Abstract: In order to stabilize golf swing motion of a player, downswing motion that is the most important but difficult part in golf swing is streamlined. A moving object is set in a golf club. When the club is in a vertical position in a flow of its movement from the top of the swing to downswing, the moving object starts to fall by the player's kinetic energy and gravity. The player swings down the club while confirming the fall of the moving object and matching his/her motion to the vector of the object in a direction of the fall. This enables the player to perform an efficient downswing where the club is swung in a shortcut path. A more realistic club swing can be made when it is performed on a address mat where a stance and a distance of a ball are indicated. This can be achieved by a removable handle end portion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for exercising a weaker of two opposing muscle groups of a person moving an implement, such as a golf club, so that the two muscle groups apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining the implement in an ideal motion path.

Abstract: A golf club is provided with a transponder that will transmit a coded signal when polled. The transmitter is small enough to fit into the golf club and does not need an external power supply. A data base associated with the coded signal is a depository of information related to the golf club.

Abstract: A golf club for showing swing condition has a shaft and a head connecting to the shaft, and the head having a striking face. The golf club has a visible illuminant that is mounted on the head and exposed outside the head with an upward angle. A battery is for providing electrical power to the light. A centrifugal switch that is actuated by centrifugal force is mounted on the head opposite the striking face for controlling a circuit between the battery and the illuminant. Thereby the illuminant will light by a predetermined-strength centrifugal force during swinging the golf club for investigating the body harmony and strength-exerting condition of golfer.

Abstract: The invention is a putter training device which comprises a laser, housing for the laser, with to connect the laser to a battery source, a battery source, and a trigger. The housing, incorporating the laser is affixed to the putter face, the wire is wound around the shaft of the putter and the battery source/trigger is affixed to the grip of the putter. The invention is designed to be removed and reattached easily and without need for frequent adjustment or calibration. Proper use of the invention simultaneously addresses three common problems for golfers: aim, effective loft, and inconsistent and off-center impact points. The device can be used indoors or out and with or without a ball. The Trigger and the laser can communicate using RF transmissions in an alternative embodiment.

Abstract: A method of aligning a putter, including the steps of providing a putter having a head, a heel, a toe, and a planar striking face including a removable reflecting surface for receiving and reflecting incident light; providing a light source separate from the putter head; directing light from the light source towards the reflecting surface such that the reflective surface is illuminated with and reflects a portion of the light; and detecting the reflected light with a reference device.

Abstract: A dynamic golf swing trainer assuring proper wrist and club face positions throughout the swing of a golf club, with this trainer being intended to teach full swing positioning to a golfer. This trainer is constructed of rigid material and configured to have a shaft with a handle portion adapted to be grasped by the golfer so that the golfer can swing the trainer in the general manner of a golf club. The club shaft extends past the handle portion in a direction away from the club head and forms a generally U-shaped portion. This latter portion is disposed at an angle to the shaft, so that when the golfer is grasping the handle portion, a part of the U-shaped portion may rest against the leading forearm of the golfer, or directly above the leading forearm, thus to assure proper wrist action, and proper club face presentation.

Abstract: A simplified method of matching a golfer to a golf club and a golf ball by measuring the golfer's clubhead speed and comparing that measured value to recorded sets of data which correlates a few key variables that can accurately match the golfer with the most suitable golf club and golf ball designed to achieve optimum driving performance.

Abstract: A golf club angular orientation indicating device includes an indicator housing, a switch plate and a shaft clamp. The shaft clamp is slidably received by the indicator housing. An orientation bore is formed in the indicator housing to receive the switch plate. The switch plate is retained on one end by the indicator housing and on the other end by a power plate. The switch plate includes at least two tilt switches mounted on at least two spring loaded pivot plates. A hold down bolt is used to adjust the angular orientation of the at least two tilt switches. Power is preferably supplied to the at least two tilt switches through at least one battery and an on-off switch. Closing the circuit of the at least two tilt switches will supply power to a light emitting device and/or a sound emitting device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing a golf swing. In particular, the present invention relates to a golf swing analyzer comprising two or more lights on an extension that is attached to a connector. In turn, the connector is capable of being attached to a golf club shaft or hosel, without being attached to the head of the club.

