U.S. patent application number 10/633998 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-05 for golf swing training apparatus and method of using the same.
Invention is credited to Ritson, Philip V., Row, Scott Whasuk.
Application Number | 20040023726 10/633998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31191412 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040023726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ritson, Philip V. ; et
al. |
February 5, 2004 |
Golf swing training apparatus and method of using the same
Abstract
A golf swing training apparatus having a shaft with a
longitudinal axis, a clubhead end, and a grip end; a split-handled
grip affixed to the grip end which includes a fixed upper grip
portion with an upper end and a lower end, and a slidable lower
grip portion having an upper end and a lower end. The fixed upper
grip portion is for holding with the non-dominant hand in the golf
swing and the slidable lower grip portion is adapted for gripping
with the dominant hand. A weighted mass is attached to the clubhead
end of the shaft. A primary housing is affixed to the shaft between
the grip and the mass on the clubhead end and includes at least one
throughhole for removable insertion of either light emitting means
or a swing weight. A first light emitting means is removably
inserted into one of the throughholes in the primary housing for
directing a first beam of light downwardly and parallel to the
shaft. A secondary housing is removably attached to the primary
housing and includes a throughhole in which second light emitting
means is removably inserted, for directing a second beam of light
upwardly and parallel to the shaft. A spring or other biasing means
is interposed between the slidable lower grip the primary
housing.
Inventors: |
Ritson, Philip V.; (Winter
Garden, FL) ; Row, Scott Whasuk; (Duluth,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHNSON & STAINBROOK, LLP
Suite 203
3550 Round Barn Blvd.
Santa Rosa
CA
95403
US
|
Family ID: |
31191412 |
Appl. No.: |
10/633998 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60400866 |
Aug 2, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/220 ;
473/221; 473/256 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A63B 23/03525 20130101; A63B 69/3614 20130101; A63B 23/12 20130101;
A63B 69/3632 20130101; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 23/1209
20130101; A63B 69/3638 20130101; A63B 69/3685 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/220 ;
473/221; 473/256 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36 |
Claims
What is claimed as invention is:
1. A golf swing training apparatus, comprising: a shaft having a
longitudinal axis, a clubhead end, and a grip end; a grip affixed
to said grip end with which a golfer holds said apparatus; a
weighted mass affixed to said clubhead end, said weighted mass
selected from the group consisting of a golf clubhead and a weight;
and a primary housing affixed to said shaft between said grip and
said weighted mass and having at least one throughhole for
removable insertion of either light emitting means or a swing
weight.
2. The swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said primary
housing has at least two throughholes.
3. The swing training apparatus of claim 2, further including: a
first light emitting means removably inserted in one of said
throughholes for providing a first beam of light downwardly from
said primary housing and toward said weighted mass and
substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said shaft,
said first light emitting means having a switch for selective
operation; and at least one weight removably inserted in another
throughhole.
4. The swing training apparatus of claim 3, wherein said light
emitting means is a laser.
5. The swing training apparatus of claim 3, including two weights
removably insertable into each of said throughholes in said primary
housing.
6. The swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said primary
housing includes mounting means, and further including a secondary
housing removably attachable to said primary housing on said
mounting means, said secondary housing having a throughhole for
removable insertion of either light emitting means or a weight,
said secondary housing and said primary housing separated a
distance by a spacer.
7. The swing training apparatus of claim 6, further including
second light emitting means removably inserted into said
throughhole of said secondary housing for directing a beam of light
upwardly and in the direction of said grip and substantially
parallel to said longitudinal axis of said shaft, said second light
emitting means having a switch for selection operation.
8. The swing training apparatus of claim 7, wherein said second
light emitting means is a laser.
9. The swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said grip is
split-handle grip having a fixed upper grip portion with an upper
end and a lower end; and a slidable lower grip portion having an
upper end and a lower end, said fixed upper grip portion for
gripping with the non-dominant hand in the golf swing and said
slidable lower grip portion adapted for gripping with the dominant
hand.
10. The swing training apparatus of claim 9, wherein said lower end
of said fixed upper grip portion includes an upper grip expansion
having a thumb slot oriented to ensure proper upper hand
positioning by the golfer, a head, and a shield behind which to
position the thumb and the forefinger of the upper hand and thereby
to protect them from being pinched when the two grip portions are
joined after being separated during the swing; and wherein said
slidable lower grip portion includes a lower grip expansion
defining a recess for receiving and coupling with said head of said
upper grip expansion.
11. The swing training apparatus of claim 10, wherein said lower
grip expansion further includes an upper edge which approximates
said shield of said fixed upper grip portion when said fixed upper
grip and said slidable lower grip portions are coupled.
12. The swing training apparatus of claim 10, wherein said fixed
upper grip portion includes an opening at said upper end for
receiving an expansible collar and a throughhole for insertion and
retention of an extendable extension rod which selectively extends
from the upper end of said fixed upper grip portion and the length
of which is adjustable with selective loosening and tightening of
said collar.
13. The swing training apparatus of claim 9, wherein said shaft has
a substantially cylindrical cross-sectional shape at said grip end
and said clubhead end, and further includes a non-cylindrical
medial portion.
14. The swing training apparatus of claim 13, wherein said fixed
upper grip portion has an interior wall that is substantially round
in cross-section, and wherein said slidable lower grip portion has
an interior wall shaped to conform to said non-cylindrical medial
portion of said shaft.
15. The swing training apparatus of claim 14, wherein said
non-cylindrical medial portion of said shaft prevents rotation of
said slidable lower grip portion as it is slid up and down said
shaft during use.
16. The swing training apparatus of claim 9, further including
biasing means interposed between said lower end of said slidable
lower grip portion and said primary housing, said biasing means
urging said slidable lower grip portion into contact with said
fixed upper grip portion when no force is applied to said slidable
lower grip portion to separate it from said fixed upper grip
portion, and wherein the position of said primary housing is
adjustable on said shaft and defines the range of possible motion
of said slidable lower grip portion.
17. The swing training apparatus of claim 16, wherein said biasing
means is a compression spring.
18. The swing training apparatus of claim 1, further including a
keeper having mounting means, an interior hole conforming in shape
to said shaft and mounted on said shaft, and retention means for
selectively adjusting and fixing the position of said keeper on
said shaft; and wherein said primary housing has a channel defining
at least one interior surface extending the length of the housing,
and wherein said primary housing is mounted on said keeper,
19. The swing training apparatus of claim 18, wherein said keeper
is substantially cuboidal and said mounting means comprises at
least one slot having an upper end opening and a lower end stop;
and wherein said primary housing includes at least one surface
ridge disposed on said interior wall so that said surface ridge of
said interior wall of said primary housing slides into the slot in
said keeper and is retained by the lower end stop.
20. The swing training apparatus of claim 19; wherein said primary
housing includes an upper end, and wherein said at least one
surface ridge extends upwardly to a surface ridge upper end
defining a space between said surface ridge upper end and said
upper end of said primary housing.
21. The swing training apparatus of claim 20, further including a
stop shaped and sized to nest within the channel of said primary
housing at the space defined by said surface ridge upper end, said
stop having an interior opening including a spring-containing
portion shaped to allow insertion of at least a portion of said
biasing means and a shaft-engaging portion having a shape
conforming to said non-cylindrical medial portion of said
shaft.
22. A golf swing training apparatus, comprising: a shaft having a
longitudinal axis, a clubhead end, and a grip end; a split-handled
grip affixed to said grip end with which a golfer holds said
apparatus, said grip including a fixed upper grip portion with an
upper end and a lower end, and a slidable lower grip portion having
an upper end and a lower end, said fixed upper grip portion for
gripping with the non-dominant hand in the golf swing and said
slidable lower grip portion adapted for gripping with the dominant
hand; a weighted mass affixed to said clubhead end, said weighted
mass selected from the group consisting of a golf clubhead and a
weight; a primary housing affixed to said shaft between said grip
and said weighted mass and having at least one throughhole for
removable insertion of either light emitting means or a swing
weight; first light emitting means removably inserted into one of
the throughholes in said primary housing for directing a first beam
of light downwardly and toward said clubhead end of said shaft and
substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said shaft; a
secondary housing removably attached to said primary housing, said
secondary housing having a throughhole for removable insertion of
light emitting means; second light emitting means removably
inserted into the throughhole in said secondary housing for
directing a second beam of light upwardly and toward said grip end
of said shaft and substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis
of said shaft; and biasing means interposed between said lower end
of said slidable lower grip portion and said primary housing, said
biasing means urging said slidable lower grip portion into contact
with said fixed upper grip portion when no force is applied to said
slidable lower grip portion to separate it from said fixed upper
grip portion; wherein the position of said primary housing is
adjustable on said shaft and defines the range of possible motion
of said slidable lower grip portion.
