Abstract: Illumination apparatus for attachment to a golf club and containing a light source which directs a light beam toward the eyes of the golfer. The apparatus includes a housing selectively attachable to the shaft of a golf club and having at least one light source. The light source may be mounted in a turret optionally retractable within a recess of the housing. The light source, which may be two in number, are settable in selected angular positions for proper adjustment of the light beam.

Abstract: A golf swing practice device is disclosed and which comprises a carrier member which is removably attached to the shaft of a golf club and which is preferably attached to a lower portion of the hand grip on the golf club. Two spaced apart light sources are mounted on the carrier so as to emit two discrete and parallel beams of light which extend in a direction towards the head of the club and which lie in a plane which bisects a face of the club head and which is also substantially perpendicular to the club face. The light tracings on the ground from the two beams of light on the ground and relevant to a target line which is also on the ground, inform the golfer if the practice golf swing relative to an imaginary golf ball is on or off line, square to the ball or being hit in a toe-in or toe-out condition.

Abstract: A swing training apparatus for sensing centrifugal force created from a swing of a handheld sport implement and producing a signal for a predetermined level of centrifugal force. The apparatus comprises a housing holding a battery affixed to a sliding member that is slidably positioned within the housing. An adjustable force signal mechanism is electrically connected to the battery. A spring holds the sliding member and battery in a signal nonactuating position within said housing until sufficient centrifugal force, created by the swinging sport implement, slides the sliding member within the housing into a signal actuating position, thereby actuating said signal mechanism to produce a signal.

Abstract: A golf training device which clamps onto the shaft of a standard golf club. The device has a holding block which holds a laser pointing in a downward direction. A hinged mirror at the light emitting end of the laser causes the laser light to be reflected at roughly a ninety degree angle and thereby run parallel to the ground. An alignment strip and separate target helps the user calibrate the training device so that the laser beam is perpendicular to the flat head striking area of the golf club. The alignment strip can then be removed allowing the user to move the target to any reasonable distance. In this way a golfer can learn the proper alignment of club head to hole thereby improving his or her ability to accurately putt a golf ball towards and into the hole. The hinged mirror on the training device of the present invention can also be swung down so that the laser light is pointing straight down.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for assisting a person in achieving proper alignment. The device and method are particularly useful for achieving proper alignment for a golf stroke in which a golf ball is struck to move towards a target. In one embodiment, the device comprises a support member to be worn by the person. A light source is attached to the support member. The light source is adapted to generate a generally linear, visible alignment beam of light on the ground in front of the person when the person is in position to perform a task. The alignment beam is generally parallel to an alignment of the portion of the person's body upon which the support member is worn and, thus, provides an indication of such alignment readily visible to the user in real time.

Abstract: A golf club shaped swing training device provides visual indication of club position during a club swinging motion. A first laser diode produces a first laser line from the upper end of the shaft and second and third laser diodes produce second and third laser lines respectively from the bottom face and the front face of the head portion of the device. Each of the laser lines emanates from the device as a concentrated beam to impinge and be readily visible on a training surface remote of the device for independently tracking movement of the shaft, the bottom face and the front face of the head portion of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novelty golf club having a rigid but flexible club head and a hand grip with a transparent shaft therebetween. Received within the club head is a digital sound chip in communication with a speaker for emitting any one of a plurality of humorous phrases. A plurality of light emitting diodes are received within the transparent shaft and are in communication with a randomizer circuit so that when the lights are illuminated they randomly pulse. The light emitting diodes and voice chip are activated with an impact switch received within the club head immediately adjacent its face. Accordingly, when a user swings the club in frustration and the club head impacts an object, the lights automatically illuminate in a random pattern and the sound chip emits any one of a plurality of humorous sound recordings.

Abstract: A golf swing trainer, and more particularly a kinesthetic golf swing plane training device and a method for golfers to train and perfect their swinging of a golf club is provided. The golf swing training device includes a training light adapted to be attachable to a shaft of a golf club. The training light is directed to project a head beam of light and a grip beam of light. The head beam of light projects parallel to the shaft of the golf club, toward the head of the golf club and the grip beam of light projects parallel to the golf club shaft, toward the grip of the golf club. The golf swing training device also includes a swing platform that includes a ground positioned pair of parallel tracks. An optically reflective means for reflecting the head beam of light as projected by the training light, and for reflecting the grip beam of light as projected by the training light is provided on the swing platform. The swing platform is preferably adjustable to suit various club lengths and club types.

