U.S. patent application number 11/706085 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for golf swing muscle strengthener.
Invention is credited to Thomas Joseph Berryman.
Application Number | 20070161470 11/706085 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38233396 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070161470 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berryman; Thomas Joseph |
July 12, 2007 |
Golf swing muscle strengthener
Abstract
A golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus (90) for
strengthening the muscles used in the downswing of the golf swing.
The apparatus includes a swing plane adjustment element (50)
secured at an adjustably elevated position above the ground by a
frame element (20) and support arm element (40). The swing plane
adjustment element (50) houses a swing arm assembly (70) adjustable
to various swing plane positions. The swing arm assembly (70) is
operatively coupled to a resistance means, and has a swing arm (63)
shaped to circumvent the golfer's upper torso and head. The swing
arm (63) exhibits pivotal rotation around a central axis of
rotation and has a pad element (80) attached at its distal end for
accepting the golfer's forearm. The golfer's forearm presses
against the pad element (80) at the peak of the backswing, and
rotates the swing arm assembly (70) during the downswing phase of
the golf swing.
Inventors: |
Berryman; Thomas Joseph;
(Stroudsburg, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas J. Berryman
400 Plaza Court, Suite B
East Stroudsburg
PA
18301
US
|
Family ID: |
38233396 |
Appl. No.: |
11/706085 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11004307 |
Dec 3, 2004 |
|
|
|
11706085 |
Feb 13, 2007 |
|
|
|
10286537 |
Nov 2, 2002 |
|
|
|
11004307 |
Dec 3, 2004 |
|
|
|
60338051 |
Nov 3, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/94 ;
482/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20130101;
A63B 69/3621 20200801; A63B 21/00072 20130101; A63B 69/3623
20130101; A63B 2225/093 20130101; A63B 15/00 20130101; A63B 21/4047
20151001; A63B 69/36212 20200801; A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B
2208/0204 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101;
A63B 69/3661 20130101; A63B 21/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/094 ;
482/100 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. A golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus for exercising the
most active upper body golf swing muscles of an exercising golfer
while providing unrestricted freedom of movement to said exercising
golfer's wrists, hands, and golf club, said apparatus comprising:
(a) a swing arm assembly comprising a swing arm member and a shaft
member for rotation by said exercising golfer; (b) a support arm
element; (c) a swing plane adjustment element comprising a body
being hinged to said support arm element for providing a plurality
of swing plane angle positions of said swing arm assembly, an
adjustment lever for adjusting the swing plane angle of said body
and said swing arm assembly to accommodate said swing plane angle
of said exercising golfer, and a shaft housing extending from said
body for supporting rotation of said shaft member; (d) said shaft
member comprising a proximal shaft, mid-shaft and distal shaft,
said proximal shaft protruding out of said shaft housing, said
mid-shaft supported within said shaft housing for rotation about a
central axis of rotation, said distal shaft extending from said
shaft housing and aligned to said swing arm member; (e) said swing
arm member comprising a proximal swing arm segment shaped to
circumvent said exercising golfer's upper torso and head, and a
distal swing arm segment attached to said proximal swing arm
segment for aligning parallel to a leading forearm of said
exercising golfer; (g) a pad element comprising an extension bar
attached to said distal swing arm segment of said swing arm
assembly, and a pad member mounted on said extension bar for
accepting said leading forearm of said exercising golfer. (h) a
resistance means operatively coupled to said swing arm assembly for
providing a resistance force to resist rotation of said swing arm
assembly during said downswing by said exercising golfer. (l) a
frame element.
2. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said pad member being rotatable on said extension bar
and along said leading arm of said exercising golfer for
accommodating any swing path deviations of said exercising golfer
from a perfectly circular swing path of said pad element.
3. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said pad member being slidable on said extension bar for
accommodating a ninety degree rotation of said leading arm of said
exercising golfer during said downswing.
4. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said pad member having a cylindrical shape.
5. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said pad member having a truncated cone shape.
6. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said pad member having a rectangular shape.
7. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said pad member having an outer, concave contour for
maintaining said exercising golfer's leading forearm position.
8. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein: (a) said swing arm member being rigidly attached to
said shaft member; (b) said shaft member further comprising a
non-circular shaft extension rigidly attached to said proximal
shaft; (c) said swing plane adjustment element further comprising a
stabilization rod rigidly attached to said body and aligned
parallel to said non-circular shaft extension; (d) said resistance
means being a torsion disc operatively coupled to said non-circular
shaft extension and said stabilization rod for providing a
resistance force to resist rotation of said shaft member and said
swing arm member.
9. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
8, wherein said torsion disc further comprising: (a) a plurality of
peripheral holes aligned to fit into said stabilization rod for
stabilizing said torsion disc against rotation. (b) a central
non-circular aperture that fits said non-circular shaft extension
for holding said shaft member and said swing arm assembly in a
selected starting position, and for providing a resistance force to
resist rotation of said shaft member and said swing arm assembly by
said exercising golfer;
10. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said swing arm assembly further comprising: (a) a wheel
member comprising a proximal side and a distal side; (b) said
proximal side connecting to said distal shaft member; (c) said
distal side connecting to said swing arm member.
11. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
10, wherein: (a) said shaft member being rigidly, centrally and
nonrotatably attached to said proximal side of said wheel member;
(b) said swing arm member being rigidly, centrally and nonrotatably
attached to said distal side of said wheel member; (c) said wheel
member having a plurality of evenly spaced pairs of circumferential
apertures; (d) said resistance means operatively coupled to said
pair of circumferential apertures of said wheel member.
12. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
11, wherein said resistance means further comprising: (a) a U-bolt
rigidly attached to an anterior surface of said body of said swing
plane adjustment element; (b) An elastic band originating from said
U-bolt and being attached to the selected pair of said
circumferential apertures on said wheel member for holding said
swing arm in a selected starting position and for providing a
resistance force to resist rotation of said swing arm assembly by
said exercising golfer.
13. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
10, wherein: (a) said wheel member further comprising a central
opening and a plurality of mid-radius apertures; (b) said proximal
swing arm segment having a selector pin for inserting into one of
the said mid-radius apertures on said wheel member for placing said
swing arm member into a selected starting position; (c) said distal
shaft member passing through said central opening of said wheel
member and being rigidly connected to said proximal swing arm
segment so that said wheel member being rotatable from said shaft
member and said swing arm member; (d) said resistance means
operatively coupled to said wheel member.
14. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
13, wherein said resistance means further comprising: (a) a
plurality of weight plates; (b) a plurality of pulley units; (c) a
cable originating from said weight plates, guided by said pulley
units, and attached onto said wheel member for providing a
resistance force to resist rotation of said swing arm assembly by
said exercising golfer.
15. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
10, wherein: (a) said wheel member further comprising a socket
extending from said distal side and a plurality of mid-radius
apertures; (b) said swing arm member further comprising a truncated
shaft and a selector pin on said proximal swing arm segment; (c)
said truncated shaft being housed within said socket of said wheel
member for rotatably connecting said swing arm member to said wheel
member; (d) said selector pin aligned for inserting into one of
said mid-radius apertures for locking said swing arm into a
selected backswing starting position; (e) said shaft member being
rigidly, centrally, and nonrotatably attached to said proximal side
of said wheel member; (f) said resistance means being a hydraulic
or pneumatic resistance generating unit.
16. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
15, wherein said hydraulic or pneumatic resistance generating unit
further comprising: (a) a body rigidly connected to said swing
plane adjustment element; (b) an input operatively coupled to said
proximal shaft for providing a resistance force to resist rotation
of said shaft member and said swing arm assembly by said exercising
golfer.
17. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1 wherein said swing arm member having an approximate S-shape for
circumventing said exercising golfer's upper torso and head.
18. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said swing arm member having an approximate L-shape for
circumventing said exercising golfer's upper torso and head.
19. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said swing arm member having an approximate J-shape for
circumventing said exercising golfer's upper torso and head.
20. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said proximal swing arm segment having a slider and knob
screw for slidably adjusting and tightening said distal swing arm
segment to accommodate for various golfer arm lengths;
21. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said swing plane adjustment element having a fixation
means.
22. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
21, wherein said swing plane adjustment element fixation means
comprising: (a) a semi-circular member rigidly attached to said
swing plane adjustment element; (b) a plurality of apertures within
said semi-circular member; (c) a swing plane pin rigidly attached
to said support arm member for inserting into one of said plurality
of apertures for fixating said swing plane adjustment element to
said support arm element in a selected swing plane angular
position;
23. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
21, wherein said swing plane adjustment element fixation means
comprising: (a) a square tube slider hinged to said swing plane
adjustment element; (b) a short apertured square tubing hinged to
said support arm member and slidable within said square tube
slider; (c) a plurality of apertures within said short apertured
square tubing; (d) a swing plane pin rigidly attached to said
square tube slider for inserting into one of said plurality of
apertures for fixating said square tube slider to said short
apertured square tubing and for fixating said swing plane
adjustment element to said support arm member in a selected swing
plane angular position.
24. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
21, wherein said swing plane adjustment element fixation means
comprising a screw jack originating from said adjustment lever and
inserting on said support arm element for changing and fixating
said swing plane adjustment element in a selected angular
position.
25. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said support arm element comprising: (a) a support arm
member; (b) a hinge for providing elevational and lowering motion
of said support arm member; (c) a fixation means for fixating said
support arm member in a selected height position for accommodating
various golfer heights.
26. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
25, wherein said support arm fixation means comprising: (a) an
arcuate member; (b) a plurality of apertures on said arcuate
member; (c) a height selector pin on said frame for inserting into
said arcuate member aperture for fixating said support arm member
in said selected height position;
27. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
25, wherein said support arm fixation means comprising: (a) a
square tube attached to said frame element; (b) a long apertured
square tubing slidable within said square tube and attached to said
support arm member; (c) a plurality, of apertures on said long
apertured square tubing; (d) a height selector pin on said square
tube for inserting into said aperture of said long apertured square
tubing for fixating said support arm in said selected height
position.
28. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
25, wherein said support arm fixation means comprising a screw jack
inserting on said support arm member and originating on said frame
element for changing and fixating said support arm member in said
selected height position.
29. The golf swing muscle strengthener apparatus according to claim
1, wherein said pad element having a multi-plane element
comprising: (a) a base attached to said swing arm member; (b) a
hinge platform hingedly attached to said base and rigidly attached
to said pad element; (c) a fully threaded-bolt hingedly attached to
said base and said hinge platform; (d) a knob for rotating said
bolt creating various angular positions of said hinge platform and
said pad element for accommodating the increasing vertical planar
changes of said golfer's leading arm during said downswing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a second continuation in part of Ser.
