Integral With Or Attachable To Swingable Implement Patents (Class 473/223)
  • Patent number: 8840484
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Skyhawke Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Gordon Parke, Adam Tsouras, Travis Titus
  • Patent number: 8831905
    Abstract: Motion capture and analysis is described, including a motion sensor unit configured to capture data associated with movement of an object, to process the data to determine one or more values, to store the data and the one or more values, and to convert the data and the one or more values from an analog signal to a digital signal associated with a wireless transmission, and a display unit configured to receive the data from the motion sensor unit, the data being transmitted using through the wireless transmission, to process the data to determine one or more values, to store the data, and to graphically present the data and the one or more values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Angelo Gregory Papadourakis
  • Patent number: 8827842
    Abstract: A golf equipment fitting system that uses advanced technology to not only objectively identify the optimum equipment for the golfer, but to also identify and help correct swing flaws so that the golfer can achieve optimum performance on the golf course. Thus, in one embodiment, golf fitting includes collecting data related to the golfer's swing and determining if the golfer's swing technique should be modified based at least in part on the collected swing data. When it is determined that the golfer's swing technique should be modified, then providing swing instruction to the golfer. When, however, it is determined that the golfer's swing technique is fine, then collecting data related to how the golfer's swing launches a golf ball. Finally, golf equipment, e.g., golf clubs, can be specified based on the collected swing data and launch data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Max Out Golf LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Clark Voges, Daniel Patrick Hollister
  • Patent number: 8821306
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Ryan Margoles, Gregory D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8814714
    Abstract: A swing training aid comprises at least a shaft that defines an interior channel in which a reciprocating member translates from end to end. Preferably the swing training aid is a golf club comprising a grip and a club head disposed at opposite ends of the shaft. The grip can also define an opening at one end that cooperates with a fixed or removable end cap that optionally comprises one or more additional features such as a magnet for attracting the reciprocating member and an insert that produces an audible sound when struck by the reciprocating member. The club head may also include additional features such as an insert that produces an audible sound when struck by the reciprocating member. To use the swing training aid, a golfer swings the training aid and the reciprocating member provides tactile and audible feedback when the backswing, downswing, and finish are correct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Gabriel Hjertstedt
  • Publication number: 20140235364
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses related to golf club grips with attached or embedded RFID tags are described. In an embodiment, a RFID tag is attached to or embedded into a golf club grip in a manner that does not compromise either the functionality or aesthetics of the grip. In an embodiment, the embedded or attached RFID tag is located in the butt-end of the grip, perpendicular to the shaft of the golf club.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Radar Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Savarese, Susan McGill
  • Patent number: 8808102
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a system for monitoring a swing is provided that includes (1) a swing measurement device adapted to couple to a swinging object and to output a signal indicative of a characteristic of the swinging object; (2) a wireless transmitter coupled to the swing measurement device and adapted to wirelessly transmit the signal output by the swing measurement device; and (3) a wireless device adapted to receive the wirelessly transmitted signal and to provide information regarding the swinging object based on the received signal. The wireless device is a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA). Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Brian M. Dugan
  • Publication number: 20140228141
    Abstract: A swing analyzer is disclosed. The swing analyzer may be used to analyze the swing an object such as a golf club. The swing analyzer accounts for individual differences between users and/or sensors to improve performance. The swing analyzer includes a motion sensor that is attachable to the object. The motion sensor communicates wirelessly with a terminal device. The terminal device includes a swing analysis unit for performing swing analysis based on sensor data output from the motion sensor. The swing analyzer determines a target line based on position of the motion sensor while a user is at the address posture before a swing. The target line is used as a reference to provide swing analyses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: ACCESS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke SAKYO, Junichi KATOH
  • Publication number: 20140228142
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf club head that includes a weight adjustment system inside of the club head. Preferably, when the club is played, no part of the adjustment system is directly accessible or exposed to an exterior of the club. The club head may include a panel that opens or is removable, or the club head may be disassembled to provide access to the internal weight adjustment system. A weight adjustment system generally includes at least one mechanism by which a mass distribution of the golf club head can be changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: COBRA GOLF INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Joshua G. Breier, Karl A. Clausen, Andrew Curtis, Cameron J. Day, Caleb Kroloff, Douglas E. Roberts, Ryan L. Roach, Richard Romo Sanchez, Peter L. Soracco, Michael S. Yagley
  • Patent number: 8801533
