US20160166902A1

US20160166902A1 - Golf club with electronic device

Info

Publication number: US20160166902A1
Application number: US15/049,883
Authority: US
Inventors: Cameron J. Day; Michael T. McDonnell; Scott H. Moreira; Michael S. Yagley
Original assignee: Cobra Golf Inc
Current assignee: Cobra Golf Inc
Priority date: 2012-12-11
Filing date: 2016-02-22
Publication date: 2016-06-16

Abstract

The invention relates to golf clubs having an electronic device located away from a head of the club where it will not interfere with the mass distribution or aerodynamics of the club, and where it will not be subjected to the shocks that resonate through a club head during play. A club can include a shock absorber to protect operation of the device despite shocks that occur. In certain aspects, the invention provides a golf club for electronic game improvement having an electronic device mounted so that it is above a crown of the head when the club is at address.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/735,782, filed Dec. 11, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to golf clubs having an electronic device or RFID tag.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a popular sport played with a club that generally has a head, a shaft, and a grip. Golfers like interesting accessories and technologies that enhance their enjoyment of the game. Some accessories are provided as electronic devices to be coupled to a golf club. For example, U.S. Publication No. 2010/0308105 to Savarese describes electronic club tags that use light sensors to detect when a club is used.
Golfers may desire a device that analyzes their playing, for example, by tracking their putts or drives with precision. However, existing devices have revealed that golf clubs and electronic devices do not cooperate very well. Not only can adding an electronic device interfere with the playability of the club by compromising its mass distribution or aerodynamics, it also appears that hitting a golf ball interferes with the operation of an electronic device.

SUMMARY

The invention provides a golf club with an electronic device located on the club where it will not interfere with the mass distribution or aerodynamics of the club, and where it will not be adversely affected by the shocks that resonate through a club head during play. A club can include a shock absorber to protect operation of the device despite shocks that occur. The device may optionally be located away from the club head to minimize shock from hits. The electronic device may include an RFID tag or other device. An RFID tag can be used to uniquely identify the club (or the player, golf course, club set, manufacturer, etc.) to an electronic device and thus to support information gathering for a game improvement program. A game improvement program can be administered using electronic devices as well as computer systems and computer program-based analytical tools. Thus, using devices and methods of the invention, a golfer can gather information during their game and use that information to analyze their performance or to enhance their enjoyment of the game by, for example, competing electronically with their friends, comparing their performance to a pro's, or documenting their performance over time. Performance of a game improvement program that includes electronic device is consistent and failure-free due to a location of an electronic device on the golf club, and the optional inclusion of shock-absorbing features.
In certain aspects, the invention provides a golf club for electronic game improvement. The golf club generally includes a head having a sole, a crown, and a ball-striking face; a shaft extending from the head; and a grip at an end of the shaft. The golf club includes an electronic device mounted so that it is above the topline of the club when it is at address and the electronic device includes a conductor such as an RF antenna of an RFID tag and a shock absorber, such as a layer of dampening material. In some embodiments, the shock absorber is provided using a structure of the device. For example, a device with a long post (e.g., longer than about 3 cm) for insertion into the shaft can provide shock absorption useful for protecting the electronics.
In related aspects, the invention provides a golf club with an RFID tag mounted so that it is above the topline when the club is at address. The RFID tag includes an antenna with portions disposed concentrically around an axis of the shaft substantially within a plane perpendicular to the axis.
In other aspects, the invention provides a golf club with an RFID tag mounted so that it is above the topline when the club is at address and a second RFID tag mounted on the club.
In some aspects, the invention provides a golf club with a ferrule surrounding the shaft at the hosel and an electronic device mounted at the ferrule. The electronic device may include an insert disposed between the hosel and the ferrule and surrounding the shaft. In some embodiments, the electronic device surrounds the shaft and sits on top of the ferrule when the club is at address. In certain embodiments, the device is on or in the ferrule.
In related aspects, the invention provides a golf club with an electronic device mounted so that it is above the topline when the club is at address, the electronic device comprising a feature that prevents relative motion between the device and the shaft. The device may have a head portion and a post portion for insertion into the shaft. The feature may be a ridge that protrudes into a slot within the grip to prevent motion relative to the shaft.
Aspects of the invention provide a golf club with an electronic device slidably mounted on the shaft.
Other aspects of the invention provide a golf club with a setting adjustment mechanism operable to provide the club with a plurality of different effective settings and an electronic device mounted so that it is above the topline when the club is at address and configured to electronically determine a present effective setting of the setting adjustment mechanism.
In certain aspects, the invention provides a set of RFID tags for golf clubs in which the set includes a sheet comprising RFID tags. The sheet may include RFID tag (i.e., one for each club in a set). In some embodiments, the RFID tags are manually separable from one another via perforations. Each of the RFID tags may include a label area to indicate a club type. The sheet may be adapted to be fed through a printer so that, for example, a store or consumer can print club types or other indicia on the tags.
In related aspects, the invention provides a golf club with a first electronic device mounted so that it is above the topline when the club is at address and a second electronic device mounted on the club so that it is spaced away from the first electronic device and in electrical contact with the first electronic device. The first electronic device may be an RFID tag and the second electronic device may include a shot detection mechanism. The club may have a ferrule disposed at the hosel surrounding the shaft, and one of the electronic devices can be mounted at the ferrule. The other electronic device may be mounted at the grip.
In related aspects, the invention provides a golf club with an electrical contact point within the shaft and an electronic device configured to be inserted and removed from the shaft. The device features a contact piece, such as a metal band surrounding a post, to make electrical contact with the contact point. The club may include a second electronic device mounted closer to the hosel than to the grip and in electrical communication with the electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a device for insertion into a golf club.

FIG. 2 diagrams an RFID tag for use with a golf club.

FIG. 3 shows an RFID tag adapted for use within a device.

FIG. 4 shows a device for insertion into a grip and shaft.

FIG. 5 shows a golf club grip that includes features for receiving a device.

FIG. 6 gives a top-down view of a device in a grip.

FIG. 7 shows a device with a protrusion that prevents lateral motion.

FIG. 8 shows a cutaway view of a housing.

FIG. 9 shows an electronic device for installation in a golf club.

FIG. 10 illustrates device being installed in a shaft of a golf club.

FIG. 11 shows a device with an electronic component in the head.

FIG. 12 shows a golf club having a device mounted at a grip.

FIG. 13 shows a club having a device mounted at a ferrule.

FIG. 14 shows a hosel-ferrule insert style device.

FIG. 15 shows a version of a device that mounts at a top of a ferrule.

FIG. 16 shows a device for mounting on a shaft.

FIG. 17 shows a device that can be mounted on a shaft.

FIG. 18 depicts an RFID tag disposed within a device.

FIG. 19 shows a device 101 that includes a circuit in a ferrule.

FIG. 20 depicts a circuit.

FIG. 21 shows an inside view of a hosel ring and a ferrule.

FIG. 22 shows a cutaway view of a device.

FIG. 23 shows a device with electronic components.

FIG. 24 shows a club including RFID tags.

FIG. 25 shows insertion of a tag through a grip.

FIG. 26 depicts an alternative format of a tag for a club.

FIG. 27 depicts a tag at an underlisting of a golf club grip.

FIG. 28 depicts labels for tags.

FIG. 29 depicts a tag set including a plurality of RFID tags.

FIGS. 30-33 depict various locations above a crown for a tag.

FIG. 34 shows an electrical connection.

FIG. 35 shows an electrical conductor bored through a shaft.

