent backswing path outward of an actual backswing path. In certain configurations the asymmetrical visual swing indicator is positioned such that a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to the hitting surface of the golf club is closer to a heel end plane of the golf club head then a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to a rear surface of the golf club head. A method of fitting a golf club head by determining an initial swing plane using a measuring device, determining a desired swing plane, and applying an asymmetrically shaped visual indicator to a golf club head based upon the determined initial swing plane and the desired swing is also provided.

Abstract: A golf swing training device for improving a user's strength, flexibility, balance and weight transfer as well as teaching proper rotation of wrists and forearms is disclosed. The training device includes a weighted shaft having a proximal and distal end, the weight being evenly distributed along the length of the shaft. The shaft includes first and second indicia along the entire length of the shaft, the first indicia located on one side of the shaft, and the second indicia located on the opposite side of the shaft. In embodiments, a user interface calculates a customized training device based on user information.

Abstract: An invertible golf putting accessory having a body with an upper surface, a lower surface and a plurality of sides. Two of the sides converge towards each other to form an apex and one of the sides is removably connectable to a face of a putter by magnetic and/or adhesive material. The body includes an aperture that is configured to receive a golf ball positioned therein. The accessory is attached to the face of a putter so that a portion of the golf ball can extend above the upper surface and another portion can extend below the lower surface. In use, a golf ball is pulled back and automatically released in a desired direction as the user extends the foreswing beyond the constraints of the aperture. The body also includes indicia on one or more of the surfaces. The indicia may be used to assist in sighting the putter.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in training a golfer to hit swing shots. The device includes an indicator securable to a shaft or handgrip of a golf club by an attachment device such that it points along a line at a predetermined acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Preferably, the indicator is movable relative to the attachment device. In this case, a clamp is provided that allows movement of the indicator, such that it can be moved to point along a range of acute angles relative to the shaft and that can be tightened to clamp the indicator at a selected angle of the range. A plate with a scale marked thereon can also be provided and the indicator can include one or more needles that can be moved relative to the plate across the scale.

Abstract: A golf club alignment system, including: (a) a golf club shaft; (b) a golf club head connected to the golf club shaft, the golf club head including: (i) a hosel received onto an end of the golf club shaft; (ii) a ball-hitting face extending from the hosel; and (iii) an alignment system on the hosel, wherein the alignment system comprises a longitudinally extending marker positioned in a plane passing through a center axis of the golf club, and wherein the longitudinally extending marker terminates in an arrow point at the upper end of the hosel.

Abstract: A golf putter training device is described. The training device includes a bracket having a first end configured to be attached to the putter shaft and a second end connected to a support shaft, a first visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on a first side of the plane, and a second visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on the second side of the plane. In another embodiment, the training device includes a third and fourth visual guide. In yet another embodiment, the training device includes visual indicators.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a club head having a plurality of components and a plurality of retaining members, with each retaining member positioned on one of the components. A tensioning assembly for releasably securing the components of the club head together includes a tension element coupled to the club head components by way of the retaining members, and a tensioning member for introducing tension into the tension element.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a club head having a plurality of components and a plurality of retaining members, with each retaining member positioned on one of the components. A tensioning assembly for releasably securing the components of the club head together includes a tension element coupled to the club head components by way of the retaining members, and a tensioning member for introducing tension into the tension element.

Abstract: The invention concerns a training head (20) for a golf training putter (14) and a method of using this training putter (14) to improve ones putting skill for side-swing type putting motion. The training head (20) may include two opposed hitting faces (28, 30), with each hitting face (28, 30) defining a portion of a cylinder about a vertical axis. This cylindrical surface is oriented so the face (28, 30) will strike a golf ball (24) perpendicular to the direction one desires the ball (24) to travel if hit at the central location of this surface (28, 30), but will deflect the ball (24) in a different direction if a location other than the central location of the face (28, 30) strikes the ball (24). This training putter (14) may have symmetrical hitting faces (28, 30) so that left-handed and right-handed golfers can use it.

