Golf glove and grip providing for power and club parametrics signal transfer obtained in real-time

• US 20100093457A1
• Filed: 10/05/2009
• Published: 04/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/10/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Innoventions Partners LLC
• Original Assignee: Innoventions Partners LLC
• Inventors: Klinger, Robert C., Ahern, Frank W.
• Application Number:
  US12/587,264
• Publication Number:
  US 20100093457A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 473/202
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2060/464 Means for indicating or measuring the pressure on the grip
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2102/32 Golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/12 Absolute positions, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/801 Contact switches
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/836 Sensors arranged on the body of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/54 Transponders, e.g. RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/14 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/06 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/08 characterised by the material
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/10 with means for indicating correct holding positions A63B60/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/46 Measurement devices associated with golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like for measuring physical parameters relating to sporting activity, e.g. baseball bats with impact indicators or bracelets for measuring the golf swing
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/36 for golf
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0669 Score-keepers or score display devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/146 Golf gloves

Abstract

A golf appliance, such as a glove and golf club grip system providing for club specific parametric signal transfer there between providing for the ability to automatically score golf rounds and analyze golf club swings in real-time. In addition, enhanced capability may also be achieved by integrating GPS parametric and golf course specific information. One aspect of the invention includes the capability to provide power between the golf glove and a golf club grip. Another aspect of the invention transfers data particular to a player'"'"'s swing, a ball strike, and club information.

Claims

1. A golf appliance configured to communicate with a golf club, comprising:

a body member configured to be worn by a golfer, the body member having an interface configured to receive electrical signals from the golf club indicative of a club parameter.

2. The golf appliance as specified in claim 1 wherein the golf appliance is a golf glove.

3. The golf appliance as specified in claim 2 wherein the golf glove interface is disposed proximate a palm portion of the glove.

4. The golf appliance as specified in claim 1 wherein the interface is configured to receive the electrical signals when positioned in close proximity of the golf club.

5. The golf appliance as specified in claim 1 wherein the interface is configured to receive the electrical signals when in physical contact with the golf club.

6. The golf appliance as specified in claim 2 wherein the parameter is indicative of the type of club.

7. The golf appliance as specified in claim 2 wherein the parameter is indicative of a swing of the golf club.

8. The golf appliance as specified in claim 7 wherein the parameter is indicative of a golf ball strike by the golf club.

9. The golf appliance as specified in claim 1 wherein the appliance further comprises a sensor.

10. The golf appliance as specified in claim 9 wherein the sensor is configured to respond to electrical signals provided by the golf club.

11. The golf appliance as specified in claim 10 wherein the sensor is an RFID sensor.

12. The golf appliance as specified in claim 10 wherein electrical signals are indicative of golf club acceleration.

13. The golf appliance as specified in claim 1 further comprising a processing module coupled to the appliance and configured to receive and process the electrical signals.

14. The golf appliance as specified in claim 13 wherein the process module comprises a receiver.

15. The golf appliance as specified in claim 13 wherein the process module comprises a transceiver.

16. The golf appliance as specified in claim 13 wherein the processor is configured to generate a signal indicative of the club parameter.

17. The golf appliance as specified in claim 16 wherein the parameter is indicative of an actual golf shot.

18. The golf appliance as specified in claim 17 wherein the processor is further configured to record the parameters.

19. The golf appliance as specified in claim 2 wherein the golf glove interface comprises portions of electrically conductive material.

20. The golf appliance as specified in claim 13 wherein the processor is further configured to process the electrical signals which are indicative of accelerometer data.

21. A golf appliance configured to communicate with a golf club, comprising:

a body member configured to be worn by a golfer, the body member having an interface configured to couple electrical signals to the golf club during actual golf play.

22. The golf appliance as specified in claim 21 wherein the body member is a glove.

23. The golf appliance as specified in claim 22 wherein the electrical signals are power sufficient to power a sensor.

24. The golf appliance as specified in claim 22 wherein the interface comprises at least one electrical contact configured to make an electrical path with a golf grip of the club when gripped.

25. The golf appliance as specified in claim 21 wherein the interface comprises a plurality of electrical contacts.

26. The golf appliance as specified in claim 25 wherein the body member is a glove having a palm portion including the plurality of electrical contacts.

27. The golf appliance as specified in claim 22 further comprising a processor electrically coupled to the interface.