US20070224583A1 - Compact Comprehensive Golf Swing Practice Aid and Method of Use - Google Patents

Compact Comprehensive Golf Swing Practice Aid and Method of Use Download PDF

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Publication number
US20070224583A1
US20070224583A1 US11/277,234 US27723406A US2007224583A1 US 20070224583 A1 US20070224583 A1 US 20070224583A1 US 27723406 A US27723406 A US 27723406A US 2007224583 A1 US2007224583 A1 US 2007224583A1
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Prior art keywords
training aid
athletic training
break
ultraviolet energy
tempo
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Abandoned
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US11/277,234
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English (en)
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Robert HUMPHREY
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HUMPHREY DEVELOPMENT CORP dba ADJUSTEE GOLF
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SPORTS FLASH Inc
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Priority to US11/277,234 priority Critical patent/US20070224583A1/en
Assigned to SPORTS FLASH, INC. reassignment SPORTS FLASH, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HUMPHREY, ROBERT JOHN
Priority to PCT/US2007/064731 priority patent/WO2007112290A2/fr
Publication of US20070224583A1 publication Critical patent/US20070224583A1/en
Assigned to HUMPHREY DEVELOPMENT CORP. DBA ADJUSTEE GOLF reassignment HUMPHREY DEVELOPMENT CORP. DBA ADJUSTEE GOLF ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SPORTS FLASH, INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
    • A63B69/3623—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for driving
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
    • A63B69/3614—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf using electro-magnetic, magnetic or ultrasonic radiation emitted, reflected or interrupted by the golf club
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
    • A63B69/3621—Contacting or non-contacting mechanical means for guiding the swing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
    • A63B69/3667—Golf stance aids, e.g. means for positioning a golfer's feet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
    • A63B2071/0625—Emitting sound, noise or music
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
    • A63B2071/0655—Tactile feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B2071/0694—Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
    • A63B2102/32—Golf
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2210/00—Space saving
    • A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/30—Speed
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/805—Optical or opto-electronic sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/09—Adjustable dimensions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/74—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2243/00—Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38
    • A63B2243/0066—Rugby; American football
    • A63B2243/007—American football
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/0024—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for hockey
    • A63B69/0026—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for hockey for ice-hockey
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/38—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for tennis

Definitions

  • the flight path of the ball is the measure of success in any golf shot. That path is the direct result of a series of physical actions that are mastered by practice. Slowed video analysis is the best way to clearly see all the complex actions that take place during a golf swing. Such analysis does not improve the swing of the subject; it only helps determine what needs improvement through practice. Many devices have been invented to help golfers improve their play by helping them improve their practice. Most of these devices are impractical to use when actually practicing hitting golf balls. Inventions that require modification of the user's club, or that require complex attachments to the club, are not practical for practicing the subject's natural golf swing. Practice aids that are intrusive to the golfer's routine or to other golfers in the vicinity are also impractical. An optimal training aid would allow the golfer to use unmodified, regulation equipment at the normal place and in the normal manner, and would provide simple, real-time feedback to the golfer relative to his entire swing, from setup to impact with the ball.
  • Popular practice aids help the golfer work on one or two aspects of the swing.
  • the entire swing including setup, tempo and the club position at impact, together with the club head shape, speed, and path of approach, determine the results of the shot.
  • An important part of any golf shot is by using aids that provide feedback after the fact, such as video recordings or “sweet spot” coatings that leave an impact mark on the club face for subsequent analysis.
  • aids that provide feedback after the fact, such as video recordings or “sweet spot” coatings that leave an impact mark on the club face for subsequent analysis.
  • Other training devices are used in an attempt to help the golfer perceive what happens at impact with flashes of bright lights that affect the entire practice area.
  • the training aid of this invention is a compact, portable, comprehensive golf practice aid, designed to be used by any golfer, using any club, at indoor or outdoor practice venues, with or without the aid of an instructor, to learn and improve most aspects of the golf swing.
  • the invention uses sensors to detect transmissions emitted from a stance/target reference bar, producing a plurality of narrow fast response break-beam type sensors to detect club position and motion.
  • the stance/target reference bar serves as a reference for the user to position his or her feet relative to the ball and target.
  • the device After detecting the start of a backswing, the device emits an adjustable sensory cue to assist the user in perfecting the tempo of the swing.
  • the training aid can produce a high intensity ultra short duration burst of ultraviolet (UV) energy, invisible to the naked eye, which is focused on the hitting area.
  • UV burst can be selectively triggered by any of the break-beams.
  • This UV pulse source is used in conjunction with certain materials located on the face and/or upper surface portions of the club head, and which fluoresce brightly under ultraviolet energy.
  • the UV pulse highlights and “freezes” an image of only the club head and ball, which is retained on the user's retina for only an instant, without lighting the surrounding area and without distracting nearby golfers.
  • FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the invention in the right-handed configuration.
  • FIG. 2 is a view of one embodiment of the invention from the right-handed user's perspective.
  • FIG. 3 is an example of one embodiment of the Control Panel from the right-handed user's perspective.
  • the training aid may comprise a main body ( 1 ) for housing or supporting components.
  • the main body comprises a top and opposing bottom, two opposing ends, and two opposing sides.
  • the main body may be comprised of any suitable durable, rigid material or combination of materials which are readily apparent to any person having skill in the art. Examples of appropriate materials include, but are not limited to woods, metals, plastics, fiberglass, resins, and the like.
  • the main body may have one or more optional components (not shown) attached to the bottom for stabilizing the training aid on uneven surfaces.
  • Stabilizing components may include, for example, pegs, wheels, castors, feet or legs which may further optionally retract, extend, or adjust independently to multiple lengths.
  • the main body may be formed into a permanent or semi-permanent structure such as a concrete enclosure or wall.
  • the training aid comprises a moveable stance/target reference arm ( 2 ) comprised of any suitable durable material or combination of materials which are readily apparent to any person having skill in the art. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to metals, plastics, fiberglass, resins, and the like.
  • the stance/target reference arm ( 2 ) is capable of forming delineation between the user and the main body ( 1 ), as illustrated in FIG. 1 , and is aligned with the target area direction ( 22 ). It provides a reference for observing and adjusting the user stance position ( 30 ) and the user stance angle ( 31 ).
  • the stance/target reference arm ( 2 ) is attached to the main body ( 1 ) by any suitable means capable of holding it in the design location relative to the main body ( 1 ), which would be readily apparent to any person having skill in the art.
  • it is attached by employing, for example, a rotating cylinder and sleeve mechanism such that the arm may freely rotate from one side of the main body to the other, in order to accommodate both left- and right-handed hitters.
  • a ball joint mechanism may be used.
  • it may be attached by employing, for example, a cord.
  • the stance/target reference arm ( 2 ) is detachable.
  • the stance/target reference arm ( 2 ) may telescope to a shorter configuration for storage and/or may optionally rest in one or more optional holders ( 16 ) attached to the main body ( 1 ) for storage when not in use.
  • the stance/target reference arm may be secured in the one or more holders ( 16 ) in order to operate additionally as a carrying handle for portable models.
  • the main body ( 1 ) is a permanent or large structure
  • the stance/target reference arm ( 2 ) may be folded into an optional storage recess located in the structure.
  • one or more optional carrying handles are connected to the main body ( 1 ), preferably at the top and /or at either or both ends.
  • the stance/target reference arm ( 2 ) comprises a plurality of signal sources ( 3 , 4 , 5 ), positioned such that the signals emitted may be detected by an equal number of sensors (not shown).
  • the signal source/sensor pairs may be formed by any means readily apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Examples of signal source/sensor means include, but are not limited to lasers and infrared (IR) light emitting diodes (LED).
  • the sensors are positioned inside the main body ( 1 ), for example, and may be in alignment with signal sources ( 3 , 4 , 5 ) through sensor openings ( 6 , 7 , 8 ) in the main body ( 1 ).
  • IR signal sources 3 , 4 , 5
  • sensors are employed, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , although different numbers of signal source/sensor pairs may be employed.
  • Each signal source/sensor pair functions to create a line of sight, fast response IR break-beam ( 9 , 10 , 11 ).
  • three sensor openings 6 , 7 , 8 ) are employed on each side of the main body ( 1 ), as depicted in FIGS.
  • stance/target reference arm ( 2 ) and main body ( 1 ) are configured such that the sensor openings ( 6 , 7 , 8 ) may be present only on one side of the main body ( 1 ).
  • the sensor openings ( 6 , 7 , 8 ) may be located on the top of the main body ( 1 ) incorporating use of a mirror (not shown) attached to the underside of a mirror hood ( 17 ) in order to direct the signal sources ( 3 , 4 , 5 ) to the sensors (not shown) in the main body ( 1 ).
  • Alternative configurations are readily apparent to any person having ordinary skill in the art and are merely design options. As depicted in FIGS.
  • the IR break-beams ( 9 , 10 , 11 ) may be characterized in their proximity to the ball location, for example, where a first beam ( 9 ) is nearest the ball, an additional beam ( 10 ) is a greater distance from the ball than is the first beam ( 9 ), and another beam ( 11 ) is the greatest distance from the ball.
  • the signal source/sensor pairs may optionally be associated with one or more LEDs or status lights ( 12 , 13 , 14 ), that may be set to illuminate or extinguish when the beam is broken, for example, by the movement of a golf club through the beam.
  • the status lights ( 12 , 13 , 14 ) may appear the same or different, such as in the use of multiple colors. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , status lights ( 12 , 13 , 14 ) are optionally situated above the sensor openings ( 6 , 7 , 8 ). It should be appreciated that other configurations serving the same function could easily be designed by any person having ordinary skill in the art.
  • the main body ( 1 ) comprises at least one variable, short duration, high-intensity ultraviolet (UV) energy source ( 19 ).
  • UV energy sources are readily apparent to any person having ordinary skill in the art and include, but are not limited to an array of UV emitting LEDs, or a single or group of filtered flash tubes and the like.
  • the UV energy source ( 19 ) is directed to the hitting area ( 20 ) via any suitable configuration.
  • an optional mirror (not shown) is attached to the underside of a movable mirror hood ( 17 ) and is positioned to reflect a vertically configured UV energy source ( 19 ) onto the hitting area ( 20 ).
  • the mirror hood ( 17 ) may be movable to a left-handed mirror hood position ( 18 ). It should be appreciated that other means and methods for directing the UV energy source ( 19 ) onto the hitting area ( 20 ) are readily apparent to any person having ordinary skill in the art. Suitable means include, but are not limited to use of light pipes, lenses, prisms, reflectors, or different positioning of the UV energy source ( 19 ). In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the holders ( 16 ) optionally form a support for the mirror hood ( 17 ).
  • the training aid may optionally comprise a tone generator (not shown) and/or other sensory cue that may be programmed to provide feedback to the user at any time after the beginning of the backswing, for example, as detected by the club passing certain break beams ( 10 , 11 ), for the purpose of swing tempo training.
  • a tone generator not shown
  • other sensory cue that may be programmed to provide feedback to the user at any time after the beginning of the backswing, for example, as detected by the club passing certain break beams ( 10 , 11 ), for the purpose of swing tempo training.
  • the selection of additional sensory cues would be readily apparent to any person having ordinary skill in the art. Examples of sensory cues may include, but are not limited to visual cues such as a flash of light or an illuminated indicator, and somatosensory cues such as a puff of air directed at the user.
  • the training aid may optionally comprise ball locater marks ( 24 ), for example on the stance/target reference arm ( 2 ), to assist the user in optimal placement of the ball at the ball/tee location ( 26 ).
  • the ball locater marks ( 24 ) are situated such that imaginary vertical and horizontal extensions of the marks away from the stance/target reference arm ( 2 ) intersect at the proper ball/tee location ( 26 ).
  • An optional visible indicator, such as a laser cross beam ( 27 ) may be used to facilitate proper placement of the ball at the desired ball/tee location ( 26 ).
  • the visible indicator may be formed by any suitable means and position readily apparent to any person having ordinary skill in the art.
  • a laser cross beam generator may be located within the main body ( 1 ) and projects a laser cross beam ( 27 ) to the proper position via a mirror (not shown) attached to the underside of a mirror hood ( 17 ).
  • a laser generator may project a cross beam directly onto the proper position through an opening in the main body ( 1 ).
  • the training aid may be powered electrically by any conventional means, obvious to any person having ordinary skill in the art.
  • the power supply may be corded or cordless.
  • the training aid is powered by one or more batteries, which may be rechargeable, such as by a modular charger plugged into a conventional AC power circuit.
  • the training aid may be charged from a vehicle power output, such as a cigarette lighter.
  • the training aid may be directly connected to a conventional AC power circuit.
  • optional solar panels may be situated on, or integrated with the main body ( 1 ). Other embodiments should be readily apparent.
  • the training aid may optionally comprise a power switch ( 23 ) and/or power indicator light ( 25 ) and/or charge level indicator ( 39 ).
  • a battery charge level indicator ( 39 ) illuminates when the batteries are fully charged or have low charge.
  • it utilizes one or more colors, such as green, yellow and red to indicate varying levels of battery charge.
  • it comprises a meter that displays relative charge from high to low or as a percentage.
  • the training aid comprises controls for adjusting operating modes and options.
  • the training aid comprises a control panel ( 21 ).
  • the control panel ( 21 ) is located on the top of the main body ( 1 ) for optimal viewing by the user.
  • FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of the invention, showing optional controls including a tempo cue selector switch ( 28 ), tempo speed dial ( 29 ), image mode selector ( 32 ), brightness selector switch ( 36 ), set speed momentary toggle switch ( 37 ), power switch ( 23 ), and charge level indicator ( 39 ).
  • Other controls and/or displays may be utilized and would be readily apparent to any person having ordinary skill in the art. Examples include, but are not limited to cue type selection, club head speed readout, multiple images, and the like.
  • the UV energy source ( 19 ) of the training aid is designed to work in conjunction with matter applied to, or integrated with the face and/or upper surface of the club head, such as coatings, paints, dyes, preferably washable, and/or material, tape and the like, which fluoresces brightly under UV energy.
  • the fluorescent matter may be visible or invisible in normal light.
  • a preferred fluorescent matter is Sur-SwingTM Impact Paint, which not only fluoresces under UV energy, but has the added benefit of also allowing the ball to leave an impression in the surface of the paint showing the point of impact for subsequent analysis.
  • the club may be manufactured using material that fluoresces under UV energy such that no additional matter need be applied.
  • a golf ball employing fluorescent material may be used as well.
  • the UV energy source ( 19 ) may be programmed to automatically energize briefly when one of the break beams ( 9 , 10 , 11 ) is broken, causing the fluorescent material in or on the club to fluoresce. Such fluorescence results in an image that is briefly “frozen” on the user's retinas, and which stands out clearly from the background at the selected image location ( 33 , 34 , 35 ). By selecting an image location ( 33 , 34 , 35 ) associated with the corresponding break beam ( 9 , 10 , 11 ), the image of the club at the position that best reveals the swing flaw attempting to be remedied may easily be seen by the user as the club head approaches or strikes the ball.
  • Optional components may be used with or integrated into to the training aid, which are readily apparent to any person having ordinary skill in the art. Examples include, but are not limited to photographic and video equipment, speed and acceleration measurement components, tees, balls, hitting mats, and the like.
  • a hitting mat comprising visible markings may be utilized in the hitting area ( 20 ).
  • a hitting mat employing a fluorescent material may be utilized such that the application of UV energy from the training aid results in the markings becoming visible.
  • the invention is capable of many embodiments and corresponding uses. It is not necessary that the training aid incorporate all possible embodiments or for the user to perform all possible uses in order to benefit from the invention.
