Swingable Implement Swing Path Indicator Patents (Class 473/257)
  • Patent number: 8613677
    Abstract: A device for improving a golf stance and swing has a clip, an arm, a mount, and an indicator block. The clip allows the device to be secured to a golf club, while the arm allows the mount and connected indicator block to be centered with respect to the golf club. The mount has a carriage which slides along a corresponding track on the arm, and a perpendicular rod about which the indicator block can rotate. The indicator block has three faces, two lateral faces and a top face. When the indicator block is centered on a head of a golf club, it can be used to gauge the correct distance from the ball a golfer should stand. Only the top face of the indicator block will be visible when standing the correct distance from the ball. The faces of the indicator block are color coded to increase usability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventors: Kermit C Ramey, Ronnie Phil Ramey
  • Patent number: 8608595
    Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus for putting practice which is mounted on a putter provided with a head including a face for putting, a shaft, and a grip includes: an image-capturing unit provided with a camera for imaging a hole; a computation unit configured to specify a face perpendicular line which is a vertical line drawn from the center of the face, and calculate a relative relation between the hole and the face perpendicular line based on a hole image captured by the camera; a display unit configured to display the relative relation calculated by the computation unit; and a mounting unit configured to mount at least the image-capturing unit on the shaft or the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Mugen Inc.
    Inventors: Akinari Ikka, Akira Mori
  • Patent number: 8597133
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a motion trainer for improving a person's movement of an implement by allowing the person to visualize the path of the implement during the movement. The motion trainer comprises an implement having a plurality of motion characteristic sensors located thereon for determining, among other things, the direction of the movement and the orientation of the implement during the movement. Biofeedback devices provide the person information regarding the positioning of the implement during the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: William B. Priester
  • Publication number: 20130303298
    Abstract: Described is a golf putting training device and a corresponding method to use the device to teach sound putting skills The device includes a length of flexible material having a center marker attached at or near its center. A least three pairs of corresponding markers, each pair made up of a first marker and a second marker. The first marker of each pair is attached to the flexible material at a different point between the center point and the first end of the flexible material, and the second marker of each pair is attached to the flexible material at a different point between the center point and the second end of the flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Riedl
  • Patent number: 8579719
    Abstract: A golf swing training aid in the form of a modified golf tee including an indicator for indicating the target line from the tee to the target and a second indicator for indicating the preferred swing path of a golf club for moving the ball toward the target line and in the direction of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Robert A. Mabrey
  • Patent number: 8545340
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Ryan L. Roach, Peter L. Soracco
  • Publication number: 20130252752
    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: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Krause, Joanne Manley
  • Patent number: 8529364
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method enabling a controlled approach to making accurate puts in golfing. The apparatus uses laser aiming, measured stroking distances, and a surface analysis aid to benchmark a perfect put. The method enhances control by eliminating the back half of the swing while providing data points for reassessment of performance during practice training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Keir De Anda
  • Publication number: 20130203521
    Abstract: A golf training device used to place the putter square to the golf ball and or target at address. The device consists of a straight back edge roughly the same length as a putter head. An open slot starts from the front going through the center of the device to a point where the ball sets at the same distance from the putter as the back of the device at address. The ball sets into the device at a straight line to the hole or target when placed into the slot of the device. If the golf ball is struck with the putter head parallel to the back of the device, and the slot is straight to the hole or target, the path of the ball to the hole or target will be straight. This improves grip and stance at address giving a true path to the hole or target as well as topspin from missing the device for a better roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Craig Joseph Freund
  • Publication number: 20130190101
    Abstract: A golf swing training aid in the form of a modified golf tee including an indicator for indicating the target line from the tee to the target and a second indicator for indicating the preferred swing path of a golf club for moving the ball toward the target line and in the direction of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Robert A. Mabrey
  • Publication number: 20130184093
