U.S. patent application number 14/206866 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for impact indication and data tracking devices and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to SANWOOD LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is SanWood LLC. Invention is credited to Gavin Braithwaite, Eric Sanchez, Stephen Spiegelberg, Robert Woods.
Application Number | 20140274439 14/206866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51529608 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140274439 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sanchez; Eric ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
Impact Indication and Data Tracking Devices and Methods
Abstract
Devices and methods are generally provided for indicating the
location of a most recent strike on a face of a golf club. One
exemplary embodiment of an impact indication device can include a
patch that can be attached to the face of a golf club and can
display the impact location of a most recent strike without
displaying impact locations of previous strikes. The impact
locations of previous strikes can be removed from the patch without
the user having to do anything more than take another swing. In
some embodiments, the device includes a yield-stress material that
assist in displaying impact a most recent impact location without
displaying previous impact locations. Other features that can allow
patches to work in this fashion, as well as methods related to the
same, are also provided. Further, disclosures pertaining to a
mobile impact recorder are also provided.
Inventors: |
Sanchez; Eric; (Santa
Barbara, CA) ; Woods; Robert; (Henderson, NV)
; Braithwaite; Gavin; (Boston, MA) ; Spiegelberg;
Stephen; (Boston, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SanWood LLC |
Henderson |
NV |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SANWOOD LLC
Henderson
NV
|
Family ID: |
51529608 |
Appl. No.: |
14/206866 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61798144 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
61798320 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/237 ;
473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/146 20130101;
A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 69/362
20200801; A63B 2220/801 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B
2220/13 20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 2220/40 20130101;
A63B 2209/14 20130101; A63B 69/3617 20130101; A63B 2209/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/237 ;
473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Claims
1. An impact indication device, comprising: a base layer having one
or more information-providing indicia on a display surface thereof;
an exposure layer disposed over the display surface of the base
layer, the exposure layer having a sealed chamber with a
yield-stress material disposed therein, and the exposure layer
being configured such that impact from an outside force at an
impact location displaces the yield-stress material at the impact
location to reveal the base layer.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein a second impact from an outside
force at a second impact location displaces the yield-stress
material at the second impact location to reveal the base layer,
and to the extent the second impact location does not overlap with
the first impact location, the yield-stress material flows back to
non-overlapping portions of the first impact location in the
exposure layer.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cover layer disposed
over the exposure layer, the cover layer being substantially
inelastic.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the yield-stress material
comprises a hydrogel.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein a back surface of the base layer
comprises an adhesive.
6. The device of claim 4, wherein the adhesive is reusable such
that the base layer can be adhered to and removed from a first
surface and subsequently adhered to a second surface.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor attached to
one of the base layer and the exposure layer and configured to
measure and transmit data related to impacts received by the
device.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein a volume of the yield-stress
material disposed in the chamber is less than an approximate volume
of the chamber, and the chamber is vacuum-sealed.
9. The device of claim 1, further comprising an inner membrane
disposed in either the base layer or the exposure layer, the inner
membrane having a fluid disposed therein and being configured to
fail to release the fluid disposed therein into the respective base
layer or exposure layer in which the inner member is disposed
before the chamber of the exposure layer fails and releases the
yield-stress material disposed therein.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the base layer is sized to be
attached to a face of a golf club.
11. An impact indication device, comprising: a patch having a back
surface that is removably and replaceably attachable to a face of a
golf club and a ball-striking surface configured to visually
display an impact location where the patch most recently struck a
golf ball; wherein the patch displays the impact location of a most
recent strike without displaying impact locations of previous
strikes, and wherein the patch is configured to reset itself to no
longer display the impact locations of previous strikes after the
most recent strike occurs such that no action beyond swinging the
golf club again is required by a user between strikes.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the patch further comprises a
yield-stress material disposed therein between the ball-striking
and back surfaces, the yield-stress material being configured to be
displaced in response to the most recent strike to display the
impact location of the most recent strike and to no longer display
the impact locations of the previous strikes.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein displacement of the
yield-stress material following a strike displays one or more
indicia located on a top face of the back surface to provide
feedback regarding the impact location from the most recent
strike.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein the patch resets itself by
striking a golf ball.
15. The device of claim 11, wherein the patch further comprises a
plurality of liquid crystal films disposed therein between the
ball-striking and back surfaces, the liquid crystal films being
configured to change colors in response to the most recent strike
to display the impact location of the most recent strike and to no
longer display the impact locations of the previous strikes.
16. The device of claim 11, wherein the patch further comprises a
sensor disposed therein and configured to measure data related to
golf ball strikes made by the patch.
17. A method of tracking a location of impact on a golf club,
comprising: swinging a golf club having a club head to hit a golf
ball with the club head, the head having an indication tracking
device adhered thereto, and the indication tracking device visually
identifying a location at which the club head strikes the golf
ball; and swinging the golf club to hit a golf ball with the club
head, the indication tracking device visually identifying a
location at which the club head strikes the golf ball while no
longer visually identifying the location of the previous strike,
wherein a user touches neither the club head nor the indication
tracking device to reset the indication tracking device so that it
visually identifies the location of a most recent strike while no
longer visually identifying the location of the previous
strike.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein after the indication tracking
device visually identifies a location at which the club head
strikes the golf ball, the step of swinging the golf club to hit a
golf ball with the club head resets the indication tracking device
so that it visually identifies the location of the most recent
strike while no longer visually identifying the location of the
previous strike.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to both U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/798,144, entitled "Impact Indication
Devices and Methods," and U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/798,320, entitled "Mobile Tracking Devices and Methods," both of
which were filed on Mar. 15, 2013, and both of which are
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to devices and
methods for indicating the location of a golf ball strike on a face
of a golf club head.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The game of golf is played by over 26 million people in the
United States, and is expected to continue to grow in popularity
through at least 2020. Internationally, the popularity of golf is
even more rapidly on the rise, including in Europe (e.g., France,
Germany, and Russia), Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Mexico, and in
many South American countries. In fact, in 2016, golf will be part
of the Olympics for only the third time in the Games' history, and
the first time since 1904.
[0004] Anybody who has ever played golf or seen golf being played
understands its very challenging nature. Duffers, amateurs, and
professionals alike are all typically interested in finding ways to
improve at the game, for instance by maximizing distance while
maintaining accuracy. Golfers of all ability levels invest
hundreds-of-thousands of dollars a year practicing and playing the
game in an effort to improve. Likewise, golfers of all ability
levels invest hundreds-of-thousands of dollars on lessons and
various tools to help improve their games, including impact tape,
club weights, hitting mats, hitting cages, swing speed radar
devices, swing plane trainers, wrist braces, arm braces, stance
correctors, folding clubs, buckets of balls at the driving range,
and lessons from golf professionals.
[0005] One sure-fire way to be a better golfer is to hit the ball
with the correct portion of the golf club head more consistently.
Most golf club heads are designed such that balls struck by a
certain portion of the head--typically near a center on a face of
the head--will travel farther and straighter than balls struck by
other portions of the head. This certain portion of the head is
sometimes referred to as a club head's "sweet spot." However,
during the course of a swing, and directly thereafter, it is
difficult for a golfer to know exactly which part of the face made
contact with the ball, and thus whether the golfer hit any part of
the sweet spot.
[0006] Although both sophisticated and simplistic tools exist for
informing a golfer as to the portion of the club face on which the
ball hit, they are deficient for a variety of reasons. Stage
simulators represent one example of a sophisticated tool that
allows a golfer to know the location of a ball strike. They require
scheduled time, however, can be costly, and may require more than
one visit. Additionally, depending on the technology, simulators
may require wiring an individual or the use of videos and sensors
surrounding the player to record the desired data
parameters--variables that may be intimidating, detrimental, and/or
cost prohibitive for many golfers of many skill levels.
[0007] More simplistic tools also suffer from a variety of
deficiencies. For example, some devices mark each ball strike on
the device, and thus as the number of strikes increase, it can be
difficult to tell which strike was the most recent. Such devices
have a very limited number of uses. While some devices exist that
allow a location of a ball strike to be removed from the device
prior to performing another ball strike, such devices typically
require the user to manually "reset" or clear the device of the
previous ball strike, for instance by wiping it off with his or her
finger before performing another ball strike. In still other
embodiments, the devices can require a user to mark a location of
the ball strike with a writing utensil, such as a pen, after each
swing. Still further, existing technologies designed to properly
measure a golfer's swing are limited to obtrusive simulators, time
consuming lessons, or expensive hardware with complicated
software.
[0008] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide devices and methods
that allow a golfer to know a location of a ball strike after each
swing, and which can record more ball strikes using a single device
than existing devices. It is also desirable to provide devices and
methods that allow a user to perform multiple strikes in a row and
see the ball strikes for each swing without having that view
impeded by previous ball strikes or having to perform extra steps
such as wiping or marking the club face manually before performing
the next ball strike. Still further, it is desirable to provide
devices and methods that provide convenient, real-time feedback to
the golfer so that the golfer can make adjustments to his or her
swing in real-time.
