Device Attachable To Or Integral With Swingable Implement Patents (Class 473/226)
  • Patent number: 7819753
    Abstract: The present invention is a unique and improved training aid to assist the golfer in learning these skills. The invention has deployable fins that deploy during a backswing and retract during a downswing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: J. Andrew Galloway, Alan Hocknell
  • Publication number: 20100255923
    Abstract: Golf club heads which include an iron type golf club head body including a ball striking face, a rear surface opposite the ball striking face (e.g., including a perimeter weighting member) and an indicator which indicates the location of the center of gravity of the golf club head body. Golf clubs including these club heads and methods of making such golf club and golf club heads also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: John T. Stites
  • Patent number: 7803059
    Abstract: An improved static alignment and an improved dynamic alignment are combined in a laser beam method and system that provides instantaneous and continuous information feedback to a golfer to allow the real time correction of defects arising from a golfer's stance, head movement, body movement, golf club alignment, and golf club swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Yaohui Zhang
  • Patent number: 7789765
    Abstract: A golf training aid comprised of a telescopic rod mounted on an adjustable bracket and a generally spherical end member mounted on the rod. The bracket adjusts to fit over the end of the grip of a golf club and is held in place by a band around the bracket. The rod is adapted to be extended and shortened as a means to adjust the length of the device. The distance of the end member from the grip is adjusted so that the end member contacts the midsection of a golfer when he assumes his putting stance and is positioned outside the golfer's body when used for chipping. The portion of the end member which contacts a golfer's body has relatively low friction so that the end member moves relative to the body if the proper putting stroke is not used. The telescopic rod of the device is not meant to contact the golfer's body when used for chipping and will come in contact with the golfer's body when an improper chipping motion is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: John Joseph Marini
  • Patent number: 7780542
    Abstract: A golf training device and process are disclosed for assisting a golf player in aligning a golf club through an arcuate path for contacting a golf ball. The golf training device comprises a plate including a face side and a back side. The face side of the plate has a first color. The back side of the plate has a second color. An exterior edge of the plate has a third color. A coupler extends between the interior edge of the plate and the shaft of the golf club for securing the plate to the golf club. The third color alone is visible during the golf player swinging the golf club for producing a perpendicular alignment between the face surface of the golf club and the ball. The perpendicular alignment between the face surface of the golf club and the ball propels the ball in a straight trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventors: Mark C. Ross, Philip K. Mathias
  • Patent number: 7775899
    Abstract: The present invention helps golfers consistently execute the ideal golf swing. To consistently execute the ideal swing, golfers must consistently align the shafts of their clubs at the ideal angle with respect to the horizontal at setup, prior to executing the swing. The present invention helps golfers set their clubs at the ideal angle by attaching an angle indicating device to the club that indicates the angle of the club with respect to the horizontal. The preferred embodiment of the angle indicating device is a small, lightweight circular bubble level, that has angle markings around its edge, and quickly clips onto an off of the golf club. The angle indicating device is sufficiently small and lightweight that it does not affect the golfers swing. The same device may be used on different golf clubs to show the desired angle for the club in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Calvin Cannon
  • Patent number: 7766760
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a muscle trainer for exercising opposing muscles of a person moving an implement, such as a golf club, wherein, if the opposing muscles were of appropriate strength, the opposing muscles would desirably apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining an ideal movement of the implement. The contemplated muscle trainer of this invention includes a body and a force generator positioned at a prescribed location on the body for urging the body in a direction away from a force direction which a weaker set of the opposing muscles would normally apply to the implement in the movement of the implement by the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventors: William B. Priester, Richard E. May
  • Patent number: 7766763
    Abstract: A golf stroke training device includes a base that has a first section and a second section, and a vertical guide coupled to the base. The vertical guide is substantially perpendicular to the base. The first section has an arc extending from an approximate midpoint of the device to a first end of the device, and the second section comprises a substantially straight edge extending from the approximate midpoint of the device to a second end of the device. In another embodiment, the second section comprises a substantially straight edge extending from the approximate midpoint towards the target and an inside along an arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Momentus Golf
    Inventor: James W. Sorenson
  • Patent number: 7766759