FIG. 36 shows a conductor within a wall of shaft.

FIG. 37 depicts a cantilevered contact at an end of conductor.

FIG. 38 depicts a golf club with a tag on a shaft.

FIG. 39 gives a detailed view of a device with an electrical contact band.

FIG. 40 illustrated a device inserted into a shaft.

FIG. 41 depicts communication between a club and an electronic device.

FIG. 42 shows a screen for collecting data as a golfer plays a game.

FIG. 43 shows a display for use in game improvement.

FIG. 44 provides a diagram of a game improvement method.

FIG. 45 diagrams a system of the invention.

FIG. 46 depicts an additional embodiment of electronic device.

FIG. 47 shows two devices installed at a grip.

FIG. 48 gives a cutaway view of the devices depicted in FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 illustrates a golf club grip with a display.

FIG. 50 depicts a display on a surface of electronic device.

FIG. 51 depicts a golf club in which a device has a display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention generally provides a golf club with an electronic device protected by a shock absorbing structure and systems and methods for a game improvement program that use computer systems operable to communicate with the club.
FIG. 1 shows a device 101 for insertion into a golf club, for example, at the butt-end of a grip. Device 101 includes a body 102, a post 105, and a crown structure 107 defining an aperture 109. Aperture 109 can allow for passage of air into and out of device 101. In some embodiments, device 101 further includes an aperture on a portion of the device that will be inside of a club when installed. For example, the tip of post 105 can be cut off, and aperture 109 can simply extend through the center of device 101. Providing an aperture 109 through a crown of device 101 may provide a number of useful benefits including, for example, ventilation allowing adhesive from a golf club grip to waft away; a change in resonant frequency of a body of device 101 that dampens vibration during a golf club stroke; stackability as illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48; tool access (e.g. to pry out a watch battery); access for a light detector; purchase for a tool to remove device 101 from a golf club; or others. In some embodiments, crown structure 107 defines a tool engagement surface and the invention provides a tool for removing device 101 by insertion into the tool engagement surface of crown structure 107. In certain embodiments, device 101 includes one or more of a motion sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and light detector. A device can be included that detects or measures motion of the club in any one of, or any combination of, numerous modes including acceleration, translation motions, vibration, shock, tilt, and rotation.
Device 101 can offer a desired function such as swing improvement or training, situational on-off switching, or gesture recognition (e.g., two quick vertical shakes of a golf club signals an app on a golfer's smart phone to mark a position on a map for future reference). In some embodiments, device 101 includes one or more of an accelerometer with low-g sensing ranges (e.g., roughly human generated), an accelerometer with high-g sensing ranges (e.g., roughly vehicle generated), a gyroscope, a multi-axis gyroscope unit, a multi-axis accelerometer unit, or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the invention provides a kit comprising a club and a device 101. Device 101 can confer any number of desirable functions to golf clubs. Device 101 can include a bottle opener, a cigar cutter, a compass, a flashlight, a figurine, or an electronic device. Device 101 can include devices to measure one or more aspects of a swing. Exemplary systems and methods for describing swing tempo are described in Golf Swing Tempo Measurement System, U.S. Pat. No. 7,160,200, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. An electronic device 101 can include a camera or an audio output, for example, to deliver instructions or tips to a golfer. Exemplary devices are described in Golfing Aids, U.S. Pub. 2009/0239673, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Electronic club tags that detect light or include an antenna are described, for example, in Golf Club Apparatuses and Methods, U.S. Pub. 2010/0308105, and in Golf Data Recorder with Integrated Missing Club Reminder and Theft Prevention System, U.S. Pub. 2009/0233735, the contents of both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Device 101 can capture data reflecting that a device is picked up or put down, make precise measurements of an object's motion, or provide data to be recorded, so that a record is accumulated including an object's history of motions or positions. Further a record of an object's motions allows motions to be compared to each other, preferably with great precision, for example, by a computer processor (e.g. to determine if a later swing conforms to a desired objective more than an earlier swing—“Am I improving?”). An exemplary device including an orientation and position sensor with an RF transceiver is described in Miniaturized Wireless Inertial Sensing System, U.S. Pat. No. 7,672,781, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In certain embodiments, device 101 includes motion sensors as described above with requisite means (e.g., microchip or ASIC) to detect and interpret specified gestures. Defined gestures, such as tapping the head of a golf club while it is in a bag, or tapping the ground a specified number of times with a club while standing at address, allow users to activate different features or adjust a mode of operation. Gesture recognition is particularly useful in golf, where physical buttons and switches would be disfavored on a golf club. Switch (or button) free designs are more aesthetically pleasing, waterproof, and best in keeping with modern technological trends. In some embodiments, a device 101 for a golf club or a golf club includes one or more RFID tag.
Embodiments of the invention include a device 101 on a golf club. Any type of golf club may include a device 101 and one or more device 101 may be located at any position on the club. For example, in some embodiments, a device 101 includes an RFID tag located near a grip of a driver to protect it from shock. In some embodiments, the club is an iron. In certain embodiments, device 101 is an electronic device on the head of a golf club. For example, any device as described herein could be positioned on the face of an iron, on the back of an iron, on the face of a driver or hybrid, within the head of a driver or hybrid, on the head of a driver or hybrid, on the head or face of a wedge, on the head or face of a putter, or anywhere else. In some embodiments, device 101 is a shock detector on a face of a club. For example, by including a shot detector on the face, a club can be used for shot tracking. In some embodiment, a club includes a layer of piezoelectric material on the face in electrical contact with an RFID tag mounted away from the face for a shot-tracking club. In some embodiments, a face of the club includes an impact sensor to measure accuracy, coefficient-of-restitution, ball velocity, impact strength, position of hit on-face, or other factors. This may be provided to add desirable functionality for a consumer. Additionally, this may provide a very valuable tool for pro training (e.g., even where, for example, a face-mounted sensor is single-use or does not comply with association rules).
FIG. 2 diagrams an RFID tag 115 for use with the invention. An RFID tag provides a wireless non-contact system that uses radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data from a tag attached to a club, for the purposes of automatic identification and tracking. Some tags require no battery and are powered and read at short ranges via magnetic fields (electromagnetic induction). Others use a local power source and emit radio waves (electromagnetic radiation at radio frequencies). The tag contains electronically stored information which can be read from up to several meters or more away. The tag does not need to be within line of sight of the reader and may be embedded in the club. RFID tag 115 generally includes a microchip 121 and an antenna 117. While shown in FIG. 2 as a rectangular and substantially flat tag, RFID tag 115 can have other shapes and dimensions and can be pre-formed or can be custom fitted into components of the invention. In certain embodiments, a golf club of the invention has a grip such as one described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,517,850, issued Aug. 27, 2013, to Beno, et al., or U.S. Pub. 2013/0203517 to Bolane, et al., the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
FIG. 3 shows an RFID tag 115 custom fitted for use within a device 101 according to a configuration that optimizes a performance of RFID tag 115. Chip 121 sits in contact with material 112, both of which may be connected to antenna 117. Aperture 109 extends through device 101 allowing ventilation of the club shaft as well as modulating the resonant frequency favorably. Antenna 117 is disposed in a labyrinth spiral around aperture 109. Embodiments of the invention provide a golf club that includes an RFID tag on the ferrule, shaft, or grip. In some embodiments, the RFID tag is read by a tag reader worn or carried on a golfer's body. Based on the way that a golf club is held at address, it may be found that certain orientations of an RF antenna communicate with a reader poorly. An RF antenna may communicate optimally when an axis of a portion of a conductor is substantially oblique to a vector of propagation of an electromagnetic wave (e.g., an RF wave). A reader may be worn such that the reader interrogates a chipped club with an EM wave that propagates from the reader and to or past the club in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of a shaft of the club. Accordingly, it may provide enhanced functionality to position an RF antenna in an orientation that is at least partially substantially perpendicular to, or oblique to, an axis of a club shaft. A circle disposed coaxially around the club shaft provides sections that are substantially perpendicular to the axis in all possible directions. Accordingly, an arrangement antenna 117 such as the one depicted in FIG. 3 may provide optimum RF reception for an RFID tag in a club head. It is noted that, as depicted in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, device 101 is installed in a golf club such that the plane of the page of FIG. 3 is substantially perpendicular to an axis of the shaft of the club. For example, a device 101 may be inserted via post 105 into the shaft at a butt-end of a grip of the golf club.