SUMMARY
[0009] Devices and methods are generally provided for indicating
the location of a most recent strike on a face of a golf club, or
more particularly a patch attached thereto. In one exemplary
embodiment of an impact indication device, the device can include a
patch having a back surface that is removably and replaceably
attachable to a face of a golf club and a ball-striking surface
configured to visually display an impact location where the patch
most recently struck a golf ball. The patch can display the impact
location of a most recent strike without displaying impact
locations of previous strikes. Further, the patch can be configured
to reset itself to no longer display the impact locations of
previous strikes after the most recent strike occurs such that no
action beyond swinging the golf club again is required by a user
between strikes. In some embodiments, the next golf swing that
makes contact with a ball can reset the device so that the previous
ball strike is no longer visible. Further, in some embodiments, the
patch can include a sensor disposed therein, which can be
configured to measure data related to golf ball strikes made by the
patch.
[0010] A variety of mechanism can be relied upon to display the
impact location and remove old impact locations. In some
embodiments the patch can include a yield-stress material disposed
therein between ball-striking and back surfaces. The yield-stress
material can be configured to be displaced in response to the most
recent strike, and in turn can allow the impact location of the
most recent strike to be known based on the location from which the
material was displaced. Further, the displacement of the
yield-stress material following a strike can display one or more
indicia located on a top face of the back surface, which can
provide feedback regarding the impact location from the most recent
strike. In some embodiments the patch can be configured to reset
itself by striking a golf ball. A reset patch is one in which old
ball strikes are no longer visible on a face of the patch, or if
they are visible, their presence is negligible with respect to the
rest of the patch and a most recent ball strike if it exists.
[0011] Another example of mechanisms that can be relied upon to
display the impact location and remove old impact locations are
liquid crystal films. Liquid crystal films can be disposed between
the ball-striking and back surfaces of the patch, and can be
configured to change colors in response to the most recent strike
to display the impact location of the most recent strike while no
longer displaying the impact locations of the previous strikes.
[0012] In another exemplary embodiment of an impact indication
device, the device includes a base layer and an exposure layer. The
base layer can have one or more information-providing indicia on a
display surface of the base layer. The exposure layer can be
disposed over the display surface of the base layer. Further, the
exposure layer can include a sealed chamber with a yield-stress
material disposed therein. The exposure layer can be configured
such that impact from an outside force at an impact location can
displace the yield-stress material at the impact location to reveal
the base layer. In some embodiments, a second impact from an
outside force at a second impact location can again displace the
yield-stress material, this time at the second impact location, to
reveal the base layer. To the extent that the second impact
location does not overlap with the first impact location, the
yield-stress material can flow back to non-overlapping portions of
the first impact location in the exposure layer.
[0013] Optionally, a cover layer can be disposed over the exposure
layer, and can be substantially inelastic. Alternatively, the cover
layer can have elastic properties allowing it to receive portions
of yield-stress material displaced by an impact. Similar to the
elastic reservoir, the elasticity of the cover layer in such
embodiments can be configured such that the cover layer's
elasticity can push the yield-stress material back into the
exposure layer at a time after the impact occurs.
[0014] The yield-stress material can include a hydrogel. Further, a
back surface of the base layer can comprise an adhesive, for
instance to assist in attaching the device to a surface, such as a
face of a golf club. The adhesive can be reusable such that the
base layer can be adhered to and removed from a first surface and
subsequently adhered to a second surface. In some embodiments, a
sensor can be attached to either the base layer or the exposure
layer, and can be configured to measure data related to impacts
received by the device.
[0015] A volume of the yield-stress material disposed in the
chamber of the exposure layer can be less than an approximate
volume of the chamber. In such instances, the chamber can be
vacuum-sealed. In some embodiments safety measures can be included
to reduce the risk of damage resulting from failure of the device.
One such example can include an inner membrane disposed in either
the base layer or the exposure layer. The inner membrane can have a
fluid disposed therein and can be configured to release the fluid
into the respective base layer or exposure layer in which the inner
membrane is disposed before the chamber of the exposure layer fails
and releases the yield-stress material disposed in the chamber. The
device, and more particularly the base layer, can be sized and
attached to a face of a golf club.
[0016] In one exemplary method of tracking a location of impact on
a golf club, the method can include swinging a golf club to hit
golf balls twice. More particularly, the club can have a club head,
and the head can include an indication tracking device attached to
it. The indication tracking device can visually identify a location
at which the club head strikes the golf ball during the first
swing. Further, the indication tracking device can also visually
identify a location at which the club head strikes the golf ball
during a second swing, while also no longer visually identifying
the location of the previous strike. During the course of carrying
out the method, a user touches neither the club head nor the
indication tracking device to reset the indication tracking device
so that it visually identifies the location of a most recent strike
while no longer visually identifying the location of the previous
strike. In some embodiments, after the indication tracking device
visually identifies a location at which the club head strikes the
golf ball, it can be the step of swinging the golf club to hit a
golf ball that can reset the indication tracking device so that it
identifies the location of the most recent strike while no longer
visually identifying the location of the previous strike.
[0017] Further, systems and methods are generally provided for
recording and storing data and other information related to a golf
swing. In one exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method
for logging data related to a golf swing on a mobile device having
a computer processor coupled to a receiver, a display, and memory
can include receiving by the receiver one or more golf swing data
parameters, storing the golf swing data in the memory, processing
the one or more data parameters by the computer processor to
calculate one or more displayable indications, and displaying the
one or more displayable indications on the display. The one or more
golf swing data parameters can be received from a sensor attached
to a head of a golf club used to execute a golf swing.
[0018] In some embodiments, the one or more displayable indications
can include a visual representation of the location of a ball
strike on the head of the golf club. The location of the ball
strike can also be visibly displayed on an impact indication device
attached to the head of the golf club. The indication device can be
configured to reset itself so a location of a most recent ball
strike is displayed on the indication device and locations of
previous ball strikes are not displayed on the indication device.
For example, the indication device can include a yield-stress
material configured to be displaced in response to the most recent
ball strike to display the location of the ball strike and to no
longer display the locations of previous ball strikes.
[0019] The one or more data parameters can include at least one of
a swing plane of the golf club during the golf swing, a location of
a ball strike on the head of the golf club, and a speed of the head
of the golf club during the golf swing. In some embodiments,
processing the one or more data parameters can include simulating a
game of golf. In some other embodiments, processing the one or more
data parameters can include providing instructional analysis about
the golf swing. In still other embodiments, processing the one or
more data parameters can include estimating a distance a golf ball
would travel in response to the golf swing based on the one or more
data parameters.
[0020] The method can also include wirelessly transmitting the one
or more data parameters to a remote data storage location for
access to the one or more data parameters by a computer. The data
received by the receiver can be first transmitted to a transmitter
in communication with the sensor, and the transmitter can send the
one or more data parameters to the receiver. In some embodiments,
the remote data storage location is a cloud-based storage
system.
[0021] In some embodiments, the method can further include
receiving by the receiver one or more additional data parameters,
processing the one or more additional data parameters by the
computer processor to calculate one or more additional displayable
indications, and displaying the one or more additional displayable
indications on the display. The one or more additional data
parameters can be received from an accelerometer disposed on a
glove being worn by a user swinging the golf club. The one or more
additional displayable indications can include an amount of
vibration resulting from the ball strike on the head of the golf
club. The one or more additional data parameters can be wirelessly
transmitted to a remote data storage location for access to the one
or more additional data parameters by a computer.
[0022] One exemplary computer implemented method for logging data
related to a golf swing can include recording one or more golf
swing data parameters to a memory component and performing at least
one of the following two numbered courses of action: (1)(a)
processing the one or more data parameters; and (b) displaying
information related to the one or more data parameters on a display
device; and (2) transmitting the one or more data parameters to a
remote data storage location for subsequent access of the one or
more data parameters by a computer. The one or more golf swing data
parameters can be received from a sensor attached to a head of a
golf club used to execute a golf swing.
[0023] In some embodiments, the data received from the sensor can
be first transmitted to a transmitter in communication with the
sensor, and the transmitter can send the one or more data
parameters to the memory component. The one or more golf swing data
parameters can include at least one of a swing plane of the golf
club during the golf swing, a location of impact on the head of the
golf club by a golf ball, and speed of the club head during the
golf swing. In instances in which a golf swing data parameter
includes the location of impact on the head of the golf club by a
golf ball, the location of the impact can be both recorded to the
memory component and visibly displayed on an impact indication
device attached to the head of the golf club. The impact indication
device can be configured to reset itself so a location of a most
recent impact is displayed on the indication device and locations
of previous impacts can not be displayed on the indication device.
For example, the indication device can include a yield-stress
material configured to be displaced in response to the most recent
image to display the location of the impact and to no longer
display the locations of previous impacts.