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Stites, Jeremy Snyder, James S. Thomas, Jeffrey A. Hadden, Bradley C. Glenn, Daniel J. Simpson, Daniel A. Roberts, Douglas A. Thornton
  • Publication number: 20140221118
    Abstract: A golf tracking system including a tag coupled to a golf club. The tag includes a plurality of sensors, each which output a signal based on a detected movement of the golf club, a microcontroller that compares each of the plurality of sensor outputs to stored reference sensor output values, and a transceiver that transmits data corresponding to the sensor outputs to a device remote from the tag based on the comparison performed by the microcontroller. The location-aware device then processes the information received from the tag to determine whether a shot should be registered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SKYHAWKE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: James W. MEADOWS, Richard L. Root, Richard C. Edmonson
  • Patent number: 8795098
    Abstract: An instrumented golf club system and methods are disclosed. A variety of golf swing parameters are measured by the instrumented golf club and wirelessly transmitted to a portable computer device. The portable computer device generates a user interface that displays the golf swing parameters against preferred golf swing parameters. The instrumented golf club system allows a golfer to receive feedback in real time while playing golf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Stites, Gary Tavares, Carl Madore, Mike Kelly, Raymond J. Sander, Jeffrey A. Hadden, Jeffrey R. Held, Garrick L. Maenle, Gregory S. Kramer, Chad E. Bouton, Clifford N. Dodson, Patrick K. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20140213382
    Abstract: Provided are a system for real-time analysis of a golf swing motion on a golf club and an operating method thereof. More particularly, the operating method of the system for real-time analysis of a golf swing motion on a golf club includes: automatically identifying information of a golf club to be used by a user using a club identification circuit attached to the golf club (S100); sensing swing information by sensing a motion of the golf club (S200); analyzing the swing motion of the user using the information of the golf club identified in the identifying of the information of the golf club (S100) and the swing information sensed in the sensing of the swing (S200) (S300); and feeding back analysis results of the swing motion analyzed in the analyzing of the swing motion (S300) to a user terminal in real time (S400).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Du-Sung Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nam Wook Kang, Young Jin Jin
  • Patent number: 8784228
    Abstract: A method relating to an improved fitting system for a golf club shaft is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention utilizes specific data gathered from the golfer's golf swing itself to determine the best performing golf club shaft for this particular golf swing. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of infrared motion capturing cameras to record the location data of a golf club shaft throughout a swing. Based on the location data captured, one or more dynamic behavioral characteristics can be calculated to determine one or more preferred shaft characteristics. Using the preferred shaft characteristics, a shaft can be recommended for the golfer having this particular golf swing. The current inventive fitting methodology is preferred to the archaic fitting method of using data gathered from the result orientated ball flight data together with a tedious process of having to try numerous different shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: John Morin, Ryan Margoles, Gregory D. Johnson, Charles E. Golden
  • Publication number: 20140200092
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Gordon PARKE, Adam TSOURAS, Eytan MOUDAHI
  • Publication number: 20140200094
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Gordon Parke, Adam Tsouras, Eytan Moudahi
  • Publication number: 20140200093
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: SKYHAWKE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Gordon Parke, Adam Tsouras, Travis Titus
  • Patent number: 8764576
    Abstract: A swing analysis device includes a sensor section including a motion sensor adapted to detect a swing of sports equipment, a swing characteristic information calculation section adapted to calculate swing characteristic information of the swing based on output data of the motion sensor, the output data corresponding to the swing, a swing selection section adapted to select the swing characteristic information, and a reference swing characteristic information calculation section adapted to calculate reference swing characteristic information used as a reference based on the swing characteristic information selected, and store the reference swing characteristic information into a storage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyasu Takasugi
  • Publication number: 20140179454
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary methods and systems for selecting a shaft flex for a golfer based on characteristics of the golfer's swing. Some exemplary methods comprise using measuring in-swing-plane shaft deflection values of a golfer's golf club during the golfer's swing, determining a phase of the golfer's swing when maximum in-swing-plane shaft deflection occurs; determining a kick velocity of the golfer's swing at impact with a golf ball; and selecting a shaft flex for the golfer based on the determined phase of the golfer's swing when maximum in-swing-plane shaft deflection occurs and based on the determined kick velocity of the golfer's swing at impact with a golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Jay Tofin Worobets, Darren John Stefanyshyn
  • Publication number: 20140179455
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for training a swing movement of a club includes storing a desired swing data in a measuring device, capturing a training swing data in the measuring device, comparing the training swing data to the desired swing data to determine a set of differential data, outputting a signal to a user corresponding to the set of differential data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Uwe Richter, Xiping Huo, Ann Koo, Nikolai Maltsev, Louis Lau, John Groot
