3285results about "Golfing accessories" patented technology

A sport movement analyzer and training device and method, in real time, detect, analyze, correct and re-create sport movements of a user. An analyzer is secured to a user's wrist engaged in sport movements. A sensing unit in the analyzer provides signals representative of the movement of the wrist at various swing positions along a swing path during a sport movement. A processor in the analyzer processes the signals to measure various parameters descriptive of a sport performance of the user at the swing positions along the swing path. Stored programs in the analyzer service the processor in processing the signals representative of the sport performance for display to the user. A history of past sport performances by the user is stored for comparison purposes with current sport performances.

An orientation and position tracking system and method in three-dimensional space and over a period of time utilizing multiple inertial and other sensors for determining motion parameters to measure orientation and position of a moveable object. The sensors, for example vibrational and angular velocity sensors, generate signals characterizing the motion of the moveable object. The information is received by a data acquisition system and processed by a microcontroller. The data is then transmitted to an external data reception system (locally based or a global network), preferably via wireless communication. The information can then be displayed and presented to the user through a variety of means including audio, visual, and tactile. According to various embodiments, the present invention provides for a motion tracking apparatus and method for implementation in motion systems including systems to teach motion to a group and for body motion capture and analysis systems.

An orientation and position tracking system in three-dimensional space and over a period of time utilizing multiple inertial and other sensors for determining motion parameters to measure orientation and position of a moveable object. The sensors, for example vibrational and angular velocity sensors, generate signals characterizing the motion of the moveable object. The information is received by a data acquisition system and processed by a microcontroller. The data is then transmitted via wireless communication to an external data reception system (locally based or a global network). The information can then be displayed and presented to the user through a variety of means including audio, visual, and tactile.

An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

An application of rate gyros and accelerometers allows electronic measurement of the motion of a rigid or semi-rigid body, such as a body associated with sporting equipment including a fly rod during casting, a baseball bat, a tennis racquet or a golf club during swinging. For instance, data can be collected by one gyro according to the present invention is extremely useful in analyzing the motion of a fly rod during fly casting instruction, and can also be used during the research, development and design phases of fly casting equipment including fly rods and fly lines. Similarly, data collected by three gyros and three accelerometers is extremely useful in analyzing the three dimensional motion of other sporting equipment such as baseball bats, tennis racquets and golf clubs. This data can be used to support instruction as well as design of the sporting equipment.

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

A sporting apparatus used by a person for engaging in a sporting activity. The sporting apparatus includes a single or multiple embedded MR sensors for measuring magnetic vectors of the earth magnetic field for dynamically recording a path of motion of the sporting apparatus in real time. In a preferred embodiment, the sporting apparatus further includes one or multiple MEMS accelerometer sensors for sensing acceleration of a designated portion of the sporting apparatus for measuring impact velocity as the designated portion impacting a ball. In a specific embodiment, the sporting apparatus is a golf club wherein the accelerometer sensors are disposed adjacent to the grip side of the shaft for sensing the impact of the club head against a golf ball. In another specific embodiment, the golf club further includes a magnetic field sensor disposed near the grip end of the golf club for measuring a motion path of the golf club.

Systems and methods for tracking rounds of golf include a tracking system to track a golfer's position on a golf course and a golf stroke information providing system for providing information about a golf stroke taken by the golfer. The systems and methods also may include a coordinating system to coordinate the information about the golf stroke with the information about the golfer's tracked position on the golf course. The systems and methods also may include a recording system to record and store information about a golf stroke taken and the information about the golfer's tracked position on the golf course. The recorded and saved data may be displayed and/or otherwise analyzed and processed.

A golf club head comprises a hollow body having a cavity, a plurality of rib-like walls provided on the inner surface of the hollow body so as to extend backward from a position near the face portion, and a sound bar disposed behind the face portion so as to extend along the back face of the face portion. A method of making a golf club head comprises making a wax model of the hollow main body having an opening, wherein in order to prevent deformation of the wax model during making a casting mold, the wax model is provided with a brace which extends across the opening and protruding walls which are disposed on the inner surface of the wax model and extend backwards from the opening.

In a first aspect, a system for monitoring a swing is provided that includes (1) a swing measurement device adapted to couple to a swinging object and to output a signal indicative of a characteristic of the swinging object; (2) a wireless transmitter coupled to the swing measurement device and adapted to wirelessly transmit the signal output by the swing measurement device; and (3) a wireless device adapted to receive the wirelessly transmitted signal and to provide information regarding the swinging object based on the received signal. The wireless device is a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA). Numerous other aspects are provided.

Wireless golf club motion capture apparatus configured to obtain spatial data from at least one sensor that is coupled with a microcontroller wherein the apparatus fits into a golf club handle or weight port or otherwise couples to a golf club. The apparatus may send a unique identifier and spatial data over a self-contained radio and antenna wirelessly to an external system that may analyze and display the spatial data in a user-friendly manner. The unique identifier and/or radio through use of non-interfering communications mechanisms allows for multiple clubs one or more players to be within range of a wireless receiver and not interfere. Adapters that may be specific to each golf club manufacture allow for coupling the apparatus to any type of golf club.

