Abstract
A golf training device and method indicates the proper position and/or motion of the golfer's trail wrist during the club downswing. The device may detect that desired DWLA is attained and provide real-time alerts of same. The device may provide positive feedback in the form of an auditory, tactile, visual and/or other signal.
Claims
1. A device comprising: a housing; a retainer attached to the housing and configured to retain the housing on a dorsal surface of a user's wrist; a sensor external to the housing and positioned and configured to sense proximity with skin of a dorsal surface of a user's hand attached to the wrist when a dorsal wrist joint angle of the wrist is at least a predetermined angle of twenty-five degrees; and an alarm operatively connected with the sensor and configured to, upon the sensor sensing proximity with said skin, generate an alarm signal to the user.
2. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the alarm is configured to generate said alarm signal only when the sensor senses proximity with the skin.
3. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein a position of the sensor relative to the housing is adjustable so that the sensor senses proximity with the skin when the dorsal wrist joint angle is at least the predetermined angle and not when the dorsal wrist joint angle is less than the predetermined angle.
4. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to sense proximity with the skin when the skin is within about a half-millimeter from the sensor.
5. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a capacitive touch switch module.
6. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the alarm signal is auditory, visual and/or tactile.
7. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the alarm signal is auditory and a volume thereof is selectively adjustable by the user.
8. A device as defined in claim 1, further including a timer to time a duration of lag during a downswing of a golf club by the user.
9. A device as defined in claim 8, wherein the housing includes a display configured to display to the user said duration of lag time and how many alarm signals were generated by the alarm during said downswing.
10. A device comprising: a housing; first means for retaining the housing on a dorsal surface of a user's wrist; second means for sensing proximity with skin of a dorsal surface of a user's hand attached to the wrist when a dorsal wrist joint angle of the wrist is at least a predetermined angle of twenty-five degrees; and third means for, upon the second means sensing proximity with said skin, generating an alarm signal to the user.
11. A device as defined in claim 10, wherein the first means defines a retainer, the second means defines a sensor, and the third means defines an alarm.
12. A method comprising: sensing with a sensor of a device located on a dorsal surface of a user's wrist proximity with skin of a dorsal surface of a user's hand attached to the wrist when a dorsal wrist joint angle of the wrist is at least a predetermined angle of twenty-five degrees; and generating, upon the sensor sensing proximity with said skin, an alarm signal to the user.
13. A method as defined in claim 12, including not generating an alarm signal when the sensor does not sense proximity with said skin.
14. A method as defined in claim 12, wherein said sensing step includes sensing proximity with the skin when the skin is within about a half-millimeter from the sensor.
15. A method as defined in claim 12, wherein the sensing step includes using capacitance of the skin to sense said proximity.
16. A method as defined in claim 12, wherein the generating step includes generating an auditory, visual and/or tactile alarm signal.
17. A method as defined in claim 12, including timing (i) a duration of time that the sensor senses said proximity during a downswing of a golf club by the user and/or (ii) a duration of time that the alarm generates an alarm signal during a downswing of a golf club by the user.
18. A method as defined in claim 17, including displaying on a display of the device said duration of time that the sensor senses said proximity and/or said duration of time that the alarm generates an alarm signal.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The foregoing and other features will be apparent from the following Detailed Description, which is understood not to be limiting, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
(2) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a golf training device;
(3) FIG. 2 is a top, perspective, partially-exploded view of a second embodiment of a golf training device;
(4) FIG. 3A is a top view of a third embodiment of a golf training device with its cover removed;
(5) FIG. 3B is a left side view of the golf training device of FIG. 3A with its cover in place;
(6) FIG. 4 is a schematic of a capacitive touch sensor circuit;
(7) FIG. 5 is an annotated side view of a human hand and forearm;
(8) FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a golf swing showing the golf club in different positions;
(9) FIG. 7 is a side view of a hand, wrist and forearm, in which a golf training device is attached at the wrist;
(10) FIG. 8 is a dorsal perspective view of a hand, wrist and forearm, in which a golf training device is attached at the wrist;
(11) FIG. 9 is a view of a golf swing at different points in time;
(12) FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a golf swing at different points in time;
(13) FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a golf swing at the top of the backswing;
(14) FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a golf training device;
(15) FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a circuit and sound generator of the golf training device of FIG. 12;
(16) FIG. 14 is an annotated side view of a human hand and forearm;
(17) FIG. 15 is an annotated side view of a human hand and forearm in two positions of dorsal extension;
(18) FIG. 16 is a view of hands and forearms of a golfer at the top of a golf backswing;
(19) FIG. 17 is a view of the upper portion of a golfer's body from the rear during a golf backswing;
(20) FIG. 18 is a view of a golf swing at different points in time; and
(21) FIG. 19 shows a front view of a golfer's golf swing at different points in time.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
(22) The present inventor has discovered that videos of many legends of golf, including Ben Hogan, Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods reveal that the trail wrist starting at the top of the back swing during the golf swing is maximally hinged (dorsal extension). This maximum hinged position or angle must be retained during the downswing and then quickly released during the golf club's impact with the golf ball. The correct movement of the trail wrist (right wrist for a right-handed golfer) from the top of the backswing to and through impact causes the golfer to greatly accelerate the club head and causes the golf ball to fly further and straighter. Modern golf instruction teaches this hinging and unhinging of the wrists on the downswing as Lag Time or Lag Tension. A golf device worn on the golfer's trail wrist that is able to track this hinge angle from the top of the backswing to and through impact and alert the golfer when the motion is correct would be a boon to golf instruction and training. The device described herein is able to alert the golfer when the desired hinge angle is obtained and how long the golfer is able to sustain the desired hinge angle. The alert should persist from the start of the backswing and be sustained until just after impact with the golf ball. The device is configured to electrically activate an alert giving positive feedback when the angle formed between the dorsal surface of the golfer's trail hand and the anterior surface of the adjacent forearm, the Dorsal Wrist Joint Angle (DWJA) is greater than +25 degrees and stop alerting when the DWJA is less than +25 degrees.