  • Patent number: 8758152
    Abstract: A swing feedback device, including (a) a body moveable relative to an apparatus, said apparatus having a strike face moveable by a user along a swing path for striking an object, said body being pivotable about a pivot axis to align itself to said swing path when moving with said apparatus; (b) one or more sensors attached to said body, said sensors for generating swing data including a detected position of a reference marker relative to said sensors, said reference marker being fixed relative to said strike face, the relative position of said reference marker and said sensors being determined based on an offset angle formed between said strike face and said body on a plane perpendicular to said pivot axis; and (c) a sound generator for generating auditory feedback for said user based on the swing data generated by said sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Blair Christian Hall
  • Publication number: 20140162802
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Tim A. Beno, Andrew Curtis, Michael T. McDonnell, Scott H. Moreira, Michael S. Yagley
  • Publication number: 20140148261
    Abstract: An integrated golf club comprising standard golf club shaft and an integrated electronics system golf club head apparatus for directly measuring physical parameters of the golf club head motional acceleration swing forces and golf club head face and golf ball impact forces and further processing those measurements and transmitting the measurement data wirelessly to a user interface device. The integrated electronics system golf club head comprises several optimized assemblies that support electronic measurement, processing and wireless communication functions that are integrated with a customized golf club head shell and club face to provide a golf club head with physical properties that are substantially similar to that of a regulation play golf club head of same type. The user interface device that receives wirelessly transmitted data further processes the data and provides the golfer with useful golf swing and impact metrics in multiple different user selectable formats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicants: Golf Impact, LLC, Zenovia Digital Exchange Corporation
    Inventor: Roger Davenport
  • Patent number: 8734264
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for measurement and analysis of a behavior of a golf club head. Specifically, the system comprises a measurement and analysis device having a marker recognition and positional information acquisition unit for recognizing the at least one marker and acquiring positional information of the recognized at least one marker, a vector calculation unit for calculating a first vector representing a direction of the head and a second vector representing a tangent vector of a trajectory of the head during the golf swing, and a vector angle change acquisition unit for calculating a vector angle between the first vector and the second vector and acquiring a time series change of the calculated vector angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Bridgestone Corporation, Bridgstone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Saito, Koji Takao, Hideo Matsunaga, Hirotada Iwade
  • Publication number: 20140141902
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Rauchholz, James A. Niegowski
  • Publication number: 20140135139
    Abstract: A golf swing analysis device includes a joint force calculation section and a torque extraction section. The joint force calculation section generates a double pendulum model that includes a first link that corresponds to an upper part of a body of a golfer, a second link that corresponds to a golf club, and a joint that links the first link and the second link, and calculates a joint force applied to the joint along with a swing motion using an acceleration measured by an inertial sensor attached to the golf club. The torque extraction section extracts a torque that causes the second link to make a rotational motion around a first axis from the joint force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Kazuhiro SHIBUYA, Ken OTA
  • Patent number: 8715097
    Abstract: A golf club head is provided and includes a club head body, a club head face connected to a front portion of the club head body, wherein the club head face includes a club face surface having a plurality of face cavities arranged across the club face surface and a plurality of protrusion posts, wherein each of the plurality of protrusion posts includes a post body having a post base and a post head, wherein the plurality of protrusion posts is associated with the club face to extend away from the club face surface such that the post base of each of the plurality posts is located in separate cavities of the plurality of face cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Irwin A. Knafel
  • Patent number: 8715096
    Abstract: A golf club including a swing analyzer includes an accelerometer that measures acceleration in three directions, a magnetometer/gyroscope unit, a processor unit that converts the measured acceleration and golf club movement during a non-ball-striking or ball-striking swing into an estimated carrying distance of a golf ball when struck by the golf club based on swing position and a type of the golf club, and a display that displays the estimated carrying distance as a function of swing position to the golfer. The accelerometer, magnetometer/gyroscope unit, and processor unit may be mounted in a handle at a grip end of the golf club. The estimated carrying distance calculation may be performed at a unit separate from the golf club and capable of performing this calculation for several golf clubs with which it communicates via cooperating communications unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Robert Cherbini
  • Publication number: 20140106892
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a method for swing result deduction and posture correction. The method includes performing a coordinate transformation between a sensor frame and an earth frame, deducting the swing result according to at least one piece of sensor information and a swing result deduction analysis, and providing a posture correction advice according to at least one piece of sensor information and a posture correction analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicants: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: CHUNG WEI LIN, LUN CHIA KUO, CHIH WEI YI, YU JUNG YEH, TSUNG LONG CHEN, YI CHEN HUANG