Abstract: A golf club head with a body and an asymmetrical visual swing indicator is provided. The asymmetrical visual swing indicator may be formed to represent an apparent backswing path outward of an actual backswing path. In certain configurations the asymmetrical visual swing indicator is positioned such that a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to the hitting surface of the golf club is closer to a heel end plane of the golf club head then a portion of the asymmetrical visual swing indicator closest to a rear surface of the golf club head. A method of fitting a golf club head by determining an initial swing plane using a measuring device, determining a desired swing plane, and applying an asymmetrically shaped visual indicator to a golf club head based upon the determined initial swing plane and the desired swing is also provided.

Abstract: A golf practicing apparatus is provided which includes a club with a latch member. A target is provided which is held by a mount. When the golf club is swung in a predetermined manner, the target is released from the mount and is connected with the golf club.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system and methods are disclosed. A variety of golf swing parameters are measured by the instrumented golf club and wirelessly transmitted to a portable computer device. The portable computer device generates a user interface that displays the golf swing parameters against preferred golf swing parameters.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a golf club face assistance device. A proper location on a shaft of a club is provided with a first fixing element and is extended with a first assistance element. The other end of the first assistance element is connected with a second fixing element, and the first assistance element is provided with a second assistance element which is extended toward the shaft. An interface between the first and second assistance elements is defined with an aim point, and a virtual club face is defined from the aim point to the club face. By the virtual club face, one can easily learn a correct hitting form and a correct hit point.

Abstract: A device is provided for use in training a golfer to hit swing shots. The device includes an indicator securable to a shaft or handgrip of a golf club by an attachment device such that it points along a line at a predetermined acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Preferably, the indicator is movable relative to the attachment device. In this case, a clamp is provided that allows movement of the indicator, such that it can be moved to point along a range of acute angles relative to the shaft and that can be tightened to clamp the indicator at a selected angle of the range. A plate with a scale marked thereon can also be provided and the indicator can include one or more needles that can be moved relative to the plate across the scale.

Abstract: Components of a golf exerciser are contained within a tube that can be swung in a simulated golf swing independently of a golf club. Within the tube is an extension spring connected to a weight so that centrifugal force developed during swinging the tube can move the weight toward a distal end of the tube. There, a shock absorber is positioned for the weight to impact against whenever sufficient arcuate tube velocity is achieved. The shock absorber includes a deformable elastomer that cushions and stops the distal movement of the weight and also makes a sound indicating that a swing of sufficient velocity has been achieved.

Abstract: A golf swing training system and method includes a golf club, a light connected to or incorporated in the golf club, and a graphical display upon which a light is projected when a golfer swings the club. The graphics include various markings that indicate foot position and that can be observed to generate the desired golf swing. The golfer moves the clubhead and then the light along a first line until the light reaches a point at the top of the golfer's backswing. As the golfer begins the downswing, a third line provides a visual indication of the orientation of the club shaft at a midpoint of the downswing, when the shaft is parallel to the ground, and then the golfer swings the clubhead to impact the ball on plane and square to the target line, and other markings indicate foot position.

Abstract: A device for a golf club for instructing club face orientation for a selected swing speed including a body with a selected thickness and such that a substantially pointed forward end thereof intersects a midpoint of the club contact face and in a perpendicularly extending direction relative to a coplanar axis extending across the club contact face. An adhesive tacky material applied to an underside surface of the body engaging the body to a top surface of the club head. A processor communicates with an inertially sensitive cam shaped member rotatably mounted within a location of the body. A swing speed adjustment knob is in operative communication with the body and in contact with the inertially sensitive element via an adjustment spring. An audio-generating transistor and a plurality of LED elements cooperate with the processor for instructing a correct planar orientation of a contacting face of the club head relative to the golf ball.

Abstract: Golf club, comprising a shaft, which at one end thereof carries a striking head, which on the topside thereof facing the other end of the shaft has a pattern including a first line that extends parallel to a side face of the striking head, which forms a striking surface against a golf ball, two second lines connecting to ends of the first line and diverging at the same angle (?) from the ends of the first line and approaching the stroke surface, the angle (?) being in the range of 5-35.

