U.S. patent application number 09/791356 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-18 for swing exerciser.
Invention is credited to Ervin, Darrick.
Application Number | 20010031684 09/791356 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26818477 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010031684 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ervin, Darrick |
October 18, 2001 |
Swing exerciser
Abstract
A simple and economical yet effective training and exercising
device is disclosed for sports such as golf wherein an implement
such as a golf club is moved along a swing path. An elongated
handle has a proximal end with a hand grip and a distal end with a
weighted body. A foot plate, sized to receive a foot of the user,
includes one or more connection features, preferably
inverted-U-shaped hooks rigidly secured to the foot plate. A
removable, stretchable tether is provided having a first end tied
at a point between the proximal and distal ends of the handle and a
second end tied to a connection point on the foot plate. The
connection point on the handle is preferably a hook which doubles
as a wrist indicator. The length of the tether is adjustable so as
to resist upward movement of the handle when swung by the user to
promote training and exercise with respect to the sport. The foot
plate has inside and outside edges, and in the preferred
embodiment, each edge includes one or more connection points to
practice a back swing and a forward swing. Two tethers may also be
used, each having a first end tied at the point between the
proximal and distal ends of the handle, and with the second end of
one tether being tied to an outer connection point of the foot
plate, and the second end of the other tether being tied to an
inner connection point of the foot plate. An optional rocker plate
defines an area large enough to receive the foot plate and the
user's other foot. [The rocker plate preferably further includes
one or more movable, rotatable plates to assist in positioning the
user's feet to achieve a proper stance for the desired sport. Each
movable, rotatable plate may preferably be locked into place along
a rail feature.]
Inventors: |
Ervin, Darrick; (Detroit,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John G. Posa
GIFFORD, KRASS, GROH, SPRINKLE,
PATMORE, ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, P.C.
280 N. Old Woodward Ave., Suite 400
Birmingham
MI
48009
US
|
Family ID: |
26818477 |
Appl. No.: |
09/791356 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09791356 |
Feb 23, 2001 |
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09506482 |
Feb 17, 2000 |
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6224522 |
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60120542 |
Feb 17, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2069/0008 20130101;
A63B 69/38 20130101; A63B 69/0062 20200801; A63B 69/3667 20130101;
A63B 2102/06 20151001; A63B 69/0024 20130101; A63B 69/36212
20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/14 |
International
Class: |
A63K 003/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A training and exercising device for a sport such as golf,
wherein a golf club or other implement is moved along a swing path
by a user, the device comprising: a removable, stretchable tether
having a first end fastened to the implement or a point associated
with the user, and a second end anchored relative to the ground;
and a halo structure defining a swing plane, such that when the
user swings the implement in conjunction with the swing plane, the
tether resists the movement of the implement or user to promote
training and exercise with respect to a desired sport.
2. The training and exercising device of claim 1, wherein the
second end of the tether is anchored to a foot plate sized to
receive one or both feet of the user.
3. The training and exercising device of claim 1, wherein the
implement features an elongated handle having a proximal end with a
hand grip and a distal end with a weighted body.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the piece of sports equipment is
a golf club, golf ball, hockey stick, or racquet.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the weighted body attaches to the
distal end of the handle through a quick-disconnect connector.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the foot plate has inside and
outside edges, each with a one or more connection point to practice
a back swing and forward swing, respectively.
7. The device of claim 6, further including two or more tethers,
each having a first end tied at the point between the proximal and
distal ends of the handle, and with the second end of one tether
being tied to an outer connection point of the foot plate, and the
second end of the other tether being tied to an inner connection
point of the foot plate.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein the foot plate is provided with
separate right and left component parts.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the connection points are
inverted-U-shaped hooks rigidly secured to the foot plate.
10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a guard proximate the
grip to prevent the tether from contacting the user.
11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a rocker plate
defining an area large enough to receive the foot plate and the
user's other foot.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the rocker plate further
includes one or more movable, rotatable plates to assist in
positioning the user's feet to achieve a proper stance for the
desired sport.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein each movable, rotatable plate
may be locked into place along a rail feature.
14. A golf-swing training and exercising device, comprising: an
elongated shaft having a proximal end with a golf-club-style hand
grip, a distal end with a removeably detachable golf-club head, and
a wrist indicator; a foot plate sized to receive a foot of the
user, the foot plate including inside and outside edges, each with
a one or more connection devices; and a removable, stretchable
tether having a first end tied at the wrist indicator and a second
end tied to one of the connection points on the foot plate.
15. The device of claim 14, further including two or more tethers,
each having a first end tied at the wrist indicator, and with the
second end of one tether being tied to an outer connection point of
the foot plate, and the second end of the other tether being tied
to an inner connection point of the foot plate.
16. The device of claim 14, further comprising a rocker plate
defining an area large enough to receive the foot plate and the
user's other foot.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein the rocker plate further
includes one or more movable, rotatable plates to assist in
positioning the user's feet to achieve a proper stance for the
desired sport.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein each movable, rotatable plate
may be locked into place along a rail feature.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/506,482, filed Feb. 17, 2000,
which claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No.
60/120,542, filed Feb. 17, 1999, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a portable exercise
machine. More specifically, the invention relates to an exerciser
for teaching balance, building muscle and developing muscle memory
for all sports involving equipment used to create a swing path,
including golf, baseball, tennis, hockey, squash and
racquetball.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are literally hundreds of inventions relating to golf,
some of which are over a hundred years old. Various implements have
been devised for swing training, typically employing harnesses with
loops and tethers to physically constrain one or more body
movements. Many of these assemblies are complicated and difficult
to set up and/or use.
[0004] Disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,909 is a knock-down
golf-swing training for use indoors and outdoors. A main frame is
formed of tubular components including a large area base assembly,
and a vertically adjustable upright post mounted medially of the
rear edge of the base assembly, outriggers for the base assembly, a
safety harness, and a plurality of belt loops adapted for assembly
loosely about either or both ends of the player's torso while
practicing golf swings.
[0005] The golf-swing training device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,909
employs an elastic loop worn around the neck, chest and hips, with
most of the loop resting over the chest, abdomen and shoulders. The
player swings against an upward pull exerted by tension in the
elastic loop to produce improved control of the golfer's arms. The
device emphasizes left hand and left arm movements for right-handed
players, and does not appear to meet a wider variety of goals in
swing and exercise conditioning.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,575, discloses a harness which restricts
a golfer's arm and hand movements while making practice swings. A
tether is attached to a point on the shaft of the golf club just
above the club head, and extends to a point on the golfer's forearm
where it is adjustably fastened. Again, the apparatus appears to be
limited in terms of range of motion and other factors.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,690 uses two interconnected elastic arm
cuffs that fit over a golfer's arms to bias them towards one
another other during a golf swing. An elastic hip strap is
connected to the cuff holding the trailing swing arm. The device is
somewhat complex, and the physical constraints imposed by the
apparatus may not improve muscle memory training. An even more
complex golf-swing training apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,301,948. The device employs a system of articulated arms force a
golfer to maintain one swing plane. In addition to swing element, a
swing-plane adjuster element, and an upright post-and-base element
to support the movable elements from the floor, the device features
an adjustable counterbalance to vary loading.
[0008] The golf training device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,927 includes
an elastic cord having one end attached to a belt worn by the user
and the opposite end is attached to a foot-receiving stirrup. The
configuration is intended to create a rotational torque at the hips
to assists the player in maintaining a proper body stance
associated with a well-executed swing. In the golf training aid of
U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,074 a flexible cord extends from a waist belt
to a stake in the ground. The cord is designed to stretch during
the user's backswing and retract during follow-through.
[0009] The golf-swing training device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,037
includes a base for receiving a golfer's front foot, at least one
pivot arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the base, and
biasing means for biasing the pivot arm to a first position with
respect to vertical. An engagement member disposed on the opposite
end of the pivot arm is used for engaging the golfer's hip area
when positioned to address a golf ball. Engagement of the member
displaces the pivot arm to a second position with respect to
vertical so as to create a constant pressure force against the
golfer's hip area. This supposedly causes the golfer to remember
the proper pace and body position for performing a golf swing.
[0010] Despite these and other training aids, none are entirely
adequate in terms of simplicity, exercise training, and
applicability to other sports. Existing devices are either so
complex that they will not be used often enough to provide rapid
benefit or, if the device is simple, is limited in terms of
muscular or memory devleopment for a particular sport or swing
pattern.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The subject invention resides in a simple and economical yet
effective training and exercising device for sports such as golf,
wherein an implement is moved along a swing path. A device
according to the invention features an elongated handle having a
proximal end with a hand grip and a distal end with a weighted
body. In the preferred embodiment, the weighted body resembles a
piece of sports equipment such as a golf club, golf ball, hockey
stick, or racquet, and these pieces are preferably attachable to
the distal end of the handle through a quick-disconnect
connector.
[0012] At least one foot plate sized to receive the foot of a user,
includes one or more connection features, preferably rigidly
secured, inverted-U-shaped hooks. A stretchable tether is provided
having a first end tied at a point between the proximal and distal
ends of the handle and a second end tied to a connection point on
the foot plate. The connection point on the handle is preferably an
inverted U-shaped hook which doubles as a wrist indicator. A guard
proximate the grip may optionally be provided to prevent the tether
from contacting the user. The connector on the handle is preferably
removably attachable so that it may be attached to a standard piece
of sports equipment.
[0013] The length of the tether is adjustable so as to resist
upward movement of the handle when swung by the user to promote
training and exercise with respect to a given sport. The foot plate
has inside and outside edges and, in the preferred embodiment, each
edge includes one or more connection points to practice a back
swing and a forward swing.
[0014] Multiple tethers may also be used, each having a first end
secured at the point between the proximal and distal ends of the
handle. For example, two tethers may be used, with the second end
of one being secured to an outer connection point of the foot
plate, and the second end of the other tether being secured to an
inner connection point of the foot plate.
[0015] The preferred embodiment also further comprises a rocker
plate defining an area large enough to receive at least one foot
plate and the user's other foot, whether or not a second foot plate
is used. The rocker plate optionally further includes one or more
movable, rotatable foot positioning plates to assist in stabilizing
the user's feet to achieve a proper stance. Each movable, rotatable
plate may preferably be locked into place along a rail feature.
[0016] The invention swing exerciser may be used for many other
sports besides golf such as tennis, hockey, and so forth. In each
case, a user can practice both the forehand and backhand swings
with the tensioned tether and foot plate placed under the
corresponding foot. Like the practice golf swing, the exerciser
promotes proper foot planting during the practice forehand or
backhand while increasing muscle strength and memory.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a drawing of an individual using a swing exerciser
according to the invention to practice a golf swing;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a drawing of a handle according to the invention
having approximal end of the hand grip, and a weighted body
removably attachable to the distal end;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an oblique drawing which illustrates how different
bodies resembling pieces of sports equipment may be removably
attached to the distal end of the handle shown in FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a quick-disconnector
applicable to the invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side-view cross section of the
quick-disconnector showing the two components being merged together
for engagement;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a drawing which continues the process of FIG. 5,
enabling the two components of the quick-disconnect connector to
engage one another and lock into place;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a side-view drawing of a rocker plate according to
the invention, being sized to receive a footplate and the user's
other foot for posture and alignment purposes;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a top-down view of the rocker plate of FIG. 7,
showing one placement of a user's feet relative to other
positioning plates movable and rotatable with respect to a rail and
individual locking devices;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view drawing of a rocker plate with
foot plates and positioning guides according to the invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a drawing which shows a shoulder harness
according to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a drawing of an alternative vest harness;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a drawing which shows a belt harness according to
the invention;
[0029] FIG. 13 shows a stand-alone swing guide;
[0030] FIG. 14 shows a more robust swing guide and platform
assembly;
[0031] FIG. 15 illustrates a further alternative swing guide
platform;
[0032] FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15, except that the swing guide
depicted therein is designed specifically for portable use;
[0033] FIG. 17 is a drawing of a shaft guide;
[0034] FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative putter guide usable with
various halos, including those disclosed herein; and
[0035] FIG. 19 shows a further tethering device in the form of a
glove.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 1 through 6 in particular, a swing
exerciser 10 according to the invention includes a grip 12
appropriate for the sport sought to be improved upon. In a
preferred embodiment, the grip 12 is a standard golf training grip
to ensure proper placement of the hands 14 during the exercise and
to promote proper muscle memory.
[0037] Extending from one end of the grip 12 away from the user is
a shaft 16 preferably provided with a quick disconnect 18 at the
distal end 20. The quick disconnect 18 allows for easy attachment
and removal of a golf ball or miniature golf club 22, racquet 24 or
hockey stick 26, as shown in FIG. 3 These attachments may be
reduced in size from standard equipment to provide a more compact
and travel friendly product.
[0038] Details of the preferred quick-disconnect mechanism are
provided in FIGS. 4 through 6. It would be appreciated that the
shaft or handle to which the grip and quick-disconnector attached
may be made of various materials, hollow or solid, including metal,
plastic, fiber-reinforced composites, and so forth. In addition,
although a spring-loaded ball-bearing type of quick-disconnect
mechanism is shown, other types of fasterners may be used,
including bayonet and threaded types. In addition, extension
members may be added, preferably with quick-disconnectors as well,
to extend the length of the shaft or handle between the grip and
body of the distal end.
[0039] Between the quick-disconnect 18 and the grip 12, a wrist
indicator 28 is attached along the shaft 16. As indicated by the
name, the wrist indicator 28 allows the user to check for proper
location of the wrist 30 along the swing path during the exercise
as set forth more fully below. The wrist indicator 28 also serves
to secure an adjustable tether 32 to the shaft 16. The wrist
indicator may be fixed or, optionally may rotate and/or move along
the shaft then locked into place. The swing exerciser 10 according
to the invention may also be provided with a guard 68 between the
grip 12 and shaft 16 to prevent the tether 32 from contacting the
user's hands 14 or other body parts. The guard 68 may be necessary
where the user is taller or shorter than the average height range
for which the swing exerciser is generally designed.
[0040] The tether 32 is secured to a foot plate 34 at the opposite
end 36. The tether 32 may be adjusted about the wrist indicator 28
and/or foot plate 34 to increase or decrease tension during
exercise as desired. In operation, a user places the foot plate 34
under his foot 38 and adjusts the location of the tether 32 to one
of the four U-shaped hooks 40, 41,42, 44, and tensioning the tether
32 as desired. The tether 32 may also be placed under the foot 38
and atop the foot plate 34, as shown with the broken lines in FIG.
1, to retain more control and feel during the swing.
[0041] A preferred tether material is surgical tubing, with
different sizes being used for different tensions, and with
quick-connect hooks being used where they attach to the handle. It
will be apparent to one of skill in the art, however, that since
the purpose of the tether is to resist upward motion of the user
for forward and back swing movements, other devices may be
substituted for this tensioning apparatus, including hydraulic,
spring, pneumatic, nautilus type, electromechanical tension
devices, and free weights connected by pulleys. For example, in
addition, although the hooks are shown as rigidly attached to the
footplate and shaft 16, either attachment point may rotating or
swivel devices to provide reduced wear on the tether. The footplate
may also be constructed of various materials, including wood,
molded plastic, or metal, and may be of different sizes and shapes,
including foot-shaped, though in the preferred embodiment, the
footplates measure 12".times.6".times.1/2" thick.
[0042] With the foot plate 34 under the left foot and the tether 32
connected to either inside hook 40, 42, (and/or outside hooks 41,44
and/or inside hooks 40,42) the user can practice a proper back
swing including the take away, wrist cock and back swing to impact
zone. During each portion of these exercises, the user can
constantly monitor the location of his wrists 30 by the wrist
indicator 28. With the foot plate 34 under the right foot and the
tether 32 connected to either outside hook 41, 44, the user can
practice impact zone to follow through, a proper wrist cock at
follow through and a complete finish to the swing. As above, the
user can monitor the location of his wrists 30 by the wrist
indicator 28.
[0043] An advantage of the swing exerciser is the tension in the
tether in conjunction with the wrist monitor and grip increases
muscle strength while simultaneously promoting proper muscle memory
resulting in a proper swing path. Tether tension may be increased
to increase muscle strength as the user progresses with the
exercises.
[0044] In addition to securing and tensing the tether, the foot
plates help to promote proper spine alignment and proper balance
throughout the swing, while, at th same time, preventing the user
from lifting his or her feet improperly during the course of the
swing exercises. If the user lifts the foot from the foot plate,
tension will be released from the tether and result in improper
balance during the practice swing. This will immediately become
evident to the user and allow the user to adjust his practice swing
accordingly.
[0045] Two or more tethers may be used simultaneously to increase
tension and/or to allow the user to practice a full swing. Both
tethers are attached to the wrist indicator 28 at one end, with the
other ends being attached to the foot plate(s) at different points
in accordance with a desired goal. In one exercise, for example,
afirst tether will extend from the wrist indicator 28 under the
user's right foot and attach to either outside hook 41,44. A second
tether will extend from the wrist indicator 28 under the user's
left foot and attach to either inside hook. 40,42. Another
advantage of using two tethers is the increase in muscle strength
and memory during the exercise regime.
[0046] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7 and 8, which show the use
of a single foot plate 34. In this embodiment, a rocker base plate
46 is provided to ensure proper balance during the practice swing.
A level plate 48 is secured atop lower ribs 50, with ends 52,54
being truncated to create a rocker plate. The base plate 48 and
ribs 50 are preferably equipped with means for adjusting the
overall length of the plate 48 to adequately provide for the span
56 of the user's stance during swing practice.
[0047] Two additional foot-positioning plates 58,60 are provided
atop the base plate 48, and are adjustable laterally and
rotationally along a slot 62 extending the length of base plate 48.
Plates 58,60 may be secured in position by a locking mechanisms
64,66 to secure the plate 58,60 in a desired position within the
slot 62 on the base plate 48. The locking mechanisms 64,66 are
preferably simple manual fasteners such as thumb-screws which
engage with the slot 62 to tighten and hold the plates 58, 60
position. The various plates, including the rocker based plate,
level plate and additional plates used for positioning guides may
also be constructed of any appropriate material, including metal,
plastic, and so forth.
[0048] By way of example, and as shown in FIG. 8, to use the rocker
base plate 46, the user may place plate 58 parallel to the far end
52 of the slot 62 and secure the plate in position by locking
mechanism 64. Second plate 60 is then preferably turned 90 degrees
from plate 58 along slot 62 a distance equal to the user's span 56.
Placing the foot plate 34 between plates 58,60, the user may step
on the rocker base plate 46 with the left foot on top of foot plate
34 against plate 58. The right foot is placed at the opposite end
against plate 60, thereby imitating a comfortable swing stance. Now
when the user practices a swing path, the rocking motion of the
base plate 46 will indicate improper balance. The user may adjust
plate 58,60 to any angle to accommodate an open or closed stance as
desired.
[0049] FIG. 9 is a drawing which shows a preferred embodiment of
the invention using dual foot plates and usrgical tubing tethers,
as seen from an oblique perspective. It will be noted that the
foot-positioning plates 58-60 are preferably beveled at an angle of
45 degrees, though other angles would be acceptable in casuing the
user to feel the resistance in the left and right side for a better
stance and/or posture. Each of the footplates 34 may also include
additional holes 92 to change the location of the manual operated
fasteners 94 or to individually use over-foot straps, as show in
FIG. 1 with numerical reference 39. Optional feet 98 may also be
provided, along with adjusters 99 to defeat the operation of the
rocker plate, if so desired. The feet 98 may also be adjusted up
and down for an uphill lie or downhill lie or to simulate other
types of terrain.
[0050] As stated above, the swing exerciser may be used for many
other sports such as tennis or the like. A miniature tennis racquet
may be attached to the shaft by the quick release mechanism. The
user can then practice both the forehand and backhand swings with
the tensioned tether and foot plate placed under the corresponding
foot. Like the practice golf swing, the exerciser promotes proper
foot planting during the practice forehand or backhand while
increasing muscle strength and memory. In addition to the various
devices shown, as an option, electromechanical or electronic
devices such as timers and metronomes may be added to the apparatus
to assist in synchronizing the users movements.
[0051] Though this description has thus far focused on the tethers
being attachable to the golf club proper, various options are
availabe according to the invention for connection to the golfer to
provide tension, guidance, direction of force, muscle development
and muscle memory function for the development of shoulder, chest,
torso (stomach muscle), hips, thighs, legs, feet and toes.
[0052] FIG. 10 shows a shoulder harness according to the invention
for this purpose. Broadly, the harness includes a strap 102 which
can be composed of nylon, rope or any suitable material, either in
a continuous or joined form. The pair of strap fasteners 103 are
provided for adjustability with the shoulders of the user being
positioned within the areas 102. Ring connectors are used for
making a tethered connection to the device as shown in FIGS. 1 and
7-9 or other suitable foundation. Padding (not shown) may
optionally be provided to enhance comfort.
[0053] An alternative vest harness is depicted in FIG. 11. This
item includes a wearable portion 111, preferably including ring
connectors 112 located under the arms and near the waist. The
fastener is provided to don the garment, with an optional belt
support shown at 113. The purpose of the vest harness is to provide
a connecting point to the body (shoulders and waist area) via a
tethered connection. The vest itself may be made out of any
suitable material, and may include padding for additional comfort.
The rings may be provided under the arms or at the waist area, or
any point in between, depending upon the desired level of fitness
training.
[0054] FIG. 12 shows a belt harness according to the invention,
which includes a belt portion 121 worn around the waist, a fastener
123, and one or more rings such as 102, preferably on the sides of
the device, for tethered attachment, to provide tension guidance,
etc. The belt may be made out of any suitable material, including
leather, nylon, rope, and so forth, and the rings may be located at
positions alternative to the ones depicted in the drawing.
[0055] In addition to different tethering options as just
described, the invention also provides for various stand-alone and
platform-based swing guides. Although these will be described in
conjunction with the use of the swing exerciser of FIGS. 1 and 7-9,
it should be understood that they may also be used in a stand-alone
fashion, with or without tethers, and that the tethers may be
attached to ground stakes, and the like, without the need for the
comprehensive swing exerciser described above.
[0056] FIG. 13, for example, shows a stand-alone swing guide
generally at 130. The guide includes a halo comprised of side
members 131 and front guide bars 132 which is adjustably supported
by tilt plates 133 received in floor supports 134. The floor
supports 134 include slots that engage with the support bars 133,
allowing the angle between the halo and the ground to be adjusted
for a particular golfer and/or swing through hinge connectors 135.
A member 136 is preferably interconnected between the two floor
supports, including tethering points 138. Alternatively, the swing
exerciser as previously described may be placed on the member 136
or in front thereof for tethering purposes. If the member 136 is
provided, it may be divided centrally as shown by the broken lines
137, for example, to accommodate the swing exerciser platform.
[0057] FIG. 14 shows a more robust swing guide and platform
generally at 140. This system includes a platform 141, which
receives an adjustable swing guide halo 142, preferably including
an adjustable front slide bar that cooperates with a slide stop
143. The stop 143, which extends outwardly a few inches, is used to
inhibit movement of a club shaft at a desired point. Support rails
145 allow the entire halo to be tilted to a desired orientation. A
slot 147 is preferably provided within the platform 141 to receive
foot plate 146 best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0058] FIG. 15 illustrates a further alternative swing guide
platform generally at 150. The halo in this case is constructed of
a bent or formed piece of material such as metal or plastic, having
two ends which protrude through a slot 157 in the platform 153. The
guide 151 preferably includes threaded ends protruding through the
slot 157 onto which threaded fasteners 159 may be journaled for
tightening purposes. Front guide bar 152 is also journaled onto the
swing guide 151 itself with a stop 154 being used to limit upward
movement. Tilt joints 154, preferably some form of accordion or
otherwise adjustable material, allows the upper portion of the
guide to tilt backwards and forwards for added flexibility. Stops
155 are also movable around the upper portion of the guide 151 each
having a handle as shown to lock into position. The foot plate of
the type shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is mounted onto the platform as
shown along slot 157.
[0059] FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15, except that the swing guide
depicted therein is designed specifically for portable use. The
halo 161 is again a bent or formed upside down, U-shaped member, in
this case including additional tilt joints 164 enabling both the
mid section and upper section of the halo to be tilted backward and
forward. A front guide bar 162 is movable up and down along the
side bars, with clamps 163 being used to mount the arrangement onto
any suitable support member.
[0060] In operation, a user of the swing guides of FIGS. 13-16
places a shaft guide of the type shown in FIG. 17 onto the club
shaft near the handle, and adjusts the same to provide a desired
orientation between the guide post 171 and the halo of the
particular swing guide. Note that, in addition to a two-dimensional
adjustment of the club shaft guide relative to a given halo design,
since the halos preferably tilt a full 360 degree orientation is
achieved.
[0061] When tethered to a swing exerciser, the user stands relative
to the platform as described with reference to FIGS. 1-9, with the
bar 171 attached to the club shaft engaging with the halo,
preferably with respect to a full swing. The contact between the
shaft guide and halo, particularly in conjunction with the
tethering, which may be attachable to the club itself as described
with reference to FIGS. 1-9, or through the use of the
shoulder/vest/belt connectors of FIGS. 10-12, provides for a highly
directed and intense workout.
[0062] FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative putter guide usable with
any of the halos previously described. This particular
configuration includes a guide connector 184 attachable to the
shaft of the putter club 181. Preferably three shaft guides 182
extend from the guide connector 184, with the two outer guides
being configured to engage with the side members of the halo, and
with the lower guide 182 being configured to engage with the guide
bar. By adjusting the angle of halo, regardless of the
configuration, with respect to a ground surface, a well-controlled
pendulum-type swing is made possible.
[0063] As a further tethering device, which may be used in
conjunction with the swing exerciser, swing guide or putter
configuration, a glove such as that depicted in FIG. 19 may be
provided having one or more connector rings 192 for tethering
purposes. Such a glove is useful in many sports- and
non-sports-related activities, including basketball, ping-pong,
bowling, rehabilitation, and track and field.
* * * * *