[0024] In some embodiments, the method for logging data related to
a golf swing can further include processing the one or more golf
swing data parameters to simulate a golf game. In some other
embodiments, processing the one or more golf swing data parameters
to provide instructional analysis about the golf swing. In still
other embodiments, the one or more golf swing data parameters can
include estimating a distance a golf ball would travel in response
to the golf swing based on the one or more data parameters.
[0025] The one or more golf swing data parameters received from the
sensor can be transmitted wirelessly. Further, transmitting the one
or more golf swing data parameters to a remote data storage
location can include transmitting the data parameters wirelessly to
a cloud-based storage system.
[0026] The computer implemented method for logging data related to
a golf swing can further include recording one or more additional
data parameters to a memory component and performing at least one
of the following two numbered courses of action: (1)(a) processing
the one or more additional data parameters; and (b) displaying
information related to the one or more additional data parameters
on the display device; and (2) transmitting the one or more data
parameters to a remote data storage location for subsequent access
of the one or more additional data parameters by a computer. The
one or more additional data parameters can include an amount of
vibration resulting from impact of the head of the golf club with a
golf ball.
[0027] One exemplary embodiment of a system for tracking
golf-related data can include an electronic sensor, a receiver, a
memory component, and at least one of a processor and a
transmitter. The electronic sensor can be configured to be attached
to a face of a golf club. The receiver can be configured to receive
data from the electronic sensor, the data being related to a golf
swing. The memory component can be configured to record data
received by the receiver. The processor can be for processing data
and displaying information related to the data on a display device,
and the transmitter can be for transmitting the data to a remote
storage location for subsequent access of the data by a
computer.
[0028] In some embodiments, the receiver and the memory component
can be separately located, with the receiver being configured to
transmit data to the memory component wirelessly. The system can
also include an impact indication device configured to be attached
to the face of the golf club and visually display a location of a
strike of a golf ball by the face of the golf club. In some
embodiments, the electronic sensor can be a component of the impact
indication device. The impact indication device can be configured
to reset itself so a location of a most recent strike can be
displayed on the indication device and locations of previous
strikes are not displayed on the indication device. For example,
the indication device can include a yield-stress material
configured to be displaced in response to the most recent strike to
display the location of the strike and to no longer display the
locations of previous strikes.
[0029] Transmitting the data to a remote storage location can
include transmitting the data wirelessly to a cloud-based storage
system. In some embodiments, the system can further include an
accelerometer configured to be attached to a glove being worn by a
user swinging the golf club, and configured to send data measured
by the accelerometer to the receiver.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0030] This invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0031] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of
an impact indication device attached to a face of a golf club
head;
[0032] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the impact indication device
of FIG. 1A;
[0033] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the impact indication
device of FIG. 1A having a ball strike mark displayed thereon;
[0034] FIG. 1D is a top perspective view of another exemplary
embodiment of an impact indication device having a ball strike mark
displayed thereon;
[0035] FIG. 1E is an exploded view of the impact indication device
of FIG. 1D without the ball strike mark displayed thereon;
[0036] FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the impact indication
device of FIG. 1D attached to a golf club;
[0037] FIG. 2A is a top view of a base layer of the impact
indication device of FIG. 1A;
[0038] FIG. 2B is a top view of another embodiment of a base layer
for use in an impact indication device;
[0039] FIG. 3 is top view of an exposure layer of the impact
indication device of FIG. 1A;
[0040] FIG. 4 is a top view of a cover layer of the impact
indication device of FIG. 1A;
[0041] FIG. 5A is a top view of the exposure layer of FIG. 4
disposed over the base layer of FIG. 2A, illustrating a ball strike
indication;
[0042] FIG. 5B is a top view of the exposure layer of FIG. 4
disposed over the base layer of FIG. 2A, illustrating another ball
strike indication;
[0043] FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-section view of the impact
indication device of FIG. 2A prior to a first ball strike;
[0044] FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-section view of the impact
indication device of FIG. 6A during a first ball strike;
[0045] FIG. 6C is a schematic cross-section view of the impact
indication device of FIG. 6B after the first ball strike;
[0046] FIG. 6D is a schematic cross-section view of the impact
indication device of FIG. 6C during a second ball strike;
[0047] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-section view of another
exemplary embodiment of an impact indication device attached to a
face of a golf club;
[0048] FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-section view of the impact
indication device of FIG. 7 during a first ball strike;
[0049] FIG. 8B is a schematic, detailed, cross-section view of a
portion of the impact indication device of FIG. 8A during the first
ball strike;
[0050] FIG. 8C is a schematic, detailed cross-section view of the
portion of the impact indication device of FIG. 8B during a second
ball strike;
[0051] FIG. 9A is a schematic perspective view of one exemplary
embodiment of an electronic sensor for use in an impact indication
device;
[0052] FIG. 9B a schematic top view of the electronic sensor of
FIG. 9A;
[0053] FIGS. 10A-10J are sequential views of one exemplary
embodiment of a method for manufacturing the impact indication
device of FIG. 1A;
[0054] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another exemplary embodiment
of a method for manufacturing an impact indication device;
[0055] FIG. 12A is a schematic cross-section view of another
exemplary embodiment of an impact indication device prior to a ball
strike;
[0056] FIG. 12B is a schematic cross-section view of the impact
indication device of FIG. 12A during a ball strike;
[0057] FIG. 13A is a schematic cross-section view of still another
exemplary embodiment of an impact indication device during a ball
strike;
[0058] FIG. 13B is a schematic cross-section view of the impact
indication device of FIG. 13A after the ball strike;
[0059] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-section view of yet another
exemplary embodiment of an impact indication device;
[0060] FIG. 15 is a top view of a golf glove having an
accelerometer associated therewith;
[0061] FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a computer system;
and
[0062] FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of an impact indicator
device being incorporated with a mobile impact recorder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0063] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to
provide an overall understanding of the principles of the
structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and
methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments
are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the
art will understand that the devices and methods specifically
described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are
non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the
present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features
illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary
embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments.
Such modifications and variations are intended to be included
within the scope of the present invention. Further, in the present
disclosure, like-numbered components of the embodiments generally
have similar features, unless specific properties of such
like-numbered components are described herein and are understood by
a person having skill in the art to be different from other
like-numbered components. Still further, to the extent that linear
or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed
devices and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the
types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such devices
and methods. A person skilled in the art will recognize that an
equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can easily be
determined for any geometric shape. Sizes and shapes of the impact
indication devices, and components thereof, can depend at least on
the configuration, size, and shape of an object with which they are
used, e.g., a face on a head of a golf club.
[0064] The present disclosure generally relates to impact
indication devices in the form of a patch that can be removably and
replaceably attached to a face of a golf club. The patch includes a
ball-striking surface that can visually display an impact or ball
strike location where the patch, and thus the face of the golf
club, most recently struck the ball. In exemplary embodiments, the
patch displays a most recent ball strike location without
displaying locations of previous ball strikes. This allows a user
to more easily determine where the most recent ball strike occurred
without having the display obscured by the display of earlier ball
strikes. Further, the patch can be configured to "reset" itself to
no longer display locations of a previous ball strike by the time
or while the most recent ball strike occurs. As a result, no
further actions beyond swinging the golf club again is required by
the user between ball strikes.
[0065] A variety of different innovative features are described
herein that allow impact indication devices to achieve the
aforementioned capabilities of visually displaying only a most
recent ball strike and clearing previous ball strikes with no more
than a swing of a golf club. These features can operate in
different manners, yet each can be suitable for achieving one or
more of the intended purposes.
Impact Indication Device
[0066] One exemplary embodiment of an impact indication device
configured to both visually display only a most recent ball strike
and be reset to clear previous ball strikes using no more than a
swing of a golf club is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C. As shown, an
impact indication device 20 can be a patch having a plurality of
layers 30, 40, 50 that work together to indicate the location of a
ball strike. In the illustrated embodiment, the layers include a
base layer 30 adhered to a face 12 of a golf club 10, an exposure
layer 40 disposed over at least a portion of the base layer 30, and
a cover layer 50 disposed over the exposure layer 40 and disposed
over at least a portion of the base layer 30.
[0067] While each layer is discussed with more particularity at
least with respect to FIGS. 2A-8C, generally the base layer 30
includes one or more indicia 34 that provide information to the
user related to a location of a ball strike, and the exposure layer
40 includes a material 44 that can be displaced in response to a
ball strike to reveal the base layer 30, including, depending on
the location of the ball strike, the indicia 34. In one exemplary
embodiment the material 44 is a yield-stress material or fluid
disposed within a chamber 42 of the exposure layer 40.
[0068] The optional cover layer 50 can be adapted to have a variety
of features and functions, but in the illustrated embodiment the
cover layer 50 includes a generally inelastic membrane 52
configured to provide a rigidity that helps maintain a volume of
the chamber 42 of the exposure layer 40 so that the yield-stress
material 44 is displaced to expose a portion of the base layer 30
in response to a ball strike. In other embodiments, the exposure
layer 40 can be configured to provide rigidity in lieu of a cover
layer 50. The exposure layer 40 can have a sufficiently rigid
surface such that the surface can help maintain a volume of the
chamber 42 to allow the yield-stress material 44 contained therein
to be displaced to expose a portion of the base layer 30 in
response to a ball strike. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, after a club
head 14 of the golf club 10, and more particularly the device 20
disposed on the face 12, strikes a ball, the yield-stress material
44 at the location of the ball strike is displaced, revealing
indicia 34 formed on the base layer 30.
[0069] FIGS. 1D-1F illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an
impact indication device 20''. As shown, the device 20'' includes a
base layer 30'', an exposure layer 40'', and a cover layer 50'',
and the features of such layers can be consistent with the
descriptions of similar layers provided for herein. The base layer
30'' includes indicia 34'' formed on a display surface 32'' of the
base layer", as shown a single, circular sweet spot 35'' formed in
an approximate center of the base layer 30''. In one exemplary
embodiment, the display surface can be a white color, while the
sweet spot 35'' can be a yellow color and can have a diameter of
about 1 centimeter. The exposure layer 40'' includes a chamber 42''
having a yield-stress material 44'' contained therein, and can be
configured to generally cover the indicia 34'' of the base layer
30'' except at a location where a ball strike is made, as shown in
FIGS. 1D and 1F. In one exemplary embodiment, the yield-stress
material 44'' can be a blue color.
[0070] The cover layer 50'' can be disposed over the exposure layer
40'' and can be sealed to the base layer 30'' to help contain the
exposure layer 40'' and the yield-stress material 44'' thereof. As
shown, the cover layer 50'' is welded to the base layer 30'' by a
welded ring 53'' disposed proximate edges of the base and cover
layers 30'', 50''. As shown in FIG. 1F, the device 20'' can be
attached to a face 12 of a golf club 10 using any number of
techniques, including by including an adhesive on a back side of
the base layer 30''. FIGS. 1A and 1F illustrate a configuration
after a ball strike occurs, in which a portion of the base layer
30'' is revealed. As shown, the ball strike is proximate to the
sweet spot 35'', and thus the yield-stress material 44'' flows away
from the point of impact upon impact to reveal a portion of the
sweet spot 35''. A more thorough description of how devices like
the device 20'' respond to impact is provided below.
Base Layer
[0071] The base layer 30, shown in FIG. 2A, can be generally
elliptical in shape and can include indicia 34 formed on a display
surface 32 that assist a user in knowing where with respect to the
face 12 of the club 10 impact was made with a golf ball. While any
number of indicia can be incorporated into the base layer 30 to
provide information to a user about the location of impact, the
indicia 34 of the illustrated embodiment includes a bulls-eye
pattern having an approximate center 35, middle ring 36, and outer
ring 37 that are reflective of the location of a club's sweet spot.
The indicia 34 can be color-coded so that they contrast with
respect to each other. For example, the center 35 can be a green
color, the middle ring 36 a yellow color, and the outer ring 37 an
orange color, with the rest of the base layer being a color as
well, such as red. The colors of the base layer 30 and the indicia
34 can also generally contrast with the color of the yield-stress
material 44, e.g., the yield-stress material can be a blue color.
The various contrasting colors can make it easy for a user to
identify the exact location of impact after a ball strike. In one
exemplary embodiment, a diameter of the center 35 can be about 0.75
centimeters, a diameter of the middle ring 36 can be about 1.13
centimeters, and a diameter of the outer ring can be about 1.50
centimeters. A person skilled in the art will recognize a number of
ways by which the indicia 34 can be formed on the base layer 30,
including by way of non-limiting example, printing or stamping the
indicia 34 on the display surface 32.
[0072] A back, club head-facing side (not shown) of the base layer
30, which is opposed to the display surface 32, can include any
adhesive or other similar material that is configured to allow the
base layer 30 to attach to the face 12 of the club. In some
exemplary embodiments, the adhesive can be a reusable adhesive,
allowing the device 20 to be easily attached to and removed from
the club face 12, and even reattached to the same or a different
club face. The disclosures herein can be adapted for use on any
type of club face, including irons, woods, fairway woods, wedges,
and putters. A person skilled in the art will recognize a number of
different adhesives that can be used for such a purpose, including,
by way of non-limiting example, a polymer-based glue, as well as an
amount of adhesive to apply to the back side of the base layer 30
to provide a secure attachment that has a negligible effect on the
results of the golf swing.
[0073] A shape of the base layer 30 generally can depend, at least
in part, on the size and shape of the club on which it is intended
to be used and the size and shape of the other components of the
device 20, including any other layers. Thus, although in the
illustrated embodiment the base layer is substantially elliptical
in shape, in other embodiments it can be circular, rectangular,
triangular, pentagonal, or a variety of other shapes. A size of the
base layer 30 can also depend on the size and shape of the club on
which it is intended to be used and the size and shape of the other
components of the device 20, including any other layers. In the
illustrated embodiment, a length L extending from a first vertex
30a to a second vertex 30b can be in the range of about 2.5
centimeters (about 1 inch) to about 8.0 centimeters (about 3
inches), and in one exemplary embodiment the length L is about 6.4
centimeters (about 2.5 inches), and a height H extending from a
first co-vertex 30c to a second co-vertex 30d can be in the range
of about 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inches) to about 5.0 centimeters
(about 2 inches), and in one exemplary embodiment the height H is
about 3.2 centimeters (about 1.25 inches). A thickness of the base
layer 30 can generally be as thin as possible to minimize any
effect the layer 30 has on the strike of the golf ball. In some
embodiments a thickness of the base layer 30 can be about 0.8
millimeters or less, and in one exemplary embodiment a thickness
can be about 0.5 millimeters. The base layer 30 can be formed from
any number of materials, but in some embodiments it can be made
from a PET acrylic-backed film, while in other embodiments it can
be a plasticized PVC sheet or various types of thermoplastics, such
as urethanes, polyesters, polyethylene, polycarbonate, and
santoprene.
[0074] FIG. 2B illustrates an alternative embodiment of a base
layer 30' in which the indicia 34' is more elliptical in shape.
Similar to the base layer 30, the base layer 30' is substantially
elliptical in shape and can be sized similarly, however, the
indicia 34' includes an elliptical ring 36' defining a sweet-spot
portion 35' and a off-center portion 37'. While a size and shape of
the elliptical ring 36' can vary, in one exemplary embodiment the
elliptical ring has a length L' extending from a first vertex 36a'
to a second vertex 36b' of about 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch),
and a height H' extending from a first co-vertex 36c' to a second
co-vertex 36d' of about 1.6 centimeters (about 0.625 inches). The
embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A, 1D-1F, and 2B make it clear that
indicia formed on a base layer of an impact indication device can
have any number of configurations without departing from the spirit
of the present disclosure.
Exposure Layer
[0075] One exemplary embodiment of an exposure layer 40 is
illustrated in FIG. 3. The exposure layer 40 is generally designed
to allow displacement of a portion thereof, e.g., the yield-stress
material 44, to reveal a portion of the base layer 30, such as some
aspect of the indicia 34. The exposure layer 40 can include a
chamber 42, which in the illustrated embodiment substantially
defines the size and shape of the layer 40. In other embodiments,
such as the device 20'' illustrated in FIGS. 1D-1F, a chamber (not
shown, but outlined by the yield-stress material 44'') can be
smaller in size than the layer 40'' itself.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 3, the exposure layer 40 is generally
elliptical in shape, although other shapes are possible depending
at least on the shape and size of the other components of the
device 20 and the face 12 of the club 10 on which the device 20 is
configured to be applied. The size of the exposure layer 40 can be
generally similar but slightly smaller in size in comparison to the
base layer 30. By being slightly smaller in size, the exposure
layer 40 can be fit within the confines of the base layer 30 and an
optional cover layer 50. In the illustrated embodiment, a length
L'' extending from a first vertex 40a to a second vertex 40b can be
in the range of about 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch) to about 8.0
centimeters (about 3 inches), and in one exemplary embodiment the
length L'' is about 5.8 centimeters (about 2.25 inches), and a
height H'' extending from a first co-vertex 40c to a second
co-vertex 40d can be in the range of about 1.5 centimeters (about
0.6 inches) to about 5.0 centimeters (about 2 inches), and in one
exemplary embodiment the height H'' is about 2.8 centimeters (about
1.1 inches). Similar to the base layer 30, a thickness of the
exposure layer 40 can generally be as thin as possible to minimize
any effect the layer 40 has on the strike of the golf ball. In some
embodiments a thickness of the exposure layer 40 can be about 1
millimeters or less, and in one exemplary embodiment a thickness
can be about 0.7 millimeters. The exposure layer 40, and more
particularly the chamber 42, can be formed from any number of
materials, but in some embodiments in which the layer 40 is
relatively flexible, it can be made from an elastomer. If the layer
40 is designed to not be flexible, more rigid materials can be
used. Likewise, if no cover layer 50 is included, the exposure
layer 40 can be similar in size to the base layer 30 so as to form
a substantially uniform patch for use as the device 20.
[0077] The exposure layer 40 can include a yield-stress material 44
disposed in the chamber 42. The yield-stress material 44 can
generally be configured to be a semi-rigid solid when it is not
under load, but readily flow under stress. The amount of load or
stress required to cause the yield-stress material 44 to readily
flow, i.e., the threshold load, can depend on a variety of factors,
including the size and shape of the chamber 42 in which the
material 44 is disposed, the properties of any components
surrounding the chamber 42, the viscosity of the material 44, and
the angle at which the load is applied to the material 44. In some
embodiments, an approximately direct impact resulting from contact
with a golf ball at approximately 48 kilometers per hour (about 30
miles per hour) or more can cause the yield-stress material 44 to
flow away from the impact point. A person skilled in the art will
understand how to manipulate the variables such as the size and
shape if the chamber 42 and the viscosity of the material 44, among
others, to achieve a desired threshold load. The desired threshold
load is generally a load that will not be achieved by incidental
contact with the device 20, but which will be achieved when a golf
club is swung to make contact with a ball, even by an amateur or
weaker player.
[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, a volume of the material 44
is less than a volume of the chamber 42. For example, in some
embodiments the volume of the material 44 is in the range of about
80% to about 98% in comparison to the available volume of the
chamber 42. In one exemplary embodiment, about 95% of the chamber
42's volume is filled with the yield-stress material 44. The amount
of material 44 can end up being in the range of about 0.5
milliliters to about 4 milliliters, and in one exemplary embodiment
is about 0.8 milliliters. Generally there should be enough material
44 in the chamber 42 that the base layer 30 is not visible when the
material 44 in the exposure layer 40 has not been displaced. In
some exemplary embodiments, air in the chamber 42 of the exposure
layer 40 can be vacuumed out, thereby helping the device 20 to have
the capability of resetting itself, as described in further detail
herein.
[0079] The yield-stress material 44 can be any number of materials
that are capable of being a semi-rigid solid under gentle or no
load, but capable of readily flowing above a threshold load.
Synthetic clays and hyrdrogels, which can both gel through a charge
stabilization process, are two forms of materials that are useful
in the device 20. In one exemplary embodiment, the yield stress
material 44 can include Laponite XLG, which is a synthetic clay
manufactured by Rockwood Additives Limited, Moorfield Road, Widnes,
Cheshire WA8 OJU, United Kingdom. Various formulations of the
yield-stress material can be used, but in one exemplary embodiment,
5% Laponite XLG synthetic clay is disposed in tap water, while in
another exemplary embodiment 10% Laponite XLG synthetic clay is
disposed in tap water. Such formulations can be generally
transparent, and thus can be colored using any number of techniques
known to those skilled in the art. In one exemplary embodiment, the
material 44 used in the device 20 is a blue color created by mixing
a 5% titanium dioxide with trace amounts of carbon black and a few
drops of blue food coloring.
[0080] In addition to being generally transparent, Laponite XLG
synthetic clay can be an advantageous yield-stress material because
it can generally have sharp yield-stress transitions and
high-shear-rate viscosities, which allows the material 44 to
readily flow in response to the threshold load and stabilize
shortly thereafter. When it stabilizes, it can maintain the
configuration that resulted from the threshold load, and thus the
impact location causing the threshold load can be maintained.
Generally, the material 44 selected can be temperature agnostic,
although to the extent temperature does affect the threshold load
of the material 44, a person skilled in the art can adjust
parameters such as those previously mentioned to achieve the
desired threshold load.
Cover Layer
[0081] An optional cover layer 50 of the device 20 is shown in FIG.
4. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover layer 50 includes a
generally inelastic membrane 52 that is configured to provide
rigidity to help maintain a volume of the chamber 42 of the
exposure layer 40 so that the material 44 within the chamber 42 is
displaced to expose a portion of the base layer 30 in response to a
ball strike. As shown, the cover layer 50 is generally elliptical
in shape, although other shapes are possible depending at least on
the shape and size of the other components of the device 20 and the
face 12 of the club 10 on which the device 20 is configured to be
applied. The size of the cover layer 50 can generally be the same
in size or slightly larger than the exposure layer 40 so that the
cover layer 50 can provide a rigid surface against the entirety of
the exposure layer 40. In some exemplary embodiments, such as the
devices 20 and 20'' illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C and 1D-1F, the cover
layer 50, 50'' has the same dimensions as the base layer 30, 30''
to create a seal around the exposure layer 40, 40'' and form a
singular patch for use as the device 20, 20''. Accordingly, in the
illustrated embodiment, a length L''' extending from a first vertex
50a to a second vertex 50b can be in the range of about 2.5
centimeters (about 1 inch) to about 8.0 centimeters (about 3
inches), and in one exemplary embodiment the length L''' is about
6.4 centimeters (about 2.5 inches), and a height H''' extending
from a first co-vertex 50c to a second co-vertex 50d can be in the
range of about 1.5 centimeters (about 0.6 inches) to about 5.0
centimeters (about 2 inches), and in one exemplary embodiment the
height H''' is about 3.2 centimeters (about 1.25 inches). Similar
to each of the layers 30, 40, a thickness of the cover layer 50 can
generally be as thin as possible to minimize any effect the layer
50 has on the strike of the golf ball. In some embodiments a
thickness of the cover layer 50 can be about 0.8 millimeters or
less, and in one exemplary embodiment a thickness can be about 0.5
millimeters.
[0082] The cover layer 50 can be formed from any number of
materials, but in some embodiments its generally inelastic membrane
is made from polyvinyl acetate. In other embodiments it can be made
from the same material as the base layer, such as a PET
acrylic-backed film or a plasticized PVC sheet. In other
embodiments it may be more desirable for the cover layer 50 to more
easily withstand high velocities without splitting. In such
embodiments, materials having more elasticity, and thus have better
tensile resistance, may be used, including but not limited to
thermoplastic rubbers, urethanes, polyesters, polyethylene,
polycarbonate, and santoprene. Generally, the cover layer 50 is
substantially transparent so that the base layer 30 and its indicia
34 can be easily visible through the cover layer 50 and the
displaced exposure layer 40.
[0083] In some embodiments, the cover layer 50 can include one or
more indicia formed thereon using techniques known to those skilled
in the art, such as printing or stamping. For example, the indicia
can be tailored to match particular types of golf club heads (e.g.,
irons, woods, fairway woods, wedges, putters) and/or particular
brands of golf club heads (e.g., Callaway, Ping, Taylor Made, Nike)
to help a user know precisely where the device 20 should be placed
on the face 12 of the club 10 so that it properly aligns with the
sweet spot of the club 10. In other embodiments, indicia formed on
the cover layer 50 may provide feedback to a user regarding the
location of a ball strike.
Impact Indication Device in Use
[0084] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate one exemplary embodiment of two
separate impact locations formed on the device 20. As shown in FIG.
5A, a first impact location 80 is formed when load applied by the
golf club head 12, and thus the device 20 disposed thereon, to a
golf ball being struck exceeds the threshold load. The impact of
the ball strike causes the yield-stress material 44 to shear and
flow away from the impact location 80, thereby exposing the middle
ring 36 of the base layer 30. After the contact is complete and the
material 44 is displaced to its new location, the material 44 again
settles into its semi-rigid solid state, with the impact location
80 still visible.
[0085] Following a second ball strike, a second impact location 82
is formed. As shown by comparing FIG. 5B to FIG. 5A, the second
impact location 82 is at a different location on the device 20 than
the first location 80, with the second location 82 revealing a
portion of the display surface 32 of the base layer 30 that is
outside of any of the indicia 34. By the time the second ball
strike is complete, the first impact location 80 is no longer
visible. This is because the material 44 displaced at the second
impact location 82 flows to the other portions of the exposure
layer 40, including the area previously exposed by the first
strike. A person skilled in the art will recognize that had the
second impact location intersected at all with the first impact
location, then the portions that intersected would have remained
exposed after the second ball strike as well. Thus, the
yield-stress material 44 only flows back to portions of the first
impact location 80 in the exposure layer 40 that do not overlap
with portions of the second impact location 82 in the exposure
layer 40.
[0086] FIGS. 6A-6D provide an alternative illustration of the
device 20 responding to two separate ball strikes, highlighting the
displacement of the substantially inelastic cover layer 50 and the
exposure layer 40 in response to the ball strikes. As shown in FIG.
6A, the base layer 30 is attached to the club head face 12, the
exposure layer 40 is disposed over the base layer 30, and the cover
layer 50 is disposed over the exposure layer 40. Prior the any
impact, each layer 30, 40, and 50 has a substantially uniform
thickness. During a first ball strike, however, both the cover
layer 50 and the exposure layer 40 can be displaced, as shown in
FIG. 6B by a ball 16 first contacting the cover layer 50 when the
golf club on which the face 12 is disposed is swung. The cover
layer 50, which can be substantially inelastic, can be displaced in
a direction F, toward the club face, at the location of the first
ball strike. The yield-stress material 44 of the exposure layer 40,
on the other hand, is configured to displace to the available
volume in the layer 40 due to the volume of the material 44 being
less than the available volume of the chamber 42, along with the
vacuum contained therein. The displacement of the yield-stress
material 44 is generally illustrated by an arrow G, although a
person skilled in the art will recognize that the material 44 will
generally flow to open volume of the chamber 42 as it flows away
from a point of impact 84 where the ball 16 struck. In the
illustrated embodiment, as demonstrated by the fact that the arrow
G does not extend outside of the exposure layer 40, a person
skilled in the art will understand that the material 44 can be
prevented from flowing out either of sides 40p, 40q of the exposure
layer 40 relying upon a number of different configurations. For
example, the sides 40p, 40q can be sufficiently rigid and
non-porous so as to prevent the material 44 from flowing
therethrough. In other embodiments, the cover layer 50 and base
layer 30 can be coupled together to secure the exposure layer 40
therebetween.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 6C, after the first strike is complete, the
cover layer 50 can remain displaced at the first point of impact 84
due, at least in part, to its inelastic membrane 52, and the
yield-stress material 44 can likewise remain displaced because it
is configured to return to a semi-rigid state after it shears in
response to the threshold load. A second ball strike 86, shown in
FIG. 6D, however, can displace both the cover layer 50 and the
exposure layer 40. As shown, the ball 16 strikes the cover layer 50
when the golf club on which the face 12 is disposed is swung. The
cover layer 50 can be displaced again in the direction F, but at
the location of the second ball strike. The yield-stress material
44 of the exposure layer again displaces to the available volume in
the layer 40, which includes volume created as the portion of the
cover layer 50 at the first ball strike location returns to its
original state. Again, although the displacement of the
yield-stress material 44 is generally illustrated by an arrow J, a
person skilled in the art will recognize that the material 44 will
generally flow to open volume of the chamber 42 as it flows away
from the point of impact where the ball 16 struck during the second
strike.
[0088] With each strike of a golf ball, the cover layer 50 and
exposure layer 40 can be displaced in a manner as described and
illustrated herein. Although a ball strike impact is left formed in
the device 20 leading into the next ball strike, the displacement
of the cover layer 50 and the exposure layer 40 can have a
negligible effect on the subsequent ball strike, particularly in
view of the very thin nature of the device 20. Each time a ball
strike occurs, that action alone can be enough to reset or
essentially eliminate the mark left by the previous ball strike,
except to the extent one ball strike overlaps with the other. As a
result of these capabilities, a user can continue to swing the golf
club, notice the impact location after each swing, make any desired
adjustments to his or her swing, and then swing again without
taking the time to manually remove the impact location mark from
the device 20 or strain to determine which impact location mark was
the most recent mark because the device 20 only displays the most
recent impact location. In some embodiments, a device can be used
for at least 20 swings, at least 80 swings, and possibly up to
approximately 100 swings.
[0089] It may be desirable to build-in safety measures to the
device 20 that cause some sort of failure in the device before
wear-and-tear from using the device breaks the exposure layer 40
and causes the yield-stress material 44 to eject from the device
20. For example, the device 20 can be configured to gradually fail
such that once the exposure layer 40 has sufficiently worn, any
failure will be small and not lead to an undesirable explosion of
fluid out of the device 20. Alternatively, the cover layer 50, or
top, visible surface of the exposure layer 40 when no cover layer
is included, can be configured to wear, e.g., scuff, after each use
such that after a certain number of uses, it becomes difficult to
see the exposed base layer 30 and indicia 34 through the cover
layer 50. In still other embodiments, an inner membrane having a
fluid formed therein can be disposed within the device, 20, for
example within the chamber 42 of the exposure layer, and can be
configured to fail prior to failure by the exposure layer 40. When
the inner membrane fails, the fluid contained therein can seep into
the exposure layer, or elsewhere in the patch, thereby notifying
the user that the device 20 should be replaced. The inner membrane
and fluid disposed therein can be configured such that they do not
interfere with viewing until the inner membrane fails. In still
further embodiments, a use tracking mechanism that begins one color
and fades away as the device 20 is used can be included to help the
user keep track of when it is time to replace the device 20. In
still other embodiments, the device 20 can be configured to include
a reservoir that is connected to the exposure layer 40, with a path
therebetween configured to open only after the exposure layer 40
fails. Thus, if the exposure layer 40 fails, the material 44 can
flow into the reservoir.
Sensors
[0090] In some embodiments, one or more sensors can be associated
with an impact indication device. The sensor(s) can have a variety
of configurations and generally be adapted to measure any number of
parameters, including but not limited to a contact pressure and a
location of a ball strike. In one exemplary embodiment, illustrated
in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a sensor 90 can be a simple flexible circuit.
As shown, a network of crossing wires 92 formed on two opposed
flexible sheets 94, 96 can be used to help determine at least a
location of a ball strike. A person skilled in the art will
recognize that such a determination can be made, for instance,
through isolation of short-circuits between the sheets 94, 96 due
in part to the flow of yield-stress material.
[0091] The sensor 90 can also be configured to make other
determinations, such as a force of impact, for instance by using an
elastomeric support. As illustrated, a contact zone 17 that results
from the impact of a golf ball 16 is where the isolated short
circuits can make the desired determinations. The sensor 90 can be
disposed on any layer of an impact determination device, and can
even be disposed separately on a face or head of a golf club. In
one exemplary embodiment, such as the device 20, the sensor can be
disposed on a back side of the cover layer 50. A person skilled in
the art will understand various other types and configurations of
sensor(s) that can be adapted for use with the impact indication
devices disclosed herein.
Methods of Manufacture
[0092] Any number of methods of manufacturing known to those
skilled in the art can be adapted to manufacture impact indication
devices disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, which begins
at FIG. 10A, a template 60 for determining a size of an impact
indication device can be disposed between two silicone spacers 61,
such as 0.79 millimeter medium soft elastomers. As shown, two
needles, such as 25G needles 62, can also be disposed between the
spacers 61. The needles 62 can be used to fill a cavity 63 formed
by the spacers 61, and also to allow air to escape, as described
below. The size of the template 60 with respect to the silicone
spacers 61 can be noted, and, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the
template 60 can be subsequently removed.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 10C, a thin PET film 64 can be disposed
adjacent to the spacers 61 and cut to a size similar to that of the
previously provided template 60. The thin PET film will eventually
be configured to form a base layer of the impact indication device.
The spacers 61 can be sealed so as to seal the cavity 63 formed
therebetween, although the seal is kept clear of the needles so the
needles 62 can still be configured to communicate with the cavity
63. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10D, a bead of
heat-sealing adhesive 65 can be used to form the seal of the cavity
63. A weight 66 can then be applied to the construct, thereby
sealing the PET film 64 onto an adhesive backing 67. As discussed
herein, the adhesive backing 67 can be configured to allow the
resulting device to be removably and replaceably attached to a face
of a golf club. The weight 66 illustrated in FIG. 10E is in no way
limiting as to how weight can be applied to the construct. Any
number of weights or mechanisms to apply weight to a construct can
be used for this step.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 10F, the weight 66 can be removed, and the
result is a construct in which the cavity 63 is sealed and just the
needles 62 are clear of the hot-glue adhesive bead 65. A vent hole
68 for the cavity 63 can be provided, for instance by removing one
of the needles 62, as illustrated in FIG. 10G. The remaining needle
62 can then be used to dispose a yield-stress material 69 such as
the materials described herein in the cavity 63. As discussed
herein, in some embodiments it can be desirable for the volume of
the cavity 63 to exceed the volume of material 69 disposed therein,
and thus the material 69 may not necessarily fully fill the cavity
63. Subsequently, the remaining needle 62 can be removed to expose
a fill hole 70, and as shown in FIG. 10H, the vent and fill holes
68, 70 can be sealed to create a sealed construction. The seal can
be performed using any number of adhesives known to those skilled
in the art, for example a glue gun or welding. In embodiments where
it is desired, a vacuum (not shown) can be applied to the cavity 63
so that the extra volume in the cavity 63 is not filled with air.
More particularly, the silicon spacers 61 can be collapsed on the
material 69 so that its natural resting condition is contacting the
underlying substrate.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 10I, the adhesive backed PET film 64, can
be stuck to another adhesive, as shown tape 71, which in turn can
be stuck to an adhesive backed silicone elastomer 72 with release
liner. Excess materials can be cut-off, resulting in an impact
indication device 120. Referring to terms used herein, in the
resulting construct, the PET film 64 with adhesive backing can be
similar to the base layer 30, the silicon spacers 61 having the
yield-stress material 69 disposed therein can be similar to the
exposure layer 40, and the adhesive backed silicone elastomer 72
with release liner can be the cover layer 50. A person skilled in
the art will recognize that the steps provided for herein are just
examples, and many other steps can be adapted for use in forming
the impact indication device 120 and other impact indication
devices provided for herein. Furthermore, although in this
embodiment the resulting exposure layer is formed by way of a heat
seal, other sealing strategies can also be used, including those
used in the medical, industrial, and food industries.
[0096] In still other embodiments the exposure layer can be formed
using various thermoform methods known to those skilled in the art.
In still other embodiments, the entire device can be manufactured
using a conveyor system. For example, a welder can be used to
create seals as described, with needles for accessing the cavity
already disposed therein. The part can then move on the belt to a
fill station, where the yield-stress material can be added into the
cavity through the needles. The part can subsequently move to a
location where the adhesive backing can be attached and a location
where the needles can be removed and openings in which they were
disposed sealed, and finally the part can be moved to a die cutter
for final formation of the product. A person having skill in the
art would understand how other steps, including those known to
those skilled in the art and those disclosed herein, can be
included in such a system without departing from the spirit of the
present disclosure.
[0097] Another exemplary method for forming an impact indication
device is illustrated in FIG. 11. As shown, a flexible transparent
film or membrane 161 can be heat sealed or ultrasonically welded to
a supporting, semi-rigid layer 164. At this point the unit can be
empty but hermetically sealed, for instance by using an ultrasonic
welder 173. The unit can then be pumped down and back-filled with a
yield-stress material 169 (not shown) through the semi-rigid layer
164 such that no air remains, and then the pump-hole closed and
sealed. Again referring to terms used herein, in the resulting
construct, and the semi-rigid layer 164 can be similar to the base
lawyer 30, the flexible transparent film or membrane 161 can be
similar to exposure layer 40. A person skilled in the art will
again recognize other variations with respect to this method for
forming impact indication devices provided for herein without
departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Further, to
the extent this method is illustrated and not described, a person
skilled in the art will understand how heat sealing or ultrasonic
welding can be used to manufacture impact indication devices in
accordance with the present disclosure.
Other Impact Indication Device Embodiments
[0098] Another way in which impact indication devices can visually
display only a most recent ball strike and clear previous ball
strikes with no more than a swing of a golf club can be by using a
porous or deformable substrate. As shown in FIG. 12A, in one
exemplary embodiment of an impact indication device 220, an
exposure layer 240 that includes a porous or deformable substrate
244 can be attached to a golf club face 12 and a cover layer 250
can be disposed over the substrate 244. The substrate 244 can be
made of a variety of materials, but in some exemplary embodiments
it can be a simple sponge, a hydrogel, such as a highly porous
hydrogel, an elastomer, or foam, such as a low durometer foam, and
each can be fully impregnated with a colored fluid configured to
generally appear colored until compressed.
[0099] When the substrate 244 is fully compressed, for instance
when a ball 16 impacts the face 10 via the cover 250 and drives the
cover 250 and substrate 244 approximately in a direction T as shown
in FIG. 12B, the fluid in the substrate 244 at the location of
impact can be driven out of the substrate 244 in the directions V
and W, towards ends 240p, 240q of the exposure layer 240 and the
original color of the substrate 244 can dominate the appearance at
the location of impact. After the strike is complete, the colored
fluid driven out of the substrate can seep back into the substrate
244. The rate of recovery can be controlled by a number of
parameters, including but not limited to a permeability and uptake
of the substrate 244. Once recovery is complete, the location of
impact is no longer visible, and a subsequent strike will reveal a
new location of impact specific to the most recent strike.
[0100] In an alternative embodiment, the impact of a ball can
actually drive fluid into a porous substrate, thereby identifying
the location of impact by the addition of color to that location.
After the ball strike is complete, the fluid can dissipate from the
location and spread more evenly through the exposure layer. In this
embodiment, the resulting indication of a ball strike can be a
fuller, more robust color due a color fluid being driven in to the
impact location.
[0101] FIGS. 13A and 13B provide yet another embodiment of an
impact indication device 320. The device 320 can visually display
only a most recent ball strike and clear previous ball strikes with
no more than a swing of a golf club by using a gap mediated
configuration in cooperation with a viscoelastic fluid. In the
illustrated embodiment, a base layer 330 can be attached to a golf
club face 12, an exposure layer 340 having a viscoelastic fluid 344
disposed therein can be disposed over at least a portion of the
base layer 330, and a cover layer 350 can be disposed over the
exposure layer 340, the exposure layer 340 creating a gap between
the base layer 330 and the cover layer 350. In some embodiments the
base layer 330 can include a substrate and the cover layer 350 a
membrane. When a club is swung and the club face 12 makes contact
with a ball 16, via the device 320, the impact can drive the cover
layer 350 toward the face 12 in an approximate direction U. In the
illustrated embodiment, the cover layer 350 is driven through the
exposure layer 340 and into the base layer 330.
[0102] After the strike is complete, as shown in FIG. 13B, the
cover layer 350 can be substantially elastic, and thus can recover
rather quickly. However, the properties of the viscoelastic fluid
344 are such that recovery to return to its initial state takes a
little time. As shown, during that time, an excess bulge 344b of
the fluid 344 exists where the ball strike was located, and thus
until the fluid 344 recovers, the increased gap between the cover
layer 350 and base layer 330 can look darker to identify the impact
location. While or after the viscoelastic fluid 344 recovers, a
subsequent ball strike will again cause same chain of events, but
the previous ball strike will not longer be visible as the
viscoelastic fluid 344 now moves and recovers in response to the
latest ball strike. In other embodiments involving a viscoelastic
fluid, it may be possible to drive such the fluid disposed in an
exposure layer away from an impact zone, toward the edges of the
exposure layer, for subsequent recovery. After the strike and
during the recovery, the portion exposed by the driven away
viscoelastic fluid can be visible to the user as the most recent
ball strike location until the viscoelastic fluid completes its
recovery.
[0103] In still another embodiment in which an impact indication
device is adapted to both visually display only a most recent ball
strike and clear previous ball strikes with no more than a swing of
a golf club, the device can include liquid crystal films. More
particularly, as shown in FIG. 14, the device 420 can include a
base layer 430 attached to a golf club face 12, an exposure layer
440 disposed over the base layer 430 and having a plurality of
liquid crystal films 444 disposed therein, and a cover layer 450
disposed over the exposure layer 440. The films 444 can be
configured to change color to reflect a location of a ball strike,
thereby contrasting against those other films that did not change
color because they were no impacted by a ball strike.
[0104] More particularly, the liquid crystal films 444 work by
induced orientation in semi-rigid molecules. This orientation
imposes a characteristics length on the self-organized structure
contained in the exposure layer 440 that selectively passes
specific wavelengths of light. The microstructure of the liquid
crystal films can help provide the desired contrast. In one
exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal films are thermochromic
liquid crystals, which can use the chiral nematic, sometimes
referred to as cholesteric, nature of the self-assembled structures
to create an optically active material that is sensitive to
temperature. Thermochromic liquid crystals can be made that are
either temperature sensitive, i.e., color varies with temperature,
or temperature insensitive, i.e., shear-sensitive, which can have a
sharp, single color transition. The color changes can be thin-film
effects and in bulk the materials can tend to appear iridescent,
rather than nomochromatic. In temperature insensitive materials,
the transition can be more marked as a "clearing point" where the
liquid crystal transitions from a strong reflecting cholesteric
phase to a transparent, isotopic phase.
Mobile Impact Recorder
[0105] In some instances, an affordable, convenient, and
user-friendly mobile technology can be used in conjunction with the
impact indication devices provided for herein, or with other impact
indication devices known to those skilled in the art, to capture
and record where the club face impacts the ball. More broadly, a
mobile impact recorder can be provided for recording any number of
parameters of a golf swing, and can be used independent of or in
conjunction with an impact indication device.
[0106] In some exemplary embodiments of a mobile impact recorder,
it can be used to capture specific information about the swing and
impact of the club face on a struck golf ball. The information can
be captured by an accelerometer designed for that purpose, or a
number of other components configured to capture such information.
A sensor can be designed to record a variety of data parameters,
including but not limited to a swing plane, location of impact,
angle of impact, and club head speed through. Such parameters can
be recorded using a variety of techniques, but in one instance they
are detected through vibrations caused by the impact using an
accelerometer combined with a sensor and Wi-Fi technology. The
parameters can then be used to project a distance and direction of
the ball flight, among other results. Alternatively, or
additionally, the sensor can be configured to transmit data to a
custom receiver, for example, via Bluetooth, conveniently placed on
the golf club, golf bag, or other nearby location. The custom
receiver can transmit data onto the user's respective smartphone
and/or tablet apps in real time. Data can be stored in the cloud
for further analysis by the individual golfer or can be shared with
a golf instructor. Data can be saved, shared or deleted by each
individual user at anytime. A person skilled in the art will
recognize a variety of other embodiments that can achieve these
same functions related to recording, transmitting, sharing,
processing, and using data, including but not limited allowing the
smartphone, tablet, computer, or other device capable of receiving
and transmitting information to communicate with the sensor to
receive data directly from the sensor and/or transmit data to a
remote storage location, such a cloud-based storage system.
[0107] Both the accelerometer and the sensor can be placed in a
variety of locations on the club, including but not limited to the
locations provided for above for the sensor 90, or even on a glove
worn by a player. Other data gathering components can also be used
to gather additional data parameters to be recorded, transmitted,
shared, processed, and/or used for data analysis, evaluation, the
simulation of a golf game, etc. In some instances, the components
can be electronically based, like the sensor. In one exemplary
embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 15, an accelerometer 1020 is used
to gather additional data parameters. As shown, the accelerometer
1020 can be in the form of a strip capable of being attached to a
golf glove 1010 of the user swinging the golf club. Although the
accelerometer 1020 is located near a tab 1014 used to help hold the
glove 1010 with respect to the hand on which it is placed, a person
skilled in the art will recognize that the strip 1020 can be
attached to many different locations on the glove 1010 without
departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
[0108] The accelerometer may also be attached to the shaft of the
club in various locations, behind the club head, and on the
butt-end of the shaft. The accelerometer can be configured to
absorb and record vibrations that result from a ball strike. The
impact of the golf club contacting the ball can send vibrations
through the golf club and to these various locations, including the
gloved hand. The vibration information can then be analyzed using
algorithms to project the results discussed herein. As shown, the
accelerometer 1020 is substantially rectangular in shape, although
any number of other shapes can be used, including but not limited
to a round accelerometer. In exemplary embodiments, the
accelerometer 1020 is substantially unobtrusive so as not to
negatively impact a user's golf swing. In some embodiments the
accelerometer 1020 can have an adhesive formed on a back-side
thereof to allow the accelerometer 1020 to be attached to the glove
1010. The adhesive can have properties allowing it to be removable
and replaceable such that the accelerometer 1020 can be selectively
attached and removed from the glove 1010 and selectively attached
and removed from other gloves. In other embodiments the
accelerometer can be attached to various locations on the club as
described herein and known to those skilled in the art. A person
skilled in the art would recognize exemplary adhesives that can be
used in this manner. In some other embodiments the accelerometer
1020 can be pre-coupled to the glove 1010 such that a user receives
the glove 1010 with the accelerometer 1020 already attached to or
even embedded in it. In still other embodiments, the accelerometer
1020 can be attached to other structures, including but not limited
to impact indicators provided for herein or otherwise known to
those skilled in the art and the golf club, for instance on the
face, head, shaft, or handle of the club, in either a
removable/replaceable manner or in a more permanent manner.
[0109] The introductory data recording and transmitting product can
be specifically designed to capture and record a variety of data
parameters, including but not limited to swing plane, location of
impact, club head speed and estimate the distance a ball travels
after each swing. A person skilled in the art will recognize a
number of different ways these data parameters can be used, and a
number of other ways in which other data parameters related to the
impact location and swing can be recorded and used by a computer
program or mobile application. By way of non-limiting examples,
information can be shared with a golf instructor to better an
individual's game, as competition between two individuals, record a
great swing or round, reference previous sessions, convert
information into a virtual game etc.
[0110] Use and data gathered from this introductory product can
establish the foundation upon which to enhance future hardware and
software updates.
[0111] A person skilled in the art will recognize a variety of
different computer-based technologies that can be used to carry out
disclosures contained herein. For example, the devices, systems and
methods disclosed herein can be implemented using one or more
computer systems, such as the exemplary embodiment of a computer
system 1100 shown in FIG. 16.
[0112] As shown, the computer system 1100 can include one or more
processors 1102 which can control the operation of the computer
system 1100. The processor(s) 1102 can include any type of
microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), including
programmable general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessors
and/or any one of a variety of proprietary or commercially
available single or multi-processor systems. The computer system
1100 can also include one or more memories 1104, which can provide
temporary storage for code to be executed by the processor(s) 1102
or for data acquired from one or more users, storage devices,
and/or databases. The memory 1104 can include read-only memory
(ROM), flash memory, one or more varieties of random access memory
(RAM) (e.g., static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), or synchronous
DRAM (SDRAM)), and/or a combination of memory technologies.
[0113] The various elements of the computer system 1100 can be
coupled to a bus system 1112. The illustrated bus system 1112 is an
abstraction that represents any one or more separate physical
busses, communication lines/interfaces, and/or multi-drop or
point-to-point connections, connected by appropriate bridges,
adapters, and/or controllers. The computer system 1100 can also
include one or more network interface(s) 1106, one or more
input/output (IO) interface(s) 108, and one or more storage
device(s) 1110.
[0114] The network interface(s) 1106 can enable the computer system
1100 to communicate with remote devices (e.g., other computer
systems) over a network, and can be, for example, remote desktop
connection interfaces, Ethernet adapters, and/or other local area
network (LAN) adapters. The IO interface(s) 1108 can include one or
more interface components to connect the computer system 1100 with
other electronic equipment. For example, the IO interface(s) 1108
can include high speed data ports, such as USB ports, 1394 ports,
etc. Additionally, the computer system 1100 can be accessible to a
human user, and thus the IO interface(s) 1108 can include displays,
speakers, keyboards, pointing devices, and/or various other video,
audio, or alphanumeric interfaces. The storage device(s) 1110 can
include any conventional medium for storing data in a non-volatile
and/or non-transient manner. The storage device(s) 1110 can thus
hold data and/or instructions in a persistent state (i.e., the
value is retained despite interruption of power to the computer
system 1100). The storage device(s) 1110 can include one or more
hard disk drives, flash drives, USB drives, optical drives, various
media cards, and/or any combination thereof and can be directly
connected to the computer system 1100 or remotely connected
thereto, such as over a network. The elements illustrated in FIG.
16 can be some or all of the elements of a single physical machine.
In addition, not all of the illustrated elements need to be located
on or in the same physical or logical machine. Rather, the
illustrated elements can be distributed in nature, e.g., using a
server farm or cloud-based technology. Exemplary computer systems
include conventional desktop computers, workstations,
minicomputers, laptop computers, tablet computers, PDAs, mobile
phones, smartphones, and the like.
[0115] Although an exemplary computer system is depicted and
described herein, it will be appreciated that this is for sake of
generality and convenience. In other embodiments, the computer
system may differ in architecture and operation from that shown and
described here.
[0116] FIG. 17 provides one, non-limiting example of an embodiment
that incorporates both an impact indication device and a mobile
impact recorder in accordance with the disclosures provided for
herein. As shown, an impact indication device 2020 is provided for
on a face of a golf club, and can include a sensor (not shown) for
collecting data related to a golf swing. The sensor can be disposed
on any part of the device 2020, and can have a surface area that is
equal to or smaller than a surface area of the device 2020. Data
collected by the sensor can be transmitted to a gateway or
transmitter 2200, for instance by way of wireless or Bluetooth
communication. The gateway or transmitter 2200 can have a variety
of configurations, but in some embodiments it can be a separate
component disposed at location proximate to the golf club, such as
on a golf bag, and can be configured to receive data and
information from the sensor. The transmitter 2200 can also be
configured to send data and information, including but not limited
to the data and information received from the sensor, to a receiver
2300. Some non-limiting, illustrated examples of receivers include
a computer 2302, a tablet 2304, and a smartphone 2306. Other
receivers known to those skilled in the art can also be used to
communicate with the transmitter 2200. In some embodiments, the
transmitter 2200 can be incorporated with the receiver 2300 into a
single device. As shown, the receiver 2300 can communicate data and
information to a remote storage location 2400, such as a
cloud-based storage location 2402. In other embodiments, the
transmitter 2200 can transmit data and information directly to the
remote storage location 2400. Information stored in the remote
storage location 2400 can be accessed in any number of ways,
including by any of the receivers 2300, the transmitter 2200, or by
any other means known to those skilled in the art for accessing
remotely stored data.
[0117] The disclosures provided for herein related to an impact
indication device and a mobile impact recorder are practice tools
designed to help golfers from beginners to the professionals track
and better their swings. The various embodiments of and disclosures
pertaining to an impact indication device provided for herein or
otherwise derivable therefrom can be used on their own, without a
mobile impact recorder. Likewise, the various embodiments of and
disclosures pertaining to a mobile impact recorder provided for
herein or otherwise derivable therefrom can be used on their own,
without an impact indication device. Nevertheless, in some
embodiments, the unique integration of a visual and mobile
component can work together to provide golfers with a personalized
simulator experience, regardless of their ability.
[0118] One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and
advantages of the invention based on the above-described
embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by
what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated
by the appended claims. Additionally, although the present
disclosure primarily discusses the impact indication device with
respect to being used in conjunction with a golf club, the device
and related disclosures can be easily adapted for use in a variety
of other fields in which the indication of a location of impact,
and the ability for the indication device to reset itself, may be
desirable. Examples of such fields include but are not limited to
other sports (e.g., baseball, hockey, lacrosse, tennis), aerospace,
military, law enforcement, children's toys, games, hobbies, and
strength testing. All publications and references cited herein are
expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
* * * * *