Abstract: A golf club having a golf club head with an alignment line that makes the actual face angle of the golf club appear differently when the golf club is at address. The golf club head preferably has a white line at a face-crown junction which changes the appearance of the face angle while the golf club is at address. The golf club head is preferably a driver or fairway wood, and preferably has a volume of 250 cubic centimeters to 475 cubic centimeters.

Abstract: A device that helps a golfer improve his/her swing while at the same time exercising the muscles used during the swing. The device comprises two grips or handles, one at each end, and a flexible center body between the grips. The flexible center body comprises an outer body made of a multiple directional flex material such as a spring and an inner body made of a flexible strip of stainless steel or a durable strip material, or a combination of both which enables the device to bend or flex in two directions and resist a twisting motion.

Abstract: The subject invention is comprised of a striking member adapted to emulate a specific selected sport, such striking member having removable indicator appendages that enable the user to feel by vibration and replicate by sight where the striking member is during the striking movement, and a target member adapted to emulate the playing object of the same selected sport, the target member including flexible, elongate momentum elements selectively attachable to the target member to provide progressive resistance and accurately simulate the characteristics of an actual ball or playing object.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to golf club heads and golf clubs including a golf club head, including a body having a generally vertical planar face, a means for aligning the planar face with a golf ball, wherein the means is positioned behind the planar face, and an orifice for receiving a club shaft.

Abstract: A method of locating the point of impact of a golf club face after striking a ball wherein a spray is applied removably as a coating to the face before striking and the point of impact is determined by the mark produced on the face while leaving the remainder of the coating intact.

Abstract: A golf club head with multiple cells of magnetically held pins is disclosed. The cells are placed on the sweet spot on the head of the golf club. The pins within the cells are set to extend beyond the face of the golf club and maintained in position with a bi-polar magnetic force. When the pins make contact with a golf ball the magnetic field holding the pin(s) in position is broken and the pin is pushed into a rear position where it is held in a retracted magnetic position. The impact location of the ball on the head of the golf club can then be determined by visually looking at the location of the displaced pins. The pins can then be manually pushed to the initial position and the club is ready to detect the impact location with subsequent golf balls.

Abstract: A golf practicing apparatus is provided which includes a club with a latch member. A target is provided which is held by a mount. When the golf club is swung in a predetermined manner, the target is released from the mount and is connected with the golf club. When the golf club is swung in an improper manner the target pivots downward and is retained by the mount.

Abstract: A preferred golf club includes a first alignment mark on a grip of the club and a second alignment mark on the head proximate a centerline of the head. A preferred method for addressing a ball involves positioning the second alignment mark proximate the center of the ball; pivoting the club until the first alignment mark overhangs the ball; aiming the first alignment mark toward a target; positioning one's feet parallel to the first alignment mark; and again centering the second alignment mark with the ball. One object of the present invention is to assist a golfer both in striking a golf ball with the sweet spot of a club head and to enable the golfer to accurately sight on the target.

Abstract: A golf putter having a virtual hitting face frontward offset from an actual hitting face of a putter head is disclosed. The golf putter comprises a putter head having a hitting face, a toe part and a heel part, a hosel connected on the putter head, a shaft which is formed with a grip at an upper end thereof, a shaft receiving part connected to the hosel to receive a lower end of the shaft; and a virtual hitting position decision plate which, when a golfer look downward at the hitting face, covers the hitting face, and has a virtual hitting face at a position forwardly offset from the hitting face.

Abstract: A hard rubber plate forms a striking surface that covers most of a front face of a body of a club head of a putter. The thickness of the plate prevents an uncovered edge of the front face from striking a golf ball. The front face has an arcuate shape that indicates a part of the striking surface that ideally strikes the golf ball. A sighting fin extends rearward from the front face. The fin has a horizontal sighting surface that provides sighting in a direction perpendicular to the striking surface. The body has a plurality of threaded holes wherein a screw is engaged to provide a desired weight and distribution of weight of the club head. When a mallet putter is oriented with its hosel extending vertically above its body, a bottom of the mallet putter's body slopes upward from its front face to a back of the body. Disadvantages of a large front to back length of a mallet putter are obviated by the upward slope.

