Integral With Or Attachable To Swingable Implement Patents (Class 473/223)
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Patent number: 9504895Abstract: A golf club head includes a club face with at least one impact sensor, where the sensor has a passive piezoelectric element that is integrated into the club face, the passive piezoelectric element being able to generate a signal when an impact force is applied to the club face. An energy storage assembly includes a battery, a capacitor, or both. An energy harvesting assembly includes a signal divider with at least one input and at least two outputs, the at least two outputs providing a known ratio of a given input signal, wherein the at least one input of the signal divider is electrically coupled to one or more of the piezoelectric elements and a first of the at least two signal divider outputs is electrically coupled to the energy storage assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Golf Impact LLCInventor: Roger Davenport
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Patent number: 9492707Abstract: A golf club head includes a head body and a weight-balancing device. The head body is formed with a weighting recess. The weight-balancing device includes a coupling unit having a surrounding wall threadedly engaging the weighting recess, and an intelligent monitoring unit disposed inside the coupling unit. The intelligent monitoring unit includes a shell that is made of a signal-transmittable material and that is partially exposed form the surrounding wall, an intelligent monitoring element that is disposed in the shell and that is operable to detect data related to performance characteristics of a golf swing, and a wireless transmitter that is coupled to the monitoring element and that is operable to output the data.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: ADVANCED INTERNATIONAL MULTITECH CO., LTD.Inventors: I-Nan Chou, Te-Fu Hsiao
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Patent number: 9414784Abstract: A movement assessment apparatus configured to provide biofeedback to a user regarding one or more movements executed by the user is disclosed herein. The movement assessment apparatus generally includes a sensing device comprising one or more sensors, a data processing device operatively coupled to the sensing device, and a sensory output device operatively coupled to the data processing device. The data processing device is configured to determine executed motion data of a body portion of the user and/or executed motion data of an object manipulated by the user using one or more signals from the one or more sensors, to compare the executed motion data or a modified form of the executed motion data to baseline motion data of a reference motion, and to determine how closely the executed motion data or the modified form of the executed motion data conforms to the baseline motion data of the reference motion.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Bertec LimitedInventors: Necip Berme, Jan Jakub Ober
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Patent number: 9395385Abstract: An inertial measurement unit is affixed to a rigid body. The inertial measurement includes a gyroscope that measures a first angular velocity and an angular acceleration; a first accelerometer that measures a first acceleration; a communications unit that receives a measurement signal, the measurement signal including a second acceleration transmitted from a second accelerometer, the second accelerometer being affixed to the rigid body; and a controller that calculates a relative orientation of the inertial measurement unit and the second accelerometer, and a distance separating the inertial measurement unit and the second accelerometer.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: PPG TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Gordon Parke, Adam Tsouras, Eytan Moudahi
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Patent number: 9387361Abstract: A swing analyzing apparatus includes at least an angular velocity sensor, an impact detection section, an angular velocity information calculation section, and an impact state judgment section. The impact detection section detects the timing of impact in a swing of a sporting good. The angular velocity information calculation section calculates at least one of the amount of change in angular velocity with respect to a predetermined axis in a predetermined period after the impact timing and the greatest value of the angular velocity based on data outputted form the angular velocity sensor. The impact state judgment section judges the state of impact based on the result calculated by the angular velocity information calculation section.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Kazuo Nomura, Yasushi Nakaoka
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Patent number: 9375624Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Robert Boyd, John T. Stites, Mario A. Lafortune, Philip Hatton, Michael Wallans
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Patent number: 9349049Abstract: Portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system and method configured to display motion capture/analysis data on a mobile device. System obtains data from motion capture elements and analyzes the data. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Ratings associated with the captured motion can also be displayed. Predicted ball flight path data can be calculated and displayed. Data shown on a time line can also be displayed to show the relative peaks of velocity for various parts of the user's body. Based on the display of data, the user can determine the equipment that fits the best and immediately purchase the equipment, via the mobile device. Custom equipment may be ordered through an interface on the mobile device from a vendor that can assemble-to-order customer built equipment and ship the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: BLAST MOTION INC.Inventors: Michael Bentley, Bhaskar Bose, Ryan Kaps