    Abstract: Disclosed is a golf coach box, including a batting box and an arch swing plane sliding rail. One end of the swing plane sliding rail is rotatably fixed to the batting box and the other end thereof is connected via a telescopic connecting mechanism to the batting box. The beneficial effect of the present application as compared with the prior art is: the batting box is additionally provided with the swing plane sliding rail, used to simulate a swing plane during batting, thereby having a function of guiding a user to swing correctly during a batting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Lingen Kong
  • Publication number: 20130178302
    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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Sean Shahi, Peter Shahi
  • Patent number: 8475290
    Abstract: A golf training system includes a wedge training aid adapted to help the user control the hitting range of each wedge accurately so that the user can drive the ball to the green easily for putting into the hole when playing a golf game at a golf course. The golf training system further includes a putting green training aid, a mat arranged between the wedge training aid and the putting green training aid, a ball collector arranged at the rear side of the wedge training aid, a track connected between the putting green training aid and the ball collector, and a guard net mounted at the putting green training aid. Thus, each ball been hit onto the putting green training aid or intercepted by the guard net can be collected by the ball collector for a next hitting practice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Cheng-Chih Yu, Kuo-Hui Chien
  • Patent number: 8469839
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for analyzing a golf swing, and an associated apparatus for use in the method. More specifically, this disclosure relates generally to a method of analyzing a golf swing by impacting a deformable medium with a golf club head. In the method, a club head impacts the deformable medium, causing the deformable medium to change shape. The change in shape may then be correlated to the value of a swing profile characteristic. Alternatively, the deformable medium may include a sensor, such that the sensor senses a measurement that is correlated to a value of a swing profile characteristic. Also disclosed are a deformable medium and a kit for use in the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Ishii
  • Patent number: 8444509
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to custom fitting an individual with golf clubs. To accomplish such, a three-dimensional swing display may depict a golf swing prior to impact of a golf ball by a club head of a golf club. The club head may approach the golf ball at a particular attack angle. The attack angle may be defined relative to a horizontal plane that may be substantially parallel to a ground plane and intersect an optimal impact area on a golf ball. The attack angle may be a negative attack angle or a positive attack angle as defined by an angle of approach by a club head to impact the golf ball during a downswing portion of a golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Swartz, Roger J. Cottam
  • Patent number: 8439771
    Abstract: A golf training tee includes a tee riser that has at a top end a cup adapted for receiving a golf ball thereon. A bottom end of the tee riser includes a substantially spherical ball member. A base has a socket at a top end thereof that is adapted for pivotally receiving the ball member. The socket has an open portion that includes a substantially flat stop surface. The base includes at a lower end thereof a ground attachment member, such as a spike adapted for insertion into a ground surface, or a flat disk adapted for resting on the ground surface. In use, when the golf ball is struck with the golf club, the tee riser pivots downwardly in a direction of the golf club at impact therewith. The tee riser stops its downward pivot at the stop surface of the socket, remaining pointed in the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Fleming
  • Patent number: 8439767
    Abstract: A swinging mechanism and a ball capturing target, used together or separately, teach putting skills and enable entertaining indoor/outdoor putting games and practice. The swinging mechanism teaches tempo, direction and distance control. The mechanism adjusts to fit most bodies and putters to achieve a repeatable eye-over-ball setup. The putter-head's backside pushes the mechanism aft and lets the mechanism pace the forward stroke. Premature head and sternum movement are eliminated by focusing on swing-thought words on the base; feeling the support rod against your sternum; and noticing the mechanism tap your cheek at the instant you see and hear the putter-ball impact. Colored ball-sets are putted through 3 different sized openings into separated capture zones to score 1, 2, or 3 points per ball. Player's uniquely colored ball-sets enable easy counting and strategy changes as games progress. After final score count, up to 75 balls are easily retrieved for a new round.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Louis Joseph Feiner
  • Patent number: 8435130
    Abstract: A device for establishing a correct speed and angular direction of a striking face associated with a golf club head relative to a golf ball. A body is secured to a surface of the club head and incorporates a powered processor in communication with a separate accelerometer. The body includes a visual output, such as pluralities of LED elements, communicated by the processor and instructing at least one of a desired swing speed and correct direction of the ball striking face relative to the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Cheresko
