Golf Club Swing Aid

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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/819,766 filed on May 6, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a golf club swing aid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf club swing aid comprising a golf club having an elongated shaft and a club head at one end of the shaft. One or more lights are mounted in an interior cavity of the club head and are flush with the face of the club head so that the lights are visible to the golfer. The lights are powered by a power source positioned within the interior cavity of the club head, and the lights are electrically connected to a switch that allows a user to turn the lights on or off.

The form of a golfer's swing is an essential component of the golfer's game and directly affects the golfer's performance and success in the sport. Avid golfers frequently practice their swing and attempt to identify and correct any flaws in order to strike the ball more accurately, more consistently, and with greater power. The path of the club head during the swing is an important aspect of the golfer's swing, but when swinging at full speed the golfer may have a difficult time seeing the path traveled by the club head. In order to view the swing path of the club head, golfers often slow down their swing in order to determine if the club head is traveling in the proper path during the swing. However, slowing down the swing may not provide the golfer with an accurate representation of the path of the club head during a full speed swing. Alternatively, many golfers may choose to hire trainers or purchase expensive video aids or cameras to help the golfer improve his or her swing. These options are not cost effective and may not be reasonable options for beginners or casual golfers looking to improve their swing. Thus, an inexpensive golf aid that allows a user to better visualize the golfer's swing path and the positioning of the club head along the swing path is desired.

The present invention provides a golf club having an elongated shaft with a club head disposed at one end. The club head comprises a face and an interior cavity. The golf club further comprises one or more lights positioned within the interior cavity of the club head that are flush with the club head face. The lights are electrically connected to a power source, such as a battery, positioned within the interior cavity and also to a switch that allows the lights to be turned on or off. The lights on the golf club are visible to the golfer throughout the golfer's swing. Further, by swinging the golf club of the present invention, the lights positioned on the club head face leave a faint trail of light that allows the golfer to briefly visualize the swing path of golf club head. In this way, the present invention allows a golfer to identify and correct any problems with his or her swing.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to golf club swing aids. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to golf clubs or golf club attachments with lights. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such device exemplifying the art is U.S. Pat. No. 2,787,470 to Barrus et al. entitled “Lighting Attachment for Golf Clubs” which discloses an attachment for a golf club head that illuminates the head so that the golfer can view and correct the golfer's swing. The device comprises lamps secured to the golf club head that are powered by batteries and are connected to a switch allowing the golfer to turn the lights on or off. However, Barrus does not disclose lights integrated into the face of the golf club head and instead requires a user to store and transport a separate lighting attachment which may be inconvenient for the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,080 to Tice entitled “Stroboscopic Practice Golf Club” discloses a golf club that allows for visualization of the path of travel of the club head. The golf club comprises a plurality of strobing lights mounted on top of the golf club head. During the swing, the lights turn on and off rapidly and can be seen as closely spaced images which allow the user to see the path of the golf club. A light switch is positioned on the club head to turn the lights on or off. Tice differs from the present invention in the use of strobing lights to visualize the path traveled by the golf club head and in the placement of a switch on the golf club head. Further, Tice suffers the disadvantage that many users may find strobing lights to be visually unappealing and may distract the golfer and others in the surrounding area.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,030 to Halliburton entitled “Golf Practice Device” discloses a golf club attachment comprising a swing speed sensor and direction indicating means attached to the shaft of the club. The device comprises a light emitter for directing visible light towards the golfer's eyes in response to the swing speed attaining a particular velocity. Additionally, multiple lights can be positioned on the line of the swing direction to indicate to the user whether the club head is square upon impact with the golf ball. Contrary to the present invention, Halliburton discloses lights that illuminate only when a particular swing speed has been achieved so that a golfer can practice swinging with a particular swing speed. Therefore, Halliburton does not disclose a golf aid that has a constant source of illumination for helping the user visualize the swing path of the golf club head.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,764 to McNair entitled “Illuminated Golf Club Head” discloses a golf club having a light mounted in the golf club head and disposed on the top surface of the golf club head. The light is electrically connected to a power source and an impact switch, both of which are positioned within the interior cavity of the club head. The impact switch is mounted such that is adapted to complete the electrical circuit and illuminate the light when the golf club head strikes a golf ball. In this way, the device disclosed by McNair helps golfers to focus on the golf ball during the course of the swing. While McNair discloses a golf club having a light, the light is only illuminated when the golf club head contacts a golf ball and is not otherwise illuminated. Thus, the invention described by McNair does not help the golfer to visualize the swing path of the golf club head.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,098 to Salmon entitled “Golf Aid” discloses an attachment for a golf club having a light source directed towards the eyes of the golfer. The device comprises a housing that can be attached to a golf club shaft having a light disposed thereon which allows the golfer to see the club head as a streak of light in the golfer's peripheral vision. Salmon differs from the present invention primarily in its recitation of an attachment to be secured to the shaft of a golf club. The use of an attachment may change the distribution of weight of the golf club, which may impact the manner in which the golfer swings the club. Further, transporting golf aid attachments in addition to a golf bag and clubs may be inconvenient and undesirable for many golfers.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,767,291 to McCarthy entitled “Putting Device” discloses a putting device having several lasers mounted on the head of the putter that project beams of light towards a golf ball, a target, and a screen to show the accuracy of the golfer's putting motion. The lasers can project a steady beam of light or may be pulsed. Thus, McCarthy does not disclose lights mounted in the interior cavity of a golf club head, and instead discloses the use of lasers to indicate the alignment and form of a golfer's putting stroke.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,542 to Hu et al. entitled “Golf Club for Showing Swing Condition” discloses a golf club swing aid comprising a golf club with a light mounted within the golf club head that is visible to the golfer. The light is in electrical connection with a power source and a centrifugal switch such that the light will illuminate when a predetermined centrifugal force is achieved during the swing. Thus, Hu et al. does not disclose a light that is continuously illuminated throughout the golf swing and does not disclose a light that is mounted flush with the face of the golf club head.