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Patent number: 9320957Abstract: The system includes motion capture elements such as visual markers and sensors utilized in the capture of motion data both wirelessly and visually. The system may send a unique identifier and spatial data over a self-contained radio and antenna wirelessly to an external system that may analyze and display the spatial data in a user-friendly manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2010Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Blast Motion Inc.Inventor: Michael Bentley
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Patent number: 9283461Abstract: A fixed clamping member has a first interior surface and is constructed of a first material. A sensor unit formed on an exterior surface of the fixed clamping member detects a motion of the motion analysis device. A pivoting clamping member secured to a first end of the fixed clamping member has a second interior surface that opposes the first interior surface when the pivoting clamping member is in a secured position. A gripping element constructed of a second material different than the first material is formed over the first interior surface and the second interior surface. A tightening member having a threaded portion is secured to a second end of the fixed clamping member. A knob has a threaded interior portion with a diameter corresponding to the cylindrical threaded portion. An opening on the pivoting clamping member has a shape and a size corresponding to the tightening member.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: SKYHAWKE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.Inventors: Gordon Parke, Adam Tsouras, Travis Titus
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Patent number: 9155949Abstract: A golf club measuring system is designed to dynamically measure physical values of a golf club shaft during its swinging motion. A sensor wiring substrate includes a flexible board (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate material), a connector, a plurality of couplers, and a plurality of wires. A plurality of sensors is connected to the sensor wiring substrate via a plurality of couplers. The sensor wiring substrate is helically wound about the golf club shaft such that the flexible board is slightly warped and closely attached to the curved surface of a golf club shaft, thus reducing air resistance occurring on the golf club shaft being swung. An external device (e.g. a strain measuring device) is connected to the connector of the sensor wiring substrate so as to receive signals representing physical values (e.g. strain values), occurring on the golf club shaft being swung, from a plurality of sensors.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventor: Koji Yataka
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Patent number: 9084925Abstract: A method and integrated golf club apparatus for directly measuring physical parameters of the golf club head motional acceleration swing forces, golf club head face, golf ball impact forces, and subsequent calculations of other metrics useful to a golfer's understanding of the effectiveness of his or her golf swing and impact result in totality. The physical parameters that are directly measured include three dimensional motion force vectors of club head prior to, during and after impact and full impact pressure force profiles across the golf clubface with respect to time. The sensors are connected to electronics which condition, record and store the time varying sensors information electronically, then process and translate the information into one of several forms for delivery to a human interface function.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Golf Impact, LLCInventors: Roger Davenport, Paul Reynolds
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Patent number: 9079057Abstract: A method relating to an improved swing characteristic capturing system that can be used for a golf club shaft fitting system is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention utilizes specific data gathered from the golfer's golf swing itself to determine the best performing golf club shaft for this particular golf swing. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of cameras to record the location data of a plurality of markers located on a golf club shaft throughout a swing. The current inventive fitting methodology is preferred to the archaic fitting method of using data gathered from the result orientated ball flight data together with a tedious process of having to try numerous different shafts.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Ryan Margoles, Gregory D. Johnson
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Patent number: 9050519Abstract: A system and method for shot tracking is disclosed herein. The system preferably includes a golf club, a receiver device and a server with a website. The golf club preferably includes an active RFID transponder, a power source and a shock switch. When the golf club strikes a golf ball, the shock switch closes thereby powering the RFID transponder which sends a signal to the receiver device for automatically tracking a golfer's round of golf. The data is then uploaded to the website for processing.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Steve Ehlers, Alan Hocknell
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Patent number: 9028337Abstract: Enables coupling or retrofitting a golf club with active motion capture electronics that are battery powered, passive or active shot count components, for example a passive RFID, and/or a visual marker on the cap for use with visual motion capture cameras. Does not require modifying the golf club. Electronics package and battery can be easily removed and replaced, without any tools. May utilize a weight that is removed when inserting the electronic package, wherein the weight element may have the same weight as an electronics package, for no net change or minimal change in club weight. May be implemented with a shaft enclosure and expander that may be coupled with a screw aligned along an axis parallel to the axis of the golf club shaft. May utilize non-permanently and/or friction coupling between the mount and golf club shaft. Cap may include a visual marker and/or logo.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Blast Motion Inc.Inventor: Michael Bentley
