Abstract: A device for assisting and training golfers with their putts. The device includes an elongated section configured to be placed on the ground where the golfer intends to make his backswing for a selected put. A vertical section or “backstop” is configured to be placed at selected locations along the elongated section to corresponding to different putt lengths, and therefore different backswing lengths. A distance scale may be printed on the elongated section. Light projection devices may be included to project a predicted ball path. A backswing speed indicator system may also be included.

Abstract: The portable golf impact practice mat is a golf practice mat that provides visual indicators to inform of three extremely important impact conditions using a digital display, a signal generating unit and a plurality of LED (light emitting diode). One of them indicates the swing path in reference to how the golf club head moves toward the target. Another detects and indicates if the club head hits the golf mat in front of the ball also known as a “fat shot”. Lastly, the third displays a club head speed upon impact. The present invention is designed to be used by attaching to the general golf practice mats widely found in public golf driving ranges or personal golf practice mats. The present invention is compact, folds in half and fits in one-hand providing portability.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensing instant display type golf swing collimation trainer comprises a base (1) and a display device (2), two photoelectric sensor mounting supports (3, 3?) are mounted on the base (1), two groups of photoelectric detection devices with transmitters (4) and sensors (5) are mounted on each mounting support (3 or 3?), the distance between the two sensors (5) on each mounting support is matched with the distance of the straight line section at the bottom of a club head of a golf club, when the club head of the golf club passes between the transmitters (4) and the sensors (5), the pulse receiving of the sensors (5) is blocked, and the sensors (5) are used for sending the synchronous state of blocking the pulse receiving of the club head of the golf club to the display device (2) which is electrically connected with the sensors (5) for real-time display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simulated golf putting device to improve a golfer's putting skill, comprising means to execute a simulated putt and to determine if the putt would be on target, and if not in which direction the simulated putt would miss the target. The device provides near-instantaneous signals to the user whether a simulated putt is good or a miss. The device is compact and self-contained, and can be readied for use in virtually any location in seconds.

Abstract: A putting alignment device includes a base, a cap mounted to the base for rotation with respect to the base, and alignment indicia on the cap which indicates a target line for putting a golf ball. A remote control unit is coupled in communication to the base to issue instructions to the base. The device includes drive means in the base which rotate the cap with respect to the base in response to a signal communicated from the remote control unit, so as to move the alignment indicia according to instructions carried in the signal from the remote control unit.

Abstract: A golf swing measurement device is placed in front of a golfer when the golfer swings a golf club to hit a golf ball. The golf swing measurement device includes a sidewall portion extending substantially in parallel to a swing path of the club head; a first sensor coil and a second sensor coil disposed along the sidewall portion for detecting a club head with a permanent magnet on a distal thereof passing therethrough; a calculation unit for calculating a swing time from a start moment of a backswing to a moment of an impact, a head speed upon the impact, and a total flying distance; a display unit for displaying the swing time, the head speed, and the total flying distance; a memory unit for storing measurement data including the swing time, head speed, and the total flying distance; and a transmission unit for sending the measurement data.

Abstract: A golf practice mat includes an impact sensor disposed in a vicinity bounding the location of where a golf ball would be placed for striking. The golf practice mat may also include, for example, a “crosshair” target imprint that is disposed on a golf club impact sensor portion of the practice surface and indicates the point/line of contact that the club face should hit the ground after the ball has been struck with the club head in a descending blow. A microcontroller receives and analyzes the output of the impact sensor and generates a display/output message that is coupled to a display that is, for example, embodied on the golf practice mat to provide user shot-related feedback. The display may indicate, for example, the user's golf club, the estimated distance the ball will travel depending upon the impact data analyzed, the club chosen by the user, input backswing data and/or a three-dimensional simulation of the resulting golf stroke.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for showing golfers how to aim properly before golf balls are stricken. In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a stand, which forms a lower portion for a golf tee, wherein the stand is configured to rotate freely. Further, the system includes an upper housing, which forms a higher portion for the golf tee. Moreover, an object is included that is physically attached to the upper housing to serve as a pointer for a golfer to hit a golf ball in a direction pointed by the pointer, wherein the direction pointed by the pointer can be changed by rotating the stand.

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.

Abstract: A golf practice mat includes an impact sensor disposed in a vicinity bounding the location of where a golf ball would be placed for striking. The golf practice mat may also include, for example, a “crosshair” target imprint that is disposed on a golf club impact sensor portion of the practice surface and indicates the point/line of contact that the club face should hit the ground after the ball has been struck with the club head in a descending blow. A microcontroller receives and analyzes the output of the impact sensor and generates a display/output message that is coupled to a display that is, for example, embodied on the golf practice mat to provide user shot-related feedback. The display may indicate, for example, the user's golf club, the estimated distance the ball will travel depending upon the impact data analyzed, the club chosen by the user, input backswing data and/or a three-dimensional simulation of the resulting golf stroke.