23. A method of teaching proper golf swing motion, comprising the
steps of: (a) providing a swing training apparatus as in claim 22;
(b) adjusting the position of the primary housing on the shaft; (c)
installing the first light emitting means in one of the
throughholes in the primary housing; (d) installing the second
light emitting means in the throughhole in the secondary housing;
(e) switching on the first and second light emitting means; (f)
while holding the slidable lower grip portion with the dominant
hand and the fixed upper grip portion of the non-dominant hand,
addressing a pre-selected ball location and aiming at a target; (g)
executing the initial motions of the backswing, and while so moving
tracing the target line with the downwardly directed beam of light
until the shaft is parallel to the plane of the ground; (h)
continuing execution of the backswing, and while so moving tracing
the toe line with the upwardly directed beam of light until the top
of the backswing is reached; (i) during either or both of steps (g)
and (h), separating the slidable grip portion from the fixed grip
portion a desired distance; (j) executing the initial motions of
the downswing until the shaft is parallel to the plane of the
ground; (k) executing the wrist uncocking phase of the downswing,
and while so moving tracing the target line with the downwardly
directed beam of light to and through impact until the shaft is
parallel to the plane of the ground; and (l) during either or both
of steps G) and (k), moving the slidable lower grip portion closer
to the fixed upper grip portion so that as the weighted mass at the
clubhead end of the shaft passes through the ball location, the
slidable lower grip portion is in contact with the fixed upper grip
portion.
24. The method of claim 23, further including the step of tracing
the toe line with the upwardly directed beam of light during step
(j).
25. The method of claim 23, further including the step of tracing
the target line with the upwardly directed beam of light during
step (j).
26. A method of teaching golf swing mechanics and a proper golf
swing plane, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a golf swing
training apparatus as in claim 7; (b) providing at least one pair
of spaced-apart swing plane indicator lines including a toe line
and a target line; (c) installing first light emitting means in one
of the throughholes in the primary housing; (d) installing second
light emitting means in the throughhole in the secondary housing;
(e) switching on the first and second light emitting means; (f)
addressing a pre-selected ball location and aiming at a target; (g)
executing a backswing, and while so moving tracing the target line
with the downwardly directed beam of light until the shaft is
parallel to the plane of the ground; (h) continuing execution of
the backswing, and while so moving tracing the toe line with the
upwardly directed beam of light until the top of the backswing is
reached; (i) executing the initial motions of the downswing until
the shaft is parallel to the plane of the ground; and (j) executing
the wrist uncocking phase of the downswing, and while so moving
tracing the target line with the downwardly directed beam of light
to and through impact until the shaft is parallel to the plane of
the ground.
27. The method of claim 26, further including the step of tracing
the toe line with the upwardly directed beam of light during step
(i).
28. The method of claim 26, further including the step of tracing
the target line with the upwardly directed beam of light during
step (i).
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing
date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/400,866,
filed Aug. 2, 2002 (Aug. 2, 2002).
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The present invention relates generally to golf swing
training devices, and more particularly to a method and apparatus
for training proper swing mechanics, and more particularly still,
to a method and apparatus for training proper arm and wrist motions
throughout the golf swing.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
[0005] General Background Discussion: The sport of golf is perhaps
without rival in the high level of skill required to play the game
well, and it is, therefore, also without rival in its difficulty.
Despite its apparent simplicity, it is an inherently frustrating
and only occasionally and elusively rewarding game. However, those
who persevere often become avid in their pursuit of improvement and
reverential in their appreciation of the beauty of a fine swing and
a well struck shot. In part this is because golf ranks highest
among sports in demanding extremely precise, fine motor movements
for skillful performance, and it may well rank highest for having
the smallest margins for error: only a degree of misalignment of
the clubface during impact over the course of a round can mean the
difference between playing in the fairway and hitting greens all
day long, or playing out of the bunkers and rough and regularly
rehitting tee shots that have sailed out of bounds. For that reason
golf vastly surpasses any other sport in enticing both professional
and recreational enthusiasts to devise aids to improvement. Indeed,
it would be the epitome of understatement to say that the field of
golf instruction is replete with swing aids. Flip through the back
pages of any current golf publication, or conduct an Internet
search for golf swing training aids, and you will run a gauntlet of
devices to straighten the left arm, structure the turn, still the
head, correct the swing plane, delay the release, increase power,
and otherwise make your swing repeatable and perfect--or so go the
claims.
[0006] The discriminating reader understands that most claims about
the advantages of swing training devices amount to little more than
puffery, and that many devices are simply flawed in concept and
therefore promote a faulty understanding of proper swing
biomechanics. This does not even begin to discourage creative
individuals from trying to invent something that will help the
enthusiastic golfer. Accordingly, there is an enduring need for
simple, biomechanically appropriate aids for swing improvement.
This is especially true for the autodidact golfer.
[0007] Although no single part of the entire golf swing can be
discounted in importance, from the address position to the finish,
arm and wrist motions throughout the swing are of paramount
importance. Proper arm and wrist actions in the backswing
fundamental position the golfer to deliver the clubhead and
clubface to and through the resting ball with the power and
directional controls to send the ball flying to the intended target
(that is, if all goes well). While not impossible, when moving to
strike the ball in the downswing, it is difficult to correct for
even minor flaws in backswing arm and wrist mechanics, even when
shot preparation, grip, address positioning and alignment, have
been flawlessly executed. Neurological limitations (i.e., nerve
impulse conduction and information processing speeds) and the
angular forces generated in the downswing each make it nearly
impossible to correct for early mistakes on the way down. So to set
up the optimum downswing, it is imperative to execute proper
motions from the address position throughout the backswing to the
top of the set or transition position.
[0008] A question arises as to how one knows one is executing
correct motions, that is, without an ever-present teacher. One
priceless means of obtaining swing feedback is to watch the flight
of the ball. It is little more than kindergarten science to note
that the flight of the ball provides the golfer with immediate
feedback about the nature and quality of impact. However, the
experienced, knowledgeable golfer extrapolates or infers a
tremendous amount of information from ball flight about how the
entire club moved in the downswing and through impact and, even
more usefully, the specific body mechanics that produced the
particular impact, including postural conditions at address,
backswing motions, and downswing mechanics. And experienced golfers
may make corrections in subsequent swings based on this
information. Unfortunately, to even the most experienced golfer,
the flight of the ball is not perfectly informative about swing
mechanics. While it perfectly indicates impact conditions, it does
not pinpoint with precision and specificity the movement conditions
that caused the impact. Instead, it merely suggests several
possibilities.
[0009] Ultimately, the best feedback mechanism, and the greatest
assurance of continued skillful performance, rests in a finely
tuned and trained kinesthetic and proprioceptive awareness of a
finely tuned and trained swing, supported by a solid understanding
of the proper mechanics of the swing. En route to this achievement,
many golfers benefit by getting secondary mechanical aid and
feedback about the execution of the stroke; secondary, that is, to
the flight of the ball. Many golf students hire teachers to provide
this assistance. However, truly competent teachers are rare, they
can be expensive, and they are not available on demand and as
needed for consultation and correction. To address these
limitations, many good teachers provide their students with
teaching aids that reinforce the feelings and the mechanics they
are endeavoring to instill in their students, and many students
benefit greatly by using those swing aids to obtain provide simple
and direct feedback and mechanical aid consistent with the lessons
they are learning.
[0010] Swing Mechanics: Like all striking and throwing movements,
the golf swing is skillfully executed only when done so
ballistically; that is, when the downswing motion is initiated by a
rapid muscular contraction after which the muscles primarily
involved in accelerating the club around the body quickly relax
(even before impact) and allow momentum to complete the movement.
This contrasts with tension movements, and, as suggested, this kind
of movement is characteristic of throwing, striking, and also
kicking. All such movements, when skillful, include a post/throw,
post/impact phase termed the follow through, and the follow through
is made possible and facilitated by differentially relaxed muscles
that allow the momentum of the extremities (and striking implement,
if any) to carry forward unimpeded. It has been suggested by some
kinesiologists that the very purpose of the follow through is to
assure a ballistic type of movement.
[0011] While the present invention is not primarily directed to
training the follow through, it should be noted that the follow
through is nonetheless important for ensuring the proper sequence
of muscle contractions and the proper differential relaxation
required in the backswing and the downswing. Furthermore, planning
for a proper follow through enables the brain to organize such
complex, coordinated swing movements and to ensure that they are
executed ballistically. With respect to movements generally, the
brain is a teleological organ: it plans for the end. In the context
of the golf swing, a properly planned finish helps to ensure that
the brain recruits the right muscle groups to most efficiently and
precisely execute the ballistic movements involved in a skilled
golf swing. Thus, after a follow through and finish position have
been learned, this phase of the swing can be "intended" to produce
complementary physical and psychological effects.
[0012] However, skillful execution of the downswing and its
complementary follow through first requires skillful execution of
the preparatory backswing. To fully understand the present
invention, it would be useful, therefore, to consider the sequence
of muscle movements involved in the golf stroke backswing.
[0013] The backswing movement essentially proceeds from large
proximal muscle groups to smaller distal groups (trunk and legs
progressively outwardly to arms and hands). Using a right handed
golfer as a model for descriptive purposes only, the following
summary applies:
[0014] From the address position with the body essentially
motionless, the skilled golfer initiates the backswing motion in a
unified fashion with the large muscles of the legs and trunk
initiating a pivot on a fixed right leg. The abductor muscles of
the left leg (adductor magnus, adductor longus, adductor brevis,
and gracilis) gently push weight off the left foot while
simultaneously the golfer begins pelvic rotation to the right in
the transverse plane about a vertical axis, primarily in the right
hip joint, and secondarily and diminishingly in the left hip joint
as weight is transferred partly to the right foot. This is
accomplished by using the outward rotators of the left leg (the
gluteus maximus, assisted by the gluteus medius, posterior fibers,
the abdominal muscles, spinal extensors, and quadratus lumborum),
and the inward rotators of the right leg (gluteus minimus, gluteus
medius, anterior fibers, and assisted by the tensor fasciae latae,
adductor magnus, lower fibers, abdominals and spinal extensors, and
quadratus lumborum).
[0015] Overlapping and generally following the foregoing sequence
of muscle movements, the next sequence of muscle movements in the
backswing involves rotation of the trunk in the thoracic spine.
Rotation of the pelvis continues overall trunk rotation, but it
quickly diminishes as the golfer gets set up on the right foot with
a discernible but partial weight transfer. As pelvic rotation drops
off, trunk rotation continues only as upper trunk (chest and
shoulder) rotation with a twisting, rotary movement of the upper
trunk and shoulders to the right in the transverse plane about an
axis in the thoracic spine. Muscles employed include the external
oblique abdominal muscle, semispinalis dorsi, left multifidus
lumborum, rotatores, levatores costarum, and the left external
oblique.
[0016] Thus far only trunk rotation has actuated club movement.
However, now, carried slightly by the gentle momentum generated by
pelvic and trunk rotation, the shoulders, arms, and hands begin to
act independently. This takes place ideally when the hands reach
approximately hip height. Until that time, the function of the
hands and arms is simply to maintain structure, to prevent the
wrists from collapsing and allowing the club to be dragged rather
than being simultaneously pushed and pulled in the initial stage of
the backswing, and to preserve the relationship between the arms
and shoulders established at address. Thus, with the shoulders and
arms in essentially the same configuration they were in at address,
when the hands reach roughly hip height, in a continuous and smooth
sequence of movements, the left arm begins to adduct (while flexion
is avoided) and it also elevates while the right arm flexes with
the biceps, and elevates and externally rotates with the middle
deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor. Left arm
adduction is caused by the pectoralis major, the anterior deltoid,
subscapularis, and coracobrachialis. The left scapula is abducted
and tilted laterally by the serratus anterior. The right scapula is
stabilized and only partly retracted, though it is primarily held
in a relatively fixed position with the trapezius, subclavius, and
serratus anterior. The motions continue to the termination or top
of the backswing.
[0017] Again, commencing at approximately hip height, and in
smoothly blended into the overall arm movements, both the right and
left wrists begin a small measure of radial flexion. At the option
of the golfer, this action may be completed before the termination
of the backswing or it may continue until the completion of the
backswing. In some rare cases, golfers may prefer to reserve a
measure of radial flexion that will occur during the rapid
initiation of the downswing, but this is rarely controlled by any
but the most skilled golfer, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Sergio
Garcia, and Davis Love III being among the most notable
examples.
[0018] When the golfer reaches the position at the top of the
backswing, he should have the feeling of being coiled on and around
the right leg. He should also be positioned in what might be
fashioned a "poised to throw" with the right arm. The left arm is,
conversely, poised to pull. At this stage of the swing, the primary
operative muscles needed for the downswing are dynamically
stretched in preparation for a snap reflex initiation of the
downswing.
[0019] The downswing proceeds next, as follows: From the top of the
backswing (also known as the set or transition position), the
skilled golfer initiates the downswing motion with the abductor
muscles of the right leg (adductor magnus, adductor longus,
adductor brevis, and gracilis) to push weight off the right foot
and laterally onto the left foot toward the target. This tilts the
pelvic girdle laterally in the frontal plane so that the left iliac
crest is raised above that of the right. Simultaneously, the golfer
begins pelvic rotation to the left in the transverse plane about a
vertical axis, which axis is first in the right hip joint, until
weight has been transferred, and then the left once a platform has
been established on the left foot. This is accomplished by using
the outward rotators of the right leg (the gluteus maximus,
assisted by the gluteus medius, posterior fibers, the abdominal
muscles, spinal extensors, and quadratus lumborum), and the inward
rotators of the left leg (gluteus minimus, gluteus medius, anterior
fibers, and assisted by the tensor fasciae latae, adductor magnus,
lower fibers, abdominals and spinal extensors, and quadratus
lumborum). The rapid rotation left of the pelvis with a relative
inert upper truck results in a lag of the upper trunk from the
lower border of the rib cage.
[0020] Simultaneously tilting and rotating the pelvis by pushing
off the right foot onto the left foot (as described above) drops
the golfer's elbow down toward the trunk and drops the hands into a
position to deliver the clubhead on a geometrically correct path
through impact. Without the proper coordination of these two
actions, the path of the club is hopelessly wayward and the
probability of striking a controlled shot lost.
[0021] Temporally overlapping and succeeding hip and overall trunk
rotation, the next sequence of muscle movements in the downswing
involves rotation of the trunk in the thoracic spine. Rotation of
the pelvis continues, and this rotation initiates overall trunk
rotation, but on top of this rotation the golfer now augments
pelvic-actuated chest and shoulder rotation with a twisting, rotary
movement of the upper trunk and shoulders to the left in the
transverse plane about an axis in the thoracic spine using the
external oblique abdominal muscle, semispinalis dorsi, right
multifidus lumborum, rotatores, levatores costarum, and the right
external oblique.
[0022] Finally, the shoulders, arms, and hands get into the act.
Temporally overlapping but generally driven by and following the
trunk rotation, the golfer adducts the left scapula with the
trapezius, rhomboid major and rhomboid minor. The left arm is
abducted and lowered with the posterior deltoid, teres major, teres
minor, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and latissimus dorsi. In
coordination with these movements, the right arm is adducted at the
shoulder with the anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, pectoralis
minor, serratus anterior, and coracobrachialis; extended at the
elbow with the triceps; and lowered primarily by the latissimus
dorsi. Most lower arm and wrist motions from this point forward are
passive and accomplished by the angular momentum generated by the
preceding movements and entail little more than holding on to the
grip of the club. However, external rotation of the left arm and
internal rotation of right, along with supination of the left
forearm and pronation of the right forearm. In a rapid, blended
coordinated action in both arms, both wrists undergo ulnar flexion
(adduction) until they reach a moderately flexed configuration at
impact just as they were at address by virtue of holding an angled
club).
[0023] By the time the clubhead reaches impact, most of the
muscular contraction has come to an end (particularly in the
shoulders, arms, and wrists), and the skilled golfer carries
forward into the follow through by selectively relaxing all but the
postural balancing and stabilizing muscles of the legs and back and
allowing the angular momentum of the body, arms, and club to define
the finish. Characteristically, the finish is structured as
follows: the golfer is relaxed and balanced in an essentially
upright posture with a majority of the weight on the left foot with
the toe pointing generally toward the target line (as it was at
address). The hips and shoulders have turned left so that the
golfer is at least facing the target, and in especially flexible
golfers the finish position may entail turning substantially beyond
the point of facing the target. The arms, hands, and club are held
generally above the left shoulder, having been swung into this
position by unimpeded angular momentum. The club may tip or drop,
from grip end to clubhead, downwardly toward the ground over the
golfer's back, or it may be "wrapped around" the golfer and held at
substantially shoulder level (this is a matter of personal
preference and has little bearing on mechanics through impact). The
leading leg is generally straight or nearly straight, and the rear
leg is relaxed and bent at the knee so that it nearly touches the
knee of the leading leg. The right foot is gently balanced on its
toe so that it is substantially pointing directly into the ground
(i.e., straight up and down from heel to toe). To accomplish this
position (without contriving it) the golfer must have begun the
downswing with a proper pelvic tilt (weight shift) and proper hip
rotation, and thereafter the golfer must not have interfered with
the angular forces generated by this blended lateral/rotational
movement, but instead have cooperated with and complemented this
movement with downswing arm, hand, and leg motions that involve
appropriate differential relaxation and thus "allowing" the swing
to proceed via momentum. And to have executed the proper downswing,
the golfer will have been greatly aided by having assumed a proper
address position and made a mechanically sound backswing.
[0024] It is a common understanding among golf teachers that the
proper execution of the entire golf swing necessarily entails
proper timing, coordination, sequencing, and balance of the
separate arm and wrist movements in relation to foot and knee
action, and hip and trunk rotation, in both the backswing and
downswing. It is commonly taught--though there are admittedly many
exceptions--that the ideal sequence of muscle movements proceeds
from the proximal, large muscles of the trunk and legs that
initiate and drive the swing in both directions, followed by the
proximal, small muscles of the upper extremities. However,
pedagogically, it is difficult to teach control by teaching large
muscle movements only. It is generally more efficient in teaching
control to allow lower body and trunk motions to be governed by
directly attention to the motions of the hands, wrists, and arms.
This also turns out to be an efficient method of effecting a proper
overall swing motion. This should not be surprising inasmuch as the
arms and wrists move and control the hands throughout the swing,
and the hands are the primary point for feedback as to club
conditions. Furthermore, it is hand movement and hand orientation
around which most of the trunk and leg movements are organized
throughout the swing (from the point of view of planning and
intention). These observations accord with the simple neurological
fact that an extraordinary amount of brain space is dedicated to
processing sensory input from the hands and to controlling muscle
movements in the hands. It also accords with the phenomenology of
actions involving manipulation generally. When it comes to complex
movements in which the hands will execute control element, such as
grasping a small object on the ground, the typical individual
executing the movement is not for one moment concerned with how
much to bend over, how to turn, how to reach out, and so forth.
Instead, he simply reaches in coordination with all the other
movements needed to deliver his hands to the object: turning,
bending at the waist and knees, reaching out, and grasping; and all
of the gross motor movements are organized around the mandate from
the hand--that is, when the hands must be moved through space to
most efficiently execute a task, the brain organizes movements of
all other parts of the body around that mandate.
[0025] This principle applies equally well in the golf swing. As
the golfer intends his hands to move in a particular path and to
make certain movements (e.g., rotational on-plane movements, if
desired), his body will conform itself to the needs of the hands.
This is best illustrated by taking exaggerated "inside out" or
"outside in" swings. It is readily apparent that to take an
exaggerated inside out swing requires significant hip slide toward
the target at the start of the downswing; while an exaggerated
outside in swing with its round housing characteristics requires
that there be almost no hip slide forward. Thus, simply intending
to move the hands in a particular path impels compatible gross
movements of the trunk, shoulders, and arms.
[0026] Interestingly, despite the high degree of motor control that
resides in the hands, arm and wrist actions are difficult to
optimally coordinate and time with leg, hip, and trunk actions, and
they are thus a particularly problematic area of the golf swing.
Golfers are particularly vulnerable to changes in the rhythm and
timing in their swings, particularly when it comes to timing arm
and wrist motions with leg action and hip, trunk, and shoulder
rotation. This is simply another way of saying that golfers have a
great challenge in repeatedly executing the proper sequence of
muscle movements in their precise temporal relationship to one
another. This may be owing to the need to connect both arms (via
the hands) on one implement and then to move them in unison
throughout the swing. It may be due to the unusual nature of
swinging on an inclined plane. Regardless of the cause, however, it
is desirable to have a device that facilitates or induces proper
arm and wrist mechanics and timing, trains muscle strength and
stamina, and that simultaneously provides real time visual feedback
to the golfer about the precision with which he or she is making
backswing and downswing motions.
[0027] The Swing Plane: It has become fashionable in recent years
to talk about the swing plane. While few studies have conclusively
demonstrated the pedagogical impact of the swing plane concept, it
is nonetheless an intuitively appealing model that comports with
fundamental mechanics. Additionally, considerable anecdotal
evidence shows it to be a powerful controlling concept that makes
it easy for the learning golfer to control both overall and
discrete motions in the swing.
[0028] The modem concept of the swing plane was first advanced by
Ben Hogan in his 1957 classic, Five Lessons: The Modern
Fundamentals of Golf. In that book, Hogan likened the swing plane
to a large flat pane of glass inclined from the intended line of
flight of the ball and generally resting on the shoulders of the
golfer (the glass has a hole in it for the golfer's head). As is
geometrically required, the glass pane intersected the ground in a
line which was coincident with the line of flight (at least at
address). To control club movement, the golfer ideally swung the
clubhead underneath the plane throughout the swing. However, Hogan
mysteriously introduced a slight shift in the plane line in the
downswing, evidently to account for the apparent motion of the
clubhead outward and away from the golfer from about hip height
through impact. This unfortunate misunderstanding of the swing
plane undermined its conceptual simplicity and significantly
compromised its effectiveness as a teaching device. Additionally,
Hogan never made entirely clear what part or parts of the club must
move on the swing plane (if any) during any particular phase of the
swing, and it was therefore difficult to ascertain precisely how to
use the model. The general idea appeared to be only that the club
must remain under the plane. Even so, Hogan's swing plane image
(beautifully illustrated by Anthony Ravelli) continued to intrigue
and guide many teachers and writers in their efforts at
understanding the swing.
[0029] Several years later, in the mid-1970s, Homer Kelley clearly
explained the swing plane with geometrical rigor. In his book The
Golfing Machine, Kelley describes the swing plane as the two
dimensional geometric structure on which the entire club moves
throughout the golf swing. Like Hogan's plane, Kelley pictured the
swing plane as a flat pane of glass intersecting the ground in a
line, which is best referred to as a plane line; again the plane
line was identical with the intended initial line of flight of the
ball. However, unlike Hogan's plane, Kelley's plane has a
dynamically changing inclined angle during the swing, and the
entire club remains on the plane throughout the swing. Regardless
of changes in the plane angle, the plane line remains fixed on the
intended line of flight. In Kelley's view, during the course of the
swing, as the golfer begins the backswing, the plane may remain
relatively still as the club effectively rides up the inclined
plane. According to the simple geometry of the plane, one of two
lines extended from each end of the golf club shaft will either
point to or be parallel to the plane line at any point in the
swing. In starting the backswing, a line extending from the
clubhead end of the shaft will point to the plane line. At
approximately hip height, the club shaft will be parallel to the
plane line, and the lines extending from either end of the club
will be parallel to the plane line. As the golfer continues the
backswing and the club proceeds up the plane, the wrists are
typically cocked and the line extending from the handle or grip end
of the club will point to the plane line; it will continue to do so
unless the swing proceeds to the point at which the club shaft is
parallel to the plane of the ground, in which event, if it has
remained on plane, the lines extending from both ends of the club
will be parallel to the plane line once again. In precisely the
same fashion, this geometry applies to the downswing geometry.
[0030] A clarification is in order: For purposes of visualizing
Kelley's concept of the swing plane, talking about the entire golf
club is most convenient. But in Kelley's model, the geometry of the
swing was subordinate to the physics of the swing, and under the
influence of the angular momentum generated in the swing (in each
direction), it was not the clubshaft per se that traveled on the
swing plane; rather, it was a line extending from the longitudinal
center of gravity of the club (i.e., the sweet spot in the
clubhead) and through the lowest point of the hands in the golfer's
grip.
[0031] In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Kelley demonstrated this
phenomenon by attaching one flashlight to a point proximate the
grip end of the club and another flashlight proximate the head end
of the club, each shining a beam of light substantially parallel to
the clubshaft but in opposite directions. An on plane swing caused
one or the other of the light beams to track a straight line on the
ground (corresponding to the plane line/line of flight) except at
those points in the swing when the club was parallel to the ground.
However, Kelley insisted that the ideal swing plane defined a
single and unmoving plane line throughout the entire swing, even
though the plane angle might change or shift dramatically during
the swing.
[0032] It is the observation of the present inventors that there is
an intimate, inextricable, and reciprocal relationship between
correct swing mechanics and correct swing geometry. More
specifically, it is the observation of the present inventors that
by learning to swing on a proper swing plane, a golfer will be
induced into making the proper sequence of muscle movements; and by
learning to make the proper sequence of muscle movements, the
golfer will be induced into swinging on the proper swing plane.
Stated somewhat differently, proper swing geometry will inform
muscle movement, and proper muscle movement will inform proper
swing geometry.
[0033] It is also the observation of the present inventors that the
ideal swing plane does not define a single plane line, or line at
which the plane intersects the ground. Instead, the ideal plane
actually shifts at two critical points in the swing: the first time
in the backswing, when the club has reached a point where it is
parallel to the ground and the radial flexion (i.e., wrist cock)
begins to load the wrists by angling the club relative to the left
arm. At this point, the plane line moves inside the target line
plane line and onto a line proximate the toes of the golfer. The
shift occurs in reverse on the downswing after the club reaches
parallel with the ground once again as the wrists rapidly uncock to
release the loading created in the backswing and send the clubhead
into impact. Accordingly, unique to the present invention, and to
the inventive method of teaching the proper swing plane, the
present inventors provide a method for tracking movement on the
proper plane by monitoring club motion relative to the two most
important controlling lines in the swing: the (1) target line, and
(2) a line positioned slightly closer to the golfer than the target
line, referred to herein as the toe line and/or the clubhead line.
It would therefore be desirable to have a device that combined a
kinesthetic and mechanical aid to making proper muscle movements
with an aid for providing visual feedback to assist in swinging on
the proper swing plane.
[0034] Related Art: Several golf swing training devices have been
proposed to assist in habituating the golfer to good arm and wrist
motions. Additionally, several prior art devices have been proposed
to provide golfers with visual feedback regarding club movement
relative to the ideal swing plane. Among the known prior art
disclosures are the following.
[0035] U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,968, to Hargrave, discloses a swing
training apparatus in which a golfer swings an elongated stick (an
ersatz club) which emits light from each end. An upstanding frame
provides a support for sensor/alarm units which are responsive to
the light emitted from each end of the implement. The apparatus
purportedly trains the golfer to make a technically correct swing
motion by allowing the user to practice the golf swing motion
slowly, stopping and holding the motion at each of several
discrete, sequential positions of club alignment, thus imparting
memory of the complete swing motion to the muscles involved in
performing the swing motion.
[0036] U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,282, to Hernberg, teaches a swing
training device comprising a golf club having a first light which
projects a beam of light out of the head towards a surface, a
second light for projecting a second beam of light in a direction
opposite the head. The invention also includes a linear guiding
indicia to be placed on the surface on which the golfer is standing
to provide visual feedback regarding the golfer's swing.
