Head Or Shaft Continuously Engaged During Swing Patents (Class 473/258)
  • Patent number: 11925849
    Abstract: A golf swing training device comprising a track with a C-shaped cross-section, a roller bearing assembly located within the C-shaped cross-section of the track such that the roller bearing assembly is capable of moving freely along the length of the track but is incapable of disengaging from the track, and a clamp pivotally mounted to the roller bearing assembly, where the clamp is capable of receiving a club shaft. The track may be mounted on height-adjustable legs, allowing the angle of the track to be adjusted. The device may allow a user to practice the user's golf swing without the ability to alter the swing from the path of the track, allowing the user to develop muscle memory to produce a consistent swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Inventor: David Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 11633656
    Abstract: Various embodiments for a golf putting training aid having a first stake coupled to a second stake by an upper alignment string and a lower alignment string that collectively establish parallel reference putting lines when the first and second stakes are deployed around a putting surface to train a golfer to properly align their eyes when executing a putt are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Dubline Golf, LLC
    Inventor: Andres Walker
  • Patent number: 11052298
    Abstract: A golf ball position gauging assembly allows for a method of improving results based on a user's existing swing without modifying the existing swing. The assembly includes a pair of feet. Each foot has an associated aperture extending therethrough. Each of the feet has a bottom edge downwardly spaced from the associated aperture. A beam is insertable into or through each of the apertures such that the beam extends between the feet in an upwardly spaced position relative to the bottom edges of the feet. Each of a plurality of markings is incrementally spaced along the beam between the feet. The beam is insertable through a guide wherein the guide is slidable along the beam to be positioned adjacent to a selectable one of the markings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Dave Riffey
  • Patent number: 9861873
    Abstract: A training device to improve a golfer's putting ability. The device includes a guide rod supported by legs. An arm rotates about a longitudinal axis of the rod. The arm includes a targeting device (laser), which allows the golfer to align the training device and golf ball with the hole. The golfer establishes club head and ball position relative to the rod suitable to his/her putting stance and putter type. The device is aligned with the hole by moving the rod based on the direction of the light emitted from the laser. When properly aligned movement of the putter along the rod sends the ball towards the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Dennis Davis
  • Patent number: 9744423
    Abstract: The golf swing training device is a device that can be attached to a golf club. It provides an easily seen visual indication of when the clubface is perpendicular to the direction that the clubface is traveling. When used in conjunction with instructional material the golf swing training device can assist a golfer in correcting a bad swing and it can assist a golf instructor in demonstrating proper swing technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Mitchell Conner
  • Patent number: 9707465
    Abstract: A robotic putting system includes a mechanism for actively and physically guiding a putter head along a determined preferred putting path. The golfer need only hold the putter and allow the robotic mechanism to guide the motion of the putter head. The system enables a golfer to develop and practice a feel for the preferred path/stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Norman Douglas Bittner
  • Patent number: 9561421
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a swing training apparatus for use in sports, like golf, baseball, tennis, bowling, or the like where the swinging of an arm, a club, bat or racket is part of the sport. Embodiments of the apparatus include a base, foot receptacles, a torso stabilizer, a swing channel, and a shaft. In disclosed embodiments, the user attaches himself or herself to the torso stabilizer and grasps the shaft. The shaft may be confined to travel along the swing channel and thereby trains the user to swing with the proper motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: James Hungelmann
  • Patent number: 8974314
    Abstract: A golf club swinging apparatus configured to support and provide for motion of a golf club along a pendulum swing path may comprise a frame, a rotation mechanism having club and frame coupling components, and an angle measurement mechanism. Another embodiment may comprise a frame, and a rotation mechanism configured to couple a golf club to the frame and to provide for rotation about a rotation point such that the golf club may follow a pendulum swing path through a strike position. Yet another embodiment may comprise a frame having a base component, a vertical component, and a cross-member component, a rotation mechanism rotatably coupled with the cross-member component, and a protractor having a freely rotatable arm configured to couple with the golf club and measure an angle at which the golf club is rotated about the rotation point along a swing path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Joshua Basile
  • Patent number: 8926446
    Abstract: The disclosed training device is an apparatus where in one form a user stands upon the upper surface of the platform, grasps the handle of a golf club, and swings the golf club and attached carriage laterally through an arc along the base rail. Thus, the head of the putter would swing back and forth in a correct angle and arc to establish and reinforce a correct muscle memory to the user. This formalized repletion would establish and/or reinforce the correct form and swinging of the golf club 36. This muscle memory would be maintained when the golf club is not attached to the putting training device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Herman L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8715098