    Abstract: A putting training device comprising a putter module which is selectively attachable and detachable to a putter and a target module. The putter module includes at least one indicia viewable when a users head is substantially vertically above the module. The putter module further includes a signaling element and the target module including a receiving element, and an indicating element. In use, the putter is directed towards the target module. A golf ball is struck in the direction of the target module and the indicating element alerts the user of impact condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Solid Golf LLC
    Inventors: Richard Daniel Henwood, William Henwood
  • Patent number: 7766757
    Abstract: A golf device is provided that includes a storage mechanism to store information related to a desired swing of a golf club, and a swing identifying device to identify when the golf club has moved a desired distance based on the stored information related to the desired swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Fairway Golf Center, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick H. Brooks, Chris A. Ries, Roy T. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20100184526
    Abstract: A golf club using moving ball includes a shaft with which a moving passage is formed in a direction of length inside or outside of said shaft, a grip, which is installed along a top portion of the shaft, for gripping with hands, a head which is installed at a bottom portion of the shaft, for hitting the ball and at least one moving ball which is movable inside along the moving passage as it is inside or outside of the moving passage of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Jae Sub Park
  • Patent number: 7753805
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a sports training device and method thereof. More particularly, the invention encompasses a flexible panel having a pocket for accommodating a golf club that is secured to the head of a golf club and used as a golf training device (GTD). The present invention is also directed to a novel method of training a golfer using the inventive golf training tool. The inventive golf training device may also be referred to as a lag rag or as a wind speed resistance trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Michael John Scaperotti
  • Patent number: 7749093
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a golf club face assistance device. A proper location on a shaft of a club is provided with a first fixing element and is extended with a first assistance element. The other end of the first assistance element is connected with a second fixing element, and the first assistance element is provided with a second assistance element which is extended toward the shaft. An interface between the first and second assistance elements is defined with an aim point, and a virtual club face is defined from the aim point to the club face. By the virtual club face, one can easily learn a correct hitting form and a correct hit point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Chia-Jen Chang, Hao-Che Chang
  • Publication number: 20100167829
    Abstract: A golf grip training tool utilized on a simulated golf club of reduced length. An abutment is angularly placed on the end of the shaft of the golf club and indicia relating to the placement of the golfer's thumbs and index fingers are attached thereto. Utilizing the abutment and the indicia, the golfer would be able to properly place his or her hands on the upper shaft or handle of the golf club to learn the proper grip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen B. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7744483
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Blaine L. Konow
  • Publication number: 20100144457
    Abstract: A golf club incorporates a slope indicator on its shaft to enable a golfer to estimate the slope of a putting green. When the golf club is placed on the ground, the slope indicator indicates a degree of slope. The golfer may engage a lock for the slope indicator. Engagement of the lock allows the golfer to lift the club off the ground to inspect the slope indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Seok Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 7731598
    Abstract: A golf club incorporates a slope indicator on its shaft. to enable a golfer to estimate the slope of a putting green. When the golf club is placed on the ground, the slope indicator indicates a degree of slope. The golfer may engage a lock for the slope indicator. Engagement of the lock allows the golfer to lift the club off the ground to inspect the slope indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Seok Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 7708648
    Abstract: A golf training device comprising an elongate member with a first positioning aid having an indicator thereon that is visually alignable with a portion of the club. When the indicator is so aligned, the training device is used to correctly position the golfer's hands around the circumference of the club handle. The training device includes additional aids to enable the golfer to correctly position the device linearly on the grip and to then correctly position his or her fingers and thumbs around the training device. The training device may further include pressure sensors and a speaker to aid the golfer in learning to grip the club correctly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Brunton Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Brunton, Robert G. Dickie, Qian Wang
  • 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: 7686702