(23) Stop frame high speed photographs of Ben Hogan's golf swing from the top of the backswing to and through impact as analyzed by the inventor, reveal that the DWJA at the top of Hogan's backswing is +87 degrees and decreases to +72 degrees at his hip level, then it rapidly decreases to +48 degrees just at impact and quickly decreases to +25 degrees just after impact with the golf ball. Abnormal trail wrist motion from the top of the backswing to and through impact with the golf ball causes loss of golf ball distance, errant ball flights and frustration. The device is configured to give negative feedback when the proper DWJA is not sensed either electronically or mechanically. The golf training device is programmed to detect when the DWJA is +25 degrees. The golf training device emulates the golf swing of golfing legends from the top of the backswing to and through impact with the golf club and the golf ball.
(24) Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a golf training device 1 configured to be worn by a user similar in form of a wristwatch is shown. As shown in FIG. 1, the golf training device 1 has an attachment device or retainer 2, in this embodiment a strap, made from, for example, cloth, rubber and/or an elastic material. The strap 2 holding the enclosure or housing 11 fastens or retains the device 1 to the golfer's trail wrist, e.g., with the housing 11 on or against the dorsal surface thereof, by way of a hook and looped material (e.g., VELCRO) or another suitable mechanism, which may be similar to that of a watch band, using, e.g., a buckle, clamp, snap(s), bar and hole, laced ties, snap-fit buckle, slide, or other type of connector. The strap 2 may be adjustable and in sufficient in length(s) to accommodate various sizes of users' wrists. An electrical circuit 15 located inside the housing is seen in FIG. 2. The various electrical components mounted in the device enclosure 11 are described further below.
(25) As shown in FIG. 1, there are various external components device 1 including an on/off switch 3 configured to selectively place the power source 16 in electrical communication with other electrical components. Shown in FIG. 1 is a “lag time” activation switch 4 that electronically displays a readout 5, which may be digital, including, e.g., the elapse time in seconds and/or the device alerts made when the proper sensed trail wrist angle is detected. The device 1 has a touch plate sensor 6 that, when the golfer's dorsal surface (skin) of the trail hand makes contact with the sensor 6, the device is activated and alerts the golfer or trainee that the correct DWJA is obtained. The touch plate is attached to a stem 7 that may be adjustable to allow the device to properly fit an individual user and allow correct touch plate 6 sensing, e.g., the touch plate 6 contacted when the correct DWJA is obtained. A clear face cover 9 is attached to the top of the device enclosure 11 to protect the circuit 15 and allow a visual display of the “lag time” digital readout 5. A small circular port is located 8 located in the face cover 9. This allows the alerting device to transmit out of the device 1 an alert in the form of sound from within the enclosure. In at least some embodiments, the generated positive feedback alert alarm 13 may be visual, audible and vibratory in nature or a combination thereof, so as to afford positive feedback when the electrical circuit 15 of the training device detects the proper DWJA has been reached/maintained—from the top of the backswing to and through impact with the golf ball. The training device may include an LCD or other optical/visual indicator, such as an LED, light or screen or other forms of light, one or more speakers or audible indicators and/or a vibration motor or other tactile indicator to notify the user when the optimal trail wrist hinge position (DWJA) is obtained. A USB port 10 allows the user to easily recharge the power source, download saved data or to reprogram the circuit.
(26) FIG. 2 shows another embodiment the device enclosure 11 in an exploded view with the electrical circuit 15 diagrammatically displayed. The electrical circuit 15 may be formed with wires and/or printed circuitry, or may be formed from other types of electrical circuitry. The clear protective face cover 9 has been removed. This embodiment has multiple touch plate stems 7 insertable into stem port 14. The touch plate stems 7 are adjustable with the use of a threaded screw mechanism and a spring 7a and may be of different lengths for different user's bodies (e.g., different sizes and shapes) to allow proper sensing of the touch plate 6 and the skin surface of the dorsal surface of the golfer's trail hand. An insulation barrier 7b can be attached to the touch plate stem 7 prevents false electrical alerts. Other embodiments use capacitance change because the sensing mechanism/circuit may be falsely activated when, without DWJA change, moist hair on the golfer's wrist during practice in hot humid or rainy weather touches the touch plate stem 7. The electrical circuit 12 for the digital display of “lag time” duration is shown.
(27) Turning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, another embodiment is shown. It depicts an externally attached mechanical mechanism that activates an electrical circuit 28 and produces a positive feedback alert in the form of an audible signal from the device alarm 13. When the proper DWJA is obtained from the top of the backswing to and through golf club impact with the golf ball, the dorsal surface of the golfer's trail hand makes contact with and pivots a push plate 28. The push plate 28 is suspended by way of a pivoting rod 33 supported by end brackets 31. The push plate 28 is prevented from pivoting beyond 180 degrees by way of holding brackets 32. The device is configured so that the push plate 28 will be pivoted inwardly only when the DWJA is greater than 25 degrees. The push plate 28 when in the non-pivoted position is in contact with a push rod 30. The push rod 30 is configured to move freely back and forth within a slot 35 formed in the device enclosure 11. The push rod 30 when not moved by the pivoting plate 28 remains in a fully externalized position in contact with the push plate 28 by a spring 34 placed around the push rod 30 between the push rod head 38 and the external opening of the slot 35. The push rod 30 is retained within the slot 35 by micro pins 36 inserted into the interior end of the push rod 30. When the dorsal surface of the golfer's trail hand makes contact with the push plate 28 when the proper DWJA is obtained, the push rod 30 is pushed inwardly by the pivoting push plate 28, which in turn displaces push switch 29 into a closed position to activate the electrical circuit 37 to cause an alert giving positive feedback. The electrical circuit 37 is configured to give continuous positive feedback when the proper DWJA is sensed form the top of the backswing to and through impact with the golf ball.
(28) FIG. 4 schematically denotes a capacitive touch sensor circuit that electrically activates an alarm when the touch plate TP is in contact with (or at least sufficiently close proximity with) human tissue/skin so as to detect a change in the circuit's resting capacitance. Known touch sensor IC B6TS-04LT is shown in the figure, but any suitable touch sensor may be used as one skilled in the art would understand. A power source, here a 4 VDC rechargeable lithium battery is in electrical communication with an on/off switch S, a buzzer B, and the capacitive touch sensor circuit. When the device's on/off switch S is turned on, and the circuit is powered by the power source, the buzzer B will sound and remain sounding as long as the capacitive touch sensor circuit detects a change in the resting capacitance caused by contact/proximity of the touch plate by human tissue/skin. Alternative or in addition to the buzzer B, another suitable alerting device may be used, e.g., a light source, vibrator or other alerting component. The buzzer B or other alert device may be configured to be activated by in the above-described manner when the golfer's trail wrist is in a predetermined threshold or position. In embodiments configured to monitor/alert DWJA from the top of the backswing to and through impact of the golf club with the golf ball, a DWJA of about equal or greater than 25 degrees, when reached (and crossed), will cause completion of the circuit and activation of the alarm device. The alarm device, when activated, will alert the training golfer with positive feedback, e.g., an audible, visual or vibratory signal.
(29) FIG. 5 anatomically demonstrates the side view of a human hand and forearm. An angle that represents the “Dorsal Wrist Joint Angle” (DWJA) is shown. The DWJA is the angle formed between the dorsal surface of the hand and the adjacent surface of the forearm. In full or maximum dorsal extension, the DWJA is typically about seventy (70) degrees. When the dorsal extension is fully removed, the DWJA is zero degrees. The device 1 is designed to electrically or mechanically sense this angle when the angle is about or greater than twenty-five (25) degrees, provide a positive feedback to the training golfer. The positive feedback alerts the golfer that the golf swing from the top of the backswing to impact of the golf club with the golf ball is performed correctly.