Abstract: A linear putter device of a golf club includes a lower connecting rod, an upper connecting rod, a bearing unit, a locking member, an upright rod, and a movable member. Thus, the golf club is moved in a linear manner, so that the golf club can hit the golf ball in a linear manner. in addition, the distance between the movable member and the upright rod can be adjusted arbitrarily so as to fit the user's stature and height, so that the length of the golf club can fit the user's stature and height.

Abstract: A simplified method of matching a golfer to a golf club and a golf ball by measuring the golfer's club head speed and comparing that measured value to recorded sets of data which correlates a few key variables that can accurately match the golfer with the most suitable golf club and golf ball designed to achieve optimum driving performance.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: A diagnostic golf club system having a diagnostic golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The diagnostic golf club includes a plurality of strain gauges, an internal power supply, and a non-volatile memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the diagnostic golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to determine a shaft flex profile for a particular golfer.

Abstract: A simplified method of matching a golfer to a golf club and a golf ball by measuring the golfer's clubhead speed and comparing that measured value to recorded sets of data which correlates a few key variables that can accurately match the golfer with the most suitable golf club and golf ball designed to achieve optimum driving performance.

Abstract: A golf swing analyzer that can be attached to a golf club shaft. The analyzer includes a housing with an integral shaft mount. The housing contains an internal chamber in which an accelerometer, microprocessor and data storage are contained, and an output display screen mounted to the housing. The analyzer measures acceleration during a golfer's swing and calculates the frequency of a club that would be straight at ball impact.

Abstract: A detachable laser pointer is constructed to include a mounting base, the mounting base having a smoothly arched rear coupling groove for coupling to the shaft of a golf putter and a locating plate of C-shaped cross section upwardly extended from the smoothly arched coupling groove for plugging in between the shaft and grip of the golf putter and a front receiving groove, a joint rotatably coupled to the receiving groove, a laser module pivoted to the joint and adapted for emitting a laser beam to aim the putter head of the golf putter to the hole.

Abstract: A golf swing aid for coupling to a golf club having a shaft having a head on a bottom end thereof and a free top end. The golf swing aid includes a gyro assembly adapted for mounting on the golf club such that a user feels a sensation upon the golf club being swung improperly. The gyro assembly may be removably attached to the golf club, such as the top end thereof, and may further be rotatably and swivelly mounted on the golf club so as to allow a shaft of the gyro assembly to remain vertical during the swing.

Abstract: A velocity indication system is comprised of a force measurement sensor shielded by a protective covering that measures the level of force at the point of impact of the sensor with an object, and transmits the measurement, via a transmission carrier, to a computing unit that calculates the force measurement into a velocity measurement and projects that information on a display. A system carrier has an impact and a holding area. The invention is designed for use in sports such as hockey, tennis, baseball, cricket, golf, and the like; generally a sport with a racquet or stick.

Abstract: A golf club is provided with a transponder that will transmit a coded signal when polled. The transmitter is small enough to fit into the golf club and does not need an external power supply. A data base associated with the coded signal is a depository of information related to the golf club.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for analyzing the motion of a sporting equipment, such as a golf club, a baseball bat, a hockey stick, a football or a tennis racquet, for example. The systems comprises a motion sensing system in communications with the sporting equipment to measure motion parameters, wherein the motion sensing system has at least one at least one accelerometer or at least one gyroscope, and a command station having a data acquisition system to process the measured motion parameters and produce data. The motion sensing system may be located on the sporting equipment or, optionally, within the sporting equipment. The systems and methods described herein can be used to determine the impact location of the sporting equipment with another object, the force of the sporting equipment, the velocity of the sporting equipment and/or the angular orientation of the sporting equipment during a motion.