    Abstract: Apparatus 10 for a golf swing training device comprising a golf club 20 with a shaft 24 with a grip 22 at one end and a club head 26 at the other end of the shaft with a receptacle 12 attached to the face 14 of the club head with the receptacle opening on the front towards the intended target. In use, a ball 28 is placed in the receptacle 12 with the intention of releasing the ball from the receptacle at a desired point during the swing at a target. In practice, if during the back swing the receptacle 12 is incorrectly tilted, due to poor swing mechanics, the ball 28 will fall out. Also, if the bore of the receptacle 12 is not in alignment with the target line at the ball's 28 point of release the ball trajectory will be skewed from the target. As an additional element, the receptacle 12 can have a retainer 92 to impede the ball 28 from easily falling out and the receptacle can be removably attached at 36, 38 to the club face 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce Hubley
  • Publication number: 20100056288
    Abstract: An apparatus for teaching and practicing the proper positioning of the hands and/or wrists relative to the arms in the performance of an athletic maneuver is disclosed. The apparatus includes a brace to be positioned on the forearm and extend across the wrist and at least partially along the hand. A securing mechanism can be included for selectively attaching the brace to the forearm. A rod extends from the brace and is configured to be gripped by the user while wearing the device. The rod can also receive athletic related devices. The device can be adapted to teach a user the proper positioning of the hands and wrists relative to the arms throughout an athletic maneuver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Baker
  • Patent number: 7670233
    Abstract: A golf swing training aid adapted to have a first rail and a second rail whereby a carriage system is slidably attached thereto and the pitch of the club is controlled with respect to the position of the carriage assembly in the course of a swing. In one form, the rotation of the club about the shaft (the roll) is controlled in conjunction with the pitch of the club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Jack Jones
  • Patent number: 7666107
    Abstract: A golf stroke training device includes a base that has a first section and a second section, and a vertical guide coupled to the base. The vertical guide is substantially perpendicular to the base. The first section has an arc extending from an approximate midpoint of the device to a first end of the device, and the second section comprises a substantially straight edge extending from the approximate midpoint of the device to a second end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Momentus Golf
    Inventor: James W. Sorenson
  • Patent number: 7648422
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Fairway Golf Center, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick H. Brooks, Chris A. Ries, Roy T. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7641567
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Roger John Brooks
  • Patent number: 7601072
    Abstract: A golf driving and putting training aid comprises a driving module, a short-putt module, a long-putt module, and a third putting module. The driving module includes a shaft of telescoping cylinders pivotally secured at one end to a supporting surface and provided with a driving handle at the other end. The rate of retraction and extension of all cylinders is controlled by felt strips restricting the flow of air between the cylinders. The direction of the swing is controlled by pivoting joints by which the cylinders are connected to the supporting surface and to the handle. In one embodiment, the cylinders are pivotally attached to a slidable sleeve that glides along a horizontal bar. The movement of the sleeve can be restricted along the horizontal bar. The short-putt module includes a telescoping cylindrical shaft that is attached to the user's putter. When used, the short-putt module forces the user to keep the short-putt stroke straight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Golf Swing Concepts International, LLC
    Inventor: Steven G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7597631
    Abstract: A golf driving and putting training aid comprises a driving module, a short-putt module, and a long-putt module. The driving module includes a shaft (12) of telescoping cylinders pivotally secured at one end to a supporting surface (50) and provided with a driving handle (22) at the other end. The rate of retraction and extension of all cylinders is controlled by felt strips (84) restricting the flow of air between the cylinders. The direction of the swing is controlled by pivoting joints (20) by which the cylinders are connected to the supporting surface and to the handle. The short-putt module includes a telescoping cylindrical shaft that is attached to the user's putter (112). When used, the short-putt module includes an arcuate guide to which a putter may be attached, thereby requiring the user to use the proper arcuate stoke for a long put.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Golf Swing Concepts International, LLC
    Inventor: Steven G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7588500
    Abstract: A golf club swing weight apparatus. The apparatus has a first weight and a second weight each having a pair of apertures formed therein, and adapted to be secured against a club shaft of a golf club. A strap having a length sufficient to extend through the pairs of apertures, and around the first and second weights when the first and second weights are positioned adjacent one another on said club shaft, is used to secure the first and second weights to the club shaft. The strap may include a loop element affixed to a first end thereof, and a first hook and loop type fastener material at the first end. A second end of the strap may include a stop component fixedly secured to the strap. The stop prevents the second end from being completely pulled through said loop element. Thus, the weights may not be inadvertently separated from the strap while the apparatus is affixed to a club shaft and an individual is swinging the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventors: Frank J. Hoeckl, Walter J. Hoeckl
