Golf Inventions, Patents, and Technology via The IP Golf Guy (aka The Golf Patent Attorney)

Callaway Golf Spoiler Alert; Seriously, A Spoiler Alert!

David Dawsey PE Esq — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Could this design be a next generation OptiForce driver, or is it simply a dream that will never leave R&D?

True golf geeks know that spoilers, fins, and wings are nothing new (just check out these posts, exhibit a, exhibit b, and exhibit c).

The drawings come from USPN 8,753,224, which was recently awarded to Callaway Golf after a pendency of only 16.5 months (kudos to the patent office). The patent describes the invention as:

A golf club head comprising a body having a crown, a sole, a face component, a heel side, a toe side, and a rear side, and an air spoiler affixed to the rear side of the body is disclosed herein. In particular, the air spoiler comprises an upper shelf that extends outwards from the crown and approximately parallel to a ground plane, and is supported by one or more ribs that extend perpendicularly from the upper shelf towards the crown. The air spoiler may be used in connection with any type of golf club head, and particularly a wood-type golf club such as a driver or fairway wood.

The patent goes on to explain:

The present invention relates to a golf club head comprising a spoiler 60 that reduces drag and increases the club's swing speed. This feature may be used with any type of golf club head, and particularly a hybrid or wood-type golf club head such as a driver. This feature may also be combined with other aerodynamic features in a golf club, such as those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/023,233, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/166,578, U.S. Pat. No. 8,241,142, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,317,636, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-6. In this embodiment, a driver-type golf club head 10 comprises a face component 20, a crown 30, and a sole 40 delineating a hollow interior, and also includes a heel side 12, a toe side 14, a rear side 16, and a hosel 50. A spoiler 60 is affixed to the rear side 16 of the golf club head 10, and comprises an upper shelf 62 and three ribs 64, 66, 68 extending perpendicularly downwards from the upper shelf 62 and connecting with the crown 30 near the junction where the crown 30 merges with the sole 40.

As shown in the Figures, the upper shelf 62 of the spoiler 60 is affixed to the crown 30 so that it smoothly blends into the crown 30 and extends outwardly, and approximately parallel with the ground plane 80, towards the rear side 16 of the golf club head 10. The ribs 64, 66, 68 provide support for the upper shelf 62 and create gaps 70, 72 between the upper shelf 62 and the crown 30, thus reducing the weight of the spoiler 60 and the overall weight of the golf club head 10. The upper shelf 62 of the spoiler 60 preferably has a thickness of 0.001-0.100 inch, while the ribs 64, 66, 68 preferably each have a thickness of 0.001-0.050 inch. The spoiler 60 preferably has an overall mass of no more than 20 grams, and more preferably between 10 and 15 grams.

As shown in FIG. 7, a low pressure zone forms behind a traditional, driver-type golf club head when it is swung, and causes significant drag that slows down the overall swing speed. The spoiler 60 shrinks the low pressure zone, reduces the drag created when air flows over the crown 30 and sole 40 during a swing, and thus increases the swing speed and stability of the golf club head 10 during a swing. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis has shown that as the airflow moves from the face 20 onto the crown 30 and sole 40 surfaces of the club head 10, it may accelerate and can promote negative drag on the transitional surfaces. This desirable negative drag can be achieved by including the spoiler 60 described herein.

I bet this design actually does make it to the market!

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Patent Lawyer @GolfPatents

About Time We See Some Swing Trainer Patent Litigation

David Dawsey PE Esq — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 05:00:00 GMT

It was only a matter of time before the increasing popularity of electronic swing training devices resulted in patent litigation. There is no doubt that these are fun little gadgets, but whether they will help you improve your game is still up for debate. You can learn more many of the swing trainers on the market over at MyGolfSpy (see the 2013 Swing Trainer Buyer’s Guide and the Swing Trainer Shoot Out).

The first swing trainer patent infringement Complaint was filed a few weeks ago by iTrainer Golf Ltd., accusing Swingbyte, Inc. of patent infringement (iTrainer Golf Ltd. v. Swingbyte, Inc. (NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO WESTERN DIVISION)). The Complaint may be viewed HERE.

The dispute concerns two patents, namely USPN’s 7021140 and 7024351, that are assigned to the Regents of the University of Michigan, and licensed to iTrainer Golf. Interestingly the patents seem to have been primarily directed to fly fishing (see the figures from one of the patents below), but the applicant was smart enough to recognize the applicability to many other activities, including golf.

The Complaint alleges in part:

6. iTrainer Golf Ltd. is the exclusive licensee for any use in the field of golf of U.S. Patent No. 7,021,140 B2 and U.S. Patent No. 7,024,351 B2 (collectively the “iTrainer Golf Ltd. patents”), which Swingbyte is infringing and/or inducing others to infringe by making, using, offering to sell, and/or selling in the United States, or importing into the United States, products that embody patented inventions described and claimed in the iTrainer Golf Ltd. patents.

