U.S. patent number 3,738,661 [Application Number 05/201,222] was granted by the patent office on 1973-06-12 for golf exercising device.
Invention is credited to Bynum W. Moller.
United States Patent |
3,738,661 |
Moller |
June 12, 1973 |
GOLF EXERCISING DEVICE
Abstract
A golf exercising device is disclosed comprising an arm mounted
for rotation and braked during at least the downswing part of the
golfer's swing. A golf club handle is mounted on the lower end of
the arm. The arm comprises an upper rigid section and a lower
section which is flexible in torsion, flexible for movement toward
and away from the golfer and rigid in the path of rotation of the
arm to transmit force applied by the golfer to the brake. The
flexible part of the arm provides a simple and convenient means of
accommodating variations in the swing of the golfer. The arm is
braked either by an adjustable friction arrangement of parts or by
a hydraulic system wherein the flow of fluid through apertures is
controlled to provide braking resistance only during the
downswing.
Inventors: |
Moller; Bynum W. (Kerr County,
TX) |
Family
ID: |
22744975 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/201,222 |
Filed: |
November 22, 1971 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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53535 |
Jul 9, 1970 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/229; 482/118;
482/112 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
21/00069 (20130101); A63B 21/015 (20130101); A63B
21/4047 (20151001); A63B 69/36213 (20200801) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
21/012 (20060101); A63B 21/015 (20060101); A63B
69/36 (20060101); A63b 069/36 () |
Field of
Search: |
;272/79,DIG.1,DIG.3,DIG.4 ;273/186,191,192,190,188,189,26
;35/29 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Marlo; George J.
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 53,535, filed July
9, 1970.
Claims
I claim:
1. A golf exercising device for constraining movement of a handle
moved by an exercising golfer in an arcuate swing path
comprising
a bracket for attachment to a support;
a member mounted on the bracket for rotation about an axis pointed
generally toward the golfer;
means operating on the rotatable member for restraining rotation
thereof at least during the downswing part of the golfer's
swing;
an arm carried by the rotatable member defining a path of movement
intersecting the arcuate swing path, at least part of the arm being
relatively flexible in torsion, relatively rigid in the path of
movement and relatively flexible perpendicular thereto; and
a handle carried by the arm for grasping by the golfer.
2. The exercising device of claim 1 wherein the arm comprises a
first section relatively rigid both in the path of movement and
perpendicular thereto and a second section, the second section
being the part relatively flexible in torsion, relatively rigid in
the path of movement and relatively flexible perpendicular
thereto.
3. The exercising device of claim 2 wherein the first arm section
is adjacent the rotatable member and the club handle is fixed to
the second arm section.
4. The exercising device of claim 2 wherein the second arm section
comprises a piece of material of greater dimension in the path of
movement and of lesser dimension perpendicular thereto.
5. The exercising device of claim 4 wherein the first arm section
comprises a channel shaped member.
6. The exercising device of claim 2 wherein the first arm section
has a larger moment of inertia than the second arm section.
7. The exercising device of claim 1 wherein the restraining means
comprises brake means including
a member made of friction material; and
means biasing the friction material member and the rotatable member
into juxtaposition.
8. The exercising device of claim 1 wherein the handle comprises an
elongate member having a longitudinal axis and means mounting the
elongate member on the arm for rotation about the longitudinal
axis.
9. The exercising device of claim 1 wherein the rotatable member
comprises a shaft and the restraining means comprises a rotary
hydraulic brake including
a housing defining with a shaft a working chamber for receiving a
liquid;
a stationary vane in the working chamber and a movable vane therein
carried by the shaft for rotation through the backswing, downswing
and follow-through to present approaching vane faces to apply a
compressive force to the liquid in both directions of rotation, one
of the vanes having a restricted passage therethrough for passing
liquid in both directions of rotation of the shaft and tending to
restrain rotation thereof in both directions;
first bypass means for passing liquid from between the approaching
vane faces during the backswing for decreasing the restraining
force operative on the shaft and preventing liquid bypass during
the downswing and follow-through; and
means for decreasing the restraining force applied to the shaft
adjacent the bottom of the downswing comprising second bypass means
operative adjacent the bottom of the downswing for bypassing liquid
from between the approaching vane faces during the
follow-through.
