Abstract: Provided is a fitting apparatus configured to acquire measurement data obtained by measuring a swing action of a test club by a golfer with a measurement device, calculate an amount of change in an attitude of a face surface of a head included in the test club in a period before impact at a time of the swing action, based on the measurement data, and select a balance of a golf club suitable for the golfer, according to the amount of change.

Abstract: Portable wireless mobile device motion capture data mining system and method configured to display motion capture/analysis data on a mobile device. System obtains data from motion capture elements, analyzes data and store data in database for data mining, which may be charged for. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data including ratings. Predicted ball flight path data can be calculated and shown on a time line showing relative peaks of velocity for the user's body parts. User can determine equipment that fits best and immediately purchase the equipment, via the mobile device. Custom equipment may be ordered on the mobile device from a vendor that can assemble-to-order customer built equipment and ship the equipment. Includes active and passive golf shot count capabilities.

Abstract: The present application is direction to a computing device having a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to receive data generated in response to a motion of a sporting apparatus, where the data includes a first data relating to a first characteristic of the motion of the sporting apparatus. The first data is based on a comparison between at least two different directional segments of a path created by a first location on the sporting apparatus during the motion of the sporting apparatus. The processor is further configured to analyze the data to determine a skill value, determine a recommended sporting apparatus from a group of at least two sporting apparatuses based on the skill value; and transmit information relating to the recommended sporting apparatus.

Abstract: A motion analysis device includes a calculation unit which specifies a first imaginary plane, that is, a shaft plane formed by a first line segment representing a direction in which a shaft part of a sporting gear in a static posture extends and a second line segment representing a ball hitting direction, with the use of an output from an inertial sensor.

Abstract: A golf club has within the grip a main device, a connector, a wireless module, an antenna, a light emitting element, and an optical fiber. The main device is a device that includes a sensor such as a motion sensor, a circuit such as a CPU, and a battery. The light emitting element is an indicating means that emits light in accordance with the state of a component mounted in the golf club. The light emitted by the light emitting element is guided to the grip end by the optical fiber and emitted to the outside of the grip via the grip end.

Abstract: Golf club heads which may include an iron-type golf club head body and an adjustable member configured to be engaged with iron-type golf club head body. The adjustable member may include a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the adjustable member may form at least a portion of the sole of the iron-type golf club head and at least a portion of the rear of iron-type golf club head when the adjustable member is engaged with the iron-type golf club head body in a first orientation. Additionally, the second surface of the adjustable member may form at least a portion of the sole of the iron-type golf club head and at least a portion of the rear of iron-type golf club head when the adjustable member is engaged with the iron-type golf club head body in a second orientation, which is different from the first orientation.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method for monitoring a golf swing is provided that includes coupling a mobile telephone to a golf club and employing the mobile telephone coupled to the golf club to monitor acceleration of the mobile telephone as the mobile telephone swings while a user swings the golf club, collect acceleration information based on the monitored acceleration of the mobile telephone as the mobile telephone swings, analyze the collected acceleration information to determine one or more characteristics of the golf swing based on the collected acceleration information, and output information regarding the one or more characteristics of the golf swing on the display of the mobile telephone. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Articles of clothing or pieces of athletic equipment include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the clothing or athletic equipment or for performing other functions. Such systems and methods may use physical or other interaction(s) between the module and the article of clothing or piece of athletic equipment for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or sensing devices included with the module, for confirming whether the module and clothing or piece of athletic equipment are authorized for use with one another, and/or for automatic data algorithm selection methods. Additionally, such systems and methods also may use the activation and/or authentication systems for data input to the module. Some examples of such systems and methods may utilize magnets and magnetic sensing systems and/or light (or other radiation) sources and sensing systems for activation, authentication, data input, and/or algorithm selection.

Abstract: A golf swing analysis apparatus capable of estimating the strike point of the ball on the face in a simple manner when a golf club is swung is provided. The apparatus is provided with a derivation unit, a calculation unit, and an estimation unit to analyze a swing using a golf club having a grip, a shaft and a head. The derivation unit derives analytical data including at least one of time-series angular velocity data and time-series acceleration data in an analysis time interval near impact, from sensor data output from at least one of an angular velocity sensor and an acceleration sensor attached to at least one of the grip and the shaft. The calculation unit calculates a feature amount of a waveform of the analytical data. The estimation unit estimates an impact position of a ball on a face of the head, according to the feature amount.

Abstract: A golf club simulation apparatus includes an elongate shaft housing having opposed lower and upper ends and defining an interior area. A club head member is coupled to the lower end of the shaft housing. A battery is situated in one of the club head member and the shaft housing. An input member configured to receive club selection data is coupled to an outer surface of the shaft housing and electrically connected to the battery. A mass variability assembly is electrically connected to the input member and includes a weight member situated in the shaft housing that is selectively movable therein according to the club selection data. An electronics module having an angular sensing sensor is situated in the club head member. A bend variability assembly is included in the shaft housing for selectively altering a “feel characteristic” of the shaft housing during a swing motion.

Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.

Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing golf clubs and for collecting golf data, such as golf strokes, are described. In one embodiment, a golf data collection system includes a golf accessory worn on the golfer's wrist, such as a watch, equipped with a GPS receiver, impact sensing and motion sensing means, and a transceiver to communicate with golf club tags (e.g. at 2.4 GHz such as Bluetooth). The golf accessory senses the motion of the golf club being swung by the golf and/or senses the impact of the golf club striking the golf ball. When swinging motion or impact is sensed the device uses the transceiver to communicate with golf club tags. The closest golf club (i.e. the club in the golfer's hand during the swing) is captured as the club used by the swing based on RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A bat useable for training bunting in baseball or softball includes a leveling device located within the barrel of the bat indicative of the angle between the axis of the bat and horizontal. A batter may use the bat and view the leveling device to determine whether the bat is held at a proper angle for bunting a baseball or softball. The leveling device may indicate the bat being held at different angles such as 0 degrees, 15 degrees, and 45 degrees from horizontal.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a golfer's swing speed, wherein the method comprises determining that the golfer is addressing a golf ball to swing a golf club, monitoring a backswing, determining a transition time, monitoring a downswing, determining an impact time, transmitting data for the golfer's swing to a receiver for analysis and generating a golfer's swing speed using a length of a shaft of the golf club. A device is positioned or built within a grip of the golf club.

Abstract: A calculating unit of a swing analyzer calculates, assuming that a golf club is in a uniform circular motion about a virtual center of rotation O during a swing, a virtual speed Vh at a central point R of a golf club head, based on a distance between first and second acceleration sensors, a distance between the first acceleration sensor and the central point R of a golf club head and outputs from the first and second acceleration sensors, and calculates the speed of central point R of a golf club head utilizing the virtual speed Vh.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, includes a face having a ball striking surface configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face. The head further has an indicator associated therewith, the indicator identifying a golf ball based on a vibration mode of the golf ball, such that the club head is configured to be used to strike the golf ball on the ball striking surface. In one embodiment, the face and the identified golf ball(s) may have the same or substantially the same vibration mode at one or more different swing speeds. The indicator may be positioned on the body or elsewhere on the club head, or may be alternately be positioned on a shaft connected to the head or separately from the ball striking device, such as in a written manual associated with the head.

Abstract: A swing training aid comprises at least a shaft that defines an interior channel in which a reciprocating member translates from end to end. Preferably the swing training aid is a golf club comprising a grip and a club head disposed at opposite ends of the shaft. The grip can also define an opening at one end that cooperates with a fixed or removable end cap that optionally comprises one or more additional features such as a magnet for attracting the reciprocating member and an insert that produces an audible sound when struck by the reciprocating member. The club head may also include additional features such as an insert that produces an audible sound when struck by the reciprocating member. To use the swing training aid, a golfer swings the training aid and the reciprocating member provides tactile and audible feedback when the backswing, downswing, and finish are correct.

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

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system and methods are disclosed. A variety of golf swing parameters are measured by the instrumented golf club and wirelessly transmitted to a portable computer device. The portable computer device generates a user interface that displays the golf swing parameters against preferred golf swing parameters. The instrumented golf club system allows a golfer to receive feedback in real time while playing golf.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.

Abstract: A golf club having at least one directional based graphic on the golf club it disclosed. More specifically, the golf club in accordance with the present invention will have at least one directional based graphic that will only be visible when the golf club is oriented in a desirable direction while staying invisible in all other undesirable directions.

Abstract: A tubular golf club shaft is formed with an area made of fiberglass through which you can see. A swing speed indicating device is fastened inside the shaft and visible through a fiberglass area so that you can read the speed indicated on the device. When the shaft is swung, an indicator moves inside the shaft to position an indicator along a scale on the shaft or the device so you can read various parameters derived from the velocity with which the club is swung. The shaft is formed by inserting a strip of translucent material such as fiberglass to overlap with adjacent strips of graphite material that form the shaft.

Abstract: A tubular golf club shaft is formed with an area made of fiberglass through which you can see. A swing speed indicating device is fastened inside the shaft and visible through a fiberglass area so that you can read the speed indicated on the device. When the shaft is swung, an indicator moves inside the shaft to position an indicator along a scale on the shaft or the device so you can read various parameters derived from the velocity with which the club is swung. The shaft is formed by inserting a strip of translucent material such as fiberglass to overlap with adjacent strips of graphite material that form the shaft.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system and methods are disclosed. A variety of golf swing parameters are measured by the instrumented golf club and wirelessly transmitted to a portable computer device. The portable computer device generates a user interface that displays the golf swing parameters against preferred golf swing parameters. The instrumented golf club system allows a golfer to receive feedback in real time while playing golf.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system and methods are disclosed. A variety of golf swing parameters are measured by the instrumented golf club and wirelessly transmitted to a portable computer device. The portable computer device generates a user interface that displays the golf swing parameters against preferred golf swing parameters. The instrumented golf club system allows a golfer to receive feedback in real time while playing golf.

Abstract: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing, a battery having no more than 225 milliamp hours of power, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club head are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon a club head. The piezoelectric component is preferably positioned to the rear of the center of gravity, and near the midpoint of the face of the club head. During a golf club swing, the piezoelectric component determines the acceleration and deceleration of the golf club head. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is also operable to determine the velocity of the club head. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.

Abstract: A training baseball bat has an internal movable magnet that accelerates to the end of the bat when swung at a fast enough speed. As the magnet moves it passes through a coil that is connected to one or more LEDs so that the LEDs momentarily flash as the magnet moves through the coil. An axially positionable stationary magnet can be used to hold the movable magnet until sufficient centrifugal force is imparted by the swing to overcome the magnetic holding force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club head are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon a club head. The piezoelectric component is preferably positioned to the rear of the center of gravity, and near the midpoint of the face of the club head. During a golf club swing, the piezoelectric component determines the acceleration and deceleration of the golf club head. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is also operable to determine the velocity of the club head. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.

Abstract: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing, a battery having no more than 225 milliamp hours of power, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: A speed detector includes: a pressure sensor including a pitot tube attached to a moving body in a state in which an air inlet hole is directed toward a direction of a movement of the moving body, a diaphragm having a pressure receiving surface displaced by pressure, and a pressure-sensitive section adapted to receive force caused by the displacement to detect the pressure, the pressure sensor being disposed to the moving body and detecting the pressure caused in the pitot tube; and an operation section adapted to detect a speed of the moving body based on the difference between the pressure at rest and the pressure in movement of the moving body, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed so that a normal line of the pressure receiving surface becomes perpendicular to the direction of the movement.

Abstract: A computer (16) for capturing a colored moving image photographed by photographing means (14, 15) has an extraction means for extracting images having necessary swing postures as check-point images from a large number of still images constituting the color moving image; a means for obtaining a coordinate of a position of each of attention-focused points, which operate, in each of the check-point images, while a golfer (11) is swinging; a means for diagnosing a golfer's swing form by setting a plurality of diagnosis items for each trajectory pattern obtained by a ball motion measuring apparatus (20) to classify behavior of a golf ball and by comparing numerical data generated from data of the coordinate of the position of each of the attention-focused points with a judgement value set in each of a plurality of diagnosis items; and a means for outputting an advice drill corresponding to a result of a diagnosis.

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 sensors, 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: An instrumented golf club system and methods are disclosed. A variety of golf swing parameters are measured by the instrumented golf club and wirelessly transmitted to a portable computer device. The portable computer device generates a user interface that displays the golf swing parameters against preferred golf swing parameters. The instrumented golf club system allows a golfer to receive feedback in real time while playing golf.

Abstract: A training baseball bat has an internal movable magnet that accelerates to the end of the bat when swung at a fast enough speed. As the magnet moves it passes through a coil that is connected to one or more LEDs so that the LEDs momentarily flash as the magnet moves through the coil. A stationary magnet can be used to hold the movable magnet until sufficient centrifugal force is imparted by the swing to overcome the magnetic holding force. Spacers can be provided to establish a distance between the magnets as needed to establish a desired swing speed at which centrifugal force overcomes the magnetic attraction.

Abstract: An improved golf putter incorporating a weight management system that allows for adjustment of a golf club head weighting by incorporating an adjustable weight system wherein weights may be removed and replaced quickly and easily without requiring a specialized tool is disclosed. Weights received within weight ports formed in the heel and toe portions of the putter are maintained securely affixed within the club head body by plugs adapted for snap fit engagement with the club head. Unlike other putter weight adjustment systems disclosed in the art, the present invention does not require use of a special tool, such as a wrench, to remove and replace the weights. While the preferred golf club embodiment disclosed is a putter, the present invention contemplates incorporating any of the features and/or advancements disclosed herein into any golf club.

Abstract: A golf putter assembly includes a putter including a head, a display unit disposed in the putter, and a detecting unit disposed in the putter and electrically coupled to the display unit. The detecting unit is operable to detect and record a stationary starting position of a golf ball. The detecting unit is further operable to detect, during a practice swing, an instantaneous speed of the head as the head moves past the starting position, and to calculate what would be an initial speed of the golf ball if the golf ball was actually hit by the head with reference to the instantaneous speed of the head detected thereby. The detecting unit further performs control such that the initial speed of the golf ball as calculated is displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A sports swing aid is adapted for being mounted on a shaft of a sports implement, for example a golf club. The sports swing aid has a conical shaped mounting block with a channel formed to straddle the shaft. A rotor is removably assembled on the mounting block. The rotor has an array of vanes on the periphery thereof to cause the rotor to rotate when the sports implement is moved through the air. An eccentric weight is provided to impart a vibration as the rotor rotates and thus generate feedback to the sports player indicative of the smoothness and speed of the swing.

Abstract: A system (20) for capturing and analyzing golf club information and golf ball information during and after a golfer's swing is disclosed herein. The golf club information includes golf club head orientation, golf club head velocity, and golf club spin. The golf club head orientation includes dynamic lie, loft and face angle of the golf club head. The golf club head velocity includes path of the golf club head, attack of the golf club head and downrange information. The golf ball information includes golf ball velocity, golf ball launch angle, golf ball side angle, golf ball speed manipulation and golf ball orientation. The golf ball orientation includes the true spin of the golf ball, and the tilt axis of the golf ball which entails the back spin and the side spin of the golf ball. The system includes CMOS camera units (26 and 28) and a computer (22).

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 sensors, 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: An indicator mechanism or gauge is located in a golf club and provides an indication that the “sweet spot” on a golf club head has been hit and the speed of the club head. The indicator mechanism includes a sensor mounted on the head of a golf club and an indicator positioned on top of the shaft of the club. The sensor detects the impact of the golf ball and hydraulically transmits this information to the indicator mechanism. A visual indicator protrudes from the top of the golf club shaft and provides an indication of the speed of the golf club.

Abstract: A golf game apparatus which provides a unique form of swing measurement, scaled course maps for play, and interchangeable club heads to play with. The apparatus is particularly suited to indoor play with the scaled maps. The apparatus features recordable ball distance measurement which is reset after each swing, thereby enabling a player to progress along the course map.

Abstract: A velocity measuring device is mounted to a support, optionally a wearable support such as a glove, watch, wrist or arm band, or the like. Alternatively, the support is a sports club or removably attaches to a sports club. The velocity measuring device includes a power supply, a velocimeter or accelerometer, and an output device for visually, aurally, or electrically outputting the measured velocity.

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

Abstract: An overswing alerting mechanism/swing monitoring device that a user can wear, for example on the wrist, hand or arm, that can determine swing formation, and that can display and/or store the determined swing information. As an option, the device includes a visual and/or audible indicator for alerting the user to an improper swinging motion.

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 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.