Audible Indicator Patents (Class 473/224)
  • Patent number: 11577131
    Abstract: A golf club head that is capable improving on the inertia properties of a golf club head all while also improving the Center of Gravity (CG) location is disclosed herein. More specifically, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention achieves a relative low Moment of Inertia (MOI) about the Z-axis (MOI-Z) as well as a relatively low MOI about the Shaft-axis (MOI-SA), all combined with a high MOI about the X and Y-axis (MOI-X and MOI-Y) and maintaining a consistently and relatively low CG location measured along a direction tangent to the hosel axis along the X-Y plane (CG-B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Ryuichi Sugimae, Charles E. Golden, Joey Ashcroft, Richard L. Cleghorn, Gregory D. Johnson, Gentry Ferguson, Peter L. Soracco, Noah de la Cruz, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Peter Larsen
  • Patent number: 10940371
    Abstract: A golf club head that is capable of preserving the metallic acoustic signature of an entirely metallic golf club head all while utilizing a lightweight composite material is disclosed herein. More specifically, the golf club head in accordance with the present invention creates a frontal acoustic chamber in conjunction with a rear weight saving chamber via a panel member barrier is disclosed. The panel member may even be combined with an optimized thickness relationship at the transition region between the striking face portion and the panel member to further optimize the performance of the golf club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Stephen S. Murphy, Richard Sanchez, Grant M. Martens, Stephanie Luttrell, Christopher D. Harvell, Darryl C. Galvan, Noah de la Cruz, David S. Cornelius
  • Patent number: 10668355
    Abstract: A signaling device, and in particular a signaling device for a striking implement such as a tennis racket, a golf club or the like, for generating signals during a movement of the signaling device (10), including a resonant body and a holding device, wherein the resonant body and the holding device are to be connected to one another or connectable to one another, so as to attach the resonant body by way of the holding device to a striking implement or the like, wherein the resonant body furthermore includes a cavity for generating an acoustic signal during a movement, wherein the resonant body has a single opening which has a fluidic operative connection to the cavity and by way of which the cavity is fluidically connected to the surrounding area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Niklas Knab
  • Patent number: 9855475
    Abstract: Provided is a golf club head including a head body that has a hollow structure, a rib, and a welding bead. The head body has a first region. The rib stands upright from an inner surface of the first region. The welding bead fixes the first region and the rib to each other. An opening is formed in side faces of the rib. The welding bead extends from a first position on the inner surface of the first region, passes through the opening, and reaches a second position on the inner surface of the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Yuki Motokawa
  • Patent number: 9622361
    Abstract: 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, for example without any tools. May utilize a weight that is removed when inserting the electronic package in the mount, 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 shaft. May utilize non-permanently and/or friction coupling between the mount and shaft. Cap may include a visual marker and/or logo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BLAST MOTION INC.
    Inventors: Michael Bentley, Ryan Kaps, Bhaskar Bose, Joseph Scarbo
  • Patent number: 9498684
    Abstract: Provided is a golf club head having a reduced weight while also preventing degradation in the ball hitting sound. The golf club head includes a head body that is a hollow structure, and a rib that rises from an inner surface of the head body. An opening having a non-circular shape is formed in a side surface of the rib. Note that the opening referred to here may be a through-hole or an opening that has a bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Yuki Motokawa
  • Patent number: 9375625
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, computer-readable media and article of manufacture related to putting stroke characteristics are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Cottam, Paul D. Wood, Erik M. Henrikson
  • Patent number: 9333402
    Abstract: Golf club heads with ribs are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan M. Stokke, Martin R. Jertson, Eric V. Cole
  • Publication number: 20150045130
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Ryan L. Roach
  • Patent number: 8944929
    Abstract: A golf grip pressure training device provides feedback based on grip pressure exerted on a golf club grip. The device includes a grip having a top end, a bottom end, and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending from the top end to the bottom end. The bottom end is open wherein the grip is configured for being coupled to a golf club by inserting the golf club into the bottom end of the grip. A plurality of pressure sensors is positioned in the grip. A plurality of indicators are also coupled to the grip. Each indicator is communicatively coupled to an associated one of the sensors wherein the indicator is actuated upon the associated pressure sensor detecting pressure on the grip. Each pressure sensor detects a unique amount of pressure on the grip wherein the indicators are sequentially actuated as pressure on the grip is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Timothy M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150018112