  • Patent number: 7556568
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus is disclosed. The invention includes a harness for use in connection with a bifurcated training apparatus having two operative elements, including an upper grip portion and a lower slide portion, the portions configured to be cooperatively engaged both with a golf club and each other in a defined cooperative manner. When assembled in the preferred truncated frustoconical structure, the lower slide portion is axially slidable along a length of golf club handle to assist the golfer to learn a desired swing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: William Arthur Ryan
  • Publication number: 20090149268
    Abstract: A golf training aid is disclosed that trains a user for proper lead arm supination while a golfer swings a golf club. The golf training aid includes an extension that is applied to a golf club shaft and a stationary object. The user swings the golf club past a ball striking position and supinates the lead arm to rotate the extension around the stationary object. This golf training aid does not rely on a mechanism attached between the golf club and the user's arm to forcibly supinate the golfer's wrists. The extension can easily be secured, adjusted and removed from most golf clubs for practicing. The stationary object can be a removable pole, golf bag, or a plane stick training aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Renato Sison, Christopher R. Sison
  • Patent number: 7537525
    Abstract: A golf training device for aiding a golfer in perfecting their grip on a golf club and their swing. The golf training device includes an elongated member made from a flexible plastic material and that is designed to frictionally engage the handle portion of the golf club. The device includes a gripping region with first and second positioning aids thereon for correct placement of the golfer's thumbs. The device further includes a pair of lasers that are mounted in a rest area that integrally formed with the gripping region. The lasers are mounted so as to emit a pair of divergent laser beams outwardly away from the lowermost end of the device and on either side of the golf club head. The lasers are used to correctly align the device on the golf club shaft and as an aid for the golfer to check his grip on the club and the position he assumes for addressing a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Brunton Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Qian Wang
  • Publication number: 20090111599
    Abstract: A golf teaching device including a body having an arcuate brace, a strap coupled to the arcuate brace for selectively coupling the body to a golf club, a swing arm rotatably mounts on the body, a button selectively locks the swing arm in a plurality of positions with respect to the body and a swing arm extension mounted on the swing arm. The strap allows mounting the device in any rotational position on the club shaft and the swing arm can move through 180 degrees to be parallel the shaft, perpendicular the shaft and in various positions therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Dantas
  • Patent number: 7524247
    Abstract: A golf training system includes a golf club, an alignment strip, and a plurality of markers for coupling to a golfer's apparel. The golf club includes a shaft having an axial centerline, a grip coupled to the shaft, and a head coupled to the shaft. The grip may have a length, a width, and a that varies from a minimum about equal to about the width to a maximum about equal to twice the width. The golf club may also include a polyhedron coupled to the shaft and positioned between the grip and the head. The polyhedron may have an axial alignment such that a vertex of the polyhedron is substantially parallel to the axial centerline of the shaft. The alignment strip may have a plurality of markings indicating a variety of possible locations for a golfer's feet in a stance, and a preferred position of a golf ball. The markers may be configured to be removably coupled to the golfer's appeal, and may serve as visual aids to the golfer during a swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20090088266
    Abstract: A golf putting device that comprises: (a) a rotating head that includes a retractable line, a clip that attaches the retractable line to a golf club, and a first connecting member; and (b) a base that can be inserted in a golf hole and includes a second connecting member located on top of the base. The rotating head is attached to the base by engaging the first connecting member onto the second connecting member, and the rotating head rotates on the second connecting member. In embodiments for off-hole use, the golf putting device may further include a plurality of removable legs attached to the base. The rotating head may also include a housing which encloses the retractable line. This housing includes an aperture through which the retractable line passes through. The retractable line is wrapped around a spool that includes a spring wound on an arbor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: MICHAEL P. MCINERNEY
  • Patent number: 7497785
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a flexible body portion and a first ring attached to the flexible body portion. The first ring typically surrounds a first opening in the flexible body portion. The first opening may typically be about equal to or larger than the diameter of an end of a typical golf club handle. The apparatus may include a rigid member attached to the flexible body portion substantially along the entire length of the flexible body portion. A flexible body portion and a band are also provided. The flexible body portion typically can be folded over itself and a first portion of the flexible body portion can be inserted between the band and a second portion of the flexible body portion to attach the flexible body portion to a shaft of a golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Koncelik, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090023510