7. The iTrainer Golf Ltd. patents have been duly and legally issued and assigned to the Regents of the University of Michigan.

8. The iTrainer Golf Ltd. patents were exclusively licensed to iTrainer Golf Ltd. for use in the field of golf by the Regents of the University of Michigan including the rights to sublicense and to prosecute any infringement of the patents.

9. Swingbyte has profited through infringement of the iTrainer Golf Ltd. patents. As a result of Swingbyte’s unlawful infringement of the iTrainer Golf Ltd. patents, iTrainer Golf Ltd. has suffered and will continue to suffer damage. iTrainer Golf Ltd. is entitled to recover from Swingbyte damages suffered by iTrainer Golf Ltd. as a result of Swingbyte’s unlawful acts.

10. Upon information and belief, Swingbyte’s infringement of one or more of the iTrainer Golf Ltd. patents is willful and deliberate, entitling iTrainer Golf Ltd. to enhanced damages and reasonable attorney fees and costs.

11. Upon information and belief, Swingbyte intends to continue its unlawful and infringing activity and iTrainer Golf Ltd. suffers and will continue to suffer irreparable harm - for which there is no adequate remedy at law - from such unlawful infringing activity unless Swingbyte is enjoined by this Court.

Several of the non-fishing specific independent claims from the ‘140 patent are listed below.

Wow, pretty broad claims; some may say ridiculously broad.

The players in this market better think about how they are going to deal with these patents before being served a Complaint!

David Dawsey – Keeping an Eye on Golf Patent Litigation

PS - No worries Swingbyte, my feelings aren't hurt that you were sued in Ohio and didn't even give me a call! Good luck.

The Next New Technology for Titleist

David Dawsey PE Esq — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 05:00:00 GMT

A couple of recent trademark applications filed by Acushnet have tipped their hat regarding their “intent to use” a few technology trademarks.

I anticipate that the next Titleist line of woods will incorporate ARC technology, which surely means ACTIVE RECOIL CHANNEL technology. Click on the names to view the trademark applications.

Let the speculation begin, what will be the “active recoil channel”? Can it be related to THIS wild design?

Dave Dawsey – A Golfing Trademark Lawyer

It Appears Crown Turbulators WILL be in the Next PING Product Launch!

David Dawsey PE Esq — Tue, 27 May 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Drum roll please. The next PING fairway wood is .... (probably).

Yes sir, check out those crown turbulators! THIS prior post explains the PING turbulators.

I must admit, I never thought they would do it; but then again I never thought they would produce a driver with a racing stripe. However, I would bet that, like the i25's racing stripe, the crown turbulators will be real low-key and blend right into the overall design so they are hardly noticeable (if that is possible).

Crown turbulators on what is likely the G30 fairway wood suggests that the associated driver is likely to also have crown turbulators.

The drawings come from a design patent application that was filed on December 4th and issued today. Since they tend to only file design patent applications on products that will make it to the market, I feel pretty confident that we will see this design on the market soon.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Patent Lawyer

Bulge & Roll are Essential to Keeping Mis-Hits in Play, but You Can Have Too Much of a Good Thing

David Dawsey PE Esq — Wed, 14 May 2014 05:00:00 GMT

The inventor of this club head clearly falls into the “more is always better” camp. Think you could hit this club?

It sure would be fun to show up on the first tee and pull that beauty out.

The drawings come from USPN 3759527, which issued in 1973, and explains:

The unique club head design is in the form of an annulus or sphere or section thereof, and has no planar surface with which to align the ball. Without any locus of orientation on the club head with which to be confronted, the player will be allowed to make a more natural wrist release through the ball, and have less tendency to manipulate the hands in an attempt to realign the club head before impact. This action will in effect produce the desired increase in hand speed through the impact zone.
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The point made here is that the use of the spherical golf head of this invention with its many striking surfaces brought automatically into play in the down swing will free the mentality of the golfer of any concern as to maneuvering a flat striking surface offset laterally from the axis of the shaft into a correct squared relation to the teed ball just at the moment of impact. The chief reason for releasing wrist-cock too early in the swing is thus removed. Moreover greater accuracy is instilled in the golfer in achieving point-to-point contact of a spherical club head with the spherical golf ball.

Great stuff. I can’t believe this driver isn’t on the market.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Invention Lawyer @GolfPatents

Want to be Known as “That Guy” & Offend Every Woman at Your Club?

David Dawsey PE Esq — Mon, 12 May 2014 05:00:00 GMT

If so, this head cover is for you (and may perfectly compliment your vehicle's TruckNutz)!

The drawings come from USPN D703778.

Humm, what tour player could you picture using this head cover?

Stay classy San Diego...

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Patent Attorney @GolfPatents

PS – Click HERE to get your fill of putter inventions.