  • Patent number: 8696497
    Abstract: A golf equipment fitting system that uses advanced technology to not only objectively identify the optimum equipment for the golfer, but to also identify and help correct swing flaws so that the golfer can achieve optimum performance on the golf course. Thus, in one embodiment, golf fitting includes collecting data related to the golfer's swing and determining if the golfer's swing technique should be modified based at least in part on the collected swing data. When it is determined that the golfer's swing technique should be modified, then providing swing instruction to the golfer. When, however, it is determined that the golfer's swing technique is fine, then collecting data related to how the golfer's swing launches a golf ball. Finally, golf equipment, e.g., golf clubs, can be specified based on the collected swing data and launch data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Max Out Golf, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Clark Voges, Daniel Patrick Hollister
  • Patent number: 8696482
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for golf swing analysis is described using a first microprocessor, a three-axis accelerometer capable of transmitting linear acceleration data to the first microprocessor, a three-axis gyroscope capable of transmitting angular velocity data to the first microprocessor, data processing, a radio transmitter for transmitting processed data, and a housing for holding the components, which attaches to a golf club. A three-axis magnetometer capable of transmitting directional orientation data to the first microprocessor is used to allow a user to choose a target line. Communication occurs between the apparatus and a portable device with a radio receiver, memory and a computer program that processes the data into graphical data and statistical data and displays the swing graphically after a user swings the golf club. The user will be able to analyze and try to improve his or her golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Swingbyte, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Pedenko, Alexander Panferov, Valery Ponomarev, Anatoly Badylin
  • Publication number: 20140100050
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention relates to a golf swing analyzing apparatus, comprising: an arithmetic section operating to use the output of an inertial sensor to calculate bending moment acting on the golf club, the inertial sensor being attached to the golf club.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicants: Keio University, Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Ken OTA, Kazuhiro SHIBUYA
  • Patent number: 8672779
    Abstract: A swing analyzer is disclosed. The swing analyzer may be used to analyze the swing an object such as a golf club. The swing analyzer accounts for individual differences between users and/or sensors to improve performance. The swing analyzer includes a motion sensor that is attachable to the object. The motion sensor communicates wirelessly with a terminal device. The terminal device includes a swing analysis unit for performing swing analysis based on sensor data output from the motion sensor. The swing analyzer determines a target line based on position of the motion sensor while a user is at the address posture before a swing. The target line is used as a reference to provide swing analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Access Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Sakyo, Junichi Katoh
  • Publication number: 20140073446
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GOLF IMPACT LLC
    Inventor: Roger Davenport
  • Patent number: 8668595
    Abstract: 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 an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John Stites, Mario A. Lafortune
  • Patent number: 8647214
    Abstract: A method and electronic device for analyzing golf swings associates actual ball flight data with sensed swing characteristics. The electronic device includes a location-determining component; a sensor; a display; and a computing device all housed within a portable, handheld or wearable enclosure. The computing device may associate the ball flight data with the swing characteristic data by storing the data together in memory, linking the data in memory, displaying representations of the data together, or by any other method. The computing device may also create a reference profile for a golfer based on ball flight data and sensed swing characteristics for a plurality of golf swings and may associate swing characteristics with particular golf clubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbH
    Inventor: Michael R. Wiegers
  • Publication number: 20140031136
    Abstract: A putting stroke training system identifies a preferred putting stroke and facilitates training for a golfer to repeat the preferred putting stroke. The training system includes a grid box with a fixed side wall and a movable side wall. The movable side wall is positionable relative to the fixed side wall into alignment with the preferred putting stroke. The training system also includes an alignment sensor attachable to a putter head. In some embodiments, the alignment sensor signals when the putter head deviates from the preferred stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Norman Douglas Bittner
  • Publication number: 20130344973
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Acushnet Company
  • Publication number: 20130337929
    Abstract: A golf club having at least one directional based graphic on the golf club it disclosed. More specifically, the golf club in accordance with the present invention will have at least one directional based graphic that will only be visible when the golf club is oriented in a desirable direction while staying invisible in all other undesirable directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: COBRA GOLF INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ryan L. Roach, Peter L. Soracco
  • Publication number: 20130331195