[0037] U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,991 to White, I V, et al, shows a
self-contained portable unit attachable to and detachable from the
shaft of a golf club. The unit includes a base mounting plate
supporting a pair of light emitting diodes (LED) which project
light beams in opposite directions parallel to the shaft of the
club. Using a target line, such as the edge of a rug, a piece of
string, or line on a hardwood floor, an imaginary ball is addressed
in the normal fashion so that the light towards the head traces the
target line and then once the club passes a parallel position the
second light picks up the same target line while the swing is
continued to the top of the swing. It is entirely unclear what
novelty and non-obviousness resides in this device, inasmuch as
Homer Kelley constructed, showed, and publicly used such a device
in the early 1980s, the one difference being that he employed
flashlights rather than LEDs as light sources.
[0038] U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,888, to Pellegrini, discloses yet
another version of a swing training device adapted for removable
attachment to the handle of a standard golf club. The device
includes a light source that generates a light beam coaxially and
outwardly from the grip end of the club. The light source is
enclosed within a pair of housings that are threadably coupled,
such that the light source is activated by rotating one of the
housings relative to the other. The method of activation employs an
elastomeric member that permits current flow from a battery to the
light source upon the elastomeric member being sufficiently
compressed in order to achieve electrical contact between one of
the battery's contacts and the housing in which the elastomeric
member is contained.
[0039] U.S. Pat. No. 5,759,110, to Seibel, et al, illustrates a
swing training device including a housing which contains a light
source, a power source and a driving circuit for generating a beam.
Optics, including a collimator lens and a beam splitter are placed
in the housing in order to split a beam so that a first beam is
radiated along the longitudinal axis of the golf club shaft and a
second beam is radiated at roughly a 90.degree angle relative to
the first beam. A gravity switch in the training device provides
that the beams are only radiated during the backswing and follow
through of the swing. The apparatus also includes a mat with
indicia for properly aligning lighted dots generated on the mat by
the laser beams in order that the golfer may develop a proper swing
form.
[0040] U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,934, to Hamilton, teaches a swing
training device comprising a practice golf club shortened for
carrying in luggage. It includes a shaft with grips on each end,
and a head projecting transversely from one end for visual
alignment of the club. It has a laser beam projecting from one end
of the shaft along the axis of the shaft. The golfer grips the
first end of the shaft and swings the practice club, causing the
laser to trace a line on the floor that provides feedback about the
lower part of the swing. The golfer grips the second end of the
shaft and swings the practice club, causing the laser to trace a
line on the floor that provides feedback about the upper part of
the swing.
[0041] U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,592, to Laffer et al., discloses still
another version of a swing training system that includes a light
source that generates a light beam from the grip end of a golf club
and a floor mat having graphics showing one or more preferred light
beam paths. Upon swinging the golf club such that the light beam
projects upon the mat following the light beam path golfers are
taught how to swing the club along a preferred swing plane.
(Interestingly, although the inventor employed the term "swing
plane" to describe the geometrical description of club movement in
the swing, it would be anything but planar were the light beam to
describe an arcuate path on the floor mat.)
[0042] U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,592 to Boatner, teaches a swing training
method that entails the use of a conventional golf club, a handle
laser removably attached to a butt end of the golf club's handle, a
shaft laser removably attached to the golf club's shaft, and a
retractable target line having a tape marked with a centerline and
at least one golf ball image. The handle laser is installed so as
to shine a handle laser beam along the golf club's shaft centerline
extension in a direction opposite the golf club's head. The shaft
laser is installed so as to shine a shaft laser beam parallel to
the golf club shaft such that the shaft laser beam passes
immediately in front of the area of the head intended to strike a
golf ball. The method includes the steps of addressing the golf
ball image and swinging conventionally, ensuring that during
appropriate arcs of the swing, either the handle laser beam or the
shaft laser beam shine on the tape centerline, thus teaching the
golf student to execute the entire swing within the perfect swing
plane. Once again, in view of Homer Kelley's early innovations, it
is hard to identify the patentable features of this invention.
[0043] Swing training devices directed to the arm and wrist motions
include U.S. Pat. No. 4,023,812, to Lorang, which discloses a wrist
action training apparatus having a leg mounted on a golf club
proximate the player's hands. The leg lies on the off-target side
of the shaft and angles sideways and outwardly to a point about
opposite the juncture of the player's hands on the club. This
locates the upper contact end of the leg (in the ball address
position of the club) spaced outwardly from the hands in an
off-target direction with the shaft extending forwardly from the
player's forearms. When the player's hands on the backswing reach
about hip level, he cocks his wrists in an off-target direction
moving the shaft from the forwardly extending position relative to
his forearms to a near right angle position relative to his
off-target forearm. This cocking of the wrist pivots the club and
swings the attached leg in an arc thereby bringing the contact end
of the leg into engagement with the off-target forearm of the
player. This shows the player he has fully cocked his wrists. A
sound signal "clicker" device is actuated at the contact end of the
leg and emits a "click" signal upon a full wrist cock. Upon
downswing uncocking of the wrists, the "click" signal again emits
at the point of the uncocking. Also, should the player relax his
wrist cock inadvertently, the "click" signal so advices him.
[0044] A more elaborate, but less convenient device is shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,522, to Ervin, which discloses a swing training
aid having an elongated handle having a hand grip end and a
weighted end. A foot plate includes one or more rigidly secured
connection features to which a removable, stretchable tether is
attached. The tether is then tied at a point between the grip and
weighted ends of the club. 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. Two tethers may also be used, each being tied
to the foot plate and handle in the manner described so that
backswing and downswing portions of the swing can be trained
simultaneously.
[0045] Finally, PCT Pat. Appl. Ser. No. PCT/US98/25321, bearing
International Publication Number WO 99/26705, filed by Kallassy,
discloses a golf swing training aid comprising a golf club having a
contoured split grip which includes a slidable portion for the
lower hand. This enables the user to properly grip the club at
address and thereafter to separate his or her hands progressively
during a backswing and then to bring them together progressively
during the downswing.
[0046] The foregoing patents reflect the current state of the art
of which the present inventor is aware. Reference to, and
discussion of, these patents is intended to aid in discharging
Applicant's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information
that may be relevant to the examination of claims to the present
invention. However, it is respectfully submitted that none of the
above indicated patents disclose, teach, suggest, show, or
otherwise render obvious, either singly or when considered in
combination, the invention described and claimed herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0047] The present invention is a golf swing training apparatus
comprising a modified golf club and including a shaft with a
longitudinal axis, a clubhead end, and a grip end, and a
split-handled grip affixed to the grip end. The split-handled grip
includes a fixed upper grip portion with an upper end and a lower
end, and a slidable lower grip portion having an upper end and a
lower end. The fixed upper grip portion is adapted for gripping
with the non-dominant hand in the golf swing and the slidable lower
grip portion is adapted for gripping with the dominant hand. A
weighted mass, preferably a clubhead, is attached to the clubhead
end of the shaft. A primary housing is adjustably positioned and
affixed to the shaft between the grip and the mass on the clubhead
end and includes at least one throughhole for removable insertion
of either light emitting means or a swing weight, or both
simultaneously. A first light emitting means, preferably a laser,
is removably inserted into one of the throughholes in the primary
housing for directing a first beam of light downwardly and parallel
to the shaft. A secondary housing is removably attached to the
primary housing and includes a throughhole in which second light
emitting means, also preferably a laser, is removably inserted, for
directing a second beam of light upwardly and parallel to the
shaft. A spring or other biasing means is interposed between the
slidable lower grip the primary housing.
[0048] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved swing training aid that has means for
selectively attaching weights for training golf swing muscle
strength and endurance.
[0049] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
golf swing training apparatus having visual feedback means for
training a golfer to swing on a proper swing plane.
[0050] A further object or feature of the present invention is to
provide a golf swing training apparatus having a split handle grip
that permits the user to selectively separate and approximate the
hands during any phase of the golf swing, thereby providing means
to induce mechanically correct arm and wrist movements.
[0051] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a golf swing training aid that combines means to induce a
mechanically correct sequence of muscle movements, visual feedback
means for training a proper swing path, and resistance means for
training muscle endurance.
[0052] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
swing training method that teaches swing mechanics, trains
precision club path motion, and conditions muscles for golf.
[0053] Other novel features which are characteristic of the
invention, as to organization and method of operation, together
with further objects and advantages thereof will be better
understood from the following description considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of
the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be
expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for
illustration and description only and are not intended as a
definition of the limits of the invention. The various features of
novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this
disclosure. The invention resides not in any one of these features
taken alone, but rather in the particular combination of all of its
structures for the functions specified.
[0054] There has thus been broadly outlined the more important
features of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that
the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
There are, of course, additional features of the invention that
will be described hereinafter and which will form additional
subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the
art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure
is based readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of
other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several
purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that
the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0055] Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S.
Patent and Trade-mark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of this application, which
is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to
the scope of the invention in any way.
[0056] Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in
the following description for convenience in reference only, and
will not be limiting. For example, words such as "upward,"
"downward," "left," and "right" would refer to directions in the
drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated.
Similarly, words such as "inward" and "outward" would refer to
directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center
of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the
singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise
noted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] The invention will be better understood and objects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:
[0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the golf swing training
apparatus of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0060] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the club shaft and
several possible exterior surface shapes;
[0061] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing details of the split
grip portion of the inventive apparatus, and further showing
preferred internal cross-sectional shapes of the upper and lower
grips;
[0062] FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing detail of the end,
interior and exterior shapes of the upper grip;
[0063] FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing detail of the interior
and exterior shapes of the lower grip;
[0064] FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view showing details of the
laser housings and their mounting structures;
[0065] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the primary and telescopic
laser housings detached from the golf club shaft;
[0066] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the split grip portion
of the inventive apparatus substantially separated;
[0067] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second preferred
embodiment of the swing training apparatus of the present
invention;
[0068] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the swing plane indicator
boards employed in connection with the inventive swing training aid
to provide a swing training method;
[0069] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view showing a golfer at
address, holding the swing training aid of the present invention
and standing relative to the swing training boards employed in the
present inventive method;
[0070] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the golfer beginning
the swing takeaway;
[0071] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view showing (1) the golfer
with his hands at approximately hip height in the backswing and
beginning to split his hands using the split grip, and (2) use of
the extension rod in visualizing proper swing plane motion;
[0072] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the golfer shown in
FIG. 12; and
[0073] FIG. 14 is a superimposed front perspective view showing
three positions of the golfer using the inventive apparatus in a
swing, including the top of the backswing, the position
approximately halfway into the downswing, and a point slightly
after impact.
DRAWING REFERENCE NUMBER INDEX
[0074] FIGS. 1-8
[0075] 100 swing training apparatus of the present invention
[0076] 110 shaft
[0077] 110a longitudinal axis of shaft
[0078] 120 clubhead end of shaft
[0079] 130 grip end of shaft
[0080] 140 clubhead
[0081] 150 non-cylindrical medial portion of shaft
[0082] 160 lower cylindrical portion of shaft
[0083] 170 upper cylindrical portion of shaft
[0084] 180 tubing having the cross-sectional shape of a truncated
cylinder
[0085] 182 square tubing
[0086] 184 triangular tubing
[0087] 186 figure eight tubing
[0088] 188 hexagonal (or generally polygonal) tubing
[0089] 190 round with channel tubing
[0090] 192 round with ridge tubing
[0091] 200 split handle grip
[0092] 210 fixed upper grip portion
[0093] 220 upper end of upper grip portion
[0094] 230 lower end of fixed upper grip portion
[0095] 240 slidable/non-rotatable lower grip portion
[0096] 250 upper end of lower grip portion
[0097] 260 lower end of lower grip portion
[0098] 270 contoured upper grip expansion
[0099] 280 thumb slot
[0100] 290 finger shield
[0101] 300 head of upper grip expansion
[0102] 310 opening at upper end of upper grip portion
[0103] 320 expansible collar
[0104] 330 throughhole for extension rod
[0105] 340 extension rod
[0106] 350 lower grip expansion
[0107] 360 recess in lower grip expansion
[0108] 370 upper edge of lower grip expansion
[0109] 380 interior wall of upper grip portion
[0110] 390 interior wall of lower grip portion
[0111] 500 slide-stop/laser housing assembly
[0112] 510 primary housing
[0113] 515 channel in primary housing
[0114] 520 secondary housing
[0115] 530 first light emitting means (laser) [alternatively, a
first weight]
[0116] 540 second light emitting means (laser) [alternatively, a
second weight]
[0117] 550 threaded portion of first laser
[0118] 560 threaded portion of second laser
[0119] 570 bore hole
[0120] 580 bore hole
[0121] 590 threaded portion of bore hole 570
[0122] 600 threaded portion of bore hole 580
[0123] 610 upper end of primary housing
[0124] 620 lower end of primary housing
[0125] 630 first downwardly directed beam of light
[0126] 640 second downwardly directed beam of light
[0127] 650 third light emitting means [alternatively, a third
weight]
[0128] 660 upwardly directed beam of light
[0129] 670 threaded portion of third light emitting means
[0130] 680 threaded throughhole
[0131] 690 retainer
[0132] 700 spacer
[0133] 710 bracket for attachment to retainer
[0134] 720 switch for first light emitting means
[0135] 730 switch for second light emitting means
[0136] 740 keeper
[0137] 745 interior hole of keeper
[0138] 750 slot on keeper
[0139] 753 upper end of slot 750
[0140] 757 lower end stop of slot 750
[0141] 760 slot on keeper
[0142] 763 upper end of slot 760
[0143] 767 lower end stop of slot 760
[0144] 770 surface ridges on interior walls of primary housing
[0145] 773 surface ridge upper end 773
[0146] 777 space between surface ridge upper end and the upper end
of primary housing
[0147] 780 interior wall of primary housing
[0148] 790 bolt/retention means
[0149] 800 hole for bolt 790
[0150] 900 helical compression spring
[0151] 910 upper end of helical compression spring
[0152] 920 lower end of helical compression spring
[0153] 930 stop
[0154] 940 interior opening in stop
[0155] 950 wall against which lower end of spring is set
[0156] 1000 second preferred embodiment inventive apparatus
[0157] 1010 short shaft
[0158] 1020 weight
[0159] 1030 split grip assembly
[0160] 1040 fixed upper grip portion
[0161] 1050 slidable lower grip portion
[0162] 1060 spring
[0163] 1070 extension rod
[0164] 1080 retention means to adjust and secure weight
[0165] 1100 swing plane indicator boards
[0166] 1110 toe line
[0167] 1120 toe line inside edge
[0168] 1130 toe line outside edge
[0169] 1140 target line/clubhead line
[0170] 1150 target line inside edge
[0171] 1160 target line outside edge
[0172] 1170 first fabric strap
[0173] 1180 second fabric strap
[0174] 1190 spaced apart slots
[0175] 1200 distance between toe line and target line
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0176] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is
illustrated therein a new and improved golf swing training
apparatus, generally denominated 100 herein. FIGS. 9-14 illustrate
the method of using the inventive apparatus.
[0177] Collectively, FIGS. 1-8 show that the inventive apparatus
100 comprises a shaft 110 having a longitudinal axis 110a and
including a clubhead end 120 and a grip end 130.
[0178] Affixed to the clubhead end in a first preferred embodiment
is a weighted mass 140 of any type which will give the club swing
weight characteristics of a conventional golf clubhead. The mass
need not be a conventional club. In fact, because the present
invention is not intended for use in striking golf balls, it can be
little more than a weight adapted to provide clubhead mass, and its
particular shape is not essential to the training function of the
apparatus. The mass is preferably weighted so that when assembled
(but without added weight or light housings, described below), the
balance, overall weight, and swing weight characteristics do not
fall far outside the range of conventional clubs. If the mass is a
conventional clubhead, it may be either an iron head or a
(metal)wood head. If it is desired to provide increased weight to
train golf muscles, the present invention permits this option, as
more fully described below. An installed clubhead may be suited for
a right handed golfer or a left handed golfer, or it may have a
neutral or two sided loft such that the device is suitable for use
by right handed and left handed golfers alike.
[0179] Referring now to FIG. 3, the shaft 110 is preferably
generally cylindrical at its ends, but includes a non-cylindrical
medial portion 150 defined by a surface shape which is not
uniformly round, which portion is contiguous and integral with the
upper and lower cylindrical portions 160, 170, respectively, of the
shaft. Preferably the non-cylindrical portion comprises tubing
having the cross-sectional shape of a truncated cylinder 180
truncated on opposing sides (see FIGS. 3 and 5). However, any of a
number of alternative non-cylindrical cross-sectional shapes may be
employed, including square 182, triangular 184, figure-eight 186,
hexagonal (or polygonal generally) 188, round with channel 190, or
round with ridge 192. The non-cylindrical portion extends upwardly
from the geometric center 110c of the shaft at least as to the
lower end of the lower portion of the split grip (described infra);
it may, but need not, extend downwardly from the geometric center
of the shaft, as the length of the non-cylindrical portion defines
the useful range of movement of the slidable grip, and this, in
turn, is governed by the length of the shaft on which the
components of the system are assembled. In use, the non-cylindrical
shaft on the present invention prevents any rotation of the grip
portions as the hands separate and rejoin during swing drills.
[0180] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6-7, and especially to FIGS.
2 and 4, affixed to the grip end 130 of the shaft 110 is a hollow
split handle grip 200 having an fixed upper grip portion 210 having
an upper end 220 and a lower end 230; and a slidable/non-rotatable
lower grip portion 240 having an upper end 250 and a lower end 260.
The upper grip portion is for gripping with the non-dominant hand
in the golf swing (i.e., the left hand for a right-handed golfer,
and the right hand for a left-handed golfer). The lower grip
portion is adapted for gripping with the dominant hand (i.e., the
right hand for a right-handed golfer, and the left hand for a
left-handed golfer). Accordingly, the apparatus of the present
invention is adapted for use in teaching conventional swing
mechanics and would be ill-suited for teaching a cross-handed
technique.
[0181] At the lower end 230 of the upper grip portion is a
contoured upper grip expansion 270 having a thumb slot 280 oriented
so as to ensure proper upper (subordinate) hand positioning by the
golfer. Upper grip expansion 270 further includes a shield 290
behind which to position the thumb and the forefinger of the upper
hand and thereby to protect them from being pinched when the two
grip portions are joined after being separated during the swing.
Upper grip portion further includes a head 300 at its lower end
230, which is preferably rounded, and an opening 310, preferably
threaded, and adapted for receiving an expansible collar 320,
having threads matching those of opening 310, and having a
throughhole 330 for insertion and retention of an extendable
extension rod 340, adjustable with selective loosening and
tightening of collar 320.
[0182] Slidable/non-rotatable lower grip portion 240 includes a
contoured lower grip expansion 350 defining a recess or cup 360 for
receiving and coupling with the head 300 of upper grip expansion
270. Lower grip expansion 350 further includes an upper edge 370
which approximates the shield 290 of the upper grip portion when
the two grip portions are coupled. The lower grip expansion is
contoured to accommodate the small finger of the lower hand and
possibly a portion of the butt of the palm of the hand.
[0183] Again, referring particularly to FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B, the
cross-sectional shape of the upper grip portion interior wall 380
is substantially round, shaped to conform to the substantially
cylindrical shape of the shaft 110 at its upper end 130, while the
cross-sectional shape of the lower grip portion interior wall 390
is shaped to conform to the non-cylindrical portion 150 of the
shaft 110. As noted, the non-cylindrical portion of the shaft may
be any of a number of suitable cross-sectional shapes. The
functional objective of the conforming non-cylindrical shapes is to
prevent rotation or turning of the lower grip portion as it is slid
up and down the shaft during use.
[0184] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 5-7, and particularly to FIG.
5, interposed between lower grip portion 240 and clubhead 140 is a
slide-stop/laser housing assembly 500, which includes a primary
housing 510, and to which is attached secondary housing 520. The
primary housing is preferably U-shaped when viewed on end, thus
having a channel 515 extending the length of the housing and
defining at least one interior surface 780. It includes at least
one light emitting means, preferably first and second lasers 530,
540, each having a threaded portion 550, 560, and inserted into
bore holes 570, 580, each of which have threaded portions 590, 600,
and which extend from the upper end 610 to the lower end 620 of
primary housing. Light emitting means 530 and 540 generate first
and second downwardly directed beams of light, 630, 640, for
generating a beam of light downwardly toward and alongside either
side of clubhead 140 and substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis 110a of the shaft 110. Depending on which side the golfer
plays from, the golfer will generally elect to install one laser on
one side of the shaft to direct a beam either in front of or behind
the clubface, according to his or her preference. For all practical
purposes, using both first and second lasers simultaneously
provides no advantage over using one alone, and it is contemplated
that use of the apparatus will entail the use of only one
downwardly directed beam of light and only one upwardly directed
beam of light, either together or one at a time. It is generally
contemplated that golfers will elect to have the downward beam
directed in front of the clubface as this is the point of visual
focus and there is less physical clubhead mass in front of the
shaft than there is behind the shaft (this is particularly true of
woods/metal woods).
[0185] The secondary housing 520 includes third light emitting
means, preferably a third laser 650, which produces an upwardly
directed beam of light 660 directed upwardly toward and alongside
split handle grip 200. The third laser preferably includes a
threaded portion 670 adaptable for threadable insertion into a
throughhole 680, having a threaded portion (not shown) and which
extends the length of the secondary housing.
[0186] It should be noted that the present invention provides
considerable flexibility in exchanging weights for the light
emitting means, such that first, second, and third light emitting
means 530, 540, and 650, can be replaced with weights so that the
user can focus on swing muscle development, rather than swing plane
control. Accordingly, one or more of the light emitting means,
alone or in any combination, can be replaced with weights having
the same means of threadable insertion into the respective threaded
bore holes.
[0187] The primary housing 510 includes mounting means 690,
preferably a retainer having slots or openings, and secondary
housing means includes an integral arm or spacer 700 which
separates secondary housing 520 from the primary housing a distance
sufficient to allow the third beam of light 660 to pass by the
user's hands when in use. Spacer 700 includes fastening means,
preferably a quick-disconnect snap-fit plastic bracket 710 adapted
for attachment to retainer 690.
[0188] First, second, and third, light emitting means includes
first through third switches 720, 730, (third not shown) for
selective use of each light source. As an alternative to installing
light emitting means in any one of bore holes 570, 580, and 680,
the holes could be left empty, or a device other than a light could
be inserted, for example weighted material (weights). It is
contemplated that in use, some golfers at times will prefer working
with weights alone to train muscle strength and stamina, or to work
with weights in combination with one or more lights. Thus, any
combination of weights and lights, lights alone, or weights alone
can be employed, depending on the user's preferences. The weighted
material is preferably shaped identically to the illustrated lasers
and may be provided in a variety of masses, from only a few ounces
to well over a pound.
[0189] Mounted on the non-cylindrical shaft portion of shaft 110 is
a keeper 740, preferably substantially cuboidal and having
substantially rectangular sides, and having an interior hole 745
conforming in shape to the non-cylindrical surface of shaft 110.
Keeper 740 includes mounting means, preferably slots 750, 760, each
having an upper end opening 753, 763, and a lower end stop 757,
767, and each adapted for slidable coupling with complementary
surface ridges 770 disposed on the interior surface 780 of primary
housing 510. The surface ridges extend upwardly to a surface ridge
upper end 773 which leaves a space 777 between the surface ridge
upper end and the upper end 610 of primary housing.
[0190] The keeper further includes retention means, preferably a
bolt 790, threadably inserted into a hole 800 in the upper side of
the keeper. This provides a way to adjust and secure the position
of the keeper anywhere along the non-cylindrical portion of the
shaft.
[0191] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, 6-7, interposed between the lower end
260 of lower grip portion 240 and primary housing 510 is a biasing
means, preferably a helical compression spring 900, and more
preferably a helical compression spring with squared and ground
ends. The spring terminates at its upper end 910 at the lower end
260 of lower grip portion 240, and it terminates at its lower end
920 at a stop 930. Generally, the spring urges the lower grip
portion into contact with the upper grip portion as long as there
is no force present separating the grip portions from one
another.
[0192] Stop 930 is shaped and sized to nest within channel 515 and
space 777 of primary housing 510 (see esp. FIGS. 1, 5, and 7). Stop
930 includes an interior opening 940 having a spring-containing
portion shaped to allow insertion of at least a portion of the
terminal end of spring 900 so as to contain the end, and a
shaft-engaging portion having a shape conforming to the
non-cylindrical portion of shaft 110. The boundary of these two
portion is defined by a wall 950 against which the lower end of
spring 900 is set.
[0193] When assembled, primary housing 510 is mounted directly on
the keeper and thus indirectly on the shaft. To assemble the
slide-stop/laser housing assembly 500 on the shaft, the keeper 740
is first secured at a point along the shaft which defines the
length the user wishes to be able to extend the slidable lower grip
portion 240 during use. The stop 930 is then slid up the shaft,
compressing spring 900 to clear sufficient room to place the shaft
in the channel 515 of the primary laser hosing such that the
primary housing is between the stop 930 and the keeper 740. The
primary housing is then slid down over the keeper so that surface
ridges 770 engage slots 750, 760 and until stopped by stop ends
757, 767 of slots 750, 760. The stop 930 is then slid down until it
nests in space 777 and is substantially flush with the upper end
610 of primary housing 510. The spring is then allowed to press
against stop 930 and urge it to remain in place. Lights and/or
lasers may then be installed, if not already installed, according
to the user's preferences, as explained supra.
[0194] Referring now to FIG. 7, in use the golfer may slide lower
grip portion 240 a distance 960 as defined by the distance between
the lower end 260 of lower grip portion 240 and the stop 930, and
by the compressibility of spring 900.
[0195] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second preferred
embodiment 1000 of the swing training apparatus of the present
invention. This is the compact version of the inventive apparatus.
It is useful for practicing while traveling or in rooms with low
ceilings. A long shaft is replaced with a short shaft 1010 and
instead of the slide-stop/laser housing assembly, a weight 1020
and/or a laser (or other suitable light emitting means) is mounted
at the end of the shortened shaft. In this instance, the light
emitting means provides a beam of light substantially coaxially
with the longitudinal axis of the shaft. As with the first
preferred embodiment, a split grip assembly 1030 is provided,
including a fixed upper grip portion 1040 and a slidable lower grip
portion 1050. Spring 1060 is interposed between the grip and the
weight/laser, in the same manner that the spring is interposed
between the grip and the primary housing in the first preferred
embodiment. An adjustable extension rod 1070 may also be
provided.
[0196] When equipped with a weight, the weight includes retention
means 1080 to adjust the position of the weight on the shaft and
thereby to control the range of motion of the slidable lower grip
portion of the slidable lower grip.
[0197] The operation of the second preferred embodiment is
identical in every respect to that of the first preferred
embodiment, with the exception that light emitting means may be
used at the option of the user. The emphasis in this embodiment is
on training arm and wrist motions, rather than on swing plane
control.
[0198] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the swing plane indicator
boards (alignment boards) 1100 employed in connection with the
inventive swing training aid to provide a swing training method.
The alignment boards include a toe line 1110 having a toe line
inside edge 1120 and a toe line outside edge 1130. When in use, the
toe line outside edge is positioned immediately next to the toes of
the golfer.
