U.S. patent application number 12/763958 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-20 for apparatus and methods for training a golf stroke.
Invention is credited to Cleveophis Adams.
Application Number | 20110256946 12/763958 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44676690 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110256946 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adams; Cleveophis |
October 20, 2011 |
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TRAINING A GOLF STROKE
Abstract
An apparatus for training a golf stroke comprising: a grip for
orienting the user's hands; a restraining bar for orienting the
user's arms mechanically coupled to one end of the grip; a shaft
mechanically coupled to the end of the grip opposite the
restraining bar; and an indicator for the user to determine the
orientation of the apparatus mechanically coupled to the end of the
shaft opposite the grip. Such apparatus and related methods
facilitate training a golfer to swing a golf club by executing a
stroke with a proper grip, posture, alignment, balance, and
movement during setup, backswing, downswing, and
follow-through.
Inventors: |
Adams; Cleveophis;
(Encinitas, CA) |
Family ID: |
44676690 |
Appl. No.: |
12/763958 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/203 ;
473/226; 473/276; 473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0059 20130101;
A63B 69/3623 20130101; A63B 15/00 20130101; A63B 69/3608 20130101;
A63B 2209/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/203 ;
473/276; 473/226; 473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for training a user's golf swing, comprising: a
grip for orienting the user's hands; a shaft mechanically coupled
to the grip; a restraining bar for orienting the user's arms,
mechanically coupled to the shaft; and an indicator for the user to
determine an orientation of the apparatus mechanically coupled to
the shaft, wherein the indicator comprises a hook, loop and
grommet.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grip is molded to position
a user's fingers on the grip.
3. (canceled)
4. An apparatus for training a user's golf swing, comprising: a
grip for orienting the user's hands; a shaft mechanically coupled
to the grip; a restraining bar for orienting the user's arms,
mechanically coupled to the shaft; and an indicator for the user to
determine an orientation of the apparatus mechanically coupled to
the shaft, wherein the restraining bar further comprises a colored
marker on a top side for the user to determine the orientation of
the apparatus.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grip, hook, and shaft are
formed from a single piece of material.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grip is comprised of
molded rubber.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the restraining bar is a
single formed metal rod.
8. (canceled)
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the restraining bar is
reversed to accommodate a lefthand dominant user.
10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the restraining bar is
reversed to accommodate a lefthand dominant user and the grip is
molded to accommodate the left-hand dominant user.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is capable of
positioning a user's hands and arms for setting up a golf
stroke.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is capable of
positioning a user's hands and arms during a backswing, downswing,
and follow-through.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus facilitates a
user in training a golf stroke.
14. A method for applying training a golf stroke, comprising:
providing the apparatus of claim 1; and positioning a user's hands
and arms on the apparatus.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of positioning a
user's hands and arms on the apparatus is accomplished by aligning
the users fingers along a molded grip.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps:
performing a backswing; performing a downswing; performing a
follow-through; and observing the indicator.
17. A method for training a golf stroke, comprising: providing the
apparatus of claim 1; positioning a user's hands and arms on the
apparatus; performing a backswing; performing a downswing;
performing a follow-through; and observing the indicator so that
the hook rotates in the loop.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the user observes the position
of the restraining bar while carrying out the step of positioning a
user's hands and arms on the apparatus.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the user observes the position
of the restraining bar and the hook in the loop during the step of
performing the backswing.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the user observes the position
of the restraining bar and the hook in the loop during the step of
performing the downswing.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method
for training a golf stroke or swing.
[0002] A properly executed conventional club stroke in the sport of
golf propels a golf ball with the speed, trajectory and spin
desired by a golfer. A typical golf stroke comprises three primary
steps, a backswing, a downswing, and a follow-through. Carrying out
these three steps conventionally requires a golfer to maintain a
precise grip, posture, alignment, balance, and movement when using
a golf club. The mechanics of carrying out the steps of a golf
stroke require a golfer to execute all steps precisely with a
series of complicated bodily movements.
[0003] While the sport of golf enjoys widespread popularity
worldwide, learning and improving a successful stroke or swing is
typically difficult for novice golfers. Misalignments, improper
posture, or errant movements while executing a golf swing typically
lead to undesirable results, e.g. misplayed shots or even injury.
Often a golfer must expend extensive time and resources to learn a
golf swing. Learning a golf swing conventionally involves numerous
hours of practice with the assistance of a trained professional
and/or a process of trial and error. Developing a good swing
demands that the novice golfer repeat the actions comprising a
stroke or swing correctly many times until the motions become
automatic. This conventional method of learning and training is an
imperfect solution.
[0004] Further apparatus are desirable for training a golf stroke.
Particularly desirable are apparatus which indicate the proper
grip, posture, alignment, balance, and movement for correctly
executing a golf stroke.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides an efficient and convenient
apparatus for training a golf stroke, particularly an apparatus
that indicates the proper grip, posture, alignment, balance, and
movement for correct executing a golf stroke. Apparatus of the
invention may be used by a golfer swinging the apparatus using the
method of swinging a standard golf club.
[0006] According to the invention, an apparatus for training a golf
stroke comprises: a grip for orienting the user's hands; a
restraining bar for orienting the user's arms, the restraining bar
mechanically coupled to one end of the grip; a shaft mechanically
coupled to the end of the grip opposite the restraining bar; and an
indicator for the user to determine the orientation of the
apparatus mechanically coupled to the end of the shaft opposite the
grip. Such apparatus and related methods facilitate training a
golfer to swing a golf club by executing a stroke with proper grip,
posture, alignment, balance, and movement.
[0007] Various aspects and embodiments of the invention are
described in further detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention described herein will become apparent
from the following detailed description considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings, which disclose several embodiments
of the invention. It should be understood, however, that the
drawings are designed for the purpose of illustration and not as
limits of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an
apparatus for training a golf swing according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0010] FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG.
1A, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 1C is a side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG.
1A, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1D is a side view of various components of the
apparatus of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 1E is a top view of various components shown in FIG. 1D
of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Various embodiments are now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may
be evident, however, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to
facilitate describing one or more embodiments.
[0015] In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be
described in detail by way of example with reference to the
attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred
embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars,
rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used
herein, the "present invention" refers to any one of the
embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents.
Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the "present
invention" throughout this document does not mean that all claimed
embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).
[0016] The present invention provides an efficient and convenient
apparatus for training a golf stroke, particularly an apparatus
that indicates the proper grip, posture, alignment, balance, and
movement for correctly executing a golf stroke. Apparatus of the
invention may be used by a golfer swinging the apparatus using the
method of swinging a standard a golf club.
[0017] When apparatus of the invention are used, the user's hands,
arms, and body are positioned by the apparatus to execute a proper
golf stroke or swing. The apparatus of the invention easily allows
a golfer to become accustomed to the look and feel of a proper golf
stroke. Advantageously, the apparatus of the invention may be used
in any area where a user can freely swing a golf club.
[0018] According to an embodiment, the apparatus of the invention
generally comprises: a grip for orienting the user's hands; a shaft
mechanically coupled to the grip; a restraining bar for orienting
the user's arms, the restraining bar mechanically coupled to the
shaft; and an indicator for the user to determine the orientation
of the apparatus mechanically coupled to the shaft. By holding the
apparatus a user will have the correct hand, arm and body position
for the initial setup to ensure executing a proper golf stroke.
When executing the three primary steps of a golf stroke, the
backswing, downswing, and follow-through, the apparatus is shaped
to ensure that the user maintains proper hand and arm position
throughout the stroke. Additionally, the apparatus includes an
indicator, which assists the user in determining that a stroke is
being executed properly. This ensures that the user practices
correctly, fostering the development of a consistent and reliable
golf swing.
[0019] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E an exemplary
apparatus 100 of the invention comprises the following: a grip 101,
a restraining bar 102, a shaft 105 and an indicator 111.
[0020] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the grip 101 is
mechanically coupled to a first side of the shaft 106. According to
one embodiment, the grip 101 and the shaft 106 are formed as a
single piece. According to another embodiment, the grip 101 and the
shaft 106 are formed as two discrete components, which are then
mechanically coupled when forming the apparatus 100. The one or
multiple components of the grip 101 may be formed using any
suitable methodology. In an exemplary embodiment, the components
are formed by molding the same. The grip 101 comprises any suitable
material. In an exemplary embodiment, the grip 101 comprises a
material providing a frictional gripping force between a user and
the grip 101. The grip 101 may be of any size, that is, any
suitable length and diameter and shaped to resemble a conventional
golf club grip. In an exemplary embodiment, the grip 101 comprises
a rubber or durable plastic material.
[0021] In a further embodiment, the grip 101 may optionally contain
molding 105. The molding may be comprised of any suitable material
for allowing a user to maintain a hold on the grip 101. The molding
105 may be any suitable shape that facilitates the positioning of a
user's fingers. For example, a right-hand dominant user may hold
the apparatus 100 by placing each finger into the contours of
molding 105 on a grip 101. Advantageously, the molding 105 can
ensure that a user has a properly aligned grip for executing a
successful golf stroke with the apparatus 100.
[0022] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the restraining bar
102 comprises a formed rod that extends from the grip 101 at the
end opposite the shaft 106. In the exemplary embodiment, the
restraining bar 102 extends outwardly from the grip 101 and has a
top side 103 and a curved loop 104. The width of the curved loop is
suitable for accommodating the wrist of a user. In the exemplary
embodiment the curved loop 104 is positioned on the right side of
the apparatus 100, for the purpose of accommodating a right-hand
dominant user. In another embodiment the curved loop 104 is
positioned to the left side of the apparatus 100 to accommodate a
left-hand dominant user. In an exemplary embodiment, the
restraining bar 102 comprises a metallic or durable plastic
material.
[0023] The shaft 106 may be formed from any suitable material. In
an exemplary embodiment, the shaft 106 is made of a metallic or
durable plastic material. The shaft 106 resembles the shaft of a
conventional golf club. In alternate embodiments, the shaft 106 may
be lengthened or shortened to resemble the golf clubs typically
used by the user, e.g. junior sized golf clubs.
[0024] FIGS. 1D and 1E are side and top views, respectively, of
various components of the apparatus of FIG. 1A. As illustrated
therein, the various components act as an indicator 111 for a
proper swing by the user. The indicator 111 comprises a hook 107,
loop 108, and grommet 109. The hook 107 is coupled to the shaft 106
of the apparatus 100. The one or multiple components of the hook
107 may be formed using any suitable methodology or material. In an
exemplary embodiment, the components are formed by molding. Fitted
radially in the hook 107 is a loop 108. In an exemplary embodiment,
the loop 108 is an oval-shaped ring. The loop 108 may further
comprise a grommet 109 which constrains the loop to rotate within a
single plane as indicated by the arrows 110 in FIG. 1D.
[0025] To use the apparatus the user stands as if facing a golf
ball. This is known as addressing the ball. In this stance, the
user stands with slightly flexed knees, and with shoulders in line
with the target. The user's arms are in the correct position for a
stroke, that is, with elbows pointing down toward the user's hip
joints. For a right-handed player, the user grasps the apparatus in
the grip 105 area using a proper grip. The inside of the user's
left wrist is placed against the transition union bar, or, top side
103, while the right hand is placed in the U of the transition
union bar, which is loop 104, with the inside of the wrist against
the bar. The right hand should be placed on grip 105 with the thumb
more toward the top of grip 105. The transition union bar or
restraining bar 102 should be inline with the target. The desired
hand position is in the middle of the stance.
[0026] Once in the proper stance and grip the user begins the swing
or stroke. The user initiates the swing by transitioning to the
back swing check. To do this, the user ensures that both elbows are
pointed down and that the inside of both arms are pressed against
the user's body. Both wrists must stay connected with the
transition union bar, or restraining bar 102 throughout the back
swing, down swing, and finish of the stroke or swing. The back
swing is initiated by a turn of the user's shoulders. The
transition union bar or restraining bar 102 will guide the user to
the correct slot at the top of the back swing. At the top of the
back swing the user is able to verify that the transition union bar
or restraining bar 102 is level. This also allows the user to feel
the location of that position, which forms the top of the
backswing. In this position the user sees the slot finder
transition or indicator 111 for the start of the down swing. In
addition, the indicator 111 provides an audible sound or "click" at
the top of the back swing that further guides the user in the
correct motion.
[0027] The down swing begins with the turning of the user's
shoulders. At this point the user should check to be sure that the
transition union bar, or restraining bar 102 is level with the
inside of the user's wrists still pressed against the restraining
bar 102 with the elbows down. As the shoulders turn, the down swing
begins and the user turns into the impact zone. The impact zone is
where the golf ball is located during an actual golf swing. As the
user enters the impact zone the transition union bar or restraining
bar 102 automatically turns over the user's hands to release down
the target line. At this point, the user sees and hears the slot
finder, or loop 108, transition back at the finish of the
swing.
[0028] Various modifications and alterations of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the
accompanying claims. It should be noted that steps recited in any
method claims below do not necessarily need to be performed in the
order that they are recited. Those of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize variations in performing the steps from the order in
which they are recited. In addition, the lack of mention or
discussion of a feature, step, or component provides the basis for
claims where the absent feature or component is excluded by way of
a proviso or similar claim language.
[0029] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, it should be understood that they have been
presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise,
the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other
configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in
understanding the features and functionality that may be included
in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the
illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the
desired features may be implemented using a variety of alternative
architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to
one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or
physical partitioning and configurations may be implemented to
implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, a
multitude of different constituent module names other than those
depicted herein may be applied to the various partitions.
Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational
descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are
presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be
implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order
unless the context dictates otherwise.
[0030] Although the invention is described above in terms of
various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be
understood that the various features, aspects and functionality
described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not
limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with
which they are described, but instead may be applied, alone or in
various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of
the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and
whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a
described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present
invention should not be limited by any of the above-described
exemplary embodiments.
[0031] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations
thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as
open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing:
the term "including" should be read as meaning "including, without
limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide
exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or
limiting list thereof; the terms "a" or "an" should be read as
meaning "at least one," "one or more" or the like; and adjectives
such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard,"
"known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as
limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item
available as of a given time, but instead should be read to
encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard
technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in
the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies
that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the
art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the
skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
[0032] A group of items linked with the conjunction "and" should
not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be
present in the grouping, but rather should be read as "and/or"
unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items
linked with the conjunction "or" should not be read as requiring
mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read
as "and/or" unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore,
although items, elements or components of the invention may be
described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to
be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is
explicitly stated.
[0033] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or
more," "at least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in
some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is
intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may
be absent. The use of the term "module" does not imply that the
components or functionality described or claimed as part of the
module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all
of the various components of a module, whether control logic or
other components, may be combined in a single package or separately
maintained and may further be distributed across multiple
locations.
[0034] Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are
described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and
other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated
embodiments and their various alternatives may be implemented
without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block
diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed
as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.
[0035] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will
be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
the present invention is not intended to be limited to the
embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed
herein.
* * * * *