    Abstract: A method and system for training the movement of a golf club that includes a mobile device that receives positional data based on movement of a golf club and stores summation parameters of golf club movements in a trainee database. In addition, the mobile device builds a training envelope that determines the parameters for training and detraining movements. The mobile device then selects a best movement from a plurality of training iterations and outputs an instantaneous feedback based on the positional data during the training iterations. The best movement is the positional and rotational data generated by a best swing. A new best movement is determined from a training iteration that produces a better result than the previous movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Millers, Donald A. Millers
  • Patent number: 8864599
    Abstract: A system for improving a swing has a transmitter coil for creating an electromagnetic field aligned with respect to a desired swing plane of a sporting implement and a plurality of coils for detecting an actual swing plane relative to the desired swing plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Swing-Wright, LLC
    Inventor: David Wright
  • 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: 8834304
    Abstract: A training or safety aid for a baseball bat is disclosed. The device is configured to be placed on a bat, and indicators, which may be sound producing devices, produce a noise in accordance with selected qualities of the swing. In some embodiments, a flute-type opening is used, and may be configured with tubes to determine a pitch of a produced tone. An air scoop or funnel may be used with any of the devices that utilize airflow to produce a tone. Where more than one sound producing device is used, the devices are configured to only produce a sound within a narrow angular range of airflow, and are angularly spaced so as to produce sounds during different portions of a bat swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Brian R. Toronto, James H. Wells
  • Patent number: 8827825
    Abstract: Attachable systems and methods allow a golfer to ‘zero in’ on the desired striking zone or “sweet spot” of a club, including putters and non-putters. One or more guides are positionable relative to the desired striking zone, such that if a golf ball interacts with a guide during a swing, the guide provides aural or tactile feedback that the club has hit the ball outside of the desired striking zone. The device may include at least two guides, one positionable on one side of the desired striking zone and the other positionable on the other side of the desired striking zone. The device may comprise guides in the form of a tab or leaf pivotable from an up position when not in use to a down position for use. If the club head has a back side, a portion of the device may contact with the back side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jacob Kaufman
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8430762
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conserving power for a shot tracking device for attachment to a golf club. The method involves transmitting a plurality of signals from a shot tracking device attached to a golf club. The shot tracking device is enabled to determine that a threshold number of signals has been transmitted by the shot tracking device and a receipt signal has not been received by the shot tracking device, which in turn deactivates the shot tracking device until a predetermined event occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Patent number: 8414412
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a practice golf club capable of adjusting head speed having a head (H) attached to an end of a shaft(S) having a grip (G), from which an impact sound is generated through a swing operation, wherein the head (H) includes: a first body (100) coupled to the end of the shaft (S); a second body (110) having a tubular shape, both ends of which are open and adapted to be screw-coupled to the rear end of the first body (100); a moving weight (140) movably disposed inside the second body (110); a magnet (180) adapted to fix the moving weight (140) to the front end portion of the second body (110) by means of a magnetic force thereof; adjustment means adapted to adjust the gap between the magnet (180) and the moving weight (140) so as to control the strength of the magnetic force of the magnet (180) pulling the moving weight (140); a cap (120) screw-coupled to a rear end of the second body (110); and return means interposed between the cap (120) and the moving weight (140) to return the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Yung Deuk Kim
  • Publication number: 20130085008
    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: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Blair Christian Hall
  • Patent number: 8382606
    Abstract: Ball striking devices, such as golf club heads (including putter heads), have a high moment of inertia about their center, to help prevent twisting and mis-hits, particularly when the ball striking device hits the ball at a somewhat off-center position. The ball striking head of the ball striking device may be structured and/or weighted (optionally with separately attachable weight elements) to have a moment of inertia about a center of the ball striking surface of at least 10,000 g/cm2, and in some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 11,000 g/cm2, or even at least 12,000 g/cm2. In some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 20,000 g/cm2, or even at least 25,000 g/cm2 or at least 28,000 g/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Franklin, John T. Stites, Gary G. Tavares
  • Publication number: 20130023353
    Abstract: A system for improving a swing has a transmitter coil for creating an electromagnetic field aligned with respect to a desired swing plane of a sporting implement and a plurality of coils for detecting an actual swing plane relative to the desired swing plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: David Wright