No. 10/286,537 filed Nov. 2, 2002, now abandoned. The first
continuation in part application is Ser. No. 11/004,307 filed Dec.
3, 2004. This application is also entitled to the benefit of
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/338,051, filed Nov. 3,
2001.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention relates to golf, specifically to a resistance
exercise apparatus for strengthening the muscles used in the golf
swing.
[0004] 2. Discussion of Prior Art
[0005] The golf swing is complex in that it requires strength but
also coordinated precision and timing. The larger shoulder, torso,
and back muscles initiate the club's acceleration and momentum with
the downswing. As the club head approaches the ball, the number of
muscles involved in the downswing increases. Specifically, the
smaller forearm, wrist, and hand muscles join the larger muscles to
continue the club head's acceleration, momentum, and centrifugal
force as it approaches ball contact. Additionally, these smaller
muscles guide the club head to the ball and square the club face to
the intended direction at ball contact. This coordinated procession
of increased muscle activity as the club approaches the ball
requires exceptional timing and feel that can only be attained by
repetitive swinging of the golf club. Repetition brings familiarity
with the club's weight, length, construction, response to ball
contact, and response to ground contact creating what is known as
"feel" for the club. Any minor extrinsic force, pressure,
restriction, or positional change can disrupt the coordination and
timing of this precise muscular activity resulting in an errant
golf shot. This is the reason why hitting good golf shots
consistently is so difficult.
[0006] Many different golf exercising and strengthening devices can
be found in the prior art. Unfortunately, in their efforts to align
the golfer's swing path, improve posture and mechanics, or increase
strength and swing speed, they apply external pressures, force
positional disruptions, and cause movement restrictions that alter
the timing and feel of the golf swing. These devices hinder rather
than help with the development of learned muscle activity necessary
for making good consistent golf swings and ball contact.
[0007] Examples of golf swing strengthening apparatus include
Moller's U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,657, Master's U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,002,
Kiehl's U.S. Pat. No. 4,326,718, La Mothe's U.S. Pat. No.
5,125,882, Hart's U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,402, Otter's U.S. Pat. No.
5,158,299, Hundley's U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,344, Lee's U.S. Pat. No.
5,284,464, and Raynak's U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,146. Each of these
apparatus creates it's resistance against the golf club or
simulated golf club. The extrinsic force applied to the golf club
disturbs the precise muscular activity that occurs when swinging
the golf club freely. It places excessive tension across the hands,
wrists, and forearms causing premature and excessive activity of
these muscles resulting in altered timing and feel. Repetitive
practice with these devices makes it more difficult to execute the
appropriate and timely procession of muscle activity needed to
swing the free golf club correctly.
[0008] Moller's device (U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,657), Raynak's device
(U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,146) and Hundley's device (U.S. Pat. No.
5,242,344) restrict the natural golf swing in another way.
Kinematic analysis of professional golfer's swings reveal that the
shape of the golf swing as outlined by the golfer's hands and club
head is not truly circular. Instead, it is slightly oblong. The
above three apparatus have a swing arm fixed at a certain length
that rotates around a central pivot point, and is attached to the
simulated golf club at a certain fixed point. This arrangement
forces a perfectly circular and unnatural swing. Hundley attempts
to solve this problem by offering a second handle structure to his
apparatus that allows some sliding of the simulated golf club
relative to the swing arm so that there is some independence from
the completely circular motion of the swing arm. This second handle
structure, however, only allows the club to slide in one direction
relative to the swing arm path rather than both directions.
Therefore, the club is not totally independent of the swing arm's
perfectly circular motion. The result will be an impeded and
unnatural golf swing.
[0009] Other prior inventions disclosed for golf training and
exercise include Dagenais's U.S. Pat. No. 6,174,270, and Wolfs U.S.
Pat. No. 6,013,013. These inventions focus on improving axial
skeletal rotation and flexibility. Wolfs device includes a
resistance means for strengthening the muscles of the axial
skeleton used in the golf swing. Neither of these devices, however,
allow the golfer to assume a natural golf swing position with
respect to the golfer's arms and hands. The golfer cannot hold or
swing the golf club using these apparatus because the arms and
hands are separated. These devices also limit the movement of the
arms at the shoulder joint. They make the arms move with the torso
and shoulders but not independent from them. These positional and
movement limitations reduce the function of many important
upper-body muscles used in the golf swing. The most important
muscles affected are the subscapularis, the latissimus dorsi, and
the pectoralis major. These three muscles have been found to be the
most active upper-body muscles used in the golf swing. Each of
these muscles originates in the upper torso, crosses the shoulder
joint, and inserts onto the humerus or upper arm bone.
Translational and rotational movement of the humerus independent
from upper torso and shoulder rotation activates these muscles.
These muscles are active in the golf swing because the arms exhibit
significant translational and rotational motion separate from upper
torso and shoulder rotation. The inactivity of the golfer's arms
using Wolfs and Dagenais's apparatus results in compromised
resistance training of these important golf swing muscles.
[0010] In summary, the apparatus listed above that attach directly
to the golf club or simulated golf club create unnatural tension on
the hands, wrists and forearms and disrupt the "feel" of the freely
swung golf club. Some of these devices also force an unnatural
perfectly circular swing path. The other devices listed above that
focus on axial skeletal muscle training do not permit the golfer to
position the arms in a manner similar to a typical golf set-up
position. They also don't permit the arms to swing or even move
independent from the shoulders and upper torso. These devices are
ineffective in training the upper body's most active golf swing
muscles.
[0011] A 2005 article entitled "A three dimensional examination of
the planar nature of the golf swing" by authors Coleman and Rankin
shows that the lead arm in the golf swing steepens or becomes more
vertical as the downswing progresses. None of the apparatus
discussed above addresses this golf swing characteristic.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention solves the aforementioned problems.
The present invention provides resistance strength training for the
largest, most active, upper-body muscles used in the golf swing. It
does not, however, impede the normal activity of the smaller,
forearm, wrist, and hand muscles nor does it disrupt the natural
"feel" of the golf club. It accomplishes this by providing
resistance without attaching to the golfer's golf club. Instead, it
provides resistance against the golfer's leading forearm as shown
in FIGS. 2 and 4. It employs a swing arm assembly that exhibits
pivotal rotation around a central axis when the swing arm is
rotated. The swing arm has an extension bar that extends out toward
the golfer and supports a pad member. The pad member is typically
cylindrical and has a hyperbolic shape designed to accept the
golfer's leading forearm. When the golfer exercises with this
apparatus, the golfer begins in a fully extended back swing
position with the leading forearm placed against the cylindrical
pad. As the golfer initiates the downswing the leading forearm
applies pressure to the cylindrical pad, which rotates the swing
arm assembly against a means of resistance. When the golfer
finishes the downswing and reaches the ball contact position, he or
she then relaxes and allows the resistance to push the arms back up
to the peak of the back swing. The downswing is then repeated.
Since there is no attachment to the golf club, there is no excess
tension across the hands, wrists or forearms, and the club feels
the same regardless of whether the golfer is using the apparatus or
swinging the club freely. Therefore, the natural "feel" of the golf
club is not lost when using this apparatus.
[0013] The present invention also effectively strengthens the
subscapularis, latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, and other
active, upper-body, golf swing muscles. It does so by focusing on
translational motion of the arms during the downswing phase of the
golf swing, and by providing a means of resistance to the swing arm
assembly. Translational motion of the arms in the downswing
accelerates the club and requires significant muscular activity.
The downswing begins at the peak of the back swing and ends at the
ball contact position. At the peak of the back swing the shoulders
have rotated 90 degrees, but the arms have rotated back even
further. Some golfers can reach 180 degrees with their back swing
arm rotation. With the downswing, the arms must travel further and
faster than the shoulders to "catch up" to them by the time the
club reaches the ball contact position. The arms travel further and
faster than the shoulders because of the activity of the
subscapularis, latissimus dorsi, and pectoralis major muscles. The
resistance applied by the swing arm assembly against the golfer's
translational arm motion during the downswing strengthens these
important muscles.
[0014] In addition to translational motion the arms also exhibit
rotational motion with the downswing. At the peak of the back swing
the posterior aspect of the leading hand and it's knuckles face in
the direction that the golfers feet are pointing. At the ball
contact position, however, the posterior aspect of the leading hand
and its knuckles face in the direction of where the ball is being
hit. This rotation of the leading hand occurs because the arms
rotate 90 degrees with the downswing. FIG. 4 demonstrates how the
present invention provides a means for accommodating this 90 degree
rotation of the arms during the downswing. In the preferred
embodiment of the invention, the swing arm's extension bar has the
cylindrical pad mounted slidably on its proximal end. The distal
end of the extension bar has a spring biasing the cylindrical pad
toward the proximal end. When the golfer exercises with this
apparatus, the leading forearm is pressed perpendicularly against
the cylindrical pad. With the downswing, the leading upper arm
rotates at the shoulder joint and the forearm supinates at the
elbow joint resulting in this 90 degree arm rotation against the
cylindrical pad. The cylindrical pad responds to this arm rotation
by sliding distally on the extension bar towards the spring. The
cylindrical pad compresses the spring. When the golfer reaches the
ball contact position, he or she relaxes and allows the resistance
to push the arms back toward the backswing position. As the arms
are pushed back into the backswing position, the leading upper arm
counter-rotates and the forearm pronates against the cylindrical
pad causing the cylindrical pad to slide proximally along the
extension bar to its original position and allowing the spring to
decompress. The downswing is repeated. In this manner, arm rotation
in the downswing is not restricted by the present invention.
[0015] Another advantage of this invention is that it accommodates
the golf swing characteristic of the front or leading arm
steepening or becoming more vertical as the downswing progresses.
It does so by using a multi-plane element that adjustably changes
the angle of the extension bar and cylindrical pad from the swing
arm shown in fig. Angulating the cylindrical pad downward relative
to the elevated swing arm results in the extension bar and
cylindrical pad changing its plane as the swing arm is rotated
downward by the exercising golfer. This results in the golfer's
leading arm remaining perpendicular to the cylindrical pad as the
golfer's arm steepens during the downswing.
[0016] Another advantage of this invention is that it permits the
golfer's slightly oblong swing path to deviate from the unnatural,
perfectly circular path of the swing arm and cylindrical pad. The
cylindrical pad is designed to rotate on the extension bar and roll
on the golfer's leading forearm. As the leading forearm applies
pressure against the cylindrical pad, the swing arm and the
cylindrical pad exhibit pivotal motion around the central axis of
rotation and follow a perfectly circular path. The golfer's arms,
hands and golf club deviate from this perfectly circular path and
follow a slightly oblong path. This deviation is accommodated by
rotation of the cylindrical pad along the leading forearm allowing
the golfer's arms, hands and golf club to deviate from the
cylindrical pad's circular path and follow their natural swing
path.