Abstract: A method for improving a golfer's putting technique so as to track a swing of the putter on a straight line parallel to a predetermined guide line while utilizing a putter having a handgrip connected to a club head by a shaft and wherein the club head incudes a face, the method including the steps of:providing a straight guide line along a surface;mounting a laser apparatus to the shaft of the putter;aligning a beam of light from the laser apparatus in relation to the putter so as pass in transverse spaced-apart relation to the head of the putter and project a spot of light on the surface in vertical, spaced-apart relation to the head; andthereafter swinging the putter in a putting stroke motion while maintaining the beam of light in said alignment, thereby causing the spot of the light to track along a path parallel to the guide line.

Abstract: A lighted practice golf club for assisting in teaching a golfer to maintain the correct plane or line of travel for a golf club throughout the club swing. The club includes a special golf club a handle light positioned in a first end and a headlight positioned in a second end of the shaft of the golf club. A tubular passage extends through the shaft between the first and second ends. The shaft is comprised of an electrically conductive material and is electrically connected to a power source located in the shaft. One of the electrical terminals of the headlight is in electrical communication with the electrically conductive material of the shaft, and an electrical conducting wire extends through the tubular passage and is in electrical communication with the power source and the other of the electrical terminals of the headlight such that electrical power is supplied to the headlight by the electrical conducting wire and the shaft of the golf club.

Abstract: A golf swing training device includes an aerodynamically shaped housing which may be attached by a suction cup to the upper surface of a golf club, preferably a wood because of the larger upper surface area. The housing contains a pair of batteries for selectively illuminating a light source, preferably a red LED, protruding from the top of the housing. The illuminated light source creates a visual "track" of light as the as the club is swung and helps the golfer visualize the path of the club head and the swing plane.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for practicing golf involve the use of a projected laser light beam that acts as a fixed guide to the hole or target.

Abstract: A golf club laser positioning system is utilized as a golf training device for assisting a novice or professional golfer to properly direct a golf ball in the desired path. The golf club laser positioning system comprises a golf club which has a pair of light emitters mounted within the head portion of the club and will permit the golfer to adjust the light beams depending on the distance desired and the angulation of the terrain. The light emitters transmit the light beams which intersect each other at a remote common point. The laser positioning system allows the golfer to precisely select the correct angle and position of the head portion in relation to the desired path.

Abstract: A golf, tennis or baseball training apparatus to align the eyes, striking implement and stationary or moving ball to be struck, upon impact. A cap for the user has radiation emitting means mounted to project radiation along the vision path. A radiation detector, an impact detector and a light signaling means are mounted on the striking implement. Processing and decoding circuitry and sound signaling means are mounted on the striking implement or the user. A light or sound signal can signal proper alignment to the user on impact (i.e., essentially simultaneous actuation of radiation and impact detection), and/or can signal improper alignment to the user on impact. The sound signal may be a high or low frequency signal or words from a voice clip. Adjustable radiating beam widths may be used for different levels of skills.

Abstract: A detachable training system for golf clubs includes a golf club head having a top portion and a face portion. The system includes a removable training device with a base, the base formed to fit in a receiver on the club head. The system also includes a first removable plate formed to fit in the receiver on the club head when the removable training device is removed. In use, the removable training device is installed on the club during practice and is removed during actual golf rounds. The removable plate is installed on the club during golf rounds to provide similar weight, use and feel of the club head so the golfer can accurately replicate the strokes perfected during practice.

Abstract: The critical features of the improved putting stroke training device of the present invention includes a Y-axis sensor means using a convertor for converting mechanical energy to electric energy for detecting and signalling whether the face of a putter strikes a golf ball perpendicular to the path of the putter head and X-axis sensor means for detecting and signalling any abnormal acceleration or deceleration of the putter head. The Y-axis sensor means is disposed in a Y plane that is perpendicular to the golf ball striking face. The X-axis sensor means is disposed in an X plane that is perpendicular to the Y plane and is in the same plane as the shaft. This putting stroke trainer will assist the golfer in striking the ball with the club face perpendicular to the path of the putter head, and in developing a smooth pendulum swing and avoiding the "yips".

Abstract: A golf swing training device configured to be coupled to the grip of a golf club by the fingers of the golfer and to project beams of light parallel to the axis of the club shaft. The training device is so configured that it can accommodate substantially any golf club grip and can be moved from club to club at will. It selectively projects a light on the ground to provide real time feedback to the golfer as to the correct position of the club during both the backswing and the downswing.