(30) FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of the Dorsal Wrist Joint Angles (DWJAs) of a golf legend Ben Hogan (A) based on high-speed still photographs of Ben Hogan's golf swing, from the top of the backswing to and through impact of the golf club and the golf ball. The inventor calculated and carefully measured the DWJAs of the swing at various points during this part of Hogan's golf swing using high-speed stop frame photos. From the top of the backswing (TOP BS) to point 1, or hip level, the DWJA is 87 degrees. At the trail knee level 2, the DWJA has reduced to 72 degrees. Just prior to golf club impact with the ball 3, the DWJA is now 48 degrees. Just after impact with the golf ball, the DWJA is 25 degrees. A facsimile of a golf ball is shown to represent the position of ball impact.
(31) FIG. 7 is another anatomical drawing depicting negative feedback when the predetermined threshold of a DWJA of 25 degrees presented, e.g., is not reached or crossed during the golf swing from the top of the back swing to and through impact of the golf club with the golf ball. In the illustrated embodiment, the DWJA is 24 degrees. The touch plate of the device is not in contact or sufficient proximity with the tissue of the golfer's dorsal surface 21 of the trail hand 18. The skin surface is not sensed by the device (in either electrically- or mechanically-based devices) and the device remains silent (and with no other alert), providing the training golfer negative feedback.
(32) FIG. 8 is another anatomically drawn diagram showing a golfer gripping a golf club 17 and a device 1 attached to a golfer's trail wrist 20 by way of an adjustable strap 2. The device is a form similar to an ordinary watch and is inconspicuous and non-bulky in comparison thereto. The adjustable touch plate stem 7 positions the touch plate 6 so that the tissue/skin 19 of the dorsal surface of the golfer's trail hand 18 touches the touch plate when the dorsal wrist joint angle (DWJA) meets or exceeds about 25 degrees. As shown, as the DWJA attains or exceeds 25 degrees, the tissue/skin over the dorsal surface of the golfer's trail hand contacts or is pushed into the touch plate as the skin moves or folds. The tissue contact then by electrical or mechanical forces activates the electrical circuit 15. The activated electrical circuit 15 of the golf training device 1 produces an alarm, giving the training golfer positive feedback that the golf swing from the top of the backswing to and through golf club impact with the golf ball has been performed properly with respect to DWJA.
(33) FIG. 9 is yet another anatomically drawn description of the golf training device 1 used during the training of a golfer during the part of the golf swing from the backswing to and through impact of the golf club and the golf ball. Positions A and B reveals that, just prior to and just after impact (represented by the arrow) with the golf ball, respectfully, the golf training device 1 has been activated and is alerting the training golfer that the downswing DWJA was performed properly. In position C, after golf ball impact, and position D, the start of the follow through of the golf swing, the touch plate of the device is not in contact with the golfer's skin/tissue, the DWJA is less than twenty-five degrees, and no alert is sounded by the golf training device 1.
(34) FIG. 10 schematically shows a golf swing at four different points during the swing. The DWJA at each point can be seen in the figure, as well as the device 1 on the wrist of the golfer. As indicated in the figure, the alert starts at the point in the backswing that exceeds the minimum DWJA for the sensor 6 to activate, e.g., twenty-five degrees, and continues to the top of the backswing (e.g., as the DWJA increases) and through the downswing until the DWJA decreases below the minimum or the alert, and the alert ends.
(35) FIG. 11 schematically shows a golf swing at the top of the backswing. As can be seen in the figure, the DWJA at the top of the backswing is sufficient for dorsal skin surface 19 to contact, actuate, or otherwise be sensed by the sensor 6 to activate the sensor 6 and trigger the alert.
(36) FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a golf training device 101. External components include a retainer 102 that fastens or retains the housing 111 of the device 101 to, on or against the dorsal surface of the golfer's trail wrist, which in this embodiment is a strap. An on/off switch 103 is configured to selectively place the power source 116 in electrical communication with other electrical components. A “lag time” activation switch 104 electronically displays as a digital read out 105 the elapse time in seconds the device 101 alerts to the golfer that the proper sensed trail wrist angle is detected. A touch electrode sensor 106 activates the alert when the golfer's dorsal surface (skin) 121a of the trail hand 121 makes proximity contact with the electrode sensor 106. Activation occurs only when the dorsal surface 121a of the trainee's hand 121 makes proximity contact with the touch electrode sensor 106 when the trail wrist hinge angle (DWJA) reaches or is greater than the desired angle, here twenty-five degrees. The device 101 then alerts the trainee that the correct DWJA is obtained.
