Attachable sensor for putting stroke path and plane detection

• US 20060084517A1
• Filed: 10/03/2003
• Published: 04/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/03/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Audio Coach Pty Limited
• Original Assignee: Audio Coach Pty Limited
• Inventors: Sherman, Robyn Ann
• Granted Patent: US 7,331,875 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/221
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0627 when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3635 with sound-emitting source
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3685 Putters or attachments on putters, e.g. for measuring, aligning A63B69/3614 takes precedence

Abstract

A putter trainer device for detecting inaccuracies in a golf putting stroke. The putting trainer device of the present invention is releasably (2) attached to a shaft of a golf putter and comprises two guided ramps (19A, 19B) with each ramp having an active position and a neutral position. In one embodiment, a free rolling disc magnet (20A, 20B) is located upon each guided ramp and each free rolling disc magnet is biased towards the neutral position (23A, 23B) on its respective ramp. The movement of either free rolling magnet from the neutral position to the active position is detected by magnetic reed switches (25A, 25B) located adjacent each ramp. A speaker is activated when the magnetic reed switches detect that either free rolling magnet has moved from the neutral position to the active position.

Claims

1. A putting trainer device comprising:

at least one track having a neutral position and an active position;

a free moving component located on said track and movable along said track between said neutral position and said active position, said free moving component being biased to said neutral position on said track;

at least one detector operable by said free moving component moving to said active position of said track; and

at least one indicator in electrical communication with said detector;

wherein, said indicator issues an alert when said detector is operated by said free moving component moving to said active position on said track.

2. The putting trainer device of claim 1, wherein said track is a guided ramp inclined from said neutral position to said active position.

3. The putting trainer device of claim 1, wherein said free moving component is a disc magnet.

4. The putting trainer device of claim 2, wherein said detector is a magnetic reed switch located adjacent said guided ramp and aligned substantially parallel to said guided ramp.

5. The putting trainer device of claim 1, wherein said free moving component is an electrically conductive ball bearing.

6. The puffing trainer device of claim 2, wherein said detector is an electrical conductor located on said guided ramp at said active position.

7. The putting trainer device of claim 1, wherein said electrical communication is by means of a printed circuit board.

8. The putting trainer device of claim 1, wherein said indicator is a speaker.

9. The puffing trainer device of claim 1, wherein said indicator is a light.

10. The putting trainer device of claim 1, wherein said indicator is a vibration device.

11. The putting trainer device of claim 1, wherein said device is attachable to a shaft of a putter and pivotable with respect to said shaft.

12. The putting trainer device of claim 2, wherein a level of inclination from said neutral position to said active position on said guided ramps may be adjusted.

13. The putting trainer device of claim 1, wherein a levelling pendulum is located within said putting trainer device.

14. The putting trainer device of claim 1, wherein there are two said tracks orientated substantially perpendicular to each other.

15. The putting trainer device as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.