Abstract: A swing controller comprises three parts: an attachment part for attachment to the handle of the golf club, a main part including a main cylinder with spike and supporting three antifriction bearing rings and club face scale, and a telescope part including a telescoping cylinder with groove and O-ring disposed at a lower end of the telescope part and a positioning part for check points for indicating the position of the club and disposed at the upper end of the telescope part. The telescope part is extendable and allows adaptation to short golf clubs, to medium golf clubs and to long golf clubs. An extended axis of the club shank is produced by attaching the swing controller onto the end of the club handle. This renders possible and produces an effective, visual control for all axial planes.

Abstract: A golf training device (1) primarily for putting and chipping having a vertical plate (6) for alignment on a hand grip (9) of a golf club (3) and a second plate (7) is attached at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the first plate (6). The second plate (7) is for resting against the lower forearm (5) of the golfer (2) during the golf stroke to achieve and maintain a substantially triangular configuration of a golfer's arms. The device may be removably affixed to the hand grip by attachment means, such as straps (8) having hook and loop fastening material (11).

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: A simplified method of matching a golfer to a golf club and a golf ball by measuring the golfer's clubhead speed and comparing that measured value to recorded sets of data which correlates a few key variables that can accurately match the golfer with the most suitable golf club and golf ball designed to achieve optimum driving performance.

Abstract: A golf training device includes a golf club, a ball receiving socket, a light emitter, and a light beam receiver. The golf club includes a golf head with a front striking face. The golf ball receiving socket has a slot adapted to receive a golf ball that was struck by the golf head. The light emitter is mounted on the golf head and is aligned vertically with the center of the front striking face for emitting a light beam substantially parallel to a line passing through the center of the front striking face and perpendicular to the front striking face. The light beam receiver is mounted on the ball receiving socket in the vicinity of the slot for receiving the light beam and for generating a signal when the slot is in alignment with the light beam.

Abstract: A golf putting practice device having a rectangular guide housing within which a cylinder can be moved back and forth by attachment with a putter shaft, such movement being in a straight line to guide the putter shaft. A striker is attached to an end of the cylinder to hit a golf ball.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing a golf swing. In particular, the present invention relates to a golf swing analyzer comprising two or more lights on an extension that is attached to a connector. In turn, the connector is capable of being attached to a golf club shaft or hosel, without being attached to the head of the club.

Abstract: An automatic tally unit and a method for enabling a golfer to keep a running electronic tally of strokes played during the course of a game of golf. The golf score tally device records a number of golf strokes taken with a golf club on a portion or entirety of a golf course. The golf score tally device has a sensor for selectively generating a signal when a golf ball is struck by the golf club, and a processor for tallying a number of strokes based at least on the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus allows a golfer to improve his or her swing. A striking pin is mounted on a club head using a rigid bracket. The golfer swings so as to strike a golf ball with an end surface of the striking pin. Progressively smaller striking pin end surface areas may be used. After practicing using the striking pin, a golfer removes the striking pin and continues with normal play.

Abstract: A golf swing training aid permits the user to verify that the face of the golf club has not been inadvertently rotated during the back swing and/or the downswing. The golf swing training aid permits the user to confirm the rotation or lack of rotation of the golf club face without requiring lifting of the head and/or shoulders of the user.

Abstract: A golf putter which aids a golfer in aiming a putt and avoiding twisting of the shaft in the hand during a swing includes a head provided with a pair of laterally spaced apart trailing members which protrude rearwardly of the rear surface of the head and function cooperatively as weighting/aiming members. The trailing members are preferably located equidistant from a vertical center plane through the sweet spot of the head and have in plan view longitudinally directed visual features perpendicular to the front ball-impacting face of the head, which assist a golfer in visually framing an intended initial ball trajectory to a target hole on a golf green, along with a ball impact vector perpendicular to the center of percussion or sweet spot of the head. Each of the trailing members is preferably laterally symmetric, and may include a longitudinal index line marked on the upper surface of the member, to facilitate visual framing of a putt.

Abstract: A launch monitor system including a support structure, a first light-reflecting element disposed on this support structure, a lighting unit and a camera unit. A computer receives signals generated by light patterns received by the camera unit and computes a variety of flight characteristics for the object. The system may be moved back and forth to vary the field-of-view of the camera unit. The system also computes and displays object trajectories from the computed flight characteristics which account for the characteristics of the object and the atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A golf club shaft is provided with a pressure actuated switch on the handle and is operatively connected by an electrical circuit to a training head that has electromagnets mounted in both its forward and backward faces. When the golfer presses down on the switch, the energized electrical circuit causes a magnetically influenced ball or balls to attach to either or both of the forward or backward faces of the electromagnets; and when the pressure is let up, the ball instantly detachs from the face and will travel along the line that the device was swung through. Practice with the device provides the user with observable feedback as to the squareness of the face at release and the feel for the proper amount of acceleration needed to propel the ball a specified distance. When a golfer swings the device and releases the switch correctly, the simulated golf ball will have the proper end over end roll and travel straight towards its target at the right speed.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: A golf club shaft includes a first strain gauge attached to a first side of the shaft facing the striking direction, a second strain gauge attached to a second side of the shaft facing the address direction at right-angles to the striking direction, and a third strain gauge which is capable of measuring the twist of the shaft. Detection signals from the strain gauges are used to classify a shaft into four types according to the swing type of a golfer in accordance with at least torque or kick point.

Abstract: A putter is disclosed having a ball mark assembly integrated within the body of the club head. The ball mark assembly holds a ball positioning marker when it is not being used to indicate the position of a golf ball. The ball mark assembly includes a housing which houses a spring. The spring forces the ball position marker to abut a surface of the housing when it is inserted into its stored position. A magnet is secured to the end of the spring and, when the ball position marker is ferromagnetic in material, applies a retention force to it adding to the force required to remove the ball position marker from the housing. An indented guide further protects the ball position marker from being dislodged inadvertently. The housing and guide are spaced equidistantly from an outward surface and an inward surface to ensure proper balance and alignment of the putter while a golfer is putting. Different sized ball position markers may be used to change the weighting of the putter as desired by the golfer.

Abstract: An instrumented sports apparatus includes a closely spaced array of discrete sensor elements coupled to a contact surface thereof for converting a contact force between the contact surface and an object into a plurality of discrete output signals. The signals are processed and information based thereon generated, which is representative of one or more parameters of interest. In an exemplary embodiment, as instrumented golf club displays information such as club head speed, club head angle, and club head elevation upon impact with a golf ball, permitting the golfer to adjust his swing on the next stroke. Since the instrumentation and display are entirely self-contained in the club, a golfer is not constrained in the use of the club and may enjoy the benefits thereof during play on a golf course.

Abstract: A laser putter system for a conventional putter golf club of the type having a club head with a golf ball striking face and an upper surface, a shaft connected to the upper surface of the club head and a grip on the shaft. The laser putter system comprises a laser pointer/range finder. A mounting means is for mounting the laser pointer/range finder onto the shaft of the conventional putter golf club over the upper surface of the club head. The laser pointer can project a laser beam away from the golf ball striking face of the club head to provide the golfer with a visible target being a hole to putt a golf ball into. The range finder will interpret the distance between the laser pointer and the hole to visually give the golfer a calculated distance to the hole, so as to gauge the proper force required for a successful putt.

Abstract: A high speed camera takes an image in the vicinity of a ball 3 and a club head 12, while a high speed camera 5 takes an image in the vicinity of the top of the swing of a golfer 1, and the images are recorded in a high speed video tape recorder 6. The recorded images are reproduced, swing time, a swing speed and a head speed are detected using a personal computer 15, and a shaft with an optimum flex for the golfer is selected based on the swing time, the swing speed, the swing time and the head speed, or the swing speed and the head speed.

