Abstract: A ball retrieval device, particularly for integration in a tennis racket, comprises a rotatable spool with a longitudinally movable carriage arranged thereon. Through rotation of the spool, a rubber-elastic thread element can be wound up on the latter resp. unwound therefrom, said carriage providing a well-tuned process with maximum compactness of the turns. To this end, the surface of said spool is provided with a helical groove in which said thread element is laid.

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

Abstract: An aid to improve a golf participant's golf swing for developing an accurate and powerful golf swing technique. The inventive device includes an arm strap assembly, a trigger assembly, a ratchet assembly and a club clip attachment. The arm strap assembly attaches to the player's trailing arm by adjustable straps. The trigger assembly includes a trigger line of fixed length and connects the arm strap to the ratchet assembly. One purpose of this component is to “trigger” the point at which the ratchet mechanism should release the ratchet line. The ratchet assembly consists of a retracting, spring-loaded release device that remains locked as long as the trigger mechanism is slack. Once the trigger mechanism exceeds a preset pull-force, the ratchet mechanism releases allowing the ratchet line connected between the ratchet assembly and the participant's golf club to extend at the appropriate position in the participant's down swing.

Abstract: A golf swing training device made up of a golf club shaft connected to a disc shaped training body. The first and second sides of the disc are configured to provide increased resistance to swinging. The thickness of the training body, the length of the shaft and the handle all align along a single plane. When a golfer grasps the handle portion and swings the training device properly, the thickness of the training body remains within the plane and the resistance to the swing perceived by the golfer is minimized. When a golfer grasps the grasping portion and swings the device improperly, the thickness of the training device does not remain in this desired plane, and resistance to the swing is perceived.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device that attaches to sporting equipment for the purpose of generating an audible sound under predetermined conditions. The device 10 is selectively attached to hand held sporting equipment, such as a golf club 18 and tennis racquet 38, that travels through a sweeping motion. By attachment of the sound generating device to the aforementioned equipment it will be possible to cause audible sounds under abrupt increases in velocity. The device of the preferred embodiment is comprised of a sound generation element 12 such as pliable material, and may include a means of attachment element 14. The sound generation element 12 can be permanently or semi-permanently fixed to the sporting equipment. In the permanent/semi-permanent state the sound generation element is fixedly positioned by means of adhesive 40, or any other bonding means known within the art, to the sporting equipment thereby having no need for a means of an attachment element 14.

Abstract: A pair of error amplification deflectors, releasably attached to the face of a golf club with hook and loop patches, are spaced to provide a central zone on the face of the club for directing a golf ball along a normal path upon squarely striking the ball, but are shaped for redirecting the path of the ball upon striking the ball to provide a signal indicative of an off-center putting stroke or golf swing. The hook and loop patches permit adjustment of the width of the center zone for different levels of practice difficulty, and provide further indication of an off-center stroke by absorbing energy to decelerate the speed of the redirected ball.

Abstract: A golf putting aid is used with a putter having a handle, a putter head, and an elongated putter shaft. The level includes an elongated member affixed to the level and an attachment member capable of detachably securing the handle to the shaft of a putter. The method comprises attaching the level to the shaft of the putter and using the level to orient the putter shaft in a vertical plumb bob position. The putting aid may be used either with, or without the putter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alignment device for aligning a golf club with a person, the golf club comprising a shaft, and a club face, the alignment device comprising a displaceable elongate member connected to the shaft of the golf club, the displaceable elongate member extending axially from the shaft a sufficient extent to enable the displaceable elongate member to be placed against the leading side of the person when the person is holding a golf club with the club face behind and adjacent a golf ball. The present invention also provides for a method of aligning a golf club with a person. The present invention further provides for a method of training a person to impact a golf ball with a golf club.

Abstract: A golf putter training system for developing a controlled putter head velocity and acceleration during a putting swing. The golf putter training system includes a body having a rear portion and a front portion, a main aperture within the body for receiving a conventional golf ball in a rotatable manner, a rear opening within the rear portion of the body connected to the main aperture, a plurality of brace members extending below the lower edge of the putter head, and a plurality of lower members and upper members extending from the rear portion for receiving a plurality of connector members. The connector members are attachable about the putter head thereby securing the body thereto. A plurality of apertures may be positioned within the rear portion of the body for receiving an elongate attachment member that is attachable to the shaft of the putter club. Alternative, a first bracket and a second bracket maybe attached to the body for receiving the connectors.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device that attaches to sporting equipment for the purpose of generating an audible sound under predetermined conditions. The device 10 is selectively attached to hand held sporting equipment, such as a golf club 18 and tennis racquet 38, that travels through a sweeping motion. By attachment of the sound generating device to the aforementioned equipment it will be possible to cause audible sounds under abrupt increases in velocity. The device of the preferred embodiment is comprised of a sound generation element 12 such as a pliable material, and may include a means of attachment element 14. The sound generation element 12 can be permanently or semi-permanently fixed to the sporting equipment. In the permanent/semi-permanent state the sound generation element is fixedly positioned by means of adhesive 40, or any other bonding means known within the art, to the sporting equipment thereby having no need for a means of an attachment element 14.

Abstract: A golf club (110) has a head (111) with a curved reflective surface (128) for visually aligning a shot. The club head is counterbalanced above the plane of the ball (120) and has balance weights (116, 118) which may be selected to accommodate the style and preference of the user. The striking surface may be of a different material than the surrounding club head to dampen vibration on the stroke and may be of a material tailored to the user's preference. The other parts of the club may also be composites of several materials to assist in dampening vibration. An alternative aligning structure uses lenticular lens (142, 144, 146) to provide guiding images to the user.

Abstract: A golf club comprises a shaft, a head and a weight device. The shaft has a tip end, a butt end and a tunnel therein. The head is secured to the shaft at the tip end thereof. The weight device is installed in the tunnel of the shaft for free sliding. The weight device is changeable in shape, such as metal sands, metal balls and liquid etc., so that the center of gravity of the weight device can close to the tip end and the butt end of the shaft as possible when backswing and downswing.

Abstract: A golf swing training club is provided which has a scoop guard substantially parallel to the rear face of the club head The scoop guard has a blade edge terminating substantially within the plane of the club sole. The scoop guard encourages a desirable downward swing as it will contact the ground prior to the club sole, if the club swing path arc is too great, or too flat, causing the golf ball to be mis-hit. A removable grip weight provides a swing pivot point, encourages a downward swing and contributes to muscle memory.

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

Abstract: A golf training tool for teaching a proper golf swing, and a method of using the training tool. The golf training tool includes a gripping portion and an audio feedback mechanism. The audio feedback mechanism includes an elongated tube having first and second ends, which is attached at the second end to the gripping portion and is open at the first end. The tube has interior surface walls defining a hollow interior, and a slide member is provided in sliding engagement with the interior surface walls. A cap having a breather vent is provided for the open first end of the tube, and acts as a stop for the slide member.

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

Abstract: A golf muscle weight training apparatus for attachment to the shaft of a golf club or other sports implement includes a weight carrier having an elongated weight supporting portion, a weight, and a clamp mechanism. The clamp mechanism cooperates with the weight carrier to clamp the weight carrier to the shaft with the axis of the weight supporting portion extending substantially perpendicular to a plane extending through the axis of the shaft and being offset laterally with respect to the axis of the golf club. The weight supporting portion supports a weight mass, with the weight mass extending in overlying relation with the head of the golf club. In another embodiment, the axis of the weight mass extends perpendicular to the axis of the golf club shaft. One or more extension weights can be coupled to the weight carrier to increase the weight mass of the weight training apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a putter-fitting template that enables fitters to scribe various lines onto test putters. The template fits securely and temporarily onto the putter head and includes line guides for drawing the scribe lines onto the putter. The invention also provides a method for fitting a golfer with a custom-fit putter.

Abstract: Golf swing training devices are disclosed. The swing training devices can be used during practice, during play, or both. In one non-limiting embodiment, the swing training device can be used by the golfer to ensure that he or she stands the correct distance from the golf ball at address. In another non-limiting embodiment, the swing training device comprises an element that is sized and configured for making contact with at least a portion of a golfer's body during a golf swing to ensure that the golfer swings his or her arms properly on the backswing, the downswing, or both.

Abstract: There is disclosed a golf club such as a putter and in one embodiment an attachment for the same. The club head has at least one striking face, a rear face and side faces or edges defining a body of a predetermined thickness to which a shaft is attached. Within the body of the head there is provided a recess in a form which opens into the rear face of the head or as a closed aperture completely defined within the body which is of marginally greater dimensions than, and adapted to receive an object such as a conventionally sized golf ball. The recess or aperture can be disposed substantially centrally of the head behind the striking face of the club head so that the “sweet spot” on the striking face can be substantially centrally disposed of said recess or aperture. Ideal toe-heel weight distribution can be achieved in this manner.

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

Abstract: A combination golf club and weeding device is disclosed. A cutter is attached to the lower portion of the club head and oriented so that weeds can be cut by swinging the club in the same fashion as is used in striking a golf ball. The shape of the cutter requires that the club be swung accurately in order to achieve a successful cut. When the cutter is retrofitted to a conventional club, reliefs are cut in the club head so that the entire assembly has the same mass and moment of inertia as the original club.

Abstract: A sports swing training device comprising a grip, a shaft and a head used in practice of swing form of golf club or baseball or softball bat, wherein a hollow space is formed in the head and is partially filled with a liquid such as water or a solid material such as sand or small pellets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club head provided with a face and a body. The face has a central zone and a intermediate zone adjacent and surrounding the central zone. The central zone has a first flexural stiffness and the intermediate zone has a second flexural stiffness. The club head face is configured and dimensioned such that the first flexural stiffness is significantly greater than the second flexural stiffness such that upon ball impact with the face, the intermediate zone exhibits substantial deformation so that the central zone moves into the club head. At the same time, the central zone exhibits minimal deformation so that it moves into and out of the club head as a unit. Furthermore, the face exhibits a high coefficient of restitution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf practice putter adapted for developing a proper putting posture. The golf practice putter comprises a shaft grasped by a golfer to be swung; a suspension lever locked by a screw to a connector which is mounted to a lower end of the shaft, in a manner such that an angular position of the suspension lever can be changed; and a putter head suspended from the suspension lever by means of suspending elements in a manner such that the putter head can be moved to and fro in a pendulum-like fashion.

Abstract: A positioning device (A) for assisting an individual in properly positioning the club face of a golf club so that a golf ball travels a desired path when struck by the golf club. The positioning device (A) includes a hollow body (2) which is generally symmetrically disposed about the shaft (5) of a golf club. The body includes an upper section (4) and a lower section (6) and an opening (32) therebetween. The opening (32) in the body (2) receives the shaft (5) of the golf club. The upper and lower sections each have a left and a right side. The right side of the upper section is hingedly connected to the right side of the lower section. A fastener detachably connects the left side of the upper section to the left side of the lower section. The upper section (4) has a recess formed therein for receiving a tubular spirit (60). The tubular spirit (60) is curved about the axis of the shaft of the golf club. The curve of the spirit level extends in a first plane.

Abstract: A golf club, and particularly a putter, is provided with an alignment line which extends along a length of the putter shaft and a length of the putter head. The alignment line is disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft and parallel to the face of the putter head and allows a golfer to align the face of the club perpendicular to an imaginary line along which a golf ball is to be driven. The body of the putter head is a skeletal frame and is covered with a plastic coating to fill up the openings in the body and provide a flat striking surface.

Abstract: A weighting device for use on a golf club head as during swinging of the club, comprising in combination, a receptacle having an opening via which the club head is received into thpe receptacle, a retainer carried on the receptacle to be fastened in a position for retaining the receptacle in fitting relation to the club head, and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the club head weight, for use as in club head swinging.

Abstract: A golf club alignment device to be secured to an outer surface of a golf club shaft. The device comprises a band of material having first and second markings positioned at first and second ends of a central portion, the markings being of contrasting visual appearance relative to the central portion of the band, with the markings preferably being light in colour and the central portion of the band preferably being dark in colour. The contrasting visual appearance of the markings and the central portion create visual transition points between the markings and the central portion of the band. The transition points between the markings and the central portion of the band are spaced apart by a distance such that, when the band is applied to the cylindrical surface of the golf club shaft with the center point of the central portion coincident with the rearmost point of the shaft, the transition points are located at 180 degrees to one another and at 90 degrees to the rearmost point on the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf training device for use in teaching a golfer how to execute a proper golf swing, chipping stroke, and/or putting stroke using his or her own playing clubs. The golf training device according to the present invention includes a rod which defines a longitudinal axis and has first and second ends. A yoke assembly for engaging the and restraining the arms of a golfer is rotatably attached to the first end of the rod such that it is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A coupler for attaching to the grip end of a golf club is connected to the second end of the rod by a hinge having a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod. In a preferred embodiment, the rod includes a top section and a bottom section which are rotatable relative to each other on the longitudinal axis.

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

Abstract: A golf swing practice device (20) includes a substantially j-shaped shaft (22) having a golf grip (24) at a first end and a back-touching member (26) at an opposite second end. To use the device, a golfer grasps golf grip (24), moves through a backswing until back-touching member (26) touches the back (502) and then takes a practice swing forward ending up in a follow through position where back-touching member (26) again touches the back (502). Repeating practice swings with the present invention “grooves” the golfer's swing.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf training apparatus which is a golf club training attachment made of, e.g., rubber. The device may be used in practice settings as a teaching tool.

Abstract: A golf swing teaching device to assist a golfer in improving his or her golf swing. The teaching device includes a frame which supports a guide shaft which is formed in the shape of an arc. A golf club is affixed at its butt end to the guide shaft. It is affixed to the guide shaft so that it may slide along the guide shaft. In this way, the golfer may swing the club and be assisted to move the butt end of the golf club in an arcuate path.

Abstract: A golf swing strength trainer has a shaft of length not greater than that of a standard golf club shaft. A golf grip is fixed to one end of the shaft. A golf club head is fixed to the other end of the shaft. A pair of substantially equal weights is fixed concentrically on the shaft, one on each end of the grip, the center of gravity of the weights taken together being located substantially at a lengthwise center of the grip. Preferably, the weights abut the opposite ends of the grip. In use, as the axis of the shaft comes into horizontal and vertical alignment, the horizontal distance of the weights from the center of gravity is maximized and minimized. This relationship seems to trigger rather than inhibit the transitional phases of the swing. Since the weights, regardless of their anglular position, are equally displaced from the center of the grip, they tend to enhance rather than inhibit flow and transition of primary movers in the proper swing plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf training device for use in teaching a golfer how to execute a proper golf swing, chipping stroke, and/or putting stroke using his or her own playing clubs. The golf training device according to the present invention includes a rod which defines a longitudinal axis and has first and second ends. A yoke assembly for engaging the and restraining the arms of a golfer is rotatably attached to the first end of the rod such that it is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A coupler for attaching to the grip end of a golf club is connected to the second end of the rod by a hinge having a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod. In a preferred embodiment, the rod includes a top section and a bottom section which are rotatable relative to each other on the longitudinal axis.

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

Abstract: A stabilizing strap includes an elongated flexible strap having a neck strap connected to a thumb strap with an adjustable buckle. The neck strap includes an operable fastener permitting the formation of a neck loop to hang the neck strap around the neck of a person. The thumb strap portion includes a thumb loop formed therein to permit the thumb of a person's hand to be journaled through the thumb loop. The method of use of the strap includes journaling a person's head through the neck loop of the strap, journaling a person's thumb of the arm to be stabilized through the thumb loop of the strap, and then moving the arm to be stabilized outwardly to place the strap in tension.