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of device 101 for insertion into a grip and shaft. Device 101 includes post 105 and ridge 127. Here, device 101 may have a hole extending through it as defined by crown structure 107. As shown in FIG. 4, ridge 127 corresponds to slot 129 shown in the grip shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, a portion of the grip or the housing and a portion of device 101 each include a slot or a corresponding protrusion to prevent relative motion or to ensure proper alignment.
FIG. 5 shows a golf club grip 111 that includes features for receiving a device 101. Grip 111 includes rib slot 129 designed to engage with a corresponding protrusion on device 101 (not shown in FIG. 5). In the alternative, the housing element 106 has a rib protrusion designed to engage with a corresponding slot on device 101. When device 101 is inserted into a grip, it will be found to only fit well at a single rotational position.
FIG. 6 gives a top-down view of device 101 in grip 111 illustrated that a grip 111 and device 101 may be provided in a combination that only fit together in one rotational position. FIG. 6 shows that rip protrusion 127 matingly couples with slot 129 to prevent rotation and ensure proper alignment. A housing element or accessory of the invention can have one or more (e.g., any number) of the same or different slot or protrusions, the slot or protrusion being on either of the accessory or grip, as shown herein. For example, a grip could have two, three, or more of slot 129. Slot 129 can have any width, breadth, or dimensions as would be recognized as suitable by one of skill in the art.
Grip 111 may include a gripping surface with textured portions, which can be ridges, valleys, knobs, divots, irregular protrusions or recesses, or any other suitable method of providing a gripping surface. Material of the grip can also be made tacky, for instance by choosing a soft rubber, polymer, or composite or by impregnating a primary material with an accessory compound. Additionally, grip 111 may generally be described by its dimensions and other intrinsic properties. Grip 111 may include a housing such as a generally cylindrical recess surrounded by a generally tubular wall. The “depth” of the recess can be described by measuring a length parallel to a shaft axis, if the grip were installed on a club. The size of the recess may also be described by reference to an internal or external radius perpendicular to the shaft axis. A thickness of the wall may be described by a difference of the internal and the external radius.
In some embodiments, a length or an internal radius of the recess is between about 6 and about 26 mm. The external radius may be between about 8 mm and about 30 mm. Generally, the length of the wall (i.e., the length of the recess) may be greater than about 1 mm. In preferred embodiments, a length of the recess is between about 2 mm and about 13 mm; an internal radius is between about 10.5 mm and about 14.5 mm; an external radius is between about 11.5 mm and about 19.5 mm; or any combination thereof. Generally, grip 111 may have a mass between about 40 grams and about 55 grams, preferably about 15 grams and about 70 grams (e.g., between about 44 grams and about 53 grams). In some embodiments, grip 111 may be scaled up, or scaled down (e.g., for a club for a younger person or very tall person, or for a mini or outsized model club or grip for display as a demonstration) and proportions of the grip may then generally be described by reference to unitless ratios. In some embodiments, a ratio of a length of the recess to a thickness of the wall is greater than 0.5 (e.g., >about 4) and may be between about 1 and about 7. In some embodiments, a ratio of a length of the recess to a thickness of the wall is between about 1.5 and about 6.5. Generally, a ratio of an external radius of the recess to an overall length of the grip may be between about 0.02 and about 0.12, e.g., between about 0.03 and about 0.09. Generally, a ratio of a length of the recess to an overall length of the grip may be between about 0.001 and about 0.09, and may preferably be between about 0.01 and 0.07 (e.g., between about 0.03 and 0.05).
As shown in FIG. 5, grip 111 may include a housing 106 at the butt end to house a portion of device 101. The material of housing 106 provides for shock absorption for device 101. Additionally, device 101 is prevented from moving relative to a golf club in any of a number of modes including twisting, rotation, revolution, swiveling, shearing, longitudinal, or any combination thereof. This phenomenon relates to the coupling of an interior surface of housing 106 to an exterior surface 201??. By matingly coupling—that is, substantially matching and complementing each other in dimensions—surface contact creates much of the desired force. Due to housing 106, pressure or friction exists in each or every potential direction of motion. Accordingly, relative motion between the device 101 and the club is prevented during play, which includes restricting vibration. In some embodiments, when a club is played, device 101 does not vibrate enough to interfere with function when the club is being played. Use of a housing 106 in a grip as a shock absorber provides the additional functional benefit of providing for an interchangeability for device 101. Since a grip generally includes a pliable material, the material of housing 106 may be “worked” or flexed to allow insertion or removal of device 101, allowing a different device to be installed on the club. Due to the workable nature of the material, the grip should not interfere with the complete removal of device 101 from the club. However, due to elastic properties, dimensions, and surface properties, when device 101 is fully positioned in the grip, vibration of device 101 is prevented. “Pliable” generally refers to a material that is easily flexible and resists fatigue. Natural rubber, synthetic rubber and compound materials can be used alone or in conjunction with a number of cord and surface configurations to offer a certain tactile, softness or gripping characteristics. A grip of the invention can be made with cord made of cotton, and grips can be half or full corded. Rubber grips can be made from a blend of liquid rubber and granulated cork, optionally pressure molded, sanded, or painted. Grips can be made of plastics or polymer materials such as, for example, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). Grips can be made of leather such as cowhide, calfskin or kangaroo. They can be spiral wrapped. Corded grips can be corded with strands of thread, e.g., to create a non-slip “rain grip”. The housing can either be co-molded into the grip material, or inserted after the grip is made. Co-molding the plastic into the rubber saves weight, allows for greater tolerance, and makes application more streamlined and results in a more attractive grip to some users. A grip or a component of a grip according to the invention can be injection molded, compression molded, or a combination thereof. Suitable materials or methods of making a grip are described in Golf Club Grip, U.S. Pub. 2007/0072696.
The invention provides grips with housing for use with any golf club including, for example, drivers, fairways, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters. For example, where the invention provides a putter grip with a housing, the grip can be tubular, tapered, a paddle style (with a flat area for the thumbs), a pistol style (with a protruding area), or any other style known in the art. A grip of the invention can be substantially evenly round or have a reminder (i.e., a line or rib on the grip that reminds the golfer where the hand should be placed). A grip can be made to have a graphic, emblem, or marked area. A mark, graphic, or emblem can include an area of a different thickness or texture (e.g., a bas-relief), a pigment, a sticker, a medallion, or other indicator. Generally, such an indicator may be a corporate logo or other visible element, a reminder (e.g., tactile), or both. In some embodiments, a grip of the invention is designed to complement a club with a repositionable shaft. With or without a logo or any other graphic or other visible element, a grip according to the invention can be made a solid color, or a multi-color theme according to a pattern or an irregular mix (e.g., tie-dyed, marbled, or speckled). In some embodiments, a customer chooses a shape for a grip and then a color and orders the grip, for example, from a web site. An ordering system can be configured to receive a customer specified color through an input means, such as an HTML or HTML5 color pickers, receiving Pantone color numbers, color matching to a customer-provided sample, color picking from a catalog, or other means.
In certain embodiments, device 101 and housing element 106 having a cross-sectional shape of their mating surfaces (e.g., outside surface of accessory and inside wall of housing) that is not round. For example, a triangular, oval, egg-shaped, T-shaped, or irregular-shaped accessory can be provided with a correspondingly-shaped housing recess. In this way, relative rotational motion can be prevented.
FIG. 7 shows a device 101 with a protrusion 127 that prevents lateral motion. While FIG. 4 and FIG. 4 show independent protrusions, it is noted that they may be provided or included in common.
FIG. 8 shows a cutaway view of a housing 111 that includes a slot 129 to cooperate with the protrusion 127 on device 101 as shown in FIG. 7. Slot 129 and protrusion 127 inhibit relative motion having a longitudinal component. As device 101 is inserted into housing element 105, pliable material of the grip expands to receive protrusion 127 until protrusion 127 is matingly received within slot 129. As discussed above, a housing could have different ones of slot 129, or one or more of any combination of them. Also, or in the alternative, one or more of any combination of protrusion 127 could be on or in housing element 106.