    Abstract: A golf swing training device (1) having a substantially circle or oval-shaped ring (2) that stands at an angle to the ground. A guide (5) is slidably attached to the ring. A golf club (8) may be attached to a bracket (34) that is rotatably attached to housing (9) located on the guide. As an individual swings the golf club around the ring, the housing slides to allow for radial displacement of the golf club. In addition, the bracket rotates within the housing to allow for wrist rotation. Motors (37, 38, 39, 40, 12, 16) and gears (15, 17), controlled by one or more microprocessors (22) control the movement of the various components of the golf swing training device, thereby controlling the position of the golf club as well as the position of the user's body as the guide travels around the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: David Napolitano, Don Drum
  • Patent number: 8657698
    Abstract: A golf club swinging apparatus configured to support and provide for motion of a golf club along a pendulum swing path may comprise a frame, a rotation mechanism having club and frame coupling components, and an angle measurement mechanism. Another embodiment may comprise a frame, and a rotation mechanism configured to couple a golf club to the frame and to provide for rotation about a rotation point such that the golf club may follow a pendulum swing path through a strike position. Yet another embodiment may comprise a frame having a base component, a vertical component, and a cross-member component, a rotation mechanism rotatably coupled with the cross-member component, and a protractor having a freely rotatable arm configured to couple with the golf club and measure an angle at which the golf club is rotated about the rotation point along a swing path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joshua Basile
  • Patent number: 8591349
    Abstract: The disclosed training device is an apparatus where in one form a user stands upon the upper surface of the platform, grasps the handle of a golf club, and swings the golf club and attached carriage laterally through an arc along the base rail. Thus, the head of the putter would swing back and forth in a correct angle and arc to establish and reinforce a correct muscle memory to the user. This formalized repletion would establish and/or reinforce the correct form and swinging of the golf club 36. This muscle memory would be maintained when the golf club is not attached to the putting training device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Herman L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8435130
    Abstract: A device for establishing a correct speed and angular direction of a striking face associated with a golf club head relative to a golf ball. A body is secured to a surface of the club head and incorporates a powered processor in communication with a separate accelerometer. The body includes a visual output, such as pluralities of LED elements, communicated by the processor and instructing at least one of a desired swing speed and correct direction of the ball striking face relative to the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Cheresko
  • Patent number: 8298094
    Abstract: A golf training apparatus for training short game and putting game techniques includes (1) an upright support having an upright post, (2) a sliding track assembly having a first track bar transversely mounted at the upright post, a second track bar movably coupled to the first track bar and ball bearings set between the first track bar and the second track bar for guiding sliding movement of the second track bar along the first track bar, and (3) a golf club lock having a locking unit for locking a golf club and a universal joint connected to the locking unit and joined to the second track bar of the sliding track assembly for enabling the golf club to be swung with the universal joint and moved with the second track bar relative to the first track bar by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Yung-Shen Chen
  • Patent number: 8216080
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for correcting a golf pose, the apparatus including: a supporting member formed to be adjustable in length and angle; a leg member installed at one end part of the supporting member and supported on a ground; and an interfering member formed retractably in a lengthwise direction and detachably installed to the other end part of the supporting member through a detachable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Hyun-Yong Park
  • Patent number: 8137209
    Abstract: A golf training apparatus that is capable of operation both indoors and outdoors is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of anchor points, through which there are placed a plurality of anchors, typically comprising golf tees, for anchoring the apparatus outdoors. The apparatus further includes a cleated surface configured to adhere to a carpeted surface for anchoring the apparatus indoors. The apparatus further comprises a guide line retractably coupled to a tensile mechanism, whereby a golf player may, after coupling a golf club or putter to the guide line of the apparatus, determine based upon the motion of the guide line, whether the player's stroke is accurate or requires correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Mike Morelli
  • Patent number: 7988563
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus including a golf club guide and, preferably, a support frame having spaced apart front and rear frame members connected together by a base frame member. The support frame is adjustably inclined at the lie angle of the golf club by a support arm. The golf club guide includes closely spaced apart front and rear guide ring segments which define a substantially planar circular shaped golf club swing slot therebetween, the swing slot having an unobstructed preferably adjustable width for free swing a golf club therewithin. The front guide ring segment is attached to and is supported by the front frame members while the rear guide ring segment is attached to and is supported by the rear frame member. An economy embodiment is also provided. A substantially flat club shaft guide supportively aligns the golf club shaft at the lie angle of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: William C. Turner