[0017] The present invention utilizes a second mechanism to
accommodate the golfer's oblong swing path from the perfectly
circular path of the swing arm and cylindrical pad. The previously
mentioned multi-plane element connects the cylindrical pad element
to the swing arm element shown in FIGS. 19a, 19b, and 20. The
multi-plane element has an extension bar base with associated
bearings and two parallel shafts. The extension bar base and its
bearing can move parallel to the swing arm on these two parallel
shafts. Therefore, the extension bar base, the extension bar, and
the cylindrical pad move in the same plane as the swing arm so that
the golfer's swing can be independent from the swing arm's
perfectly circular motion.
[0018] Another advantage of this invention is that it promotes a
straight leading arm in the golf swing. A straight leading arm is a
well-known fundamental of the golf swing. It is essential for
consistently returning the club head to the ball to make good ball
contact. Since the leading arm is against the cylindrical pad in
the present invention, it bears more of the resistance force than
the back arm. Also, since the cylindrical pad is against the
golfer's forearm, the muscles around the elbow and shoulder joints
will bear the stress of the resistance force. Larger muscles can
bear more force than smaller muscles, and contracted muscles can
bear more force than extended muscles. If the elbow of the leading
arm is bent during use of this exercise apparatus, considerable
force will be placed on the relatively small, extended triceps
muscles of the upper arm. Fully contracting the triceps muscle
increases its ability to bear more force, straightens the elbow and
reduces stress across this joint. The straightened elbow transmits
greater force to the shoulder joint and the larger upper torso
muscles that control and support the shoulder joint. Since larger
muscles can handle greater force, it feels more comfortable to
maintain a straight elbow than a bent elbow when using the present
apparatus.
[0019] Other features of this invention further define its objects
and advantages. The swing arm assembly is elevated to the golfer's
upper torso by a vertical frame that is stabilized by a base. A
height adjustment means and a swing plane adjustment element
permits the golfer to assume a comfortable golf swing position. A
support arm, which has the swing arm assembly at its distal end,
provides separation between the golfer and the vertical frame so
that the golfer can swing the golf club unimpeded. The swing arm
assembly is rotatable in both directions accommodating right-handed
and left-handed golfers. The swing arm assembly also incorporates a
means for adjusting the swing arm to various, backswing, starting
position based on the golfer's flexibility. The swing arm has an
approximate S-shape, L-shape, or J-shape that places the distal
aspect of the swing arm parallel to the golfer's leading forearm
while providing headroom for the golfer proximally. An adjustable
slider and torque bolt on the proximal aspect of the swing arm
allows the distal aspect of the swing arm, the multi-plane element
and the cylindrical pad to be adjustable for varying arm
lengths.
[0020] Other objects and features of the present invention will
become apparent by a review of the specifications, claims, and
appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the golf swing muscle
strengthener apparatus constructed in accordance to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the golf swing muscle
strengthener apparatus in the starting position for the
right-handed golfer.
[0023] FIG. 3 is an expanded perspective view of the main
components of the golf swing muscle strengthener.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a bird's eye view illustrating the golfer's 90
degree arm rotation, as well as the position change of the pad
member that accommodates this arm rotation.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a bird's eye view of the first support arm element
embodiment, the first swing plane adjustment element embodiment in
partial section, the third swing arm assembly embodiment in partial
section, and the frame element in partial section.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross section of the first embodiment of the
swing arm assembly.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross section of the fourth embodiment of the
swing arm assembly.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross section of the third and preferred
embodiment of the swing arm assembly.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a cross section of the second embodiment of the
swing arm assembly.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view, in partial section, of the
first swing plane adjustment element embodiment, the first swing
arm assembly embodiment, and the cable, weights and pulley
resistance means.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view, in partial section, of the
first swing plane adjustment element embodiment, the first swing
arm assembly embodiment, and the elastic band resistance means.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a perspective view, in partial section, of the
first swing plane adjustment element embodiment, the third and
preferred swing arm assembly embodiment, and the cable, weights and
pulley resistance means.
[0033] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of the first swing plane
adjustment element embodiment, the second swing arm assembly
embodiment, and the torsion disc resistance means.
[0034] FIG. 13b is a side view of the first swing plane adjustment
element embodiment, the fourth swing arm assembly embodiment, and
the resistance generating unit resistance means.
[0035] FIG. 14a is a perspective view of the second embodiment of
the swing plane adjustment element, and partial section of the
second support arm element embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 14b is an expanded, perspective view of the second
embodiment of the swing plane adjustment element, and partial
section of the second support arm element embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 14c is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of
the swing plane adjustment element.
[0038] FIG. 14d is a perspective view of the third embodiment of
the swing plane adjustment element.
[0039] FIG. 14e is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of
the swing plane adjustment element.
[0040] FIG. 15a shows a perspective view of the first support arm
element embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 15b shows a perspective view of the fifth support arm
element embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 15c shows a perspective view of the third support arm
element embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 15d shows a perspective view of the fourth support arm
element embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the golf swing muscle
strengthener apparatus constructed in accordance to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the golf swing muscle
strengthener apparatus constructed in accordance to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0046] FIG. 18a is a view from behind of an elite golfer's swing
demonstrating the front arm planar position during the backswing
(A) and during the downswing (B).
[0047] FIG. 18b is a side view of an embodiment of the invention
demonstrating the planar change (from A to B) of the pad member
from the backswing peak to the ball contact position.
[0048] FIG. 19a is a side view of the multi-plane element in a
non-angulated position.
[0049] FIG. 19b is a side view of the multi-plane element in an
angulated position.
[0050] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the golf swing muscle
strengthener apparatus constructed in accordance to an embodiment
of the invention.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0051] 10 base element [0052] 11 platform [0053] 12 platform [0054]
13a-b side extensions [0055] 14a-b pivot bolts [0056] 15 locking
pin [0057] 16 pin hole [0058] 17 weight rack frame [0059] 18a-b
abutments [0060] 19 side aperture [0061] 20 frame element [0062]
21a-b side members [0063] 22 main support frame [0064] 23 weight
plates [0065] 24 selector rod [0066] 25 upper weight rack member
[0067] 26a-b vertical guide bars [0068] 27 resistance cord hole
[0069] 28 connecting beam [0070] 29 selector pin [0071] 31a-b
vertical extensions [0072] 32 horizontal frame member [0073] 32a-b
lateral sides [0074] 32c posterior side [0075] 34 arcuate member
[0076] 36 apertures [0077] 38 height selector pin [0078] 40 support
arm element [0079] 41 pulley opening [0080] 42a-b-c mounting hinge
brackets [0081] 43 support arm element counterweight [0082] 44
height adjustment handle [0083] 45 support arm member [0084] 45a
proximal support arm half [0085] 45b distal support arm half [0086]
46 swing plane pin [0087] 47a-b cross attachments [0088] 48 passage
[0089] 49 slot [0090] 50 swing plane adjustment element [0091] 51
body [0092] 51a dorsal surface [0093] 51b anterior surface [0094]
51c posterior surface [0095] 51d ventral surface [0096] 52 swing
plane adjustment element counterweight [0097] 54 semi-circular
member [0098] 55 aperture [0099] 56 adjustment lever [0100] 57
shaft housing suspension members [0101] 58 shaft housing [0102] 59
slot [0103] 61 shaft [0104] 61a shaft extension [0105] 61b proximal
shaft [0106] 61c mid shaft [0107] 61d distal shaft [0108] 62 neck
[0109] 63 swing arm [0110] 63a proximal swing arm segment [0111]
63b distal swing arm segment [0112] 65 stabilization rod [0113] 70
swing arm assembly [0114] 71 wheel [0115] 72 C-shaped groove [0116]
73 pairs of circumferential apertures [0117] 74 wheel member
proximal side [0118] 75 wheel member distal side [0119] 77
cylindrical socket [0120] 78 mid-radius wheel apertures [0121] 79
swing arm selector pin [0122] 80 pad element [0123] 81 pad member
[0124] 83 distal pad spring [0125] 84 proximal pad spring [0126] 85
extension bar [0127] 87 bolt [0128] 89 slider [0129] 90 golf swing
muscle strengthener apparatus [0130] 91 resistance cord [0131] 93
resistance cord hook [0132] 94 resistance cord ring [0133] 95 hinge
[0134] 98 anchoring pin [0135] 99 elastic band [0136] 101 threaded
fulcrum bolt [0137] 102 nylon thrust washer [0138] 103 nylon
bushing [0139] 105 fulcrum housing [0140] 106 nylon thrust washer
[0141] 107 lock nut [0142] 108a-b engagement holes [0143] 109 hinge
[0144] 111 hinge bolt [0145] 112 nylon thrust washer [0146] 113
distal housing [0147] 114 nylon bushing [0148] 116 nylon thrust
washer [0149] 117 lock nut [0150] 118a-b engagement holes [0151]
131 nylon or metallic clip [0152] 133 shaft bearings [0153] 135
nylon washer [0154] 137 central opening bearings [0155] 138 nylon
washer [0156] 139 socket bearings [0157] 138 nylon washer [0158]
141 central opening [0159] 143 truncated shaft [0160] 150 vertical
component [0161] 160 horizontal component [0162] 201 pulley [0163]
202a-b brackets [0164] 203 cord guide [0165] 205 pulley unit [0166]
211 pulley [0167] 212a-b brackets [0168] 213 pulley axis [0169] 214
cord guide [0170] 215 pulley unit [0171] 221 left-handed guide
pulley [0172] 222 right-handed guide pulley [0173] 223 pulley axis
[0174] 224 pulley axis [0175] 225 U-bolt [0176] 230 resistance
generating unit [0177] 231 input [0178] 300 torsion disc [0179] 301
central aperture [0180] 302 square rubber disc [0181] 303 metallic
central member [0182] 305 plastic encasement [0183] 306 central
hole [0184] 307 square compartment [0185] 309 peripheral hole
[0186] 401 hydraulic unit [0187] 411 short apertured square tubing
[0188] 412 square tube slider [0189] 413 hinge brackets [0190] 417
apertures [0191] 421a-b base member extensions [0192] 423 central
base member [0193] 425 hinge brackets [0194] 451 axis rod [0195]
452a-b hinge brackets [0196] 481 L-extension [0197] 501 long
apertured square tubing [0198] 502 apertures [0199] 531 square tube
[0200] 541 hydraulic unit [0201] 550 multi-plane element [0202] 551
swing plane manual sidewind jack [0203] 552 swing plane manual
sidewind jack handle [0204] 553 height adjustment manual sidewind
jack [0205] 554 height adjustment manual sidewind jack handle
[0206] 555 swing arm counterweight [0207] 556 proximal swing arm
slider [0208] 557 slider knob screw [0209] 561 pulley plate [0210]
562 threaded hinge block [0211] 563 unthreaded hinge block [0212]
564 multi-plane base [0213] 565 multi-plane knob [0214] 566 fully
threaded bolt [0215] 567 multi-plane hinge platform [0216] 568
multi-plane hinge platform bolt [0217] 569 threaded hinge block
bolt [0218] 570a distal shaft end [0219] 570b proximal shaft end
[0220] 571 bolt head [0221] 572 arm strap [0222] 573a proximal O
ring [0223] 573b distal O ring [0224] 574a proximal E ring [0225]
574b distal E ring [0226] 575 shaft collar [0227] 576 parallel
shafts [0228] 577a proximal pad bearing [0229] 577b distal pad
bearing [0230] 578 unthreaded hinge block bolt [0231] 581a distal
parallel springs [0232] 581b proximal parallel springs [0233] 582
bolt E ring
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0234] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf swing muscle
strengthener apparatus 90 constructed in accordance to an
embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 90 has a vertical
component 150 comprising a base element 10 and a frame element 20,
and a horizontal component 160 comprising a support arm element 40,
a swing plane adjustment element 50, a swing arm assembly 70 and a
pad element 80. The orientation of the horizontal component 160
structures are described in the specifications, claims and appended
figures using the terms "proximal" for elements or portions of
elements that are closer to the vertical component 150 and "distal"
for elements or portions of elements that are further from the
vertical component 150 (and closer to the exercising golfer).
The Base Element
[0235] FIG. 1 shows a base element 10 that supports the apparatus
90 and the exercising golfer. The exercising golfer's weight on
base element 10 helps stabilize the apparatus 90. The base element
10, in the preferred embodiment, comprises two platforms, 11 and
12, connected together in a horizontal plane on the floor. Platform
11 supports apparatus 90, and platform 12 provides an area for the
golfer to stand. Together, they provide space for the exercising
golfer to swing the golf club unimpeded. Platform 12 has two side
extensions 13a-b that extend along each side of platform 11. Side
extensions 13a-b are attached to each side of platform 11 by pivot
bolts 14a-b. Platform 12 can pivotally rotate around pivot bolts
14a-b so that it can be folded up from platform 11 for purposes of
storage or shipping. When the apparatus 90 is to be used by the
golfer, platform 12 is folded down. A locking pin 15 is attached to
side extension 13b on platform 12 approximately one foot from pivot
bolt 14. Platform 11 has an pin hole 16 that opposes locking pin 15
when platform 12 is folded down to lie in the horizontal plane with
platform 11. Locking pin 15 on platform 12 inserts into pin hole 16
on platform 11 to rigidly stabilize the two platforms together. The
two points of fixation between platforms 11 and 12 (pivot bolt 14
and locking pin 15) rigidly fixate platform 12 to platform 11. This
rigid fixation between platforms allows the golfer's weight on
platform 12 to stabilize platform 11 and the attached apparatus
90.
[0236] Alternatively, the base element 10 can be comprised of one
solid platform or many platforms that can be reduced in size for
storage by fragmentation, folding, or telescopically sliding.
Ideally, the base element is covered with an artificial golf turf
for protecting the golf club when the golf club is swung.
[0237] Another alternative has the base element 10 simply comprised
of multiple flat bars or square tubing as shown in FIG. 17. Base
element 10, in this embodiment, has a central base member 423
positioned under a frame element 20 and has two base member
extensions 421 and 422. The golfer stands on the floor in this
embodiment.
The Frame Element
[0238] FIGS. 1 and 3 show the frame element 20 that is rigidly
attached to platform 11 and elevates the horizontal component 160
to the level of the golfer's upper torso. The approximate height of
frame element 20 ranges from 4-6 feet. In one embodiment, frame
element 20 is comprised of three main members: a weight rack frame
17, a main support frame 22, and a horizontal frame member 32.
Weight rack frame 17, which has side members 21a-b and an upper
weight rack member 25, provides a rectangular framework in which a
stack of weight plates 23 is located. Weight plates 23 have two
peripheral apertures and one central aperture. The two peripheral
apertures accommodate vertical guide bars 26a-b (26b not shown in
FIG. 1). Vertical guide bars 26a-b extend within weight rack frame
17 and through weight plates 23 from platform 11 to the upper
weight rack member 25. Vertical guide bars 26a-b extend through
weight plates 23 such that weight plates 23 are vertically slidable
and movable along the length of vertical guide bars 26a-b. A
selector rod 24 extends through the central apertures of weight
plates 23. While not shown in detail in the figures, selector rod
24 comprises a cylindrically shaped rod having a plurality of
apertures therein along its length. Each aperture corresponds with
a weight plate 23. Each weight plate 23 has a side aperture 19. A
selector pin 29 (not shown in FIG. 1) is inserted through a
selected weight plate side aperture 19 and the corresponding
aperture of selector rod 24 to select the desired amount of
resistance weight.
[0239] Main support frame 22 is the second main member of the frame
element 20 and the longest vertical member of the vertical
component 150. Main support frame 22 is rigidly attached to
platform 11 in an upright position in close proximity to weight
rack frame 17. As main support frame 22 extends upward, it receives
a connecting beam 28 from upper weight rack member 25. At its
uppermost point, main support frame 22 forks into two vertical
extensions 31a-b. Between vertical extensions 31a-b is a pulley
unit 205 consisting of a pulley 201, two brackets 202a-b (best seen
in FIG. 5), and a cord guide 203. Pulley unit 205 guides and
redirects a resistance cord 91 from a vertical to a horizontal
direction.
[0240] Lateral to pulley unit 205, vertical extensions 31a-b each
form a T junction with a horizontal frame member 32. The horizontal
frame member 32, best seen in FIG. 5, is an elongated, U-shaped,
horizontal structure that has two lateral sides 32a-b and a
posterior side 32c. The lateral sides 32a-b of horizontal frame
member 32 form the tops of the T junctions with vertical extensions
31a-b. Posterior side 32c has a height selector pin 38. Horizontal
frame member 32 is positioned with a U-opening facing toward the
golfer. The U-opening has engagement holes 108a-b on each lateral
side 32a-b. A threaded fulcrum bolt 101 runs across the U-opening
and connects the two lateral sides 32a-b of horizontal frame member
32. Another embodiment has pulley unit 205 positioned so that
threaded fulcrum bolt 101 runs through the axis of pulley unit 205
(FIG. 16).
[0241] An alternative embodiment for frame element 20, when the
cable, weights, and pulley resistance means is not used and the
weight rack frame 17 is absent, comprises a plurality of abutments
18 attached to main support frame 22. Another embodiment has a
plurality of main support frames 22.
[0242] Another embodiment has the main support frame 22 leaning
towards the golfer to deliver the horizontal component 160 closer
to the exercising golfer while maintaining space for the golfer to
swing the golf club (FIG. 16). This embodiment does not have the
horizontal frame member 32. Instead, it has an upright frame member
33 that is supported on weight rack frame 17. Height selector pin
38 is attached to upright frame member 33.
[0243] Another embodiment, shown in FIG. 17, also lacks the
horizontal frame member 32. This embodiment has an elongated weight
rack frame 17, and a main support frame 22 made up of long
apertured square tubing 501 that is slidably positioned within a
square tube 531. Square tube 531 is attached to central base member
423 with hinge brackets 425 and has the height selector pin 38
attached at its uppermost aspect. The long apertured square tubing
501 is slidable within square tube 531 for adjusting the height of
the swing arm assembly 70. Height selector pin 38 inserts into a
selected aperture 502 of long apertured square tubing 501 and
fixates long apertured square tubing 501 within square tube 531. A
hydraulic unit 541 runs parallel to long apertured square tubing
501 and square tube 531 and supports slidable motion between them.
A pneumatic unit can also be used in place of hydraulic unit
541.
The Support Arm Element
[0244] A support arm element 40 creates separation between the
golfer and the frame element 20 so that the golfer can swing the
golf club unimpeded. Additionally, the support arm element 40
provides a means for adjusting the height of a swing arm assembly
70 to accommodate varying golfers' heights.
[0245] In the first embodiment, the support arm element 40, best
seen in FIGS. 1,3,5 and 15, has an elongated support arm member 45
that is positioned within and extends out from the horizontal frame
member 32. The approximate length of support arm member 45 is 2.5
to 4.5 feet. In FIG. 5, a threaded fulcrum bolt 101 crosses the
U-opening and connects the engagement holes 108a-b on the two
lateral sides 32a-b of horizontal frame member 32. The threaded
fulcrum bolt 101 passes through the engagement hole 108a, a nylon
thrust washer 102, a fulcrum housing 105 located at the approximate
midpoint of the support arm member 45, a nylon thrust washer 106,
and through the engagement hole 108b. A lock nut 107 is attached to
threaded fulcrum bolt 101 to hold it in position. These components
create a hinge 95 that divides support arm member 45 into a
proximal support arm half 45a and a distal support arm half 45b. A
nylon bushing 103 lines fulcrum housing 105 to assure smooth
movement of support arm member 45 on horizontal frame member 32 at
hinge 95. Threaded fulcrum bolt 101 supports and suspends the
support arm member 45 such that the support arm member 45 exhibits
teetering motion on threaded fulcrum bolt 101 in the sagittal
plane. Downward movement of the proximal support arm half 45a
causes upward movement of the distal support arm half 45b, and
upward movement of the proximal support arm half 45a causes
downward movement of the distal support arm half 45b. The proximal
support arm half 45a moves between the lateral sides 32a-b of
horizontal frame member 32 when the support arm member 45 teeters
on threaded fulcrum bolt 101. At its most proximal aspect, proximal
support arm half 45a has an arcuate member 34 that has a plurality
of apertures 36. Arcuate member 34 is used to adjust and stabilize
the height of the distal support arm half 45b. As support arm
member 45 is moved on threaded fulcrum bolt 101, arcuate member 34
passes in close proximity to the posterior side 32c of horizontal
frame member 32. The posterior side 32c has a height selector pin
38 that inserts into a selected aperture 36 of arcuate member 34.
By inserting into the selected aperture 36 on arcuate member 34,
height selector pin 38 stabilizes support arm member 45 and fixates
the distal support arm half 45b and the more distal apparatus 90
structures at the selected golfer height position.