  • Patent number: 8425343
    Abstract: The golf swing and golf putting stroke alignment aid consists of a tripod stand from which a horizontal member attaches and extends outwardly therefrom. A detachable alignment member attaches onto a distal end of the horizontal member, and touches on different surfaces of a golfer to provide an alignment aid for use with a putting stroke or golf swing. The alignment aid is able to give instantaneous feedback to the golfer of proper alignment of a surface of the head, arm, or hand at a particular location along the path of the golf swing or putting stroke. The tripod enables vertical adjustment of the horizontal member, which can rotate thereon in order to provide adjustment of the height and location of the detachable alignment member with respect to the surface of the golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Oscar Olmos
  • Patent number: 8414409
    Abstract: A method of determining a reference lie angle for at least one iron-type golf club custom-fit for a player, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, comprises providing a first hitting surface and a second hitting surface, the first hitting surface being different from the second hitting surface; providing a test club comprising a data acquisition device; directing the player to swing the test club relative to the first hitting surface, whereby initial information is collected by the data acquisition device; determining whether the initial information collected by the data acquisition device satisfies a pre-set condition; if the condition is satisfied, directing the player to swing the test club relative to the second hitting surface, whereby supplemental information is collected by the data acquisition device; and evaluating the supplemental information collected by the data acquisition device to determine the reference lie angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Dustin J. Brekke, David Hunter, Ruben Padilla
  • Publication number: 20130079171
    Abstract: A putting stroke training system identifies a preferred putting stroke and facilitates training for a golfer to repeat the preferred putting stroke. The training system includes a grid box with a fixed side wall and a movable side wall. The movable side wall is positionable relative to the fixed side wall into alignment with the preferred putting stroke. The training system also includes an alignment sensor attachable to a putter head. In some embodiments, the alignment sensor signals when the putter head deviates from the preferred stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Norman Douglas Bittner
  • Patent number: 8398501
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a muscle trainer and methods for exercising a weaker of two sets of opposing muscles of a person moving an implement, such as a golf club, wherein, if the two sets of opposing muscles were of appropriate strength, the two sets of opposing muscles would desirably apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining an ideal movement of the implement. In various embodiments, the invention provides methods for training the opposing sets of muscles to consistently move the implement in an ideal way to accomplish a useful or recreational function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: William B. Priester, Richard E. May, C. Bryan Dawson, David A. Ward
  • Patent number: 8388462
    Abstract: A swinging aid for training a user can include a base for engaging a surface. The base can be operatively connected to a first portion of an adjustable stand. A horizontal member can connect to a second portion of the adjustable stand. The horizontal member can protrude from the adjustable stand. A head gear can be operatively connected to the horizontal member. The head gear can be configured to move in three dimensions and rotate three hundred sixty degrees to provide active feedback to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Tim K. Dagley
  • Patent number: 8348779
    Abstract: A training device for golf swings, which overcomes the elastic resistance arising from the coil-spring on a golf swing and accelerates the head speed to strengthen and to accelerate the impact, thus magnifying the centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Hyen Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8342983
    Abstract: A golf putter comprising a body including a front face, and a rearward member joined to and extending rearwardly from the body and comprising a lower region, and a first cleat and a second cleat extending downwardly from the lower region. The first and second cleats may be positioned to extend downwardly along first and second cleat axes, such that a line segment extending between the cleat axes is parallel to the front face of the club body. The putter may be further comprised of a shaft joined to a top portion of the body and having a central axis which intersects a line segment extending from a junction of the first cleat with the lower region of the rearward member to a junction of the second cleat with the lower region of the rearward member. The central axis of the shaft may be substantially perpendicular to the line segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: D&M Precision, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel C. Jeffres
  • Patent number: 8328655
    Abstract: A golf training aid having an alignment rod rotatably mounted to an elongated rail. The rail is pointed directly at the target while the rod is rotated and positioned along the rail pointing directly to the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Robert L Stroble