10. The exercising device of claim 9 further comprising a reservoir
and means for transferring liquid from the reservoir to the working
chamber between the approaching vane faces.
11. The exercising device of claim 9 wherein the housing comprises
spaced stationary walls, on both sides of the vanes, having aligned
apertures therein receiving the rotatable member and further
comprising seal means between the housing walls and the rotatable
member for sealing the working chamber.
12. The exercising device of claim 11 further comprising a housing
having a reservoir therein defined in part by a first of the
stationary walls, the first stationary wall having a port adjacent
the backswing side of the stationary vane for transferring liquid
between the reservoir and working chamber.
13. The exercising device of claim 9 wherein the rotatable member
comprises a central elongate member having spaced flanges thereon
on both sides of the vanes and further comprising seal means
between the housing and the flanges for sealing the working
chamber.
14. The exercising device of claim 9 wherein the second bypass
means comprises a passage in the rotatable member, the passage
having one end adjacent the downswing face of the movable vane and
another end adjacent but spaced from the backswing face of the
stationary vane when the stationary vane is at the bottom of the
downswing.
15. The exercising device of claim 9 wherein the first bypass means
comprises a passage through one of the vanes and a check valve in
the passage.
16. A golf exercising device for resisting movement of a club
handle grasped by an exercising golfer and swingable through a
backswing, downswing and follow through parts of a golf swing, the
device comprising
a bracket for attachment to a support;
a member mounted by the bracket for rotation about an axis pointed
toward the golfer;
brake means operative between the bracket and the rotatable member
for restraining rotation thereof substantially only during the
downswing part of the swing, the brake means comprising
a housing defining with the rotatable member a working chamber for
receiving a liquid;
a stationary vane in the working chamber and a movable vane therein
carried by the rotatable member for rotation through the backswing,
downswing and follow through to present approaching vane faces to
apply a compressive force to the liquid in both directions of
rotation, one of the vanes having a restricted passage therethrough
for passing liquid in both directions of rotation of the rotatable
member and tending to restrain rotation thereof in both
directions;
first bypass means for passing liquid from between the approaching
vane faces during the backswing for decreasing the restraining
force operative on the rotatable member and preventing liquid
bypass from between the approaching vane faces during the downswing
and follow through; and
means for decreasing the restraining force applied to the rotatable
member adjacent the bottom of the downswing comprising second
bypass means operative adjacent the bottom of the downswing for
bypassing liquid from between the approaching vane faces during the
follow through;
an arm carried by the rotatable member defining a path of movement
intersecting the swing path; and
a handle carried by the arm for grasping by the golfer.
17. The exercising device of claim 16 wherein the housing comprises
spaced stationary walls, on both sides of the vanes, having alighed
apertures therein receiving the rotatable member and further
comprising seal means between the housing walls and the rotatable
member for sealing the working chamber.
18. The exercising device of claim 17 further comprising a housing
having a reservoir therein defined in part by a first of the
stationary walls, the first stationary wall having a port adjacent
the backswing side of the stationary vane for transferring liquid
between the reservoir and working chamber.
19. The exercising device of claim 16 wherein the rotatable member
comprises a central elongate member having spaced flanges thereon
on both sides of the vanes and further comprising seal means
between the housing and the flanges for sealing the working
chamber.
20. The exercising device of claim 16 wherein the second bypass
means comprises a passage in the rotatable member, the passage
having one end adjacent the downswing face of the movable vane and
another end adjacent but spaced from the backswing face of the
stationary vane when the stationary vane is at the bottom of the
downswing.
21. The exercising device of claim 16 wherein the first bypass
means comprises a passage through one of the vanes and a check
valve in the passage.
