U.S. patent application number 10/136327 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-06 for swing training aid.
Invention is credited to Hughes, Anthony Mitchell.
Application Number | 20030207719 10/136327 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29268926 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030207719 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hughes, Anthony Mitchell |
November 6, 2003 |
Swing training aid
Abstract
A swing training device includes a central shaft having a first
end and a second end, and a plurality of air resistance blades
secured to the central shaft adjacent the second end of the central
shaft. Each of the air resistance blades includes a proximal edge
secured adjacent the central shaft and a distal edge extending away
from the central shaft, wherein each of the air resistance blades
includes at least one air hole adjacent the proximal edge. The
device preferably includes first and second air resistance blades
secured to the central shaft and the blades are pivotally secured
adjacent the central shaft for rotation about an axis substantially
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the central shaft.
Inventors: |
Hughes, Anthony Mitchell;
(Norcross, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Howard N. Flaxman
WELSH & FLAXMAN LLC
Suite 112
2341 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Arlington
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
29268926 |
Appl. No.: |
10/136327 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/228 ;
473/457 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0088 20130101;
A63B 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/228 ;
473/457 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36 |
Claims
1. A swing training device, comprising: a central shaft having a
first end and a second end, wherein the first end is shaped and
dimensioned for gripping by a user of the swing training device; a
plurality of air resistance blades secured to the central shaft
adjacent the second end of the central shaft, each of the air
resistance blades including a proximal edge secured adjacent the
central shaft and a distal edge extending away from the central
shaft, wherein each of the air resistance blades includes at least
one air hole adjacent the proximal edge.
2. The swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the air
holes are shaped and dimensioned for creating turbulent air flow
through and about each of the blades as they are moved through the
air by a user.
3. The swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one air hole is rectangular.
4. The swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the air
holes of each of the air resistance blade are identical.
5. The swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the
proximal edge of each air resistance blade is pivotally secured
adjacent the central shaft for rotation about an axis substantially
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the central shaft, wherein the
first and second air resistance blades maybe selectively rotated
for collapsing the blades to a storage configuration
6. A swing training device, consisting essential of: a central
shaft having a first and a second end, wherein the first end is
shaped and dimensioned for gripping by a user of the swing training
device; first and second air resistance blades secured to the
central shaft adjacent the second end of the central shaft, each of
the air resistance blades including a proximal edge secured
adjacent the central shaft and a distal edge extending away from
the central shaft, wherein the first and second air resistance
blades are oriented at approximately 90.degree. relative to each
other.
7. The swing training device according to claim 6, wherein each air
resistance blade includes at least one air hole adjacent the
proximal edge for creating turbulent air flow through and about
each of the blades as they are moved through the air by a user.
8. The swing training device according to claim 7, wherein the at
least one air hole is rectangular.
9. The swing training device according to claim 7, wherein each air
resistance blade includes air holes, and the air holes of each of
the air resistance blade are identical.
10. The swing training device according to claim 6, wherein the
proximal edge of each air resistance blade is pivotally secured
adjacent the central shaft for rotation about an axis substantially
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the central shaft, wherein the
first and second air resistance blades may be selectively rotated
for collapsing the blades to a storage configuration
11. A swing training device, comprising: a central shaft having a
first and a second end, wherein the first end is shaped and
dimensioned for gripping by a user of the swing training device; a
plurality of air resistance blades secured to the central shaft
adjacent the second end of the central shaft, each of the air
resistance blades including a proximal edge pivotally secured
adjacent the central shaft for rotation about an axis substantially
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the central shaft and a distal
edge extending away from the central shaft, wherein the plurality
of air resistance blades may be selectively rotated for collapsing
the blades to a storage configuration.
12. The swing training device according to claim 11, further
including a capture nut interacting with the air resistance blades
to control movement between an expanded configuration and a storage
configuration.
13. The swing training device according to claim 11, further
including a hinge supporting the plurality of air resistance
blades.
14. The swing training device according to claim 13, wherein the
hinge includes first and second hinge members, and the second hinge
member is rigidly secured to the central shaft.
15. The swing training device according to claim 13, wherein the
hinge includes abutment members prevent opening movement.
