Golf training aid apparatus

Abstract

The present invention concerns a club for impacting an object. The club may have a club head having a club face. At least one microprocessor in communication with a plurality of infrared sources is also provided. There are also a plurality of infrared sensors, and indicators configurable in a configuration indicating proper club face alignment and a configuration indicating club face misalignment. The infrared sources are periodically pulsed by a microprocessor between an activated and deactivated state. The sensors are configured on the club head to receive infrared from the infrared sources and to generate a signal in response to the infrared received. The device may be used outside, even in the presence of sunlight. By filtering direct current, the false readings caused by sunlight may be reduced. Pulsing the infrared sources, e.g., at 2-6 kilohertz, also helps reduce the detrimental effects sunlight has on the operation of the device. The microprocessor is programmed to receive signals from the sensors when the infrared sources are activated. The microprocessor is programmed to activate the indicators in an aligned or misaligned configuration.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A golf club for impacting a golf ball comprising: 
 a club head having a club face with a plurality of infrared sources, a plurality of infrared sensors, and indicators configurable to indicate club face alignment;    said sensors configured on said club head to receive infrared signals from said infrared sources and to transmit signals in response to said infrared signals received;    a filter means for blocking direct current signals transmitted by said infrared sensors; and    processing means for receiving filtered signals from said infrared sensors, for determining the club face alignment based upon the signals received;    and for activating said indicators to indicate club face alignment.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said microprocessor is programmed to activate said indicators in an aligned or misaligned configuration for a predetermined period of time.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  further including an impact sensor for generating a signal received by said microprocessor indicating club head impact.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said impact sensor is a sounder.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said infrared sources are pulsed at a rate of 2-6 kilohertz.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said filter means is a capacitor.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said infrared sources are pulsed at a rate of 4 kilohertz.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said infrared sources are supplied additional power by a capacitor in communication with said infrared sources.  
     
     
         9 . A golf club for impacting a golf ball comprising: 
 a club head having a club face with a plurality of infrared sources, a plurality of infrared sensors, and indicators to indicate club face alignment;    said infrared sources pulsed at a rate of 4 kilohertz;    said sensors configured on said club head to receive pulsed infrared signals from said infrared sources and to transmit signals in response to said pulsed infrared signals received;    filter means for blocking direct current signals transmitted by said infrared sensors;    processing means for receiving signals from said infrared sensors, for determining club face alignment and for activating said indicators to indicate club face alignment.    
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said filter means is a capacitor.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said processing means is a microprocessor.  
     
     
         12 . A golf club for impacting a golf ball, comprising: 
 a club head having a club face with a plurality of infrared sources, a plurality of infrared sensors, and indicators configurable to indicate club face alignment;    said infrared sources pulsed at a rate of between 2-6 kilohertz;    said sensors configured on said club head to receiving pulsed infrared signals from said infrared sources and to transmit signals in response to said pulsed infrared signals received;    filter means for blocking direct current signals transmitted by said infrared sensors;    processing means for receiving signals from said infrared sensors, for determining club face alignment, and for activating said indicators to indicate club face alignment.    
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said filter means is a capacitor.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said processing means is a microprocessor.  
     
     
         15 . A golf club for impacting a golf ball comprising: 
 a club head having a club face;    a plurality of infrared sources on the club face;    a first regulator for regulating the plurality of infrared sources;    a plurality of infrared sensors on the club face;    a second regulator for regulating the bias current of the plurality of infrared sensors;    a filter on at least one of said sensors for filtering received signals, said sensors being configured on said club head to receive infrared signals from said infrared sources;    a processor for receiving filtered signals from said infrared sensors for determining the club face alignment based upon the signals received; and    indicators configurable to indicate club face alignment activated by said processor.    
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein said plurality of infrared sensors comprises phototransistors.  
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein said regulator for the plurality of infrared sources comprises a voltage regulator for regulating the voltage applied to the plurality of infrared sources.  
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein said regulator for regulating the plurality of infrared sensors comprises a current regulator for regulating the bias current through the plurality of infrared sensors.