You Know What Hosels Have Been Missing? A Few Joints of Course

David Dawsey PE Esq — Fri, 02 May 2014 23:31:38 GMT

Two years ago I posted about an articulated hosel design by Callaway Golf. It was rather crude and I commented that a worm gear has no place on a golf club.

This week a patent (USPN 8,708,836) issued that revealed a more refined articulated hosel design. What do you think? The joint(s) is labeled #80 in the drawings below.

FIG. 2A shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The hosel 50 of FIG. 2A has a single, curved, concave bend with a joint 80 at the midpoint of the bend. The shaft connection portion 57 of the hosel 50 of this embodiment, which in this embodiment is equivalent to a whole upper segment 100 extending between the joint 80 and an opening that receives the shaft 58, may be pivoted or rotated about the joint 80 to modify the way the shaft and club head 40 are oriented with respect to one another. In a further embodiment, the upper segment 100 may be removed from the joint 80 and an alternative upper segment 100 may be substituted and attached to the club head 40 at the joint 80 for customization of the hosel 50. In these embodiments the upper segment 100 is not permanently affixed to the head connection portion 55 of the hosel 50.

FIG. 3B shows another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the hosel 50 has two curved bends, each bend having a joint 80, 85, and a curved (or straight, in another embodiment) intermediate section 90 rotatably connected to the head connection portion 55 at the first joint and the shaft connection portion 57 at the second joint 85.

All I have to say is wow! Could such a joint withstand repeated impacts?

Dave Dawsey - Monitoring Adjustable Golf Club Inventions

Why I Love This Game

David Dawsey PE Esq — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Because every hacker, myself included, thinks that they can pull off a 1 in 100 shot at least 50% of the time. This makes for great comedy if you aren't afraid to laugh at your playing partners, or yourself in my case.

A few years ago I shared a video with you about my Bill Haas shot from some slick smelly old pond mud. Recently I found myself in the same pond, only this time the ball was just under the surface of the water.

Like any good hacker I looked at it, thought about the day's bet and the fact that my partner and I were only 1 up (he was in his pocket on this hole), and I quickly came to the conclusion that I had this shot, despite the fact that the ball was under water and at least 8 inches below my feet. There was no doubt in my mind, I had this shot.

My partner knew better yet rather than trying to talk me into taking a drop and going for a tie, once again he pulled out his phone to record the incident. It should be no surprise that I did not have this shot. While I did advance the ball at least 100 yards into the fairway, we lost the hole and I smelled of defeat (or pond water that wasn't circulated all winter). Enjoy.

We did go on to win our match, and a chip-in on 18 sealed the match and almost made me forget about my stench.

PS - Keep the swing commentary emails to yourself. What would your swing look like in that situation (with your eyes shut)?

Next Gen Titleist Driver?

David Dawsey PE Esq — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 05:00:00 GMT

As I have often said, the major club companies tend to only file design patent applications on products that have secured a spot in their product line-up. Check out this design from a recent Acushnet design patent. Notice there is no sole-entry shaft sleeve adjustability port; and is that a rotating triangle? Pretty radical for Titleist! Do you think we will ever see this on store shelves?

The following drawings come from USPN D702,784, which issued on April 15th.

My money is on this design never seeing the light of day!

David Dawsey - The IP Golf Guy

Bertha 2.0?

David Dawsey PE Esq — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Earlier this month a Callaway Golf patent issued directed to the Bertha driver. Sure, it contained all the usual drawings that we would expect of the product that is on the market, but is also contained some interesting alternative designs. Here are the drawings we would expect:

AND, here are the more interesting designs. Place your bets, is this a design reject or possibly a future version of the Bertha?

David Dawsey - The Golf Patent Attorney

Matty G the Inventor! Say What

David Dawsey PE Esq — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Last week a patent application caught my eye because it listed the Golf Channel’s Matt Ginella as an inventor. Yes sir, Matty G played a part in the invention titled “Determination of Custom Information Based on Golfer Performance Data.”

What’s next, a training aid designed by Damon Hack, a line of cotton tank tops designed by Gary Williams, or maybe a vegan cookbook authored by Charlie Rymer?

The patent application published as US Pub. No. 20140094942, which describes the invention as:

The present embodiments relate to the determination of custom information based on golfer performance data. In one embodiment, a device receives round information that identifies a round of golf of a user. Based at least in part on the round information, at least one performance category exception based on a performance category criterion is determined. At least one content item from a plurality of content items is selected based on the at least one performance category exception. A custom report is generated that identifies the at least one performance category exception and includes the at least one content item.

The application goes on to explain:

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many players of a sport are interested in improving their performance in the sport. Players may take lessons and may practice a substantial amount of time in pursuit of improved performance. The performance of a player in certain sports, such as golf, not only depends in part on a highly complicated motion, such as swinging a golf club, but on myriad other factors that may differ on a shot-by-shot basis, such as lie, wind, obstacles and the like, all of which should be taken into consideration when hitting a particular shot.

[0004] Many deficiencies of golfers may be identifiable only with knowledge of past performance. For example, a golfer may not realize that their chipping is particularly poor compared to other types of shots, and may not seek out advice on techniques for improving chipping performance. Many golfers play the same courses repeatedly, and may not realize that certain holes cause the golfer more problems than other holes.

[0005] It is impractical for most golfers while playing multiple rounds of golf to take meticulous notes that may shed light on his particular deficiencies, or on which aspects of a particular golf course are more problematic than others.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for mechanisms that at least in part automate the generation of information that describes a golfer's performance on a golf course, and the subsequent analysis and use thereof to provide custom information to the golfer to aid the golfer in improving in the sport.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present embodiments relate to the collection of golfer performance data, and the analysis thereof to provide custom information to a user based on the golfer performance data.

[0008] In one embodiment, a device receives round information that identifies a round of golf of the user. Based at least in part on the round information, at least one performance category exception is determined based on a performance category criterion. At least one content item is selected from a plurality of content items based on the at least one performance category exception. The plurality of content items comprises articles that provide advice relating to one or more of the golf performance categories. A custom report is generated that identifies the at least one performance category exception and includes the at least one content item. In one embodiment, the round information is collected substantially in real-time, either as the round of golf is played, or immediately thereafter. The custom report may then be generated substantially instantaneously, and provided to the user immediately following the conclusion of the round of golf.

[0009] In one embodiment, the round information includes a plurality of hole datasets, each of which corresponds to a different hole of the holes played in the round of golf. Each hole dataset may comprise a plurality of shot datasets, each shot dataset corresponding to a particular host played in the corresponding hole. Each shot dataset may identify, for example, a club identifier that identifies the club used for the respective shot, and distance information that identifies a distance a golf ball travelled when struck by the club.

[0010] In one embodiment, the performance category criterion is based on a total score of the round of the user and a model performance function. An actual performance value based on the model performance function and the total score is calculated. The at least one performance category exception is determined based on the actual performance value.

[0011] In another embodiment, the performance category criterion is based on an historical performance of the user in a performance category associated with the performance category criterion. Historical data that identifies the historical performance of the user in the performance category is accessed. A current performance of the user in the performance category during the round is compared to the historical performance. The at least one performance category exception is determined based on the comparison. In some embodiments, a performance category exception may be determined based on any one of a plurality of different performance category criteria.

[0012] The historical data may comprise data identifying previous performances of the user at the same golf course at which the current round is being played.

[0013] In one embodiment, based at least in part on the round information, a set of performance category exceptions may be determined. Each performance category exception corresponds to a different performance category. For each respective performance category exception in the set, at least one content item that provides advice relating to the corresponding performance category is selected. A priority for performance category exceptions in the set is determined. The custom report includes the at least one content item for each respective performance category in order of the priority.

[0014] In another embodiment, a tip report based on historical performance is provided. It is determined that the user is playing a hole on a golf course. Historical data that identifies a previous performance of the user is accessed. Based on the historical data, it is determined that a tip criterion has been met. Based on the tip criterion, a tip report for the user is generated.

[0015] In one embodiment, it is determined that the user is playing the hole on the golf course in response to receiving, from the user, a request for information about the hole. In another embodiment, it is determined that the user is playing the hole on the golf course by determining the location of the user, accessing golf course data, and determining, based on the location of the user and the golf course, data that the user is playing the hole.

[0016] In one embodiment, the previous performance comprises a previous performance of the user on the hole. In another embodiment, the previous performance comprises a previous performance of the user during the current round of golf.

Here are some of the drawings from the application:

Matty G - where are the tips about avoiding the shanks?

David Dawsey – Keeping an Eye on Golf Inventions

Been Chunking Your Putts? A Dual Purpose Putter May be the Answer

David Dawsey PE Esq — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 15:11:10 GMT

Check out this beauty!

I like it!

Dave Dawsey - The Putter Invention Lawyer

PS – Click HERE to get your fill of putter inventions.

Is This the Future of Golf Equipment Fitting, or Just Plain Lazy?

David Dawsey PE Esq — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 05:00:00 GMT

A recently published patent application discloses a pretty interesting fitting concept, plus I just love the image of the golfing robot. The patent application published this month as US Pub. No. 20140074425 titled “System for Remotely Swinging a Golf Club,” which describes the invention as:

A method, system, and computer program product for remote golf club swinging is provided. The method can include receiving in a robotic golf club swing fixture from a remote operator over a computer communications network a set of swing parameters defining different aspects of a golf club swing. The method also can include directing a plurality of robotic arms of the fixture to swing a coupled golf club according to the received swing parameters. The method yet further can include sensing a result of the swinging of the coupled golf club. Finally, the method can include transmitting data derived from the sensed result to the remote operator over the computer communications network.

The application goes on to explain:

[0004] Golf is a difficult game that to master requires practice and skill. There is a high degree of interest in the game from golfers, but non-golfers as well find challenges such as trying to make a "hole-in-one" or attempting to hit the longest drive, off a golf tee, of interest. In order to experience these activities, a person must travel to a golf course, driving range, or golf simulator and use golf equipment to strike the ball.

[0005] Further, golf is a sport where the correct equipment is essential to the success and enjoyment of the activity. There are many different makes and models of golf equipment, including golf clubs. Each golf club manufacturer may make the same type of club slightly differently. For example, one manufacturer may produce a golf club with a shaft made from steel, while another equipment manufacturer may use graphite for the shaft. Testing a particular golf club or set of clubs helps to ensure a club is the correct size and weight for an individual player in addition to offering the right design characteristics for the player.

[0006] To test a golf club, a player has to travel to a hitting area, whether at a store, at a driving range, or use a golf simulator to play-test the club by striking golf balls. This, however, can be difficult and undesirable in an age of Internet shopping from the comfort of one's own home. Further, in order to play-test a golf club appropriately, a player should test in the same environment for each type of club. For example, if a player is testing woods, he/she should play them off the same lie, using the same type of tee or play surface, in order to get an accurate comparison between the clubs. Testing can involve hitting for distance, accuracy, and/or control.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to remotely swinging golf clubs and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system, and computer program product for remotely swinging golf clubs. In an embodiment of the invention, a set of swing parameters from a remote operator can be received over a computer communications network. The swing parameters can define different aspects of a golf club swing. A plurality of robotic arms in a robotic golf club swing fixture can be directed to swing the attached golf club. A ball flight result of the swinging of the golf club can be sensed and the data derived from the sensed result can be transmitted to the remote operator over the computer communications network.

[0008] Another embodiment of the invention provides for a remote golf club swinging system. The system can include a server configured for communicative coupling to a web server and a computing device. A robotic golf club swing fixture also can be provided and can include a servo motor coupled to a controller, a data capture apparatus coupled to the controller, and a plurality of robotic arms attached to the servo motor. Each robotic arm can be coupled to a golf club. The remote golf club testing module can include program code for receiving from a remote operator over a computer communications network a set of swing parameters defining different aspects of a golf club swing, for directing a plurality of robotic arms of the fixture to swing a coupled golf club according to the received swing parameters, for sensing a result of the golf club, and for transmitting data derived from the sensed result to the remote operator over the computer communications network.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention a remote golf club testing method can be provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a set of swing parameters from a remote operator can be received over a computer communications network. The swing parameters can define different aspects of a golf club swing. A plurality of robotic arms in a robotic golf club swing fixture can be directed to swing the attached golf club. Performance of the golf club can be sensed and the data derived from the performance can be transmitted to the remote operator over the computer communications network.

Interesting idea, but boy a purchaser would have to put a lot of faith in other people. Although, it is fun to imagine a line of 10 robots, each outfitted with a different driver; you take one swing, all 10 robots mimic your swing and hit a ball, and then you instantly get feedback on all 10 shots. Perhaps some day.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Invention Lawyer

Cobra Golf Sued for Someone Else’s Product

David Dawsey PE Esq — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 05:00:00 GMT

On March 19th NovelPoint Tracking LLC filed at least six patent infringement lawsuits regarding USPN 6442485 titled “Method and Apparatus for an Automatic Vehicle Location, Collision Notification, and Synthetic Voice.” One of the lawsuits named Cobra Golf Inc. as the defendant (see Complaint). This got my attention.

Within 90 seconds I could see that the allegedly infringing product was the Cobra 5600 LM (a GPS navigation system), add another 30 seconds to drop that into a Google search, and clearly it is a product that is not made by Cobra Golf.

Generally I think non-practicing entities (NPE’s), or patent trolls as some refer to them, get a bad rap; but come on, how do you make that mistake? Sure, they have sued a lot of golf retailers (check out this list of retailers they sued over golf GPS products), but that is no excuse for naming the wrong company in a patent infringement complaint! This just one reason why NPE’s get so much negative press. Sadly, today I am disappointed in my profession.

David Dawsey – Keeping an Eye on Golf GPS Patent Infringement

These Irons Look Like Something Phil Would Love

David Dawsey PE Esq — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 05:00:00 GMT

No one would dispute that Phil can pimp a product, and the iron design found in a Callaway patent that issued today is just odd enough that he would probably love to tell the world about it. Check out this iron design.

The drawings come from a patent that issued today as USPN 8,668,599 titled “Golf Club Iron with High Density Leading Edge.”

In what seems to be a recent trend with Callaway, the associated application was filed with a nonpublication request meaning that Callaway wanted to keep this under wraps (away from the eyes of competitors or pesky golf blogs). The patent describes the invention as:

A golf club iron having a head center of gravity that is low and forward enough to provide a better swing, good striking and swinging feel, and improved ball flight is disclosed. The iron has a recess in a leading edge region and a high density insert disposed within the recess to achieve the desired center of gravity location.

It goes on to explain:

Technical innovation in the size, structure, configuration, material, construction, and performance of golf clubs has resulted in a variety of new products. Most irons are constructed in such a way that the head is made from a single type of parent material, such as steel. Some irons have discrete weighting elements incorporated into their structure, but these weights typically are incorporated into sole or perimeter regions located away from the face. As such, most irons currently available on the market do not have a center of gravity (CG) that is located low or forward enough in the head for the head to achieve optimum performance.
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The irons of the present invention have high density leading edges and thus extremely low, forward centers of gravity and moderate loft/de-loft moments of inertia (Iyy). The graph 100 in FIG. 5 shows the center of gravity locations, mapped according to height and depth of the iron head frames, of 6-irons of the present invention and 6-irons currently available on the market. The circled region 110 in the graph indicates the center of gravity locations of irons designed according to the present invention, while the small circles represent Callaway irons and the small dashes represent non-Callaway irons. Center of gravity locations are generally obtainable by referring to the leading edge weights of the irons.

At this point can anyone pull off a low & forward CG location story without it appearing as a "me too" play?

Place your bets - will we ever see it in a commercial product? I wouldn’t be surprised if we did.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Invention Lawyer

Nike Covert 3.0?

David Dawsey PE Esq — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT

As I stated in a post back in April regarding some Nike Covert variations, golf equipment companies come up with a lot of club head designs in the process of developing one commercial product, majority of which golfers never get to see. Fortunately their patent applications often reveal some of the hidden gems that for one reason or another did not survive the process, or may be a glimpse of a future generation product. Check out these potential Covert driver designs!

The drawings come from a provisional application that led to an application that recently published as 20130324307 titled "GOLF CLUB AND GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH A CROWN RECESSED FEATURE," which describes the invention as:

A golf club includes a shaft and a club head. The club head includes a ball striking face, a heel, a toe, a rear, and a crown. The crown may include a substantially horizontally-oriented forward crown region extending rearwardly from the ball striking face. The crown further may include a primary recessed feature located rearward of the forward crown region and extending from the heel to the toe of the club head. The recessed feature may have a floor and a front wall extending upward from the floor to the forward crown region. The crown may further include a substantially horizontally-oriented rearward crown region extending forwardly from the rear of the club head. The recessed feature may be located between the forward crown region and the rearward crown region. A back wall of the recessed feature may extend upward from the floor to the rearward crown region.

Will we ever see these designs in a commercial product? My guess - not anytime soon; too radical.

David Dawsey – Keeping an Eye on Golf Inventions

A Great Product Name for Cleveland Golf / Srixon; Can the Product Live Up to the Name?

David Dawsey PE Esq — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Selecting a good product name is hard work. For every ten good names that the marketing guys come up with, one may survive a proper trademark clearance and protectability analysis.

In the past Cleveland Golf has not been known for creative and catchy product names, however that may be a thing of the past. Last week they filed a trademark application for the SMART|BOMB mark. Not bad, not bad at all!

The application is found HERE.

Place your bets; is it a new line of putters or drivers?

Dave Dawsey – A Golfing IP Lawyer

A Hot New Entry into the Golf Equipment Market; Only for the Player that Will Settle for Nothing but the Best

David Dawsey PE Esq — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Just imagine the look on the faces of your golfing partners when you stroll up to the first tee with the latest MILEY CYRUS brand golf bag, balls, and clubs!

That’s right, Smiley Miley, Inc. has applied to register the MILEY CYRUS mark for use on bags, balls, clubs, club covers, and tees. Looks like she is following in the footsteps of another golf equipment heavyweight, specifically Ms. Nicki Minaj (see THIS prior post). Check out this laundry list of items that are intended to become part of the MILEY CYRUS brand!