Abstract: A plurality of methods of training golf putting skills are provided, namely to assist a golfer in developing a pendulum-type swing, improving a sweet spot type putting shot, reducing tendencies to push or pull shots, and improving follow through. An apparatus for training a plurality of golf putting skills and being adapted to connect to a shaft of a golf putting club is also provided. The apparatus preferably includes a housing and an optical transmitter positioned in the housing for transmitting light therefrom. Light pattern configurator is associated with the housing for selectively configuring the transmitted light into either a line pattern of light or a spot pattern of light. The apparatus also preferably includes shaft mounting device connected to the housing for adjustably and detachably connecting the housing to the shaft of a golf putting club.

Abstract: A device and method for improving the putting of a golf ball is described herein. The instructional device employs a sighting member and a shaft guide to assist in aligning and stroking a golf putt. The device is configured such that a golfer or instructor may develop each putting skill independently or in combination with the other skills. The device comprises two stands, set apart, with the sighting member attached to the top of each stand. A square face indicator may be positioned perpendicular to the sighting member, and the shaft guide may couple to a side of the stands. A method for improving the putting of a golf ball is also described herein, where the method addresses finding and verifying a sight line that extends from a golf ball to a desired target, aligning a golf putter face squarely to said sight line, and moving a putter shaft parallel to said sight line.

Abstract: A swing training device includes a housing which contains a light source, a power source and a driving circuit for generating a beam, such as a laser beam. Suitable optics, such as a collimator lens and a beam splitter (such as a half-mirror or a prism) are placed in the housing in order to split a highly defined beam so that a first beam is radiated along the longitudinal axis of the golf club shaft and a second beam is radiated at roughly a 90.degree. angle with respect to the first beam. A gravity switch in the swing training device provides that the beams are only radiated during the backswing and follow through of a golf club, thus simplifying operation, saving power and reducing the likelihood of inadvertent radiation of the laser beam into the face of the golfer or bystanders. The invention may also include a mat which has indicia for properly aligning lighted dots generated on the mat by the laser beams in order that the golfer may develop a proper swing form.

Abstract: Adapters removably affixing a hand held laser pointer to selected apparatus are disclosed. The adapters include structure for mounting therein the laser pointer having a laser module emitting a laser beam, a casing, a voltage source and a switch for controlling the laser module. Also included is a device for maintaining the laser pointer in an on condition and means for removably affixing the adapters to the selected apparatus such that when the adapters are affixed thereon, the laser beam emitted from the laser pointer is aimed in a predetermined relation with respect to the selected apparatus. The laser pointer and associated adapters are employed to optimize the use of the laser pointer and enhance the selected apparatus upon which it is mounted.

Abstract: A laser putt training aid including a shaft having a hollow configuration with a top end and a bottom end. Also included is a plurality of batteries situated within the shaft. A head is coupled to the bottom end of the shaft and has a flat hitting front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The head has a bore formed therein between the front surface and the rear surface of the head. The head further has a lens coupled in the bore adjacent the front surface thereof with the lens being flush with the front surface. The head further includes a laser adapted to emit a laser through the bore upon the application of electric power thereto. Next provided is a cap switch having a first orientation for providing electrical communication between the batteries and the laser and a second orientation for precluding electrical communication therebetween.

Abstract: A golf club laser alignment device for attachment to a golf club having a face. The alignment device includes a mounting bracket supporting a laser assembly above the face of a golf club for properly aligning a golf club. The mounting bracket includes a distal end adapted for attachment to the face of a golf club and a proximal end supporting the laser assembly. The device is further provided with a laser assembly including lateral adjustment rings permitting the laser assembly to be selectively adjusted along the face of a golf club. In use, the device is selectively attached to the face of a golf club, the device is then laterally and rotationally adjusted relative to the face of the golf club and the laser alignment device is activated to confirm the alignment of the golf club.

Abstract: A golf club putter is provided with a laser generator positioned in the shaft of the club. The laser generator is activated when a push button is depressed, and emits a beam of light downward, reflecting off a mirror positioned near the clubface and exits through an aperture to illuminate a target spot, thus indicating the direction in which the golf ball will travel. In another embodiment, a light beam splitter is provided to reflect a first portion of the light beam in a horizontal plane to illuminate a target spot, and a second portion of the light beam coaxially of the shaft in a selected pattern that is projected on the ground. The golfer may use this putter both on a practice green or in actual play to improve the alignment of his putter with the hole or other target.

Abstract: A golf club/golf ball impact detection system contained entirely within a golf club head for immediate visual indication of specific club face and golf ball impact location comprising a plurality of push button members that can be depressed by a golf club/golf ball impact to impinge on an adjustable electrical conducting board, where an electrical circuit is completed to illuminate a plurality of push button associated LEDs, that remain illuminated until a reset switch is manually depressed or an internal integrated circuit provides timing means. The golf club/golf ball impact detecting system is used not only for practicing golf but also used under the pressure of actual play.

Abstract: A self-contained laser device is removably affixed on selected golf apparatus, such as a putter. The laser device includes a laser housing having a bore in which a laser module is mounted such that the laser module emits a laser beam through an opening in the bore coincident with the axis of the bore. A switch means is within said bore for activating the laser module.A support member having an upper and a lower portion is provided. The lower portion includes structure for removably affixing and aligning the support member on selected golf apparatus.The upper portion includes structure for removably affixing and aligning the laser housing on the support member such that when the laser device is removably affixed to a selected golf apparatus, the laser beam is emitted in a predetermined optimum direction with respect to the golf apparatus.

Abstract: A putter including a club head, a shaft, a handle, a ball striking face, a heel, a toe, and an upper surface, with the shaft being connected to the upper surface, anda pair of light sources located in the ball striking face.One light source is located adjacent to the heel and other light source is located adjacent the toe. Also, included in the putter is a power source for energizing the light sources;a switch for connecting the light sources to the power source; and, anoptical device associated with each of the light sources for focusing a light beam from said light sources, when the light sources are energized, into a continuous, visible linear image of light in the form of a persistent, visual pair of alignment lines on a putting surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser aiming device removably mounted on a putter mainly including a sidewardly opened clamping member and a laser emitter. The clamping member firmly clamps on a rear edge of a head portion of the putter with screws threading from a top surface of the clamping member downward toward the rear edge of the putter. A receiving seat is also provided on the top surface of the clamping member to receive a housing of the laser emitter. The laser emitter further includes a number of batteries and a laser producing means accommodated in the housing. The laser emitter is electrically connected to a pressure switch provided at a bottom surface of the clamping member when it is put into the receiving seat.

Abstract: This device attaches to the head of an existing golf club (16) and contains two bright Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) (11 and 26) to show the path of the club head during practice swings. The LEDs are of different color and are oriented on a line parallel to the direction of swing. This allows the golfer to also see whether the club head was twisted during the swing, and if so, to see the direction of twist. Each LED is independently switched and controlled for brightness by its own potentiometer (12 and 27). A battery (17) is contained within the device. The device is attached to a golf club by an EPDM sleeve (15) which pulls onto the club head and by hook and loop material (19) on both the sleeve and the device. A safety loop (14) would keep the device from flying off the club head if it was incorrectly attached.

Abstract: A golf swing training device includes a golf club including a head coupled to a shaft. At least one laser device detachably coupled to the shaft of the golf club and produces at least one laser beam. A power source is coupled to the laser device. An attachment mechanism detachably secures the laser device to the golf club shaft in a manner such that the laser beam provides a feedback signal to the golfer that is indicative of a position and a motion of the head during the top of a backswing of the golf club by the golfer.

Abstract: An apparatus for the practicing of golf swings utilizing a motion sensor and a radiation source on the forehead of the user which projects a radiated signal when head motion is sensed. The signal is detected by a unit contemporaneously with the golfer's swinging either-a golf club, if he is outside, or a simulated golf club provided with a beam of radiation emanating from one end thereof, if he is inside. In the case of the simulated unit which may be used indoors, details of club head registry, (open, closed, square, sweet spot, slightly toward the toe, slightly toward the heel, toe, heel, top and bottom) swing, follow through, club head speed, tempo, distance the ball travels and the path of the ball are displayed and recorded.

Abstract: A tracking device for a golf club, which requires no electrical power source, is comprised of a body of fiberoptic material which is affixed to an exterior surface of the golf club. The fiberoptic material gathers ambient light along its length, and directs that light, through internal reflection, so as to cause it to exit at an end. The illumination provides a bright spot on the head of the golf club which traces the path of the moving club. The fiberoptic material may include a fluorescent dopant which absorbs light of short wavelength and converts that absorbed light to emitted light of a longer wavelength. Use of the fluorescent dopant enhances the intensity of the light emitted from the device.

Abstract: A golf swing training device configured to be removably attached to the handle of a standard golf club. The training device includes a light source that generates a parallel light beam, such as a laser beam, which enables a golfer using this device to visually monitor the position of the club with accuracy throughout the golf swing. The light source is enclosed within a pair of housings that are threadably coupled, such that the light source is activated by rotating one of the housings relative to the other. The training devices is secured to the golf club handle solely with a threaded member that is screwed into an opening in the end of the handle and draws the base of the device against the end of the handle.

Abstract: A golf training tool for mastering grips includes a base lighter and a tip lighter, each being a gripping body equipped with an ignition unit therein, wherein a male connector and a female connector which is fitted onto the male connector not rotatably are formed at the upper and lower ends of the base and tip lighters respectively, and a finger touching portion is formed uneven on the outer surfaces thereby conforming to the basic grip of fingers when they are connected to each other. As a result, it is possible to provide a golf training tool for mastering grips which is convenient to carry and can be also used as lighters.

Abstract: A golf training device comprising, in combination:a golf club having a shaft with a club head portion situated on a first end thereof and an elastomeric handle positioned on a second end thereof, the club further having a cylindrical axial bore formed in the second end thereof and which is accessible from the second end, wherein the bore is of a predetermined length and diameter; anda laser emitting device including a first mounting portion with a cylindrical configuration having a size, length and shape consistent with that of said bore for being releasably fixed therein, and a second portion integrally formed in axial relation with the first portion with a cylindrical configuration along a majority of its extent and a frusto-conical configuration along the remainder of its extent, the frusto-conical extent including a flange defined by a radially extending portion extending laterally beyond and adjacent the first portion of the device and a beveled outer surface portion extending from the outer periphery of

Abstract: An illuminated golf club head defines a cavity and includes a top surface and a face for impacting a golf ball during a swing. A light is mounted at the top surface, and a power source for energizing the light is disposed within the cavity and electrically connected to the light. A switch is mounted within the cavity and electrically connected to the light and battery to form an electrical circuit. In an embodiment, the switch closes, completing the circuit and momentarily illuminating the light, upon impact of the face with a golf ball. In another embodiment, the switch closes to momentarily illuminate the light upon impact of a golf ball at approximately the center of the face.

Abstract: A laser aiming apparatus for a golf club putter is disclosed. The putter includes a head having a transversely extending generally planar front face and a generally planar rear portion formed substantially parallel to the front face and spaced apart therefrom. An electrically conductive laser housing having a laser module mounted therein is removably affixed to the head. The head is clamped between an alignment surface formed in the housing which engages the front face and a clamping element affixed to the housing which provides biased contact against the rear portion such that a laser beam emitted by the laser module is aimed in a horizontal direction substantially perpendicular to the front face. A player employs the laser beam to properly align the club face during putting practice. The apparatus includes a conductive switch element in sliding biased contact with the conductive housing for closing an electrical circuit which powers the laser module.

Abstract: A golf club laser positioning system is utilized as a golf training device for assisting a novice or professional golfer to properly direct a golf ball in the desired path. The golf club laser positioning system comprises a golf club which has a pair of light emitters mounted within the head portion of the club and will permit the golfer to adjust the light beams depending on the distance desired and the angulation of the terrain. The light emitters transmit the light beams which intersect each other at a remote common point. The laser positioning system allows the golfer to precisely select the correct angle and position of the head portion in relation to the desired path.

Abstract: A golf swing training device configured to be removably attached to the handle of a standard golf club. The training device includes a light source that generates a parallel light beam, such as a laser beam, which enables a golfer using this device to visually monitor the position of the club with accuracy throughout the golf swing. The light source is enclosed within a pair of housings that are threadably coupled, such that the light source is activated by rotating one of the housings relative to the other. The method of activation employs an elasteromic member that permits current flow from a battery to the light source upon the elastomeric member being sufficiently compressed in order to achieve electrical contact between one of the battery's contacts and the housing in which the elastomeric member is contained.

Abstract: A golf training device features a support base with a light source attached thereto, the light source generating a planar-shaped beam of light which is projected forward of the support board to form a target line on the ground. The target line can be used in alignment of the golfer's body and club face before and during the striking of the golf ball. A pair of removably attachable elongated guide rails can be attached to the top of the support base to provide a guide path for the golfer to move the club head therethrough while putting a golf ball from the top of the support base. The positions of the guide rails can be selected to accommodate putters having different club head lengths, as well as to provide for lesser-constrained guide paths. The light source includes a laser and a cylindrically-shaped optical element placed transversely to the light beam to create the planar-shaped beam.

Abstract: An electro-optic device is used to detect the position and speed of a golf club head as it passes in front of the device. This information triggers a short optical pulse of light to illuminate the club head, allowing a golfer to see the club head at a desired position as an after-image, and to read the displayed club head speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing hydrogen sulfide (H.sub.2 S) and/or carbon disulfide (CS.sub.2) from exhaust gases. These exhaust gases are brought into contact with water and bromine so that H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and HBr in aqueous solution and possible CO.sub.2 are formed. Bromine is regenerated from the hydrobromic acid in an electrolysis cell. In addition, marketable hydrogen is produced.