    Abstract: The invention provides an interchangeable weighted club system to help a golfer refine, and improve their golf swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Kelly Curry
  • Patent number: 7479068
    Abstract: A golf swing training device for improving muscle strength and club head speed. A golf swing training device comprising: a head cover, wherein the head cover further comprises a closure flap; at least one air catch coupled to the head cover, wherein the at least one air catch allows air to flow through; and a sock coupled to the at least one air catch. Alternate embodiments comprising: a head cover, wherein the head cover further comprises a closure flap; and at least one air catch coupled to the head cover wherein the at least one air catch comprises a pocket. Further embodiments comprising: a head cover, wherein the head cover further comprises an opening which allows a club shaft to pass through; at least one air catch coupled to the head cover; and a sock coupled to the at least one air catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Lynn Ray
  • Patent number: 7468003
    Abstract: A prosthetic device for golfing having an elongate resilient body with an axis, a first end, a second end and an exterior golf club support surface extending along the axis between the first end and the second end. Gripping members are positioned on opposed sides of the golf club support surface adjacent the first end. The gripping members are adapted to grip a golf club shaft and maintain the golf club shaft engaged with the golf club support surface. A coupling is provided at the first end which is adapted to be secured to a terminal device worn by the user. The coupling element may be either a male end or female end attached to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Troppman Prosthetics Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert MacDermott, Gary Tremblay, Randall Berg
  • Patent number: 7465237
    Abstract: A magnetic golf putting training device (1) having an attachment device (10) with two arms (3a and 3b), a clamp (25) for removably attaching the attachment device (10) to a putter (2), magnets (11a and 11b) located on the arms (3a and 3b) and guiding magnets (12a and 12b). The arms (3a and 3b) are located on each end of the putter head (9) during use. The guiding magnets (12a and 12b) are positioned such that they are substantially perpendicular to the putter head (9) and such that the electromagnetic field of each guiding magnets (12a and 12b) is facing towards the like electromagnetic field of each magnet (11a and 11b) located on the arms (3a and 3b) so as to create a repelling force (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Robert H. Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 7458899
    Abstract: A putter training apparatus and method of use are provided. In one form, a putter training apparatus includes a putter head generally formed as a mallet attached to a standard golf shaft. The putter head includes an opening through the vertical distance of the putter head, generally centered in the putter head. The putter head further includes a standard golf ball, generally centered within the opening. The golf ball is attached to an extension and retraction system comprising two spherical seats inserted in the heel side and toe side of the opening and two ligaments connecting the spherical seats to the golf ball. The extension and retraction system allows the golf ball to extend from the opening during use, and remain visible to the user through the opening, as long as the user employs a smooth, in line, and in tempo putting stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Mark David Michaud
  • Patent number: 7458900
    Abstract: An air resistance appliance that is easily attached to the shaft of a golf club or a baseball bat and that is quickly and easily collapsed into a small, lightweight package for storage or transport with the user as in his or her golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Glenn Park
  • Publication number: 20080234063
    Abstract: A method of applying a temporary lubricating material to the face of a golf club head to make the face “slippery” to reduce golf ball spin imparted into the ball from being struck by the golf club on a stroke-by-stroke basis. The method includes providing a geometrical body of a lubricating material having at least one application surface to apply a thin layer of the lubricating material on a surface; and (b) applying a thin layer of lubricating material to the striking surface of a golf club by contacting the striking surface with said at least one application surface of the geometrical body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Brad Ahlquist
  • Publication number: 20080234064
    Abstract: A golf training system that comprises an apparatus and a method used in combination is disclosed. The system comprises apparatus that includes club having an elongate shaft and a head. The head has a striking surface that extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to the length of the shaft (it has no loft), the striking surface being generally circular in section and approximately 10 cm in diameter. The apparatus further includes a strike object such as a nail that comprises an elongate stalk and a head. The system further comprising a coaching method that includes placing the nail on the ground on a surface directed towards a target; and directing a learner to use the club to drive the nail in a direction towards t target along the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Afflek
  • Patent number: 7419438
    Abstract: A putter with a distance measurement mechanism comprises a shaft, a head disposed on an end of the shaft, and a grip disposed on an opposite end of the shaft, wherein the grip comprises a through-hole is formed on an end of the grip, and an indication member having a scale extending from the through-hole toward the shaft. The scale may comprise marks indicating at least one of a distance to a cup and a recommended backswing amount. The player looks at a cup on a green as the player holds the putter, positioning an end of the grip at eye's level, the player reads off the scale of the grip to estimate the distance to the cup and the recommended backswing amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Hideaki Koiwai
  • Patent number: 7416492
    Abstract: The Golf Clubface Swing Trainer is a dedicated practice golf club designed exclusively to aid golfers understand and correct flaws in the concept of the clubface by helping them recognize what an open, closed and square clubface is at any point in the swing. Additionally, it is deigned to help golfers stretch, develop, and strengthen his or her muscles by swinging the trainer, which is weighted and balanced to achieve that purpose. The Golf Clubface Swing Trainer accomplishes these objectives by use of a weighted, rectangular cross section block shaped clubface orientation aid integral to and concentrically located between the grip and the shaft. The clubface orientation aid incorporates contrasting colors, lettering and indicia, all clearly visible to the golfer during the entire practice swing process, from address, backswing, downswing and follow-through, thus allowing him or her to make the necessary adjustments and corrections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Dave Wesley
  • Publication number: 20080188319
    Abstract: A training apparatus for temporarily increasing the weight of a golf club head has a body member having a perimeter profile which may at least partially mimic that of the golf club head and has a substantially flat surface for positioning adjacent the striking face of the golf club head. When fixed to the head of a golf club, the training apparatus increases the weight of the club and redistributes the center of gravity closer to the club head, allowing the golfer to benefit more from warm-up swings prior to actual play. The training apparatus may be formed of metal and contains a cutout or cavity in which a magnetic material resides to enable temporary attachment to the club head. In various other embodiments, the body member of the training apparatus may be substantially formed from either all metal or all magnetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Bertolino
  • Patent number: 7399232
    Abstract: A device for training the muscles used during a golf club swinging motion. The device includes a connector coupled to the head of the golf club and a resilient and extensible tether having a proximal end for connection to the connector and a distal end for connection to a trainee's body. The device is used by causing the trainee to engage in a golf swing motion so that the tether provides resistance to the trainee's muscles in the sequence used to perform the swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventors: John P. Frappier, Mark W. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080153616
    Abstract: Apparatus 10 for a golf swing training device comprising a golf club 20 with a shaft 24 with a grip 22 at one end and a club head 26 at the other end of the shaft with a receptacle 12 attached to the face 14 of the club head with the receptacle opening on the front towards the intended target. In use, a ball 28 is placed in the receptacle 12 with the intention of releasing the ball from the receptacle at a desired point during the swing at a target. In practice, if during the back swing the receptacle 12 is incorrectly tilted, due to poor swing mechanics, the ball 28 will fall out. Also, if the bore of the receptacle 12 is not in alignment with the target line at the ball's 28 point of release the ball trajectory will be skewed from the target. As an additional element, the receptacle 12 can have a retainer 92 to impede the ball 28 from easily falling out and the receptacle can be removably attached at 36, 38 to the club face 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce Hubley
  • Publication number: 20080139332
    Abstract: A golf driving and putting training aid comprises a driving module, a short-putt module, and a long-putt module. The driving module includes a shaft (12) of telescoping cylinders pivotally secured at one end to a supporting surface (50) and provided with a driving handle (22) at the other end. The rate of retraction and extension of all cylinders is controlled by felt strips (84) restricting the flow of air between the cylinders. The direction of the swing is controlled by pivoting joints (20) by which the cylinders are connected to the supporting surface and to the handle. The short-putt module includes a telescoping cylindrical shaft that is attached to the user's putter (112). When used, the short-putt module includes an arcuate guide to which a putter may be attached, thereby requiring the user to use the proper arcuate stoke for a long put.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Steven G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7384344
    Abstract: A physical conditioning device for golfers is provided. A weight is attached to the tip of a standard golf club shaft to provide strength training for a the backswing portion of a golf swing. A drag chute is attached to the shaft to add resistance to the downswing of the golf swing to prevent the user from simply allowing the weight of the club to cause the club to drop with little physical effort. This combination of weight and drag chute provides an enhanced conditioning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Sergio Aguirre