Abstract: A club shaft that can be installed in a club head permanently or can be installed in clubs with interchangeable shaft features is disclosed herein. The invention is a measurement device that enables the capturing of the speed and motion of the swing. The invention uses two antennas, one transmitting and one receiving. The power of the radar wave is low. The wavelength will be on the order of a millimeter.

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.

Abstract: A putting stroke training system includes a putting board with a putting section and a hole, a light sensitive or touch sensitive screen positioned in the putting section of the putting board, where the light sensitive or touch sensitive screen records stroke paths of a putter head, and a processor that correlates successful strokes with respective ones of the stroke paths. The processor generates a preferred stroke path based on an average of the successful strokes.

Abstract: A club shaft that can be installed in a club head permanently or can be installed in clubs with interchangeable shaft features is disclosed herein. The invention is a measurement system that enables the capturing of the speed and motion of the golfer's swing. The invention uses magnetic material positioned on a face of a golf club head and an array of magnetic sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing a golf swing includes a shank, an articulated joint, and a base. The apparatus may also include a motion control device. An implement is responsive to a co-action with another object. The apparatus may bend or deform in a way that provides information as to the dynamics of a co-action between a golf club and a golf ball.

Abstract: A club shaft that can be installed in a club head permanently or can be installed in clubs with interchangeable shaft features is disclosed herein. The invention is a measurement system that enables the capturing of the speed and motion of the golfer's swing. The invention uses infrared reflectors positioned on a golf club and an array of infrared sensors.

Abstract: A club shaft that can be installed in a club head permanently or can be installed in clubs with interchangeable shaft features is disclosed herein. The invention is a measurement system that enables the capturing of the speed and motion of the golfer's swing. The invention uses magnetic material positioned on a face of a golf club head and an array of magnetic sensors.

Abstract: A sensing system for providing an entering angle, a space velocity and a hitting point to a golf simulation system is provided, in which a club head sensing part and a horizontal sensing part horizontal with a bottom surface are disposed at a position that the club head swung by a golf practicer is entered, so as to sense shadow information of the club head, thereby obtaining the entering angle, the space velocity and the hitting point of the club head.

Abstract: Collapsible golf simulators include an enclosure mounted over a base. The base has a play surface configured to support a person using the golf simulator, and the enclosure is configured to receive golf balls hit from the play surface. A container is configured to be removably mounted to the base, and at least one component of at least one of a computer system and a graphical display system is disposed within the container. In additional embodiments, collapsible golf simulators include a collapsible enclosure mounted over a base. The enclosure is configured to receive a physical golf ball hit from a play surface on the base. The collapsible enclosure includes a plurality of arcuate rib members each having ends pivotally mounted to the base. The rib members are configured to pivot relative to the base and carry a sheet of pliable material. Methods of using such apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A club shaft that can be installed in a club head permanently or can be installed in clubs with interchangeable shaft features is disclosed herein. The invention is a measurement system that enables the capturing of the speed and motion of the golfer's swing. The invention uses magnetic material positioned on a face of a golf club head and an array of magnetic sensors.

Abstract: A portable swing trainer has a wedge body of a triangular shape, and a stick sensor having a vertical adjustment and a horizontal adjustment. The stick sensor has a deployed position and a collapsed position. The stick sensor is mounted behind the wedge body. A restoring mechanism can be for restoring the stick sensor from the collapsed position to the deployed position. The restoring mechanism is mounted behind the wedge body. The stick sensor is pivotally mounted to the restoring mechanism. A catch mechanism is for catching the stick sensor in collapsed position. The catch mechanism is mounted behind the wedge body. A pair of electronic beam sensors can be mounted in a pair of depressions formed on a face of the wedge body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simulated golf putting device to improve a golfer's putting skill, comprising means to execute a simulated putt and to determine if the putt would be on target, and if not in which direction the simulated putt would miss the target. The device provides near-instantaneous signals to the user whether a simulated putt is good or a miss. The device is compact and self-contained, and can be readied for use in virtually any location in seconds.

Abstract: A training system is disclosed which indicates to a baseball/softball hitter that he/she does not have the proper bat lag and will indicate to the hitter that the bat was properly extended after hitting the ball. The system may also be used for the training of golfers or other sports enthusiasts.

Abstract: A portable swing trainer has a wedge body of a triangular shape, and a stick sensor having a vertical adjustment and a horizontal adjustment. The stick sensor has a deployed position and a collapsed position. The stick sensor is mounted behind the wedge body. A restoring mechanism can be for restoring the stick sensor from the collapsed position to the deployed position. The restoring mechanism is mounted behind the wedge body. The stick sensor is pivotally mounted to the restoring mechanism. A catch mechanism is for catching the stick sensor in collapsed position. The catch mechanism is mounted behind the wedge body. A pair of electronic beam sensors can be mounted in a pair of depressions formed on a face of the wedge body.