  • Patent number: 8342979
    Abstract: Attachable systems and methods allow a golfer to ‘zero in’ on the desired striking zone or “sweet spot” of a club, including putters and non-putters. One or more guides are positionable relative to the desired striking zone, such that if a golf ball interacts with a guide during a swing, the guide provides aural or tactile feedback that the club has hit the ball outside of the desired striking zone. The device may include at least two guides, one positionable on one side of the desired striking zone and the other positionable on the other side of the desired striking zone. The device may comprise guides in the form of a tab or leaf pivotable from an up position when not in use to a down position for use. If the club head has a back side, a portion of the device may contact with the back side. In particular, if the club is an iron with a rear cavity on the club head, a portion of the device may be received in the cavity to enhance stability, particularly during a swing. Training methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Jacob Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8303428
    Abstract: A short game training device 10 for use with a golf club comprises an two-axis linear accelerometer 12, a fastener 50 for removably attaching the accelerometer to the golf club head H so that the X and Y axes of the accelerometer 12 are disposed approximately parallel with the club face and oriented at approximately a forty-five degree angle with respect to a substantially vertical plane V containing the aim line A established when addressing the golf ball G with the club face aligned perpendicularly to the aim line A, a detectable alarm 18, and a microprocessor 14 for calculating differences in forces measured by the X and Y axes during a timed interval subsequent to positioning the club and for activating the alarm 18 when the differences exceed a selected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas A. Wagen, Lewis C. Knapp
  • Publication number: 20120277018
    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: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert BOYD, John STITES, Mario A. LAFORTUNE
  • Publication number: 20120108351
    Abstract: To provide a downswing assisting device in a golf swing In order to increase one's hitting force, since power is generated by the stretching and the contraction of muscles, by making a difference in the returning from being twisted of the upper and lower limbs, the timing of the returning from being twisted of the trunk is important and hence, the present technique adjusts the timing of the downswing for each player separately and conducts the downswing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Kunihiro Tamura
  • Patent number: 8033928
    Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus adapted for use with an assistive energy type golf club which is safe to use, inconspicuous, and able to release sufficient assistive energy at the optimum time during a golf swing to add prescribed incremental velocity to a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Donald R. Cage
  • Publication number: 20110244975
    Abstract: A golf club having an elongate member and means associated with the member for producing oppositely directed in line beams of light to indicate to a user of the aid the path being followed by the member. The golf club may be a golf club and the elongate member may be the shaft of the golf club. The beams of light may be produced by two oppositely directed lasers each mounted to the golf club.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: LASER LINE GOLF LIMITED
    Inventors: Jonathan Farmer, Russ Kinsey, Lee Robinson
  • Patent number: 7963859
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method that enables an assistive energy type golf club to sense the approach of the club face toward a golf ball, and to trigger the release of the assistive energy at the optimum time to achieve the desired golf ball velocity and distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Donald R. Cage
  • Patent number: 7922595
    Abstract: A golf training aid utilizes a sliding ball assembly enabling sensory feedback for training golfers to make correct golf swings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Michael R. Libonati
  • Patent number: 7857705
    Abstract: A device to improve the feedback to the golfer relative to the rotation of the club head and thus provide valuable feedback to the golfer on the rate and timing of the club head rotation to golf ball impact is disclosed herein. The device is a training and practice aid to accomplish such auditory feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: J. Andrew Galloway
  • Publication number: 20100273564
    Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for setting up a golf shot. According to one embodiment, an audio-emitting device is placed at an identified position that is along a line between (i) a first location corresponding to at least one of a position of a golf ball to be hit and a position of a golfer who is to hit the golf ball and (ii) a second location corresponding to a position within 4 feet of a target hole into which the golf ball is desired to be hit. The audio-emitting device is activated so that an audio signal is emitted by the audio-emitting device at a time during which at least a portion of the current golf shot occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Wen Sun Hou
  • Publication number: 20100255922