Abstract: An alignment device for aligning a stroke path of a golf club comprises a body portion and a pair of spaced apart guide members. The body portion includes a mounting portion which is configured to mount to a shaft portion of a golf club. The body portion is positioned along and generally above a club head of the golf club when the mounting portion is mounted to the shaft portion. The guide members are spaced apart and extend from the body portion and extend generally perpendicularly to the face of the golf club head when the mounting portion is mounted to the shaft portion of the golf club. The spaced apart guide members facilitate alignment of the stroke path of the golf club without interfering with the line of sight from the golfer to the golf club head and/or the golf ball during the golf swing or practice stroke.

Abstract: An aid to improve a golf participant's golf swing for developing an accurate and powerful golf swing technique. The inventive device includes an arm strap assembly, a trigger assembly, a ratchet assembly and a club clip attachment. The arm strap assembly attaches to the player's trailing arm by adjustable straps. The trigger assembly includes a trigger line of fixed length and connects the arm strap to the ratchet assembly. One purpose of this component is to “trigger” the point at which the ratchet mechanism should release the ratchet line. The ratchet assembly consists of a retracting, spring-loaded release device that remains locked as long as the trigger mechanism is slack. Once the trigger mechanism exceeds a preset pull-force, the ratchet mechanism releases allowing the ratchet line connected between the ratchet assembly and the participant's golf club to extend at the appropriate position in the participant's down swing.

Abstract: A method of improving the putting stroke of a golfer using a putter as a training device, said putter having a club head and in one embodiment an attachment for the same. The club head has faces or edges defining a body of a predetermined thickness to which a shaft is attached. Within the body of the head there is provided a recess in a form which opens into the rear face of the head or as a closed aperture completely defined within the body which is of marginally greater dimensions than, and adapted to receive an object such as a conventionally sized golf ball. The recess or aperture can be disposed of substantially centrally of the head so that the “sweet spot” can be substantially centrally disposed of said recess or aperture. Ideal toe-heel weight distribution can be achieved in this manner. The club, which is typically a putter, can be used as a practicing aid by swinging the same proximate a surface when the articles or objects are disposed within said recess or aperture.

Abstract: A golf practicing apparatus is provided which includes a club with a latch member. A target is provided which is held by a mount. When the golf club is swung in a predetermined manner, the target is released from the mount and is connected with the golf club. When the golf club is swung in an improper manner the target pivots downward and is retained by the mount.

Abstract: A strike indicator for a golf club with a face with a sweet spot that is a most desirable area on the face for impacting a golf ball is provided. The includes an energy absorbing material and an adhesive backing attached to the energy absorbing material. The energy absorbing material and the backing have at least one edge for demarking the area of the sweet spot when the indicator is attached to the face of the golf club so that there will be a noticeable absorption of energy when a golf ball impacts the energy absorbing material.

Abstract: A club or putter having a head and shaft structurally connected so as to be rotatably disposed and to rotate when a golf ball is struck off-center.

Abstract: A golf putter having a virtual hitting face frontward offset from an actual hitting face of a putter head is disclosed. The golf putter comprises a putter head having a hitting face, a toe part and a heel part, a hosel connected on the putter head, a shaft which is formed with a grip at an upper end thereof, a shaft receiving part connected to the hosel to receive a lower end of the shaft; and a virtual hitting position decision plate which, when a golfer look downward at the hitting face, covers the hitting face, and has a virtual hitting face at a position forwardly offset from the hitting face.

Abstract: An aid to improve a golf participant's golf swing for developing an accurate and powerful golf swing technique. The inventive device includes an arm strap assembly, a trigger assembly, a ratchet assembly and a club clip attachment. The arm strap assembly attaches to the player's trailing arm by adjustable straps. The trigger assembly includes a trigger line of fixed length and connects the arm strap to the ratchet assembly. One purpose of this component is to “trigger” the point at which the ratchet mechanism should release the ratchet line. The ratchet assembly consists of a retracting, spring-loaded release device that remains locked as long as the trigger mechanism is slack. Once the trigger mechanism exceeds a preset pull-force, the ratchet mechanism releases allowing the ratchet line connected between the ratchet assembly and the participant's golf club to extend at the appropriate position in the participant's down swing.