System and method for golf-swing training

• US 20050124429A1
• Filed: 05/28/2004
• Published: 06/09/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: William Endres
• Original Assignee: William Endres
• Inventors: Endres, William
• Granted Patent: US 8,142,303 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/223
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3614 using electro-magnetic, magnetic or ultrasonic radiation emitted, reflected or interrupted by the golf club
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3632 Clubs or attachments on clubs, e.g. for measuring, aligning A63B69/3614 takes precedence; clubs for swinging exercises in general A63B15/00

Abstract

A golf-swing training device for improving ball-driving distance and accuracy. The training device mounts to a golf club and signals to the golfer when the club head begins decelerating in the direction of the forward motion of a golf swing. Additional energy is available for transfer from the club head to the ball as the club head is transitioning from acceleration to deceleration. This additional energy comes from the change in the direction of the flexing of the club. By using the training device, a golfer may practice timing his swing to contact the ball with the club head just prior to the beginning of deceleration of the club head during the course of a typical swing. Utilization of the additional available energy may result in increased ball-driving distance. Additionally, contacting the ball while the club is in a straight position, during the transition of the direction of flex, promotes a more accurate drive.

Claims

1. An enhanced golf club, for use by a golfer, for golf-swing training, comprising:

a golf club including a head coupled to a shaft; and

a training device that attaches to the golf club and that signals the beginning of deceleration of the club head following acceleration during the forward motion of a golf swing.

2. The enhanced club of claim 1 wherein the training device emits a light signal to the golfer.

3. The enhanced club of claim 1 wherein the training device emits an auditory signal to the golfer.

4. The enhanced club of claim 1 wherein the training device emits a vibrational signal to the golfer.

5. A golf-swing training device, for use by a golfer with a golf club, the golf club including a shaft and a club head, the golf-swing training device comprising:

an attachment mechanism for attaching the training device to the golf club;

a power source electrically connected to the training device;

a unidirectional motion switch; and

a signaling source, connected by the unidirectional motion switch, for signaling to the golfer the beginning of deceleration of the club head following acceleration during the forward motion of a golf swing.

6. The training device of claim 5 wherein the attachment mechanism is one or more of:

one or more hooks;

one or more suction cups;

a hook and loop fastener;

rope;

one or more brackets;

one or more rubber bands;

one or more snaps;

a sewn sleeve;

tape;

glue;

one or more nails; and

one or more bolts.

7. The training device of claim 5 wherein the power source utilizes one of:

a battery;

a capacitor; and

an external power supply.

8. The training device of claim 5 wherein the motion switch comprises:

an electro-conductive plate; and

a free-swinging electro-conductive pendulum that completes a circuit when contacting the electro-conductive plate, the pendulum contacting the plate when the training device begins decelerating in the direction of motion of the unidirectional motion switch.

9. The training device of claim 5 wherein the signaling source emits a light signal to the golfer.

10. The training device of claim 9 wherein the light signal is one of:

one or more light-emitting diodes;

one or more strobe lights;

one or more incandescent lights;

one or more laser lights; and

one or more xenon lights.

11. The training device of claim 5 wherein the signaling source emits an auditory signal to the golfer.

12. The training device of claim 5 wherein the signaling source emits a vibrational signal to the golfer.

13. A method for golf-swing training, the method comprising:

providing a golf-swing training device that attaches to a golf club, the golf club including a club head, and that signals the beginning of deceleration of the club head following acceleration during the forward motion of a golf club swing; and

attaching the golf-swing training device to the golf club.