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.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 60/526,200, filed Dec. 3, 2003. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to the field of golf and, more particularly, to a system and method for golf-swing training. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     An improved golf swing is a common goal of many golfers of all skill levels. Golf enthusiasts have discovered that small golf-swing adjustments can make noticeable differences in the accuracy and distance of ball placement. In a round of golf, continual use of proper techniques of body-stance, club-grip, and swing-timing may improve performance by multiple strokes. Accordingly, some golfers practice various techniques for improving their swing. For improved ball-driving distance and accuracy, appropriate swing timing may be a key factor. Thus, golf enthusiasts have recognized a need for a club-mounted training device for improving golf-swing timing to promote increased ball-driving distance and accuracy. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a golf-club-mounted training device for increasing golf-ball-driving distance and accuracy. A golfer is cued when, during the course of the forward motion of a typical golf swing, the club head begins to decelerate. Using the training device, the golfer is able to practice timing his swing to contact the ball at a point just before the club head is beginning to decelerate. Timing a golf swing to coincide ball-contact just prior to the beginning of deceleration may result in an increase in available energy in the head of the golf club for transfer to the golf ball. Increased energy transfer may result in increased ball-driving distance. Additionally, just prior to deceleration, the club is in a straight position. Contacting the ball while the club is in a straight position may result in a more accurate drive. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a removably-attachable training device is mounted to a golf club above the club head. A unidirectional switch, containing a pendulum, completes a circuit when the training device is decelerating in the direction specified by the switch. The switch is oriented to make the forward motion of a swing the direction of motion. Completion of the circuit illuminates an array of light-emitting diodes directed toward the eyes of the golfer. By using the training device, the golfer is able to see where deceleration begins to occur in his swing. The golfer may then attempt to make adjustments in the timing of his swing to make the light-emitting diodes illuminate immediately after to making contact with the ball, without sacrificing accuracy and velocity of his swing. Utilizing such a technique helps to maximize the energy available for transfer from the golf club to the golf ball, consequently promoting an increase in ball-driving distance and accuracy. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the flexing of a golf club at several positions during the forward motion of a typical swing. 
         FIGS. 2  A-D illustrate alternate views of one embodiment of the training device. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the training device mounted to a golf club. 
         FIGS. 4A  and B illustrate a circuit diagram for one embodiment of the training device. 
         FIGS. 5  A-C illustrate the circuit of the embodiment of the training device shown in  FIGS. 4  A and B, employing the embodiment of the motion switch shown in  FIGS. 2  B-D. 
         FIGS. 6A  and B illustrate the circuit of the embodiment of the training device shown in  FIGS. 4  A and B, employing an alternate embodiment of the motion switch. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a golf-swing training device for use with a golf club. The training device promotes increased ball-driving distance by signaling to the golfer when the club-mounted training device begins to decelerate during the forward motion of a golf-swing and also signals to the golfer when the club has returned to a straight position from a flexed position. 
     The distance that a golf ball travels is related to how much energy the club head transfers to the ball during contact. Thus, one technique for increasing driving distance is to put more energy into the club head. Typically, much of the energy in the club during an average swing is in the form of kinetic energy. However, energy also exists in the form of potential energy due to flexing of the shaft of the average golf club as the club is accelerating during a swing. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the flexing of a golf club at several positions during the forward motion of a typical swing. Curved arrows  101 - 104  show the direction of travel of the golf club  105 . At position A, near the beginning of a typical swing, the angular velocity of the golf head  106  is increasing from rest, so the initial angular acceleration is positive. The club head  106  is flexed backward, lagging behind the direction of the swing. At position A, the dashed line  108  represents a virtual image of the golf club  105  with no flex, and the arrow  110  represents the shortest distance from the virtual, rigid club  108  to the real club head  106 . Position B illustrates a second point in the swing where the acceleration is still positive. The club head  106  is still flexed backward, lagging the virtual image of the rigid club  112  by a distance  114 . 
     At some point during the average forward motion of the swing, the acceleration in the angular velocity of the club begins to decrease, after which point the club head also begins to decelerate. Once the golf club  105  begins to decelerate, the golf club  105  begins to straighten out and eventually flex in the opposite direction. Position C illustrates a point where the golf club  105  has just recently begun to decelerate. The club  105  is rigid and the club head  106  overlaps the virtual, rigid club  116 . At position D, the golf club  105  continues to decelerate. As a result, the golf club  105  begins to flex in the opposite direction, causing the club head  106  to lead the virtual, rigid club  118  by a distance  120 . In position E, the angular velocity is still decreasing and the club head  106  is still leading the virtual, rigid club  122  by a distance  124 . 
     Timing a golf swing to take advantage of the extra energy available when the flex of the club head is transitioning from a lagging position to a leading position would result in greater available energy to transfer from the club head to the ball. Greater available energy may improve ball-driving distance. Additionally, contacting the ball while the club is straight may improve accuracy of ball-driving. 
       FIGS. 2  A-D illustrate one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2A  is a top view of the training device. The training device  202  includes a top surface  204  with a hooked portion  206  for attachment to the shaft of a golf club. The top surface  204  further contains an aperture through which an array of light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”)  208  projects. Suitable materials for fabricating the training device would include such materials as plastic, wood, or other lightweight sturdy material. Directional arrow  209  illustrates the direction of the forward motion of a typical golf swing. Note that, when the training device  202  is properly mounted to a club, arrow  209  points away from the front face of the club, the ball-contact surface. 
     The top surface  204  and LED array  208  are removable for replacement of the LED array  208  and/or adapting the training device  202  for use with left-handed golf clubs. For example, the LED array  208  and top surface  204  may be disconnected and removed. The top surface  204  may then be flipped over upside down and/or the LED array  208  replaced. The top surface  204  and the LED array may then be reattached to the training device  202 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a side view of one embodiment of the training device. The array of LEDs  208  is connected to a motion switch  210  within a motion-switch housing  212 . The motion switch  210  contains an electro-conductive pendulum  214 . The pendulum  214  swings from a pivot  216 . The pivot  216  is a pin  218  attached at both ends to opposite edges of the motion-switch housing  212 . The pin  218  is oriented parallel with the front face of the club head so that the pendulum  214  is capable of swinging either with the direction of the forward motion of the golf swing, or against the direction of the forward motion of the golf swing. Dotted line  220  is an electro-conducting wire connecting the pendulum  214  to the LEDs  208 , forming part of an electric circuit. Directional arrow  221  illustrates the direction of the forward motion of a typical golf swing. The arrow  221  is pointing out of the plane of the page. 
     The training device  202  includes a tapered bottom surface  222  angled obliquely to the top surface  204 . The tapered bottom surface  222  orients the training device  202  so the top surface  204  faces the direction of the eyes of an average golfer while swinging a golf club, thus promoting visibility of the LEDs  208  to the golfer. The bottom surface  222  includes a suction cup  224 . The suction cup  224  removably attaches to the top surface of a club head. In an alternate embodiment, the suction cup is replaced with a hook and loop fastener. The first strip of the hook and loop fastener is affixed to the bottom surface of the training device, while the second strip of the hook and loop fastener is affixed to the top of the club head. In various alternate embodiments, the training device is attached to the club head by other types of fasteners such as rope, brackets, rubber bands, snaps, socks, sewn sleeves, or tape. One or more layers of padding, such as rubber or foam, may also be used in conjunction with the various fasteners to promote a secure fit without damaging the training device and/or the club head. Additionally, in other alternate embodiments, the training device is permanently mounted to a club by various methods, such as by glue, nails or bolts. 
       FIGS. 2C  and D are end views of one embodiment of the training device.  FIG. 2C  shows the training device  202  with no acceleration. The pendulum  214  hangs down and the LEDs  208  are not illuminated. Directional arrow  226  illustrates the direction of the forward motion of a typical golf swing.  FIG. 2D  shows the training device accelerating to the left. Directional arrow  228  illustrates the direction of the forward motion of a typical golf swing. Since the two motions are in opposite directions, the training device  202  is decelerating. The deceleration causes the pendulum  214  is swung to the right, contacting an electro-conductive plate  230 . Dotted line  232  is an electro-conductive wire connecting the electro-conductive plate  230  to the LEDs  208 . A circuit is completed when the pendulum  214  contacts the electro-conductive plate  230 . The completed circuit causes the LEDs  208  to illuminate, as shown by illumination arrows  234 . Note that a power source must exist somewhere within the circuit, as discussed with regards to  FIGS. 4  A and B. Also note that the power supply may be external to the training device. Thus, external wires, passing through an outer surface of the training device, may be necessary for connecting the power supply to the training device. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the training device mounted to a golf club. The training device is decelerating in the direction of the forward motion of the swing. Accordingly, the LEDs are illuminated. In an alternate embodiment, the training device is attached to the club at a greater distance from the club head. The LEDs project from the bottom surface of the training device and illuminate downward. The light reflects upward, toward the eyes of the golfer, from a reflective coating applied to the top surface of the club head. In yet another embodiment of the training device, one or more lenses are used to focus the light in the eyes of the golfer. 
       FIGS. 4A  and B illustrate one embodiment of a circuit diagram for the training device.  FIG. 4A  shows a circuit  402 . The circuit  402  includes a lamp  404 , a power source  406 , and a switch  408  in open position A  410 . The circuit  402  is open and the lamp  404  is off.  FIG. 4B  shows circuit  402  with the switch  408  in a closed position B  412 . The closed switch  408  completes the circuit and the lamp  404  illuminates, as shown by illumination arrows  414 . 
     In alternate embodiments, the lamp  404  may be an LED, or an array of more than one LED, or may be another source of illumination such as one or more strobe lights, xenon lights, incandescent lights, or laser lights. The power source may be either alternating current or direct current and may be of any voltage appropriate for illuminating the light source. When batteries are employed as a power source, the batteries may be either contained within the training device, or external to the training device as a battery pack or compartment. For instance, in one embodiment one or more batteries may be inserted into a battery compartment built into the shaft of a golf club in proximity to the grip. The batteries may then be connected to the training device within the club, thus eliminating external wires. Additionally, in alternate embodiments the circuit  402  may include a capacitor as a source of electrical power for the light, rather than a battery. The capacitor may be recharged by capturing kinetic energy from the movement of the club through an electromechanical system. Thus, illumination occurs as a pulse of light at the beginning of deceleration. Note that there is a time interval between light pulses when the capacitor is charging. 
       FIGS. 5  A-C illustrate the circuit of the embodiment of the training device shown in  FIGS. 4  A and B, employing the embodiment of the unidirectional motion switch shown in  FIGS. 2  B-D.  FIG. 5A  shows the pendulum  214  hanging straight down from the pivot  216 .  FIG. 5B  shows the pendulum swung to the right. The pendulum  214  swings to the right when the training device,  202  in  FIGS. 2  A-D, is accelerating to the left, as indicated by acceleration arrow  502 . Directional arrow  504  illustrates the direction of the forward motion the golf swing. Both arrows  502  and  504  are in the same direction; hence the acceleration is increasing. Conversely,  FIG. 5C  shows the pendulum swung to the left. The pendulum  214  swings to the left when the training device,  202  in  FIGS. 2  A-D, is accelerating to the right, as indicated by acceleration arrow  506 . Directional arrow  508  illustrates the direction of the forward motion the swing. Arrows  506  and  508  are in opposite directions; hence the device is decelerating. When the pendulum  214  is swung to the left, contact is made with the electro-conductive plate  230 . The circuit is completed and the lamp  404  illuminates, as shown by illumination arrows  414 . 
       FIGS. 6A  and B illustrate the circuit of the embodiment of the training device shown in  FIGS. 4  A and B, employing an alternate embodiment of the motion switch.  FIG. 6A  shows the switch in an open position. One side of the switch  602  is connected to an electro-conductive tube  604  positioned orthogonally to the face of the club head. The tube  604  is open on the end closest to the club face and closed on the opposite end. The opposite side of the switch  602  is connected to an electro-conductive plate  606  extending roughly parallel to the club face and positioned a distance from the open end of the tube  604  of less than the diameter of the tube  604 . Contained within the tube  604  is an electro-conductive sphere  608  with a diameter slightly less than the tube  602 . Deceleration of the switch  602  in the direction of the forward motion of a golf swing causes the sphere  608  within the tube  604  to roll towards the plate  606 .  FIG. 6B  shows the switch in a closed position. The sphere  608  is contacting both the tube  604  and the plate  606 , thus completing the circuit and illuminating the lamp. Note that the sphere is unable to roll completely out of the tube due to the proximity of the tube and the plate. 
     Although the present invention has been described in terms of a particular embodiment, it is not intended that the invention be limited to this embodiment. Modifications within the spirit of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, many types of component configurations and methods of attaching and mounting components within the training device, and attaching and mounting the training device to various golf clubs different from those shown in the figures and described in the above text may be employed. Moreover, the training device may employ alternate methods of signaling to the use of light. For instance, the training device may signal deceleration by sounding an audio alarm or vibrating the golf club. 
     The foregoing detailed description, for purposes of illustration, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description; they are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variation are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.