  • Publication number: 20120302362
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for analyzing a golf swing, and an associated apparatus for use in the method. More specifically, this disclosure relates generally to a method of analyzing a golf swing by impacting a deformable medium with a golf club head. In the method, a club head impacts the deformable medium, causing the deformable medium to change shape. The change in shape may then be correlated to the value of a swing profile characteristic. Alternatively, the deformable medium may include a sensor, such that the sensor senses a measurement that is correlated to a value of a swing profile characteristic. Also disclosed are a deformable medium and a kit for use in the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Ishii
  • Publication number: 20120295728
    Abstract: A golf teaching tool to provide instant user feedback, while explaining and encouraging proper ball impact. The golf teaching tool includes a rectangular plate with a cutout section. The golf teaching tool is placed on a playing surface with the cutout section pointed towards an intended target. A golf ball is placed on the playing surface within the cutout section and subsequently hit. Sound, impact, ball flight and movement of the golf teaching tool due to the golf club hitting the golf teaching tool, or no movement of the golf teaching tool provide the user immediate feedback regarding the correctness of the swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis M. O'Donovan
  • Patent number: 8308580
    Abstract: A golf alignment and posture training device is disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a golf training device for indicating a proper stance, including posture and alignment, of a golfer who is positioned in preparation for hitting a golf ball prior to taking a swing. The device includes a shoulder positioning member for indicating a desired stance of a golfer prior to taking a swing, including a desired position of each of the golfer's shoulders relative to the position and/or the intended trajectory of the ball, and a support structure for positioning the shoulder positioning member in a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Raymond Felix Jasinski
  • Patent number: 8303428
    Abstract: A short game training device 10 for use with a golf club comprises an two-axis linear accelerometer 12, a fastener 50 for removably attaching the accelerometer to the golf club head H so that the X and Y axes of the accelerometer 12 are disposed approximately parallel with the club face and oriented at approximately a forty-five degree angle with respect to a substantially vertical plane V containing the aim line A established when addressing the golf ball G with the club face aligned perpendicularly to the aim line A, a detectable alarm 18, and a microprocessor 14 for calculating differences in forces measured by the X and Y axes during a timed interval subsequent to positioning the club and for activating the alarm 18 when the differences exceed a selected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas A. Wagen, Lewis C. Knapp
  • Patent number: 8287396
    Abstract: A golf swing training device has a base with a top side and a bottom side, where at least one ground anchor extends from the base away from the bottom side to engage the ground. The base also has at least one substantially horizontal indicator rod on the top side thereof, where the rod has a proximal end fixed to the base and a distal end extending from the base, where the rod has transverse sides, where the rod is configured to vibrate in a generally horizontal plane. The golf swing training device additionally has at least one bumper on the base on either side of the substantially horizontal indicator rod, where the horizontal indicator rod is configured to vibrate or move between the bumpers in a transverse horizontal direction where range of horizontal direction is limited by the bumpers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Bernard Levy
  • Publication number: 20120244955
    Abstract: Two devices, an adjustable pendulum golf putting trainer device and a golf ball target device are useful to teach individuals to emulate the natural swing of a pendulum with their putter. The devices are used when practicing and playing competitive putting games. The pendulum golf putting device is vertically adjustable in three ways, adjusting the vertical support for the pendulum, adjusting the telescoping pendulum to reach the back side of the putter head and moving the pendulum toward and away from the individual. The ball capturing device is independent of the golf putting trainer device and is made of soft wood (cedar or pine). It is independently positioned and provides three different sized targets with separated ball catch areas that earn 1, 2, or 3 points for successful putts. The pendulum putting trainer can be used inside or outside in areas as small as 4×4 square feet or as large as a family room, basement, garage, gymnasium or back yard provided the areas have an acceptable putting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Louis Joseph Feiner
  • Patent number: 8267812
    Abstract: A putting/chipping training apparatus and method which allow 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 patterned thereafter or one that is modified to incorporate well-accepted fundamentals. 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 is individualized by first tracking the trainee's desired stroke to create an average swing path for one stroke which is entered into a databank and can then be precisely replicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Sery
