US3368817A

US3368817A - Device for indicating attainment of proper golf swing movements

Info

Publication number: US3368817A
Application number: US481713A
Authority: US
Inventors: Earl N Duncan
Original assignee: Earl N. Duncan
Current assignee: EARL N DUNCAN
Priority date: 1965-08-23
Filing date: 1965-08-23
Publication date: 1968-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 1985-02-13

Description

Feb. 13; 1968 E. N.YDUNCAN 3,368,817

DEVICE FOR INDICAI'ING ATTAINMENT OF PROPER GOLF SWING MOVEMENTS Filed Aug. 23, 1965 2 Sheets-Shet 1 INVENTOR.

Y EARL N.DUNCAN,

Feb. 13, 1968 E; N. DUNCAN 3,368,817

DEVICE FOR INDICATING ATTAINMENT OF PROPER GOLF SWING MOVEMENTS 2 Sheens-Shiametv 2 Filed Aug. 23. 1 965 Md I 6 O. w. h -l INVENTOR.

EARLNL DUNCAN United States Patent M DEVICE FOR INDICATING ATTAINMENT OF PROPER GOLF SWING MOVEMENTS Earl N. Duncan, 61 E. Beechwood Ave.,

Dayton, Ohio 45405 Filed Aug. 23, 1965, Ser. No. 481,713 12 Claims. (Cl. 273-483) This invention relates to a device for golfers, and is particularly concerned with a device for monitoring a golfers swing and for indicating to the golfer, or to an observer, when the golfers swing is taking place im properly.

It has long been known that the ultimate results in golfing, and particularly with respect to driving and other long shots, is only obtained when the golfer follows a set rhymthic pattern in swinging the club. By this rhymthic pattern includes properly addressing the ball, swinging the club backwardly, upwardly, and then swinging the club into contact with the ball, and finally, following through with the club head.

Only by properly balancing and relating the several portions of the swing and integrating them into a smooth operation is it possible to obtain the distance and accuracy that is so desirable in the game of golf. Heretofore, the only way in which a golfer could analyze his swing by self observation, which is always difficult be cause the golfer must concentrate on making the swing; or by having another person, skilled in the art of golfing, observe the golfers swing, and comment upon it.

As mentioned, the first method is diflicult because the golfers attention is directed to striking the ball and it is ditfic'ult for him to analyze his swing in detail, while the second method involves the use of an expensive professional if good results are to be obtained. Still further, even with the use of a professional golfer to monitor a players swing and to comment upon it, the greater portion of the time the golfer is either by himself, or with other persons relatively unskilled in analyzing a players faults, and thus can develop bad habits in connection with his swing that are most difficult to eradicate.

With the foregoing in mind, a primary object of the present invention is the provision of a relatively simple inexpensive, but highly reliable device which can be employed by a golfer for monitoring his swing and for indicating to him when the swing is of a proper nature. 7

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a device of the nature referred to which can easily be clipped to the golfers belt, and which does not in any way 'interfer with his movements while swinging at the ball.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a device of the nature referred to which will provide readily discernible signals, so that the golfer can monitor his own swing without being distracted during the act of swinging.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a device of the nature referred to which is readily adjustable to meet the particular needs of individual golfers so that one and the same device can be employed by different golfers, and so that one and the same device can be employed for monitoring the golfers swings pertaining to different conditions or different clubs.

A still further object of this invention is the provision of a device of the nature referred which is readily adaptable to to right or left-handed golfers with no change whatsoever in the manner in which the device operates.

The foregoing objects of the present invention, as well as still other objects and advantages thereof, will become more apparent upon reference to the folio-wing detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Patented Feb. 13, 1968 FIGURE 1 is a view showing a golfer addressing a ball and also showing the position occupied by the signalling device of the present invention at that point in the golfers swing;

FIGURE 2 is a view like FIGURE 1 but shows the golfer in an intermediate portion of the back swing at about the time his wrists will break, and again showing the signalling device in the position which it occupies at this point in the swing;

FIGURE 3 is a view of the golfer at the peak of the back swing and also showing the signalling device in its associated position;

FIGURE 4 shows the golfer in another critical position which is at about one third of the way into the down swing, and also showing the signalling device in the position pertaining to that point in the swing;

FIGURE 5 shows the golfer toward the terminal end of the follow through after the ball has been struck and showing the signalling device in its position pertaining to that portion of the swing;

FIGURE 6 is a plan view, drawn at about full scale, looking down on top of the device of the present invention;

FIGURE-7 is a vertical sectional view indicated by line VII-VII of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is an end view looking in from the left side of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 9 is a view like FIGURE 6, but showing the device partly broken away to show one position of adjustment thereof;

FIGURES 1O, 11, and 12 are views like FIGURE 9, but shOWing the device in other positions of adjustment thereof;

FIGURE 13 is a sectional view indicated by line XIII XIII on FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 14- is a view like FIGURE 13, but is indicated by line XIVXIV on FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 15 is a view like FIGURE 13, but shows a modification; and

FIGURE 16 is a sectional view of a modification.

Referring to the drawings somewhat more in detail; in FIG. 1 the golfer is shown addressing a ball. The device accordingto the present invention, indicated at 10, is hooked to the golfers belt, indicated by reference numeral 12,' Club 14 in FIG. 1 is positioned immediately adjacent ball 16, and the golfer has assumed a position in which he is ready to commence his back swing preparatory to driving the ball.

The device according to the present invention, which will be explained more in detail hereinafter, comprises, in general, a tube in which two balls are located. The balls are arranged end to end axially of the tube, and are adapted to roll from end to end of the tube. Each end of the tube has an annular series of recesses for receiving the balls so that the tube must be tilted to a predetermined angle before each ball is released to roll to the other end of the tube. Each ball, when it rolls to the other end of the tube, strikes against the end of the tube, or against the other ball, and will give a readily audible click. By arranging the angle of inclination of the tube and the depth of the recesses which the balls engage, the device can be caused to give audible clicks at predetermined critical points in the golfers swing and thereby provide him with an indication of whether or not the swing is being properly carried out.

In FIG. 2, the golfer is in an intermediate portion of his back swing and it will be noted that the device 10 is tilted. The tilt of the device is such that one of the balls, indicated 18, has rolled down the tube axially thereof to the right end and this was provided a first audible click to the golfer.

In FIG. 3 the golfer is at about the peak of his back swing and the device 10 is tilted to such a degree that the second ball 20 has rolled down the tube toward the right end thereof and provided a second audible click.

In FIG. 4, the golfer is at about the middle of his down swing and device 10 is tilted to such an angle that ball 20 rolls back to the left end of the device and provides a still further audible click.

In FIG. 5 the golfer is at about the end of his follow through, and at this time the device is tilted to such an angle that the first mentioned ball 18 has again rolled down to the left end of the tube and has provided a final audible click to the golfer.

When the swing is properly carried out, the clicks occur rhythmically and at about uniform intervals and the golfer can thus readily tell when his swing has been properly carried out. Any disturbance of the rhythmic clicking of the balls during the back swing and the down swing and follow through will indicate to the golfer that he is carrying out his swing improperly for one reason or the other. With an indication of an improper swing the golfer can then take steps to correct his swing, or can seek professional advice with regard to exactly what errors he is committing in making this swing.

The device itself, as will be seen in FIGS. 6 through 14 comprises an outer block 22, which may be a plastic material, and which has a bore 26 extending therethrough at a slight angle. Mounted in bore 22 is a tube 28 in which the

aforementioned balls

18 and 20 are contained This tube is closed at the ends, as by

caps

30 and 32, although one of the caps may be integral with the tube if so desired. The tube 28 is rotatable in bore 26 and to this end one of the caps, as at 30, may comprise a finger portion 34 so that the tube can be rotated in the block. Cap 30 also preferably has indicia distributed thereabout, as indicated by reference character 36, so that a plurality of different rotated positions of the tube in the block can readily be determined.

Block 22 on one side is provided with tapped holes 38, and which tapped holes are adapted for receiving screws 40 which secure a belt clip 42 to the block. It will be seen that there are two rows of the holes 38, and, accordingly, the belt clip 42 can be fastened to either side of the block. This adapts the device to both right-handed and left-handed golfers with substantially no added expense. The tube 26, furthermore, can be withdrawn from the bore and turned end to end if so desired.

As will be seen in FIGS. 7, and 9 through 14, each end of the tube is provided with a double row of recesses. The recesses at the right end of the tube comprise an annular row designated at 44 nearest the right end of the tube and a second annular row designated 46 spaced from the right end of the tube.

Similarly, at the left end of the tube is a first row of recesses indicated 48 nearest the end of the tube, a second row of recesses indicated 50 spaced from the end of the tube. The row 44 at the right end of the tube is adapted for receiving ball 18 and row 46 is adapted for receiving ball 20. Similarly, at the left end of the tube the row of recesses 48 is adapted for receiving ball 20 and the row of recesses 50 is adapted for receiving the ball 18. The recesses are provided so that a predetermined tilt of the device is required before a ball rolls out of its respective recess and down the tube to the other end thereof.

It will be noticed that the rows of recesses nearest the ends of the tube are somewhat deeper than the rows of recesses spaced from the end of the tube so that as the device tilts, the ball spaced from the end of the tube at the raised end of the tube will first be released from its recess and roll down the tube and, thereafter, at a predetermined greater tilt of the device, the second ball at the raised end of the tube will roll from its recess and down to the opposite end of the tube.

When the device is tilted in the opposite direction the same action occurs with the ball farthest from the raised end of the tube being released first and, thereafter, the ball nearest the raised end of the tube being released.

The recesses in each of the rows of recesses varies in size so that by rotating the tube, the angle of tilt at which the balls will be released can be varied, whereby the device is readily adaptable to the peculiarities of the individual golfer, and is also readily adapable to different types swings and for the different particular clubs a golfer is to use.

For example, in FIG. 9, recess 44a of row 44 is about deep whereas recess 46a of row 46 is about or inch deep. At the other end of the tube, recess 50a pertaining to row 50 is about inch deep and recess 48a pertaining to row 48 is about inch deep. It will be noted that the four recesses referred to are all in a line, so that when a ball rolls out of one recess and down to the other end of the tube it will drop into its pertaining recess at the opposite end, The row of recesses described pertain to one setting of the tube in the block.

In FIG. 10', recess 44!: pertaining to row 44 is about inch deep, whereas recess 46b pertaining to row 46 is about inch deep. At the opposite end of the tube, recess 5% pertaining to row 50 is about inch deep, and recess 48b pertaining to row 48 is about inch deep.

In FIG. 11; recess 44c pertaining to row 44 is about %4 inch deep while 460 pertaining to row 46 is about inch deep. At the other end of the tube recess 50c pertaining to row 50 is about A inch deep, whereas recess 48c pertaining to row 48 is about 4, inch deep.

In FIG. 12; recess 44d pertaining to row 44 is about inch deep While recess 46d pertaining to row 46 is about A,; inch deep.

At the other end of the tube, recess 50d pertaining to row 50 is about inch deep whereas recess 48d pertaining to row 48 is about inch deep.

It will be understood that the foregoing specific dimensions for the depths of the various recesses is not intended to be limiting, but are given merely to indicate how the depth of the recesses vary from position to position of the tube in the block, whereby the reaction of the device can be varied.

The

balls

18 and 20, themselves, for cooperation with recesses of about the size referred to would be on the order of of an inch in diameter. The internal diameter of tube 28 for accommodating the balls would be about /2 inch. Again, it will be understood that the particular dimension as given is not intended in any way to be limiting on the practice of the present invention.

Instead of providing recesses or pockets for the balls, annular grooves could be formed in the tube as shown in FIG. 15 wherein one such groove is shown at 60. This groove varies in depth and width about the tube and thus presents a pocket for the respective ball which varies in size as the tube is rotated. Inasmuch 'as the pockets and grooves referred to are for the purpose of requiring the tube to be tilted before a ball will roll down the tube, it will be apparent that other means such as ribs could be formed in the tube to accomplish this result. Such a rib, for example, would be an inversion of groove 60.

It is believed that the operation of the device will be clear from the foregoing detailed description of the device, particularly with respect to FIGURES 1 through 5. However, the following comments pertaining to the operation of the device, and the benefits of using the device will be helpful in understanding the true nature of the indicating device and the manner in which it assists a golfer in refining and improving his swing thereby to obtain the best possible results.

Balance: This device will remind one to stand erect with the knees slightly bent, also to bend forward at the waist, which is normal, with the left shoulder higher, moving the hips forward until the device is level or square, putting the weight on heels and balls of feet. The balls in the device will drop to the right end of the device and will run true to the movement of the swing. This is a balanced stance when addressing the golf shot.

Start of back swing: The left arm straight, which takes the club back near the ground, with the hips moving parallel to the right at same time until sound of the return of the first ball to the left end of the device. This will bring or put the club and left arm Waist high and near parallel with the ground.

Making the shoulders turn: Continuing the movement of club and shoulders and hips will shift the weight to the right side on the right leg, and turn to a 40% degree turn before hearing the return of the second ball to the left end of the device, putting the club approximately parallel to the ground in back of neck and shoulders; the sound of second ball. This will remind one to stop, and prevents over swinging. This device can be adjusted to please or fit the golfters need, for a shorter swing such as to a shorter club or a shorter shot, or short person such as a child.

Starting the down swing: This will remind one to start with the movement of the hips to the left side and at the direction in which to hit the ball.

Shifting the hips parallel to the left side: This will bring the club and hands into hitting area, with the weight of hips and body continuing until you hear the return of the third sound of ball return to the right side of device. With the shift of hips and weight parallel to the left side and the head fixed in position and kept behind the ball; the hands will turn and wrist will bend or unlock at hitting area of the impact of club and ball. This force with shoulders and club moving the hips will turn to a 135 degree turn and you will bear the return of the fourth ball to the right end of the device, with the weight on the left side and a good finish, and follow through.

Adjusting and synchronizing: With the pockets in each end of the device being of less depth, the balls will come out sooner, adjusting to the four different positions. Because of the less shifting of weight in conjunction of or with the returns and movement of the ball, the swing can be shortened or of more length or different distance hitting. This device can be adjusted for right or left-handed golfers; also for heavy or light weight clubs; also for short or long clubs; also for short or long distance hitting; also for tall or short persons.

A modification of the invention is shown in FIGURE 16 wherein the tube 70, having

balls

72 and 74 therein is provided with

annular ribs

76 and 78 at one end, and 80 and 82 at the other end. The ribs serve as restraining means, similarly to the pockets and grooves previously referred to, which prevent the balls from moving away from the end of the tube until the tube is tilted to a predetermined angle to the horizontal. The ribs vary in height circumferentially of the tube and the device in which the tube is mounted thus varies in response to tilting thereof as the tube is adjusted angularly therein.

In FIGURE 16, a conductive ring 84 is disposed adjacent each rib so that the ball restrained by the respective rib will rest on the pertaining ring when ball passes over the rib. The endmost ball in the tube rests not only on the pertaining conductive ring but also against the conductive plate 86 in the end of the tube. By connecting battery 88 and the electrically operable element 90 in circuit between the plate and ring, a signal in addition to the audible click referred to can be attained. For instance, a light or audible signal can be thus actuated on the electrically operable element could operate a recording mechanism to make a record.

The second ball in each end of the tube engages the pertaining ring and the end ball and thereby completes a circuit through a pertaining electrically operable element 92 and said battery to provide for another signal or another recording operation,

In FIGURE 16, the tube is of electrically non-conductive material while the balls are of electrically conductive material.

For the sake of completeness, there may also be added a few words concerning the stance. At the address of the golf swing with a long club such as a #l or #2 wood, the feet are apart by a distance approximately the width of the shoulders and the ball is being played out from the left heel with approximately of the weight on the right foot and side. The right hand is placed so that it is below the left hand on the club. This will put the right shoulder and hip lower than the left shoulder and hip and will also incline the device according to the invention to wardthe right side. By taking such a long club in a back swing in a large arc, with the shifting of weight from the left foot to the right foot at its widest stance, the movement of balls in the device will be slower than a more narrow stance with a short club, because the angle will change faster with a narrow stance and short club. The device according to the invention can be adjusted to different clubs and stances or swings, or the strength of the golf player. The alignment of the ball being played out from the left heel is such that a #1 wood at a normal stance will reach with the club head when swinging to hit the ball.

The device according to the invention can be adjusted to four different positions in which the stance varies and the position in which the ball should be played from at address, as taught by professionals. It may be assumed that the golfer having a 24 width stance plays a #1, #2 or #3 wood and, starting with #1 wood, plays the ball out from the left heel alignment, and #2 wood position plays the ball 2" to the right of where he played the #1 club. The #3 wood should be played 2" to the right of the position of the ball of the #2 club. The #3 club and three different posit-ions represent a zone. In the next zone each shorter club is played as #4 wood, 2-iron, 3-iron. Each club is being played farther to the right at 2" intervals from the position of where the #3 wood and position of ball were played. The #4, #5 and #6 irons should position the ball at 2" intervals to the right of where the #3 iron and ball were positioned. The #7, #8 and #9 irons should be played at 2" intervals to the right of the position from where the 6 iron and ball were played. At each zone (there are four zones) the ball is played more to the right with each shorter club, which will change the hip angle and also the angle of the device according to the invention. Each zone of three .clubs and position of ball change at the stance to which the device can be adjusted. With each 2 change of the ball position, the feet are moved from a 24" closed stance at 2" intervals with each position of the ball, to an open stance with the feet 2" apart for a short iron or wedge.

This invention will also encourage a one-position swing, which is taught by professional golfers. More specifically, the club, head, hands, shoulder and hip are moved back as a unit until the first return of the ball, in the device according to the invention, is heard before breaking the wrist. The longer the arc, the more power and the more accuracy will be developed by the golfer.

The invention also can be used to check and analyze the proper footwork in a golf shot or golf swing with proper stance. By pushing down on the heel of the right foot and on the toe of the left foot while permitting the left heel to come up 2" off the ground, the weight is shifted to the right side and the wrist is permitted to break at the top of the backswing with the rhythmic onetwo countstop. Before moving the hands, the left heel is pushed down to the ground until the third ball return is heard in the device. Then the right foot is pushed down until the heel comes off the ground while the toe of the right foot remains in touch with the ground for a fourth return of the ball and a good finish. This is to monitor and train for good footwork such as right heel and left toe on back-swing and left heel and right toe on downswing with a 12 stop, 12 finish.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modification in order to adapt it to different usages and conditions; and accordingly, it is desired to comprehend such modifications within this invention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and second moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a vertical direction, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element, and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to said individual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular element has a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein at each end for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain the members individually against movement away from the pertaining 'end of the tubular element until the tubular element is til-ted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said first restraining means being different from that provided by said second res-training means, whereby said first and second members may move successively from their restrained positions when said element is moved successively to first and second predetertermined tilt angles.

2. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and second moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a vertical direction, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element, and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to said individual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular element has a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein at each end for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain the members individually against movement away from the pertaining end of the tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said first restraining means being different from that provided by said second rest-raining means, whereby said first and second members may move successively from their restrained position-s when said element is moved successively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, said moveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprising recess means in the wall of said tubular element.

3. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and second moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end to'end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a vertical direction, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element, and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to said individual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular element has a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein at each end for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain the members individually against movement away from the pertaining end of the tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said first restraining means being different from that provided by said second restraining means, whereby said first and second members may move successively from their restrained positions when said element is moved successively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, said moveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprising recess means in the wall of said tubular element, said tubular element being rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varying in character circumferentially of said tubular element so the characteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubular element angularly in said bore.

4. A device for monitoring and indicating the move ments of an individual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and second moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a vertical direction, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element, and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to said individual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular element has a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein at each end for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain the members in dividually against movement away from the pertaining end of the tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said first restraining means being different from that provided by said second restraining means, whereby said first and second members may move successively from their restrained positions when said element is moved successively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, said moveable means comprising balls and said restraining means comprising recess means in the wall of said tubular element, said tubular element being rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varying in character ciroumferentially ofsaid tubular element so the characteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubular element angularly in said bore, said bore being inclined at an angle in said block.

5. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and second moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a vertical direction, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element, and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to said individual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular element has a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein at each end for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain the members individually against movement away from the pertaining end of the tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said first restraining means being different from that provided by said second restraining means, whereby said first and second members may move successively from their restrained positions when said element is moved successively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, said movable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprising recess means in the wall of said tubular element, said tubular element being rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varying in character circumferentially of said tubular element so the characteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubular element angularly in said bore, said bore being inclined at an angle in said block, said hook mem-.

her being removably secured to said block whereby said hook member may be secured to either of two opposite sides of the block.

6. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and second moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a vertical direction, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element, and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to said individual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular element has a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein at each end for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain the members indi: vidually against movement away from the pertaining end of the tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said first restraining means being different from that provided by said second restraining means, whereby said first and second members may move successively from their restrained positions when said element is moved successively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, said moveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprising recess means in the Wall of said tubular element, said tubular element being rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varying in character circumferentially of said tubular element so the characteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubular element angularly in said bore, and cooperating elements of indicia on the block and on said tubular element for indicating the angular position of the tubular element in the block.

7. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and second movable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a vertical direction, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element, and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to said individual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular element has a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein at each end for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain the members individually against movement away from the pertaining end of the tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said first restraining means being different from that provided by said second restraining means, whereby said first and second members may move suuccessively from their restrained positions when said element is moved successively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, said moveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprising recess means in the wall of said tubular element, said tubular element being rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varying in character circumferentially of said tubular element so the characteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubular element angularly in said bore, said recess means comprising a plurality of annular rows of pockets, and each pocket in each row being in axial alignment with a respective pocket in each other row.

8. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and second moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a vertical direction, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element, and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to said individual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular element has a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein at each end for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain the members individually against movement away from the pertaining end of the tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said first restraining means being different from that provided by said second restraining means, whereby said first and second members may move successively from their restrained positions when said element is moved successively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, said moveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprising recess means in the Wall of said tubular element, said tubular element being rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varying in character circumferentially of said tubular element so the characteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubular element" angularly in said bore, said recess means comprising annular grooves in said tubular element varying in depth and width in a direction circumferentially of the tubular element.

9. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and second moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a vertical direction, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element, and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to said individual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular element has a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein at each end for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain the members individually against movement away from the pertaining end of the tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said first restraining means being different from that provided by said second restraining means, whereby said first and second members may move successively from their restrained positions when said element is moved successively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, said moveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprising annular ribs formed inside said tubular element.

10. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and second moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a vertical direction, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element, and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to said individual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular element has a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein at each end for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain the members individually against movement away from the pertaining end of the tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said first restraining means being different from that provided by said second restraining means, whereby said first and second members may move successively from their restrained positions when said element is moved successively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, said moveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprising recess means in the wall of said tubular element, said tubular element being rotatable on its axis in said block, and said recess means varying in character circumferentially of said tubular element so the characteristics of the device can be varied by adjusting said tubular element angularly in said bore, said balls causing audible clicks from said device upon each ball reaching each terminal position thereof.

11. A device for monitoring and indicating the move ments of an individual during 'a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and second moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a vertical direction, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element, and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to said individual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular element has a predetermined orientation relative to the horizontal, said tubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein at each end for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain the members individually against movement away from the pertaining end of the tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said first restraining means being different from that provided by said second restraining means, whereby said first and second members may move successively from their restrained positions when said element is moved successively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, and electric circuit means for each end position of each moveable member closed by movement of the respective moveable member into the pertaining end position.

12. A device for monitoring and indicating the movements of an individual during a golf swing comprising; a tubular element, first and second moveable members in a row in said tubular element moveable from end to end thereof upon tilting of said tubular element in a vertical direction, a support block having a bore receiving said tubular element, and a hook member secured to said block for attaching said block to said individual and to support the block so the axis of said tubular element has a predetermined orientation relative to the hori- Zontal, said tubular element comprising first and second restraining means therein at each end for individual engagement with said moveable members to restrain the members individually against movement away from the pertaining end of the tubular element until the tubular element is tilted to a predetermined angle, and the degree of restraint provided by said first restraining means being dilferent from that provided by said second restraining means, whereby said first and second members may move successively from their restrained positions when said element is moved successively to first and second predetermined tilt angles, said moveable members comprising balls and said restraining means comprising annular ribs formed inside said tubular element, an annular contact ring adjacent each rib on which the pertaining ball rests when at the pertaining end of the tubular element, a contact plate on the inside of the tubular element at each end thereof which is contacted by the endmost ball in the tubular element when in the pertaining end of the tubular element, a source of voltage having one side connected to said contact plates, a plurality of electrically operable means adapted to develop signals and each having one side connected to the other side of said source of voltage and the other side connected to a respective one of said contact rings, said tubular element being elec trical insulating material and said balls being metal.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,316,313 9/1919 Mac Gillivray 116-114 1,842,384 1/1932 Blanchard 73-492 3,156,211 11/1964 Mallory 273- X 3,233,802 2/1966 Ludwick 27332 X FOREIGN PATENTS 635,448 4/1950 Great Britain.

ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner.

G. J. MARLO, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. A DEVICE FOR MONITORING AND INDICATING THE MOVEMENTS OF AN INDIVIDUAL DURING A GOLF SWING COMPRISING; A TUBULAR ELEMENT, FIRST AND SECOND MOVEABLE MEMBERS IN A ROW IN SAID TUBULAR ELEMENT MOVEABLE FROM END TO END THEREOF UPON TILTING OF SAID TUBULAR ELEMENT IN A VERTICAL DIRECTION, A SUPPORT BLOCK HAVING A BORE RECEIVING SAID TUBULAR ELEMENT, AND A HOOK MEMBER SECURED TO SAID BLOCK FOR ATTACHING SAID BLOCK TO SAID INDIVIDUAL AND TO SUPPORT THE BLOCK TO THE AXIS OF SAID TUBULAR ELEMENT HAS A PREDETERMINED ORIENTATION RELATIVE TO THE HORIZONTAL, SAID TUBULAR ELEMENT COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND RESTRAINING MEANS THEREIN AT EACH END FOR INDIVIDUAL ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID MOVEABLE MEMBERS TO RESTRAIN THE MEMBERS INDIVIDUALLY AGAINST MOVEMENT AWAY FROM THE PERTAINING END OF THE TUBULAR ELEMENT UNTIL THE TUBULAR ELEMENT IS TILTED TO A PREDETERMINED ANGLE, AND THE DEGREE OF RESTRAINT PROVIDED BY SAID FIRST RESTAINING MEANS BEING DIFFERENT FROM THAT PROVIDED BY SAID SECOND RESTRAINING MEANS, WHEREBY SAID FIRST AND SECOND MEMBERS MAY MOVE SUCCESSIVELY FROM THEIR RESTRAINED POSITIONS WHEN SAID ELEMENT IS MOVED SUCCESSIVELY TO FIRST AND SECOND PREDETERTERMINED TILT ANGLES.