Abstract: A high speed camera takes an image in the vicinity of a ball 3 and a club head 12, while a high speed camera 5 takes an image in the vicinity of the top of the swing of a golfer 1, and the images are recorded in a high speed video tape recorder 6. The recorded images are reproduced, swing time, a swing speed and a head speed are detected using a personal computer 15, and a shaft with an optimum flex for the golfer is selected based on the swing time, the swing speed, the swing time and the head speed, or the swing speed and the head speed.

Abstract: A data acquisition and display system 60 obtains a golfer's downswing parameters during a swing analysis examination. The system 60 includes a specialized golf club 62 which generates data when swung in a downswing motion for a period of time defined as a downswing period which terminates upon impact by a club head 68 with a golf ball 56. As the club 62 is swung by a golfer whose swing is being analyzed, the club deflects in certain directions relating to toe up or toe down conditions, and leading or lagging conditions, of the head 68 of the club. The system 60, through hardware and software, responds to these downswing conditions and determines various performance parameters associated with the swing analysis of the golfer. The parameters are displayed on a monitor 94 and are used to form a graph 126 showing instantaneous deflection levels during the downswing period. The displayed parameters and the graph 126 can be printed by a printer 118.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a motion analysis system for analyzing the motion of an individual. The system has a control surface having one or more control areas, each control area corresponding to a predetermined instruction. An object is then held by an individual for use with the control surface. The system has a sensor for detecting the position of the object and producing a signal representative of the position. An analyzer then receives the signal from the sensor, wherein when the object is positioned at one of the control areas on the control surface the analyzer performs the predetermined instruction corresponding to the control area that the object is positioned.

Abstract: A high speed camera takes an image in the vicinity of a ball 3 and a club head 12, while a high speed camera 5 takes an image in the vicinity of the top of the swing of a golfer 1, and the images are recorded in a high speed video tape recorder 6. The recorded images are reproduced, swing time, a swing speed and a head speed are detected using a personal computer 15, and a shaft with an optimum flex for the golfer is selected based on the swing time, the swing speed, the swing time and the head speed, or the swing speed and the head speed.

Abstract: A striking instrument and struck object monitoring system including at least two shutterable camera units which view a field of view each of which cameras receives light patterns from each and every one of a plurality of contrasting areas on the instrument and the object in rapid successive sequence. A computer receives the signals generated by the light patterns as received by each camera unit which computer discriminates between such signals to determine the instrument's movement and orientation, and the conditions at impact with the object. The striking instrument may be any selected golf club which club is initially scanned by the system to determine it's proper striking location prior to the club being swung through the field of view.

Abstract: Analysis of a golfer's swing is effected by the golfer's swinging a club which has sensors fixed to the club shaft in such manner as to sense torsion of the shaft and flexing of the shaft in a direction corresponding to the direction of the swing pattern and perpendicular to the swing path. At selected times during the swing when the torsional and flexing forces are at predetermined values, a camera is activated to photograph the golfer in the position he or she occupies at the instant each photograph is taken. The golfer then is enabled to see the position of his or her head, shoulders, hips, legs, arms, and hands at the time of each photograph and an instructor is enabled to concentrate on instructional drills that will result in improving the golfer's swing.

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

Abstract: A practice apparatus for a swing type athletic equipment capable of permitting a practicer to accurately know a locus of a ball hit. A triaxial acceleration sensor is mounted in a head of a golf club. Acceleration data in three detection-axis directions outputted from the triaxial acceleration sensor are transmitted to a data processing unit through a data transmission unit arranged in the grip. The data processing unit analyzes a locus of a golf ball hit and swing thereof based on the acceleration data. Results of the analysis are displayed on a monitor.

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