16. The swing training device according to claim 13, wherein the
hinge includes support stiffeners which prevent closing
movement.
17. The swing training device according to claim 16, wherein the
support stiffeners are shaped and dimensioned to selectively pass
through recesses formed in the hinge so as to permit movement of
the hinge to a storage position.
18. The swing training device according to claim 13, further
including a capture nut interacting with the hinge to control
movement between an expanded configuration and a storage
configuration.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a swing training device. More
particularly, the invention relates to a collapsible swing training
device offering improved functionality. The present swing training
device is especially suited for, but not limited to, use as a swing
training aid for sports which require swinging of a club or shaft
such as golf, baseball, softball, tennis, badminton, etc.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Most golf training aids work on the position of the golfer's
body, the golfer's head position and the golfer's swing arm.
However, little attention has been given to the position and angle
of the wrist as it relates to the squareness of the club head
during a golfer's swing and at the time of impact with the golf
ball (or other projectile).
[0005] The devices which do consider the torsional position or
squareness of the head of a golf club are generally limited to
providing information regarding the point of impact only. These
devices also consider torsional position or squareness through the
use of visual aids, for example, sensors, lasers and the like.
However, no tactile feedback is provided to the user. Examples of
such devices maybe found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,998 to Tarulli,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,727 to Carr, U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,875 to Sanford
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,493 to Wurster.
[0006] Tarulli discloses a device which includes a large mechanical
mechanism confining the movement of a golf swing within a pair of
adjustable arms. Carr discloses a device using a paddle that is
swung through water, providing hydraulic resistance and thereby
purportedly improving muscle tone. Sanford discloses a device
supplying visual aid to the user by providing an attachment at the
grip end of the club that may be viewed as the individual swings.
Finally, Wurster discloses a device utilizing a series of lasers to
provide complex geometric visual patterns that maybe used as a
non-tactile reference.
[0007] As the prior art discussed above shows, much of the commonly
available golf exercise equipment is complex, bulky, expensive and
difficult to utilize. In addition, most of these devices either act
as a golf swing (or body) positioning aid or as an exercising
device, but rarely both.
[0008] With the foregoing in mind, a need exists for a swing
training aid and/or exercising device overcoming the shortcomings
of the prior art. The present invention provides such a device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to
provide a swing training device. The swing training device includes
a central shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the
first end is shaped and dimensioned for gripping by a user of the
swing training device. The swing training device also includes a
plurality of air resistance blades secured to the central shaft
adjacent the second end of the central shaft. Each of the air
resistance blades includes a proximal edge secured adjacent the
central shaft and a distal edge extending away from the central
shaft, wherein each of the air resistance blades includes at least
one air hole adjacent the proximal edge.
[0010] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
swing training device wherein the air holes are shaped and
dimensioned for creating turbulent air flow through and about each
of the blades as they are moved through the air by a user.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
swing training device wherein the at least one air hole is
rectangular.
[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
swing training device the air holes of each of the air resistance
blade are identical.
[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a swing training device wherein the proximal edge of each
air resistance blade is pivotally secured adjacent the central
shaft for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the central shaft, and the first and second
air resistance blades may be selectively rotated for collapsing the
blades to a storage configuration.
[0014] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
swing training device consisting essential of a central shaft
having a first and a second end, wherein the first end is shaped
and dimensioned for gripping by a user of the swing training
device. The swing training device also includes first and second
air resistance blades secured to the central shaft adjacent the
second end of the central shaft. Each of the air resistance blades
include a proximal edge secured adjacent the central shaft and a
distal edge extending away from the central shaft, wherein the
first and second air resistance blades are oriented at
approximately 90.degree. relative to each other.
[0015] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
swing training device including a capture nut interacting with the
air resistance blades to control movement between an expanded
configuration and a storage configuration.
[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
swing training device including a hinge supporting the plurality of
air resistance blades.
[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
swing training device wherein the hinge includes first and second
hinge members, and the second hinge member is rigidly secured to
the central shaft.
[0018] It is also another object of the present invention to
provide a swing training device wherein the hinge includes abutment
members prevent opening movement.