In certain embodiments, the invention provides a club with a device stabilized by a shock absorber above the club head. One exemplary device 101 that can be stabilized by the shock absorber includes an orientation and time-sensing alarm as described in Orientation/Time Sensing Alarm Device For Golf Club, U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,778, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In some embodiments, device 101 includes the Golf Club Rhythmic Swing Meter as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,352, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for enhancing the pleasure of playing golf involving providing a grip with housing and device 101. Device 101 can be configured to communicate with other electronic devices. For example, device 101 can include wireless communication means such as a 3G or 4G cell antenna, Bluetooth, RFID tag, or a Wi-Fi card. A chip on device 101 can communicate, directly or via a network, with another electronic device that offers some functionality to a golfer. For example, device 101 can communicate with a smartphone (e.g., Samsung Galaxy SII or other Android phone), an iPhone, a tablet computer, a laptop, or any other electronic device. Data collected by device 101 can be transmitted to another electronic device for further storage or processing. Exemplary systems and methods for improving performance to enhance enjoyment of golf by data collection are discussed in Method and System for Athletic Motion Analysis and Instruction, U.S. Pub. 2007/0270214, and Method and System for Athletic Motion Analysis and Instruction, U.S. Pub. 2006/0166737, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Methods of the invention can include providing a grip in accordance with any embodiment of the invention.
In some embodiments, the invention provides software for processing data captured by device 101. Software can be an app that a golfer downloads onto a device, an application that a golfer installs onto a computing device, one or more programs that run on a web server accessible, for example, via a web page, or any combination thereof. By installing the golf-data analyzing software or running it in the memory of a computer device, including a memory coupled to processor, the processor can execute one or more programs to analyze data related to the playing of golf. Analysis includes displaying, comparing, and calculating (e.g., taking an average or interpolating a trend).
The invention provides a club with a shock absorbing material portion protecting a device 101. Thus, the invention further allows for the electronic capture of detailed and precise information about actual swings and strokes, including the path of the club through air without adverse interference from shock. By calibrating the club or providing specified dimensions of the club to device 101 or associated analysis software, motion data from devices (e.g., accelerometers) in device 101 can be used as a basis for calculating motion data of any other part of a club head. In certain embodiments, a club includes an RFID tag above the crown and a shock detector (such as a piezoelectric material or an accelerometer) that is mounted on the club. For example, if one or more accelerometers detects that a club is swung through 36 degrees of an arc in 1 second, and data is supplied that a sweet spot of a club face is 2 meters from the center of the circle defining the arc (i.e., the pivot point), then a processor can calculate (e.g., perform an analysis) that the sweet spot moved along a line of length (36/360)*2πr, where r=2 m in 1 s, which gives a distance, d=0.1*4π m and a time t=1 s. Thus, a computer device of the invention can calculate d=rt to determine (via r=d/t) that a golfer's rate of swing is about 1.3 m/s. Methods of the invention include performing a calculation based on data about a golfer's swing using a computer processor and providing the results for a golfer.
Accordingly, the invention provides systems for improving performance or enjoyment of golf including a club with a device 101 and a shock absorbing structure or material as well as a computer system including a memory coupled to a processor. The computer system is operable to analyze data collected by device 101 about a golfer's swing. It will further be appreciated that more than one of device 101 can be used by more than one golfer in concert to develop a social or competitive aspect of the game. For example, two golfers can program their systems or devices to display each other's stroke information, shot tracking, present position on a golf course, or other information to each other. They can compare shots, plan their progress through a golf course even when not within earshot of each other, and readily access (e.g., via the internet) data about the course, how pros play, or recommendations about clubs for certain shots. Communicating sports-related information is discussed in SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMMUNICATING SPORTS-RELATED INFORMATION, U.S. Pub. 2012/0316843 to Beno, et al. (based on U.S. application Ser. No. 13/156,116, filed Jun. 8, 2011), the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
One insight of the invention includes the discovery that some electronic devices on golf clubs exhibit a notable propensity for failure. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that failure may be associated with high energy shock waves that propagate through material of a club when the club hits a ball. Accordingly, the invention provides devices, structures, and arrangements that optimize the performance of electronic devices by methods that include attenuating the adverse effects of shock waves. Certain designs of the invention employ the insight that some prior art devices were coupled to a club by an interface that was too insubstantial and that allowed the device to vibrate too freely in response to shock and energy.
FIG. 9 shows an electronic device 101 for installation in a golf club that provides an interface between device 101 and the club. Here, device 101 has a post that extends a length L into a shaft of a golf club. Length L may be made long enough to prevent device 101 from vibrating independently of the shaft of the club head. Without being bound by any theory, an amount of vibrational energy from hitting a ball may have been transmitted into a prior art device that then vibrated independently of the club. When vibrating independently, the frequency and intensity of vibration of a device is governed primarily only by the dimensions of the device. When a device 101 of the invention is connected to a club by a substantial interface, such as the surface of the post for length L, device 101 is constrained to vibrate in ways governed by the resonances of the club. In a related theory it is believed that prior art devices may have been structured to exhibit a primary mode of vibration at a frequency associated with a failure of the electronic devices. It is believed that by changing a structural aspect of a device 101, a primary mode of vibration is substantially changed. Accordingly, a device 101 is provided with a post having length L, which may be above about 2 cm, and preferably is longer than about 4 cm. In certain embodiments, length L is more than about 6 cm. e.g., about 8 cm or longer. In some embodiments, post 105 comprises a dampening material, such as a soft or floppy material. For example, post 105 may include a rigid core (e.g., plastic) allowing it to be pushed into shaft 131, and the rigid core may be sheathed in a soft, shock-absorbing material such as rubber, felt, or other material.
FIG. 10 illustrates device 101 being installed in shaft 131 of a golf club, covered by grip 111. An additional benefit of device 101 having a structure as illustrated in FIG. 9 is that it may be covered entirely by grip 111, as shown in FIG. 10, thereby protecting it from rain or environmental insults. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, device 101 may have electronic components disposed substantially within a post section. For example, an RFID tag (as depicted in FIG. 2) may be positioned within the post of device 101. However, a post having a length L may additionally or alternatively be used to securely mount a device 101 that includes electronic components in a head-piece.
FIG. 11 shows a device 101 with an electronic component in the head, and having a post configured to extend into a shaft 131 for a length L. Device 101 as shown in FIG. 11 allows for a plurality of electronic components to be contained therein. For example, the post portion may include an RFID tag while the head portion contains a battery, switch, and motion sensor, or vice versa. Moreover, as discussed in greater detail below, device 101 may include electronic components that are in electrical contact with other components in a golf club. For example, an inherently rugged piezoelectric shot detector could be mounted in a club head and connected by a wire extending to an RFID tag along a shaft, at a ferrule, or in a grip of the golf club.
FIG. 12 shows a golf club 103 having a device 101 mounted via a shock absorbing structure such as a long post 105 (not visible), an elastic material, or a combination thereof, at a grip 111 at a proximal end of shaft 131. Shaft 131 extends through ferrule 135 and is connected to club head 139. This arrangement provides good benefits such as positioning device 101 near a golfer's wrist, belt, or pockets, which are all likely and convenient locations for an electronic base device that may be in communication with device 101 (e.g., by RF waves).
FIG. 13 shows a club 103 having a device 101 mounted at ferrule 135 above a crown of head 139, along shaft 131, which extends from grip 111. It may be disfavored to place an electronic device on or in a head of a golf club for one or more reasons. For example, the shock may be too much for some electronic devices to endure. More particularly, it may be a costly manufacturing requirement to place an electronic device in the club head. By positioning an electronic device above the head, a golf club can be provided with or without a device without having to manufacture different club heads or without having to modify an existing club head product line. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an electronic device 101 is provided for a golf club 103 that does not require a change in design or manufacturing of a golf club head 139. In some embodiments, the device 101 is provided at a ferrule 135. One form of device 101 includes a distal end that matches a down-side of a ferrule and a proximal end that mimics a top of a hosel. Such a device 101 may operate as a hosel-ferrule insert as depicted in FIG. 13. One useful benefit of the structure depicted in FIG. 13 is that free vibration of device 101 may be prevented by the compressive pressure exerted on device 101 through fixture of ferrule 135 to club head 139 (e.g., where ferrule 135 mates to club head 139 by a threaded interface, tightening the fit may squeeze device 101 to prevent free vibration). While shown in FIG. 13 has having a substantially similar diameter as ferrule 135 and the hosel of club head 139, an insert may have dimensions that accommodate an electronic component.