(37) The touch point electrode sensor 106 is sized and shaped to present a small surface area to the part of the dorsal surface area of the golfer's trail hand 121 that approaches the sensor 106. By limiting the surface area of the sensor 106, the signal zone between the small area electrode sensor 106 and the approaching dorsal surface 121a of the golfer's trail hand 121 provides a proximity sensing zone that is a small distance. That is, the touch point electrode sensor 106 will not activate until the dorsal surface 121a of the trail hand 121 is at or near the desired DWJA. In at least some embodiments, the electrode sensor 106 will activate when the skin surface is less than about a half-millimeter from the electrode sensor 106. The inventor has determined that, at this distance, a golfer's DWJA is acceptably close to the desired DWJA. The small sensing zone thus adds to the reliability of the capacitive touch switch module (CTSM) 118 used to activate the alarm. The touch electrode 106 is attached to a stem 108 that may be adjustable to allow the device 101 to fit a user properly and allow correct touch electrode sensor 106 sensing. The stem 108 and touch electrode 106 are both covered or shielded by a rubberized or other protective covering 107 that inhibits excess water vapor and dust from interfering with the capacitive proximity sensing. A clear face cover 109 is attached to the top of the device enclosure 111 to protect the housed circuit 115 and allow a visual display of the “lag time” digital readout 105.
(38) In at least some embodiments, the generated positive feedback alert of the circuit 115 of the device 101 may audible or vibratory in nature or a combination thereof, so as to afford a perceptible positive feedback when the electrical circuit 115 of the training device 101 detects the proper DWJA that is to occur from the top of the backswing to impact with the golf ball. The device 101 may include an LCD or other optical/visual indicator, such as an LED, light or screen or other forms of light, one or more speakers or audible indicators, a vibration motor, and/or other tactile indicator to notify the user when the optimal or desired trail wrist hinge position (DWJA) is obtained.
(39) In the illustrated embodiment, a volume-controlled sound generator 112 is placed so that the volume control 112b, in this embodiment a protrusion defining a thumb screw, protrudes beyond the forward side 111a of the enclosure 111, allowing the trainee to adjust the volume of the alert to a desired or sufficient alert signal volume. In other embodiments, the volume control is located at other positions on the device 101.
(40) The device 101 has an electronic port 110, through which the user can recharge the power source 116, download saved data, and/or modify or reprogram the circuit 115. The port 110 may be any port suitable for one or more of the above functions that currently or later exist, as those skilled in the art would understand, such as, but not limited to, a USB port. In other embodiments, the device 101 has one port for delivering power to the device, and another for data exchange. In yet further embodiments, the device 101 has an inductive charger located inside the housing 111. Yet other embodiments have a wireless transceiver for wireless exchange of data between the device 101 and an external electronic or computerized device. Such wireless exchange may be made by one or more any suitable protocols now existing or later developed, as one of ordinary skill would understand, including but not limited to Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH, RF (radio frequency), and/or optical (e.g., IR (infrared)).
(41) FIG. 13 schematically shows the electrical circuit 115 that may include wires, printed circuitry and/or chips. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 101 uses a human body's capacitance change to activate an alert signal. This phenomenon should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. When the trainee's dorsal surface 121a of the trail hand 121 enters the sensing signal zone of the touch electrode 106, e.g., when the trail DWJA is equal to or greater than twenty-five degrees, the alert is activated. The presenting surface area of the touch electrode 106 is configured to be as small as possible to lower capacitive hysteresis, thus providing the touch electrode 106 with more consistent sensitivity. The inventor has determined that a width/diameter of about one millimeter is sufficient.
(42) A CTSM 118, for example, a TTP223 Touch Key Locking Module, normally open (NO), is used in the illustrated circuit 115 as the sensor circuit in the device 101. CTSM's are an improvement over previously-known wristwatch-like devices that monitor the angular position of the trail wrist because activation is not dependent on or vary based upon kinetic energy or contact force. The approaching skin of the trainee's dorsal hand surface 121a activates the sensing electrode 6. Therefore, the force of the skin/hand contacting the touch electrode 106 does not activate the module. Electromechanical Motion Sensors (MEMS) rely on kinetic energy or a physical force for activation, which can cause false negative feedback responses, e.g., failure to activate the alarm although the desired position is reached.
(43) A power source 116, which may be a re-chargeable or replaceable lithium button-cell battery or any other suitable power source, powers the circuit 115 and is controlled/modulated by an on/off circuit 119 operatively connected to the external switch 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 116 is located in a battery housing or receptacle 116a, which holds the battery 116 therein. In embodiments where the power source 116 is replaceable, the power source 116 may be accessed and removed, and a new power source installed, by opening the housing 111. In some embodiments, the cover 109 can be removed to provide access to the interior of the housing 111. In other embodiments, a removable plate 125 on the bottom of the housing 111 can provide access to the interior. In at least some such embodiments, the plate 125 is removably retained to the housing 111 by retaining screws (not shown). However as those skilled in the art should appreciate, the plate 125 may be removably retained to the housing 111 by any suitable retainer(s) or retention mechanism. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the removable plate 125 includes a moisture absorbing or moisture barrier material 128 to prevent moisture, e.g., from the user's skin, from reaching the interior of the housing 111, which might affect internal components, such as the sensing of the circuit 115. The material 128 may also be configured to add comfort and/or stability (anti-slip) to the device when worn by the user.