[0019] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a swing training device wherein the hinge includes support
stiffeners which prevent closing movement.
[0020] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide a swing training device wherein the support stiffeners are
shaped and dimensioned to selectively pass through recesses formed
in the hinge so as to permit movement of the hinge to a storage
position.
[0021] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
swing training device including a capture nut interacting with the
hinge to control movement between an expanded configuration and a
storage configuration.
[0022] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth
certain embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present swing training
device with the air resistance blades in an open configuration.
[0024] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the present swing training
device with the air resistance blades in a closed
configuration.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a front view of the present swing training
device.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a rearview of the present swing training
device.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a top view of the present swing training
device.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the hinge for the
present swing training device.
[0029] FIG. 5a is an exploded view of the hinge shown in FIG.
5.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the air resistant blade in
accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a top view showing air flow through the present
swing training device, when it is aligned with the direction of
travel.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a top view showing air flow through and around the
present swing training device when the device is not aligned with
the direction of travel.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] The detailed embodiment of the present invention is
disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the
disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which
maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed
herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the
basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the
art how to make and/or use the invention.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, a swing training device 10
is disclosed. The present swing training device 10 is especially
suited for improving a user's golf swing, although it may be used
for a variety of purposes those skilled in the art will certainly
appreciate. With this in mind, the present swing training device 10
provides an exercise apparatus which improves muscle tone and
improves muscle memory relating to one's swing and club head angle.
In addition, the present swing training device 10 facilitates rapid
adjustment for proper club head orientation through adjustments
made by the user in response to tactile feedback to the wrist and
hands (as well as visual feedback).
[0035] The present swing training device 10 aids users in
correcting improper wrist and hand position. This allows the user
to memorize the correct position for a square impact with the ball.
This is of particular importance in games such as golf where
improper club face rotation can result in radical errors in the
path of the golf ball. This invention uses two air resistance
blades 12, 14 that are at a 90.degree. angle (perpendicular,
although other geometrically balanced, nonlinear orientations may
be used) to each other and swung so that both are positioned
45.degree. from the direction of the forward swing. If the position
of the blades 12, 14 has rotated, the air resisting surface area,
relative to the direction of the swing, is no longer balanced and
therefore it is immediately evident to the user through increased
and decreased torsional forces felt in the hands and wrist of the
user (see FIGS. 7 and 8). This is also true if the device were to
have a third air resistance blade of the same or different size
added in a central position and orientation.
[0036] By taking advantage of the increased air resistance, the
present swing training device 10 is able to improve muscle tone and
muscle memory specific to the groups of muscles used in a normal
swing. Because the air resistance is balanced by a specific air
blade arrangement and controlled precisely through the use of air
capture and venting procedures, Bernoulli turbulence effects are
used for full air advantage between and behind the two adjacent air
resistance blades 12, 14 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).
[0037] The swing training device 10 includes a central shaft 16.
The central shaft 16 includes a first end 18 which is shaped and
dimensioned for gripping by a user of the swing training device 10
and a second end 20. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the central shaft 16 is a conventional golf
shaft including a grip 22 at the first end 18 thereof. With this in
mind, the central shaft 16 is composed of steel or graphite,
although those skilled in the art will appreciate that the central
shaft 16 may be constructed in a variety of fashions without
departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0038] A plurality of air resistance blades 12, 14 are secured to
the central shaft 16 adjacent the second end 20 of the central
shaft 16. Each of the air resistance blades 12, 14 includes a
proximal edge 12a, 14a secured adjacent the central shaft 16 and a
distal edge 12b, 14b extending away from the central shaft 16. In
addition, and as will be discussed below in greater detail, each of
the air resistance blades 12, 14 includes at least one air hole 24
adjacent the proximal edge 12a, 14a for creating turbulent air flow
through and about each of the blades as they are moved through the
air by a user.