    Abstract: A putting/chipping training apparatus which allows a trainee to develop an effective putting/chipping stroke through the use of a motion-generating device that, using the trainee's selected golf club, e.g. putter, repeatedly replicates the trainee's most comfortable swing, or one modified to incorporate well-accepted sound fundamentals or one patterned thereafter the swing path of a golf professional. The device achieves this desired end by effecting rotational movement on two parallel axes, simultaneously with linear movement, to move the club through the swing path, with the trainee's hands gently holding the grip. The method may be individualized by first tracking the trainee's desired stroke to create an average swing path for one stroke which is entered into a CPU databank and can then be precisely replicated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Sery
  • Publication number: 20130324274
    Abstract: A system includes an article of golf equipment or other athletic equipment configured to be engaged by a user during an athletic situation and a tempo indicating device connected to the article, which is configured for emitting a rhythm that is detectable by the user. The tempo indicating device may include a contact portion configured for emitting a tactile rhythm to the user that is detectable by the user through sense of touch. The tempo indicating device may additionally or alternately be configured for emitting the rhythm in another form, such as audio and/or visual. The tempo indicating device may be utilized independently of the golf equipment, and may include a control interface that can be located on the device or remote from the device, such as on a portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: John T. Stites
  • Patent number: 8589114
    Abstract: Motion capture and analysis is described, including a motion sensor unit configured to capture data associated with movement of an object, to process the data to determine one or more values, to store the data and the one or more values, and to convert the data and the one or more values from an analog signal to a digital signal associated with a wireless transmission, and a display unit configured to receive the data from the motion sensor unit, the data being transmitted using through the wireless transmission, to process the data to determine one or more values, to store the data, and to graphically present the data and the one or more values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Angelo Gregory Papadourakis
  • Publication number: 20130303295
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: John T. Stites, Jeremy Snyder, James S. Thomas, Jeffrey A. Hadden, Bradley C. Glenn, Daniel J. Simpson, Daniel A. Roberts, Douglas A. Thornton
  • Publication number: 20130288813
    Abstract: A device and method for viewing and analyzing the surface of a putting green. The device includes an image capturing device and a display device attached to opposite ends of a shaft. The shaft may include telescoping sections which permit the shaft to be collapsed for storage, extended for use, and adjusted to suit the height of the golfer. A golfer places the image capturing device on or close to the ground to obtain an image of the surface of the green. The golfer adjusts the length of the shaft using the telescoping sections so the display is positioned at a convenient height. The image is transmitted via cable or wirelessly to the display. The golfer views the image of the putting surface on the display and visually determines the breaks and imperfections of the putting surface between the ball and the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Karie Werderits
  • Publication number: 20130267337
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John T. Stites, Mario A. Lafortune, Philip Hatton, Michael Wallans
  • Publication number: 20130267336
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John T. Stites, Mario A. Lafortune, Philip Hatton, Michael Wallans
  • Publication number: 20130267339
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John T. Stites, Mario A. Lafortune, Philip Hatton, Michael Wallans
  • Publication number: 20130267338
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, John T. Stites, Mario A. Lafortune, Philip Hatton, Michael Wallans
  • Publication number: 20130260909
    Abstract: A method relating to an improved fitting system for a golf club shaft is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention utilizes specific data gathered from the golfer's golf swing itself to determine the best performing golf club shaft for this particular golf swing. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of infrared motion capturing cameras to record the location data of a golf club shaft throughout a swing. Based on the location data captured, one or more dynamic behavioral characteristics can be calculated to determine one or more preferred shaft characteristics. Using the preferred shaft characteristics, a shaft can be recommended for the golfer having this particular golf swing. The current inventive fitting methodology is preferred to the archaic fitting method of using data gathered from the result orientated ball flight data together with a tedious process of having to try numerous different shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Ryan Margoles, Gregory D. Johnson, John Morin
  • Patent number: RE44862
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for matching a test golfer with a particular golf club selected from a group of golf clubs having a plurality of styles. The method utilizes data set derived in an initial procedure in which the club style preferences for each of a large number of pre-test golfers is recorded and correlated with a set of performance parameters for the golf swings of such pre-test golfers. This data enables the pre-test golfers to be classified into subgroups, in which golfers within the same subgroup generally prefer the same club style and golfers in different subgroups generally prefer different club styles. After this data set has been established, the test golfer takes a golf swing with a golf club, while performance parameters for the swing are measured. Based on the measured performance parameters and the previously established data set, the test golfer is classified according to swing type, and the optimum golf-club is then selected from the plurality of styles of golf clubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian C. Wright, David Anderson, Peter J. Roberts, Benoit Vincent