(44) The signal alert system, activatable by the circuit 115, includes the sound generator 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the sound generator 112 incorporates a micro-mini continuous piezo buzzer 120 (3-5 DC volts) adjacent to a thumbscrew housing 112a. The thumbscrew housing 112a guides a thumbscrew 112b with a sound-blocking or sound-insulating tip 112c (having, for example, a felt material or other blocking or insulation material) on or at the interior end of the thumbscrew 112b toward/into and away from/out of the buzzer's 120 sound port 120a. Sound emitted by the buzzer 120 is directed into and through the thumbscrew housing 112a and exits out of one or more sound ports 112d of the housing 112a into the environment. Rotating the thumbscrew 112b, e.g., clockwise, so that the felt tip 112c moves toward/into the sound port 120a muffles the sound port 120a, decreasing the volume of the activated buzzer 120. Opposite rotation, e.g., counter-clockwise turning, of the thumbscrew 112b moves the felt tip 112c out of/away from the buzzer 120 sound port 120a, increasing the volume exiting the sound port(s) 112d. In some embodiments, the sound level can be varied between about 60 dB to about 20 dB. Other embodiments may use other suitable volume controls, e.g., a linear, pivoting or sliding control, as one of ordinary skill should appreciate. In some embodiments, the volume control controls the amount of electrical delivered to the sound generator, thus modulating the volume. In some such embodiments, the volume control includes or controls a rheostatic circuit.
(45) When the device's on/off switch 119 is in the closed position and the circuit 115 is powered by the power source 116, the buzzer 120 will turn on and remain on as long as the CTSM 118 circuit detects an increase in capacitance change caused by proximity/contact of the touch electrode 106 by the approaching human skin 121a. The term “proximity contact” should be understood as being interchangeable with the term “in intimate contact” to describe the activation of the device's circuit 115 and that the CTSM 118 does not require physical forces as an activation stimulus. In at least some embodiments, the sensitivity of the touch electrode 106 is configured to keep the “turn on” proximity distance (distance between skin surface and the touch electrode 106) to be less than about half a millimeter. The buzzer 120 or other suitable alerting device (e.g., a light source, vibrator, etc.) is activated by capacitive change increase sensed by the CTSM 118 when the trail DWJA of twenty-five degrees is reached or acceptably close. The buzzer 120 or other alerting devices remains activated as long as the trail DWJA remains about twenty-five degrees or higher. For example, when the trail DWJA of twenty-five degrees is reached or exceeded at the top of the backswing and sustained to impact of the golf club with the golf ball, the circuit 115 is activated and alerts the trainee with a sustained signal that Lag has been properly performed (positive feedback). The trainee will thus understand that a brief alert signal occurring at the start of or during the downswing that terminates as the trainee continues the downswing (before ball impact) is not ideal. The trainee can then self-train to sustain the alert, and thus the desired DWJA, longer. When the trail DWJA of twenty-five degrees is not reached, no alert signal is given, thus informing the trainee that the entire downswing from the top of the backswing to impact with the golf ball was not performed correctly (negative feedback).
(46) Turning now to FIG. 14, an angle 122 that represents the “Dorsal Wrist Joint Angle” (DWJA) is shown. The DWJA is the angle formed between the dorsal surface of the hand and the adjacent surface of the forearm. At the maximal extension the human wrist, the DWJA is measured to be about seventy degrees. When the dorsal extension is fully removed, the DWJA is zero degrees. The device 101 in the illustrated embodiment is designed to activate when the DWJA is equal to or greater than twenty-five degrees or thereabout. The device's circuitry then provides a positive feedback to the training golfer. The positive feedback alerts the golfer that the golf swing from the top of the backswing to impact of the golf club with the golf ball is properly performed and that Lag has been created and sustained. Negative feedback by the absence of an alert or termination of an alert prior to golf ball impact informs the training golfer that the downswing was performed improperly and Lag was not created.
(47) FIG. 15 is an anatomical/schematic drawing of the DWJA of the right human hand 121 in two positions of dorsal extension—zero degrees and twenty-five degrees. As seen in the figure, when the DWJA reaches twenty-five degrees, the touch electrode 106 senses the approach/contact of the dorsal surface 121a of the hand 121, the circuit 115, activating the device 101 to emit the alarm to the user through the sound generator 112. When the DWJA is below twenty-five degrees, the circuit 115 is not activated. When the device 101 is worn like a watch on the trail wrist and secured, the touch electrode point 106 is positioned or can be adjustably positioned by the adjustable stem 108 to properly sense the trail DWJA
(48) FIG. 16 is a close-up drawing of a golfer. It depicts the golfer's hands, wrists and forearms at the top of the backswing at the beginning of the downswing. The golfer's trail wrist is maximally hinged at a seventy degree DWJA. The device 101 is secured on the golfers trail wrist. The touch electrode 106 of the device 101 is in contact with the dorsal surface 121a of the golfer's trail hand 121. The circuit 115 of the device 101 is activated and the adjustable sound unit 112 of the device 101, alerting the golfer that the proper DWJA of twenty-five degrees has been obtained.
(49) FIG. 17 shows a broader view of a golfer's upper body during a golf backswing (e.g., just about to start the downswing). The golfer is wearing the device 101 on the golfer's trail wrist. The trail wrist hinge angle DWJA is greater than twenty-five degrees. In the position shown, the touch point electrode 106 is in contact with the dorsal surface 121a of the golfer's trail hand 121. In this position of dorsal extension/DWJA, the alarm will be activated, indicating to the golfer that the desired DWJA of twenty-five degrees has been reached.
(50) The touch point electrode 106 is positioned on the forward side 111a of the enclosure 111. The touch point electrode 106 is adjustably positionable by the use of the retractable stem 108 so that the touch point electrode 106 in contact with the dorsal surface 121a of the trail hand 121 when the trail wrist hinges about one-third of its maximal hinge angle (about seventy degrees). Thus the device 101, when secured to the trail wrist, will position the touch point electrode 106 so that it is in contact with the dorsal surface 121a of the trail hand 121 when the DWJA is equal to or greater than 25 degrees. The circuit 115 will then be activated and the adjustable sound unit 112 will alert the golfer that proper Lag has been obtained.
(51) FIG. 18 is another anatomical drawing showing the device 101 attached to a golfer's trailing wrist by way of an adjustable strap 102. A golf club is represented in the golfer's trailing hand for reference only. The device 101 has a form similar to an ordinary watch and is inconspicuous and non-bulky in comparison thereto. The drawing shows close-up views of a golfer's wrists at different points of the downswing of the golf club. Position A shows the golfer's wrists as the golfer swings the golf club during the downswing to the position of the golfer's lead foot. At this time, the touch electrode point 106 is in contact with the dorsal surface 121a of the trail hand 121 because the DWJA is greater than twenty-five degrees. Thus, the circuit 115 is activated and the adjustable sound unit 112 alerts the golfer that proper Lag is present. Position B shows the same golfer's wrists as the golfer swings the golf club during the downswing just as the golf club approaches impact with the golf ball. As depicted, the DWJA is still greater than twenty-five degrees and the touch electrode point 106 is in contact with the dorsal surface 121a of the golfer's trail hand 121. The circuit 115 remains activated, and the sustained activation alerts the golfer that Lag has been properly maintained approaching impact with the golf ball. Position C shows the same golfer's wrists as the golfer's golf club has begun the follow through phase of the golf swing. The golf ball has been impacted as the golfer's trail forearm pronates the trail wrist and hand and the lead forearm supinates the lead wrist and hand. The trail DWJA is now less than twenty-five degrees, and so the proposed device's circuit 15 is not activated and the alert has ceased. Position D shows the same golfer's wrists as the golfer continues the follow-through. Because the trail DWJA is (still) less than twenty five degrees no alert is present. As the follow through is completed and the DWJA remains less than twenty-five degrees, no alert is heard.
(52) FIG. 18 also contains close-ups of areas E and F near the touch point electrode 106. As seen in area E, the touch electrode point 106 is in contact/proximity with the dorsal surface 121a of the golfer's trail hand 121. As shown, the trail DWJA is at least at twenty-five degrees, and the tissue/skin over the dorsal surface 121a of the golfer's trailing hand 121 is pushed towards the touch point electrode 106. At this point, the skin fold of the dorsal surface 121a of the trail hand 121 and the touch point electrode 106 are in proximity/contact with each other. That is, as the skin fold of the dorsal surface 121a approaches the touch point electrode 106, the circuit 115 begins to sense an increase in capacitance change. The circuit 115 is activated only when the increase in capacitance change has met a sufficient threshold as the dorsal surface 121a of the trail hand is sufficiently close to the signal zone in front of the touch point electrode 106. As discussed above, this may be about a half-millimeter distance between the skin fold and the electrode 106. The use of a small surface area for the electrode 106 and the shielding 107 around the stem 108 provides that the signal zone around the touch point electrode 106 is mostly projected forward away from the touch point electrode 106 less than a half a millimeter.