22. The exercising device of claim 16 further comprising a housing
having a reservoir therein communicating with the working chamber
through a port located between the approaching vanes during the
backswing.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Golf exercising devices of various types are known in the prior
art. The simplest type device merely provides a connection between
a stationary pivot and the golf club to constrain movement thereof
in a generally circular arc, the axis of which is determined by the
pivot. These devices do not include brakes to restrain movement of
the golf club and consequently are typically equipped with a
flexible articulated connection between the golf club and the pivot
axis. Exemplary devices of this type are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.
2,448,904 and 3,400,933. These devices are more properly called
practicing devices rather than exercising devices. It will be
appreciated that a brake cannot be connected to operate on a
rotating member since the drive connection between the golf club
and the rotating member is too flexible and consequently results in
a lurching or jerky swing.
A second type of golf exercising device is exemplified by the
disclosure in U.S. Pat. No. 2,329,408 and comprises an elaborate
mechanism to constrain the golf club for movement in a precise
path. In devices of this character, the connection between the golf
club and the controlling mechanism must be more or less rigid to
allow the controlling mechanism to perform its intended function.
In this particular disclosure, there is provided a universal
connection between the golf club and the arm while the radial
extent of the arm is controlled by the mechanism. Since devices of
this type do not have brakes, they are more nearly teaching or
practicing devices than exercising devices.
The simplest braked exercising device is exemplified in U.S. Pat.
No. 3,462,156 where a club handle is attached to a cord wound on a
spring loaded reel. As the golfer swings through the downswing, the
spring in the reel is being loaded thereby providing a resistance
to golf club movement. A more complex braked golf exercising device
is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,472,065 which has the swing
characteristics of this invention. This disclosure provides a
parallelogram linkage arrangement to accommodate movement of the
golf club toward and away from the support during the swing. A
universal joint is further provided to accommodate twisting of the
golf club with respect to the rotating arm.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a braked type of golf
exercising device which is characterized by substantial simplicity
while retaining all of the operational characteristics of more
complicated exercising devices.
Another object of this invention is to provide a braked golf
exercising device wherein the rotating arm is flexible in torsion,
flexible toward and away from the golfer and rigid in the path of
rotation of the arm.
In summary, the golf exercising device of this invention comprises
a member mounted for rotation about an axis pointed toward the
golfer, brake means operating on the rotatable member for
restraining rotation thereof at least during the downswing part of
the golfer's swing, an arm carried by the rotatable member defining
a path of movement intersecting the arcuate swing path, the arm
comprising a first section relatively rigid in the path of movement
and perpendicular thereto and a second section relatively flexible
in torsion, relatively rigid in the path of movement and relatively
flexible perpendicular thereto, and a club handle carried by the
arm for grasping by the golfer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of this invention as used by a golfer
and showing the ball addressing position;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the golfer near the top
of the backswing;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the golfer at the
top of the follow through;
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the upper part of the golf
exercising device of this invention showing the arm exploded
therefrom;
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the arm shown in FIGS.
1-4;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the connection between the arm and
the golf club handle;
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of another type brake useable in
the device of this invention;
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the brake of FIG. 7 taken
substantially along line 8-8 thereof as viewed in the direction
indicated by the arrow; and
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of brake
useable with this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Attention is directed to FIGS. 1-3 wherein a golf exercising device
10 of this invention is shown in the ball addressing, backswing and
follow through positions, respectively. The exercising device 10
comprises as major components a bracket 12 for attachment to a
suitable support 14, a member 16 mounted for rotation about an axis
18 pointing toward the golfer, and a brake 20 cooperating between
the bracket 12 and the rotatable member 16 for restraining rotation
thereof at least during the downswing part of the golfer's swing.
The exercising device 10 also comprises as major components an arm
22 connected to the rotatable member 16 and defining a path of
movement and a golf club handle 24 moved through an arcuate swing
path by the golfer.
As shown best in FIG. 4, the bracket 12 comprises a generally
U-shaped member 26 having a pair of aligned apertures 28, 30
therethrough. The bracket 12 is secured to the support 14 by
suitable fasteners 32, such as nails or screws. It will be apparent
that any suitable type support and connection may be provided.
The rotatable member 16 is illustrated as a generally V-shaped
member 34 having an aperture 36 through one leg thereof. A
stationary bolt 38 extends along the axis 18 through the aligned
apertures 36, 28, 30 and is secured in place by a nut 40 having a
handle 42 thereon, the function of which will be more fully
explained hereinafter. Extending radially from the bolt 38 is a peg
44 which passes through an opening 46 in the bight of the U-shaped
member 26 to prevent rotation of the bolt 38. The other leg of the
V-shaped member 34 is provided with suitable apertures 48 which may
be threaded to facilitate securement of the arm 22 to the rotatable
member 16. The bracket 12 thus mounts the member 16 for rotation
about the axis 18.
The bracket 12 may advantageously be adjustable up and down on the
support 14 to raise and lower the axis of rotation 18. In addition,
the bracket 12 may be adjustable to direct the axis 18 toward the
left shoulder of the golfer to promote an inside-out swing.
Furthermore, the bracket 12 may be adjustable upwardly or
downwardly to give a more "upright" or a more "flat" swing.
The brake 20 comprises an annular pad of friction material, of the
type used to face brake drums and the like, disposed between the
bracket 12 and the rotatable member 16. It will be apparent that
rotation of the handle 42 to tighten the nut 40 and cause
compression of the brake pad will thereby restrain the member 16
against rotation to any desired extent.
The construction of the arm 22 comprises a most important feature
of this invention and one embodiment thereof is shown best in FIGS.
4 and 5. The arm 22 comprises a first section 50 for connection to
the rotatable member 16 and a second section 52 for attachment to
the club handle 24. The arm 22 has a number of characteristics
which aid in the construction of a golf exercising device of
considerable simplicity. It is well known to those skilled in the
art that the arc of a golfer's swing is not a true circle but
instead varies radially from the axis of the swing and also varies
in an axial direction. One of the important characteristics of the
arm 22 is its flexibility to accommodate variations in the arc of
the golfer's swing and yet provide a drive connection between the
golf club handle 24 and the rotatable member 16.
This characteristic is achieved by making at least a part of the
arm 22 relatively flexible in torsion so that the handle 24 may be
twisted and relatively flexible in a direction perpendicular to the
path of movement of the arm 22. This latter flexibility allows the
golfer's hands to move into and out of a plane perpendicular to the
axis 18. Since the arm 22 must transmit force from the golfer's
hands to the brake 20, the arm is relatively rigid in the path of
movement of the arm 22.
These detailed characteristics are accomplished in one embodiment
of the invention by designing the first arm section 50 to be
relatively rigid both in the path of movement of the arm 22 and
perpendicular thereto and by designing the second arm section 52 to
be relatively flexible in torsion, relatively rigid in the path of
movement of the arm 22 and relatively flexible perpendicular
thereto. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the first arm section
50 is illustrated as comprising a channel shaped section having
flanges 54 and a web 56. The flanges 54 provide substantial
rigidity in torsion and substantial rigidity perpendicular to the
path of movement of the arm 22. The web 56 with flanges 54 provide
substantial rigidity in the path of movement of the arm 22. The
second arm section 52 is illustrated as comprising an extension of
the web 56 so that the section 52 is relatively flexible in torsion
and relatively flexible perpendicular to the path of movement of
the arm 22 while having substantial rigidity in the path of
movement of the arm 22. In the alternative, the moment of inertia
of the section 50 is increased by eliminating the flanges 54 and
making the web 56 substantially thicker than the corresponding web
of the section 52.
The arm 22 is connected to the rotatable member 16 by the provision
of a plurality of apertures 58 extending through the web 56 so that
suitable fasteners may be secured to the threaded openings 48. A
plurality of apertures 58 may be provided to allow adjustment of
the arm 22 with respect to the rotatable member 16 to accommodate
golfers of different height and arm length. The club handle 24 is
connected to the arm 22 by the provision of an aperture 60 adjacent
the lower end of a second arm section 52. As shown best in FIG. 6,
a bushing 62 is positioned in the opening 60 and receives a stub
shaft 64 of the handle 24. Retainers 66 are secured to the stub
shaft 64 to retain the club handle 24 and the arm 22 in assembled
relation. It will be apparent that the bushing 62 and stub shaft 64
allow rotation of the club handle 24 about the axis thereof.
The operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 is believed apparent.
As the golfer begins the backswing, the arm 22 is rotated in the
path of movement thereof against the resistance afforded by the
brake 20. As the golfer approaches the top of the backswing, the
second arm section 52 may twist to accommodate the normal swing of
the golfer and may also bow out of the path of movement of the arm
22 to accommodate a normal shortening of the distance between the
golfer's hands and the support 14. During the downswing, the arm 22
is moved against the resistance provided by the brake 20. The
distance between the golfer's hands and the support 14 normally
increases which variation is accommodated by the flexibility of the
second arm section 52. Relative rotation between the club handle 24
and the arm 22 is accommodated by the pivotal arrangement shown in
FIG. 6. As the golfer moves the arm 22 into the follow through part
of the swing, the flexible second section 52 again accommodates
normal variations of the swing path from a purely circular arc. The
second arm section 52, despite its flexibility in other directions,
affords a continuously acting drive lever from the club handle 24
to the brake 20.
Although the mechanical brake 20 is a convenient and simple means
of providing a resistance to the golfer, it has the disadvantage,
without further modification, of providing resistance throughout
the swing path. To provide a more realistic exercising device, it
is desirable to provide resistance only during the downswing part
of the stroke.
There are shown in FIGS. 7-9 two embodiments of this invention
which meet this criterion. Referring first to FIGS. 7 and 8, there
is shown a hydraulic system of retardation 70 for a golf exercising
device having as major components a bracket 72 secured to a support
74, a member 76 mounted for rotation about an inclined axis 78
pointed toward the golfer and brake means 80 operating on the
rotatable member 76 to restrain rotation thereof only during the
downswing part of the golf stroke. An arm 22 of the type shown in
the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 may be attached to the rotatable member
76 as will be explained more fully hereinafter.
The bracket 72 is illustrated as comprising a back plate 82 and a
first housing 84 secured to the support 74. The housing 84 may be
provided with a filling plug 86 for adding hydraulic fluid or other
suitable braking liquid to the reservoir 87 provided by the housing
84. The first housing 84 includes an opening 88 which serves as one
bearing and which sealably receives the end of the rotatable member
76 as by the provision of a seal 90, such as an O-ring. The bracket
72 also comprises a second housing 92 which is cylindrically shaped
and machine finished inside. The second housing 92 is secured to
the first housing 84 and includes an opening 94 which serves as a
second bearing for sealably receiving the forward end of the
rotatable member 76, as by the provision of a seal 96 such as an
O-ring. It will be seen that the bracket 72 forms a surplus
hydraulic fluid reservoir 87 and mounts the rotatable member or
shaft 76 for rotation about the axis 78. As will become apparent,
components of the brake 80 retain the shaft 76 from movement out of
the housing 92.
The front end of the shaft 76 is secured to the arm 22 as by the
provision of an adapter 98 having an opening 100 therein receiving
the shaft 76. A fastener 102 secures the shaft 76 in the opening
100. The lower end of the adapter 98 is provided with threaded
openings 104 to receive suitable fasteners for securing the arm 22
thereto.
An important feature of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 resides in
the characteristics of the brake means 80. As mentioned previously,
it is desirable to provide a golf exercising device in which
resistance to rotation occurs only during the downswing part of the
golf stroke. To this end, the brake 80 is comprised of a vane 106
affixed to the shaft 76 in any suitable manner, as by bolting or
gluing, operating in a liquid filled chamber 108 provided by the
second housing 92. Also provided in the chamber 108 is a stationary
vane 110 secured to the wall of the second housing 92. To allow a
relatively easy backswing, the rotatable vane 106 is provided with
a passage 112 having a check valve 114 therein to bypass liquid
from between the approaching vanes 106, 110 through the vane 106 as
the shaft 76 is rotated through the backswing as indicated by the
arrow BS. It will be apparent that the check valve may be located
in the stationary vane 110 for similar results. The port 116
supplies reserve fluid from reservoir 87 to operating cylinder 108
as it is required due to possible evaporation or leakage.