  • the following sections illustrate some of the many uses that may be used individually or in conjunction with one another.
  • the stance/target reference arm ( 2 ) should be situated between the user and the main body ( 1 ) in the proper left- or right-handed configuration such that it is pointed directly at the desired target and is parallel to the main body ( 1 ) so as to align the signal source/sensor pairs.
  • the training aid should be receiving electrical power from the desired source, and the “on” indicator, if present, indicating such. If the training aid comprises status lights ( 12 , 13 , 14 ), correct operation of the break beams ( 9 , 10 , 11 ) may be verified by momentarily blocking each one and observing the associated status lights ( 12 , 13 , 14 ) for change.
  • All adjustable components should be situated for proper left- or right-handed configuration, for example, the stance/target reference arm ( 2 ) and mirror hood ( 17 ). If a hitting mat having a fixed tee position is employed, the training aid should be set up such that the ball/tee location ( 26 ) coincides with the fixed tee position on the mat.
  • an optional laser cross beam ( 27 ) may be configured to automatically initiate, for example, by blocking a designated break beam ( 9 , 10 , 11 ) for two or more seconds.
  • the user may select a desired sensory tempo cue, if more than one cue type is provided, and also adjust the cue type, if necessary. For example, where an audible cue is provided, the user may optionally adjust the cue to varying levels of sound. In the illustrated embodiment, adjustment may be performed with the tempo cue selector switch ( 28 ). It should be appreciated that other sensory cues may be employed, for example, visual cues, such as light, or somatosensory cues, such as a puff of air. In one embodiment, the tempo cue may be configured such that the laser cross beam ( 27 ) temporarily illuminates as the cue.
  • the user may select a tempo speed with which to commence training.
  • the user should take a stance position ( 30 ) and stance angle ( 31 ) in alignment to the stance/target reference arm ( 2 ), as depicted in FIG. 2 , for example.
  • the start of the user's backswing across break beams ( 10 , 11 ) activates a tempo cue after a slight delay, for example, an audible tone emitted from a tone generator (not shown).
  • the user may adjust the tempo speed such that the cue coincides with the hesitation during the transition from the user's backswing to downswing.
  • the user may use the desired tempo during practice in order to develop a uniform swing tempo.
  • An optional power indicator light ( 25 ) may be programmed to indicate that the unit is ready to produce full power UV energy and that all sensors are working properly.
  • the UV energy source ( 19 ) may be programmed to automatically energize briefly when the club passes through and breaks a particular break beam ( 9 , 10 , 11 ) during the downswing.
  • the selected beam may be designated, for example, by making a selection with an image mode selector ( 32 ), as depicted in FIG. 3 .
  • an image mode selector ( 32 ) When UV energy excites the fluorescent matter present in or on the club head, the exact club head position briefly appears “frozen” on the user's retinas as an image that stands out clearly from the background at the selected image location ( 33 , 34 , 35 ), which corresponds to the break beams ( 9 , 10 , 11 ).
  • Each image location ( 33 , 34 , 35 ) provides unique information as to the user's swing and club position as the club approaches or impacts the ball, and may be selected to best reveal the flaw that
  • the brightness of the UV energy source may optionally be adjusted depending on the ambient light levels and other parameters, such as the user's preferences. As depicted in FIG. 3 , an optional brightness selector switch ( 36 ), may operate to adjust the amount of UV energy applied to the hitting area ( 20 ), and therefore affecting the resulting degree of brightness of the fluorescing image.
  • the training aid may display club head speed by comparing subsequent swings to a user established standard.
  • a “set speed momentary toggle switch” ( 37 ) may be activated, after which the speed of the next swing is measured as the standard.
  • the training aid may then electronically record the time between the club crossing two break beams ( 9 , 10 ) during a downswing. Future UV energy triggers can be delayed for one half of that recorded time resulting in a user established standard. Every swing thereafter that is the same speed as that used to create the standard results in an image at the same position between the break beams ( 9 , 10 ) as depicted, for example, in FIG. 2 as the speed measurement image location ( 38 ).