[0199] The alignment boards further include a clubhead line (or
target line) board 1140, having a target line inside edge 1150 and
a target line outside edge 1160. The toe line and target line are
joined by flexible material, preferably first and second fabric
straps 1170, 1180 adjustably attached to each board through
spaced-apart slots 1190. The distance 1200 between the alignment
boards can be adjusted to accommodate golfers of different sizes
and golfers employing clubs of different lengths, thus causing the
user to stand further from or closer to the ball.
[0200] FIGS. 10-14 show the method of teaching swing mechanics and
swing plane control using the present inventive apparatus. FIG. 10
is a side perspective view showing a golfer G at address, holding
the swing training apparatus 100 of the present invention and
standing relative to a toe line and a target line employed in the
present inventive method. In this view, either the first beam of
light 630 (or the second beam of light, at the discretion of the
user) is shining directly on the target line.
[0201] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the golfer beginning
the swing takeaway. The first beam of light 630 (again,
alternatively, the second beam of light) is still directed at the
target line 1140. The golfer has not yet begun to slide the
slidable lower grip portion significantly away from upper grip
portion of the split grip.
[0202] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view showing the golfer with
his hands at approximately hip height in the backswing and
beginning to split his hands by sliding the slidable lower grip
portion 240 of the split grip 200 away from the fixed upper grip
portion 210, thereby causing spring 900 to compress as it is urged
against the stop nested within the primary housing 510. This view
also shows use of the extension rod 340 in conjunction with lasers
to assist in visualizing proper swing plane motion. Use of the
extension rod is particularly desirable in bright daylight
conditions, when it is difficult to see the light beams trace the
alignment boards.
[0203] It will be noted that at this point in the swing (after the
club has passed the parallel position in the backswing), the plane
line has shifted from the target line 1140 to the toe line 1110,
and third light beam 660 emitted from the laser in the secondary
housing is directed to the toe line, rather than the target line.
This marks the shift in plane lines discussed above, and
appreciation of this fact is a novel recognition in the world of
golf instruction; use of it as a controlling concept is also unique
in the world of golf instruction.
[0204] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the golfer shown in
FIG. 12, which is substantially the same as would be seen in a
golfer in the "wait hit" position in the downswing. In this view
the golfer's hands are separated to facilitate proper left arm
structure, maintain swing arc width, and induce proper wrist cock
in the backswing, or to maintain wrist cock, delay the release, and
maintain swing arc width in the downswing. Lower grip portion 240
is separated from upper grip portion 210, and spring 900 is partly
loaded, or compressed. Light beam 660 is directed at the toe line,
while light beam 630 is directed upwardly and is not directly
employed for plane control at this point.
[0205] It must be emphasized that use of the side-by-side parallel
lines, toe and target, provides a unique feature of the inventive
method. In most known swing plane teaching methods, it is generally
taught that the plane line remains in place at the target line.
More accurately, most purported swing plane training techniques do
not actually utilize the concept of a plane at all, but appear to
suggest that a line extending from the clubshaft would trace an arc
on the ground as it moved both back from the ball in the backswing
to toward the ball in the downswing and into impact (see, e.g., the
'592 patent to Laffer, discussed above). However, in the present
invention, the novel method entails tracking different plane lines
after the club passes the generally hip-height parallel position in
both the backswing and the downswing. In the backswing, once the
club has reached parallel, the wrists begin to cock and the line
traced by the third beam of light shifts from the target line to
the toe line. Then, after reaching the parallel position at the top
of the swing, the third beam of light (directed up the shaft toward
the hands) traces the toe line on the way down until the club
reaches parallel and the wrists uncock, when the first or second
beam of light (directed down the shaft) begins to trace the target
line and does so through and after impact.
[0206] FIG. 14 is a superimposed front perspective view showing
three positions of the golfer using the inventive apparatus in a
swing, including the top of the backswing, the position
approximately halfway into the downswing, and a point slightly
after impact. Using the principles set forth above, it will be
readily apparent how the light beams are employed throughout the
full swing to monitor and control the swing plane, and further how
the split grip is employed throughout the swing to facilitate
proper arm and wrist action and structure.
[0207] The inventive apparatus may be employed to teach swing
fundamentals in a novel way.
[0208] Pared down to its essential elements, the inventive
apparatus comprises a shaft having a longitudinal axis, a clubhead
end, and a grip end; a split-handled grip affixed to said grip end
with which a golfer holds said apparatus, said grip including a
fixed upper grip portion with an upper end and a lower end, and a
slidable lower grip portion having an upper end and a lower end,
said fixed upper grip portion for gripping with the non-dominant
hand in the golf swing and said slidable lower grip portion adapted
for gripping with the dominant hand; a weighted mass affixed to
said clubhead end, said weighted mass selected from the group
consisting of a golf clubhead and a weight; a primary housing
affixed to said shaft between said grip and said weighted mass and
having at least one throughhole for removable insertion of either
light emitting means or a swing weight; first light emitting means
removably inserted into one of the throughholes in said primary
housing for directing a first beam of light downwardly and toward
said clubhead end of said shaft and substantially parallel to said
longitudinal axis of said shaft; a secondary housing removably
attached to said primary housing, said secondary housing having a
throughhole for removable insertion of light emitting means; second
light emitting means removably inserted into the throughhole in
said secondary housing for directing a second beam of light
upwardly and toward said grip end of said shaft and substantially
parallel to said longitudinal axis of said shaft; and biasing means
interposed between said lower end of said slidable lower grip
portion and said primary housing, said biasing means urging said
slidable lower grip portion into contact with said fixed upper grip
portion when no force is applied to said slidable lower grip
portion to separate it from said fixed upper grip portion. The
position of the primary housing is adjustable on said shaft and
defines the range of possible motion of said slidable lower grip
portion.
[0209] The inventive teaching method comprises the steps of: (a)
providing the swing training apparatus as set out in the
immediately preceding paragraph; (b) adjusting the position of the
primary housing on the shaft; (c) installing the first light
emitting means in one of the throughholes in the primary housing;
(d) installing the second light emitting means in the throughhole
in the secondary housing; (e) switching on the first and second
light emitting means; (f) while holding the slidable lower grip
portion with the dominant hand and the fixed upper grip portion of
the non-dominant hand, addressing a pre-selected ball location and
aiming at a target; (g) executing the initial motions of the
backswing, and while so moving tracing the target line with the
downwardly directed beam of light until the shaft is parallel to
the plane of the ground; (h) continuing execution of the backswing,
and while so moving tracing the toe line with the upwardly directed
beam of light until the top of the backswing is reached; (i) during
either or both of steps (g) and (h), separating the slidable grip
portion from the fixed grip portion a desired distance; (j)
executing the initial motions of the downswing until the shaft is
parallel to the plane of the ground; (k) executing the wrist
uncocking phase of the downswing, and while so moving tracing the
target line with the downwardly directed beam of light to and
through impact until the shaft is parallel to the plane of the
ground; and (l) during either or both of steps (j) and (k), moving
the slidable lower grip portion closer to the fixed upper grip
portion so that as the weighted mass at the clubhead end of the
shaft passes through the ball location, the slidable lower grip
portion is in contact with the fixed upper grip portion.
[0210] As an alternative, the foregoing method may also including
the step of tracing the toe line with the upwardly directed beam of
light during step (j). As yet another alternative, the method of
may include the step of tracing the target line with the upwardly
directed beam of light during step (j).
[0211] A slightly less involved but nonetheless novel method of
teaching proper swing mechanics and swing plane compliance
comprises: (a) providing a golf swing training apparatus as
described above, but not having a split-handled grip; (b) providing
at least one pair of spaced-apart swing plane indicator lines
including a toe line and a target line; (c) installing first light
emitting means in one of the throughholes in the primary housing;
(d) installing second light emitting means in the throughhole in
the secondary housing; (e) switching on the first and second light
emitting means; (f) addressing a pre-selected ball location and
aiming at a target; (g) executing a backswing, and while so moving
tracing the target line with the downwardly directed beam of light
until the shaft is parallel to the plane of the ground; (h)
continuing execution of the backswing, and while so moving tracing
the toe line with the upwardly directed beam of light until the top
of the backswing is reached; (i) executing the initial motions of
the downswing until the shaft is parallel to the plane of the
ground; and (j) executing the wrist uncocking phase of the
downswing, and while so moving tracing the target line with the
downwardly directed beam of light to and through impact until the
shaft is parallel to the plane of the ground.
[0212] An alternative to the method described in the immediately
preceding paragraph would further include the step of tracing the
toe line with the upwardly directed beam of light during step (i).
Yet another alternative would entail tracing the target line with
the upwardly directed beam of light during step (i).
[0213] The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary
skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best
mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the
inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete
disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is
not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction,
dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described.
Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and
equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may
be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit
and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative
materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes,
forms, functions, operational features or the like. Additionally,
directional terms have been employed with the intention to simplify
the disclosure, and to that end a right-handed model has been used
to illustrate the inventive apparatus. However, it will be readily
appreciated that the present invention as described is perfectly
suitable for use by left-handed golfers as well without any
alteration of the functional or structural features of the
apparatus.
[0214] Therefore, the above description and illustrations should
not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *