US20060030421A1

US20060030421A1 - Golf aid device

Info

Publication number: US20060030421A1
Application number: US10/910,477
Authority: US
Inventors: Carl Paffendorf
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-08-03
Filing date: 2004-08-03
Publication date: 2006-02-09

Abstract

The object of this invention is to provide signals to a golfer, such as, first, a warning signal to remind the golfer not to move his or her head or sway his or her body as he or she swings at the golf-ball, and second, a signal only if the golfer actually moves his or her head side-wise during the swing. The invention provides means for detecting the lowering of the golfer's head at which time transducer means are provided for producing the warning signal and for activating the means for detecting any lateral motion of the head so that a second signal be issued. Same means preclude the issuance of a signal while the head of the golfer is kept up, as in the case during normal walking.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates in general to the generation of signals and in particular to signals used during golf playing. Two types of signals are dealt with: first a signal to warn the golf player not to move his head or sway his body as he swings at the golf-ball and a signal to notify the golfer of his performance by issuing a second signal, only if a lateral movement of the head did actually occurred during the swing.

BACKGROUND ART

It is well known among golfers that the head must be kept steady and the body should be kept from swaying during the swing. “Poor use of the head and the body results in a poor shot”, they say. If the golfer lifts or turns his or her head early or sways his or her body as he or she swings at the golf ball, he or she is introducing detrimental habits into the golf game. The idea of signals to the golfer in this connection is totally new and there is no known prior art.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention is presented in three embodiments. According to embodiment A, a flash of light is used as a signal to the golfer as soon as he or she lowers his or her head, as a warning or reminder to keep the head in the same position and not sway his or her body as he or she swings at the golf ball. Electricity from a battery is slowly being accumulated into a condenser through a resistor, while the golfer keeps his or her head up, a condition which is met during normal walking. As the head of the golfer is being lowered to look at the back of the golf-ball, before swinging at it, a mercury switch is tilted to electrically connect the charged capacitor with a flasher, emitting the desired visible flash as said capacitor is being discharged. Simultaneously, a second mercury switch allows current to a light emitting diode the light of which is being focused by a lens onto a phototransistor. This light, however does not normally reach the phototransistor, as it is blocked by a lead weight mounted at the end of a very light spring, as long as the weight remains at its center position. Lateral movement of the golfer's head, however, sets the lead weight and spring into oscillatory motion, thereby allowing pulses of light from each side of the lead weight to reach the phototransistor. During the occurrence of these pulses, the phototransistor becomes energized to allow current from said battery to a buzzer, indicating that a lateral movement of the head had occurred. If no lateral movement of the head occurs the second signal is not being issued. As soon as the head of the golfer is being raised, the mercury switch goes back to its original position, again interrupting current from reaching said circuitry means for producing the second signal and the device starts charging said condenser with current for the first signal, again.
Accordingly, it is the first main object of the present invention to provide a warning in terms of a first signal to remind a golfer to keep his or her head in the same position and his or her body from swaying as he or she swings at the golf-ball.
Another object of this invention is to provide a second signal to a golfer during the swing at the golf-ball to notify the golfer that his or her head had been moved during the swing. For a golfer with fast responses, at the first sounding of the buzzer signal he or she may be able to apply restraint to limit the motion of the head.
Other objects and features of the invention will appear as the discussion of the particular physical embodiments are selected to illustrate the invention processes. The various features of novelty are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a apart in this specification. In addition, for a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, references are made to the accompanied drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of the invention.
The invention is illustrated diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings by way of examples, involving means of providing a warning signal and a performance signal. The diagrams illustrate only the principles and how these means are employed in this particular field of application. It is however to be understood that the purely diagrammatic showing does not offer a survey of other possible constructions and a departure from the constructional features, diagrammatically illustrated, does not necessarily imply a departure of the principles of the invention. For example, the means for detection of the motion of the head can be designed in various forms. The items that provide the signal can be located at various places on the golfer's body and there are various ways of providing a signal. It is therefore to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous modifications and variations, without departing from its scope.
In the accompanying drawings, forming part hereof, similar reference characters designate corresponding parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The details of my invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric fractional elevation view showing the construction of embodiment A for first producing a warning signal to warn the golfer not to move his head or sway his body as he swings at the golf-ball and second for issuing a second signal, only if a lateral movement of the head did actually occur during the swing.
FIG. 2 is an isometric fractional elevation view showing the construction of embodiment B; for generating only a warning signal to the golfer.
FIG. 3 is an isometric fractional elevation view showing the construction of embodiment C; for generating only a signal notifying the golfer that he or she did move his or her head while swinging at the golf ball.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a golfer's head, wearing a hat where the transducing elements for said first and second signals may be located.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING THE INVENTION