  • a “set speed momentary toggle switch” ( 37 ) is located on the control panel ( 21 ). Once the switch has been activated, the speed of the next swing is recorded for use as the standard. In one embodiment, after the switch has been activated, the power indicator light ( 25 ) may blink, thus alerting the user that the next swing speed will be recorded.
  • the user may re-record the standard swing speed for further practice and improvement. Additional speed related image delay routines may be included.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Golf Clubs (AREA)
  • Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)
US11/277,234 2006-03-23 2006-03-23 Compact Comprehensive Golf Swing Practice Aid and Method of Use Abandoned US20070224583A1 (en)

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PCT/US2007/064731 WO2007112290A2 (fr) 2006-03-23 2007-03-22 Aide complète compacte à la pratique de l'élan de golf et procédé d'utilisation

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US20060117937A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-08 Lawliss Robert W Metronome with projected beat image
US20100113173A1 (en) * 2006-06-06 2010-05-06 Biosport Technologies Llc Golf training device
US20100208179A1 (en) * 2009-02-13 2010-08-19 Apple Inc. Pixel Black Mask Design and Formation Technique
US8137207B2 (en) 2010-06-15 2012-03-20 Brantingham David E Golf swing practice apparatus
US8986128B2 (en) 2010-06-15 2015-03-24 David E. Brantingham Golf swing practice apparatus
US9468831B2 (en) 2010-06-15 2016-10-18 David E. Brantingham Golf swing apparatus
US9511262B1 (en) 2015-06-17 2016-12-06 Scott DePompe Fitness training method using UV light
JPWO2017141300A1 (ja) * 2016-02-15 2018-10-04 マクセル株式会社 運動支援システム、および、運動支援方法
US20210362025A1 (en) * 2020-05-19 2021-11-25 Dmbh Co., Ltd. Putting exerciser for evaluating hitting speed and tempo of putter
US12036462B1 (en) * 2021-08-27 2024-07-16 Pure Swing Technologies LLC Golf alignment aid

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US8589114B2 (en) 2008-08-19 2013-11-19 Angelo Gregory Papadourakis Motion capture and analysis
KR101627654B1 (ko) * 2015-04-02 2016-06-07 주식회사 나이스코 골프스윙 시 클럽헤드의 궤적을 현시하는 장치 및 그 방법

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Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060117937A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-08 Lawliss Robert W Metronome with projected beat image
US7385128B2 (en) * 2004-12-06 2008-06-10 Tailgaitor, Inc. Metronome with projected beat image
US20100113173A1 (en) * 2006-06-06 2010-05-06 Biosport Technologies Llc Golf training device
US8016690B2 (en) * 2006-06-06 2011-09-13 Rushe Golf Llc Golf training device
US20100208179A1 (en) * 2009-02-13 2010-08-19 Apple Inc. Pixel Black Mask Design and Formation Technique
US8986128B2 (en) 2010-06-15 2015-03-24 David E. Brantingham Golf swing practice apparatus
US8137207B2 (en) 2010-06-15 2012-03-20 Brantingham David E Golf swing practice apparatus
US9468831B2 (en) 2010-06-15 2016-10-18 David E. Brantingham Golf swing apparatus
US9511262B1 (en) 2015-06-17 2016-12-06 Scott DePompe Fitness training method using UV light
JPWO2017141300A1 (ja) * 2016-02-15 2018-10-04 マクセル株式会社 運動支援システム、および、運動支援方法
US20210362025A1 (en) * 2020-05-19 2021-11-25 Dmbh Co., Ltd. Putting exerciser for evaluating hitting speed and tempo of putter
US11633654B2 (en) * 2020-05-19 2023-04-25 Dmbh Co., Ltd. Putting exerciser for evaluating hitting speed and tempo of putter
US12036462B1 (en) * 2021-08-27 2024-07-16 Pure Swing Technologies LLC Golf alignment aid

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WO2007112290A3 (fr) 2008-11-06

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