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Patent number: 9026398Abstract: A motion analysis device includes two posture angle sensors attached to a measurement object at locations distant from each other, a data acquisition section, a posture angle correction section, and a deformation amount calculation section. The data acquisition section acquires data of a first posture angle and a second posture angle respectively detected by the posture angle sensors. The posture angle correction section corrects a difference between the first posture angle and the second posture angle after starting a motion of the measurement object in accordance with a difference between the first posture angle and the second posture angle before starting the motion of the measurement object. The deformation amount calculation section calculates a deformation amount of the measurement object based on a difference between the first posture angle and the second posture angle corrected by the posture angle correction section.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Toshiyasu Takasugi, Masatoshi Sato, Kazuo Nomura
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Patent number: 9022878Abstract: There is provided a method and system for matching golf clubs to a specific user. The method includes providing both a height and a weight of the specific user; determining physical parameters of the specific user from both the height and the weight; providing data for each golf club; obtaining optimal club mass for a Driver; obtaining optimal values of both a moment of inertia about a grip center and a mass for each golf club; and modifying each golf club to enable each golf club to attain the optimal values. The system involves utilizing the aforementioned information gathered for the method. It is advantageous that each of the golf clubs matched to the specific user are effectively employed with an application of identical swings from the specific user.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Inventor: Gisle Solhaug
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Publication number: 20150119158Abstract: A motion analyzing apparatus includes a first calculation unit that calculates a position of a first line segment representing a direction in which a rod-like part of a sporting tool extends in a stationary state, a second calculation unit that calculates the position of the first line segment at hitting, and a third calculation unit that specifies a virtual plane formed by the first line segment in the stationary state and a second line segment representing a ball hitting direction, wherein a relation between the virtual plane and the first line segment at the hitting is compared.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventor: Masafumi SATO
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Publication number: 20150119159Abstract: When a sporting tool or a subject changes from a first state (e.g., address state) to a second state (during swing), a detection part detects, within a plane orthogonal to a first direction (y-axis) in which a shaft part of the sporting tool extends, a rotation angle ?xn or ?zn at which the sporting tool or the subject changes around an axis in a second direction or a third direction orthogonal to each other (x-axis or z-axis) using output of an inertial sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Masafumi SATO, Kazuo NOMURA, Kazuhiro SHIBUYA, Kenya KODAIRA
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Publication number: 20150111657Abstract: A designation unit designates a checkpoint of sporting equipment on which a swing motion is performed. A first calculation unit calculates a movement path of the sporting equipment, which is being swung, using an output of an inertial sensor. A second calculation unit calculates a posture of an interest part of the sporting equipment at the checkpoint using the output of the inertial sensor up to the checkpoint on the movement path of the sporting equipment. The display unit displays the posture of the interest part of the sporting equipment at the checkpoint.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Kazuhiro SHIBUYA, Kazuo NOMURA, Kenya KODAIRA, Masafumi SATO
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Patent number: 8998717Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes circuitry configured to acquire information corresponding to a reference orientation that indicates a spatial position of a sensor unit attached to a golf club. The reference orientation is determined based on a vector projecting in a normal direction from a planar surface of the golf club. The circuitry acquires a measurement signal generated by the sensor unit in response to a movement of the golf club, the measurement signal including measurements of one or more of an angular acceleration, a linear acceleration, and an angular velocity. The circuitry generates data corresponding to a motion path of the golf club based on the measurement signal and the reference orientation. The circuitry controls an interface to output the generated data corresponding to the motion path.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: PPG Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gordon Parke, Adam Tsouras, Eytan Moudahi
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Patent number: 8994826Abstract: Portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system and method configured to display motion capture/analysis data on a mobile device. System obtains data from motion capture elements and analyzes the data. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Ratings associated with the captured motion can also be displayed. Predicted ball flight path data can be calculated and displayed. Data shown on a time line can also be displayed to show the relative peaks of velocity for various parts of the user's body. Based on the display of data, the user can determine the equipment that fits the best and immediately purchase the equipment, via the mobile device. Custom equipment may be ordered through an interface on the mobile device from a vendor that can assemble-to-order customer built equipment and ship the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Blast Motion Inc.Inventor: Michael Bentley
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Patent number: 8986129Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device and a method for monitoring the performance a sportsman performing a plurality of motor acts, such as golf swings. The device comprises at least one sensor providing an output signal, the sensor being responsive to body movements of the sportsman. A signal processing unit is used for extracting data on the course of each of the plurality of motor acts from the sensor output signal, and a computing unit is used for determining, based on the data on the course of the plurality of motor acts, at least one characteristic number describing the repeatability of the motor act. By the means of the invention, the handicap number of the golfer can be predicted with good accuracy by monitoring several his or her subsequent swings.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Suunto OyInventors: Michael Miettinen, Eljas Saastamoinen, Jussi Rouhento, Sami Ruotsalainen
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Patent number: 8986130Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Philip J. Hatton, Brian Kammerer, Jeffrey A. Hadden, Gregory S. Kramer, Douglas A. Thornton, Joshua M. Boggs, Sherry L. Jones, James H. Lua, Daniel F. Wisniewski
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Publication number: 20150072797Abstract: One embodiment of a terminal device according to the present invention comprises a moving image acquiring means for acquiring the moving image of a measured subject on which a sensor is installed, a sensor data acquisition means for acquiring sensor data from the sensor about said measured subject and a display control means for overlaying and displaying said moving image and additional images that are generated from said sensor data. The embodiment provides a terminal device capable of effectively checking a player's motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: ACCESS CO., LTD.Inventors: Daisuke Sakyo, Shigenori Mogi
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Patent number: 8974313Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an angle of attack of a golf swing based on multiple ball hitting is disclosed. Multiple golf balls of different known constructions are hit by a golfer. Club head speed and backspin data associated with each of the hit golf balls is measured. Based on a correlation between an angle of attack and measured data associated with the golf balls of different known constructions, an angle of attack of a golf swing can be determined. Different sets of golf balls of known constructions can be provided based on characteristics of a golfer. A kit including at least three golf balls of different known constructions and a database containing the correlation between data associated with the at least three golf balls and an angle of attack is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Arthur P. Molinari, Nicholas A. Leech, Yutaka Kabeshita
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Publication number: 20150051009Abstract: A measurement device may include one or more piezoelectric elements that output power signals. The device may split each power signal, analyzing a first portion of the signal while supplying a second portion to an energy storage assembly. A processor may dynamically adjust the first and second portions of each power signal to change how much of each power signal is used for signal processing versus energy storage, and may make the adjustments based on detected activities and/or pre-programmed timelines. The device may be used in or on sports equipment, such as a golf club.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Golf Impact, LLCInventor: Roger Davenport
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Patent number: 8956238Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Robert Boyd, John Stites, Mario A. Lafortune
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Publication number: 20150045130Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club head having a multifunctional damping assembly. In certain aspects, the invention provides a damping assembly configured to provide dampening of vibrational response of the club head upon impact of the club face with a golf ball, thereby improving the feel of the club. The damping assembly is further configured to provide information to a golfer in the form of visual and/or audible feedback indicative of one or more characteristics of a golf ball strike with the club face.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventor: Ryan L. Roach
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Patent number: 8951138Abstract: This disclosure describes a method for measuring the path and orientation of a golf club during a swing. Of particular interest is the orientation of the club face and its path prior to, at and just after impact with the ball. Golfers and club manufactures are interested in this information for swing improvement and club design. The key measurements are the face orientation and path relative to the ball, these are: horizontal path, vertical path, face open/close, face loft, face lie and ball impact position on the face. The disclosure additionally defines a means for accurately measuring the orientation of the club head and shaft throughout the entire swing. The technique may use an inertial navigation system attached to the head or shaft in conjunction with the camera system. An important feature of the method is the ease of use in that it provides accurate results without complex calibration procedures.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: WAWGD, Inc.Inventors: Chris Kiraly, Paulo Merloti