As the downswing begins, the check valve 114 closes and the vane
106 moves liquid in the chamber 108 through a passage 118 in the
vane 110. Since the passage 118 is rather small, there exists a
substantial resistance to rotation of the member 76. An adjustment
screw 120 preferably extends through the second housing 92 to
provide means for adjusting the effective size of the passage 118.
It will accordingly be seen that adjustment of the screw 120 alters
the resistive or braking force applied to the rotatable member
76.
As the vane 106 approaches the end of the downswing movement,
indicated by the arrow DS in FIG. 8, a passage 122 in the rotatable
member 76 passes under the stationary vane 110 thereby providing a
bypass of liquid from between the approaching vanes 106, 110 around
the passage 118. The size of the passage 122 may be selected to
eliminate all substantial braking force or substantially reduce the
same, during the follow through movement, indicated by the arrow FT
in FIG. 8. As the golfer approaches the top of the follow through,
the leading portion of the bypass 122 passes under the stationary
vane 110 and the movable vane 106 may contact the stationary vane
110 to stop the golfer's swing.
It will accordingly be seen that the hydraulic brake provided by
the golf exercising device 70 gives a more realistic feel to the
golfer using the device. For purposes of convenience, the faces 124
of the vane 106, 110 may be referred to as the backswing faces of
the vanes since they approach each other during backswing movement.
Similarly, the faces 126 of the vanes 106, 110 may be referred to
as the downswing faces of the vanes.
Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown another golf exercising
device 130 made in accordance with the principles of this
invention. The golf exercising device 130 comprises as major
components a bracket 132 secured to a support 134, a rotatable
member 136 mounted in the bracket 132 for rotation about an
inclined axis 138, brake means 140 operative on the rotatable
member 136 and an arm 22 of the type shown in FIGS. 1-5.
The bracket 132 comprises a housing 142 defining a chamber 144
therein receiving a suitable liquid for operation with the brake
140. A filling plug 146 is provided for filling the chamber 144.
The housing 142 is illustrated as a simple cylinder closed at one
end by a plate 148 disposed at an angle to the cylindrical
axis.
The rotatable member 136 comprises a central shaft 150 having
spaced circular flanges 152, 154 thereon. Suitable seals 156, such
as O-rings, sealably engage the inside of chamber 144 and prevent
liquid loss therefrom. The forward end of the shaft 150 is provided
with an adapter 159 for connection to the arm 22 in any suitable
manner.
The brake 140 is for all practical purposes identical to the brake
shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 9. The brake 140 comprises a
vane 160 secured to the central shaft section 150 in any suitable
manner and having a passage 162 therethrough. A suitable check
valve (not shown) is disposed in the passage 162 to allow fluid
flow through the vane 160 during backswing movement of the arm 22
and preventing fluid flow therethrough during downswing
movement.
A stationary vane 164 is secured to the housing 142 in any suitable
manner and provides a passage 166 therethrough. An adjustment screw
168 is provided to alter the effective size of the passage 166. A
port 170 is provided in the flange 152 to allow liquid movement
between a chamber 172 defined by the flanges 152, 154 and the
reservoir chamber 144. The port 170 may be located immediately
behind vane 160 as viewed on golfer's down stroke. A bypass opening
174 is provided in the central shaft 154.
Although the device 130 operates in much the same manner as the
device 70, construction and assembly thereof is considerably
simplified by the provision of the flanges 152, 154 which rotate
with the shaft 150 in lieu of stationary parts connected to the
casing as in the embodiment of FIG. 7.
There is accordingly provided an improved golf exercising device
having all of the advantages of this invention as defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *