U.S. patent application number 11/164305 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for golf swing training aid apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE LICENSING GROUP, INC.. Invention is credited to Christopher Paul Paredes, Charles B. Jr. Perez.
Application Number | 20060122000 11/164305 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36407769 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060122000 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Paredes; Christopher Paul ;
et al. |
June 8, 2006 |
GOLF SWING TRAINING AID APPARATUS
Abstract
A golf swing training apparatus includes an elongated shaft
having a clamp attached to an end thereof, which is adapted to be
removably attached to the shaft of a golf club so that the training
apparatus shaft and the golf club shaft are disposed in spaced
apart parallel relation. The training apparatus elongated shaft has
first and second shafts slidably disposed for telescopic length
adjustment.
Inventors: |
Paredes; Christopher Paul;
(Vacaville, CA) ; Perez; Charles B. Jr.; (Venice,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE
SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Assignee: |
THE LICENSING GROUP, INC.
12424 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1430
Los Angeles
CA
|
Family ID: |
36407769 |
Appl. No.: |
11/164305 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60629494 |
Nov 18, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/219 ;
473/226; 473/227; 473/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3638
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/219 ;
473/226; 473/227; 473/239 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36; A63B 53/06 20060101 A63B053/06 |
Claims
1. A golf swing training aid apparatus, comprising: an elongated
shaft; and a clamp attached to an end of the elongated shaft and
adapted to be removably attached to a shaft of a golf club such
that the elongated shaft and golf club shaft are disposed in spaced
apart and parallel relation to one another.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft is
adjustable in length.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the elongated shaft comprises
a telescopic shaft.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the telescopic shaft comprises
a first shaft slidably disposed within a second shaft, and means
for locking the first and second shafts relative to one
another.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the locking means comprises a
spring loaded pin extendable from the first shaft through an
aperture of the second shaft.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft includes a
grip at an end opposite to the clamp.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the clamp comprises an
attachment block having first and second jaws adapted to securely
grasp the golf club shaft therebetween.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first jaw is selectively
movable relative to the second jaw.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second jaw is formed
integrally with or fixed to the attachment block.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first jaw is operably
connected to a manual lever adapted to selectively move the first
jaw toward and away from the second jaw.
11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first and second jaws
include protective inserts.
12. The apparatus of claim 7, including weights removably
attachable to the attachment block.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the attachment block
includes apertures configured to removably receive the weights
therein.
14. A golf swing training aid apparatus, comprising: an adjustable
length shaft having a grip at one end thereof; and an attachment
block at an end of the shaft generally opposite the grip and
including first and second jaws adapted to removably lock onto a
shaft of a golf club such that the adjustable length shaft and the
golf club shaft are disposed in spaced apart and parallel relation
to one another.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the adjustable length shaft
comprises a telescopic shaft including a first shaft slidably
disposed within a second shaft, and means for locking the first and
second shafts relative to one another.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the locking means comprises
a spring loaded pin extendable from the first shaft through an
aperture of the second shaft.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first jaw is selectively
movable relative to the second jaw which is formed integrally with
or fixed to the attachment block.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first jaw is operably
connected to a manual lever adapted to selectively move the first
jaw toward and away from the second jaw.
19. The apparatus of claim 14, including weights removably
attachable to the attachment block.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the attachment block
includes apertures configured to removably receive the weights
therein.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to golfing devices.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a golf swing
training aid apparatus.
[0002] It is well-known for golfers to use swing trainers for aids
to develop consistency, strength, flexibility and club-head speed.
Typically, such aids are in the form of adding additional weight to
the golf club or providing a substituted weighted golf club which
is intended for training and strengthening, but not for hitting
balls.
[0003] There exist donut weights which are inserted over the shaft
of the golf club so as to rest on the club head. The golfer then
swings his or her club and the weight increases the golfer's
flexibility, strength and club head speed. However, such donuts and
the like have various disadvantages. For example, the donut can
slide along the shaft while swinging, creating a changing center of
gravity and creating an out of balance club which is awkward.
Moreover, the donut can damage the club by scratching the shaft or
damaging the club head to shaft connection as the weight is
typically disposed at the end of the club.
[0004] It is possible to weight existing golf clubs by attaching
metal tape, inserting sand or lead pellets into the shaft, etc.
However, this renders the club useless as an actual golf club, and
instead converts the club to a training aid. Moreover, in order to
have a driver swing aid as well as an iron swing aid requires the
conversion of two different clubs. Furthermore, most golfers are
not inclined to take the time and effort to convert old golf clubs
in this manner.
[0005] A weighted golf club referred to by the trademark
Momentus.TM. is well-known in the golfing industry. The
Momentus.TM. is a specially designed golf club which is heavier
than a normal golf club. While performing adequately well as a golf
club training and strengthening aid, it also has various drawbacks.
A golfer must purchase three different training clubs, i.e., a
driver, an iron and a putter at a cost of approximately $100.00
each. The training clubs are offered only in a single length which
is slightly shorter than a standard club, so as to swing above the
ground a few inches. However, this does not accommodate golfers of
various sizes. Moreover, an even shorter training club is offered
for indoor use.
[0006] There are instances when only the front arm (in the case of
a right-handed golfer, the left arm) is desired to be trained and
strengthened. For example, a golfer may injure this arm. Moreover,
this front arm is the arm which provides the strength and power to
the swing, the trailing arm merely holding the club so as to assist
in directing the club and also to maintain the balance of the
golfer. However, using such clubs as the Momentus.TM. training aid
or even a single modified golf club renders it very awkward to
train a single arm. The other arm is left to hang or flap
unnaturally as the golfer swings back and forth with the leading
arm.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a golf club
swing training aid which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior
art. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other
related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention resides in a golf swing training aid
apparatus which is usable with an existing golf club, whether the
golf club be a "wood", "iron" or "putter". The golf swing training
aid apparatus of the present invention is designed to accommodate
golfers of different sizes and strengths, while enabling the golfer
to use both arms in a natural manner.
[0009] The apparatus of the present invention generally comprises
an elongated shaft having a clamp attached to an end thereof. The
clamp is adapted to be removably attached to a shaft of a golf club
such that the shaft of the training aid and golf club shaft are
disposed and spaced apart in parallel relation to one another.
[0010] Typically, the elongated training aid shaft includes a grip
at an end thereof opposite the clamp. Preferably, the elongated
shaft is adjustable in length. For example, the elongated shaft may
comprise a telescopic shaft having a first shaft slidably disposed
within a second shaft. Means are provided for locking the first and
second shafts relative to one another, such as a spring loaded pin
extendable from the first shaft through an aperture of the second
shaft.
[0011] The clamp, in a particularly preferred embodiment, comprises
a block having first and second jaws adapted to securely grasp and
lock onto the golf club shaft. Typically, one jaw is formed
integrally with or fixed to the block, while the other jaw is
selectively movable toward and away from the other jaw. The movable
jaw is operably connected to a manual lever adapted to selectively
move the first jaw toward and away from the second jaw. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second jaws
include protective inserts so as not to damage the golf club
shaft.
[0012] The block may be weighted, or includes weights removably
attachable thereto. For example, the block may include apertures
configured to removably receive weights therein.
[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a golf swing
training aid apparatus, attached to a golf club in accordance with
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a block of the training aid,
with a clamp thereof in a closed and locked position.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, but
illustrating the clamp in an unlocked and open position.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
4-4 of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
5-5 of FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of the block
of the present invention incorporating a vertical pin and weight to
selectively modify the weight of the apparatus of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of another block of the
present invention, illustrating the use of weighted screws, in
accordance with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a partially fragmented and exploded perspective
view of yet another block illustrating yet another manner of
selectively modifying the weight of the training aid apparatus.
[0023] FIG. 9 is an environmental perspective view similar to FIG.
1, showing another golf swing training aid apparatus embodying the
present invention connected to a golf club.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of area "1 0" of
FIG. 9.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a partially fragmented perspective view of the
training aid apparatus of FIGS. 9 and 10, in an open position.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 11, but
illustrating the training aid apparatus in a closed position.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the training aid
apparatus of FIG. 12.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
14-14 of FIG. 11.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
15-15 of FIG. 12.
[0030] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the telescoping
shaft shown in FIG. 9.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
17-17 of FIG. 16, illustrating a spring pin stop used in adjusting
the length of the telescoping shaft.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] As shown in the accompanying drawings for purposes of
illustration, the present invention resides in a golf club swinging
aid apparatus, generally referred to by the reference number 10 in
FIGS. 1-8 and by the reference number 68 in FIGS. 9-15. The
apparatus 10, 68 is attachable to a shaft 12 of an existing golf
club 14. Thus, the golfer can attach the apparatus 10 or 68 of the
present invention to any existing golf club 14 owned by the golfer
without having to purchase several swing training aids. As will be
more fully discussed herein, the apparatus 10 of the present
invention also enables the golfer to train and strengthen one arm,
while swinging the other arm in a natural manner.
[0033] With reference to FIG. 1, the training aid apparatus 10 of
the present invention is illustrated as attached to a driver or
"wood" golf club 14. As is well-known in the art, golf clubs
typically include a shaft 12 comprised of metal or composite
materials. The length of the shaft 12 depends upon the skill and
height of the golfer and varies between golfers. At one end of the
shaft 12 is disposed a club head 16. At the opposite end of the
shaft 12 is a handle 18, typically in the form of a leather or
synthetic grip.
[0034] With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the training aid
apparatus 10 of the present invention is comprised of an attachment
block 20 attachable to the shaft 12 of the user's golf club 14. An
elongated training aid handle or shaft 22 extends upwardly from the
block 20 in spaced-apart relation with respect to the shaft 12 and
grip 18 of the golf club 14. Preferably, the training aid apparatus
10 also includes a grip 24, typically leather or synthetic material
or other grip material known in the golf industry. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, as will be described more fully
herein, the shaft 22 is adjustable in length so as to accommodate
golfers of different heights.
[0035] With reference now to FIGS. 2-5, the attachment block 20
includes a clamp 26 for removably attaching the training aid
apparatus 10 to the shaft 12 of the user's golf club 14. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the clamp 26
includes a fixed jaw 28 which is formed with the block 20, and a
slidable jaw 30 which is selectively movable toward and away from
the fixed jaw 28. In this manner, shafts 12 of different diameter
can be accommodated. Preferably, protective inserts 32 and 34 line
the inside of the jaws 28 and 30 so as not to scratch, mar or
otherwise damage the surface of the golf club shaft 12. In the
event that such inserts 32 and 34 are comprised of elastomeric
material, they can also facilitate the gripping of the golf club
shaft 12 by the clamp 26.
[0036] The slidable jaw 30 can be moved into a locked position
using any known means. In a particularly preferred embodiment, as
illustrated, the inner or slidable jaw 30 is connected to a rod 36
that slides within a passageway 38 of the attachment block.
[0037] The slidable jaw 30 can be moved toward and away from the
fixed jaw 28 by any well-known means. For example, a cam lever 40
operably attached to the end of rod 36 may be pivoted upwardly to
slide jaw 30 toward jaw 28, and downwardly to move the jaw 30 away
from the jaw 28. The end of the cam lever 40 adjacent to the
housing 20 can include an irregular or cam surface so as to
effectuate the movement of the rod 36 as such. Alternatively or in
addition thereto, a compression spring (not shown) can be disposed
within passageway 38 so as to surround rod 36 and bias the jaw 28
toward the fixed jaw 28. The cam lever 40 would then be used to
pull the rod 36 toward the end of the housing toward the cam lever
40 and away from jaw 28 in order to release the golf club shaft 12.
Of course, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
other manual means of slidably moving jaw 30 toward and away from
jaw 28 are feasible and contemplated by the present invention. In
fact, the jaws 28 and 30 may both be movable, or another clamping
arrangement provided. The important aspect of the present invention
is that the golf club shaft 12 can be removably received by the
training aid apparatus 10 such that the elongated shaft 22 of the
apparatus 10 and the golf club shaft 12 are spaced apart from one
another in a generally parallel relationship so that the golfer's
hands can grasp both grip 18 of the golf club 14 and the grip 24 of
the training aid apparatus 10 and make a swinging motion.
[0038] The attachment block 20 is of sufficient length so as to
create a space between the grips 18 and 24 of the golf club 14 and
the training aid apparatus 10 such that a golfer can grasp each
grip 18 and 24 comfortably. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
attachment block 20 also includes an aperture 42 which is designed
to receive the end of the elongated shaft 22 of the training aid
apparatus 10. A set screw 44 or the like may be used to removably
insert the shaft 22, such that shafts of different lengths can be
accommodated by the training aid apparatus 10 to accommodate
golfers of different heights. Alternatively, as will be more fully
discussed herein, the shaft 22 is adjustable in length, such as
being telescopic in nature so as to accommodate golfers of
different heights.
[0039] With reference now to FIG. 6, the training aid apparatus 10
of the present invention is further capable of having a modifiable
weight, so as to serve to increase the strength and swing speed of
the golfer. In one embodiment of the present invention, an aperture
46 is formed in the attachment block 20, which is designed to
receive a pin 48. One or more ring weights 50 accept the pin 48
therethrough. A head 52 of the pin 48 is of enlarged diameter so as
to contact the upper surface of the uppermost ring weight 50. The
pin 48 may be threadedly received within the attachment block 20
or, as illustrated, a thumb screw 54 or the like is extended
through the block 20 and into contact with the pin 48 to hold the
pin 48 in place. The amount of weight of the apparatus 10 is
modified by adding additional ring weights 50, or ring weights 50
of increasing weight substituted for those of lesser weight.
[0040] With reference now to FIG. 7, yet another attachment block
20' is illustrated which is similar to that described above, with
the exception that internally threaded aperture 56 is formed in the
block 20'. Externally threaded bolts 58 and 60 can be threadedly
inserted into the aperture 56 so as to supply weight to the block
20'. The weight can be altered by removing a bolt 58 or 60 and
substituting a bolt of greater or lesser weight. The bolt may be
comprised of different materials, or an upper unthreaded portion of
the bolt can be enlarged so as to supply additional weight thereto,
as illustrated in FIG. 7. It will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that the upper ends of the bolts 58 and 60 can include
beveled edges to facilitate manual insertion or insertion by a
wrench or the like, or include a socket so as to be threaded into
the block 20' by a screwdriver or the like.
[0041] With reference now to FIG. 8, yet another block 20'' is
illustrated. In this embodiment, a series of slots are formed in
the block 20''. Weights 64, such as the illustrated ring weight,
are selectively inserted into the slot 62. A pin 66 or the like is
inserted through an aperture 68 of the block 20'' and through the
aligned apertures of the one or more weights 64 so as to retain
them in place within the block 20''. Weights 64 can be added or
removed as necessary in order to increase or lessen the weight of
the apparatus 10.
[0042] In use, the golfer's golf club 14 is attached to the
apparatus 10 by inserting the golf club shaft 12 into the clamp 26
of the training aid apparatus 10 and moving jaw 28 toward jaw 30
and into a closed and locking position around the shaft 12.
Typically, the attachment block 20 is attached to the golf club
shaft 12 at a level wherein the grips 18 and 24 of the training aid
apparatus 10 and golf club 14 are generally aligned with one
another. However, it will be realized that the training aid
apparatus 10 can be positioned along any length of the golf club
shaft 12 as desired. Weight is added to or removed from the block
20-20'', as discussed above. The golfer then grasps each grip 18
and 24 and swings the golf club 14 and training aid apparatus 10.
The training aid apparatus 10 of the present invention improves the
flexibility in the golfer's arms, shoulders and back. The weighted
apparatus 10 also provides strength training for the golfer's
hands, arms, shoulders and back--the important muscles of the golf
swing. Increasing the club weight also aids the golfer in improving
his club head speed, which can improve the distance the ball is hit
with a regular golf club. As the golfer is able to swing both arms,
balance and feel of the golf swing is mimicked.
[0043] With reference now to FIGS. 9-15, another training aid
apparatus 68 embodying the present invention is illustrated. The
general purpose and function of this apparatus 68 is similar to
that illustrated and described above, namely, providing a golf
swing training aid attachable to a golf club 14. Although a "wood"
golf club 14 is illustrated in FIG. 9, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the golf club 14 could alternatively be an
iron or event a putter. The training aid apparatus 68 includes an
elongated shaft 70, which is preferably adjustable in length, as
will be more fully described herein. One end of the shaft 70
includes a handle in the form of a grip 72, such as leather wrap or
traditional golf grip. An attachment block 74 defining a clamping
mechanism is attached to the other end of the shaft 70.
[0044] With reference now to FIGS. 16 and 17, although the shafts
22 and 70 illustrated and described above may be removably attached
to the attachment blocks 20 and 74, respectively, such that shafts
of different lengths to accommodate different golfers can be
provided, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the shaft 70 is
adjustable in length. In a particularly preferred embodiment, as
illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the shaft 70 is of a telescopic
nature. That is, a first shaft 76 having a first diameter is
slidably received into a second shaft 78 of a larger internal
diameter, as illustrated. A guide 80 may be disposed at the end of
the second shaft 78 for facilitating the insertion and slidable
movement of the first shaft 76 with respect to the second shaft 78.
A depressible button or pin 82 extends through an aperture of the
first shaft 76. The pin 82 is biased outwardly by a spring 84
disposed within the first shaft 76. The second shaft includes a
plurality of spaced apart apertures 86 sized to receive the pin 82
therethrough when aligned with the depressed pin 82. This locks the
first shaft 76 relative to the second shaft 78. In order to adjust
the length, the user manually pushes the pin 82 into the first
shaft 76, and slides the first and second shafts 76 and 78 relative
to one another until the desired length is achieved. The pin 82
then extends outwardly through a selected aperture of the second
shaft 78 so as to lock the first and second shafts 76 and 78
relative to one another. Of course, it will be appreciated that
other means of providing a shaft of adjustable length which can be
selectively locked in place are also contemplated by the present
invention.
[0045] With reference again now to FIGS. 9-15, the clamp 74
includes a block 88 attached to the shaft 70 and defining a first
fixed jaw 90. A second jaw 92 is slidably movable relative to the
first jaw 90 so as to clamp or lock a golf club shaft 12, as
illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0046] A manual lever 94 is operably connected to the slidable jaw
92 such that as it is actuated, the jaw 92 moves toward and away
the fixed jaw 90. More particularly, a pin 96 extends through the
block 88 and the first jaw 92. The manual lever 94 is rotatably
attached to an end of the pin 96 adjacent to a surface of the jaw
92. The end of the lever 98 adjacent to the slidable jaw 92
includes a beveled or cam exterior surface which engages with the
jaw 92 as the lever 94 is pivoted so as to slide the jaw 92 either
toward or away from the fixed jaw 90 of block 88, as illustrated.
More particularly, as the lever 94 is lifted upwardly, the cam
surface 98 engaged the jaw 90 to and causes it to move away from
fixed jaw 90, so as to permit a golf club shaft 12 to be inserted
or removed between the jaws 90 and 92, as illustrated in FIG. 14.
However, as the lever 94 is moved downwardly, or toward block 88,
the cam surface 98 engages the jaw 92 and causes it to slide toward
the fixed jaw 90, to clamp and lock into place a golf club shaft
12, as illustrated in FIG. 15. An elongated aperture or slit 100
formed in the jaw 92 permits this movement relative to pin 96. The
jaw 92 may include an insert 102, or otherwise be machined at the
location abutting the cam surface 98, so as to engage the cam
surface 98 and facilitate the sliding movement. Moreover, the jaw
92 preferably includes guides 104 and 106 which extend over top and
bottom edges of the block 88 and facilitate the sliding movement of
jaw 92.
[0047] Although two clamps 20 and 74 have been illustrated and
described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the important aspect of the clamps 20 and 74 is the
removable grasping of the golf club shaft 12 to the training aid
apparatus 10 or 68 in such a manner that the golf club shaft 12 is
spaced apart from and generally parallel to the shafts 22 or 70 of
the apparatus 10 or 68. Thus, clamps of varying configurations are
contemplated by the present invention. The important aspects of the
present invention are that the golfer can grasp the grip 18 of the
golf club 14 and the grip 24 or 72 of the apparatus 10 or 68, and
swing with both hands. The training aid apparatus 10 or 68 may be
so as to improve flexibility and strength in the golfer's hand,
arms, shoulders and back. Of course, it will be realized by those
skilled in the art that the increased weight also aids the golfer
in improving his or her club head speed, which can improve the
distance the ball is hit with a regular golf club.
[0048] Although several embodiments have been described in detail
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the
appended claims.
* * * * *