Abstract: This invention relates to a golf swing training aid useful for training swing speed and swing efficiency. The inventive swing training aid includes a golf club shaft that has open proximal and distal ends and a grip. The interior of the shaft is a hollow chamber and the diameter decreases gradually from the proximal end to the distal end. A cable is captured within the hollow chamber and extends from the distal end of the shaft, terminating in an integrally formed attachment loop. A weighted ball is removably linked to the attachment loop by a connector.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus includes a handle assembly, a flexible neck and a head assembly flexibly coupled to the handle assembly with the flexible neck. The head assembly has a frame assembly and a weight assembly flexibly coupled within the frame assembly with a plurality of weight supports with specific levels of elasticity.

Abstract: A golf swing training club comprising: (a) a shaft; (b) a golf head attached to a first, lower end of the shaft; and (c) a handgrip attached to a second, upper end of the shaft; wherein a standard longitudinal shaft bending angle (?) of the shaft is within a range of 45° to 90°; and wherein a mechanical beam portion of the golf swing training club is characterized by a standard extensive shear modulus of at most 15°.

Abstract: A golf swing training device including a hinge interposed between two elongated members. The hinge permits the elongated members to selectively break from longitudinal alignment along a first axis with the first elongated member when a prescribed differential force between the first elongated member and the second elongated member is applied to break the longitudinal alignment. The golf swing training device includes a club head including a club head face and a hosel, wherein the hosel is configured to receive an end of the second elongated member. The hosel includes a face angle adjustment mechanism having a plurality of settings to adjust a club face angle of the club head relative to one or more axes of the hinge assembly. A fastener is configured to releasably secure the club head through the hosel to one of the elongate members.

Abstract: Hinges for multipurpose golf training aids, and more particularly, long-wearing, durable low-profile hinges for multipurpose golf training aids, and methods for manufacturing such hinges are disclosed.

Abstract: A weighted exercise apparatus including a substantially cylindrical handle having a back end, a front end, a threaded opening disposed within the front end, a back portion, a front portion attached to the back portion, a lip disposed between the back portion and the front portion, and a gripping member disposed on the back end. At least one rubberized weighted ball has a continuous cylindrical aperture medially disposed through a diameter of the at least one weighted ball. The front portion of the handle is removably disposed through the aperture of the at least one weighted ball. A wing screw having a wingspan greater than a diameter of the aperture of the at least one weighted ball selectively threadably engages the threaded opening of the handle when the front portion of the handle is disposed through the aperture of the at least one weighted ball.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for training. The apparatus includes a grip configured for engaging a user hand, and a grip extension movably coupled to the grip between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus further includes a flexible shaft coupled to at least one of the grip and the grip extension and extending a substantially fixed length, and a fan connected to the flexible shaft.

Abstract: A sports wrist trainer comprising a first elongated swing member with grip attached to a second elongated swing member with head by means of a one way 90 degree hinge, and an elastic return means that returns and holds said swing members at a ninety degree angle one to the other. According to alternative embodiments, the wrist trainer is a bat used for learning batting swings or a golf club used for learning golf swings. The one way hinge rotates to provide a trainer having different swing configurations and to maintain the bat or club head facing the ball at impact just like at address. The elastic return means may be removed and the trainer used without it. A second one way 90 degree rotating hinge can be added to the first providing additional versatility and accommodating both right and left handed golfers.

Abstract: A universal swing training apparatus is provided that includes a sports-related implement and a slide mechanism. The implement includes a proximal section and a distal section that are spaced apart to form a gap there-between. The slide mechanism is inserted within this gap and is connected to the upper end of the proximal section and the lower end of the distal section. The slide mechanism includes a rail guide, a plurality of front ball bearings, a plurality of rear ball bearings, and a sliding rail assembly that are cooperatively configured to insure that this upper end and this lower end are coaxial when the sliding rail assembly is situated in a coaxial position on the rail guide, and permit a lateral shift of this lower end relative to this upper end during a swinging of the implement.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a baseball or softball (referred to hereinafter collectively and independently as “baseball”) hitting aid. The baseball hitting aid may be configured to teach a baseball player the correct swing technique and to generate centrifugal force to hit a baseball off a tee.

