Golf swing analysis apparatus and method

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for user analysis of his or her golf swing during use of an associated golf club. The apparatus includes first and second spaced display elements positioned so that they appear to a user of the club similarly located relative to the golf club head face, each providing a light emanation (active or passive) during a golf stroke that is or appears to be consistent. A light emitting display, such as a plurality of light emitting elements, is positioned between the first and second elements, and a control unit is associated with the light emitting display for activating and deactivating the display thereby providing several short intervals of light emission during the golf stroke. The apparatus may be integrated into a golf club or a separate unit releasably attachable to a club.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This Application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 714,420 filed on Nov. 17, 2003 by Halleck et al. and entitled “Golf Swing Analysis Apparatus And Method”, which prior application is currently pending.Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to aids for golfers to improve their play, and, more particularly, relates to devices and methods for analyzing a golfer's swing. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] It is known that the ability to strike a golf ball correctly is important to a golfer's continued enjoyment of and improvement in the game. Thus, most golfers expend considerable effort to refine and perfect their golf swing. In the last few years, golf has moved from a somewhat elite sport to one with a more general public appeal. Despite the greater appeal, it has been noted that golfers as a group are not significantly improving. It is apparent that correcting defects of swing is difficult, even if one has ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"This patent describes an apparatus and method for aiding golfers in improving their swing by analyzing and correcting defects in their swing during a golf stroke. The apparatus includes a display that provides real-time feedback to the golfer by showing the club face angle, club head path, and the impact point of the ball. The display is integrated with or attached to the golf club and includes first and second spaced elements that provide consistent light emanations during the golf stroke. The light emanations are triggered by the golfer's movements and can be adjusted to provide different levels of feedback and correction. The apparatus can also trigger electrical stimulation of the golfer's muscles to build specific muscles and cue swing corrections. Overall, this invention provides a more effective and intuitive way for golfers to improve their swing by analyzing and correcting defects in real-time during a golf stroke."

Problems solved by technology

Thus, most golfers expend considerable effort to refine and perfect their golf swing.

Despite the greater appeal, it has been noted that golfers as a group are not significantly improving.

It is apparent that correcting defects of swing is difficult, even if one has access to a “pro” to assist in the process.

One problem in developing a good golf swing is the fact that there is a discontinuity between muscle memory and visual cues.

Furthermore, since a golf club head moves so quickly through a golfer's line of sight, it is difficult to judge the characteristics of the flight of the club head at impact.

Heretofore known devices have not, however, proven to be effective for visualization by a user of much more than the path of club head travel, have not provided a golf swing display that provides a user with intuitive swing correction information, have not provided timely feedback, and / or have required specialized clubs or club adaptation.

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