  • Publication number: 20110177875
    Abstract: A golf training apparatus that is capable of operation both indoors and outdoors is described. The apparatus includes a plurality of anchor points, through which there are placed a plurality of anchors, typically comprising golf tees, for anchoring the apparatus outdoors. The apparatus further includes a cleated surface configured to adhere to a carpeted surface for anchoring the apparatus indoors. The apparatus further comprises a guide line retractably coupled to a tensile mechanism, whereby a golf player may, after coupling a golf club or putter to the guide line of the apparatus, determine based upon the motion of the guide line, whether the player's stroke is accurate or requires correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Mike Morelli
  • Publication number: 20110039629
    Abstract: Golf putting training apparatus (1), for use with a putter (22), comprises a base (10) having a support (11) upstanding therefrom, and a guide (12) carried by said support (11). The guide (12) has an elongate guide surface (18) for the shaft (21) of the putter (22) to be slid along during putting. An indicator (17) extends laterally from the base (10), below the guide surface (18), to provide a golfer (19) with a visual indication of the alignment of the face of the putter head (23) with respect to a golf ball (24) positioned adjacent the indicator (17). In use, the golfer (19) practises a putting stroke by swinging the putter (22) so that the shaft (21) slides along the guide surface (18), whilst using the indicator (17) to align the face of the putter head (23) at an appropriate angle for striking the golf ball (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: THE EASYWAY GOLF COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Stuart John Smith
  • Patent number: 7883429
    Abstract: A golf putting and short-swing training device includes an upright support, an extension rod vertically adjustably mounted in the top side of the upright support, a track located on the top side of the extension rod in a laterally tilted manner and having an arched sliding groove rail, a slide coupled to the track and movable along the arched sliding groove, and a supplementary bar fastened to the slide for holding by a player with a golf club to practice putting or short-swing techniques accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Yung-Shen Chen
  • Publication number: 20100216562
    Abstract: The invention provides for a golf teaching apparatus (10) including: an elongate arcuate track (12); a carriage (14) being slidable along the track; wherein the carriage includes receiving means (44) for releasably receiving a shaft (50) of a golf club (48). The apparatus further includes a mat (92), golf club displacement limiters (52), sensors (84) and a golf swing plane determiner (68). The carriage allows for freedom of movement of a shaft of a golf club relative to the track, and linear movement of the shaft relative to the receiving means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Philip Van Rensburg
  • Patent number: 7727082
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of golf swing guide apparatus and related methods and systems. Various embodiments disclosed herein may be used as a training tool to teach a desired swing motion to a golfer. In one embodiment, the device may comprise a guide bar positioned at some height above the ground. The guide bar may be configured to guide a golfer's backswing such that the swing begins in a desired swing plane. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to automatically retract the guide bar during, or after, the golfer's backswing such that it does not interfere with the forward movement of the golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: M. Don Larsen
  • Publication number: 20100016093
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: John Burns
  • Patent number: 7641567
    Abstract: Apparatus for training golfers in putting techniques and the method for its use are taught. The principle of the apparatus of the invention provides two reference points, one of which is adjustable and fixed relative to the head of a putter. By sliding the two reference points along a guidance surface, the putting head moves parallel to the guidance surface with the face of the putting head at a constant angle to the guidance surface. i.e. this is a putting stroke. One of the reference points may be a part of the putter head and the other is a member, removably attachable to the putter and adjustable so that a contact head touches, and is slidable along, the guidance surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Roger John Brooks
  • Publication number: 20090318240
    Abstract: A putting training aid comprises a short-putt module, a long-putt module, and a third putting module. The short-putt module includes a telescoping cylindrical shaft that is attached to the user's putter. When used, the short-putt module forces the user to keep the short-putt stroke straight. The long-putt module includes an arcuate guide to which a putter may be attached, thereby requiring the user to use an arcuate stroke for a long putt. The third putting module includes use of a mounting assembly that connects a putter to a horizontal bar. This embodiment allows movement of the putter along a generally defined arc that allows a slight transverse or perpendicular movement of the putter during the stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Steven G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7611420