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Publication number: 20150038249Abstract: Provided is a system for measuring golf club deformation that can easily measure golf club deformation during a golfer's golf swing as usual. A measurement system (1) according to the present invention is provided with an image pickup apparatus (4), attached to a golf club (3) and facing a direction that includes at least one identifier attached to the golf club (3) for specification of a position on the golf club (3), and with a measurement apparatus (2) that measures the golf club deformation based on position information of the at least one identifier, the position information being acquired from an image of the golf club captured by the image pickup apparatus (4) during a swing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2012Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicants: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD., BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventors: Koji Takao, Hideo Matsunaga, Hirotada Iwade
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Patent number: 8944932Abstract: A calculating unit of a swing analyzer calculates, assuming that a golf club is in a uniform circular motion about a virtual center of rotation O during a swing, a virtual speed Vh at a central point R of a golf club head, based on a distance between first and second acceleration sensors, a distance between the first acceleration sensor and the central point R of a golf club head and outputs from the first and second acceleration sensors, and calculates the speed of central point R of a golf club head utilizing the virtual speed Vh.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Mizuno CorporationInventors: Fuminobu Sato, Hiroshi Nagao, Takashi Kimura
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Publication number: 20150018111Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for golf swing analysis are disclosed. One golf swing analysis system includes a motion sensing device attached to a golf club, the motion sensing device comprising a controller and one or more motion sensors. The golf swing analysis system further includes a remote processor, wherein a wireless link electronically connects the remote processor and the controller of the motion sensing device. Further, at least one of the controller and the remote processor are operative to access sensor data generated based on sensed signals of the one or more motion sensors, and perform pattern recognition analysis on the sensor data, comprising identifying and analyzing at least a portion of a golf swing based on the sensed data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Applicant: Mobiplex, Inc.Inventors: Vijay J. Nadkarni, Umang Salgia, Van Krueger
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Publication number: 20150011324Abstract: The invention relates to golf clubs, more particularly to mechanisms for fastening accessories to clubs. The invention provides a golf club configured to house an electronic device such as an RFID tag within a recess within the grip, thereby protecting the device from the stress, shock, and exposure that arises when a golf club is used.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Andrew Curtis, Michael T. McDonnell, Scott H. Moreira, Michael S. Yagley
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Patent number: 8926444Abstract: A golf club having a head disposed at a front end of a shaft and having a grip disposed at a back end of the shaft. The golf club includes a sensor section arranged on a grip-end edge of the grip and used for analyzing action of a golf swing.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignees: Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd., Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Masatoshi Kato, Masahiko Ueda
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Patent number: 8926445Abstract: The presented invention relates to a method for determining the effectiveness of a golfer's swing without the requirement of the club head making contact with a golf ball. More specifically, the present invention relates to a measurement and analysis system comprising a first module that attaches to the club head and captures measurement receiver signal strength data during the entire swing time line and may capture motional data on same time line, further first module wirelessly communicates bi-directionally with a second module that is further connected to a user interface device and computational engine where feedback results are derived and conveyed to the golfer. The system provides comprehensive feedback for a swing characterization time line referenced to the spatial domain using receiver signal strength measurements that may be in combination with motional and dynamics orientation measurements.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Golf Impact, LLCInventor: Roger Davenport
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Publication number: 20150005089Abstract: A golf club head may include a face with an embedded monolith having first and second sensors for measuring impact with a golf ball. The first and second sensors may output positive and negative pressure signals at the same time, caused by the impact, with the negative pressure indicating an outward bowing of the monolith whereas the positive pressure indicates an inward compression. These positive and negative values may be captured over the duration of impact and used to create a time-varying impact pressure profile with increased accuracy. The club head may also include a mechanism for placing a static pressure on the monolith, increasing negative pressure sensitivity and adjusting the ability to measure negative impact pressures away from the contact point on the club face.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: GOLF IMPACT, LLCInventor: Roger Davenport
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Publication number: 20140364246Abstract: An integrated golf club and analysis system that measures and analyze the performance characteristics of both: 1) a free golf swing without impact with a golf ball and 2) a golf swing with ball impact analysis. Free swing analysis provides critical information needed to analyze swing style so that dynamics swing characteristics optimization can be evaluated throughout the entire swing without ball impact, while impact analysis provides critical information on ball impact location on the club face, however, they cannot be measured simultaneously since ball impact eliminates the ability to identify the swing metric peaks such as velocity if it were to occur after ball impact. To achieve both, an integrated electronics golf club head comprises multiple types of sensors for measuring club head motion, impact and spatial location information with a weight and balance of a regulation golf club head.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: Golf Impact, LLCInventor: Roger Davenport
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Patent number: 8905856Abstract: An inertial measurement unit is affixed to a rigid body. The inertial measurement includes a gyroscope that measures a first angular velocity and an angular acceleration; a first accelerometer that measures a first acceleration; a communications unit that receives a measurement signal, the measurement signal including a second acceleration transmitted from a second accelerometer, the second accelerometer being affixed to the rigid body; and a controller that calculates a relative orientation of the inertial measurement unit and the second accelerometer, and a distance separating the inertial measurement unit and the second accelerometer.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: PPG Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gordon Parke, Adam Tsouras, Eytan Moudahi
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Publication number: 20140357393Abstract: Provided is a golf swing classification method that is capable of optimizing selection of a golf club. A golf swing classification method when a golf club hits a golf ball according to the present invention includes the steps of: acquiring acceleration in at least a single point on the golf club or in at least one point that follows the single point during the golf swing; and mapping a behavior of the golf club based on a time period from a time point when an absolute value of the acceleration is at a maximum to a time point when the golf club hits the golf ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicants: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION, BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTDInventors: Yoshikazu SENNO, Koji TAKAO, Daisuke KONDO, Hideo MATSUNAGA, Hirotada IWADE
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Publication number: 20140357392Abstract: Analysis of sporting equipment characteristics may be analyzed using dynamic sampling rates. For example, analyzing a golf swing may include the use of one or more sensors providing data at various sampling rates. According to some aspects, the sampling rate may be dynamically modified upon determination of one or more golf equipment characteristics, environmental conditions, player characteristics and the like. In one example, a sampling rate processor may dynamically select a sampling rate at which data is sampled from one or more sensors. In some examples, by dynamically selecting the sampling rate, an analysis may be tailored to various types, and portions of a golf swing, in addition to producing power consumption by the analysis instruments in the golf club system. According to other aspects, triggering conditions for modifying a sampling rate may be determined from a population of one or more previous golf swings performed by a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Manan Goel, Mario LaFortune
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Publication number: 20140349777Abstract: The invention provides a golf club head having a port for providing a view into the interior cavity of the club head. The club head further includes at least one rib positioned along an internal surface of the club head and adjacent to the port. The at least one rib is configured to provide sound tuning characteristics, increasing the frequency of the port, thereby improving acoustic properties of the club head, particularly the sound produced by the golf club head during ball impact.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Karl Clausen
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Patent number: 8894502Abstract: A housing for a sensor includes the sensor; vertical walls surrounding an aperture containing the sensor; a horizontal floor connected to a bottom of the vertical walls, the floor having the sensor located thereon; and a vertical shaft connected to the bottom of the floor and configured to connect the housing to a grip of a golf club. The shaft and at least the horizontal floor define a continuous air passage to vent air pressure from an inside of the golf club to an outside of the golf club.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: SkyHawke Technologies, LLCInventor: Roger F. Rose
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Patent number: 8888604Abstract: An integrated golf club and analysis system that measures and analyze the performance characteristics of both: 1) a free golf swing without impact with a golf ball and 2) a golf swing with ball impact analysis. Free swing analysis provides critical information needed to analyze swing style so that dynamics swing characteristics optimization can be evaluated throughout the entire swing without ball impact, while impact analysis provides critical information on ball impact location on the club face, however, they cannot be measured simultaneously since ball impact eliminates the ability to identify the swing metric peaks such as velocity if it were to occur after ball impact. To achieve both, an integrated electronics golf club head comprises multiple types of sensors for measuring club head motion, impact and spatial location information with a weight and balance of a regulation golf club head.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Golf Impact, LLCInventor: Roger Davenport
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Patent number: 8888603Abstract: A measuring device includes a strain gauge, a processing unit calculating an expected bending point value corresponding to a bending point position, and a display unit capable of displaying an output value from the processing unit. The processing unit calculates the expected bending point value based on a measured value of strain gauge at a first time point during a swing of the user and a measured value of strain gauge at a second time point closer to an impact time point than the first time point. The processing unit stores in advance conversion data for converting the expected bending point value to recommended kick point output value indicating kick point, and the processing unit outputs the recommended kick point output value corresponding to the calculated expected bending point value to the display unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Mizuno CorporationInventors: Fuminobu Sato, Hiroshi Nagao, Takashi Kimura
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Patent number: 8882606Abstract: A method and system for capturing, transmitting, and displaying golf swing data uses data capture elements in golf balls or golf clubs to capture data and transmission elements to transmit the golf swing data to a mobile computing auxiliary device. The mobile computing auxiliary device relays the captured and transmitted golf swing data to a mobile computing device. The mobile computing device transmits the golf swing data to a database. A server associated with the database generates web pages to make the golf swing data available over the internet.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Leech, Arthur Molinari, Yutaka Kabeshita, Yasushi Ichikawa, Derek A. Fitchett, Bradley C. Tutmark
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Publication number: 20140323235Abstract: Golf club heads having sensors configured to measure one or more swing parameters are provided. The golf club head may include several gyroscopes and accelerometers. In one embodiment, the club head contains three gyroscopes that measure angular rate data along different orthogonal axes. At least one gyroscope may an analog gyroscope. Accelerometers may provide data regarding the three orthogonal axes associated with the gyroscopes. The club head may further include software and/or hardware that perform computer-executed methods for determining one or more swing parameters. Exemplary club heads may include a display device for displaying an output of the swing parameter(s). Further aspects of the invention relate to novel methods and algorithms for calculating measurements relating to the swing parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: John T. Stites, Jeremy Snyder, James S. Thomas, Jeffrey A. Hadden, Bradley C. Glenn, Daniel J. Simpson, Daniel A. Roberts, Douglas A. Thornton
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Publication number: 20140302941Abstract: Articles of clothing or pieces of athletic equipment, and particularly golf clubs, include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the clothing or athletic equipment or for performing other functions. Such systems and methods may use physical or other interaction(s) between the module and the article of clothing or piece of athletic equipment for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or sensing devices included with the module, for confirming whether the module and clothing or piece of athletic equipment are authorized for use with one another, and/or for automatic data algorithm selection methods. Additionally, such systems and methods also may use the activation and/or authentication systems for data input to the module. Some examples of such systems and methods may utilize magnets and magnetic sensing systems and/or light (or other radiation) sources and sensing systems for activation, authentication, data input, and/or algorithm selection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventor: Charles W. Case
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Publication number: 20140295983Abstract: An exercise tool includes an elongated bar configured to be positioned behind a user such that a midpoint of the elongated bar is substantially aligned with a spine of the user. The exercise tool includes a sensing unit configured to be operational during rotation of the bar by the user about the midpoint of the elongated bar. The sensing unit is configured to sense at least one of a speed associated with the bar, an acceleration associated with the bar, a number of times the bar has been rotated, an angle between a plane of rotation and a reference plane or reference line, a range of rotation, and an amount of deviation from which the plane of rotation varies from a standard or a measured plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventor: Butler Nooner
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Publication number: 20140295982Abstract: A swing analyzing device includes at least an angular velocity sensor, a data acquiring unit, and a motion detecting unit. The angular velocity sensor detects angular velocities generated about a plurality of axes by a swing. The data acquiring unit acquires detection data of the angular velocity sensor. The motion detecting unit detects at least one of motions of the swing. Particularly, the motion detecting unit includes an angular velocity calculating unit which calculates the sum of the magnitudes of the angular velocities generated about the plurality of respective axes using the acquired detection data.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventor: Kazuhiro SHIBUYA
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Patent number: 8840483Abstract: This disclosure relates to an evaluation device and methods for evaluating the swing of a piece of athletic equipment. The evaluation device may include a microphone, an accelerometer, and a microcontroller configured to detect a stroke and ball strike and track the position of the athletic equipment in three-dimensional space. The evaluation device may also include a radio for wireless transmissions, a battery, and a sound tube connected to the microphone. The evaluation device can be used in conjunction with a host computer to store, and display data gathered by the evaluation device. In some methods, a stroke that is detected from a swing and a ball strike can be determined by comparing signals received from the accelerometer and the microphone to predetermined criteria.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Kinetek SportsInventors: Patrick M. Steusloff, Thomas H. Lupfer