Toy foam novelty items, namely, foam fingers and hands; Toy artificial fingernails; toy novelty items, namely, die agitator provided with a window for viewing pieces containing positive or negative answers to previously asked questions; jump ropes; kites; marbles; music box toys; musical toys; toy musical instruments; flying discs; puzzles; electric action toys; battery operated action toys and action figures; infant toys; pet toys; bath toys; bendable toys; children's multiple activity toys; printing toys; drawing toys; mechanical toys; positionable toy figures; plastic character toys; ride-on toys; sand toys; stuffed toys; wind-up toys; action figures and accessories therefor; toy vehicles and accessories therefor; bobblehead dolls; bean bags; electronic learning toys; molded toy figures; toy animals; toy boxes; toy stamps; toy building blocks; toy butterfly nets; toy and novelty face masks; toy film cartridges and viewers; toy furniture; toy mobiles; toy putty; toy scooters; toy snow globes; toy watches and clocks; toy windsocks; toy robots; toy Christmas trees; toy bakeware and cookware; balloons; cases for play accessories; puppets; kaleidoscopes; poker chips; streamers; game tables; board games; action skill games; dice; dice games; party games; pinball machines; role-playing games; tabletop games; parlor games; card games; memory games; target games; arcade games; horseshoe games; swim floats for recreational use; inflatable swimming pools; swimming flippers; yoga mats; personal exercise mats; portable support structures for dance and other exercises; in-line skates; ice skates; body boards; wake boards; surfboards; surfboard leashes; aerobic steps; athletic sporting goods, namely, athletic wrist and joint supports; athletic tape. bags specially adapted for sports equipment; baseball gloves; softball gloves. batting gloves; basketball hoops; billiard tables; billiard equipment; body training apparatus; bocce balls; croquet sets; exercise machines; exercise platforms; exercise weights; fishing rods; fishing tackle; fishing lines; fishing reels; fishing tackle boxes; golf bags; golf balls; golf clubs; golf club covers; golf tees; gymnastic apparatus; scuba fins; scuba flippers; shin guards for athletic use; work-out gloves; water skis; skis; ski poles; ski bags; snowboards; table-tennis tables; table tennis paddles; paddles for use in paddle ball games; bouncing balls; beach balls; tether balls; balls for games; balls for sports; bats for games; racquets for tennis, squash, badminton, and racquetball; rackets; plush toys; play cosmetics; dolls and accessories therefor; doll play sets; doll clothes; doll costumes; doll furniture; electronic dart games; electronic educational game machines for children; electronic games other than those adapted for use with television receivers only; stand alone video game machines; hand held unit for playing electronic games; magic tricks; party favors, namely, paper party hats and party games; blow outs; party favors in the nature of crackers, noisemakers, and small toys; Christmas tree decorations; inflatable toys; playing cards; skateboards; roller skates; model making kits; yo-yos; badminton sets; dart sets

Serial Number: 86177968; Filing Date: January 28, 2014

Boy, that is one heck of a list! You can check out the trademark application HERE. How is that for hard-hitting golf reporting!

Could Smiley Miley, Inc. really have an “intent” to use the MILEY CYRUS mark on all those products?

Now for the trademark attorneys reading this post; unlike the NICKI MINAJ application where she personally signed the form bona fide intent-to-use declaration, the private practice attorney that filed the MILEY CYRUS application signed the declaration for Smiley Miley! Wouldn’t it be fun to read a deposition transcript questioning her about subjective intent and objective corroboration of the intent as of the time the application was filed?

David Dawsey – A Golfing Trademark Attorney

A New Titleist Adjustable CG Driver Design

David Dawsey PE Esq — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT

What would Titleist’s core market of "purists" think of this design?

The drawings come from a patent application that published this week as US Pub. No. 20140031141 titled “Golf Club Heads Having Adjustable Weighted Crowns and Soles to Move Center of Gravity,” which describes the invention as:

The present invention provides golf clubs and golf club heads that can be weight adjusted to move the center of gravity of the clubs and heads. The wood-type clubs have heads with crown and soles plates containing weighted and non-weighted sections. The crown and sole plates can be rotated or removed. In this manner, the weighted sections of the crowns and sole plates can be moved to a particular location, and this adjusts the center of gravity of the club head.

The application goes on to explain:

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to golf clubs and golf club heads that can be weight-adjusted to move the center of gravity of the clubs and heads. In one embodiment, the wood-type golf club head includes a body having a heel end, a toe end, and a front ball-striking surface; a crown extending between the heel and toe ends and from a top edge of the front ball-striking surface, the crown having a front portion and a rear portion; and a sole extending between the heel and toe ends and from a bottom edge of the front ball-striking surface, the sole having a sole aperture therein; and a sole plate positioned within the sole aperture so that the body defines an interior cavity.

[0009] The sole plate has at least two sections of differing weight and is rotatably attached to the sole so the sole plate can rotate from a first position to a second position. In this manner, the center of gravity of the club is changed. For example, the weighted section(s) of the sole plate may comprise a first metal material is selected from the group consisting of copper, tungsten, steel, magnesium tin, silver, gold, and platinum; while the crown plate may comprise a second metal material selected from the group consisting of titanium and aluminum alloys. The golf club head also may contain a crown plate having at least two sections of differing weight that is rotatably attached to the sole so the sole plate can rotate from a first position to a second position. The weighted and non-weighted sections of the crown plate also may be made of the above-described metal materials. The first position of the sole plate/crown plate provides the club with a first center of gravity and the second position provides the club with a second center of gravity, whereby the first and second centers of gravity are different.

[0010] In another embodiment, a first sole plate is positioned within the sole aperture and this plate is removably attached so it can be removed and a second sole plate attached in place thereof. The first and second sole plates are of differing weight, whereby the first sole plate provides the club with a first center of gravity and the second sole plate provides the club with a second center of gravity, the first and second centers of gravity being different.

Place your bets; will this design ever become an actual Titleist product? My prediction; not a chance!

David Dawsey – The Golf Patent Lawyer

PS – follow me on Twitter (@GolfPatents)

Want to Add Some Excitement to Your Practice? Are You Brave Enough for This Training Aid?

David Dawsey PE Esq — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 05:00:00 GMT

What do you think: safe effective training aid or merely a maker of a raw ring around your neck?

The drawing comes from a patent that issued this week as USPN 8,632,414 titled “Feedback-Based Golf Swing Training Aid.” The patent explains:

Among the more specific and salient objects of the invention disclosed and claimed in the present application are to provide a golf swing training and aid device that promotes or encourages: 1. a more comfortable and more effective grip; 2. a stance and posture more conducive to produce good golf shots and to preserve the player's balance; 3. a one-piece take away; 4. a wider and stronger shoulder turn which results in more power; 5. a parallel position of the club relative to the shoulders at the top of the backswing; 6. a more efficient position of the club and club head at the start of the downswing thus promoting an "in-out" swing trajectory and minimizing the possibility of "casting" (out-in swing trajectory) of the club with the hands or shoulders; 7. an increasingly stronger (more club head speed) impact position; 8. a vertical follow through; 9. more efficient swing, tempo and timing; and 10. a balanced swing finish.
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To begin using the device of this invention, the user takes each end (14) of the neck collar (1) in the left and right hand, respectively and places it around his or her neck. The collar is capable of being adjusted, loosened or tightened per the user's preference, via the collar's adjustable attachment means (2). To properly use the device of this invention, the user should adjust the collar's attachment means (2) so that the collar maintains about one inch of slack in the front end of the user's neck. The user then attaches the detachable engagement means (an adjustable plastic hook already attached to the feedback means in the preferred embodiment of the invention) (4) to the collar's receiving means (3). Next, the user can adjust the tension of the graduated feedback means (5) by holding a golf club's grip to which the graduated feedback means is attached (6), assuming an address position suitable to the user, and pulling the top end of the Bungee cord (5) until the user feels a moderate amount of tension on the back of the neck. While doing so, the user will also feel a moderate amount of tension in the hands when the golf club is grounded in the address position and the detachable engagement means (4) is properly attached to the graduated feedback means (5). If the user has not previously done so, the user can then record the number corresponding to the tension appropriate to the user's height, arm length and other physical attributes, if using an embodiment of the invention that includes a graduated feedback means.

The tension the user feels on the back of the neck promotes better stance and posture as it reminds the golfer to keep the flex in the spine, hips and knees and eliminate a common golf swing flaw of lifting the head or looking up too soon during the downswing.

The user is now ready to begin using the golf swing training and aid device of the present invention. To achieve optimal results, the user holds onto the grip (6), which can be a commercially available training grip which provides the correct hand and proper grip position, i.e., a neutral grip. The feedback the invention provides, combined with using a commercially available training grip, as depicted in FIG. 8, provides the required "feel" to allow the user to incorporate a proper position and pressure of the hands on the grip into his or her golf game in actual playing conditions.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the feedback means at the address position is capable of forming a straight line from the user's chin to the sternum to the navel to the groin. The preferred angle of the feedback means is 180 degrees from the collar's receiving means (3) to the end of the grip (6). That tension position of the feedback means is then maintained throughout the entire swing. As the user begins his or her take away movement, hands, arms, shoulders and feedback means will move together away from the body, eliminating an ill-timed or disconnected take-away. The plane of the feedback means (5) has a natural tendency to stay in line with the center of the user's torso. By attempting to maintain the feedback means' constant tension through the backswing (FIG. 2) all the way to the top of the swing (FIG. 3), the apparatus of this invention promotes the reduction and, in most cases, the elimination of a flawed, shortened swing plane. Once the user's hands start dropping downward, he or she must maintain the feedback means (5) on a vertical plane and with constant tension all the way through the downswing (FIG. 4). Doing so greatly reduces or eliminates the most common swing flaw in golf--casting of the club with either the hands or right shoulder. At impact the user, while maintaining the constant tension and proper angle of the feedback means will achieve a maximized, strong impact position (FIG. 5). The proper use of the device of this invention also promotes a strong and straight left arm through the golf swing, thus reducing or eliminating the flawed "chicken wing" and overactive right hand or "scooping" of the club at impact. As the golfer maintains the feedback means' tension and angle, he or she will finish the swing at a tall and vertical position (FIGS. 6 and 7), reducing or eliminating a common golf swing flaw--quick inside or horizontal finish. Finally, while using the device with the feedback means (5) at a constant tension and angle, the user will likely stay in balance and prevent a common golf swing flaw--adjustment of the feet relative to the ball at impact or shortly thereafter to keep from falling forward.

Birdie or bogey? I would try it.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Training Aid Invention Attorney

PS – Check out more unusual golf training inventions here, here, and here.