    Abstract: An improved golf putter incorporating a weight management system that allows for adjustment of a golf club head weighting by incorporating an adjustable weight system wherein weights may be removed and replaced quickly and easily without requiring a specialized tool is disclosed. Weights received within weight ports formed in the heel and toe portions of the putter are maintained securely affixed within the club head body. While the preferred golf club embodiment disclosed is a putter, the present invention contemplates incorporating any of the features and/or advancements disclosed herein into any golf club. In addition, the present invention further includes novel aspects relating to overall design, including mass distribution and a rearwardly projecting portion having an upwardly sloped sole that prevents the club from snagging the turf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Lueders
  • Patent number: 7785211
    Abstract: A golf swing trainer providing a resiliently flexible shaft having a first shaft end coupled to a swing element and a second shaft end coupled to a grip having a tapered external surface gripably received by the hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: James A. Hackenberg
  • Patent number: 7731602
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method that enables an assistive energy type golf club to sense the approach of the club face toward a golf ball, and to trigger the release of the assistive energy at the optimum time to achieve the desired golf ball velocity and distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Donald R. Cage
  • Publication number: 20100105495
    Abstract: A golf training aid utilizes a sliding ball assembly enabling sensory feedback for training golfers to make correct golf swings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Michael R. Libonati
  • Patent number: 7636664
    Abstract: A putting device comprising a storage means having a plurality of recorded audio samples stored thereon; a randomizing means, and a sensing means; wherein all said means are cooperatively connected together; upon activation of said sensing means, said randomizing means selects an audio sample from said storage means for said putting device to audibilize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Steven J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20090227386
    Abstract: A golf swing training device. A warning device is connected to a foot actuated switch and a sound actuated switch. A power source provides power to the warning device via the sound actuated switch and the foot actuated switch. The warning device emits a warning when it senses the sound of a golf club hitting a golf ball while simultaneously the foot actuated switch senses the pressure of the golfer's back foot heel. In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a battery. In a preferred embodiment the golf swing training device also includes a toggle switch that allows the golfer to bypass the sound actuated switch so that when the golfer lifts his heel the foot actuated switch allows power to flow to the warning device so that the golfer knows more precisely when he is lifting his heel. In another preferred embodiment a pneumatic bulb is connected to the foot actuated switch via tubing and the golfer activates the foot actuated switch by stepping on the pneumatic bulb with his heel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Larry Dean Whitaker
  • Patent number: 7556567
    Abstract: A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60), an aft body (61), and a sound modifying component (59) is disclosed herein. The face component (60) has a striking plate portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61) is composed of a crown portion (62), a sole portion (64) and optionally a ribbon section (90). The face component (60) is composed of a metal material, and the aft-body (61) is composed of a non-metal material such as a composite material or a thermoplastic material. The sound modifying component (59), which is attached to the metallic face component (60), alters the sound of the golf club head (42) when it impacts a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: J. Andrew Galloway
  • Publication number: 20090111598
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving a golf swing are described. Deviated motions are detected and, in response to the deviated motion, feedback, such as, for example, an electric shock, is provided to the source of the deviated motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Scott O'Brien, Afshin Fouladpour
  • Publication number: 20090105004
    Abstract: A device for a golf club for instructing club face orientation for a selected swing speed including a body with a selected thickness and such that a substantially pointed forward end thereof intersects a midpoint of the club contact face and in a perpendicularly extending direction relative to a coplanar axis extending across the club contact face. An adhesive tacky material applied to an underside surface of the body engaging the body to a top surface of the club head. A processor communicates with an inertially sensitive cam shaped member rotatably mounted within a location of the body. A swing speed adjustment knob is in operative communication with the body and in contact with the inertially sensitive element via an adjustment spring. An audio-generating transistor and a plurality of LED elements cooperate with the processor for instructing a correct planar orientation of a contacting face of the club head relative to the golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: DANIEL CHERESKO
  • Publication number: 20090082122
    Abstract: A swing training apparatus is used with a golf club or other sporting club. The golf club has a light projector that sweeps a moving light beam along a path parallel to the face of the club. A light beam receiver provides two spaced apart linear rows of light detectors which are able to receive the light beam. An electrical circuit includes the detectors, a source of electrical power, a microprocessor, and an audio or visual alert circuit. With the receiver positioned so that the detectors are directed along a desired ball trajectory, the light beam sweeps across the detectors when the golf ball is driven, the information of club head velocity and face misalignment are then able to be calculated and the golfer alerted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Norman D. Kellogg