A launch monitor that includes substantially all of its functional components on or within a housing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the launch monitor is capable of being transported and used in any desired location. One or more camera's, flashes, and triggers may be used to acquire images of a golf club and golf ball. The launch monitor is preferably capable of receiving and transmitting data over a wireless network. Acquired images and other data may be analyzed by a processor, and then displayed using an LED, LCD or other type of display or printer. The launch monitor may “recognize” a plurality of golf clubs and golf balls based on an optical fingerprint. The optical fingerprints, which are preferably stored in a memory, allow the launch monitor to identify a golf club and/or ball substantially soon after they are placed in the field of view of the monitor Optical fingerprinting enables automatic record keeping, and storing performance data and equipment used simultaneously. This feature eliminates tedious record keeping, eliminates data entry errors, and enables rapid equipment optimization.

Apparatuses, methods and systems relating to at least one or more of golf club reminding and golf data collecting and recording. In one embodiment an apparatus on a golf club includes an integrated reminder and a stroke cancellation system and is semi-automatic in that the recording of the stroke is directly in response to changing the state (e.g. activating) of a switch which indicates that the golfer has pressed a button on the golf club. The pressing of the button indicates that the golfer will or has taken a stroke with the golf club and that the stroke is to be recorded, with the location of the stroke and an identifier of the club (e.g. 9 iron). The system may also be equipped with a missing club reminder and theft prevention function that notifies the golfer is a golf club has been left behind or if a club or golf bag has been removed without authorization.

The invention pertains to a method for interactively tracking, analyzing and teaching a correct golf swing using an apparatus consisting of a computer with an attached video camera and a special club shaft attachment that is monitored to determine the progress of a golf swing in real-time. A short simulated golf club with a matching golf ball platform is provided for use in a limited space. Club position is evaluated at all points along prescribed swing plane orbits for accuracy with regard to club shaft angle, club face rotation and swing plane location. Leading guides are provided to aid in correct club movement. Trailing position reinforcement guides permit the student golfer to use his own initiative and timing while receiving real-time corrections relating to club and body motion. Simulated ball flight is determined and applied to golf practice range and golf course activities.

In one exemplary embodiment, an integrated GPS device & RFID transceiver is used with passive RFID tagged golf balls and clubs and sequences of events and rules that enable accurate automatic golf data collection. Active tags may also be used in place of passive tags.

A golf club head has tee handling and ball retrieval included therein. The tee handling includes an opening for receiving a tee head and having a roof coupled to a club shaft coupler, so that a golfer pressing upon the shaft may apply force through the golf club head to drive the tee into the earth. A partially open ring receives a tee shaft therein, but is sized to prevent a tee head from passing there through, so that a golf tee may be picked up and held therein. The tee may be picked up either when laying upon the ground or when already inserted into the earth. Ball retrieval is achieved by slightly cup-shaped relatively planar arms that form a semi-circular opening therebetween, into which a golf ball will nest and be retained by gravitational forces. A golf ball striking surface is additionally provided, which may be shaped to either serve as a putter, driver, or other suitable club.

An adjustable golf club incorporates instructions into the golf club, and more particularly, in connection with the club head. More specifically, encoded information is visibly provided on the club head, the encoded information relating to the performance of the club head. In addition to the encoded information, a decoder or device for interpreting the encoded performance information is also provided on the club head. The encoded information, in conjunction with the decoder for interpreting the encoded performance information, allows the golfer to easily adjust his or her club head based on the playing conditions or his or her swing. Typically, the encoded information relates to a weight of the club head, and may be used to adjustably vary the weight of the club head. A method of configuring a putter type golf club head adaptable to a plurality of configurations is described as well as a kit for selectively configuring components of a golf club head. The kit may include club head components, tools for manipulating the components, and housing for portably supporting the same.

A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information and to use the objects, clues or information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a unique RFID band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team. The game in accordance with the invention provides the intellectual challenge and excitement of a computer adventure game, but with tangible interactives, physical challenges, and social interaction.

Mobile communication devices are interfaced with sports equipment that include at least one embedded sensor. The sensor may be a variety of different sensors, including, but not limited to: 3D acceleration sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors; humidity sensors; wind speed sensors; pressure sensors; and the like. Data that relates to the sensor measurements are transmitted wirelessly from the sports equipment to another device that may analyze the data. This device may be a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, or a wired device, such as a desktop computer. The data may be transmitted through one or more networks.

A putter comprising a grip having an anatomically correct shape to promote proper grasping of the putter, a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the grip is attached to the first end of the shaft, a hosel attached to the second end of the shaft, a head attached to the hosel, the head having a striking face, and an alignment feature of the putter adapted to ensure correct assembly of the head onto the shaft.

A method and integrated golf club apparatus for directly measuring physical parameters of the golf club head motional acceleration swing forces, golf club head face, golf ball impact forces, and subsequent calculations of other metrics useful to a golfer's understanding of the effectiveness of his or her golf swing and impact result in totality. The physical parameters that are directly measured include three dimensional motion force vectors of club head prior to, during and after impact and full impact pressure force profiles across the golf clubface with respect to time. The sensors are connected to electronics which condition, record and store the time varying sensors information electronically, then process and translate the information into one of several forms for delivery to a human interface function.