(53) As seen in area F, the trail DWJA is less than twenty-five degrees and the dorsal surface 121a of the golfer's trail hand 121 is not in proximity/contact with the touch point electrode 106, and the circuit 115 is not activated. The touch electrode 106 and the dorsal surface 121a of the golfer's trail hand 121 is out of range of the signal zone emitted from the electrode 106, and the circuit 115 does not sense an increase in capacitance change.
(54) FIG. 19 is an anatomically drawn representation of the device 101 used during the training of a golfer during the part of the golf swing from the top of the backswing (a) to impact of the golf club and the golf ball (b) (labeled “Downswing”). As indicated in the drawing, the device 101 is activated and is alerting the training golfer that desired and fully sustained Lag has been obtained throughout the downswing (labelled “Alert”). As illustrated, when proper Lag is obtained the device 101 is sensing the trail DWJA at positon (a) equal to or greater than twenty-five degrees, circuit 115 is activated, and the adjustable sound unit 112 is turned on and alerting the training golfer. As the downswing continues, the trail DWJA remains equal to or greater than twenty-five degrees and the device 101 continues to be activated and the alert is sustained. The sustained alert continues until the golf club makes impact with the golf ball at position (b), informing the trainee that proper Lag has been maintained through the downswing. After the swing progresses past position (b) toward position (c), the alert stops because the trail DWJA becomes less than twenty-five degrees.
(55) On the other hand, the device 101 will not be activated at position (a) if the trail DWJA is not twenty-five degrees or greater as the training golfer begins the downswing. Even if activated at position (a), the alert will not be sustained if the DWJA decreases below twenty-five degrees during the downswing. Thus, training golfer, by receiving only a brief, non-sustained alert, and/or short time duration noted on the time duration display 105 will be informed the desired sustained Lag has not been obtained and that further training/practice is needed.
(56) In use, the device 1, 101 is attached to the golfer's trail wrist with the retainer 2, 102 so that the enclosure 11, 111 is against the dorsal surface of the wrist with the sensor 6, 106 oriented in the forward direction toward the golfer's hand 18, 121. If the device 1, 101 is not on or not in an active state, the golfer can turn the device 1, 101 on using the on/off switch 3, 103. The golfer then swings the club. If, at the top of the backswing, the sensor 6, 106 sense the dorsal surface 21, 121a of the golfer's trail hand 18, 121, i.e., because the DWJA is at least about the desired DWJA (twenty-five degrees in this application), the circuit 15, 115 will be activated, and the alarm 13, 112 will activate, e.g., generate an audio, visual and/or tactile signal, which indicates that proper DWJA has been reached. If, during the downswing until impact of the golf club with the ball, prior DWJA is maintained, the sensor 6, 106 will continue to sense the dorsal surface 21, 121a of the golfer's trail hand 18, 121, the circuit 5, 115 will remain activated, and the alarm 13, 112 will continue to generate the alarm signal. If the alarm signal is generated at the top of the backswing and until impact of the golf club with the ball, the alarm signal will be continuous, indicating to the golfer that the DWJA was proper during the entirety of the downswing. On the other hand, if the alarm signal is not generated at the top of the backswing or generated at the top of the backswing but not sustained through the downswing, e.g., is short and/or intermittent, the golfer is informed that proper DWJA was not achieved and further training practice is required.
(57) After the golfer completes the swing, the golfer can activate the lag time activation switch 4, 104 to display in the display/readout 5, 105 the elapse time of lag in seconds and/or the device alerts made. In embodiments where the alarm includes an auditory alert, the golfer can adjust the volume of the alert using the protrusion 112.
(58) As discussed above, a golfer may need to adjust the position of the sensor 6, 106. If the sensor 6, 106 detects the user's skin and thus activates the circuit 15, 115 and the alarm too soon, i.e., before the DWJA reaches the desired DWJA, the golfer may adjust the position of the sensor 6, 106 so that the sensor 6, 106 does not activate the circuit 15, 115 and alarm until the DWJA reaches the desired DWJA. Conversely, if the sensor 6, 106 detects the user's skin and thus activates the circuit 15, 115 and the alarm too late, i.e., after the DWJA reaches the desired DWJA, the golfer may adjust the position of the sensor 6, 106 so that the sensor 6, 106 activates the circuit 15, 115 and alarm when the DWJA reaches the desired DWJA.
(59) While the above describes certain embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make any variations and modification without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