Abstract: A golf club swing training apparatus designed to help golfers learn to selectively control a golf ball trajectory shape so that the ball is made to “bend” from right to left, or left to right. The apparatus is configured as an otherwise conventional golf club such as a driver, but wherein the shaft is spliced at a location along its length between the butt end and the head end. After removing a short piece of shaft to retain the overall length of the club, a slide mechanism is inserted to mate with the shaft's upper and lower portions. The slide mechanism permits limited transverse movement of the lower portion that is connected to the golf club head relative to the upper portion that includes the butt end or grip of the club.

Abstract: A training aid (10) provides real-time biometric feedback for swung or linearly accelerated implements where the feedback is provided above a user adjustable threshold. The training aid (10) includes a two-part housing (12) and mounting means for releasably mounting the housing to an implement. A battery (16) is located in the housing (12) with a buzzer (22) connected to the battery (16) through an electrical circuit. A force activated switch (14) in the electrical circuit is activated to energize the buzzer (22) to sound in response to displacement of the training aid. The force activated switch (14) has a force threshold at which the force activated switch (14) is activated to energize the buzzer (22) to sound. The force activated switch (14) is configured so that the force threshold is user adjustable.

Abstract: A golf club swing training apparatus designed to help golfers learn to selectively control a golf ball trajectory shape so that the ball is made to “bend” from right to left, or left to right. The apparatus is configured as an otherwise conventional golf club such as a driver, but wherein the shaft is spliced at a location along its length between the butt end and the head end. After removing a short piece of shaft to retain the overall length of the club, a slide mechanism is inserted to mate with the shaft's upper and lower portions. The slide mechanism permits limited transverse movement of the lower portion that is connected to the golf club head relative to the upper portion that includes the butt end or grip of the club.

Abstract: A performance test apparatus includes a control unit, an image taking device, and a base having a table and a frame mounted to the table. The image taking device includes at least one image taker and at least one parallel light source. The at least one image taker is movably mounted to the frame and electrically connected to the control unit. The at least one parallel light source faces the table and is electrically connected to the control unit. The least one parallel light source includes a plurality of spot light sources. The control unit controls on/off of the at least one parallel light source, so that the at least one parallel light source flickers at a high frequency.

Abstract: A golf club providing a universal training tool for golfers of all sizes is disclosed. The golf club includes an adjustable length shaft having a club head secured at one end thereof and a handle secured at the other end thereof, a sensor circuit disposed in the club head, wherein the sensor circuit includes a first sensor adapted to generate and transmit a first measurement signal representing a first desired characteristic of the golf club, and a display circuit disposed in the handle, wherein the display circuit is adapted to receive the first measurement signal, analyze the first measurement signal, and transmit an output to a user in response to the analysis of the first measurement signal.

Abstract: A golf club with an internal mechanism for measuring the force of a golf swing, and consequently, the distance a golf ball will travel when hit by the golf swing. The mechanism comprises a marker barrel, an attached distance rod, and an associated main spring. When the golf club is swung, centrifugal force causes the marker barrel and the attached distance rod to be displaced a particular distance within the main spring. The distance of this displacement is limited by the tension that this displacement causes in the main spring. The position of the marker barrel may be seen through circular openings within the shaft. Each circular opening is labeled with indicia indicating the distance a ball would travel had it been hit with the force which caused the marker barrel to move to that position. The golf club additionally has a release mechanism which allows the marker barrel to return to its pre-swing position after the swing is complete.

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 hinged golf training club having a hinge that pivots at a zero degree angle relative to the reference plane 42 of zero degree clubhead 32. The club looks substantially like and acts substantially like a conventional golf club in every way except for hinge 28, and allows the user to safely hit golf balls both on the range and on the course. This hinged training club 20 gives unmistakable positive feedback to the user both as how to use the hands, wrists and forearms in the golf swing to affect what has been popularly called the release of the club through the ball, and also gives the user exact, unmistakable three-dimensional feedback as to where the shaft is supposed to be throughout the swing in order to affect the correct swing.