The invention is presented in three embodiment, A, B, and C. Embodiment A is represented by electronic components and signal generating transducers for the production of the two required signals, as shown in FIG. 1. In the example presented, the first signal is issued as a warning to the golfer as a visible signal.
An electronic condenser 4, connected between the end of a resistor 3 and ground, is being charged with electric current from a battery 1, through a manual switch 2 and the resistor 3. Switch 2 is a main switch used to turn off the device when not needed, thereby saving the charge of the battery 1. When the switch 2 is turned “ON” it connects the battery 1 to the resistor 3 for charging the condenser 4. The charging process stops when the voltage of the capacitor 4 reaches the voltage of the battery 1; but the charge remains in the condenser 4 to be used at any time. The high side of the condenser 4 is connected to one of the terminals 17 of a mercury switch 14. A second terminal 19 of the switch 14 is connected to the anode of a flasher 13, whereby a flash of light is produced when the golfer lowers his or her head, causing the mercury switch to be tilted for the mercury 31 to be shifted to provide an electrical connection between the terminals 17 and 19 of the switch, thereby connecting said high side of the condensed 4 with the anode of the flasher 13. The generation of the flash discharges the capacitor 4, which then starts recharging, but slowly because of the impeding action on the current by the resistor 3.
The voltage of the battery 1 is also fed into a terminal 20 of a second mercury switch 16 which is being tilted simultaneously with said mercury 14, establishing electrical conduction between the terminal 20 and 21. The latter terminal is connected and provides current simultaneously to two electronic components; namely to a light emitting diode 5 and a phototransistor 10. The light from the diode 5 is being focused by a lense 6, at an opening 9, in front of the phototransistor 10. This light does not reach the phototransistor 10, as the aperture 9 is normally covered by the surface of a lead weight 8 supported at the end of a thin spring 7. The base of the spring 7 is rigidly supported by the lense 6, which, in turn, is bolted to the housing 12 via a bolt 24. It may be noted from FIG. 1 that the two mercury switches, 14 and 16, are supported by a plate 18, which is rigidly connected to the body of the lens 6. When the head of the golfer is moved laterally, carrying with it the casing 12, the inertia of the weight 8 holds the weight from being equally displaced; thereby the spring 7 with the weight 8 being set in oscillatory motion slightly uncovering the aperture 9 so that light from the source 5 reaches to energize the phototransistor 10. The phototransistor allows current from the battery 1, to flow and drive a buzzer 23, producing an audible buzzing sound, the desired signal for the golfer. It may be noted that the buzzer 23 and flasher 13 are preferably located outside the housing 12, the buzzer 23 near the ear of the golfer and the flasher under the brim of the golfer's hat, as is shown in FIG. 4.
As shown in FIG. 4, the casing 12, containing said driving electronic components and the two transducing components, namely the flasher 13 and buzzer 23 are conveniently located inside a golfer's hat 11. The electrical connections from the driving electronics inside the housing 12 to the transducing components 13 and 23 are clearly shown in FIG. 1.
It may be noted that while the present embodiment provides for the issuance of two types of signals, one for warning the golfer and one for notifying the golfer when his of her head moves during the swing, the invention, for the sake of simplicity and for saving in manufacturing cost, may be built to provide only either of the two signals using the electronic components required for the issuance of the particular signal. It is for this reason embodiments B and C are described and claimed.
Embodiment B is represented by electronic components and signal generating transducers for the production of the required signal, as shown in FIG. 2. In the example presented, the signal is issued as a warning to the golfer as a visible signal. An electronic condenser 4, connected between the end of a resistor 3 and ground, is being charged with electric current from a battery 1, through a manual switch 2 and the resistor 3. Switch 2 is a main switch used to turn off the device when not needed, thereby saving the charge of the battery 1.
When the switch 2 is turned “ON” it connects the battery 1 to the resistor 3 for charging the condenser 4. The charging process stops when the voltage of the capacitor 4 reaches the voltage of the battery 1; but the charge remains in the condenser 4 to be used at any time. The high side of the condenser 4 is connected to one of the terminals 17 of a mercury switch 14. A second terminal 19 of the switch 14 is connected to the anode of a flasher 13, whereby a flash of light is produced when the golfer lowers his head, causing the mercury switch to be tilted for the mercury 31 to move and provide an electrical connection between the terminals 17 and 19 of the switch, thereby connecting said high side of the condensed 4 with the anode of the flasher 13. The generation of the flash discharges the capacitor 4, which then starts recharging, but slowly because of the impeding action on the current by the resistor 3.
Embodiment C is represented by electronic components and signal generating transducers for the production of the required signal, as shown in FIG. 3. In the example presented, voltage provided by a battery 1 is fed into a terminal 20 of a mercury switch 16 which is being tilted when the head of the golfer is being lowered, establishing electrical conduction between the terminal 20 and 21. The latter terminal is connected and provides current simultaneously to two electronic components; namely to a light emitting diode 5 and a phototransistor 10. The light from the diode 5 is being focused by a lense 6, at an opening 9, in front of the phototransistor 10. This light does not reach the phototransistor 10, as the aperture 9 is normally covered by the surface of a lead weight 8 supported at the end of a thin spring 7. The base of the spring 7 is rigidly supported by a lense 6, which, in turn, is bolted to the housing 12 via a bolt 24. When the head of the golfer is moved laterally, carrying with it the casing 12, the inertia of the weight 8 holds the weight from being equally displaced; thereby the spring 7 with the weight 8 being set in oscillatory motion slightly uncovering the aperture 9 at the sides so that light from the source 5 reaches to energize the phototransistor 10.
The phototransistor allows current from the battery 1, to flow and drive a buzzer 23, producing an audible buzzing sound, the desired signal for the golfer. It may be noted that the buzzer 23 is preferably located outside the housing 12, near the ear of the golfer as is shown in FIG. 4.

Claims

1. A device for providing one or more signals to a golfer, such as first a warning or a reminder to him or her to keep his or her head in the same position and not sway his or her body while swinging at the golf ball, and second for notifying him or her of the fact that a lateral motion of the head did occur when it does, comprising:

a battery for providing electrical current;

first timing means for the generation of the warning signal triggered by the lowering of the golfer's head;

a first signal producing transducer means driven by said timing means;

whereby, the lowering of golfer's head activates said timing means, generating an electrical connection between said battery means and said first transducer means, issuing the required warning signal;

second timing means also triggered by the lowering of the golfer's head;

a second transducer means timed by said timing means;

lateral motion of the head detecting means;

whereby the lowering of golfer's head followed by activation of said lateral motion of the head detecting means generates an electrical connection between said battery means and said second transducer means issuing the required signal confirming lateral motion of the head during the swing.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first timing means comprises mercury switch means.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first transducer means comprises flasher means for producing a visible flash.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said second transducer means comprises buzzer means for producing an audible signal.

5. A device for providing a signal to a golfer, as a warning or a reminder to him or her to keep his or her head in the same position and not sway his or her body while swinging at the golf ball, comprising:

a battery for providing electrical current;

a manual electrical switch for turning said device “ON” and “OFF” for preserving the current of said battery;

timing means for the generation of the warning signal triggered by the lowering of the golfer's head;

a signal producing transducer means triggered by said timing means;

an electronic condenser means for developing and storing a voltage from said battery for driving said transducer means;

a resistor for isolating said battery from said first transducer means, thereby prolonging the life of said battery and delaying the charging of said condenser means; Whereby, the lowering of golfer's head activates said timing means, generating an electrical connection between said condenser means and said first transducer means, issuing the required warning signal.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein said first timing means comprises mercury switch means.

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein said transducer means comprises flasher means for producing a visible flash.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein said transducer means comprises buzzer means for producing an audible signal.

9. A device for providing a signal to a golfer, notifying him or her that his or her head was laterally moved while swinging at the golf ball, comprising:

a battery for providing electrical current;

means for timing the generation of the warning signal based on the lowering of the golfer's head;

transducer means for generating a signal timed by said timing means;

lateral motion of the head detecting means;

whereby the lowering of golfer's head followed by activation of said lateral motion of the head detecting means generates an electrical connection between said battery means and said transducer, means issuing the required signal confirming lateral motion of the head during the swing.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein said timing means comprises mercury switch means.

11. The device in claim 5, wherein said transducer means comprises flasher means for producing a visible flash.

12. The device in claim 9; wherein said transducer means comprises buzzer means for producing an audible signal.

13. A device for providing two types of signals to a golfer, first a warning signal for reminding him or her to keep his or her head in the same position and not sway his or her body while swinging at the golf ball, and a second signal notifying the golfer if a lateral motion occurred during the swing, comprising:

a battery for providing electrical current;

a first signal producing transducer means driven by said timing means;

an electronic condenser means for developing and storing a voltage from said battery for driving said first transducer means;

a resistor for isolating said battery from said first transducer means, thereby prolonging the life of said battery and delaying the charging of said condenser means; whereby the lowering of golfer's head activates said timing means, generating an electrical connection between said condenser means and said first transducer means, issuing the required warning signal;

second timing means also triggered by the lowering of the golfer's head;

a second transducer means timed by said timing means;

lateral motion of the head detecting means;