FIG. 14 shows a hosel-ferrule insert style device 101 dimensioned to accommodate certain electronic components. One useful benefit of device 101 is that it may be added to a club 103 without difficult modification of existing parts.
FIG. 15 shows a version of a device 101 that mounts at a top of ferrule 135 and is also dimensioned to accommodate certain electronic devices. While shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 as being in contact with ferrule 135, contact with ferrule 135 need not be required.
FIG. 16 shows a device 101 for mounting on a shaft 131. Device 101 is shown here mounted near ferrule 135. Device 101 may be added by sliding it over shaft 131 during assembly and using an adhesive that cures to fix device 101 into a desired place. In an alternative embodiment, device 101 is slid over shaft 131 and fixed into place by a press-fit or by a snug fit. Device 101 may be positioned on shaft 131 and not fixed into place but instead be slidably positioned on shaft 131. This may be beneficial in allowing device 101 to detect when a club is inverted (e.g., detect when club 103 is removed from bag and held at address because device 101 slides from a proximal end of shaft 131 to a distal end; or detect when a club is lifted back from address to make a swing).
FIG. 17 shows a device 101 that can be mounted on shaft 131, either slidably or in a fixed location. By providing a device 101 that is slidably mounted along a shaft 131 a shot-tracking device may be provided. An electronic structure in a slidably mounted device 101 can be used to determine when a shot is made. If slidably mounted device 101 has an RFID tag and a golfer wears a proximity limited tag reader, for example, on a wrist, the presence of device 101 may only be detected when club 103 is lifted above the head before making a shot (because device 101 will slide down towards the grip and into the reach of the tag reader). Alternatively, if device 101 can detect its position along shaft 103 by, for example, electronic tags at varying positions along shaft 103, device 101 can detect a shot being made. Alternative methods of detecting a shot via device 101 include use of a piezoelectric material or an accelerometer.
FIG. 18 depicts an RFID tag 115 disposed within device 101. Antenna 117 may be disposed around a housing of device 101 and connected to chip 121.
In certain aspects and embodiments, the invention provides a device 101 for use with an adjustable golf club 103, in which the device 101 is capable of detecting a present effective setting of adjustable club 103 and communicating it to an external electronic system. A club 103 that includes a mechanically adjustable playing setting, such as adjustable loft or face angle, can further include an electronic circuit (e.g., as part of, or in communication with, device 101) that detects a present effective setting of the mechanically adjustable component.
FIG. 19 shows a device 101 that includes a circuit 151 in a ferrule area 135 of an adjustable club. The depicted club includes hosel ring 143 configured to mate with ferrule ring 141 such that assembling shaft 131 to club head 139 with different rotational offsets between hosel ring 143 and ferrule ring 141 provide different effective playing settings. Club 103 is depicted as having an optional window 145 to display an effective setting. Device 101 includes a circuit 151 that detects the present effective setting of club 103. For example, if club 103 includes display 145, device 101 can also electronically transmit information about whatever setting is shown in display 145. Exemplary club systems are described in Interchangeable Shaft System, U.S. Pub. 2009/0197694; Interchangeable Shaft System, U.S. Pub. 2009/0264214; Interchangeable Shaft System, U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,717; Interchangeable Shaft System, U.S. Pub. 2011/0143854; Interchangeable Shaft and Club Head Connection System, U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,921; Interchangeable Shaft and Club Head Connection System, U.S. Pub. 2010/0261543; Interchangeable Shaft and Club head Connection System, U.S. Pub. 2009/0247316; Quick Release Connection System for Golf Clubs, U.S. Pub. 2008/0125239; Two-Part Hosel Connection System for Golf Clubs, U.S. Pub. 2008/0254909; and Interchangeable Shaft for a Golf Club, U.S. Pat. No. 7,476,160, the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIG. 20 depicts one exemplary circuit 151 for communicating to an RFID tag reader an effective setting of club 103. Circuit 151, as depicted in FIG. 20, includes a plurality of RFID tags 115 a, 115 b, 115 c, . . . etc. Each RFID tag 115 is conductively coupled to electrical contacts 147 such that antenna 117 and chip 121 in RFID tag 115 define an open (e.g., not operational) circuit by default. RFID tag 115 will “go live” if its pair of contacts 147 are put into electrical contact with one another.
FIG. 21 shows an inside view of hosel ring 143 and ferrule ring 141 of club 103 for use with circuit 151. Hosel ring 143 includes counter-contacts 149 configured to mate with contacts 147 of specific ones of RFID tags 115 in circuit 151. Visible within ferrule ring 141 in FIG. 21 are contacts 147. It will be appreciated that assembling shaft 131 to club head 139 with different rotational offsets between hosel ring 143 and ferrule ring 141 provides electrical contact only with certain different specific pairs of contacts 147. In this way, for each effective setting of a club 103, only one RFID tag 115 will be live and an RFID tag reader will read a tag that indicates the present effective setting. In general, a device 101 may include one or more RFID tag and additionally or alternatively may include other components or features such as, for example, vibration-dampening features or other electronic components.
FIG. 22 shows a cutaway view of device 101 that includes an RFID tag with vibration dampening features. In some embodiments, a springy or pliable layer of viscoelastic material 157 underlies tag 115. It may be preferred to include an additional layer of a soft material 155. By including one or two or more vibration dampening layers, shock from playing golf can be attenuated, allowing RFID tag 115 to function properly. Additionally, vibration dampening material 159 may be positioned between the casing or hardware of device 101 and club 103. As depicted in FIG. 22, device 101 is slid over shaft 131 and a ring of viscoelastic dampening material 159 supports device 101 while also attenuating shock and vibration. It may be particularly preferable and beneficial to the functionality of device 101 to provide a dampening material both between club 103 and a housing of device 101 and also between a device 101 and an electronic component such as RFID tag 115, as depicted in FIG. 22. By providing at least a thin layer of dampening material at these two locations, a synergistic effect may be achieved by which delicate electronics are protected better than by either alone. Because electronic components may be protected, a greater diversity of components may be included including, for example, certain components that may otherwise be too delicate for certain uses of club 103.
FIG. 23 shows a device 101 that includes a number of functional electronic components. Here, RFID tag 115 is shown operably coupled to an accelerometer unit 165 mounted on circuit board 161 in connection with battery 169. Any suitable accelerometer 165 may be included. In certain embodiments, accelerometer 165 is accelerometer model number ADXL 322 or model number ADXL 320 available from SparkFun Electronics (Boulder, Colo.). By placing device 101 above a crown of club head 139 on club 103, and optionally including one or more layer of dampening material 155, 157, or 159, a club 103 can operate with an electronic component such as accelerometer 165 without failure associated with shock energy.
One set of insights of the invention is that RFID tags 115 can provide very desirable functionality for golf tracking and analysis when used in combinations (e.g., with a club 103 including more than one RFID tag 115, each standing for a value of a different variable). Of particular significance, a plurality of clubs may each have one RFID tag that communicates something in common about the plurality of clubs and one RFID tag that communicates something unique about the club. In one illustrative example, each club can be tagged by type (putter, sand wedge, 9 iron, etc.) while all of the clubs can be tagged for a given day of golfing (e.g., Torrey Pines on June 1). The club-specific tags could be permanent (e.g., adhered to an inside of shaft 131 at manufacture) and the set-specific tags could be temporary.
FIG. 24 shows a club 103 including a first RFID tag 115 a and a second RFID tag 115 b disposed along shaft 131. By including a plurality of RFID tags 115 on a club 103, a club can be provided that replies to an RFID tag reader with data containing rich information for use in a golf game improvement system. For example, each tag can encode for one of: club type (e.g., 9 iron, driver, putter, etc.); manufacturer; owner; golf course; user; effective setting (see, e.g., FIGS. 19-21); shaft length; opponent; ghost opponent; shoes being worn; weather; subjective mood; or others. In some embodiments, a tag 115 a is fixed within a club and codes for something unchanging (club type, owner, or manufacturer) and a tag 115 b is removably mounted on a club 103 (e.g., in a device 101 or through a temporary adhesive) and codes for something specific to the moment (user, golf course, opponent). This allows a golfer to use a computer based system (see, e.g., FIGS. 41-45) to collect and make use of complex information. Moreover, the system can guide the golfer in use of tags 115. For example, if a user initiates a training and improvement computer program, each day that the golfer plays golf, the computer program may prompt the user, for example, through their smartphone, to add a certain temporary tag to their club 103 so that the system may collect information about the golf game. A user may add a tag 115 to a club through use of a device as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 or FIG. 6. Or a user may insert an RFID tag into club 103.
As shown in FIG. 24, for example, (as well as FIGS. 28 and 32), using one or more of RFID tag on a club allows advanced functionality. For example, a commercial entity could use one or more RFID tags for tracking inventory. In some embodiments, a nascent club is tagged early in a fabrication process and tracked throughout the process. This allows very flexible club customization, because a customer's order can be uniquely identified by number, and as a club flows through the manufacturing process, an RFID tag reader and computer monitor at each work station can display what step the customized club requires—e.g., which head, which crown material, what face roll radius, what devices mounted within the head, what shaft, what grip, what paint, what decals, etc. Additionally, the RFID tag on the club can be used for inventory purposes. As clubs flow through the supply chain, the contents of a case or shipment can be confirmed instantly and electronically. Use of RFID tags on a club for club inventory can further allow advanced functionality such as “chaotic warehousing”, in which clubs are not stored by identity, with vacant space dedicated to under-stocked clubs. In chaotic warehousing, a computer server tracks inventory levels and club locations, and directs incoming stock to warehouse sectors that are not occupied, or are occupied by a thin layer of product that is not to be shipped for some time. Chaotic warehousing is known in the field of general merchandise and is practiced, for example, by the company Amazon. Unexpected benefits of chaotic warehousing may be provided by applying the concept to golf clubs, based on the insight of the invention that new technologies may allow for true customer customization. Additionally, provision of RFID tags in clubs can perform important loss-prevention functionality. For example, if a golfer has a loss-prevention tag in each club and a tag reader in his golf bag, the system may be configured to provide a warning if the golf attempts to leave an area with less than all of his golf clubs. For example, while at the club house, relaxing at the “19th hole”, a golfer can receive a text message with the information that his golf bag had 14 clubs up until the last hole, but has included only 13 clubs since. Accordingly, the golfer can stop by the last hole and pick up his missing club before driving home. A loss recovery mechanism is provided. For example, one or more of golf courses and pro shops can have tag readers. Upon finding a lost club, staff can scan the lost club using a tag reader and look up an owner in an online registry and make contact with the owner. It can be appreciated that if a pro shop were able to make contact with a golfer to report that they had recovered a lost club, then this would be perceived by golfers as a very valuable and positive service.
FIG. 25 shows insertion of a tag 115 through grip 111 into a club 103. This may allow a user to make advantageous use of functionality of a computer system on a case-by-case basis. For example, a user may find himself at a golf course that is equipped with shot-tracking tag readers at locations on the course. The user may purchase tags 115 from the shop and install the tags 115 into his clubs as shown in FIG. 25.
FIG. 26 depicts an alternative format of tag 115 for use with the invention. It will be appreciated that an RFID tag generally includes a chip 121 and an antenna 117, and may have any shape or form factor, such as that shown in FIG. 26, FIG. 2, or others. Additionally, a tag 115 may include a label area 171 that is pre-printed with golf specific information or blank so that a user may mark their tags 115 (e.g., and know which ones to remove if multiples are installed and the user wishes to change the combination of installed tags).
FIG. 27 depicts the installment of tag 115 on an underlisting 177 of a golf club grip. In certain embodiments, underlisting 177 will have a shallow pan-style cutaway dimensioned to receive tag 115. The pliable nature of underlisting 177 provides a viscoelastic dampening effect to mitigate the harsh effects of shock on tag 115.
FIG. 28 depicts the use of label areas 171 on tags 115 to record what each tag encodes. Here, tag 115 a encodes that club 103 is a six-iron (“6i”) and tag 115 b encodes the golfers' initials. By providing clubs that include RFID tags located above the crown of club head 139, the invention provides clubs that can be tagged such that the tags are operable despite the shocks of intensive use. Accordingly, the invention also provides RFID tags adapted for use with golf clubs, including individual tags, hardware and software for tag usage, as well as sets of tags.
FIG. 29 depicts a tag set 175 including a plurality of RFID tag 115. Here, each tag is provided as a separable portion of a sheet. The tags may be perforated for manual separation. In some aspects, the invention provides a sheet that includes 14 RFID tags. In some embodiments, the sheet consists of 14 RFID tags that are separable from one another by either cutting or tearing along perforations. The tags may each optionally further include a label area 171 that is either blank or pre-printed. In some embodiments, 14 tags are provided within a sheet that is 8.5×11 (i.e., has excess material outside of the tags) or that does not have excess material outside of the tags. The tags can be provided in a format so that a person may load them into a printer and print into label areas 171. In some embodiments, when a consumer purchases a set of clubs, a provider can prepare a set of printed tags for tagging the set of clubs. The tags can be provided to the consumer as, for example, a tool to inform them of the availability of a computer-based system for game improvement. In certain embodiments, set 175 is a retrofit that a consumer procures to tag his existing club set.
FIGS. 30-33 depict various locations above a crown of club head 139 that a tag 115 can be affixed to a club 103. Where it is desired that a golfer apply an easy-to-remove tag (for example, to complement the functionality of an installed tag or to sample a computer golf improvement system), the tag 115 may be affixed to shaft 131 using, for example, a temporary adhesive. Where it is desired to provide good protection for a tag 115 from the elements, it may be located on a shaft of a club under the grip, as depicted in FIG. 31. Accordingly, the invention provides golf clubs that are tagged with more than one RFID tag 115, each above the crown. For example, a club may have a tag 115 configured for easy removal on shaft 131 and another tag 115 that is configured for long-term use and is protected from the elements either within shaft 131, under the grip, or within a device 101, as depicted in FIG. 32.
Additionally, it is recognized that good functional benefits may be associated with placing certain devices in different places on club 103. For example, where a golfer has an RFID tag reader on their body, it may be preferred to have an RFID tag near the grip. But some electronic components such as, for example, a piezoelectric shock or shot detector or an accelerometer, may exhibit optimal long-term functionality by being located above the crown and near a ferrule as shown, for example, in device 101 in FIG. 33. Detectors for use in golf are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,612; U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,086; U.S. Pub. 2012/0052971; and U.S. Pub. 2011/0028230, the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the invention provides tools for use of more than one device on a golf club even where those devices are not adjacent to one another including, for example, electrical contacts from one device to another.
FIG. 34 shows a means by which a device 101 or a tag 115 on a surface of a shaft 131 of a club may be connected to other components of club 103 electrically. Shaft 131 may have a hole with a conductor 181 extending therethrough.
FIG. 35 shows an electrical conductor 181 bored through a shaft 131 with a contact pad 185. Further, conductor 181 is surrounded by insulator 183 to prolong useful life or prevent cross-talk with others of conductor 181. By using, for example, any of the end points as depicted in FIGS. 34-37, two electrical components may be communicably coupled to one another, or may share electrical power.
FIG. 36 shows an embodiment in which conductor 181 extends within a wall of shaft 131. For example, conductor 181 may be a copper lead (or gold, silver, an alloy, etc.) extending a through a carbon fiber matrix and terminating at contact pad 185. Any contact pad 185 may include a solder point, a screw-down, or a clip or wire trap.
FIG. 37 depicts a cantilevered contact 187 at an end of conductor 181 to make electrical contact with a device 101 inserted into shaft 131 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 39).
FIG. 38 depicts a golf club 103 with a tag 115 on shaft 131 in electrical contact with a device 101 disposed within the shaft as shown, for example, in FIG. 10. Tag 115 may be on the inside or on the outside of shaft 131 and may be in electrical contact with conductor 181 by, for example, being soldered to pad 185 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 35 or FIG. 36).
FIG. 39 gives a detailed view of a device 101 with an electrical contact band 195 for contact with cantilever 187 as shown in FIG. 37.
FIG. 40 illustrated device 101 inserted into shaft 131 so that contact band 195 makes electrical contact with cantilever 187 and therefore conductor 181. While depicted in FIG. 40 as having two electrical conductors extending therefrom, device 101 may have, for example, 1, or any number, e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. . . . . Through use of the foregoing devices and tags and contact hardware, a club may include one or more electronic device 101 or tag 115 operable for communication with a computer system. It is noted that FIG. 40 depicts the inclusion of insert sleeve 191 and that cantilevers 187 are mounted on insert sleeve 191. In an alternative embodiment, cantilevers 187 are mounted directly to shaft 131. However, use of a separate insert sleeve 191 (e.g., a tube with an optional lip at the top, made from plastic or Teflon and optionally used with an adhesive) allows a club to be retrofit easily with conductors 181 and device 101.
FIG. 41 depicts electronic communication between club 103 and a component of a computer system. Here, tag reader 209 is connected to a mobile electronic device 201. Tag reader 209 interrogates the space surrounding it. When a tag 115 is within the space, it returns a signal. Mobile device 201 may be a custom device with a unique form-factor or it may be a computer device such as a laptop, tablet computer, or cell phone. In certain embodiments, mobile device 201 is a smartphone such as the smartphone sold under the trademark GALAXY SIII by Samsung Group (Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea) or the smartphone sold under the trademark IPHONE by Apple Inc. (Cupertino, Calif.). Card reader 209 may be the compact flash 6E RFID reader card sold under the trademark SOCKET by Dell Inc. (Austin, Tex.).
FIG. 41 depicts a process in which a golfer records his club set into a computer system via use of interface 205 (which may be, for example, a touch screen of device 201). Here, golfer has obtained a club 103 that includes RFID tag 115 above the club head. The golfer brings the club near device 201 which, via tag reader 209, detects the presence of a uniquely-numbered club (e.g., the unique number of tag 115). A program executed by device 201 prompts the golfer to identify what tag 115 is associated with. Here, a golfer browses to golf clubs, and then scrolls through a list of club types until the appropriate club appears. A golfer touches the club type on the touch screen to add the club to his electronic golf bag. Accordingly, the invention provides a computer system for identifying golf clubs uniquely or storing club records in an electronic golf bag. Moreover, where a club is tagged with more than one of tag 115 (e.g., FIG. 24) or setting detectors (FIGS. 19-21), the system can record complex combinations of information. Additionally, using functionality provided by device 201, such as an internal clock, calendar, GPS structure, memory, processor, an internet connection for extrinsic data retrieval (e.g., weather lookup or celebrity golfer score database lookup) or combination thereof, the computer system can record complex multi-dimensional data. Examples of data that can be recorded and stored for later review using methods and systems described herein include: what golfer is using what clubs on what holes on what golf course in what weather; how a golfer's score is improving over weeks or years; how a golfer is performing compared to a ghost opponent; whether a newly-purchased club is associated with an improved playing ability; what loft or face angle is associated with a minimum number of strokes; what club a golfer relies on for specific yardage, etc.
FIG. 42 shows an exemplary screen 205 of device 201 for collecting data as a golfer plays a game. As shown in FIG. 42, systems of the invention may be used for shot tracking. Shot tracking generally includes counting up the number of shots a golfer makes for each hole of a golf course. As shown in FIG. 42, a program can provisionally detect a number of shots made on a hole and show that information to a golfer, allowing the golfer to confirm or edit the information before saving it or uploading it a database.
FIG. 43 shows a display 211 of a computer system of the invention for use in game improvement. Here, display 211 may be a window displayed by a web browser such as the Firefox or Chrome web browser. Additionally or alternatively, display 211 may be an on-screen display generated by a dedicated computer program for golfers. A computer program of systems of the invention can track a golfer's performance over time and compare the golfer to the golfer's earlier performance or a to a celebrity golfer (e.g., ghost opponent). The computer program can analyze a golfer's performance to recommend performance-enhancing changes, such as new clubs or different training regimes.
FIG. 44 provides a diagram by which a game improvement system and method may operate. A golfer may first register their clubs using mobile device 201. This club information may be transmitted to server 421 so that the registered clubs are added to the golfer's electronic golf bag.
Tag reader 209 then continually (without cease) or continuously (faithfully repeated) interrogates space near the golfer. Upon receiving a response indicating that a tag 115 is nearby, device 201 can determine if the tag 115 is registered in a meaningful way (e.g., one of the golfer's clubs, or a golf course's pre-installed location tags). If the tag is a meaningfully registered tag, device 201 may create a record of the successful detection and save the record. This record can be transmitted to server 421 for storage and analysis. While discussed here generally in terms of an RFID tag that is mounted at the shaft, ferrule, or grip of a golf club, the functionality described herein may additionally or alternatively make advantageous use of other devices such as light detectors, accelerometers, piezoelectric shock and shot detectors, etc. Using information gathered through use of club 103, server 421 can analyze a player's performance and provide a recommendation that can be displayed on mobile device 201. While discussed here in terms of a server, computer device 421 can be any device such as, for example, a golfer's home computer, laptop, or tablet. Additionally, all of the functionality described herein may be performed by a single device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
FIG. 45 diagrams a system 400 with components for performing methodologies discussed herein. A system 400 may generally include one or more of a mobile device 201, a computer 401, a provider's computer 461, a server 421, or any combination thereof. A company or organization that wishes to provide a golf improvement program may use a design computer 461 to create, monitor, offer, or implement the program. A golfer may perform some functions at home or in the office using a PC 401 and may use device 201 on the golf course. Data and transaction can be hosted by server 241. In general, mobile device 201 includes a memory 487 coupled to a processor 489 and an input/output device 485. Computer 401 includes memory 407 coupled to processor 409 and input/output device 405. Design computer 461 includes memory 467 coupled to processor 469 and input/output device 465. Server 421 includes memory 427 coupled to processor 429 and input/output device 425. Server 421 may additionally include a database 435 that includes records 439 pertinent to performing methods discussed herein (e.g., as shown in display 211 in FIG. 43).
In some embodiments, a processor is a general purpose microchip such as a computer processor made by Intel or AMD. A memory may include a disk drive, such as a magnetic drive like one made by Western Digital, or may be a solid-state memory drive (e.g., SSD or flash drive), an optical drive, a tape driver, other, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of electronic device 201, server 421, computer 401, or computer 461 is a purpose-built device and includes, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a memory, a processor, or a combination thereof. Preferably, one or more of electronic device 201, server 421, computer 401, or computer 461 communicate with one another via network 415, which preferably includes networking hardware such as one or more of a cell tower, cell modem, internet cable, modem, Wi-Fi router, cable or DSL router, internet hub, switch, other, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of electronic device 201, server 421, computer 401, or computer 461 will include a web browser (e.g., for display 211), such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome, for interaction with a golf improvement program. In related embodiments, data storage and administration take place not on a distinct server, but on one or more of electronic device 201, computer 401, or computer 461, in any combination.
FIG. 46 depicts an additional embodiment of electronic device 101 exploiting the insight of the invention that particular functionality may be provided by a plurality of tag 115. In some embodiments, post 105 and hole 109 of device 101 are configured to allow two or more of device 101 to interlock and stack.
FIG. 47 shows a view of a grip 111 on a club 103 having two of device 101 inserted thereon.
FIG. 48 gives a cutaway view of the devices depicted in FIG. 47 showing the stackable nature of embodiments of device 101. In some embodiments, each device 101 includes at least one RFID tag, and adding additional ones of device 101 allows a golfer to provide multi-dimensional information to a golf improvement program via, for example, device 201. In certain embodiments, device 101 provides a common form factor and different ones of device 101 may include different electronic functionality. Moreover, different ones of device 101 may electronically communicate with one another through a structure such as that shown in FIG. 40. Thus a golf improvement program is provided that is extensible depending on which ones of device 101 are used. In some embodiments, an electronic component included in device 101 is indicated on a surface of device 101 by a code, color, label, or indicia. Such indicia may be standardized (e.g., blue is accelerometer, yellow is light detector, black is piezoelectric shot/shock detector). By stacking up ones of device 101 as shown in FIG. 47, a golfer may obtain a desired set of electronic functionality from club 103. While depicted in FIGS. 46-48 as having certain dimension, such depictions of device 101 are for convenience and are not limiting. In some embodiments, device 101 has a low-profile crown-piece with a thickness less than about 5 mm, so that multiples of device 101 may be stacked without unduly encumbering a club 103.
In some aspects and embodiments, the invention provides a golf club with an informational display. The information display may be provided by an electronic readout on the club. The readout may be, for example, on device 101—e.g., on the butt cap of the golf club.
FIG. 49 illustrates a golf club grip 111 with a display 4901 appearing in a butt-end of the grip. Any suitable device may be used for display 4901 including an LED or LCD display.
In this way, information captured by the electronic device 101—such as club head speed, ball speed, launch angle, backspin, grip pressure, etc.—may be displayed for easy viewing by a golfer. This allows the golfer to see information while playing without disrupting their motions (e.g., to retrieve a smartphone from their pocket or look off at a monitor).
Display 4901 may be attached directly to device 101, allowing swing data or impact data to be captured and shown to a golfer. Alternatively, display 4901 could “talk” to other electronic devices wirelessly if the electronics are close by (such as embedded in a golf bag, belt, or other). This would be useful for positioning or other static data.
FIG. 50 depicts an alternative embodiment in which display 4901 is on a surface of electronic device 101. Device 101 may then be attached to a club 103 so that display 4901 is visible to a golfer.
FIG. 51 depicts a golf club 103 in which a device 101 with a display 4901 is mounted in grip 111 at the butt-end.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

References and citations to other documents, such as patents, patent applications, patent publications, journals, books, papers, web contents, have been made throughout this disclosure. All such documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

EQUIVALENTS

Various modifications of the invention and many further embodiments thereof, in addition to those shown and described herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the full contents of this document, including references to the scientific and patent literature cited herein. The subject matter herein contains important information, exemplification and guidance that can be adapted to the practice of this invention in its various embodiments and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1-5. (canceled)

6. An apparatus for use in golf, the apparatus comprising:

a golf club grip with a first end providing a shaft opening configured to receive a shaft of a golf club and an opposed butt-end; and

a device connected to the butt-end of the golf club grip, the device comprising a microchip and an antenna, the antenna comprising portions encircling an axis of the shaft opening.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the antenna encircles the axis within a plane perpendicular to the axis.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the device comprises a post extending therefrom and wherein the post is inserted into the butt-end of the golf club grip.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the grip comprises a housing element that extends from the butt-end and encircles the device connected to the butt-end.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the grip comprising the housing element is formed of a pliable material.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pliable material is rubber.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the housing element comprises a generally tubular wall defining a generally cylindrical recess.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein an internal radius of the cylindrical recess is between about 6 mm and about 26 mm and wherein a length of the recess is between about 2 mm and about 13 mm.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the pliable material allows the housing element to be flexed to allow removal and insertion of the device.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a shaft extending from the golf club grip and a golf club head attached to a distal end of the shaft.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the antenna is disposed in a circle coaxial with and around the axis

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the microchip and the antenna are provided by an RFID tag.