Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a golf assistance device and methods of utilizing the same. Embodiments of the present invention more specifically relate to a device for assisting novice golfers to better understand the game of golf, and a method of improving a golfer&#39;s skills by utilizing the same. In one embodiment, a golf assistance device comprises: a unitary housing, a memory means contained within the unitary housing for storing at least audio data relating to the game of golf, a portable power supply contained within the unitary housing, a selection means accessible from an outside surface of the unitary housing, and a processor means for facilitating information transmission between the selection means, the memory means, and an output.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/264,741, filed Nov. 4, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/001,762, filed Nov. 5, 2007, entitled “Pocket Pro,” the disclosures of each application are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a golf assistance device and methods of utilizing the same. Embodiments of the present invention more specifically relate to a device for assisting novice golfers to better understand the game of golf, and a method of improving a golfer&#39;s skills by utilizing the same. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    As most novice golfers would acknowledge, the game is both frustrating and trying. So many things have to be simultaneously done correctly for a good shot to result. Yet, anyone thing done improperly could alter that shot from being a good one to an errant one. As these golfers would also acknowledge, it is not unusual to observe one “duffer” giving advice to another during the course of a round, such tidbits as “Keep your head down”, “Keep your leading arm straight”, “Hit down on the ball”, “Keep your weight on the Left foot” (or on the Right foot, or Balanced between them)”. Whether such advice is helpful or not is rarely known—and frequently is repeated at the next hole, or again during the next round of play, or whatever. 
         [0006]    For at least such reasons, the publishing of Books of instructional golf is quite common with virtually no let-up in sight. Typical of such Books are: “Golf My Way” (Jack Nicklaus); “Five Lessons: the Modern Fundamentals of Golf’ (Ben Hogan); “How To Play Your Best Golf All The Time” (Tommy Armour); “Bobby Jones on Golf’ (Bobby Jones); “On Learning Golf’ (Percy Boomer); and “Harvey Penick&#39;s Little Red Book” (Harvey Penick). Similarly, a wide variety of Golf magazines are available—for example: “Golf Week”, “Golf Tips”, Golf Digest”, “The Golfer”, “Golf World”, “Golf Illustrated”, and “Golf Teaching Pro”. 
         [0007]    With the advent of the Internet, even more golf instruction becomes available. When surfing the Web, now, golfers can obtain more varied instruction, more directly and more easily. As an example, the golfer can focus on seeking advice simply on hitting the tee shot, using the long irons, using the short irons, using the fairway woods, hitting the chip shot, hitting the pitch shot, putting, and hitting out of the sand. Focusing on the “chip shot” for example, the Internet seeker can find a summarization of three things that if adopted (it is claimed), should never produce a problem: namely, letting the club lift the ball and not trying to “scoop” it up; accelerating the club into impact; and aiming to pitch the ball a yard or two onto the green with its first bounce. 
         [0008]    Alternatively, the golfer can learn that the two curses of bad chipping are trying to hit at the ball to lift it, and swinging back too far—followed by a deceleration of the club head in the hopes of not hitting the ball too far. The supposed cure is simply to shorten the back swing and to accelerate the club head in order to achieve clean contact in striking the ground after impact, not before. Or, more detailed information can be offered such as: a.) Address the ball with the feet close together and the ball slightly nearer the back foot than the front; b.) Open the shoulders a little and orient the positioning such that the hands are ahead of the ball; c.) Focus on the swing not on attempting to force the ball skyward; d.) Grip down the handle on shorter shots to help shorten the swing without slowing it down; e.) Keep the weight on the front foot; f.) Swing the club back with the arms and shoulders rather than with the wrists; g.) Swing the club back the same length as it is desired to follow through as would happen if the ball was being rolled underarm; h.) Make sure that the hands arrive in front of the ball at impact; i.) Don&#39;t be tempted to look up at the target too soon; and j.) accelerate through the ball, making sure the ball is being attacked. Doing this is said to also impart a little back spin which will make the ball check when it hits the green in giving more control—and eliminating any likelihood of fluffing the ball only a few feet if the shot is quit upon. 
         [0009]    As is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill, the novice golfer simply cannot take along on the course all the book, magazine and Internet instruction material as a reminder how to hit the upcoming shot—or to play from a downhill lie, or from a sidehill lie, or from the rough, etc. Equally as obvious is that the golfer cannot just turn to a playing partner out on the course for advice, as he/she is usually on a different side of the fairway, or in the sand, or in the rough, or up ahead, or further behind, or looking for his/her ball, or contemplating his/her own next shot or problem. 