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

Abstract: An athletic implement swing training and correction system includes a computer controlled mechanical manipulation mechanism for controlling the position and orientation of the athletic implement within a predetermined swing path geometry. The predetermined athletic implement swing path position and orientation is tailored to the physiology of the individual athlete from a collection of swing path geometries. A system of computer controlled position control actuators guide the swing of the student athlete through a tailored swing path geometry. Deviations from the tailored swing path geometry result in force feedback to the student athlete in direct relation to the amount of deviation from the tailored swing path position and implement orientation.

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

Abstract: A golf club head with striking surface density control having a club head having a mounting face defining a surface or recess for interchangeably receiving and accepting a selected one of a plurality of pads or inserts, each of which is composed of material having a different density. The mounting face detachably anchors or holds the selected pad or insert in place by screws, clips, adhesive or the like. Guides are provided on the club head for aligning the pad or insert with the mounting face. In one form, the pad or insert may be insertably received within the recess and anchored by fastening or alternately, adhesive may be employed to releasably secure the pad to a flat club surface.

Abstract: A training device for developing a golfers swing based on a principle of driving a spike fixed to the sweet spot of a striking surface of a golf club, into the flat target surface of a slab of material selected to permit penetration and fixation of the spike in the target surface. The slab is preferably styrofoam and is supported by a stake inserted through the slab and into the ground. In an alternative arrangement, the slab is temporarily supported in its erect position by inserting its lower end in a slot in a pad.

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

Abstract: Golf club extension apparatus includes a cup or socket secured to an extension, and the cup or socket receives the end of a golf club grip portion. A tapered and slotted lock ring fits over a golf club shaft and extends into the cup and about the grip to secure the extention to the grip. The lock ring includes a taper to allow the apparatus to be used with the virtually any make of golf club or to the various sizes of golf club grips. The purpose of the extension is to be used as a training aid to demonstrate to a user that the user's swing motion is either correct or incorrect. An incorrect swing motion will result in the extension whacking the user, while a proper swing motion will allow the extension to move between the user's arms and around the use's torso during the swing motion.

Abstract: A body is attached to a rubber cuff. A sighting tube extends transversely through the body. A notch is depressed into a top face of the body. The notch is positioned at a 90 degree angle with respect to the sighting tube. The sighting apparatus is attached to a putter by inserting a shaft of the putter into the rubber cuff. The sighting apparatus is aligned properly by placing a golf tee or pencil in the notch and rotating the body until the tee or pencil is parallel to a face of a head of the putter. By placing the putter behind a golf ball and sighting a hole through the sighting tube, a golfer can align the face of the head of his or her putter for a proper stroke.

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

Abstract: A golf putter having an upright shaft and a putter head at the lower end of the shaft, the putter head consisting of a body having a flat striking face extending in a generally vertical plane transversely of the shaft and having at the upper end of the face a forwardly extending shroud which hides the striking face but not so far as to totally hide a golf ball when engaged by a user of the putter during a putting stroke. The shroud terminates at its forward edge which is of arcuate shape when looking down on the body which is the view seen by a golfer executing a conventional stroke of the putter, the view enhancing the tendency of the putter to perform straight movement through the ball in use and on a straight line with the exact middle of the striking face striking the ball because the center of the arcuate edge.

Abstract: A golf club for impelling a golf ball further with thrust force assist. Pressurized fluid from a fluid pump enters the club through the handle assembly and exits out through a fluid nozzle at the back of the club head. The club thus prepared is swung in the normal way. Due to the added thrust force, the club head velocity is greater than it would be without any assist, causing the ball to be impelled further down the fairway and/or teaching the golfer to swing faster. The club further includes a triggering mechanism to control the flow of fluid into the club.