[0246] FIGS. 5 and 15a shows that the support arm element 40 also
includes a pulley opening 41, a counterweight 43, a distal housing
113, a swing plane pin 46, and a passage 48. Pulley opening 41 is
located on proximal support arm half 45a and provides an opening
for pulley unit 205 and resistance cord 91 (FIG. 1). Counterweight
43 is an optional member located on the proximal support arm half
45a. It is a safety feature that equalizes the weight of the
lighter proximal support arm half 45a with the heavier distal
support arm half 45b so that the center of balance is located on
threaded fulcrum bolt 101. This results in a slow, balanced,
teetering motion of support arm member 45 around fulcrum bolt 101
allowing the golfer to change height positions of the distal
support arm half 45b with minimal effort. Counterweight 43 can be
located on the dorsal or ventral aspect of the proximal support arm
half 43a. Continuing with FIG. 5, the distal housing 113 is found
at the end of distal support arm half 45b. The distal housing 113
is a hollow, cylindrical space that runs perpendicular to the long
axis of the support arm member 45 and holds a threaded hinge bolt
111. A nylon bushing 114 lines distal housing 113. The threaded
hinge bolt 111 connects the support arm element 40 to a swing plane
adjustment element 50 via a hinge 109. The swing plane adjustment
element 50 has engagement holes 118a and 118b through which
threaded hinge bolt 111 passes. Threaded hinge bolt 111 passes
through the engagement hole 118a, a nylon thrust washer 112, the
distal housing 113, a nylon thrust washer 116, and the engagement
hole 118b. A lock nut 117 is attached to threaded hinge bolt 111 to
hold it in position. Just proximal to hinge 109 is a passage 48
within distal support arm member 45b. Passage 48 runs parallel to
hinge 109 and holds the swing plane pin 46. Swing plane pin 46
extends out from passage 48 and inserts into an aperture 55 on a
semi-circular member 54 of swing plane adjustment element 50.
[0247] A second embodiment of support arm element 40 has
semi-circular member 54 attached to support arm member 45, and
passage 48 and swing plane pin 46 attached to swing plane
adjustment element 50 (FIG. 14a and FIG. 14b). This second
embodiment has a slot 49 at the distal aspect of support arm member
45 so that a pulley unit 215 is positioned within hinge 109.
[0248] A third embodiment for support arm element 40 has the distal
support arm half 45b angulated downward on proximal support arm
half 45a, shown in FIGS. 15c and 16. This downward, angulation
positions hinge 95 above the proximal and distal support arm halves
45a-b and makes it easier to balance support arm member 45 on
fulcrum bolt 101. This enhanced balance of support arm member 45 on
frame element 20 makes the apparatus 90 safer. Also note that in
this embodiment, support arm member 45 is composed of two parallel
beams that have one or more cross attachments (47a and 47b). The
space between the parallel beams of support arm member 45 and cross
attachments 47a and 47b makes up pulley opening 41. The placement
of pulley unit 205 in this embodiment is in alignment with fulcrum
bolt 101 (FIG. 16). Fulcrum bolt 101 acts as the axis of pulley
unit 205. Also seen in FIGS. 15c and 16 is the swing plane pin 46
attached to an L-extension 481 extending laterally from the distal
support arm half 45b instead of being positioned within passage 48.
Also, a height adjustment handle 44 is shown in this embodiment
(FIG. 15c).
[0249] A fourth support arm element 40 embodiment shown in FIGS.
15d and 17 has fulcrum housing 105 and hinge 95 positioned at the
most proximal aspect of support arm member 45. An axis rod 451 runs
through fulcrum housing 105 and is attached to the weight stack
frame 17 via mounting hinge brackets 452a-b. The support arm member
45 exhibits pivotal motion around axis rod 451. There is no
teetering motion or balancing of support arm element 40 on vertical
frame element 20 because a hydraulic unit 541 supports the weight
of the distal apparatus 90 structures. The hydraulic unit 541 is an
alternative to balancing support arm member 45 on frame element 20
and using counterweight 43. FIG. 17 shows the hydraulic unit 541
originating from square tube 531 of frame element 20 and inserting
onto the underside of support arm member 45. Mounting hinge
brackets 42a and 42b are positioned on the underside of cross
attachments 47a and 47b (not shown) for accepting hydraulic unit
541 and long apertured square tubing 501, respectively. Hydraulic
unit 541 helps overcome the weight of support arm member 45 and the
distal apparatus 90 structures when the golfer adjusts the height
of the swing arm assembly 70. Other alternatives for hydraulic unit
541 are pneumatic or elastic units that originate from frame
element 20 and insert onto support arm element 40. Also shown in
FIGS. 15d and 17 is the height adjustment handle 44.
[0250] The preferred support arm element 40 embodiment is shown in
FIG. 15b and FIG. 20. This embodiment employs a height adjustment,
manual, sidewind jack 553 and a swing plane, manual, sidewind jack
551 (FIG. 20). Manual sidewind jack 551 attaches to proximal
support arm half 45a at mounting hinge bracket 42c, and manual
sidewind jack 553 attaches to proximal support arm half 45a at
mounting hinge bracket 42b (FIG. 15b). Fulcrum housing 105 and
hinge 95 are positioned in the center of support arm member 45.
Pulley unit 205 is positioned in alignment with fulcrum housing
105. Support arm element 40 connects to swing plane adjustment
element 50 via hinge 109 (FIG. 20). Manual sidewind jack 551 also
attaches to swing plane adjustment element 50. Rotation of manual
sidewind jack handle 552 effectively lengthens or shortens manual
sidewind jack 551 causing angular changes to the swing plane
adjustment element 50 on support arm element 40 at hinge 109. Use
of the manual sidewind jack 551 eliminates the need for passage 48
and swing plane pin 46 since manual sidewind jack 551 holds the
swing plane adjustment element 50 in a stationary position when
manual sidewind jack handle 552 is not being rotated. Manual
sidewind jack 553 attaches to main support frame 22. Rotation of
manual sidewind jack handle 554 lengthens or shortens manual
sidewind jack 553 causing angular changes of support arm element 40
on main support frame 22 at hinge 95 to adjust for variable golfer
height positions. Use of manual sidewind jack 553 eliminates the
need for arcuate member 34, height adjustment handle 44 and
counterweight 43.
The Swing Plane Adjustment Element
[0251] FIG. 3 shows the swing plane adjustment element 50 distally
connected to the support arm element 40. The swing plane adjustment
element 50 provides a means for changing the sagittal plane angle
of the more distal apparatus 90 structures for accommodating
various golfer swing plane angles.
[0252] The first, swing plane adjustment element embodiment 50 is
shown in FIGS. 1,3,6 and 10. It has a body 51 (FIG. 6), an
adjustment lever 56 (FIG. 1), a swing plane fixation means in the
form of a semi-circular member 54 (FIGS. 1 and 10), a shaft housing
58 and shaft housing suspension members 57 (FIGS. 6 and 10). The
body 51 is hinged to the distal support arm half 45b as described
above. Referring specifically to FIG. 10, the first embodiment has
the body 51 shaped like a sideward L having a dorsal surface 51a,
an anterior surface 51b, a posterior surface 51c (see FIG. 6), and
ventral surface 51d. The ventral surface 51d has shaft housing
suspension members 57 that extend down from body 51. Attached to
the bottom of shaft housing suspension members 57 is the shaft
housing 58. The shaft housing 58 rotatably accepts a shaft 61 from
a swing arm assembly 70 and provides a central axis of rotation for
the swing arm assembly 70. Shaft housing 58 contains shaft housing
bearing 133 for allowing frictionless rotation of shaft 61 and the
swing arm assembly 70 (see FIG. 6). The adjustment lever 56, which
rigidly connects to body 51, branches proximally parallel and in
close proximity to the distal support arm half 45b, best seen in
FIG. 1. The adjustment lever 56 has a counterweight 52 and the
semi-circular member 54. Counterweight 52 is an optional safety
feature that counterbalances the heavier structures distal to hinge
109 so that the center of balance is located on hinge 109. The
counterweight 52 allows the exercising golfer to change the
sagittal plane, angle position of swing plane adjustment element 50
with minimal effort. Other alternatives for counterweight 52 are
hydraulic, pneumatic, or elastic units that originate from the
support arm element 40 or vertical frame element 20 and insert onto
the swing plane adjustment element 50 to control the movement of
the heavier distal structures. The semi-circular member 54 on
adjustment lever 56 has a plurality of apertures 55 arcuately
aligned to hinge 109 and hinge bolt 111, best seen in FIG. 10.
Sagittal plane movement of the swing plane adjustment element 50
around hinge 109 passes each aperture 55 adjacent to swing plane
pin 46. Fixation of the swing plane adjustment element 50 into a
particular sagittal plane angular position requires placing swing
plane pin 46 on distal support arm half 45b into the selected
aperture 55 on semi-circular member 54.
[0253] FIG. 10 shows that the dorsal surface 51a of swing plane
adjustment element 51 has a pulley unit 215 consisting of two
brackets 212a-b, a pulley 211, a cord guide 214 (not shown) and a
pulley axis 213. The anterior surface 51b has a left-handed guide
pulley 221 with pulley axis 223 and a right-handed guide pulley 222
with pulley axis 224 side by side. Pulley unit 215 guides and
redirects the horizontal resistance cord 91 downward between
left-handed guide pulley 221 and right-handed guide pulley 222.
Resistance cord 91 runs between left-handed guide pulley 221 and
right-handed guide pulley 222 before inserting onto a wheel 71 of
the swing arm assembly 70.
[0254] Alternative embodiments of the swing plane adjustment
element 50, are shown in FIGS. 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and 14e. The
second embodiment of swing plane adjustment element 50 is shown in
FIGS. 14a and 14b. This embodiment has body 51 being a vertical,
planar shape as opposed to being L-shaped and there is minimal
surface area on dorsal surface 51a. Pulley unit 215 is, therefore,
incorporated within the hinge 109 members instead of sitting on
dorsal surface 51a. Hinge 109 is unchanged from the preferred
embodiment except for pulley unit 215 positioned in the middle.
Hinge bolt 111 is positioned through engagement holes 118a and 118b
and passes through the center of pulley 211, suspending pulley 211
within hinge 109. A slot 49 on the distal aspect of distal support
arm half 45b and a slot 59 on the dorsal half of body 51 provides
room for pulley 211 within hinge 109. This second embodiment also
has a different adjustment lever 56. In this embodiment, the swing
plane pin 46 and the semi-circular member 54 are reversed. The
swing plane pin 46 is located on adjustment lever 56, and the
semi-circular member 54 is connected to the distal support arm half
45b. Swing plane pin 46 inserts into aperture 55 on semi-circular
member 54 to stabilize the swing plane adjustment element 50 on the
support arm member 45.
[0255] A third embodiment for swing plane adjustment element 50 is
shown in FIGS. 14d and 16. In this embodiment, the adjustment lever
56 is placed in an upward position from body 51: This position
provides the best balance for swing plane adjustment element 50 and
the swing arm assembly 70 structures on hinge 109. The approximate
angular position of adjustment lever 56 compared with body 51 is
approximately 30 degrees. The counterweight 52 is located at the
top of adjustment lever 56. The exact length of adjustment lever
56, the exact weight of counterweight 52, and the exact angular
position of adjustment lever 56 to body 51 is based on the weight
of the swing arm assembly 70 structures. In this embodiment, the
semi-circular member 54 is an arcuate shape that has attachments to
the adjustment lever 56 and body 51. The semi-circular member 54 is
positioned between the L-extension 481 and the distal support arm
half 45b. The swing plane pin 46, which is rigidly connected to
L-extension 481, is inserted into one of a plurality of apertures
55 on semi-circular member 54. The apertures 55 on semi-circular
member 54 are aligned to swing plane pin 46 as swing plane
adjustment element 50 is moved into different swing plane
positions. Placing swing plane pin 46 through a selected aperture
55 on semi-circular member 54 fixates swing plane adjustment
element 50 into a selected swing plane position.
[0256] A fourth embodiment for swing plane adjustment element 50
(shown in FIGS. 14c and 17) has a hydraulic unit 401 originating
from the distal support arm half 45b and attaching to the uppermost
aspect of adjustment lever 56. This hydraulic unit 401 replaces
counterweight 52 and makes it easy for the golfer to adjust the
swing plane adjustment element 50 into a different swing plane
angular position. This embodiment also uses a different swing plane
fixation means. Instead of having the semi-circular member 54,
there is a short apertured square tubing 411 and a square tube
slider 412. Short apertured square tubing 411 is slidable within
square tube slider 412. Short apertured square tubing 411 is
attached to hinged brackets 42c on the underside of support arm
member 45, and square tube slider 412 is attached to hinged
brackets 413 that project down from shaft housing 58. Repositioning
of swing plane adjustment element 50 by the exercising golfer
causes short apertured square tubing 411 to slide within square
tube slider 412. Square tube slider 412 has the swing plane pin 46
that inserts into one of a plurality of apertures 417 on short
apertured square tubing 411 to fixate swing plane adjustment
element 50 into the selected swing plane position.
[0257] A fifth swing plane adjustment element 50 embodiment is the
preferred embodiment and is shown in FIG. 14e and FIG. 20. This
embodiment has the shaft housing 58 positioned on top of body 51
and the adjustment lever 56 positioned near the bottom of body 51.
Engagement holes 118a and 118b are positioned in the middle of body
51 at hinge 109. A pulley plate 561 is rigidly attached to body 51
just above engagement holes 118a and 118b. Pulleys 221 and 222
rotatably attach to pulley plate 561 as shown in FIG. 20. Screw
jack 551 attaches to adjustment lever 56 on swing plane adjustment
element 50, and attaches to hinge bracket 42c on proximal support
arm half 45a. Rotation of handle 552 of screw jack 551 lengthens or
shortens screw jack 551 which changes the angular position of swing
plane adjustment element 50 relative to support arm element 40 via
hinge 109.
The Swing Arm Assembly and Resistance Means
[0258] Referring to FIG. 3, the swing arm assembly 70 is located
distal to the swing plane adjustment element 50, and is rotated by
the exercising golfer. The golfer rotates this structure against a
connected resistance means so that the golfer exercises and
strengthens the muscles used in executing the downswing phase of
the golf swing. The swing arm assembly 70 accommodates left-handed
and right-handed golfers, provides a means of adjusting a swing arm
63 to various backswing starting positions, is shaped to allow the
golfer to swing naturally, and supports a pad element 80.
[0259] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the swing arm assembly 70 has a
shaft 61, a wheel 71 and a swing arm 63. The first swing arm
assembly 70 embodiment has shaft 61, wheel 71, and swing arm 63
rigidly attached together and rotatable as a single unit best
illustrated in FIG. 6. Shaft 61 has three locational segments: a
proximal shaft 61b, a mid-shaft 61c, and a distal shaft 61d.
Proximal shaft 61b protrudes out of shaft housing 58 and has an
attached nylon or metallic clip 131 that prevents shaft 61 from
sliding distally out of shaft housing 58. Mid-shaft 61c is
rotatably supported within shaft housing 58 so that the swing arm
assembly 70 rotates about a central axis of rotation. Distal shaft
61d extends out from shaft housing 58 to rigidly connect to the
center of proximal side 74 of wheel 71. Wheel 71 has a distal side
75 that has a swing arm 63 rigidly and centrally attached. Swing
arm 63 extends out towards the exercising golfer. Rotation of swing
arm 63 by the exercising golfer rotates wheel 71 and the centrally
attached shaft 61 within shaft housing 58 of swing plane adjustment
element 50. Shaft housing 58 has shaft bearings 133 that provide
for smooth rotation of shaft 61 within shaft housing 58.
[0260] The first swing arm assembly 70 embodiment can employ two
types of resistance means: weight plates 23 and elastic bands 99.
As shown in FIG. 1, the resistance means are weight plates 23
connected to the wheel 71 via a resistance cord 91 guided by pulley
units 205, 215, 221, and 222. Resistance cord 91 originates from
selector rod 24 and extends vertically until it reaches pulley unit
205. Pulley unit 205 then re-directs resistance cord 91 distally
and horizontally. Resistance cord 91 travels horizontally until it
reaches pulley unit 215 located on the dorsal surface 51a of the
body 51 (see FIG. 10). Pulley unit 215 re-directs resistance cord
91 downward toward wheel 71. Resistance cord 91 passes between
left-handed guide pulley 221 and right-handed guide pulley 222
before attaching to wheel 71. Resistance cord 91 anchors to a pair
of opposing circumferential apertures 73 on wheel 71 via a
resistance cord hook 93. An alternative attachment mechanism for
resistance cord 91 is the use of a resistance cord ring 94 instead
of the resistance cord hook 93 as shown in FIG. 12. The resistance
cord ring 94 is continuous with the end of resistance cord 91 and
is attached by an anchoring pin 98 on wheel 71. Referring back to
FIG. 10, resistance cord 91 exhibits varying degrees of tautness at
its insertion onto the wheel 71 because apparatus 90 is adjustable
for various heights and swing planes. Adjusting the height and
swing plane places wheel 71 and the swing arm assembly 70 into
multiple potential positions. The length of cord 91 is not
adjustable to the multiple positions of wheel 71 and, therefore,
will have varying degrees of tautness based on the position of
wheel 71 and the swing arm assembly 70. An excessively slack
resistance cord 91 would fail in moving weight plates 23 and render
this resistance means ineffective. This potential problem is
resolved in two ways. Firstly, the apparatus 90 has two pulley
units 205 and 215 that offset each other when the height and/or the
swing plane are adjusted. When the distal support arm half 45b is
brought down, it lowers the height, increases a predetermined swing
plane angle and tightens the resistance cord 91 at pulley 205.
Placing the swing plane angle back to the original position loosens
the resistance cord 91 at pulley unit 215 and neutralizes any
change in resistance cord 91 tautness. When the distal support arm
half 45b is raised, it increases the height, reduces a
predetermined swing plane angle, and loosens the resistance cord 91
at pulley unit 205. Placing the swing plane angle back to the
original position tightens the resistance cord 91 at pulley unit
215 and neutralizes any change in resistance cord tautness.
Secondly, the wheel 71 has a plurality of opposing pairs of
circumferential apertures 73 onto which resistance cord 91 can
attach. The resistance cord 91 is pulled taut by the exercising
golfer and attached to the appropriate pair of circumferential
apertures 73 which maintains the tautness. The selected pair of
circumferential apertures 73 on wheel 71 can be positioned close to
the taut resistance cord 91 by simply rotating wheel 71 so that the
selected pair of circumferential apertures 73 is moved to an upper
position on wheel 71 closest to the resistance cord hook 93.
Resistance cord hook 93 is anchored to the pair of circumferential
apertures 73 to maintain the position of wheel 71. Since the swing
arm 63 is rigidly and non-rotatably attached to wheel 71, rotation
of the wheel 71 moves and positions swing arm 63. When the selected
pair of circumferential apertures 73 is moved to an upper position
of wheel 71 and anchored by the resistance cord hook 93, the swing
arm 63 moves and is placed in a certain starting position. Each
anchored pair of opposing circumferential apertures 73 corresponds
to a different swing arm 63 starting position. Therefore, the
exercising golfer places the swing arm 63 to a comfortable
backswing starting position, pulls cord 91 taut, and attaches
resistance cord hook 93 to the appropriate pair of circumferential
apertures 73. This series of tasks holds swing arm 63 into the
selected starting position. If the golfer is right-handed and
facing the wheel 71, he sets the swing arm 63 at approximately the
2 O'clock position, pulls cord 91 taut against the right-handed
guide pulley 222, and attaches resistance cord hook 93 to the
appropriate pair of circumferential apertures 73. When he exercises
with the apparatus 90, he moves the swing arm assembly 70 in a
clockwise direction. The anchored resistance cord 91 is pulled with
the rotating wheel 71 to the right, and against the right-handed
guide pulley 222. If the exercising golfer is left-handed, he sets
the swing arm 63 at approximately the 10 O'clock position, pulls
cord 91 taut against the left-handed guide pulley 221, and attaches
resistance cord hook 93 to the appropriate pair of circumferential
apertures 73. When he exercises with the apparatus, he moves the
swing arm assembly 70 in a counter clockwise direction. The
anchored resistance cord 91 is pulled with the rotating wheel 71 to
the left, and against the left-handed guide pulley 221. Since the
exercising golfer's downswing rotates the swing arm assembly 70
approximately 150 to 180 degrees, the resistance cord 91 will be
pulled around the periphery of wheel 71. Wheel 71 has a C-shaped
groove 72 on its outer periphery that maintains resistance cord 91
as wheel 71 is rotated. As the resistance cord 91 is pulled around
the wheel 71, the selected number of weight plates 23 attached to
resistance cord 91 are elevated and provide resistance to the
golfer. In the described manner, the weight plates 23 resistance
means attached to the swing arm assembly 70 provides resistance to
the exercising golfer, accommodates right-handed or left-handed
golfers, and provides various backswing starting positions for
swing arm 63.