         [0010]    Thus, there is a need for a golf assistance device and methods of utilizing the same. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a golf assistance device and methods of utilizing the same. Embodiments of the present invention more specifically relate to a device for assisting novice golfers to better understand the game of golf, and a method of improving a golfer&#39;s skills by utilizing the same. In one embodiment, a golf assistance device comprises: a unitary housing, a memory means contained within the unitary housing for storing at least audio data relating to the game of golf, a portable power supply contained within the unitary housing, a selection means accessible from an outside surface of the unitary housing, and a processor means for facilitating information transmission between the selection means, the memory means, and an output. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, a device for assisting novice golfers to better understand the game of golf, the device comprises: a unitary housing, a memory means contained within the unitary housing for storing audio data relating to tips or advice to play the game of golf, a battery source contained within the unitary housing, a plurality of buttons accessible from an outside surface of the unitary housing for selecting a desired genre of tips or advice, and a processor means for facilitating information transmission between the plurality of buttons, the memory means, and a speaker. 
         [0013]    In yet another embodiment, a method of improving a golfer&#39;s skills at playing golf comprises: providing a golf assistance device comprising a unitary housing, a memory means contained within the unitary housing for storing at least audio data relating to the game of golf, a portable power supply contained within the unitary housing, a selection means accessible from an outside surface of the unitary housing, and a processor means for facilitating information transmission between the selection means, the memory means, and an output, accessing the positioning and lie of a golfer&#39;s golf ball during a round of golf, utilizing the selection means to indicate the assessment of the positioning and lie of the golfer&#39;s golf ball, and receiving information from the output, wherein, the information received from the output comprises advice for hitting the golfer&#39;s golf ball from its assessed positioning and lie. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    So the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, several of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present invention, and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting, for the present invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments, wherein: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  depicts a golf assistance device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  depicts a golf assistance device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  depicts a golf assistance device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  depicts a golf assistance device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  depicts a golf assistance device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  depicts a golf assistance device, embodied within a mobile communication device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0021]    The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a golf assistance device and methods of utilizing the same. Embodiments of the present invention more specifically relate to a device for assisting novice golfers to better understand the game of golf, and a method of improving a golfer&#39;s skills by utilizing the same. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  depicts a golf assistance device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The golf assistance device  10  has a display face  12  comprised of typically up to 16 buttons each clearly marked for a given situation. In  FIG. 1 , for example, button  14  may be labeled “Tee Off’, while buttons  16  and  18  may be labeled for a down-hill lie and for a sand trap, respectively. The golf assistance device can be carried in a pocket, or attached to a golf bag or golf cart as by the connection  20 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 4  illustrates the connection being of two separable parts  22 ,  24 , to allow the golf assistance device to be carried in one&#39;s pants or golf jacket. 
         [0025]    In use, for example, prior to hitting a tee shot, the golfer presses button  14 , and a 15 or 20 second voice might give instruction as to what is needed to strike the proper tee shot. Later, pressing button  16  would advance to a second portion of the audio tape for voice instruction as to how to hit the ball if the tee shot results in the ball resting on a down hill lie. After hitting that shot, button  18  might be depressed for instruction as to how to strike the ball out of the sand in which the previous shot caused it to land. Button  26  may then be depressed for putting advice. 
         [0026]    Reference numeral  30  in  FIG. 1  represents an ON-OFF switch in a 2-column display. Reference numeral  32  shows the ON-OFF switch in the I-column display of  FIG. 2 . Reference numeral  34  shows the ON-OFF switch in the configuration of FIG.  3 —where reference numeral  36  represents a fast-forward and reverse button. Reference numeral  38  in  FIG. 3  identifies a read-out window as to the audio message to be played, while reference numeral  40  identifies the device&#39;s speaker. 
         [0027]    The exact format or design of the golf assistance device could be in any configuration that would appeal to the golfer. Furthermore, besides being used on a course during a round of play, the golf assistance device could be used as a training tool for those learning the game—as at the driving range, on a practice tee, and just about anywhere where the golfer may be practicing. Anyone who wishes to improve their game would find the quick audio reminder helpful—and appropriate sales and marketing of the device could follow from its being endorsed by a top professional golfer or instructor, for example. 
         [0028]    Additional embodiments of the present invention provide a golf assistance device having a plurality of experts, professional golfers, or other persons rendering advice, stored on a single device. For example, in one embodiment, a user may wish to know what a professional golfer, such as Tiger Woods, might do in a situation, but is also interested in knowing what the local golf pro would also do. In various embodiments of the present invention, beyond the plethora of shot-type or position-type selections on the golf assistance device, there may be any number of advice providers (either celebrity or anonymous), which may be selected by a user as well. 
         [0029]    In many embodiments of the present invention, the golf assistance device may also incorporate a global positioning system (GPS). For example, in one commercial embodiment, the golf assistance device may incorporate a portable GPS device, designed for golf courses, such as those commercially available from SkyHawke Technologies, LLC, sold under the brand SkyCaddie®. In such an embodiment, the golf assistance device may tie the features of embodiments of the present invention, as discussed above, with automated location technology. 
         [0030]    In embodiments of the present invention, a golf assistance device having built-in GPS capabilities, is capable of providing any geographic or location data available through GPS. For example, in one embodiment the golf assistance device may provide the user&#39;s exact location on the golf course with respect to the tee box, the hole, the center of the fairway, the edge of the green, or the like. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment, the golf assistance device is further capable of overlaying GPS technology with a topology map of the particular golf course. For example, by pinpointing a location of the user in view of the topology of the golf course, the golf assistance device will be able to ascertain the particular lie of the user&#39;s golf ball (i.e., in the fairway, the rough, a sand trap, or the like). In many embodiments, additional questions regarding the lie may also be posed to the user, despite the general location being known. For example, if the golf ball is in a sand trap, a user may be posed with questions regarding how deep the ball is buried, what the consistency of the sand appears to be (i.e., wet, dry, clay-based, white sand, etc.), or the like. 
         [0032]    To facilitate learning the topology of a golf course, the golf assistance device may be capable of downloading (via a wireless or wired communication medium), course information from a third party website, computer terminal, or the like. In addition, in certain embodiments, the golf assistance device may be capable of plugging into a terminal at the golf course, prior to play, or even at the tee box of every hole. Such information may be general, for example, the course maps, ratings, and distances published by the golf course; or in certain instances, may be updated daily to obtain positioning of the tee box, pin positioning, golf cart rules for the day (e.g., 90 degree turns only, cart path only, etc.). As such, during operation, the golf assistance device would be able to provide information regarding distances to various predetermined locations, for example, the tee box, the pin, the edge of the green, the center of the green, the center of the fairway, a bunker, the edge of the rough, the edge of a water hazard, or the like. 
         [0033]    In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, once the particular location is known, and the surroundings and environment are established, the golf assistance device may be utilized as described above, in order to render proper golf advice on how to hit the next shot. 
         [0034]    In accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention, the golf assistance device may have built-in GPS radio technology or may be in communication with an external GPS receiver (e.g., built into a golf ball). In some embodiments, the GPS receiver may be built into the golf assistance device, but is further in communication, for example, with RFID technology, with the golf ball. In such type of embodiments, the location of the golf ball is being monitored by the golf assistance device, not merely the golf assistance device itself. Such embodiments would also greatly assist in tracking down potentially lost golf balls in tall rough, in the woods, or the like. 
         [0035]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, in certain embodiments, the golf assistance device may be built into a third apparatus or device. For example, the golf assistance device may be built into a golf cart, a golf bag, or the like. Using combinations of the disclosed embodiments above, the user may be able to conveniently learn about the location of the golf ball, and obtain accurate and relevant information regarding the upcoming shot, en route to the shot. These types of embodiments could assist in maintaining adequate course play speed, while providing a significant amount of relevant golf advice. 
         [0036]    In additional embodiments of the present invention, the golf assistance device may further be provided with a communication means capable of communicating with a third party through textual data, audio data, visual data, or combinations thereof. In such embodiments, for certain instances, and perhaps through a subscription-type service, a user of a golf assistance device may be capable of communicating with an expert or other third party, in necessary circumstances. For example, with such a device, a user may be able to communicate with a golf pro, or other instructor, when the user finds himself/herself in a situation where the user had previously worked with such instructor on remedying that problem in his/her game. By providing a direct line of communication, the user may be able to avoid conflicting advice prerecorded on the golf assistance device, and obtain customized advice for a particular shot. 
         [0037]    While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. It is understood that various embodiments described herein may be utilized in combination with any other embodiment described, without departing from the scope contained herein.