[0039] The air resistance blades 12, 14 are secured to the central
shaft 16 for selective and controlled movement between a storage
configuration shown in FIG. 1a and an expanded configuration as
shown in FIG. 1. Movement between the storage configuration and the
expanded configuration is facilitated via the provision of a hinge
26 which secures the proximal edges 12a, 14a of the air resistance
blades 12, 14 to the central shaft 16. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and
5a, the hinge 26 is a two-piece assembly adapted to support, and
provide pivotal movement for, a pair of air resistance blades 12,
14. The first hinge member 28 includes a bracket 30 section shaped
and dimensioned for direct attachment to the proximal edge 12a of
the first air resistance blade 12 via bolts 32 and wing nuts 34
(although those skilled in the art will appreciate the wide variety
of fastening devices that maybe used without departing from the
spirit of the present invention). The first hinge member 28 further
includes first and second tubular members 36, 38 which receive the
second end 20 of the central shaft 16 when the present device is
fully assembled. Abutment members 40 are also provided and are
secured to the outed edge 36a, 38a of each of the first and second
tubular members 36, 38. As will be discussed below in greater
detail, the abutment members 40 interact with the second hinge
member 42 to control the angular orientation between the first and
second air resistance blades 12, 14.
[0040] The second hinge member 42 is shaped and dimensioned to mate
with the first hinge member 28 for relative pivotal movement. With
this in mind, the second hinge member 42 includes a bracket section
44 shaped and dimensioned for direct attachment to the proximal
edge 14a of the second air resistance blade 14 via bolts 32 and
wing nuts 34. The second hinge member 42 further includes first and
second tubular members 46, 48 which receive the second end 20 of
the central shaft 16 when the present device 10 is fully assembled.
The first and second tubular members 46, 48 of the second hinge
member 42 are staggered relative to the first and second tubular
members 36, 38 of the first hinge member 28 so as to permit mating
of the first and second hinge members 28, 42 when they are
positioned adjacent each other upon the second end 20 of the
central shaft 16. The second hinge member 42 is also provided with
abutment members 40 which are secured to the outed edge 46a, 48a of
each of the first and second tubular members 46, 48. As with the
abutment members 40 of the first hinge member 28, the abutment
members 40 of the second hinge member 42 interact with the first
hinge member 28 to control the angular orientation between the
first and second air resistance blades 12, 14.
[0041] Enhanced functionality is achieved by providing each of the
first and second hinge members 28, 42 with molded support
stiffeners 50 which help to stabilize and support the air
resistance blades 12, 14 at their respective attachment points to
the hinge members 28, 42. Specifically, the support stiffeners 50
are positioned relative to the abutment members 40 so that they
abut respective interior surfaces 51 of the opposite hinge member
28, 42 when the hinge members 28, 42 are expanded to their complete
extent of approximately 90.degree. and thereby prevent movement
toward a storage, or closed configuration.
[0042] The first and second hinge members 28, 42 are mated with
their respective first and second tubular members 36, 38, 46, 48
aligned for receipt of the second end 20 of the central shaft 16.
The abutment members 40 are positioned on the hinge 26 so as to
prevent movement beyond approximately 90.degree. when the blades
12, 14 are moved to their expanded configuration and the support
stiffeners 50 are positioned along the interior surfaces 51 of the
respective hinge members 28, 42 to prevent movement to a closed
orientation. Specifically, the respective abutment members 40
function by engaging the exterior surface 53 of the opposite hinge
member 28, 42 when the hinge members 28, 42 are expanded to their
complete extent of approximately 90.degree.. In this way, the
abutment members 40 prevent the respective hinge members 28, 42,
and the blades 12, 14 attached thereto, from expanding beyond an
orientation of 90.degree. relative to each other.
[0043] The first and second hinge members 28, 42 are attached to
the central shaft 16 by rigidly bolting the second hinge member 42
directly to the central shaft 16 and permitting the first hinge
member 28 to rotate relative thereto. Specifically, by bolting the
second hinge member 42 to the central shaft 16, the first tubular
member 36 of the first hinge member 28 may sit upon, and be
supported by, the second tubular member 48 of the second hinge
member 42.
[0044] Locking of the first and second air resistance blades 12, 14
at a desired orientation on the central shaft 16 is achieve by the
provision of a capture nut 52 adjacent the upper end 54 of the
first and second air resistance blades 12, 14. The capture nut 52
is screwed on the threaded portion 61 of the proximal edge 42a of
the hinge member 42, thereby creating a locked position in which
the capture nut 52 applies downward pressure upon the hinge 26,
preventing relative movement and a release position in which the
capture nut 52 is moved upwardly along the length of the shaft 16.
When the capture nut 52 is moved from the hinge members 28, 42, the
first hinge member 28 may be lifted upwardly, allowing the
respective support stiffeners 50 adjacent the first and second
tubular members 36, 38, 46, 48 of the first and second hinge
members 28, 42 to fit within the rectangular recesses 56 formed
within the brackets 30, 44 of the first and second hinge members
28, 42. That is, the respective support stiffeners 50 maybe aligned
with the rectangular slots 56 which allows the first air resistance
blade 12 to rotate relative to the second air resistance blade 14
about the central shaft 16 so that the blades 12, 14 may be moved
to their storage configuration with the air resistance blades 12,
14 flat, or nearly flat, against one another in a manner making the
device more portable.
[0045] In use, and after the blades 12, 14 and hinge 26 are secured
to the central shaft 16, the air resistance blades 12, 14 are moved
from their expanded configuration to a storage configuration by
first releasing the capture nut 52. Once the capture nut 52 is
released, the first hinge member 28, and first air resistance blade
12, may be lifted to allow for alignment of respective support
stiffeners 50 adjacent the first and second tubular members 36, 38,
46, 48 within the rectangular recesses 56 formed within the
brackets 30, 44 of the first and second hinge members 28, 42. The
aligned support stiffeners 50 may then be rotated through the
rectangular recesses 56 as the first and second air resistance
blades 12, 14 are rotated to a storage configuration with the air
resistance blades 12, 14 flat, or nearly flat, against one another
in a manner making the device more portable. The first hinge member
28 is then lowered and the capture nut 52 is then rotated
downwardly onto the threaded portion 61 so as to once again apply
pressure to the upper end of the hinge 26, holding the blades 12,
14 in their storage configuration.
[0046] When a user wishes to then open the air resistance blades
12, 14 to their expanded configuration, the capture nut 52 is once
again screwed to move upwardly. Once the capture nut 52 is released
from the threaded portion 61, the first hinge member 28, and first
air resistance blade 12, may be lifted to allow for alignment of
respective support stiffeners 50 adjacent the first and second
tubular members 36, 38, 46, 48 within the rectangular recesses 56
formed within the brackets 30, 44 of the first and second hinge
members 28, 42. The aligned support stiffeners 50 may then be
rotated through the rectangular recesses 56 as the first and second
air resistance blades 12, 14 are rotated to an expanded
configuration with the air resistance blades 12, 14 positioned
90.degree. relative to each other. A user will know that the
90.degree. orientation has been reached when the abutment members
40 engage the outer surface 53 of the respective hinge members 28,
42. The first hinge member 28 is then lowered and the capture nut
52 is rotated downwardly onto the threaded portion 61 of the hinge
member 42 so as to once again apply pressure to the upper end of
the hinge 26, holding the blades 12, 14 in their storage
configuration. Movement of the first air resistance blade 12
relative to the second air resistance blade 14 is facilitated by
support stiffeners 50 and abutment members 40 engaging opposite
side of the respective hinge members 28, 42 in a manner preventing
movement until the first hinge member 28 is lifted, permitting
movement of the support stiffeners 50 through the rectangular
recesses 56.
[0047] The functionality of the present swing training device 10 is
enhanced by the provision of air holes 24 adjacent the proximal
edge 12a, 14a for creating turbulent air flow through and about
each of the blades 12, 14 as they are moved through the air by a
user. The air holes 24 in conjunction with the angular orientation
of the air resistance blades 12, 14 precisely control air capture
and venting. The holes 24 are specifically shaped and dimensioned
to create Bernoulli turbulence effects which enhance operation of
the present swing training device by taking full air advantage of
the forces both between and behind the two adjacent air resistance
blades 12, 14. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, air passing around the
blades 12, 14 and through the holes 24 creates substantial air
pressure and turbulence. The pressure and turbulence create ideal
air flow both between the blades 12, 14 and behind the blades 12,
14 which provide both resistance to travel and torsional forces
causing a user to readily identify and correct an undesirable
orientation and/or swing.