Finally, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0248852 to Lee entitled “Golf Club Head and Head Cover Combination Providing Enhanced Functionality” discloses a golf club head that assists a golfer and a cover for supporting the assisting structure. The assisting structure may comprise electronic components or sensors for measuring swing characteristics and may include a power source or a light source. Lee discloses a golf club assisting structure having a variety of potential features, but does not disclose a golf club head having an interior cavity in which one or more lights are mounted.

These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. Several devices disclosed in the prior art relate to golf club attachments that can be removably secured to the shaft or club head of the golf club. However, such devices may add extra weight to the golf club which may cause the golfer's swing to change in response to the added components. Further, removable components are cumbersome in that they must be transported in addition to the golfer's usual equipment which may include a golf bag, golf shoes, umbrellas, food, and various other items. Additionally, golf club swing aids are known in the prior art that include lights or LEDs that illuminate only under certain conditions. Thus, such devices do not provide a light source that is constantly illuminated in order to allow the golfer to visualize the club head throughout the entire golf swing.

In light of the devices known in the prior art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing golf club swing aid devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of golf club swing aids now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new golf club swing aid wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when practicing a golf swing and visualizing the path traveled by the golf club head.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved golf club swing aid device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a golf club swing aid that has the look and feel of a traditional golf club.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf club swing aid having a light mounted therein that illuminates the golf club head, allowing the golfer to visualize the swing path of the golf club head.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf club swing aid that allows a golfer to see the position of the golf club head during the golfer's back swing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf club swing aid that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the golf club swing aid of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a second embodiment of the golf club swing aid of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the golf club swing aid as used by a golfer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the golf club swing aid. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for practicing a golf swing. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a front view of an embodiment of the golf club swing aid of the present invention. The golf club swing aid of the present invention comprises a golf club 11 having an elongated shaft 12 that has a first and second end, wherein a club head 13 is attached to a first end of the elongated shaft 12. The club head 13 has a first side 15 opposite a second side 16, a face 17, and encloses an interior cavity. One or more lights 14 are mounted within the interior cavity such that the lights are flush with the face 17 of the club head 13. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more lights are LEDs. The lights are adapted to be visible to a golfer even in moderate or bright light. The lights may provide light in any of a variety of colors.

The one or more lights 14 are mounted flush with the face 17 of the club head 13 such that the face 17 retains a flat surface for striking a golf ball. If a portion of the lights extended outward from the face of the golf club, a golf ball struck with the protruding portion of the light may be mishit and may also break or damage the light. Thus, the flush mounting of the light allows the club head face to function in the usual manner while also protecting the light from damage.

The one or more lights may further be covered or coated with a protective resin, such as an epoxy or acrylic resin. The protective resin prevents dirt or other debris from entering the interior cavity of the club head along the sides or edges of the lights. Further, the protective resin prevents the lights from dislodging upon impact of the golf club with a golf ball or other surface. The protective resin is applied so as to provide a flat, smooth surface. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the light is mounted on the upper portion of the club head face such that the user optimally does not strike the golf ball with the portion of the club head face having the light disposed therein. In this way, the one or more lights do not interfere with the striking surface of the club head.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a front view of a second embodiment of the golf club swing aid of the present invention. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the golf club swing aid shown in FIG. 2 comprises a golf club 18 having an elongated shaft 24 having a first and second end, wherein a golf club head 19 is attached to a first end of the elongated shaft 24. The golf club head 19 has a first side 22 opposite a second side 23, a face 28, and encloses an interior cavity. A first light 20 is mounted within the interior cavity on the first side 22 of the club head face 28. A second light 21 is mounted within the interior cavity on the second side 23 of the club head face 28 adjacent to the elongated shaft 24. The lights are mounted on the sides of the club head face 28 such that the portions of the club head face having the lights optimally do not contact the golf ball. Other embodiments of the present invention include various numbers of lights disposed about the periphery of the club head face.

