Swingable Implement Swing Path Indicator Patents (Class 473/257)
  • Patent number: 11511173
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a golf training aid which is designed to orient the player initially to have a correct backswing of the club and then follow through with a fairly natural downswing to produce the desired ball flight characteristics. In an embodiment, there is provided a device that encourages a user to practice a golf swing having a sufficiently steep angle for the plane of the swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Matt Gollub
  • Patent number: 11331555
    Abstract: A system and method for improving a golf swing. The system includes a club lie angle calculator, a golf club grabber, and a propeller channel for creating and supporting a swing plane for a user equal to the lie angle of a given golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventors: Michael E. Roelle, Francesca C. Roelle
  • Patent number: 11185736
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for balance index determination. For example, a wearable apparatus may have at least one gyroscope configured to measure angular velocity about a first axis; at least one inertial measurement device (IMU) configured to measure deviation along a second axis and a third axis; at least one memory storing instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to: receive angular velocity measurements over a period of time from the at least one gyroscope; receive deviations from the second axis and from the third axis over the period of time from the at least one IMU; weight the deviations based on directions associated with the deviations; and generate a composite balance index based on the angular velocity measurements, the weighted deviations from the second axis, and the weighted deviations from the third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: BioMech Sensor LLC
    Inventors: John Douglas, Frank Fornari
  • Patent number: 10814203
    Abstract: A golf putting system is provided including a platform, a platform holder, a golf mat, an incline, a golf cup, a ball return, a flap, an inlay, and a ball return extension. The platform can either be inserted into the holder, or at a golf mat's aft end. Two or more golf mats can be connected on to each other with a tongue and groove or snapping system allowing the golfers to add and remove golf mat sections to their desired length. A flap can cover seams between sections allowing the golf ball to roll to a golf cup without any obstruction. The platform and holder can move linearly down a golf mats axis allowing the golfer to set any distance from a golf cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Totl Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Cooper, Michael Laney
  • Patent number: 10668343
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for collaboratively playing golf in an optional selective shot format by a group of golf players on a golf course using a single set of golf clubs and a single golf ball. Players use a novel golf tee configured particularly for team golf to inhibit side spin of the golf ball upon impact by the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Smart Body LLC
    Inventor: Young Sung Park
  • Patent number: 10137352
    Abstract: A golf putting training device for developing a proper putting stroke includes a base that is configured to position on a substantially horizontal surface. A post is coupled to and extends perpendicularly from the base. The post comprises a plurality of nested sections and is selectively extensible. A line guide is coupled to a front of the base. A frame is coupled to the post distal from the base. The frame extends from the post toward the front of the base. The frame is open-bottomed and is configured to bracket both shoulders of a user who is positioned between the post and the front of the base. The line guide is configured to direct a swing of a putter that is positioned in hands of the user. The frame is configured to contact a torso of the user to notify the user of an improper putting stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Darryal Watts
  • Patent number: 10004937
    Abstract: Disclosed is a muscle toning garment with resistance elements, which may be fluid filled dampers. The garment provides resistance to movement throughout an angular range of motion. The garment may be low profile, and worn by a wearer as a primary garment or beneath conventional clothing. Toning may thereby be accomplished throughout the wearer's normal daily activities, without the need for access to conventional exercise equipment. Alternatively, the device may be worn as a supplemental training tool during conventional training techniques. Sensors may be provided for sensing any of a variety of biometric parameters and for determining exerted power or calories consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Tau Orthopedics LLC
    Inventors: Belinko K. Matsuura, David G. Matsuura, Kaitlin von Hoffmann, Gerard von Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9937403
    Abstract: A golf training aid comprising a base, a support arm, and an alignment rod or guide, wherein the base is positioned in front of the target golf ball when the golfer is in position behind the target golf ball. The arm is attached to the base and is normal to the direction of the stroke or swing, wherein the alignment rod or guide is held by the support arm directly above the target golf ball as viewed by the golfer. The system may further comprise an adjustable, telescoping, stationary, or detachable pole with a camera mount and/or camera attached to the pole top and may comprise a camera mount under the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Fitz Woodrow
  • Patent number: 9333409
    Abstract: Disclosed are a virtual golf simulation apparatus in which an image of a ball hit by a user using virtual golf simulation, who swings a golf club to hit the ball, is acquired, and the ball is found from the acquired image to calculate the moving trajectory of the ball, thereby realizing a simulation image of the trajectory of the ball, and, particularly, in which the two-dimensional trajectory of ball candidates, determined as a ball, in an image acquired by the camera is analyzed to accurately and rapidly extract the ball, thereby accurately and rapidly calculating information on physical properties of the moving ball even using a camera having a low resolution and velocity, and a sensing device and method used for the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: GOLFZON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyung Wook Jang, Hyun Jin Park, Hyung Sik Yoon, Hyun Dam Jeong
  • Patent number: 9295896
    Abstract: A golf training device is disclosed that can include a shoulder harness, a waist harness, a torsion bar, a shoulder turn regulator, and a hip turn regulator. The torsion bar can extend vertically from the upper back to the lower back or the waist area of the wearer of the golf training aid. The shoulder turn regulator can connect between the shoulder harness and an upper end of the torsion bar, and can resist rotation of the shoulders of the wearer of the golf swing training aid beyond a threshold shoulder rotation amount during a backswing motion of the wearer. The hip turn regulator can connect between the waist harness and a lower end of the torsion bar, and can resist rotation of the hips of the wearer of the golf swing training aid beyond a threshold hip rotation amount during the backswing motion of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Ben Hoang
  • Patent number: 9108087
    Abstract: A putting alignment device includes a base, a cap mounted to the base for rotation with respect to the base, and alignment indicia on the cap which indicates a target line for putting a golf ball. A remote control unit is coupled in communication to the base to issue instructions to the base. The device includes drive means in the base which rotate the cap with respect to the base in response to a signal communicated from the remote control unit, so as to move the alignment indicia according to instructions carried in the signal from the remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventor: William V. Hornung
  • Publication number: 20150148144
    Abstract: A golf putting aid is provided. The golf putting aid includes a body, a first arm, and a second arm. The body has a substantially flat top and bottom surface and includes a front side, a rear side, a first side, and a second side. The rear side includes a straight edge. The first arm protrudes from the front side at the first side of the body, and the second arm protrudes from the front side at the second side of the body. The first arm 16 and the second arm form a slot in between sized to receive a golf ball within.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Craig Joseph FREUND
  • Patent number: 8974316
    Abstract: A putting/chipping training apparatus which allows a trainee to develop an effective putting/chipping stroke through the use of a motion-generating device that, using the trainee's selected golf club, e.g. putter, repeatedly replicates the trainee's most comfortable swing, or one modified to incorporate well-accepted sound fundamentals or one patterned thereafter the swing path of a golf professional. The device achieves this desired end by effecting rotational movement on two parallel axes, simultaneously with linear movement, to move the club through the swing path, with the trainee's hands gently holding the grip. The method may be individualized by first tracking the trainee's desired stroke to create an average swing path for one stroke which is entered into a CPU databank and can then be precisely replicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph Sery
  • Publication number: 20150024861
    Abstract: A golf swing training device has first and second radially spaced swing guides that define a swing plane of a golf club and restricts movement of the golf club within the swing plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Carlos Jose TARFUR, Juan Francisco TAMAYO
  • Publication number: 20150024862
    Abstract: A practice aid for use by a golfer practicing hitting a golf ball (B) out of a sand trap. A disc (D) of predetermined diameter is placed on the top of the sand (S) with its leading edge either touching the underside of the golf ball or resting slightly behind it. When practicing a bunker shot, the golfer swings their club so it enters the sand immediately behind the trailing edge of the disc and passes through the sand beneath both the disc and the golf ball. The force imparted to the sand by the club causes the ball to fly out of the bunker on a cushion of sand. The disc provides an indication to the golfer as to how far behind the golf ball their club should enter the sand in order to hit the golf ball out of the sand trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: J. Joseph Muller
  • Publication number: 20140378241
    Abstract: A full swing golf exercise apparatus comprises a supporting rod (7). The supporting rod (7) is provided with a noncoplanner upper rod track rail (1) and lower rod track rail (2) with two ends thereof being joined correspondingly, wherein a stopping rod track rail (13) with a free end is provided on one of the joints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Hanwei Li, Jiancheng Li
  • Publication number: 20140335969
    Abstract: A training aid with a substantially flat body is provided. The body includes a front end, a rear end, a first side, and a second side. The present invention may further include a protrusion extending from the front end of at least one of the first side and the second side of the body. A strike zone is formed along and within adjacent edges of the body and the at least one protrusion. In certain embodiments, a plurality of indicia are along a length of the least one protrusion. At least one flexible peg extends vertically from at least one of the protrusion and the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Carroll Marshall Ellington
  • Publication number: 20140335968
    Abstract: A golf training aid having a base and a plurality of flexible flappers is provided. The base may include a first side, a second side, and a length (l) having a first end and a second end. The plurality of flexible flappers may each include a rear end and a front end. The rear end may be attached to the base and the front end may protrude from at least one of the first side and the second side of the base. The plurality of flexible flappers may be oriented along the length (l) of the base. The front ends of the plurality of flexible flappers align to at least partially form a concave arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Carroll Marshall Ellington
  • Publication number: 20140302942
    Abstract: A putting training aid including an elongated body, a reflective mechanism and a tee. The elongated body has an upper surface. The reflective mechanism has an upper surface that is substantially aligned with the upper surface of the elongated body. The reflective mechanism has a length that is greater than a diameter of a golf ball that is used in conjunction with the putting training aid. The tee is formed in at least one of the elongated body and the reflective mechanism. The tee is adapted to receive a portion of the golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Vladimir Gribovsky
  • Patent number: 8852016
    Abstract: A swing analysis apparatus 10 for a golf club includes a club camera 20 continuously photographing a behavior of a golf club 34, a ball camera 22 continuously photographing a behavior of a golf ball 36, and an information processor 32. The club camera 20 is positioned in front of a golf player. A straight line C passes through a center of a lens of the club camera 22 and a center of the golf ball 36. An angle ?c between the straight line C and a vertical line Z is 10 degrees or greater and 20 degrees or less. The information processor 32 measures a synchronized club behavior value from synchronized club image data. The information processor 32 measures a synchronized ball behavior value from synchronized ball image data. The information processor 32 stores the synchronized club behavior value and the synchronized ball behavior value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Kazuya Kamino, Keiji Moriyama
  • Publication number: 20140274436
    Abstract: A golf swing training device that provides immediate biomechanical feedback by allowing for an uninhibited swing through a channel of detachable components. The apparatus is comprised of channels through which a golf club can travel, along with detachable rods and blocks. When the club is swung properly the apparatus will not be disturbed. However, an improper swing will cause movement or detachment of the rods or blocks. The channel along the X and Y axes of the apparatus are created by blocks that can be comprised by any light-weight materials. The channel along the Z axis of the apparatus is created by a detachable arm that can be comprised by any light-weight material. An additional rod can be fastened to a golf club to further confine the path of a club through the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Shaju Jacob
  • Patent number: 8834286
    Abstract: A golf-swing training device is provided which has a straight shaft with first and second ends and a central handle. The device further includes first and second heads secured to the first and second ends of the shaft, respectively. The first head has a front surface facing a first direction and an outer edge pointing in a direction 90° from the direction the first front surface of the first head faces. The second head has a front surface facing a second direction, opposite the first direction, and an outer edge pointing in a direction 90° from the direction the front surface of the second head of the second head faces and opposite the direction that the outer edge of the first head points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Keith Rogers
  • Patent number: 8821308
    Abstract: A club-swing alignment apparatus includes a tee and a frame assembled to the tee. The tee has a positioning portion and a ball supporter. The frame includes two rails and a crossbar interconnected between the two rails. The two rails and the crossbar jointly form a reference movement path. The crossbar includes an engaging portion assembled to the ball supporter of the tee. A frame of a club-swing alignment apparatus includes two rails and a crossbar interconnected between the two rails. The crossbar has an engaging portion. The two rails and the crossbar jointly form a reference movement path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Pin-Hui Chiang
  • Patent number: 8821321
    Abstract: A club-swing practice apparatus includes a tee and a bar assembled to the tee. The tee has a positioning portion and a ball supporter. The bar is assembled to the tee and has a coupling portion capable of being coupled with the ball supporter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Pin-Hui Chiang
  • Patent number: 8801532
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu Katayama
  • Patent number: 8790189
    Abstract: A template for teaching a golfer a proper swing includes a false target disposed on a first portion of the template for positioning a golfer at a start of teaching a proper swing. A real target for being struck by the golfer during teaching is not disposed on the first portion of the template. A first marking is disposed on the first portion of the template, the first marking being disposed behind the false target and indicating a position for placing the real target off of the first portion of the template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: BK Golf, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Krause, Joanne Manley
  • Patent number: 8784229
    Abstract: A golf training apparatus which aids golfers in perfecting their swing and associated body movements comprises a cushion and posts mounted to a frame which restricts a golfer's movement while in a golf stance and during a golf swing in order to develop a proper golf swing technique. A set of bars help the user to feel the proper rotation of their hips during a swing while avoiding unwanted lateral movement. The apparatus also comprises adjustable rods which extend sideways and forwardly from the frame to help a golfer to practice their swing path by keeping the swing within the rods. A golf ball alignment bar is located at a middle location at the base of the frame to help the golfer to consistently place the ball in the proper position prior to the golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: R. Jake McCullough
  • Patent number: 8740733
    Abstract: A projection in operative connection with a tip of a racquet is provided, such that at least a portion of the projection extends outwardly from a frame of the racquet. The frame has a shape of a loop and a plurality of transversely orientated sets of strings that span the loop and are connected to the frame. The projection includes a substantially flat surface orientated parallel to the at least one face of the strings. The projection is in rigid connection with the racquet and extends from the tip of the frame opposite a handle connected to the frame for a distance operative to serve as a putting surface for putting a ball along the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis F. Reese, Mitchell V. Holden
  • Publication number: 20140148263
    Abstract: The “No Peek Putting” device is a golf putting training device which is designed to eliminate a golfer's urge to pick up or turn their head to peek or look at the golf ball as it begins to roll down the target line toward the golf hole. This simple designed golf putting training device is nothing more than a small rectangular shaped panel that sits 3 to 4 inches above the putting surface on four legs. This elevation allows the golf ball to roll under the putting device out of the golfer's view which eliminates the urge to peek or look at the golf ball as it rolls down the target line. It has a slot cut part way into the “Putter Side” of the device to allow the putter shaft to pass into the “No Peek Putting” training aid; this slot is called the “Stroke Groove”. The “Stroke Groove” is designed to keep the putter on the target line and gives the golfer a proper feel of a “free flowing” putting stroke because NO contact with the training device is made with the putter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: Billy (William) Joseph Litton
  • Patent number: 8734264
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for measurement and analysis of a behavior of a golf club head. Specifically, the system comprises a measurement and analysis device having a marker recognition and positional information acquisition unit for recognizing the at least one marker and acquiring positional information of the recognized at least one marker, a vector calculation unit for calculating a first vector representing a direction of the head and a second vector representing a tangent vector of a trajectory of the head during the golf swing, and a vector angle change acquisition unit for calculating a vector angle between the first vector and the second vector and acquiring a time series change of the calculated vector angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Bridgestone Corporation, Bridgstone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Saito, Koji Takao, Hideo Matsunaga, Hirotada Iwade
  • Patent number: 8727901
    Abstract: One of the most challenging aspects of golfing is the consistent ability to perfect the swing. After the ball is struck, it may either veer away from the golfer and this in known as a slice or veer towards the golfer and this is known as a hook. The slice is the more troublesome shot because it occurs most frequently and is the most difficult to correct. The current device will establish for the golfer the correct path for the club as it strikes the ball so that the slice is corrected and the ball travels in a straight direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Kyle Dipatri
  • Patent number: 8721467
    Abstract: This swing trainer is a full swing trainer designed to produce what is known in golf vernacular as “the classic swing”. Its attributes are as follows: It trains both the back swing and the forward swing. The golfer can hit balls with it at a driving range, or practice his swing in his garage or yard without actually hitting balls. It assembles in less than one minute and can be broken down and transported in a canvas “chair-type” bag. It adjusts for the skill and the height of the golfer, and for right or left-handed golfers. When the golf club is properly gripped and swung along the paths dictated by the guidelines of this swing trainer, an ideal ball flight is produced. Its most effective feature is the visual images provided for the golfer of the proper paths for the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Raymond Lee Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20140128174
    Abstract: A golf training aid (2) for use with a golf club (52), the golf training aid (2) comprising: a first guiding member (10); and a second guiding member (8); wherein the first guiding member (10) is for a user (50) to slide the golf club (52) along during a first part of a golf-swing and is arranged such that, as the user (50) does so, a shaft of the golf club (52) is moved within a first plane; the second guiding member (8) is for the user (50) to slide the golf club (52) along during a second part of the golf-swing and is arranged such that, as the user (50) does so, the shaft of the golf club (52) is moved within a second plane; and the first and second plane are at different respect acute angles with the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Alistair Hardaway
  • Patent number: 8715099
    Abstract: A golf backswing training device. The device includes a first elongate portion defining a first major axis. A second elongate portion slideably engageable with the first elongate portion is included, the second elongate portion defining a second major axis, a first end, and a second end. A club alignment element coupled to the first end of the second elongate portion is included, the club alignment element having a first club contact surface disposed at an acute angle with respect to the second major axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Davinci Sports International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale A Dawson, Warren Bottke, Alan Kleinman
  • Patent number: 8715098
    Abstract: A golf swing training device (1) having a substantially circle or oval-shaped ring (2) that stands at an angle to the ground. A guide (5) is slidably attached to the ring. A golf club (8) may be attached to a bracket (34) that is rotatably attached to housing (9) located on the guide. As an individual swings the golf club around the ring, the housing slides to allow for radial displacement of the golf club. In addition, the bracket rotates within the housing to allow for wrist rotation. Motors (37, 38, 39, 40, 12, 16) and gears (15, 17), controlled by one or more microprocessors (22) control the movement of the various components of the golf swing training device, thereby controlling the position of the golf club as well as the position of the user's body as the guide travels around the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: David Napolitano, Don Drum
  • Patent number: 8715100
    Abstract: A device that can be used to assist a golfer in setting up their body for swinging a golf club and provides proper alignment of the head, back and knees prior to swinging the club. Through repetition of swinging a golf club, the golfer using this training system will improve muscle memory and develop a consistent swing and improvement in having the golf club strike the golf ball resulting in a lower score for a round of golf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: Jeff Petroske, Paul Frannsen
  • Publication number: 20140121033
    Abstract: A golf swing alignment system having a base rod and a centering rod that extends primarily perpendicular from the base rod, to allow a golfer to center themselves with the ball and the target. Blocks of different shapes and sizes allow the rods to connect. Additional rods are provided in some embodiments to be used for other alignment purposes, for example: a support rod and a backswing rod to assess backswing; a support rod and a follow-through rod to assess follow-through; a support rod and an inside/outside rod to assess inside-out or outside-in swing; two support rods and two hip sway rods to assess hip sway during a swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Jeff Ronald Maddox
  • Publication number: 20140113737
    Abstract: A golf swing training device with a thin elongated rubber sheet with a first fastening structure on each end and a pair of posts with a second fastening structure coupled to each of them. The first and second fastening structures are adapted to be removably coupled together, to allow the sheet to be removably fastened to the posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony Zagame, Marie LaGreca
  • Patent number: 8696480
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a golf swing trainer for improving a golfer's drive, posture, and technique when swing a golf club. The golf swing trainer includes a base, two lateral arms, and inside and outside guides which form a corridor through which a golf club is swung. Other elongated members are disclosed for securing a golfer's waste with a harness, bracing their leg, and the like. These components allow a golfer to simulate a golf swing and practice posture and technique preparatory to driving an actual golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Quentin Sasser
  • Patent number: 8696485
    Abstract: A golf plane device for use at full golf swing speed and to strike golf balls that trains the golfer to swing the club on the proper golf shaft plane. The device includes a set of bottom 10 and top 8 flexible guides through which the golf shaft 20 travels from thigh high on the downswing to thigh high on the follow through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Russell Louis Pies, Patrick J. Bedingfield
  • Patent number: 8696484
    Abstract: A golf aid is disclosed for providing a unique method of aiming and aligning a golf shot. The golf aid comprises an elongated base having a plurality of apertures and a plurality of elongated rods adapted to fit within the apertures. By inserting the elongated rods into the apertures in a pre-determined orientation, the present invention can assist the golfer with aiming, alignment, swing mechanics, backswing accuracy, follow-through accuracy, opening/closing their stance, and more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Sean Shahi, Peter Shahi
  • Patent number: 8690701
    Abstract: Provided is a golf swing training apparatus suited to strengthen target muscles in various body regions necessary for golf swings, and train a proper swing form. The apparatus is designed to, when a user performs a golf swing motion while grasping a grip of a golf swing mechanism whose height position is adjustable depending on a body height of a user, allow the grip to be moved along an arc, and transmit the arc movement of the grip from a swing-arm holder to a weight-arm holder to which a weight arm is fixed, through a swing-power transmission shaft, so as to swingingly move the weight arm about an axis of the weight-arm holder to allow a weight member on the weight arm to act as a load countering golf swing power. The apparatus has a mechanism capable of allowing the load based on the weight member fastened to the weight arm to be arbitrarily adjusted depending on individual differences in muscle strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: G-Active Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Okesaku
  • Patent number: 8690698
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf club classification method capable of classifying a golf swing precisely. Specifically, the present invention provides a classification method comprising steps of: partitioning the golf swing of the golfer into golf swing trajectories of a back swing, a down swing, and a follow through so as to determine a stable point in the golf swing trajectories as an origin for any two of the trajectories and to assign a two dimensional coordinate to the two golf swing trajectories; determining straight lines connecting each of one point selected within each of the two golf swing trajectories and the origin; calculating angles between each of the determined straight lines and the horizontal line respectively for the two golf swing trajectories; and classifying the golf swing based on a difference between the calculated angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: Bridgestone Corporation, Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Takashi Saito, Koji Takao, Hideo Matsunaga, Hirotada Iwade
  • Patent number: 8684858
    Abstract: A putting training aid including an elongated golf stroke training device, a reflective mechanism a mounting mechanism. The elongated golf stroke training device has a first alignment line. The reflective mechanism has a second alignment line. The mounting mechanism holds the reflective mechanism with respect to the elongated golf stroke training device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Vladimir Gribovsky
  • Patent number: 8657699
    Abstract: A golf accessory for determining a gimme status of a golf putt in the form of a device that includes areas and/or indicia relating to at least two preselected conditions and by which a gimme status of a golf putt may be determined. Additional indicia on the device is associated with a practice putting game, and a method of playing the practice putting game also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher E. Falls
  • Publication number: 20140045603
    Abstract: A golf backswing training device. The device includes a first elongate portion defining a first major axis. A second elongate portion slideably engageable with the first elongate portion is included, the second elongate portion defining a second major axis, a first end, and a second end. A club alignment element coupled to the first end of the second elongate portion is included, the club alignment element having a first club contact surface disposed at an acute angle with respect to the second major axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Davinci Sports International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale A. DAWSON, Warren BOTTKE, Alan KLEINMAN
  • Patent number: 8647215
    Abstract: A golf accessory for determining a gimme status of a golf putt in the form of a device that includes areas and/or indicia relating to at least two preselected conditions and by which a gimme status of a golf putt may be determined. A method of using the device is disclosed in which the device permits the user to determine whether or not a golf ball is close enough to a hole to warrant a concession of a golf putt under at least one of the at least two preselected conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher E. Falls, Robert J. Guyser
  • Publication number: 20140038738
    Abstract: A club-swing alignment apparatus includes a tee and a frame assembled to the tee. The tee has a positioning portion and a ball supporter. The frame includes two rails and a crossbar interconnected between the two rails. The two rails and the crossbar jointly form a reference movement path. The crossbar includes an engaging portion assembled to the ball supporter of the tee. A frame of a club-swing alignment apparatus is also proposed. The frame includes two rails and a crossbar interconnected between the two rails. The crossbar has an engaging portion. The two rails and the crossbar jointly form a reference movement path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Pin-Hui CHIANG
  • Publication number: 20140031138
    Abstract: A golf training and practice device has a flat element which is placed on the ground separated from the user and spaced from a golf ball, and has on its upper face at least one ball direction mark, indicating the direction in which the golf ball is to go once hit, and a club orientation mark, indicating the orientation in which a clubface of a golf club that is being used must be placed, or lines parallel to said clubface etched on a surface of said golf club, where said ball direction mark and said club orientation mark are mutually separated from and are substantially perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, the flat element has a fastening and/or pivot hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Jesús Rodriguez Seara
  • Patent number: 8622853
    Abstract: A golf training device including a target tee having a ground anchor, a rotating disc, and interchangeable tee heads for providing different tee heights. The interchangeable tee heads are coupled to a resilient member to allow the tee head to pivot and vertically reset itself after repeated impacts from a golf club. The training device includes alignment rods that are releasably attached to the rotating disc to provide golfer stance and body alignment, club face alignment, and ball positioning. The rotating disc is rotated to realign the alignment rods with a new intended target. A T-shaped adaptor is provided to extend alignment rods away from the rotating disc and to assist golfers with putting techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Guru Golf, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Roland