[0048] As discussed above, the air resistance blades 12, 14 are
oriented at a 900 angle relative to each other, with each air
resistance blade 12, 14 being 45.degree. from the desired direction
of movement during the user's downswing. This creates equivalent
surface area for each air resistance blade 12, 14 as they travel
through space thereby imparting equal air resistance on either side
of the central shaft's 16 longitudinal axis. The air pressure
creates increased resistance to a user's swing and, thereby
increases muscle usage for muscle development and improved muscle
memory. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, a
similar effect is also achieved during the backswing, although
resistance is reduced due to the angular orientation of the air
resistance blades 12, 14 relative to the direction of travel.
[0049] While an angular orientation of 90.degree. is discussed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
other nonlinear, that is, not 180.degree., angular orientations may
be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present
invention. By providing symmetrically positioned air resistance
blades, the device may be utilized by both left and righted
individuals without the need adjustment.
[0050] If a user orients the central shaft such that the air
resistance blades are not at equal and opposing 45.degree. angles
relative to the direction of travel (or 135.degree. against the
direction of travel if a reverse swing path or backswing is
utilized), the air resistance blades will produce differing amounts
of air resistance (see FIG. 8). The difference in air resistance
creates unequal torsion (rotational force) transfer up the central
shaft 16. This effect is felt as a torsional (or twisting) force by
the user, encouraging corrective measures be taken.
[0051] It is the relationship between the first and second blades
which makes the dual blade design of the present invention
especially suited for training golfers so as to ensure a balanced
and square club face upon impact with a golf ball. Specifically, by
providing only two opposed air resistance blades, an individual
utilizing the present swing training device will be readily able to
feel torsional force when the first and second air blades are not
aligned with the direction of travel. The force is immediately
sensed by the user as indicating a specific type of improper
alignment, and the user may instantly make corrections to relieve
the torsional force. Where more than two blades are utilized as in
the prior art, it is often difficult for one to obtain accurate
desired feedback that the blades are in fact out of alignment.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 6, the end of each air resistance
blade 12, 14 is provided with a tapered cut. The shallowest of the
tapered cuts 58 allows the present swing trainer 10 to stand on end
when position on a level surface. The more severe cut 60 at the
bottom outer end corner of each of the resistance blades 12, 14
increases ground clearance during usage as one practices a golf
swing.
[0053] In practice, the present swing trainer is used by gripping a
handle or grip at the first end of the central shaft in a manner
which is appropriate for the specific sport for which the
individual is training, for example, a two handed grip may be
utilize for golf while a one-handed grip may be utilized for
tennis. Upon swinging in an appropriate manner for the sport a user
wishes to practice, several things are accomplished. For example,
when one trains for golf, which requires the club head to be square
with the ball during impact, the user starts in a normal golf
stance with each air resistance blade facing 45.degree. from the
desired direction of travel of a ball. By making a normal swing,
the user is quickly able to determine if twisting forces are
induced due to the imbalanced air resistance blade positions
resulting in disproportional air resistance at the opposite blade.
If a twisting force is encountered, the user adjust his or her
swing and/or grip until a balanced condition exists with no
twisting, thereby, improving the swing and squaring the swing
trainer at a position that would normally be encountered at impact.
By repeatedly creating the correct blade position during a swing,
the user imparts muscle memory that maybe transferred to real
competition.
[0054] The increased air resistance created by rapid movement of
the air resistance blades through space makes the present swing
trainer a good aerobic style swing training and muscle development
aid for golfers and non-golfers that don't necessarily require
feedback relating to twisting. The light weight and relatively
minimal amount of resistance created reduces the potential for
injury and muscle strain. For even less resistance, the present
swing trainer may be rotated so that the blades are in the opposite
direction from normal usage, further reducing air capture and
resistance effects. In addition, blade sizes may be varied to
provide for increased or decreased air resistance.
[0055] While the preferred embodiments have been shown and
described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit
the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover
all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended
claims.
* * * * *