Abstract: A small fin extends radially aft from a golf club head to resist rotation of a golf club shaft about its longitudinal axis. The fin is aligned relative to the club head so as to produce minimum drag when the club is drawn smoothly through the desired arc without rotating the club shaft about its longitudinal axis. Rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis displaces the fin from its minimum drag position and hence puts the fin in disequilibrium, such that the drag is greater on the side of the fin that would urge the fin back into its equilibrium position, thereby rotating the shaft back into its correct position.

Abstract: The golf club has a head and a shaft. A three axis linear accelerometer is mounted on the shaft adjacent to the head. The axis of one accelerometer is in parallel alignment with an axis of the shaft. A circuit board is attached to the shaft and the accelerometer. The circuit board includes a calibrator for calibrating at least the accelerometer with an axis parallel to the axis of the shaft. The circuit board also has a wireless transmitter. Data from the accelerometer is transferred to a processor by the transmitter. The measured velocity of the club head is displayed by a display device carried by the golfer.

Abstract: A golf swing training club that trains a golfer to square more accurately the golf club face during the swing for improving the golfer's swing and golf game. The golf swing training club generally comprises a shaft, a cylinder or clicker, and a roller ball to practice precise contact. The hinged club head is adapted to make a clicking noise when it breaks down to indicate an improper swing tempo. The roller ball spins when the club face is squared at the time of impact. Swing practice with the training club of the present invention trains a golfer to develop a slower, more fluid, motion swing to thus achieve and maintain a truer swing plane for consistently making contact with a golf ball when playing golf. The spinning roller ball also allows a golfer to practice keeping his head down and his eyes on the target point. The training club of the present invention can be used by both right handed and left handed golfers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a practice golf club which enables a beginner to learn not to reduce his driving range and correct an impact misbehavior due to an excessive force on a grip during a downswing by himself.

Abstract: A golf club having a hollow shaft whose flexibility is determined by the tension on a wire coinciding with the shaft longitudinal axis. The is attached between a fixed assembly in the handle and a fixed assembly at the shaft lower end. The upper assembly includes a cap member, a wire-end clamping member, and a tension support member. A first embodiment uses a thin round wire. A second embodiment uses a thin tape-shaped wire.

Abstract: A hinged golf training club whose hinge pivots at a 0 degree angle relative to the reference plane 42 of the 0 degree clubhead 32. It looks exactly like and acts exactly like a conventional golf club in every way except for the hinge 28, and allows the user to safely use it to hit golf balls both on the range and on the course. This hinged golf training club 20 will give unmistakable positive feedback to the user both as how to use the hands, wrists and forearms in the golf swing to effect what has been popularly called the release of the club through the ball, and also gives the user exact, unmistakable three dimensional feedback as to where the shaft is to be thruout the swing in order to effect the correct swing.

Abstract: A golf club having a hollow shaft whose flexibility is altered by rotating the club handle. Change in flexibility results from change in tension on a wire coinciding with the shaft longitudinal axis. The wire is attached between a longitudinally movable assembly in the handle and a fixed assembly at the shaft lower end. The movable assembly includes outer and inner tension tuner members, a collar, a clamp and bifurcated collet, and outer and inner twist-prevention housings.

Abstract: A golf swing training device includes a plurality of elongate shaft sections connected by a hinge apparatus having a plurality of distinct hinge axes, a club head secured to one of the shaft sections, and a grip connected to another of the shaft sections.

Abstract: A golf training aid for establishing an idealized golf club position and swing path for short golf swings is attachable to a golf club adjacent the club grip. The training aid has a shaped, elongate shaft with one end coupled to the club and an opposite end adapted for positioning through an armpit of a user. A flexible connector couples an upper end of the shaft to its lower end to allow flexing of the shaft as the club is gripped. A sliding tubular member positioned on the upper end of the shaft is placed under the arm of the user to allow the distance between the user's hands and shoulder to vary during the golf swing while maintaining correct alignment of the club.

Abstract: A practice golf club aids golf players in improving their stroke by indicating whether or not their swing generates an adequate amount of club head speed. This is achieved by utilizing the centrifugal force generated by a golf swing to actuate a piston located at the head of the golf club. If sufficient club head speed is attained and the piston is displaced a certain amount, a lamp momentarily blinks and an audible "click" can be heard to notify the user that the swing was indeed adequate. The components of the club include a piston, holding ball bearings, a return spring and an electrical circuit which contains a lamp and a ball bearing which is contacted by the piston when the piston is displaced by centrifugal force. The piston produces a second "click" when it is returned and strikes an upper piston chamber wall.

Abstract: A new golf swing training device has a club with an elongated shaft with a hand grip at one end and a club head at the other end. A hinge is interposed between the first and second ends to allow the club head to break both rearwardly and forwardly. A spring biased projection cooperates with a recess so that different forces are required to break the club head in one direction, i.e., rearwardly, relative to a second force required to break the club in a second direction, i.e., forwardly. The tension of the hinge may also be adjusted. Access to the adjusting member is accessible from a location adjacent and non-aligned with the longitudinal axis of the club. In one embodiment, the hinge may be defined by a male/female assembly. In another embodiment, the hinge is defined by substantially identical side-by-side members.

Abstract: A golf-swing training device includes an elongated cylindrical member which has a first end, an open second end, and a tubular channel that extends between the first end and the open second end. A stretchable member which has a first end and a second end extends through the channel and has a pre-determined length such that the second end of the stretchable member is positioned proximate the open second end of the cylindrical member. A securing mechanism fixedly secures the first end of the stretchable member to the cylindrical member proximate the first end of the cylindrical member. The device also includes a weight that is coupled to the second end of the stretchable member by a coupling mechanism. The weight can be either a ball or a golf-club head. When the device is swung like a golf club, the motion of the weight provides feedback as to whether or not the device was accelerated properly during the swinging action.

Abstract: A system measures and records deflection of an elongated shaft such as the shaft of a golf club and provides a trace or diagram of the swing of the club. The system includes an elongated rod, mounted to the golf club shaft, and a separate recording system. Preferably the recording system is a writing platform mounted to the golf club shaft. The recording member is biased into contact with the writing platform. During swing of the golf club, deflection of the golf club shaft causes relative movement between the writing implement and the writing platform and a trace or diagram of the golf club swing is created.

Abstract: A golf putter club having a stationary grip portion hingedly mounted to a swingable shaft portion. A head mounted at its center of gravity to the remote end of the shaft. An alignment mark visible to the user engraved on the top surface of the head perpendicular to the face of the head. A sighting device is mounted on the stationary grip whereby, upon placing the face next to the ball, the user may align a preselected target with said alignment mark assuring the face to be perpendicular to the target. While holding the stationary portion, thereby keeping the face aligned, the user may move the swingable shaft portion to impart a pendulum action force to the ball to drive the ball toward the target.

Abstract: The proximal and distal parts of a golf club shaft that has been cut into two parts are pivotally interconnected to one another and are releasably lockable into any one of a plurality of different positions of angular adjustment by a device having a proximal end and a distal end that are interlockable to one another. The proximal end of the device includes a sleeve that nonreleasably receives the proximal end of the golf club shaft and the distal end of the device includes a sleeve that nonreleasably receives the distal end of the shaft. The device includes a middle part having a first face plate formed by the proximal end of the device and a second face plate formed by the distal end of the device.

Abstract: A sports swing exercise device composed of a weight attached to a shaft by means of a spring. When the shaft is swung, the muscles used in the swing are not only strengthened with repeat use, they are stretched toward full articulation with the spring as it eases the transition of momentum and inertia at the ends of the swing from one direction to its opposite.

Abstract: A golf swing teaching aid golf club is provided herein. It includes a golf club which is simple in construction and is devoid of complicated mechanical, electrical or electronic gadgetry. The golf teaching aid includes a golf club having a grip portion and a head portion, and a hollow cylindrical transparent shaft interposed between the grip portion and the head portion. The hollow cylindrical portion contains a predetermined volume of colored flowable liquid of low viscosity. Such liquid is freely flowable, unimpeded, from one end of the hollow cylindrical transparent shaft portion adjacent the grip portion to the other end thereof adjacent the head portion to check the correctness of the swing of a golfer. Before the golf swing, the liquid adopts a position within the hollow cylindrical transparent shaft at selected marker lines.