Device for training the correct swing for a club

Abstract

A device for improving the performance of a player, particularly the repetitive correct swinging of a club, is preferably attached to a standard club shaft and has a housing containing at least one processor attached to X Y and Z accelerators. The processor is further attached to data storage and a power supply. The processor can further be connected to a radio and/or IR transmitter as well as a visual display means. A plurality of switches are provided to control on/off, mode selection, storage, etc. The visual display can be either an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) either one of which will display either the path of the club moving through a pre installed “master” swing or a swing derived from sampled swing data.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A device for improving the performance of a player, particularly the repetitive correct swinging of a club, comprising: 
 a housing assembly adapted to be secured to a conventional club, said housing defining a cavity having therein an array of accelerometers connected to logic means programmed for a predetermined correct swing and responsive to said accelerometers;    whereby display is made of the player's swing.    
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein said logic means contains preprogrammed data for a correct swing which data is compared with the output of said accelerometer array and displayed on said display means.  
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein said logic means accepts data from said accelerometer array and defines a correct swing which is displayed on said display means.  
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1  further comprising transmitter/receiver means within said housing for transmitting/receiving the data of the swing  
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 4  wherein said data is transmitted by radio to a golf pro observing the golfer and/or to a head set worn by the golfer.  
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 4  wherein said data is transmitted/received to/from a computer.  
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1  further comprising visual display means formed by an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged to display a programmed swing and/or the actual swing.  
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1  further comprising visual display means formed by a liquid crystal display on which a preprogrammed swing is primarily displayed with the actual swing as noted by said first and second sensor arrays superimposed upon the primary display.  
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 4  wherein the device receives data and commands from a computer for interactive communication and learning.  
     
     
         10 . A method for improving the performance of a player, particularly in sports requiring repetitive correct motions, such as swinging of a club, in order to achieve maximum results by said player, comprising the steps of 
 providing said player with a device adapted to be secured to a conventional club, said device having a housing defining a cavity with an array of accelerometers therein connected to logic means programmed for a predetermined correct motion and responsive to said accelerometers to generate data on said motion, visual means for displaying the results of said motion, means for transmitting said data by radio to a coach observing the player and/or to a head set worn by the player and/or transmitting/receiving said data to/from a computer;    said player executing the motion to be improved;    comparing the just completed motion with the desired motion, the player's history of said motion, and corrective action to be taken to improve said motion;    displaying said comparison    whereby the player is made aware of his motion and what corrective action must be taken.