  • Publication number: 20120202613
    Abstract: A collapsible putting practice apparatus designed to perfect a golfer's putting stroke, while being easily collapsible and portable. The collapsible putting apparatus incorporates multiple user positions, and includes design elements to conform the user's putting stroke to the apparatus's arced features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Gregory Carl Finch
  • Patent number: 8231477
    Abstract: A golf aid (10) comprising an elongate alignment member (12) provided with at least one through-hole (16) for receiving a golf tee. The golf aid can provide a golfer who is looking down at the ball (30) to ensure the club head (32) is correctly addressing the ball with an indication of the line along which the ball is intended to travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Aim-Mate SARL
    Inventors: Derek Jones, Mark Trickett, David Carey Young
  • Publication number: 20120190472
    Abstract: A compact golf swing assistance system comprising a segmented rod having a first rod section, and second rod section, a third rod section, and a fourth rod section. The assembled segmented rod may be placed on a ground surface adjacent a golf tee, pointing the direction as an indicator means for a golfer to hit a golf ball for reaching the hole in the fewest number of strokes. A first male end of a second rod section inserts into a second female end of a first rod section, a first male end of a third rod section inserts into a second female end of a second rod section, and a first male end of a fourth rod section inserts into a second female end of a third rod section. The sections are joined interiorly by a shock cord and may be collapsed for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Meeks
  • Patent number: 8216080
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for correcting a golf pose, the apparatus including: a supporting member formed to be adjustable in length and angle; a leg member installed at one end part of the supporting member and supported on a ground; and an interfering member formed retractably in a lengthwise direction and detachably installed to the other end part of the supporting member through a detachable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Hyun-Yong Park
  • Patent number: 8206235
    Abstract: A sighting device, for use by a golfer while standing on a ground surface and gazing at a golf ball upon the ground surface at a natural viewing angle, and hitting the golf ball. The device has a stand which includes a base for resting on the ground surface in front of the golfer, and a vertical mast. A pair of rings are suspended by the vertical mast in the path of the natural viewing angle. The rings have alignment indicia. Accordingly, the golfer observes the golf ball through the rings with both rings are concentric with the golf ball, and the alignment indicia of both rings are arranged in a straight line. Any movement of the golfer's head during the golf swing is immediately revealed to the golfer by a change in relative position between the rings and ball, and the alignment indicia deviating from a straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Lou Sardo
  • Publication number: 20120135816
    Abstract: To improve a golf player's ability to produce accurate draw and fade shots the invention provides a golf training aid comprising a guide member including a curve, said curve lying substantially in a plane substantially parallel with the plane of a surface on which the aid rests in use, the curved section acting, in use, as a visual guide for the movement of the club.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: John West
  • Patent number: 8182370
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing golf instruction includes an alignment rod and an instruction flag removably secured to the alignment rod. The alignment rod may be positioned on a ground surface to indicate a target path or otherwise provide a visual cue. The instruction flag includes instructional markings thereon to provide additional visual cues relating to one or more aspects of a golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Will Neel Golf Academy Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Neel, III
  • Patent number: 8172696
    Abstract: A training device for improving one's swing in a particular sport having a weighted member flexibly tethered to a handle. The handle is gripped swinging the weighted member against a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Calgolf LLC
    Inventor: Calvin Kwai On Lum
  • Patent number: 8167734
    Abstract: A swing training device includes a guiding-arm and a resistance-arm that guides a user through a backswing and a forward swing allowing a user to hit a ball with a naturally swinging follow-through without any hindrance from the guiding components. Two computer-controlled electric motors provide rotation of the corresponding arms. The speed of rotation of the guiding-arm defines a pace of golf club movements. The speed of rotation of the resistance-arm defines the position of the club shaft relative to the user's forearms at each point of the backswing. During the forward swing the resistance-arm defines a pace of golf club movements, while the guiding-arm interactively resists the golf club movements through the guiding-arm lead, which is released from the guiding-arm by means of a trigger mechanism mounted on the distal end of the guiding-arm at a defined point of the swing controlled by the computer system a golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Alexander Boldin
  • Publication number: 20120100924
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a relatively thin, portable device for improving golf putting skills. The device comprises an alignment member and two securing members. The alignment member, which has an elongated and substantially linear shape such that the alignment member can be aligned with a desired trajectory of the golf ball, has indicia thereon for assuring alignment of a putt when the ball is set into motion. Further, the alignment member has indicia thereon to guide a user in making putts using the “straight back, straight through,” “inside, down the line,” and “inside, square, inside” putting methods. The securing members extend perpendicularly from one end of the alignment member in opposite directions such that the putting device is T-shaped. Each securing member has at least one aperture through which a golf tee may be inserted to secure the putting device to a putting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: FIRST FOOT PUTTING, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M. Covino
  • Patent number: 8162773
    Abstract: An invertible golf putting accessory having a body with an upper surface, a lower surface and a plurality of sides. Two of the sides converge towards each other to form an apex and one of the sides is removably connectable to a face of a putter by magnetic and/or adhesive material. The body includes an aperture that is configured to receive a golf ball positioned therein. The accessory is attached to the face of a putter so that a portion of the golf ball can extend above the upper surface and another portion can extend below the lower surface. In use, a golf ball is pulled back and automatically released in a desired direction as the user extends the foreswing beyond the constraints of the aperture. The body also includes indicia on one or more of the surfaces. The indicia may be used to assist in sighting the putter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Pingalore
  • Publication number: 20120064985
    Abstract: An apparatus for characterizing a golf swing includes a shank, an articulated joint, and a base. The apparatus may also include a motion control device. An implement is responsive to a co-action with another object. The apparatus may bend or deform in a way that provides information as to the dynamics of a co-action between a golf club and a golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Vasanth I. Kumar
  • Publication number: 20120064987
    Abstract: A golf ball marker that includes a body having a geometric shape and an arcuate ball location reference for easily positioning a golf ball. The body may also include alignment indicia for aligning the golf ball with an intended ball path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Don T. Cameron
  • Patent number: 8133127
    Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, sports training devices that are beneficial for training in activities requiring swinging motions (e.g., the game of golf). The device may be used without hindering any portions of a natural swing. The invention also contemplates continuous tactile feedback to the user, and is both foldable and transportable, while also being economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Terrance W. Synder
  • Patent number: 8128506
    Abstract: A golf club having a head with a face configured to contact a ball and a shaft attached to the head at a first end such that the first end extends into and is received within the head. The shaft is gripped by a golfer at a second end so as to be swung by the golfer to head strike the ball. The head is configured to provide the golfer with a visual indication of the position of the first end of the shaft such that the position of first end of the shaft is monitored during the swing. The visual indication can be provided by a transparent region and highlighting the first end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Graeme Quirk
  • Patent number: 8118691
    Abstract: A golf ball alignment tool has a retaining strip having a retaining strip end. Retaining strip diagonal slots are arranged along a centerline of the retaining strip. The retaining strip has a left side edge and right side edge. A center slot formed as an opening oriented along a centerline of the retaining strip. A securing screw having securing screw thread engaging with the plurality of retaining strip diagonal slots. A golf ball is engaged within the retaining strip. The golf ball receives a right line mark on the right side edge. The golf ball receives a left line mark on the left side edge, wherein the golf ball receives a middle line mark along the center slot. The golf ball alignment tool has a tee head a tee tip and a tee shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Man Young Jung
  • Patent number: 8105177
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus including a golf club guide and, preferably, a support frame having spaced apart front and rear frame members connected together by a base frame member. The support frame is adjustably inclined at the lie angle of the golf club by a support arm. The golf club guide includes closely spaced apart front and rear guide ring segments which define a substantially planar circular shaped golf club swing slot therebetween, the swing slot having an unobstructed preferably adjustable width for free swing a golf club therewithin. The front guide ring segment is attached to and is supported by the front frame members while the rear guide ring segment is attached to and is supported by the rear frame member. An economy embodiment is also provided. A substantially flat club shaft guide supportively aligns the golf club shaft at the lie angle of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: William C. Turner