[0261] The first swing arm assembly 70 embodiment can also employ
an elastic band 99 as a resistance means instead of the weight
plates 23 resistance means, as shown in FIG. 11. The elastic band
99 originates from a U-bolt 225 on anterior surface 51b of the
swing plane adjustment element 50 and inserts into the selected
pair of circumferential apertures 73 via a hook 93 to position
swing arm 63 into the selected backswing starting position. The
elastic band 99 is rotated around wheel 71 within C-shaped groove
72, providing increasing resistance to the exercising golfer as it
stretches. As with the weight plates 23 resistance means, the
elastic band 99 resistance means attached to the swing arm assembly
70 positions the swing arm 63 into various, backswing, starting
positions, provides resistance to the exercising golfer, and
accommodates left-handed and right-handed golfers.
[0262] A second swing arm assembly 70 embodiment has the shaft 61
rigidly attached to the swing arm 63 without the wheel 71, shown in
FIGS. 9 and 13. The resistance means, in this embodiment, employs
one or more torsion discs 300 that attach to shaft 61 via a shaft
extension 61a. Like the weight plates 23 resistance means, the
torsion discs 300 are used to position swing arm 63 to various,
backswing, starting positions, provide rotational resistance to the
swing arm assembly 70, and accommodate left-handed and right-handed
golfers. With this resistance means, the swing arm assembly 70 has
no resistance cord 91 attachments and no wheel 71. Instead, the
swing arm assembly 70 has an elongated shaft extension 61a rigidly
added to the proximal shaft 61b. The shaft extension 61a has a
hexagonal shape. Aligned parallel to the shaft extension 61a is a
stabilization rod 65 that originates from the posterior side 51d of
body 51 of the swing plane adjustment element 50. The proximal ends
of shaft extension 61a and stabilization rod 65 are exposed for
placement of one or more torsion discs 300. The torsion disc 300 is
made up of two main components: a square rubber disc 302 and an
outer, circular, plastic encasement 305. The square rubber disc 302
has a strongly adhered metallic central member 303 that has a
hexagonally-shaped, central aperture 301. The plastic encasement
305 has a square compartment 307, a central hole 306, and a
plurality of peripheral stabilization holes 309 equidistant from
the central hole 306. The plastic encasement 305 houses the square
rubber disc 302 in its square compartment 307. The central hole 306
provides exposure for the internal metallic central member 303 of
the square rubber disc 302, and its hexagonally-shaped central
aperture 301. The torsion disc 300 is placed onto the exposed
proximal ends of shaft extension 61a and stabilization rod 65 with
the hexagonally-shaped central aperture 301 fitting over the shaft
extension 61a and the selected peripheral stabilization hole 309
fitting over stabilization rod 65. The stabilization rod prevents
the torsion disc 300 from rotating when the swing arm assembly 70
is rotated. The fit between the hexagonally-shaped central aperture
301 and the hexagonally-shaped shaft extension 61a locks the swing
arm 63 in the selected starting position. The shaft extension 61a
and the central aperture 301 can be any matching shape other than
circular, since shaft extension 61a would not be rotatably locked
if it were circular. Each selected peripheral hole 309 placed onto
stabilization rod 65 places the swing arm 63 into a different
starting position.
[0263] When using the apparatus with the torsion disc 300
resistance means, the golfer positions swing arm 63 to a
comfortable backswing starting position and places the torsion disc
300 onto the shaft extension 61a and the stabilization rod 65.
Placement of the torsion disc 300 holds the swing arm 63 into the
selected, backswing, starting position. The downswing motion of the
golfer rotates the swing arm 63, the shaft 61, and shaft extension
61a creating a rotational force to the central aperture 301 of
torsion disc 300. Torsion disc 300 does not rotate in response to
shaft extension 61a rotation since the selected peripheral hole 309
is placed onto stabilization rod 65. Instead, the rotating shaft
extension 61a rotates the metallic hexagonal central member 303,
which deforms the surrounding square rubber disc 302 within the
plastic housing 305. Resistance is generated by the rubber
deformation. Increased rotation causes increased rubber deformation
producing greater rotational resistance to the swing arm assembly
63 and the exercising golfer. More than one torsion disc 300 can be
used to create greater rotational resistance. The torsion disc 300
produces rotational resistance regardless of the direction of
rotation. Therefore, this means of resistance accommodates
left-handed and right-handed golf swings. In the described manner,
torsion disc 300 positions swing arm 63 into the selected,
backswing, starting position, provides rotational resistance to the
exercising golfer, and accommodates left-handed and right-handed
golf swings.
[0264] In a third swing arm assembly 70 embodiment of the invention
shown in FIG. 8, the wheel 71 is separate and rotatable from swing
arm 63 and shaft 61. This is the preferred swing arm assembly 70
embodiment. It utilizes weight plates 23 as its resistance means.
In this embodiment, swing arm 63 is rigidly attached to shaft 61 as
in the first swing arm assembly 70 embodiment. Wheel 71, however,
is separately rotatable from swing arm 63 and shaft 61 and
connected to the weight plates 23 resistance means. Wheel 71 is
situated between swing arm 63 and shaft housing 58, and is mounted
and stabilized on distal shaft 61d. Distal shaft 61d extends from
shaft housing 58 and passes through a central opening 141 in wheel
71 before rigidly attaching to swing arm 63. Shaft housing 58 has
bearings 133 that allow for frictionless rotation of shaft 61.
Wheel 71 has central opening bearings 137 within the central
opening 141 that allow frictionless rotation of shaft 61 within the
wheel 71.
[0265] With this third swing arm assembly 70 embodiment, the golfer
slowly rotates the swing arm 63 and its shaft 61 against the
stationary wheel 71 to place the swing arm 63 into a selected,
backswing, starting position, best shown in FIG. 12. Wheel 71 is
held stationary by the resistance cord 91, which connects to its
uppermost aspect. Once swing arm 63 is placed into the desired
position, a swing arm selector pin 79 located on the proximal swing
arm segment 63a inserts into one of a plurality of mid-radius wheel
apertures 78 on wheel 71. The swing arm selector pin 79 stabilizes
the position of swing arm 63 on wheel 71. Each selected mid-radius
wheel aperture 78 represents a different swing arm 63 starting
position. This swing arm assembly 70 embodiment is preferred
because cord 91 does not have to be detached and reattached to
change swing arm 63 positions. When the selector pin 79 has been
inserted into one of the mid-radius wheel apertures 78, golf swing
rotation of swing arm 63 by the exercising golfer rotates the
connected wheel 71. Rotation of wheel 71 pulls weight plates 23 via
the resistance cord 91, providing rotational resistance to the
exercising golfer. In the described manner, this third swing arm
assembly 70 embodiment provides resistance to the exercising golfer
via weight plates 23 and is adjustable to various swing arm 63
starting positions. It also accommodates left-handed and
right-handed golfers since resistance cord 91 can be pulled around
the wheel 71 in either direction.
[0266] A fourth embodiment of the swing arm assembly 70 is shown in
FIG. 7. This embodiment has the shaft 61 rigidly connected to the
center of wheel 71 on its proximal side 74. A resistance means in
the form of a resistance generating unit 230 is directly attached
to proximal shaft 61b and holds shaft 61 and wheel 71 stationary as
shown in FIG. 14. The unit 230 is most commonly a fluid charged
cylinder assembly containing a suitable hydraulic/liquid or
pneumatic/gaseous fluid that resists rotation of an input 231. Unit
230 is firmly attached to the ventral side 51d of body 51 of the
swing plane adjustment element 50. Direct attachment of shaft 61 to
the input 231 provides rotational resistance to swing arm 63.
[0267] Returning to FIG. 7, the swing arm 63 is independently
rotatable from shaft 61 and wheel 71. Wheel 71 has a cylindrical
socket 77 that originates from the central aspect of distal side 75
and extends outward approximately 3-4 inches. The socket 77 houses
a truncated shaft 143 rigidly connected to proximal swing arm
segment 63a via a neck 62. The neck 62 has a nylon washer 138
around it. The socket 77 has socket bearings 139 that provide
frictionless rotation of truncated shaft 143 and the attached swing
arm 63. Swing arm 63 is slowly rotated on the distal side 75 of
wheel 71 to a selected starting position by the exercising golfer.
The swing arm selector pin 79 attached to proximal swing arm
segment 63a is inserted into the selected, mid-radius wheel
aperture 78 to stabilize the swing arm 63 in the selected starting
position. Golf swing rotation of swing arm 63 by the exercising
golfer rotates wheel 71 and shaft 61 against resistance provided by
the resistance generating unit 230. The resistance generating unit
230 can resist clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation, thus
providing resistance to right-handed and left-handed golfers. In
the described manner, this fourth swing assembly 70 embodiment
provides resistance to the exercising golfer, accommodates
right-handed and left-handed golfers, and is adjustable to various,
swing arm 63, backswing, starting positions
[0268] The swing arm 63 is located and designed to allow a natural
golf stance and accommodate the golfer's natural golf swing.
Because the golfer's forearm rotates the swing arm 63, the golfer
stands in close proximity to the swing arm assembly 70. A typical
golf stance has the golfer's head leaning forward and down, thus
intersecting with the swing plane (FIG. 2). Therefore, the design
and location of the swing arm 63 is important for providing
headroom for the exercising golfer and allowing the golfer to
assume a natural golf stance. One swing arm 63 embodiment has the
swing arm 63 located in the center of the distal side 75 of wheel
71. Referring to FIGS. 1,2, and 4 as is necessary for a complete
view, the proximal swing arm segment 63a originates centrally on
the wheel 71 and is immediately directed peripherally to avoid the
forward position of the golfer's head. After being peripherally
directed away from the golfer's head, the proximal swing arm
segment 63a makes a 90 degree turn toward the exercising golfer.
The proximal swing arm segment 63a continues past the golfer's head
creating room for the forwardly leaning head. The proximal swing
arm segment 63a then meets a distal swing arm segment 63b at a
second 90 degree turn. The distal swing arm segment 63b extends
away from the golfer and is radially aligned to the center of wheel
71. The distal swing arm segment 63b parallels the exercising
golfer's leading arm when the swing plane adjustment element 50 is
adjusted to the golfer's swing plane. This swing arm 63 is
approximately S-shaped. An alternative embodiment has swing arm 63
originating on the distal side 75 of wheel 71 from a peripheral
placement. With a peripheral placement, the proximal swing arm
segment 63a originates from wheel 71 lateral to the golfer's
forwardly leaning head, and extends directly past the golfer's
head. The proximal swing arm segment 63a then meets the distal
swing arm segment 63b at a 90 degree turn. The distal swing arm
segment 63b extends away from the golfer and is radially aligned to
the center of wheel 71 similar to the centrally placed swing arm
63. The design of this swing arm 63 is approximately L-shaped.
[0269] Another embodiment of the swing arm 63 is J-shaped and is
shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. This embodiment has the proximal swing
arm segment 63a originating centrally from the distal surface 75 of
wheel 71, and being immediately directed peripherally to avoid the
golfer's head. The proximal swing arm segment 63a continues in a
radial direction for approximately two feet. This is further than
the previous swing arm 63 embodiments. The proximal swing arm
segment 63a then makes a 90 degree turn towards the exercising
golfer providing room for the forwardly leaning golfer's head. The
proximal swing arm segment 63a then meets the distal swing arm
segment 63b at another 90 degree turn. The distal swing arm segment
63b is directed toward the golfer for approximatly 12 to 17 inches.
The distal swing arm segment 63b in this embodiment also runs
parallel to the golfer's leading arm.
[0270] The preferred swing arm 63 embodiment is shown in FIG. 20.
This swing arm 63 embodiment is also J-shaped. With this
embodiment, the proximal swing arm segment 63a and the distal swing
arm segment 63b are not continuous. The distal swing arm segment
63b is slidably attached to the proximal swing arm segment 63a. At
the end of proximal swing arm segment 63a is a slider 556. The
distal swing arm segment 63b slides within slider 556 to
accommodate variable arm lengths. The distal swing arm segment 63b
is tightened within slider 556 with slider knob screw 557.
The Pad Element
[0271] Referring to FIG. 1, the distal swing arm segment 63b
supports a perpendicularly attached pad element 80 that extends out
towards the golfer and connects the golfer to the swing arm 63. Pad
element 80 accepts the golfer's leading forearm, adjusts for
various arm lengths, accommodates for swing path deviations from a
perfectly circular swing path, and provides a means for
accommodating the 90 degree rotation of the golfer's leading arm.
In the preferred embodiment, it consists of an adjustable slider
89, a torque bolt 87, an extension bar 85, a pad member 81 having a
cylindrical shape, and a distal pad spring 83. The adjustable
slider 89 is a hollow, rectangular member that fits on the
rectangular, distal swing arm segment 63b. It is slidable on the
distal swing arm segment 63b to accommodate various golfer arm
lengths. It is tightened with torque bolt 87 to firmly attach pad
element 80 to the distal swing arm segment 63b. This adjustable
slider 89 is unnecessary when the preferred swing arm assembly 63
embodiment is used which provides the slider 556 on the end of
proximal swing arm member 63a that allows the distal swing arm
member 63b to slidably adjust for variable arm lengths (FIG.
20).
[0272] Extension bar 85 is rigidly attached to adjustable slider 89
and extends out perpendicularly towards the golfer. Mounted around
the extension bar 85 is the pad member 81, proximally, and a distal
pad spring 83, distally. The pad member 81 is a cushioned pad that
has a central, hollowed, cylindrical core containing proximal
bearings 577a and distal bearings 577b (FIGS. 19a and 19b) that are
enclosed around extension bar 85. The pad member 81 is rotatable
and slidable on extension bar 85. The pad member 81, in the
preferred embodiment, has a cylindrical shape. An optional feature
of this preferred embodiment is an outer concave shape that helps
hold the golfer's leading arm in the middle of pad member 81 so
that it will not slip off and result in injury (FIGS. 1, 4, and
20). Another embodiment of the pad member 81 has a truncated cone
shape with an outer concave contour (FIGS. 16 and 17). In this
embodiment the distal half of pad member 81 is wider than the
proximal half. A third embodiment of pad member 81 has a
rectangular shape having a concave contour on one side (not shown).
The distal pad spring 83 is mounted on the distal end of extension
bar 85 and biases the pad member 81 proximally. External rotation
of the golfer's leading upper arm and supination of the forearm
during the downswing results in a 90 degree rotation of the hands
and golf club (FIG. 4). This rotation forces the proximally
positioned pad member 81 to slide distally along extension bar 85
towards the golfer and compresses the distal pad spring 83. If the
pad member 81 was stationary and could not slide on extension bar
85, the leading arm rotation would cause the arm to roll on the pad
member 81 and away from the golfer. The result would be the
golfer's arms and club moving away from the golfer's body during
the downswing and deviating from the golfer's natural swing
plane.
[0273] The preferred embodiment of the pad element 80 (FIGS. 19a
and 19b) has a proximal pad spring 84 as well as a distal pad
spring 83 to provide maximum freedom of arm motion from the swing
arm element 63. The pad element 80 embodiment also has bearings
577a-b within its central core that protrude out proximally and
distally, respectively. A proximal O ring 573a is positioned over
proximal bearing 577a and held in place by a proximal E ring 574a.
A distal O ring 573b is positioned over distal bearing 577b and
held in place by a distal E ring 574b. An arm strap 572 on pad
member 81 is attached to the proximal O ring 573a and the distal O
ring 573b. A shaft collar 575 holds the pad element 80 on extension
bar 85.
[0274] A multi-plane element 550 is employed in the preferred golf
swing muscle strengthener apparatus 90. The multi-plane element 550
(FIGS. 19a and 19b) is positioned between the distal swing arm
segment 63b and the pad element 80. It provides a means to angulate
the pad element 80 on the distal swing arm segment 45b to
accommodate the increasing vertical plane change of the golfer's
leading arm as the downswing progresses (FIG. 18). It also
accommodates the golfer's slightly oblong swing path from the
perfectly circular swing path of the swing arm element 63. The
multi-plane element 550 has two shaft ends, 570a and 570b, rigidly
attached to the distal swing arm segment 63b. Shaft ends 570a and
570b hold a pair of shafts 576 parallel to each other and parallel
to the distal swing arm segment 63b. A multi-plane base 564 having
parallel passages with bearings (not shown) is positioned on the
parallel shafts 576. The bearings allow the multi-plane base 564 to
glide on the pair of parallel shafts 576. Two proximal parallel
springs 581b and two distal parallel springs 581a are positioned
adjacent to the shaft ends 570a and 570b to maintain multi-plane
base 564 in the center of the parallel shafts 576. Movement of the
multi-plane base 564 on the parallel shafts 576 allows the golfer's
slightly oblong swing path to be free from the perfectly circular
swing path of the swing arm 63.
[0275] The multi-plane base 564 has a groove cut out centrally on
the side that faces the golfer to accommodate a multi-plane hinge
platform 567 (FIGS. 19a and 19b). The multi-plane hinge platform
567 is hingedly attached to the multi-plane base 564 at the most
distal aspects with bolt 568. The proximal aspects of multi-plane
base 564 and the multi-plane hinge platform 567 have cut out slots
to accommodate unthreaded hinge block 563 and threaded hinge block
562, respectively. Unthreaded hinge block 563 is hingedly attached
to multi-plane base 564 with bolt 578. Threaded hinge block 562 is
hingedly attached to multi-plane hinge platform 567 with bolt 569.
A fully threaded bolt 566 is positioned through a non-threaded hole
in unthreaded hinge block 563, and through a threaded hole in
threaded hinge block 562. The head 571 of fully threaded bolt 566
abuts unthreaded hinge block 563 on one side, and an E ring 582,
positioned approximately three quarter inches from head 571 abuts
unthreaded hinge block 563 on the other side. These two abutments
maintain the position of unthreaded hinge block 563 on the
rotatable fully threaded bolt 566. The end of fully threaded bolt
566 is positioned beyond threaded hinge block 562, and extends
towards the exercising golfer. A knob 565 is non-rotatably attached
to the end of fully threaded bolt 566. Extension bar 85 is rigidly
and perpendicularly attached to multi-plane hinge platform 567.
Rotation of knob 565 by the exercising golfer rotates fully
threaded bolt 566. Rotation of fully-threaded bolt 566 within
unthreaded hinge block 563 creates no relative movement between
these two parts since unthreaded hinge block 563 is non-threaded
and is abutted on each side by bolt head 571 and E ring 582.
However, rotation of fully threaded knob 566 within threaded hinge
block 562 causes upward or downward movement of threaded hinge
block 562 and the proximal aspect of multi-plane hinge platform
567. Therefore, rotation of knob 565 by the exercising golfer
creates different angular positions for the multi-plane hinge
platform 567 and the pad element 80.
[0276] In the embodiments listed above, the pad element 80 is
adjustable for various swing arm lengths, accepts the golfer's
leading forearm, accommodates for the 90 degree rotation of the
golfer's leading arm, and accommodates for swing path deviations
from a perfectly circular swing. The multi-plane element 550
adjustably angulates the pad element 80 on swing arm element 63 to
accommodate the increasing angle of the golfer's leading arm during
the downswing (FIG. 18).
Operation
[0277] Prior to operating the golf swing muscle strengthener
apparatus 90 (FIG. 20), the golfer moves support arm 45 (at hinge
95) and the distally attached swing arm assembly 70 to a
comfortable height (approximately at chin level) by rotating screw
jack handle 554 and lengthening or shortening screw jack 553. Next,
the golfer adjusts the swing plane angle (at hinge 109) by rotating
screw jack handle 552 and lengthening or shortening screw jack 551.
Screw jack handle 552 rotation moves the swing arm assembly 70 and
the swing plane adjustment element 50 as a single unit at hinge 109
until the distal swing arm segment 63b is parallel to the golfer's
leading arm. Next, the swing arm 63 is placed into a comfortable
right-handed or left-handed backswing position and fixated with
swing arm selection pin 79. Next, the golfer moves the distal swing
arm segment 63b along slider 556 of the proximal swing arm segment
63a to an appropriate length as to place pad member 81 on the
golfer's leading forearm. Distal swing arm segment 63b is fixated
in slider 556 with knob screw 557. Next, the pad member 81 is
angulated downward on multi-plane element 550 using multi-plane
knob 565 to accommodate the increasing vertical position of the
golfer's leading arm during the down swing. The last preparation
requirement involves inserting selector pin 29 (not shown in FIG.
20) into a selected side aperture 19 on a weight plate 23 to choose
the number of weight plates 23 needed for applying appropriate
resistance to the golfer's golf swing muscles.
[0278] The golfer assumes a golf swing position with his arms and
golf club placed in a full backswing position, and his leading
forearm placed against the pad member 81. The golfer executes the
downswing motion and moves the swing arm assembly 70 against the
resistance of the weight plates 23. The golfer finishes his
downswing at or after the ball contact position. The golfer then
relaxes and allows the resistance to return him or her to the
starting position. The motion is repeated.
* * * * *