GB2388324A

GB2388324A - Golf club swing monitor

Info

Publication number: GB2388324A
Application number: GB0210106A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond J Mcburney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-05-02
Filing date: 2002-05-02
Publication date: 2003-11-12
Also published as: GB0210106D0

Abstract

A golf practice apparatus comprising a base 1, having a support 2, for a golf ball 4, positioned above the base and an upper sensor 5, and a lower Sensor 6, mounted on the base in a preferable vertically adjustable manner above and below the ball and operating to detect the extremities of the upper and lower positions of a golf club head 12 relative to a ball at or close to the instant of impact following the swing of the club by a user, and indicating means 13 responsive to the sensors to display a high or a low position of the club head. Vertical arms 7,8 of the sensors 5,6 may be positioned in a series of apertures 11 in blocks 9, 10 to provide positional adjustment of the sensors 5, 6. Each block 9, 10 has an associated electrical switch which is activated upon the club head stricking sensors 5, 6 to light the indicating means 13.

Description

1 42201 PB DOC

( ' 2388324

Title: Goff practice apparatus This invention relates to an apparatus for use in practicing the game of golf and is more particularly concerned with an apparatus which may be used by a player to practice and correct the swing of a golf club.

An object of this invention is to provide an aid to establish whether the club head is correct or too high or too low in relation to the ball at the moment of impact. It will be appreciated that this is virtually impossible by visual observation due to the speed of the club head.

According to this invention there is provided a golf practice apparatus comprising a base having a support for a golf ball positioned above the base and an upper sensor means and a lower sensor means mounted on the base in a preferably vertically adjustable manner above and below the ball and operative to detect the extremities of the upper and lower positions of a golf club head relative to a ball at or close to the instant of impact following the swing of the club by a user, and indicating means responsive to the sensors to display a high or a low position of the club head.

This invention thus provides an apparatus of simple construction which indicates the vertical position of the club head relative to the ball as the club swings through the impact zone. The device may be set to provide upper and lower limits for the club head In a preferred construction the apparatus has sensors which comprise

z upper and lower horizontal wires mounted through vertical supports to the base each side of the ball position. The supports include electrical switch devices responsive to any impact or disturbance of the wires to provide a visual indication through lights as to whether the club head was high, low or correct.

Preferably the ball support comprises a tee also associated with an electrical switch device to show the correct club head position.

The apparatus is thus of simple construction. Means other than wires may be used as the sensors. For example photoelectric, magnetic or motion sensors may be used. The apparatus may include a device to show the club face angle at the moment of impact An embodiment according to this invention is described with reference to the drawings showing an example and preferred features of the construction.

In the drawings Fig. 1 shoves a plan view of the apparatus according to this invention, and Fig. 2 shoves a front of the apparatus Referring to the drawings the apparatus comprises a base 1 which may include facilities to secure the base to the ground. in a generally cer:tral position a tee 2 is mounted on a pivot 3 such that it may saving from an upright position shown in Fig. 2 to the position shovvn in Fig. 1 after the ball is struck.

The tee supports a golf ball 4 as shown in Fig 2.

To each side of the tee 2 are mounted sensors which in this case compose horizontal wires 5 and 6 supported on the base through vertical arms

f 3 7 and 8 each of which is pivoted through a hinged block 9 and 10. The vertical arms 7 and 8 may be selectively moved out or in or up or down through a series of apertures l 1 in the blocks 9 and 10. Each block 9 and 10 has an associated electrical switch with a switch also associated with the pivot 3 of the tee 3. The switches are arranged to connect a respective lamp 13, 14 or 15 into circuit to illuminate same when operated using a battery or other electrical power source.

Operation of the apparatus is more easily seen from Fig. 2 and as shown in the position of readiness the tee 2 and the arms 7 and 8 are raised to the vertical position shown and the ball 4 placed on the tee. The user addresses the ball in a usual manner and makes the swing. The correct position of the club head 12 is shown and as can be seen this passes beneath the top sensor wire 5 and above the bottom sensor wire 6 contacting neither during striking of the ball 4. The switch associated with the pivot 3 of the tee is activated when the ball is struck and this causes lamp 13 to light showing a correct position.

One or other of the lights 14 or 15 will light when a sensor wire is struck thus indicating a high or low or too far left or right club head position.

The vertical height of the sensors 5 and 6, and also the tee 4, may be made adjustable. The lateral position of the arms 7 and 8 may also be made adjustable.

Claims

1 A golf practice apparatus including a base with adjustable supports, which are responsive to any impact or disturbance

2 A golf practice apparatus as in claim I where th adjustable supports are inter-changeable for right or left handed use.

3 A golf practice apparatus as in claim I where the position of the adjustable supports is indicated