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus including a golf club guide and a generally U-shaped support frame having spaced apart front and rear frame members connected together by a base frame member. The support frame is adjustably inclined to the ground or a working support surface at the lie angle of the golf club by a support arm. The golf club guide is positioned between the frame members and includes closely spaced apart front and rear guide ring segments which define a substantially planar circular shaped golf club swing slot therebetween, the swing slot having an unobstructed preferably adjustable width adapted for free swing a golf club therewithin. The front guide ring segment is attached to and is supported by the front frame members while the rear guide ring segment is attached to and is supported by the rear frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: William C. Turner
  • Patent number: 7585228
    Abstract: A golf swing plane training device is disclosed that helps the user develop a correct swing plane as well as exercise the muscle groups most effective in imparting maximum power to a golf ball. The device is portable and comprises a rotating swing plane guide, one end pivotably connected to a club shaft, for controlling the swing arc of the club shaft when swung by the user to ingrain the feel of swinging on plane. The other end of the rotating swing plane guide is connected to a rotation control assembly mounted on a vertically adjustable support frame. A resistance source is connected to the hub of the rotation control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventors: James A. McFarlin, Margaret McFarlin
  • Patent number: 7568979
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus. The apparatus includes a mounting bar with an extendable length arm stabilizer extending outwardly from the mounting bar and terminating in a headrest. A swing cam is rotatable around the arm stabilizer about an axis coaxial with the arm stabilizer. A guideline extends from the swing cam and terminates in a golf club connector so that the swing cam rotates with movement of the golf club. Additionally, a pair of adjustable length guide rods extends from the mounting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: John G. Arnold, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7556570
    Abstract: The invention relates to a training apparatus (1) for optimizing a golf swing. The apparatus consists of at least one guide ring, which is positioned on a plane that is inclined in relation to the vertical by means of a support. The apparatus is characterized in that it is provided with two guide rings (2, 3), which are arranged approximately on the same plane, and which are held at least in certain sections in a support (4) at a distance from one another. The two guide rings (2, 3) are approximately elliptical and are designed to support a golf club. The training apparatus (1) enables a golfer to improve his or her swing by maintaining contact between the golf club and the two guide rings when following the ideal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Dieter Thörmer
  • Patent number: 7494421
    Abstract: A system for swing training including a swing plane component defining a predefined plane around an athlete, a planar guidance component configured to guide a striking member along the predefined plane, and a securing member configured to couple the planar guidance component to the striking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Danny Elkins
  • Patent number: 7476158
    Abstract: A golf training machine that clearly demonstrates to a trainee the two optimum golf swing methods, namely the so-called “inward” swing method and the so-called “outward” swing method. The training machine is a tandem-type golf training machine that allows an instructor to work directly with a trainee positioned on the opposite side of the machine. In carrying out a training session, both the instructor and the trainee are putting toward the same target in a manner to positively convey to the trainee the differences between the two swing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Raymond T. Cayse
  • Patent number: 7281986
    Abstract: A device for putting a golf ball. In one embodiment, the device comprises a base having an elongated side defining a base line, a first and second shoulder attached to the base, and a guide member pivotly attached to the first and second shoulders. The guide member has a top surface, and the guide member contains an elongated side defining a shaft line that is parallel with the base line of the base. The top surface also has a slotted opening that defines a practice line that is parallel with the base line of the base and the shaft line of the guide member. In one embodiment, the slotted opening has a variable top. Also, the device may include a laser and a target reflector, and wherein the laser beam is parallel with the base line, shaft line, and practice line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Mark W. Tolson
  • Patent number: 7238116
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus is provided. The golf swing training apparatus is adapted to be folded in a collapsed state to facilitate quick and easy transportation and storage. The golf swing training apparatus has a main frame assembly defining a pair of A-frames joined by a pair of cross members. Each A-frame includes a spar being telescopically adjustable. A plurality of adjustable feet are provided to level the apparatus when placed atop uneven surfaces. A guide ring is hingedly attached to the pair of A-frames and is adapted to be angularly and vertically adjusted. The guide ring is further provided with multi-colored bands and indicia to serve as visual references when practicing particular golf strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Randy W. Sulzener
  • Patent number: 7074134
    Abstract: A training device for a putting stroke in the game of golf. A base and sidewalls form a track which defines the path of the stroke. A guide attached to the putter head fits within the track and prevents the putter head from binding in the track and thus directs the putter head along the track causing the golfer to keep proper wrist alignment and to build muscle memory when properly stroking the ball. One version of the track permits the width of the track to be adjusted to accommodate putters having different sized heads. Further, a portion of the track may be adjusted to train a putting stoke having a slightly curved backswing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Sterling Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Mario Piche
  • Patent number: 6910973
    Abstract: A golf swing training device includes a grip including a grip bore, a shaft including a shaft bore, a tension cord received within the grip bore and the shaft bore, a first securing device configured to prevent the tension cord from slipping out of the grip bore and the shaft bore, and a second securing device configured to prevent the tension cord from slipping out of the grip bore and the shaft bore, wherein the second securing device creates tension on the tension cord by restricting movement of the training device and is configured to be received within an opening formed in an open door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Robert F. Kuster
  • Patent number: 6893356
    Abstract: A golf putting training method and apparatus for teaching a golfer how to swing a golf club head through a stroke path to strike a golf ball. The method and apparatus mechanically controlling the front to back movement of the club head along a stroke path to be generally parallel to the stroke path, mechanically controlling the club head to be generally perpendicular to the stroke path, and mechanically controlling the arc of the club head within the stroke path to follow a predetermined arc. The pitch of the club head face and also be mechanically controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Dean J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6890268
    Abstract: A golf club training apparatus for use in operable combination with a golf club includes an alignment device having a golf club head receiving structure formed of a base portion having a front edge, a rear edge, and first and second side edges, as well as a rear wall extending upwardly from the rear edge, first and second side walls extending upwardly from the first and second side edges, respectively, and front retaining tabs extending upwardly from the front edge of the base portion. The rear wall, the first and second side walls, the front retaining tabs, and the base portion, in combination, are sized and configured to operably receive and frictionally retain a head element of the golf club therebetween. The golf club head receiving structure is configured to solely operably maintain the golf club in an upright playing position when the alignment device is operably disposed on a substantially horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Dandy Golf
    Inventors: Allan M. Strand, Phillip Downey
  • Patent number: 6855065
    Abstract: A golf putting practice guide that holds a golf club in a putting position, and allows a golfer to perform putting strokes about a single axis that passes between the shoulders of the golfer. No wrist rotation, cocking, or any other additional freedom of motion is permitted by this device. A vertical support holds a pivot bearing at about head level, and a guide arm depends from the pivot. The lower end of the guide arm firmly clamps a golf putting club shaft without blocking the golfer's view of the club head. Adjustments are provided to orient the pivot axis angle and height so that a perpendicular line drawn from the club head to the pivot axis meets the axis between the golfer's shoulders. The club head then swings in a perfect circular arc in a swing plane that passes through the golfer's shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: David Joseph Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6837802
    Abstract: A putting stroke training device having a housing with serrations on the bottom for engagement with a carpet or rug and an elongated top opening. A simulated club head is slidable in a straight line along the inside of the housing parallel to the top opening in such a manner that it cannot move upward significantly. A manually operable elongated shaft extends up from the housing at the top opening and has its lower end coupled to the simulated club head by a universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: David Santamaria
  • Publication number: 20040152535
    Abstract: A golf putting training method and apparatus for teaching a golfer how to swing a golf club head through a stroke path to strike a golf ball. The method and apparatus mechanically controlling the front to back movement of the club head along a stroke path to be generally parallel to the stroke path, mechanically controlling the club head to be generally perpendicular to the stroke path, and mechanically controlling the arc of the club head within the stroke path to follow a predetermined arc. The pitch of the club head face and also be mechanically controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Dean J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6755751
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving a golfer's putting stroke along a line of intended travel of a golf ball. The apparatus enables the golfer to practice positioning his or hear head and feet in selected positions with respect to the golf ball and the line of intended ball travel, as well as the desired positioning of the putter, at the address position. The golfer can also practice the motion of the putting stroke according to either a “straight back/straight through” or “inside the line” stroke motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher Ray Chapman
  • Patent number: 6695709
    Abstract: A putter training device helps a golfer improve upon the putting game. The device has a first base member and a second base member connected by a shaft which may have a hollow section for receiving a laser pointing device therein for pinpointing the desired target of a shot. A pocket system uses a sleeve that slides along a length of the shaft and rotates about the shaft and has a pocket pivotally attached to the sleeve for receiving the golf club therein. A retainer secures the golf club within the shaft. An improper putt by a user of the device, gives the user immediate physical feedback with respect to the error committed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Richard C. Ottensmeyer
  • Patent number: 6582319
    Abstract: A golf training device for chipping or pitching comprises a vertical support means; an arcuate rigid planar sheet having upper, leading, trailing, and lower edge portions describing an arc of approximately 120°; and an adjusting means engaging said sheet and holding said sheet in a predetermined angular relation with said vertical support means; whereby the golfer may swing the clubhead of a golf club along the inner planar surface of said sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Katema LLC
    Inventor: David Czaja
  • Patent number: 6551197
    Abstract: A golf putting stroke is taught and practiced using a device that includes a frame element attached to the golf club. The frame element includes a golf club clamping unit that is slidably attached to a frame unit that is supported on the ground. The clamping unit includes elements that are rotatably attached to each other and the golf club is slidably held in the golf club clamping unit. Controlled movement of the golf club is effected by the practice device wherein the golf club can be moved in three rotational directions as well as in two linear directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Chris Travo
  • Publication number: 20020173370
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving a golfer's putting stroke along a line of intended travel of a golf ball. The apparatus enables the golfer to practice positioning his or hear head and feet in selected positions with respect to the golf ball and the line of intended ball travel, as well as the desired positioning of the putter, at the address position. The golfer can also practice the motion of the putting stroke according to either a “straight back/straight through” or “inside the line” stroke motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Ray Chapman
  • Patent number: 6458039
    Abstract: A golf aid putting device includes a conventional golf club putter having a handle portion, a shaft portion and a putter head. A keel member is releasably secured to a bottom surface of the putter head for engagement with a track portion of the putting device for teaching the correct putting technique. The track portion of the putting device may be positioned on any horizontal supporting surface. The track portion includes a base member and a guide plate member having a curved top edge, said guide plate extending upwardly from the base member in perpendicular relation thereto wherein the keel member engages against the outside surface of the guide plate member and the curved top edge thereof to determine the path of movement of the putter during its back and forward swings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph Robert Fontes
  • Publication number: 20020082106
    Abstract: A golf training device for chipping or pitching comprises a vertical support means; an arcuate rigid planar sheet having upper, leading, trailing, and lower edge portions describing an arc of approximately 120°; and an adjusting means engaging said sheet and holding said sheet in a predetermined angular relation with said vertical support means; whereby the golfer may swing the clubhead of a golf club along the inner planar surface of said sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: David Czaja
  • Patent number: 6350207
    Abstract: A golf putting practice device having a rectangular guide housing within which a cylinder can be moved back and forth by attachment with a putter shaft, such movement being in a straight line to guide the putter shaft. A striker is attached to an end of the cylinder to hit a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph T. Arcuri
  • Patent number: 5997410
    Abstract: Improvement in a golf training device having a guide bar having a horizontally disposed straight portion thereof for guiding the back and forth movement of the shaft of a golf club while a golfer practices therewith, the improvement being in the arrangement supporting the guide bar, such arrangement utilizing the weight of the golfer to steady the position thereof during use of the golf training device and including a foot mat upon which the golfer can stand, the foot mat having top and bottom surfaces, a straight front edge and front corners at opposite ends of the front edge, a pair of support structures at such front corners, respectively, which upstand from the top surface of the foot mat for gripping opposite ends of the guide bar, respectively, to hold it in place, the support structures holding the straight portion of the guide bar bar disposed above such top surface and forwardly of such front edge, the golfer being able to stand upon the foot mat behind the pair of support structures, whereby his wei
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Karl F. Nothdurft
  • Patent number: 5947834
    Abstract: An adjustable golf swing training apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a support structure for supporting the golf swing training apparatus in a support plane, and a telescopic swing training arm connected to the support structure and further connectable to a golf club shaft. The telescopic swing training arm is magnetically biased toward a predetermined length, whereby the swing training arm is urged toward the predetermined length in response to axial movement thereof in either first or second directions away from the predetermined length. The predetermined length is such as to accommodate a preferred path of travel for a golf club through a portion of a golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventors: Lee A. Hope, Charles E. Rhodes