  • Publication number: 20080182678
    Abstract: A golf training device is provided that includes a cord (flexible member) and a connecting device attached to one end of the cord to connect to a golf club, to a golfer's hand and/or to a golfer's finger. A housing may house the cord when the cord is in a retracted state, and the housing may allow the cord to extend therefrom based on movement of the golf club. The housing may include a mechanism to store information related to a specific amount of the cord extended from the housing, and an identifying device (or signaling device) to identify when the golf club is in a desired position based on the stored information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Patrick H. Brooks, Chris A. Ries, Roy T. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7402112
    Abstract: A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60), an aft body (61), and a sound modifying component (59) is disclosed herein. The face component (60) has a striking plate portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61) is composed of a crown portion (62), a sole portion (64) and optionally a ribbon section (90). The face component (60) is composed of a metal material, and the aft-body (61) is composed of a non-metal material such as a composite material or a thermoplastic material. The sound modifying component (59), which is attached to the metallic face component (60), alters the sound of the golf club head (42) when it impacts a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: J. Andrew Galloway
  • Patent number: 7331875
    Abstract: A putter trainer device for detecting inaccuracies in a golf puffing stroke. The puffing trainer device of the present invention is releasably (2) attached to a shaft of a golf putter and comprises two guided ramps (19A, 19B) with each ramp having an active position and a neutral position. In one embodiment, a free rolling disc magnet (20A, 20B) is located upon each guided ramp and each free rolling disc magnet is biased towards the neutral position (23A, 23B) on its respective ramp. The movement of either free rolling magnet from the neutral position to the active position is detected by magnetic reed switches (25A, 25B) located adjacent each ramp. A speaker is activated when the magnetic reed switches detect that either free rolling magnet has moved from the neutral position to the active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Audio Coach Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Robyn Ann Sherman
  • Publication number: 20080026864
    Abstract: Apparatus for training golfers in putting techniques and the method for its use are taught. The principle of the apparatus of the invention provides two reference points, one of which is adjustable and fixed relative to the head of a putter. By sliding the two reference points along a guidance surface, the putting head moves parallel to the guidance surface with the face of the putting head at a constant angle to the guidance surface. i.e. this is a putting stroke. One of the reference points may be a part of the putter head and the other is a member, removably attachable to the putter and adjustable so that a contact head touches, and is slidable along, the guidance surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Roger John Brooks
  • Patent number: 7320646
    Abstract: A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60), an aft body (61), and a sound modifying component (59) is disclosed herein. The face component (60) has a striking plate portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61) is composed of a crown portion (62), a sole portion (64) and optionally a ribbon section (90). The face component (60) is composed of a metal material, and the aft-body (61) is composed of a non-metal material such as a composite material or a thermoplastic material. The sound modifying component (59), which is attached to the metallic face component (60), alters the sound of the golf club head (42) when it impacts a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: J. Andrew Galloway
  • Patent number: 7118493
    Abstract: A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60), an aft body (61), and a sound modifying component (59) is disclosed herein. The face component (60) has a striking plate portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61) is composed of a crown portion (62), a sole portion (64) and optionally a ribbon section (90). The face component (60) is composed of a metal material, and the aft-body (61) is composed of a non-metal material such as a composite material or a thermoplastic material. The sound modifying component (59), which is attached to the metallic face component (60), alters the sound of the golf club head (42) when it impacts a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: J. Andrew Galloway
  • Patent number: 6966844
    Abstract: Device and method for enabling practice of the turning-over movement of wrists during a golf swing without using a standard-size golf club. The device includes a shaft having a grip at one end and a length one half or less than the length of the standard size golf club and a golf ball attached to an opposite end of the shaft. By gripping the grip and swinging the shaft, the turning-over movement of the wrists during swinging of a standard-size golf club can be practiced. However, the device is smaller than a full size golf club and thus can be used in more situations, e.g., when sitting down in a chair or seat. The device can be provided with a voice-output capability to provide golf tips to the golfer practicing his or her swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Raymond Welles