U.S. patent application number 09/293456 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-15 for golf swing training club.
Invention is credited to TAYLOR, GUY J..
Application Number | 20010041622 09/293456 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23129165 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010041622 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TAYLOR, GUY J. |
November 15, 2001 |
GOLF SWING TRAINING CLUB
Abstract
A golf swing training club consisting of a club head, a length
adjustable shaft, and a grip. A light source housed inside the grip
projects, when illuminated, a highly focused beam of light outward
from the top of the grip to track the player's swing plane. The
light source, typically a diode laser module with power source, is
removably secured within the grip by means of a collar and plug
connector. Formed into the grip is a pressure sensitive switch
which controls the light source. The light source is turned on
whenever the grip is grasped and is turned off once the grip is
released. A means for removably mounting training weights along the
length of the shaft is also described.
Inventors: |
TAYLOR, GUY J.; (WAIANAE,
HI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WATANABE, ING & KAWASHIMA
999 BISHOP STREET, 23RD FLOOR
HONOLULU
HI
96813
US
|
Family ID: |
23129165 |
Appl. No.: |
09/293456 |
Filed: |
April 14, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/201 ;
473/220; 473/256 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3632 20130101;
A63B 69/3614 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/201 ;
473/220; 473/256 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A golf swing training club, comprising: a shaft; a club head
attached to one end of said shaft; a grip formed around the other
end of said shaft; a light source housed within said grip that
projects when illuminated a highly focused beam of light outward
from the top of said grip in a direction co-linear with said shaft;
a pressure sensitive means to illuminate said light beam when said
grip is grasped and extinguish said beam when said grasp is
released; whereby said focused beam serves to track the golf club's
swing plane when said training club is grasped and swung.
2. The golf swing training club of claim 1 wherein said light
source is a diode laser module with power source.
3. The golf swing training club of claim 1 wherein said light
source is a modified laser pointer.
4. The golf swing training club of claim 1 wherein said light
source is removably secured within said grip by means of a coupling
device.
5. The golf swing training club of claim 4 wherein said coupling
device comprises: a collar which encircles the light emitting end
of said light source; a male plug connector which extends from the
underside of said collar; a female plug connector formed into the
top of said grip to receive said mail plug connector and removably
lock said light source within said grip.
6. The golf swing training club of claim 1 wherein said pressure
sensitive means for illuminating and extinguishing said light beam
is a depressable switch formed longitudinally within said grip.
7. The golf swing training club of claim 1 wherein said shaft is
length adjustable.
8. The golf swing training club of claim 7 wherein said length
adjustable shaft is comprised of a plurality of telescoped tubing
having a locking means that releasably locks said tubing one within
the other.
9. The golf swing training club of claim 8 wherein said locking
means is comprised of holes formed in an outer section of said
tubing which receive spring-loaded depressable clips that protrude
from an inner section of said tubing.
10. The golf swing training club of claim 7 wherein said length
adjustable shaft is comprised of an outer telescoped tube and an
inner telescoped tube, two spring loaded depressable clips that
protrude from opposing sides of said inner telescoped tube, and a
plurality of hole sets of four holes each positioned radially 90
degrees relative to one another, said hole sets formed at regular
intervals along the length of said outer telescoped tube to receive
said depressable clips and lock the outer and inner tube relative
to one another.
11. The golf swing training club of claim 1 further comprising a
means and method for removably attaching training weights to said
shaft.
12. The golf swing training club of claim 11 wherein said means and
method for removably attaching training weights to said shaft
comprises: a rectangular shaped elastic envelope having one
non-slip outside surface; a means for attaching one end of said
envelope to the other outside surface of said envelope; a plurality
of training weights sized to fit inside said tubular envelope;
wherein said training weights are inserted inside said envelope,
said envelope is wrapped tightly around said club shaft with the
non-slip surface facing said shaft, and the envelope is secured to
itself by said attaching means.
13. The golf swing training club of claim 12 wherein said attaching
means is velcro.
14. A golf swing training club, comprising: a length adjustable
shaft; a club head attached to one end of said shaft; a grip formed
around the other end of said shaft; a light source housed within
said grip that projects when illuminated a highly focused beam of
light outward from the top of said grip in a direction co-linear
with said shaft; a light source illumination means; whereby said
focused beam serves to track the golf club's swing plane when said
light source is illuminated and said training club is swung.
15. The golf swing training club of claim 14 wherein said length
adjustable shaft is comprised of a plurality of telescoped tubing
having a locking means that releasably locks said tubing one to the
other.
16. The golf swing training club of claim 14 further comprising a
means for removably attaching training weights to said shaft.
17. A golf swing training club comprising: a shaft; a club head
attached to one end of said shaft; a grip formed around the other
end of said shaft; a means and method for removably attaching
training weights to said shaft; a light source housed within said
grip that projects when illuminated a highly focused beam of light
outward from the top of said grip in a direction co-linear with
said shaft; a light source activating means; whereby said focused
beam serves to track the golf club's swing plane when said light
source is illuminated and said training club is swung.
18. The golf swing training club of claim 17 wherein said means and
method for removably attaching training weight to said shaft
comprises: a rectangular shaped elastic envelope having one
non-slip outside surface; a means for attaching one end of said
envelope to the other outside surface of said envelope; a plurality
of training weights sized to fit inside said tubular envelope;
wherein said training weights are inserted inside said envelope and
said envelope is wrapped tightly around said club shaft with the
non-slip surface facing said shaft and wherein said envelope is
secured to itself by said attaching means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the sport of golf. More
particularly, this invention describes apparatus used to enhance a
golfer's skill level through an improved golf swing.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Golf, a game that has long been enjoyed by persons around
the world, is ever increasing in popularity. With increased
popularity comes increased interest in enhancing the quality of the
game and its performance levels. Not surprisingly, therefore, an
abundance of prior art can be found which teach techniques and
apparatus to improve the individual golfer's skill and game
quality.
[0005] The golf swing is central to the game, and much attention
has been given to assisting golfers achieve the optimal swing. The
location and continuity of the "swing plane", and the velocity with
which the club is swung, dictate the direction and distance a hit
golf ball will travel and the success of any drive. Proper
execution of the swing plane is achieved through a unitary movement
of the hands, arms and body through the swing phases known as
setup, back-swing, down-swing and follow-through.
[0006] Traditionally golfers were limited in their ability to
obtain information about the correctness of their golf swings to
observing the results of their swing and receiving oral feedback
from coaches and colleagues. More recently, training clubs have
been developed which emit beams of light while swung. These light
beam emitting training clubs provide the golfer with immediate
visual information about his or her golf swing. Such devices allow
golfers to adjust their swing, during the swing, in order to
achieve the correct "swing plane".
[0007] By repeatedly practicing the correct swing with the aid of
the light beam emitting training devices, golfers develop important
"muscle memory" that allow the golfer to obtain the same correct
swing plane results, without the training aids, while on the golf
course and during competition.
[0008] To the extent described in the prior art, the light emitting
training clubs differ one from the other considerably. The prior
art describes light emitting training clubs which differ in the
manner and direction in which they emit light, overall
configuration, methods of construction, and means for light
activation. Some include obtrusive components which can interfere
with the gripping and swinging of the club. Others appear difficult
or expensive to construct, are high maintenance, or awkward to
use.
[0009] Golf clubs are not of uniform length and club length varies
within each set. Putters and clubs used for short distance shots,
such as 8 and 9 irons, have shorter shafts compared with clubs used
for long distance shots, such as 1 and 2 irons and woods. It is not
enough, therefore, to develop muscle memory in relation to a club
of a given length, and golfers typically practice with all the
different sized clubs within their club set. Golf clubs are also
sized for users of different ages and heights. Although length
adjustable golf clubs have been described, none of the prior art
length adjustable golf clubs also provide the golfer with immediate
visual feedback concerning his or her golf swing.
[0010] It has long been known that weight training can promote
skill level and performance in a wide variety of athletic
activities. Weights selectively strengthen those muscles most
needed and used in play and competition. It is generally
appreciated, for example, that placing donut shaped weights around
one's ankles while jogging serves to strengthen leg muscles and
enhance the user's running ability. Use of weights in conjunction
with practicing golf swings selectively strengthen the muscles used
in the golf swing. Accessories for attaching weights to golf shafts
have been described for training as well as to balance golf clubs
for everyday and competitive use. Golf weight accessories have not
previously been described in conjunction with length adjustable
golf swing training devices capable of providing the golfer with
simultaneous visual information about his or her golf swing.
[0011] 3. Objects of the Invention
[0012] It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a
golf swing training club which emits a focused light beam to
provide golfers with immediate and simultaneous visual information
regarding their golf swing, which can be used indoors and out,
which is simple in its construction, inexpensive to build and
maintain, easy to assemble, and convenient to use.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
light emitting golf course training club wherein the light source
can be removably inserted and quickly secured into the club
grip.
[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
light emitting golf swing training club having a means to
illuminate the light source when the club grip is grasped and to
extinguish the light when the club grip is released, which means is
unobtrusive and which does not interfere with or distract the
golfer when the training club is in use.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
golf swing training club that provides immediate visual feedback
having an adjustable length to accommodate players of different
ages and heights and to simulate the variable lengths of the
different types of clubs within a set of golf clubs.
[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
training weight accessory that can be removably mounted anywhere
along the length of the shaft of the training club to selectively
strengthen a player's golf swing and to simulate golf clubs with
heavy heads or grips.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0017] These and other objects are accomplished in the present
invention, a golf swing training club comprised of a golf club
head, shaft and grip. The grip includes a hollow core accessible
from the top to receive and house a light source. The light source,
typically a diode laser module, projects a very focused beam of
light out the top of the grip in a direction co-linear with the
golf shaft. A male plug connector molded into a collar encircling
the light source plugs into a female plug connector built into the
top of the grip to removably secure the light source within the
grip. The light source is sized to fit snugly within the grip and
so as not to extend beyond, or much beyond, the top of the grip.
The light source may be removed from the grip for storage,
maintenance or replacement.
[0018] In its preferred embodiment, the golf swing training club
includes a pressure sensitive activation means formed into the
length of the grip that turns the light source on and off. Grasping
the grip depresses the activation means illuminating the light
beam, while releasing the grip releases the means and extinguishes
the light beam. The activation means is comfortably recessed within
the grip, protruding slightly therefrom, so as not to be
uncomfortable or distracting to the golfer. The activation means is
positioned along a substantial section of the length of the grip
such that, no matter how the golfer places his hands along the
grip, gripping the club will cause the activation means to become
depressed. When not grasped, the activation means resumes its
original configuration. According to one embodiment, the pressure
sensitive activation means connects to the light source through the
plug connector.
[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the light emitting training
club has a length adjustable shaft to accommodate players of
different ages and height and to simulate the different club sizes
in a club set. The length adjustable shaft is comprised of
telescoped tubing which locks, one to the other, by means of spring
loaded clips mounted on one section of tubing which are received by
holes formed at appropriate intervals along the length of an
adjacent section of tubing. The holes formed along the length of
the adjacent tubing also allow for rotation of the club head
relative to the club grip. This feature permits the user to
position the pressure sensitive activation means within the grip in
a manner the user finds most convenient or comfortable.
[0020] According to another preferred embodiment, donut shaped
weight accessories are placed at different positions along the
length of the club shaft. The weights serve to selectively
strengthen muscles used in the golf swing, and to simulate the
varying balance found among different styles of golf clubs, at the
same time as the focused light beam provides the visual feedback to
allow the user to develop muscle memory in relation to the correct
swing plane.
[0021] Further objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from consideration of the drawings and ensuing
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The details of typical, but not limiting, embodiments of the
present invention will be described in connection with the
accompanying drawings.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a right side view of the golf swing training club
with adjustable shaft and weight accessory.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram showing use of the golf
swing training club with focused light beam tracking the player's
swing plane.
[0025] FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the grip and light
source insert, male and female plug connectors, and pressure
sensitive activation means.
[0026] FIG. 3B is a sectional view showing the light source fully
inserted within the grip housing.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing details of the length
adjustable golf club shaft.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing details of the training
weight accessory and method of wrapping the same.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the light source within the
grip housing and details of the pressure sensitive activation
means.
[0030] FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic of the activation means
depicted in FIG. 6.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the grip portion of a further
preferred embodiment of the golf swing training club having
alternative activation means and the power source housed directly
within the grip instead of within the light source unit.
[0032] FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic of the alternative
activation means depicted in FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The golf swing training club of the present invention is
illustrated in FIG. 1. A club head 10 is permanently attached to
one end of a shaft 20. The other end of shaft 20 is formed into a
grip 30. Extending from the top end of grip 30, but housed within
grip 30, is a light source 32.
[0034] According to the embodiment of the present invention
depicted in FIG. 1, a training weight accessory 40 is secured
around the lower portion of shaft 20. Weight accessory 40 is
removably attached and held in place on shaft 20 by means of a
velcro tongue 42.
[0035] Although weight accessory 40 is shown in FIG. 1 as attached
to the bottom portion of shaft 20, weight accessory 40 can be
attached anywhere along the length of shaft 20. Locating weight
accessory 40 low on shaft 20 simulates a club having a heavy head
section and requires more swinging strength. Locating weight
accessory 40 high on shaft 20 simulates a club having a heavy grip
section and requires the golfer to demonstrate greater control
strength.
[0036] Also according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,
shaft 20 is length adjustable and is comprised of two sections of
tubing 22, with an inner section 22a telescoped inside an outer
section 22b. A plurality of hole sets 24 formed at regular
intervals along outer tubing 22b are located to receive two spring
loaded clips 26 which protrude from opposing sides of inner tubing
22a. Hole sets 24 are composed of four holes, one opposed to the
other and 90 degrees radially from the adjacent hole. Positioning
the holes of hole sets 24 at 90 degrees relative to one another
allows the golfer to rotate and lock club head 10 in four positions
relative to grip 30, each position being 90 degrees from the
adjacent position. Forming hole sets 24 at regular intervals along
the length of outer tubing 22b permits shaft 20 to be extended, and
locked, at a variety of lengths for golfers of different ages and
heights. The training club with length adjustable shaft 20 can also
be used by golfers to simulate the different club types within a
club set.
[0037] The golf swing training club illustrated in FIG. 1
demonstrates length adjustable shaft 20 comprised of two sections
of telescoped tubing 22. It will be readily appreciated by those
skilled in the art that three or more sections of tubing, with
inside tubing sections 22 having both hole sets 24 and clips 26,
can be employed in shaft 20 without departing from the scope or
essential nature of the present invention. It will be similarly
appreciated that a length adjustable shaft 20 can be constructed
with hole sets 24 comprised of two or three holes, equally spaced
or at 90 degree intervals, and/or having one, as opposed to two,
spring loaded clips 26.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates the manner in which a golfer uses the
golf swing training club of the present invention to obtain
simultaneous information about the form and consistency of the his
or her golf swing. The practicing golfer grasps grip 30 and, in the
so-called set up position (not shown), squares to a ball 12 using
appropriate stance and posture. Light source 32, which is
illuminated, projects a focused beam 14 from the top end of grip
30. While the golfer engages in the initial back-swing phase of the
golf swing, beam 14 appears within the golfer's view field and
traces the swing plane of the golfer's back swing along a line A.
Beam 14 retraces the same swing plane, again line A, during the
down-swing portion of the golf swing until club head 10 meets ball
12, at which time beam 14 projects upwards and is no longer visible
to the golfer. Beam 14 reappears within the golfer's view field
during the follow-through phase of the golf swing (not shown), this
time tracing a new line that will be roughly parallel to the swing
plane reflected by line A.
[0039] Swings that hook, slice or fail to achieve the desired swing
plane will become obvious when observing line A drawn by beam 14
relative to the golfer and ball 12. A correct swing is demonstrated
when beam 14 draws line A exactly perpendicular to the golfer's
stance and precisely bisecting ball 12. A correct swing is also
illustrated by beam 14 retracing line A in each of the back-swing
and down-swing phases of the golf swing. Because the major portion
of line A traced during each of the three phases of the golf swing
are within the golfer's view field while the golfer maintains
correct posture and stance, the golfer is afforded immediate and
simultaneous visual feedback regarding the positioning and
consistency of the golf stroke before, during and after actually
hitting ball 12.
[0040] Details of light source 32 and grip 30 are depicted in FIGS.
3A and 3B. Referring first to FIG. 3A, the bottom end of grip 30 is
permanently affixed to the top end of shaft 20. Grip 30 is hollow
and opens at the top to receive light source 32 which is sized to
fit snugly inside the hollow core of grip 30. A collar 35 having an
outside diameter to coincide with the outside diameter of grip 30
encircles the top portion of light source 32. Extending down from
the underside of collar 35 is a male plug connector 34 which can be
removably inserted into a female plug connector 36 that is molded
into the wall of grip 30.
[0041] FIG. 3B illustrates light source 32 fully inserted into
hollow grip 30. Male plug connector 34, when inserted into female
plug connector 36, removably secures light source 32 inside the
core of grip 30 while collar 35 caps the top of grip 30. Light
source 32 may be removed from grip 30 for storage, maintenance or
replacement.
[0042] Also shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is a pressure sensitive
activating means 50 formed into grip 30. Activation means 50
traverses a substantial portion of the length of grip 30 such that,
irrespective of where on grip 30 the golfer grasps, the golfer's
hands will press down upon some portion of means 50. Activation
means 50 is recessed into grip 30 while protruding slightly
therefrom. When grip 30 is grasped, light pressure on means 50
depresses means 50 to a point that it becomes flush with the
surface of grip 30. When grip 30 is released, means 50 resumes its
original configuration.
[0043] The light source 32 depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B is an
inexpensive, commercially available laser pointer comprising a
diode laser module powered by small camera batteries which has been
modified for use in the present invention. Laser pointers which are
longer and narrower, and which utilize triple A sized batteries,
can be modified for use with clubs having smaller diameter grips
30, as for example youth clubs. Also, while diode laser moadules
which produce red colored laser beams are adequate for indoor
practice and practice in shady or overcast conditions, somewhat
more expensive laser modules which produce green colored beams can
be used for outside training in sunny conditions.
[0044] Use of a laser powered light source 32 will generally be
preferred to achieve the highly focused light beam that is required
to adequately visualize the golf strokes. Alternatively, it is
possible to employ in light source 32 other known and commercially
available technologies that produce highly focused beams of
light.
[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates the method of varying the length of shaft
20. Hole sets 24 appear at regular intervals along the length of
outer tubing 22b, while clips 26 protrude from within inner tubing
22a in opposing directions. To adjust the length of shaft 20, clips
26 are pressed inwards allowing inner tubing 22a to be slid
relative to outer tubing 22b. Sliding inner tubing 22a away from
outer tubing 22b lengthens shaft 20, while sliding inner tubing 22a
farther inside outer tubing 22b shortens shaft 20.
[0046] To rotate club 10 relative to grip 30 (shown in FIG. 1),
clips 26 are pressed inwards and inner tubing 22a is rotated
relative to outer tubing 22b until spring loaded clips 26 emerge
through the radially adjacent holes of a given hole set 24.
Rotation of club 10 relative to grip 30 may be useful, for example,
in order to position pressure sensitive activation means 50 (shown
in FIGS. 3A and 3B) relative to a golfer's grip for maximum comfort
and convenience.
[0047] Details of training weight accessory 40, and the manner of
attaching weight accessory 40 to shaft 20, are shown in FIG. 5.
Weight accessory 40 is comprised of an envelope 44, rectangular in
shape, fabricated of elastic material and filled with heavy
material such as lead (not shown). One surface 44a of envelope 44
is covered with non-slip material such as rubber. The opposing
surface 44b of envelope 44 is covered with velcro. Velcro tongue 42
extends from one end of envelope 44.
[0048] Weight accessory 40 is removably secured to a section of
shaft 20 by wrapping envelope 44 tightly around shaft 20 with
non-slip surface 44a facing inward against shaft 20 and velcro
surface 44b facing outward away from shaft 20. Being fabricated
from elastic material, envelope 44 can be stretched while being
wrapped. Velcro tongue 42 then wraps around and over surface 44b
and is secured to surface 44b by means of the opposing velcro
covered surfaces.
[0049] Non-slip surface 44a, pressed firmly against the surface of
shaft 20, prevents weight accessory 40 from sliding up and down on
shaft 20 when the training club is swung. Although weight accessory
40 depicted in FIG. 5 is removably secured by means of velcro,
similar results can be achieved by employing other known methods of
removably securing components formed of fabric, as for example
snaps or hook and eye connectors.
[0050] Details of pressure sensitive activation means 50 are
illustrated in FIG. 6, the electrical schematic of which is
depicted in FIG. 7. Grip 30 is formed around the end of shaft 20.
Light source 32 is secured inside the hollow core of grip 30 by
means of male plug connector 34 and female plug connector 36.
[0051] Activation means 50 is formed into the wall of grip 30. The
underside 52 of activation means 50 is composed of conductive
material. Two springs 54 are mounted one on either end of underside
52. Two opposing electrical leads 56+ and 56- respectively,
emanating from batteries (not shown) housed within light source 32,
follow separate but parallel paths through collar 35, male plug
connector 34 and female plug connector 36 to positions within grip
30 directly below conductive underside 52.
[0052] Springs 54 cause means 50 to be pressed outward relative to
light source 32 and prevent underside 52 from contacting leads 56+
and 56-. When grip 30 is grasped, means 50 is depressed towards
light source 32, and underside 52 contacts leads 56+ and 56- and
completes the electric circuit to illuminate light source 32. When
grip 30 is released, springs 54 press underside 52 outward away
from leads 56+ and 56-, opening the electric circuit and
extinguishing light source 32.
[0053] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a further preferred embodiment of
the golf course training club of the present invention. According
to this alternative embodiment, one or more batteries are housed
directly within the hollow core of shaft 20 and grip 30 as opposed
to within the light source. Light source 32, removably secured to
grip 30 through male plug connector 34 and female plug connector
36, caps the top of grip 30 and secures the batteries within grip
30. The batteries can be accessed, and replaced, by removal of
light source 32.
[0054] The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9 also includes an
alternative activation means 50a formed within grip 30. One end of
activation means 50a is supported by a single spring 34 (not
shown). Grasping grip 30 depresses means 50a and closes the
electric circuit depicted in schematic in FIG. 9 to illuminate
light source 32. Releasing grip 30 opens the electric circuit of
FIG. 9 and extinguishes light source 32.
[0055] Although the activation means of the present invention is
described in terms of a pressure sensitive switch, alternative
activation means, including for example on/off switches, may be
substituted without changing the essential character of the claimed
invention.
SUMMARY AND SCOPE
[0056] Accordingly it will be readily appreciated that the golf
swing training club of the present invention provides an apparatus
and method by which golfers can immediately and significantly
improve their golf swing and, through repeated practice with the
training club, develop the consistency and important muscle memory
to demonstrate improved skill level and performance on the golf
course.
[0057] Visualization of the focused light beam emitted from the top
of the training club permits the golfer to accurately track how the
club is trailing up and down the swing plane at the time the club
is swung. Being length adjustable, a single training club can be
used by golfers of different heights and ages and can be used to
simulate the different sized clubs of a set of clubs. Use of the
weight accessory removably attached to different points along the
club shaft allows the golfer to selectively strengthen those
muscles most important to a strong and consistent golf swing while
building muscle memory that will promote a correct, reliable and
powerful golf swing.
[0058] Because the light beam is emitted only when the club grip is
grasped for play, the training club conserves energy and avoids the
beam being directed in an uncontrolled manner or in a manner to
cause others distraction or discomfort. Molding the club grip to
house commercially available modified laser pointers provides a
golf swing training club that is easy and inexpensive to
construct.
[0059] Although the description above contains many specifications,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example
instead of a male/female plug connector, an adaptor ring could be
used to removably secure the light source within the grip housing.
Similarly, activation means other than those specifically described
above could be employed without departing from the spirit or
essential characteristics of the present invention.
[0060] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the
examples given.
* * * * *