Abstract: A method of an apparatus for measuring or determining the movement characteristics of an object uses the detection of changes in beams. A set of beams F1-B1, F2-B2, F3-B3 is disposed in the movement path of the object; at relative angles to each other; and at acute angles to the intended direction of the object. The number of changes in the beams or durations between changes in the beams are recorded. The relative times, durations or differences in relative times, at which different beams of the set are changed are measured. The resulting measurements are associated with the relevant movement characteristics of the object.

Abstract: An aligning apparatus of a golf destination line is provided. The aligning apparatus aligns a putter face of a golf putter with a destination line connecting a golf ball and a destination. A rotation angle between the destination line and the putter face and an acceptance angle are set in a variance setting unit, and the acceptance angle is an acceptable error range of the rotation angle. A 3-axis magnetic resistance sensor measures a magnetic field strength applied to the golf putter, and a 3-axis accelerometer measures an acceleration applied to the golf putter. A processor calculates a tilt angle of the 3-axis magnetic resistance sensor from the measured acceleration, and compensates the measured magnetic field strength with the tilt angle to calculate an azimuth of the putter face of the golf putter. An output unit outputs a reporting signal when a difference between the azimuth and an aligning azimuth determined by the rotation angle is within a range of the acceptance angle.

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.

Abstract: A golf swing training aid which utilizes a microprocessor controlled set of colored LEDs to teach the user to focus on a point away from the ball through the contact of a golf club with the ball. Also shown is a method of providing a visual confirmation to the golfer that he has maintained focus on a point away from the ball during the swing and through impact with the ball. This golf swing training aid may also be mounted in a practice golf mat especially those of the type used at driving ranges.

Abstract: A system is provided for training a golf club stroke. The system includes a sensor, and a transmitter positioned in a spaced relation to the sensor, where the transmitter transmits a signal received by the. The system further includes a golf club including a head including a transparent medium region, where the head is positioned between the sensor and the transmitter. The signal passes through the transparent medium region.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for computing and outputting a putting backstroke instruction for a planned putt of a golf ball during recreational play. A computing means includes means for initializing or customizing according to a specific golfer putting on a specific golf green, the golfer putting at least one initializing putt a pre-selected distance on a level area of a green. During recreational play thereafter, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the golfer, for each segment of a planned putt enters the applicable grade and length. The computing means outputs to the golfer an instruction for the length of the backstroke recommended, i.e., required for the planned putt. Another embodiment of the invention requires the inputting of the length of the planned putt but excludes the inputting of the grade of the green.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a golf club swing analyzer provides a housing; a light emission device configured to emit reference light toward a location in the path of a golf club swung adjacent the housing; a light reception device supported by the housing and configured to receive reference light emitted from the light emission device and reflected from the swung golf club; and discrimination circuitry coupled with the light reception device and configured to distinguish the reflected reference light received from the light emission device from incidental light, the discrimination circuitry being further configured to generate an indication signal responsive to the reception of reflected reference light.

Abstract: A golf putting teaching device includes a path with two side walls and each side walls has a plurality of first sensors on an inside thereof. An end piece has a top board and two side portions. The end piece is mounted across two sides of the path and a plurality of second sensors are located on an underside of the top board. The first sensors in the side walls are electronically connected to the second sensors of the top board. A controlling device is connected to one of the tow side portions and electronically connected to the first and the second sensors so as to process the data collected from the first and the second sensors to display the direction, speed, distance, and other necessary information for each putting.

Abstract: A golf swing trainer 10 comprises a golf club 12 and a mat 14. A head 13 of the golf club 12 has an electrically conducting leading edge 16 and an electrically non-conducting/insulating sole 18. When the golf club 12 is swung correctly, at the bottom of the player's swing the leading edge 16 makes an electrical contact between contacts 20a and 20b, which are embedded in the mat 14. The electrical contact between the leading edge 16 and the contacts 20a and 20b completes an electrical circuit and causes an alarm (not shown) to indicate by a sound or light for instance that correct contact has been made and a good swing has been performed.

Abstract: A training device for training the course of movement of a person by the manipulation of an object to be moved in a predetermined way has a data processing unit with which first sensors placed on the person are connected to transmit data of the movement to the data processing unit. Second sensors are placed on the object and connected to the data processing unit in order to transmit data of the movement of the object to the data processing unit. Mechanical actuating elements are placed on the object and connected to the data processing unit. They are triggered by the data processing unit to simulate contact with a virtual object as a tactile acknowledgement to the person. An indicator placed on the person and a memory for reference data are connected to the data processing unit, and the data processing unit calculates from the reference data the ideal course of movement of the body and the object and represents the ideal course of movement on the indicator.

Abstract: A game apparatus and method can determine flight characteristics of an object propelled by a player from a launch site toward a backstop. The foregoing can operate with a launch detector located at the launch site for producing a launch signal in response to launching of the object. A backstop sensing arrangement may be employed at the backstop having at least one spaced pair of sensors for producing a pair of arrival signals in response to arrival of the object at the backstop. A processor may be employed, which is coupled to the launch detector and the backstop sensing arrangement. The processor can (a) determine the relative response times of the launch detector and the backstop sensing arrangement, and (b) produce a characteristic signal as a function of the relative arrival times of the pair of arrival signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides golf club swing analyzers and golf swing analysis methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a golf club swing analyzer comprises: a housing; a light emission device configured to emit reference light toward a location in the path of a golf club swung adjacent the housing; a light reception device supported by the housing and configured to receive reference light emitted from the light emission device and reflected from the swung golf club; and discrimination circuitry coupled with the light reception device and configured to distinguish the reflected reference light received from the light emission device from incidental light, the discrimination circuitry being further configured to generate an indication signal responsive to the reception of reflected reference light.

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 golf ball practice and swing analyzer that incorporates a golf ball positioner that swings in a vertical plane and resides only momentarily adjacent the tee and then retracts upwardly, thus permitting the golfer to begin his or her swing the instant the ball positioner begins to move upwardly, combined with systems for determining and displaying the two most important, and largely determinative characteristics of the golfer's swing, the swing speed and swing time, in a very economical design criteria is disclosed.

Abstract: A golf instructional apparatus designed to teach a golfer to hit the ball straight and to correct a golfer's hook or slice. The apparatus is also capable of teaching a golfer how to hit a hook or slice. A golf mat is located in a designated ball hitting area having a reference line. A flexible cylinder is located forwardly and outside the ball striking area, which the golfer may hit on the through swing if the club is incorrectly swung. A flexible panel is suspended facing the golfer and will be struck by an incorrect over-the-top swing. The flexible panel allows the golfer to practice at full speed as there are no obstructions in the ball hitting area. The apparatus can be used with or without a ball as immediate feedback is provided. The panel has an indicator mark placed on it forward of the golfer which the golfer attempts to hit when learning draws, hooks or to help change the golfer's slice pattern. A sensor is positioned forward and rearward the hitting area.

Abstract: A lightweight and portable golf training apparatus for improving and perfecting a proper golf club swing is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first guide member that is elevated from the ground and a substantially linear side barrier section, which lies substantially parallel to the intended flight path of the golf ball. A curved edge provides a visual and physical guide to mark the path arc of a properly executed swing. A second guide member is disposed adjacent to the curved edge of the first guide member. The second guide member includes a top surface that is elevated from the ground. Forming a side of the second guide member is a substantially linear main guiding section, which, when positioned in a substantially parallel alignment with the curved edge of the first guide member, defmes a curved pathway for guiding a golf club through the proper swing arc.

Abstract: The golf game system of the present invention includes at least two magnetic induction coil sensors to simulate the speed and the direction of a golf swing by a golfer. A magnetic strip adhesively attached to the end of the golf club locates the position of the golf club with respect to the sensors. An electronic circuitry panel translates the information provided by the magnetic induction coil sensors into information that is acceptable to the customized software package. The magnetic sensing system interfaces with standard software packages for a personal computer to allow a user to swing a real golf club and have the results entered and displayed by the software package. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic sensing system and electronic circuitry panel interfacing with the personal computer are integrated into a golf mat. The magnetic induction coil sensors may be flat induction coils built into the mat to minimize mat thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a predicted distance that a golf ball will travel when struck by a putter club head during a putting swing. A first optical sensor is located in a first position for sensing when the putter club head travels over the first position during the putting swing. A second optical sensor is located in a second position for sensing when the putter club head travels over the second position during the putting swing. The second position is a predetermined distance away from the first position. A timer, coupled to the first and second optical sensors, is provided for generating a time difference value representing a difference between a first time when the putter club head travels over the first position during the putting swing and a second time when the putter club head travels over the second position during the putting swing. A microprocessor is provided for determining the predicted distance in accordance with the time difference value and the predetermined distance.

Abstract: Golf practice apparatus utilizing a tethered golf ball wherein the kinetic energy is dissipated when the ball is struck. Initial velocity vectors in the x, y, and z coordinates are derived by time integrating the respective forces over the period of time during which the kinetic energy is dissipated. From these derived velocity vectors is computed what the trajectory of the golf ball would have been if it had been untethered. Alternatively, two of the initial velocity vectors may be derived as described above and the third obtained mathematically after first deriving total initial velocity. Golf ball spin about a vertical axis may be obtained for correction to the trajectory by means of a reflective strip on the ground facing surface of the golf club head and two or more sensors for detecting the reflections from opposite ends of the strip.