The velocity display device of the present invention has been developed for sporting purposes, for example, for providing a display of the velocity of a golf club or tennis racket, but can be used for other purposes, for example, in connection with moving industrial and scientific equipment.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved velocity display device.

Summary of the Invention According to the present information there is provided a velocity display device for providing a display of the velocity of an object, the velocity display device being in the form of a module for fitment into or onto the object, and the module including a display unit, an acceleration sensor and a micro-controller which receives signals from the acceleration sensor and, by means of an in-built algorithm, converts the signals which it receives to an output which determines the display provided by the display unit.

The micro-controller preferably has a low current sleep mode which it adopts whenever the device is not in use and a reset mode to which it reverts automatically a predetermined period of time after a display has been provided. The micro-controller algorithm is preferably such that the display progressively increments during acceleration of the object.

As applied to, for example, a velocity display device for a golf club, the module is preferably contained within a moulded plastics housing which is fitted into a recess formed in the base plate or rear face of the head of the club. The display unit is preferably an LCD (light-conducting diode) display and the module is preferably powered by a plurality of lithium batteries, which are of button configuration and fit within the housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a sectional view of a velocity display device for a golf club, and Figure 2 shows the presented face of the velocity display device.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment The velocity display device shown in the drawings comprises a module which includes a cylindrical moulded plastic housing 10 and a circular mounting plate 11 formed with four holes 12 to receive screw-threaded fasteners (not shown) whereby the device can be secured in a cylindrical recess formed in the rear face of the head of a golf club. An LCD display 13 is located centrally of the mounting plate 11 and provides a numerical display which can be seen by the user of the golf club.

The housing 10 contains a printed circuit board 14 on which is mounted a micro-controller and an acceleration sensor. The power for the device is provided by two lithium button cell batteries 15 contained within the housing 10 which has a normally closed access opening (not shown) to permit replacement of the batteries 15 when so required.

No on/off or reset switches are required as the micro- controller automatically goes into a low current"sleep"mode when the golf club is not in use. It also resets itself automatically a predetermined time period after a swing has been completed. The time period is typically ten seconds and is such as to allow the user of the golf club time to read the display before it reverts to zero in readiness for the next swing.

At the commencement of a swing, the acceleration sensor sends signals to the micro-controller and continues to send signals to the micro-controller throughout the swing. The micro-controller accurately converts the acceleration information which it receives to an output representative of the velocity of the head of the golf club.

This information is displayed by the LCD display 13. The micro- controller has an in-built algorithm which discards the high peak velocity that is generated on contact with the ball but leaves the lower peak velocity which gives the read-out on the LCD display 13.

The LCD display 13 can give a reading in kilometres per hour or in any other convenient units.

The device as a whole is extremely light-a few grams only- and will, therefore, not adversely affect the swing characteristics of the golf club. Unlike other devices used in connection with golf clubs, it requires no external equipment. It can be used as a practice or teaching aid, and in competitive play itself. Its use enables the golfer to obtain an immediate, accurate indication of the velocity of the head of the golf club, and thereby enables him to monitor his own performance.

Use of the device will enable the user, through experimentation and practice, to develop greater club-head speed which, in turn, will lead to hitting the ball longer distances.

Although the primary application of the invention is in relation to a display device for incorporation in the head of a golf club, the device may be mounted in the head of a tennis or other racket. It may also be fitted into or onto industrial or scientific pieces of equipment when the velocity of such equipment is to be monitored or measured.