The one or more lights disposed on the face of the golf club swing aid are electrically connected to a power source disposed within the interior cavity of the club head. The power source may include one or more disposable or rechargeable batteries. The power source may be accessible such that the user can replace or recharge batteries as necessary. A portion of the back surface of the club head may be removably secured to the club head in order to provide access to the interior cavity of the club head.

The lights and power source are further electrically connected to a switch 26 that allows the lights to be turned on or off. In some embodiments of the present invention, the switch comprises a lever movable between two positions similar to a conventional light switch, and in other embodiments the switch comprises a push-button that may be depressed. The switch 26 is preferably mounted on a handle 25 on the upper end of the elongated shaft 24 of the golf club 18 in order to allow the golfer to easily turn the lights 20,21 on or off. However, other embodiments of the invention include a switch placed on the elongated shaft of the golf club, or on the club head of the golf club.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a view of the golf club swing aid as used by a golfer. In operation, a golfer may swing the golf club swing aid of the present invention in the normal fashion. When the golfer draws the golf club swing aid 11 backwards during the back swing, the lights on the face of the club head can be seen through the golfer's peripheral vision. This allows the golfer to visualize the location of the club head 13 and allows the golfer to identify any flaws in the golfer's back swing so that the golfer may then make any necessary adjustments to improve his or her swing. Without the lights, a golfer is likely unable to locate the golf club head during the backswing and cannot determine whether the backswing has been executed in the appropriate manner.

As the golfer completes the swing by swinging through the ball, a faint trail of light 27 is briefly visible to the golfer. This allows the golfer to visualize the swing path of the golf club head 13 to determine whether the golfer is swinging in the appropriate manner. Generally, a golf swing is too fast for an unaided golfer to view the path traveled by the golf club head during the swing. The trail of light 27 briefly visible to the user allows the user to better see the path traveled by the golf club head, which an unaided golfer would otherwise be unable to determine. In this way, the golf club aid of the present invention provides golfers with the ability to identify any errors or problems in the golf swing and make adjustments to the swing accordingly. For example, a golfer may see that the trail of light indicates that the swing occurred from inside to outside, which may result in placing undesired side spin on the golf ball. Thus, the golfer may then strive to adjust his or her swing such that the club head travels in a straight line through the ball without any inside to outside motion.

The golf club aid device of the present invention may be provided in golf clubs of various types and styles. For example, the golf club of the present invention may be an iron, a wedge, a fairway wood, or a driver. Further, the golf club aid of the present invention may comprise a golf club having a shaft comprised of graphite, steel, or any other material used to craft golf clubs. The golf club may also be produced in various sizes so as to enable use by children or adults of various heights.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1) A golf club swing aid device, comprising:

a golf club having an elongated shaft and a club head disposed on an end of said elongated shaft;

wherein said club head comprises a face and an interior cavity;

wherein one or more light sources are mounted within said interior cavity and are flush with said club head face such that said one or more light sources are visible when viewing said face;

wherein said one or more light sources are electrically connected to a power source positioned within said interior cavity;

wherein said one or more light sources are electrically connected to a switch disposed on said golf club adapted to turn said one or more light sources on or off.

2) The golf club swing aid device of claim 1, wherein said power source comprises one or more batteries.

3) The golf club swing aid device of claim 1, wherein said one or more light sources are coated with a protective resin.

4) The golf club swing aid device of claim 1, wherein said switch is disposed on a handle on an upper end of said shaft of said golf club.

5) The golf club swing aid device of claim 1, wherein said one or more light sources are LEDs.

6) The golf club swing aid device of claim 1, wherein said one or more light sources comprise a first light source positioned on a first side of said club head face, and a second light source positioned on a second side of said club head face adjacent to said elongated shaft.

7) The golf club swing aid device of claim 1, wherein said one or more light sources comprise a single light source positioned on an upper portion of said club head face.

8) The golf club swing aid device of claim 1, wherein said club head comprises a removably secured portion that is adapted to provide access to said interior cavity of said club head such that a user can remove and replace said power source therein.

9) A golf club swing aid device, comprising:

a golf club having an elongated shaft and a club head disposed on an end of said elongated shaft;

wherein said club head comprises a face and an interior cavity;

wherein one or more LEDs are mounted within said interior cavity and are flush with said club head face such that said one or more LEDs are visible to a user;

wherein said LEDs are powered by one or more batteries positioned within said interior cavity;

wherein said one or more LEDs are electrically connected to a switch disposed on a handle on an upper end of said elongated shaft.

10) The golf club swing aid device of claim 9, wherein said switch is a push-button switch.